Brilliant-Online | Celebrating Women | March 2021 Issue

CELEBRATING WOMEN March 2021 Issue

TG’s Child Care Centre Managers Pam Hata Liz Jarvis Nina Linder Dr. Namira Williams Sharon Griff iths Melanie Williamson Haley Emerson Natasha Barnard-French Sukaina Dada Tanya Tan Kelsie Redman Jacquie Love Raw Chef Yin Lucy Gamsby Frost Melanie Fergin Helen Zhang Susan Jain Veronica Lind & Koh Joh Ju Chrissy Jones

ONLINE

Playing is Learning for Life TG’s Child Care at Urangan, Queensland

Register for a play date

(07) 4184 2282

urangan@tgschildcare.com.au

tgschildcare.com.au/urangan

61 Miller St, Urangan, QLD 4655

73 places for children 6 weeks to 6 years

BRILLIANT WOMEN SISTERS ARE DOIN’ IT FOR THEMSELVES

This latest edition of Brilliant online takes its cue from the recent annual International Women’s Day, with a sparkling showcase of inspired women who’re all taking it to the max in their chosen fields.

From ingenious accountants to a ground-breaking musician; from an innovative fashion designer to a meticulous vinyl wrapping specialist who transforms cars into colourful works of art, they’re all empowered women making tangible differences.

It’s interesting to note that today’s social environment encourages and celebrates women making these kind of achievements is not a product of our recent, more enlightened times.

HISTORIC CONTEXT In fact, the first International Women’s Day was held more than a century ago, in 1911, to celebrate – as it still does – the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and mark a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine what societies were like in such a distant time, three years before the outbreak of World War One when everything was, without question, a Man’s World.

With the traditional mantra of a Woman’s Place is in the Home echoing around them, it’s no wonder that women of the time felt resigned to enduring pedestrian, unchallenging lives of homemaking and child-rearing.

So, the advent of International Women’s Day in 1911 must have come to them as a refreshing revolutionary wind of change and a harbinger of change for women’s rights and equality.

LUCY FROST PRISON FACTORY CULT CIRCUS. READ HER STORY ON PAGE 23.

For those of us who mistakenly believe that the fight for women’s equality only began in the enlightened times of the late 1960s when Women’s Lib was the watchword, this is an eye-opener.

Don’t forget that back in 1911 women everywhere were marginalised from decision-making in society, however a measure of change had already been introduced in some countries.

Eighteen years previously in 1893 New Zealand had become the first country in the world to give women the vote in parliamentary elections – although they were still barred from standing for elections themselves until 1919.

And a year later in 1894 South Australia extended universal suffrage to all women, the first colony in Australia to do so.

From these small steps began the path for women to become politicians and eventually take leadership roles as prime ministers and presidents.

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE In the workplace, professional careers were more or less out-of-bounds to women in those far-off times, except for menial jobs. And even women who held down good professional jobs were expected to abandon them and retreat into a life of domesticity upon marrying.

But two world wars put an end to that, with women stepping up to the plate to more than effectively fill the gaps in workforces caused by men leaving for military service. Both these wartime periods were instrumental in proving women’s worth in the traditionally maledominated workplace.

Against this historic backdrop, the progress of women in society and

professionally – as articulated by International Women’s Day – is really something to celebrate.

This year’s International Women’s Day banner is #ChooseToChallenge, a fitting narrative for the outstanding women of achievement presented in this latest Brilliant online.

Last week, I spoke with Susan Jain, a former chief marketing officer in a global technology company whom I’ve worked with before.

“The thing that I really appreciate about ‘Choose to Change’ is the intentionality of it, because not only do you choose, you choose to challenge,” Says Susan.

“Yes, challenge happens naturally in life, no matter what you’re doing. But choosing to challenge is different than just happening upon challenges which we all do in life. It is purposeful and international, and that’s very important and certainly relevant in today’s day and age.”

As the CEO of Brilliant, I put my marketing and technology skills into this Brilliant Magazine and challenge the boundaries of interactive advertising.

Therefore it is also fitting that we’re able to do all women’s achievements justice by telling their stories in full and absorbing detail - with our array of links to associated websites, blogs, videos and podcasts.

Enjoy this inspiring multimedia read!

Veronica Lind, CEO

Send any comments to

editor@brilliant-online.com

LIZ JARVIS

BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS MAKING BUSINESSES COUNT TOWARDS PROFITABILITY In our age of sophisticated accounting software and internet-based business solutions the chore of business beancounting has never been easier or more straightforward.

But what if all this automated ease that can churn out detailed spreadsheets at the touch of a button masks issues that have potential to derail a business?

Do all these convenient softwarebased accounting processes encourage business owners to turn a blind eye to the realities of their day-to-day operations?

Are the machines taking over and turning businesses into facsimiles of themselves – soulless, data-driven companies lacking the character to interact effectively with their customers and communities?

Liz Jarvis of Better Business Decisions believes there’s more to it than that, and devotes herself to empowering business owners in the art of harnessing the strength of all this business technology for detailed insight and understanding of their company’s financials.

BRIDGING THE GAP This one-woman crusade against the disconnects between business owners and their accountants takes a personal, hands-on approach to help them bridge this gap and build profitability.

“Unfortunately, the rise of accounting technology and its speed of change

has led to some business owners and accountants relying on software to run their businesses and depending on it to get it right,” she says.

“It’s an inviting path to take, but it can be a perilous one for the unwary.

Software accounting systems are invaluable for efficiency, but without human engagement they take a bland view of a business.

“I work with my clients to bring them back to the numbers and fully engage with their financial statements – it’s amazing how their perceptions of the business can change just by walking them through their financials as the ‘Story of their Business.’

“And I always encourage them to adjust account names to be more meaningful to their unique operation.”

ON-LINE FINANCIALS

various fields of business accounting.

A graduate in Economics from Sydney’s Macquarie University, Liz worked for one of the city’s ‘Big 8’ international accountancy firms, before a move to the country and a local firm of accountants, then a period in-house with a technology client.

The introduction of GST pulled her back to compliance work, where she witnessed significant shifts in regulation of tax agents and financial advice impacting the holistic way accountants had traditionally served business owners.

Her passion for empowering businesses came with a change of direction into business coaching to liaise with entrepreneurs, where she began to identify the negatives of a hands-off approach to a company’s financials.

Technology is a big factor in all this for Liz, who runs Better Business Decisions from office premises in Wingham, New South Wales, where banks of computer screens and equipment connect her with clients right across Australia.

“The bottom line in accounting isn’t only the final line of a profit and loss statement – it’s analysing the detail, including balance sheet items and asking whether or not everything is complete and accurate. Once it is, you have the clarity to improve the bottom line,” says Liz.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to the popularity of Zoom she was an enthusiastic user of the app, hooking up with businesses to give them guided tours and analysis of their on-line financials.

“Assuming everything is OK because the software says so is definitely the wrong way to go. I work with my clients to challenge that mindset and empower them to dig deep into the numbers to find new directions and profits.”

EMPOWERING BUSINESSES

BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS

Her keen insight into what makes businesses tick – and what will make them run better and more profitably – is rooted in a lengthy career of working in

betterbusinessdecisions.com.au hello@betterbusinessdecisions.com.au +61 (02) 6553 0274 1/20 Isabella Street, Wingham NSW 2429

BOOK A FREE STRATEGY SESSION WITH LIZ TODAY

SINGER AND SONGWRITER IN TEMPO WITH A MAGICAL MUSICAL MESSAGE With the music industry battered by swathes of COVID-19 restrictions, one young independent singer-songwriter tuned-up to challenge the musical torpor and support local communities Pam Hata is an artist who plays to the beat of her own drum, fashioning a vivid vision of her own musical future and the music scene of her adopted Australian stamping ground.

This talented musician with a heart full of original songs, big voice and a quirky stage presence, hails from the Land of the Long White Cloud – Aotearoa, New Zealand – and now bases herself in Port Macquarie and the Lower Clarence region.

She’s a full-time independent solo artist playing a soulful blend of blues, R&B, funk, reggae and roots covers, as well as a repertoire of original material.

Her stage shows are memorable and engaging, with unique performances of favourites and originals blended in storming mash-ups that get toes tapping and hands clapping.

Adding to all this musical energy is Pam’s personal line of merchandise funky one-off items crafted by local artisans.

ORGANIC FOLLOWING Pam has supported acts and shared stages with the big names like Busby Merou, Wolf Mother, Booseeka, Gold Member, The Beautiful Girls, Kalidad, Claud Hay, Pete Murray, Frank Sultana, Austin Alsop and most recently Ash Grundwald with Brad Cox and Chris Rose at the region’s first post-COVID festival “Live At The Smokehouse.”

It’s these shows that quickly gained her an organic following and momentum on the festival circuit.

Undismayed by COVID-19, Pam kept up her musical profile online and carefully worked around the restrictions with a string of shows conforming to safety regulations.

Completing two single releases on her debut tour of Australia, together with one international tour in the past three years on her own and with a band, Pam spent 2020 writing her new series of original Eps - “Raw” and “Wild.”

And in an initiative to support her fellow musicians, she launched a live movement online through a physical and virtual collective - “Original Sound Lounge” via the Pluto Entertainment website.

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Now in operation for a fourth year, Original Sound Lounge survived COVID-19 and has actually experienced growth!

GIVING BACK “We picked up a world of new artists and fans and expanded from the Mid North Coast to the northern rivers, providing exclusive COVID-safe arts showcases to areas that really need it,” says Pam. “And I’m happy to say nearly all have been sold out since restrictions have lifted.

“This is my way of giving back - I love the communities we live and play in, and most of all the people who come to see us like the Mum and Dad locally-owned venues that support us.

“It’s so important we look after each other and this was the best way I knew how. You roll over and die - or you get up!

“We literally had nothing to lose with these two hands, six strings and hopes and dreams!”

Pam has spent the holiday season touring the East Coast again - around border closures and COVID-19 outbreaks.

