Style Toowoomba March 2021

TOOWOOMBA MARCH 2021

m a g a z i n e

FASHION

SHOPPING

H E A LT H

BEAUTY

MOTORING

T R AV E L

FOOD

EVENTS

ARTS

SANKEY FRASER

. YOUR ONE STOP SHOP

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

CONTENTS

I

sn’t it just like 2021 to welcome a new season with a bang?

Fortunately, this time seems to be more of a positive autumnal welcome, with a full calendar ahead or March.

Speaking of which - to celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we’ve put together a bumper edition of Style magazine with a full feature on women of influence (from p8) in and around the Toowoomba region.

You’ll also meet some of the incredible women in our schools with the education feature from page 45.

It’s not all about the gals this month, though: you can discover the life of a fighter on page 18 and what it’s like working in the protection services on page 20.

If you’re here for those autumn feels, we’ve got you, too: resident MUA Jaimie shows off how to create this amazing fall look on page 23, or you can join us in falling in love with redecorating our homes when you dicover the elegant yet calming colour palette Pantone has created for this cool and crisp season (page 40).

Finally, don’t forget to try some new recipes with poke bowls and broccoli salad from page 32!

All the best, Style Team xx

MEET THE TEAM EDITOR Josie Adams josie.adams@news.com.au 4690 9354

JOURNALISTS Alyssa Welke

alyssa.welke@news.com.au

SUB EDITOR Jessica Kramer

GRAPHIC DESIGN Alyssa Welke Jeff Brown Cassandra Hudson

ADVERTISING MANAGER Brooke Gardner brooke.gardener@news.com.au 4690 9309

STYLE MAGAZINE TOOWOOMBA CONTACT DETAILS toowoombaads@news.com.au 109 Neil Street, Toowoomba City PO BOX 40, Toowoomba QLD 4350

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

@stylemagazinestoowoomba

CONTENTS

06 FEATURE MEET WOMEN OF INFLUENCE IN AND AROUND THE TOOWOOMBA REGION

18 ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES 20 SAFE AND SECURE 22 FASHION LOVE ME FOREVER 23 HEALTH & BEAUTY AUTUMN LOOKS WITH JAIMIE 24 QUALITY CARE THE STANDARD 25 GOOD NEWS FOR ESPRESSO LOVERS 26 RAPID TREATMENT WITH ST ANDREW’S 27 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SLEEP CHRONTYPES

28 ST VINCENT’S CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 29 QUALITY CHOICES WITH MY MIDWIVES 30 MANAGING SLEEP APNEA 32 FOOD TERIYAKI SALMON POKE BOWL 33 TUNA POKE BOWL 34 CHICKEN CACCIATORE 35 EAT YOUR GREENS BROCCOLI SALAD 36 WEDDING SIMPLICITY RULED FOR THIS CUTE COUPLE 38 HOME TRY OUT THE SEXY MERCEDES COMPACT SUV 40 SYNERGY - A PEACEFUL PALETTE FOR YOUR HOME 42 THE BUILDER DIARIES - PART 5 45 EDUCATION DISCOVER LOCAL SCHOOLS 61 ARTS CLIFFORD GOULDSON TOOWOOMBA ART SCENE 64 LOCAL TALENTS PERFORMING JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR 65 CLOUDLAND THE MUSICAL COMING TO TOOWOOMBA 66 CELEBRATING FIRST NATION PEOPLE 68 EVENTS GET OUT AND ABOUT THIS MONTH 70 BUSINESS TECH TALK 71 SOCIALS SEE WHO’S BEEN AT THE RACES

FEATURE

Concordia Lutheran College Presents

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

C

oncordia Lutheran College is renowned for spectacular musical productions and 2021 is set to delight audiences once again as the College presents Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The magical show, featuring over 100 students from across Years 7 to 12 as cast and crew, will be taking place at The Empire Theatre across two nights at the end of April.

Featuring woodland creatures, mythical beings and hilarious hijinks, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and loved works, filled with celebration, visual splendour, joyous laughter, magic and mischief that is always popular with audiences.

Concordia’s Director of Campus Mr Jason Smith said the previous College productions had showcased the extraordinary talents of Concordia’s students across dance, drama and music.

“This year is no exception,” Mr Smith said.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the exceptional talents of our students on the main stage at the Empire Theatre,” he said.

“Concordia’s talented Arts team know how to seamlessly merge classic materials with modern genres to create productions that are contemporary, innovative and relevant to a broad audience.”

Concordia’s previous musical productions included Bugsy Malone in 2019 and The Wizard of Oz in 2017.

FEATURE

Concordia’s 2021 College Captains Thomas Head and Isabel Barton are looking forward to welcoming guests to the 2021 Open Day.

O Perhaps it’s time you pay

Concordia a visit

pen Day is always a major date on any school’s calendar.

The staff and students are excited to open the doors to the world and show visitors how special their school is.

There is a huge amount of planning and coordination that takes place to ensure guests enjoy their experience and receive all the information they need to make an informed decision about their child or children’s education.

So, when the 2020 Open Day for Concordia was cancelled due to COVID-19, there was a sense of loss and disappointment in the College community.

Concordia’s Head of College Mr Adrian Wiles said Concordia created an online virtual Open Day and, as restrictions eased, tours with small family groups took place.

“We still missed the opportunity to provide guests the special Open Day experience where they can interact with staff and students and learn more about who we are as a community,” said Mr Wiles.

With life beginning to settle into a new rhythm, Concordia is planning to host the 2021 Open Day on Saturday 27 March.

“It won’t be exactly the same as Open Days we’ve held in the past,” said Mr Wiles.

“There will be precautions in place to ensure our guests as well as our current students, staff and their families are kept safe,” he said.

“Having said that, it’s going to be a wonderful day and we look forward to greeting all the new families interested in joining us at Concordia Lutheran College.”

Families interested in visiting the Open Day are required to register in advance via the College website. www.concordia.qld.edu.au/open-day

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

who lead

THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, LET’S CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT WOMEN LEADERS Across the globe, women are leading nations, organisations and institutions carrying out effective and inclusive responses to today’s most pressing needs. They are involved in the highest levels of decision-making through to frontline service delivery. Women bring different experiences, perspectives and skills to the table, and make invaluable contributions to decisions, policies and laws that work better for all.

International Women’s Day 2021: Leadership Every Day. The Every. Day. Women. campaign will launch at International Women’s Day 2021, focusing on the theme of Women in Leadership.

Let’s celebrate the women who inspire, lead and are committed to making a difference every day.-

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

who lead

Bernadette Witham

Mary-Lou Coorey

Deputy Principal

Business Manager

Angela Collins Assistant Principal Mission & Identity

Jodi Blades Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Tanya Appleby Principal

St Ursula’s College has an all-female leadership showing their students that opportunities for women in leadership positions can be achieved — in their own way.

The best way to teach young women to lead is to show them how.”

“Our team of female leaders cross over into traditionally male-dominated areas which is something I’m very proud of,” says college Principal, Tanya Appleby.

“We have a female business manager which shows our students that they can pursue a career which requires maths and stem-based subjects.

“Our spiritual leader at the school is also a woman, showcasing to our students that you can lead with courage, compassion and integrity.”

Tanya also finds that the diversity of leadership styles that women often bring to the table is key to the College’s success.

“Working in an environment with female leaders, there seems to be more collaboration and discussion.”

— Tanya Appleby: Principal, St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba

Established in 1931, St Ursula’s College is a dynamic Catholic day and boarding school for girls in Years 7-12. The College is part of a global network of Ursuline schools and is a faith-filled community inspired by the motto — Serviam: I will serve.

38 Taylor St, Newtown, Toowoomba (07) 4632 7611 admin@st-ursula.qld.edu.au www.st-ursula.qld.edu.au

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

Like the lotus flower that is born out of mud, we must honour the darkest parts of ourselves and the most painful of our life’s experiences because they are what allow us to birth our most beautiful self.” ~ Debbie Ford

who lead Anabelle Hart Founder of Hart Awakening

Belle Hart is the founder and owner of Hart Awakening, specialising in embodied, empowered, elevated education of how to live and lead in heart harmony.

Belle is especially passionate about working with children and women of all ages, weaving together a union of varying holistic and integrative modalities, which can be implemented in settings such as child care centres, schools, online mentorships and more.

Join Belle for Lunar Love Cacao Ceremony + a 10-week online Mentorship Program for Women (ages 13 years +). These sacred offerings call women home to the sensuality of their hearts, to CELEBRATE the CHALLENGES and CHANGES. Collectively transforming traumas into treasures and creating the Life we truly desire and Dream of Being in authentic relationship with.

hartawakening@gmail.com 0428 890 488 FB: Hart Awakening Instagram: Hart Awakening

who lead Jodie Collins

General Manager Disability Support, YellowBridge QLD The National Disability Insurance Scheme is Australia’s biggest social reform since the introduction of Medicare. Its roll-out began in 2016 and Jodie has been there from day one managing the implementation of this ground-breaking national scheme for YellowBridge. The NDIS gives people with a disability unprecedented choice and control over how, when and where they access support and services. Jodie leads a team of 80 disability support workers and auxiliary staff who deliver this life-changing assistance every day, or nearly 120,000 hours of client support every year. It’s a demanding job with fine operating margins within a complex government-funded scheme but Jodie remains unperturbed and is uncompromising in her dedication and compassion for improving the lives of people with a disability.

It always seems impossible until it is done” — Nelson Mandela YellowBridge QLD is a local, not-for-profit community organisation that provides disability support, community housing, youth and home services.

It has a 40-year tradition of assisting local people live proud and rewarding lives. Each year it helps nearly 6000 people across the Toowoomba region.

879 Ruthven Street 1300 882 764 www.yellowbridgeqld.com.au

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

I have been practicing yoga for 58 years and teaching for 56. Keeping up with the changes as the years go by. My students are predominately women. They have come a long way, as they now reach out for help and skills to help them cope often working as well as keeping family happy, Women are getting stronger in their views and spoken needs to become strong leaders in their fields with clarity and balance, to climb the ladder of success I am passionate about teaching and living. Yoga has helped me so much to improve my life I want to spread the techniques helping others. I must say I am good at it! Even if I say so myself. Though I am getting older I still have the wisdom of Yoga to share with others. I also teach the teachers in my Yoga School to do the same - we are quite unique I must say!

The main goal of Yoga is to “calm the agitated mind” from its racing thoughts. In this busy world today, everyone is rushing and not stopping to pause and wonder why they aren’t coping with life. The body needs STILLNESS to be strong. The mind needs SILENCE. This is what I teach.

who lead Lesleigh Camm Founder of Lesleigh’s Yoga Classes

Lesleigh’s Yoga Classes is a leading Toowoomba yoga school that has been serving the community since the mid-1980s. Lesleigh is an experienced therapist who began learning yoga in 1967 and teaching in 1969. Rediscover your inner and outer health and harmony at our relaxing yoga school in the heart of Toowoomba.

Studio 1E, The Bernoth Centre: 663 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba 0409 533 701 / lesyoga@icr.com.au www.lesleighsyogaclasses.com.au

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WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

When Amanda Doulton created Protea Place she knew she would need a strong and highly skilled management team. A team of dedicated women to help women.

“I knew right from the outset the people I wanted, needed to be strong advocates that could make this place really stand out. And that’s what we have – strong governance and structure.

The first of its kind in Queensland, Protea Place is community funded day refuge offering hot showers, hot meals, clothing, laundry, toiletries and most importantly rapid response support for women experiencing homelessness. It was an idea that came to Amanda, who was working for a not-for profit at the time, after an ‘aha’ moment.

“I thought about all the things that women had said to me over the years like ‘I can handle sleeping in my car a bit longer, if I could just have a hot shower or a meal.’ And I know that I can’t solve their accommodation crisis because that is a much bigger issue, but I can make life a little more bearable in the interim.

“So, what we’re seeing at Protea Place are women from all walks of life. So, it’s not just DV, it’s women that have become homeless, through financial decline or a marriage breakdown and then the business has crumbled. There are a heap of reasons that women may need to come here.

“We have drop-in three days a week, where women can just turn up have lunch and connect with others. We do some therapeutic art type groups once a week which is amazing, and we do fitness group. But it’s about the connection that’s formed here for these women. And in many ways, it acts like a home for them.”

Amanda says Covid-19 has had a huge impact on the need for their services. With the business “We are getting absolutely slammed. And it’s the big three, DV, mental health and addiction. So, it’s vital that we keep going. The numbers are just quite terrifying.

“We’ve got some huge plans for the future. But for now, we just need everyone to dig deep and continue to support us, so that we can keep doing the work.

