Style magazine Toowoomba - July 2024

Toowoomba athletes with their eyes on the prize

Create the perfect French-inspired watch party feast p24

Rug up with these seasonal hot fashion trends p14

The skincare games: retinol vs retinal p16

Eachmonth,we’reaskingtheStyleteamto weighinonaparticulartopic.July’s questionis:

What

are you most excited for during the Paris Olympics 2024?

“I am not at all sporty but will be tuning in for the breakdancing because, well, it’s breakdancing and I remember the 80s.” –JustineCostello, subeditor

“I’m looking forward to the swimming during the first week. I’ve always absolutely loved watching it, despite never being a swimmer, growing up outside of the usual kids swimming lessons. US legend Katie Ledecky is a marvel, and I can’t wait to see what she’s got in store in Paris!” –KateSalemme,sportseditor

“Not a what but a who. Canoeist Jessica Fox is one of our greatest athletes, an Olympic and world champion competing in one of the toughest and less glamorous sports. Let’s hope she can repeat her C1 gold from Tokyo at Paris, which incredibly, at just 29, will be her fourth Olympics.” –PaulHunter,productioneditor

“I’m not a big fan of sports but I am really looking forward to all the coverage of the beautiful City of Light. No doubt there will be plenty of lifestyle and culture stories accompanying the coverage – I’ll be tuning in to catch some très chic Parisian street style and hopefully even some restaurant reviews – bon appétit!” –MelanieCollins,lifestyleeditor

School friends turned lovers post-graduation, Jessica and Alex tied the knot this February in a gorgeous wedding ceremony

THE TEAM Lifestyle Editor: Melanie Collins; Entertainment Editor: Jessica Kramer; Sport & Technology Editor: Kate Salemme; Journalists: Megan Masters, Finn Pickering, Savaira Ratukula, Alyssa Welke, Celeste Maddocks, Katrina Sichlau

Hunter, Justine Costello

Matt Denny celebrates making the Aussie Olympic team. Photo by

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WE’RE IN THE GOLDEN AGE NOW FOR SURE. YOU CAN’T SLEEP, AND IT MAKES YOU A BETTER ATHLETE. GOOD VERSUS GOOD EQUALS BETTER; BETTER AND BETTER MAKES GREAT

Matt Denny

two of our own

Finn Pickering talks to local athletes Tatum Stewart and Matt Denny about community, preparation, and the 2024 Paris Olympics

Matt Denny, a selfproclaimed “professional disc chucker” is very happy when I produce a bottle of Norco’s chocolate milk. “I haven’t had one of these for ages,” he laughs. He takes me around to his back yard and we get settled in. His little puppy comes running up before Matt’s mum comes to take it away.

If he wasn’t 1.96m tall, and with a tattoo of the Olympic rings on his arm, you would just take him for any other bloke on the street.

I ask him to tell me a bit about himself, and he just dives right in.

“I grew up in Allora, a small little town of about 1000 people,” Matt, 28, says.

“I was a sporty kid who played a lot of rugby union, swimming, but the reason I got into athletics was when I was in Grade 6, I went to the state championships and came dead last for both shotput and discus, which I wasn’t too stoked with, but then when I was in Grade 8, Mum found a coach.

“It was Grahame Pitt at Toowoomba Grammar. I think going to Grammar was a big reason why I was able to progress so quickly.

“I went and thought I was only going to do

one training session, but we’re 15 years on now and the rest is history, really.”

We have a slightly unrelated conversation about his time at Grammar, including how his old room is now home to a lathe in the manual arts building, before talk turns to his pre-season training and competitions.

“I’m feeling pretty confident,” Matt says.

“I’ve had a really solid season this year and fourth at the Olympics by 5cm ...”

“A beer can, wasn’t it?” I interject.

“Yeah, it was! I can’t believe I said that, but it was just what was said. Anyway, we’ve progressed year on year, and we’ve had some pretty great success in the last four years, but this year is undeniably the best I’ve ever had.”

The depth of his competitors is pretty impressive too.

“At the moment there are nine guys throwing over 69m, which is the greatest start to a season ever,” Matt says.

“It is absolutely insane – we’ve got guys like Mykolas Alekna who just broke the world record. Then you have Daniel Stahl (who) threw 71.46 at the world championships, but if you take Daniel’s throw, and put it in the right conditions, he potentially could have shattered the record.

“We’re in the golden age now for sure. You can’t sleep, and it makes you a better athlete. Good versus good equals better; better and better makes great.”

We then take a few steps closer to home, and we get talking about preparation and his activities leading in to Paris.

“Well, your weeks change as you go through the season, so right now I’m just doing light stuff, more specifically around things like length, stability and explosiveness.

“We’re still doing two back-to-back sessions a day, one throwing session where I can chuck the disc around, and then a gym session for strength and power. With my throws, we change between different weights, different styles. I compete with 2kg, but I’m training with a 2.2kg so I can throw with a heavier weight.

“I still want to compete when Brisbane 2032 rolls around. I also do a lot of media stuff with Channel Nine … plus I’ve married, got my degree and got some puppies.”

“What about when you’re in a competition?” I ask.

“At the moment, it’s all about freedom, so movement and not creating things are my main focuses. I would say that my understanding of how to throw is automatic, so I spend most of my time thinking about not thinking.”

We then take a step back to Toowoomba and Allora, and I ask him about how those communities impacted him as a discus thrower.

“So, I think of Allora and Toowoomba as two separate areas, because they both offered different things for me,” Matt says.

“Toowoomba, and particularly Toowoomba Grammar, gave me a good

opportunity to become a professional athlete while I was still at school. I was close to training, I had all the food I needed at the dining hall, I had good structure and learnt discipline from my classes.

“I probably wasn’t the most popular kid, because I turned down invitations to the First XV for rugby, so I made a few enemies there, but I think they understood once I had won the World Youth (Championships) in 2013.

“Peter Hauser, the (then) headmaster, he was excellent, always made sure I had what I needed and that I was happy.

“For the Allora side of things, it didn’t have the facilities there, but they were super supportive. It’s fun going home and seeing local faces that I grew up with, and the conversation will be ‘How’s Mum? How’s Dad?’ rather than ‘I saw you won this competition’. It’s kind of funny that in Allora I have gone from John Denny’s son to my dad now being Matt Denny’s father.”

Tatum Stewart, cat lover, aspiring DJ (according to her TikTok) and Hockeyroo is very accommodating after I call her just after returning home to Perth. I ask her to tell us a bit about herself and she gets straight in.

“So, I grew up in Toowoomba, went to Toowoomba East State School and then to Fairholme College and I played junior hockey at the Rangeville Bulldogs,” Tatum, 22, says.

“And I think from all the communities I just listed, one thing I got was this great sense of connection, I always felt that everybody was looking out for me and wanted me to

and their mentality leading up to the Olympics.

“There is a strong history with the Hockeyroos and doing well at the Olympics, so I think there’s that legacy piece that drives us to want to be successful,” Tatum says.

“We came off a really strong 2023, where we were able to bump ourselves up the rankings to second in the world. We have been improving dramatically and really want to make a statement at Paris.”

“What about you?” I ask. “You’re currently recovering from a torn meniscus, so how are your preparations going?”

“I’m currently in week six of recovery. I’ve always been a pretty optimistic person about minor setbacks, so I took it as an opportunity to take a step back and really refine some aspects of my game like my strength and my fitness.

“Things are tracking well and I’m just taking it day by day.”

I THINK THAT IS WHAT MAKES A PLACE LIKE TOOWOOMBA SPECIAL: YOU GET THIS REALLY TIGHT-KNIT COMMUNITY THAT IS THERE FOR YOU

Tatum Stewart

succeed. I think that is what makes a place like Toowoomba special: you get this really tight-knit community that is there for you.”

Tatum doesn’t hesitate when I ask her if there’s anyone in particular she has in mind.

“Ian Pohlman was one of my main junior coaches, and he was one of those people that drilled into me the mantra of ‘team first’ and that my role was with the team,” she says.

“And as a teacher and cricket coach, Mark Ryle taught me with cricket to do things with purpose and I really took that into my hockey when I went professional.

“It’s little things like that, that I take with me into my day-to-day life, and I think it puts me into a good position with my training.”

I then ask about the Hockeyroos squad

We move back to Toowoomba, and I ask about how the Toowoomba community has shaped Tatum as a hockey player and as a person.

“There are so many people that I could talk about, but on a broader level everybody who had an impact kept me really grounded and made sure that what I was doing was for the best interests of me and the team, so it was always orientated around the team,” she says.

“There was also this desire to improve that was instilled in me by my teachers and coaches that nothing was perfect and that I could also improve, and it was that wisdom and guidance.

“I think skills can be trained and you can improve, but with the way you act and how you train is really based off your attitude and that comes from what you’re taught.”

Tatum and Matt are both strong chances to win a medal in Paris. They will represent themselves, Toowoomba and Australia with great pride, and I’m sure their local communities will be right behind them as well. Come on, Australia!

Atthetimeofwriting,Tatumhadrecovered fromherinjuryandwasinwithagood chancetobeplayingwiththeHockeyroos inParis.Youcanwatchthewomen’s hockeyfromJuly28 toAugust9. IfyouwanttowatchMattthrowinParis, youcanseehimonAugust5forqualifiers, andthediscusfinalwillbeon August7.

ToowoombaandAlloraathleteMattDennycompetinginthediscusfinalintheNorwayroundofthe2024DiamondLeague;and,aboveand right,HockeyrooandToowoombaplayerTatumStewartplayingintheAnzacDayFIHPro-LeaguematchagainstNewZealandin2023.

MEMORY GAMES

Heart-stopping, breathtaking, unforgettable … our Olympic wins have created some of history’s greatest sporting moments

Kate Salemme Sport & Technology Editor

When Cathy Freeman was sprinting towards the finish line in the 400m final at the Sydney Olympics, the roar of the crowd was deafening.

After winning silver at the 1996 Games, she had the weight of a country on her shoulders. Forget the Melbourne Cup, this was the race that stopped a nation.

When she crossed the line about five metres in front of her fellow competitors, the relief on her face was followed by an

outpouring of emotion as the realisation set in she’d just won Olympic gold

It was one of those unbelievable moments that everyone remembers where they were when they watched that race.

As a sports-loving nation, we have been blessed with many of these incredible moments to celebrate.

The Olympics have been the source of many of them.

Memories have been passed from generation to generation.

As the pinnacle of world sport, there’s no accolade our incredible athletes have craved more than winning Olympic medals.

All the hours they’ve spent training, in the gym, practising the finer details like reaction times to nail the start of a race, it all leads to one big moment, a moment that comes only once every four years.

It’s why the Olympics are so special, and

why these moments will be etched in Aussie history forever.

So as we prepare to cheer on our amazing athletes to no doubt deliver more unforgettable memories at the Paris Games, we take a look back at some of the greatest moments in Australian Olympic history.

TITMUSDEFEATSUSLEGEND

The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 produced many unreal moments in the pool, but the battle between Ariarne Titmus and the greatest female swimmer ever, Katie Ledecky, in the 400m freestyle was monumental. Ledecky had never been beaten in an individual event, that was until Titmus stormed home in the final 50m to claim a historic victory. The win is also famous for one of the greatest celebrations, as Titmus’s coach Dean Boxall went off.

CathyFreeman’srunfortheages,SydneyOlympics,2000.

