Crush Magazine. Issue 10. Summer 2022/23. Strength

MIND BODY SOUL

BLEND YOUR OWN Bundy Rum

AT AUSTRALIA’S BEST DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE VIP EXPERIENCE

Journey deep into the beating heart of Australia’s most Awarded rum distillery. Learn the dark (and lighter) arts of rum making and take your tastebuds on a rum inspired adventure with the world’s first Blend Your Own Rum Experience. Pour rich rum reserves straight from the barrels and craft your very own unique rum concoction with a little help from our expert guides, who know their way around rum like no one else. Who knows, you may be the next Bundy Rum Master Blender in the making!

Not only will you take home two personalised bottles of your own handcrafted, tongue tested rum, we’ll even keep your secret recipe on file in case you want to reorder down the track - we reckon you will!

READ MORE ABOUT BREE WATSON & NICK LARTER FROM PAGE 27.

ON THE COVER & CONTENTS: Bree Watson and Nick Larter, who are proud advocates of mental and physical strength in regional, rural and remote Queensland, enjoy a workout on the Piper family farm. Photography by Paul Beutel.

Our Crush Magazine models are not paid professionals, just local people who love the Bundaberg Region.

HAPPY HOUR

BUNDY

MEMORY LANE

I

BY WITH A little help

FROM MY FRIENDS…

As journalists we love a good catchphrase or slogan. As women we love corny quotes that empower. And yet, as cynical, hardworking Magazine owners and editors, the very same idioms can prompt us to arch an eyebrow, yawn or roll our eyes.

There are three such on-trend, aspirational terms that have become so overused in our everyday vernacular in recent years that they can instead lead us to feel like failures.

Resilience. Work-life balance. And self-care.

In an era of droughts, floods, and pandemics, ‘resilient’ has become such a tired buzzword that it now somewhat suggests people who don’t immediately recover in hard times are somehow inferior or flawed. It sets an unrealistic expectation that, in the face of adversity, we must quickly pivot and soldier on. However, the truth is, sometimes the best we can muster is simply putting one foot in front of the other or accepting the things we cannot change. And what is wrong with that? Getting by can be a path to building healthy coping mechanisms that make us stronger for the future.

just physically, but also mentally strong and strong in spirit. We manage setbacks with persistence and good humour.

There is strength in admitting when we are wrong. There is strength in taking the time we need to properly recover and heal. There is strength in sharing how we feel or asking for help. There is strength in recognising when others are down, and extending a helping hand or lending an ear. There is strength in accepting help from others.

not the destination? (see, I told you we like cheesy sayings!)

Take care, LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR AND NIKKI SORBELLO

Special thanks: Paul Beutel, Rowena Preddy, Tara Jacobsen, Partriece Lyons, Wayne and Diane Hurring, Leanne Toy, Tomas O’Malley, Ross Peddlesden, Michael Dart, Mark Piper.

MERRY& BRIGHT

WORDS BY NIKKI SORBELLO

Christmas lights conjure up special childhood memories of tiptoeing through the house late at night, the only illumination coming from the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. It’s peaceful. Beautiful. Mesmerising. Calming.

Untangling lights, checking bulbs and balancing precariously on a ladder to attach lights to gutters and fascias is likely to cause the slip of a few curse words and be the cause of some

grumpy Grinch moments. But there is nothing quite like the awe and wonder that Christmas lights bring to thousands of spectators in the Bundaberg Region every year.

Is it because it’s the one time of year that we give ourselves permission to slow down? Take it all in? Walk down the street? Talk to neighbours and strangers? Contemplate the year that was and what is to come? We make plans around the annual Christmas Lights drive. We arrange to meet

other

families to walk through new neighbourhoods.

Christmas lights are starting to go up earlier and are taken down later, to allow more time for people to enjoy them. They are getting more elaborate. Shows. Mechanised moving decorations. Snow machines. Giant inflatables. Interactive light shows. Displays set to music. Homeowners in Santa and Grinch suits are starting to make nightly appearances to delight younger audiences.

PICTURED: Longview Street, Ashfield and Trinity Close, Bargara

TRADITION

Lights were used in Scandinavian countries to illuminate the street during the dark winter solstice, long before they became synonymous with Christmas. Inside, candles began making their way onto trees to shine light on ornaments, no doubt a hazardous practice.

In 1882 the first Christmas tree was lit by electric lights as a publicity stunt to promote the incandescent bulb created by Edison and Edward Johnson. Outdoor lights were created in 1927.