“The protea symbolizes strength, diversity, and survival. And to me that’s what it is about for all of these women. They have been able to survive in the most hostile of environments. And yet they still are beautiful and they’re resilient and they’re able to transform in spite of it all.”

Over the past year, Protea Place has grown rapidly and our services have evolved immensely. Every amount given makes a huge difference!

If you’d like to support us please visit our website.

131 Russell St, Toowoomba (07) 4613 1378 0403 756 783 www.proteaplace.org.au

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

who lead

From left to right: Megan O’Shannessy, Lizzie Adams, Amanda Dalton, Amanda Tolson, Emily O’Sullivan, SusieWenitong, Shirley-Anne Gardiner, Veronica McKeon, Juanita Edwards, Jess Galvin and Simone Mooketsi.

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

who lead Kara Best Best Wilson Buckley Family Law Family law is very much a means to an ends for Best Wilson Buckley Family Law Director and Family Law Specialist Kara Best. For Kara, the relationship between client and solicitor offers opportunity for genuine connection, and an opportunity to make the difference for a client and their children at one of the most vulnerable and difficult points of their life. “It also offers an incredible challenge to reach into a stranger’s life, and take responsibility for moving both my client, but also the rest of their family to a better place”, says Kara.

It is evident in talking to this mother of two, and lawyer of more than twenty years, that her practice is not premised on intimidation and conventional black letter lawyering, but rather quickly identifying shared interests, opportunities for compromise, and a vision for a resolution that separated parties can both embrace. “Whilst there will be cases where strength is required, and particularly where there is violence and power imbalance, good family lawyers are always focussed on tangibly being part of a solution rather than exacerbating damaging conflict”.

“The beauty of family law is that it’s an equaliser – man or woman, every client needs to be met where they are, and their interests identified, quite independently of their gender. We don’t attract primarily Mums or Dads, and I think that’s testament to every client being approached on their own merits, with respect”. Making this system accessible for more people, and allowing parties to take back control and embrace agreement is a priority for Kara, and central to both her legal and mediation practice.

Kara’s greatest advice to any woman wanting to pursue law is to think consciously about structuring your working life in a way that supports you to live the personal life that you want to live. For Kara, her most recent chapter involves a side hustle in matrimony as Toowoomba’s newest celebrant, and whilst aware of the irony, it’s evident that she remains a romantic at heart and deeply committed to the desire for connection which is evident in all that she does.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou

Best Wilson Buckley Family Law is the largest team of specialist family lawyers in Regional Queensland. Together we will work with you to craft a more meaningful outcome for your future and that of your children, without compromising that through unnecessary conflict.

Visit our website today to find out more

135 Margaret St, Toowoomba 1300 045 750 info@bwbfl.com.au www.bwbfamilylaw.com.au

bestwilsonbuckley FAMILY LAW

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

who lead

Kate Ruijter

Owner, Classic Beauty Therapy I started in the beauty industry as a school-based trainee and am celebrating 15 years as a Skin and Beauty Therapist.

I think the main driver to the success of my busines is the passion that I have to help clients and change their life through skin and beauty treatments. Its easy to increase their confidence through a simple brow wax or a Classic Skin Journey. Another key element to my business is Classic’s online presence. Using platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok, where I can introduce myself and my team, along with our treatments and the results.

I’m proud of our recent expansion and growing my team. From buying the business in 2018 and having two team members, to now having three salons with almost 15 staff, has been an incredible journey. Helping my team achieve their personal goals of buying new cars, houses and holidays is something I am truly proud of. This year my husband has also joined Classic to help with the future development and expansion of the brand which is exciting for us.

I love the culture that I have been able to create within our businesses, being a young woman in business can be very challenging, but we uphold a strong support system and empower each other by staying honest and approachable and true to our mission.

Create the life you want to live and take educated risks”

Changing clients lives through skin and beauty ,our qualified, friendly therapists will do everything they can to make you feel comfortable and help with any skin concern you may have.

Range Shopping Centre, James St Northpoint, Toowoomba 07 4638 5077 www.classicbeauty.com.au

Get yourself off that blacklist

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

I love a good redemption story.

You know, where someone is down on their luck but works hard to turn their life around and get back on their feet.

It’s heartwarming and inspirational - and something I get to see more often than you would think in my job.

One of the major pillars of restoring self esteem and confidence is knowing you have a roof over your head.

Not everyone has that luxury though - especially blacklisted renters.

Sadly, sometimes it’s their own fault (through repeated bad behaviour), but sometimes outside factors have weighed against them or they wear the blame of a questionable flatmate who has tarnished their shared rental history.

I’m a big believer in offering second chances - we all make mistakes, but we also have the ability to shine, given the right support.

One of the great joys my team and I get from working at The Real Estate People is assisting individuals and families find accommodation. As you’re probably aware, the current rental market is extremely tight - with very limited opportunity to secure a property, so you have to put yourself in the very best light when applying.

BY ROSLYN BURTON PRINCIPAL - THE REAL ESTATE If your rental history isn’t the greatest, here’s what you should do: 1. Be honest about your past – you will be surprised what agencies can uncover. It never bodes well if you try to hide things.

2. Ask family or a friend to go guarantor to ensure the rent is covered without fail (this buys you time to prove you can handle the ongoing commitment).

3. Make amends with your previous landlord or agency (repay debts, even go on a payment plan to repay the arrears or damages) and see if your references can be adjusted to reflect your new approach.

4. Find a ‘good’ roommate and share the strength of their application - but please don’t let them down.

A bad rental history won’t just go away, it will follow you, so you need to be proactive in correcting the ‘sins of the past’.

Despite what you might think, there are a number of landlords out there willing to give errant renters a second chance.

But if you betray the trust that second chance brings, you probably won’t be getting a third.

Remember, if you’re willing to help yourself, you’re already on the path to writing your own redemption story.

We say what we do… and we do what we say

at we do… d we do what we say

6x6

289 Herries St, Toowoomba | 07 4633 8899 (just up from Glennie School)

www.therealestatepeople.com.au

7167353ab

At The Real Estate People, we consider our word is our bond and we understand how clear communication and following through on promises is an integral part of good customer service. So, whether you’re buying, renting or selling, call us today or visit our Herries Street office and discover how we can help you sleep easy at night.

ur word is our bond and we understand how clear communication and ral part of good customer service. ing, call us today or visit our Herries Street office and discover how we

Every house has a story to tell, and it tells it through the way it looks and feels

which in turn is a reflection on the owners. From the colours that you use to paint your walls to the floor coverings and homewares that add that little touch of luxury; from the kind of furniture, the way you decorate those empty walls, all these add to the details of your house that makes it a home.

Your home is one place where we tend to look for peace and comfort. These two things can have a different interpretation depending on the personality of the person. Hence incorporating different elements in your home will certainly land up being a reflection of your personality. It is for this reason that interior decorators take a keen interest in your choices and preferences. The concept of a “happy lifestyle” is something still evolving and since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic we are treating our homes more as our little places of ‘safe haven’s’.

Lets look at 3 ways your home talks about you Furniture:

The focus of the room: Yes, every room has a focal point and that tells the tale of your priority in life. So be careful. For instance, if you are a voracious reader then your seating space would most likely have a bookshelf with a selection of books written by your favourite author and a reading chair.

Next month more about trends & styles

Professional, extremely helpful and very friendly

Oh yes, you need to stop treating them as just a set of underappreciated occupants of your house. Because, reality check, they tell a lot about your approach to life. Why else do you think they are available in so many shapes, sizes and colour? I like to categorise them as more comfy, cosy, or practical and the selection process will be like Goldilocks and the three bears.

I think that Leanne was just born to be a real estate agent. She loves talking to people, she is a very hard worker, she has many years of experience with building, designing, decorating and planning her own homes and those of clients when she was in the building industry and assists the buyer as well as the purchaser in her vast knowledge in all of these areas, she just knows what works in any situation. Leanne goes totally above and beyond to help everyone, that is just in her personality. I could not recommend her highly enough.

Home Décor : The trick is balance, a balance between colour, shades, shapes

Shelly

and texture blended perfectly so nothing looks out of place.

Images via: Magnolia Home & Gift Store, Toowoomba

SPORT

Photos by David Lobwein

Rolling with the

T

he time was 8.53am and I was racing to a nine o’clock interview when my mobile began buzzing.

Stuck behind the wheel, and with no desire for a ticket, I had little choice but to wait until I pulled into a side street.

I quickly called the number back - it was Brendan Smith, Toowoomba boxing trainer and the subject of my pending catch-up.

Was he suddenly called away? Was he rescheduling our interview?

No, he’d just ordered breakfast and was checking to see if I wanted anything.

That sums up Brendan (or Smithy as the Toowoomba community affectionately calls him) to a tee - a selfless, considerate man who’s always looking out for others.

punches I hadn’t seen him in 20 years and here he was worried if I wanted breakfast. Incredible.

An icon in the boxing fraternity, Brendan has made a name for himself through his passion for the sport and the incredible stable of boxers he’s brought through Smithy’s TGW Gym in Anzac Avenue, Newtown.

Pumping and atmospheric, the gym oozes character with every conceivable skerrick of wall space emblazoned with framed media articles, portraits, paintings, fight posters and sporting memorabilia.

Each captures a moment in time when one of Smithy’s many success stories had donned the gloves and demonstrated why Toowoomba is held in such esteem by the world’s boxing elite.

Like his father Bradley before him, boxing is in Brendan’s blood and the smell of liniment and

By DARREN BURTON

strapping tape will be with him forever.

That lineage also passed on to Brendan’s son Braydon, a gifted featherweight with “the world at his feet”.

But sadly, not every sporting fairytale brings a fairytale ending.

Braydon collapsed after a bout six years ago and, tragically, never recovered.

His passing, at just 23 years of age, is a cross dad Brendan bears constantly, but one look to the media clippings on the surrounding walls also reminds him of the champion athlete and the champion bloke behind Braydon’s cheerful, happy-go-lucky smile.

“It hurts,” Brendan says softly as he reflects on the loss. “It still hurts. Every day I think of Brayd and what he brought to our lives.”

“There’s an incredible sadness there, but you keep

SPORT

GUIDING LIGHT: Whether he’s stepping up to assist the local community or helping the likes of Steve Spark (left) or Herman Ene-Purcell achieve their full potential, you want a man like Brendan Smith in your corner.

going.

“You get out of bed of a morning and put one foot in front of the other and you keep moving forward. It’s all you can do.”

This inner strength, this ability to ‘fight on no matter the obstacle’ is at the very core of Brendon’s training philosophy and he’s excited to be currently sharing the ring with another of his prodigies, Steve ‘The

Viking’ Spark.

“Stevie’s great.

Very talented. He can win a world title without a doubt,” Brendan declares confidently.

“He’s been with us since he was 13 and I’ve got a lot of faith in his ability.

“Hopefully, we can help him achieve what he wants to achieve.

“But, you’re only as good as your last fight, so we’re under no illusions that there’s still plenty of hard work to do. But, if you put in the time, have that work ethic and show patience then you can rise to the very top.”

The Big Fights 27 Brendan’s latest blockbuster promotion is set down for March 27 at Rumours International.

The fight night will feature six to eight pro bouts with the highlight to be the WBC Australian Heavyweight showdown between Toowoomba champion Herman Ene-Purcell and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Joe Goddall.

For decades, the nights have also allowed Brendan and his loyal support crew to fundraise for individuals “doing it tough” through illness or disease.

But now, collectively through the Braydon Smith Foundation, they’re raising the stakes.

“We hope one day to be able to bring a neurosurgical unit to Toowoomba, to offer those in the community the opportunity to have lifesaving treatment locally,” Brendan says.

“It’s a big ask, but by bringing awareness to the cause, you never know what can happen in the years ahead.

“The gym’s up and running and it’s now my life, so I’m staying in Toowoomba forever and I’ll be doing this forever.”

Someone should get that in writing, so we can hold him to it.

But, for a man of integrity like Brendan Smith, I suspect a simple handshake would be just as binding.

FEATURE

Safe and

secure F

rom fleeing poverty to a bodyguard to the stars, Ari Kucuku’s incredible life has formed the ethos of a successful business.

If you’ve ever met Ari at the line up into Fitzy’s on Saturday night, you’ll know the Albanianborn security professional cuts a formidable figure.

But sit down with him, and you’ll discover this quietly spoken and introspective man.

“I like to train my guys personally,” Ari says of his team of security guards. “But I don’t train them how to fight or how to be strong or aggressive. I train them on how to talk to people. How to not escalate a situation. Because if someone is going through family or financial problems or even sickness, the last thing you want to do is put a hand on them. That’s going to escalate things.”