DAWNTHEINCREDIBLE

During her career, Dawn Fraser set an incredible 39 world records and won eight Olympic medals – four gold and four silver. And one of those gold medal wins was unforgettable. As the winner of the 100m freestyle in two consecutive Olympics (1956 and 1960), Fraser was looking to become the first male or female to win three straight Olympic gold medals in the same event. She achieved the incredible feat in Tokyo in 1964, nine months after she lost her mum. After the race, Fraser said: “No one was going to beat me that night. It was the most special swim I had in my life. For my mum.”

HOOKERBREAKS40-YEAR DROUGHT

No Australian male had won a track and field gold medal since 1968, so it’s fair to say the odds were against Steve Hooker in the Beijing 2008 pole vault final. With two failed attempts at 5.85m, Hooker needed to clear the bar on his final attempt to stay alive, then it all came down to a battle with Russia’s Yevgeny Lukyanenko at 5.90m. With both failing their first two attempts at the height, Lukyanenko clipped the bar on his third, so it was over to Hooker. The Aussie cleared at 5.90m, roaring with the crowd in celebration as a 40-year Aussie drought was broken.

FIRSTMEN’SBASKETBALL MEDAL

Australia’s women’s basketball team, the Opals, have won five Olympic medals but the men’s team had never achieved the feat. Required to face teams featuring the world’s best players from the NBA, the Boomers had fallen just short so many times despite determination across generations. But in Tokyo in 2021, and with an inspired Patty Mills, who was the flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony leading the way, they were determined to make history. Facing a Slovenian team featuring Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic in the bronze medal game, Mills scored 42 points to lead the Boomers to a memorable 107-93 victory. Finally, the Boomers had their first ever Olympic medal.

MCKEONMAKESHISTORY

Australia has been blessed with some of the world’s best ever swimmers. Think of champions like Ian Thorpe, Leisel Jones, Shane Gould, Grant Hackett, Dawn Fraser –the list goes on. More recently, it’s been the likes of Cate Campbell, Kyle Chalmers and Ariarne Titmus. But one swimmer stands above them all – Emma McKeon. At the Tokyo Games in 2021, McKeon became the most decorated Australian Olympic swimmer of all time, winning four gold medals (50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 4x 100m freestyle relay and 4x 100m medley relay) and three bronze medals (100m butterfly, 4x 200m freestyle relay and 4x 100m mixed medley relay) for a total of 11 Olympic medals across her career, surpassing Ian Thorpe and Leisel Jones’s record of nine. The haul of seven medals in one Olympics was also the most by any female swimmer at a single Games, and was the equal-most medals across any sport, tying with Soviet

gymnast Maris Gorokhovskaya. We cannot wait to see what she has in store in Paris!

CUTHBERTHEROICS

In 1956 Australia hosted the Olympics for the very first time. Staged in Melbourne, it was a monumental occasion in the country’s history and presented our athletes with an incredible opportunity to perform at the world’s biggest sporting event on home soil. It’s fair to say legends were made, and there was none bigger than sprinter Betty Cuthbert. At just 18 years old, Cuthbert won three gold medals at the Melbourne Games, winning the 100m, 200m and the relay and instantly became known as Australia’s Golden Girl.

THORPE,FABFOURCAUSE HUGEUPSET

The US dominates many sports, and swimming is always right up there. Whenever there’s a US competitor or a US relay team, you know they’re going to be hard to beat. That was never more true than the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay, an event the US had never lost. To beat their team featuring Gary Hall Jr, Anthony Ervin, Neil Walker and Jason Lezak at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, it was going to take a monumental performance from the Aussie team – Michael Klim, Chris Fydler, Ashley Callus and Ian Thorpe. With a home crowd behind them, with a nation holding its breath but cheering like never before at the same time, the Aussies answered the challenge. With Klim setting it up with a huge first leg to lead, it was a battle royale between the two countries who were neck and neck for almost the whole race, but in particular as Thorpe and Hall Jr squared off in the final leg. Hall Jr surged to a half-body length lead with 50m to swim before Thorpe steamed home to seal one of the all-time great relay wins and set a new world record in the process.

FREEMAN’SRUNFORTHEAGES

Cathy Freeman’s stunning run in the 400m athletics race at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 was significant for many reasons. She had overcome the huge amount of pressure to perform on home soil as the entire country dared to dream of winning the gold medal, and she had already had a monumental and emotional moment during the Games, having lit the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony. But when Freeman crossed the finish line first to claim the gold medal, she also became the first Indigenous Australian to win an individual Olympic gold medal.

MITCHAMBREAKS84-YEAR DROUGHT

Not since 1924 had Australia won a gold medal in a diving event. Enter Matthew Mitcham. At the 2008 Beijing Games, a whopping 84 years since that last gold, Mitcham, who later admitted he thought his only hope was to win the bronze medal, stunned the world. In fourth place with his final dive in the 10m platform event to come, Mitcham produced an unbelievable performance. With a score of 112.10, it was the highest individual dive score ever. He’d come from the clouds to claim gold.

DiverMatthewMitcham,top,atBeijingin2008; SteveHooker,Beijing,2008;DawnFraser,above, centre,Tokyo,1964;thefabfour,AshleyCallus, ChrisFydler,MichaelKlimandIanThorpe,below, SydneyOlympics,2000; andEmmaMcKeon, belowleft,Tokyo,2021.

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET … GRAB THE REMOTE

Your guide to what to watch and when. Take a seat and let the Games begin

Kate Salemme Sport & Technology Editor

From swimming to track and field, basketball, soccer and more, the Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world and will get underway with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26. With our champion athletes ready to etch their names in history and once again become heroes to a nation, we can’t wait to see what our homegrown stars have in store.

Here’s your guide to what you can expect to see, the names to look out for and when to watch.

SWIMMING

TITMUS,McKEON,CHALMERS ANDMORE!

At the Tokyo Games our swimmers had their most successful Olympics in history, setting a new record with 20 medals (nine gold, three silver and eight bronze), so it’s fair to say we absolutely cannot wait to see what the Dolphins have in store in Paris.

From Ariarne Titmus (women’s 200m, 400m, 800m freestyle and relays), Emma McKeon (women’s 50m and 100m freestyle, 100m butterfly and relays) and Kyle Chalmers (men’s 100m freestyle and relays) to Kaylee McKeown (women’s 100m and 200m backstroke, 200m individual medley and relays) and Sam Short (men’s 400m, 800m, 1500m freestyle), there’s so much to look forward to, and so many chances for gold medals.

When: July 27-August 4

ATHLETICS

MEN’S100mFINAL

Usain Bolt might be retired but if you’re only going to watch one race for the entire Olympics, then the

TheMatildas,above, celebrateaftersecuring theirqualificationforthe Paris2024Olympics.They hadjustwontheAFC Women’sOlympic QualifyingTournament Round3matchagainst UzbekistanatMarvel Stadium,Melbourne,in February.

men’s 100m final is it. But who will be crowned the “fastest man in the world” remains to be seen, with the competition in Paris to be red-hot given there’s no standout favourite. Anything and everything can happen in this race, especially when it’s over in under 10 seconds.

Lamont Marcell Jacobs (ITA), who won the gold medal in Tokyo, and Fred Kerley (USA) who won silver, will be back, while Ronnie Baker (USA), Noah Lyles (USA), Akani Simbine (RSA), and Andre De Grasse (CAN) are just some of the competitors who will become household names.

When: August 4

WOMEN’S100mFINAL

The women’s premier track event is another race not to be missed. Unbelievably, the world record, which stands at a blistering 10.49 seconds, was set in 1988 but it feels like it could be broken very soon with the calibre of sprinters descending on Paris.

Leading contenders such as Tokyo gold medallist Jamaican Elaine Thompson-Herah

Jamaica’sUsainBolt,left,winsthemen’s100m atthe2016RioOlympics;SamShort,below right,winsgoldlastyearattheWorldAquatics Championships;HockeyrooKateJennerina TokyoOlympicspracticematch;KyleChalmers afterarelayheatatthe2020TokyoGames.

(10.54), fellow Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (10.60), American Sha’Carri Richardson (10.65) and Jamaican Shericka Jackson (10.65) have done some blistering times of late. It’s shaping up as an electric event not to be missed.

When: August 3

BASKETBALL

BOOMERS,OPALSandTEAMUSA

After winning their first Olympic medal, the Boomers are back. And, with a number of NBA stars to play, they’re in with a chance to do it again. Fresh off playing in the NBA Finals and playoffs respectively, Josh Green, Dante Exum and Josh Giddey will join fellow NBA stars Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Dyson Daniels, Jock Landale and Matisse Thybulle among others. Their games, as well as every game played by Team USA, are not to be missed. The modern version of the 1992 Dream Team, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid are just some of the huge names representing the US.

For the Opals, who are vying for their first Olympic medal since 2012, the legendary Lauren Jackson has been named in the squad, alongside stars including Cayla George, Tess Madgen, Zitina Aokuso, and Kristy Wallace. They’ll need to get past Team USA to win gold, a team featuring WNBA superstars Diana Taurasi, Sabrina Ionescu, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner.

When: Basketball tournament starts on July 27, gold and bronze medal matches on August 10-11.

FOOTBALL

THEMATILDAS

The Matildas are box seat. Our incredible soccer stars have captured the hearts of the nation and catapulted women’s sport to popularity like never before. Although Sam Kerr won’t be there after suffering a devastating knee injury, all the stars we fell in love with during the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be there hoping to win our first football medal (our best result has been fourth).

Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, goalkeeper extraordinaire Mackenzie Arnold, Hayley Raso, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, they’ll all be there shooting for gold

When: The football tournament starts on July 24 (note: this is prior to the official start of the Games), with gold and bronze medal matches to be held from August 8-10.

HOCKEY THEHOCKEYROOSand KOOKABURRAS

When we think about the most popular sports in Australia, hockey generally isn’t front of mind but when it comes to the Olympics, it’s not to be missed. The Hockeyroos (women’s team) and the Kookaburras (men’s team) are always medal hopes but, more than that, the matches are often high drama given the physical nature of the sport and how close the score lines usually are.

When: The first round begins July 27, with gold and bronze medal matches on August 8 and 9.

Thedetails

Bride’sfullmaidenname: Jessica Lee

Groom’sfullname: Alex Spence

Venue: Gabbinbar

Dress: Made With Love Bridal

Hair: Cassie from The Hair Artist

Collective

Make-up: Mirror Mirror Makeup

Flowers: New Romantic Florals

Musicorentertainment: G&M

Events

Photographer: Amy Philp

Videographer: Heart and Soul Media

Celebrant: Sam Capewell

Cake: Jillicious Cakes

I also really enjoyed walking back down the aisle after our ceremony ... all the anxiety was completely gone after saying ‘I do’ and we were able to just really enjoy each other

Jessica

Alex&

School friends Jessica Lee and Alex Spence tie the knot in a very special day

Whatwasthedateofyourwedding? Saturday, February 17.

Wherewastheceremonyandreception held?Whatledtothedecisionforthat space?

Both were at Gabbinbar. Our ceremony was on the Governor’s Lawn, and our reception in the Conservatory.

Howmanyguestsdidyouhave? We had 82 guests.

Howdidthetwoofyoumeet?

We met at school. We had mutual friends over the years and always moved in the same circles, however we didn’t start dating until four years after school had finished.

Canyousharethestoryoftheproposal?

