Brilliant-Online | Brilliant Men in Business | June 2021 Issue by brilliant-online

ONLINE June 2021 Issue

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BRILLIANT MEN IN BUSINESS VERONICA LIND, CEO A COVID curiosity - more men were setting up their own businesses during the pandemic. That got me digging for numbers. I wanted to see if there were marked differences between a businessman and a business woman. Two things stood out.

Women entrepreneurs are open to asking for help. They see it as a strength. Men, however, are more reluctant. They’d rather get lost than ask for directions. So when Israel Smith started his Well-Being and Emotional Resilience Coach for Men in Business, my first question to him was “How do you get men to open up and come to you in the first place?” Israel’s story of getting help when

he finally recognised “I’m not coping” is a very powerful one. Secondly, men start their own companies in order to “be their own boss”. Women generally do so with the goal of integrating work and family. However, I am seeing more young men placing family and work-life-balance as priorities. Read about Sean Byfield who became his own boss and cleverly leveraged the big muscles of Oxbridge. I have met entrepreneurs who are multipotentialites with many interests and creative pursuits. They found a way to combine all these aspects to present new ideas, products and services to the world, and make a difference.

multipotentialite. Read about his journey in starting BookItDoIt. I was one of those kids who didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be everything and still do! I was thrilled to be introduced to Emilie Wapnick and after listening to her TED Talk about multipotentialites, I’m so proud to just be me! Perhaps that’s one reason why I wanted the Brilliant-Online Magazine to be interactive, making Harry Potter’s Daily Prophet a reality. I have done just about everything in my career, so why not bring in a bit of magic to the digital world? Enjoy Brilliant and write to me at editor@brilliant-online.com

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BRILLIANT FEATURE

SHOOTING TO THE MOON AND BACK

BRILLIANT MEN

SILVER QUINN PRODUCTION CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF YOUR STORY

DESIGNING TG’S CHILD CARE MAGICAL GARDENS

SALES AND RENTAL PARTNER OF OXBRIDGE PROPERTY GROUP

TACKLING TAX WITH A SMILE

A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS HELPING YOU CUSTOMISE YOUR HOME

ALL ABOUT GROWING ROSES BY GREENBOURNE NURSERY

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SHOOTING TO THE MOON AND BACK SUPER BLOOD MOON The humble moon that rises night after night may not call for much attention, but on 26th May 2021, many were gawking at the velvety night sky to catch a glimpse of the Super Blood Moon. Millions around the world went shutter crazy and captured tons of photographs that erupted on social media channels.

WHAT IS THE BLOOD MOON? The Blood Moon is a total lunar eclipse that happens during the perigee phase of the moon (i.e. when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth on its orbit). For those who missed it, do not despair. There are two lunar eclipses this year and the next is set to take place on 19th November 2021. This second eclipse is only a partial eclipse so it would not be as bold or as impressive as the one we had experienced in May. Still, it is worth making a note of this in your Calendar so you can get your cameras ready! The Super Blood Moon (sometimes also known as the Flower Moon) is called “Super” for a reason. According to Professor Fred Watson, Astronomer-inCharge of the Anglo-Australian Observatory (AAO) at Siding Spring near Coonabarabran, the Blood Moon looks around 14% bigger and appears approximately 30% brighter than its micro moon phase. While our eyes are not able to pick up on these numerical differences, it is still quite a mesmerising sight to behold. What is interesting is, the moon has not really ballooned up suddenly. It is actually a state of optical or moon illusion. As it was rising, it looked bigger than it really was.

Australia was one of the best spots (except for Western Australia), along with New Zealand and Hawaii to enjoy this amazing phenomenon. When the Earth cast a shadow across the moon, it took on hues of reddish pink. The total eclipse lasted 13 minutes from 9:11pm to 9:25pm. Some may even have spotted the heart of the Scorpion Antares (‘Rival of Mars’), which is a star that was shining brightly near the moon in eclipse.

SHUTTER HAPPY BUGS The Blood Moon was an opportunity not to be missed by shutterbugs all over, and professional photographers had their gear all ready to capture that special moment. The big plus point of a moon eclipse is, you do not need to don your shades and can stare all you want without searing your eyesight. Whether it was with the quintessential mobile phone or the full photography arsenal, everyone was waiting outside or from their windows for Mother Nature to wow everyone.

One of these professional photographers was Andy Cheung. He is a professional sports photographer specialising in tennis with more than twelve years of experience, and accredited for photographing more than twenty Grand Slam Championships and other tennis events world wide. That night, he put aside his fascination with tennis balls for something just as round but much, much bigger. As they say, aim for the skies and that was what Andy did. It was cold and windy that night at Sydney Harbour Foreshore, but Andy was hardly bothered. He was all prepared to record the stunning astronomical event, and it was well worth the 4-hour wait as he created this amazing composite (not to scale). Andy is also the official photographer for UK Tennis Magazine since 2012, British Tennis Coaching Association, Sydney International Tennis Tournament for Tennis Australia,

Tennis Australia, Hong Kong Tennis Open, and Hong Hong SportSoho Magazine. His photos have been on public exhibition in recent years (2016 - 2020) in Sydney and Melbourne. Born in Hong Kong and trained in the United Kingdom, Andy now resides in Australia with his family. Another shutterbug who was thrilled about the eclipse was Geoffrey Lind, a retiree and volunteer at the Marine Rescue Jacobs Well in Queensland. Geoffrey is a keen amateur photographer, and he proved you do not need to be a super professional to capture a piece of nature’s magic for all eternity. All you need is your own backyard, purchase some fittings to hook up your DSLR camera to a telescope and you are ready to imprint a beautiful Blood Moon onto film. While he did not manage to get the shots he wanted in the moment itself, he persevered and the results were still amazing!

Photo Credit: Andy Cheung, ArcK

Photo Credit: Andy Cheung, ArcK FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTACT ANDY CHEUNG, ARCK PHOTOGRAPHY www.arckphoto.com.au info@arckphoto.com.au www.instagram.com/arckphoto

MORE ECLIPSES TO COME If you missed the last Blood Moon eclipse, fret not. There are more eclipses to come. Take note of this date - 20th April 2023. People in Australia, especially the north of Western Australia, will have the rare chance to witness an unusual eclipse. Professor Watson calls this next eclipse “a hybrid eclipse”, otherwise known as the King of Eclipses where you can still see parts of the sun’s disc around the edge of the moon. Glowing like a ring of fire.

CHASING ECLIPSES It is still a couple of years away, but star-gazers and professional photographers are already prepared for it. Most of the accommodation in the area of Exmouth Cape is fully booked. If you cannot be on land, why not go on water? P&O Cruises has announced plans for a special cruise and partnered with the Astronomical Society of Australia to offer the Ningaloo King of Eclipse Cruise to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travellers, eclipse-hungry enthusiasts and fervent photographers. This 5-night cruise will depart on 17th April 2023, well ahead of time, so it can track into position for its passengers waiting to experience the eclipse on 20th April 2023. There will also be special talks offered by astronomical experts who will be travelling onboard the cruise. Astronomical Society of Australia Vice President John Lattanzio said he was thrilled that P&O Cruises Australia was offering a once-in-a lifetime experience for seasoned or budding umbraphiles - people who love eclipses and often travel to see them. This is going to be one exciting ride for many, and being out on open waters under the immensity of the vast darkness waiting to soak in the mystical occurrence of an eclipse is an experience to savour for the rest of one’s life. This hybrid eclipse is a rare one, and it has not been visible from Australia for almost 1000 years. There were only five total solar eclipses visible from Australia in the last century and it has been almost 50 years since Western Australia experienced one. So, are you an umbraphile, and where would you be on 20th April 2023 when the sun, the moon and the Earth all align during a precious, rare 1 minute 16 seconds?

BOOK THE NINGALOO KING OF THE ECLIPSE WITH WAUCHOPE TRAVEL

Photo Credit: Geoffrey Lind, Amatuer Photographer

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SILVER QUINN PRODUCTIONS CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF YOUR STORY STEVE BRBICH, CONTENT CREATOR

We spoke with Steve Brbich to find out what the world looks like from behind the lens.

of like-minded creatives from the graphics, music and communications industries.

Capturing real moments that convey powerful messages is what Silver Quinn Productions (SQP) does as a creative video and communication collaborator.

THE MAGIC OF MOTION

Located in Port Macquarie on the vibrant Mid North Coast of NSW, Silver Quinn Productions is run by bespoke content creator Steve Brbich. Steve is a Kiwi and technically now-Aussie, having lived on the east coast of Australia for the past 18 years. During his time here, he has built up a professional community

Motion picture has never stopped capturing people’s imagination and it has changed the way people view the world. It is not just about a reel of film and a projector. It is a magic box of a myriad of emotions that can be pulled out when blended with music, voice over, silence or candid conversation.

“There is something so special about capturing a moment that is real and raw. Enabling businesses to create key motion

messages that platform and showcase their unique offering to target audiences, is something that SQP does best”. - Steve Brbich, SQP Silver Quinn Productions has a wide scope, creating content for start up organisations through to large enterprises. Steve’s lens and creativity create a powerful visual, auditory and emotional channel through which businesses can present themselves to the world.

BEHIND THE LENS Things can get really busy beyond the lens. Steve scales the focus of the content based on the business’ intended message.

SILVER QUINN PRODUCTIONS WORKING THEIR MAGIC

Sometimes he may need to animate a logo or graphic. Some businesses may even require subtitles for accessibility. Words can also be polarised to create a specific focus. Let’s not forget there are symbols and sound effects with colour grading that can be applied to the polished piece. The entire process is multidimensional and multi-sensory. It is not enough to just film, yell Take One, Cut and pack up.

ability to cater to different styles and making it relevant to each individual client.

Product, service and event video capture are at the core of what SQP offers to their clients and partners. Having worked with a variety of clients across different industries, Steve can create anything from arranging a final video production for social media to website applications. He is also no stranger to creating television advertisements or showcasing a memorable event. A vital ingredient to SQP’s success is its

SQP has the production equipment to capture footage from the air, underwater, in flight, still and through different seasons and lighting conditions. You can find the team in all sorts of geographical challenges and weather conditions. They are either busy poring over the many angles, testing out the variations of light or finding the right frame. One “simple” video requires hours and hours of pure patience,

WORKING THE TECHNICAL MAGIC It is quite amazing to watch the SQP team at work. If you have a chance to follow them on one of their work days, you will not look at another video in the same way again after.

meticulousness and a dogged commitment to getting the shot and the reel images exactly right. And even after they have achieved all that, it is still not time for a coffee break. Editing is the next step to ensure that the intended message is communicated clearly by a combination of focused and subtle shots seamlessly woven together. This is how SQP uses all the right tools to make any event, business profile or service offering come to life. The medium of video is highly effective in achieving several objectives at one go - targeting audience reach, propelling a brand or pivoting a service offering. Sometimes it could be as simple as sharing a moment in time.

EVOKING EMOTIONS When Steve and his team are at work, they come in as professionals and they also have a relaxed and open approach as they work through the processes. This is a creative endeavour and their blend of professional expertise coupled with creative openness is what makes their work rich with magic moments. Together with the client, Steve and his team are creating a vision and weaving a video solution that has its unique identity, flavour and essence. It pulls out emotions from people watching what they have created.

has been honed over the years to spot exactly what is required to bring across the client’s message, be it to highlight a celebration, capture a moment in time, or propel a business brand. What Steve is doing is creating the essence of a memory. Proust would have wanted Steve to make a video for him and his timeless madeleines.

Consultations are complimentary and tailored service packages can be crafted to suit requirements.

Steve himself is a natural creative and he has an eye for detail that

CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS

TO VIEW A SELECTION OF SQP CONTENT OR TO ENQUIRE ABOUT A CREATIVE SOLUTION, PLEASE CHECKOUT: www.silverquinnproductions.com 0423 515 051 @silverquinnproductions @silverquinnproductions

DESIGNING TG’S CHILD CARE MAGICAL GARDENS TREVOR KEE, THE CREATIVE DESIGNER

TG’s Child Care is wellknown for their high quality early childhood practices, community engagements and for their philosophy of Playing is Learning for Life. They are trusted by families for the stewardship of their children’s future and are loved in all their communities across Australia. Being famous for gardens may not be what most people associate with an early childhood centre but that is exactly what TG’s is. In every single one of their six centres, there is a lush garden ripe with life where the children can live, learn and play. When people think of TG’s, their amazing awardwinning gardens immediately come to mind. These gardens have been carefully designed to be exciting and dynamic places for children. They can explore and develop in a way that challenges and supports fine and gross motor skills. This is where the children build their curiosity, social and emotional intelligence and engage in active and passive play. The gardens cater to their varying moods and needs and there is something for each child who comes with their own unique experiences and interests. So who created these amazing gardens that so clearly fosters the philosophy of Playing is Learning for Life?

THE CREATIVE DESIGNER The person behind these gardens is Trevor Kee. He is a qualified landscape designer and he is the creator who has made these gardens a reality. The gardens were born out of his wish for

everyone on the planet to plant one seedling a day. That is all it takes for life to generate and grow. TG’s outdoor learning environment is like a Universe in Miniature and it is where they foster values, attitudes, skills and behaviour that support sustainable development. What TG’s children learn in TG’s gardens goes beyond just giving back to the gardens there. By nurturing care and respect in TG’s gardens,

the children extend that to their greater environment outside of TG’s, and by building this awareness and cultivating love and joy in caring for life here today, the children are creating a better environment for tomorrow and the future. Here, TG’s children are supported to become environmentally responsible. Trevor goes right down to the details in his gardens. Designing gardens for children takes a special mind. Trevor understands

what children need and enjoy, what is necessary to make them feel secure for them to engage in, and he is also very mindful about the material used and making sure it is in keeping with TG’s sustainability values and commitment to supporting local economies in each community. Every single pathway, bridge and transition area is created with natural materials and local resources. Nothing is haphazard or random. Children know when a place has been created with so much thought and care.