In doing so she’s been showing support for communities and musicians who’re determined to continue to keep music appreciators connected at their favourite local venues and festival stages.

Pam’s accomplishments as a musician and in her community movement have attracted media attention, both for her solo work and music events and her new line of merchandise which includes T-shirts, stubby coolers, jewellery and even a fragrance all locally sourced grown and hand-crafted to support local communities and local businesses.

WILD EP BY PAM HATA

THE MAGIC OF

TG’S CHILD CARE

MEG BARNDEN-HYDE ALICIA MOODY

BRON BYERS

TG’S ARMIDALE

TG’S CHILD CARE URALLA

CENTRE MANAGER

CENTRE MANAGER

For Meg, everyone is a leader and it is each educator’s gifts that make a difference to children and families. As Centre Manager, she sets the standard for high professionalism within the team.

The joy from Alicia’s childhood and her own family spills over into TG’s and it’s this loving quality that inspires educators and children under her care in the playspaces and rooms. TG’S is Alicia’s family too and this is where she feels right at home.

She is a local girl who loves exploring what her community has to offer be it fine food and wine or catching up with friends over coffee. As part of the TG’s Family for over ten years, Meg has developed from a TG’s parent to educator to Centre Manager and is giving back with her knowledge and gifts to help others develop. This is her second family where she brings in her magic nurturing touch!

TG’S CHILD CARE URANGAN

Having worked in Early Childhood for 19 years, Alicia sees each child as a rich, unique world to be discovered. She is passionate about her role supporting children, families and the community to grow. Every day, Alicia is building meaningful and beautiful relationships at TG’S and the children give back readily the same love, respect and kindness they receive from her.

CENTRE MANAGER

Bron was so convinced about TG’s Way as a TG’s parent she went on to become an educator, team leader and now Centre Manager with TG’s.

Knowing that TG’s is an industry leader in child care, Bron is proud to take on her role in making a difference in each child’s early years, supporting their growth and learning through play. TG’s is where Bron takes on her second mother role to TG’s children - they are her biggest influencers in what she does.

She is happy to be a Mother Hen and nurture the gifts of each child!

TG’s Child Care

Early Learning Centres across Australia For children 6 weeks to 6 years Uralla

Urangan

Armidale

+61 (02) 6778 3369

+61 (07) 4184 2282

+61 (02) 6772 7810

uralla@tgschildcare.com.au

urangan@tgschildcare.com.au

armidale@tgschildcare.com.au

tgschildcare.com.au/uralla

tgschildcare.com.au/urangan

tgschildcare.com.au/armidale

23B John St, Uralla NSW 2358

61 Miller St, Urangan, QLD 4655

11 Samuelson Crescent, Armidale NSW 2350

Licensed for 32 places

Licensed for 73 places

Licensed for 75 places

Wauchope Hastings St

Wauchope High St

Wauchope Riverbreeze

+61 (02) 6585 1033

+61 (02) 6585 3331

+61 (02) 6585 2981

HastingsStreet@tgschildcare.com.au

HighStreet@tgschildcare.com.au

riverbreeze@tgschildcare.com.au

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-hastings-st

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-high-st

tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-riverbreeze

33B Hastings St, Wauchope NSW 2446

223A High St, Wauchope NSW 2446

3 Riverbreeze Drive, Wauchope NSW 2446

Licensed for 48 places

Licensed for 48 places

Licensed for 48 places

ENROLL AT TG’S CHILD CARE

LAURA MOWLE

TONI-LEE PAINE

WAUCHOPE

TG’S CHILD CARE WAUCHOPE HASTINGS ST

AREA MANAGER

Laura joined the TG’s Family at their first centre in Armidale in 2010. She then relocated to TG’s Wauchope in 2013 where she became Team Leader and Educational Leader. She became Centre Manager of TG’s High Street in 2016 and is always passionate and enthusiastic to keep growing and learning.

A highlight of Laura’s career has been taking on her current role of Area Manager for Wauchope in 2020.

Laura always takes on opportunities with pride, interest and curiosity and she challenges her team to pursue their gifts. For Laura, each child should feel a sense of belonging, feel safe and have opportunities to grow their gifts.

CENTRE MANAGER

Toni-lee is highly passionate about what she does and she has been in the Childcare industry for 22 years.

Her career with TG’s began in May 2017, when she started as a Preschool Room Early Childhood Educator. She then took on her Centre Manager role in October of the same year.

What makes her passionate about her work is she gets to be a part of young children’s lives and make a difference.

It is a rewarding feeling to be able to support each child’s unique growth and development as they identify their own superpowers, strengths and gifts.

CRYSTAL MAJESKI

LINDA HUTCHISON

TG’S CHILD CARE WAUCHOPE RIVERBREEZE

TG’S CHILD CARE WAUCHOPE HIGH ST

CENTRE MANAGER

It’s Crystal’s 14th year in the industry and she recalls the warm welcome she received when she first joined TG’s Hastings Street in 2013. She knew that was her place. She has gone from Team Leader to Educational Leader to Centre Manager in 2018 at High Street and then to Riverbreeze in 2019.

As a TG’s educator, she understands the standards and expectations and strives to go above and beyond. TG’s educators paddle the canoe together as a team, embracing everyone’s experiences and gifts.

Crystal loves how nature is a part of TG’s.

It ignites their learning and allows them to explore and investigate!

THE MAGIC OF TG’S CHILD CARE

CENTRE MANAGER

Children are Linda’s world and laughter is her daily vitamin, which she gets interacting with children at TG’s.

Education is a two-way street. She builds beautiful relationships with children and they in return have much to teach her.

TG’s has been part of her family for the past 21 years. She started in 2000 at TG’s very first centre in Wauchope until having her own three boys. Once her children got to an independent age she was excited to return to TG’s. TG’s is where the team work together and also play together. At TG’s, she feels appreciated as a valuable member of the family and this is where she belongs.

NINA LINDER FARE THEE WELL

THE ART OF DYING WELL When COVID-19 swept through the world, ‘Life is Precious’ became a glaring understatement. One can never know how much time is left and with so many families grieving losses brought about by the pandemic, it is a sobering moment to contemplate one’s end.

Nina Linder, Fare Thee Well is a special person who is practical about a Good End of Life.

Nina cares about the person who is dying with an emphasis on a ‘Good Death’ at home (if possible). She also cares about after-death family vigils while providing support, counselling and ceremonial services.

The pandemic is not here to strip us of our humanity. If anything, it is a reminder of how delicate life is and how we need to let our humanity, hope, faith and love endure through it. Planning ahead and making End of Life Decisions can help us overcome the fear, stigma and anxiety of contemplating death.

Death can lose its sting when we accept it as a natural, transitory part of life.

COVID-19 COMPLICATES END OF LIFE

END OF LIFE CONVERSATIONS

Most people are very focused on the medical aspects of dying and while our Palliative team such as Specialists, General Practitioner, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals all play a vital role as we near our end, it is just as necessary for everyone to prepare early and have calm conversations about medical options and one’s End of Life.

If you are thinking about setting up a will with a legal professional, or notice how your abilities are reducing in your body and mind, it is time to have an end-of-life conversation with Nina. Do it with your loved ones so you have each other’s support. You do not have to do this alone. Talk about options on how you wish to die and your plans for your death.

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Qualified Nurse and Registered Counsellor in Port Macquarie who Supports, Guides and Provides Personal In-Home and Online Counselling Services for End of Life Care and Meaning Transition After Death.

ART OF DYING WELL The Art of Dying Weill is actually the Art of Living Well. The simple question of “Are you happy?” can floor people who have never thought for a second about this. Are you living in pursuit of things that truly matter such as family, friendship, love, trust, compassion, solidarity for our community? At the end of one’s life, it is these abstract things closest to our hearts that truly matter. They are the markers of having lived wisely and well. Death need not be feared. And life can be celebrated.

The COVID-19 pandemic made us realise how difficult grieving is and social distancing has made it even harsher. People can only talk to loved ones through an iPad at the hospital and cannot attend funerals due to restrictions. While we trust in the quality care of hospital staff at this time, many do not have access to a more personal and spiritual support as they near their end.

NINA LINDER

An Advance Planning Directive is a helpful tool to consider important medical decisions that will need to be made. These decisions are best made early on as they reduce the burden and pressure on your loved ones to decide for you when you are no longer able to.

“As a qualified nurse and registered Counsellor, I see the dying and their families having a difficult time dealing with terminal illnesses or sudden deaths.

They become concerned about the medical events and not death itself.

Would you be oppressed by the fear of death? I was and that’s why I decided to set up Fare Thee Well to help one navigate through End of Life Care and Meaningful Transition after Death; to help families and loved ones through the grieving process so death becomes a personal and spiritual event.”, says Nina.

End of Life conversations does not have to be frightening. When planned early, these gentle conversations help to set out your desires and wishes for the end and can help to lessen the anguish and stress later on. You are then free to experience more personal and spiritual aspects of your last days with your loved ones.

FARE THEE WELL

ABOUT NINA LINDER Nina is a degree-qualified Nurse with a passion for end of life care. She works with you and your loved ones so the process can be a more meaningful and peaceful experience for everyone.

As a certified Counsellor, she guides you and your family during the difficult time of terminal illness or sudden death.

Nina has had a long career in nursing (palliative care) and family services and she has been a registered Counsellor since 2019. Right now she is finishing her Masters of Counselling.

Nina’s gentle support and guidance help one’s end of life to be a time of deep meaning and resolution for you and your loved ones. She guides and supports one through the grieving process and

faretheewell.com.au enquiry@faretheewell.com.au www.facebook.com/FareTheeWellKL +61 404 821 779

provides options if people prefer to die at home.

Nina has a very full life she beautifully celebrates and she has many interests from busily establishing a native edible garden at her home in Port Macquarie to Salsa dancing and attending Toastmasters ( a supported environment to practice public speaking.)

FARE THEE WELL SERVICES Believing that each person and family is unique, Nina’s supports and services also need to be structured differently to suit the individual.

