Carnival Time WHAT’S ON DURING THE CITY’S FAVOURITE FESTIVAL CAREERCOLOURFULEMMA’S INSIDE: TOOWOOMBA SEPTEMBER 2022 FASHION | SHOPPING | HEALTH | BEAUTY | HOME | TRAVEL | FOOD | EVENTS | ARTS MAGAZINE
SANKEY FRASER | Your One Stop Shop for the last 100 Years Ruthven Street, Toowoomba | www.sankeyfraser.com.au
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STYLE 4 EDITOR Josie Adams, josie.adams@news.com.au 4690 9354 JOURNALISTS Alyssa Welke, Jessica Kramer SUB EDITOR Alyssa Welke, Jessica Kramer DESIGN Paul Hunter, Justine Costello ADVERTISING MANAGER Erika Brayshaw STYLE MAGAZINE TOOWOOMBA CONTACT DETAILS mytoow.ads@news.com.au Level 1/5 Keefe Street, Toowoomba City PO BOX 40, Toowoomba QLD 4350
@stylemagazinestoowoomba Hello Carnival of Flowers! Check out what’s on during our city’s favourite time of year Emma Menyweather of Little Pig celebratesConsultingCarnival of Flowers. Makeup by Luminosa; Photo by Tilly Mykat, Oh Tilly photography; Flowers by Blooming Gorgeous. Happy Spring Stylers. It’s my favourite time of year in the region and I can’t wait to spend the entire month celebrating all things Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Time to check out the beautiful Toowoomba Chronicle Garden Competition Gardens, and soak up the sunshine while sipping a local drop and indulging in our best, fresh, local produce.Checkout our rundown of carnival frivolities, including some new additions on page 6, 10 and 54. Also if you think this month’s bride looks familiar, you would be correct ... its me! After years of chatting to brides about their weddings and checking out their divine photos - I just couldnt help myself. And ummm yes, it was wierd answering my own questions.Ihopeyou all have a wonderful September Stylers!
Josie xx
5 STYLE 12 It’sCarnivaltime Everyone’s favourite festival CoverStory Emma’s life-imitating art Garden Competition Sponsors share their love of blooms Wedding Adrian & Josie get hitched 14 Check out Adrian & Josie’s gorgeous wedding And we’re racing! Fashions on the field for Toowoomba’s Weetwood 08061012 20161423 46283243Fashion Weetwood, we are ready! Fashion Little Miss Country Wellness Easing the sneeze SpecialFeature The great outdoors 56544952Gardenforgood Helping kids eat well Home&Living Backyard coming first Home&Living Smart tech for homes Food Qi’Lin delighting tastebuds Education Boys spell it out with action Stars Luna looks at what’s in store #trEATS Celebrate local eats What’son For the month of September
Carnival time Check out what’s happening during Toowoomba’s internationally-renowned Carnival of Flowers LEFT: LukeFlowers.Carnivalyear'saheadandJasmineABOVE:Madsen.Picture:WoolworthswinningGrandParadeCentralGrandFloral2021ChampionentrybyNevVanLill,AleishaChrisRichterofthisToowoombaofPicture:Marsden.
STYLE 6 GrandCentralFloral Parade
When:
The iconic Grand Central Floral Parade is one of Toowoomba’s favourite events of the year! Come along to watch street performers, carnival characters and roving entertainment escort the stunning floral floats on their journey through the heart of the city to Queens Park. The Floral Parade departs from the corner of Herries & Hume Streets, continues along Herries Street, turns right into Ruthven Street, right into Margaret Street, left onto Hume Street and finishes on Godsall Street Oval on the corner of Hume & Godsall Streets.There are road closures in place around Toowoomba CBD on Saturday, September 17. Saturday, September 17 Time: Parade starts at 10am Cost: Free Location: Toowoomba CBD
What: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ Teddy Bears’ Picnic When: Saturday, September 24 Time: 8-11.30am Location: Picnic Point, Heller Park via Rowbotham St
To be held on Saturday, September 24, and featuring interactive shows, fairy bread making, colouring-in stations, roving entertainment, sausage sizzle and, of course, a Teddy Bear Parade, this is one for the young, and the young at heart! In a very special coup, Australia’s famous Tambo Teddies will be attending with an extra special guest. This iconic Australian teddy bear designer has created a tribute bear for the gardeners of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. He is incredibly cute, decked out with a teddy bear ‘Akubra’ style hat, khaki bib overalls and a sweet green floral shirt ready for a day’s gardening. And his name? Well, it’s Dug, of course, and he will go home with one very lucky picnicker at the end of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic event. “Everyone loves their teddy bears, and we want to see as many bears at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic as possible,” Tambo Teddies’ Alison Shaw“Wesaid.have a great group of entertainers coming who will lead a Teddy Bear’s Parade and there will be prizes for the best-dressed bears. We will also have a Tambo Teddies Roll Call and are hoping to see many of our old friends at the picnic. Tambo Teddies all have individual numbers and names, and we will be registering all the Tambo Teddies who come to the picnic for a roll call on the day,” sheWhensaid.asked why she created a tribute Tambo Teddies bear for the gardeners, Alison said, “So much work goes into the gardens for Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The team plants 190,000 bulbs and seedlings so we really needed to pay tribute. We have a wonderful lady in Tambo who makes specialty outfits for our bears, and we asked for a set of overalls; nothing better for gardening!”
If spending a weekend strolling through perfectly manicured gardens, taking in amazing art, and indulging in a long lunch (all with your canine companion by your side) sounds like your perfect day, then the Cultured Canine itinerary is for you!
Picture:LachieMillard.
ABOVE:Rescuelabradors DorianandLuluweartheir floralcollarswithprideat LaurelParkasToowoomba CarnivalofFlowers announcesthe‘Petalsand Pups’dog-friendlyitineraries forthisyear’scarnival.
LEFT: AmeliaCowan,4,and AlbyOwen,4,makefairy breadaheadoftheTambo TeddyPicnic.Picture:Luke Marsden. FestivalofFood&Wine
Mole or Melanoma? Don't take the risk! Scan to book Get your Skin Cancer Check with Total Body Photography for earliest detection & peace of mind. Call 4638 9299 68 Neil St, Toowoomba skincancercentres.com.au/darlingdowns feature
Answer: Dug (of course!) New and unbearably cute for 2022 at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is the Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Picnic Point (of course!).
Getlostinthelaneways
CulturedCanines
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The First Coat street art has changed the face of the Toowoomba streetscape for good and the work of the many talented artists is regarded as world class. Check out this interactive street art map if there’s a particular mural you want to find. Viewsandbrews A visit to the iconic Picnic Point parkland (164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba) is a must do on the Cultured Canine list! Pick up a freshly brewed coffee from the Picnic Point Café (164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba) and enjoy the spectacular views of the Great Dividing Range. Be sure to stop by at the bronze statue of the famous Puppy and snap a selfie with your own canine. Lunchatyourleisure After a busy morning art-hopping, stop in at Park House Cafe (92 Margaret St, Toowoomba) opposite Queens Park to enjoy a delicious long lunch featuring a fresh spring salad or a hearty burger and a glass of your favourite beverage. Make sure you request an outdoor table so your pup can join you right at the table. Parksideperfection Following your long lunch, stroll directly across the road to the centre of Queens Park (43-73 Lindsay St, Toowoomba). The Queens Park off leash dog park is a social hub for both small and large breeds with lots of friendly owners and dogs. Once you’ve had your fill of playtime, wander into the Botanic Gardens to admire the perfectly manicured gardens featuring an ever-changing display of flora.
Dogs have always played a historic part in Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers with a Pomeranian named “Puppy” leading the Toowoomba Thistle Pipe Band in the very first Carnival parade in 1950, a tradition continued until 1958. Puppy belonged to the band’s drum major, Mr Hugh Morgan and was attired in a rug in the band’s tartan pattern.Today a statue commemorating Puppy the dog stands at Picnic Point (164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba) in Toowoomba. Toowoomba is a dog-friendly community and we absolutely welcome furry friends at many Carnival parks and events! Check out these itineraries to plan your Petals and Pups weekend!
When: Friday, September 9, 3pm - 10pm Saturday, September 10, 10am - 10pm Sunday, September 11, 10am - 9pm Location: Upper Queens Park, Margaret & Lindsay Sts, Toowoomba Unbearablycutefun Pop Quiz: what would you call a Tambo Teddy created in tribute to the gardeners of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers?
For three mouth-watering days you can sample the world-famous produce of Southern Queensland Country, all in one location. Treat yourself to incredible flavours, produce and wine fresh from the bountiful pastures, orchards and wine vineyards of the region. The talent at this year’s festival is blooming great, don’t miss a beat! Join us for cool concert sounds from some of Australia’s most popular bands and musicians, while you enjoy fine food and wine at the Festival of Food & Wine.
PetalsandPups
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mma Menyweather’s vibrant wardrobe has created a unique personal brand which is reflected in the successful local business she has helped her husband Clayton Menyweather build over the past fiveInyears.another lifetime, Emma was a primary school teacher at various locations across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. Even then, she was known for her fashion sense.“The kids used to ask me quite often ‘why do you get dressed up and why do you wear makeup?’ And I’ve always told them the reason I dress nicely, and take pride in my appearance, is out of respect for myself and the people I’m surrounded by,” Emma said. “I think it’s important to show the people that I engage with, that they deserve to have me at my best.”
“Emma always gets comments on her dresses,” Clayton added. “In fact, people are often surprised if she’s not wearingClaytonpink.”also wears a branded pink shirt daily.
A colourful career Emma Menyweather reveals the importance of dressing for success, writes Josie Adams cover story
pastMenyweatherhusbandbusinessthebrandcreatedvibrantMenyweather’swardrobehasauniquepersonalwhichisreflectedinsuccessfullocalshehashelpedherClaytonbuildoverthefiveyears.
“In my career what I wear has literally become a talking point.”
“We know our branding is working. We’re walking the talk. We’re doing what we recommend other businesses do. “Our job is to help our clients figure out their brand, where they sit, and then how to represent
“I would rather pay for quality clothing that will last than something that will end up in landfill after a few months,’’ Emma said. “There are plenty of Australian designer labels that you can buy second-hand. Buying quality clothes can be done on a budget when it’s recycled clothing. It doesn’t have to be expensive.”“Themost important thing is that your personal style reflects you and if you’re in business, your brand. Pride in your appearance is about having that respect for your brand and the people you’re interacting with, to dress in a way that shows you’re serious and mean business.”
Emma took the leap from classroom to keyboard in 2018, joining her husband Clayton, a business consultant, in creating Little Pig Consulting. As Head of Creativity, Emma’s talents in all things design see her involved in logo, brand and web creation, marketing, graphic design, and social media creation and management. With the career change, came a purposeful fashion evolution. “I dressed nicely when I was teaching, but my teaching clothes were very different to what I wear these days.” Cue Australian designers combining linens, cottons and silk with bold patterns, florals and bright colours, with a preference for slow or recycled fashion.
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9 STYLE that digitally and in person.” Just like Emma’s fashion evolution, Little Pig Consulting has successfully evolved from business coaching to a full-service, digital marketing agency incorporating videography, logo and brand development, social media management and website design and maintenance.Emma’sstrong sense of design, be it digitally, through interior design or fashion, meant that building the marketing side of the business was a natural progression. Before beginning her teaching career, Emma worked as a graphic designer.“Wemoved to whatever the clients were needing at the time and built our skills accordingly,’ Clayton added. “There is no magic wand, no one size fits all, nor is it one golden arrow - potential customers can now be found across multiple platforms, so businesses need more marketing tools than ever before.”Their agency prides itself on having a local team with a wide range of skills, another purposeful decision made by Emma and Clayton. “We’re very proud of the people who work for us. There’s eight of us on our team and we’re all highly skilled locals,” Emma said. “We don’t use contractors. When you engage Little Pig Consulting, you get to sit down with the person who is responsible for the work being produced for you.”
We know our branding is working. We’re walking the talk. We’re doing what we recommendbusinessesotherdo
JACQUIWALKER WhydoyousponsortheGarden competition? If I can help just one extra person discover the top private gardens, the city’s public gardens, the shopping, the views and the great cafes, then my sponsorship will have worked. This is a wonderful time for our city! I love Toowoomba. The shopping is great, the cafes are great, the people are great, it’s my family home, it’s my town. It’s a great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to invest and a fabulous place to raise families. Whydoyouthinkitisanimportantpartof theCarnival? Well it’s one thing for Council and elite event firms to stage official events, but the actual competition - that’s grass-roots. This reflects real locals. The winner could be your neighbor, your COVID nurse, a local firey or that person from your favourite takeaway. I think that’s the astounding thing about community involvement. It makes humble faces and happy locals the face of the city. WhatisthehighlightoftheGarden Competitionforyou? I love the newness! To think seven or 12 or 18 weeks ago many of these gardens were being tilled, mulched and fertilised with not a flower in sight ... yet to bloom, so lovingly cared for by private gardeners. Then seemingly so suddenly, the dream result we see today. I can’t begin to imagine exactly the countless hours it takes ... imagine the thrill of taking top prize, or being a finalist who added smiles to thousands and thousands of faces in one week. Whatisyourhappiestmemoryofthe CarnivalofFlowers? Carnival is the soul of Toowoomba! Mid1980’s I was peanut farming with my husband in Kingaroy. Toowoomba with the old Myer building was ‘the big city’ to me and I could barely sleep the night before a big twice-yearly shopping trip. My sister and I would shop all morning, then the majestic scented gardens would light up the afternoons. We’d grab a loaded baked potato down near Bell Street Mall and I’d hire a bike with a side-caddy for the youngest kids, riding the Queens Parks bikeways to take in all the beauty. Another fabulous memory was 1999 when my daughter Jaylyne was named Miss Friendship for the 50th anniversary of the Carnival. She worked so hard that year raising funds, fostering community and building networks. Definitely a year I’ll never forget. Doyouhavetimetotendtoagarden home?Ifso,whattypeofgardensdoyou personallylike? Oh I love a manicured garden. On my part, well, my lawns are neat, my garden very tidy but it’s nowhere near a prize garden.