“TG’s gardens are critical to creating a sense of belonging. A strong sense of belonging helps give children the confidence and security to explore their world, build relationships and a sense of identity, well-being and the ability to learn. Belonging, being and becoming (EYLF) learning outcomes are all embedded in TG’s gardens where children play all supporting building relationships and creating a sense of belonging. This is where they thrive with confidence and joy every day.” GIVING BACK TG’s gardens are infused with so much love, respect and joy. They are grown from the philosophy of Giving Back. Trevor is giving his expertise and skills to create magical playscapes for TG’s children. That has given TG’s children natural spaces to explore, get curious and learn about their environment. The children receive so much joy from being in the gardens and they in turn give back to the vegetable gardens by caring for the plants there which become delicious food for their lunch. This expands beyond TG’s gardens as the children are also learning how to care for natural spaces in their communities. There are endless cycles of Giving Back that happen in TG’s gardens! Thanks to Trevor, his creations have been self-generating endless cycles of giving and receiving.

This is what eco-intelligence looks like. The children learn to care for their environment in these very gardens. They learn what plants need to grow healthy and strong. They learn about the little insects that make their homes there and the part they play in this environment. The children observe the living things that inhabit these gardens and grow to love them and appreciate them. When these plants are well taken care of, they give back the love and care received from the children in the form of delicious and healthy fruits and vegetables on their plates. Appreciation for food is another beautiful consequence of Trevor’s garden creations. What makes TG’s stand out is how children are heard and respected as individuals in their own right. They are capable and competent problem-solvers, conflict resolvers, inventors, artists, designers, construction workers, welfare workers and future architects, politicians and leaders of the world. They are encouraged and supported to form meaningful connections with their world through belonging, being and becoming. They are entrusted

with the care and maintenance of the gardens and the harvesting of the fruits and vegetables. They are proud of the work they do in the gardens and are eager to share the knowledge and expertise gleaned from TG’s gardens with their families. Every single pair of hands counts in TG’s gardens. They learn that they can make a difference, and that things grow well when treated with love, kindness and respect. TG’s children give with joy, and the gardens give back with a bountiful harvest, which the children enjoy at lunch time!

EVERY BIT COUNTS TG’s business model is one of sustainability and it is a vital element at TG’s. Nothing is random. They look at how they impact the environment, social aspects and economy of their locations. That is why TG’s is so well-loved and recognised in each of their communities. There is a sense of nourishment when a new TG’s grows in each community. TG’s appreciates their communities as a valuable source of sustainable business and economic support.

At TG’s, the children grow their own corn and it is a rewarding experience for the children to observe how a little seedling can grow tall and strong and give them delicious golden corn at the end. Understanding this process helps the children to appreciate the work so many people do before food ends up on our plates. From the farmers who grow the crops to the people who deliver the food to cities, every bit of effort adds up. When TG’s Urangan opened early this year, even the refurbishment process was done with respect for the environment. TG’s had golden palms which they relocated with care to their new home and now they are thriving. Even the plants are part of the TG’s Family. Nothing is ever laid to waste. Relocating the golden palms meant more work, but taking care of every single living element at TG’s is so embedded in their culture that it was a natural process to ensure the golden palms did not get left behind. TG’s got the help of local trades in Urangan to move the golden palms and it became a beautiful way to engage with the local Urangan community and also feel good about taking care of TG’s greenery. As all the children and educators know at TG’s, every situation is a gift - it is an opportunity to grow and shine.

GROWING IT FORWARD Trevor started with one TG’s garden and now it has blossomed into six centres and set to keep growing. His wish for everyone to plant a seedling and help the environment grow lush and green is really happening right at TG’s doorsteps. Everyone benefits from giving back. The children benefit from these beautiful gardens as it is an area where they can safely play, engage with nature, explore imaginary adventures or just spend time belonging, being, becoming with their TG’s Family. Ultimately, TG’s children are the future leaders of our planet. Sustainability is in their powerful little hands. They are entrusted with the care of creating a happy beautiful environment for themselves and future generations. As for Trevor, he never stops and continues to be busy establishing new playgrounds, renovating new environments and upgrading both indoor and outdoor spaces at TG’s. Nature does not stop and neither does Trevor! Thank you Trevor, for planting the first seedling at TG’s. Now every single child at TG’s has been gifted with their own unique magic wand to make things grow, now and into the future!

Trevor, Trevor, landscape designer, How does your garden grow? With joy and respect, love and kindness And little hands helping plants grow!

Playing is Learning for Life At TG’s Child Care Magical Gardens Armidale

Wauchope Hastings St

+61 (02) 6772 7810

+61 (02) 6585 1033

armidale@tgschildcare.com.au

hastingsstreet@tgschildcare.com.au

tgschildcare.com.au/armidale

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-hastings-st

Wauchope High St

Uralla +61 (02) 6778 3369

+61 (02) 6585 3331

uralla@tgschildcare.com.au

highstreet@tgschildcare.com.au

tgschildcare.com.au/uralla

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-high-st

Wauchope Riverbreeze

Urangan +61 (07) 4184 2282

+61 (02) 6585 2981

urangan@tgschildcare.com.au

riverbreeze@tgschildcare.com.au

tgschildcare.com.au/urangan

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-riverbreeze

Early Learning Centres across Australia For children 6 weeks to 6 years ENROLL AT TG’S CHILD CARE

SALES AND RENTAL PARTNER OF OXBRIDGE PROPERTY GROUP PORT MACQUARIE SEAN BYFIELD, REAL ESTATE AGENT

Meet Sean Byfield, new to Oxbridge Property Group but certainly not new to real estate. With 9 years experience as a real estate agent Sean is passionate about understanding, and delivering premium results for his clients.

“As soon as we met Sean, we felt the sale of our house was in the best hands”. - Mat and Sophie Ackland. Sean is definitely passionate about understanding clients’ needs and achieving premium results for them. He is driven to ensure the sale or purchase of your home is a seamless experience with his focus on the client and the best possible outcome for those involved. Joining the Oxbridge Property Group network was the next logical step for Sean allowing him to run his own co-branded Licensed Real Estate Agency, whilst having the support and infrastructure required to work in a successful business. I have always had a burning desire to have my own business where I could deliver my high expectations in serving my clients well and leaving them with a feel good experience as they move on to the next chapter of their lives. Oxbridge, this is the next best thing. For me, I’m not looking to be a number one agent in the area, my ego is just not that big, however, I aim each and every time to be number one for every client that I serve. That’s what gets me out of bed every morning with great enthusiasm to help change someone’s life for the better and do everything in my absolute power to make their experience one, of positivity and one, they will never forget.

Oxbridge specialises in Residential Sales, Property Management, Holiday Letting, Development & Finance, and more. This company aligns with Sean’s passion guiding his client through the buying and selling cycle. Oxbridge Property Group is a global property network with about 500 real estate agents in Australia, and growing. “The sheer volume of our network, locally and globally, with a centralised database can offer more opportunities in the buyer market.”, says Sean about joining Oxbridge Property Group to achieve a win-win approach. Having 9 solid years in the industry behind him, has given Sean the insight to tried and tested strategies to grow the Oxbridge brand and build a solid foundation in the Port MacquarieHastings region. Sean comes to you. Like any modern business nowadays, there is no need for a physical office.

them a comfortable environment to engage in the sales process. With our “new way of life”, COVID-19 has certainly shifted us in doing this differently. When you meet Sean you will find him down-to-earth and sense his desire to help you. A responsible family man, Sean spends most of his free time with his wife and three daughters. He is a St George Illawarra Dragons supporter, (but don’t hold that against him), and like most Aussie guys, Sean enjoys the occasional hit of golf, and playing basketball. Besides watching NBA and NFL, Sean enjoys working on his fitness, collecting and listening to vinyl records. Contact Sean Byfield to buy or sell your property in Port MacquarieHastings.

LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT FOR MID-NORTH COAST, NSW, AUSTRALIA sean@oxbridge.com.au

I have always met with my client at the property or in a cafe. Giving

0438 061 979

TACKLING TAX WITH A SMILE JOHN CLARKE, SUCCESS TAX PROFESSIONALS

COVID-19 may have unquestionably ushered in widespread uncertainty in many aspects of our daily lives but, as the old adage is always keen to remind us, one of two constants still remains: taxes.

Navigating the federal tax landscape in Australia can certainly be a precarious process. Many small businesses find themselves overwhelmed by the confusing and overly complicated conditions their tax obligations present and rarely does the taxman or woman find themselves at the top of

people’s Christmas card lists. Thankfully, there are accountants out there that are fully equipped and more than ready to help by offering invaluable expertise and guidance. One such accounting firm is Success Tax Professionals (STPTAX), a network of over 95 independently owned accounting practices servicing over 50,000 accounting and tax clients each year. Established in Port Macquarie by John Clarke in June 2020, STPTAX is a unique franchise group where its members work together to

provide local services businesses, individuals, retirees and investors which are underpinned with national backup. It currently has a presence in six states across the country and members benefit from on-going branding, marketing, training, systems, services, and quality controls support. Maximising a client’s tax situation and actually striving to generate financial growth are the objectives that define John’s and STPTAX’s approach. His practice offers a holistic range of services to clients encompassing accounting, tax, tax planning and advice on asset protection and risk management.

A PEOPLE PERSON With a 30-year career in accountancy and around 20 years involved in tax specific affairs, John and his family moved from Dubbo to Port Macquarie in 2008. “Having been now based in Port Macquarie for 13 years I know the district, I know the people, I know the kind of industries that are involved locally,” John said. He places a huge emphasis on the community and fostering solid, sustainable relationships and networks, something his affable personality lends itself to favourably.

“I really enjoy dealing with people, helping them and their businesses to get a better understanding of how they can improve their profits and their cash flow. And also, helping individuals get the most tax back that they can legally.” IT’S GOOD TO TALK It will come as no great surprise

that the emphasis John places on the importance of good and clear communication is imperative. “I genuinely regard it as one of my major differentiators,” he commented.

“Communicating effectively is so important. I have welcomed a number of new clients in the past 12 months whose previous accountant was technically providing a very sound service but they were not communicating and keeping them abreast of key developments.” One such major development unravelling in the past 15 months has, of course, been COVID-19. “I discovered a number of clients who had not been given any form of advice in relation to what they may have been eligible to under the government’s COVID stimulus package incentive scheme,” said John. “I’m not saying change [your existing accountant]. But, if you

want to learn a bit more about what I can do or seek a second opinion then I welcome people to pop by for a coffee and a chat.

“I want your business to succeed,” John says. “I want it to generate the profits you need for your dreams - whether it’s a house, holidays, or time with your family.” Ultimately, tax obligations may well be an inevitable and unavoidable fact of life but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be a burden or unpleasant ordeal. With personable experts like John Clarke and the STPTAX network you’re in safe hands and may even come to enjoy the whole process! SEND US YOUR TAX OR ACCOUNTING QUESTION?

www.stptax.com/practice/port-macquarie john.clarke@stptax.com 0481 039 851 6/114 William Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia

A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS HELPING YOU CUSTOMISE YOUR HOME NEWTON SHUTTERS, BLINDS AND AWNINGS

The past 12 months or so has seen more and more people spending an increasing amount of time at home as safety measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic have curtailed certain activities we traditionally have taken for granted.

Somewhat inevitably, people have taken a greater interest in the aesthetics of their household and decided it was perhaps time for an upgrade in certain areas: maybe a fresh lick of paint in the spare bedroom, a refresh in the kitchen or bathroom, or time for some new curtains or blinds to brighten up the place. Consequently, 2020 saw a huge demand across all home improvement sectors as people looked to enhance their

households and create a more comfortable and customised environment to live in. Newton Shutters, Blinds and Awnings is one local business that has been a beneficiary of this increased interest in home improvement as the demand for high quality blinds has skyrocketed. “The support from our previous and regular customers during this past year has been overwhelming,” says Robert Newton, owner of the Port Macquarie-based business which he runs with his wife Melinda.

operated, the business has been providing an outstanding service to satisfied customers across New South Wales across the blinds industry since 2006. Their industry expertise and attention to detail has meant they are respected leaders in the art of providing custom-crafted shutters, blinds and awnings to enhance the overall aesthetic of a customer’s home.

FAMILY RUN

As their website states, “we can provide guidance, samples, and suggestions, all with the goal of helping find the perfect lighting and design for your home decor. Whether your home is more traditional, modern, or contemporary, we offer a range of colours, designs, styles, and materials.”

Proudly family-owned and

The husband-wife dynamic of

“Additionally, we have managed to establish relationships with so many fantastic new customers which is something we are delighted about,” he added.

Robert and Melinda has worked exceptionally well in helping establish the business as the go-to provider locally and regionally. “We work really well together,” says Robert.

“I am out on the road providing quotes to customers pretty much every day while Melinda is in the office planning calendars, quoting, helping customers with fabrics and house plans and then running the kids all around the countryside – although our eldest daughter recently got her licence, so the driving obligations have eased off for now,” he quips. “There have been challenges at times for sure but overall we work so well together which makes it a whole lot easier for the both of us.”

PERSONAL TOUCH Responding to the increased demand for their services as the home improvement sector continued to blossom, the business increased its workforce to finish 2020 with three fulltime installers – Bill, Craig and Marcus.

That personal touch that is such a success with customers extends to all aspects of service that Robert, Melinda and the team provide. “For now, we are still based in Beechwood and we are always very pleased to welcome customers to see us there by appointment,” says Robert.

This provides a dual-plus for Robert as not only does it mean the business is on an upwards trajectory but having full time employees provides a distinct advantage to customers.

“We have most items on display within our home so you can get a real feel for how our products will look and function in your home. Otherwise I come to you “Having employees rather than and measure up and bring contractors is such a benefit to us all the samples along which in that we know how much care goes into each job,” commented means we can match Robert. fabrics and colours to your décor and not have to take “Bill, Craig and Marcus are great at up more of your time with their jobs and take great pride in a second meeting.” their work. The positive comments we receive weekly from customers about the three of them is such a testament to the effort they put in every day.”

It is the small things like this and an acute attention to detail and service that go a long way.

‘BACK IN FASHION’ When asked to elaborate on their offerings and highlight some of the more popular trends of late, Robert is quick to respond. “We were excited last year to add curtains and verishades to our range. As many people are aware, curtains are absolutely back in fashion and we are pleased to be able to now provide them to our customers. “We specialise in outdoor awnings as well which can help create extra space with privacy whilst maintaining suitable airflow – ZIPTRAKS are the number one outdoor item at the moment as well as Aluminium Shutters – all of which are Australian Made when you buy from us. “Another growing trend is internal aluminium shutters, as an alternative to Timber or PVC. These are a sleek finish and the longevity will outdo any other shutter option on the market and the maintenance is just so easy. Also being Australian made we can deliver these in half the time of any imported option.” In addition, the company also offer roller blinds, verticals, venetians, roman blinds, all types of shutters and all styles of outdoor awnings including fabric, aluminium hood style and retractable roof style: “motorisation is almost always an option and well worth discussing,” adds Robert. Newton Shutters, Blinds and Awnings clearly have all bases covered and support their extensive range of products and solutions with a best in class approach to customer service, something the numerous examples of glowing feedback from satisfied customers is testimony to.