The reasons for creating a light display are varied. Competition with a neighbour. Carrying on a family tradition. The insistence of a spouse and children. The desire not to be ‘The Grinch’ of the street. Community obligation to continue a light display that has become known and beloved by families that return year upon year to visit.

It’s a collective project. Many houses decorated with lights, yet every house is different. Their own

personality shining through. Classic. Themed. Gawdy. Bright, Rainbow. Done well, some are even elegant. There is something for everyone to enjoy, as conversation turns to which house is the best in the street, ‘we might try that next year’ and why Scrooge couldn’t even put up one string of lights.

Christmas lights are the epitome of what the holiday season represents. Coming together and sharing something simply for the joy it brings others.

See it!

TOP CHRISTMAS LIGHTS LOCATIONS

• Longview Street, Ashfield (follow Lightup Longview on Facebook)

• Thomas Healy Drive, Bundaberg East

• Trinity Close, Bargara

• Foster Drive, North Bundaberg

• Bundaberg Botanic Gardens (tickets required)

• Parklands, Branyan

Follow Christmas Light Locations Around Bundaberg on Facebook

gold GOOD AS

There’s a little boutique with ornate frontage on Bourbong Street in Bundaberg that beckons you inside. The inviting street facade is the first sign that this is anything but another basic transactional business. Inside, antique cabinets, busts and décor give the store a homey feel that immediately puts you at ease.

The people at Warner’s Fine Jewellery have helped countless families mark life’s most precious moments with special keepsakes. They’re entrusted with heirlooms and remodels, from cradle to altar to grave.

It’s a responsibility that owner Kate Marland does not take lightly. “Blokes come into the shop in their work gear. We take the time to learn all about them and their fiancé to help them find the perfect engagement ring,” Kate said. “We put ashes and snippets of hair in lockets for people in times of grief and can remake jewellery for people who have separated. We engrave initials, cattle brands and family crests in signet rings for men, women and children. We even stock special pieces that mark somewhat bygone traditions, like the Bluebird for Happiness. It’s humbling to play a small part, creating symbolic

timepieces, for some of life’s most momentous occasions.”

They make plenty of occasional dress pieces too. “We make traditional jewellery like diamond rings, pearl necklaces and tennis bracelets, but we also create fun pieces for social events,” Kate said. “We use a wide range of stones - like lapis lazuli, onyx, amethyst, citrine and smoky quartz - so that we have something for every style, taste and budget. Our marcasite brooches and porcelain cameo brooches are imported from Italy. They make wonderful, affordable gifts. Our bow and coin pearl earrings are very popular and we’ve been sourcing our Baltic amber from Poland for more than 30 years.”

Kate considers herself lucky to be carrying on her family craft. Her great grandfather Bert Warner (pictured above on left) was an expert watch maker and violinist, who built some of the big clocks in Sydney and London. He is said to have installed almost every public clock in Newcastle in New South Wales. Kate’s grandfather Douglas was a managing director at Prouds in Sydney, before it became a chain store, and her father Michael is a master jeweller. Bert’s business card and Michael’s apprentice indenture papers hang proudly in the

Bundaberg boutique.

“I’ve been playing in Dad’s workshop, amongst his trinkets, my entire life,” she said. “I love his hardworking hands and calloused flat thumbs, and now my three sons enjoy spending time in the workshop too.”

Much of the jewellery at Warner’s is designed by Kate. If it hasn’t been handcrafted in one of their three workshops in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay or Brisbane, it has been sourced from other small, family-owned Australian jewellers. “These relationships are so important to us and ensure every piece we sell is quality.”

It’s their skilful ability to combine old world styles with new trends that sets Warner’s Fine Jewellery apart. “Old-fashioned country service and workmanship are our hallmarks,” Kate said. “It is possible to own beautiful jewellery at any price point.”

Going the distance

Remember the sound of your suitcase wheels turning as you walk down the airport corridor? And the announcement over the loud speaker: “now boarding through gate 33”? For many of us, travel seems like a distant memory. With the reopening of state and international borders, many of us will travel this Summer for the first time in years. It’s likely you’re in need of new travel luggage and a holiday wardrobe refresh.

Saskia Boutique in East Bundaberg is newly stocked with Louenhide’s latest range of cross body, handbags, toiletry, laptop and travel bags. Functional and beautiful, Louenhide accessories help women feel organised, confident and ready to face the day.