The minute you think about planning advanced care, or sense that your time on earth seems limited and precious, then go to Nina for end-of-life conversations. Bring your loved ones to discuss options on how you want to die.

Early decisions reduce the burden and pressure of your loved ones trying to guess the best possible decisions for you when you are no longer able.

THE ART OF DYING WELL

DR NAMIRA WILLIAMS DISABILITY MATERNITY CARE

Most people would not ask a woman with a disability when they are going to have children because it is just awkward.

Sometimes that question is not even thought of.

for disabled mothers. Specific support services are available to women with an Australian NDIS plan.

THE PRIMARY GOALS OF DISABILITY MATERNITY CARE ARE:

DISABLED MOTHERS ARE NOW ENABLED WITH TOOLS, RESOURCES, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES Dr. Namira Williams believes in supporting parents with a disability to become the best parents they can be.

She honours the special connection one has with one’s birth mother and that is what all mothers and their children should have the opportunity to experience and enjoy fully.

As CEO and educator of disAbility Maternity Care, Namira believes that all women have the right to establish relationships, have consensual sex, and become mothers should they so choose.

Being a mum is tough. Being a disabled mum is way tougher. Despite the rhetoric of social inclusion for people with a disability, most people with a disability are not well supported to have children.

Namira believes in supporting parents with a disability to become the best parents they can be. They are currently providing resources, tools and education webinars on topics to assist maternity staff and midwives provide better care

THREE THINGS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

disabled mothers can now feel cared for in their countries where these services are lacking.

disabilitymaternitycare.com namira@disabilitymaternitycare.com

•

Promote awareness and knowledge of the needs of women with a disability as they journey through pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood.

•

Promote the concept of inclusion and the rights of women with disabilities and partners to have a family.

•

Provide up-to-date information, training, and links to resources to enable health and service providers to meet the needs of these women.

Support for new parents is crucial to their success. “This can mean the difference between some mothers taking their babies home from hospital with them or not”. To address this, disAbility Maternity Care works with NDIS participants to coordinate appropriate supports and help put them in place during pregnancy so these mothers can succeed. They do not provide clinical services and do not replace medical or health advice from the client’s particular doctor or health practitioner.

www.facebook.com/disAbilityMaternityCare/

Zoom services triggered by the onset of COVID-19 have placed them on the international map where overseas

SUPPORT FOR DISABLED MUMS

SHARON GRIFFITHS HILBERTS HARDWARE

KEEPING THE TORCH BURNING BRIGHTLY Sharon Griffiths is a Business Woman, Councillor, Mother and Grandmother rolled into one.

Big things grow from tiny seeds. Hilberts Hardware is one dynasty that started off small and has kept growing till today.

And Sharon Griffiths is proud to share the story of how it grew.

Sharon is the third generation in the Hilberts Hardware dynasty in Wauchope.

Celebrating its 50th year in business in 2021, Hilberts Hardware has come a long way since Sharon’s grandfather Marten started the business from a modest shopfront in Hastings Street, Wauchope.

After the sudden death of her father, Sharon took over Hilberts Hardware in 1991 and since then, she and her husband Jeff have grown the business.

They now stock over 10,000 lines from general hardware to hydraulic fittings, wire rope and synthetics, an extensive range of tools and toolboxes, LP and industrial gases, paint, garden equipment to kitchenware and camping items.

When asked how she succeeded in a man’s world, dealing with log fallers, farmers, heavy haulage drivers, builders and the like, she chuckled and said, ”I think I’ve educated them over time, they know that if they’re going to ask me a question, I’m probably going to give them the answer, or I will find the answer promptly.”

The invaluable knowledge gained from working alongside her grandfather and father through the years since she was young prepared her well to deal with business and challenges her working environment brought her. Sharon also learned to be humble enough to realise she always had the option to research and ask if she did not know something, and this is a special touch that her customers appreciate. Her customers are never left hanging - if she did not know, she would source the product and find an answer for the customer.

ABOUT SHARON Sharon was born and resided with her family in Newcastle until the age of 15 when her grandfather suffered a heart attack and her Dad Max moved the family to Wauchope to take over the hardware business. This was the catalyst for the continuation of the strong family-run and owned business that has become part of the Wauchope community.

She got into the business at a tender

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age and while Sharon attended Wauchope High School, she also worked in the hardware shop to help out after school and on the weekends. Once she finished school, she did a one-year stint alongside her father learning the ropes.

One with a spirit for adventure, Sharon packed her backpack and set off travelling around Europe, the US and Canada for 5 months. She thoroughly enjoyed every minute and soaked up all the experiences.

TAKING PRIDE IN THE DYNASTY It has always been important for Sharon to keep the dynasty going. She believes there is a need in the community for a business like Hilberts Hardware. It is unique, and she is positive that if it disappeared off the business footprint in Wauchope, people would notice.

It is a constant in the lives of many and has brought the community many conveniences. There are so many products that you do not generally see on the shelf in most stores.

Often items that have a slow turnover and therefore not stocked by other shops can be found in Hilberts Hardware. That shows them as a heavyweight in the industry - they are not worried about a fast turnover. It is more important to them to supply what the customer wants.

in any way she can. Sharon believes that if someone is willing to do the work and put it all together, it should be encouraged. Sometimes all they need is some support and help so they have the correct information to help put their ideas into action.

Beyond the community, these schemes and plans that Sharon is introducing are helping the environment. Every bit of effort counts to making a change for the planet.

It may sound like Sharon is busy all the time with business and community. She keeps a balance in her personal life with her strong family values and taking care of her health by going to the gym at least once a week.

She also loves walking and going to the beach. She is health-conscious and so she watches what she eats, but can be found eating a works burger or a large bowl of pasta and she does allow herself to give in to the chocolate temptation on a regular basis! After all, she works hard and a little treat or two is a happy way to pamper herself after a long day!

50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

KEEPING THE COMMUNITY CLOSE The community is something that is close to her heart, and Sharon became a Councillor on the Port MacquarieHastings Council over eight years ago. She has served two terms and is considering running for a third. It was a male-dominated field at the time, but Sharon saw a need to step in and take pride in what she has to offer. She feared a loss of community and felt the need to bring about locations or interconnections where people could meet and actually connect.

Sharon saw infinite possibilities in bringing a community close - people could gather in a park to talk over beautification works, or involve community groups and activating people to get together to enable volunteering or they could even establish more local events to draw visitation to the area.

CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY Being open and approachable meant that if a member of the community had an idea to do something in their community, they found it easy to go to Sharon and she is always ready to help

hilberts.com.au 43-45 Hastings Street, WAUCHOPE www.facebook.com/hilberts.industrial +61 265 852 400

MELANIE WILLIAMSON BACKYARD PODS

DISRUPTIVE TECHPRENEUR Melanie Williamson is the Founder and CEO of Backyard Pods, an online leader for tiny home kits. As a disruptive techpreneur and strategic chief marketing officer, Melanie also helps other businesses to grow by launching their products or reach global markets.

Melanie is like her late father, seizing the moment and making audacious achievements. Peter Williamson was a former legendary racing car driver, sportsman, and businessman, so you can imagine the energy Melanie inherited.

The versatility of these pods can stretch as far as your imagination allows. When you put one of these pods in your backyard, you can turn it into a TV den, hangout space for teenagers, an exercise room, she-shed, man-cave...the possibilities are endless! Anything that suits your lifestyle.

Just imagine what you can do with the extra space!

STUDIO PODS IDEAS

LIVE WORK PLAY - ALL IN A BACKYARD POD

Backyard Pods are delivered to most areas of New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), South Australia and Queensland Australia.

For Melanie Williamson, it is her dream for everyone to easily enjoy an extra room made from practical materials at affordable prices. Top that off with a nice design ethic, great energy efficiency and plenty of options for customisation. A dream come true!

OFFICE AND PLAY PODS How about a Pod Office where you can work distraction-free with the convenience of being close to home?

Adrian from Strathmore, Victoria did with the 3.6m x 5m pod kit with Eaves and Blade Walls in Colorbond™ Monument. Through Backyard Pods, he also ordered the double-glazed Polar Eco-View stacker doors with black frames, as double-glazing is known for its soundproofing and energy-saving effectiveness – cool in summer, warm in winter.

By now your brain must be whirring away with 101 ideas of what you could possibly do with one of these amazing pods!

Start browsing and collect ideas for your very own Backyard Pod. Be warned - there are lots of amazing designs and great ideas of customers’ completed projects, design concepts, professionally installed or DIY projects. If you are buzzing with excitement now, quick get in touch with Backyard Pod’s team.

Melanie is always thinking of marketing.

When asked what she would do with her last $20, she replied, “Promote something that other people wanted to buy but couldn’t find previously.”

Backyard Pods is the home of Australia’s most reliable, versatile, and affordable flat-pack modular building kits.

A POD FULL OF INSPIRATION

The list is endless - add a backyard studio pod, office pod, granny flat or secondary dwelling, sleep-out, pool house, home extension, commercial and movable building, rumpus room pod, teenage hideaway, yoga retreat ... WOW!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melanie thought of an idea for technology, CoolGard, a staff and visitor management system for automatic contact-tracing compliance with astonishing real-time alerts and monitoring dashboard and visitor insights.

To access this dream, you can start with a basic backyard pod kit of 3m x 3m flatpack from A$3,656 with options to add a deck or verandah from A$1,592 plus doors and windows. Not bad when you think of all the things you can do with these pods.

Backyard Pods are engineering certified Class 1 (dwelling) with standard N3 wind rating – now also available with N4 wind rating, compliant for building in high-wind areas (at a small additional cost based on pod size).

QUALITY MATERIALS FOR ENDLESS VERSATILITY

backyardpods.com.au hello@backyardpods.com.au

These are prefabricated pod kits and can be made movable if built on skids instead of piers. Here´s what you can expect:

www.facebook.com/backyardpodsau/ +61 1800 289 763

GRANNY PODS Whether you call them Granny Flats or Tiny Houses, the concept is just fantastic.