We were on a family holiday at the Sunshine Coast. Alex had taken Teddy (our then 4month old son; he is now two) and I fishing every afternoon to the same place. It was October 4, 2022, and day three of getting ready to go fish at this same spot. I had asked Alex if we could go somewhere else because

there were so many places we could visit, but he was adamant on going back to this same place. He was fishing away and I was walking down the beach with Teddy, I turned around to make my way back to him and as I did he was behind me, kneeling down on one knee. He didn’t even get the chance to ask me

properly before I was saying yes to him. Turns out he had been planning to propose each of the other times we had visited this same place but hadn’t found the right time to do it.

Whenorganisingyourwedding,whatwere some“musthaves”toincludeorhaveon theday?

A good photographer was an absolute must for me. I have always wanted to have wedding photos that I would be proud of and love forever – you only get married once. Finding a photographer who I really connected with was incredible, I had so much trust in her work and she nailed my vision completely.

Whatweresomeofyourfavouritepartsof theday?

Getting ready in the morning, this was so relaxed and I really had time to be excited for what was to come. I also really enjoyed walking back down the aisle after our ceremony – all the anxiety was completely gone after saying ‘I do’ and we were able to just really enjoy each other.

Wheredidyougetyourdressfrom?Your bridesmaiddresses?

My dress was from Made With Love Bridal and my bridesmaids’ dresses were from Billy J Boutique.

Whosuppliedyourflowers?What abouttablesettingsandanyother decorations?

Our flowers were supplied by New Romantic Florals. Our table set-up and all our decor were supplied by us; my mum and I spent months and months hand-picking every last detail and I spent some time on the morning of our wedding hand placing each item onto each table. I really enjoyed being able to do this and share the creative process with my mum.

Whatelementsofyourspecialdaydoyou thinkreallyshowcasedbothyour individualpersonalitiesandrelationship?

Our music. For example, when we walked back down the aisle we used a song that we had always spoken about using – Sha Boom by the Chords – it was so upbeat and fun, it was us all over.

Hot winter trends AND HOW TO WEAR THEM

As the weather cools, we need to heat up our look with a few clever options for a versatile season

McBain Fashion Columnist

Winter has well and truly blown into our Garden City and it is only going to get cooler over the next few weeks. That being said, now is the time to really nail down your go-to outfits so that you not only feel and look put together, but also stay warm.

As always, a wardrobe full of staples and basics will set you up for success in planning your outfits and will also allow you to insert the odd trend or statement piece to amplify your look.

In order to work out your basic wardrobe you need to contemplate a couple of key factors, including your lifestyle, as well as your aesthetic style.

If you find that you struggle to identify your own style, create a Pinterest board and collect an assortment of random outfit ideas.

Don’t think too hard but simply pin what catches your eye. You will start to see a pattern emerge of the styles that you gravitate to A few key pieces to get you started for the winter months include a well-fitting pair of jeans and neutral trousers, some long-sleeved bodysuits, a blazer, a trench coat, crew neck knits, ankle boots and white sneakers. The colours you select will tend to suit your style but neutrals such as blacks, greys, creams and beiges will always create the perfect foundation.

So now, it’s time to add in some key trends that will add some spark to your outfits.

Let’s take a look at my top seven trends that are on the runways and out on the streets for winter 2024:

boots layers

Julz

leather

FABRICGALORE

Itwasveryevidentthatexcessivefabricwasthe vibefortheseasonsandasweheadintothose coolermonths,thisisatrendthatwillhappilybe followedbythemasses.Runwayshowssaw modelsenvelopedinoversizedknits,with collarsuptotheirears.Remembertoplaywith proportionsothatyoudon’toverwhelmyour frame.Ifyougobiguptop,balanceitwitha fittedlowerhalfandvisaversa.

PEEPSHOW

Sheerfabricswereseenallovertherunways, includingatSaintLaurentandGucci.Thiscan beabeautifulstatementpiecetohaveinyour wardrobe,albeitalittlechillytopulloffon thosecoolerdays.Mysuggestionwould betolayerasheerblouseoverafitted, warmcamisoleinthesameshade.You canthenthrowablazeroveryour shoulderswhendartingbetweenmeetings andeasilytakeitoffoncebackinsidethe warmthoftheoffice.Pairsheeritemswith thick,structuredpieces,suchassomewool trouserstobalanceoutyourensemble.

BARRELLEGPANTS

Wearestillwelldownthepathoflooserfit trousersasmuchasmyselfandmanyother Millenialsfoundithardtopartwithourskinny jeans.Barrel-legpantsarethenewtakeonthe loosefittrouserswithfittedwaists,volumeat thekneeandtaperingbacktotheankle.Thisis astyletoconsiderverycarefully,asyouwill needtobalanceoutyourupperhalfwithafitted topandstreamlinedjackettoensurethatyou don’tappeartooboxyandoverwhelmedwith fabric.Apairofheelswillalsoaidinelongating yourlegs.Ofcourse,withanytrendthereisa spectrumandsoperhapsdabblewithaslight barrellegtomakeanodtothetrend.

LEATHER

Leatherisdefinitelynotanewfashion option,norisitatrendandweshouldall haveavariationoftheclassicleather jacketinourwardrobes.However, leathertrousers,leathercoatsand evenleathershirtsarealloverour radarandaddaninteresting elementtoabasicitem.Ialways liketohaveawell-fittedleather skirtandlooseleathertrousersin mybasicwardrobeandIamnow onthehuntforaleathershirt-jacketto addtothemixthiswinter.

COWBOYBOOTS

Finally,thebootoftheseasonisthecowboy boot.WhenIwassearchingfor2024streetstyle almosteveryoutfitincludedsome variationofthisboot.Theselookparticularly greatpairedwithadressorskirtandsome stockings.YazminLewis(insetimage)showed ushowtoperfectlystyleblackcowboyboots whensherecentlyattendedtheAustralian FashionWeekinMay2024.Keephems relativelyhightoshowoffthedetailoncowboy bootsandkeeptherestofyouroutfitsimpleand sleektoensurebalanceandharmony.

Retinol v retinal we put them face to face to see which is the champion

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Cat Ardi Brennan Fashion & Lifestyle Columnist

In the world of skincare, the retinoid family holds a special place, with retinol and retinal often competing for the top spot.

These two derivatives of vitamin A, both already champions in their own right, are renowned for their remarkable ability to rejuvenate the skin. But when it comes to the ultimate showdown, which one emerges as the true winner for general skincare gold?

Let’s dive into the skin Olympics – retinol versus retinal – and find out!

THE CONTENDERS

Retinol, the seasoned competitor, is less potent but highly reliable. It undergoes a two-step conversion process in the skin, transforming first into retinal and then into retinoic acid, the active form that delivers those coveted skin benefits.

Retinol’s strength lies in its gentle approach, making it a crowd favourite, especially among beginners and those with sensitive skin.

While its journey to become retinoic acid takes a bit longer, its results are consistent and effective, earning it a solid fan base.

On the other hand, retinal (or retinaldehyde) is the newer, faster contender. It requires only one conversion step to become retinoic acid, positioning it closer to the finish line from the start.

This makes retinal more potent and faster acting than retinol.

However, with greater power comes a higher potential for irritation, which might deter those with sensitive skin.

Yet, for experienced users or those seeking quicker results, retinal’s rapid transformation can be a game-changer.

THE FINALS

The goal is clear: to deliver brighter, smoother, and younger-looking skin while balancing efficacy and tolerability. Let’s see how our contenders fare.

ROUND 1

Potency and speed of results

Retinal takes an early lead with its single-step conversion to retinoic acid, offering faster results. It’s the sprinter in this race, quickly improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and tackling moderate to severe acne with efficiency. Retinol, although slower due to its two-step conversion, remains a steady marathon runner. It provides noticeable improvements over time, particularly effective for mild to moderate skin concerns.

ROUND 2

Irritation potential

Here, retinol shines as the gentler choice. Its gradual conversion process means it’s less likely to cause irritation, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or retinoid newcomers. Retinal, while more powerful, can be a bit more demanding on the skin, potentially causing irritation if not introduced carefully. This makes retinol the preferred option for those seeking a smoother entry into the retinoid realm.

ROUND 3

Availability and usage

Retinol is widely available in various overthe-counter skincare products, often at different strengths to suit individual needs. It’s a versatile and accessible option, allowing users to start with lower concentrations and build up tolerance gradually. Retinal, though gaining popularity, is still less common but is increasingly being recognised for its balanced performance between potency and tolerability.

AND THE WINNER IS …

For beginners or those with sensitive skin, retinol takes the gold. Insert roaring applause here! Its gentle nature and reliable results make it an ideal starting point. Those new to retinoids or with sensitive skin can benefit

from its steady and effective performance, gradually enhancing skin health without overwhelming it.

For experienced users or those looking for faster results, retinal clinches the title. Its rapid conversion to retinoic acid and potent effects makes it a powerful ally in the quest for youthful, radiant skin. If it’s introduced carefully, retinal can deliver impressive results with manageable irritation.

Both retinol and retinal prove themselves as worthy champions.

Retinol wins for its gentle yet effective approach, ideal for those starting their skincare journey.

Retinal, with its speed and potency, emerges victorious for those ready to take their routine to the next level.

Whichever contender you choose, both promise to deliver healthier, more vibrant skin, making you the ultimate winner in this skincare showdown.

And remember, before you start any kind of skincare that is nearing on prescriptive, it is best you seek personalised guidance from a dermatologist or GP. I’m not an expert, just a lover of skincare and simple solutions. Think of me as the Steven Bradbury of skin care (without the skill or athleticism).

Photography:HeyMedia Model:LilyArdiBlaik

Keeping makeup in place while getting sweaty can be a challenge, but these tips can help

get

active

For those of us who love playing sport, going to the gym or just doing any form of exercise that involves getting sweaty, most – if not all – of us have had the same issue: getting makeup to stay in place.

Luckily, I’ve had plenty of experience in this area. I’ve basically played sport my whole life – from basketball to soccer to Aussie rules to filling in for my friend’s netball teams, I’ve done it all.

So when it comes to finding a foundation, in particular, that won’t budge when I’m shooting three-pointers or tackling, you

could call me an expert as I’ve perfected my makeup routine over many years.

My go-to routine is a combination of liquid foundation, powder and then a setting spray – and it hasn’t failed me yet.

Over the years I have changed liquid foundations only twice, but I’d happily wear either of them.

At the moment, I combine Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation with Napoleon Perdis’s Camera Finish powder, followed by its Camera Finish Matte Setting Spray.

This routine has stayed in place even when I’ve been in the pouring rain at footy training (always pat dry with a towel by the way, never rub your face when you’re drying off!).

It’s comforting to know, however, that this isn’t an issue that only faces us mere mortals. Even the greatest athletes on the planet have

been searching for the right makeup that will last during the most intense physical battles.

Just ask the greatest tennis player of alltime, Serena Williams, who spent hours sweating on the court and in practise over a career spanning nearly 30 years. She has recently brought out her own makeup line, WYN Beauty, specifically designed to wear during movement.

But if you’re shopping online or scouring the foundations on the shelves in a store thinking, how do I know what to look for in a foundation that survives sweat, what you look for is actually pretty easy – and you’re probably already doing it.

First of all you need a long-lasting makeup that has a matte finish. This is critical. Secondly, if you have oily skin, you’ll need a foundation formulated for your skin type

that is either made without oil or designed to control oil.

And as a final step, read the reviews. We know it can be time consuming but reading the experiences of those who have worn the foundation you’re considering is key – do they rave about how it stays in place all day or do they say they need to touch up by 3pm?