Long haul travel requires comfortable

clothing that makes you feel great. Pair a one size (8-16) flowing, linen dress from the JJ Sisters with a pair of glitzy sneakers, lightweight scarf and artisan jewellery.

If you’re staying put to spend the Summer with your family, you can add a little foreign flare to your home with Wonki Ware, made in South Africa by Diane Marshall Pottery. Bring the tropical resort to you with some faux greenery and sparkling glassware.

Saskia isn’t only a store for locals. Countless tourists and visitors to the Bundaberg Region have fallen in love with the stylish homewares and clothing purveyor. After 11 years in business and countless requests from out-of-town shoppers, the Boutique’s founder Saskia dePaoli (pictured) is

launching an online store. “We get phone calls every week from ladies who discovered our store on holidays. They’ve seen our items on Instagram or Facebook, fabulous things they can’t get back home, so they pay for it over the phone and we send it to them,” Saskia said. “Our online store will give ladies convenient access to our full range from anywhere in the country.”

Shop it

SASKIA – home gifts you Millaquin Markets Shop 4/133 Bargara Road, East Bundaberg 07 4151 1873 Saskia.net.au

relationships STRENGTHENING

Trustworthy, dedicated, honest, professional, knowledgeable are all adjectives that come to mind. All positive strengths present in a trusted advisor.

To become a trusted advisor we must be able to deliver and exhibit many strengths. It is something that is earnt and it generally takes time, patience and dedication with a long-term strategy in mind.

Time is spent building and strengthening relationships, and it is one of the greatest compliments to receive being considered a client’s trusted advisor.

As a professional in a field where we are privy to sensitive information, it is important that the utmost confidentiality is maintained, communication is effective and knowledge is credible.

A trusted advisor actively listens to what their clients are saying and not saying. They are always asking questions, assessing the situation, and offering recommendations suitable to the clients’ needs.

Strengthening the ability to actively listen shows clients our enthusiasm for their business, the level of commitment we have and gives them reassurance that we fully understand them.

Genuine passion and enthusiasm about our clients’ businesses and the desire to provide accurate and timely advice is paramount in strengthening that allimportant relationship.

Becoming a trusted advisor is a privilege and a positive strength to build and maintain. Here at Lyons Judge we take the time with our clients to get to know them, their business and their personal situation to be able to provide timely and relevant advice tailored to their unique needs. We consider it well worth our investment.

Karen Peall is Executive Manager of Lyons Judge Bundaberg and has more than 20 years’ experience in accounts and taxation.

What do we consider to be strengths in the world of tax and accounting and why are they important?

Gold scalloped edges. A raspberrycoloured centrepiece, flanked by two pretty, soft, pink ribbons. Dainty, white lace touches. This may sound like the description of an iconic Australian biscuit, but it also sets the tone at one of the Bundaberg Region’s most loved fashion boutiques.

Fine detail and quality have been the hallmarks of VoVo’s Boutique for more than 15 years. Long term employee, Lynne Booth has been there from the early beginnings. “I’m really attached to this store, I love it and I know other ladies do too,” she said. “There’s always been something about VoVo’s that draws you in, even as the styles and labels have changed.” Pene Makepeace, also the owner of Sanshells Boutique (page 2), purchased VoVo’s in September. “VoVo’s

Boutique was struggling throughout COVID-19 when social events ceased. We all stopped going out, and there were no events and gatherings,” Pene said. “I really want to keep VoVo’s going forward now that normal life has resumed. I want VoVo’s to be known as the store where ladies can find unique, quality garments they love.”

Pene spoke of the online shopping effect; customers rushing in last minute when their online purchase didn’t fit or show up. She said it was common for ladies to turn up to local events in the same dresses, all purchased from mass online companies. “We only stock a small number of garments from each collection,” Pene said. “If people don’t support local, small businesses like VoVo’s will disappear.” But she concedes it’s also up to stores like VoVo’s to give people a reason to shop local. “We need to do things differently. We will slowly be changing VoVo’s direction and we want local ladies to shop with us. I’m keen to hear what customers want.”

Friends with the two previous owners, Pene has been drawing on their

feminine clothing that can be worn every day or for special occasions. We really love versatility and showing ladies how to get the most from their garments; dress it up or down. We are also broadening our size range and prices, with something to suit most tastes and budgets.”