If anyone knows about dealing with hardship and adversity, its Ari. At 11, he fled Albania for a better life, travelling at night to avoid the military and police.

He spent several years working on farms in Greece, sometimes working 14-hour days and sleeping in bushes. He finally received refugee status in the UK. “I remember back home when I was young, there were four of us kids and my mum used to have to cut one egg into four for dinner. It has made me respect people and see people, everyone, as human beings.

“I wanted to work hard to provide for my family and try to make a better life for myself.”

Once in London, Ari says he started boxing training in Brixton.

“I didn’t have any money so I would stay back and clean the gym in return for training.

“I started in security from there, working in the UK for many years. I did plain clothes protection, uniformed protection, and trained for six months with the SAS. Working the door to some of the most famous clubs and restaurants in London. Some of Ari’s clients have included Jennifer Anniston and Nelson Mandela.

“All of the clubs and restaurants I worked were highend and there were always celebrities or important people around. In the end though it was all about customer service. It doesn’t matter who you are. And it’s that mentality I have always wanted to change.

Especially in my own business.”

Five years ago, Ari launched KP Protection, based in Toowoomba and servicing the greater region. He is also involved in several charities and sporting communities locally and in Albania.

“When I left the UK, I wasn’t thinking of doing security.

“But I found myself working at Lions, Richlands and just from word of mouth the business just grew. We were asked to do lots of places. Then I started my own security training.

“Security is competitive, but I don’t think other companies do what we do. Its why we are successful.

It’s always about customer service.

“You need to get the right people and you need to keep them happy. I always pay my staff well because happy staff are good staff. Its something that I believe in given how I grew up.”

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455 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba Ph (07) 4632 3166

FASHION

LOVEFashion MEconsignment FOREVER

FASHION BOUTIQUE

T

CONSIGNMENT

oowoomba fashionistas are stepping out in style with their new designer looks from Love Me Forever. Get in early to snag the best deals on high-end labels for the office, special events, weddings and everything in between.

All pieces are sold on consignment and include classic, timeless garments and accessories from Country Road, Cue, Veronika Maine, Zara, Tommy Hilfiger and Taking Shape. You’ll also find couture pieces from Carla Zampatti, Camilla and international labels including Dolce & Gabbana.

Want to clear your wardrobe and sell some of your own pre-loved designer pieces? Speak to owner Leanne Burgess about how to get those sales.

LOVE ME FOREVER NOW AT THE HOOPER CENTRE! SHOP 10 187 HUME ST, TOOWOOMBA T: 0488 774 650

BEAUTY

J

aime at the Hooper Centre Pharmacy has created this month’s look by using a range of rich and warm eyeshadow tones. This flawless autumn look will be sure to turn heads this season.

TO BEGIN Prep your eyes with the Inglot eye makeup base for a long-lasting effect. Closely follow with a neutral shade to mattify the eye area. Continue this eye look by blending the darkest shades towards the outer eye, using shades 281, 299, 302, 283, 300 and 60 from the Inglot FREEDOM SYSTEM range.

Using duraline mixed with body sparkle 49 in the inner corners and centre of the eyelid to set this look off to make the eyes really pop.

Apply the Inglot gel liner in black shade 77 along the top and bottom lash line.

For the brows and lashes, I used pomade shade 15 and lashes are Ardell faux mink 812.

After completing the eyes, use a baby wipe to remove excess eyeshadow fallout. I used the Inglot day cream to prep the skin followed by Inglot pink primer. After, apply the Inglot HD Foundation and then Inglot Bronzer shade 78 and Inglot face blush shade 42.

For a light natural look, I used the highlighter Inglot soft sparkler in shade 52. To keep the focus on the eyes I chose Inglot Lip gloss shade 30.

Follow Jaime at jaimekate_mua on Instagram.

#281

#300

#60

#299

#283

#302

HIGHLIGHTER #52

BODY SPARKLE #48

BRONZER #78

WELLNESS

Quality

care

the standard

D

r Rouzbeh Jahangiri and Surgical and Endoscopy Care Consulting (SECC) are celebrating the second year anniversary of SECC, located at St Vincent’s Hospital, Toowoomba.

In February, Dr Jahangiri also reached the milestone of providing healthcare as the general surgeon and endoscopist under SECC to his 1000th patient, Bob Cavanagh, from his outreach clinic at The Lockyer Doctors, Gatton.

Before opening a practice in Toowoomba, Dr Jahangiri trained as general surgeon and endoscopist throughout Queensland and spent time in Hobart consolidating his skills.

Dr Jahangiri takes great pride in delivering outstanding personalised care, supported by best practice surgical standards and recency of practice knowledge and techniques.

Dr Jahangiri values his patients and takes the time to listen to them, while referring to and collaborating with General Practitioners to achieve the best outcomes for patients.

Dr Jahangiri has been delivering exceptional health care in the district from his rooms at St Vincent’s Hospital Toowoomba and through various outreach locations, including Myall Medical Practice in Dalby, The Lockyer Doctors in Gatton, and Ochre Medical Centre in Oakey.

Dr Jahangiri is expanding his coverage further afield in 2021, to bring more services to those who are facing the challenges of remote living and accessing specialist health care.

Surgical and Endoscopy Care Consulting’s 1000th patient Robert Cavanagh (right) received flowers from Dr Jahangiri at The Lockyer Doctors, Gatton.

Dr Jahangiri is familiar with the special needs of the local area, given he is no newcomer to Toowoomba.

He and his family called Toowoomba home while he was training at the Toowoomba Base Hospital, and during this time the family made strong connections with the local community, Toowoomba’s natural beauty, schools and weather.

He and his wife Jane are proud to deliver excellence in health care to Toowoomba’s community.

Jane’s background as a registered nurse has been an asset as a practice manager, and allowed her the insight to develop a holistic approach to care in the often-overlooked waiting room setting.

From the moment the patients walk through Surgical Endoscopy Care Consulting’s doors, they are made to feel valued and cared for with boutique-level service standards.

Where else but in these waiting rooms and supported clinic can patients expect to be warmly greeted, seated, made a drink, supported with paperwork and - as required - walked throughout the hospital to arrange their procedure by one of the friendly staff members?

These boutique standards reflect the doctor’s clinical

and surgical values of thorough and meaningful care.

The many cards from patients reflect how many lives and families Dr Jahangiri and his team at SECC have touched by going the extra mile.

Dr Jahangiri is available for all of your general surgical needs and endoscopy services.

He brings much value to local health care services by currently offering ‘no gap’ endoscopy services for all new and existing patients as well as easy transfer of endoscopy recalls.

Dr Jahangiri is also registered as a known gap specialist, meaning while receiving excellent in-surgical care - including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and boutique service - you have a known out-of-pocket fee, as set by the health fund, for all surgeries big and small.

The future in care standards has arrived in Toowoomba and is on offer through Dr Rouzbeh Jahangiri’s clinic Surgical Endoscopy Care Consulting.

SURGICAL AND ENDOSCOPY CARE CONSULTING ADDRESS SUITE 3 | LEVEL 2 | ENTRANCE 2 ST VINCENT’S PRIVATE HOSPITAL, 22-36 SCOTT ST, TOOWOOMBA CITY 07 45801238

SURGICAL & ENDOSCOPY PY Y CARE CONSULTING SPECIALISING IN GENERAL AND SUB SPECIALITY INTEREST IN COLORECTAL SURGERY • No Gap Endoscopist & Known Gap Surgeon • Gastroscopy • Colonoscopy • Laparoscopic and Open Hernia Repair • Laroscopic Cholecystectomies • Laparoscopic Appendectomy • Colorectal and Bowel Cancer Surgery • Skin Cancer Surgery Prices are correct at time of printing. No gap scopes and known gap surgeries applies to eligible private health insurance patients.

GENERAL SURGEON, ENDOSCOPIST

Dr Rouzbeh Jahangiri MD, AMC, FRACS

Consultant General Surgeon Specialising in minimally invasive procedures For full range of surgical services please call our office

07 4580 1238 Phone 07 4580 1243 Fax

WELLNESS

GOOD NEWS FOR ESPRESSO LOVERS

A

review of three major coffee studies has shown some promising associations between caffeine and a reduced risk of heart failure.

Science’s relationship with coffee has been a tumultuous one; first it’s good for you, then it’s bad, then it’s good again.

And as with almost everything in life after all, isn’t it about everything in moderation?

Well, a new review of three major studies suggests drinking one cup of plain, black, caffeinated coffee a day is associated with long-term reduced risk of heart disease and failure.

Benefits did not, however, extend to decaffeinated coffee.

Altogether, the research compiled the dietary information of more than 21,000 adult Americans.

One study found that the risk of heart failure decreased between five to 12 percent for each cup of

coffee consumed each day.

Another saw the risk of heart failure was the same for drinking none to one cup of coffee per day, but the third found that when people drank two or more cups of black coffee a day, the risk of heart failure decreased by about 30 percent.

“The association between caffeine and heart failure risk reduction was surprising,” said author Dr David Kao, medical director of the Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora to CNN. “Coffee and caffeine are often considered by the

general population to be ‘bad’ for the heart because people associate them with palpitations, high blood pressure, etc.

“The consistent relationship between increasing caffeine consumption and decreasing heart failure risk turns that assumption on its head.”

It certainly doesn’t mean you can drink coffee to your heart’s content, however.

High levels of caffeine consumption, i.e. more than four cups or 400mg of the stimulant, are still deemed to be harmful to the body, resulting in disturbed sleep, headaches, muscle tremors, and increased heart rate.

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P: (07) 4688 5533 www.evolvewomenshealth.com.au St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Toowoomba

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Find us on Facebook or call our office for an appointment.

WELLNESS

St Andrew’s Hospital Rapid treatment at the Rapid Access Heart Centre

S

t Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital has been proud to provide an important service to the community for almost three years through the Rapid Access Heart Centre (RAHC) located in the hospital.

The RAHC is staffed by an experienced doctor and nurse and supported by the hospital’s cardiac and intensive care unit, world class cardiac interventional suite, leading x-ray and scanning service, extensive pathology services and a team of expert medical specialists at all times of the day and night.

There is minimal or no waiting and the cost is

considerably less than in many private emergency departments.

The RAHC service provides expert and immediate care and attention, whether for walk-in patients or arrivals by ambulance for people experiencing: • Chest pain and/or tightness in the chest • Radiating arm, shoulder or jaw pain • Shortness of breath • Palpitations • Feeling of irregular heartbeats and/or lightheaded – feeling faint to name only a few possible symptoms.

“Our people do amazing things”

We are always here to provide help and support.

There is no need to make an appointment.

Remember, if you have chest pain or palpitations or feel like you might be having a heart attack, immediately dial triple-0 and call an ambulance and request to be taken to St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital RAHC.

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Specialist Medical & Surgical Services…

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

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

Diagnostic Services Available Onsite

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

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

Everything you

WELLNESS

need to know about sleep

chronotypes

By OLIVIA AREZZOLO, BODY & SOUL

Y

our personality type can actually reveal a lot about your preferred sleep patterns. Sleep expert Olivia Arezzolo explains everything you need to know about sleep chronotypes.

WHAT ARE SLEEP CHRONOTYPES? The chronotype refers to your circadian rhythm preferences: your innate disposition to sleep and wake at a particular time.

50 percent of your sleep personality is underpinned by genetics, such as the PER1, 2 and 3 genes and the (aptly named) CLOCK genes, and 50 percent is dictated by endogenous (external) influences, such as blue light, stress, dietary habits and working lifestyle.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CHRONOTYPES? Lions Early to rise and early to sleep, these ambitious gogetters are most likely found exercising at the crack of dawn, jumping straight into work shortly after and having an early finish.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION

Personality-wise, they are natural-born leaders: positive, proactive, diligent, organised, and goaldirected. Similarly, they are high achievers, more punctual and more likely to get better grades, compared to their evening counterparts.

For this reason, lions are often business owners and entrepreneurs; driven by their vision and drive to make it happen.

While this can be a strength, so too can it be a weakness: they can struggle with anxiety and enjoying the here and now.

Lions are 10-15 percent of the population.

Bears Begrudgingly waking around 7am, bears need a few cups of coffee to get going in the morning, however once they do ‘power-up’ around 10am, they can ride the productivity wave until around 3pm - which is later than lions who tend to crash earlier.

Hard working, humble, down to earth and team oriented, bears are the ‘worker-bees’ in society: if there’s a job that needs doing, no matter how big or small, the industrious bear will get it done.