Blooming delight
The Toowoomba Chronicle Garden Competition sponsors share what they love about The Carnival of Flowers and living in the Garden City
GroundskeepingYukanaTeam
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WhydoyousponsortheGarden competition?
The competition helps to showcase the wide range of plants in the area and provides a common ground for people who are passionate about plants to share their talent and love. Whatisyourhappiestmemoryorhighlight intheGardenCompetition? Highlight of the Garden Competition is going around to different gardens and seeing how people express and showcase their love for gardens. Everyone has different ideas and it’s nice to see how they are implemented. Whatisyourhappiestmemoryofthe CarnivalofFlowers? Happiest memory of the Carnival of Flowers is watching the parade with the family and seeing all the happy faces. Doyouhavetimetotendtoagarden home?Ifso,whattypeofgardensdoyou personallylike? I spend the weekends in my own garden, it’s always nice to get out there and see how things are progressing. The type of gardens I personally like are ones that are bright and vibrant, that show off a lot of different colours and textures. I also enjoy tropical gardens, with plants that look nice but also don’t need a lot of maintenance.
PROF MACKENZIEGERALDINE
Last year the university hosted an event for artists in the Japanese Garden to celebrate the Carnival of Flowers, and I had a wonderful time taking part. Creating in the Park was a beautiful and very successful day as participants chose different places around the garden to work on their art. Visitors would walk by and comment or ask questions of the artists, so it was a special experience for everyone. It’s something we would like to do each year for Carnival.
UniversityofSouthern QueenslandViceChancellor WhydoyousponsortheGardenCompetition? Whydoyouthinkitisanimportantpartofthe Carnival? At the University of Southern Queensland we highly value everything that the Carnival and Garden Competition brings to Toowoomba. Our beautiful gardens and the sense of community is what it is all about. The University of Southern Queensland is home to the Japanese Garden, also known as Ju Raku En, which is Australia’s largest, most traditionally designed Japanese stroll garden. The Japanese Garden has been an iconic part of our University’s Toowoomba campus for more than 33 years, and each year attracts tens of thousands of visitors. Now that we have the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens, at the entrance of the campus in West St, we have two beautiful gardens for the public to enjoy during Carnival. We understand the thought, work and care that goes into nurturing Toowoomba’s beautiful gardens and recognise that the community is filled with passionate gardeners working yearround on their own piece of paradise.”
My husband Keith and I have a vegetable garden and fruit trees at our home in Toowoomba – I come from a long line of passionate gardeners. I love all kinds of gardens, for the peace, tranquillity and simple joys that they provide. I’m the gardener and he’s the trimmer.”
The end results were truly remarkable in showcasing different interpretations of the Japanese Garden, and were featured in an exhibition in our university Art Gallery. Doyouhavetimetotendtoagardenhome?Ifso, whattypeofgardensdoyoupersonallylike?
3.WhatisyourhappiestmemoryoftheCarnivalofFlowers? WelovetheFoodandWineFestival.SeeingJohnFarnhamcomebackforthelasttimewas prettyspecial.
4.Doyouhavetimetotendtoagardenhome?Ifso,whattypeofgardensdoyoupersonally like? IlovegettingoutintheyardasmuchasIcan.Ienjoykeepingmylawnmowedandtidy,removing theweedsandgenerallybeinginthesun.
2.WhatisyourhappiestmemoryorhighlightintheGardenCompetition?
Seeingthededicationandpridethatgoesintothesebeautifulgardens.Weloveseeingallthe coloursandscents.Ouryoungdaughterisinquisitiveandlovestoaskaboutthedifferent varieties.
1.WhydoyousponsortheGardenCompetition?Whydoyouthinkitisanimportantpartof theCarnival? Welovethisregionandloveseeingthegardensaroundtowncometolifeatthistimeoftheyear.
LITTLEPIGCONSULTING
WhatisyourhappiestmemoryoftheCarnivalof Flowers?
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The most phenomenal thing about that proposal was how the kids managed to keep it a secret for so long
Sonny&KatPhotography
Suits: Peter Jackson, Grand Central Men’sHair: Joels Rings: Hogan Jewellers Flowers: The Little Flower Stall
Photography: Sonny&Kat Photography Celebrant: Renee Edge Ceremonies & Events
Hair: John’s Hair Studio, Bridge Street Makeup: Kylie Nolan
Whatwasthedateofyourwedding? May 28, 2022 Wherewastheceremonyand reception? The ceremony was held at Silver Ridge Weddings and the reception was at our own business, The Brewhouse in Margaret Street. Howmanyguestsdidyouhave?80 Howdidyoumeetyourhusband? He had been sliding into my DMs for a couple of months, when one day he asked me how my day was. I messaged him that it had been a particularly good day because I had decided to put in an offer on an investment property.
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wedding
Cake: ParisiAnn Patisserie
Josie&Adrian
Thedetails Ceremony: Silver Ridge Weddings, Silver Ridge Reception: The Brewhouse, Toowoomba Dress: Jenny Yoo, Luxe Bridal Lounge Alterations: Juhla Design & Events Bolero & clutch: Smoke & Mirrors
It turned out Adrian had put in an offer on the exact same property. We had a laugh about it and he jokingly suggested he’d take me out to dinner if I didn’t better his offer. In the end, neither of us bought the apartment, but we did go out for dinner and we’ve been inseparable ever since. Wherewastheproposal? Haha. Adrian proposed in our kitchen, while I was cooking dinner! It doesn’t sound romantic but it actually was. It was Valentine’s Day and we had just come home from Rosalie House, where the proposal had been planned. But he decided at the last minute that the kids should be there to be a part of it. They all knew about it months before, and had even seen the ring.
In the end, I’m glad he decided to wait until we were all together, it made the night so much more special. Honestly, the most phenomenal thing about that proposal was how the kids managed to keep it a secret for so long. Whenorganisingyourwedding,what weresomeofthemostpersonaland importantaspectstogetrightonthe day? Essentially, we just wanted to have our kids, family and friends all together to have a really fun day. For us, though, owning a small business in town, it was also important to use as many local suppliers as possible. We wanted to support the people and businesses who support us. I was so impressed with the quality and service we received Whatweresomeofyourfavourite partsoftheday? I’m fairly self-conscious and don’t usually like to be the centre of attention, so it was surprising how much I enjoyed the ceremony. Our celebrant, Renee Edge was wonderful. Having our reception at The Brewhouse was also very special and lots of fun. Adrian has put so much work into 4 Brothers Brewing over the past five years. His passion and work ethic are just a couple of the reasons why I love him so much. Together we have spent countless days and nights working at The Brewhouse. It felt right that we started off married life celebrating in a place that we have built together, with all the people we love.
High school leavers who achieve an ATAR 97 or above and put the University of Southern Queensland first on QTAC will automatically receive a Chancellor’s Scholarship valued at up to $29,000, including an optional study abroad package. Students with an ATAR 88 or above will be awarded a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship valued at up to $20,000. And students with an ATAR 84 or above will be awarded an Academic Excellence Scholarship of up to $6400. For 18-year-old Sally Adamski, the opportunity was too good to pass up. Born and raised on a cattle property near Rockhampton, Sally excelled in high school receiving an ATAR of 90.25.
Golden opportunityGolden opportunity for school leaversfor school leavers AdmanskiSally
Professor Karen Nelson said the scholarships could give peace of mind and financial security while studying. “We want to give back to our community and encourage our highachieving students to stay here in our local communities,” she said.
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The scholarships are available to school leavers at any University of Southern Queensland campus. unisq.edu.au/scholarships
Off and racing
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“All I had to do was put the University of Southern Queensland first on my QTAC application and I automatically qualified for the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship,” she said. “I’ve hit the ground running without any added financial pressure.”
Spring racing season is about to kick off and we are excited
he University of Southern Queensland has launched its range of Academic Excellence Scholarships, offering up to $29,000 to highachieving Year 12 students who put the university as first choice on their QTAC application.ActingVice-Chancellor
MarkSiemonembracestheSpringtheme withhiscolourfulsuit.Picture:Andreas Nicola;JamieeBruggemannwith ValentinaStar,optsforaclassicblackand whitecombo.Picture:GlennCampbell;Ibi Hodderstandsoutfromthecrownwithher stunningfascinator.Picture:Evan Morgan;TrudyBryerwasperfectlycoordinated.Picture:EvanMorgan.
Going beyond begins here CRICOS: QLD 00244B, NSW 02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 Search UniSQ
Determined to continue studying in regional Queensland, she applied for the University of Southern Queensland’s Bachelor of Education program.
15 STYLE BOOK ONLINE TODAY VIA OUR WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE 455 Ruthven Street | Toowoomba | Phone 07 4632 3166 BUY 1 PAIR and get 50% OFF your 2nd Pair *T&C Apply. • WE BULK BILL • CHILDREN’S VISION • CONTACT LENSES • FASHION EYEWEAR • GLAUCOMA ASSESSMENT • OCT AVAILABLE • SUNGLASSES • SAFETY EYEWEAR • CLAIM WITH ANY HEALTH FUND 100 YEARS OF QUALITY EYE CARE IN TOOWOOMBA ABOVE:BryceCammandLisaHewittperfectlycoordinateatlastyear’sWeetwoodDayatCliffordPark racecourse;ABOVELEFT:DanielleShawmadeherown hatandoutfit;LEFT:HarperandRhysInnesareacute pairatWeetwoodDayin2021.Pictures:NevMadsen
Lockyer Valley local’s passion for slow fashion
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“From the logo design to the labels on the garments, right down to the packaging you receive your goods in, they are all local businesses. I even source accessories, bits and pieces from other small Aussie businesses to style in our photo shoots for new product releases.
Prices. Family Owned
Real Estate Clothing Rural Supplies millmerranruralclothing.com 71 Campbell Street Millmerran QLD 4357 (07) 4695 1355 Great Range at Below
Livestock RRP &
Ashlee hopes that Little Miss Country will grow into a brand that the cowgirls will love and proudly want to wear.
countryLittlemiss
Operated.
“One of my main drivers for Little Miss Country was to keep all the manufacturing here in Australia. I’m 100% passionate about this and it’s something I’m most proud of.”
S tarting as an idea during the pandemic, Ashlee Bishop has created her own clothing brand designing rodeo and festival wear for ‘cowgirls at heart’ Little Miss Country offers a bush-to-city aesthetic with an emphasis on quality, Australian-made pieces.
“We will continue our strong focus on the latest trends in shoes, clothing, and accessories from around the world and constantly sourcing new labels at good price points. This enables us to give our customers the opportunity to have that complete fashion experience in one store.” fashion
McCartney & Creed has moved to a larger store in the Village Green.
Bigger is better Iconic offeringfootwearboutiqueHighfieldsexpandsandfashioninnewstore
“We have enjoyed having the store in the Village Green for seven years. It offers a scenic relaxing atmosphere for everyone. We have lots of free parking and easy access into the store and people travel from far and wide to enjoy the experience on offer at the ‘Green’ which includes other retail shops and a beautiful cafe, making it a must do destination when visiting the region.”Kathy’s knowledge of European fashion and innovation, as well as the friendly team “The shoes are sourced from Europe including Italy, Spain, France, Portugal and Brazil, catering for all occasions and giving women comfort and style. We offer a wide range of price points in our product while not compromising on quality.
A destination store for shoes and McCartneyfashion,&Creed has moved into a bigger space, with a fresh look in the Village Green inRelocatingHighfields.the boutique to the space next door offered the opportunity to expand their collection and support Australian designers, says owner Kathy Creed. “With this being our fourth move in our history, we would not be anywhere else. The location provides such a wonderful work and shopping environment for everyone.
Come sEe What s New on And In 'The GreeN'... ‘The Village Green’ HIGHFIELDS 10475 New England Hwy Open 9am - 4pm Daily | (07) 4615 5803 | www.mccartneyandcreed.com.au
“There are key knowledge gaps that clinicians have when diagnosing and treating PCOS. The review seeks to improve accurate diagnosis, limit treatment inconsistencies and address barriers to providing patientcentred care. It also highlights the need for holistic models of care to support women and for greater investment in research in this common yet complex condition,” said Professor Teede. Lorna Berry, 52, has PCOS and is a consumer lead on the International PCOS Guidelines. Throughout her 20s and early 30s, Lorna went from doctor to doctor searching for answers and a diagnosis for her symptoms. By 32, feeling disappointed and unsupported, she self-diagnosed herself with PCOS.“The voices of women with PCOS are so important, and it’s time we work with doctors to get the diagnosis and care right,” Lorna said.“PCOS isn’t just a condition that affects women during childbearing years but affects women their whole lives. We can’t let another generation of women go undiagnosed.”
Caring attitude
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can have a debilitating effect on women’s wellbeing
wellness
Professor Helena Teede, from the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI) says the review paves the way for the 2023 release of the International PCOS Guidelines.
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A recent review by a team of world leaders in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) research and care, led by Monash University, provides a summary of best practice evidence and advocates for greater funded research to address remaining gaps in knowledge in this often neglected condition.