VoVo’s Boutique has everything you need to complete an outfit, including shoes, hats, jewellery, headbands, fascinators and handbags. They have a small stylish range of gifts and homewares. VoVo’s offer complimentary gift wrapping and they are the exclusive stockist of Australian-made Ecoya products in Bundaberg.

VOVO’S BOUTIQUE 94 Bourbong Street, Bundaberg 07 4152 2534 www.vovosboutique.com.au

KIDS WIZZ

Now in its fourth year, Battle of the Schools is a quiz held over six weeks that involves year five and six students from both private and public schools across our Region. The questions range from english, science, maths, history, geography and some really good general knowledge questions, along with some Bundaberg-specific questions.

The idea for Sugarland Plaza Battle of the Schools came about because we see a lot of support given to local, young sporting stars and thought it was time to highlight youngsters’ brains.

The most tense contest I’ve seen to date happened in 2020. The final was between St. Luke’s Anglican School and Bundaberg North State School. After some 2000 questions, St. Luke’s won

by just one point. The quiz means a lot to the students and the North team was devastated. There were tears, both from the kids and myself. The winning team of students each won themselves a Microsoft Surface Pro Computer and the three running-up teams receive Microsoft products courtesy of Queensland Computers and also a cash prize from CQ University.

The kids get thrown some tough questions. Here’s some I struggled with:

1. In a school of 336 children, where only one third are girls, how many boys would there be? One of the kids buzzed in very quickly and said 224. I struggled with that. Maths wasn’t my strongest subject at school.

2. Name all the seven dwarfs from the fairy tale ‘Snow White’ – I can name six quickly and easily, but always forget about poor old Happy.

3. What name is given to the ancient Egyptian writing system?

4. The one question that surprised me the most was how to spell the word Mississippi. A boy buzzed in and rattled off the answer so quickly.

Every year, I am more and more impressed by how smart our local kids are. Some of the questions; I don’t have a clue what the answer is. But a kid will buzz in instantly, without hesitation, and get it correct. The grownups all sit there looking at each other in amazement.

Tracey Sergiacomi is one half of the Matty and Trace breakfast due on 93.9 HitzFM, weekdays from 6am.

Property law moving with the times

The legal profession is grounded in tradition and often ridiculed for failing to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of our society and, in particular, technology. However, our profession is rife with change since the impact of COVID-19.

These changes have been formalised with the new Land Title Regulation 2022 (the Regulation) which mandates the electronic lodgement (eConveyancing) of certain property transaction documents.

If you have bought or sold property in the past few years, you’re likely familiar with PEXA, an eConveyancing platform that delivers a single, nationwide e-Conveyancing solution to the Australian property industry.

This is backed by the release of the Property Law Bill 2022 which provides for electronic conveyancing in addition to electronic execution of property law documents and implementation

of modern language to align with contemporary property practice.

Another exciting change is the likely implementation of a new Seller’s Disclosure Scheme, so buyers are better informed about properties before they sign a contract.

The Draft Disclosure Document does provide copies of searches and documents usually paid for and conducted by the buyer post contract but pre-settlement, such as rates notices, water services notices, main roads notices, title search and survey plan. This does not currently include flood information; however, this is under review and may yet be included.

This will negate numerous issues property lawyers have during the life of a contract, but we would love to see the inclusion of Building Compliance Searches to disclose if the structures

on the property have been approved by Council when constructed.

We have also seen changes in Residential Tenancies from October 1, 2022, which provide for increased protection for tenants in ending leases, changes to make it easier for tenants to keep pets, and increased repair and maintenance obligations for landlords as part of working towards minimum housing standards by September 1, 2023.

These innovations are a welcome change to the property law environment. Our firm look forward to assisting our clients to navigate these changes.

Kelly Dwyer is a partner at Charlton’s Lawyers, Bundaberg’s longest-service law firm.

THE SECRET IS out

As our country was presented with something all very new in 2020, little did we know it would cause something unprecedented in the real estate market. When we transitioned out of isolation, we started to look at things a little differently. We made choices to negotiate with employers to work remotely, or take the plunge to pack the suitcases and migrate interstate. Many went in search of that new lifestyle we all dream of.

So-called ‘southerners’ all wanted to exit their current living conditions to find that tranquil tree change or life by the beach in regional Queensland. Studies of Weekes Property Co purchase transactions over the previous two-year period, suggest one in three buyers have been relocating

to our Region from interstate.

In October this year, realestate.com.au published an article titled, ‘Move over Byron Bay: here are five new beachside hotspots’. The only Queensland site to make the top picks; the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast regions, listed at number three.