After work, as they are the most balanced in their behaviours, emotions and lifestyles , they’re likely to be found relaxing in some shape or form: socialising, exercising or simply kicking back on the couch.

Bears are 50 percent of the population.

Wolves Fun-loving, social and creative, wolves are your typical night owls: rarely seen before 9am (if possible); they are the ones who will happily stay out until 1-2am.

Of all sleep personalities, they are the most open to new experiences, places and people; most thrillseeking and least risk-averse. Probably known as the ‘life of the party’ - to the extent that eveningness correlates with work avoidance - wolves are more likely to drink, smoke and do drugs, leading to a higher rate of addiction for this sleep personality more so than others.

Wolves are 10-15 percent of the population.

Dolphins The classic insomniac with no distinct sleep-wake pattern: some nights, they’ll sleep for 10 hours, others, they won’t sleep at all. Their extremism extends to all facets of their lives: they are all or nothing individuals. Highly intuitive and intelligent, they are the ones who will come up with ingenious ideas out of (seemingly) nowhere.

That said, as they usually suffer chronic sleep deprivation, they are often plagued by anxiety and depression: 40 percent of those with insomnia suffer at least one mental health condition, Dolphins are 10-20 percent of the population.

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WELLNESS

ST VINCENT’S CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY With International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba is shining the spotlight on three of our female specialist doctors.

DR LEANNE BROWNING Paediatrician Dr Leanne Browning is living her childhood dream of being a doctor.

She has been in private practice at St Vincent’s for the past three-and-ahalf years of her 25-year paediatric career and is excited to take a new direction in paediatrics with the creation of CentaPaeds.

Here in Toowoomba, Dr Browning has built on her exceptional and well-respected reputation for providing expert paediatric care to patients and families in the rural and remote communities of western and southern Queensland.

She continues to deliver outreach paediatric services.

She says her desire to be in medicine has been with her since the moment she knew what a doctor was.

“I know that I was always destined for a career where I could work with, and hopefully improve, the lives of people,” Dr Browning said.

“I really love everything about my work, whether it be helping a family to navigate the challenges of having a child with behavioural concerns, to thinking about complex medical conditions, to caring for newborns.

“I particularly enjoy the looks on the parents’ faces at the moment of the birth of their child and the miracle that every birth represents.

“I am truly privileged to do the work I love and was born to do.”

DR NIDHI DOSHI Dr Nidhi Doshi says there are two words that are her inspiration to be a specialist General and Acute Care Physician.

“Hearing the two words “thank you”, as my patients leave, is my true inspiration,” Dr Doshi said.

“I like to hear my patients’ thoughts and emotions along with their medical problems.

Dr Doshi has more than 15 years’ experience in Australia and internationally.

She came to St Vincent’s from the Gold Coast University Hospital, where along with general medicine services, she worked in in renal, haematology and medical oncology.

Here she is developing comprehensive care services for diabetes, chronic disease, and peri-operative care, and looks forward to working closely with general practitioners to provide holistic treatment in general and acute-care settings.

Dr Doshi believes that a healthy life-style is the core of preventing medical illness.

“I understand that chronic diseases and diabetes affects not only the patients but also all those who care for them,” she said.

“My father has diabetes and I have lived through the experience of managing diabetes and chronic complications.”

In her spare time, Dr Doshi loves upcycling old furniture in her ‘woman’s cave’.

“I like how a stroke of brush transforms an object.

“I find it incredibly relaxing and am totally absorbed into what I create.”

DR ROBYN NAGEL Gastroenterologist and hepatologist Dr Robyn Nagel enjoys “solving the puzzles” of her patients’ various symptoms.

However, she says what has kept her so interested in medicine are the personal stories.

“Country patients are special, they travel so far to access services and the setbacks they tackle so bravely are humbling to us town folk,” Dr Nagel said.

“I arrived in Toowoomba almost 30 years ago after five exciting post-graduate gastroenterology years in England.”

Dr Nagel says she’s grateful that she first graduated in an era before HECS fees, which made it much easier for her and two sisters to study medicine. Her sister Sonja is a rheumatologist here and her other sibling Tricia is a psychiatrist in Darwin.

Dr Nagel was awarded her PhD from the University of Queensland in 2016 after completing her thesis Are Blastocystic species clinically relevant to humans?

“In 2016 only 20 per cent of gastroenterologists were female,” she said.

“The longer study time for post-graduate medical courses makes it more problematic to start a family and study costs are a disincentive.

“As the mother of three children, I have a great appreciation of the workload and difficulties that confront working women.

“Support is critical to successful survival.

“There is slow but increasing recognition by the universities and colleges of the importance of mentors and that training programs and working lives need to be adaptable so that, regardless of gender, we can all aspire to a quality, balanced life.”

BEAT CHEST PAIN AT ST VINCENT’S Emergency Chest Pain Service St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba Emergency Department offers 24-hour, 7 days a week rapid access to specialist cardiac care for people experiencing chest pain.

• prompt assessment and expert care by experienced Emergency Specialists, Consultant Cardiologists and General Medical Physicians.

• early initiation of treatment and access to state-of-the-art interventional laboratory for all your cardiac needs.

Call “000” immediately and request transfer to St Vincent’s Emergency department for urgent specialist assessment.

07 4690 4000 | www.svpht.org.au

WELLNESS

“If you don’t

know all your

choices, you don’t have any”

W

ith choice and control being paramount in the area of maternity care, the My Midwives Toowoomba team is starting to build momentum around its education offerings for 2021.

Families seek choices in care like never before, and the My Midwives team meets the challenge head-on.

Starting in March with a free webinar, managing director Liz Wilkes will outline the changes many first time parents face when moving through pregnancy to parenting.

The My Midwives team then heads to Brisbane Baby To Toddlers Show on March 26-28 where their free antenatal classes are already proving popular.

Last year the classes were fully booked before the show was cancelled last minute due to COVID restrictions, so the teaching team headed by Liz Wilkes had fingers and toes crossed.

The classes recognise the many aspects brushed over in some antenatal education packages, including practical hands-on birth skills training and tips and tricks for newborn care and settling.

Also, My Midwives will launch their fully digitalised class series over that weekend.

The digitalised classes offer the opportunity to not only complete online courses but also a chance to review and refresh face to face learnings over a more extended period in your own home.

Education is the key to confident birthing, and a calm settled newborn period.

My Midwives have recognised the need for flexible options and the ability to dive deeper into information and resources and have designed the online course for both a basic overview and additional resources.

All classes will be available from late March at www.mymidwives.com.au.

Baby to Toddler Show tickets can be found at www.babytotoddlershow.com.au/tickets/ Baby to Toddler Show antenatal class bookings can be done through www.babytotoddlershow.com.au/ brisbane/feature/free-antenatal-classes-with-mymidwives

the us at Show! t e e M er oddl T & Baby

Midwifery Continuity of Care

for pregnancy, birth, and for 6 weeks after.

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

331 Margaret Street, Toowoomba | 07 4642 2977 | admin@mymidwives.com.au | www.mymidwives.com.au

WELLNESS

Managing your

sleep apnea with Scott Street Pharmacy

T

he Scott Street Pharmacy sleep apnea department provides customised care from diagnosis to the management and treatment of sleep apnea.

Being a supportive partner to our patients throughout their entire sleep journey from diagnosis to ongoing treatment is our priority.

Working collaboratively with general practitioners, sleep specialists and other relevant healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible treatment, Scott Street Pharmacy offers:

SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA

• Overnight ambulatory sleep studies on your referral • Mask fit and education for new CPAP patients • Consultations, troubleshooting and ongoing support • Hire and sales of a wide range of CPAP machines • Machine data downloading

• • • • • • • • • •

Snoring Day time tiredness and fatigue Waking gasping for air Stopping breathing during sleep Poor concentration Irritable & moody Frequent night time urination Nightmares Headaches Elevated Blood Pressure

The pharmacy is also a service agent for specialised Fisher & Paykel, Resmed and Philips equipment.

With so many product options and comfort settings available, adjusting to therapy can be tailored to suit every patient.

Being able to hire before buying additionally offers peace of mind.

Affiliated with Air Liquide Healthcare, a team member specialising in sleep apnea is always available between 8:30am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings from 8:30am to 12:30pm to assist both doctors and patients.

Sleep Apnea is a condition where the pharyngeal muscles in the back and sides of the throat relax so much that breathing is blocked for a few moments.

When this happens, the brain notices a lack of oxygen in the blood enough for the conscious mind to tense the muscles and take a breath.

This results in severely disrupted sleep.

YOUR SLEEP IS OUR PRIORITY Call us now on (07) 4638 3522 Overnight ambulatory home sleep studies (Medicare funded for eligible patients) Fit & education for patients NEW TO SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT Consultations and supply for eligible DVA patients Consultations, troubleshooting and ongoing support for new and existing patients Hire sales and spare parts supply of equipment and mask Machine data download Travel machine hire and sales

Scott Street Pharmacy Sleep Apnea Solutions

Medici Medical Centre, Suite 1, 15 Scott Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350

sleepapnea@scottstreetpharmacy.com.au

SALES - RENT - REPAIR PHILIPS - RESMED - FISHER & PAYKEL

OPEN DAY

Saturday 13th March 10am – 2pm Join us for an open day and experience boutique over 50s living at it’s finest.

Bring your friends and family and join us on Saturday 13th March at Seachange Toowoomba for a day of live entertainment, food trucks, barista coffee and lucky door prizes.

View our brand new display homes with new release home designs.

All welcome!

99 Hampton Street, Toowoomba Freecall 1800 046 500 seachangelifestyleresorts.com.au

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Boutique Over 50s living at it’s finest

FOOD

Teriyaki Salmon Poke Bowl INGREDIENTS

METHOD

2 skinless salmon portions, cut into 2cm pieces 2 tbs teriyaki marinade 400g edamame or broad beans 1 tbs olive oil 450g packet microwavable brown rice 400g packet slaw kit 1 Lebanese cucumber, thinly sliced crossways 2 spring onions, thinly sliced Pickled ginger, to serve

1. Combine the salmon and marinade in a bowl.

Place in the fridge for 15 mins to develop the flavours.

2. Cook the edamame or broad beans in a large saucepan of boiling water following packet directions.

Peel. Place in a bowl.

3. Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook salmon, turning, for four to five mins or until golden or cooked to your liking.

4. Meanwhile, heat the rice following packet

NEW CAFE

OPEN AT WYALLA PLAZA

directions. Place the salad mix from the salad kit in a large bowl. Add half the dressing from the salad kit and toss to combine.

5. Divide the rice among serving bowls. Top with the salad mixture, edamame or broad beans, salmon, cucumber, spring onion and ginger. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds from the salad kit and drizzle with remaining dressing.

RECIPES COURTESY OF TASTE.COM.AU

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR REVIEWS AND MENU OPENING TIMES Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri: Sat: Sun:

6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00

am am am am am am am

– – – – – – –

4:00 4:00 4:00 8:30 8:30 8:30 4:00

pm pm pm pm pm pm pm

Opening dinner from March 11

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with a mix of different menu and food. Introducing authentic Himalayan taste.

9/238a Taylor Street, Wyalla Plaza, Newtown QLD 4350 • 07 4549 3111 • therevisedcafe.business.site

FOOD

TUNA POKE BOWL INGREDIENTS 430g (2 cups) sushi rice, rinsed 2 tablespoons sushi seasoning 500g sashimi-grade tuna steaks, cut into 1cm pieces 1 green shallot, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons sesame oil 1 1/2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted 1/4 teaspoon dried chilli flakes 1 large avocado, cut into 1cm pieces Pickled ginger, to serve Shallow-fried wonton wrappers, to serve (optional) METHOD

1. Cook rice following the

packet directions. Stir in the sushi seasoning.

2. Combine tuna, shallot, soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, sesame seeds and chilli in a glass or ceramic bowl. Set aside for five minutes to marinate.

3. Divide the rice among bowls. Top with tuna mixture and avocado. Serve with the pickled ginger and wonton wrappers, if using.

Relax & Unwind at the

Picturesque Park House Cafe CHECK OUT OUR MENU

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

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

FOOD

CHICKEN CACCIATORE 4 Serves

10 Prep time (minutes)

35 Cooking time (minutes)

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 8 (about 1.4kg) chicken thigh cutlets 200g button mushrooms, trimmed 1 brown onion, finely chopped 4 pancetta slices, coarsely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 3 anchovy fillets, drained, finely chopped 1/2 cup (125ml) white wine 2 cups (500ml) tomato sugo (tomato sauce) 1 cup (175g) kalamata olives 2 tablespoons salted baby capers, rinsed, drained 1/4 cup oregano leaves

1. Heat one teaspoon of the oil in a large deep frying pan over high heat. Add half the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, for five minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

2. Add half the remaining oil to the pan over high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for two to three minutes or until golden. Transfer to a plate. Heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add onion and pancetta; cook, stirring occasionally, for five minutes or until onion softens. Add garlic and anchovy and cook, stirring, for one to two minutes or until anchovy dissolves.

