Style magazine Toowoomba - September 2023

Skin Treatment Clinic: cutting edge skin cancer technology comes to ToowoombA

Just

Plus

Amazing local gardeners share their stories p8

Make a delicious portable feast p28

Bring spring into your home with these handy tips p33

Welcome to spring, Stylers! Can you believe it’s here already?

With the new season comes Toowoomba’s renowned Carnival of Flowers and The Chronicle Garden Competition, and we’re excited! Discover more about the competition on page 10, and meet two of the Toowoomba Chronicle Exhibition gardeners on p8.

We’ve kept the spring theme going throughout the pages of the magazine this month, with your guide to floral dressing on p14 and the latest in hair trends on p18. Why not try out the milky nail trend (p17) for your next spring party?

Spring is the perfect time for a classic picnic, and Style has put together your ultimate guide to making a delicious portable feast (p28-31).

You can also freshen up your home and bring the new season indoors with Kate’s tips on page 33.

Finally, check out the new puzzles (p58) for a fun pastime, and if you’re looking for the latest in entertainment it’s all yours on p59.

Have a great September, Stylers, and don’t forget to tag @stylemagazinetoowoomba in your Facebook and Instagram posts while you’re out and about!

‘Til next month, The Style team xx

Toowoomba

Chronicle Exhibition Gardener Cheryl Feeney poses in her garden. Image by Matt Ryan Photography.

We chat to some of Toowoomba’s best gardeners ahead of the Carnival of Flowers

Skin cancer treatment without surgical cutting

Just Skin Treatment Clinic

When you talk to Martin and Joanna Noller, you can tell how passionate they are about what they do for a living. This isn’t just a job to them – it’s a way to make a difference to people’s lives.

In 2016, Martin, Joanna and Dr Colin Dicks noticed that in Australia there was limited utilisation of the specialist technology Superficial X-ray Therapy.

In the US, Europe and the UK, there is wide use of the machines that give Superficial Xray Therapy (SXRT), but in Australia – due to a combination of the lack of equipment and specialist skills – access to this specialist skin cancer treatment was limited until Just Skin Treatment Clinic was established.

“We want to provide everyone access to SXRT – that’s one of our goals: to make this incredible surgery free treatment available so all skin cancer sufferers can get access to this cutting edge technology,” Martin says.

Revolutionary technology

With four SXRT machines from Just Skin Treatment Clinic throughout Queensland –one each in Maroochydore, Gympie, Noosa, and now our very own Toowoomba – up to 30 people each day can be treated on each of these machines.

But what is it that makes this treatment so revolutionary?

“You lie on a bed for a minute and you get skin cancer cured without feeling a thing. No anaesthetic, no needles, no cutting,” Martin explains.

“The treatment uses the same x-rays that can check for a broken arm to treat the skin cancer – you don’t feel a thing and the treatment is painless.”

“This surgery-free treatment approach to skin cancer appeals to a lot of people.

“Unfortunately, in South East Queensland we have a large skin cancer burden. Many people suffer from multiple skin cancers and wish to avoid further surgery.

“This treatment now offers an amazing alternative for many skin cancer patients.”

The process of SXRT is simple and streamlined.

Once a patient is diagnosed with a skin cancer, they can ask their GP or skin doctor for a referral to have the skin cancer treated

using SXRT. They will subsequently see a specialist dermatologist or radiation oncologist who will prescribe and plan the treatment course. The patient can then go into Just Skin Treatment Clinic for a series of treatments.

SXRT is a simple, non-surgical treatment that is provided in a series of convenient short appointments. “When patients come in for treatment they lie on the bed and X-rays are delivered,” Martin says.

“As it is just X-rays the patient doesn’t see, feel or hear anything. Treatment only lasts approximately one minute; it is really fast.

“It is very good at treating all sizes of skin cancers from the smallest of tumours to the largest inoperable skin cancers,” he says.

As well as different sizes of skin cancers, the machine treats different depths as well.

“The treatment machine is highly calibrated – it can be prescribed to treat the first couple of layers of skin if there is a

shallow skin cancer or, alternatively, the treatment depth can be increased to treat large, raised skin cancers.

“So the treatment is really catered to the individual person.”

SXRT is available to everyone, but the clinic primarily sees patients aged over 55 years old, mainly due to the fact that the older you are the more years you’ve been exposed to the sun, but treatment for people younger than this is also possible – and there’s no upper age limit either, with Just Skin having treated a couple of people more than 100 years old.

“Elderly people can struggle with surgery and anaesthetic, so this is one of their best options for treating their skin cancer,” Martin says.

“Superficial X-ray Therapy is especially beneficial for patients who have numerous skin cancers and who have skin cancers in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face, nose, ears and lips. It is also very beneficial to those patients who have skin cancers on their lower legs who struggle with wound healing after surgery.”

Each patient has an individually tailored treatment regimen depending on their circumstances and treatment area.

The majority of skin cancers take an average 10-12 treatments, usually scheduled twice-weekly, but it can take between as little as five treatments to as many as 20.

In addition, the cure rates are on-par with surgery.

“Cure rates of SXRT are on par with surgery; it is certainly a wonderful treatment option – it is affordable as it is supported by Medicare and it is evidence based.”

A local focus

Strangely enough, Martin was born and raised in Toowoomba – but as he tells Style magazine, it’s not the main reason Just Skin picked the Garden City as their next location to open a clinic.

“We think it is a perfect spot to help a community,” Martin says.

“The Darling Downs has nothing like this; people would have to travel to Brisbane –hundreds of kilometres – many, many times to get a treatment like this. To now have it on their doorstep [will make a massive difference],” he says.

“Toowoomba has the size and the ability to support this cutting edge medical service;

A passion for helping communities and sharing revolutionary technology led to the opening of

Martin Noller from the Just Skin clinic in Toowoomba.

the city has all the supporting health services, the population and demographics needed to make the service sustainable and successful.

“Residents of Toowoomba now do not have to leave the region to access this specialist treatment.”

With so many retiring farmers and outdoorsy people living in Toowoomba, there’s a high incidence of skin cancer.

“There’s a big need for [our treatment] in Toowoomba – we’ve found basically everywhere we’ve been in South East Queensland there is such a demand for skin cancer services, and a lot of people are getting suboptimal treatments.

“Prior to the opening of Just Skin Treatment Clinics throughout Queensland there was a lack of SXRT services.

“Machines could only be found in the big metropolitan hospitals.

“We are proud to provide access to Toowoomba patients.”

One of the other brilliant factors of SXRT is its accessibility.

“A patient just needs a referral from a GP or their specialist. There’s no private health insurance needed; it’s open to everyone,” Martin says.

“Medicare heavily supports SXRT through rebates for patients’ fees, it is therefore accessible to all.

“We have endeavoured to make this cutting edge treatment affordable.”

Bringing the experts

Situated next to St Vincent’s Private Hospital in the Medici Medical Centre, the clinic shares the building with other experts in various medical fields.

“Being surrounded by all the medical specialties and having our clinic in a medical precinct is really attractive to us; and being around other like-minded specialists is really important to us,” Martin explains.

Just Skin Treatment Clinic has also sourced experts from around the country to staff the clinic.

“I think one of the reasons why there’s not many clinics like ours around is it’s quite a big ordeal to get something like this up and running, and then even the expertise is tricky to find,” Martin says. “We’ve been able to attract radiation therapists from Sydney to run it, which is great. Due to the specialty nature of this treatment, qualified and experienced staff are in short supply.

“We have been able to recruit highly qualified specialists, including a skin cancer dermatologist, Associate Professor Dr Helmut Schaider, and radiation oncologist Dr Colin Dicks.

“It is understood that radiation oncology and dermatology services in Toowoomba are desperately needed, with only one or two dermatologists currently practising in the city – and we have been able to attract another one.”

Suite 110 has been beautifully decked-out, putting visitors at ease immediately with a blend of professional and comfortable aesthetics.

It may come as a surprise to learn that the walls are all lead-lined.

“The establishment of the clinic has been a year-and-a-half in the making – the treatment is highly regulated and the machine itself took about nine months to come from the UK,” Martin says.

“It’s been quite a process to get to the point where we are, (but) for us to be able to go in here, it really fits with what we’re about.

“We’re about looking after people and making people feel special.”

DiscoverJustSkinTreatmentClinic’s revolutionaryskincancertreatmentfor yourselfatSuite110,MediciMedical Centre,15ScottSt.Formoreinformation, visitjustskin.com.auorcalltheteamon (07)53489460

This technology is revolutionary: it allows people to have skin cancers cured without the need for surgery

Martin Noller, managing director

A blooming delight

Our aptly-named Garden City is full of talented green thumbs, writes Alyssa Welke and Jessica Kramer.

We chat to two of these talented gardeners just in time for Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba comes alive in September, and between The Chronicle Garden Competition and the Toowoomba Chronicle Exhibition Gardens, there is plenty to see and do.

Alongside the other Carnival of Flowers events, the Toowoomba Chronicle Exhibition Gardens sees selfless residents open their gardens to the public each year to raise funds for selected charities – generating more than $850,000 over the course of 50 years.

This year, the five gardens will raise money for AEIOU Foundation, Blush Cancer Care, Anglicare, LifeFlight and Base Services, through the entry fee of $5 per garden or $20 for all five.

Across the five gardens are a variety of natives, ornamentals, annuals and perennials, with a variety of plants and items for sale at the locations.

AMAGICALOASIS

CherylandIanFeeney

2BlueMeadowCourt, BlueMountainHeights

Framed among gorgeous gums, Cheryl and Ian Feeney have numerous gardens, each with their own unique focus.

The beauty of their gardens have previously been used as backdrops to weddings, and they are a true testimony to Cheryl’s passion.

The garden has evolved slowly since the Feeneys purchased the property in the 1980s.

It was then mainly covered in lawns, with plantings of trees such as eucalyptus, liquid amber and Himalayan cedar.

In later years Cheryl added different varieties of magnolias and 17 different varieties of fruit trees.

Over the years, she has added garden beds, creating a magical oasis, and she likes to joke about cutting down on the amount of lawn Ian has to mow.

“My garden is my pleasure,” Cheryl says.

“I’ve always enjoyed gardening and since retiring I’ve had more time to work in it.”

Cheryl describes their .8ha (two-acre) property as a “parkland” with expanses of lawn, glades of deciduous trees and constantly evolving garden beds.

Not only does the garden give Cheryl and Ian a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, being part of the Toowoomba Chronicle Exhibition Gardens means they can make a positive contribution to the wider community. They love sharing the garden with visitors each September, since joining the Toowoomba Chronicle Exhibition Gardens in 2019, and seeing the sense of wonder and peace people find as they wander among the grounds.

Their charity of choice is Base Services, a Toowoomba-based organisation which exists to build up, accept, support and encourage people in need in the Toowoomba community.

Among their programs is the 2nd Shot service, an innovative pathway which provides hospitality training and

employment opportunities to people experiencing homelessness in Toowoomba.

People experiencing homelessness are often desperate to get a job, but that step can be more difficult for them because the majority left school before Year 10. They often experience long-term unemployment.

Since 2016, 2nd Shot has been providing training and employment opportunities to people experiencing homelessness, while providing the wraparound support needed to exit homelessness and unemployment.

The Feeneys are proud to contribute to the Base Services charity, which runs other programs alongside 2nd Shot, as they know that some people just need a hand up and out of homelessness to break the cycle.

“During the Exhibition Gardens we have

CHERYL FEENEY

Cheryl and Ian Feeney’s garden at 2 Blue Meadow Court, Blue Mountain Heights.

the 2nd Shot coffee van set up so people can buy a coffee, sit out in the garden and soak up the peace,” Cheryl says.

“The garden is just so peaceful and relaxing.”

YEAR-ROUNDGARDEN

JillandRodOsborne

11HorizonCourt,Highfields

For Jill and Rod Osborne, creating their year-round garden over time has been a fun experience, from the garden edges, sweet pea display and wishing well, to the windmill, special emu feature, and rusted grass tree with succulents at the entrance. With an array of trees, shrubs and annuals, the landscape is a haven for birds and animals in the area.

Named “Eloura”, which means a pleasant

place, it is a favourite among visitors.

“Our display of weeping grevilleas, euphorbias, eremophilla, westringers, and bush roses perform well throughout the year,” Jill says.

“When you have an 80m frontage open to all the elements you know to plant strong hardy plants as the winds are great here.”

That’s not been the only factor to the planning that’s gone into this magnificent garden.

“I planned the garden not to block out the views from here – much to the judges’ disappointment when in competition –(and) the sunsets are stunning from here as well.

“Our bottom tree area was created to block out the giant shed next door – the sun was blinding on the roof, so we couldn’t wait for it to establish,” she says.

Eloura isn’t Jill’s first rodeo, either, with an impressive five gardens under her belt after deciding as a child that she would always have one.

“As a young girl walking home from school,

I passed my granny’s house and the front lawn was covered with flowers – linerias and daisies, they were just beautiful – and the lady across the road would call me in and give me a bunch of sweet peas to take home on my three-mile walk up the Range; the perfume was amazing,” Jill recalls.

“So that’s where I decided I would always have a flower garden; I have had five gardens

Flowerpower

Formorefloraldelight,visitthe ExhibitionGardensfromFriday, September15toSunday,September 24,anddon’tforgettograbThe ChronicleGardenCompetition2023 Visitor’sGuidewiththepaperon Friday,September15,todiscoverthe locationofthewinninggardensand otherentrants.

now to be very proud of.

“I moved from the country in 1990, where I started my competition gardening, and I have learned many things since then: talking to others, visiting gardens, garden shows, wireless talks …”

The process of creating this stunning showcase of nature has not been without its challenges, however.

“We have incorporated a dry creek river bed with a bridge and grasses at the back of the house to take the water away that flowed many times last year,” Jill says.

“The biggest challenge for me is the clay and rocks lying under the topsoil.

“So many loads of garden soil have been brought in over the years, to be able to plant the display of flowers here.”

Regardless of the challenges, it’s clear Jill and Rod are both passionate about what they do and sharing their patch with visitors each September.

“Many hours have been spent here all year bringing this garden together for Carnival,” Jill says.

JILL OSBORNE

AnotherpartoftheFeeneygarden. JillandRodOsborne’sgardenat11HorizonCourt,Highfields.

GARDENS GARDENS GALORE GALORE

Discover award-winning gardens with The Chronicle Garden Competition

An annual event in its 74th year, The Chronicle Garden Competition is an opportunity for residents to showcase their gardens and outdoor spaces and win prizes for a range of categories, such as best floral garden, best small space garden and best first-time entry garden.

The competition is a highlight of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, which attracts visitors from around the world.

This year, a massive 70-plus entrants for The Chronicle Garden Competition were received, with a large portion of those first-timers.

One of these first-time entrants, Dulcie Bartkowski, is a long-time Toowoomba resident who decided to step out of her comfort zone and prove age doesn’t matter.