The comprehensive review, now published in The Lancet, Diabetes & Endocrinology, highlights the need for dedicated services and enhanced uptake of evidence-based resources to optimise best practice diagnosis, care and health outcomes in partnership withPCOSwomen.isacommon condition that affects 813 per cent of women. Diagnosis is often delayed, requires multiple consultations and is based on irregular periods, higher levels or signs of excess male type hormones, including excessive hair growth or severe acne, and ultrasound changes on the ovaries. The condition has metabolic, psychological and reproductive features and is one of the main causes of infertility in women.
Professor Teede added: “We’ve engaged extensively and listened to women with PCOS, many are frustrated with the delayed diagnosis and segregated management of their condition. To improve outcomes for women with PCOS, health professionals must be more knowledgeable and partner with women, focusing on what matters to them, as outlined in this important paper published today.”
and
Couple’s heartfelt farewell Much-loved couple
Gabler retire OF CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY 07 4690 4000 | svpht.org.au
19 STYLE wellness A s our retirement draws closer, Bill and I look back on the combined 58 years that we have worked at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba. I commenced nursing at St Vincent’s in 1984, and with the exception of three years when I lived in Brisbane, I have worked there continually in my role as a pathology collector with Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology. Up until 2005 I worked as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse. Bill commenced working at St Vincent’s as a theatre orderly in 1999. A few years later he decided to upgrade his skills and undertook 18 months of studies to become an Operating Theatre Technician. Once he completed his studies he was the only OTT in Toowoomba at that time. His skills are highly valued and one of his many roles within theatre is the training of new theatre orderlies. Bill and I first got to know each other at St Vincent’s, chatting in the corridors or in the theatre complex when I was needed there in relation to my pathology work. In mid-2009, I was planning another trip to the UK to visit my son in London in 2010. Bill had previously told me how much he would love to see the UK, so in June 2009 we met up for lunch, chatted for hours and pored over some of my previous UK holiday photos. We now look on that day as the beginning of our relationship, and realise it was our work at St Vincent’s that brought us together. We became engaged in 2011 and married in 2018.Needless to say, Bill came to the UK with me in 2010. We arrived in London the day before air space over Europe and the North Atlantic Ocean was shut down for over a week, due to the ash crisis caused by an active volcano in Iceland. Since then we have had another two wonderful trips to the UK, with our fourth trip put on hold due to COVID. Since 1984, I have seen massive changes within the landscape of the hospital, with five major redevelopments. I was working on the old St Luke’s Ward on the morning we moved into the brand new ward in the Mary Aikenhead Wing. As patients were showered or sponged they were wheeled across to the new St Luke’s. It was busy, chaotic and exciting as this new era dawned on the hospital in 1997. We both have so many memories of our time at St Vincent’s. I remember the hospital’s beautiful Spring gardens, and how many patients loved sitting out there in the explosion of colour. I remember wheeling the patients to the chapel for mass on Sunday mornings. There was often a rush to get them showered and ready. I remember the joy and excitement of seeing snowflakes fall on the brick window sills on a freezing July day in 1984 while working on the children’s ward. Bill remembers weekends spent sleeping in the back of his ute in the hospital car park while on call. Living at Crow’s Nest at the time, it was deemed too far away from the hospital so this was his only other option. He remembers the great Christmas parties up in the old theatres on Christmas Eve. The lists were small and the merriment large! However, the most special memories that Bill and I will take with us are those of the people within the walls of St Vincent’s. The patients and the amazing people who care for them. The doctors and nurses, the orderlies and allied health workers (including my lovely SNP colleagues), the pastoral care workers, the housekeeping and food services staff, the clerical and administrative staff and the engineering staff. And, of course, our beautiful, gentle and calming therapy dog Jasper.Those words are not shallow because we have experienced this care ourselves. In October 2016 Bill was diagnosed with throat cancer and we were so humbled and overwhelmed by the enormous generosity, care and concern shown to us from all areas of the hospital community, and especially from Bill’s colleagues in theatre. A hospital can be shiny and new, with all the most modern equipment, however, unless it is filled with people who are skilled, with people who care and show respect, with people who go above and beyond, it will never have a heart. Bill and I believe St Vincent’s has a strong beating heart.
Bill Maureen
BillandMaureenGablerretirefromStVincent's
MID-HEIGHTSHRUBS: Heaths, rhododendrons, camellias, gardenias, kunzeas, red-flowering paperbarks and common white heath.
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While hayfever isn’t caused by hay and doesn’t bring on fever, the finger in its cause is rightly pointed heavily at grasses, especially rye grass, and many of our common garden
FLOWERS: Foxgloves, nasturtiums, alyssum, delphiniums, lobelia and salvias. Things have been especially bad for us pollen-allergy sufferers with the number of recent thunderstorms, which through rainfall and air pressure variance cause the break-up of pollens and the allergens they contain into smaller, more easily inhaledThat’sparticles.themain reason on such days I have started wearing masks in the garden, especially when mowing and slashing.
‘W hy are you crying?” asked my concerned wife as I came through the door. To my mind, I wasn’t crying, I was streaming.
At Evolve Women’s Health your needs come first Holistic continuative care in all areas of Women’s Health including Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Physiotherapy.
Check for blackspot and other fungal diseases caused by recent humid conditions on plants such as roses and geraniums. There’s not a lot to be done this late, except remove and destroy affected leaves and spray a few doses of fungicide to stop further spread. And promise yourself to buy only highly disease-resistant roses in the future.
Find us on Facebook or call our office for an appointment.
CLIMBERS: Clematis, Chilean jasmine, purple coral pea, passionflower, wonga vine and the banksia rose.
Caring for women through all stages of their life’s journey.
TREES: Magnolias, weeping crabapples, Japanese crabapples, flowering almonds, apricots and cherries.
“Those xfyidnx (word censored) pollens,” I blurted through cascades of tears. “They get me every time.” This time it was the privet hedge I had been cutting. A few weeks earlier the rye grass I had been slashing. And a month or so back it was a cypress whose branches exuded clouds of fog-like pollen in the wind. Sometimes I think I should not go outside at all, not garden — but then I dismiss that stupid idea. I suspect I have tried every available antihistamine at some stage — to little avail. About the only thing I have found that gives some protection is a mask — and thanks to the ready supply of COVID masks lying around our house that has not been a recent problem. I know I’m not alone. About one in five Australians suffers the hayfever symptoms of streaming eyes, wheezing and sneezing.
P: (07) 4688 5533 www.evolvewomenshealth.com.au | St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Toowoomba
WHATTODO THISWEEK
Personal protection and thoughtful planning can help reduce the symptoms of hayfever while gardening, writes Tony Fawcett plants.Culprits include popular trees such as wattle, birch, maple, oak, alder, she-oak, elm, white cedar, olive, walnut, ash, susceptibleonemine,willow.liquidambar,cypress,poplarandIfyourgardenislikelikelyyouhaveatleastofthese—andifyouaretosuchallergiesit can be a huge problem. Some claim to be allergic to grevilleas, while marigolds, chrysanthemums, carnations, English lavender and members of the daisy family are also blamed. Also in the gun are blue fescue grass, pelargoniums, pampas grass and the castor oil plant, this last one also notable for the lethalness of its seeds to humans and stock. So what do we do? Rip out all possibly allergenic plants from our gardens? No way. Being more selective in what we grow is way more logical. The task is made easier with the knowledge that safe plants are generally those that need to be propagated by cuttings, grafting or pollinated by insects. According to Asthma Australia, ones to be avoided at all costs are wind-pollinated plants such as box, cypress and pines. Australian natives such as banksias, bottlebrushes, tea-trees, lilly-pillies, peppermint gums, correas and kangaroo paws are generally okay, and look to roses, snapdragons, nemesia, ivy leaf geraniums andOthersbegonias.considered safe are:
Easing the sneeze
“Midwiferyadded.continuity of care has been recognised as reducing the risk of stillbirth and as such is a foundational element in the safer baby bundle developed by the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence.”
T hanks to the generous support and funding from Sydney 2 CAMberra, My Midwives, in partnership with Elle TENS, is launching a pilot program and world first to support women and families having a pregnancy after losing a baby.MyMidwives Founder and Managing Director Liz Wilkes said that the pilot program offers women midwifery continuity of care from early pregnancy until their baby is six weeks old without cost to the family. “Through the amazing donation from the Sydney 2 CAMberra charity we are able to offer the security of a known midwife available 24/7 to the family” Ms Wilkes said. “A pregnancy after the devastation of stillbirth is a challenging time and evidence demonstrates that having a known midwife reduces stress and anxiety, which is paramount”.Established in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 2010, My Midwives operates across Brisbane, Melbourne and Toowoomba. Women can birth in a variety of hospitals under this model of care and the midwives collaborate with a range of health professionals including obstetricians, GPs, psychologists and more. From early in pregnancy the women develop a relationship with their midwife who is on call to them 24/7. “This helps for things such as checking baby’s heartbeat and reassuring women with regular checks on both mum and bub,” Ms Wilkes
My Midwives is launching the Rainbow Baby Project – The stillbirth, subsequent pregnancy support program | admin@mymidwives.com.au | www.mymidwives.com.au
rainbowReadyfora
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“Having the continuous support from our midwife at My Midwives right from the early stages of pregnancy after loss, made the pregnancy lighter and easier to carry. I didn’t have to re-explain everything over and over, which was so triggering to do. Instead, we built a relationship of support and understanding that I would not have found in other maternity care. I continuously felt held and validated in my feelings. After birthing a baby born still, I needed continuity in my care. A trusted support of medical knowledge from someone who had supported families like mine before. It was the best decision we could have made for ourselves in a challenging pregnancy after loss and I’m relieved to know other families will have that same option available too.” - Tamara, Brisbane, QLD (stillmum) The pilot of the Rainbow Baby Project will be formally launched in October and will run for approximately 12 months with the existing funding. “We hope to be able to continue” said Ms Wilkes “We will be looking for further financial support to do so across the pilot program”.
NEW ONLINE COURSES Prepare now for the birth and care of your new baby These online classes will help you, your partner and your family prepare practical, trustworthy and valuable strategies for birth and beyond. They will also help you choose the birthing options that best fit your personal beliefs and desires. Meeting the needs of women and their families across the Darling Downs!
The Sydney 2 CAMberra charity ride was created to honour the memory of Cameron Belfield, who was stillborn in 2011. The Ride brings together still-families and their friends to raise funds, awareness and to bond with those who have suffered similar losses. Over 10 years the ride has raised more than $10M dollars for research and programs to support the stillbirth community.
wellness
29 Hill St, Toowoomba (near Laurel Bank Park) | 07 4642 2977
St Andrew’s has five new nurses
The mid-year cohort will benefit from fortnightly education sessions, supported by the clinical education team and beyond, to help support their growth, knowledge and skill development as they continue their journey into such a rewarding career.
Graduate Nurse James (pictured) worked as a mechanic for 10 years before studying to become a Registered Nurse. While in the final years of his university studies, James worked at St Andrew’s as an Assistant in Nursing (AIN) and said he was “so keen” to apply for Perioperativethe Graduate Nurse Program when applications opened earlier this “Theatreyear.wasmy goal from early on in my studies,” heInsaid.his second week of the program, James said he and the other graduates had hit the ground running, learning the ins and outs of theatre“Throughnursing.thesupport network and extra education, I believe it will give me the best start to my nursing career,” James Applicationssaid.forthe 2023 St Andrew’s Graduate Nurse Program will open in September. For more information visit sath.org.au
Previously, those who have completed the hospital’s Graduate Nurse Program have gone on to have permanent positions at St Andrew’s, with many taking on leadership roles further down the track.
STYLE 22 wellness I n August we welcomed five newly graduated Registered Nurses to our St Andrew’s team, as part of our highly competitive Perioperative Graduate NurseHolly,Program.Arabella, James, Angelica and Dawa were selected out of a range of applicants from across Australia and will undertake clinical rotations through the hospital’s theatre complex over the next 12 months.
RN graduates join team
The outdoorsgreat springspecial
Watch demandon
Oasis in the Garden City
he Springs Garden World is an integral part of the Toowoomba garden scene, providing inspiration and qualityBoastingproducts.fourdistinct departments – nursery, furniture, gift shop and cafe – this year has been a big one for the Spring St complex. For more than two decades the business has been the standard in both variety and excellence, and it shows no sign of slowing down, thanks to owners Ashley and Marie McEwan. The couple are continually working their expansive oasis to ensure it provides those ‘wow’ moments for every customer who walks in their door. range of outdoor furniture this side of Brisbane.“Wehave an exclusive range and our settings are built from quality materials – so, they’re both stylish and something that is going to last.” He says the centre covers all bases with a wide range of complementary items such as table runners, candles, rugs, umbrellas and even wall art to ensure your indoor/outdoor area makes the perfect statement.
TheSpringsGarden World, situatedon SpringStinKearneys Spring,puttingitwithin easyreachofmostother Toowoombasuburbs,is ownedandoperated by MarieandAshley McEwanwiththeirson Cameron(right).
To keep The Springs Garden World fresh, the McEwans visit garden centres around the country and overseas. It proves great inspiration and a valuable barometer to see how they are faring against other industry leaders when it comes to innovation and“Seeingdesign.how the larger organisations do it reinforces our philosophy that you must create a destination to give people an outing and they’ll enjoy it as an experience rather than just going shopping,” Ashley says.
T
business
Son Cameron has been part of the business since he was nine and now, as store manager, oversees the biggest
The green spaces of The Springs Garden World are equally impressive with an incredible selection of statues, water features and every conceivable type of pot stretching throughout the nursery. With knowledgeable and helpful staff, The Springs Garden World has products and advice to make an impact in your home this Christmas.
