31 minute read
People of the Beaches
People are everything.
They say you are the result of the ten closest people to you.
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In business, life and relationships, it’s the people we meet, enjoy and hang out with that will ultimately shape us.
On the Beaches, we have such a talent of individuals. The collective collaboration of so many awesome people results in us having a friendly happy community that we treasure. Why would you want to leave?
In the 2021 census in the Northern Beaches council area, the estimated resident population was 264,481, consisting of 48.9% male and 51.1% female and a median average age of 41 years old.
We have 72,448 families with an average of two children, living on the Beaches. It’s not surprising then, that since COVID, we also have 43,000 dogs living in a total of 105,017 private dwellings.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE LIVING ON THE BEACHES SO SPECIAL.
James Griffin
James Griffin MP, Member for Manly and NSW Minister for Environment and Heritage, has been the voice of Northern Beaches residents since he was elected in 2017. A passionate advocate for his constituents, he has been serving them ever since.
What’s your happy place? Running a 10-kilometre run around North Head or mucking about with my two young kids anywhere on our beautiful Beaches.
What is your favourite thing about the people within the Beaches community? The people of the Beaches are among the most generous in the world.
We are committed to making a difference in our local community, whether it be supporting people who are doing it tough, somewhere across NSW, or closer to home. We also support various causes such as the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter or Community Northern Beaches. You can always count on the people of the Northern Beaches to donate their time, energy and passion to an important cause.
Describe what the Beaches’ vibe means to you and why you’re living amongst it? The Northern Beaches is close to the city, but far enough away. You get the best of both worlds here. Manly in particular is having an huge renaissance. The cultural, entertainment and dining scene right across Manly and stretching into Brookvale has rebounded and reset after COVID. There’s a real buzz, and I think there’s no looking back.
There is something for everyone here, for the young and old, newcomers and longtime residents. I love Manly because of its unique charms.
What’s your greatest value add to the fabric of the Beaches - aka business, career, volunteer, creative, celebrity? Well, the past fi ve years have been a lot of blood, sweat and tears for me in representing and leading Manly as the State Member of Parliament and Minister for the Environment and Heritage.
I’ve got to say, I felt the burden of leading our community through the depths of COVID and personally took on the responsibility of trying to keep our businesses open and chart a brighter future post COVID. All that work is coming to fruition now whether it be amazing live music, like the ‘Night At The Barracks’ multiple performance nights at North Head or a Sydney Dance Company performance—it’s a new sense of hope that exists across the community.
Your favourite Beach and why? North Curl Curl is a particular favourite for the family, including the kids. You could be anywhere—and that’s the beauty of it!
Your favourite Sunday arvo hangout? I love hanging out a Little Manly Park with my kids watching the sunset over the city. It’s just a fantastic place to grab the end of the day.
What’s your go-to spot when you are showing out-of-towners the Beaches? North Head for sure. It has the most unbelievable view and the walking trails are easy to get around. It’s only getting better due to a $3 million upgrade, all thanks to the NSW Government.
What is the best-kept secret in your local area? The Cumberland, although it’s probably not that much of a secret anymore.•
JAMES GRIFFIN, MP MEMBER FOR MANLY NSW MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE // www.jamesgriffinmp.com
Dr Sophie Scamps
Dr. Sophie Scamps has lived and worked on the Northern Beaches for 22 years. The newly-elected Member for Mackellar is excited about her new position in Parliament. Sophie sat down with Beaches COVERED. to discuss her love of the area, as well as her pledge to drive a community-backed independent voice to Parliament.
Hi Sophie. What is your favourite beach on the Northern Beaches? I live on the northern end of the Beaches, and I love them for different reasons. Palm Beach is great for a morning surf, walking along Bilgola Beach is ideal every day, but my favourite is my local: Avalon Beach. The idyllic and tranquil lifestyle of the village and Avalon Beach are hard to beat.
Do you have any secret Spots? I love Angophora Reserve near Avalon. It’s a beautiful place to explore, with huge trees and Aboriginal artefacts. There’s a rock shelter and shell midden too. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere when you’re there.