These habitable pod projects can also be a money-spinner as you can rent them out or offer them as holiday pods with Airbnb.

Start with a Backyard Pod of 3m x 8m and turn it into a modern, spacious, fully self-contained ‘tiny home’ with all the comfort and conveniences needed for 1-2 people. Add in a queen-sized bedroom, kitchenette, ample wardrobe spaces, open space living and dining areas, bathroom, toilet with full-scale ceiling height and you have all you need to make it your own cozy little home or investment.

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Genuine BlueScope Steel

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Prefabrication by Steeline

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Proudly made in Australia

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Engineered/certified Class 1

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Endless design options

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Your choice of extras

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Personalised fit-outs

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DIY or get installation

BACKYARD PODS

WATCH HOW A BACKYARD POD IS BUILT

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HALEY EMERSON

BULLET BUSINESS SOLUTIONS FINANCIAL GUARDIAN ANGEL When the business going gets tough, who wouldn’t appreciate a friendly financial Guardian Angel taking them by the hand?

When she launched Bullet Business Solutions in February 2020, it was when small businesses were at their lowest and in dire need of all the emotional support they could get, after the bushfires and with COVID-19 just beginning.

Thinking of a bullet brings to mind images of speed, accuracy and targeted efficiency – ideal qualities for an accountant.

Her knowledge and expertise enabled her clients to claim the government’s stimulus grants to help them get back on their feet.

But these cold, hard images and their association with accountancy are only part of the services provided by Haley Emerson’s Bullet Business Solutions.

This work carries on today, with Haley supporting clients with claims for government funding, as well as structuring their finances.

There’s a clue in the reason behind the title of her business – named after a beloved former pet dog Haley Emerson’s Bullet Business Solutions’ business services are a long way from the norm as Haley likes to take a holistic approach to all her customers, as not one size fits all!

NUMBERS WHIZ

Alongside advice and counsel on bookkeeping, payroll and BAS Services, she’s a Guardian Angel offering friendly emotional support for business owners who may be reeling from the effects of unexpected adversities.

Haley’s a rarity in the world of business – a dedicated numbers person with heart and a passion for getting close to small businesses to help them overcome problems.

Haley’s own background in business goes a long way to explaining where her empathy for businesses in need comes from.

Although a whiz with maths and numbers at school, she also had a desire to be involved in the hospitality sector and work closely with people, so she joined the staff of a Sydney hotel at the tender age of 17. Starting at the bottom in various roles among the hotel’s housekeeping department, her natural flair was quickly recognised and within five years she’d reached a managerial position.

After that she moved to other prestigious Sydney hotel and hospitality properties, gaining more insights into different management cultures.

“Those years involved in all the various nuts and bolts of a hotel’s services gave me an appreciation of how different layers of business integrate and depend on each other for a successful outcome,” says Haley.

Business Specialist providing support with Bookeeping,Payroll, BAS, MYOB, XERO, QB Training, Small Business Consulting and MORE

bulletbps@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/BulletBookkeeping +61 425 563 402 Forster, NSW 2428

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“It also got me involved in accounting and financial functions, which re-ignited my love of numbers and finance. It also got me thinking about the fundamental role of accounting in business and how essential good accounting is to success.”

Haley’s expertise in business was then further developed during six years of managing a Tourist Park in the scenic South West Rocks, when Haley discovered a real love of bookkeeping and tax.

Then a family move to Forster in regional New South Wales provided the opportunity to work with accounting firms as a bookkeeper/ accountant, as well as working in payroll for a local firm with more than 100 staff.

The icing on the cake was the completion of her Advanced Diploma in Accounting.

But along with Haley’s growing understanding of business functions

came a realisation that emotion also accompanies business success – and a determination that emotional support would be a big part of her own business she was planning to establish.

This all came to fruition when she established Bullet Business Solutions last year to bring this ideal to reality.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE That’s not to say she’s a total workaholic – with two young daughters and a growing puppy to raise, as well as a supportive husband - Haley strives to achieve a work-life balance with a fulfilling family life alongside her dedicated work for clients.

“I don’t overbook my schedule and ensure that I’m organised each week – family is so important as my girls are six and nine, with a very busy dance schedule!

“While my girls are young, I’ll only take on so many clients which will allow me to dedicate my work time to them.”

There’s a philosophy behind all this which inspires Haley to strive for success both for herself and her clients.

“I enjoy working with people and I also love numbers and tax, which most people may not,” she says.

“My aim is to help other small businesses thrive in their chosen business sector and maximise their potential – and also to help them create their own work-life balance.”

“I want to support business owners as little or as much as they need, so that they know they can call upon help when needed.”

BUILDING A FUTURE One aspect of Haley’s life away from work is linked to her passion for workrelated activities.

Together with her husband, they focus on their own investment portfolio which will hopefully one day enable them to not have to work as hard and then spend more time with family.

It’s a pastime with a purpose that’s had Haley researching funding, architects and builders to coordinate their projects.

And with a natural eye for cost-cutting, she’s already made savings by using her husband to complete the landscaping!

BULLET BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

NATASHA BARNARD-FRENCH PANOPTIC VISION

SEEING THE WHOLE How you see can affect how you behave. Children with untreated visual acuity and eye muscle problems can affect their learning abilities.

Difficulties reading and having a short attention span may be misconstrued as misbehaviour.

“As a Developmental and Behavioural Optometrist, I solve eye coordination function problems, treat a child’s developing skills of vision perception.

For adults, I assess and manage visual issues associated with health, and neurological conditions, such as stroke and head injury, Parkinson’s disease, concussion and whiplash. These skills and treatment options mean that even if a patient doesn’t have a complex vision problem, I can provide the very best visual treatment for them. I often get told that I have solved a problem the patient didn’t even realise was related to their vision!”

Natasha’s job is to analyse visual systems and design a plan to help people make changes that can lead to improved visual performance or help adapt the visual system to what each person needs.

SIGHT AND VISION ARE NOT THE SAME Seeing clearly depends on eye shape and health but this doesn’t always mean the two eyes work well as a team or the brain processes visual information appropriately. Good vision is an active process. Two sets of muscles control whether you see a single, clear image or a double, blurry one. Every minute your eyes are open, your brain is deciding how much attention to give to central detail compared to peripheral movement. This is task-specific and if it takes too much effort, the brain has no attention left over for more complicated processing.

Good vision needed for playing sport is very different to good vision needed for reading. Children with good sight but untreated vision problems can have trouble with their co-ordination playing sport or with their learning abilities in a classroom. Difficulties reading and having a short attention span may also be misconstrued as misbehaviour.

LOOKING AHEAD INTO THE FUTURE Behavioural optometry is infinite in what it can offer and Natasha never stops being curious about the study of vision development. She is now looking at researching the specific visual/auditory processes behind learning to read English and learning to read music.

ENGAGING ALL THE SENSES Prior to COVID-19, Natasha had been very involved with the regional music community. She is an accomplished pianist and flautist. Natasha enjoys playing flute with Sinfonia MNC, as well as engagements with the Players Theatre Productions and Glasshouse lunchtime concerts.

to different patient expectations and attend to all aspects of vision needs.

Patients are given time to understand their condition and the potential range of options. This allows patients to choose what works best for them and their budget.

SEEING THE WHOLE

Musicality runs in the family, and her daughter Abi is a violinist! Natasha is happy to be kept busy accompanying her daughter on the piano and ferrying her to and from her violin lessons!

SEEING THE BIG PICTURE We set up our optometry practice, Panoptic Vision in 2015. Panoptic in Greek means ‘Seeing the Whole’. We assist in understanding and attaining the best holistic vision outcomes for whatever patients consider important for quality of life.

Panoptic Vision is committed to providing vision solutions that go beyond. It is not just about solving a vision problem. It goes beyond the focus is also to enhance visual performance and/or provide preventive options. Looking into the future also means continually investing in and making available state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to discover early signs of disease and provide the highest quality of eye care to the community.

What many may not know is that there is not just one vision system. And people have different vision needs.

What makes Panoptic Vision stand out is their thorough examinations and personalised vision solutions to cater

PANOPTICVISION.COM. AU

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SUKAINA DADA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SMILE CANADA

SMILE, AND THE WORLD SMILES BACK AT YOU “I’m a brown-skinned, visibly Muslim woman on a quest to change the world.

While I know that probably sounds cliché, my parents constantly (and I mean constantly) told me I could do and be whatever I wanted. My dad especially taught me that it didn’t matter if I am tiny – I am approximately 5 ft tall – or that I wear Hijab, or that I am a woman of colour, my voice could be heard, and I could make a difference. And that is exactly what I am attempting to do.”

Some of the services that SMILE provides include: •

Pairing families and caregivers with a parent coach who has a background in speech, language or applied behaviour analysis (ABA) to address a challenged child’s needs

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Financial assistance in the form of scholarships to families who are in need of therapy, respite services, and adaptive equipment.

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Identify the needs of children, youth and their families and then connecting them with various government and private resources within the community to help access funding, respite, therapy, and other supports.

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Events, sports activities, workshops and lectures to create awareness and inclusion.

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One to one mentorship for academic and friendly support.

MY QUEST TO “CHANGE THE SYSTEM” Since I was young, I was bothered by the inequities in society, especially in healthcare, education, and accessing social services. After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, I went on to do my Master’s at McMaster University to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. I then founded SMILE Canada - Support Services, a registered Canadian charity that supports racialised children and youth with disabilities, and their families.

In 2017, after three moves and two kids, I decided to pursue a PhD in Critical Disability Studies in the School of Health Policy and Management at York University to continue my quest to ‘Change the System.’