“Nurseries become destination centres - the good ones become diversified and that leads to success. And, as an added attraction, we have the best cafe,” Ashley says.
“You need to change with the times,” Ashley says. “Ashley is constantly bringing in magazines featuring unique art works or style ideas - it allows us to see what is popular and where new trends are going,” Marie says.
“I think it’s important to thank the community for their· support,” Marie adds. “They’ve been wonderful over the years, visiting the centre and being a part of our lives the past 23 years.”
The Springs Garden World is more than just a nursery
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Ifyou’relookingforsomething special,besuretovisitTheSprings GardenWorldat333SpringSt, Toowoomba.
The Flower Grocer’s Cherie Michele gets creative at the Food & Wine Festival 330 Anzac Avenue, Toowoomba. Phone 4634 4577. motormecca.com.au
Local florist gears up for festival
“I was given a design brief by the festival creative organisers which includes the festival colour palette and the structure frame. It’s then up to me to come up with my design, order my materials and install my floral creation over a two-day period,” Cherie says. “It’s such an honour to be asked to create a feature display; it’s a career highlight for Installationme.”days are the most wonderful part for Cherie, as she sees her vision come to life. “I have to consider the weather conditions, wind and heat in particular,” she“Thesays.installation remains in position for four days so maintenance is essential as“Iwell.love creating large-scale works, there is so much depth and layering, so any challenges are part of the process and the fun.”The Flower Grocer has recently celebrated its fourth birthday in Toowoomba. Cherie offers over 20 years’ experience in visual merchandising, styling, window dressing and event design, working both nationally and internationally for globally recognised brands - as well as some of Australia’s leading concept retailers and department stores. It was her role working in the window dressing team at David Jones where she worked alongside some of Australia’s most elite florists to launch the iconic annual Spring Flower Show where The Flower Grocer dream began.
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CherieMichele attheFoodandWineFestival, 2021.
Cherie prides herself on not just on beautiful custom floristry, but on delivering a customer experience that surpasses expectations, and a level of attention to detail that makes every arrangement, gift or event just that little more“Myspecial.clientele are very diverse. I offer so many options, so I cater to a wide range of customers. I do everything from daily flowers and hampers to large scale weddings and events. My custom florals have become very popular and I love designing pieces for corporate clients and also clients’ homes,” Cherie said. “The scope and creativity and making people happy through my craft, (plus) no two days are the same, so it’s exciting to see what each day brings. I love all things botanical so working with flowers is a dream come true.”
“I can’t really give anything away, I guess everyone will have to come along and see for themselves,” Cherie said. “It’s going to be amazing as always!”
STYLE 26 Specialising in bespoke floristry, The Flower Grocer’s Cherie Michele is about to get creative for Toowoomba’s most iconic annual event. Her incredible installations at the Food and Wine Festival have featured in many festival selfies and now Cherie is gearing up to deliver another floral masterpiece.
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And what can we expect this year at the Food and Wine Festival?
“For instance, areas such as Cambooya or Westbrook experience hot, dry summers and icy-cold winters where frost and scorching sun can obliterate even the toughest of plants.
James says where you live in Toowoomba determines the types of plants that will grow well in a garden.
“Despite these limitations, arid and Mediterranean-style plants, as well as oldWith a degree in horticulture and currently completing a diploma of landscape design, James Feez is not your average gardener. Through his business, The Smart Gardener, James offers expert knowledge and passion to create beautiful spaces and put his stamp on the gardening scene in Toowoomba.“Iworkwith the most enthusiastic gardeners here,” James says.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s indoor gardening, food gardening, or growing cut flowers, people are more fascinated in cultivating plants now than they have ever been – at least in my Jameslifetime.”Feez0416 041 177 @thesmartgardener Feez helovesbest.
doing what
Looking to present a little more style to your customers Contact your local, Multi-MediaToowoomba-basedExperts Looking to grow your business online in an ever-changing digital age while still developing your traditional local customer base? Let’s create winning PRINT and DIGITAL solutions to generate real sales traction from a much greater target audience... 07 4690 9370 / 0436 028 319 / mary-ann.zammit@news.com.au Mary-Ann Zammit
Green thumbs up for James James
“My clients range in their horticultural competence, however the one thing they all have in common is they are keen to have a go. “For instance, my oldest client is in her 90s and she still keeps up with me in the garden. “On the other hand, I also work with young people, such as couples who just bought their first home, and are desperate to get stuck in but don’t know where to start.”
“On the flip side, Eastern Toowoomba and areas along the range may experience a climate more typical of a subtropical zone where some frost sensitive plants can flourish and evergreen native rainforest trees will prosper next to their exotic deciduous counterparts.“Ultimately, the biophysical environments of the region give rise to Toowoomba’s gardening reputation and strongly impacts what plants, or groups of plants, do well.”
27 STYLE outdoors location of your property can greatly impact the types of plants you can grow.
“Due to Toowoomba’s topography, the fashioned roses, thrive in these regions, giving rise to an eclectic range of plants unique to the Darling Downs,” he says.
“The Toowoomba climate is defined as warm temperate and has similar characteristics relative to southern Australian cities such as Sydney.
James says there is no question that landscape design trends, and plant fashions are forever changing. However the biggest evolution has been people’s attitudes.
“Since the pandemic, the biggest difference I have seen is society’s attitude towards ‘gardening’ as a leisure activity.
“Furthermore, the soil environment in these areas is volatile due to the presence of cracking clays frequently found throughout areas of Western Queensland.
But a school-based program is working to get kids enthusiastic about eating more fruit and vegetables.TheStephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation gives children the chance to grow and harvest their own produce - and then take it into a kitchen to prepare, serve and enjoy a meal together.Notonly do the kids love getting their green thumbs dirty and then donning an apron, it has the added benefit of children seeking out fresh fruit and vegetables.
As early as the 1990s, Australian cook, restaurateur and food writer Stephanie Alexander had already become concerned about the rise of childhood obesity and the terrible impact that poor eating habits were having on kids.
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“There were a lot of nutrition campaigns happening that unfortunately weren’t having the desired effect,” Ms Alexander said. “I thought, ‘Why aren’t we focusing on teaching kids about real food, where it comes from and how to cook really delicious dishes with fresh veg and fruit, that they really want to eat, rather than focusing on the nutrient qualities of food that aren’t particularly great fun?’” She designed the Kitchen Garden Program as a
We believe with our partners we can help build stronger communities that make a positive difference, and support each other to help create a betterThere’sAustralia.awayto get children to enjoy vegetables, and it starts a long time before you put them on their dinner plate. Too often children turn their noses up at vegetables lovingly prepared for them each night.
Instead of convincing kids to chow down on overcooked broccoli by telling them it’s good for them, Ms Alexander suggested trying a new method.“They will be drawn to a beautiful broccoli
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StephanieAlexander
‘BLOOMINGNOW’
Afreshidea
Aussie garden helping kids enjoy healthy food way of engaging kids in the whole food process, giving them the skills and confidence and understanding to make good food choices. Sweettooths Newborn babies derive pleasure from sweet, energy-dense food – this instinct serves them well as it guarantees babies will get enough calories to grow and Healthythrive.newborns are also great at selfregulation and don’t overdrink their milk. The ability to self-regulate, however, diminishes with age, and school-age kids are more likely to overeat addictive sweet and fatty foods. “Kids are drawn to what’s familiar and what smells, looks and tastes great,” Ms Alexander said. “In order to recognise and want to explore a range of different tastes, kids need to be exposed to them, and food needs to be prepared and cooked in a delicious way. That’s why it’s so important to make fresh vegetable-based dishes a norm, not shy away from them.”
frittata, especially if they’ve had a hand in cooking it,” she “They’llsaid.even want to eat leafy greens with a simple homemade dressing, especially if they’ve had a hand in growing those greens.”
And one of the most important rules for parents and caregivers? Don’t talk about healthy eating! “We don’t talk about ‘bad’ food or ‘good’ food, we talk about how to plant a seed, watch it grow, care for it and know when to harvest it at its peak so that it tastes great.”
The Kitchen Garden Program is a long way from traditional home economics classes.
“We teach kids to get hands-on in the kitchen, choose recipes, learn how to chop, mix, bake, stir and sauté,” Ms Alexander said.
“This is what we call ‘Pleasurable Food Education’, which is behind everything we do.”
“They have a wonderful time doing it and want to come back to the experience over and over again because it’s pleasurable,” she said.
“We hear from parents that kids will jump out of bed when it’s garden or kitchen day at school and that children take what they learn home, and often want to start veggie patches, share a new recipe and get interested in food shopping,” Ms Alexander“Parentssaid.areoften amazed when their child is able to safely use a kitchen knife and they’re even more amazed when kids are happy to clean up after a meal, because that’s part of what they do at school.“Weoften hear that the program has completely changed kids’ relationships with food, and that the cooking and dining experience has become a pleasure the whole family now looks forward to.”Ms Alexander would like to see the Kitchen Garden Program rolled out to every school in Australia.“Theprogram has enormous benefits not just in improving food habits but also in promoting wellbeing,” she said.
Fromplaygroundtoplate
The children have regular classes in the garden where they plant, weed, compost, water, mulch, and plan what to grow next. They harvest their seasonal produce and take it into a kitchen space in the school where they prepare a menu based on their fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit. They then set tables and sit down together to share the beautiful food they’ve created.
outdoors • Perennials • Blossom Trees • Magnolias • Unusual Native • Succulents • Azaleas • Conifers • Maples • Roses • Rhododendrons • Rare and unusual See Our Huge Range Including: 266 Herries Street, Toowoomba | 4633 1308 www.coroneosnursery.com.auOpen 7 Days
“We help them experiment and develop their palates, and we never tell them to sit down and eat their“Weveggies.encourage them to have a great time in the garden and kitchen, to create dishes with their friends that are a pleasure to eat.”
It’s not just the children who are enjoying the program - parents have been blown away by their kids’ skills, their new attitude towards food and a newfound enthusiasm for gardening.
“The owners were very connected to the aesthetics of the house and the location of the block. They had a vision of keeping the 1950’s facade, however, wanted a modern interior.
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“A challenge that we faced during this project was the removal of an building WinnerofMaster BuildersDowns& WesternRisingStar Award,MalcolmGeorge prideshimselfon providing completes.ConstructionsGeorgeeveryindividualpersonalised,touchesforprojectthattheBuiltteam existing load bearing wall, which would become a part of their open plan living area without a bulkhead.“Theowners also had a vision of the installation of solar panels, however, they did not want them on the front of the house even though this would be where they needed to be installed. So we created a roof line that gave a north-facing aspect but wasn’t visible from the front of the house and kept with the character.
“This house, beginning as a threebedroom, one- bathroom home, was extended to a four-bedroom, twobathroom and walk-in wardrobe. Working alongside our clients, the vision was made reality.”
Five stars for custom builds Malcolm George of George ConstructionsBuilt is this year’s Rising Star Building your visions. Creating reality. We pride ourselves in having a reputation for producing work at the highest possible standards while always putting our clients first. M: 0428 817 194 • www.georgebuiltconstructions.com.au QBCC Lic No. 15091790
W inner of BuildersMasterDowns & Western Rising Star Award, Malcolm George prides himself on providing personalised, individual touches for every project that the George Built Constructions team completes. And it is that exceptional level of service, combined with Malcolm’s love of building, that makes his business an award-winner.
“The secret to maintaining a successful business is being organised. I also believe for myself that being on the tools and involved with all projects ensures that I can keep track of exactly what is happening.”Thestunning renovation of a threebedroom, 1950’s home was testament to the team’s skill.
George Built Constructions started in July 2018 and has grown from a sole trader to a very successful team of five. And the business is set to grow.
“I think the testimonies and the reviews that my clients have left with their satisfaction of my work is what won me the award. I pride myself in ensuring that each project I work on, I treat it as if it was my own, ensuring that clients are more than happy with their end results.
“I strive to keep upskilling to ensure we deliver ‘first class’ projects and continuing custom builds.”
This spring, let’s create your new beginning it is critical to engage the best team with • Excellent market knowledge • Solid sales strategy • Experience • Consistent positive reviews To book a complimentary Sale or Rental appraisal call 4595 1688 Leanne Giffam | Principal At House Estate Agents we know it takes more than bricks and mortar to make a home. My dedicated team offer local expertise across the property market in selling, buying, and renting and offer a level of service and support that will exceed expectations from the first call to the final call. Under new management, but same familiar faces. Mobile 0400 968 319 Leanne@houseestateagents.com.au 444 Ruthven St Toowoomba
Suburbanpoolsarechanging When a swimming pool is planned for at the home & living The smallest backyard swimming pool architectural consultant Jeff Farugia has ever seen was a compact three metres by two metres.“Itwas a plunge pool,” he says. “Land sizes are getting smaller and smaller, but people still want homes with three, four, five bedrooms, double car garages, and an entertaining area with a swimming pool.” In the last 15 years, block sizes in Australian cities have decreased by 22 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. On top of that, floor plans have increased in size. Seventeen years ago, the average area of a house was 234 square metres. In 2020 it was 248. With smaller land footprints to work with, a beautiful backyard design is important, and Australians are getting creative to maximise what they have. Many resort to compact pools or work with a designer to efficiently lay out their backyard spaces so they can have both a yard and a pool. The outdoor entertaining area becomes part of the overall house design and and the inside and outside need to integrate well. same time as the house, designers can maximise space. Farugia says although pools are smaller, they often still take up a third of the backyard space. If a typical backyard is 80 to 100 square metres, a pool will take up 30 to 40 square metres.“They become an integral part of the overall entertaining area, bringing a lot of fun and activity.” Trendsinbackyardspaces With temperate winter weather and balmy summers in most of the country, al fresco spaces are truly an extension of indoor living. At a minimum most households have a barbecue area, and many have full outdoor kitchens, dedicated dining spaces, fire pits and a pool. As swimming pools become a central focus of the backyard, designs have evolved, not just in shape and materials, but in functionality.“Peopleare spending more time in their pools, so there’s an emphasis on pool designs. There might be a ledge and seating area within the pool, so they’re not just used for swimming. They’re lounge pools.”