Sunday arvo hangout destination? On a nice day, it’s fun to walk or jog along Palm Beach and then hit the surf at Kiddies Corner with the family. Bilgola Beach is also beautiful. It’s a local’s hangout and the coffee at Zubi’s is a must.
What does being a member of the local community mean to you? The Northern Beaches is a great place to live. The people are very friendly and supportive. I love how you run into people all the time, in the street or beach. During the election campaign, it was amazing how my supporters carried me with their energy and enthusiasm. I‘m so proud to represent the community I love in Parliament.
Politics aside, what is your value add to the community? I’m a volunteer race starter with Little Athletics in Narrabeen, and I enjoy seeing the kids run. It extends my passion for running and makes me feel like I’m giving something back to the community.
Fun fact about Sophie Scamps? I was an Australian representative athlete in middle-distance running and qualifi ed for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona for the Women’s 800m event. I won gold in the 4x400m relay at the World Junior Championships in 1990 in Bulgaria. That will always stand out as one of my greatest personal achievements.
What is your mantra? Positive, Polite, Prepared. And then say thank you. We had so many great volunteers during the last Federal election campaign, and it was important that they, too, followed this approach. It almost became our informal Code of Conduct.
What’s the #1 priority to improve the Beaches area? The Wakehurst Parkway needs to be completed without question. It’s the main artery to the upper Northern Beaches and the Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest. The completion of the widening of the Parkway can’t come soon enough. This stretch of road is vital to the safety of Mackellar residents and motorists using the Parkway every day to get to and from the rest of the city.
People – Our Theme for Spring, what does People mean to you? It was people power who helped create history, and it is the people of Mackellar that I now serve as MP. To all the volunteers and the people I met: thank you. I think people want to be heard again. The country has been run by career politicians for so long that it muddied the waters about what matters most to people. I can’t wait to listen to suggestions, beliefs and what the community needs so I can go and be their voice in Parliament. •
DR SOPHIE SCAMPS MP, MEMBER FOR MACKELLAR // www.sophiescamps.com.au
Josh van Raad
Josh van Raad, Dealer Principal of Col Crawford’s BMW, is an enthusiast who delights in all things automotive. If you want to explore the Beaches in a stylish, luxurious vehicle, Josh is the man to see.
What’s your happy place? It’s the time at home with my family that makes me happy.
What is your favourite thing about the people within the Beaches community? The Beaches is a friendly neighbourhood, where people say “Hey” and have a chat when you’re out walking the dog. It’s always nice.
What’s your greatest value add to the fabric of the Beaches? Running a local family-run business that services the needs of the local community and is committed to supporting local whenever possible.
What’s your go-to spot when you are showing out-of-towners the Beaches? There are so many fantastic locations that I couldn’t suggest only one. People watching in Manly, an early morning swim at Freshie Beach, lunch along the Strand at Dee Why, a walk around Long Reef Headland, a frozen margarita at Mexicano Restaurant, walking around the Narrabeen Lagoon, sailing on Pittwater and walking up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse—to name just a few.
What is the best-kept secret in your local area? If there is one that is still a secret, I haven’t found it. •
JOSH VAN RAAD // COL CRAWFORD BMW www.colcrawfordbmw.com.au
Evan Minus
Across the Beaches, there’s one venue that has it all—incredible dining, entertainment and social options. Beaches COVERED spoke to Venue Manager Evan Minus to find out why everyone love coming up the Harbord Diggers.
How long have you lived on the Beaches? Apart from a few years overseas, I’ve live here my whole life.
What is your favourite thing about the people within the Beaches community? Northern Beaches people are generous and giving. We always give our time and effort to support local causes, whether it be through fundraising initiatives or community groups. Describe what the Beaches vibe means to you and why you’re living amongst it? The Northern Beaches is unlike anywhere else in Sydney – relaxed, sun-soaked with a real community feel. I wouldn’t change it for anywhere else in the world. The centre of gravity in most people’s lives is the beach, and while the old “Insular Peninsula” tag might have a grain of truth to it, there’s a reason no one wants to leave! The quality of life we enjoy here is wonderful.
Your favourite Beach and why? Has to be Freshwater Beach – Home of Australian surfi ng and right on the front doorstep of my offi ce.