At 90 years old, the fiercely independent Dulcie has no plans of slowing down, with this year marking a new adventure for the long-time resident.

After years of being an avid fan of The Chronicle’s Garden Competition and the Carnival of Flowers, the Toowoomba resident made the decision to enter her garden for the first time.

“I’ve always had a garden, and my sister in Pittsworth and sister-in-law in Meringandan have

been doing (the competition) for years,” Dulcie says.

“Out of the top of my head the other day, I said ‘I think I might enter myself in this year,’ really as a joke.

“But my sister said, ‘Well why don’t you have a go?’ and I knew I put my foot in it. Then I thought, why not?”

Dulcie, who lives in an old farmhouse near the Toowoomba CBD, says each year cars will park along her street for the parade and will compliment her garden.

“I won’t really know until August if it’s good enough to enter, but I’ve started planting and giving it a go. We’re not doing too bad,” she says.

Dulcie grew up on a Meringandan dairy farm as one of six children and felt one needed to work hard to stay healthy.

Dulcie still drives, plays ten-pin bowling and croquet, and chops wood to run her old wood stove.

Dulcie worked as a dining car attendant on the Queensland Railway Network for more than 40 years, and says she never felt the pressure to marry or have children.

“I can handle things myself,” she says.

“I’m very grateful and thankful I can still do all of this at my age.”

ABOVE: Toowoomba resident Dulcie Bartkowski has always been a fan of the Carnival of Flowers, and now the 90-year-old is excited to be a part of the festivities with the Chronicle Garden Competition.

Picture: Morgan Burley

LEFT: One of the many features in champion gardener Shirley Cronk’s award-winning garden.

Besides the goal of winning a prize, Dulcie hopes she can inspire others with her garden, like she has been by others.

“I enjoy the gardens. I like to sit on a Sunday at Laurel Bank Park when everyone is about, but I can’t do that this year,” she says.

“The Garden Competition is a highlight (of the carnival) because I like to get out to see them all. I think more people should get involved and enter their gardens.

“It brings a lot of money to the town.”

This year, Dulcie wants to have a variety of plants with plenty of colour.

“I like the red salvias I have out the front. You can get different colours, but I love the red. I think it’s my favourite flower,” she says.

DULCIE BARTKOWSKI

For those novice gardeners, Dulcie has some sound advice to keep a plant alive.

“Plenty of water, and a bit of manure, if possible,” she says. “Get some good soil, some good fertiliser, and start off right.”

Last year’s Regional Reserve Champion, Shirley Cronk, is also excited for the 2023 competition, with gardening offering a level of self-expression for the long-time Pechey resident.

Now into her sixth year, Shirley says the year has provided many hurdles, however she is determined to provide something special for visitors.

“(My favourite thing about the competition is) the different groups of people coming out,” Shirley says.

“It gives me a new lease on life.”

The homestead, country, family-friendly garden is designed to be a place of relaxation for visitors who can sit among wildlife and nature’s beauty. “I’ve got a flock of quail who have made their home in the garden,” she says.

“My great-grandchildren come, and they’ve got their special play areas in the garden, and I sit down with a cup of tea and The Chronicle in the afternoon and relax on the veranda.”

A devastating frost earlier this year proved challenging for many gardeners, with many of Shirley’s plants black the next morning.

Combined with an array of curious wildlife, Shirley is still in the process of planting and changing her design layouts.

ABOVE:Lastyear’s ChronicleGarden CompetitionRegional ReserveChampionShirley Cronkisexcitedforthis year’scompetition.

BELOW: PartsofShirley’sgarden at123McLeanRd,Pechey, CrowsNest.

“I haven’t planned anything. I’ve had lots of wallabies coming into the gardens, and the bandicoots are helping me to dig everything up,” she laughs.

“There was one bed I had planted poppies in, and I think I planted those poppies every day for a month. They dug them out every night.”

Shirley says she hates gardens that looked the same each year and has focused on plants she hasn’t seen in the region for a long time, including the annual Poached Eggs.

“Even if some of the flowers are not colouring for judging, they will be for the carnival,” she says. “I’m doing this for the love of it, and it’s keeping me healthy.”

Shirley says her garden would be open for public viewing following the carnival as well, with her contact information to be made available at a later date.

Discoverallthewinninggardensforyourselfin TheChronicleGardenCompetition2023 Visitor’sGuide,insideTheChronicleonFriday, September15,andavailableforsaleatthe VisitorInformationCentreandCarnivalof Flowerspop-upkiosksduringthecarnival.

SHIRLEY CRONK

Whatwasthedateofyourwedding?Any particularreasonwhyyouchosethatdate?

March 3. Largely due to availability at Gabbinbar Homestead because it was very booked up. We were excited to find a March date available because we love the weather in Toowoomba at that time of year. The evenings are normally starting to cool down after a hot summer.

Wherewastheceremonyandreception?

Whydidyouchoosethatspace?

We had our ceremony in the Pavilion and our reception in the Conservatory. We chose the Pavilion because I fell in love with it the first time I saw it when we toured the grounds three years earlier when shopping around for a venue for my sister’s wedding. I loved the chandeliers and the beautiful gardens surrounding. The Conservatory with its glass ceiling and glass French doors was the perfect space to fit all our family and friends for our reception.

Howmanyguestsdidyouhave?

140 guests were at our reception but 180 came to our ceremony and garden party.

Howdidyoumeetyourhusband?

We met at a church event in Brisbane. I think all we said to each other was a polite hello but it was mutual love at first sight.

weddings

Howdidhepropose?

Mark packed up a fancy picnic and took me for a sunrise breakfast at Beechmont lookout. I was very unsuspecting because it wasn’t out of character for Mark to take me on a picnic. I got more suspicious when he went to the car to get a jumper and came back with a bunch of roses and then next thing I knew he was down on one knee.

Whenorganisingyourwedding,whatwere someofthemostpersonalandimportant aspectstogetrightontheday?

Our families are very special to us so we wanted everyone to be included in the celebrations. We (Mark in particular) wanted lots of yummy food especially plenty of good meat, dessert and cake –all of which turned out perfectly on the day. We were hoping after all the organising leading up to it that we would be able to sit back, enjoy and soak in all the special moments of the day without having to worry about the finer details. The Gabbinbar staff made this a reality. They did an amazing job of making us feel like a king and queen.

Whatweresomeofyourfavouritepartsof theday?

Mark was quick to answer this question saying his favourite part was just getting to marry his best friend which I 100 per cent agree with. A very special moment for me was walking down the

Bride’sfullname: Hannah Rebekah Loughlin

Groom’sfullname: Mark Allan Robert Dunkley

Venue: Gabbinbar Homestead

Dress: Darb Bridal Couture

Hair: Sarah Neil

Make-up: Karyn Loughlin

(Bride’s aunty)

Flowers: Poppies for Willow

Photographer: Mitch Birchall

Studios

Videographer: Michael Kelly

Films

Celebrant: David Hannay

Caterer: Gabbinbar

Homestead

Cake: Cake House by Katrina Allan

Mark& Thedetails

and Hannah Loughlin

aisle and seeing Mark for the first time all dressed up and looking very handsome with the biggest smile on his face. I also enjoyed the time Mark and I got to spend alone with the photographers. The reception and listening to the speeches was lots of fun.

Wheredidyougetyourdressfrom?Your bridesmaiddresses?

I had my dress made by Brad from Darb Bridal Couture. I wouldn’t change a thing about it! I loved the whole experience of having it made and every detail of how the dress turned out, it was exactly what I had pictured from day one. Brad did an amazing job and was such a lovely person to work with. My Mum came to every dress fitting with me and my Dad only missed one or two. Having my dress made through Darb was a very enjoyable and memorable experience. The bridesmaids dresses came from Kookai.

Didyouhaveadistinctweddingtheme?How doesthisrelatetobothofyourpersonalities andfamilyhistory?

The only theme we wanted for our wedding was for it to be honouring our God. He brought us together and continues to teach us about what steadfast love looks like daily. We wanted anyone watching on who didn’t share our faith in our Heavenly Father to be able to see God’s love shining through brightly.

Love at first sight led to the perfect March wedding for Mark Dunkley

Infull bloom

With the days now getting longer and undeniably warmer, we’re finally able to turn our attention to the spring/summer fashion. Hooray!

The warmer weather brings with it the opportunity for more socialising, picnics in the sun, social events and nights out. Double hooray!

While right now you might be still wearing a lightweight cardigan or denim shacket (you know, a cross between a shirt and a jacket?), rest assured those hot days and balmy evenings are just around the corner.

To welcome the new season, we’ve curated a collection of one of this season’s biggest trends: florals. Groundbreaking, right? But don’t be fooled – there’s a new crop of flowerinspired designs that are fresher than ever. Think earthy tones, twisting vines, washed out watercolours – all varieties welcome.

While a sweet floral dress might be an evergreen approach to the new season, we’re also in love with a floral motif on floaty midis, lightweight linen shirts, barely there minis and moody matching sets.

Fill your senses with a fresh approach to the spring season with these freshly cut styles.

Dressed to thrill

Nothingsaysspringlikeafloraldress.Andthesepickstickall theboxes.Stylewithanklebootsfortherestofspring,then switchtoleatherslidesorthisseason’smust-havesummer shoe–aplatformwedge.

1Seedmaxidress,$189.95

2Aerepoplinmididress,$160

3Sheikedress,$199.99

4Witcherysilkdress,$349.95

Okay, okay, we know, florals for spring aren’t exactly original, but there’s a reason flower-centric fashion is so popular, writes

Melanie Collins

Accessories

Notinthefloralframeofmindyet?Goforamore low-keyapproachwithanaccessorythatsays “it’sspringandIcouldn’tbehappier”.Happyvibes areinevitable.

Easy doesit

Statementsleeves,textured fabricsandeasy-to-wearcuts, that’swhatwe’reshoppingfor spring.Brightenupyourwardrobe withoneofthesestylesthat easilypairwithdenim,blackor whitebasics.Feelingbold?Gofor anattention-grabbing set.

1Sportsgirlsatinscarf,$16.95

2Lovisaflowerstudearrings,$19.99

3L’OccitaneRosehandcream,$32

4SportsgirlDaisykeyring,$9.95

5KateSpadeKnottTulipTosscrossbodybag,$469

1H&Mlinenshirt,$69.99

2Witcheryblouse,$199.95; skirt,$179.95

3H&Mshirt,$29.99

A guide to thrifting in Toowoomba

curated collections at a vintage revival store, the key is to take your time.

“Take the time to see all the items and be able to spot the uniqueness and originality of pieces you just can’t find anywhere else,” says local fashion guru and owner of Love Me Forever Boutique, Leanne Burgess.

A bit of considered browsing will also help you spot a quality piece.

Toowoomba’s top5 storesthrift

Spiceupyourstyleandgivepreloved clothesasecondchanceatthese thriftinghotspots.

LIFELINE

302RuthvenSt

Otherwise known as the Lifeline Emporium, this sizeable store is dedicated to vintage revival clothing. They’ve got a whole floor filled with clothing, so there’s plenty of rack-rifling potential.

ADRAOPSHOP

29BellSt

After a full store renovation in 2021, the Adra store is fresh and filled with a massive range of preloved pieces. Offering both a bargain and charity benefit, their proceeds go towards Adra’s humanitarian projects.

SAVETHECHILDREN

492RuthvenSt

With new stock donated daily, this one’s brimming with great fashion finds in everything from vintage to contemporary clothing. Plus, it all raises money for emergency response and aid programs.

LOVEMEFOREVERBOUTIQUE

TheHooperCentre,Shop10/187 HumeSt

As a community hub for designer and high-quality clothes, this second-hand clothing store features affordable pieces consigned from Toowoomba’s trendiest wardrobes.

VINTAGECREW

Variouspop-upstores

Athrift store is a place of fashion dreams. Between the packed clothing racks and boundless bargains, these stores offer quality, stylish and original clothing in what is a super sustainable way to shop.

HOWTOTHRIFTSHOPLIKEAPRO

Whether you’re rifling through the organised chaos of your local op shop or browsing

“If the stitching on an item is uneven or choppy, then it’s likely to be of poor quality –on a quality piece the stitching will be perfect,” Leanne says.

Spot a stain or flaw on an otherwise great item? Leanne recommends some DIY to restore your second-hand clothing.

“Don’t miss a great piece just because of a minor stain or a bit of damage, because often those are really simple to fix,” she says.

And if a stubborn stain remains, don’t write it off.

“I have this gorgeous second-hand backless dress and it’s got a really small stain that I couldn’t remove, but every time I wear it I always get such great compliments,” Leanne says.

“I bet I’m the only one who even knows the stain is there!”

Nobody knows a thrift store like the staff who work there, so spark up a chat about what you’re looking for.

They’re likely to point you in the direction of a hot new item, or keep you in the know when new stock arrives.

“Ask staff about new clothes coming in, sales, or if you’re not sure of a label or brand,” Leanne says.

“Staff might also know any cool stories behind rare and unique pieces … in store.”

Focusing on authentic vintage and retro threads (not the fast fashion made-tolook-vintage types), Vintage Crew have some true gems up for sale. Keep an eye on their Instagram for pop-up store details.

Open up your mind and wardrobe to the savvy world of secondhand clothing, writes Hayley Hinze

Milky twist on aclassicnude

Food-inspired manicures have been having a major moment of late. We’ve been all over jelly nails, we went crazy for coffee shades and we’re still wearing our best glazed doughnut.

Well move over matcha green, because the milk nail trend is here. Cool, clean and wearable for anyone, it’s the shade we’re wearing right through spring.

Aptly named, milk bath nails are exactly what they sound like. Pale and subtle, they’re an easy go-to that you’ll never get sick of. Wear it to work, weekends or a special event, it’s a sophisticated neutral that will work anytime.

The just-right milk bath shade is usually achieved by painting on a milky white followed by a transparent, shimmery pale pink to finish. To recreate this look at home,

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

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

start by prepping your nails and filing to your desired shape – this colour works on any length of nail but looks especially nice on short and square nails.

Next, using a light, creamy white polish, apply a layer and allow to dry. Follow with a few coats of barely there pink, making sure it doesn’t become too stark white. With a small brush or cotton tip dipped in acetone, clean up any mistakes from your cuticles. Finish with a gloss top coat and you’re good to go.

Whether you’ve been on the lookout for a neutral manicure or want a bit of a palette cleanser before diving into your next bold design, the milky mani is a great option.

Psst, keep your eye out for the next must-have nail colour – our sources say the strawberry milk mani is coming our way soon…

This nail trend is beautifully polished and completely sophisticated, writes Melanie Collins

SallyHansen, AlmondMilk, $16.95OPI, BubbleBath, $20.95;and Essie,Ballet Slippers,$10.

Get set for summer

Ask any hairdresser the time of year they get the most requests for a hair makeover and they’ll tell you the same thing. Jenna Martin discovers the season’s hottest styles for your next appointment

The temps are rising and the days are getting longer, which means summer is finally on its way, bringing with it not only a new season but new styles and trends when it comes to hair. We’ve trawled the pages of the fashion blogs and asked the experts to bring you the hottest looks when it comes to locks –including what you should ask your stylist when next you hit the salon.