WORK-LIFE BALANCE Being in graduate school, working full time and trying to be a good mom takes a lot of creativity. When not working, I love the outdoors. I love going for hikes and exploring nature trails with my family and friends. I’ve taken up paddle boarding and biking and I LOVE to travel and explore different cities and learn about different cultures and ways of life.

www.smilecan.org info@smilecan.org www.facebook.com/smilecanada/ +1 647 952 8135

CHANGE THE SYSTEM

TANYA TAN

MOVING FASHION FORWARD, DIGITALLY ONE WOMAN’S PASSION TO TEACH 3D SOFTWARE SKILLS TO ASPIRING DESIGNERS The future of fashion is augmented reality. What this means is that if you are looking for a pair of pants, you can pop into a store which has the technologies to do body scanning and offer you the custom fit pants with the fabric, colour or style of your choice. Your information is captured and sent to the backend for processing. Yes, it’s tomorrow’s made-toorder apparel.

An important software that connects designers to customers is a threedimensional (3D) software which designers use to create their fashion pieces and send off to the production houses for the final cut to customers.

Recognising the growing trend towards the use of 3D software in the fashion and retail industry, former graphic designer Tanya Tan decided to push herself to learn one of the industry’s popular 3D garment simulation software. It was a gruelling two-year journey that she took during whatever spare time she found between work and family.

Tanya didn’t just want to learn to use the software. No - she wanted the certification to enable her to teach the software to aspiring designers and current garment industry professionals such as merchandisers, pattern makers and stylists, etc.

Finally, after much dogged determination, hard work and intensive training in an institution overseas, she attained the much coveted certification in 2019!

FROM ART DIRECTOR TO VIRTUAL PROTOTYPE SOFTWARE TRAINER For Tanya who, at one time had been an art director in an agency, her three decades in the design industry gave her opportunities to use cutting edge software (in those days) for design work.

Over the years she became adept in working with design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Indesign, with rosters of clients that included the government agencies in Singapore, multinational corporations and large local businesses based elsewhere in Asia.

In 2013, Tanya set off on a new path to explore a different career. Encouraged by one of the government-subsidised learning opportunities, she signed up to be certified as a trainer.

She later found herself conducting training at a local fashion institute for

aspiring fashion designers on how to use design software that she was already familiar with such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to design apparel, shoes and bags.

ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED This road less travelled has led her to becoming a highly-sought after design software trainer in Singapore’s small but growing fashion industry. Presently, she is a trainer certified to help the next generation of fashion designers express themselves in exciting 3D software.

Tanya conducts training at the Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre (TaF.tc) in Singapore, the sunny island’s first continuing education and training centre for the local textile and fashion industry which aspires to be a global fashion school without boundaries.

She’s spearheading training in Virtual Prototyping for Apparel with CLO, a three-dimensional (3D) fashion design software programme creating virtual, true-to life garment visualisation with cutting-edge simulation technologies for the fashion industry, while at the same time exploring Virtual Prototyping for bags and shoes.

VIRTUALLY TAILOR-MADE “Traditional design and manufacture of fashion apparel can be a painful, time-consuming process with lots of back-and-forth visits between the designer, pattern maker and seamstress before a satisfactory finished product is achieved,” says Tanya.

“This software enables designers to dress up a 3D avatar to view how the clothes will move and fit on this virtual mannequin. It can even adjust the design to different sizes with pre-set measurements or customset measurements. Once ready, the file will be sent digitally to others in the production chain to work from –

so there’s no need to use a physical mannequin and make endless adjustments to get apparel that fits like a glove.”

“The beauty of this software is that it can be used by both small fashion houses and also big companies for massproduction.

“It’s a smooth, streamlined process that’s radically changing the industry, so it’s really pleasing to be at the forefront teaching it to my students, who will adopt it and go on to use it during their careers in the years ahead.”

PASSION FOR TOMORROW’S FASHION INDUSTRY It was quite a feat for Tanya to become a trainer of this technology and she has no plans to make it any easier for her trainees. To obtain their proficiency certification for CLO 3D software, Tanya’s students have to achieve nothing less than 100 percent in their assessment classes.

“This is a skill for them to stay in tomorrow’s fashion industry. So for those who have the passion for this industry, I want them to push themselves and go further in their career. The ability to do virtual prototyping is a game-changer, and especially for small businesses who want to actively participate in the world’s fashion industry, they need to go the extra mile.”

With age no barrier to Tanya’s enthusiasm for blazing a new path in her chosen craft, it looks like she’s well on its way to turning Singapore into a hotbed of creative design technology.

PASSION FOR FASHION

EMAIL TANYA

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MORE INFO

LEICHT’S TYRES

leichtstyres.com www.facebook.com/leichtstyres/ Port Macquarie +61 (02) 6583 6611 Kempsey +61 (02) 6562 2886 Tamworth +61 (02) 6762 7824 Wauchope +61 (02) 6585 2053

KELSIE REDMAN BILLABONG ZOO

ANIMAL LOVER, RESEARCHER AND EDUCATOR Kelsie has just made the move from the Gold Coast, QLD to take up the role of Team Leader for Koalas and Primates at Port Macquarie’s World-Renowned Billabong Zoo.

Working as a Head Wildlife Keeper at Dreamworld, she was responsible for managing the overall care of a koala population of between 60-70 koalas.

Despite loving her job, she was looking for career opportunities that would enable her to move closer to her family who resides North of Newcastle.

Along came the Billabong Zoo opportunity, providing a closeness to family and also some exciting new challenges working with exotic animals.

Her experience at Dreamworld will be carried on with Kelsie looking after the daily cleaning, feeding and health checks of Billabong Zoo’s koalas, and she will also help manage the breeding program.

Having gained experience caring for various other native Australian animals including Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos, Tassie Devils and Bilbies, she will be a fantastic asset.

Growing up surrounded by animals she was set to forge ahead with a career working with animals. As a child at home with the family’s dog or cat, chooks, and miniature pony, or out on her Pop’s farm amongst the horses, cows, and sheep, her love and respect for animals was instilled at a young age.

Kelsie studied Animal Science at University and did research work in the wetlands surveying birds and frogs and completed work experience at a few wildlife parks. This time sealed it for her, and she decided that to work with wildlife was what she was most interested in doing.

When asked what she enjoys most about working with animals after now being in the industry in different positions for some time she says “ Every day is different and there’s always new challenges or ways to change and improve. I also love educating people, especially about our native animals and how they are important in the large scheme of things, and how we can help protect them.”

We also ask Kelsie what her favourite animal was, she says: “It’s so hard to pick an absolute favourite as I’m a big lover of Koalas and also Tassie Devils, but my other favourite animal is our Aussie

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Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. They are one of two native Australian Tree Roos found up in Northern Qld from around Ingham up to the Daintree River.”

Asked for a couple of her fun facts for the species she says: “Compared to our other species of kangaroo that live on the ground, tree roos can hop on two feet just like other roos, but they can also move their feet independently which helps them walk both forwards and backward through the canopy of the trees!“ It’s quite obvious that the Aussie Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo is definitely Kelsie’s favourite and she adds: “They can also jump from four storeys high and land without injury. What helps with this is their long tail, which is the longest in the whole kangaroo family.

Some other cool differences are their big muscular arms (a bit like a koala) that help them with climbing in the trees, their cute little button ears like a possum, and they eat rainforest leaves, flowers and berries rather than grass.”

Outside of work she loves sport and has played soccer since the age of five.

Kelsie enjoys playing the guitar and any outdoor adventures involving animals - bushwalking and horse riding are top of the list. And she has a rough-scaled python called Lola as her pet snake that she cares for at home.

People’s general response when hearing what she does for work is: “you’ve got the best job,” which she thinks she does.

But she is quick to tell us that a lot of people think Zookeepers get to just play with animals all day, but the job is mostly a lot of cleaning and preparing food, with a little bit of fun stuff on the side.

When asked what she is enjoying so far about working with the Billabong Zoo team Kelsie’s response was: “ Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive.

It’s been great to meet new people who are passionate about their job and learn about their experiences and knowledge working with various animals at different wildlife parks and zoos.”

Kelsie is an animal conservation advocate and feels the best way to convey the importance to the younger generation is to try to keep things simple - explain the important roles that various animals play in the environment and why it is important to protect them.

An example being fruit bats. While noisy and a little annoying they are important pollinators for eucalyptus trees, which in turn are important for the survival of koalas who eat those leaves.

She also loves giving kids information on how their actions can improve the lives of the wildlife in their neighbourhood, like planting native plants and flowers that they might eat, or picking up rubbish, and keeping their cats inside and dogs on a leash when out for walks.

ANIMAL LOVE

ADOPT A KOALA

billabongzoo.com.au info@billabongzoo.com.au www.facebook.com/billabongzoopmq/ +61 (02) 6585 1060

JACQUIE LOVE

SECRET SISTERHOOD A WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT MOVEMENT AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Jacquie Love has always been passionate about women’s causes but is especially passionate about the Secret Sisterhood, a movement of amazing women and girls offering beautiful jewellery. 100% of all profits from the group’s endeavours go to women’s charities. We catch up with the entrepreneur who launched Secret Sisterhood with a strategy in place to create a community of one million women globally by 2023.

Tell us about yourself and the Secret Sisterhood, Jacquie.

I am the founder of Secret Sisterhood, a women’s empowerment movement and social enterprise. We empower, uplift and inspire women as I believe that no person should ever be disadvantaged because of their gender. We created a symbol for gender equality, as there was no symbol out there! I am so passionate about spreading our symbol into the world as symbols are so uniting and can help spark monumental change.

India completely changed my perspective on everything. We visited slums where girls are often trafficked and found out that they are often trafficked at the young ages of ten, sometimes even younger. We also visited the brothels where girls are often forced to work in, and the conditions are absolutely horrendous. No person should ever have to live like that. No person should ever have their freedom, voice and dignity taken away.

When I came back I wanted to make a difference to the women I had met but I had no idea how. I thought the best way to make a difference was to work in a charity, so I started to apply for jobs.

Around that time, I randomly stumbled across the concept of a ‘social enterprise.’ A concept that means businesses can run for purpose, that they can make a difference. And that is how Secret Sisterhood was born, I was so excited that I could use my skills in design, create a business, and at the heart of it all was to give back and help empower women.