3. Add the chicken and mushrooms to the pan. Pour over the wine and bring to the boil. Add the sugo and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, covered, turning occasionally, for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Add the olives, capers and half the oregano; stir to combine. Remove from heat.

4. Spoon among serving plates. Sprinkle with remaining oregano and serve.

GRAYS DERN MEATS O M

RECIPE COURTESY OF TASTE.COM.AU

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

FOOD

Eat your Greens Broccoli Salad BROCCOLI IS ONE VERSATILE VEGGIE, AND IN THIS BROCCOLI SALAD, WE KNOW YOU’LL AGREE! CRISPY BACON, SWEET DRIED CRANBERRIES AND THE SALTINESS OF GOATS CHEESE ALLOW THIS UNASSUMING VEGGIE TO SHINE INGREDIENTS 1 large broccoli head 6 slices bacon, diced 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup pine nuts 1/4 cup goats’ cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup Greek yogurt Salt and pepper, to taste METHOD

1. Cook the bacon on medium-high heat

in a frypan until crisp and golden.

2. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Put them in a large bowl and add in the red onion, dried cranberries, pine nuts and bacon.

3. Combine the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in a small bowl to make the dressing.

4. Pour over the dressing, crumble in the goats’ cheese and stir until the salad is well combined. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

RECIPE COURTESY OF WWW.ABETTERCHOICE.COM.AU

S T ER OR M PP AR SUAL F C

LO

At Donnelly’s, you’ll never run short of a tasty variety of fresh fruit and veg. Whether you need something healthy for your little one’s snack box or you’re placing a bulk order for a dinner party, we have you covered.

Order before midday for same-day delivery www.donnellysfreshfruitnveg.com.au

P: (07) 4564 9421 Wyalla Plaza, 4/238 Taylor St, Newtown QLD 4350

WEDDINGS

Simplicity rules for Kayla and

W

hen Kayla and Jon Meiers were planning their wedding, they knew they wanted to keep it simple – they wanted their day to be a big party with their friends and family.

And while it wasn’t as big as they originally planned, due to a COVID-19 limit of 100, they had a wonderful day celebrating their nuptials at Bracknell Lodge, Wyreema, on November 7, last year.

And thankfully the no dancing at weddings rule was lifted two weeks prior.

“I never wanted to look back and think of it as a stressful time, so we really tried to stay grounded (Jon definitely more than me) and let it plan out naturally,” Kayla said.

“I didn’t want to go over the top because that’s not the kind of people we are.

“We also wanted to have a fun celebrant that would make our ceremony memorable; when we met with

Tonie Prasser, we knew instantly that we found our man — he was brilliant, passionate and entertaining. “ Highlights of their day included Kayla’s dad walk her down the aisle and the newlyweds first dance.

“I actually can’t remember hearing the music or seeing anyone watch us, it was just the two of us,” Kayla said.

Kayla and Jon first met when she was on a girl’s night out with friends at Fitzy’s.

“At the time, neither of us was looking for a relationship but we had the best time chatting and he had me laughing all night,” she said.

“We exchanged a few messages afterwards but that was all.

“Then pretty much a whole year later I walked into the Chinchilla Christmas Races and he was one of the first people I saw… we’ve been inseparable ever since.”

Jon proposed to Kayla, two years after they started

dating, while on a holiday in Koh Samui.

“It was probably the most awkward date we have ever had, though, because he was so nervous, he barely looked at me, let alone said anything,” Kayla said.

“Plus, Jon isn’t the most romantic guy, so all this was very much out of his comfort zone.

“To top off the night, halfway through the middle of dinner he turned to me and I instantly knew he was going to ask the big question and I got so nervous, before he could get any words out, I had to excuse myself to go to the bathroom for a quick breather to calm myself down.

“But finally, after a very beautiful sunset and a very unforgettable three-course meal, he got down on his knee and popped the question.

“Even though it didn’t work out as romantic as either of us thought, I wouldn’t change it because it shows our relationship exactly like it is.”

WEDDINGS

Jon’s wedding

MOTORING

MOTORING

Urban SUV is all luxury

BY JOSIE ADAMS

A

few months ago, I had the absolute pleasure of test driving the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. I must admit, I adored this incredible piece of German mechanics. It was sexy, yet highly intuitive with some incredibly cool features that you never thought you needed, but really do.

This month, I took a spin in the new GLA250. I can tell you, this SUV offers all the engine grunt and high-tech luxury inclusions you would expect from a Mercedes-Benz, in a sleek and somewhat zippier exterior.

The GLA250 is a perfect fit for urban driving. This compact vehicle has enough room to fit everyone in the family comfortably, yet feels as though you can pop in and out of supermarket carparks with ease.

The GLA250 features ‘4-Matic’ all-wheel drive, as well as a proper Mercedes-Benz engine - a 165kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder.

Standard equipment highlights include 19-inch alloy

wheels, panoramic sunroof, automatic tailgate, heated front seats with electric adjustment, a 225-watt audio and a very handy puddle light.

The aerodynamic exterior offers soft touch doors and an automated boot which makes child-wrangling and grocery shopping much less of a juggle. The boot’s cargo capacity is impressive, and you can fully fold the back seats down, should you want to ditch the kids and take your bike/surfboard out for the day.

Inside, the fascia comprises a single-frame screen, with driver information and infotainment sections. It is augmented by a projecting head-up display.

The infotainment can be controlled by touch, a laptop-style trackpad or a ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control system that can perform commands like adjusting the cabin temperature, making calls, playing songs, changing ambient light colours, finding a destination or opening and closing the panoramic sunroof.

The Mercedes-Benz reputation for safety is well known. Smart seats feature seat belts that ‘hug’ the

passenger and driver to gauge a person’s size. In the event of an accident, that information will determine if and which of the nine airbags can be safely deployed.

Cameras under the side mirrors, and at the front and back of the car, create an overhead 360-degree view of the vehicle and its surroundings. Blind spots are revealed too, making it almost impossible not to see any little people around when coming in or out of a driveway.

The park assist feature means you’ll never miss a parallel again. Highway driving is also a breeze with cruise control reading any changed traffic conditions and intuitive night lights adjusting to the traffic around you.

WEST-STAR MOTORS MERCEDES-BENZ 151 JAMES ST, TOOWOOMBA MBTOOWOOMBA.COM.AU 07 4639 0111

HOME & LIVING

Synergy: A palette of

peaceful and nurturing hues

C

olour and design trends for home furnishings 2021 bring us into an era marked by technological and social transformation.

As change continues to accelerate at a breakneck pace, familiar habits morph before our eyes into new and original ways of seeing, doing, buying and communicating.

With our eyes open to tomorrow, we see a future characterised by an inclusive, expansive sense of possibility.

These feelings of quiet connection and compatibility come through in Synergy, a story of hushed tones and understated undertones featured in PANTONEVIEW home + interiors 2021.

Calming and meditative, this peaceful and pleasing palette expressive of color cooperation and collaboration is never jarring or obtrusive, yet there is drama evident in contrasts of light and dark.

A deep green, Botanical Garden provides the backdrop to a wistful mauve and greyed lilac, as Captain’s Blue and watery teal Harbor Blue anchor the palette.

A gemstone green and hazy aqua lift our spirits while Filmy, a barely-there shimmering silvery pink adds a diaphanous sparkle that subtly catches

“Bold, deep jewel tones with personality will be all the rage in 2021.

Not only do they provide inspiration and a lift in mood during all the hours at home, but painting the house is a fab project to stay active and feel productive in the winter months.

With its soft, restful tones, seafoam green - like Benjamin Moore Hollingsworth Green - is having its moment.

It brings a gauzy soft feel to living spaces, reminding us of days at the sea.”

— Mark Lavender the eye, encouraging us to explore the edges of our imagination. Green Sheen and Military Olive (hello, any shade of green!) are favorites.

Peach Nougat, Sandstone, and Rose Tan are also widely loved.

The palette is full of warm, richly pigmented earthy colors.

HOME & LIVING

THE BUILDERS DIARIES

Part 5 By MEGHAN BRYANT

A

well-designed house filled with items you love can make you feel relaxed and at peace while in your home.

On the other hand, a cluttered home can bring about stress and feelings of unrest - just ask Marie Kondo.

I had the first part down pat — a newly built house which was design by Alisco Designs and built by Bryant Brothers Building. I didn’t really have to do much.

But my husband left the styling of the house to me, which in my opinion is just as stressful.

Your home is your own personal sanctuary and you want to feel good while in it.

When starting to style my home I had a whole Pinterest board full of ideas and possibilities and I used some time off over Christmas to visit homewares stores around town.

Toowoomba is spoilt for choice when it comes to national home décor stores such as Freedom, Adairs, Pillow Talk, Wheel and Barrow, Bed Bath N Table and Kmart — the list goes on.

But did you know there are also so many amazing local small businesses that sell beautiful homewares?

Not only are they often on par with prices but you are helping a Toowoomba family each time you shop there.

There is also the added bonus of a personal touch and if you go in regularly enough, like I did with some stores, they may even start to know you by name.

My favourite local business to buy homewares from is somewhat of a hidden gem, Premier Cane and Flowers in Margaret St. It is owned by Anan Phaewchamnan.

His shop is stunning and sells everything from cane baskets and chairs to floral arrangements personalised to each customer.

I’ve bought multiple vases, a water jug and glass set as well as two floral arrangements which Anan styled personally for me after I showed him a few photos for inspiration. They turned out even better than I imagined.

Dried flowers are by no means a new concept, but they are certainly making a comeback in the world of home décor.

Everyone seems to be opting for dried floral arrangements now, not only do they last longer but with such a large variety of styles and colours to choose from you can guarantee there is an arrangement out there to suit your home.

Another favourite of mine is Max and Betty which can be found at The Ridge Shopping World and Clifford Gardens.

The stores are owned by mother-daughter duo, Laura and Dianne Paton, and you’ll be hard pressed to find friendlier owners.

Everyone seems to be opting for dried floral arrangements now, not only do they last longer but with such a large variety of styles and colours to choose from you can guarantee there is an arrangement out there to suit your home.

While they don’t stock the bulky home items, their stores are filled with beautiful smaller homewares such as salad bowls, photos, clocks, frames and candles.

Trust me when I say it’s a beautiful shop and, as well as a great go-to place for homewares, it’s also handy for gifts, clothes, and trinkets.

My favourite piece from Max and Betty would be my giant lion canvas I bought for my son’s nursery.

He loves lying in bed staring up at it and everyone who visits comments on it.

When we were in the design phase of our house, I made sure my husband put floor-to-ceiling curtains in our budget.

Hanging curtains as high as possible adds the illusion of height to a room, making windows look

Photos: Vue Digital bigger and rooms feel more spacious. As we have two sets of large windows in our open living area, I knew spending that bit extra on specialty-made curtains would be worth it.

We opted for floor-to-ceiling double layered block out and sheer curtains in the main area as well as a few rooms. During the day with the sheer pulled across, it gives the rooms a soft feel and at night when both layers are pulled shut it makes me feel like we’re staying at a fancy hotel.

Anyone who’s built a house will know that covering all windows is no cheap feat, so I made sure I shopped around.

I went with the national curtain chains originally thinking they would be cheaper than smaller businesses in town, but I was surprised to find out I was very wrong.

We contacted several local curtain businesses, and they were all more than happy to meet with us and quote our job.

We ended up ordering through Express Curtains and Blinds for half the price I was originally looking at.

Not only did they offer wonderful personalised service and designed the exact curtains we wanted, we saved a lot of money in the process.

There are so many incredible local shops that offer beautiful homewares and my experience proves you don’t have to venture online or to the capital cities to find what you’re after.

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HOME & LIVING

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Naturally

BETTER timber

M

any of our customers naturally take ‘environmental sustainability’ seriously — it’s why they come to us in the first place. They don’t just want any home built, even if it is built well.

For them, it is fundamentally important that, not only is the daily running of the home to be environmentally responsible, but the actual building of the home is treated with the same environmental care and dedication.

This means that all materials themselves are sourced responsibly, with as little long-term negative effect on the planet as possible, and how those materials are used in the construction of the house. Every little bit is important, even if it cannot be seen.

We quietly appreciate home owners like that, for it is in harmony with our own vision and drive.