The final words go to Robert himself: “Whether you’re thinking of renovating or building from scratch, whether looking for internal or external solutions, we have everything you need. We support this with a wealth of knowledge and experience, outstanding service and tradesmen who know what they’re doing and care about the job they do. If I haven’t done so already, I look forward to meeting you soon.” BOOK AN OBLIGATION FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE

0419 277 651

@newtonshuttersblindsandawnings

newtonblinds.com.au

@newtonshuttersandblinds

sales@newtonblinds.com.au 25 Morilla Place, Beechwood, NSW 2446, Australia

ALL ABOUT GROWING ROSES BY GREENBOURNE NURSERY DANIEL ‘CHOOK’ FOWLER

We spoke with Daniel ‘Chook’ Fowler, a happy employee of Greenbourne Nursery and rose producer about growing roses during this cold season. Pay attention to the process! Greenbourne Nursery is a special place where green fingers are hard at work every single day, pushing seeds into soft soil, checking on leaves, trimming a plant’s green tresses or splicing bits of branches. A lot of work is involved in the process of seed to fully grown plant. For a plant’s beauty to emerge, much attention and care are needed consistently. Kristin and Paul Glessing are two young dynamic owners of this family and locally owned nursery in Wauchope, NSW. They are wild about all things green and strongly committed to their community.

Having supplied greenery in the community for over 47 years, Greenbourne Nursery has built up a rich local tradition and continues to grow in size and reputation every year. Greenbourne Nursery is on the main road opposite the iconic Timbertown. It is warmly supported by many in the community and locals know this is the place to go if they want some plants to brighten up their gardens and living spaces. Daniel ‘Chook’ Fowler is a happy employee of Greenbourne Nursery who has been in the industry for 20 years. He worked with a leading citrus and rose producer in Dural, NSW. He then had an interesting career producing native regeneration species that were custom grown for major works companies. If you are a big fan of roses, Chook is the man you go to

for knowledge and advice about this beautiful plant.

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME … The rose goes beyond being the quintessential flower for Valentine’s Day. When you next come across a rose bush, take a close look at it and see it beyond its label as a love ambassador. It is quite a remarkable plant and flower, and intensely beautiful, especially after you have listened to Chook talk about roses. His enthusiasm and deep love for this plant will help you look at the rose bush in a completely different way. The cold season is the season of the rose. Chook is familiar with cold mornings in the mud, numb fingertips and boots full of potting mix. This is the season of the bare rooted rose. It is at this time that the rose can be transported around, free of earth, ready for potting. Interestingly enough, the rose is a very regular and reliable plant. Its seasonal

regularity is highly comforting for Chook. Roses do not bring him nasty surprises, only cold wet hands, muddy clothes and the joy of seeing beds of potted gold. The bare rooted rose requires many skilled processes as well as endless hours of care and attention. Chook takes us through the long process of creating a rose bush. It requires dedication, patience and hard work.

TWO IN ONE

What many may not know is that high quality rose plants are created from two parts - a rootstock and a scion. The rootstock is the base part of the plant that provides a strong root system and the scion is the variety of rose that is to be grafted to the rootstock. Think of it as glueing two pieces of plant material together to form one.

moist in their new environment to stop them drying out while callusing up. Chook does not need to use rooting hormone because rose rootstock is an eager bugger and is very quick and reliable to propagate from cutting!

Here is where the magic of Nature happens. Over the next few weeks, the root system starts to develop on the cutting. While the roots are busy growing and pushing their way through the soil seeking out space and delicious nutrients for the plant, the warm season also helps to encourage the buds on the top of the cutting to shoot away. It is important to provide a generous amount of fertiliser during this time and keep the water levels regular. All this will help get the sap circulating through the plant. Now you have a small plant coming into creation. And this is the birth of the rose rootstock. It will soon be ready for grafting.

READY FOR GRAFTING

ROOTSTOCK TAKES THE STAGE The first step of the process is the creation of the rootstock. While there are various varieties of rose rootstock, they are all basically produced the same way. Rose propagating nurseries grow in the ground these rose rootstock ‘parent’ plants. You can see endless rows of varieties such as the Rosa multiflora. They freely grow long canes that can be used to produce the rootstock with. Chook prunes a generous cutting from the parent plant and strips it of all its leaves while being careful to retain the polarity of the cutting. He then de-eyes most of the cutting. What this means is he uses a sharp knife to remove the small buds from the cutting, leaving only two or three at the top end.

There is a reason why the lower buds are removed. This is to stop the plant from producing shoots that pop up through the soil or from low down on the plant. It is better to leave only the top buds because they will then produce shoots and you get a good head of foliage that will continue to allow the cutting to grow and circulate the sap that will be important for the grafting process.

READY FOR PROPAGATION When Chook has the cutting prepared, he gets ready for propagation. He puts the cuttings into a media with the correct polarity (this means south end into the ground). This allows the cuttings to callus and then form a root system. It is important to keep them

When the sap is circulating well, the bark can be removed quite easily to reveal the layer beneath. This layer is called the cambium. It is important as it is the part of the plant that makes the grafting possible. Two cambium sections from two different Rosa species can now be joined together. The most common method used to cut and graft roses is the T-graft. The T refers to the shape of the cut. Chooks uses a sharp knife to make an incision into the bark. He cuts directly up the stem for approximately 20mm. He then makes another cut directly above and perpendicular to this cut. Now he has made a ‘T’ shaped incision into the bark of the plant. Now Chook gets the scion.

WHAT IS A SCION? The what? The scion. If you got this word in a Charades game you’d be hard pressed to express it, but you would probably impress people if you can use this word in Scrabble.

Scion is the vegetative piece of material that is attached to the rootstock. You can use an ornamental rose variety or a classic variety such as Mr Lincoln. Mr Lincoln has a majestic red colour, a sweet perfume and is highly popular. The scion piece taken from the Mr Lincoln needs to match the cut that has been made in the rootstock. This means filling the T-shaped cut made earlier. With a sharp knife, Chook removes one bud from a Mr Lincoln branch. The process is very similar to the de-eying stage done on the rootstock except this time Chook does not discard the bud. The bud is carefully shaved off the Mr Lincoln branch. Then (again, keeping the polarity right) the cut bud is slid into the ‘T’ cut on the rootstock. So now, two of the Rosa species are in union. You may have seen some tape that is put around the stem - this is grafting tape and it is used to create a tight bond to hold the two parts in place. It helps to reduce moisture and disease entering the grafted area.

A BEAUTIFUL UNION Over the next few weeks, the scion will imbed itself to the

rootstock and the tape can be removed. At about the same time the foliage from the rootstock plant can be pruned off, and the Mr Lincoln bud is now free to shoot away and become the dominant part of the plant. And this is where the two parts of separate plants have officially fused into one.

bush in a garden, literally stop and smell the roses. And inhale all the tireless loving care that has been infused into the plant, and what a miracle it is and the number of hands that have looked after it to get it there so you can enjoy it.

“It’s the time that you spent on your rose that makes your rose so What comes next is pruning and important…People have taking care of the plant for the forgotten this truth, but rest of the warm season. When you mustn’t forget it. You winter comes round again, Chook become responsible forever removes the plants from the for what you’ve tamed. ground, washes their roots of excess soil and then bundles them You’re responsible for your together by variety. These are then rose.” – Antoine de Saintcarefully packed into boxes and Exupéry sent straight to nurseries all over the country.

At Greenbourne Nursery, when the team receives these roses, they work through the day potting them into various pot sizes. A bit of a root prune is done as well, and then a good dose of water and they are then placed on the weed mat ready to be sold. As you can see by now, the rose plant you are holding in your hands is not the product of a randomly thrown seed in the ground. Creating a rose is like an art, and requires technical skills and knowhow, and certainly a lot of time, attention and care.

SHOP INDOOR PRODUCTS

SHOP OUTDOOR PRODUCTS

SHOP POTS AND WATER FEATURES

CONTACT GREENBOURNE NURSERY, WAUCHOPE PLANTS & LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING NEEDS: +612 6585 2117 www.greenbournenurserywauchope.com.au greenbourne.nursery@midcoast.com.au www.facebook.com/midcoast.com.au

When you next walk past a rose

239 High St, Wauchope NSW 2446

BRILLIANT INVESTMENTS

GALILEO MINING LIMITED SHARES METHODICAL APPROACH TO THE SEARCH FOR NICKEL AND PALLADIUM WITH BRAD UNDERWOOD, CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GALILEO MINING LIMITED (ASX:GAL) The search for Nickel Sulphides in the world of geoscientists is akin to the search for the Holy Grail. It would benefit investors to understand what is required to make a discovery in mineral exploration. Brad Underwood, Chairman and Managing Director of Galileo Mining Limited (ASX:GAL) often visits Noel Ong, CEO of Samso to share some insights. The last time they spoke was almost two months ago and today Mr. Underwood brings in fresh perspectives on the mineral exploration industry. In Coffee with Samso Episode 87, they chat about what it takes, step-by-step, in the company’s

methodical exploration for nickel sulphide. We also hear about the different types of surveys (magnetic, electromagnetic, geophysical) as well as the thinking and science behind the new Palladium target in Norseman. Today’s conversation is chockful of information and insights. We have got our notepads ready for juicy nuggets. What gets Noel Ong sitting up when he looks at the variety of companies out there is the quality of their management. And for him, Galileo Mining Limited has got quality management which will keep them steady and going through the good and bad.

CONTACT galileomining.com.au info@galileomining.com.au +61 8 9463 0063 13 Colin St, West Perth, WA 6005

TNT MINES ON ADDING VALUE BY DRILLING THE EUREKA GOLD MINE MATT BOYES, CEO OF TNT MINES LIMITED (ASX:TIN) TALKS ABOUT DRILLING AN OLD HISTORICAL GOLD MINE. Mineral exploration is a marathon and takes time. Good things are well worth the wait, and the Eureka Gold Mine project could have interesting resources in the future. Matt Boyes, CEO of TNT Mines Limited (ASX:TIN) chats with Noel Ong, CEO of Samso about the company’s project of drilling an old historical gold mine that was last operated in the 1990s. With gold prices being of interest now, this could be something to keep an eye out for. TNT Mines Limited has been putting money into the ground and it is important to remember that exploration is a process that cannot be rushed. The value adding process is slow.

Mr. Boyes breaks down what mineral exploration is all about and how the company’s exploration is adding value for shareholders. Add value to your day with Mr. Boyes on Coffee With Samso Episode 86.

• Plans & Management of the company • Positive implications of a rising gold price for Eureka READ MORE

EXPLORE WITH MATT BOYES: • All about TNT Mines • Upside for Eureka Gold Mine • Market sentiment now and in the 1990s • Easier decisions when there is more money • A more responsive market? • All about the Warriedar Gold Project

CONTACT tntmines.com.au f rontdesk@tntmines.com.au +61 8 6319 1900 1202 Hay St, West Perth 6005, Perth, WA

KNOWING THE BEST PLACES TO EXPLORE FOR METALS INVESTORS MAY BE CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT MINERALISATION MEANS FOR THEIR INVESTMENTS AND PROJECTS. THIS IS THE PLACE TO GET DEEP INTO THE ANSWERS. Being in the mineral resource industry is a never-ending learning process. One has to be hungry for it to become an expert. When you have enough years under your belt, you learn to focus on what is really important when a new project springs up, and not lose sight of your objective or get swayed by distractions. Noel Ong, CEO of Samso has been in the mineral resource industry for the last thirty years. Even with his depth of experience and expertise, his curiosity has not waned and he continues to be eager to speak with thought leaders across the industries. Samso Insights is an area where he shares his research findings with investors. A recent fresh angle is how Noel’s research so far has brought great insight to a potential that is lying quietly in the United States. There are stories in the United States that Noel knows of, but has not paid much attention to. Until now. And these stories are turning out to be very intriguing. During the preparation for the following two Coffee with Samso talks, Noel learnt a lot about the North American continent and how it is actually filled with giant, compelling projects. 1. Riedel Resources Limited (ASX: RIE) - The Kingman Gold and Silver Project - Riedel Resources Limited (ASX:RIE)

2. New World Resources Limited (ASX: NWC) A VMS Story - The Antler High-Grade Copper Project - New World Resources Limited (ASX:NWC). The thing is, there are many opportunities in the United States that are available to small companies and even individuals. So when Noel came across these two projects mentioned above, his interest got piqued and he was hooked. Image Reference: Sillitoe, R.H. 2010 Porphyry Copper Systems - Economic Geology V105, pp 3-41 Today’s Samso Insights has Noel mining deep into the stories that lie in the United States and looking at the mineralised zones where the action is. Subduction zones of the world are the best places to find mineralisation. Noel also talks about the Mineralised Zones and the places to find the action. • La Caridad Mineral Park Belt, • Moss Mine, • Copperstone Mine and • Mineral Park.

LEARN MORE

samso.com.au noel.ong@samso.com.au

VENTURE MINERALS ON THE WORLD OF RISING TIN PRICES AND WORLD DEMAND UNRAVEL THE TIN STORY TODAY WITH ANDREW RADONJIC, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF VENTURE MINERALS LIMITED (ASX:VMS) Tin is at ~US$32,000/t, near recent record highs and has increased by ~140% since early 2016. It is now trading at more than 3 times the price of copper currently at ~US$10,000/t.

The recent rise in tin has also, interestingly enough, brought along the ESG factor - Environmental, Social and Governance as well as the EV revolution.

Noel Ong, CEO of Samso, has been a strong advocate for the quality of Venture Minerals Limited’s projects. He has been covering the company since October 2020 and today, Andrew Radonjic, Managing Director of the company joins Noel to share some exciting news.

There is a fascinating story about tin today, and lots of insights. Noel and Mr. Radonjic go deep into what makes a tin project work and venture behind the real story of the tin supply issue.