If it stays on all day then you’re on to a winner but if it requires touch ups then you just know that foundation will come off the minute sweat forms on your brow.

Using a primer can also help to keep the makeup in place and give it a beautiful smooth finish.

Okay, enough of the ins and outs. These are the products you need to try if you’re like most of us who want to look good and feel good while sweating it out.

Kate Salemme Sport & Technology Editor

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, $75

Thecremedelacreme. Mattefinishprovidesa flawlesslookandstays onallday.

Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Powder Foundation, $79

Thisoneisevenanti-ageing.

Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish Setting Spray, $55 Sprayalightmist directlyafteryou’veput onyourfoundationand powderforamatte finish.

Clinique Even Better Foundation, $63 Includessun protectionwith SPF15.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, $54 Oil-freeandlightweight tosetyourmakeup for16hours.

Napoleon Perdis Liquid Cashmere Foundation, $79 Glidesonandprovidesan amazing,smoothfinishthat lastsallday.

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Thinklikean athlete,get resultslikeone

How using the athlete’s mental edge can help you achieve massive results in everyday goals

Nicole Carlile Health & Fitness Columnist Freedom Lifestyle & Fitness

Ever wondered how athletes achieve such incredible feats? The secret lies not just in their physical training but in their mental preparation.

Tony Robbins says it best: “Success leaves clues.” By adopting an athlete’s mindset, you can unlock massive results in your everyday

GPS, steering you towards your goals with precision. Hiring a personal trainer or an accountability coach is invaluable.

Each member at Freedom Lifestyle and Fitness is automatically paired with one of our accountability coaches with regular calls and check-ins to make sure they are on target.

Visualise success

Before athletes achieve their physical feats, they see and believe they can do it.

A mental technique called sports imagery is key here. Studies show its effectiveness in performance improvement.

For instance, a well-known experiment divided basketball players into three groups: one that practised shooting, one that visualised shooting, and one that combined both.

The group that used both physical practice and visualisation saw the most significant improvement. This proves that imagining success can be just as powerful as actual practice.

and athletes invest significant time with performance psychologists to hone this skill.

Think long term

Athletes dedicate years to training for competition, spending four hours a day perfecting their craft to shave off even a fraction of a second. Success isn’t linear; it requires consistency over long periods. You might not see progress daily or even weekly, and sometimes it may feel like you’re moving backward. But don’t get discouraged if, after three months at the gym, you’ve only lost a few kilos. Extend your time horizon and focus on consistency over the long haul. At Freedom Lifestyle & Fitness, we value consistency over perfection, knowing that true transformation takes time.

goals, too. Let’s dive into how you can use the mental strategies of top athletes to succeed in your own life.

The power of a coach

Just like the couples on The Amazing Race who hired locals to navigate unfamiliar territory and leapt from last place to first, athletes rely on coaches to guide them. A coach provides accountability and expert insight, helping you overcome plateaus and fast-track your progress.

Think of a coach as your personal success

Set identity goals

Instead of focusing solely on outcome-based goals, athletes set identity goals. This means shifting your self-talk from “I want to exercise” to “I train consistently like an athlete” or “I move my body daily because it’s who I am”.

Rather than criticising yourself with “I’m so fat”, try saying, “I am becoming happier and stronger each day I work on my healthy habits”.

Your inner dialogue shapes your reality,

By adopting these strategies, you can harness the mental edge of athletes to achieve your own goals. Whether it’s in fitness, career, or personal development, thinking like an athlete can lead you to extraordinary results.

Ready to train your mind like a champion and get outstanding weight loss and strength results? Come chat to us at Freedom Lifestyle & Fitness. We’d love to show you how pairing fitness, nutrition, accountability and mindset all together can yield incredible results.

NicoleCarlile(DipCouns,CertIVFitness) OwnerofFreedomLifestyle&Fitness

Toowoomba.

Website:www.freedomlifestyle.fitness Instagram:@freedomwithnicole

St Andrew’s adopting new technologies

Investment in a new surgical instrument sterilisation system is a resounding success

St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital (SATH) has recently invested in the Getinge T-DOC Tracking System in its Central Sterilising and Supply Department (CSSD), making SATH the first hospital in Toowoomba to do so.

“Investments in state-of-the-art technologies are key to facilitating and supporting more efficient processes and services, which only improves better health outcomes for the Toowoomba community,” chief executive Linda Jorgensen says.

The T-DOC System is not just a tool, but a comprehensive solution that ensures complete traceability, optimises resource utilisation, and provides quality assurance for all reprocessing steps.

Its implementation is a significant step towards enhancing SATH’s service quality and patient care, underscoring their

unwavering commitment to your wellbeing.

This system assists by streamlining current workflows and providing seamless communication in the theatre suite in real time. T-DOC also allows the hospital to make informed, data-driven decisions daily, thus improving the service that the hospital can provide to visiting specialists and patients.

SATH’s CSSD department processes more

than 1000 surgical instrument sets each week, and this system makes data on this productivity easy to access and more environmentally friendly, cutting down on the extensive paper records previously required.

Adapting to any new workplace process is a challenge, and the dedicated CSSD team at St Andrew’s has shown remarkable resilience

in mastering the four new steps required for the T-DOC System. Their quick adaptation to this advancement is commendable and a testament to their commitment to improving the hospital’s operations.

SATH has been caring for the Toowoomba community for more than 55 years and looks forward to adopting new technologies and caring for future generations.

Fromleft:NeilLamont,JessTickner,ClarizaAbaja,TaniaBehrbohm,andShanellThun.

Slow down and find your personal best

Commit, focus and improve your own performance in your personal relationships with this advice

Dr Clive Williams Relationships Expert

With the Olympics just around the corner, once again, we are reminded of some people’s ability to commit, focus and improve their performance.

We hear them talk of doing their PB, their personal best, and then, in their very next

breath, their aim to improve it. They persist in working at becoming better, stronger, faster. I find their efforts inspiring, particularly on the days when I am feeling tired, reluctant or telling myself “that’s the best I can do”.

You don’t hear these athletes say “I’m too tired” or “It’s not fair” or “I’ve already worked hard enough” or “Somebody else should do it”, even though I am sure that there are days when this is exactly what is going through their heads.

What Do We Treat?

• Varicose Veins and Venous Ulcers

• Vein Recurrence post surgery

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The Leg Vein Doctor?

• Dr Kemp is a Phlebologist. He only treats leg veins.

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• No post operative downtime.

• Personalised treatment plans with no hidden costs.

• Treatments available in Toowoomba and Brisbane.

• Experienced in offering full aftercare to rural and remote patients.

• Ultrasound examination included in initial consultation.

I’ve found in my work that relationships, the most important activities we will ever undertake, can also benefit from this approach; an attitude of improving our PB, becoming a better partner, parent, friend, sibling, colleague. Tired partners, parents, friends and colleagues sometimes automatically respond with “I’m already doing my best” or “Don’t ask me to do any more!” like our “personal best” is something set in stone. It is not. Our “best” is a lifelong refinement and more often than not what I’ve learned and witnessed is that our “best” may involve doing less.

While each of our lives are unique there are recurring patterns I often see in all types of relationships: the exhausted boss, the tired spouse, the frazzled family member is often a go-go-go person. Once they’re awake, they’re off on their own daily sprint, or maybe more accurately, marathon. They’ve sorted the schedule, the breakfast, the pick up and the drop offs, the staffing issue, the returned calls, the bills and the accounts and the latest medical appointment for their ageing parents.

But if you talk with their spouse or children or staff or siblings, you begin to see a different picture. These people may feel neglected, overlooked, bossed about, or at worst bullied. When their loved ones or colleagues mention these feelings to them, they become defensive: “I’m doing the best I can.”

This defensive response is a rationale for why they are doing what they do, often a list of their good intentions and essentially a list

They want you to put down the phone or the iPad and sit with them

of reasons for why they will continue to do what they are doing. Such people have fallen into the false belief that good intentions produce good outcomes. They do not.

An understanding of doing our “PB” means that yes today I did my best but tomorrow I will need to have a think about what I could improve on. It is not a rationale for doing the same thing which others find devaluing. One of the best ways to improve your personal best is to simply ask the people in your life. How could I be a better spouse tomorrow? How could I be a better parent, a better friend or colleague tomorrow? Is there anything you need more of from me?

I find that one of the common responses once you ask the people in your life is that they want more time with you. They want you to put down the phone or the iPad and sit with them, or leave the dirty dishes in the sink and go to the park. Have a think about your PB? Ask the people in your life what they might need more of from you.

Be open to doing less to achieve more.

The largest acute private hosp on the Darling Downs

Recognitionfor philanthropist

St Vincent’s Private Hospital congratulates its longterm supporter Clive Berghofer on his latest award

Last month, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba was delighted to hear long-time supporter Clive Berghofer AM was named the 2024 Queensland Community Philanthropist of the Year.

The annual Queensland Philanthropy Awards highlight and celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations to charities, communities, and causes throughout the state.

Clive has been a valued supporter of healthcare across the Darling Downs for many years, generously donating towards medical equipment, research, buildings and more. He has made significant donations towards St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba for more than 20 years.

St Vincent’s is proud to have the Clive Berghofer Wing, which encompasses the emergency department and Queensland XRay, as well as the Clive Berghofer Operating Theatre Suites, and the Clive Berghofer Intensive Care Unit, which was reopened late last year following a major upgrade.

Clive’s continued support has assisted with the purchase of much-needed equipment, including a cardiac monitoring system and our da Vinci and MAKO robots, which are used for minimally invasive and orthopaedic surgeries.

“Clive’s unwavering generosity and commitment have made a significant impact on our hospital and the broader community,”

St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba chief executive Kathryn McKeefry says.

“His donations over the years have

provide exceptional care to our patients.”

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Clive. This award is very much deserved.

CliveBerghoferwiththedaVincirobotsystemin2022;visitingStVincent’soperating theatresin1988;CliveBerghoferWingopeningin2020;andnewICUopeningin2023.

Bonappetit

We all know how great finger foods are for a party, but how about giving them a Gallic glowup? First we need to understand that there are some fundamentals to remember when it comes to French cuisine.

Frenchfundamentals

Regional menus throughout France vary significantly by local culture and influences. But despite these differences there is one commonality: fresh, local ingredients from the herbs to the vegetables, and the fruits to the meats. And often these are sourced from local farmers’ markets, or directly from the farmer or grower.

French cuisine also respects all parts of the food, whether it’s an animal product or vegetable scraps. The French utilise everything, unless it is truly inedible.

Spices take a back seat in the French kitchen – it is the herbs that are both driving and operating the GPS, whether it is tying up a posy of herb branches, a bouquet garni, to flavour stocks and stews, or including a bundle of bay leaves, sage and thyme with the roast chicken.

The classic French mixture of chopped fresh tarragon, chervil, chives and parsley (fine herbs) is delicious over anything made with egg, chicken, boiled potatoes, fish or in a vinaigrette.

And don’t forget people use all five senses when they eat and a beautiful presentation helps guests enjoy the dish before taking the first bite.

Whereisthesauce?

Popularised by celebrity chef Manu Feildel, the question “where is the sauce?” really does epitomise French thinking.

From a French velouté on the Sunday roast chicken, to a bechamel (milk thickened with a roux or paste of cooked-out flour and butter) as the base in “creamy” dishes, there is always a sauce.

In French cooking, there are five “mother”

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games almost upon us, now is the time to start planning your menu for your watch parties

sauces – bechamel, velouté, espagnole, tomato, and hollandaise. Mastering these will kick start your French cooking journey.