It’s why we always insist on using cypress timber in

our home constructions, even though it is a little more expensive than treated pine.

I would think it is almost universally known that cypress is naturally termite resistant. For a start, that means it hasn’t been saturated in deadly poisons. It also remains naturally termite resistant for the duration of its life.

They are obviously very sound reasons for using cypress throughout your home. But it goes deeper than that.

All our cypress comes from mature trees grown on state forest land, where harvesting is carefully managed in accordance with the government’s own strict environmental guidelines, ensuring the forest itself continues to thrive for future generations.

Cypress is also a natural store of carbon. As

the young trees vigorously grow, they draw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere storing the carbon as wood. As they age and mature that process slows, and they are ideal to harvest. This is actually part of the natural cycle, and managing this ensures healthy forests will continue forever, providing the essential environment for the forest’s fauna and other flora. This management also reduces the risk of devastating wild fires, invasion of pests and weeds.

So that why we love to use cypress: its sustainable, durable, and naturally termite resistant. It’s good for you, good for us, and good for the environment — long into the future.

Smart Design... Smarter Living.

IS THE KEY TO YOUR OWN SUSTAINABLE FUTURE HOME Geoff Gibson 0407 965 261 facebook.com/geoffgibsonhomes

Your key to g!

Smarter Livin

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

— Geoff Gibson

Meet the

Leaders

Who are Expanding Young Minds ...

Children are our most precious commodity.

They are our only hope for a brighter future.

Imagine; some will find a cure to the disease; others will give lead nations. Their minds will think of new and grounding making advances that we can’t even imagine.

But right now, they are kids. They are learning mathematics, literacy, and science, and right now, they are in the care of educators who develop them from kids with potential to people of influence.

Over the next few pages, we catch a glimpse into the teachers and students who are paving the way for a better future.

The whole

WORLD awaits Now taking registrations for Be a Fairholme Girl for a Day 7 May 2021

EDUCATION

FROM LEFT: SOPHIE WALKER (HEAD DAY GIRL), MARY-JANE SCANLON (HEAD GIRL) AND ELIZA MACK (HEAD BOARDER)

Creating a

Legacy

at Fairhome

M

ary-Jane Scanlon arrived at Fairholme in 2015, a boarder from Hong Kong.

She joined her sisters, now Fairholme Old Girls, Grace and Emma, to discover the world of boarding and an all girl’s education at Fairholme.

Affectionately known as MJ, she is now the Head Girl of Fairholme in 2021.

“I am genuinely excited to be given the opportunity to encourage empowerment amongst my peers,” says MJ. “I think as a cohort, the 2021 Seniors have learnt a lot from the grade who went before us, in the year of a global pandemic. We saw them work through challenges that arose from COVID-19 together, and I think that has encouraged us to be ready for, and open to, the occasional challenge.”

The challenges faced due to COVID did not end with the 2020 leaders, with MJ and her peers already facing a very different start to the year.

“The Interhouse Swimming Carnival is always a highlight – particularly for the Year 12s – because it is the first event of the year and a chance to show off our house leadership and Fairholme spirit. This year it’s different because of restrictions, but I think we’ve all taken it in our stride and are open to the changes that go with that.”

MJ is passionate about encouraging all Fairholme girls to have a voice, treat each other as equals and leave a legacy that proves it.

“It’s something I learnt when I went to the Alliance of Youth Girls conference in the holidays. Leadership is about leaving behind a positive legacy. The legacy I want to leave in 2021 is not my name as the Head Girl. I want to leave a legacy that was created by our cohort, one that encouraged all girls to work together, to be a unified group of young women who encourage empowerment and unity within the Fairholme community, and the wider Toowoomba community.”

The 17-year old is well known in the Senior school for her work with Base Services and Hike for Homeless. In previous years she has rallied the Fairholme girls to make the annual hike, and last year, fearing the event might have to be cancelled due to COVID, she mapped out her own 50 kilometre hike around Toowoomba to raise more than $6000.

MJ is joined by Head Boarder, Eliza Mack (of Moonie), and Head Day Girl, Sophie Walker.

The girls will lead Fairholme College into its 104th year of educating girls.

EDUCATION

Future Focused: A new era in education at Glennie

T

he Glennie School recently welcomed Ms Mary Anne Evans as its 14th principal, bringing with her a contemporary approach to educating and empowering young women of the future.

“The Glennie School has been educating young, confident women for more than 100 years, consistently delivering excellent academic results, and the 2020 cohort is no different where almost a quarter of our graduates achieved 95 and above in their ATAR,” Ms Evans explained.

“But as leaders in education, we also recognise that the world is changing.

“New jobs are emerging, our economy is demanding different skills and our students will need to learn over a lifetime now.

“In this new landscape, a Glennie graduate needs to realise her own academic potential in addition to obtaining the necessary skills to negotiate and communicate confidently, think globally, solve problems with critical thinking, and adapt to new ideas and environments.

“At Glennie, we offer a very personalised approach to education that allows us to map each student’s individual learning journey, enabling students to achieve their personal best academically, physically and spiritually, while also fostering character development.

“This is the Glennie distinctive.”

Glennie will soon launch a new five-year strategic plan which is the culmination of a lengthy consultation process that examines the future needs of its students and its community.

“We will always remain true to our approach of educating the whole girl but will introduce new ways for our students to practice leadership that is meaningful to them, introduce more learning by experience, and expand our pedagogy offerings to help our students flourish in every aspect of their lives now and in the future,” Ms Evans added.

When asked about the new strategic plan, Mrs Paddy Nichols, chair of The Glennie School Council, explained.

“We are delighted to be launching a new strategic

plan, to meet the growing needs of our students in this new educational era,” Mrs Nichols said.

“Importantly, it includes significant investment in digital learning technologies for our students, more future-skills learning opportunities, and the launch of a professional sports and fitness academy to complement our arts, music and STEM precincts on our Toowoomba campus,” she said.

Working alongside Ms Evans as part of the school’s leadership structure for 2021 are school captains Sandra Miller and Kari Donaldson.

Both students have embraced the school’s many opportunities and are excited about their new roles.

When asked about their focus this year, Kari said “the ongoing consequences of COVID-19 will certainly impact our captaincy, but we are confident that we will find new and creative ways to encourage our girls to feel connected.”

“Relationship building, service to others and encouraging all girls to achieve their personal best in academia, sport, music, and other activities are at the heart of our plans this year,” Sandra added.

ENROLLING NOW for 2022 & 2023

OPEN DAY – 7th May 2021 6 Locke Street Warwick QLD 4370 Ph. 4660 4000 www.acwarwick.catholic.edu.au

EDUCATION

Enhancing

learning for all

A

ssumption College Warwick is a progressive, Catholic co-educational college for Year 7-12 students.

Many exciting changes have occurred at the college over the past few years, which have resulted in an exceptionally strong leadership team with a clear vision for leading the college into the future.

Leading the college is principal Mr Simon Fleming.

Simon’s many years of leadership experience in previous roles has bought a wealth of knowledge to the school, and has created a firm foundation to build on the future vision for Assumption College.

Simon and the leadership team at Assumption College are backed by professional, highly qualified and experienced staff who understand that educational opportunities are a priority for their students.

“We work collaboratively to enhance the learning for all, resulting in students who are creative, confident and informed people ready to make a real difference in our world,” Mr Fleming said.

“We believe that everyone can learn, not always at the same time or in the same way, and we strive to create learning opportunities for all.

“We want to equip our students with the fundamental capabilities that will lead to success at school and beyond.”

“We invite you to come and see what makes our College so special and see first-hand how we strive to build confident and capable young men and women.”

— Assumption College Warwick principal Simon Fleming To enhance learning for students, the college campus is continually developing and has recently seen major new building works completed, including the Assumption College Industrial Art and Sports Complex, music room, state-of-the-art hospitality centre and a complete new front entrance.

This year will see the addition of a new centre for learning (library) completed by the end of the year, as well as additional learning classrooms and the enhancement of learning environments.

Assumption College has a progressive curriculum designed to meet the learning needs of all students with an extensive range of subject offerings.

This year, the school will continue to build on the agricultural facilities and experiences currently offered, and 2021 has also seen the introduction of

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) into the current curriculum.

Fundamental to all learning is a strong focus on literacy and numeracy skills.

Assumption College is well-positioned as a leading secondary school educator within the district and strives to provide a quality education, where all students have the opportunity and support to achieve their personal best.

Enrolments are now open for 2022 and 2023, and Simon warmly welcomes any families considering Assumption College to contact the school on 4660 4000 at any time to arrange a tour of the campus and for any further information.

EDUCATION

Women lead the way at

St Saviour’s College

T

hrough the theme of Sowing Seeds of Hope and Mercy, 2021 is set to be a big year for St Saviour’s College.

Welcoming 14 new staff and a 50-strong cohort of Year 7 students, the college is booming with a revitalised passion for empowering young women in a changing world.

The college has a multitude of educational and cultural initiatives in the works for the year.

Staff will have a specific focus through the diocesewide INSPIRE Maths program which will empower women in numeracy; they will continue to expand the number of cultural pursuits offered to St Saviour’s girls and even open their dedicated Health Hub to provide increased career pathways in the allied health sector.

With plenty to look forward to, there must also be reflection and celebration for the achievements for the class of 2020.

St Saviour’s College had 36 per cent of ATAR eligible students obtaining 90 plus, 100 per cent of students obtained their Queensland Certificate of Education, and 100 per cent of those wishing to go to university obtained an offer.

College Dux Miss Zina Alexandra Dorado was the highest ranked ATAR female within the Toowoomba Catholic Diocesan schools and colleges.

Principal Ms Sharon Collins said this was a fantastic achievement for the class of 2020, who had overcome adversity and repeated disruption throughout the year.

The college is led by an all-female leadership team, consisting of principal Ms Sharon Collins, deputy principal Mrs Jessica Wade and assistant principal – mission and student wellbeing Mrs Heather Hagemann.

Together, this leadership team is focused on a holistic approach to education and empowering young

women in all their pursuits.

The Australian Council for Education Leaders (ACEL) awarded Ms Collins’ exceptional work with an Outstanding Leadership Award in 2020.

Under Ms Collins’ four-year leadership, St Saviour’s College has become a recognised leader for embracing diversity, while ensuring the pursuit of individual excellence.

What stands behind this is her inherent belief that all young women, irrespective of their background, deserve a liberating education.

St Saviour’s College supports a wide variety of students, plus a 25 per cent Indigenous boarding population and 29 per cent of students have a language other than English background.

Over the past two years, the college has shown increased enrolments at the rate of 25 per cent.

Education expert Dr Judy Smeed said it is because of Ms Collins’ dedication that St Saviour’s College

has become a lighthouse school for diversity.

Deputy principal Mrs Jessica Wade has joined the St Saviour’s College leadership team this year, after a nine-year tenure at Toowoomba brother-school St Mary’s College.

Mrs Wade brings a wealth of curriculum-focused knowledge to the college and said she is looking forward to working with young women to achieve their goals.

Assistant principal – mission and student wellbeing Mrs Heather Hagemann rounds out the leadership trio.

Mrs Hagemann works with staff and students to ensure the college is fostering a lived faith experience and spirituality through Catholic tradition, Mercy heritage and cultural inclusivity.

St Saviour’s College continues to commit the Mercy values of compassion, justice, hospitality and excellence.

The oldest secondary College in Toowoomba CRICOS Provider Code: 00517D

St Saviour’s College is a secondary all-girls boarding and day school established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1873.

The College fosters a lived faith experience and provides an inclusive, quality education, individually tailored to each student.

We work in partnership with families and the wider community to challenge our young women to be resilient and to achieve excellence in their pathways.

Talk to us today about your daughter’s enrolment.

Phone: (07) 4637 1600 Neil Street, Toowoomba QLD 4350 www.ssctwb.catholic.edu.au

SAVE THE DATE: COLLEGE OPEN EVENING THURSDAY 29 APRIL

SCHOLARSHIPS

NOW OPEN

APPLY ONLINE 4698 7777 highfields.catholic.edu.au

Celebrate God in all things

EDUCATION

Filling

Big Shoes

at Mary McKillop

W

ith big shoes to fill following the success of the foundation graduates in 2020, Mary MacKillop Catholic College’s newest Year 12 captains were recently commissioned into their roles.

Establishing new traditions at this P-12 College in Highfields is a top priority for college captains Mia Knapman and Raphael Badman, and fortunately they have a student leadership team to back them.

In addition to these two captains, the college will be led by captains in sport, academic, culture and formation and have the added support of their Junior School counter parts in Year 6.