The company has a dark horse that is worth taking note of - the Mount Lindsay Tin-Tungsten project in Tasmania, Australia. This project has had its ups and downs and there is much to take note of as Mr. Radonjic talks about this project and its geology.

Get your optimism rising today with Samso Rooster Talk Episode 41.

VENTURE WITH ANDREW RADONJIC: • Rising tin prices • Dwindling supply-demand equation

• Mount Lindsay Tin-Tungsten project • What makes a tin project work

CONTACT ventureminerals.com.au admin@ventureminerals.com.au +61 (08) 6279 9428 Suite 3, Level 3, 24 Outram Street, West Perth, Western Australia 6005

CHECK OUT THESE INVESTMENT STORIES AND MORE ON OUR NEW INVESTMENT COLUMN

BRILLIANT HEALTH Cat-fie with Camellia Gani, her cat Simba, Madam Salama Binte Wanitam and Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr.Lee Photo Credit: PM Lee Hsien Loong’s Facebook

LOVE THAT HEALS YOU HAVE PROBABLY HEARD IT SAID THAT THE BEST THERAPIST IS ONE WITH FUR AND FOUR LEGS. Many of our feline and canine friends have been hard at work (or play) in nursing homes or special needs organisations, bringing connections to residents, creating a gentle and safe environment for them to open up and engage with people. These cats and dogs have been specially selected and people are seeing how they work their magic by their mere presence in the room. Love Kuching Project and Healing Paws are just two of such organisations in Singapore whose cats and dogs are bringing joy and comfort to many who need it. There is nothing more comforting than the healing sound of a purr or a pat from a little paw. Back in 2018, a blind cat with the neurological condition Cerebellar Hyperplasia (CH) named Donny made news for helping his “grandmother” on her journey to be cancer-free. He visited his granny almost daily while she was in hospital undergoing radiation treatments. According to his “mom”, Susan Smith, Donny would sit for hours on the hospital bed to keep Susan’s mom who was then 88 years old, company. Susan, who is based in the United States, adopted the blind CH kitty rescued by the North Shore Animal League. His name then was Leonardo with the nickname Nachos, but Susan brought him home and named him Donavan (Donny for short). Volunteering alongside Susan, the sweet natured Donny became a certified therapy cat at local nursing homes and Alzheimer’s facilities where he patiently comforted residents and patients by sitting on their laps and listening to their chatter.

SHARING HAPPINESS AND LOVE WITH CATS Donny is just one of the many rescues doing their part to give back to society around the world. In Singapore, a small animal welfare group, Love Kuching Project, has been engaging in cat-assisted therapy for residents of nursing homes or students at special needs schools since 2014.

“We have cat and human volunteers at the therapy sessions, the humans to start the conversations with the seniors in the nursing homes while the cat does what it does best – sit, chill and purr – on the seniors’ laps,” says Camellia Gani, Outreach Manager with Love Kuching Project.

“The cats are, well, a communication tool to open dialogues with the elderly residents who may not be feeling great about themselves.” Through these therapy sessions, Camellia and her fellow volunteers who are all owners of sweet and easy-going natured cats, sit and chat with the residents of the nursing homes for an hour or two. As nursing homes in Singapore do not allow residents to keep pets, the volunteers from Love Kuching Project discuss and work out suitable arrangements for residents and the cats to interact safely and comfortably.

“A lot of the residents tend to be quiet, reserved and even avoid eye contact 33

with the human volunteers, but when they spot a cat in the room, their eyes start to smile!” Says Camellia. “When we see that, we will introduce the cat to the elderly resident and get them to answer our questions. Soon, they will warm up and open to talk more about themselves and their lives back home (before living in the nursing home).” “The best thing is that after a few months of regular cat therapy, we’re happy that the residents remember us and our cats and ask about us. Makes us feel like we’re part of their lives now.”

Rachelle, Yvette with their dog, Vera

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, Love Kuching Project has had to suspend most of its cat therapy services. It resumed briefly in limited nursing homes under strict conditions such as shorter hours, and smaller group of volunteers and residents. “COVID-19 has been challenging for us and our elderly patients. We hope that the situation improves and we can go back to sharing happiness and love with the elderly patients soon!” Says Camellia.

SPARKING JOY

Rachelle Tok and her mom, Yvette Quek, had adopted a stray named Vera, and were at a dog park one afternoon when a lady went up to them to say, “Hey, your dog seems really suitable for Healing Paws programme.” It turned out that Healing Paws is an animal-assisted activities (AAA) service by Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD), a dog shelter in Singapore. Healing Paws organises and manages casual events such as “meet and greet” activities in which dogs and their owners visit people in homes or institutions.

“Vera has a really mild temperament. Nothing frazzles her,” says Yvette.

CAT THERAPY, LOVE KUCHING PROJECT

“One of the assessment criteria is that a ‘stranger’ moves towards the dog in crutches or wheelchairs, the dog remains calm, does not flinch or get startled.” Out of the more than 20 dogs assessed by Healing Paws, Vera was just one of the three who were selected to be in the AAA programme. The assessment criteria are strict and often, Healing Paws need to pro-actively scout and conduct two to three assessment sessions yearly to find canine friends with the right temperament and personality for their AAA programme. “Every fortnight, we go to nursing homes or children’s homes in Singapore, each time the sessions are about an hour-long,” says Yvette. “For the children’s homes, we generally play out in the open field where the kids and dogs can run with each other. It gets noisy as the kids will be shouting and running around. But it doesn’t matter as all the dogs are not skittish, they don’t

react negatively to the noise or movements.” “Vera loves ball play – so the kids will throw a ball for her to catch or they’ll hide the ball for her to find. There’s a dog in our group that loves doing obstacle courses with the kids. We have been going regularly but it’s not unusual to find that the kids only remember the dogs’ names, not the human volunteers’ names!” For the elderly residents of nursing homes, Vera interacts with them in a different way. “These folks are more sedentary and what they enjoy is to walk Vera, by holding her leash while I push their wheelchair,” says 11-year-old Rachelle. “Vera plays ball with the seniors too. They’ll throw the ball into corners or chairs as a challenge to make it harder for Vera to retrieve the ball. It’s fun for her, she loves the challenge!” Yvette explains that there are seniors who had suffered strokes which affected their ability to move or control their limbs. “We

will encourage the seniors to hold the ball in their weaker hands and throw it for Vera. This gives them an opportunity to exercise muscles that would generally not be used in their daily lives.” At the time of this interview (June 2021), Singapore has been on a “heightened alert” phase to contain the pandemic, and all AAA activities have been suspended for public health and safety considerations. Yvette and Rachelle hope to return to the nursing homes or children’s homes to continue bringing joy to the residents again. COVID-19 has been tough for volunteer-run animal welfare groups like Love Kuching Project and Save Our Street Dog. Help them stay in operation by supporting their causes. DONATE TO THE LOVE KUCHING PROJECT

DONATE TO SAVE OUR STREET DOG

CALL TO CHANGE ISRAEL SMITH

I’M NOT COPING. A phrase so short and yet incredibly powerful. It was what led Israel Smith to take the step to make a change in his life. After years of struggling to keep it together and figure things out, this phrase liberated him by setting him on a path he did not ever imagine being on. It changed his health, his business and most importantly, his relationship with his family. It was something Israel struggled to even admit to himself and for him to say it to someone else was one of the most most vulnerable and difficult things he had ever done.

Israel had spent precious years of his life adopting the approach of doing more, working harder, working longer, pushing himself to the breaking point as a solution for the unmanageability of his life. More coffee, less sleep and the punishment of stress brought no solutions to his life except wearing him out even further. Looking around, Israel saw other people who had it all figured out and who got their act together. It was frustrating and it made him depressed that he was not able to have a peaceful, loving relationship with his family. Arguments at home with his wife, yelling at the children, frustration in his business and team … these were part of Israel’s daily grind. His wife showed anger towards him, his children were scared of him and kept their distance and his team was not able to respect him as a leader.

“I’m not coping” really means “I need help. I can’t do this alone”. If you asked Israel to describe himself before his change, he would say he was angry, stressed,

tired, overwhelmed, exhausted. He was a mere shadow of his true self. He felt completely disconnected from the people closest to him in his own house. He walked through life like a zombie, seething in anger and discontent, and not being able to snap out of his stagnant, dark state.

I NEEDED HELP. AND I GOT IT. With that genuine, heartfelt admission, Israel very quickly got the help of his GP and an amazing psychologist. They gave him the support he needed to face, understand and treat his mental illness. What stood out most for Israel during this early phase was understanding the many seemingly innocuous factors that came together to create the perfect storm that pushed him into the abyss. Israel had been a happy-go-lucky man and finding himself in this state of desperation was not at all what he had ever expected.

This was to become the seed that led Israel to embark on an amazing and fulfilling career as a Well-Being and Emotional Resilience Coach for Men in Business. He knew that what he had experienced is more common than people think. And having survived that, Israel knew that it was not enough for him to have recovered. He wanted more people to have access to the help that he had received. “I’m not coping” is a more widespread and hidden scream that needs addressing. Today, Israel enjoys being a wonderful husband and father, and is relishing his role as a strong

leader in a successful business. He is healthy and well, and everyday feels like an amazing opportunity. Israel finally feels alive and excited with his life.

I MADE CHANGES. Israel had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and he has since learnt to manage both. It meant making changes in his life. He could not recover doing the exact same things he had been forcing on himself for so long. Israel was determined to recover. He left his photography career and fully dedicated his time to travelling around Australia with his family.

It is amazing how one single step towards change can bring one a whole domino effect of many other happy changes. Israel went on to start a hugely successful national health and wellness company with his wife (The Root Cause). Now he has moved into a career as a WellBeing and Emotional Resilience Coach, specialising in supporting men who find themselves struggling with work, parenthood, marriage or life in general, and who need some new tools and strategies to be the best version of themselves.

I’M MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Feeling a zest for life and being able to stand on strong feet on solid ground, Israel has dedicated his time to bringing solutions to men who are experiencing what he had been through. Israel has delivered workshops and seminars about mental health to hundreds of participants over the years. He has also coached dozens of men in a one-to-one setting, giving them the safe and supportive space they needed to help them make positive changes in their lives. This is where changes can happen in their work, in their relationships, and even in their own self care and mental health. Israel has been interviewed on National TV by Channel 10’s “The Project’’ and Channel 9’s “Today”,

along with countless radio and newspaper interviews. He wants to reach out and talk about depression in men, in particular, Post Natal Depression (Israel’s technical diagnosis). By sharing his own story, he is supporting men everywhere. He is opening up awareness about an otherwise hidden condition, and more importantly, telling people that it is possible to get help, change and recover. He is living proof that it is possible to enjoy life again, to be a wonderful human being and feel fulfillment and joy in contributing to one’s business, community and family. Mental illness is not a sentence condemning someone to a lifetime of frozen darkness.

OTHERS TOO CAN CHANGE. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, depressed, angry, wiped out or burnt out are common symptoms among many in business. It is brushed away as a “norm” and some have the false belief that by doing more, they can eliminate these unhealthy feelings. As a Well-Being and Emotional Resilience Coach, Israel Smith uses his SRC (“Source”) Method to help his clients find peace and calm in their day to day life. He guides clients to put strategies in place to help them better handle their emotions and temper, and manage their energies in healthier and more balanced ways. Israel helps men discover their limiting beliefs, broken patterns or faulty assumptions that are getting in the way of them living a full life. With Israel’s help, men are learning to become their best selves - be it a supportive partner, a loving father or a reliable leader in both their personal and professional spheres. It is possible to leave behind all the tactics that did not work and were detrimental to their mental and physical health, and pick up new tools and strategies to fully enjoy life, and to flourish at home and to thrive in their business. Israel believes that all men have an inner desire to be truly seen and heard. They also want to

be able to feel peace and calm in their daily lives. When men reconnect with the important things that really matter in their lives, they are able to manage and strengthen their resilience, feel fully aligned, and enjoy the life, work and relationships they have always wanted. We can normalise men admitting they cannot cope. And change is possible and available. “When I first started working with Israel I was lost in a dark place. I was physically, emotionally and psychologically beaten down to the point where I couldn’t see a way forward or even really imagine life being better.

In only a few short weeks I was switched on and moving forward on a path of my choosing. Israel’s style somehow incorporates the empathetic ear that you require when doing it tough with the no nonsense ability to call you on your own bullshit. This combination pulls you forward to action by showing you how to get out of your own way and helping you to see the approaches available to you.” - Lance R For the duration of men’s health month, Israel is offering complimentary 30-min discovery calls to any men – fathers or not – who may be interested in learning more about his work and how he can support them to be their best selves.

israelsmith.com/brilliant israel@israelsmith.com +61 413 708 432

TIPS ON SUCCESSFUL LIFE-WORK INTEGRATION MUNIR HASAN

Since the first quarter of 2020, the world has gone through some unique times. Ironically, the year began with businesses and individuals alike espousing “2020 Vision,” while conversely the world has since been enveloped in confusion and panic!

technology. If anything, COVID-19 has accelerated the pace of change even further and brought forward certain quantum changes which were deemed to be on the drawing board and perhaps a few years away in terms of being implemented.

This is not to say that there have not been such crises in the past, but the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in terms of the scale and span of impact. Prior such events as the Spanish Flu, which happened over a century ago, or more recent pandemics such as SARS and MERS tended to be national, or at the most regional in terms of impact. However, given the interconnected world we live in today, the impact of COVID-19 is truly global and no country nor any segment of the population has been spared its implications, the only variable being how huge.

For example, remote working or Working from Home (“WFH”), which was talked about as a developing phenomenon in recent years has swiftly become the norm and is likely to continue to be the new normal for many people going forward.

It goes without saying that the pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health. There are challenges and concerns about the pandemic itself, as well the changes in work and lifestyles that have resulted as contagion outcomes. This is too wide a subject, so here I shall restrict myself to mental health issues from a professional perspective and particularly in the context of men, although many of these principles can be applied generally. LET’S TALK ABOUT CHANGE Change is a constant feature of life, and especially so in recent years. Technology is a major enabler of change, but humans and particularly men have increasingly become slaves to

LIFE-WORK INTEGRATION Work-life balance as a concept has been under challenge for some time as these facets increasingly overlapped. In my view, the concept is inherently flawed as it puts work ahead of life while it should be the other way round. It would be better to view this concept as Life-Work Integration.