In a nutshell, summer 2023 is going to be about laid back, natural looks that are lowmaintenance and lived-in. And frankly, we’re here for it.

Cutstocovet

The butterfly cut

A huge trend over the Euro summer has been the butterfly cut. Think of it a little like a grown up, easier-tomaintain “Rachel” from the mid ’90s: It’s uber flattering, with faceframing, voluminous layers that are long and luscious. It’s a look that’s achievable on anything from shoulder-length hair to the longest of manes and the end result is playful and versatile, just perfect for summer.

Side bangs

Until recently considered the uncool sister when it comes to face-framing, side bangs are officially back and we’re not mad about it. Easy to wear and even easier to maintain, side bangs add a touch of imbalance to the face which adds interest and depth. “Side bangs are back in a big way,” says hairstylist Justine Bull. “I think it’s a great thing, because they’re universally flattering.”

The grown-out shag

If you were one of those who jumped on the short shag trend a few seasons back, it’s time

to celebrate: your grown-out mane is now one of the hottest trends of 2023. Retroinspired (think Brigitte Bardot or Jane Birkin), this shag still features a heavy, parted fringe, but is softer, longer and messier in length. It should look roll-out-ofbed effortless.

The French bob

Let’s face it: the bob was already chic, but the French can make anything trendier and this is no exception. Elevate your classic bob into a shorter, sharper style, with a chin- or cheekgrazing length and a bit of bounce for something uber sophisticated and yet utterly timeless.

The Mixie

Thought pixies were only for waifs, and mullets only for AFL players? Think again! The mixie combines the two in a look that’s fun, trendy and surprisingly chic. With a shaggy, flipped back and cropped fringe, this is a statement haircut that’s perfect for those looking to stand out and embrace their inner cool girl.

“I’ve definitely had a few requests for this look already,” says Justine. “The Mixie is going to be the cut of the summer.”

Coloursofthe season

Just as the cuts are about keeping things simple and relaxed, so too are the colours we’ll be sporting this summer. Think beachy blondes, natural reds and lived-in browns.

Sombre

No, we’re not saying you need to have sad hair. Sombre is short for “subtle ombre”, which is different from balayage, to be clear. This look blends colour very delicately from the chin down with barely-there highlights,

BARBIE BLONDE

THE MIXIE

hints of colour on the tips and whether your hair is dark or light, there should be an overriding feeling of warmth.

Barbie blonde

The Barbie effect has – unsurprisingly –trickled down to the haircare world and blonde is back in a big way. We’re not talking bleached, yellow blonde, however, but rather a full-bodied natural look that is vibrant, warm and sun-kissed with golden tones and seamless highlights. “Barbie is back and I’m loving it,” says Justine. “Blondes absolutely do have more fun, especially this summer.”

Lived-in brunette

First we had “dirty blonde”, and now “lived-in brunette” … in essence go as close as possible to your natural colour, but amp it up in a way that looks effortless and low-maintenance. Whether your brunette locks run warm or cool, lean-in and embrace that, adding subtle highlights or lowlights that enhance their temperature, radiating natural elegance.

Muted red

Copper is king right now with earthy red/

Spring into baby season

The Toowoomba My Midwives team are all set to deliver quality care

The period surrounding Carnival of Flowers is an interesting time for the Toowoomba My Midwives team as it usually signifies “peak midwifery season” – nine or so months after Christmas.

It isn’t so much the spring flowers, but more about the holiday season that means lots of babies are made, and getting ready for a busy time is really important for midwives.

So what does it take to be a midwife within a practice like My Midwives and how does it compare with midwifery in hospitals?

“Midwifery in My Midwives is different to hospital-based practice for a number of reasons,” Liz Wilkes, the managing director of My Midwives, says.

“Firstly, you have a longstanding relationship with the women – sometimes across many years and several pregnancies –which is both special for the midwife and also provides better outcomes for mums and bubs.”

The option of midwifery continuity of care provided in private practices means that the care is individualised to each woman’s needs.

Midwives in private practice like My Midwives have done extra university education to prescribe, order scans and blood tests, and have their own Medicare provider number.

“Hospital MGP midwives also provide midwifery continuity of care and that is another really awesome model,” Liz says.

“In Toowoomba we are really lucky to have both options.”

The midwives in the My Midwives team work in pairs to maximise the level of continuity offered.

“The continuity we provide is very high –

well over 90 per cent of women have their known midwife at their labour, which is absolutely fantastic compared to the national average. But that does come at the price of the midwives being flexible and having days off and time off when women are not having a baby,” she says.

“Women are mostly understanding when appointments need to be shifted around, so it takes some patience on all sides.

“Midwifery is one of the most amazing jobs in the world; it is so rewarding to see families grown.

“It does require emotional energy though,

so it is critical that the midwives get appropriate balance in their lives.”

Midwives working at My Midwives have come from a range of backgrounds.

“Some have come from traditional shiftwork in the hospital and some have always worked in continuity of care,” Liz says.

“We have midwives who are mums, some are not, some with little kids and some with big ones. Everyone brings something to the mix of personalities and experiences.”

The ability to have your own midwife is beneficial for the women too – evidence demonstrating that it reduces stillbirth by

16-25 per cent, improves breastfeeding rates and reduces intervention in labour and birth.

“We recognise that this option isn’t for every midwife, but most midwives find it rewarding and find the flexibility of not working shiftwork also appealing,” she says.

“You don’t have a run of night duty, the times out of bed are normally with women who you know and care about.”

IfyouwouldlikemoreinformationonMy Midwiveseitherasamidwifeofafamily lookingformidwiferycare,pleasecontact ourclinicon0746422977or toowoomba@mymidwives.com.au

TheMyMidwivesstaffareavailabletohelpandtheteamisalsointerestedinhearingfromothermidwives.

With a little help from my friends

Kate Calacouras discovers why friendships are the true key to wellbeing

We all know to increase our wellbeing we should eat better, exercise more, and maybe go to bed on time instead of bingeing a whole season on Netflix.

But a team of researchers in Spain have found one of the most important things we can do to improve our wellbeing is to invest

time in our friendships. The group analysed the data of dozens of studies on friendship dating from 2001-19, and found that in general, the quality of adult friendships predict wellbeing levels.

That means more than a superficial catch up – we need to support our friends on a deeper level, celebrate their achievements,

and be with them when they are struggling. The findings, published in the Journal of Positive Psychology earlier this year, show just how important it is to prioritise these relationships.

And one of the best ways to actually do that is developing friendships with people in your local community.

Beyond having people you can call on in times of need, having close friends living in your town makes life much richer. It’s the difference between highly co-ordinated plans with people you only see twice a year, and those last minute social gatherings that become a highlight of your week.

It’s something the team at Relationships Australia have been promoting for years, encouraging us to take active steps to get to know our neighbours.

Nick Tebbey, national executive officer of Relationships Australia, says his organisation has found that people with close friendships within their local communities have reduced loneliness, and better physical health.

“Research shows those who are socially connected and have numerous respectful relationships in their lives have better mental health and wellbeing outcomes, and that those people are generally more resilient against the ill effects of loneliness,” Nick says.

He adds not only can we enrich our lives by making an effort to develop local friendships, but we will have people close by when we need them most.

“One thing is clear across the nation, there is immense value in getting connected and staying connected. If there is one thing Australians do right, it’s supporting those around us in both good times and tough times,” Nick says.

Those who are socially connected and have numerous respectful relationships in their lives have better mental health and wellbeing outcomes

Taking care

husband. Yet another family member is in the final stages of her carer role as her ageing mother inches closer to death.

Being a carer is bloody hard.

The role of carer often appears out of the blue. Unexpectedly life pulls the carpet out from under us. One day we are living our life and the next we find that a loved one can no longer be as independent as they were due to some event, a diagnosis, an injury or an accident. Life as they knew it has changed irrevocably and consequently, ours.

This time of the year Toowoomba celebrates us, the locals. In a world where “big” people, big countries, big cities, big “anything” is celebrated, it’s important to take time to recognise what it is that we do and celebrate us. And I would like to celebrate carers.

Seriously, it is a mammoth challenge and many of us are doing it. I was a carer all my life till my dad died earlier this year. It was exhausting, funny, heartbreaking, annoying and incredible.

As I type this column, my sister is currently transitioning from spouse to carer for her

The transition from family member to carer is full of grief and fear.

We grieve the loss of the person we knew, who though still alive is often disappearing before our eyes. We’re scared, sometimes terrified, about what now awaits us. Life that we thought predictable is now an ongoing uncertainty. These challenges of dealing with grief and fear as well as the usual activities and responsibilities required of us daily is full-on. What can make it even harder is Aussie culture. Let me explain.

We Aussies pride ourselves on being there for others, being upbeat, resourceful. When the role of carer is thrust upon us – and

struggles with grief and fear are then never far under the surface – we don’t want to be the sad sack when friends ask how are things.

So … if you know someone who is a carer, this is what I would suggest you do.

Become curious about the life of your carer friend. Tell them that you want the whole truth and nothing but the truth and let them share their grief and fear with you. You don’t have to fix it, just hear it, acknowledge it.

This acknowledgment won’t fix the grief or alleviate the fear but having someone validate what is going on for a carer is life changing. Feeling seen and heard puts petrol back in the tank for a carer and we can keep on going. Pretending we are “fine” is exhausting and lonely.

Celebrate a carer. Put on your best lawyer voice and say “I want the whole truth and nothing but the truth” – and just listen.

A local psychologist with more than 30 years experience, Dr Clive Williams weighs in on the importance of carers

St Vincent’s Private Hospital

Toowoomba has exciting opportunities for volunteers in two main areas of the hospital: one engaging with patients and one as an entrance guide.

If either of these roles sound appealing, contact the Volunteer Coordinator on 4690 4057 or email debraann.tanzer @svha.org.au Deb will get you started on the onboarding process or answer any questions you have.

Here at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, our volunteers are highly valued and they are essential to the smooth running of the hospital. As a volunteer you are provided with a uniform and free parking. The hospital also provides lunch for you. We are sure you will enjoy meeting new friends and making a difference to our patients and visitors.

TEAM(Talking,Eating,Active, Motivated)Volunteer

This is an exciting new position and we are

looking for volunteers who would like to engage with patients. This role involves providing companionship to patients and facilitating meaningful activities with them such as assisting with meals, playing board or card games, doing art or craft, reading the newspaper or just chatting. You will also help with mobilising patients who have been assessed as low risk with leisure activities such as going for a gentle walk.

As this is a specialised area, you will receive specific training for this role.

EntranceGuideVolunteer

We are looking for people to be our volunteer guides at our entrances. If you have a helpful, friendly and courteous attitude and would like to assist our visitors and patients to find their destination, then we need you. Our volunteer entrance guides provide a very important service by redirecting patients and visitors. This may be if they should enter at the wrong entrance, providing directions to services and doctor suites and escorting visitors and patients if needed.

“WHILE OTHERS BRING YOUR PROPERTY TO THE MARKET, HELEN BRINGS THE MARKET TO YOUR PROPERTY.”

EXPERIENCE AND PROVEN NEGOTIATION SKILLS ACHIEVE PHENOMENAL RESULTS EVERY TIME

2A MAUREEN COURT, COTSWOLD

4 BED - 2 BATH - 4 CAR

AT HELEN AUSTIN PROPERTY, WE GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO PROVIDE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS YOU NEED TO GET THE BEST RESULT, EVERY TIME.

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- BUYER

“WE CANNOT RECOMMEND HELEN AUSTIN AND HER TEAM HIGHLY ENOUGH AS EXCEPTIONAL REAL ESTATE AGENTS. HER IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE MARKET, COMBINED WITH HER PROACTIVE APPROACH, HELPED US GET THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULTS SELLING OUR HOME. SHE WAS PATIENT, ATTENTIVE, AND ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS ANY OF OUR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS.”

- SELLER

Prioritising your heart health at St Andrew’s

Cardiac rehabilitation is an exercise and education program that is available soon after a patient leaves hospital following a cardiac event.

The Heart Foundation and World Health Organisation recommends all patients who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, coronary angioplasty, heart failure or other blood vessel disease should attend an appropriate cardiac rehabilitation and prevention program.

Attending a cardiac rehabilitation program will help most people reduce their risk of further heart problems and readmission to hospital.

Cardiac rehabilitation aims to improve health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of future heart problems by complementing the care provided by the patient’s GP and/or cardiologist.

The St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation program is delivered

in a group setting, with educational sessions and a supervised exercise program.

The program runs over six weeks, two days per week, in a total of 12 sessions. Each exercise session is approximately one hour.

The program is co-ordinated by a clinical nurse, and the sessions are conducted by the

clinical nurse, exercise physiologist and enrolled nurse.

We assist patients by:

● Providing a health assessment to identify needs and set recovery goals

● Tailoring a physical activity program where heart rate and blood pressure are monitored

● Providing education on the ways to reduce risk of future heart events

● Supporting and training patients to return to normal activities and manage their heart condition.

Regular exercise and physical activity improves strength, balance and energy levels and can improve mood and emotional health. It can also help reduce chances of future health problems.

Education and support may help patients stop smoking, understand their medications, eat well by learning to choose healthy foods, lose weight and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, set goals and manage their risks and learn to manage stress and feel better about their health.

TolearnmoreaboutStAndrew’s ToowoombaHospital’sdedicatedcardiac rehabprogramanddiscussyoursuitability, contact(07)46463028.

TalktoyourGPaboutareferraltoa StAndrew’s-basedcardiologisttoday.

InsidethecardiacrehabunitatStAndrew’sHospitalToowoomba.

How to find your school holiday

zen

Forget

The school holidays are a super fun time for kids but let’s face it: they can be a huge challenge for parents. It’s not only the juggle of work and childcare (with not all places offering flexibility) but it’s also the fact that you have to find ways to entertain them through the long days – and there are only so many times you can hear “I’m bored” without going crazy. But maybe the key isn’t about packing as many activities as possible into two short weeks so that you end up needing a holiday from the holiday … maybe the key is taking the break as an opportunity to wind down, relax and reset. We asked real parents for their tips on how to prioritise wellness these school holidays.

Leah,mumoftwo Cosmic Yoga

“During lockdown we discovered a YouTube channel called Cosmic Yoga and my kids still love it to this day,” says Leah.

“It’s full of easy-to-access yoga videos and exercises that are done in a way that really appeals to kids, like Frozen Yoga where they get to be Elsa or Super Mario Yoga where they get to be Mario and Luigi.”

Leah says she uses Cosmic Kids as a way to help her kids wind down at the end of a hectic school day if they’re having trouble settling, but she also makes a regular practice of using it during the school holidays.

“It’s really great for helping kids calm down and focus but it’s also just great exercise. I absolutely see the difference in my kids when they use it and I can always tell if it’s been a while since we’ve jumped in and done one of the lessons.”