Feelingfancy?

French cuisine is known for its technical difficulty and time consuming dishes – so you might be thinking, “I want to have fun at my party, not slaving away in the kitchen.”

So what’s the secret to having a perfect French-themed Olympic watch party, without the fuss?

Look into mini versions of classic dishes –like a miniature croque-monsieur or these goat’s cheese pissaladiere tarts (p26-27).

Or make a delicious grazing board influenced by French flavours – think delicious brie or camembert, fromage blanc spread (Cervelle de canut, pate, black olive tapenade, a rillette, and crusty baguette slices). Galettes are a classic French tart that can easily be made at home –fillings range from savoury like wild mushroom to sweet, like berries, apple, or stone fruit.

Or if you’re feeling even more adventurous have a go at the classic tarte tatin.

Takea shortcut

Another great option to save you time is the old shortcut. Don’t have time to make pastry from scratch? Cut out circles of bread and toast gently on an upside down muffin pan before filling. Make-ahead recipes are fantastic as well, such as the classic quiche Lorraine, and if you use disposable crockery and cutlery, clean-up is a breeze to boot.

And while you don’t necessarily want a formal sit down meal, classic soups, stews and casseroles are ideal for large groups. If you’ve got an instant pot, or a slow cooker, why not make a French onion soup or coq au vin.

Another easy yet impressive idea is a slow roast leg of lamb that people can help themselves to, accompanied by some roast vegetables. Stepping away from a classic, why not make a French-style macaroni and cheese as a delicious side dish?

Alyssa Welke

Cherry, chocolate & pistachio friands

MAKES 12. PREP 35 MINS. COOK 25 MINS

INGREDIENTS

● 85g pistachio kernels

● 195g (1 ¼ cups) icing sugar mixture

● 75g (½ cup) plain flour

● 100g (1 cup) almond meal

● 100g dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa), chopped

● 200g drained sour morello cherries, patted dry, juice reserved

● ½ tsp lemon rind, finely grated

● 6 egg whites, lightly whisked

● 160g unsalted butter, melted, cooled Chocolateglaze

● 45g (¼ cup) icing sugar mixture

● 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder

● 2 tbsp sour morello cherry juice

● 20g dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa), chopped

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 180/160 fan forced. Grease 12 x 125ml (½ cup) friand pans.

2. Process the pistachios in a food processor until finely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl. Sift over the icing sugar mixture and flour. Add the almond meal, chocolate, cherries and lemon rind. Stir to combine. Make a well in the centre. Add the egg whites and butter. Stir until just combined. 3. Spoon mixture into prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of a friand comes out clean. Allow to stand in the pan for five minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. 4. For the glaze, sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl. Make a well in the centre. Place the juice and chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium-high for 30 seconds or until melted and smooth. Add to the well. Stir until smooth. Drizzle over the friands. Set aside to set.

Morerecipesnextpage

Pineapple & gingernut parfait

SERVES 8. PREP 25 MINS

INGREDIENTS

● 600ml ctn thickened cream

● 2 tbsp caster sugar

● 250ml (1 cup) coconut cream

● 250g pkt ginger nut biscuits, broken

● 1 fresh pineapple (about 1kg), peeled, cored, cut into 1cm pieces

METHOD

1 Use an electric beater to beat cream and sugar in a bowl until firm peaks form. Add the coconut cream and beat until combined.

2 Process the biscuits in a food processor

until coarsely crushed. Reserve two tablespoons. Divide half the remaining biscuit among eight 310ml (1 ¼ cup) capacity serving glasses. Top with half the coconut cream mixture then half the pineapple. Top with remaining coconut mixture, biscuit and pineapple.

3 Sprinkle with reserved biscuit. Add fresh pineapple leaves to decorate, if desired.

RECIPENOTES

Super-sweet, tangy and juicy all at once, pineapple can offset a rich, creamy spring dessert beautifully, making it a light and luscious end to any meal.

INGREDIENTS

● 3 large zucchinis, cut lengthways into 2mm-thick slices

● 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

● 24-26 asparagus spears, trimmed

● 300g fresh ricotta

● 250g cream cheese, chopped, at room temperature

● 200g smooth feta, crumbled

● ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus extra leaves, to serve

● tbsp chopped, fresh oregano leaves

● ⅓ cup chopped, fresh dill sprigs

● 2 garlic cloves, crushed

● 3 tsp finely grated lemon rind

● Chargrilled sourdough bread slices, to serve

METHOD

1 Place the zucchini and 1 tbs oil in a large bowl. Season and toss to combine.

2. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook half the zucchini, turning once, for two minutes or until light golden and softened. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.

3 Meanwhile, cook the asparagus in a saucepan of boiling water for 1 minute or until tender-crisp. Rinse under cold water. Drain.

4 Use a wooden spoon to combine the ricotta, cream cheese, feta, basil, oregano, dill, garlic and lemon rind in a large bowl. Season.

5 Grease a 7cm-deep, 10 x 21cm (base measurement) loaf pan and line the base and sides with baking paper. Place two even rows of zucchini, overlapping, in the base of the prepared pan, allowing the zucchini to extend 1-2cm over each long side of the pan. Spoon half the ricotta mixture into the pan, pressing down carefully. Place half the asparagus on top in an even row.

6 Gently spoon the remaining ricotta mixture over the asparagus. Top with a layer of remaining asparagus. Use any leftover zucchini to line the top. Fold in the overhanging zucchini to enclose. Cover the surface with plastic wrap, pressing gently to compact the terrine. Place in the fridge overnight to chill.

7 Turn terrine out on serving board or platter. Scatter with extra basil leaves and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Serve with toasted sourdough slices.

SERVES

Zucchini, asparagus & feta vegetarian terrine

Bacon & leek tarte flambée

INGREDIENTS

● 1 cup plain flour

● 1 tsp instant dried yeast

● ¼ tsp sea salt

● 1 ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil

● 2 middle bacon rashers, cut into 1cm pieces

● 1 leek, trimmed, cut into 5mm thick slices

● 10g butter

● ½ cup crème fraiche

● 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

● Extra virgin olive oil, to serve

METHOD

1 Place flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Make a well. Combine 1 tablespoon oil and ⅓ cup warm water in a jug. Gradually add water mixture, stirring to form a sticky dough. Turn dough out on to a well-floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a large greased bowl. Cover. Set aside in a warm place for 30 minutes or until dough has doubled in size.

2 Meanwhile, heat remaining oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon. Cook, stirring, for two to three minutes or until lightly browned. Transfer to paper towel to drain. Wipe pan clean. Add leek and butter to pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for four to

five minutes or until softened. Transfer to a plate to cool.

3 Preheat oven to 220/200 fan-forced. Using your fist, punch dough down. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 30 seconds. Using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out dough to form a 20cm x 35cm rectangle. Transfer to a large, greased baking tray. Leaving a 1.5cm border, spread crème fraiche evenly over dough. Sprinkle with bacon and leek.

4 Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until base is crisp. Stand for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving board. Sprinkle with thyme and drizzle with extra oil. Cut into pieces. Serve

Coconut & sesame madeleines with choc drizzle

MAKES 16. PREP 10 MINS. COOK 20 MINS

INGREDIENTS

● 2 tbsp plain spelt flour, plus extra, to dust

● 2 eggs

● 1 tsp vanilla extract

● 55g (¼ cup) raw caster sugar

● 2 tbsp desiccated coconut

● 2 tbsp coconut flour

● 2 tsp black or white sesame seeds

● ½ tsp baking powder

● 60g butter, melted

● 70 per cent dark chocolate, melted, to decorate

METHOD

1 Preheat the oven to 180/160 fan-forced. Lightly grease a 12-hole madeleine pan. Dust with spelt flour and shake out excess.

2 Use electric beaters to beat the eggs, vanilla and sugar in a large bowl for 5 minutes or until pale and thick. Fold in the desiccated coconut, spelt and coconut flours, sesame seeds and baking powder. Fold in the melted butter until just combined.

3 Spoon tablespoonfuls of mixture into the prepared moulds. Bake for 8-10 minutes or

until pale golden and just cooked through. Carefully turn on to a wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining mixture, greasing moulds and dusting with flour before filling.

4 Drizzle the madeleines with melted chocolate to serve.

2018

We're proud to be the Toowoomba region's frst artisan distillery. The secret to our exceptional small batch spirits is our family's commitment to the craft of distilling across six generations. We use only the best local botanicals, and ferment and distill in our heritage stillhouse at the historic Pechey Homestead near Crows Nest. We invite you to experience the spirit of Toowoomba with a visit to the Pechey Distilling Co distillery door, or fnd us at Toowoomba Farmer's Markets on a Saturday morning.

SERVES 6. PREP 30 MINS. COOK 20 MINS

Add gold to your home with a vase of wattle, or try some of these party decorations.

BE BOLD IN GREEN AND GOLD

Flag your Aussie pride by decking out your home with the nation’s team colours

Kate Salemme Sport & Technology Editor

Remember when the front windows, fences and doors of homes and businesses in suburban and city streets were decorated to show their pride for their AFL or NRL team that had made the Grand Final?

The Olympics, which start on July 26 and run until August 11, is the perfect time to bring that great Aussie tradition back, because there’s nothing better than driving down the street seeing homes decked out in team colours for a major sporting event.

It brings more excitement – or to borrow a Gen Z term, brings the vibes – and makes the game (or Games) feel closer to us. Not to mention our incredible athletes would be

buoyed knowing they have the entire nation behind them as they prepare for the biggest moment of their sporting lives.

So we’re leading the charge to make the Aussie streets green and gold again!

Have a fence? You have a place to decorate. Have a front door? You have a place to decorate. Have a window? You have a place to decorate. Have a lounge room? You have a place to decorate.

From streamers to balloons to our personal favourite, the inflatable boxing kangaroo, there’s no shortage of options to deck out your home.

If you plan to have some mates over to watch our record-breaking swimmers or cheer on the Matildas or the Boomers, then why wouldn’t you jazz things up?

Here are some ideas to get you started, and your home will be beaming with pride for our amazing athletes heading to the Paris Olympics in no time.

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The Makers Den is a one-of-a-kind haven celebrating the artistry of small businesses and handmade goods. With over 30 talented makers showcasing their creations, you’ll discover a delightful array of unique and high-quality products. From intricately crafted jewellery and bespoke homewares to beautiful textiles and artisanal food items, The Makers Den offers something special for everyone seeking one-of-a-kind treasures. Step inside and wander through this hub of creativity, where the talents of local makers come to life.

How well did you sleep last night?

Helaina Bench Home & Living Columnist Freedom Toowoomba

Astudy of young Australians last year reported that one quarter regularly failed to feel rested after sleep, and those that were dissatisfied with their sleep were associated with poorer physical and mental health.

Of course, better sleep is easier said than done. So how can you wake better rested?

Finding your perfect mattress

We’ve come a long way from the idea that everyone needs exactly eight hours’ sleep a night. Sleep is incredibly personal, from how much you need to the best time to fall asleep.

Head in store and let our knowledgeable team assist you to find the bedding that best suits you and your sleep style.

Choosing the right mattress firmness is critical for good sleep. A mattress that is too firm will leave side sleepers achy and sore, while a mattress that is too soft could exacerbate snoring conditions.

With three clear options – plush, medium and firm – Freedom makes it easy to find the right fit with their range of mattresses.