If a man has a fulfilled life, then he will be successful at work. As success at work does not offset a messed-up life, a key success factor in life is for a man is first take care of himself. This is not being WFH has introduced several selfish but rather making oneself changes as well as challenges to better equipped to help oneself people’s lives. And this is the case and others. A common analogy, if for men in particular, where their one can remember in the WFH era, career and its trappings tend to is the flight safety demonstration become intertwined with their prior to air-flights take-off. being. The corporate life image and Passengers are always advised, routine is how they conduct much that in the event of an emergency, of their life and often it defines to put on the Oxygen Mask their self-worth. This mindset and themselves first before attending to routine are often also used as a others even if it is their own minor shield to avoid being a full partner child. where a man is also a husband and father. Many men are struggling WFH has resulted in moving the with the new concept of working increasingly shaky concept of workfrom home as it also means that life balance to a state where there they can’t avoid contributing and are no boundaries, whether these working at home! be physical, mental, or emotional,

between personal life and professional work. Now that we are over a year into the COVID-19 Pandemic impacted world, the fatigue is starting to tell, and mental health is even more of a priority than ever before.

PACE YOURSELF FOR THE LIFE MARATHON As we live through the COVID-19 crisis, here are some focus areas and guidelines for men to better manage the challenges that will continue to surface as this state prolongs and the pandemic continues to surprise us with new variants to stretch its presence in the world we live in: 1. Take care of yourself as life is a marathon and not a sprint. 2. Taking better care of yourself on life matters will better equip you to manage professional matters and help others too. 3. Improve your physical condition via an exercise regime of your choice.

Professor Amy Edmondson of Harvard Business School has highlighted the need to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. In her view, it is the breakneck speed of workplace change that will make the Adaptability Quotient (“AQ”) more important than Intelligence Quotient “IQ”) and Emotional Quotient (“EQ”). We can also draw lessons from the animal kingdom, where it is not the strongest such as the dinosaurs that survived but rather the more adaptable species such as the tortoise that survived in the longer term. 10. Remember you are not alone nor unique in dealing with this world: be open to sharing your concerns and challenges with family and friends whose views you trust and value. 11. Last but not least, consider working with an Executive Coach. Coaches can guide you in finding your true self and

seeing life with its challenges from a different perspective. This will enable you to manage these more effectively to lead a more positive and fulfilled life. Munir Hasan is an Executive Coach and Mentor at Authentic Vision, based in Singapore. He trained with Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), and is a member of International Coach Federation (ICF). Prior to formally commencing coaching and mentoring, Munir was associated for 23 years with Cargill Inc (a leading US multinational corporation), and has held senior Finance roles as well as Directorship roles in various countries in Asia, including a listed company in Indonesia. He is a member of the Singapore institute of Directors. Earlier he was associated with KPMG for 13 years in external auditing and business consulting while based in London, UK and Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE.

4. Take care of your mental and emotional health via meditation, yoga, listening to music, reading a favourite book, or any other preferred mode of relaxation. 5. If you have others in the home who are also in WFH mode, if practical and possible, have physical separation between you and others. 6. Take time-outs during the day as you would when in the office for meal and coffee/tea breaks. 7. Do not ignore social interactions: even if in lockdown contact family and friends. 8. Avoid multi-tasking as this leads to stress. WFH has resulted this morphing into “multi-roling” (i.e. multiple roles). Research shows that men in particular are not adept at multi-tasking. Hence, conscious thought and planning should be exercised to avoid taking on too many tasks or obligations particularly in an environment that is everchanging. 9. Learn to become adaptable given that change is constant.

www.theauthenticvision.com

COMING OUT OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST COVID LOCKDOWN THE ONTARIO LOCKDOWN – THE END OF AN ERA?

ONTARIANS REFLECT ON LIFE AFTER A 14-MONTH LOCKDOWN Ontarians are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as the province unveiled its reopening plan to start this month. This has got many people starting to remember what their lives were like pre-pandemic, and in many cases wondering if they ever will be able to go back to things how they used to. But as it doesn’t seem that there will be a hard reset back to February 2020, it looks like they won’t have to! Parts of Ontario have been under one of the world’s longest lockdowns, becoming a joke of sorts on multiple social media platforms. And after over a year of social and physical restrictions, many are taking stock of the last year, how things have changed for them and what changes they expect to make once they are set loose in the “real world” (vs the “reel world” of zoom meetings). The impact of the pandemic has been different on women and men, as a study by the Cleveland

Clinic shows. According to the research, 77 percent of men report their stress level has increased as a result of COVID-19, 59% of men have felt isolated during the pandemic and nearly half (45%) of men say their emotional/mental health has worsened during the pandemic. Three-in-five men (59%) feel COVID-19 has had a greater negative impact on their mental health than the 2008 recession. Brilliant-Online spoke to two men in Ontario and asked them for a self-assessment of the impact COVID-19 has had on their mental health, the changes they’re planning to keep and the ones to ditch once the province opens up again.

DARREN BARDSLEY, SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER When the stay-at-home order was issued, Darren had to juggle work, housework, AND the online schooling of his two young children alone for a large part of the day, while his partner, an essential worker, had to go into work. And you guessed it, “Yes,

most definitely, my stress levels have increased significantly. I feel more tired physically and mentally, and less motivated. Despite this, I have not started drinking, smoking or doing drugs to manage my stress which I am happy about.”

“A source of much frustration is having to work from home because the schools have been shut. All other activities are relatively unaffected.” But what were the counter measures he took (it has after all, as stated earlier, been 14 months!). “I am trying to go to bed earlier, to get better sleep and I take high doses of vitamins B12 and vitamin C and D. I have also made sure to make time for my hobbies, such as reading and playing the guitar, as they help with stress relief.” And there are positives to take away from this ordeal. “I think I have become more aware of my

stress levels and how to manage that stress in a healthy way. I also find myself being more comfortable talking to friends and family about how I’m feeling. I think it is really important to communicate.”

ARSALAN RASHID, AVP, CAPITAL MARKETS OPERATIONS Having just made a major career move in March 2020, the shift to work from home two weeks into a new job was yet another significant change for Arsalan. “The biggest change has been a by-product of working from home,” he reflects. “I was spending 2 hours a day on commute which I do not have to now, and that has brought a lot more flexibility to my morning and evenings.”

The lockdown lifestyle has been a mixed bag of emotions for Arsalan. “On one hand I am spending a lot more time with my kids, family and completing the long pending house projects. On the other hand, working remotely has some inherent downsides like the inability to build social capital through casual encounters, not being able to crowd around a computer to solve an issue and most

importantly not having a mental separation between work and personal time. All of this adds to the daily anxiety.” “Physically, the detrimental impact from the lack of passive movement that came from going to the office and the additional time spent sitting in front of the computer was quite immediate to notice. I have made it a point to add a workout routine during my lunch hour. This is giving me a built-in break from the “office” chair physically and helps me recharge for the rest of the day. I also schedule an activity at the end of the workday to help mentally transition into “home mode”. So, what are the plans for when he starts going back into the office? “The additional time at home has done wonders in putting into perspective what is truly important to me, and what is not (some of my house projects were not nearly as dear to me as I had imagined them to be during the long working hours pre-COVID). I have loved being heavily involved in my children’s life over the last year and I aim to maintain this level of engagement. I have also noted the importance mid-day workout break in staying healthy and maintaining a high level of focus through out the day, this is also something I hope to make into a lifelong habit.”

With 71% of the participants in the Cleveland Clinic study still optimistic about the future as the world continues to battle COVID-19, it looks like Darren and Arsalan are in good company as they join their peers in the outside world.

NEED HELP?

YOU CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING HELP SERVICES: LINDA MITTEN PROVIDES COUNSELLING SERVICES www.smoothsailingcounselling.com.au

ISRAEL SMITH, WELL BEING AND RESILIENCE COACH israelsmith.com/brilliant

MUNIR HASAN, EXECUTIVE COACH www.brilliant-online.com/post/win-at-lifewith-a-coach-in-your-corner-uzma-fatmihasan-authentic-vision

UZMA FATMI HASAN, LIFE COACH www.brilliant-online.com/post/munir-hasanshares-his-tips-on-successful-life-workintegration

LIFELINE www.brilliant-online.com/post/conversationswith-kelly-and-lisa-f rom-lifeline-mid-coast

“I WAS QUARANTINED IN SINGAPORE FROM 8 TH TO 29 TH APRIL 2021 DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC, SO HERE’S WHAT IT’S LIKE.” ADAM HYSLOP

I was travelling from the UK and needed to go back to China where I currently live. There were no direct flights from the UK, but I was lucky to be able to travel to Singapore first since I have my PR (permanent residency) there. Only Singaporean Citizens and PR can travel to Singapore and some transit passengers. There was just one flight from the UK to Singapore per week and it was with Singapore Airlines. I must say that the fare with Singapore Airlines was normal and was a fair price.

STAYING SAFE AND SANE DURING QUARANTINE Countries around the world have gone through their cycles of infection, lockdown, restrictions, opening up, quarantines. Getting through this seemingly neverending experience of COVID-19 can feel like asking someone who has never run in their lives to suddenly do an ultramarathon race. It is hard to see the end in sight.

The saving grace of the human species is, we do our best to survive, and adaptability is one of our strengths that help us to move through a difficult situation. In our current climate, quarantine has now become something common, and like it or not, it is something that we have to experience if we need to travel to specific locations that are more affected by COVID-19. I wanted to share some of my thoughts and experiences during one of my recent quarantine periods. Why would anyone want to read about what someone has been doing cooped up inside a room for two weeks you ask. Everyone has a different way of coping, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. There were many little things that made my

quarantine experience bearable and I even found moments of surprise and delight. A friendly chat with a stranger. A balcony. Technology giving access to so many things. Ordering a yoghurt. For those who need to travel during this time, quarantine may elicit a groan. Read on, and perhaps you may feel some relief knowing that there are many workers in the entire system doing their best to ensure people in quarantine are taken care of.

THE PREREQUISITE TO FLY TO SINGAPORE Have your entry permit and pay for the COVID test upon arrival (SDG160). That’s all. No COVID test was needed before my departure from London. There were around 50 people on board, appropriately distanced, and the service was simply the best from SQ as usual. Many people, particularly the younger ones, had full hazmat suits on. To each his own. The

menu is now digital and the care package with the socks and eye mask has been replaced with hand sanitisers, face masks and antibacterial pads to wipe the touch screens.

TOUCH DOWN Upon entering Singapore, we were split into groups of 8 and greeted by medical staff who took us through a concise and well organised process of meet and greet, COVID test, immigration clearance, baggage collection and then transport to the hotel. Definitely appreciating efficiency and organizational skills here.

COVID tests are never nice so one must be brave! I spoke with a Singaporean passenger on the mini bus to the hotel and this had been the third time he had been through this process since he has business in the UK and still needs to travel. The total quarantine time is 2 weeks in a dedicated hotel facility plus a 1-week stay at home notice. I was wondering what to do for the rest of the time. We joked that we were lucky this time because the US Masters Golf competition was about to start, so that would take up the first 4 days. GUESS THE HOTEL I did have a look at the list of approved quarantine hotels in Singapore and stay at home notice and the list is long. Literally hundreds of hotels. I had a hunch that we would be placed downtown. I was thinking about Swissotel Stamford and guessed it out loud on the bus. We continued driving over the bridge and turned off at the Singapore Flyer, then made our way onto North Bridge Road, Bras Basah and finally ... turned into the Swissotel! Wish I could be this accurate with guessing lottery numbers! So that was really lucky for us to get this hotel. Check-in was quick. Again, appreciation for efficiency!

I paid the standard SGD 2,000 for the 14 days, signed a few documents about abiding by the rules, e.g. not to leave the room and to wear a mask on the balcony. A balcony? Seriously, I cannot get luckier than that.

DREAM ROOM I said my goodbyes and wished good luck to the other quarantine participants. They were my last face-to-face contacts and now I had to be ready to be cocooned by myself for the next two weeks.

I made my way to my room and I must say I was very pleasantly surprised, even delighted with the room. Imagine this - 35th floor, spacious, two beds, LED TV, fridge, bath, desk, balcony and a view overlooking one of Singapore best skyline, the Padang, Cricket Club and

CBD area — spectacular! FOOD DELIVERY We had to order food on the day before by scanning a QR code and filling out the menu online. There were three options each for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food was good, mainly a fusion of Singaporean, Malay and Indian with some western options. The portions were decent, adequate and served in a plastic tray and always piping hot. There were some vegetarian options too which were good. I was grateful for the attention to detail and options. I managed a few days on these meals alone but then discovered Deliveroo and did on occasion succumb to ordering a sandwich or two and some items from Cold Storage including fruit, nuts, yoghurt, some chocolate and dare I say it, some Carlsberg. Items were delivered to the door within

which things were properly carried out to ensure everyone’s safety. We are in the midst of a pandemic afterall, and it would make a lot more sense to respect the gravity of the situation. It really made the whole quarantine experience so much more bearable because people made the extra effort to provide for so many creature comforts.

ROAD TO FREEDOM AFTER 21 DAYS OF QUARANTINE I continued the routine that I had built for myself during the first two weeks.

30 minutes of being delivered downstairs. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised and relieved that I was able to get the food I needed (or craved) and all with such excellent organisation. I received a daily call from the Ministry of Health to check in on my mental health and I was given a number to call should I have any questions about the stay or the process.

friends on messenger and video calls really helped pass the time and before I knew it, I was 1 week in and received a nice note from the hotel with some chocolates to say that I had passed the halfway mark. That was a nice touch to keep the spirits going. Before I knew it, it was time for a COVID test which we went to receive on the 4th floor and thankfully I received a message the next day to say the result was negative.

STAY SAFE, STAY BUSY

NEXT LOCATION

In terms of keeping occupied, I was provided with options.

Upon check out on the 14th day, we had to provide our address for the next 7-day stay at home notice and were also given a tag to wear around the wrist. This was connected to a detector device that would be plugged into the wall. This is to make sure that you stay within the address that you have identified. You are not allowed to leave the room or use the hotel facilities for example.