Your favourite Sunday arvo hangout? A cold beverage with friends out on the Ocean Terrace, here at the Diggers.
What’s your go-to spot when you are showing out-of-towners the Beaches? Any of the walking trails up around North Head to Fairfax Lookout, or the Spit to Manly trail; two easily-accessible walks with world-class views. What is the best-kept secret in your local area? All the wonderful new small-businesses popping up in Freshwater Village after some very tough COVID-affected years – great food at St. Alma, coffee at Room Two Ten, healthy bites from Freshwater Nutrition and a trim at Dukes Barber. Think local, act global! •
EVAN MINUS VENUE MANAGER, HARBORD DIGGERS www.harborddiggers.com.au
Simon & Anna Ainsworth
When it comes to love of gardening and plants, Simon and Anna Ainsworth are two like-minded souls. The green creators of Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park share their secrets with us on what makes a good gardener and lover of plants.
What sparked your passion for plants or were you born with green fi ngers? Simon: I was born with green fi ngers and spending time in the outdoors; always wondering how to grow every plant I saw. Anna: Meeting Simon and catching his passion to grow anything and everything in a greenhouse in his mother’s backyard.
What is your favourite thing about Springtime?Simon: Beautiful new green leaves. The renewal in nature where our world comes alive. Anna: I love those fi rst buds on the cherry blossom trees, the Jacarandas and Wisteria. For my next Spring holiday, I want to do a motorbike tour to see the wildfl owers of WA. I will have to take Simon as he is the rider with me as pillion. Describe your dream garden? Anna: Flowers, fl owers,everywhere—but I do love trees, and vistas drawing you further into the garden, hidden surprises and sculpture. Actually, the displays at Eden comes pretty close to my dream garden!
Where is your favourite outdoor space on the Beaches? Anna: North Head must be one of the most beautiful places in the world!
The key is to pick a plant that suits you. If you relate to: “I’m a nurturing person”, go with a fern that loves attention and water or, “I’m happy just to look at it”, go for a Devils Ivy or Peace Lily. Our teams in both centres can help you with this. •
Australia is home to some spectacular fl ora. What are your favourite natives? Anna: The Flannel fl ower is my favourite of all fl owers. I love the simple structure and velvet-like petals. It grows in rocky spaces overlooking the headland yet give it care, it will grow in a home garden. The waratah is fantastic and grevilleas of course. Then there is the wattle—glorious. Most of us have been told that a house plant is ‘impossible to kill’ and then killed it. What plant would you recommend for a beginner? Indoor plants suffer from the effects of overwatering than anything else. Typically, the saucer is to blame. Most indoor plants, except for ferns, do not want to be sitting in water, and yet a saucer can often lead to just that.
EDEN GARDENS // www.edengardens.com.au // GRO URBAN OASIS // www.gro-urbanoasis.com.au
Energy Electric Bikes
There’s a whole new world of biking possibilities with electric bikes! Whether you want to go further and faster or just have fun, Energy Electric Bikes are here to help. Beaches COVERED. spoke to Owner West Ashton on what’s hot in eBikes.
Tell us about Energy Electric Bikes. Our eBikes start from $1700, giving customers a chance to get themselves an eBike without spending ridiculous amounts of money. We have entry level mountain eBikes, comfortable trekking bikes, fat tyre bikes and special cruising vintage style bikes.
There seems to be more and more eBikes around. Why do people love them so much? eBikes are a lot of fun and make all the hills effortless. With the increase of petrol prices, people are rethinking their daily commute. And of course the more eBikes that are out there, the more attention they get —they basically sell themselves.
How do you choose the right one? The fi rst thing we ask a customer is what their main purpose will be for their bike. We like to assess their ability and any injuries they may have that could make it harder to ride certain style bikes. We fi nd out if they have some serious hills to get up and what their budget is. Is service available at your shop? Yes! We offer aftercare on all our eBikes. There is also a one-year warranty on all products. You even get a compliementary fi rst service on your new eBike, valued at $120. Our location is great for any quick adjustments or if you need some air in your tyres.
Can you test ride a bike before you buy? Yes, you can. We have a great test track outside our Brookvale store as we want customers to try a few bikes before deciding on the right one for them.