The classes can be accessed via an app or online and there are even printable worksheets to help your kids practice mindfulness and meditation.

Ellie,mumoftwo Wellness days

Ellie is a full-time working mum who admits she spends most of the holidays ferrying her

kids around to one camp after another while she works, but she says she always tries to take one or two days off for a “wellness” day for the whole family.

“We’ll go for a family bike ride or for a picnic or a bushwalk, something active and outdoors and something we can all do together. I’m not against them having screens – especially in the school holidays – but I do try and make sure on our ‘wellness day’ we get outside and get fresh air.”

There’s no doubt that spending time in nature is proven to reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness and that goes for kids just as much as adults.

Jada,mumofthree Family cooking session

“The thing I really like about the school holidays is that I can take things a bit slower in the day, I don’t need to rush around making lunches and dashing out the door in the morning,” says Jada.

“My older two are at school while my youngest is still in daycare and I really love having time with the big girls while their brother is being looked after.”

Jada says last holidays she and the girls had an impromptu “cooking day” and it ended up being one of the best days of the whole two weeks.

We’ll go for a family bike ride or for a picnic or a bushwalk, something active and outdoors and something we can all do together

Jenna Martin

“The weather was foul, we were all a bit sick and we decided to make soup from scratch. It was actually so therapeutic, all three of us together chopping veg and simmering the broth and then when it was done the whole family ate it.”

Jada says it was the perfect wellness day and a great way to bond as a family.

“Better yet, we all got to eat delicious, healthy food at the end of it and the girls

got an understanding for what goes into their dinner.”

Hannah,mumofone

Mindful arts and crafts

Art and craft is a perfect way for kids to channel creativity and self-expression, but you can incorporate mindfulness into the activities by encouraging your child to focus

on the process rather than the end result.

“Sometimes my daughter and I will just colour,” says Hannah.

“It can be so calming for both of us, and I get my daughter to really concentrate on colouring each section, paying attention to the colours and the strokes.”

Hannah says she has an art corner in the living room where she and her daughter can go and be creative, and thinks that the school

holidays are the perfect time to do this.

“When you have more time on your hands you can honestly spend the whole day just playing with art.

“We design homemade ‘calming jars’ filled with glitter and water, create vision boards of what we hope the next school term will bring and do creative painting, expressing our daily emotions with colours and shapes,” says Hannah.

Specialising in Women’s Health

Dr Matthew is an Australian trained specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. Dr Matthew is passionate about helping women. He enjoys the variety, and challenging mix of surgical and medical treatments. Dr Matthew offers a full range of gynaecological and obstetric services with a special interest in

TASTY TREATS

For some delicious picnic recipes you can make at home, turn to pages 30-31

How to pack the ultimate picnic

With spring sunshine and the Carnival of Flowers upon us, it’s time to start thinking about those tasty portable spreads to enjoy in the great outdoors, writes food editor Mariam Digges

There’s an art to packing for a picnic. While a box of crackers, tubs of dip and glistening wedges of cheese play an important role in any gathering, a few homemade treats will elevate the picnic to an outdoor feast.

Just like planning a long lunch at home, think about your picnic spread in three parts: nibbles or starters, followed by something more substantial, and finally –a sweet treat. And let’s not forget the allimportant something to sip on.

BREADYWINNERS

Sandwiches are another picnic basket favourite – whether you opt for paninis stuffed with deli meats and pickles, or more classic combos like boiled eggs and mayo. Picnic loaves are another easy-to-transport idea, where cob loaves are loaded with seasonal goodies, chilled overnight for the flavours to develop, and then baked on the day of the outing. Not only do picnic loaves boast a rainbow of colours but they also feature excellent structural integrity and are easy to share – not to mention offering some great wow-factor.

SWEETLITTLESOMETHINGS

Every outdoorsy spread needs something sweet to pass around. Slices, biscuits, scrolls and sturdy pies all fit the bill perfectly. Looking for flavour inspiration? Try baking up a riff on an old classic for some added nostalgiafactor. If your baked treats feature a dairy or chocolate core, a few ice packs will help keep things intact.

CLASSIC CROWD-PLEASERS

When looking for inspiration, it’s hard to beat the classics. Zucchini slice, veg-laden frittatas, cheese and spinach rolls, and wobbly just-baked quiches all lend themselves to outdoor feasting due to their sturdy egg-based compositions. When it comes to fillings, let the seasons guide you, load up the cheese (try different rinds, like gruyere or goat’s cheese), and play around with bases – we love a crumbly cracker crust for a quiche.

DRINKSTATION

Bottles of juice and sparkling water will always be gratefully accepted, but for something a little more fun, try mixing your own homemade cordial or iced tea, loaded up with plenty of citrus or frozen berries. Transport it in old soda bottles and then transfer to a drink dispenser when you arrive at your picnic destination.

ALL-DAYGRAZING

Think outside the box with clever snack ideas that dial up the fancy, but not the mess. A beautifully curated cheese board overflowing with crackers, dried fruits, sweet treats and your favourite fromage will always be well received – the idea is that people can keep returning to graze throughout the day. Corn chips and homemade guacamole is another winner. Otherwise, individual jam jars filled with homemade dips and crudites is a special way to add a personal touch. Keeping things meat-free is also a good idea if the weather is warm.

SERVES 6. PREP 25MINS. COOK 40MINS

INGREDIENTS

● 225g packet Jatz crackers

● 150g butter, melted

● 2 tsp olive oil

● 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

● 250g packet frozen chopped spinach

● 250g packet cream cheese, at room temperature

● 85g (⅓ cup) Bulla light sour cream

● 80ml (⅓ cup) milk

● 3 eggs

● 2 green shallots, thinly sliced, plus extra, to serve

● 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint

● 60g feta, crumbled

● 80g (1 cup) coarsely grated cheddar

METHOD

1 Break up crackers into a food processor. Process until very finely crushed. Add the butter and pulse to combine. Press the mixture over the base and side of a 3cm deep, 23cm (base measurement) round fluted tart tin with a removable base. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill.

2 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the spinach. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until the spinach has defrosted and any excess liquid has evaporated. Set aside until required.

3 Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Bake the crust for 10 minutes or until golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

4 While the crust is cooling, use electric beaters to beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the sour cream and milk until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the spinach mixture, shallot and mint. Season.

5 Pour the cream cheese mixture into the baked crust. Sprinkle with feta and cheddar. Bake for 20 minutes or until filling is set. Set aside to cool for 1 hour or until quiche is room temperature.

6 Sprinkle with green shallots to serve.

Cheese, spinach & sour cream quiche

Prawn picnic jars

SERVES 4. PREP 15MINS

INGREDIENTS

● 300g packet of coleslaw

● ½ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped

● 1 shallot, thinly sliced

● 300g can of corn kernels, drained

● 500g cooked prawns, peeled

● 1 tbsp fresh makrut lime leaves, finely chopped

● Salt and pepper, to season

● ⅓ cup vegetable oil

● ⅓ cup fresh lime juice

● 1¼ tsp wasabi paste

METHOD

1 Combine coleslaw, coriander and shallot in a bowl. Divide mixture among the four jars. Divide corn kernels among jars.

2 Combine prawns and makrut lime leaves in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among jars.

3 Whisk vegetable oil, fresh lime juice and wasabi paste in a bowl. Pour dressing over the prawns and seal lids.

Hummus & pomegranate dip

SERVES 6. PREP 15MINS

INGREDIENTS

● ½ pomegranate

● 400g can no-added-salt chickpeas, drained, rinsed

● 2 tbsp tahini

● 1 garlic clove, crushed

● 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

● 1 tbsp lemon juice

● Crudites (raw vegetable sticks), to serve

METHOD

1 Dislodge pomegranate seeds over a bowl to catch any juices. Set aside ½ cup seeds.

Crush remaining seeds in a sieve over bowl.

2 Process or blend chickpeas, tahini, garlic, oil, lemon juice, pomegranate juice and

⅓ cup water until smooth. Season.

3 Divide hummus between jars. Top with seeds. Arrange crudites and seal jar.

Mini picnic loaves

PREP 10MINS. COOK 30MINS

INGREDIENTS

● 4 (14cm each) par-baked bread rolls

● ⅓ cup spring onion dip

● 40g spinach and rocket salad mix

● 4 slices prosciutto

● ½ cup semi-dried tomatoes, roughly chopped

● ½ small green capsicum, thinly sliced

● 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced

METHOD

1 Bake rolls following packet directions. Set aside for 15 minutes to cool.

2 Cut a thin slice from the top of each roll. Reserve tops. Scoop out centre of roll, leaving a 1cm-thick shell. Spread inside of rolls and cut side of roll tops with dip. Using half the salad mix, place a small amount in the base of each roll. Top with prosciutto

(folding to fit). Top with tomato, capsicum and egg. Top with remaining salad mix. Top with roll tops.

3 Wrap rolls tightly in plastic wrap. Transfer to a plate. Top with another plate. Place heavy objects such as canned goods on top of plate to compress rolls. Refrigerate overnight for flavours to develop. Serve.

Choc mint picnic pie

SERVES 12. PREP 5HRS 30MINS.

INGREDIENTS

● 25g butter

● 150g dark cooking chocolate, finely chopped

● 250g Arnott’s Mint Slice biscuits

● 1 tbsp water, hot

● 2 tsp gelatine powder

● 250g pkt cream cheese, at room temperature

● 70g (⅓ cup) caster sugar

● 100g white chocolate, melted, cooled

● 125ml (½ cup) thickened cream

METHOD

1 For the pastry, process flour, sugar and cocoa in a food processor until combined. Add butter. Process until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add yolk and milk. Process until dough comes together. Turn onto a floured surface. Knead until smooth. Shape into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.

2 Roll out pastry on a sheet of baking paper to a 4mm-thick disc. Line a 3cm-deep 24cm (base measurement) round fluted tart tin with removable base with pastry. Trim excess. Place in fridge for 30 minutes to rest.

3 Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan forced. Line pastry with baking paper. Fill with pastry weights or rice. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove pastry weights or rice and paper. Bake for a further 10-15 minutes or until cooked through and crisp. Cool.

4 Place butter and 100g chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Microwave, stirring

● 1 tsp peppermint essence

● 2 drops green food colouring

● Fresh mint leaves, to serve (optional)

Chocolatepastry

● 225g (1½ cups) plain flour

● 45g (¼ cup) icing sugar mixture

● 2 tbsp cocoa

● 150g butter, chilled, chopped

● 1 egg yolk

● 2 tbsp milk

every 30 seconds, for 1-2 minutes or until melted and smooth. Spread over the pastry base. Press biscuits on top in a single layer. Place hot water in a heatproof bowl. Sprinkle with gelatine. Place bowl in a larger heatproof bowl filled with boiling water. Set aside, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until dissolved. Remove bowl from water. Set aside for 30 seconds to cool slightly.

5 Meanwhile, use electric beaters to beat cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add sugar and cream. Beat until well combined. Beat in white chocolate, essence and food colouring until well combined. Beat in gelatine mixture. Pour into pastry case. Place in the fridge for 3-4 hours or until set.

6 Place remaining chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, for 1-2 minutes or until melted and smooth. Drizzle over pie in a circular motion to decorate. Top with mint, if using.

Your vision, our expertise

Your ideal home is brought to life by Freedom Furniture’s Interior Decorator Service

Are you dreaming of a fresh new look for your home, but not sure how to start? Our interior decorator service is ready to support you with design projects of any scale and budget. From seasonal updates to selecting your forever pieces, our expert advice can guide you from co-ordinating cushions to whole home makeovers and everything in between.

Whether you’re redecorating or remodelling, there’s a lot that goes into designing the perfect room: floor plan, colour palette, lighting, and furniture, to name just a few of the complexities involved.

No one knows what home means to you like you do! That’s why our team works closely with you to understand you, your lifestyle, your vision, your tastes, and your budget, guiding you through the process to discover and refine your personal style in one-on-one consultations.

Once your nominated interior design specialist understands your brief, they will then provide you with on-trend inspiration, tailored designs, and innovative solutions. Collaborate every step of the way, designing your world, as we assist you to craft the beautiful home you’ve always dreamt of.

Hot tips

Do more with less

Clutter is the enemy of all good interior design styling. While it’s tempting to display every piece of decor that takes your fancy, as interior stylists we know how to edit.

Clearing the clutter will help you feel calmer and buying less “stuff” will certainly be easier on your wallet, too.

Look to the light

An abundance of light will help your home look bigger and will brighten the ambience. This is particularly important if you have a smaller property – a luminous, breezy scheme is timeless. Improve the light in your home with white paint, good-quality light bulbs, and sheer curtains.

Know your colour theory

Choosing a colour for your home is much more than just selecting your favourite colour. Colours affect your mood, so think about the kind of feeling you’d like to evoke in your new home and go from there. If you want to promote tranquillity, opt for shades of blue or green. Conversely, choose warm reds or oranges for an energising effect.

Don’t buy anything you don’t love

Our interior design specialists understand the impatience that comes with styling your home. You just want it to be perfect … now! Our advice is – don’t rush it. Sort out the big-ticket items such as beds, sofas and tables, and collect the accessories

as you go. If you’re not totally mad about an item, it doesn’t belong in your home. Tobookanappointmentwithoneofthe interiordesignteamcallintostoreorbook aconsultationonlineatfreedom.com.au/ interior-decorator-service

Pictures: Matt Ryan Photography

Interior designer Bedelia Gilmour.

Five ways to bring spring inside

Forget the winter blues and let the warmer air flow through your home, writes Kate Salemme

With flowers blooming and trees bursting with new life, now is the perfect time to do the same with your home by bringing a touch of spring to your interior. From opening curtains and windows, to bringing in fresh flowers or plants, to incorporating vibrant colours, there are many ways to liven up your home.

1GOINGFORCOLOUR

Adding a splash of colour to your living room, bedroom or bathroom is a simple way to brighten up your space.

“Vibrant shades like marigold yellow, pops of pink, and fresh greens always really lend themselves to the spring palette,” Toowoomba interior designer Melanie Parker of Ivy and Piper says.

“Working in sky blues instead of deep navys in your interior can brighten things up.

“A backdrop of white is always nice when mixed in with fresh colours, (such as) a simple glass or white vessel filled with vibrant multi-coloured blooms.”

Incorporating patterns, especially florals, is also an easy way to bring the spring vibe.

“Spring is all about new life and everything waking up after a cosy winter, and florals are just so representative of that,” Melanie says.

“Bold floral pillows on the sofa or on your bed. You could do some patterned sheets, so you get a little burst of spring when you climb under the covers at the end of the day.”

2 LIGHTERFABRICS

Swap the heavy woollen blankets for lighter fabrics.

“Printed cottons and printed linens are perfect for spring,” Melanie says. “In Toowoomba it can get quite nippy in spring, so we still need our throw rugs, but swapping them out for a cotton rather than a wool blanket –texturally it’s lighter, fresher, and tends to lend itself to brighter tones.”