Suffragette movement, the online #metoo movement and just recently when millions of women joined hands together in India to demand the end of violence against women. Women can create so much change, we just need to do it together. That is what inspires Secret Sisterhood, imagine the impact we could have if we unite with our fellow Sisters around the globe?

Outside of work what are some of your interests?

You will either find me at a beach with a good book, at a women’s empowerment protest, or studying at the library (I am studying a postgraduate MBA in Social Impact.)

I also love being around people, so when I am not working I love to spend time with my friends and family. There is nothing better for the soul than catching up with a friend on a walk and discussing important world issues. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support I have around me.

Where would you like to be in 12 months?

I would love for Secret Sisterhood to be reaching more and more women around the globe. I have a dream that the Secret Sisterhood symbol will become recognised around the world. I hope to be able to direct more and more funds to women’s empowerment initiatives and I hope that I can be a voice for the voiceless.

If you were down to your last $20 what/ who would you spend it on?

What inspires you to do what you do?

Why did you start Secret Sisterhood?

I started Secret Sisterhood after a charity immersion trip to India. I was studying fashion design at University and undertook a sub-major in journalism.

When I was studying journalism I came across the issue of human trafficking and was blown away by the horrific nature of the crime and that it was happening at such magnitude. I became very passionate about the issue and how it was very much a gender-based crime.

When I finished University, I started questioning whether I still wanted to be in the fashion industry. So when the trip to India came up, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get away and get some perspective.

I am inspired by the women who are on the ground, every day actively creating change. In India, I met one woman who was trafficked at the age of 11.

She was forced into sexual servitude for over 20 years. She finally made her way out with the help of an Indian anti-trafficking organisation. She now works in that organization, every day, forming relationships with the girls in the brothels to hopefully encourage them to leave. I often think that if this woman can do that every day, then my challenges in my business are so small in comparison.

I am also inspired by the incredible change that can occur when women come together to support one another.

We have seen this time and time again throughout history. We saw it in the

Well, this question got me thinking!

Well, I have seen the power of microfinance and what an impact it can have on a woman’s life. Micro-finance involves women getting loaned a very small amount of money to help them kick start their business. I have seen how this can transform not only someone’s life but how it can help lift families and communities out of poverty. So I think I would invest it in either my own business or a fellow Sister’s business.

What would we create with $20? Well, great question... I think I would have to get a lot more creative!

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

secretsisterhood.com hey@secretsisterhood.com www.facebook.com/SecretSisterhoodGroup/ www.instagram.com/secretsisterhood/

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RAW CHEF YIN

CHECK OUT HER RECIPES THE RAW TRUTH TO A HEALTHIER LIFE Say ‘Raw Vegan’ and some may picture a sad, solitary carrot sitting on a plate. Wait till you see what real raw vegan dishes are like. Raw Chef Yin’s raw vegan dishes not only look gorgeous, they also make your taste buds burst with joy!

And it is not just her dishes that look great. So does Raw Chef Yin herself! She is in her mid forties and she looks half her age. Her natural joy and smile are a testament to how raw vegan food makes one glow from the inside out.

TAKING RAW SERIOUSLY Raw Chef Yin could have had a very different life today, had she chosen to continue working in Law instead of training at the world´s leading raw and plant-based culinary academy. She trained at the world´s first classically structured raw and plant-based culinary school - the Matthew Kenny Culinary Academy at Evason Hua Hin, Thailand where she got a solid foundation in raw food preparation. Raw Chef Yin is also a Certified Raw Food Teacher, having successfully completed a Raw Teacher Training Intensive taught by Karen Knowler in 2016 and 2017.

Today, she dedicates her time to sharing her passion for raw vegan cuisine with people from all over the world.

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FROM PAIN TO CHANGE Skin problems have haunted Raw Chef Yin since she was a child. Her search for a solution lasted 30 long years, and a lot of money.

2014 became her defining year. It was when she her first fully raw vegan meal - just simple, plant-based, whole foods that have not been heated up at high temperatures.

This was a 360 degree change in her life.

She started to reduce her intake of meat and fish and in 2015, she became a full vegan. Now that the body has tasted what it is like to receive clean, healthy food, it was ready to heal and grow stronger every day.

SHARING THE PASSION Her genuine passion for raw food has brought her to conduct sessions all over the world in London, Brighton, Boston, France, Australia, Bali, Taipei, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya and Penang.

When she is not busy travelling presenting at vegan festivals or conducting courses, she is hard at work publishing books and recipes about raw vegan food. Check out her bestselling book in English and Chinese called Guiltfree Desserts and you can let your sweet tooth dance for joy without feeling

guilty! Raw Chef Yin even has her own culinary show called: ‘Velicious with Raw Chef Yin.’

AU NATUREL Raw Chef Yin uses natural, healthy ingredients in her recipes and My Blue Tea’s superfood powders are perfect for her culinary creations. With these power-packed superfood powders, she has made beautiful dishes like Cauliflower Blue Rice Nasi Kerabu and afternoon delights like Pandan Matcha Frappuccino.

She is a living example of how living healthy and with joy starts with a desire to make a change. And Raw Chef Yin is helping to make that possible for many all over the world. Health can be yours for the taking, and it starts with one simple change. And that’s the raw truth.

THE RAW TRUTH rawchefyin.com

To purchase the unique superfood products from Raw Chef Yin’s recipies: SHOP SUPERFOODS mybluetea.com.au

LUCY GAMSBY FROST

A LADY WITH INFINITE TALENTS Lucy Gamsby Frost is a lady with an infinite bag of talents - she is an entertainer in the art of street theatre, slapstick, comedy, partner acrobatics, escapology, musical saw, singing, fire, stunts, and pyrotechnics to name a few!

She is originally from Sheffield in the UK and is now residing in Port Macquarie.

This lady has travelled the world delighting crowds everywhere with her astonishing talents

THE CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN Her passion for entertainment sparked when she was studying Set and Costume Design at Manchester University. It led her into Circus life as stage manager, which further led to being asked to take part in a show. Since then her life has been a whirlwind and she has never looked back! She originally specialised in partner acrobatics, but after a couple of broken ankles moved on to whip cracking, lasso and knife throwing.

Some four years ago, she met her husband-to-be, Port Macquarie local Gordo Gambsy at the Western Australian Circus Festival. And as fate would have it, Gordo is also a performer so they set about travelling the world wowing spectators. Last year they moved back to Gordo’s hometown Port Macquarie to have their first baby, Spike.

THE MAGIC OF THE ARTS Lucy had always loved extra-curricular activities as a child. She loved the energy and richness of art, dance, gymnastics, music and choir. She felt there was something magical about the arts and wanted to learn as much as possible. Studying Performance Design at Manchester University was a way to combine her love for theatre with her love of painting and she enjoyed working as a set designer for a number of years.

TWIST OF FATE It was actually by accident that Lucy became a professional performer. She was working for an outdoor circus theatre company Artizani as a Stage Manager and Prop Maker when they soon discovered her many other talents and decided to put her on stage for the next show! It really was a lightning bolt moment for Lucy. From then on, she concentrated on training her circus skills and creating shows.

FIRST LOVE Lucy’s first love has always been acrobatics and she worked with a wonderful acrobatic partner when she was residing in England. After a

number of injuries that took their toll on her body, she stopped performing acrobatics. Now she centres her performances on cowgirl skills, whip cracking, lasso and knife throwing which are her favourites! As a further extension of her talents, Lucy also plays musical saw which she loves for its quirkiness!

Throughout her entertainment career, Lucy has had many memorable experiences. She recalls wonderful memories of going to the World Musical Saw Festival in New York, performing in a martial arts stadium in Tokyo and she also loves being a part of local events and small festivals in a park that have so much heart and soul. Where there is an eager and curious crowd, regardless of where they are, Lucy is happy to perform.

sharing my artistic practice with him in any way I can. My husband and I take turns to look after him whilst the other one works. I feel very lucky to have such a supportive partner, who understands my need to create as well as be a mother.”

Outside of work, Lucy loves swimming at the beach. As she grew up in an industrial city in the North of England, she says diving through the waves is what connects her with a natural part of her that will never get old.

THE GREAT GORDO GAMBSY Lucy’s husband, The Great Gordo Gambsy is a 13-times world record holder. From the big stage to little sideshow tents, Gordo has done it all.

He has performed sword swallowing, amazing stunts like cutting apples out of his mouth with a chainsaw or pulling a car with his tongue.

Lucy and Gordo have performed together a few times, and they are also happy to shine in their own individual performances and give each other the freedom to do their thing.

BRINGING ART TO THE COMMUNITY A recent local event Lucy loved being a part of was Artwalk in Port Macquarie.

Her talents came to life as she created a poetry trail using traditional handpainted lettering techniques - a response to COVID-19 and the lack of live shows. For Lucy, entertainment is not just about her enjoying her art. She is highly passionate about letting people access the arts, having people come together outdoors and nothing drives her more than seeing people enjoy her work.

Lucy believes the arts can enrich people’s lives, allow them to momentarily escape to another world, and provide entertainment, laughter and moments of reflection. Lucy is inspired by how much we all have to share.

She says: “If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that coming together with others is a vital part of what it is to be human.”

LOCKED DOWN BUT GROWING IN SPIRIT During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lucy turned the situation around and took the opportunity to rekindle her love of visual arts and painting. Beyond her involvement in Artwalk, she recently created a mural outside the CWA in Wauchope to commemorate the hard work by the RFS during the 2019 bushfires.

Although Lucy is taking a break from performing to be with her little son Spike, the COVID-19 lockdown has fired up Lucy´s desire to be back on stage.

Together with her husband Gordo, she is currently working on a cabaret night to perform locally in 2021 - watch this space for her exciting news!

INFINITE TALENTS

THE BALANCING ACT

lucyf rost.org carniedownunder.wordpress.com

When asked how she balances work and home life, she smiled and said: “It’s tricky! I have a one-year-old son, Spike, who is so sweet and full of energy. I love

@lucygamsbyf rost YouTube.com/lucyf rost

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MELANIE FERGIN CAR WRAPPER

A PERFECTIONIST CHOOSES TO CHALLENGE THE WRAP INDUSTRY Melanie Fergin has overcome barriers set against her as a woman to become recognised as one of the car wrap world’s most talented and distinctive specialists.