What bike are you riding right now? I’m riding an Earth T-Rex Mixie mid-drive with a massive 85nm of torque, capable of any hills.
Final words for traditional bike riders who may or may not make the switch. The eBikes can take you three times as far as a traditional bike. They are here to enhance your riding experience, making challenging hills easier and giving you the freedom to explore. •
ENERGY ELECTRIC BIKES // 674 PITTWATER RD, BROOKVALE // www.energyelectricbikes.com
Helle, John Olsen, & Phoebe the Dog.
At Collaroy Kitchen Centre, Helle and John Olsen design more than just kitchens. They infuse their passion for ‘Hygge”—the Danish concept of creating a cosy atmosphere into each kitchen they design, create and build.
How did you get into this business? We both worked for the previous owner of Collaroy Kitchen Centre. John was installing kitchens, and I was across all the aspects of administration and showroom. When we were given the opportunity to take over 18 years ago, we thought, “Why not?”
What did you want to be when you grew up?Helle: I wanted to be a fashion designer, then a hairdresser, but in the end, I became an administrator in the building industry. John: I planned to become an engineer. But when I started an apprenticeship in fi ne furniture making, I found the high-end details so interesting, that I stayed within the trades and never got to do that engineering education.
What is your favourite thing about the Northern Beaches? The lifestyle, the beaches, the walking tracks, and the abundance of good eateries.
Where do you like to spend your Sunday Arvo? We love spending time with our dog Phoebe, walking in the park and getting our hands dirty in the garden.
What trends are you seeing in kitchens at the moment? Curves, curves and more curves. Curves on joinery, curves on benchtops and curved doorways. Tiled splashbacks are making a comeback, and timber tops are also experiencing a surge in popularity. Porcelain benchtops continue to be used as much as stone. Describe your perfect kitchen? The perfect kitchen is one that smells like home cooked food or freshly baked bread. It’s a kitchen where everything has its place and is not cluttering up the benchtop space. A kitchen should be a place to relax, entertain and make a mess but be easy to clean.
What is the craziest project you have ever worked on? It was a Darling Point job that I remember most vividly. The joinery and cabinets were extremely detailed, and the fi nished result was amazing. It contained a lot of natural stone, led lighting, fl oating cabinets, and all of the end and front panels were mitred so there was no visible start or fi nish in the timber veneer. It was challenging to make but in the end, the clients were astounded at the quality of worksmanship and loved it. •
COLLAROY KITCHEN CENTRE // 1000 PITTWATER ROAD, COLLAROY // www.collaroykitchen.com.au
Brigitte van Tulder
When it’s time to add a little bling to your life, visit Manly’s favourite jeweller, Brigette van Tulder at Manly Jewellers. With more than 20 years of experience in designing and remodelling fine jewellery, she’ll help you find the perfect piece.
What’s your Beaches happy place? I absolutely love Curl Curl Beach’s ocean pools—North or South Curly, it’s hard to choose.
What does the Beaches vibe mean to you? The Beaches offers a great place to make and build long-lasting friendships. It’s an idyllic location for families, where you can enjoy a diverse, multicultural community. And it’s a safe place to call home.
What’s your greatest value add to the fabric of the Beaches? I feel very proud to be able to offer locals specialised jewellery restorations and repairs of their family heirlooms along with handmade custom designed fi ne jewellery. I’m also a passionate advocate and fundraiser for the Northern Beaches Women’s shelter.
What’s your go-to spot when you are showing out-of-towners the Beaches? As a local business owner in Manly, I always head up to North Head Lookout. It has the best views of our wonderful harbour, and the nature walks are a pleasant surprise. •
BRIGITTE VAN TULDER www.manlyjewellers.com
Colormaker - Brookvale paint makers mixing it up!
Beaches COVERED. caught up with Colormaker Managing Director and Eco-Mastermind David Stuart, to get the low down on one of Brookvale’s most environmentally conscientious businesses.
David believes that we must act now if we are to change the future. The progress that his factory has made, in his view, should be standard practice. Colormaker is pushing a conversation about transitioning to renewables through their actions. Businesses Australia wide should take a large green leaf out of their eco-book.
There is urgency in his narrative. “People have been saying for 30 – 40 years now that we can’t go on polluting like this. We are at a tipping point. It is urgent. The time is now,” explained David.