There are so many benefits when moving from cities into a regional town, such as Bundaberg. of living. Comfortable year-round climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. From stunning acreage properties close to town amenities to beachside and oceanfront homes – real estate remains incredibly affordable here. And we are seeing increased infrastructure investment from government and private

With more than ten years’ experience in local real estate, Ryan is the co-founder and principal at Weekes Property Co – a realtor agency designed to be different.

LIVING IN A material world

In architecture, strength is something that is at the forefront of mind. Whether in terms of structural stability or durability, we select building materials with a view to them enduring and providing permanence.

Louis Kahn, one of the great architects of the 20th Century, understood that the properties of different materials should dictate how they are used. A brick is

arch allows the brick to use this property to its advantage in counteracting gravity,

brick wall, and the apparent strength will quickly disintegrate without support from

having great strength, particularly when

Skyscrapers were physically impossible before the advent of steel construction in the late 1800s. We utilise steel’s capability to act in tension, similarly to how timber has been for millennia, but to greater extremes. But steel too has its weaknesses, namely its susceptibility to corrosion.

Strong and flexible, timber structures are often designed to move with the forces imposed upon them, rather than steadfastly bracing against them the way brick or concrete does. Timber is commonly used in countries such as Japan for this reason – generations of experience has found that allowing a building’s skeleton to flex and absorb the impacts of earthquakes and typhoons is preferable to the potential catastrophic failure of heavy, more brittle buildings.

By Tomas O’Malley

In some ways, concrete is an amalgam of the structural properties of stone and steel. Hard, dense and durable, concrete on its own behaves much like brick or stone – immensely strong in compression but lacking somewhat in tension. When reinforced with steel, however, it benefits from that material’s inherent qualities, while protecting the steel from corrosion and fire.

All of these considerations go into deciding the best choice of material for a building. Modern technology allows us to ‘force’ materials to do things they may not be ideally suited to, for reason of aesthetic, cost, practicality or availability. I always like to apply Louis Kahn’s questions to these decisions.

Architect Tomas O’Malley designs buildings that reflect Central Queensland’s climate and lifestyle.

RESORT vibes

By Jade McKenzie

Endless Weekend is an online furniture and homewares boutique, based right here in Bundaberg and is a curation all things coastal and cool.

Sourced from Australian and local suppliers, here you’ll find everything you need to follow my lead and create a holiday vibe in your own home. It’s the same quality products and pieces I turn to when staging and styling homes for clients through The Property Styling Co. Think rattan, cane, raw timbers, natural fibres, neutral palates, and lots of greenery.

RHODEAS Arm Chair

CRETE Rattan Pendant

ANGUILLA Entertainment Unit with Rattan Doors

Noosa Framed Canvas Art

LAS PALMAS Cushion

ST PAUL'S Dining Chair

SABA Rattan Dining Chair

THE HAMPTON Stool

SPEED THE NEED FOR

Wanting fast internet speeds is a given in our fast-paced lives. But when you own an online business, particularly one as important as a legal service, having access to fast, reliable and secure internet is an absolute necessity.

It’s why, when launching Your Online Legal from their Bundaberg headquarters, Geoff and Maria Ebert knew their chosen high-speed business nbn Enterprise Ethernet solution was crucial for their business.

“When we transitioned to business nbn-Enterprise Ethernet, the speed difference was like a biplane compared to a jet fighter,” solicitor Geoff said.

“Your Online Legal operates all our software on a cloud. Without fast internet we just can’t produce all our documents. Our hearings are run through phone systems that need to be reliable when we are in court every day, across the country.”

Businss nbn Enterprise Ethernet is a premium, high-performance fibre access

network designed to be both fast and reliable. It offers access to plans based on wholesale speed tiers of up to almost 10 gigabits per second (almost 10 times faster than before on business nbn Enterprise Ethernet)*, which is now available to businesses across the Wide Bay, including in Bundaberg.

Head of nbn local Queensland Kylie Lindsay said this was a gamechanger to help lift the digital capability of many businesses throughout Australia.

“The nbn network has changed our Australian way of life – it helps us do more – and this improved access technology will open the door on many new opportunities for businesses across the country,” Kylie said.

“As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too does the nbn business offering - we expect demand for higher speed services to grow over time, as businesses further invest in technologies that require reliable, secure, highspeed broadband connectivity, including those

in regional areas.”