“Having the opportunity to create new and vibrant traditions that are relevant and relatable to other students as they come through the college, is really exciting” says Mia. The captains are looking forward to continuing some traditions set by the foundation graduates, as well as establishing some of their own legacies to leave behind.

“We want to build a culture of pride and participation so that all students feel they can participate in activities, sing at assembly and shout out war cries at sports days” says Raphael.

Mia began at Mary MacKillop in Year 4, and after moving away during her middle school years, she was excited to be back to complete her senior years at a school that had her best interests at heart.

“The sense of community and close-knit atmosphere of Mary MacKillop Catholic College is like no other school I’ve been to” says Mia. With plans already in place to study health or exercise science after graduation, Mia attributes her ability to choose this pathway to the support of her teachers and the Your Senior Pathway Team - a new initiative designed to support students on the career pathway from Year 10 to 12.

“The difference I have found at Mary MacKillop is that there’s always someone here to help, you’re never alone, and there’s no boundary to what I can learn or achieve here” says Mia. Raphael also counts the tight-knit community and supportive one-on-one support of the teachers as some of the major advantages of this small P-12 college.

Currently completing a Diploma of Building and Construction, with one day per week at Struxi Design

in Toowoomba, Raphael hopes to continue this path after graduating, while also pursuing his passion in not-for-profit organisations setting up shelters for the homeless and victims of abuse.

Recognising the high expectations set by the foundation cohort in 2020, Raphel says “it’s an honour to be here as captain and part of a bigger cohort of Year 12’s where there are so many opportunities given to us.

“Regardless of our academic or more handson skillset, we have been put on the right path to succeed.”

This will be only the second time in the college’s young history to have Year 12 graduates, with Mia and Raph leading the biggest cohort to complete their senior education at Mary MacKillop.

“The results from 2020 were really reassuring, and I no longer see ATAR as something scary” says Mia. 100% of the foundation cohort obtained a QCE, 50% achieved an ATAR score above 90, and all graduating students secured a pathway to their future, including entry into their university of choice for medicine, engineering and science.

Open Day Sunday 14 March 10am - 2pm

Register Now! st-ursula.qld.edu.au

EDUCATION

Passion for learning evident

S

t Mary’s College welcomes Brendan Stewart to the role of principal for 2021.

Brendan is married and he and his wife Mandy have three children, Sam, Ben and

Lara.

Brendan’s sons are both studying at university, having completed their secondary schooling at Ignatius Park College, and Lara is currently in Year 12 at St Patrick’s College, Townsville.

Brendan was previously the deputy principal at Ignatius Park College, Townsville, a college of 1100 boys with a strong tradition in Edmund Rice education.

He was a member of the Good Shepherd Parish in Kirwan and was highly regarded within his parish

community.

He brings a lovely blend of personal and professional qualities to the role, as well as a reputation as a dedicated and highly capable educational leader.

Brendan started his working life as an accountant with KPMG, before making the move to education in 1993.

His formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Education and Master of Education.

He is a music enthusiast and his teaching specialties include economics and religious education.

His personal philosophy of education is one of making a positive, indelible impact on students’ lives.

He is committed to helping young men realise their full potential and to set them up for success beyond school. Brendan is deeply committed to the notion of ‘learning for life’.

Brendan brings a strong and compelling vision for the future of the college and the energy and drive to continue the outstanding work of the previous principal, the college leadership team and staff.

His expertise and experience mean he is well positioned to lead the College to the next level of outstanding academic achievement, pastoral care and community outreach.

If you have any questions, please contact Tyhla Roper, marketing and foundations officer at St Mary’s College, on 4631 7333.

Style Artist chats to

Mel Simmonds

Tell us a little about yourself Currently living in back in Brisbane with my teenage daughters, which is where I went to high school and now, I have reconnected with so many old friends. In Toowoomba, I did a teaching degree majoring in art and then spent over 20 years rural NSW. Describe your style?

My style is ever evolving. It often involves loads of colour. Often representational abstract. I don’t like label. I feel like that boxes me in. I usually start with a photo or a memory and then I like to let the painting direct me. This is why I rarely do commission pieces.

What inspires you?

Life……the good, the difficult, the mundane, the euphoric, the beautiful, the unpleasant.

When did you start painting?

When I was very young. My grandmother was a florist and an artist. We were always creating.

How has it evolved and what has influenced this?

To be honest, I am very fortunate that both my primary school and high school art teachers influenced me and fostered this love of art. I did have a ten-year hiatus from art when I finished Uni and had young children.

Why do you enjoy painting?

For so many reasons. It ‘fills my cup’ emotionally, helps me resolve situations, helps me process, it heals, brings happiness to others. I am lucky it also facilitates a job and career that I love.

Some favourite moments of your artistic life?

I love finding out where a painting has ended up and what it brings to people’s lives. I love creating art daily. Being asked to be this year’s Toowoomba Grammar feature artist has been such a wonderful experience. Winning the open section of the Aspects Art Show in Goondiwindi.

What do you like about Toowoomba?

So much. It is truly the link between city and country. It offers so much culturally and yet has roots firmly planted in the rural landscape.

What is your dream goal or project?

To keep making art and to travel the world soaking up cultures and creativity.

For your calendar..

GRAMMAR

Feature Artist 2021 Mel Simmonds

Art Show

Mel Simmonds

Mel Simmonds

27-28 March 2021 GrammarARTshow.com A diverse & beautiful range of art ... brought together for you

Mel Simmonds

ARTS

ught ro b ly d u ro p e en c S Toowoomba Artord Gouldson Lawyers to you by Cliff

TOOWOOMBA ART SCENE There’s so much happening across Toowoomba’s galleries, theatres, schools and various creative groups that we have decided to give the arts its own page. Check our contents page for contact details.

THE EXPEDITION RANGE: PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID HEDLEY MARCH 20 TO JULY 11

David HEDLEY / ‘The Straits’, Expedition National Park 2002 / colour photograph / 25.5 x 17.0cm / Reproduced by kind permission © the artist

WHERE: Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library Collection WHAT: David Hedley’s landscape photographs will be on display at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery from March 20. Shown alongside original Leichhardt-related materials held in the Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library Collection, the works in this exhibition explore a remote and complex section of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt, or Central Highlands. The artist and the gallery respectfully acknowledge that the displays relate to the Country of the Jiman people.

The Gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am – 3.30pm and Sundays 1-4pm.

FINDING MY WAY: EMERGING ARTIST 2021 KERRIE THORNE MARCH 4 TO MARCH 27 WHERE: Rosalie Gallery at Goombungee WHAT: Rosalie Gallery at Goombungee is showcasing works by their annual emerging artist, Kerrie Thorne. Kerrie’s acrylics on canvas and upcycled pieces explore a fun, colourful and quirky style. To meet the artist and find out more about her artistic practice and work, Kerrie will be available at the gallery on Saturday, March 6 from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The Rosalie Gallery is open from Thursday to Saturday 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Kerrie THORNE / Family 2020 / acrylic on canvas / 60 x 90cm / Reproduced by kind permission © the artist

TINKER STARTS 2021 WITH A BANG

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inker is getting ready to open their doors again for their 2021 calendar of events.

Tinker is known for their unique paint and sip evenings, crafternoons, kids classes and as a space that supports the city’s creative community.

Adding to Tinker’s much-loved art classes this term, you will find brand new themes such as pet portraits, alcohol inks, cement pours and so much more.

What makes Tinker classes unique is their teaching style. Studio owner Alex Stalling said classes at Tinker will have you drawing and painting your own original designs, with every session developed with fun, socialisation and beginners in mind.

“You will not be replicating an image; instead our teachers will show you easy ways to break down your own ideas into original works of art,” she said.

2021 will also introduce a brand new face to their regular kids classes.

Local artist Davina Else will be joining the team as one of the after school kids teachers, allowing for more students to access supportive, individualised art classes that inspire their imagination.

Alex said she is excited to be able to expand the kids art classes to offer more sessions.

“Our regular classes have been hard to get into since we opened in 2018, with our students loving the space so much they stay on term after term,” Alex said.

Alex said she was also excited to be able to offer regular employment for another local artist.

“Toowoomba has a wonderful collection of career artists that often need to leave the region to be able to secure regular employment.

Knowing that Tinker is supported by the community, that enables ways for us to keep our creative talent local, is really important”.

Tinker was founded in 2018 - the first of its kind for the Toowoomba region - and offers a space for career artists to host regular workshops for adults and kids at their HQ Studio as well as online and pop-up collaborations. Founder Alex Stalling is known in the region for her work advocating the importance of creative opportunities for regional spaces.

Find out more about what’s coming up at Tinker at their website www.tinkerart.com.au

At Clifford Gouldson we value our clients, our people and our community. We are a leading Toowoomba legal firm with a strong commitment to supporting artistic, cultural, sporting and charitable projects in Toowoomba and across the Darling Downs. Clifford Gouldson is proud to support the Toowoomba Art Scene because we know that the events and artistic works featured here are vital in uplifting and enhancing the lives of every member of our community.

GRAMMAR

Art Show

Art Show Admission

Janine Riches

Daniela Fowler

Shop 4011 Westpoint $5.00 Saturday 27 10:00am – 7:00pm 17 Patrick Street, Sunday 28 March Blacktown NSW 2148 10:00am – 4:00pm P: +61 2 9622 8588 Opening Night ZB.Blacktown@zonebowling.com $85.00* Friday 26 March 6:00pm – 10:00pm

High Tea

Café

Mel Simmonds

*Tickets must be pre-purchased.

Joan Blond

$60.00* Saturday 27 | 2:00pm

Binnie Donovan

Jayde Chandler

Mike Barr

$50.00* Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 March | 10:00am

Art Among Friends

Jacki Gobert

dean.Amann@zonebowling.com

Nerida Wooley

Ten locations around Toowoomba

Kirsty McIntyre

Benjamin Ashton

Tour the ART TRAIL 1 – 23 March

Divine coffee & scrumptious eats Saturday afternoon drinks & music from 3:00pm

GRAMMAR

Art Show

Opening Night $85.00* Friday 26 March 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Janine Riches

Daniela Fowler

$5.00 Saturday 27 10:00am – 7:00pm Sunday 28 March 10:00am – 4:00pm

High Tea

Art Among Friends

Binnie Donovan

Jayde Chandler

Bleed Left - 5.5mm Right - 5.5mm

*Tickets must be pre-purchased.

Top - 5mm Bottom - 5mm

Café

Divine coffee & scrumptious eats Saturday afternoon drinks & music from 3:00pm

Joan Blond

Mike Barr

Live Type Margins Left - 8mm Top - 8.5mm Right - 8mm $60.00* Bottom - 8.5mm Saturday 27 | 2:00pm

Mel Simmonds

STYLE M12X6 FULL PAGE AD Artboard/File Size: 320mm H x 289mm W (includes bleed) $50.00* Saturday 27 & 28 W Trim Size: 310mm HSunday x 278mm March | 10:00am Live Type Area: 293mm H x 262mm W

Jacki Gobert

Art Show Admission

Nerida Wooley

Ten locations around Toowoomba

Kirsty McIntyre

Benjamin Ashton

Tour the ART TRAIL 1 – 23 March

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ENTERTAINMENT

Jesus Christ Superstar lead cast members from right to left: Alex Fischer, William Thomas and Kate Hudson-James

St Mary’s College presents

Jesus Christ Superstar

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t Mary’s College is pleased to present the musical Jesus Christ Superstar in association with St Saviour’s College.

Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for more than 40 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events, but seen unusually through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

Loosely based on the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life.

The musical was meant to be held in early 2020, however, due to the events of COVID-19, the production was postponed to March 31 and April 1, 2021.

St Mary’s College director of art and drama

John Condon says he is excited to finally see the production come to life.

“It has been more than a decade since St Mary’s College has produced a musical,” he said.

“We have a number of extremely talented boys at this College, who have been working hard to perfect the show for more than 12 months.”

“We are lucky to be able to join forces with the girls from St Saviour’s College, who have also been working exceptionally hard.”

Mr Condon further commented that Jesus Christ Superstar will mark the beginning of a new tradition at St Mary’s College.

“A number of our students are interested in the arts, and we plan to hold regular musicals in the future to provide them with more performing arts

opportunities.”

Year 12 student William Thomas is looking forward to taking on the lead role of Jesus Christ.

“This will be my first professional musical and acting performance,” he said.

“The entire cast are excited to show off the cultural side of the College and to be involved in the first production to be held in the new Edmund Rice Cultural Centre.”

William is an ATAR student who plans to follow his passion of performing arts at university next year.