Creating your sleep sanctuary

To really sleep well, it’s important to create a zone that radiates peacefulness and relaxation. By building a restful place you look forward to entering, you’ll be less likely to procrastinate on going to sleep.

To achieve this, take the time to style your bedroom carefully. A matching set of bedroom furniture creates a harmonious look. Bed frames and side tables made from Australian timbers can bring a connection to nature into the room, though nothing beats the cosy feel of a fabric frame.

Nothing will make you want to slide into bed more than a set of luxe sheets. Bamboo/ cotton blends offer year-round comfort, while European linen has the coolness and breathability needed to survive hot nights.

Consider how lighting plays a role too. Harsh overhead lights can confuse the brain into staying alert. Swap it for the soft light of well-placed table and floor lamps that invoke the feeling of dusk, encouraging the brain to produce melatonin and wind down for sleep.

Better sleep awaits

A few considered upgrades to your bedroom can go a long way towards creating healthy sleep habits and waking up feeling rested, refreshed and ready to take on the day.

Impact of key rental law changes

By Ros Burton Principal – The Real Estate People

Well, the government’s been at it again and the real estate industry has been walloped once more with rental reform. I’m not convinced, but authorities will argue it’s to be “fairer to all”, but the proof will be in the pudding. Key changes came into effect in June, and I’ve included a few significant highlights below:

Rent and increases

● Maximum rent in advance has been capped at two weeks for periodic tenancy agreements and one month for fixed tenancy agreements.

● Rent increases are limited to 12 months and are attached to the property instead of the tenancy.

New regulations and enforcement

● New regulations will be established to oversee the development and

implementation of a new portable bond scheme, rental sector code of conduct, and applications to make modifications for safety, security, or accessibility.

● Greater enforcement actions will be taken by RTA to uphold compliance with the Act.

Request for information

When applying for a rental property, we are only allowed to request specific information from prospective tenants. This includes:

● Documents verifying their identity

● Financial details to assess ability to pay rent

Landlords… does your property manager offer:

Detailed routine inspection reports every 3 months

Tenants paying water consumption

One on one communication

If not, then it’s time for you to get a new property manager.

Looking after your investment shouldn’t be ‘set and forget’.

What is important to you is important to us, so call us today and see how easy it is to make the change.

● Documents to show suitability for property. It is important to note we now CANNOT ask for the following (in my opinion the most detrimental changes):

● Legal action taken by prospective tenant

● Information on any notice to remedy breach given to the prospective tenant

● Information on any notice to remedy breach given by the prospective tenant

● Prospective tenant’s history in relation to rental bonds, including any claim on a rental bond

● Statements of credit accounts or bank accounts

Verification of identity

Prospective tenants can provide identity documents to verify their identity. This can be done by:

● Providing a copy of the original document

● Allowing us to access or sight the original document

Upcoming

changes (dates to be advised)

● Re-letting costs: Will be calculated on the remaining time on the tenancy or rooming agreement

● Utility bills: Tenants must receive utility bills within a four-week time frame, unless the managing party has a reasonable excuse

● Entry notice period: The minimum entry notice period has increased from 24 hours to 48 hours

● Rental application process: A new standardised rental application form will be created and must be used when a tenant is applying for a rental property

● Request for fixtures and structural changes: A revised process has been introduced for tenants to request fixtures and structural changes

● Goods left behind: Managing parties must contact former tenants where goods are left behind and a revised process for advertising stored goods has been introduced

We’ve been in the industry a long time and know these changes will have an impact on how landlords manage their rental properties, so be sure to visit rta.qld.gov.au/ forms-resources/rental-law-changes/ ongoing-rental-law-changes for more details. Asalways,ifyouhaveanyquestionsor concerns,pleasedonothesitatetocontact usatTheRealEstatePeople

Travelling with kids a comedy of errors

It may be hard work, chaos, tears and drama, but visiting other countries broadens the mind and creates lasting memories

Cat Ardi Brennan Fashion & Lifestyle Columnist

Family holidays, ah, the perfect recipe for meltdowns, tears, and enough drama to rival a Shakespearean tragedy.

Preparing for a family trip is an exciting time as we hope for a relaxing getaway, but instead we find ourselves questioning our life choices and wondering why we put ourselves through this torture. So, why do we do it? Why do we willingly subject ourselves to the chaos and mayhem that comes with family holidays?

On this family trip, we decided to venture to Hong Kong and Macao so we could take in the sights of new territory while also visiting Hong Kong Disneyland. “We” is my sister Carla, and her four children ranging from 20 to nine. When we first start planning our trip, our minds are filled with idyllic visions of

laughter-filled family dinners in exotic locations. We imagine ourselves sitting around a table, sharing plates of delicious food, and basking in the joy of being together.

It’s like a scene out of a Chicken Tonight or Leggos TV ad where everyone is happily chowing down on fried chicken or pasta; bonding over shared meals.

We chat incessantly before we leave and envision ourselves sampling the local delicacies, like dim sum and Peking duck, and marvelling, as a family, at their exquisite flavours. Picture perfect, right?

Wrong. Instead of enjoying the local cuisine, we find ourselves bending to the kids complaining about how different it looks and longing for the familiar taste of a Big Mac. Even the local McDonald’s fails to meet their expectations. And don’t even get me started on the wi-fi situation (or lack thereof) and the endless whining about the less-thanpleasant smells that often accompany developing countries. I’m no expert on sewage systems but it seems I practically become an engineer when attempting to

Traveldetails

● We flew Cathay Pacific which takes you direct to Hong Kong from Brisbane

● We stayed at Explorers Lodge, Hong Kong Disneyland and The Venetian, Macao

● TravellingwithinHongKong: via train, Uber or bus

● Bestelevatedeats: La Chine at the Eiffel Tower, Le Parisian Macao

● Bestregulareats: Kau Kee Food Cafe, Hong Kong (Michelin rated)

● Bestdrinks: The eclectic menu at Hollywood Hotel, Hong Kong Disneyland where all cocktails are Marvel inspired

Macao,China,atnight;thetrainto DisneylandinHongKong,whereCatArdi Brennan(farright)stayedwithherfamily whiletravelling.

The centre has more than 150 accommodation options in Caloundra, starting from just $520 per week. Call today to speak to one of the friendly staff members or check availability and book online at any time.

explain why there are certain smells here that we won’t find at home in Australia.

The magic of travel seems to be lost on the younger members of the family. They can’t seem to appreciate the beauty of a panda park or the historical significance of ancient monuments. No, instead they’re more interested in capturing the perfect TikTok video or declaring everything “boring” without giving it a fair chance.

My youngest niece had also fractured her wrist a week before we departed for Asia. So, not only did we have to deal with the usual holiday mishaps, but we also had the added challenge of navigating airports and tourist attractions with a cast-covered arm. Watching her struggle to remove the plaster cast with a Mickey Mouse knife became a game in itself, a bizarre form of entertainment amid the madness.

As I sat on the plane home after all had concluded, accidentally separated from the family pack and enjoying the rare moment of peace, I realised that I am partly to blame for the holiday chaos. I too, am always on the lookout for wi-fi, buried in my phone or laptop, trying to stay connected to the outside world. And when I’m bombarded with questions about the location of the nearest toilet or the time of a particular event, I often snap and respond with frustration.

I became the personal tour guide and pack mule for the family, taking away their

independence and leaving them helpless without me.

I’ll never forget the time we went on an earlier family holiday – a cruise – and I overestimated the kids’ packing skills. I thought I was being organised by buying colour-coded packing cells for each of them, but they ended up not using them at all. We were left on board with mismatched socks and forgotten swimsuits, and let’s not even talk about the weather that I conveniently didn’t order correctly for them. It was a comedy of errors, and I was the director.

But here’s the thing, amid all the madness and frustration, we did create lasting memories. We may not have looked like a picture-perfect family or acted like the Brady Bunch, but we learned more about each other and our individual quirks. We discovered that “hangriness” runs in the family and that regular snacks are a must.

And maybe it’s time for me to loosen my grip and let these kids express their personalities, even if it means they don’t dress the way I envision. Piercings might be a step too far for now, but who knows what the future holds? (It’s too far for now anyway!)

I truly believe that one day, when the kids look back on these trips, they won’t just remember the frustrations and disappointments. They’ll remember the laughter and the moments of genuine connection. They’ll remember trying new foods and experiencing different cultures, even if they didn’t always enjoy every bite.

Instead of enjoying the local cuisine, we find ourselves bending to the kids complaining about how different it looks and longing for the familiar taste of a Big Mac

Maybe they might remember the Portuguese influence in Macao and the world-famous sardines. And most importantly, I hope they will remember that we were there for each other, supporting and caring for one another in the midst of the chaos.

So, while our family holidays may not always go according to plan, and we may find ourselves questioning our sanity at times, we are creating lasting memories. One packing cell at a time, we are building a tapestry of experiences that will stay with us long after the sand has been shaken out of our shoes and the sunscreen has faded from our skin. And for that, I wouldn’t trade these chaotic adventures for anything in the world.

The space in between these adventures, however, can be a tad longer.

Beauaraba

YOUR DAILY DOSE OF HEALTHY (-ISH)

GIVING YOU THE TOOLS TO MAKE HEALTHIER DECISIONS FOR YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL

JESS FOXX

On showing up when you feeling like quitting

foods for a better night’s sleep

& self talk

DR MICHAEL MOSELY On

LAURA HENSHAW On running hacks, strength training

Unlock the secrets of colour

Craft an unforgettable brand that directly targets your market using the psychology of colour

Perri Adkins Graphic Design Columnist Hey Marketing

In the ever-evolving world of marketing and branding, every little detail matters. From your logo to your website to the

promoting sustainability, health and ecofriendliness. Companies like Woolworths, Starbucks and Medicare utilise green to align themselves with feelings of rejuvenation and promote a sense of wellbeing.

BLUE

Symbolising trust, stability and professionalism, blue is a popular choice for corporate brands wanting to establish credibility and confidence in their audience. Tech giants like Facebook, LinkedIn and Outlook leverage the colour blue to show reliability and trustworthiness.

What people are saying...

"They have taken a huge weight off my shoulders in terms of social media marketing."

Adrian Pet Mince Direct

"Modern, Young, Bright & Professional."

Geoff Helicopters Australia

"They understood exactly what I wanted, and often had a better understanding of the vision than myself."

Cassie Adorned Aesthetics

"They have been instrumental in building my business."

Clayton Bergen

"They listened to me and really understood my needs."

Emily Clarity Consulting Co

Lights,camera,action

Why video should be part of your brand strategy

Clayton Menyweather Columnist Little Pig Consulting

Depending on who you ask, people are consuming more video than anything else on the internet.

Recent reports from YouTube state that on average each month people watch 28 hours and five minutes, compared with nearly 20 hours on Facebook.

These figures may seem alarming to you, but to me that’s probably about right. I get so much of my learnings and information from watching video on all the major platforms. I get hooked watching people doing extraordinary things and it’s the major source for my bad dad jokes.

Video has played an important part in promoting our brand over the years. Some of my most cringeworthy work is the series I did called “Take out the rubbish” – and if you want to have a laugh, go have a look at those on YouTube. What they did enable me to do, however, was to learn the craft and increase my confidence when it comes to performing live videos on Facebook.