3 STATEMENT FURNITURE

A new piece of furniture –whether it’s big or small –

will not only make a statement, but transform the look and feel of a room.

From ottomans to occasional chairs, there are many opportunities to bring spring into your home through furniture.

“Ottomans are a huge one because they’re often located in the centre of a room, so they’re a great place to use vibrant patterns and be bold,” Melanie says.

“An occasional chair or pair of chairs – you can mismatch (and) it can be quite eclectic. If it’s a stand-alone piece, you don’t need to worry too much about it matching. It can be a feature in its own right. Go big on a piece like that, especially if it’s an interesting shape. “It’s quirky and fun and I think that’s what the energy of spring brings us.”

4 KEEPITSIMPLE

Looking for a more subtle spring vibe? The good news is it’s not all about making big statements. It can be as simple as swapping your dinnerware.

“Getting out some printed plates for the dinner table rather than your plain whites or heavy pottery – just freshening it up,” Melanie says.

Candles, diffusers, and linen sprays will also revitalise your home.

5 LETTHEOUTDOORSIN

The easiest way to bring a dash of spring into your home doesn’t cost a cent. Open your doors and windows and invite the spring air to flow through your home.

“We’re so lucky in spring because it’s not that harsh summer light, it’s not overhitting, it’s that lovely perfect time of the year where we’re all comfortable but the days are a bit longer,” Melanie says.

For the ultimate spring vibe, place some fresh flowers in a vase or invest in plants.

“My personal favourites would have to be freshly cut freesias – they don’t last all that long but they smell amazing” she says.

“(Opt for) Snapdragons or cherry blossoms if you want something more sculptural and tall in a room, which can be quite visually impactful.”

Topbuystobringspringintoyourhomeinclude theWinslowQuiltCover(Bed,Bath‘N’ Table,from$119.95) andRoyalDoultonPacificDots16pcDinnerSet($249.95).

Who do you want in your corner?

By Ros Burton – Principal The Real Estate People

Iwas having a look back through our media archives and came across this story I had written towards the end of the Covid crisis. Hopefully the worst is now behind us, but my thoughts from back then ring just as true today. See if you agree … I had a customer come to see me at our office and we got talking about the impact of the virus and what it takes to be a leader under the most difficult of circumstances.

Our discussion kept coming back to what a difference experience makes – in every facet of our lives – and it gave me a chance to talk up my work colleagues a bit.

We laugh that we’ve all seen a good many summers and have probably missed our chance to put a calendar out. But those years have also allowed us to get the runs on the board in the real estate game.

It’s that industry experience that our landlords and tenants appreciate (but expect at the same time) and rightly so.

Do you want the mechanic with 30 years experience working on your car or the

apprentice on his first day? Do you want the battlefield surgeon with a scalpel in hand or the student straight out of med school? Do you want Johnathan Thurston getting the ball with a minute to go or do you want the rookie making his debut?

I’ll take the champion every time. The young ones will have their chance to shine, it will definitely come, but only if they have that experience around them. To guide. To nurture. Good leaders lead, but great leaders share their craft; and that collective knowledge base makes everyone a better employee because, together, you have every workplace scenario covered. No matter what happens, you have the answer.

Our office has been truly blessed in that respect. My girls have “been in their share of rodeos” and they’ve seen it all. We could write a book … not that we will.

Our work ethos has a familiar ring to the glittering lights of Vegas – what happens in the office STAYS in the office.

Integrity and discretion – they’re a couple of extra traits that experience brings as well.

If you’d like to know how we do things differently, then give us a call anytime – we would love to help you.

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.

It’s Carnival time!

TheChronicle GardenCompetition winners&entrants

Open over two big weekends during the school holidays – and some across the entire time of September 15-24 – more than 50 local gardeners share their amazing floral displays with visitors, after competing for $35,000 in prizes. Check out where you can find these incredible gardens in The Chronicle Garden Competition 2023 Visitor’s Guide, out on Friday, September 15, with the newspaper or at the Visitor Information Centre and pop-up kiosks.

TheChronicle ExhibitionGardens

In addition to the competition gardens, five talented gardeners open their properties to visitors each Carnival of Flowers to raise funds for charity. These gardens are at:

● 5 Fern Drive, Kearneys Spring

Thefinalstretch

It’sbeenabusyfewmonths outdoorsforourTheChronicle GardenCompetitionentrants, butfinallythebigeventishere!

MikeWellsshareshishintsfor judgingandopenweeks

● 37 Murphy’s Creek Rd, Blue Mountain Heights

● 2 Blue Meadow Court, Blue Mountain Heights

● 5 Horizon Court, Highfields

● 11 Horizon Court, Highfields

Entry is $5 per garden or $20 for all five.

Greatfood

One of the main attractions for Carnival of Flowers is the Festival of Food and Wine, where Queens Park hosts three full days of great food, wine, beer and more on September 8-10.

However, there’s also several other events catering to the foodies, like the exclusive menus presented by selected eateries participating in #trEATS, or

Foodie Dinners where you will tour three restaurants, or even Talking Pubs tours where guests will visit four local pubs.

Entertainment

In addition to the renowned Grand Central Floral Parade on Saturday, September 16, and all the activities, showcases and live music happening in Queens Park for the Festival of Food and Wine, there are plenty of fun and musical events taking place in September. Both St Luke’s and Eiser St Baptist feature floral displays with live music and concerts, while Laurel Bank Park, Queens Park, and Spring Bluff all host live music performances across the month.

1 Now is the time to walk around your garden early every morning and check for pesky weeds that have a habit of looking like other plants in your garden, and popping up when you least expect them! Don’t spray, remove by hand to limit damage to surrounding foliage.

2

To keep your garden in the best condition for the many visitors to our region, keep your plants happy by ensuring they are sufficiently watered for the day ahead. Watch the weather forecast for some sneaky warm, windy days that occur in this month.

3 During your early morning walks, before your visitors arrive, ensure flowering annuals are deadheaded to keep them looking good and producing more flowers.

4 If possible, change where your visitors will walk on lawn areas so wear is kept to a minimum. Thousands of pairs of feet on a good lawn can compact and turn it to dust very quickly.

5 Enjoy every minute of the days you are open to the public!

Congratulations on being The Chronicle Garden Competition entrants in 2023, our 74th year!

Each year the Garden City comes alive with floral events, great food and beverages, live entertainment and, of course, the open gardens. Style magazine has put together a short guide on getting the best out of September

Capturing garden beauty one brushstroke at a time

TOOWOOMBA’S JAPANESEGARDEN

Celebrate culture at the UniSQ gardens

Thousands of people will visit the University of Southern Queensland’s beautiful gardens over the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers period to not only take in the stunning surroundings, but also see artists at work.

Easels, palettes and paint tins are common sights as artists set up at the Japanese Garden and Gumbi Gumbi Gardens to capture the cultural significance and beauty on canvas.

Among the artists over the years is internationally-renowned David Hinchliffe who has brought the colours of the Japanese Garden and Gumbi Gumbi Gardens alive, one brushstroke at a time.

“The Japanese Garden is very special to me,” Mr Hinchliffe says.

“I attended the university when the garden was first constructed, and it was wonderful to see how it has matured.”

In 2021, the University of Southern Queensland honorary doctorate recipient joined established, emerging and student artists and their work was displayed at the opening of the University of Southern Queensland’s art gallery.

Officially named Ju Raku En – meaning to enjoy peace and longevity in a public place –the Japanese Garden is a favourite of locals

and visitors alike and often used for wedding photos due to the picturesque bridges, foliage and ponds.

The spectacular gardens include a mountain stream and waterfall, a central lake, 230 species of Japanese and Australian

trees and plants, and a dry garden.

Last year, Mr Hinchliffe returned to paint the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens alongside University of Southern Queensland ViceChancellor and artist, Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, curator Brodie Taylor, Elder in Residence Uncle Wayne Fossey and fellow established and student artists.

The Gumbi Gumbi Gardens features more than 100 plant species and displays an extensive array of Indigenous flora used by the local Indigenous communities for various purposes, including food and medicine.

The symbol of these Gardens – the gumbi gumbi (Pittosporum angustifolium) –represents knowledge, growth and healing.

The University of Southern Queensland is a proud partner of The Chronicle Garden Competition.

Beyond reliance to resilience

Officially opened in 1989, the Japanese Garden on the northern side of the University of Southern Queensland’s Toowoomba campus is an intrinsic piece of the region’s historic connection to beautiful gardens and horticulture. One of Australia’s largest and most traditionally designed Japanese stroll gardens, the Garden features 230 species of Japanese and Australian native trees and plants.

GUMBIGUMBIGARDENS

The Gumbi Gumbi Gardens were opened in 2013 and designed in close partnership with respected Elders from Toowoomba and Elders of the Jarowair people. It features more than 100 plant species, including an extensive array of Indigenous flora used by the local First Nations communities for a range of purposes. The Gardens offer plenty of places to gather, look at the stars, and discover the interrelationship between plants and animals.

At its heart, the Gumbi Gumbi Gardens represent the acknowledgment of local Indigenous heritage, culture, and continued contribution to the region.

Artist David Hinchliffe painting the beautiful gardens at the University of Southern Queensland with art curator and artist Brodie Taylor.

StudentartistSarahMcMastercapturesthebeautifulsurroundsoncanvas.

A floral symphony in a bottle

Ben Pechey-O’Brien couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Toowoomba’s most impressive garden than enjoying a gin bursting with floral aromas inspired by it.

So when he was approached at the end of last year’s Carnival of Flowers to create a limited-edition gin inspired by the champion entry in The Chronicle Garden Competition, he jumped at the chance.

Employing his considerable artistic talents to pay homage to Bob and Val Ford’s stunning Rangeville garden, The Chronicle Garden Competition Grand Champion Garden Gin was born.

Upon exploring the Ford’s garden, Ben was immediately drawn by the breathtaking displays of pansies, which will form the signature note in the commemorative gin recipe. The drop will also feature the flavours of organic raspberries from Hampton Blue

and some gorgeous rose aromas.

Ben says gin is relatively quick to produce compared to many liquors, but that didn’t mean it was a walk in the park, although parts of the process did indeed involve a walk in a garden.

“The genesis for it was a year ago and I’ve spent the last few months coming up with a concept recipe,” he says.

In early August, he went out to Bob and Val’s garden to collect the necessary floral elements.

“You make the gin and then rest it for a month, so the hard part is actually coming up with the recipe,” Ben says.

As a chemical engineer by trade and with the soul of an artist, it couldn’t have been in better hands than Ben’s. He says it was the desire to flex his artistic side that led him to finding something novel to do with his chemical engineering skills, because many jobs in the industry could be quite dull.

“Most chemical engineering is pretty unexciting and there’s not much of a creative outlet,” he says.

“There is a lot of science and engineering in creating gin, but when it comes to developing products it’s a bit more of an art. There’s a bit of trial and error and it will sometimes take six months to a year to get the recipe right.”

Ben, along with his father John O’Brien, came up with the idea to found Pechey Distilling Co around five years ago on the family’s 150-year-old property to breath some life into some of the farm’s beautiful historic buildings.

The property has been in the family for six generations and the close-knit family is determined that the distillery will go on in the family long after they are gone.

Living in the Hampton high country, a micro-region teeming with incredible produce and stunning botanicals, one of the goals for Ben was always to showcase the flavours and aromas of both the immediate area and the Darling Downs as a whole.

The distillery’s two signature blends currently are The Homestead Gin, which features flavours of Pechey Homestead’s 100year-old cumquat tree, and the Toowoomba Dry Gin, a London gin-inspired drop featuring bay leaves grown on the property as well as finger limes grown in Hampton.

The Chronicle Garden Competition Grand Champion Garden Gin stands as a testament to a shared vision and a dedication to preserving the beauty that surrounds us. It will be available at selected outlets across the region during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers including Cork and Lever, Rosalie House, Myrtille, 4 Brothers Brewery, Mouse Proof Brewery and in the Botanical Society at the Festival of Food and Wine.

Pechey Distillery and The Chronicle have joined forces to celebrate our city’s breathtaking gardens with a unique creation, writes Megan Masters

NestledinthehighcountryatCrowsNest,PecheyDistillerywascreatedasawayofbreathingnewlifeintothesixthgeneration property.Thedistilleryproducesvodkaandginfeaturingflavoursandaromasfromtheregionandwillsoonbranchoutintowhiskey.

Saddle up: Australia’s ‘most famous’ rodeo is back

you will win $500, while if your horse and rider win the Gold Cup final, you win $35,000. Tickets are available online for $20.

Camping is available during the event, with options for caravans, RVs, tents and swags alike, and a free shuttle bus will run to and from all camping locations during the event. No prebookings are required for camping at Australiana Park with your swag or tent.

Over seven huge days from October 23 to 29, the Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft is back with a full itinerary of events.

Hosted annually during the last full weekend of October, the campdrafting will start at 5am on Monday, October 23, with the rodeo taking place daily from 6pm from Thursday, October 26.

The live music starts Thursday night with Southbound xo and Charlie Fittler, while Friday features Casey Barnes and The Billy

Gudgeon Band, and Saturday’s artists include Brad Cox and The 78 Sound.

This year, the Warwick Show & Rodeo Society is running an art union to raise

money for local charity Protea Place Warwick, with a sweep on the Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft.

If you draw a horse and rider in the sweep

The family-friendly caravan/RV sites at Warwick Dragway cost $15 per person (children under 13 free) and can be booked via 0414 376 242 or warwickdragracing@ gmail.com (cash only).

Toilets and showers are available and while there are no powered sites, generators are welcome.

Entry to the campdrafting is free from Monday to Wednesday, while the rodeo is a ticketed event.

Tobuyticketsorfindmoreinformation, visitwarwickshowandrodeo.com.au

The 2023 Ariat Warwick Rodeo & Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft promises to be even bigger and more spectacular

Shade and

were the perfect answer for this local customer

blind

Toowoomba Shade and Canvas is the ideal place to visit for all your outdoor blind solutions. The locally owned and operated business has been servicing the Garden City and surrounds for more than 15 years, with original founding member and owner Vanessa Lander putting customer service and great quality products at the forefront.

Everything is custom-made in the business’s workshop, with the quality clear by the number of happy customers, such as Toowoomba woman Ann Mitzam.

“I had originally wanted an outdoor enclosure for my home so my cat could enjoy being outside and bask in the sun, but still be in a safe environment,” Ann says.

“What I wasn’t prepared for was how much I would love my Ziptrak blinds!”

These blinds have been successful for Ann and her cat throughout all seasons.

“In summer, it was the best place to be as

The blinds actually cut out the cold wind

they also help keep out the bugs, which is a big plus for me.

it was cooler than any other part of my house,” she says.

“And, to my surprise, in winter and on cooler nights, the blinds actually cut out the cold wind – I’m able to sit outside in a T-shirt on even the coldest of nights.