“We are a local company and use local materials where possible,” explained David.
All Colormaker paints are premium quality and made right here on the Northern Beaches using 100% renewable energy and sustainable practices. Their array of high-end products are all researched, developed and manufactured out of their Brookvale laboratory and factory.
The changes that Colormaker has made, and continue to make, have already benefi tted our atmosphere. Solar power, battery storage and electric vehicles are all part of Colormaker’s goal of carbon neutrality by the end of 2024, now around 850 days away.
The factory and warehouse roofs are covered with solar panels, all working to harness energy from our generous sun. Since going Solar three years ago, Colormaker has saved over 431 tonnes of CO2 and cut their power bills by 83%. Projections for next year are 95%. Most people would say, “Well done,” David says, “How do we get to 100%?”
The introduction of an EV has been great for the business. It works environmentally and fi nancially, saving thousands (90%+) in fuel costs. David has plans to expand the fl eet of electric vehicles with a goal of making most Sydney metro deliveries clean and after that, working on inbound freight as well.
For continuous improvement, David is continually evaluating ways to improve Colormaker’s footprint. With new battery storage, Colormaker can now reverse the tide and send surplus energy back to the grid during peak times. He’s part of a group that’s looking at a community battery and wants to investigate ways that stored energy can be supplied to less fortunate members of the community.
“There needs to be a much bigger push on energy storage,” said David.
Other plans include introducing fi nancial incentives for staff who elect to travel to and from work on foot or via bike, bus or car pool to reduce transport related emissions and load shifting, completing the heaviest duty work when the sun is shining.
Thank you, David and the Colormaker team, for decorating the way towards a cleaner future. •
DAVID STUART // COLORMAKER INDUSTRIES // www.colormaker.com.au
Jill Healy-Quintard
Beaches COVERED.’s favourite health expert is currently travelling through Australia exploring this wondrous country we all call home. With her husband by her side, they have been exploring and meeting interesting and wonderful people—people with their own unique stories.
But who is the person behind the recipient of the inaugural Life Time Achievement Award with Fitness Australia? Here is Jill’s story.
I discovered my passion for dance, music, and performance early in life and that love has never left me. I was always getting into trouble as a child— I couldn’t sit still! The nuns at school told my mother I needed other activities to slow me down. My mother, who was a classical musician, put me into ballet. I had found my niche, my escape. I found movement—and I haven’t stopped.
Years later, I discovered health, fi tness, and wellness. I’d been dancing in companies, running fashion shows, choreographing, and producing events, studying acting and singing with a newromantic style band, long before those became lifestyle choices. It all came from an innately holistic approach to life—a joy of living philosophy—that I’d had since childhood.
I love to write about health, fi tness, and wellbeing. I especially enjoy writing articles for other publications like, Healthy Aging and Women’s Health & Wellbeing. I educate my Body & Balance clients with monthly newsletters and currently working on a second book — Open the Gate (or achieving a life of infi nite possibilities). This book shares my lifelong passion for human movement, music, health, wellness, longevity and travel.
During COVID, I was able to stay positive and help the people around me. I continued to run classes virtually online, bringing out the best in people through my positive attitude and energy.
“We absolutely love Jill’s classes on ZOOM, and she exudes the same passion and energy as always,” says Freshwater residents, Katherine and Simon Nav. Earlier this year, I was part of a Wise Women’s Gathering where I ran my TribalGROOVE Fusion classes and met with incredible indigenous women who initiated me into their tribe.
Over the years, I have been nominated for many Aerobic Championships and have been Top 3 in the Fitness Awards between 2019 and 2021. Following this success, I was awarded into the inaugural Lifetime Fitness Australia Membership because of my innovative fi tness and wellness philosophy. In that year, I also judged in several categories of the AUSactive Fitness Awards and will be again in 2023.
I have been involved in fi tness and wellness for 40 years, helping and inspiring thousands of men, women, and children to reach their health, wellness, and fi tness goals. I have also specialised in teaching children with disabilities through my Yoga Nidra meditation, which improves mind-body balance, lessens stress, and improves productivity.