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Seamlessindoorandoutdoorliving To maximise the real estate of an inner-city block of land, the demarcation between indoor and outdoor spaces is blurred. Areas interact seamlessly, with open lounge rooms flowing onto verandas and out to pools, the openness of the plans giving the illusion of more“There’sspace.a real push to bring the outside in. Fire pits, swimming pools and outdoor kitchens are all a big part of modern home design. It’s about family living and family entertaining,” he says. “Because there are so many elements to consider, people need to carefully plan where things will go. For example, if the pool is here, how will it interact with the rest of the house?”
Bushfire has been a natural part of the Australian environment for thousands of years, therefore it is us who need to adapt to its environment. Not only is it not going to go away, the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements identified that “the likelihood of increases in the severity and frequency of natural hazards should be taken into account in land-use planning and building decisions.”
If you suspect your potential home site could be in a bushfire-prone area you should arrange the bushfire attack level (BAL) of your house site to be assessed. It is encouraged that you engage a Registered Building Practitioner or other suitably trained professional to assist in determining the BAL for your site. This will determine the level of exposure to radiant heat and ember attack. The home can then be designed and constructed to mitigate the potential bushfire risk.
— Geoff Gibson phone: 07 4634 4550
If you would like to know more about the design issues raised in this article, please arrange a time to visit me at our Design Centre at 20 Stradbroke Street, Toowoomba.
In our previous articles, we’ve examined the principles in designing and building a sustainable, energy efficient, liveable, and healthy home. We will now look at some of the key points in protecting this amazing home — if you are going to build in a bushfire-prone area.
• Access for firefighting and evacuation • Landscaping • Water supply and other utilities. Bushfire attack mechanisms include flame contact, ember attack, radiant heat, wind, and smoke. All of these can affect a building. Ember attack is the most common cause of damage from bushfires. Embers can travel well in advance of the fire front, entering an unprotected home through gaps and igniting the building’s interior.
The key design elements to reduce the likelihood of bushfire damage in the design stage of your home are: simplifying your roof line and house outline, to reduce the opportunity for debris and embers to build up. using appropriate non-combustible or low combustible materials in the construction. using only appropriate tempered glass in your windows and sliding doors. Installing metal flyscreens on all window and sliding door openings.ensuringgaps of no more than 2mm for all the external envelope of your home.
There is no single strategy to protect life and property from bushfires. These measures should reflect the anticipated level of bushfire attack and work in combination with each other. Bushfire protection measures include:
To achieve an energy neutral home, in our next Style Magazine article we will look at Solar (Photovoltaic Cells) and battery storage to offset our home’s already dramatically reduced energy requirements.
On our web site in the news section you can find previous Style Articles for your reference.
At Geoff Gibson Homes we are regularly designing and building in Bushfire-prone areas, and we liaise with our Bushfire assessors to achieve a much safer outcome with our homes. Many of the features incorporated to improve a home’s bushfire resistance will also improve the energy efficiency of the home.
QBCC 100 5734 | www.geoffgibsonhomes.com.au | geoff@geoffgibsonhomes.com.au Smart Design... Smarter FROMYOURPROTECTINGHOMEBUSHFIRES
• Positioning of your home • Design of your home (further detail below)
facebook.com/geoffgibsonhomesGeoff Gibson 0407 965 261 geoffgibsonhomes DESIGN CENTRE: 20 Stradbroke St, Toowoomba (Off North St) | Office
• Separation of the home from the bushfire hazard
JACQUI WALKER / RESULTS FOR OWNERS It’s a great time to sell your property. The Jacqui Walker Sells Team will get you the highest possible price. jwalker@remax.com.au@jacquiwalkersells 3/12 Kirklees Street 25 Sunshine Way, 44KingsthorpeNashDrive 11 Wine Drive 10 High Street 285 South Street 29 Agnes Street 18 Beer Court 159 Baker Street 2/5 Sweeney Street 1/316 Stenner Street 5 Raelyn Street 30 Charnley Street 1/16 McMorrow St 6 Eton CambooyaStreet, 11 Harrow Street, Cambooya 22 Kaytons Street 2/48 Cranley Street 9 Baxwill Court, Top Camp 1 Sylvia Court, Vale View 5 Macqueen Street 20 Second Avenue 14 Jake Court SETTLED SETTLED SETTLED SETTLED SETTLED SETTLED SETTLEDCONTRACTUNDERSETTLED CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDERCONTRACTCONTRACTUNDERUNDER CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDER Harsha 0423 672 332 Chan 0438 900 376Jacqui Walker 0419 648 026 CHECK 348 VERIFIED REVIEWS at www.jacquiwalker.reviews jacquiwalkersells.com.au @jacquiwalkersells www.jacquiwalker.watch www.jacquiwalker.reviews Jacqui 10 Poinsettia Court 6/484 West Street 5 Ace Drive 14 Pugh Street 92 Kearney Street Lot 64, 7 Lawson St, Laidley North 26 Messines Street SETTLED SETTLEDCONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDERSOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD DUPLEX 10 Acacia Avenue, Top Camp 232 Geddes Street 92 Drayton Road 35 Mt Rascal Road, Mount Rascal 4/14 Yarrow Close 32 Charnley Street 37 Hill Street SETTLED SETTLEDCONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACTUNDERSOLD SOLD DUPLEX Success
Jacqui
If I can help just 1 more person discover the city, the top private gardens, the public gardens, the shopping, the views and the great cafes, then my sponsorship will have worked. This is a wonderful time for our city! I love Toowoomba. The shopping is great, the cafes are great, the people are great, it’s my family home, it’s my town. It’s a great place to live, a great place to work, a great place to invest and a fabulous place to raise families.
The Sells
Whatwww.jacquiwalker.reviewsatdoyouloveaboutthe garden competition?
Carnival is the soul of Toowoomba! Mid-1980’s I was peanut farming with my husband in Kingaroy. Toowoomba with the old Myer building was ‘the big city’ to me and I could barely sleep the night before a big twice-yearly shopping trip. My sister and I would shop all morning, then the majestic scented gardens would light up the afternoons. We’d grab a loaded baked potato down near Bell Street Mall and I’d hire a bike with a side-caddy for the youngest kids, pedalling the Queens Park footpaths to take in all the beauty. Another fabulous memory was 1999 when my daughter Jaylyne was named Miss Friendship for the 50th Anniversary of the Carnival. She worked so hard that year raising funds, fostering community and building networks. Defnitely a year I’ll never forget!
What is your favourite memory of The Carnival Of Flowers?
What’s this hot market done to the value of your property? Check 369+ Verifed Reviews to RateMyAgent about me
I love the newness! To think 7 or 12 or 18 weeks ago many of these gardens were being tilled, mulched and fertilised with not a fower in sight ... yet to bloom, so lovingly cared for by private gardeners. Then seemingly so suddenly, the dream result we see today. I can’t begin to imagine exactly the countless hours it takes ... imagine the thrill of taking top prize, or being a fnalist who added smiles to thousands and thousands of faces in 1 week!!
Jacqui Walker
Creating Outstanding Results For Homeowners.
Why did you sponsor The Chronicle Garden Competition?
Team 0419 648 026
Happy Carnival Of Flowers, Toowoomba!
STYLE 38
AmyEvansfromLavish Constructionswithsomeof theteamandaward-winning QueenieMarlowproject.
“This Hamptons-style home is well suited to the Toowoomba.fromandToowoomba,RobinIthomeextremelytheyawardswouldwashomelifelongourhomeQueenslander,resemblingenvironmentsurroundingwithmanyfeaturesthatofanoriginalthereforemakingtheperfectforitsrurallocationandQueenslandclimate.”MrHaydocksaidtheclientshadagoalofbuildingabeautifultoentertaintheirfriendsanditanevenbiggerdreamthehomebeaward-winning.“Wetooktheownersalongtothenightalongsideourteam,andwereoverthemoonandemotionalwhentheirwasannouncedasthewinner.wasgreattosee,”hesaid.QueenieMarlowwasdesignedbyPaynefromStruxiDesign,withinteriordesignsselectionsbySamanthaMaleBlackMortarDesign,
Double the win
my job title is quite broad, but could be best described as an office manager/contract administrator/ project assistant.” She said she was also working towards expanding her knowledge in interior design so she could further assist in initial design, selections and drawing of internal elevations, while also growing her managerial role within the business.
Mr Haydock said he was extremely proud of the Queenie Marlow project, especially his team of talented craftsman and management who delivered such a special home that was a dream for two special clients. “The clients approached us after going through long processes with two other builders,” he said. “We walked them through the whole process from designs to build to handover, helping out with every littleQueeniedetail.”Marlow, set at the highest elevation point of a 2.3ha site in Upper Lockyer, has a classic-Hamptons style designed to encompass easy living and entertaining in light-filled open spaces.“Taking full advantage of the panoramic views towards the Lockyer Valley and Tabletop Mountain, this home also creates instant enchantment with its distinctive roof design, beautiful arched timber gables, stone encased craftsman style posts and weatherboard external cladding,” Mr Haydock said.
home & living
Specialising in custom new homes, Toowoomba-based Lavish Constructions have scored a double with two top awards from Master Builders Queensland Amy Evans landed the Women in Building prize and their work on Queenie Marlow won the Individual Home from $750,000 to $850,000 award in the Master Builders Queensland Downs & Western AwardsMastercategories.Buildershas been the peak industry association representing building and construction in Queensland since 1882. Master Builder and Lavish Constructions owner and managing director Tom Haydock said he was especially proud of Amy winning her“Itaward.issodeserved,” he said. “She is a massive asset to the company and gets along with anybody and everybody. Anyone that deals with her would say the same. Her dedication to her role and the company is impeccable.“Shemanages home and work life so well, that you wouldn’t know how much she has going on at home with her four kids.” Mr Haydock said he was supporting Amy in studying a bachelor of interior design at the same time as working full time and raising four children. “She’s one-of-a-kind and we would be lost without her,” he said. Amy has been with the business for more than six years.
“I first began working three hours per week carrying out simple tasks such as inputting and filling, and as the business grew, my hours also grew to the full-time position I am currently employed in,” she “Oversaid.that time, my role at withprojectsrangingconstructionchangedConstructionsLavishhassignificantly.“Mycurrentrolenowcoversallareasofthecycle,fromoffice-basedadministrationoftoassistingsite-basedactivitiesasrequired,therefore
People 289 Herries St, Toowoomba 074633 8899 (just up from Glennie School) www.therealestatepeople.com.au If not, then it’s time for you to get a new property manager. Looking after your investment shouldn’t be ‘set and forget’. What is important to you is important to us, so call us today and see how easy it is to make the change. Landlords… does your property manager offer: Detailed routine inspection reports every 3 months Tenants paying water consumption One on one communication Market appraisal at every lease renewal Flexibility with chosen trades
By Ros Burton, Principal Real Estate
Why waiting could
–The
39 STYLE
Now’s the time to sell.” What a surprise a real estate agency is suggesting that. The market could be white hot, red hot, barely luke warm or cold as ice and there’s every chance you’ll hear exactly the same thing from agents spouting whatever is needed to secure a sale. It’s how we all get paid. So, why should you think my advice to sell is to be taken seriously versus some contrived sales pitch? Because the market is shifting… and we’re leaving that golden period of sales that sellers have enjoyed the past 18 months. That’s why. Many astute followers of the real estate game are aware of the symbolic ‘property clock‘ - with its hands representing where we are in the propertyTwelvecycle.o’clock means we are at the top of the cycle (when the time is perfect for selling) but, conversely, six o’clock means the market is at its lowest (when there is too much stock out there, prices are lower and buyers traditionally have the upper hand in negotiations).Iwaslistening to a video presentation with staff recently where the guest speaker (a wellrespected agent himself) suggested we are currently sitting around one or two o’clock. That’s not too bad actually; and concurs with what we are currently experiencing in The Real Estate People office - there are still good prices out there for properties. But for howInterestlong? rate rises are already being noticed as they directly impact borrowing levels for homeowners and investors. Less money means less home & living people looking at your propertyespecially if they see it as overpriced. Where they may have jumped at a $700,000 home in “the good times”, now they will be more motivated to negotiate that back to $650,000. And things will get worse before they get better. If you are looking to sell your home in the coming months then please remember figuratively (and quite literally) that the clock is ticking.
time
One or two o’clock now becomes four or five o’clock (or bottoms out completely) and then you, as the seller, have to wait for a rebound which history shows can sometimes be five to seven years. I can guarantee one thing - the price you will get for your home today will NOT be the price you get in six month’s time. So, if you’re ready to make that commitment to sell or would like to discuss the best marketing program for your property, then please feel free to contact our office. We’d love to help. cost you big
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“I’ve invested a lot of money in the past, like during the IT boom around 2000, and I lost almost everything,” she says. “So Bricklet is a way for me to get comfortable with property investing and take things at my own pace. I am spreading the risk a little bit. It suits me really well.”