“Other benefits of the Ziptrak blinds are the privacy – you can’t see in during the day, yet it doesn’t detract from the views – and

“I absolutely love my Ziptrak blinds from Toowoomba Shade and Canvas, and I don’t know how I lived without them.”

DiscovertheToowoombaShadeand Canvasdifferenceforyourselfat526 AlderleySt,Toowoomba,bycalling (07)46331338orviaemailat sales@toowoombashadeandcanvas.com. au

Outsidelookinginwithblindsopen,and,right,outsidelookinginwithblindsclosed.

Where tradition meets innovation

beauty or a rare, lesser-known gem, Coroneos Nursery has you covered.

From tried-and-true staples to seasonal and specialist varieties, the nursery prides itself on offering a broad selection that caters to every horticultural preference.

Toowoomba’s Coroneos Nursery stands as a verdant haven for plant enthusiasts, boasting an impressive legacy of over 30 years in the business.

With a diverse selection of plants and a commitment to exceptional customer service, this old-fashioned nursery has earned its rightful place as a local gem.

Coroneos Nursery’s enduring presence in the community is a testament to its dedication to quality and service.

Having served Toowoomba for more than three decades the nursery has become synonymous with top-tier plants and a welcoming atmosphere.

As a fixture in the region, Coroneos Nursery is proud to cater to seasoned gardeners and newcomers alike.

What sets it apart is its unique hilly location, providing a cooler climate that

differs from its surroundings. This distinctive environment enables the nursery to cultivate an impressive range of plants, including

those typically associated with more southern climates. Whether you’re seeking a classic botanical

Whether you’re searching for a common perennial or a rare exotic, the nursery’s wide selection has something for everyone. With an ever-evolving collection, you’ll find new and in-season plants gracing the shelves regularly.

Coroneos Nursery also promises competitive prices with a commitment to ensuring that every plant lover can find their perfect match without breaking the bank. The team has employed tried and tested practices to guarantee plants of the highest quality, ensuring they’re not only robust but also primed for growth.

ToexperiencetheallureofCoroneos Nurseryforyourself,paythemavisitat 266HerriesSt,Newtown.

Formoreinformation,contacttheteam on(07)46331308orvia enquiries.coroneos.nursery@gmail.com

Why Aussie women look 20 years older

Studies have found we’re ageing decades faster than women in other countries, writes Jenna Martin. Is it simply geography, or are we ignoring crucial preventive skincare?

Australians have a love affair with the sun. From our beaches to our backyard pools, from the sports field to the Outback, we’re outdoorsy folk. But we’re also predominantly fair-skinned, which can be an issue when you have a sun-seeking lifestyle. And the reality is, all our time soaking up the rays may be causing us to age much faster than we’d like, according to a new Monash University-led study recently published in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology.

In fact, after comparing fair-skinned Asian and caucasian Australian women with those in other countries, the study found we’re reporting severe signs of facial ageing – like wrinkles, loss of volume and vascular disorders – up to 20 years sooner than women in the UK, Europe, USA and

elsewhere. But why? Is it simply our geography? Or are we just less careful when it comes to slip, slop, slappin’ and other preventive skincare?

A sunburnt country

“Australia’s proximity to the equator, the high sun exposure and generally clear atmospheric conditions mean that people living here can experience higher levels of UV and longer wavelength radiation than those in Europe and North America,” says Monash Associate Professor Greg Goodman.

So geographically, Australians are behind the eight-ball. But what about our behaviour? Is there more we could be doing to slow down the ageing process? In short, yes.

“There has been a huge increase in the interest

and investment in skin over my 15-year career,” says Dr Cara McDonald, a dermatologist at Complete Skin Specialists, citing social media as the main reason we’re more interested in skincare than ever before. “Firstly, women are far more aware of their own appearance and (are) constantly comparing themselves to others. Secondly, we are ‘influenced’ by the information fed to us constantly via advertising and promotions which leads us to believe that skin investment is both normal and essential.”

Dr McDonald believes that because of this, more women are looking at what they can do to halt skin issues before they begin. “I think we are seeing a transition to more preventive skincare with a focus on anti-ageing,” she says, but adds that while it’s great that we’re making skincare a priority, for the majority, less is more.

“Many people are spending money on expensive products and active ingredients, but still forgetting the basics. There is no need to spend a lot on the foundations of your skincare routine which should include soap-free wash, daily 50+ SPF and a gentle effective moisturiser to protect your skin.”

You would think that these days we’re all savvy about slopping on sunscreen when leaving the house, but Dr McDonald says hesitations remain. “There are many sunscreen misconceptions … for example, that chemical sunscreens cause cancer, that nanoparticles from sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream and are toxic, that sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency …” But she insists, “The bottom line is that we know that the sun causes skin cancer – which can kill you. At this point in time, we have no good scientific evidence that sunscreens cause any problem that will significantly harm you, so it comes down to a choice: excess sun which we know is bad, or sunscreen which we fear could be bad.”

Ignore the buzzwords

While sunscreen is always your first line of defence, in terms of going deeper, Dr McDonald says the key to any preventive beauty regimen is to first establish what kind of skin you have.

“If you are finding your skin routines are reactive and you’re constantly in damage control, it may be helpful to seek some professional advice. Those with sensitive skin should take care to avoid excessive irritation and choose products free of fragrances and other known irritants,” she says. If you have congested or acne-prone skin, however, you want to look for products that stimulate cell turnover and reduce inflammation.

“Another common misconception is that those with oily or acne prone skin do not need to moisturise and can use harsh products, but in fact these tend to worsen the skin problems.”

McDonald also warns us to be wary of

“buzzwords” with skincare. “A common misconception is that ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ skincare products are better for the skin than chemical ingredients used in skincare … many natural and organic ingredients can cause significant skin issues including irritation, sensitive skin and allergic rashes,” Dr McDonald says, adding that terms like ‘’natural” and “organic”` are usually more for marketing than anything else. “If you are having problems with your skin, it is more important to look for products that are designed for sensitive or allergic skin rather than natural or organic products.

Seeking professional help

If you really are struggling with sun damage, acne or signs of ageing, or if you’re simply keen to head those issues off at the pass, there is plenty of help at hand. And now, more than ever, there’s absolutely no shame in seeking out treatments (both surgical and non-surgical) to improve your appearance, your health and how you feel.

In fact, according to an Allergan Aesthetics

survey of more than 14,000 people and 13,000 physicians worldwide, more people than ever before are making skincare a priority, with 64 per cent of respondents saying that looking fit and healthy and being on trend with fashion and beauty contributed to their overall confidence.

“The body-positive movement has broadened our definition of beauty, especially among younger generations,” says Dr Grant Stevens, plastic surgeon in Marina Del Rey, California.

At the same time, he added, “we’ve ushered in a new era of openness about medical aesthetics. Worldwide, consumers no longer shy away from pursuing the kind of look they want with the help of their physician.”

Dr Sabrina Fabi, a dermatologist from San Diego, California, concurred with Dr Cara McDonald’s view about the impact of living our daily lives online. “There’s no doubt that coming of age around social media has greatly impacted the way millennials view themselves. They aren’t thinking about if they will have aesthetic treatments, it’s when to start.”

Dr McDonald suggests that if you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to skincare and wondering what preventive steps you could be taking, the Going Beyond Beauty website is a great place to start. “Going Beyond Beauty is a site that provides up-to-date information on skincare, wellness and beauty provided by experts in their field,” she says. “Unfortunately, we now have an abundance of misinformation at the tip of our fingertips, and it can be difficult to know what to believe … Going Beyond Beauty is an educational site that we can trust to provide useful information and expert opinion.”

But Dr McDonald’s overall advice – especially regarding Australians and early ageing – is that with skincare, consistency is key. “Avoid buying skincare because of ‘influencers’,” she says. “Find a manageable routine and stick with it. Over time, you can increase the potency and introduce extra ingredients for maximal results.” At the end of the day though, her message is simple: “The most important anti-ageing product is sunscreen,” she says. “Use it every day without fail.”

The bottom line is that we know that the sun causes skin cancer –which can kill you

A

The Pittsworth Craft and Fine Food Spectacular for 2023 is coming up soon, and it’s looking to be another fantastic event.

After almost 20 years of operation, this incredible community endeavour will include quality items such as gifts, clothing, leather goods, handbags, gourmet delights, artwork, jewellery, wine, wood turning, pottery, home decor, toys, confectionery, natural skin products and more.

As well as these excellent handmade Australian products, there will be Devonshire teas and barbecue lunch available at Centenary Park, which is adjacent to the hall.

Plant and garden ornament stalls will be set up in the park, in addition to

entertainment and children’s activities.

During the two days there will be even more to see, with a display by the Darling Downs Textile Group at Sondrio on 67 Gallery (67 Yandilla St, Pittsworth) and the Pittsworth Crafty Quilters at the School of Arts.

St Andrews Church will also be open for visitors to see the magnificent stained glass windows at 18 Murray St, Pittsworth, and Exhibition Gardens will be open for viewing throughout the area, with maps available at Town Hall.

Shoppers to the 18th annual Pittsworth Craft and Fine Food Spectacular are encouraged to bring their own bags, and EFTPOS payments are preferred.

Discover this incredible event for yourself at Pittsworth Town Hall, Park St, on Friday, October 13, and Saturday, October 14.

Doors open at 9am both days, closing at 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday. Entry is free.

Formoreinformation,call0437672472/ 0427578264oremail craftffs@gmail.com

Wide variety at Canvas Works

Canvas Works prides itself on providing durable, tailored solutions for their customers’ needs. A local, family owned business created almost 20 years ago, the team creates high-quality vinyl and canvas products for close to anything you can imagine.

Outdoor blinds and awnings

The team can create and install custom blinds for your home, your cafe, or your

business. Canvas Works uses Australia’s “favourite outdoor blind”, Ziptrak, with easy and fast operation and the ability to have manual or motorised control.

These Australian-made, owned and invented blinds provide protection from rain, wind, heat, sun and UV rays while connecting your indoor and outdoor spaces.

Custom made with a wide variety of colour options, styles and features to complement your outdoor area, the blinds are available in

sunscreen mesh or clear or tinted PVC.

Canvas Works also offer a broad range of options and styles of other window coverings, awnings and solutions – including removable posts for larger spaces to open or close part or all of your area.

Ute canopies, tonneau covers

Canvas Works can make a canopy or tonneau cover for a tray back or style side ute. Their standard ute canopies include roll-up sides

advertising feature 8/24 Carroll Street, Toowoomba, Qld 4350

spring

and rear, clear window to the front and rear, and air vents in the front. The team also offers extras like gauze sides and rear for camping, additional zip sections, and more.

Boat covers and biminis

Canvas Works’ boat covers are purposely designed to be the “ultimate defender” for your prized possession and are ideal whether the vessel is being transported or kept in storage. There is also a range of different colours and styles to choose from. Their custom-made biminis are also built to last and made with the perfect fit in mind for your specific vessel.

Caravan annexes and awnings

For caravanners, Canvas Works can provide canvas, mesh or PVC-style annexes, with a wide variety of features and options.

The team also makes swags in three sizes and many colours. They can also provide tarpaulins and horse float dust covers and side curtains.

With a belief that one size doesn’t always suit all, the team excels at providing each customer with the right fit. They also service the Darling Downs, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Far North Queensland and northern NSW with their 35 years of experience.

FindtheCanvasWorkssolutionforyouat 8/24CarrollSt,Toowoomba,orgetin touchwiththeteamon46345499orvia sales@canvasworks.com.au

Planes, strains and automobiles

We were travelling at 40 miles per hour, but I wanted to open the car door and quietly roll into a field and just lie there in the wheat until she noticed me missing.

For marital bliss, I bit my lip, but then while passing some hikers she announced: “I like rambling.”

“Tell me about it,” I replied.

To be fair, it wasn’t a STRAIGHT 72 hours of arguing – we did take time to stretch and recharge (for more yelling at each other).

I love my wife Ros to death – I genuinely mean that, but we must have been barely an hour into our journey exploring the Cotswolds when the first cracks appeared.

Suddenly everything was an issue, starting with Ros seeing the need to announce EVERY village we were approaching.

SIGN: Donnington 3 miles.

“Donnington just up ahead.”

SIGN: Hinchwick 5 miles.

“Hinchwick is five miles away.”

SIGN: Batsford 8 miles.

“Batsford, not long now … 8 miles.”

It was indeed factual, so I can’t fault her on accuracy, but it was doing my head in.

My Australian eyeballs were working fine in England, but after a few hours the audio was cooking my brain.

She meant strolling in the English countryside while I thought … well, let’s say it got me two hours of stony, non-sign-reading silence.

We came out of a laneway and, purely by chance, we passed Highgrove House outside Tetbury (literally where King Charles lives).

“I just saw him!” I declared. “He was driving a tractor.”

“No, he wasn’t.”

“He was in a singlet.”

“You’re an idiot.”

Imagine an easygoing, happy-go-lucky husband and his wife trapped for three whole days in a compact rental driving around rural England – what could possibly go wrong? Plenty, apparently, writes Darren Burton

I may have been mistaken.

We saw a heap of cool places – Lower Swell, Tiddleywink and Upper and Lower Slaughter (all actual names).

Both Upper and Lower Slaughter encourage visitors to “drive carefully”, but I think the people of SLAUGHTER have a lot more to worry about than prudently using your blinker.

One of the ongoing conflicts Ros and I had was negotiating the labyrinth of village roadways. They are so skinny and cause all manner of confusion.

We were heading up the tiniest sliver of bitumen when a lorry suddenly came the other way.

Ros, normally a rational, stoic, unflappable person turned into a gibbering, wobbly lime jelly.

“What do I do? Do I stop, reverse? Do I go up the gutter? What? WHAT??”

I calmed her down by referencing our electronic guidance system.

“Siri, how long have I lived in England and how well versed am I in obscure village roads?”

Female robot voice: “YOU HAVE NEVER LIVED IN ENGLAND AND YOU BARELY KNOW THE STREETS TO YOUR OWN HOME.”

I looked at Ros with a sweep of the hand saying: “And there we are.”

Judging by her face, an oncoming lorry was the least of my problems.

We avoided that crushing, but then our discussions turned to me taking some vacation pictures.

I like to take photos on holidays – that means being able to frame them, focus them, sometimes even snapping them.

No chance at Mach 5 like we were doing … if Ros needs to get somewhere, that’s the only thing on her mind.

We were flying past landmarks like we were entering new dimensions. NASA astronauts would see less of a blur spinning around in their centrifuge training.

The good news is there are still a few weeks of our trip left (minus the car), so stay tuned and I’ll give you an update come the next edition.

The island escape The island escape every family needs every family needs

Hamilton Island was the perfect place for a mother-and-son holiday, writes Hamilton Island was the perfect place for a mother-and-son holiday, writes Jenna Martin Jenna Martin

As any parent knows, having a relaxing holiday with kids is a tricky balance. The ultimate goal is for everyone to have a blast but you have to be realistic: it’s never going to be like travelling solo or pre-kids with your partner. Sure, there will be beautiful memories made, but there will also be meltdowns, exhaustion and compromise.