Why use videos in your marketing strategy you may ask? Here are my top five reasons:

1 Video can engage with your audience and future clients.

2 Your clients get to know who you are and what you believe in.

3 You get to showcase your brand’s personality.

4 Explain complex ideas or demonstrate products and their benefits.

5 Kickstart conversations and boost your social media pages.

This is not an exhaustive list of reasons; I could write on this subject for hours. Video

can be used across multiple platforms such as social media, your website, and your YouTube channel. They can also be used for presentations.

Are you struggling for content ideas?

Some engaging video ideas could include: Why choose us?; customer testimonials; get to know our team; myth-busting; FAQs; and behind-the-scenes, to mention a few.

There’s often one big obstacle – “I don’t like being in front of the camera”, you might say. And I must admit when the camera is in front of me my mind goes blank at times.

To help overcome this situation, we find it

helpful to map out the purpose of the video and the main points that you want to speak against.

Another technique is to record a sentence or two at a time. This way you don’t have to remember everything all at once. Depending on where it’s going to land, your video may not need to be perfect. If it’s a Facebook live, most people understand that a few ums and ahs here and there is to be expected.

If it’s a corporate video, then this may need to be more polished and rehearsed. Authentic live videos on all social media

platforms tend to do quite well when it comes to getting viewership and engagement. Of course like anything, this takes practice. The more you’re in front of the camera, the better you get. A great way to gain confidence is by setting up a test page on Facebook. This is a great way to practice going “live” while testing your audio and lighting. You also get to hone your skills in front of the camera without anybody else seeing your content. Once you feel comfortable, you can hit that go live button!

Who knows? Your brand could be the next social media sensation!

CANCER

Jun22-Jul23

I see you, Cancer, making the moves across the dance floor, tiny maracas in claw doing what you do best which is celebrating, of course. Crabs will be keen to strut their moves in July as they warm to the idea of getting another year older but wiser not so sure. July brings forth a multitude of tasks to keep up with so be sure you attend to all of the major ticks on your to do list, otherwise you may find yourself in a pickle with either work or the law. No one wants a night spent with people you don’t know. What? Of course Cancer star signs party with everyone. Have a great month.

LEO Jul24-Aug23

LIBRA Sept24-Oct23

Leo, you’ve got to stop dreaming of romantic ocean voyages or castles with the tall brooding Viking overload and get back to reality. It is time to start caring about where you are going in life – all of this daydreaming is not helping you to discover where you really want to be. If you are feeling a little left out in your daily life then do something about it. Jump up and down, yell, shout to the world, I am going to do the best that I can! Now go out and enjoy the beautiful wintry month of July because you know what is next. Your birthday month. Yippee!!!

VIRGOAug24-Sept23

I am fairly confident that Disney must have based Mary Poppins on the star sign Virgo as you are practically perfect in every way. Not need to rush around being frantic, slow and steady will win the race every time. Begin July with a goal in mind and head straight for that mark, then look how you can improve your situation. Take time out to do some study perhaps or simply walk away from a situation or career that is not bringing you happiness. Good stars are on the horizon for you so don’t waste a moment.

Libra it will soon become apparent that you are unable to keep up with your demanding career. It may hit you harder than you think as you roll into July. Keep those winter flu and viruses at bay by ensuring that you are up to date with all of the medical interventions you can afford yourself. It may seem harmless to think it is just a sniffle, however your body tells you differently. It is time for you to consider what roles you may need to bolster your yin and yang. Relax and breathe – it will work out in the end, just do what your body tells you.

SCORPIOOct24-Nov22

Scorpio, what a month you have ahead of you, full of fun and happy times. Many of you will catch up with long lost friends and family memories will be joyous. Time waits for no one so enjoy these times as you are aware that good times are for the taking and tomorrow is not guaranteed, so crank up the volume, enjoy great company and dance the night away. Ask yourself have you stopped to see how beautiful life is at present with love stars swirling around you the next six months … your life could not be more perfect.

SAGITTARIUSNov23-Dec22

Like it or not, Sagittarius, July will be full of forward planning so whether you are considering a new career, relocation or investment, your stars look great. Who doesn’t want to do the whole packing

and unpacking into your new residence. It is also a great chance to have a good clear out. It is amazing how much we bring into our life, never thinking of when or where we will have the chance to drink from those fine crystal glasses or do we really need that statue of the frog on rollerskates with an umbrella? Seriously, if you have not used it over the past 12 months then do you really need it?

CAPRICORNDec23-Jan20

Doesn’t it feel great to be on the cusp of greatness. I am sure you know as there has not really been a time over the past two years where you haven’t starred in a leading role. However your life is about to get as busy as a state school hat rack with all the potential new endeavours noted on your to do list. Time to book in that flight over the Grand Canyon, take a chance on a super duper roller coaster –you like to live dangerously so now is the time to get out and do the unexpected.

AQUARIUSJan21-Feb19

Aquarius, do not worry if this month may seem a little hectic. Would you have it any other way? If there is to be a challenge put forward, boy, are you up for it? No one can come close to Aquarius in the live-life-to-the-full stakes. Cruising through life was not meant for you … it has to be high octane all the way. You do have your calm down times but they are few and far between – simply there to allow everyone else to catch up to you Think about churning some of your energy in education – it could be just the degree you need to improve life skills.

PISCES Feb20-Mar20

If you are looking for a change of direction in your life then take the plunge. Why not become your own brand, there are many avenues of expertise you can excel in with the emphasis on art … the future is yours for the taking. I see your business name becoming a success. With all of the drive you put in it will come back to you positively. Home life is

where the learning process begins – it is where you feel most comfortable enjoying the serene space that suits your soul. Get ready, success is on the way – just let it happen naturally.

ARIES

Mar21-Apr20

Aries, it is the time of year when you rug up toasty and warm happy to be a home body as the colder weather hits. It does not mean you are a hermit by any means, simply you allow special people in your life to spend precious time making memories with you for all the right reasons. Grab that cup of hot chocolate, secret stash of biscuits and hit the remote. You will enjoy the down time as you binge watch the latest shows. Just imagine how much you’ll have grown in knowledge by watching a few documentaries, just watch out on the biscuits or you may grow in other places

TAURUS

Apr21-May21

Time waits for no man or woman – it is a time of reflection during July. Have you become everything you really wanted to be? It is better to try and try again rather than admit defeat and give up altogether. Big gains this month. It may also be time to update your fitness and commit to a gym membership or hit the streets to get your heart and blood moving. All the better to feel alive with that nice, cool breeze giving you a push along. Watch where you are going … no one manages to sprain ankles more often than Taurus.

GEMINI

May22-Jun21

Brrr!! you hate the cold. Nothing says miserable more than a Gemini having to survive another freezing cold season. So head for a warmer climate where you will take advantage of beautiful tropical breezes, warm nights, balmy oceans, throw in a cocktail or two and it makes for a perfectly contented Gemini. Patience is needed as Rome was not built in a day, and neither is flying to your destination. It is worth the time – just don’t lose your luggage or you may have to rely on your birthday suit to go swimming. Who cares? Bon voyage.

Lunar

Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his frst offce in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offces in Texas and Millmerran.

What’s new in entertainment

Read…

Deepisthe

Fen byLiliWilkinson Reviewedby JessicaKramer

Lili Wilkinson builds upon the world she created in her previous book with this young adult fantasy novel in a similar vein. While not promoted as a sequel or spin-off, readers who have read A Hunger of Thorns will find the magic system and setting eerily familiar. Ultimately it’s a fantastic book and a fantastic entry point for new readers as well.

Merry is on the cusp of adulthood but rather than leaving her small town and two best friends, she wants everything to stay the same and for best friend Teddy to wake up and realise he’s in love with her. When Teddy gets involved with a “secret” society of men with sinister practices, Merry leaps into action to attempt to stop him, even if it means teaming up with her enemy.

Again Wilkinson excels in writing strong female characters and covering tough subjects in a digestible way.

Deep is the Fen looks at prejudices we hold towards people and the complexities around being in love with a long-term friend. While there are certainly confronting scenes, these are handled with tact throughout the book.

It’s easy to get absorbed in the societal issues this world has and the mysteries surrounding it, and I look forward to peeling back more of the layers in any future instalments.

DeepistheFenispublishedbyAllen &Unwinandisavailablenow

Jessica Kramer Entertainment Editor

Read…

DespicableMe4

Reviewed

by

JessicaKramer

The latest instalment following the adventures of super villain Gru is a good family film yet it somehow falls a little short of its predecessors.

We’re reintroduced to Gru family life as the titular character comes home after a school reunion (and the introduction of this movie’s villain, Maxime) to his three girls Margo, Edith and Agnes, and wife Lucy. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, it’s filled with iconic yellow pill-shaped minions – it’s everything we’ve come to expect from this household. Then bam! baby reveal: Gru Junior has joined the family since we saw them last.

The relationship between this adorable addition and Gru is the star of this film. As the trailers suggest, Junior delights in tormenting his “dada” and shows firm preference for his mother. The relationship Gru has with the girls and their storyline conflicts throughout the movie and take backstage to the Gru-Junior conflict and the Gru-Maxime conflict. The girls are there and have small subplots throughout the movie, but these are never fully realised or completely resolved, making Despicable Me 4 feel less cohesive than the first three films. That being said, it’s still an enjoyable movie, even just for the fact that it’s fun.

Adults will enjoy the humorous take on mixing socially with people higher on the societal ladder and the awkwardness of trying to make friends as a grown-up, while kids will love the ridiculous antics of the Minions and the general comedy throughout. It will be interesting to see if there’s any further Despicable Me movies, or if this one is the natural conclusion to the story.

WatchDespicableMe4atEventCinemas GrandCentralforyourselfnow

Read…

Where

What a sequel. If What the River Knows shocked me with its plot twists, Where the Library Hides really drove it home.

This young adult historical fantasy picks up where the first book left off, with Inez still weathering the aftershocks of her cousin’s murder and her mother’s betrayal. With Inez’s uncle Ricardo threatening to cut her off from her inheritance and independence, Inez has only one option: marry nemesisturned-lover and Ricardo’s right-handman Whitford Hayes. Problem is, Whit has his own mysterious reasons for staying in Egypt and allying with her.

In a market saturated with suspense in novels that never really lands because the reader knows the author won’t make the truly tough calls, Isabel Ibanez pulls no punches. She’s already proven in book one that she won’t back down from the shocking or the difficult, and this only adds to the sense of peril for book two.

The characters remain real and relatable, but if anything Inez becomes more so as she grapples with feelings of guilt, uncertainty and self-doubt.

Overall, this was an excellent duology that has definite re-readability, and Where the Library Hides is a fantastic conclusion.

WheretheLibraryHidesispublished byHodderscapeandisavailable fromNovember12

the LibraryHidesby IsabelIbanez

Reviewedby JessicaKramer

Charity day on track

If the winter gloom is already getting you down, set your sights on this year’s Toowoomba Hospice Charity Race Day and get ready to kick spring off in style.

Toowoomba Hospice Fundraising and Events Co-ordinator Amy Goldsmid says the day is shaping up beautifully and guests can expect plenty of fun and fashion to go along with all the excitement of the races.

The longstanding event has been running for more than 20 years and Amy says the team always works hard to add something fresh to the tried and tested formula of giving people a smashing day out while raising funds for an incredible cause.

“It has changed a little bit in recent years and this year we’ve had a bit of a change in the Fashions on the Field event,” she says.

“Clifford Park has offered the winners of the best-dressed male and female categories two free tickets to the Weetwood carnival as well as automatic entry into Weetwood’s Fashions on the Field.”

The race day, sponsored by Neil Mansell Transport, offers generous racegoers plenty of opportunities to do their bit for the Toowoomba Hospice.