I kept active by doing some basic exercises everyday with a stretch band. There was an option to hire an exercise bike from the hotel but I never got around to doing that. I brought an encyclopaedia that I had since 1995 and finally got round to reading it. Yay! I managed 350+ pages including everything from the origins of the universe, geology to the Doppler effect to chaos theory. So my quarantine helped give me a brain boost as well. I also had my PS4 which I managed to hook up to the LED TV but didn’t end up playing it much. My iPhone has access to our tv box in China, so I hooked up the iPhone to my Mac and then to the LED TV via HDMI cable … visual check … then connected the iPhone to the bluetooth speaker in the room for the sound ... and ... we’re in business! Staying in contact with family and

I had booked a service apartment, so I was lucky to have slightly more space, a washing machine, a basic cooking area and even a small balcony. Yes, I am so into balconies now and they are a godsend! For the third week, I received daily calls and this time even video calls so they could ensure that I was inside the apartment, where I was supposed to be. The service apartment staff also checked on my whereabouts every couple of days. What struck me was the polite treatment and the seriousness in

Two days before the end of the three weeks, I was given the closest address to take the third COVID test. After a short taxi journey, the staff were on hand to take my details, conduct the test and deliver the results the next day. The day before I left, the Ministry of Health staff came to the apartment to collect the detector device and I was at last free to leave after 21 days of quarantine. First thing I did after being solo and confined all that time? I gave my legs a good stretch by walking about 22,000 steps that day followed by meeting up with two family members and of course, a good feast! A quarantine is not a holiday nor a fancy retreat, and having to stay in a limited space for an extended period of time is not a walk in the park. But it was all made so much more bearable, because everyone involved did their best to ensure everything proceeded smoothly, and people in quarantine were taken care of. Singapore is currently going through a rough phase after things had settled for a while. Restrictions have started again and social gatherings have been reduced to only two people, and the total number of imported cases as of 31st May stands at 4,633 (+7). I hope we can soon see an end to this rollercoaster ride. It is starting to sound like a mantra, but it is relevant for the pandemic and actually, for every day of our lives - Stay safe, everyone!

YUMMY RAW ENERGY BALLS RECIPE HERE’S A GREAT RECIPE FOR ENERGY BALLS, PROTEIN BALLS, BLISS BALLS WHAT ARE ENERGY BALLS? Energy balls are protein-packed, nutrient-dense perfect snacks with a combination of dried fruit, seeds, and other ingredients rolled into a densely nutritious little snack ball. Sometimes they are referred to as Protein Balls or Bliss Balls or Energy Bites. In the case of a protein ball, the recipe includes protein powder for extra protein. Energy balls are raw i.e. no baking, microwaving or instant potting needed. Energy balls are approved for all ages who need a healthy snack, a grab-and-go, an instant energy boost. Find the recipe below, courtesy of My Blue Tea. Totally healthy and you can mix and match for flavours.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

1 cup of nuts 4 dried figs 1/2 peanut butter or cashews 1/4 cup of coconut flour 1 tbsp cacao nibs 1/2 cup of butter 4 tbsp of rice syrup or honey 1/2 cup of cacao powder 1/3 cup of linseed seeds

METHOD: 1. Blend nuts and fig till crumbly and feels like a cookie dough. 2. Place into a bowl then add the remaining ingredients. 3. Make sure is not to crumbled, if it is you may need to add sometimes a little bit of butter. 4. If it feels too wet then add a little bit more coconut flour. Leave to sit for about 10 min. 5. Roll the balls the size you like, you can use cacao or linseed seeds just use your creativity

FOR VARIED FLAVOURS, TRY USING MY BLUE TEA POWDERS: • Purple Sweet Potato Powder for natural purple colour • Butterfly Blue Pea Powder for natural blue colour • Durian Powder for natural yellow with strong flavours • Pandan for natural green sweet scents SHOP MY BLUE TEA POWDERS

TEAM EFFORT FOR A CALM BIRTH LEA BAILEY

Keep it calm. I am Lea Bailey of Calmbirth offering reassurance during pregnancy. My passion is to help you through the cycles of pregnancy, and provide strategies to ensure your family has a positive experience before and during the birth of your children, and how to nurture your connection with your unborn child. A Registered Endorsed Midwife for 24 years, I offer face to face and Zoom sessions. My goal is to share my knowledge by offering educational advice and information. But not only that, I offer comfort and support during this special time and family milestone.

Understanding how your body works during birth can make the birthing experience less daunting and doable. Drawing on my background, I share ways of coming to birth, I encourage normal birth and strive to help you achieve positive outcomes for your family. The Calmbirth Course prepares you for the stages of labour and birth. What’s great about working with me is my ability to make you feel calm and relax about your journey to childbirth. “After finishing our course with Lea, I felt informed, empowered and we had realistic expectations of what was going to happen.” Lisa.

CALMBIRTH is a leading Australian Antenatal Education Program, and delivers the foundation to help couples understand their roles on the road to childbirth offering simplistic information. Learn with me about the bodymind relationship, how to breathe and relax, the hormonal influence and more. Be prepared emotionally, mentally and physically for your birth. Whether new to becoming a parent or adding to your tribe, I am committed to giving you the best guidance to embracing this natural part of life. I walk you through this 12-hour evidence based course offering my insights and answering questions along the way, and I feel humbled and privileged to be part of your journey. Having someone to talk with and learn from can make the difference in the holistic experience of pregnancy and birth. Learn the steps from pregnancy to birth, and having a birth plan in place will give you and your partner peace of mind, and the opportunity to concentrate on what’s important to you. With knowledge comes contentment, understanding how Breath & Relaxation techniques are a pivotal part of the birthing process as well as reducing stress can give you a sense of calm. The ideal time to start your journey with me and Calmbirth is about 24 and 34 week gestation, but this is just a guide. I am happy to talk with you at any stage of your pregnancy particularly if you have experienced difficulties in the past or feel anxious about the birthing process.

ALL ABOUT CALMBIRTH

Photo Credit: Wauchope Travel

BRILLIANT TRAVEL

WAUCHOPE TRAVEL ON EXPLORING AUSTRALIA ROBYN FLANAGAN, OWNER OF WAUCHOPE TRAVEL

SEE AUSTRALIA WITH NEW EYES With restrictions still in place on international travel, people are starting to look inwards at other opportunities for travelling. Australia beckons with its vast lands rich with possibilities for exploration, adventures or simply to relax. It has been a taxing time on everyone all over the world because of the pandemic, and with the situation easing up in different parts of the world, the human spirit that has been cooped up for so long, yearns and needs to stretch its legs, free its mind and breathe again.

Robyn is ready to help people move beyond their backyard to explore Australia Robyn Flanagan is the owner of Wauchope Travel and has been helping locals and visitors make every travel experience a rich and satisfying one for more than 25 years. She has been sending people places and their joy of experiencing something new and different has been her driving force in her profession all this time.

Read our article: The Future of Air Travel.

The pandemic has left its heavy mark on Robyn and many others in her industry. There is light appearing on the horizon again and Robyn is eager to get the travel bug biting and helping people experience travelling in a way they never have before.

People’s eyes are hungry to see something new and expand their sights.

Now, being able to move from one’s home to beyond and see a different town, city and hopefully

soon to other countries, is a huge luxury and definitely not to be taken for granted. Travelling now feels wonderfully freeing, delicious and exciting. And Robyn is all ready to help people move beyond their backyard to explore Australia.

SUPPORTING AUSTRALIA Many are now looking right into Australia for their holidays and the truth is there are so many beautiful places to see on Australia’s Bucket List. Some may have had plans way back to fly over to the other side of the globe or maybe even visit family living abroad. The reality right now is Australia needs a boost. The hospitality industry has taken a beating with COVID-19 forcing so many doors to close or reduce business. Now that it is safer to travel, this industry needs an injection of economic support.

WHY AUSTRALIA? There are actually lots of upsides to travelling within Australia. 1. No worries about losing one’s passport. You can travel free and easy and not worry about keeping your passport safe, or ensuring you have enough evidence on you to prove your identity, and definitely no messing around with visas and hair-tearing bureaucratic applications that take weeks to process. 2. No fuss with currency exchange. You do not have to find the best rates at a money exchange or worry about where to keep your cash and you do not have to desperately pretend to ponder over prices when you are actually struggling to work out the currency conversion in your head before you decide if the price that is in a 4-digit number is insanely expensive or a decent price. 3. No barriers when it comes to communicating. You get to meet new people and see new

places without struggling to decipher strange characters or symbols or dread having to do the point-and-order tactic when ordering a Happy Meal at McDonald’s. 4. No confusion about culture shock or wondering if an innocuous gesture on your part is going to offend someone. In one’s own country, one can really sit back and relax, or kick back, if you are even more adamant on absolutely making the most of a chill time. There is a safe familiarity and at the same time, one can gain new experiences and feast on new sights, flavours and smells. 5. Australia is interesting. The people who live in Australia come from somewhere which makes it interesting to hear their stories. From desert, sea, beaches, mountains, cities to farms, tropics to snow, you get to experience it all. You can do it on a budget, backpacking across Australia, camp under the stars on the glam way and be spoiled in total luxury. Let’s look at its wow factor.

AUSTRALIA’S WOW FACTOR

For free spirited people who just need to be outdoors to experience the vastness of the land, glamping in the outback is an exciting option. Camping made glamorous is a happy medium for those who want to experience being in nature and not have to give up on creature comforts either.

For the romantics and those who swing more towards the classics, experiencing the iconic train journeys is an elegant way to traverse the huge spaces of Australia. Agatha Christie had her Orient Express, and Australia has its Indian Pacific and the Ghan. These rail travels are a unique treasure of Australia, and they allow people to enjoy the rich tapestry of Australia’s landscapes. With highly trained staff and excellent amenities, these iconic trains traverse the outback of Australia and take visitors to out of the way towns and attractions.

Many love cruising the Kimberly wilderness and soaking up the gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes and just the smell of clean, fresh water in the air can help to rejuvenate one’s spirit.

Ultimately, the train journey is the protagonist here - this is where people meet fellow travellers who come with their own unique backpack of stories, life experiences and travel memories

As the saying goes, the grass is not greener on the other side, it is greener where you water it. And Australia right now is lush with opportunities and so much to do!

they share and allow to unfold in the intimacy of a train journey. Some are thinking about having that dip over winter, in which case, the Queensland islands are the place to be. There is also the upmarket Hayman Island, the recently renovated Daydream and ever popular Hamilton Island (direct flights available) all waiting to be explored. There is a range of activities to do so there will be something to cater to everyone, be it swimming, sailing, snorkeling, or simply catching up on your year’s worth of reading over a cocktail. In our current climate, to be able to feel the sun on our skin and to dip ourselves into warm water, that is a royal treat after being house-bound last year. Norfolk and Lord Howe also delight visitors with their individual characteristics and holiday activities. Norfolk is undergoing its own unique metamorphosis and it is wonderful to see the old world charm and ways before they completely disappear. Lord Howe is devilishly popular and visitors need to book well ahead for this gem of an island. Walkers and bird lovers are ecstatic about this place. This is a real treat everyone should experience once in their lifetime. Travel as we know it is changing. With more people being vaccinated daily, we are looking at a new way forward and possibilities are opening up. Australia has been waiting patiently through all this time and it is more than ready to reward those who choose to get to know it better.

Are you ready to discover Australia?

20 6585 2288 wauchopetravel.com.au info@wauchopetravel.com.au Shop 1, 31 High Street, WAUCHOPE, NSW 2446, Australia

VISIT REGIONAL AUSTRALIA WITH BOOKITDOIT MARK ENNOR, FOUNDER OF BOOKITDOIT

With parts of the world slowly starting to open up again after a grueling period of dealing with endless lockdowns, people are feeling the travel bug bite and looking to make plans for travelling and exploring.

People tend to associate holidays and travelling with flying abroad to another country. There is just as much to explore and benefit from within one’s own land, and the irony is, living in a particular country does not always mean one knows this country well.

MAKING IT EASY TO GO REGIONAL, SO BOOK IT, AND DO IT BookitDoit is an online booking service created especially for travellers and tourism operators. This grassroots booking platform was launched in Spring 2020 for local tours, attractions, activities and itineraries. It is like a onestop shopping experience for travellers and an affordable point of contact for tourism operators to reach their target audience. More importantly, it is highly supportive of local tourism and it encourages Australians to get curious about holidaying in their own backyard. It is practically synonymous with the concept of regional travel. It

is a user-friendly platform that showcases all regional areas of Australia, helping visitors discover hidden delights, unusual places to stay, amazing experiences to try which are unique to Australia, and making all its offers easily visible and accessible to visitors.

THE FOUNDER

The man behind this idea is Mark Ennor, the founder of BookitDoit. The first idea for BookitDoit came to Mark in 2019. Mark has over 20 years of experience in Regional Tourism on the Mid North Coast of NSW, and he has also been an adventure tour owner/operator.

He spent 13 years working as a marketing initiative founder (52+ Things to do in Greater Port Macquarie) and is an awardwinning tour operator who is a passionate advocate of Regional Australia from the coast to the outback. Given the scope and depth of his career, Mark has been given a direct insight into the real situation of regional tourism in Australia. The tourism industry has seen some fast-paced change through the years and he could see how good or bad advertising affected the visibility of operators. He also noticed how trends have been changing and how that has affected the way visitors booked their travel experiences. All this got him curious and thinking about how regional tourism could be better marketed and supported. Mark has had firsthand insights into what visitors want and need. He has gleaned much from his conversations with tourists over the last 20 years. Casual conversations around a campfire or on the back of a horse have given him his first seeds for

BookitDoit, and how to bring this concept to life.

WHY BOOKITDOIT? So why did Mark create BookitDoit? Mark is clear he wanted a platform to help make Regional Australia visible and easily accessible to booking online to feed the ever increasing self-drive market.

There is no reason why regional areas should not get the same opportunity or attention as other popular international destinations in the online travel booking space. Mark is proud of the fact that BookitDoit covers everything from the ocean to the bush and “everywhere in between”! Prior to the existence of BookitDoit, regional tourism operators did not have the possibility to easily and effectively expand their reach and increase their earning potential all from one single platform. It became a

new way for them to build their business and reach travellers coming to the region.

FEATURES OF BOOKITDOIT It has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to create BookitDoit to give website users an easy way to find their next travel destination. BookitDoit offers a variety of features that make it so easy to literally just book it and do it! It boosts: a categorised directory with 14 categories, 87 regions, 268 areas around Australia A filtered search function Operator listings pulled in from the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) live mapping to plot the trip live rates to help with budgeting direct bookings All of which make discovering and planning a regional experience easy. It is like having your own personal digital tour guide that effectively organises your itineraries and a travel package that is what you are looking for.