Based in Adelaide, her self-taught skills have even led her to the finals of an industry contest in Las Vegas, USA, where she rubbed shoulders and shared wrapping expertise with some of the world’s top car wrappers.

Ironically, the annual global competition ‘Wrap Like a King’ inspired Melanie to become a Queen on the top rungs of her chosen profession.

It’s been a long road for Melanie to reach these heady heights and become an independent professional car wrap specialist, but one that’s been eventful, enjoyable and fulfilling.

HOOKED ON WRAPPING Her journey began when Melanie made a switch from being a highly successful sign writer to car wrap installer.

“I owned and operated a sign writing business in Adelaide for 15 years,” she says.

“After so many years designing and installing car wraps for private and commercial clients, it was a natural progression for me to start doing colour change wraps.

“And after my first full commercial vehicle wrap, I was hooked!

“Since then, I’ve worked on just about any type of vehicle you can imagine buses, planes, trams, yachts, go karts, motorbikes and even an Australian-built track-focussed hypercar.

local vehicle wrap industry, as well as among car enthusiasts, as a talented and meticulous wrapper.

In 2019, the Porsche 911 Turbo S wrapped

by Melanie was crowned the continental “I’m a very meticulous person at work and winner in the ‘Wrap Like a King’ I pay a lot of attention to detail. I’m always Challenge that year. striving for perfection and I think car wrapping totally suits my personality.”

“When I saw the ‘Wrap Like a King’ competition, I remembered imagining DOGGED DETERMINATION that I could win this,” says Melanie Melanie put in many hours into learning about wraps from either online resources such as videos, or participating in wrapping workshops.

At the same time, she also thought about all her hard work over the years to learn and acquire her skills for car wrapping, despite the obstacles put in the way of her chosen career path.

“I attended different short wrap courses and always left with a new skill, a solid UNDETERRED BY REJECTIONS mind set and even more determination to improve.”

“I found it impossible to get an apprenticeship – there was always Her dogged determination paid off. She something about me being too small, or started to gain a good reputation in her being a girl.”

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But undeterred by these rejections, Melanie still wanted to make a career out of car wrapping with her own resources.

“I thought if I can win this, it will really prove to young people - especially women -that we can get into the industries of our choice.

“We can make the impossible happen if we really want to.”

CAR WRAP LIKE A QUEEN

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MY BODY MY PILATES Helen Zhang of My Body My Pilates has been helping patients manage pain through Pilates and live a happier life. She is keen to share with everyone the benefits of incorporating Pilates into one’s daily life.

Pilates helps to build a strong, lean and flexible body and also strengthen reflexes. Pregnant women love Helen’s pre-natal and post-partum Mat Pilates to prepare for childbirth and get the body fit after. Visit her boutique Pilates studio right in the heart of Tokyo, Minato-ku, or sign up for one of her online Pilates mat classes on Zoom now.

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SUSAN JAIN

BOLD CHANGES CAN BE MOST REWARDING #ChooseToChallenge without being combative, that has been the motto for one woman. She took up technology when her cohorts were choosing more traditional routes and found herself on a career path that took her around the world. On this journey, she stressed that change, no matter how distressing, could pave the way for a more rewarding future.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, Choose To Challenge, speaks volumes to Susan Jain, a former chief marketing officer in a global technology company. “The thing that I appreciate about ‘Choose to Change’ is the intentionality of it, because not only you choose, you choose to challenge and commit to the unpredictability and potential risk as well as reward, of change.”

“Yes, challenge happens naturally in life, no matter what you’re doing. But choosing to challenge is different than just happening upon challenges, which we all do in life. It is purposeful and international, and that’s very important and certainly relevant in today’s day and age.”

school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

“Back then, MIT was heavily male, to the extent where I remember that they had to put in more bathrooms for the female students. There were so many reasons why I chose MIT - technology, in general, was an interesting environment, and it was the best, and the hardest to enroll into. Also, it was one of the last bastions for women and so I really took it as an explicit challenge for myself.”

Today, having worked around the world, Susan has settled back in the United States. “Women have made huge progress, but it varies by industry, by profession and by location in the world, and there’s always more to do.”

If she had to give a word of advice to her soon-to-be-born granddaughter, what would it be? “Don’t settle for less than you deserve. And, very importantly, don’t wait it out past the point where you can tell that it’s never going to change.”

“The average person is probably going to have five careers before they’re done.

For each tenure, they give it their best Susan goes on to elaborate using one of shots but, well, sometimes we do reach a her life’s experiences. While some other point where we see diminishing returns. women in her cohort saw no option other But do we leave the job? Not always - at than going to secretarial school after least in my generation.” college, Susan chose to attend graduate

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“Sometimes, it’s much easier to throw yourself into a risk than it is to remove yourself from a risk that you’ve gotten very used to. By choosing to challenge that status quo, and to instigate change, I found new doors being open. In the end, it can be the most rewarding.”

For Susan, that piece of advice came in handy in 1998 when she put a deteriorating situation behind and found a new career with the global technology giant, IBM. For 21 years, Susan led and drove marketing for the technology giant in a variety of worldwide and regional capacities, living and working in China, Singapore, India and the Middle East.

“I’m an eternal optimist, and that’s a positive aspect of my character that I cherish. In any given situation, if you listen to yourself and others around you, You can usually figure out what you should do. The hardest part is the timing - but just taking the first step out, that is when you choose to challenge.”

BOLD CHANGES

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LIFELINE MID COAST’S MENTAL HEALTH SAFARI

LIFELINE MID COAST AND ROTARY DISTRICT 9650 PARTNER PROJECT MARCH 2021 Lifeline Mid Coast recently delivered Accidental Counselling Workshops in Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Lightening Ridge and Moree as part of funding raised through Rotary District 9650 District Governor 2019/2020 partner project.

Lifeline Mid Coast’s, CEO Catherine Vaara and Training Manager Di Bannister embarked on an outback journey bringing hope and new skills to remote communities through providing the Accidental Counsellor training.

First stop was Coonabarabran where they found families were still emotionally affected following the 2013 bushfires which saw 56 homes lost 28 firefighters injured and 100 people evacuated. The group were concerned about child abuse and youth suicide rates and reported the most important thing they learned from the training was to stop and listen when someone opens up.

Next stop was the town of Gunnedah where participants reported a shortage of doctors which meant referrals were hard to source. The group reported they learned great strategies around managing crisis and understanding behaviours and how important it was to have conversations around suicide.

Then came Narrabri, where one participant noted they knew ten people personally, in the community who had died by suicide. The group learned that negotiating barriers to open and listen with intent was the most likely thing they would take away.

The Lightning Ridge community found suicide a difficult subject to navigate reporting that 1st year placements in professional roles were feeling overwhelmed. The group reported to having more understanding and empathy for people with these feelings following the training.

The final stop was Moree where personal loss was hidden and bushfires and drought had left a terrible toll on local families. Participants reported that the workshop was really useful in gaining skills in asking people; “Are you suicidal?” and how listening lets the brain re-set and gives the person a change to re-set as well.

Di Bannister delivered the training saying “it was such an honour for these communities to allow us into their space and deliver important training around suicide awareness and prevention”.

CEO Catherine Vaara, thanked the Rotary District for allowing Lifeline the opportunity to talk to people in remote areas where services were hard to find.

Together Catherine and Di learned there were a number of common reactions from all five groups which included:

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THE ICEBERG OF FEELINGS: Learning that there are feelings that we have learned that are acceptable (that we can show) and feelings we have learned to hide – it is the hidden feelings or emotions that we don’t name, or sometimes can’t name it and therefore they are difficult for us to express.

BRAIN FUNCTION: How the brain changes when someone is in crisis – frontal lobe versus our middle/ emotional brain. And the brain structure of teens and children, and how that differs in times of stress.

SHOCK Shock at the number of Australians who die by suicide every day, which is eight to nine, every day. It is still the leading cause of suicide for men between the ages of 15-45.

SURPRISE Surprise that asking someone if they are thinking of suicide, does not cause suicide and how hard it is, to say the words “are you thinking of suicide”.

How engaged and willing to learn every group was. Thank you for the trust in us and the work that you all did.

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THE FOWLEY FIVE FAMILY THE FOWLEY FIVE HAVE DONE IT - ‘SHAVING’ THE WORLD FROM LEUKAEMIA. Let’s continue to support them on their mission to shave the world from blood cancer!

Mother Alice and 4 sons Patrick Fowley (11), Riley Fowley (9), Roy Fowley (7), Michael Fowley (5) took part in the World’s Greatest Shave for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Help support them as they take part in the World’s Greatest Shave to help beat blood cancer.

The photo shows mother Alice and the Fowley four sons before and after taking part in The World’s Greatest Shave.

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VERMILION PINSTRIPES

WONDER WOMEN WHO CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMY Making a change gets us excited at Vermilion Pinstripes. That is our daily challenge, and in the Experience Economy we are living in today, we’re constantly working on creating experiences that give meaning to how businesses connect with their customers. What makes us stand out is taking that one step further, to be involved in helping small businesses owned or managed by women and help them to thrive.

On International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate how we can all build a thriving community together and how we can each make the difference. Every woman can be a leader and achieve an equal future.

At Vermilion Pinstripes, we want to make a difference in our businesses so that women can participate fully in the economy in their own right and have the opportunities to grow and use their skills. We want to help businesses sell without selling, and build happy and confident businesses across the world.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE DURING THE PANDEMIC During the COVID-19 pandemic, we helped one of our clients, Helen Zhang, founder of My Body My Pilates, bring her business online when businesses had to close their doors because of restrictions.

Read more here about what we did for Helen [link].