But Jessica is now part-owner of a designer, multi million-dollar build on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, thanks to fragmented property investment. This relatively modern investment approach offers an alternative avenue for those wanting to realise their property ownership ambitions, minus the maintenance and mortgage repayments.
41 STYLE For Aussies across all life stages, entering the property market can feel“Ioverwhelming.movedtoAustralia five years ago and haven’t really been able to get in,” says Jessica Johnsson. “And since my divorce, I definitely thought that would remain the case.”
The gains on each bricklet are also pro rata, enabling you the opportunity to own and benefit from a proportion of a property at a fraction of its total cost. This model of investing is ideal for anyone who loves the relative stability of property investments without the hassle or huge upfront costs, whether you’re a first homebuyer, single parent or seasoned investor.InJessica’s case, her part ownership of the home & living beaches property will earn her the full returns of the development and the yield on rental across the seven apartments, pro rata according to the proportion of the development she owns. Being a recently single mother, the freedom to build wealth slowly, safely and on her own schedule is the main driver behind Jessica’s decision to try fragmented investing.“Iwillprobably invest in more ‘bricklets’ but will give it a bit more time due to personal matters – and this is exactly why I love it. I’m not in a hurry, I can take my time and pick and choose what I want.” As someone who’s both taken on risky investments in the past and previously owned property in her homeland Sweden, Jessica is no longer willing to bear the risk of owning an entire property.
Leading the charge is Bricklet, the world’s first property exchange, where you can buy and sell individual fragments of a diverse range of properties. It’s kind of like having a stock portfolio, but for quality real estate opportunities.Unlikefractional investing, the key difference with Bricklet is that all individuals independently own their portion of the property, with each ‘bricklet’ owner registered on the Torrens Land Title. Property investors enjoy asset liquidity, where they can buy and sell their fragments as they please without impacting the owneroccupier.
“These projects usually always come with some. You need to have a strong ability to understand the has led us to becoming a licensed builder and director in Toowoomba.“We’reextremely grateful for being able to work in an industry we are passionate about. In a short space of time everything’s happened so fast for us but things are looking very bright moving forward.” “We want to keep pushing the boundaries in this field showcasing our ability and why we think we can bring something a little different to the renovation world. “We would like to say a massive thank you for the support from Darryl and Kate Maroske of Broad Engineering, Ross Lederhose Building, Master Builders Queensland and everyone involved with The Renew Company to help us achieve where we are today. “And not forgetting a special mention to my amazing partner Keira for constant support and the creation of the Renew brand.”
RENOVATIONS CREATIVE ADDITIONS EXTENSIONS REPAIRS MAINTENANCE www.therenewcompany.com Ph: 0407 344 565 THE RENEW ToowoombaRenovationCOMPANYspecialistsbasedservicingQueensland
Local builder wins big
Though Colin admits a renovation of this magnitude does not come without its challenges.
The Cranley Project was the beautiful renovation of a Queenslander built circa 1903.
And their latest project has won the Master Builders Downs & Western best Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $200,000 - $400,000.
STYLE 42 nature, age, and style of the property before you get carried away with anything.“Mostof our challenges were cosmetic, such as figuring out ways of exploiting original features with our own twist. We almost worked with the mindset of an interior designer at times being mindful of colours, tile choices and positioning of certain key features.”Colinhas been working in the industry for nearly 20 years, starting from a carpentry apprenticeship in Scotland and gaining advanced craft qualifications along the road, which home & living The Renew Company is a local, businessfamily-ownedspecialising in residential renovations.
“There were multiple aspects of this renovation that made it special. Most importantly was delivering what our clients visualised and what they wanted to achieve from the project,” owner Colin Wilson said. “Working with the client’s excellent taste in trends and finishes we had an opportunity to really show how creative we can be.”
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Australia’s National Electricity Market is currently undergoing a huge transition. We’re moving away from centralised industrial power generation to decentralised residential power generation. What does that mean in English? We’re slowly evolving past coal-fired power plants in favour of household rooftop solarThissystems.isexciting for a few reasons. First, it means we can create a huge amount of energy in the middle of the day while the sun is shining, which can drive down wholesale electricity prices. This recent phenomenon is known as the “duck curve”. There is so much low-cost energy that the tariffs for feeding solar energy into the grid will continue to decline. Second, it paves the way for us to create even more clean power in the future. The only trouble with creating more energy than we actually need is that it can cause instability in our grid. This is called “minimum demand” and it’s why a couple of states (we’re looking at you, Western Australia and South Australia) now require all new solar systems to be able to be shut down remotely. The Australian Energy Market Operator predicts that all states and territories will need this technology by 2025. Smarthometechnologyisabout morethanjustgadgets Creating a smart home isn’t just about yelling “Hey Alexa, play some music” or “Hey Google, read me the news” across the room.
The Luxaflex® Curtain Collection adds the perfect finishing touch, creating a sense of textural depth to a living space. This collection effortlessly coordinates with Luxaflex Window Coverings and Softshades. Our carefully curated fabric collection delivers an eclectic range of high-quality fabrics and styles to help you complete your custom interior look.
For a tailor-made solution with custom-made quality, visit us Carpettoday.One Floor and Home Toowoomba 6 Prescott St Toowoomba QLD 4350 0746 322 255
There are lots of advantages to investing in smart home technology. The best way to future-proof your house and make the most of the evolution in Australia’s electricity grid is to get a big-picture overview of your current energy use so you can make informed decisions about how best to manage consumption. Not only will you be using cleaner energy sources and making your home more efficient, your hip pocket will thank you.
(Although we’re not going to lie, that’s pretty cool.) They have lots of features that can make life easier, from preheating your oven to cleaning your pool or opening your garage door. Smart home technology can also make a huge difference to your hip pocket. It can link things such as your lighting, your heating and cooling, your hot water system, and your appliances, so you can control energy consumption and make sure you’re not drawing huge amounts of power in expensive peak periods. Energymanagementsystemscan loweryourbills Energy management units (EMUs) are intelligent communications hubs that automatically monitor and manage your home’s energy consumption and solar power generation. You can set up your EMU to make better decisions about shifting loads away from expensive peak times and maximising use of the energy from your solar system. Futureofsustainableenergyishere
home & living
Get smart Australia’s energy infrastructure is going through some big changes. Is your home set up to make the most of this transformation?
There’s no doubt that planning is the key to success. This includes looking ahead to figure out where things like plumbing and electrical elements need to fit, as well as figuring out a timeline. For example, you can save a huge amount of money if you take care of the demolition work yourself before the tradies arrive. The truth is it’s never been easier to do it yourself - for example, with kaboodle kitchen, which has created a DIY-
STYLE 44 home & living K itchens should be stylish and functional. We asked experts to share their tips to transform your space without attaching a designer price tag. Kitchen renovations can be pretty intimidating. I know this, because I’m currently sitting in mine, which was built back in 1966. Is it functional? For the time being. Is it stylish? That would have to be a resounding no. Don’t get me wrong. Previous inhabitants have made a few attempts to spice it up. Someone thankfully painted the benchtop tiles cream to hide the mission brown lurking underneath. They also replaced the original stove with a freestanding gas cooker currently wedged into the fireplace. But then someone lined the cupboards underneath the sink with a stunning orange lino. I guess you win some; you lose some. This year I’m planning a complete overhaul: I want to gut the kitchen and start with a blank canvas, but that can come with a big price tag. In fact, research indicates the average kitchen renovation costs $21,000. So how do you get a beautiful kitchen on a budget? Clarifyyourvision Becc Burgmann is an interior designer based on Sydney’s north shore. She recommends starting by clarifying the look, mood, and feel of the design you want in your kitchen. The best place to start is by collecting images from multiple sources for inspiration, including Pinterest, magazines, television shows and even background images from things like travel brochures. That will ensure you develop a clear creative direction, which is critical to figuring out a realistic budget for the project as you start putting your plans onto paper.
Lookscooksfor 269WITHCOTT,JonesRd The Chronicle print and digital property marketing packages target buyers online and in print. Ask your agent for more details today. Thinking of selling your propertylifestyle Call Sue at Elders today on 0437 377 988 The Finest Of Executive Living 5 bed, 2 bath , 14 car and 30 Acres SOLD by Sue Edwards at Elders
“Careful planning means you can make the most of every inch in the room so you never have to worry about not having enough room for your pots and pans,” agrees Andrew Skipper, Director of Canberra Plumbing and Drains. He adds that a well-planned luxury kitchen will have ample storage, an abundance of task lighting, and a thoughtful layout that keeps things mess-free with plenty of room to move between appliances. LookforDIYopportunities
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“Consider choosing laminate benchtops as a cost-effective alternative to expensive materials such as stone, timber, or concrete,” says kaboodle spokesperson Monique Parker. “Laminate benchtops are a safe, stylish, affordable, and highly durable alternative, meaning you can have the look without the expense.”
Thinkaboutcolour Colour is intrinsically linked to mood, which is important in the heart of the home. Sarah Lawrie, who runs lifestyle site Keepin’ It Frugal with wife Laura Turner, renovated her kitchen last year simply by adding a fresh coat of paint to the dated wooden cabinets and benchtops to brighten the space, as well as installing some new cabinet pulls and door handles. The total cost was $380 and the pair says it was worth every cent.We had a daggy wood kitchen from the ‘80s, but the appliances were fine. We just wanted a more aesthetically pleasing kitchen,” she says. “Using just paint, we revamped all the cupboards and benchtops from wood to a lovely white and grey [respectively]. The results were huge… It hardly cost anything.” Don’tunderestimatedetails Finally, it’s important to note that small things can make a big difference. Kylie Harding is the Creative Director of Styled to Sell, a Melbourne-based company that helps vendors maximise the value of properties on the market. She says details can make a big difference in making a kitchen feel luxurious - even when it comes to your taps. Investing in new on-trend tapware creates an instant face-lift with a small priceThere’stag. a lot to think about when you’re remodelling your kitchen. It’s tempting to jump in and start tearing things out - trust me when I say the days of having that horrific orange lino in my kitchen are numbered. However, one thing all experts agree on is that time invested in the planning stage will pay dividends when it comes to your final budget. On that note, it’s time to sit down and start playing with some floor plans.
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friendly range that you can design using their 3D planning tool. It uses modular products, along with customisable cabinets and doors that are made in a dedicated manufacturing facility in Melbourne, to allow you to create a designer-looking kitchen that perfectly fits your space at a fraction of the cost.
Delightingtastebuds
STYLE 46 food AnnetteCheungfrom Qi'Lin;andINSET: barbecueporkribs andcrispywalnut chicken strawberrywithliqueursauce.
innovativeCantonesewithToowoombaenticesdinerstraditionalandcuisine
Qi’Lin Oriental Cuisine has been a firm favourite on the Toowoomba dining scene since it opened in 2008. Serving up a delicious blend of both traditional Cantonese dishes and innovative Asian cuisine, the extensive menu has something to tickle the tastebuds of all diners. From the delectable roast duck to the enticing Specialties,Chef’sand the vegetarianflavour-packeddishes, the chef has banquet,includingCarnivalcelebratinggoingchoiceoptionseverything.consideredThethreebanquetareafabulousforgroupsoutandduringtheofFlowers.Thethreebanquets,thePekingduckallincludeentrees, main meals, fried rice, dessert and coffee, making them great value for money for a Thegroup.al-a-carte menu features delicious options, and the Chef’s Specialties are a blend of popular dishes and more innovative ones. Along with the Peking duck, the menu features Hong Kong crispy skin roast duck, crispy walnut beef, deep fried soft shell crab with lime, ginger and sweet chilli sauce, and sizzling king prawns and scallops with vegetables in garlic sauce, as well as manyTheothers.crispywalnut beef is an enjoyable blend of crumbed beef fillets with walnuts and served in a sweet chilli, lime and garlic sauce; another innovative dishes is the crispy walnut chicken, which consists of crumbed chicken breast with walnuts served in a strawberry liqueur customersVegetariansauce.have been thought of as well, with tasty choices such as vegetable chow mein and sizzling eggplant and vegetables and others. The al-a-carte menu is available as dine-in, takeaway and for delivery, with the menu having options to suit the whole locatedfamily.Therestaurant,atShop29,in the Hooper Centre, 187 Hume St, Toowoomba, is open for lunch between 12pm and 2pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and for dinner from 5pm to late Tuesday to Sunday. Bookingsareessential,especially forlargegroups.Calltherestaurant on46131233or46381233.
WINNER OF QUEENSLAND’S AGFG PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 2020 WINNER OF BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT IN QUEENSLAND Awarded 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 & 2012 by Restaurant & Catering Australia For delivery, order by phone or via apps (Google Play and App Store). www.qilin.com.au Shop 29, Hooper Centre, 187 Hume Street, Toowoomba Ph: 07 4613 1233 or 4638 1233 Home Delivery & Takeaway Order today! Book Now for Father’s Day A-La-Carte Dine In Area Taiwanese Three Cups Chicken Hot Pot
Qi’Lin
Grilled chicken burger with red cabbage coleslaw
METHOD
4 servings. Prep time 15mins. Cooking time 10mins.
4 Place bread bases on serving plates. Top with red cabbage slaw and chicken patties. Top with rocket and bread tops. Serve immediately.
With a menu powered largely by produce plucked from within a 10km range, including coffee from Murphys Creek’s Black Cat and meat and smallgoods SavourBannockpaddock-to-platefromBraeMeats,ThisEateryis
3 Preheat a barbecue or chargrill on high heat. Lightly brush the bread slices and chicken patties with oil. Cook chicken on barbecue for three minutes each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cook bread on barbecue for two minutes or until lightly toasted.