It’s been exciting to offer classes and seminars in Australia and around the world, including my classes in Pilates, YogaPilates Fusion®, Restorative Pilates, Yoga Nidra BodyBarre®, STUDIO Pilates, TribalGROOVE Fusion, Keeping Your Working Body and Mind Fit in the Corporate world (a seminar series), Women Beyond 50 MindBodyBalance (for women 40-plus), Exercises for Face, Mind and Body (non-surgical facelift) from the comfort of your home or attend a local studio class with Carola and Tamara.
In 2019, I published my fi rst book, YogaPilates Fusion: A Mind Body and Balanced Practice. It details the ten principles I’ve developed to ensure there is complete balance of exercise and mind-body techniques in every group or private session.
In addition to the AUSactive Awards, I have received recognitions, for my work in the Australian Fitness Network Awards for my positive infl uence on a fi t and well lifestyle, as well as at the Women’s Economic Forum in New Delhi, India, in May 2017 for Innovation for Health and Wellness.
My vision is to share my knowledge and discover more human movement. I wish to help bring the best out in all teaching, wherever they are in the world, through ZOOM link.
As a thoughtful leader, I am a pro-ager instead of an anti-ager. My wish is for all people to continue to look forward to healthy, fi t lives free of dependence on medication. I share this through the knowledge I have gained as a daughter, a wife, a mother, a teacher and as a health and wellness professional. This has provided me with an honest and joyful passion and genuine love of people in all that I do.
I’m committed to growing and learning as both a participant and a leader. I want to continue writing, traveling, creating and leading trainings, workshops and retreats for people seeking their passion, mission, or tribe. I believe that everyone has the ability to shine in their own light.
Jill is waiting to connect with you, to explore your own personal health and wellness desires. •
BOOK IN YOUR FREE WELLNESS CONSULTATION WITH JILL
JILL HEALY-QUINTARD - BODY & BALANCE // 0412 422 868 // JILL@BODYANDBALANCE.COM.AU // www.bodyandbalance.com.au
Meschell Howarth
Meet Meschell Howarth, an industry professional who gets things done. This highly respected General Manager at Upstate Real Estate is a valued member of the Northern Beaches community, where she has lived her entire life. A warm and friendly person, Meschell greets everyone with a smile.
What is your favourite thing about the people within the Beaches community? I love the diversity of our healthy happy community
Describe what the Beaches vibe means to you and why you’re living amongst it? I’m living my best life; we’re so close to nature with great restaurants and the best coffee.
What’s your greatest value add to the fabric of the Beaches? Working for Upstate is a privilege. The team make me feel valued, which is one of the best aspects of my career. By looking after the property entrusted to us, we can provide a service to our community by selling property, managing it, or leasing it out. We’re also helping property owners make the most of their biggest asset — their home.
Your favourite Beach and why? My favourites are Turimetta and Bilgola, as they are quite secluded and give me a chance to relax.
Your favourite Sunday arvo hangout? Any of the Boathouse Group’s restaurants – they serve a divine margarita and their food is truly exquisite. What more could a girl want?
What’s your go-to spot when you are showing out-oftowners the Beaches? It’s tough to beat the Pasadena at Church Point for lunch. It has prime water frontage and you can even stay there.
What is the best-kept secret in your local area? A coffee and muffi n at Eleven 11 in Warriewood. Also watching the sunset from the jetty at Newport with a bottle of wine. •
MESCHELL HOWARTH // www.upstate.com.au
Britt Collinson
Britt Collinson, creator of the beloved children’s Britt Bear, was born in England and moved to the Northern Beaches when she was twelve years old. Making her home on the Beaches, Britt has been involved in many creative endeavours that brings joy to the community.
How long have you lived on the Beaches? I’ve lived in Australia since I was twelve years old. I moved here from the United Kingdom.
What’s your happy place? I love taking the cliff walk from Queenscliff and Curl Curl.
What is your favourite thing about the people within the Beaches community? Having my son, Winter, has opened my world to many new friends. The community of parents at his school is like an extended family. Everyone is very supportive and brings so much love and fun into my life.