At Vermilion Pinstripes, the women have the audacity to do things differently, to try new things that make a positive impact on our clients.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we created these solutions for our clients and communities: •

•

We put up free resources for downloads, such as Blueprint for Businesses during COVID-19, and effective Workplace Communications during COVID-19.

We offered webinars with marketing

• •

and PR tips, and hosted happy hour conversations on a wide range of topics for businesses around the world to come together, share and discuss virtually.

We opened our North American office in the midst of the pandemic to help small businesses there.

Vermilion Pinstripes established partnerships with technology leaders like Wix and Mailchimp so that we have solutions for our small business clients worldwide.

All this was achieved because the women leaders at Vermilion Pinstripes want to push for a change and believe in giving back their skills and experience to the community.

Meet our two Wonder Women who helm Vermilion Pinstripes - Veronica Lind and Koh Joh Ju!

VERONICA LIND - THE STEADY ANCHOR As the Business and Marketing Strategist of Vermilion Pinstripes, Veronica Lind is our solid anchor who steers the steady ship of Modern Marketing.

Veronica was the first woman in Asia to be certified for structured cabling design, leading the successful design and installation of many large scale network cabling projects and building data centres across industries.

As a woman leader, Veronica has many accolades she is rightly proud of.

Vermilion Pinstripes’ Modern Marketing Framework™ (MMF™) became the first of its kind to be trademarked by the Australian government’s intellectual property agency, IP Australia last year.

Its unique blend of science, creativity and psychology combined with the latest technology helps to build confident, thriving businesses amidst rapid marketing technology changes.

Early this year in 2021, Veronica launched Brilliant-Online, a multi-dimensional magazine for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses in the digital era.

“I learnt to sell at the age of seven. I became the richest poor kid because I realised there was no harm in asking

people to buy. I would always have a 50-50 chance of closing the deal! Now I mentor a lot and it is my way of giving back to the community. I want women to remember this ¨if someone tells you it can’t be done, don´t believe them!”

- Veronica Lind LEARN ABOUT VERONICA

KOH JOH JU - THE COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL As our Communications Strategist at Vermilion Pinstripes, Koh Joh Ju is very much involved with the client, learning about them and understanding their business. She can see the gaps and formulate an approach to help her clients address these gaps.

Joh Ju has more than 20 years of experience in sales and communications. She started Pinstripes Communications more than a decade ago (now known as Vermilion Pinstripes) and her hard work and dedication has seen long-standing clients grow and thrive with her through the years.

“I once found myself alone with no one to defend me against a superior who was verbally aggressive. I lost all respect for her and there was no room for communication. I realised I owed it to myself to stand up for myself. To initiate change, one has to find a way to engage with another so that both can be heard. To engage and empower women, we need to be respectful and inclusive, and be willing to listen.”

- Koh Joh Ju LEARN ABOUT JOH JU At Vermilion Pinstripes, we salute all the women who are making a change for themselves and for their communities.

Let us empower one another to build happy businesses that thrive and make a change for equality. Together, we can #ChooseToChallenge.

MORE WONDER WOMEN

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CHRISSY JONES

SABINA SUNDARAMOORTHY

THE MEDIA MAESTRO

THE VISUAL WIZARD

Chrissy Jones brings her 16 years of experience in Sales Consultancy, Journalism, and working in the publishing industry to the team at Brilliant-Online.

Sabina Sundaramoorthy is our Graphic and Visual Communication Designer for Vermilion Pinstripes’ newly launched Brilliant-Online magazine.

“My goal at Brilliant-Online is to help businesses grow by guiding them through their unique advertising needs, especially in a digital era where high human interactions are blended.”

She brings to the team her passion for creating meaningful design and visuals that speak to people.

BRILLIANT-ONLINE

Going beyond the industry’s benchmark is what makes her work stand out and keeps clients trusting her work.

She is appreciated for her strong media and communication skills and experience, having received her qualifications in News Media from the Australian College of Journalism.

CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE Chrissy was a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic, with her position of 14 years with a local print media company being made redundant. Then the opportunity was presented to be part of Brilliant-Online. Seeing how amazing the online platform is, Chrissy jumped on board to help grow the magazine and clients businesses, both locally and nationally and eventually internationally.

Proud to be associated with such a talented group of media, marketing and creatives Chrissy is excited for the future. Chrissy is kept busy using her expertise to grow Brilliant-Online’s array of digital advertising, sales and operations. Brilliant-Online has her on board to make sharing news brilliant!

CHOOSE TO LOVE Chrissy loves spending time in her garden and farm, amongst her treasured award-winning Dahlias. Chrissy became a Grandmother to her much loved Grandson Harley and is very much content between family and community love.

Chrissy is highly-knitted within her community and is driven by her passion to share the joy of her hometown of Wauchope NSW with everyone. She has been on the committee of the Wauchope Lasiandra Festival for over 25 years, a clear indication of her dedication to what she does. Having been both President and Secretary, she is not new to leading a team bringing people together towards a common goal.

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Sabina graduated from the University of New South Wales with a Master of Design and is skilled in graphic design for print and screen applications, branding and identity, as well as typography. She has been creating engaging content for multiple platforms including interactive digital magazines, social media and web platforms.

CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE Sabina was given the responsibility to boost BrilliantOnline’s branding and identity, content design as well as digital interactivity to enhance the readers’ experience engaging with the magazine. Her magic wizardry is bringing the magazine to life, making it a multidimensional experience for readers.

The entire process from exploring the brief all the way to finding the perfect design solution for each advertiser in Brilliant is something Sabina enjoys. To see a project grow from a static draft to going live in cyberspace is a rewarding experience for her.

Doing work that is meaningful is a key value for Sabina.

It is her way of bringing about changes to real world challenges. International Women’s Day is a day that stands out for her as she is passionate about women’s empowerment and gender equality. She aspires to use her creative skills to make a positive difference in the lives of women and girls. This starts with creating awareness, inclusivity and empowering them.

Sabina is not new to being a part of the movement to empower women. Her first internship involved using her creative content to give a voice to an ethical online platform for pet adoption in Australia. From this, she moved on to interning with Secret Sisterhood, a social enterprise committed to uplifting, empowering and inspiring women everywhere.

For someone who has dared to pet a cheetah in Botswana and a lion in Mauritius, you can bet Sabina is not one young woman to shy away from adventures, the unknown and challenges!

With Brilliant, Chrissy is able to project what business owners love to do in their business to their communities.

CONTACT CHRISSY JONES to advertise brilliantly!

+61 412 137 621 chrissyjones@brilliant-online.com

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ABOUT BRILLIANT A GLOSSY ONLINE MAGAZINE THAT APPEALS TO PROGRESSIVE INDIVIDUALS WORLDWIDE Brilliant aims to build and support a community of happy businesses living and operating in the progressive and dynamic business world.

These businesses are run by progressive and inspirational individuals - fuelled by their interests or passions, or simply a desire to create a better world with their new creations.

They’re not new to the business world. In fact, they’ve been there, they’ve done it and now they want to pursue the future in their own way.

So they don’t want something generic - like a magazine for start-ups read by venture capitalists, or another for traditional businesses struggling to fit new technologies into their old world processes.

They need curated information geared for fresh new businesses taking advantage of what people and other businesses need in the future.

And they need a blend of business, art, science, psychology and technology because the world isn’t one-dimensional, it’s multi-faceted, and the information Brilliant delivers is multi-way, covering all these many different aspects.

OUR BRILLIANT VALUES The purpose of Brilliant is to help Gig Businesses around the world sell without selling.

Our Goals are to: •

•

•

Help the business community reach new audiences or engage with existing stakeholders to get their stories heard Enable our clients to use Brilliant Magazine and online multidimensional advertorial platform for business growth Fill a gap in the global marketplace for a new type of publication

And evolving from these goals are our Brilliant Values, which guide what we believe in and how we behave as an organisation: • • • •

Brilliant presents depth, insights and objective thinking for experienced dynamic businesses.

We believe in AUDACITY, being passionate and bold in setting modern pathways We believe in IMPACT, making a positive difference to those who come in contact with us We believe in ACCOUNTABILITY and own every action We believe in KINDNESS and treat everyone and everything with respect

It comes from tomorrow where the Future is Digital, and goes there together with its community of like-minded progressive individuals.

CONTACT US to advertise brilliantly!

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WHY BRILLIANT? What makes Brilliant special is that it’s a product of the future - an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses pushing for a better world in the digital era.

The magazine is geared for reading on digital devices, with its stories in the form of written articles, audio podcasts, or even video snippets.

And there’s links for readers to read further in-depth, or make direct connections with the people or products featured in the digital magazine!

Brilliant has: PERSPECTIVES – of the world, environment and businesses.

LUXE – latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors.

FACES – aspiring individuals.

BRANDING – why does a brand matter? As Forbes says, buying a certain brand says something about the person who buys it.

MARKETING – more than just SEO, social media posts or eDM campaigns, in-depth look at how to use new and old technologies to build brand loyalty and grow the business.

BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT – ideas and strategies in leadership from experts or the experienced business leaders.

SUSTAINABILITY – using technology for a better, safer and friendlier future.

THE IMPORTANT STUFF – legal matters, tax issues, insurance, HR, and much more.

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PURPLE PEOPLE DAY

37TH ANNUAL LASIANDRA FESTIVAL 37th Annual Lasiandra Festival Celebrated Purple People Day on the 11th March across the town of Wauchope.

The rain didn’t dampened spirits too much, a lot of fun was had at the Childcare Centres, Wauchope Infants and around the CBD at the various business that took part. The Best Dressed Staff member category was hotly contest with Dylan Thompson taking out the top spot! All Staff went to TG’s Childcare Riverbreeze, Large Window Display went to the NRMA office, Small Window Display to Timbprtown Pharmacy, Premises to Bugden Accountants for the 3rd year running!

Best Charity went to St Vincent de Paul.

Experience the Brilliant Online Magazine. Meet the Brilliant Team and the Brilliant Businesses in the Hastings District. Let your hair down and dazzle with us. For social distancing reasons, number will be kept small and registration is compulsory.

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