The key is to find somewhere that caters to the whole family, somewhere that offers fun and relaxation. For me, that place is Hamilton Island.

ASTRESS-FREEJOURNEY

As we strolled off the tarmac at Hamilton Island airport and basked in the instant hit of warmth I felt smug about how simple the journey had been: no schlepping through airports, racing for connecting flights with overstuffed hand luggage: just a direct flight from Brisbane and, less than two hours later, we landed in paradise.

We stayed at Palm Bungalows, the selfcontained accommodation near the main hotel. With a big comfy bed for me, a trundle for my son, a large bathroom, our own balcony with hammock, and a kitchenette, we were able to save money by eating breakfast and prepping lunch every day at home – a huge plus, because eating three meals a day in hotels adds up fast.

Many of the hotel restaurants do offer “kids eat free”, which means a main, a drink and an ice cream with every adult meal purchased. It also means your kid might spend a whole week eating nothing but spaghetti for dinner, but hey, you’re on holidays. Vegetables are for term time.

ENDLESSACTIVITIES

The usual parental panic of having to organise your whole vacation was completely nonexistent. From bike riding to my son practising cannonballs in any of the four huge resort pools to watersports on famous Catseye Beach, we hardly planned a thing.

My son was spoiled for choice, happy to just wake up, eat his Weet-Bix and let the day unfold. Being school holidays, the resort was packed with organised activities like pool games, movie nights and kids’ dance parties. Plus daily face

painting, lawn games and hair braiding. And all of it was free.

On top of the free activities, you can hire golf buggies and tour the island (any tour must include sunset drinks at the bar on One Tree Hill) have a round of mini golf, put your pedal to the metal around the go-kart track, try your hand at indoor bowls or cuddle a koala and wrangle a snake at the wildlife park.

We did end up organising one excursion – a day trip on a catamaran – where we donned our stinger suits and snorkelled around Chalkies Beach before spending the afternoon bobbing about in the pristine waters of world-famous Whitehaven. We spied beautiful coral, swam with Nemo clownfish and even spotted a beautiful giant turtle. While I travelled solo with my son, Hamilton Island is a huge destination for the whole family, and parents definitely need couple time, too. The resort has on-site babysitters for those times you just need to eat dinner in peace, but for daytime downtime there is also a kids’ club – apparently even used by George Clooney who enrolled his twins there when he was on the island filming Ticket to Paradise. My son had a blast making new friends and doing arts and crafts while I ducked off for a bit of pampering at the day spa.

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of relaxation and family fun, do yourself a favour and consider Hamilton Island for your next holiday.

BasePerfectFor Families

Wide range of options for all caravans, campervans, motorhomes and camping, all with free access to our first class facilities: laundry, camp kitchen, one heated swimming pool, spa, alfresco BBQ area in award-winning gardens, TV room, jumping pillow and children’s bathroom. 4-star accommodation includes disabled assist cabins. PET FRIENDLY.

Big4 Toowoomba Garden City 34a Eiser Street, Harristown 1800 333 667 Reservations info@big4toowoombagchp.com.au

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The key is to find somewhere that caters to the whole family, somewhere that offers fun and relaxation. For me, that place is Hamilton Island

6 6 family family getaways getaways you can’t you can’t miss miss

Whether you’re keen to enjoy a getaway during school holidays, plan for summer or both, the possibilities are endless, writes Kate

From tropical holidays to cruising the slopes or making new furry friends, here are some great ideas for you and your family this year.

ROTTNESTISLAND, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Quokkas anyone? There’s sure to be plenty of family fun with these gorgeous furry animals who are the stars of the show on Rottnest Island. With a free guided walk available, you can get to know their natural habitat while meeting your new furry friends. The island also features 63 white sand beaches and 20 bays with stunning turquoise waters – where you may spot dolphins, turtles and seals – with coral reefs perfect for snorkelling. There’s something for everyone!

AIRLIEBEACH,QLD

Prefer to stay closer to home? Then you can’t go past Airlie Beach. The

Salemme

coastal town features marine parks, palm-fringed beaches, vibrant markets, tropical rainforests and waterfalls and sparkling waters great for snorkelling. A visit to Whitehaven Beach and its white sand and blue water is a must, plus you can get on a Segway and ride through the rainforest, go to the markets, go jet skiing and fly over the reef.

PHILLIP ISLAND, VIC

Are nights spent in front of the fireplace more your family’s vibe? Then head to Phillip Island in Victoria for a holiday your family won’t forget, especially when you go to the Penguin Parade at the Phillip Island Nature Parks, home to the largest fairy penguin colony in the world. From boat

cruises, fishing and surfing to go-karting, the world of puzzles and illusions, a chocolate factory and even feeding Australian animals at Maru Koala and Animal Park, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy.

BALI

The quintessential Aussie family holiday that suits a budget and is just a six-hour flight from Brisbane, Bali will have you and your family forgetting about the spring evening chill in no time. From Kuta to Seminyak to Ubud, there’s no shortage of places to visit, and stay in a gorgeous villa with your own pool. Fun at the Waterbom water park, becoming at one with nature at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary,

visiting animals at Bali Zoo and relaxing at Nusa Dua Beach are just some of the top attractions.

FIJI

A family getaway in Fiji and staying at one of its luxurious all-inclusive resorts will have the whole family beaming. All flights arrive in Viti Levu where you can go dolphin spotting and snorkel the reefs of Nananu-i-Ra, kayak or raft down the Navua River, visit national parks and even dive with tiger sharks in Beqa Lagoon. In Suva, visit the Municipal Market, Fiji Museum and do a spot of shopping in the malls, while if you’re after a bit more heritage, immerse the family in the country’s Indian heritage in Nadi.

NEWZEALAND

Want to get in with some final snow fun before the weather heats up? Then New Zealand and its awesome skiing and snowboarding is an adventure you won’t forget. The North Island’s Mt Ruapehu features long ski runs and stunning views with slopes for beginners, intermediates and experts. In addition, Tongariro National Park is a must-visit, with its volcanic features from craters and rock forms surrounded by gardens, while hiking the world-famous Alpine Crossing is a must-do. Plus there’s mountain biking trails, jet boating and the National Army Museum Te Mata Toa to visit.

Rad scientists

Full disclosure here: I have a “science kid”, and these experiments are from a kit she got for her birthday. But you don’t need fancy equipment to turn your home into a science lab. Just add a few extra items to your weekly shop (better yet … raid the back of the pantry!) for a brilliant day of fun and learning.

Colouredmilkexperiment

This one is pure fun and you probably have everything you need in the kitchen.

Whatyou’llneed

● Small dish

● Milk (full cream works best)

● Food colouring, 3-4 different colours

● Dishwashing liquid

Pour a small amount of milk into the dish (enough to almost cover a small saucer). Carefully add a few drops of each colour into different areas of the dish. Then add one or two drops of dishwashing liquid into the centre of the dish.

The colours will move across the surface of the milk (your kid can blow them around gently). This experiment works because the soap separates the water and fat in the milk, and the food colouring gets pushed around as they separate.

Oobleck

I’m going to go all sciencey here because kids really do like to understand how things work. So … Sir Isaac Newton described how liquid usually only changes its viscosity (flow) due to changes in pressure or temperature (for

example, water into ice), but some liquids don’t follow this rule.

These are known as non-Newtonian fluids. One non-Newtonian liquid that changes its viscosity due to stress, rather than temperature is Oobleck. It’s a hit with the kids because it’s super fun to play with and quite messy.

Whatyou’llneed

● 75g cornflour (also known as cornstarch)

● 50ml cold water

● A big bowl to contain the mess (see tip) Pour the cornflour into the bowl and slowly stir in the water. If it seems dry, add a little more water. If it’s too wet, add more cornflour.

Oobleck is ready to play with when the mixture is a thick fluid. It should feel like a liquid if you slowly push your hands into it, but if you hit it quickly, it will feel more like a solid. Try rolling it into a ball into your hands. It will feel hard, but turn into liquid as soon as you stop moving.

Tip: Keep the oobleck in the bowl, don’t pour it out on to a plate … it took a long time to clean up!

LollyColourWheel

This works with M&Ms or Skittles (and probably Smarties, too, but we didn’t test those)

Whatyou’llneed

● Small, light-coloured or clear dish (flat bottom works best)

● Water

● 5 or 6 different coloured lollies, such as Skittles or M&Ms

Carefully place the coloured lollies around the edge of the plate (you can make a full circle or just use five or six around the edge).

Slowly pour water into the centre of the dish. It should touch the lollies but not submerge them (about halfway works). Be careful not to bump the dish, and watch as the colour dissolves into the water.

This works due to diffusion: the colour moves through the water from an area of high concentration of sugar (the lolly) to low concentration (the centre of the plate). The colours will touch each other, but not mix immediately.

If you have a budding Einstein or Marie Curie at home, you’ll know they’ll experiment with everything they can get their hands on, writes Kate Calacouras. Kids learn best by doing, so set up a mini science lab at home

Coloured milk experiment

Lolly Colour Wheel

Self-inflatingBalloon

You’ll have to work quickly with this one because the reaction happens as soon as you add the water. Whatyou’llneed

● 1 tbsp citric acid

● 1 tbsp bi-carb soda

● ¼ cup water

● Small bottle (clean and dry)

● Balloon

● Funnel (this helps to get all the ingredients into the bottle, but it’s not a

deal-breaker if you don’t have one!)

Pour the citric acid and bi-carb soda into the bottle (use the funnel if you have it). Gently swirl the bottle to mix the powders together.

The next steps have to be done quickly. Carefully add the water into the bottle, then quickly grab the balloon and stretch it over the mouth of the bottle. This experiment works because adding water to the other ingredients releases carbon dioxide, which inflates the balloon for 1-2 minutes.

Self-inflating Balloon

oobleck

around the galleries

TOOWOOMBAREGIONALART GALLERY

SkinShow:TheArtandRite ofTattoo

August26toNovember19

Books based on Captain James Cook’s Pacific voyages profoundly affected the spread of tattooing across the world. This exhibition displays rare voyage journals held in the Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library Collection to explore the art and rite of tattoo.

CreativeGenerationExcellence

AwardsinVisualArt2023

September2toOctober15

The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognise and promote excellence in senior visual art education across Queensland state and non-state schools. The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art would like to thank QAGOMA for their ongoing support.

ToowoombaRegionalArtGalleryat531 RuthvenStisopenWednesdaytoSunday 10.30amto3.30pm.Duringthe ToowoombaCarnivalofFlowers,the GallerywillbeopenonMonday, September18andTuesday,September19. Entry free

ROSALIEGALLERY

OntheRoadtoAcland–Sky& EarthbyDavidLeMay

August23toSeptember17

An exhibition of paintings by David LeMay that draws inspiration from the remnant gardens in Acland. An Artist Talk will be held at 11am on Saturday, September 2. RosalieGalleryat89MocattaSt, GoombungeeisopenWednesdayto Sunday10.30am-3.30pm.Entry free

CROWSNESTGALLERY

Nature’s

DiversityinMosaics

September6toOctober15

An exhibition by four artists with a passion for mosaic art and nature. Tani Bates, Catherine Conaty, Yvonne Ragonesi and Margaret Shaw use unique and diverse media to showcase the variety of mosaic styles encompassing the beauty of nature. An Artist Talk with Catherine, Yvonne and Margaret will be held on Sunday, September 10 at 11am.

CrowsNestGalleryislocatedatthecorner oftheNewEnglandHighwayandWilliam St,andisopenfrom10.30amto3.30pm WednesdaytoSunday.Entry free

markets

SeptemberAberfeldyTwilight Markets

Saturday, September 2, from 4-8pm Aberfeldy Barn, 124 Macaulay Rd, Westbrook

ToowoombaFarmers’Market

Every Saturday, 7am- noon

The windmills (next to Cobb+Co Museum), 27 Lindsay St, East Toowoomba

september

FESTIVALOFFOOD&WINE

Friday,September8,4pmto10pm; Saturday,September9,11amto10pm; Sunday,September10,11amto8pm

WHERE: Upper Queens Park, cnr Margaret & Lindsay streets, Toowoomba

WHAT: 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. The music makers will fill the main stage with cool sounds. COST: One-day passes – Adult $75, Concession (18+) $50, Youth (12-17) $12, child (3-11) $7; Three-day passes – Adult $165, Concession (18+) $115, Youth (12-17) $25, Child (3-11) $15. All people under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Kids under 2 years free with a paying adult.

EISERSTBAPTISTCHURCH FLORALDISPLAY

Saturday,September9toWednesday, September13,9.30amto4pmdaily

WHERE: 11-13 Eiser St, Toowoomba

ToowoombaPCYCmarket

Every Sunday, 7am-12.30pm

PCYC Toowoomba, 219 James St, Toowoomba

MurphysCreekCommunityMarkets

Third Sunday of the month, from 7am-1pm

Additional market held during Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Murphy’s Creek Grounds, Jessie Lane, Murphy’s Creek

OakeyLionsSundaymarkets

Third Sunday of the month, from 8.30am-12.30pm

Oakey Railway Station car park, Campbell St, Oakey

Cabarlahmarkets

Last Sunday of the month, from 7.30am-12.30pm

Cabarlah Hall, 9856 New England Highway, Cabarlah

BunyaMountainsmarkets

Last Sunday of the month, from 9am-2pm Bunya Ave, Bunya Mountains

QueensParkMarkets

Sunday, August 24, 8am-1pm Queens Park, Hume St (Frogs Hollow), Toowoomba

WHAT: Enjoy the artistic displays created by the Toowoomba Floral Art Group at the Eiser St Baptist Church Floral display. This free event also includes live gospel music from 10am to 11am daily and morning tea can be purchased for $5. There is plenty of off-street parking for cars and buses. Group bookings can be made by phoning 0429 963 514.

GRANDCENTRALFLORAL PARADE

Saturday,September16,10amtonoon

WHERE: Toowoomba CBD

WHAT: 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 St, turns right into Ruthven St, right into Margaret St, left onto Hume St and finishes on Godsall St Oval on the corner of Hume & Godsall streets. There are road closures in place around Toowoomba CBD on September 16.

STLUKE’SFLOWERART& MUSICFESTIVAL

Friday,September15toWednesday, September20,9amto4pm WHERE: St Luke’s Anglican Church, Cnr

Ruthven and Herries streets, Toowoomba

WHAT: Each year, St Luke’s Anglican Church hosts a magnificent floral display created by The St Luke’s Floral Group. St Luke’s is conveniently located on the parade route. The displays also include local artists exhibiting their artwork around the church. There are daily music concerts weekdays, with extra concerts on the weekend. The hall has a range of art and craft by Toowoomba Spinners, Weavers and Dyers Group. Enjoy refreshments in the beautiful grounds along with stalls by local artisans. A large plants stall is onsite along with second-hand books. And you can walk the Toowoomba City Labyrinth situated onsite.