It is a nifty tool to have for travellers and a boon for small business operators. It offers affordable marketing and booking solutions. As a one-stop travel booking platform, it helps operators with market reach and also attracts both local and international travellers to tourism operators in Regional Australia. BookitDoit is a way to inspire Australians into getting excited about regional travel, making the booking experience both easy and exciting.

‘This is the first and only booking platform covering the whole of Regional Australia,’ - Mark Ennor STRUGGLES OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY It is not enough to simply tell travellers how amazing Australia is. It does not inspire people into taking action. And tour operators have a hard time struggling with trends and changing preferences and digital advances, while still having to ensure the business is making enough money.

Mark has made his fair share of blunders through his career, and has endured the financially painful mistakes of blowing money on knee-jerk marketing ideas or sales pitches that guarantee but do not deliver. He understands the trials of tourism operators and owners who slog through the day doing the double job of handling the tours and activities on the scene while trying to sort out the accounts and administration backstage. And not forgetting these people actually do have a personal life they return to at the end of the day. A major challenge in the tourism industry is how to keep business regular throughout the year, and not only during peak tourism periods. Technology develops at a lightning speed and that is another major stress factor for tour operators. Technological advancements can feel overwhelming for them - if they barely have time juggling a double job plus personal life, how are they going to cope with getting around to learning about, understanding and implementing technological changes? Some of these changes require a long training process, and time is a luxury they do not have. Others are costly or too complicated to implement.

THE SILVER LINING OF THE PANDEMIC The pandemic may have sent the whole world reeling but it also brought about a much needed boost to tourism in the regional areas. Mark had never seen such support and proactive initiatives

in 2020 to help and boost tour operators in regional areas. The job of Tourism Australia is to promote Australia to the rest of the world and it changed its focus to promoting “Holiday Here This Year”. Destination NSW, the lead government agency for the New South Wales tourism and major events sectors, created a marketing initiative The Long Road to promote road trips. Various states and territories have been giving vouchers to their residents to spend on accommodation, attractions and restaurants. Everyone has been putting their heads together to keep the tourism industry afloat.

think as a traveller, about he would want or need. So when you combine this win-win situation of all tour operators wanting to be found and travellers who need to be able to find everything, BookitDoit becomes the happy marriage of the two and proves that it is actually possible to please everyone.

FROM FRUSTRATION TO SOLUTION

Travel demographics have seen a change over the last year and more people are on the move. While waiting for the pandemic to ease out, international visitors are not the major contributors for the moment, but Regional Operators can still tap into the self-drive market. This is a collective effort - the more operators that collaborate, the stronger the initiative and the more successful travelling in Regional Australia would be.

Mark did not create BookitDoit on a boring afternoon. It was born out of his wealth of both positive and painful experiences in the tourism industry. He ran a horse trekking business in a secluded valley that nobody would necessarily know about as it was out of public view. It meant he could not just sit there and wait for people to pass by and get interested. It made him get proactive with marketing and go deep into the industry and be open to new technology and experiment with forging commissions to companies that can sell his experiences. Unfortunately, a severe drought that ended up with bushfires in 2019 put an end to his horse riding operation. Mark sold off the horses and moved on. This actually brought him to the next natural step to invest his experience and passion for Regional Tourism to set up a platform specially dedicated to Regional Australia that was also highly affordable and effective. BookitDoit is a success precisely because Mark has one foot on each side - he has the experience of being a small business owner in the industry so he knew the workings from the inside, and as someone who is wild about Regional Australia, he could

With BookitDoit, tour operators can claim their listings (for free or paid at just $10 p/w), place a booking button on their listing (at just 10% commission), as well as collaborate with other operators in their areas to offer digital itineraries.

It takes someone who genuinely loves Australia to create a solution. Mark loves the diversity of Australia’s great outdoors. You can find him surfing the waves, or exploring in the bush. BookitDoit is his gift to Regional Australia, to inspire many others to discover the richness and wealth of the very land they are already standing on.

“I like the idea of helping travelers find all the nooks and crannies and hidden wonders, so they too can enjoy their own backyard.” - Mark Ennor

REGIONAL AUSTRALIA NEVER BOOKED SO GOOD!

FIND IT. BOOK IT. DO IT! 20 6585 2288 www.bookitdoit.com.au info@bookitdoit.com.au Facebook.com/bookitdoitau Instagram.com/bookitdoitAustralia

BRILLIANT ENTERTAINMENT

THE DARK ALLEY SESSION FEATURING EMIR performance. She is fast becoming known for her deep, expressive vocals with an undeniable sonic fierceness, that when matched with her melancholy, brings tapping foot and aching heart Recorded after dark by Brad Collins together. and Josh Thompson, in local record Singer-Songwriter, EMIR is an shop Dark Alley Collectables, independent artist residing on the providing the perfect backdrop to feature local and national acoustic Mid North Coast. She uses music to illustrate her world through her music performances. unique lyrics and sound. Her music infuses rich R’n’B vocals coupled This month, we have EMIR with intricate Jazz melodies that playing three original tracks and tell stories of life, loss and love. a deep cutting version of Amy Winehouse’s “Back To Black”. Sit Playing as a solo artist as well back and let the delicate guitar lure you in, while EMIR’s vocals cast as with her trio band, EMIR’s that soulful spell on your inevitably performances highlight her powerful vocals and cutting song grooving body. writing style. She is currently ABOUT EMIR working on her next music project, her first solo EP, that is set to be EMIR casts a soulful spell in her live released next year. Being a part of Proudly sponsored by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the Dark Alley Sessions features up and coming Port Macquarie singer, songwriter, EMIR.

multiple line ups, her latest stage appearances include supporting the master blues guitarist, Kevin Borich and upcoming shows seeing her support the powerhouse duo Hussy Hicks, at the Wauchope Arts Hall on Friday, 25th June 2021.

DARK ALLEY darkalleysessions.com darkalleysessions@gmail.com www.facebook.com/darkalleysessions www.instagram.com/darkalleysessions www.facebook.com/darkalleycollectables

EMIR www.facebook.com/emir.music www.instagram.com/emir_music

DREAM BIG, DREAM STRONG GORDO GAMSBY, GRACES THE COVER OF JUNE 2021 BRILLIANT-ONLINE MAGAZINE.

As a young boy, GoЯdo spent hours in the school library, fascinated by the Guinness Book of World Records. He poured over every page and gaped at every stupefying feat ever done by real humans all over the world. He thought how amazing it would be if young people like himself could be out there doing the same.

And that was exactly what this little boy did. He set his own records. And GoЯdo has been breaking records ever since. All thanks to the power of a single book, and the talent and endurance of all the amazing people in the book that inspired GoЯdo. THE PORT MACQUARIE DAREDEVIL This little boy grew up to be the Port Macquarie Daredevil, GoЯdo Gamsby, and he is the world’s strangest strong man. A country boy who did not quite fit into the “normal” mode, GoЯdo has an amazing range of astounding abilities. You may want to hold your jaw up as we take you through his career. We are talking about someone who enjoys doing outrageous things like swallowing swords. Yes, swords. Not a cherry stone or cod liver oil. Cold, hard, sharp, nasty swords. From the big stage of the London National Theatre and the Sydney Opera House to little sideshow tents and TV shows, GoЯdo has been thrilling audiences around the world. To date, he has 12 Guinness world records under his belt (someone please give him another belt!), and anyone who has seen him perform never forgets him.

WHO IS GOЯDO GAMSBY? Believe it or not, GoЯdo is a simple family man. He has a loving partner Lucy Frost and a little bouncing toddler Spike. GoЯdo’s family is proud and supportive of his work, though sometimes they are not sure about the full extent of what he does. The GoЯdo that people see on stage is simply a more confident and exuberant version of the GoЯdo at home who is a loving husband and doting father.

On stage, GoЯdo is an extreme visceral entertainer. His acts shock and amaze

and leave people gasping. Most do not know which question to ask first - why on earth would anyone do that or how in the world did he do that?! GoЯdo is a sword swallower and a neon tube sword swallower … and the list goes on! Swords, apples and even bar stool legs, GoЯdo has had a taste of them. On top of that he is also a cigar box manipulator, juggler, fire performer and suspension artist.

SHOCKING THE WORLD

some dazzling feats there.

The little boy hunched over the Guinness book in the library would probably never have thought that one day, he would be travelling to and performing in 30 countries around the world.

Travelling and performing can be gruelling but GoЯdo has loved every minute of it. He is not quite done with travelling yet, but he is certainly ready to slow down a little. GoЯdo is keeping his performances a little more local now, much to the delight of the community!

GoЯdo has met amazing people and seen incredible places on his travels throughout his career. Now he is content to call Port Macquarie home. The first time GoЯdo travelled away from the Hastings Valley, he was exposed to an incredible perspective of people. He learnt to find comfort in surprising similarities across cultures and appreciate the differences that make people unique. GoЯdo had been travelling for a solid 15 years performing at all imaginable places - London National Theatre, squats in Berlin, open air festivals in the street, private rooftop parties, cruise ships and he has even graced the odd birthday party and threw in

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF GOЯDO

GoЯdo’s performances have a mystical thrill to them that keeps people spellbound and wanting more. His most memorable performance was in a show at the Imaginarium Festival in France. The stage was in an old boomed pool house. The audience liked the show so much they scaled the walls trying to see! And that was not the end of the excitement! After the show was over, the riot police had to be

called in to clear the crowd! And all this because of one single man - GoЯdo Gamsby!

GoЯdo thrives on the reaction he gets from people when they are watching his shows. You get truly honest reactions, be they fear or pure excitement. This is the power of extreme visceral theatre. BREAKING RECORDS The Great GoЯdo Gamsby is famous worldwide and a Guinness World Record Holder. He has a reputation for high impact stunts and has been at the forefront of sideshows and circuses as well as a vaudeville performer.

To date, GoЯdo holds 12 Guinness world records - from sword swallowing and feats of strength to manipulation.

THE GREAT GORDO GAMSBY - HUMAN RIGGING SUSPENSION 2011

GoЯdo’s feats of strength, skill and dexterity have brought him some of the following Guinness World Records: • 2007 - Four men swallowed the four steel legs of the same bar stool. The record was established in front of a live audience during a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, UK, on 21 August 2007. • Chayne and GoЯdo currently hold the record for the farthest distance to throw and catch a running chainsaw - 4 metres (13 ft 1 in), which took place at London Wonderground, UK, on 14 September 2012. • GoЯdo is our current record holder for the heaviest weight pulled with the tongue 132 kg (291 lb) by The Great GoЯdo Gamsby at London Wonderground, UK, on 16 September 2012. GoЯdo used a hook through his tongue to pull his assistant Daniella D’Ville as she sat on a low-loading trolley. • In 2014 pulling a 1,056kg car with a hook in his tongue. • Most apples held in own mouth and cut by chainsaw in one minute. (Now this title is held by WANG LEI of DeZhou China on 30 Nov 2020) • 2017 - The Sword of Swords • He also broke his earlier world record of smashing the most number of concrete slabs on his stomach while lying on a bed of nails. • Most cigar box end to ends in 30 seconds. • Most fire clubs juggled whilst swallowing a sword. • Most throws and catches of juggling clubs whilst 2 people swallow swords.

GoЯdo was told recently that his apple record has been broken and he is now itching to write to Wang Lei from China and ask if he would be up for a head to head! When asked which of his Guinness records he found

most memorable, GoЯdo without a doubt chose his first - the most sword swallowers swallowing the same object at the same time. It certainly got him started on collecting more and more Guinness records through his career!

One thing is sure though - GoЯdo Gambsy will still be stunning audiences with his eye popping feats, so if you are lucky, you may catch him at the next event near you. Be sure to get your seat so you do not have to scale walls just to watch GoЯdo’s amazing acts!

WANT TO SEE MORE OF GOЯDO’S PERFORMANCES?

So is there anything that GoЯdo Gamsby has not done in his life? He is musing on it and perhaps he would work on some new records ... or perhaps it could be a good time to start working on having a travelling family circus!

WATCH MORE

www.gordogamsby.com

BRILLIANT COMMUNITY

TAKING A STAND FOR THE HOMELESS PORT MACQUARIE-HASTINGS HOMELESS COMMITTEE HOMELESSNESS WEEK 2021, AUGUST 1ST TO 7TH, 2021

homelessness is the worrying consequence of this.

shame, anguish and anxiety he was facing then.

Homelessness has become a part of the fabric of cities, and in spite of it staring straight at us, we have not found an effective way to tackle the situation. While homelessness is a complex issue that cannot be tackled with an easy one-size-fits-all solution, there is still much that can be done to help ease the situation and condition of the homeless.

The Port Macquarie-Hastings Homeless Committee organises a Homelessness Week every year and this year the event takes place from AUGUST 1ST TO 7TH (#hastingshomeless21).

A SAFE SPACE FOR THE HOMELESS

The Port MacquarieHastings Homeless Committee is here for this very purpose and it has been organising a series of events to raise funds and build awareness of the situation of homelessness in the Hastings area. Housing shortages have increased over the past few years and

With homelessness on the rise across the Hastings, three in every four people using homelessness services are women and children. Many of them are fleeing family violence.

The main aim of the Port Macquarie-Hastings Homeless Committee is to raise money to provide lockers in Port Macquarie for rough sleepers in the Hastings. Its long-term goal is to create a ‘drop-in centre’ in Port Macquarie.

This will be a place where people without a home can come and take a Radio personality Jason Bodger shower and wash their (Bodge) is the Ambassador for clothes. What many take Hastings Homelessness. Jason for granted as a norm, was recognised by the Hon. Leslie being cleaning and doing Williams for his role in raising the laundry can be a luxury awareness on the difficulties our homeless face living on the streets that can help to lift one’s by sharing his personal story of mood, give some dignity hardship and resilience. Bodge to life and simply feel recalled his destitution as a young like a human. This “drop16 year old in Adelaide, noting the in centre” will also have

services and facilities such as a lounge room for the homeless to safely be in and have access to TV to watch a midday movie or just sit and connect with others. Funds from the Port MacquarieHastings Homeless Committee are also being used to supply weekly breakfasts at Kooloonbung Creek. Not having a home is gruelling on the spirits - to have a place to go to for some warm food to start the day brings that bit of hope to those who have to survive in the streets. Port Macquarie-Hastings Homeless Committee will be organising a Homelessness Awareness Festival to take place on the Port Macquarie Town Green, on Wednesday August 4th 2021 from 10 am to 2 pm. The event will showcase services and provide information on what the committee does. There will also be games, food and music at the event.