Highfields bymostCarmichaelandownersHusbandinstitution.andwifePaulHallamSamanthaknowoftheirregularstheirnameandcoffee order, and have curated a menu of brunch and lunch-time favourites with strong nostalgic appeal, including burgers, barbecue ribs, a brisket Eggs Benny, and woodfired pizzas from scratch on Sundays. “We make the bases and dough ourselves every Sunday morning,” says Paul. “We do things a little differently; all our burgers have their own spin on them, and our signature breakfast is a Southern fried chicken and waffle Benedict.” The locals-only mantra is echoed in their craft beer list by Toowoomba’s 4 Brothers Brewing and Australian-forward wines.
2 Meanwhile, combine the cabbage, onion, carrot, chives, mayonnaise, mustard and honey in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
1 Combine the chicken and breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Divide into four even portions. Shape each portion into a 9cm patty. Place on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
a
Go Savour delectableThisfare TUES – FRI 8AM – 2PM SAT 7AM – 2PM • SUN 8AM – 2PM Savour This Eatery prides itself on its vast range of delectable homemade meals, cakes and drinks as well as our relaxed & cheerful atmosphere, and we are Fully Licensed 10522 New England Hwy, Highfields P: 4615 5829
food
For Toowoomba’s month-long Carnival of Flowers this September, they’ll be dishing up the ‘Spring Chick’: a juicy buttermilk-brined chicken burger capped with maple chilli pineapple, local Bannock Brae smoked bacon and house sauce.
47 STYLE INGREDIENTS ● 600g chicken mince ● 70g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs ● ¼ red cabbage, finely shredded ● ½ red onion, very thinly sliced ● 1 carrot, peeled, coarsely grated ● ¼ cup finely chopped chives ● ¼ cup mayonnaise ● 1 tbsp Dijon mustard ● 2 tsp honey ● 1 tbsp olive oil ● 1 loaf Turkish bread, quartered crossways, split ● 100g baby rocket leaves
Empowering future leaders WilMassarafrom Youth AcademyLeadershipAustralia(YLAA).
High school dropout Wil Massara, 20 believes that “age does not determine your ability to achieve great things.” By age 15, he’d become frustrated with the lack of leadership training at his school and decided to launch Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA) — Australia’s No.1 for-youth-byyouth school leadership program provider. When asked what inspired him to found YLAA, Wil says, “The education system must start taking greater responsibility for teaching the skills of life, including resilience and leadership. The expectation that these things are taught at home is just not true for so many young people. “Young people need a greater seat at the table, 40% of the population is under 30, and 100% of the future is under 30. Yet there is rarely any meaningful consultation done with our generation from governments, schools and policymakers.”
At first YLAA was thriving, however this all changed when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March 2020. For YLAA to survive the pandemic, Wil knew he needed to pivot to digital and online fast. To achieve this transformation, he enlisted the help of The Entourage, Australia’s largest business coaching and training provider with a community of more than 650,000 business owners.Wilsays “When I was living in Perth at 18, the business was just surviving week by week through Covid. I knew that doing the same thing and expecting different results was insanity, so I decided to get out of my comfort zone and book a one-way flight to the other side of the country. “Prior to The Entourage we had worked with only 50 schools. By the end of 2022 we would have worked with over 750 schools across the country in every state. We operated at 100% throughout Covid, and have grown our impact by 200% year on year. The Entourage also provided a huge community to connect with and be a part of, to keep me accountable, motivated and remind me what greatness we are creating in the world.” Wil’s goals for YLAA for 2023 and beyond include continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of school students from all around Australia, and to reach $1 million in annual revenue in the next 12 months. Wil is so passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people that he is reforming YLAA as a social enterprise where 100% of all profits produced will fund youth suicide prevention programs.JackDelosa, entrepreneur, investor and founder of The Entourage, says “Wil is an incredibly inspiring and driven young man, and it’s phenomenal to see what he’s already achieved at such a young age. Like me, Wil dropped out of formal education to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship, and we’ve both started our own education and training businesses. I left university, ironically, because I had a huge appetite for growth, knowledge and learning, and I realised I was better off in environments that were more self-driven and self-initiated than traditional learning environments.”
STYLE 48 business
■ Have a plan, but be flexible: This is the mindset that every business owner and their team needs to get comfortable with. Develop your north stars so that you and your team know where you’re going, and everyone knows the role they have to play in getting there, but be clear with themplans will change as goal posts do, and that’s ok, because small-to-medium sized businesses have the advantage of pivoting and changing direction quickly (this is something that large organisations do not have).
For entrepreneurs and business owners looking to accelerate their business growth exponentially over the next 12-months, Jack shares the following advice: ■ Adopt a focus on revenue-generating activities: Entrepreneurs should be focusing 80% of their time and efforts on revenue generating activities, especially when the market is turbulent. But this is where so many go wrong. From my experience, the average business owner only spends as little as 10% of their time on this.
■ Seek out the right mentors and advisors: Being an entrepreneur can be lonely, and no one person can know it all, so surrounding yourself with experts and industry leaders will help you feel more supported, which is invaluable. This method of connecting members with experts for personalised coaching to share strategies for success is how The Entourage has helped their members outperform the market by 300%, and generate over $800 million in cumulative revenue in the past 12 months alone. Tofindoutmore,visit:the-entourage.com
■ Develop an empathy map for where your customers are: It’s crucial for business owners to develop an understanding of what is going on for their customers, their core challenges, and any changed needs they may have. Business owners should then update all their marketing and communications around those insights, so they can speak directly to the hearts and minds of their customers.
Analysis of more than 150,000 writing samples from students in years 3 to 7 has revealed boys are more likely to write about “actionbased” topics such as sport, violence and video games. Writing about relationships was more common among female students. Girls remain more proficient spellers than boys at all year levels despite the number of spelling mistakes falling over time, but the gap widens even further at year 7 – when girls continue to improve while boys show a spike in errors compared with previous years.
The report’s author and education lecturer at Flinders University Anne Bayetto said gendered interests and skills were evident across all year levels.“Girls tended to write vocab that was more domestically oriented, and talked more about passive pastimes in relation to home, family and friends, whereas boys tend to write more about active sport and leisure, competitions about fighting and technology,” she said. “Boys were more keenly writing about competitive activities, resolving matters with violence, as opposed to using conversation and resolutions to come to an agreed stance.”
Boys spell it out with action by Olivia Jenkins
The most recent Language Gap report found boys’ interest in writing dropped off over time, limiting their vocabularies and spelling proficiency.
Students’ spelling and writing skills follow gender stereotypes to the letter, research shows.
49 STYLE
Education
Ms Bayetto said boys experienced social pressures to disregard learning, which carried flow-on effects in their academic performance. International studies have also shown girls acquire language skills faster than boys. “Boys often feel social pressure from their peer group not to publicly display their knowledge,” Ms Bayetto said. “This causes many boys to avoid engaging in class discussion, which is a critical time for learners to use their vocabularies. By not engaging as frequently in class, boys are not getting this practice at using new words, which limits the size of their vocabularies.”Thewords“killing” and “death” were featured exponentially more often in boys’ writing than girls’, the report found. Boys are also much more likely to use the words “hit” and “punch” in their writing. University of Canberra spelling expert Dr Tessa Daffern said spelling was a crucial building block in a child’s education.
aunching on Saturday, September 3, 2022 artist and designer Tarn McLean is exhibiting a botanical themed show at The Write Gallery in Toowoomba, coinciding with Toowoomba’s renowned Carnival of Flowers. Tarn’s work focuses on storytelling through different flora and fauna. A mix of paintings displaying botanicals from the zodiacs; Indigenous Sandalwood blossom reflecting traditional smoking ceremonies of First Nations people; and a decorative fabric collection based on native wildlife from the art seven continents and countries around the world.There really is something for everyone in this artistic cultural celebration depicted through nature. With more than 35 paintings, 22 fabric designs, a video installation and drawing workshops for children and adults, both young and old will be intrigued and inspired by the unique displays.Tarnsays the exhibition is designed to ignite identity in her audience, “botanicals are more than an artists’ colour delight, they have stories and cultural histories that hold meanings which connect us all, to our earth and to each other. By creating a month-long event at the Write Gallery and Lighthouse Children’s Literacy Centre during Toowoomba’s Carnival of flowers we have the opportunity to share stories and hopefully inspire others to discover their own.” Theexhibitionrunsfrom1-30September atTheWriteGallery,Toowoomba
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STYLE 50
Don’t miss Connecting With Culture Through Florals: A Special Botanical Exhibition by Tarn McLean
Reigniting culture
Aquarius:ASpecialBotanical ExhibitionbyTarnMcLean
IKEBANADISPLAY2022 ToowoombaIkebanaGroup
September10-18 Ikebana, the traditional art of Japanese flower arrangement, draws attention to the beauty in nature. This exhibition showcases modern arrangements by the members from Toowoomba Sogetsu School, Netta Obst, Margaret Eiser and Dorothy Herrmann, who combine new methods and materials to push the boundaries of the art form.
Crows Nest Gallery, at the corner of the New England Highway and William Street is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays. Entryisfreeatthethreegalleries
AnnaBattle,DianaBattle,Victoria Beths,LynneButters,KarenCanning, EmmaMessenger,SoniaSexton. August24-September18 This technicolour exhibition brings some of Toowoomba’s greatest floral artists together to battle it out and showcase the beautiful Garden City during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Flowers are a gift of love, a gift of happiness, a gift of friendship and a gift of sorrow. They are a rainbow on the ground and grow out of every nook and cranny in the pavement if allowed. Bataille de Fleurs showcases floral works by local artists Anna Battle, Diana Battle, Victoria Beths, Lynne Butters, Karen Canning, Emma Messenger and Sonia Sexton. Rosalie Gallery at 89 Mocatta St, Goombungee is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday.
LEFT:SogetsuSchoolToowoombaIkebanaGroup.ABOVE:VictoriaBeths, FlowersforMargaret,acryliconcanvas.BELOW:CherylMoggs, Homeland2022, acryliconcanvas.
BATAILLEDEFLEURS (BATTLEOFTHEFLOWERS)
51 STYLE art
For more than 20 years, Toowoomba Sogetsu School has presented an annual exhibition of their creations at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery. The Gallery is proud to showcase their work during the Carnival of Flowers celebrations and will be open from 10.30am to 3.30pm for the duration of the display at 531 Ruthven St. After September 18, the Gallery’s regular opening hours will be 10.30am to 3.30pm Wednesday to Sunday. (closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays).
OURSTORIES,OURCULTURE,OURCOUNTRY CherylMoggs(Bigambul),Barbara Walker(Wiradjuri),AaronBlades August(Mandandanji)24-September18 Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Country explores narratives of spiritual connectivity, placemaking, traditional knowledge, healing and teachings by participating Indigenous artists Cheryl Moggs (Bigambul), Barbara Walker (Wiradjuri) and Aaron Blades (Mandandanji). Through visual artistic expressions of markmaking, colour arrangement, mapping story and the twisting of fibre and form, Cheryl, Barbara and Aaron encourage conversation and insight into living Cultural practices.
toowoomba
Well done Virgo you have made it through another month, you fantastic Earth Mother, relishing all in life that is relaxing. There is no time to stress — it will work out in the grand scheme of things. Is there a role that you are wanting to take on during September, now could be the time to put plans in action. Getting started is the hardest part but once you are on a roll you are unstoppable.
Feb19-Mar19
Capricorn Dec22-Jan20
Jeff Hannaford is a Community Chartered Accountant and Trouble Shooter who has been in business since 1978 when he opened up his frst offce in Inglewood. His business has now grown with another 2 offces in Texas and Millmerran.
Libra Sep24-Oct23
Aquarius
Throw off that winter coat at last, Spring is here and with Spring comes Love — is there someone that you are keen on? I think they are beginning to get the idea that you are looking their way. I think if you make the first move the rest will fall into place. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy your new found lust for life. Frolic in the meadows, take time to work on charming the man of your dreams.
VIRGO
Jan21-Feb18 Boy oh boy what are you up to Aquarius? Everyone knows you are focused and driven just don’t give into distraction. Life is all fun and games until someone gets hurt, so be careful where you tread or who you tread on. September is a month for love and life so use it to take some time off your busy schedule. Perhaps a holliday is in order, pack your bags, check your passport is in order because, girl, you are going places. Bon Voyage!
Aries Mar20-Apr18
Sagittarius Nov22-Dec21
Cancer Jun21-Jul21 Crabs can be a little moody this month it is time to ditch that old tired shell and get yourself a new look. It may feel as if you have been working too hard lately and yes, that is true but the rewards it brings will make up for your exhaustion. Go relax in a day spa and breathe. You might seem like you have a solid outer shell that is unable to be broken, just rely on who you care to expose the inner you to as hearts are easily broken.
Taurus Apr19-May20 Taureans are feeling more settled they have a new found confidence. Not that you ever needed that but every little bit helps. Doors are starting to open for you workwise so your career stars are looking fantastic there is sure to be a promotion in the next few months so keep on pushing on. Bulls are best when they are not bullied, they don’t respond well so it is best that you choose the decision that will work in your favour.
Ahhh the ice is thawing on your fish bowl so you can at last see what is around you keeping you safe from harm. Love brings joy into our lives in fantastic ways. Take a big step out and look around you there is a whole new world opening up for you full of mystery, wonder and the odd weird excursion just to keep it interesting. Take up a new hobby perhaps art, macrame, mosaics anything to bring a bit more colour into your life is fantastic.