Describe what the Beaches vibe means to you and why you’re living amongst it? The Beaches is a great place to live. I love how the neighbourhood comes together when it storms. I especially love the nooks of Brookvale and all the family-friendly, relaxed bars and cool cafes popping up—not to mention cool music venues and creative spaces.
What’s your greatest value add to the fabric of the Beaches - aka business, career, volunteer, creative, celebrity? I have many interests. Many people know me as the creator of the Britt Bear, a cuddly teddy bear that started out as a fun creation when I was young. Taking it to local markets, it became a fan favourite for many parents. It evolved and now sells in many retail outlets, bringing joy to children everywhere. Children love my bears so much that they can’t ‘bear’ to go anywhere without them! I donate and raise funds for Bear Cottage in Manly from Britt Bear. It’s a hospice that provides end-of-life care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. I also run two fashion stores that sell stylish designer and brand clothes at affordable prices.
Your favourite Beach and why? I love to visit Dee Why Beach when a storm hits—I love watching the massive waves.
What’s your go-to spot when you are showing out-of-towners the Beaches? Clontarf is a great spot to hire a boat and tour the waterways around the area. •
BRITT COLLINSON www.brittbears.com.au www.salelab.com.au
Penny Barron
Penny Barron is a skilled health practitioner. As a resident at Harbord Homeopathic Clinic in Brookvale, she brings a positive approach to her work with families facing health-related issues. Beaches COVERED. spoke with Penny about what inspires her working in the natural world of alternative medicine.
How long have you lived on the Beaches? I’ve lived on the Beaches since 2005, when we fi rst bought our family home at Beacon Hill.
What’s your Beaches’ happy place? There’s nothing like soaking up the sunshine at Freshie Beach with a takeaway lunch from The Little Café.
What does the Beaches’ vibe mean to you? It’s that feeling you get when you’re driving down Warringah Road on the way to Dee Why and all of a sudden, you can see the ocean spread out in front of you. You get a little thrill of awesomeness for how good it is to be living in such a great area.
What’s your favourite Beach and your Sunday arvo hangout? A walk along Curly Beach to Manly Beach is always a treat, but it’s made better with a yummy lunch at one of cafés along the way.
What’s your go-to spot when you are showing out-of-towners the Beaches? Defi nitely Manly if they’re coming from out of town—but maybe a little trip to Turimetta beach. It’s truly so beautiful.
Why did you become a Homeopath? When I began my studies in naturopathy, I had never heard of homeopathy until we began studying it. Other naturopathy students were complaining about having to learn it, but after fi ve minutes in the fi rst class, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It is the only modality that reaches in so deep and that sees the immune system active not just on the physical level, but on the emotional and mental levels as well.
Who do you love treating the most? Those who want to grow and who sees their symptoms as a window into their psyche. Those who understand that true healing comes through self-understanding will fi nd a greater sense of wellness. What’s the biggest question you ask a patient? The biggest question for many people who are suffering from chronic symptoms is, “What was happening to you at the time your symptoms started?” This can be a really important question to remember back to, as it often provides insight into what triggered the suffering and how it manifested into symptoms.
How did The Aurum Project start? I was working with fellow Practitioner, Linlee Jordan, and we had a conversation about the lack of quality research in homeopathy. She spoke to me about her dream to start a research charity, and I absolutely loved the idea. It became a dream for me as well.
You teach at Nature Care College. What do you love about teaching Homeopathy? The best thing about teaching homeopathy is that I get to talk about my favourite subject for hours on end without getting bored. I also learn something new along with my students; I’ve probably learned more from them than they’ve learned from me. Homeopathy is one of those subjects where you could spend entire lifetimes back to back and still not learn it all.
Why do so many people misunderstand homeopathy when there’s now so much research to support its validity? There are many reasons for this, ranging from being closed to new ways of thinking to being very stuck in the mainstream medical paradigm. But I think homeopathy and the mainstream will eventually learn to exist happily side by side once greater acceptance is reached. And that is only through time and further research. In India, the Ministry of Ayush is including homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine and yoga alongside conventional medicine in hospitals. You can only imagine what that would be like.
Once you experience homeopathy for yourself, you’ll realise there’s so much more to it than you ever imagined. •
PENNY BARRON // HARBORD HOMEOPATHIC CLINIC // www.hhcc.com.au