CAMPAIGNING FOR THE HOMELESS The Port Macquarie-Hastings

Homeless Committee is also on its second year of running its Surf@HomeCampaign to raise money for the rough sleepers in the area. This year, people are asked to commit to sleeping on their couches for one night only between August 1st and 7th during National Homelessness Week. Family and friends can donate via the Go Fund Me page or cash money which can be dropped off at New Horizons in Port Macquarie. The Go Fund Me page will be left open for the whole awareness week for people to donate. Another campaign this year is inviting the community to “Give a Gift Card” of any sort. It can be a $10 Coles Card, $5 iTunes Care, etc. Gift cards can be dropped off at any Lifeline Shop or New Horizons. Service providers will then distribute them to the homeless.

The Port MacquarieHastings Homeless Committee aims to find enduring solutions for those who are at risk of, or already experiencing, homelessness. Their events

are designed to raise awareness of the issue in the community while providing a collection point for life-saving goods and donations to improve the situation of those who experience homelessness. FOLLOWING UP ON THE HOMELESS The Port Macquarie-Hastings Homeless Committee also takes a very proactive approach and gets right into the heart of homelessness by engaging with the homeless, providing them with basic necessities and listening to their experiences.

They have a travelling roadshow during Homelessness Week AUGUST 1ST TO 7TH where they stop at various points across the Hastings, Wauchope, Laurieton, Lake Cathie and Port Macquarie. This is where the committee do their real magic by providing haircuts, food, health van, counselling and other support services.

GETTING INVOLVED Among those taking part in hosting the events are New Horizons, Lifeline Mid Coast, Community Housing Ltd, Hastings Neighbourhood Services, YP Space, Mid North Coast Legal Centre, Neami National, The Hope Shop, Port Macquarie Clinic 33, NSW Health, NSW Police, Life without Barriers.

poverty and homelessness with care, dignity and respect, supporting the poor and needy in the community, visiting the sick and elderly and providing nutritious meals for the less fortunate.

At the end of the day, knowing that there is something we can all do to make a difference, no matter how small, is EVERYONE CAN HELP a first step to helping to change the situation of The Port Macquarie-Hastings the homeless. It starts Homelessness Committee is not alone in making a difference to with one person, and one the lives of the homeless. The single act. There are many Brothers In Need from Sydney who realise how dire the were invited to attend a BBQ for situation is but do not rough sleepers at Kooloonbung know where to start to Creek on April 29th. The Brothers help. This is where the In Need group cooked up delicious sausages and distributed Port Macquarie-Hastings Homelessness Committee food and drinks to share with vulnerable people in the Hastings can guide people to doing community. what is most necessary and relevant to help the The Brothers in Need have come homeless. to the area before during times of community recovery. They are a not-for-profit organisation made up of community volunteer workers who strive to make a difference. Their mission is to assist those who are experiencing

PARTICIPANTS AND CONTACTS TRACEY ROGERSON, NEW HORIZONS: (02) 6588 8100 trogerson@newhorizons.org.au

LISA WILLOWS, LIFELINE MID COAST: (02) 6581 2800 marketing@lifelinemidcoast.org.au

JULIE TROWBRIDGE, PORT MACQUARIE NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE: (02) 6583 8044 julie@hns.org.au

PORT MACQUARIE HASTINGS HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS: facebook.com/PortMacquarieHomelessness

BROTHERS IN NEED brothersinneed.org.au

SURF@HOMECAMPAIGN: GOFUNDME

For more details, including for the Mid North Coast, see the attached Homelessness Australia fact sheet and click here.

WORKING TIRELESSLY TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED BLAZEAID, HELPING COMMUNITIES REBUILD AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS

Meet Chris Male, Wauchope BlazeAid Camp Co-ordinator and BlazeAid Vice President.

WHEN NATURAL DISASTERS STRIKE, BLAZEAID IS THERE TO HELP Closer to home, Chrissy Jones meets this wonderful lady, Chris Male, who works tirelessly to help others in need. Wauchope BlazeAid set up at Wauchope Showground on ANZAC Day and is expected to be established in the community for another six months assisting farmers repair their flood damaged properties across the Hastings hinterland. Run entirely by volunteers who are spread across the country helping those in need, BlazeAid Steering Committee hold regular meetings via Teleconference. Chris and husband John’s involvement with BlazeAid is very personal to both of them. Their tenure as volunteers stretches over 10 years. After witnessing the generosity of the community when their son and daughter in-law were involved in a horrific car accident they were driven to give back to the community.

One way to help locals who have been affected by the recent flood events, is by donation. BlazeAid is funded by every day Australians like you. Donations via their website or by visiting any Bendigo Bank and depositing directly into the BlazeAid account. Wauchope BlazeAid is set up in the ladies Auxiliary room at the Wauchope Showground. Chris and John are usually there to accept food donations. You can help by donating home baked goodies like biscuits, cakes, and slices for the packed lunches for up to 20 volunteers each day. Or if you’re keen, and to take the pressure off Chris and John who not only prepare all the meals but handle the administration and daily organisation of the work teams, feel free to bring a big pot of soup, homemade lasagna, or pasta bake. Anything to feed the volunteers after a hard day fencing.

AS THE SAYING GOES - MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK.

We need helpers to keep the good work 68

going. No experience required. Tasks are broad and varied each day around the local farms and the camp. BlazeAid has some accommodation pods set up in Wauchope Showground for those that don’t have a van. Most of the volunteers have their own accommodation, a caravan or a tent. And they come from all walks of life, grey nomads, homeless people, backpackers, with some locals lending a hand.

SO, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL BLAZEAID VOLUNTEER? They are pretty special people. They all have one common desire to help, and they want to help in a practical way. Some people would rather give their time, be it for a day, a week, or in some cases longer, than donate. Our volunteers take pride in their work, they can see the benefits of their labour; in what they give and do. The average dollar value of the Volunteers work per person is $300 per day to a farmer. But, it’s more than that, they are working alongside the farmer to do farm work that is not the norm. Farmers have been hit hard, and have suffered terrible what with the March 2021 floods, the devastating bushfires, and COVID-19. Farming properties have been affected in many ways, and our work is to repair or replace hundreds of kilometres of fencing either covered in debris or washed away. Putting your hand up as a BlazeAid Volunteer working alongside farmers not only helps repair their properties, it is so good for farmers’ and their mental health. Friendships are forged in this collaborative effort, and continue for many years after the work has been done. To have someone you don’t know help clean debris off fence lines, pick up rubbish that in many cases isn’t yours but from a neighbouring farm upstream, and help erect new fencing is quite remarkable. This effort sees the work completed far quicker than any individual could ever have done themselves. It’s such a relief and sense of accomplishment only achieved by the help from BlazeAid.

BlazeAid Volunteers say ‘they get more out of helping than they give.’ Satisfaction is the common denominator between the farmer and the volunteer. The farmers for having help to get the work done, and the volunteers for the physical effort they contribute. So, apart from personal satisfaction, a BlazeAid volunteer receives three meals a day, free accommodation at the camp, be it site fee waived for their van or free set up in a camp

pod. But they work their butts off! Mostly the work is carried out during the week, but sometimes work on weekends is needed as some farmer works off farm during the week, or the volunteer is only available on the weekend. Some of the volunteers travel just to be able to help. They may come from Sydney or Newcastle for instance, leave their weekday jobs to put up their hand and help on a weekend.

HISTORY OF BLAZEAID AUSTRALIA BlazeAid was founded by Kevin Butler in 2009 following the horrible Black Saturday fires in Victoria. Kevin’s property was one of the first victims of the devastating fire. First triggered by high winds bringing down electrical wires and spreading like wildfire through his property and onto neighbouring land. The utter devastation to their property prompted Kevin and wife Rhonda to put a public notice in the local paper asking for help. They thought they may get a moderate response, but they were overwhelmed with willing helpers. The result was completed work that would have taken the couple at least 6 to 9 months done and dusted in less than three weeks. Kevin and Robyn felt they needed to share this with their neighbours and the volunteering work continued and has grown since 2009 to form a committee that conducts meetings and travels across the country helping those in need.

Be it fire, flood or cyclone, any natural disaster event BlazeAid will be there to help. 2020 was the year that BlazeAid grew rapidly. No organisation or government body was prepared for the catastrophic fires that were experienced across the East Coast of NSW and Queensland. BlazeAid’s resources and volunteers were stretched. But they consolidated and improved so they are better prepared. Normally a fire event will come, do its damage and go, but in

2020 they lingered, some weren’t extinguished for weeks, some months! But BlazeAid kept on and now are back to help with the flood devastation. There have been over 15,000 volunteers over the years, set up in camps across Australia. Some have been helping since the inception of BlazeAid, others are new. Volunteers are a precious resource that needs to be constantly renewed and retained.

WANT TO HELP? This is the best point of contact and will give you a list of all the camps that are operating: blazeaid.com.au/wauchope-2019

CHRIS IS HAPPY TO TAKE CALLS: 0418 745 994

BLAZEAID: www.blazeaid.com.au blazeaid.com.au/map-of-blaizeaid-camps

THANK YOU TO WAUCHOPE SHOWGROUNDS Wauchope BlazeAid is so very grateful to be able to utilise the Wauchope Showground free of charge to camp and have the use of the Ladies Auxiliary room and kitchen facilities. Members of the Show Society and Ladies Auxiliary are happy to be able to do this as BlazeAid is giving back to their community in this time of need.

www.facebook.com/watch/Blazeaid/

DONATE TO BLAZEAID DONATE NOW

SEEKING A NEW FLYING FIELD THE PORT MACQUARIE RADIO CONTROLLED AIRCRAFT CLUB INC In 1984 a Radio Controlled flying club was founded in Port Macquarie to provide members a place to enjoy the challenge and mateship of building and flying radio controlled model aircraft.

with the Fair Trading Authority and have a good relationship with the Council having held a Development Application on our last site for over 10 years without Council intervention.

Our club has been successful and it is more than just a place to enjoy the hobby. It is a place to share life with friends, to give each other an interest and perhaps new skills, it provides a safe place to meet new friends, and a place to enjoy the company and support of young and old alike.

We have fallen on difficult times where after over 10 years we now have to find a new flying field.

There is a large experience base of Aeromodelers in our club that can help teach newcomers to build and fly balsa, plastic and foam aircraft. Powered by 2 stroke, 4 stroke and electric motors. We are Members of an Australian body called the MAAA that gives us $20,000,000 insurance, we are a responsible, respectful and organised club and are registered

With the open land areas becoming few and far between we do need a large clear place to pursue our hobby and would be open to anyone who can help us find a new home. Ian Moss with his model aircraft

If you have or know of someone who has open land that we could use as a model aircraft field we would be extremely grateful. Our members are from all walks of life and range in age from thirteen years to eighty nine years. Any assistance that we receive will be greatly appreciated.

GET IN TOUCH WITH: BARRY NEEMS 6582 5779

GED OLDFIELD 0435 938 747

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UNIQUE HANDCRAFTED JEWELLERY BY MICHELE COOK, UTOPIAN LIVING

Utopian Living is about wearing one-of-a-kind creations that have been harvested from authentic materials with a loving hand. Michele Cook is the face behind these unique art pieces. Utopian Living was born out of a creative urge during the challenging period of the pandemic. Her artistic creations went from something she did for herself to something that became important for many others in her community and beyond. Utopian Living in Wauchope, NSW is a little haven where people would come in, and the peaceful, inviting space inspires people to share their stories and find a common spirit with each other.

UNIQUE BLEND Michele’s creations are unique and organic. When people hold each individual piece in their hand, it evokes an emotion. The colours, the textures, the movements of each piece, the light that it catches, and sometimes a playful little idiosyncrasy all blend together and bring simple joy to the person wearing it. Each piece of jewellery in the Utopian Living collection is handcrafted and undergoes stringent processes using different hand tools, techniques, and methods to give a distinctive flavour to each and every piece.

A MARRIAGE OF NATURE AND CULTURE Nature and Culture are Michele’s main inspirations. Michele uses only natural, organic materials that connect people to what is authentic in them. She creates beautiful pieces out of precious metals, triple A-graded gemstone beads, Keshi pearls and even locally sourced and treated driftwood. Michele also

derives joy from using resources from different cultures. There is a story behind her pieces of Turkish silver or Indian sari silk. As a craftsman, Michele understands the dedication and hard work behind making each piece. She is first in line to support other artisans and communities.

SLOW FASHION Nothing in Michele’s creative space is mass produced. Her creations have an identity and a soul. Michele understands the nature of her materials and is able to extract the beauty essence of each material and combine them to create striking pieces that catch people’s hearts. She takes her time to create and nothing is rushed. She is proud of her “slow fashion’’ and highly appreciative of the value of things that have accumulated years under their belts. Michele encourages others to do as she does, to leave behind a gentle print on the planet we live on.

FROM CUSTOMERS TO FRIENDS Michele herself is a serene presence in Utopian Living. She is

part of what makes having a piece from Utopian Living so special. You can be out on a walk and pass by Utopian Living and find Michele in her creative space. She greets her shop “Good Morning” to welcome positive creative vibes and she feels beauty in each person’s presence. It is how Michele feels anchored to her soul and her world around her. Special connections are nurtured here, where people walk in as customers and walk out as friends. When people wear a piece from Utopian Living, they are carrying a piece of Michele’s peace and joy as well. Utopian Living is located at shop 5, 7 High Street Wauchope, just a short drive from Port Macquarie. Michele and her beautiful handcrafted jewellery have been embraced by the local community and beyond. Locals love stopping by Utopian Living and feeling the serenity of Michele’s creative space. Her warm smile and beautiful art pieces are all there to welcome everyone and start their day with a sparkle of joy. utopianliving.com.au Michele@UtopianLiving.com.au facebook.com/MichelesUtopianLiving instagram.com/Utopian.Living

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Brilliant-Online | Brilliant Men in Business | June 2021 Issue

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