Aug24-Sept23
A Chartered Accountant with a sense of humour
Librians during September will enjoy that the warmer weather is coming back so they can kick back and party like never before. Your life is about to take a different direction and oh baby what a direction. Holiday plans kick up a gear, meaning that there is no time like the present to ensure that bikini body is on point. Blue oceans and Pacific breezes await just don’t go expecting a Baywatch lifeguard to come to your rescue. There is no David Hasslehoff on your ocean paradise, sadly.
Pisces
Office Contacts: Millmerran 07 4695 1477 | Inglewood 07 4652 1106 Texas 07 4653 1155
Scorpio Oct24-Nov22
Whoa up there little missy, where do you think you are going? Armed with all the devices of being able to manage homelife and work means straight to the top. Just like Annie Oakley you are about to go on to take no prisoners as your role grows so will your confidence. Aim for that target and go for gold. You always look so good wearing a statement piece so if you have longed for a stunning jewel to add to your collection then why not. Diamonds sparkle, rubies are stunning and the world is your oyster so perhaps pearls.
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
theHairydoesJob
Jeff Hannaford Pty Ltd
It is a little diffcult this month to get enthusiatic about work, but try not to worry — the road ahead is clear and you are prepared for whatever is in front on you. Take time out, spend it on some me time, get that makeover, it might just be the pick up you need. Over the next quarter leading to the end of the 2022 it wll seem as if time is slipping away but time is important for family and friends. Once the heavy lifting is over ,the sun will shine down giving you back your vibe.
Leo Jul23-Aug23 No more snoozing in front of the fire for this pussycat. Lions were meant to rule and rule they shall. So you are another year older so what it means that you have weathered the storm. Leos don’t lie around there is so much out there to be explored. Curiousity never killed the cat, it may have put you into some interesting situations but we all know Leo will land on her feet — having nine lives also helps..
There will be a definite vibe in your household, the patter of little feet, whether expected or unexpected, are about to make your dreams come true. Children are a joy when there is laughter that echoes throughout your home. Who doesn’t love a big family. Although it could be time to wrangle a babysitter and hit the nightlife with your significant other partying until dawn watching the sunrise with champagne in hand has never looked so good.
Gemini May21-Jun20 Ah Gemini we all know that you have dreams of being on Dancing with the Stars or a reality television show where your skills will be recognised. September sees you being a huge success at any events that you are aparty to. So whether it is touring through the city spreading joy or headbanging at a tourning heavy metal band, you know that the only person that needs to be pleased is you. Work stars are looking great — it may seem like a slog at first, but have faith it is going to get easier. You can bank on it.
stars
STYLE 52
Virgo
Book your tickets now by scanning the QR code, or visiting bigskies.westerndownsqueensland.com.au Dragon / Kasey Chambers Choirboys / Daryl Braithwaite The Radiators / Kate Ceberano Aloud Out / Katelann Maree / Jem Cassar-Daley / Fire & Whistle Theory Dragon / Kasey Chambers Choirboys / Daryl Braithwaite The Radiators / Kate Ceberano Aloud Out / Katelann Maree / Jem Cassar-Daley / Fire & Whistle Theory 29 Sep - 3 Oct29 Sep - 3 OcT EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF THE WESTExperience the best of the west sterndownsqueensland.com.au bigskies.westerndownsqueensland.com.au
tastes &
Yodthai’sNickNgowsakul withhishomemadecoconut icecreamwithstickyrice, coveredwithpuffpastry. Servedwithmango, pineapple,bubblepearls andedibleflowers. treats
Cheesypotatobhajiandsesame friedtoastwithcrispyfriedegg, spicygreensauce,turmeric pickledonions,kewpie, nasturtiumandchillithreads. ServedatTheBurrowduringthe ToowoombaFestivalofFlower.
Plenty of
Toowoomba Region eats (#trEATS0 is back again in
#trEATS on menu
T he Toowoomba Region is overflowing with fantastic foodie moments – our cafes, pubs, cocktail bars and everything in between serve up mouth-watering meals and breathtaking beverages on the regular. Keep your eyes peeled for a menu of exclusive springtime specials available at venues across the region only from September 1–30. The best part –they’re all only $10-$20. #trEATS also offers a great line-up of events. Check out these tantalising offerings:
2022.
STYLE 54
TALKINGPUBSTOUR Sunday,September4;Sunday, September11;Sunday,September18; SundaySeptember25,11am–3pm WHERE: Meet at The Brewhouse, 183 Margaret St, Toowoomba WHAT: The Talking Pubs Tour will take you to four character-filled Toowoomba pubs. Start with appetisers at Toowoomba’s new brewery The Brewhouse, followed by entree at Tatt’s Hotel, main at the new Proof BBQ & Booze and finish the day with dessert at The Rock. The tour includes all meals and a drink at each pub. COST: Adult $99
coconut tastes &treats
FRIDAY Friday,September2,4.45–8.45pm
COST: Tipsy High Tea $158, return bus $15 FOODIEDINNERTOUR–
ClemenceDemouzon withcheesypotato bhajiandsesamefried toastwithcrispyfried egg,spicygreen sauce, andkewpie,pickledturmericonions,nasturtiumchillithreadsonofferatTheBurrow.
TIPSYHIGHTEA
Saturday,September3,10am–midday or2–4pm WHERE: Spring Bluff Railway Station, McCormack Dr, Spring Bluff WHAT: The event’s latest twist on a classic is high tea with cocktails. Enjoy delicious bite-sized eats and expertly prepared spring-inspired cocktails served at a picture-perfect location. Tipsy High Tea will be served overlooking the stunning Spring Bluff Railway Station gardens. Cocktail demonstrations by expert mixologists, recipe cards and a complimentary non-alcoholic ingredient kit will have you recreating two signature Carnival cocktails at home. Presented in partnership with Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Southern Queensland Country Tourism, Tipsy High Tea is perfect if you’re a fan of fantastic food and luscious libations. Please note, the event site features uneven surfaces and hills. This event is for adults aged 18 years or over. To help get you there and back, there is an optional bus transfer from Toowoomba, departing from Water Street Carpark (176A Herries St). Water St parking will be complimentary for guests of the event (no parking ticket required). The bus for the first session will depart at 9.30am and return at return 12.30pm; while the bus for the second session will depart at 1.30pm and return at 4.30pm.
WHERE: Meet at Ortem, 15 Railway St, Toowoomba WHAT: This Foodie Dinner Tour begins with an entree at Gips, followed by the main meal at Urban Grounds and a decadent dessert at Ortem. The tour includes all meals and a drink at each venue. Guests will be picked up from meeting place and transported to each venue by bus.
MENU: Gips will dish up alternate serves of cajun chicken tenderloins, quinoa, charred corn & chorizo salad, tequila & lime sour cream; and pork belly, coconut & carrot salad, chilli caramel, thai herbs; plus beer, wine or soft drink. UrbanGround will dish up alternative serves of 300g beef city rib fillet with caramelised pumpkin, seasonal baby vegetables, red wine jus and horseradish creams; and chicken ballantine with pea puree, kipfler hash cake, seasonal baby vegetables topped with rich thyme jus; and beer, wine or soft drink. Ortem will serve honey pannacotta with wattleseed sponge, macadamia shortbread crumb and spiced strawberries. COST: Adult $139
LisaBentleywiththe‘Lifeis Peachy’Wafflesthatwillbe servedatJilly’sCafeduringthe ToowoombaFestivalofFlower. PicturedbyLukeMarsden.
DanFarquharwiththe Misoglazedeggplant, pickledgingerandherb salad,dukkahandflat breadfrom TheFinch
NATIVEORCHID
OF
COST:
WHERE: Newtown Park, Toowoomba (bordered by Holberton, Tor, Taylor and Pottinger streets)
Child
ferns,
September 24, 5.30pm food trucks operating, 6.30pm movie commences
WHAT: Pack your picnic blanket (and a jacket), gather your family and friends, and enjoy an evening under the stars. As the sun sets over Newtown Park, the joys of the film experience will be brought to life during the park’s first twilight movie screening. Movie screening include 6.30pm - Fern Gully; 8.15pm - 10 Things I Hate About You. SOCIETY TOOWOOMBASPRING
WHERE: St John’s Lutheran Church Hall, 431 Bridge St, Toowoomba
free events toowoomba • Situated in the quaint country town of Cambooya, 10 minutes from Toowoomba, on the Warwick Road • Experience the authentic 1900s old world atmosphere • Lunch and dinner 7 days • The ultimate dining experience, delicious gourmet menu • Coffee, daily meal specials, take away meals & pizzas • Comfortable quality country style accommodation Phone: 4696 1235 www.bullandbarleyinn.com.au
tips. Enquiries:
September 16 to September 18, 9am5pm; September 19, 9am-3pm
STYLE 56
CINEMAUNDERTHE STARS
WHAT: NOSTI presents a delightful display of Australian native orchids, exotic orchids, bromeliads and foliage plants. Plants, floral art and crafts are for sale with experienced growers and enthusiasts on hand to assist with growing and cultivation 0405 162 794 or 07 4630 1825. Adult $4, (under 15)
SHOW
or
WHERE: Murphys Creek Chilli Festival , 18 Jessie Lane, Murphys Creek WHAT: The Murphys Creek Chilli Carnival is in its eighth year. Let the passionate stallholders ignite your senses and please your palate Celebrate the start of chilli season and the end of the chilly season. Sample everything from chilli jerky to chilli beer and more than 500 chilli sauces. Stock up on the best chilli products from mild to wild as you celebrate flavour and fire. Chilli plants and seedlings will also be available. Wander between tents tasting, shopping, enjoying the fun family vibe, talking with exhibitors, and hobnobbing with fellow foodies. The event will be in the big food hall and outdoors on the lawns. Classic cars will be on show makes for a superbly spicy day out for the whole family (including fur babies).
contact: 0427
MURPHYSCREEKCHILLI CARNIVAL Sunday, September 18, 10am to 3pm events
57 STYLE
COST: Charity event $1 donation per person; parking is free and ample.
WHAT: Native Plants Queensland, Toowoomba Region will provide visitors with the opportunity to view Native Plant Floral Displays as well as the chance to chat with the locals and get their knowledge. Australian native plants in both pots and tube stock will be available for purchase. more iniformation 788 184 0407 382 677
Get out and about and see what is happening in the region this month
SPY:ESPIONAGEIN AUSTRALIA Monday, August 8 to Sunday, October 30, 9.30am-4pm WHERE: Cobb+Co Museum, 17 Lindsay St, Toowoomba WHAT: Often cloaked in myth, the stories of spies are sometimes stranger than fiction. Spy: Espionage in Australia reveals the personal experiences of secret agents and the curious history of espionage and counter-espionage in Australia, from Federation through to the present day. On tour from National Archives of Australia, Spy will bring the stories of real spies out of the shadows and into the light at Cobb+Co Museum. The exhibition shows authentic spy equipment and surveillance images from ASIO and other security organisations, and features candid interviews with ASIO officers. Visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on activities, play the part of a secret agent in the interactive trail, and test their skills at codebreaking and reading invisible ink. Spy Trail: Do you have what it takes to be a spy? When you arrive at the exhibition, take part in one of the free Spy Trails for families. Spy Trail is an imaginative journey through the secret world of spies. Working together, families can go undercover to solve puzzles, find clues and practice their spy skills. Spy Trail is offered on two levels. Spy Story (recommended ages 3+): Take a Spy Story book and a pencil when you arrive at the exhibition and start your spy adventure! Work together to find clues, read stories and talk about the interesting things you find. Spy Mission (recommended ages 7+): Do you have what it takes to be a spy? Take your Spy Mission briefing book and a pencil when you arrive at the exhibition and start an adventure with your family and friends.
AUSTRALIANNATIVE PLANTS
Friday, September 16 to Sunday, September 18, 9am-4.30pm
WHERE: TAFE Horticultural Pavilion, directly behind Cobb+Co Museum
or nativeplantstwbsales@gmail.com.email
COST: Residents of Toowoomba Regional Council area have free entry to the museum with proof of address. For non-residents, tickets cost $12.50 for adults, $10 for concession, $6.50 for children 3-15 (under 3 years free). Family tickets available.
Free entry. For
OVER 45 EXHIBITORS DOORS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 9AM BOTH DAYS Friday open till 6pm - Saturday open till 4pm PITTSWORTH TOWN HALL CENTENARY PARK Friday 7th & Saturday 8th Oct 2022 Bring Own Bags / Eftpos Preferred • Gifts • Clothing • Handbags • Gourmet Delights • Natural Skin Products • Toys • Pottery • Wood Turning • & Much More WWW.PITTSWORTHCRAFTANDFINEFOOD.COM Ph 0437 672 472 • Email craftffs@gmail.com An initiative of the Anglican Parish of St Andrew’s Pittsworth
Amanda Wilcock, Barry Wilcock, Rupert Thompson, Del Read, Derick Wise and Richard Theobald.
Nicole Hobson and Jaclyn Rye.
STYLE 58 Jaydon Formosa and Nada Nelson events event Crowds of beers lovers flocked to Fitzy’s for the Brewoomba craft beer festival on Saturday, August 13, the first since 2019.. Brewoomba Pictures:NevMadsen
59 STYLE events Kerry and Deborah McKeon with Tony and Wendy Sheldon. Raoul Woodruff Becker, Elise Maritan, Tori Reimer, Hannah Maritan and Prince Lo. Seb McCracken. Dom Urquhart, Megan Collins and Marianne Gossow. Kevin Creed, Peter Hardwick and Eloise Quinlivan. Kim Croughan, Kate Flynn, Stephanie Edmondson and Kat Costigan. Denisse Herrera and Araceli Castillo.