Kylie said internet retailers could now offer plans based on much faster nbn wholesale speed tiers across nbn’s existing Enterprise Ethernet footprint, which includes 304 nbn Business Fibre Zones.

“Access to higher speeds will give a boost to regional businesses in the fast-growing digital economy and help them compete with their big city counterparts. We encourage businesses to speak to their preferred internet provider to discuss what business nbn Enterprise Ethernet plans are available and could benefit them.”

*nbn speeds and network availability may be impacted by factors outside of the nbn network

For More

NBN LOCAL www.nbnco.com.au/business or contact Deborah Mead at deborahmead@nbnco.com.au

LEGAL ease

Behind the façade of the 1896 heritagelisted Old Butcher Shop in North Street, Childers, is something you may not expect to find. Lovingly restored by Kim Dorrian and her husband Matt is Dorrian Law, the town’s only locally-owned law firm. It’s fresh, modern and welcoming. Across the whole office there is a sense of ease.

It’s a feeling Legal Practitioner Director Kim has deliberately tried to create – a sense of legal ease, not ‘legalese’.

“We deal with legal matters on a day-today basis, but we understand that most of our clients don’t. So it’s important to us to handle legal matters in a way that is as painless as possible. Our aim is to make everything easy to understand,” Kim said.

“We are here to help you achieve the outcome you want, by providing practical and no-nonsense solutions.”

Kim has been practising law in Queensland since 2011. After working in both large and small firms, she relocated to Childers in 2013 so Matt could run the family farm. After returning from maternity leave in 2019, Kim decided to open her own law office in town to provide legal support and services to the local community.

Kim is supported by a close-knit team; solicitor Stephanie Howell, paralegal Karen Pitcher and secretary Kerry Nichol.

“At Dorrian Law we deal with the most frequently-arising legal matters, such as estate planning and wills, property law and conveyancing, agribusiness, commercial leasing and business sales,” Kim said.

“We will also travel up to 30 minutes to see clients at their homes or businesses if need be. We also travel out west to Gayndah regularly.”

DORRIAN LAW

6 North Street, Childers (07) 4126 3675 www.dorrianlaw.com.au

ADDRESSING situational stress

Strength is an interesting concept. Strength of character, body strength, strength of will, having the strength to get up. Resilience is another, and one that is often used to complement strength – someone has strength and resilience.

Since COVID-19 began, these words, strength and resilience, have been used extensively to encourage people to go on, to get up or to face the future. We’ve seen from the past few quarterly Pulse Survey’s run by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIQ), some interesting insights regarding the impact the past couple of years have had on businesses when it comes to strength and resilience.

I have been lucky enough to speak with health professionals and I always ask the question ‘have you seen an upswing in mental health issues?’ The answer is always ‘No – but we have seen an increase in situational stress!’

A precursor to mental health issues, situational stress is the body’s reaction to being under almost constant stress, and it is absolutely treatable with some simple exercises.

Ask a business owner if they have any issues with mental health, the answer is ‘No, I’m just under a bit of stress!’

A bit of stress, that usually involves sleepless nights, upset stomach, fatigue, poor decision making and a raft of other symptoms.

The Chamber is working with others to bring in programs that support mental wellbeing and decrease stress, but there are some things you can do right now to help yourself.

always surprises me how little time it takes to clear the fog.

Do what you need to do to look after you – manage the stress before it grows beyond your control.

Tim Sayer is the president of Bundaberg & District Chamber of Commerce.

AT ANY AGE strength & discipline

WORDS BY NIKKI SORBELLO & LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR

The idea of strength brings up images of flexed, bulging muscles, dumbells and sweat. But if you ask anyone who exercises regularly, very few actually equate strength with lifting heavy weights.

There is no doubt being active leads to maintaining or building muscle mass and strengthening bones. It improves brain health and can help reduce the risk of disease. But many people focus on how they feel after exercise – enjoying the endorphin high. They describe how their mind

feels clearer and, surprisingly, most talk about the sense of community.

Walking into a group class or session with others who you normally wouldn’t cross paths with. Exchanging a knowing groan as the instructor or coach orders ‘one more’. The shared pats on the back when you are done for that day. Knowing that if you don’t show up, someone will notice.

When Crush Magazine began working on the Strength Issue, there was no shortage of stories

about people finding enjoyment in exercise, across all decades. In every gym, group or class there seems to be people at all stages of life defying the odds of what ‘exercise’ should look like at their age or ability.