“I’m currently studying music and drama, and I was lucky to be able to perform a song from Jesus Christ Superstar for my music assessment piece,” he said.

Tickets are on sale now, so please head to www.trybooking.com.au to secure your spot.

ENTERTAINMENT

CLOUDLAND THE MUSICAL TOURS IN 2021

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fter almost a decade of research and development, and 39 years since its controversial demise, an original Australian musical about ‘The Greatest Ballroom in the Southern Hemisphere’ is set to tour south-eastern Queensland for the first time in mid-2021.

The cast of more than 30 dancers, musicians and actors of Cloudland the Musical will feature some of Queensland’s newest and brightest talent.

Cloudland Ballroom was no ordinary music venue, and this is no ordinary musical.

Cloudland the Musical features the music of some of Australia’s most loved bands of the 60s, 70s and 80s - bands who all performed at Cloudland during its 43-year existence.

The music is woven into a storyline based on real events and follows a typical Australian family and the way the venue impacts each of their lives.

“To write a musical about an inanimate object, such as a building, required some thinking outside the box,” Paul Hayman, writer, director and producer, explains.

“As when it stood, Cloudland continues to live in the hearts and minds of those who went there. It’s these memories I have drawn upon to help bring our hero,

Cloudland Ballroom, to life.

“This was more than just another venue. Cloudland Ballroom was the cultural and social hub of Brisbane for over 40 years.”

Community is the central topic to this musical, evidenced by the unique way in which Mr Hayman is intending to involve the general public. Memoirs of Cloudland is an opportunity for the public to tell their stories about Cloudland Ballroom on camera.

A montage of the stories collected from the public

will then be screened pre-show at each venue on the tour.

“Cloudland Ballroom is an important part of Queensland’s history and its memory needs to be preserved for both current and future generations.”

For further details visit www.facebook.com/ cloudlandthemusical.

Cloudland the Musical will appear for one show only at the Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, on Sunday, April 18.

Featuring the music of: The Bee Gees, Dragon, Buddy Holly, The Angels, UB40, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cold Chisel, Johnny O’Keefe, Midnight Oil, Australian Crawl, Bill Haley, Mental as Anything, Normie Rowe, Madness, Stray Cats, & more

17 April - Redlands Performing Arts Centre

18 April - Empire Theatre, Toowoomba 24 April - The Brolga Theatre, Maryborough 15 May - Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich 22 May - The Events Centre, Caloundra

Cloudland the Musical is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland

www.cloudlandthemusical.com

ARTS

Celebrating

First Nation People

Doolamai Designs brings First Nations artworks to Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. The painting Baiami - The Birth of Munda tells the story of the Beginning.

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t the Beginning there was nothing; Baiami created the earth; however it lay desolate: no vegetation, no living creatures or moving things.

Baiami called the Goddess Walla-Gudjial-Wan to help him to get the World to breathe.

Baiami then awoke Yurlunggur, the Great Rainbow Serpent, and sent him forth with the strength of 100,000 Kaingani (Young Men).

With his large body moving through the Earth,

creating mountain ranges, rivers, billabongs, rocky outcrops, coastal areas and islands, Yurlunggur shaped the Munda (Earth), he helped the world to take its next breath; the Munda lived.

DOOLAMAI DESIGNS 2B TAYLOR ST, TOOWOOMBA WWW.DOOLAMAIDESIGNS.COM 0487 988 247

Motor Accident and Work Injury Experts 4616 8333 | turnerfreeman.com.au 1-3 Russell St | TOOWOOMBA

Overseas model shown.

a new generation of adventure has arrived After 25 years of continuous innovation, a new era begins with the launch of Subaru’s most technologically advanced and luxurious Outback ever. Take a look at the all-new Subaru Outback at Wippells Subaru. With a variety of stunning features including the next generation of EyeSight® Driver Assist technology, an impressive 11.6-inch infotainment screen, Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Subaru Global Platform, paired with a brand-new direct injection 2.5L Boxer engine and a powerful upgraded 2,000kg braked towing capacity*, you’re more than ready to tackle your next adventure.

Overseas model shown.

At Wippells Subaru we are here to help and we pride ourselves on putting you, our customer, first.

Herries Street, Toowoomba | Call us today on 07 4631 9975

Wippells Subaru

*Towing capacity is subject to regulatory requirements, tow bar and vehicle design and towing equipment limitations. Requires fitment of optional tow bar accessory.

Ask Wippells Subaru for details of Genuine Subaru tow bar capacity and availability details. Always refer to your Owner’s Manual for towing instructions.

MARCH

EVENTS

FROM MARCH 6 TO MARCH 14

PARKS WEEK 2021

Hairy does the Job A Chartered Accountant with a sense of humour 52 JANUARY 2021 | TOOWOOMBA STYLE

$170 Picnic Park Pack.

Bookings are required to participate in most Parks Week activities.

For a full list of activities visit the website at www.tr.qld.gov.au/parksweek COST: Free to low cost

SUNDAY, MARCH 7

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY WHERE: Various locations around the Toowoomba region WHAT: Step up and create or

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

Don’t delay, contact and enjoy the experience of good old fashioned service.

For a free insight into what changes you could make to your business, call Jeff on 0429 894 937

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

7177223ab

WHERE: Various parks in the Toowoomba region WHAT: Get ready to celebrate all our great parks.

Parks Week will run from March 6-14 with a wide range of free and low-cost activities designed to encourage residents to enjoy their neighbourhood parks and open recreation spaces.

Events will include: Wildlife Warriors Bioquest (Nature Treasure Hunt); Highfields Falls Open Day; Community Bushwalking Program; Bike with Toowoomba; and various CHANGE Project Park activities.

Participate in a Parks Week activity for your chance to win a

EVENTS

all things Irish.

Email your enquiries to Darlingdownsirishclub@gmail or call them on 4639 8926.

COST: Free

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17

EVENT REVISIONING WORKSHOP

join a Clean Up event for the next Clean Up Australia Day. Get your friends, family and local community group together to make an impact that improves your environment.

Clean Up Australia Day will send you a free starter kit that contains bags, gloves and everything you need to create a safe, fun and effective Clean Up. They provide materials for individuals, families (2 adults, 2 children), groups of 10 and groups of 20 – as well as paperwork free kits or B.Y.O. Clean Up material options for those who want to cut down on waste.

COST: Free

Low and Slow Barbecue, with 34 teams nominated, from 9am to 6pm; fireworks; entertainment by Amanda Faulkner; fashion parade; ute muster; horse events; stud cattle; prime cattle; poultry; caged birds; pet parade; dog championships; farm produce; floriculture; home cookery; needlework, handicraft and art; and, of course, the ever-popular sideshow alley.

COST: $10 adult, $5 for children under three, students and concession card holders.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

WHERE: Irish Club Hotel, 80 Russell Street, Toowoomba WHAT: Commencing at 10.30am on the corner of Russell and Station streets, this St Patrick’s Day Parade will be fun for all the family.

Organised by the Darling Downs Irish Club, the parade will be led by the Caledonian Pipe Band and Town Crier.

All are welcome to join in and walk in the parade to celebrate

113TH OAKEY SHOW

WHERE: Oakey Showgrounds, Showgrounds Road, Oakey WHAT: With COVIDSafe key principles in place, the Oakey Agricultural Show is back in 2021, with gates opening at 8am.

Enjoy the Oakey Show Official Opening at 10.30am by Garth Hamilton MP; the Pit Masters

SATURDAY, MARCH 27

GEHAM STATE SCHOOL 150TH ANNIVERSARY

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

WHERE: Toowoomba City Library (Community Rooms), cnr Herries St and Victoria streets, Toowoomba WHAT: Does your community group deliver events?

Designed to help groups reimagine their events and assist in bouncing back quicker postCOVID-19, these workshops will look at virtual events, hybrid events, scaling up and down, and plenty more.

Toowoomba’s workshop will be held from 6pm to 8pm, with other workshops held around the region throughout the month.

Bookings are essential, with a limit of one representative per organisation/group, and can be made by calling 131 872.

COST: Free

WHERE: Geham State School, 9625 New England Highway, Geham WHAT: The Geham State School is celebrating 150 years of educating in the Geham, Cabarlah, Ravensbourne, Hampton and Groomsville communities.

To celebrate this event, they are holding an open day for past and present school students, staff, and community members

to come and see the school in all of its glory along with a market of 50 stallholders selling bouquet items, displays and performances by the school students, and an official program with guest speakers from Education Queensland, mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council Cr Paul Antonio, and other dignitaries.

The day is being organised by the Geham State School Parents & Citizens (P&C) association, who will be running the food and drink stalls on the day.

There will also be a range of memorabilia available for sale on the day or via pre-order.

To ensure you secure the items, please check out the Facebook page, contact the school office or send an email to 150@gehamss.eq.edu.au COST: Free

SUNDAY, MARCH 28,

CABARLAH MARKET WHERE: Cabarlah Sports Ground, New England Highway, Cabarlah WHAT: A monthly market held at the Cabarlah Sports Ground, it is open from 7.30am till 12.30pm.

There are a wide variety of stalls including plants, craft, fruit and veg, bric-a-brac, birds, books and tools. .

COST: Free

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ALEXANDRA ON THE PACIFIC MOOLOOLABA Phone Free call 1800 800 999 Email info@alexandraonthepacific.com www.alexandraonthepacific.com TOOWOOMBA STYLE | JANUARY 2021

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In 2016, 31.4% of Australians over the age of 14 owed a video game.

FACT

While still debated among fans, the first video game was made in 1958 and was a very simple tennis game.

31%

FACT

TECH TALK . . .

The Magnavox Odyssey was the first commercial home video game console, and was released in the US in September 1972.

BRAIN GAMES LVL

A minimalistic puzzle that blends 3D into 2D with a twist. There are more than 50 unique levels with over 150 puzzles, as well as a randomly-generated mode with unlimited levels. LVL forces players to think in 3D while solving puzzles in 2D. $1.99 MONUMENT VALLEY Play this game as much for the illustrations, scenery and music as for the puzzles.

Manipulate impossible architecture and fantastical geometry while unfolding optical illusions. $5.99 - IN-APP PURCHASES KAMI 2

This soothing game tests your brain while remaining relaxing. Almost like a crossover of origami with colour-matching games, the idea is to flood each level with the same colour in a restricted amount of moves.

FREE - IN-APP PURCHASES

1. Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite $469.95RRP and $329.95RRP 2. Playstation 5 $599.95-$749.95RRP 3. Xbox Series S $499RRP

The time has come...

T

he kids have been begging for months, and you’ve decided that getting a video game console might actually be a useful thing to have in the house for those cold and wet winter days that are coming up. At least if they’re playing games instead of just watching the TV, their brains will be active, right?

But where do you start? There’s at least three different console models at any given time - which one is better?

For those that play video games regularly, the latter question becomes a matter of loyalty of sorts, to a particular brand. So if you’re going into a store to purchase a console, make sure you do some research first so you don’t get caught up in ‘console wars’ with staff or other customers.

Decide what features or type of games are most important - you might even want to chat with the kids on this one - do you want games that get them up and moving? Puzzles and strategy?

Team work? Just fun and adventure?

What about for the parents? Do you want to play too? Or use the console as a DVD player or streaming device?

Keep in mind if any of your family has used a particular console before, as often this familiarity can help sway a decision since learning how to use it will be quicker.

Once you know what you require, you can either go into store armed with a list and let the staff pick out what suits best, or do some more internet research into different game compatibility and console specifications/ features so you know precisely what you’re after. If you do the latter, you may even find you can get an older model second-hand that will fulfil your needs.

However you choose to proceed, don’t be afraid to bring the kids with you - you’d be surprised at the important questions they remember to ask that you hadn’t even thought of!

We are open early so come in before work to get your Computer fixed

Did you call a national IT company and didn't get what you expected?

Try a local Toowoomba Business, Our Techs have at least 10 years experience each and are eager to fix your computer problems!

187 Hume St (Next to Patton’s the Butcher) • ctstoowoomba.com.au

7183969aa

per Centre o o H e h 3x6 t Come see us in

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THE HARVEY NORMAN SOWING THE SEEDS OF LOVE RACE DAY WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, AND ELEGANTLY DRESSED VIEWERS ARRIVED IN (SOCIALLY-DISTANCED) DROVES

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1:: Lisa Skuse, Kellie Heilig, Kim Wann, Mel Wilkinson and Rebecca Steinmuller 2:: Ali Davenport, Carmel Charles, Doulina White and Jennifer Rix 3:: Lauren Fowke and Morgan Spencer 4:: Richard and Cate MacAvoy 5:: Kylie and Adrian Squires

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