SUCCULENTFEST

Sunday,September17,8amto2pm

WHERE: Bunker’s Hill State School, 315

Bunker’s Hill School Rd, Westbrook

WHAT: Succulent Fest is now in its fifth year of providing succulent and plant collectors with a huge variety of succulents, bromeliads, indoor and outdoor plants, garden items, herbs and flowers and hand crafts. 2023 is shaping up to be the largest event yet with 80 stalls. The Bunker’s Hill State School P&C Association looks forward to hosting local and interstate sellers and growers with specialty and hard to find cactuses, succulents and other plants. There will also be a wide array of handicrafts and artisan wares in the indoor venue. Bunnings will be onsite providing hands on activities for Succulent Fest patrons. There is a dining quarter with a variety of coffee, drink and food vendors to keep you

well fed throughout the day. Succulent Fest is an event for the whole family with attractions for young and old and children’s entertainment on site. Kids will be kept occupied with face painting, pony rides and a baby animal farm. With ample free parking, onsite ATM and located ten minutes from Toowoomba, be sure to add Succulent Fest to your list of events. There is a $2 entry fee for all patrons over the age of 15.

PITTSWORTHCRAFTAND FINEFOODSPECTACULAR

Friday,October13,9amto6pm; Saturday,October14,9amto4pm

WHERE: Pittsworth Town Hall precinct

WHAT: The Pittsworth Craft & Fine Food Spectacular is a two-day event held in the Pittsworth Town Hall Precinct annually in October. 48 local and regional exhibitors of craft and fine food showcase their quality hand made products to our very appreciative public, both local and from the regions and beyond. Centenary Park adjacent to the Hall hosts food vans and quality barbecue and foods available from our local butchers and food stores. Plant stalls with plants and garden adornments, and other displays and sales from the Pittsworth Men’s and Women’s Sheds and much more in the Park. On Saturday, local music and singing groups will supply the entertainment during the day. Devonshire teas available both days beside the Hall. Other added attractions are the newly relocated Pittsworth Art Gallery with their members’ Spring Art Exhibition in Short St. The Pittsworth Crafty Quilters will have a quilt display and sales in the School of Arts building around the corner from the Hall. Spring Exhibition Gardens will open for the two days of the event. St Andrew’s Anglican Church will be open to view the magnificent stained glass windows. Visit Penny McKinlay at her nursery in Brigg St and Matt Dolley at the Country Grove Gardens in Helen St. The Business houses of Yandilla St will be open with extended hours on Saturday afternoon.

GRANITE BELT ART AND CRAFT TRAIL OPEN STUDIO EVENT (GBART)

Visit the

GBART is a hands-on meet the maker creative adventure over 3 huge days across 27-28-29 October 2023.

Download a programme and maps from gbart.org.au and design your own creative getaway

In addition to open studios operating during the day, GBART is hosting two concerts at the Showgrounds in the Peter Bonner Centre. Both are BYO Picnic/grazing boards, Drinks available for purchase and Sat 28th is Family friendly. Tickets on Humanitix.

gbart.org.au/secretary@gbart.org.au

https://www.facebook.com/GBARTtrail/ https://www.instagram.com/gbarttrail/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC5inmfHIDdAf552p5mvYkCA/videos

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery

CONTEMPORARY WEARABLES’23

August26–November19

ContemporaryWearablesBiennialJewellery AwardandExhibition is the focus of Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery’s contribution to promoting excellence in contemporary adornment.

The Award was established in 1989, with the aid of the Toowoomba Gallery Society Inc., and is a forum for experimental and innovative contemporary jewellery and object practice.

Acquisitions from the Award have made a significant contribution to building one of Australia’s leading contemporary jewellery collections, housed at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.

This year’s Award was juried by Christian Hall, Cassandra Lehman and Emily McCulloch Childs.

The careful selection by leading industry professionals has resulted in an exhibition showcase of some of Australia’s most prominent and emerging contemporary makers.

All pieces on display are eligible for awards and acquisition for the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery – Toowoomba City Collection.

Award winners have been decided by Chloë Powell, co-founder and director of

2021AcquiredMari HIRATA/Tidal(series of3brooches)2020/ 3brooches:sterling silver,ultra-saturated pigmentpaint,paper, stainlesssteel/leftto right:4.9x2.0x 2.5cm,5.0x4.0x 1.5cm,8.2x1.9x 1.5cm/Toowoomba RegionalArtGallery –ToowoombaCity Collection2392/© MariHirata

Radiant Pavilion and the appointed judge for 2023. Visit the Gallery to see the award winners.

ContemporaryWearablesBiennial JewelleryAwardandExhibition is proudly

IKEBANADISPLAY2023–TOOWOOMBAIKEBANAGROUP

September16-24

Ikebana, the traditional art of Japanese flower arrangement, draws attention to the beauty in nature.

Refined over centuries, it uses materials not considered in Western flower arranging traditions, such as withered leaves, seed pods and branches. The sculptural displays celebrate artforms in nature through the creative use of asymmetry and negative space to emphasise shape, line, and form.

For more than 20 years, Toowoomba Sogetsu School has presented an annual exhibition of their creations at Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.

With a focus on local and native materials, members Netta Obst, Margaret Eiser and Dorothy Herrmann create arrangements that respond to the season and environment, challenging themselves to combine new methods and materials to push the boundaries of the artform.

The Gallery is proud to showcase their work during the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers celebrations.

A free Twilight Tour will be held from 5.30pm on Thursday, September 21. Bookings are essential by calling 131 872. Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 19.

Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery at 531 Ruthven St is open Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 3.30pm.

2021AwardRunner-upKyoko

HASHIMOTO/Coalnecklace2020/ Neckpiece:coal,oxidisedsterlingsilver/ 2x15x20cm/ToowoombaRegionalArt Gallery–ToowoombaCityCollection 2388/©KyokoHashimoto

supported by Toowoomba Regional Council. A free Twilight Tour will be held from 5.30pm on Thursday, October 19. Bookings are essential by calling 131 872. Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 17.

SogetsuSchool Toowoomba

IkebanaGroup/ Ikebana Display2022/ ©Toowoomba IkebanaGroup

One-of-a-kind creations

This family-owned business in the Toowoomba CBD offers traditional First Nations art, writes Savaira Ratukul

Walking into this First Nations owned and operated gift store, you are instantly greeted by vibrantly coloured, inspired designs and traditional, one-of-a-kind creations.

Red Sand Sisters offers handmade traditional Aboriginal weavings, paintings, Indigenous print clothing and accessories.

The Murri Kamillaroi Kooma familyowned and operated business was created by sisters Natasha and Lisa-May Rossington, with products from them as well as their parents and late uncle in the store.

“It’s important for us to be able to share culture and to give a voice to people that came before us that weren’t able to share,” LisaMay says.

“For us, Red Sand Sisters is about having representation – having Indigenous art, Aboriginal art (and) Torres Strait Islander art in a mainstream context.”

“I have a young niece and nephew and I want them to be proud. For other young Indigenous kids, it’s one of those things that hopefully they can see the store and be happy and be proud of their culture as well.”

The name of the store also reflects the importance of representation, and is inspired by the land.

“It was me and my sister’s brainchild,” Lisa-May says.

“We’re from Charleville originally (and) we just thought about the red sands out there, and a lot of people seem to be able to relate to that.”

“It’s kind of universal because it embodies the Australian red sands.”

The opening of Red Sand Sisters in 2022 came after the Indigenous Artisan markets closed.

The event was where the family displayed their handmade creations such as Lisa-May’s sewing of Indigenous prints, accessories, and clothing,

Natasha’s weaving pieces, their late uncle’s art and their parents’ jewellery.

As one door closed, however, another opened for Toowoomba to welcome the new artisanal store, featuring each of the family’s handmade pieces.

These include painted didgeridoos, traditional weaving such as Tidda baskets, hair accessories, First Nations art pieces, carved artefacts, vibrant jewellery, home decor and much more.

Honing their sewing and weaving skills since they were young, Lisa-May says Natasha takes inspiration for her weaving pieces from the colours of Charleville and from her current home on Wadawurrung Country in Geelong.

“She does bright and vibrant colours, and really likes those natural ochres, teals and blues like the waterways and the land,” LisaMay says.

While their scrunchies and woven earrings are customer favourites, Lisa-May says the Tidda baskets are a personal favourite.

“The Tidda basket or sister basket was traditionally for gift giving. They weave it and might find little stones, feathers or

special things along their journeys and put them inside the Tidda basket and gift it to someone.”

“I just love their story, it’s special.”

Taking around two to four hours to weave, Red Sand Sisters offers workshops for creating your very own woven or sewn piece. From a woven basket, earrings or little coasters, to bracelet weaving and art workshops like boomerang and rock painting for the kids, Lisa-May describes the workshops as “very relaxing”.

“You sit around in a circle and just have a yarn,” she says. “It’s a really nice vibe of just calm because it’s just (focusing on) that one task and it’s that repetitive kind of task that’s nice to do –you kind of get lost in it.”

Red Sand Sisters also supports other small, local Indigenous businesses they met at the Indigenous Artisan markets by wholesaling their products. These range from body lotions to soaps from Paperbark Love, jams, salts and vinaigrettes from Native Oz Bushfoods, Yuku-na Glow makeup products and, more recently, educational resources from Riley Callie Resources and Murra Wolka boomerangs and paint kits.

Works,aboveandbelow,byRedSandSisters;belowright,fromleft,MoryaRossington,Lisa-MayRossingtonandNatashaRossington.Pictures:KatefromFoodieShots

puzzles

Jumbo crossword

Across

1. Muscle contraction (5)

4. Irrelevant (6,3,5)

11. Foolish person (5)

14. Slumber (5)

15. Senior in status (4-7)

16. Comfortable seat (8)

19. Encourage (7)

20. Religious building (5)

21. Make neither profit or loss (5,4)

24. Famous person (9)

26. An amusing play or TV programme (6)

27. Heavenly (6)

31. Hawser (5)

32. Keen vision (5,3)

34. Unwritten reminder (6,4)

37. Dine (3)

39. Person who shoes horses (7)

40. Sign up for the military (6)

41. Highest point (6)

42. Alcohol (4)

43. Abandons (7)

46. Leather shorts (10)

51. Male relative (7)

55. Rip (4)

56. Colour/fruit (6)

57. High-pitched cry (6)

58. Slim (7)

60. Hollow, basin (3)

62. Again and again (10)

63. Inertia (8)

64. Prepared (5)

67. Auction participant (6)

68. Comply (6)

69. Endeavoured (9)

74. Polite (9)

75. Steeple (5)

76. Leave port (3,4)

81. Imprisoned (4,4)

82. Rundown (11)

83. Cautious (5)

84. Make amends (5)

85. Previously talked about (14)

86. Small pier (5)

Down

2. Steal (6)

3. Scornful smile (5)

5. Give off (4)

6. Populate (7)

7. Tooth coating (6)

8. Long walk (4)

9. Scenic view (8)

10. Goal (6)

11. Amazing (10)

12. Muslim religious leader (4)

13. Water-powered engine (7)

17. At no time (5)

18. Second-hand clothing (4-

2-4)

22. Reverie (5)

23. Unit of weight (8)

25. Make bigger (7)

26. Fast-moving animal (7)

28. Royal dwelling (6)

29. Invent (6)

30. Run naked (6)

33. Knight’s weapon (5)

35. Encourage, cheer (3,2)

36. Finest (4)

38. Knocks lightly (4)

43. Discourage (5)

44. Sudden panicked rush (8)

45. Sequence (6)

46. With no access to the sea (10)

47. Property document (4)

48. Breathe (7)

49. Relating to the eye (6)

50. Precise (5)

52. Lazily (4)

53. Genuine (7)

54. Meeting plan (6)

59. In each other’s presence (4,2,4)

61. ‘H’ in the NATO phonetic alphabet (5)

65. Fill in temporarily (8)

66. Topmost (5)

67. Coffee maker (7)

70. Cyclone (7)

71. Fleet (6)

72. Run flat

WordFit

Fit the words into the grid to create a finished crossword. We have given one to get you started.

Jumbo solution

Down: 2. Pilfer, 3. Sneer, 5. Emit, 6. Inhabit, 7. Enamel, 8. Hike, 9. Panorama, 10. Target, 11. Incredible, 12. Imam, 13. Turbine, 17. Never, 18. Hand-me-down, 22. Dream, 23. Kilogram, 25. Enlarge, 26. Cheetah, 28. Palace, 29. Devise, 30. Streak, 33. Lance, 35. Egg on, 36. Best, 38. aps,T 43. Deter, 44. Stampede, 45. Series, 46. Landlocked, 47. Deed, 48. Respire, 49. Ocular, 50. Exact, 52. Idly, 53. Sincere, 54. Agenda, 59. Face to face, 61. Hotel, 65. Deputise, 66. Upper, 67. Barista, 70. Tornado, 71. Armada, 72. Sprint, 73. Bisect, 77. Shape, 78. Judo, 79. Cake, 80. Here.

56. Orange, 57. Squeal, 58. Slender, 60. Dip, 62. Repeatedly, 63. Inaction, 64. Ready, 67. ,Bidder 68. Accede, 69. Attempted, 74. Courteous, 75. Spire, 76. Set sail, 81. Shut away, 82. Dilapidated, 83. Cagey, 84. Atone, 85. Aforementioned, 86. Jetty.

41. Apogee, 42. Grog, 43. Deserts, 46. Lederhosen, 51. Kinsman, 55. Tear,

27. Divine, 31. Cable, 32. Eagle eye, 34. Mental note, 37. Eat, 39. Farrier, 40. Enlist,

: 1. Spasm, 4. Beside the point, 11. Idiot, 14. Sleep, 15. High-ranking, 16. Armchair, 19. Hearten, 20. Abbey, 21. Break even, 24. Celebrity, 26. Comedy,

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February19-March20

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SCENE

Brewoomba 2023

Massive crowds gathered at Fitzy’s on Saturday, August 5, for Brewoomba 2023. Hundreds of people enjoyed live music and craft beer at the annual event, which was the largest turnout seen since before the pandemic.

SherryWinning,JuliaWinning,LibbyCoghlanandKristenBurrows.

Pictures:KevinFarmer

Spiros Katopodis, Nicole Katopodis, Donna Jamieson and Ben Stewart.

Lachy Grantham and Kaitlin James.

Ayelen Pisante, Luis Ochica, Camila Campos and Javier Cifaldi.

Robyn and Les Bramble.

Rupert Thompson, Ross Hunter, James Turner and Alice Turner.

Claudia Steel, Meg Ferguson and Molly Ferguson.

events

scene

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards

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Hayley Farry and Rosie Bugg.

Dr Pat Coughlan, Mary Neilan, Katie Hauser, Lousise Pfingst and Vanessa Crouch.

Kimberley Collett and Georgia Ford.

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Sharon Collins and Nicole Booth.

Peter Cuskelly and Kristy Hayes.

Tracey Jacklin and Bishop Ken Howell.

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