“We’ll have all the normal fun, like lucky door prizes, and our major raffle has more than 20 quality prizes,” Amy says.

“There will be a live and a silent auction, and Fashions on the Field will have categories for best dressed male, best dressed female, best dressed couple, and best hat. And

there will be the excitement

Last year’s event raised more than $27,000 to support the Toowoomba Hospice’s vital work in the community, and this year Amy says she was setting the ambitious target of

$50,000. It is expected that in the next financial year the hospice will require $2.35m to carry out the important job of caring for terminally ill people and their families through their toughest moments.

“Of that $2.35m, we need to raise at least $630,000 from fundraising initiatives like the race day and support from our community,” Amy says.

“By doing that it enables us to provide our care at no cost to the individual and their family. For the rooms it works out at over $1000 a day and we have six rooms.

“You don’t need the extra stress of paying the bill when a loved one is dying, or not being able to afford the service.”

Along with around-the-clock care for terminally ill patients, Toowoomba Hospice provides ongoing support to help families process grief including pastoral care and support groups. Amy says people can support this important work just by donning glad rags for a wonderful day at the races, but she recommends getting in early for tickets as others were no longer leaving buying tickets until the last minute.

Tickets are $120 for standard entry, which includes grazing platters and a delicious twocourse meal, or a premium ticket including drinks is $200.

Formoreinformationortobuytickets, visittoowoombahospice.org.auor call46598500.

of trackside twilight racing at Clifford Park Racecourse, which is such a beautiful backdrop.”

CrowdsgathertoenjoytheToowoombaHospiceCharityRaceDay.

events

JULY

TARZAN–AJUNIORCHORAL SOCIETYPRODUCTION

SaturdayJuly6at2pmand7pm

WHERE: Empire Theatre 54 -56 Neil Street, Toowoomba

WHAT: Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan of the Apes, Tarzan features heartpumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, and a book by Tony award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. High-flying excitement and hits, like the Academy Award winning You’ll Be in My Heart, as well as Son of Man and Two Worlds, make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience. Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas who name him Tarzan. Apart from striving for acceptance from his ape father, Tarzan’s life is mostly monkey business until a human expedition treks into his tribe’s territory, and he encounters creatures like himself for the first time. Tarzan struggles to navigate a jungle, thick with emotion, as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.

COST: Adult $27, concession (gov seniors & pension cards) $22, child U12yrs $20, groups 6+ $22. A transaction fee of $5 applies per transaction for phone and internet bookings.

FESTIVALOFSPEED TOOWOOMBA

I, Object considers the many complex relationships Indigenous Australian artists continue to have with objects – from the histories informing their creation to the social and cultural consequences of their collection.

Saturday,July6.Gatesopenfrom 8amto6pm

WHERE: Toowoomba Showgrounds, Glenvale

WHAT: Get ready for some high-octane fun at the Festival of Speed Toowoomba – it’s gonna be a blast. Attractions include motorcycle quad racing, both static and on track, a massive auto show and shine both bikes and various car divisions, historic speedway vehicles both static and on track, go karts on and off track, motorcycle racing on an off-road course, junior off-road motorcycle racing, offroad racing cars, side-by-side Polaris racing, arena cross, registered off-road car time trial course that anyone can enter, demolition derby, laser and fireworks spectacular, dance troupe, crazy crane drop, stunt acts and monster trucks mayhem.

COST: Adult $50, child $35, family (2 adults and 2 kids 2-14yrs) $160, Gold Section (in the Main Grandstand, limited but not numbered seating), Gold adult $65, Gold child $50.

ABERFELDYMIDWINTER MARKETS&SUNDAYSESH

Sunday,July7fromnoonto4pm

WHERE: Aberfeldy Barn, 124 Macaulay Rd, Westbrook

WHAT: Enjoy the warmth of the winter sun on the lawns of Aberfeldy! Grab some yummy lunch, listen to live music, shop the market stalls and warm your toes by the fire. Entry by gold coin donation.

TOOWOOMBACAREERSEXPO

Tuesday,July9from9amto2.30pm

WHERE: Clive Berghofer Events Centre, Founders Pavilion, Toowoomba Showgrounds

WHAT: Find your passion at the 13th annual Toowoomba Careers Expo. The expos have grown and been recognised as the most comprehensive careers, employment and training events in Australia. This expo delivers the latest career opportunities in Australia.

EMRUSCIANO,OUTGROWN

Thursday,July11at8pm

WHERE: Empire Theatre, 54 -56 Neil St Toowoomba

WHAT: Em Rusciano’s Outgrown is a comedic musical journey exploring personal growth after life’s challenges. It is Rusciano’s brandnew, live experience and her first big national tour since her wildly successful Rage and Rainbows show in 2019 and, yes, she is still angry, but now she knows why. Outgrown is a hilarious, searing, multi-sensory look at the beauty that can emerge after everything has been burned to the ground.

COST: Outgrown VIP $149.90 includes One A Reserved ticket, access to the pre-show Fan Q&A, Meet and Greet with a commemorative photo, VIP laminate & lanyard; Full Bloom VIP $99.90 includes: One A Reserved ticket, access to pre-show Fan Q&A, VIP laminate & lanyard; A Reserve $69.90, B Reserve $49.90. A $5 transaction fee applies per transaction for phone and internet bookings.

BLACKSMITHINGBEGINNER WORKSHOP

Saturday,July13toSunday,July14 from8.30amto4pm

WHERE: Cobb + Co Museum, 27 Lindsay St, Toowoomba

WHAT: Join Australian Champion Blacksmith Terry Drennan for a lesson in the custom-built blacksmithing shop. Learn blacksmithing basics and create your own set of blacksmithing tools including a cold chisel, hot cutter, round punch, centre punch and tongs. As well as your tools, you will take away the basic skills of blacksmithing including operating a forge and using the tools and anvil. After completing this workshop, you are eligible to participate in the Blacksmithing Advanced Workshops. Requirements: Closed-in boots (or steelcapped), long pants and long sleeves. Recommended for 16 years and over.

COST: $430, includes expert instruction, all materials and meals.

scene

On Friday, June 7, Lannah Dunn Fine Jewellery celebrated the official launch of their flagship boutique with a series of special events. The celebration started with a ribboncutting ceremony of the 14 Russell St store with Mayor Geoff McDonald and civic leaders attending, followed by a Champagne soiree for 60 guests including clients and local identities. The soiree included a classical music performance, canapes and bubbles, plus an amazing, pearl-encrusted buttercream, two-tier cake created by Katrina Allen. The festivities continued across Saturday with a VIP client day filled with cupcakes, Champagne and balloons.

Eala Dunn, Sarah Gleeson and Emilee Nichols.

Images:TheresaHallPhotography

LANNAH DUNN BOUTIQUE LAUNCH

Sarah Gibson, Jill Bliss, Fiona Ferguson, Pam Stains and Tina Rawlings.

Scott and Lauren Cowan.

Simon and Emma Wynd.

Bridie Dunn.

Kerrie Carucci.

John Gillett, Sharyn Donaldson and Ross Dunn.

puzzles

Across

1. Illuminate (5)

4. Calms (8)

9. Glum (6)

14. Male duck (5)

15. Large timepiece (11,5)

17. Climb (5)

18. Friend (3)

19. Remaining (7)

20. Be an example of (9)

21. Rationality (6)

24. Indigestion (9)

25. Damned (6)

26. Interfere (6)

29. Recover (10)

31. Fuss (3)

32. Reverberated (6)

33. Ancient South American (4)

35. Call for help (3)

37. Mild-mannered (4)

39. Place too high a price (9)

40. Beyond value (9)

41. Captures (5)

42. Back and forward (2,3,3)

47. Hurry up! (4,2,2)

51. Attitude, beliefs (5)

55. Mainly (9)

56. Vowing (9)

58. Level (4)

59. Spoil (3)

60. Liability (4)

61. Disposable handkerchief (6)

62. Anger (3)

63. Text in full (10)

66. Intelligent (6)

67. Needing immediate action (6)

69. Blasphemy (9)

72. Short-sighted (6)

73. Collier (4,5)

75. Cricket bowling action (7)

77. Large snake (3)

80. Additional (5)

81. Indisputable (16)

82. At no time (5)

83. Behind (nautical) (6)

84. Woo with song (8)

85. Sarcastic (5)

Down

2. Grouchy (9)

3. Useful (5)

5. Against (4)

6. Equipment for climbers (3,4)

7. Unequalled (12)

8. Group of fish (5)

9. Head towards (4,3)

10. Relax (4)

11. Mariner (6)

12. Joyful (5)

13. Refuse an offer (7)

14. Hand over (7)

16. Ended (8,3)

22. Formal discussion (6)

23. Maybe (7)

24. Intoxicated (7)

25. Cupboard (6)

27. Underground prison (7)

28. Illustrate (6)

30. Jealousy (4)

32. Piece of writing (5)

34. Any possession of value (5)

36. Seaweed (4)

38. Latin for “I” (3)

42. Lukewarm (5)

43. Friendly (7)

44. Unhearing (4)

45. Dried grape (6)

46. Verse (5)

48. Alert, energetic type (colloq) (5,6)

49. Late (7)

50. Frost (3)

51. Something unsightly (7)

52. Run flat out (6)

53. Financially rewarding project (5-7)

54. In place of (L) (4)

57. Slanted writing (6)

64. Surrounded (9)

65. Recuperate (7)

66. Merge (7)

68. Feeling (7)

70. Stripe (7)

71. Pause (6)

72. Pale purple colour (5)

74. Location (5)

76. Rule (5)

78. Bundle of hay (4)

79. Enthusiastic (4)

Across: 1. Light, 4. Pacifies, 9. Morose, 14. Drake, 15. Grandfather ck,clo 17. Scale, 18. Pal, 19. Staying, 20. Exemplify, 21. Sanity, 24. Dyspepsia, 25. Cursed, 26. Meddle, 29. Recuperate, 31. Ado, 32. Echoed, 33. Inca, 35. SOS, 37. Meek, 39. Overvalue, 40. Priceless, 41. Traps, 42. To and fro, 47. Step on it, 51. Ethos, 55. Primarily, 56. Promising, 58. Even, 59. Mar, 60. Debt, 61. Tissue, 62. Ire, 63. Unabridged, 66. Clever, 67. Urgent, 69. Sacrilege, 72. Myopic, 73. Coal miner, 75. Overarm, 77. Boa, 80. Extra, 81. Incontrovertible, 82. Never, 83. Astern, 84. Serenade, 85. Snide. Down: 2. Irritable, 3. Handy, 5. Anti, 6. Ice axes, 7. Incomparable, 8. Shoal, 9. Make for, 10. Rest, 11. Seaman, 12. Happy, 13. Decline, 14. Deliver, 16. Finished off, 22. Debate, 23. Perhaps, 24. Drunken, 25. Closet, 27. Dungeon, 28. Depict, 30. Envy, 32. Essay, 34. Asset, 36. Kelp, 38. Ego, 42. Tepid, 43. Amiable, 44. Deaf, 45. Raisin, 46. Rhyme, 48. Eager beaver, 49. Overdue, 50. Ice, 51. Eyesore, 52. Sprint, 53. Moneyspinner, 54. Lieu, 57. Italic, 64. Encircled, 65. Recover, 66. Combine, 68. Emotion, 70. Chevron, 71.

Hiatus, 72. Mauve, 74. Locus, 76. Reign, 78. Bale, 79. Avid.