It inspired us to examine what strength and fitness mean to a handful of local people. We also spoke to some of the businesses, organisations and volunteers that are supporting others to achieve their personal fitness goals.

Bella Dickson first picked up a basketball when she was six-years-old, after watching High School Musical and thinking it looked like fun. The now 14-yearold Kepnock High school student is at it six days a week, including games, training and strength and conditioning classes at Bundy Fit (more on page 35). She plays with Bundaberg Basketball, has competed in representative teams and attended the Queensland State Championships a few times. She also started refereeing 12-months-ago.

Aside from her love of the game and wanting to keep active, Bella said joining Bundaberg Basketball had helped her in other ways. “Being fitter really helps with a whole range of things. It helps your brain and makes you more focused with schoolwork,” Bella said. “When I started playing I didn’t have very much confidence, but I’ve enjoyed working with a range of different coaches who have taught me how to be resilient and confident.”

Strength. noun 1. The quality or state of being physically strong.

For Jason Lyons, living with cystic fibrosis means he’s always had an active life. A sporty kid, he first started visiting a gym when he was 14-years-old. “For me, I love the gym because of the sense of trying to better yourself in specific ways. Whether you want to get a little bit faster or stronger; it’s that want to be a little bit better than you were,” Jason said.

Now 26, Jason brings his passion and energy for fitness to others, working as a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness. “I like to use a lot of different modalities. So I will do long-distance endurance events, like swimming, running or cycling. I also really enjoy calisthenics and weight training. I like to encompass a lot of different forms of exercise because it gives me a good perspective on different things people are doing and it allows me to mix up my training. I feel like I’m more adaptable,” Jason said.

JASON LYONS

on the cover

version of this story at www.crushmagazine.com.au

JUMPING hurdles

The youngest of six children, living on the family strawberry farm at Avondale, Bree Watson loved pony club and athletics – particularly hurdles. In her adult life, there’s never been a hurdle she couldn’t overcome.

As a young adult, busy completing four university degrees in science and photography, regular exercise went by the wayside. Like many women, her first taste of structured exercise was at a mum’s and bub’s group class in an attempt to lose the weight she’d gained. “I was pretty close to going down a dark hole at that time, but meeting up with other women to exercise really pulled me out of that,” Bree said.

Bree set a goal of running a marathon, and started jogging and walking between posts alongside an irrigation channel. “I also used horse jumps and tyres to make my own obstacle courses on the farm,” she said. “Every little bit I did added up, I am very competitive with myself. I did a lot of research, designed my

own fitness programs and started seeing great results.”

Bree entered her first amateur body building competition in Brisbane where she won all of her classes. “I won overall for the state-wide event,” she said. It gave me a big taste for it.” Bree competed all around the world, before winning her professional competitor licence in the United States.

But it would be a social mud event that would be her undoing. “I was swinging on monkey rings on the third obstacle from the finish when I slipped off and heard a pop. I’d ruptured my ACL in my knee and my meniscus had worn through. It was devastating. I’ve had three surgeries and I’m still recovering three-and-ahalf years later. I deconditioned, but I’m working my way back.”

The self-proclaimed ‘rule follower’ believes it is the discipline she learned as a body builder that has served he so well in her role as Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable

Growers Chief Executive Officer. “There are so many things that farmers have no control over, like weather, politics, input costs and market conditions. I’m a big advocate for focusing on the things you can control, such as exercise and what you put in your body.”

The 40-year-old said her work required her to be an extrovert. “I’m really an introvert that loves time to myself and the gym gives me that. I’m a big believer in the mind muscle connection, so quite often I train with my eyes closed and focus on that one muscle; being mindful and silencing all the other noise.”

And that’s what strength means to Bree. “It’s visualising what you want to achieve,” she said. “It’s believing in yourself and knowing you are enough in that moment,” she said. “It’s having the courage to have a conversation that you don’t want to have. It’s doing something that’s unknown, scary or takes you out of your comfort zone. It’s your own journey.”

CRUSH MODELS AREN’T PAID PROFESSIONALS, JUST PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE BUNDABERG REGION. Read the extended

NICK

meet the models

rough justice

INTERCHANGING ROBES

We’re all guilty of making assumptions about a person when it comes to their looks, attire, interests or job. If you heard about a man with degrees in history, religion, philosophy and law, who plays classical guitar, has an interest in antiquities and the ability to read Hebrew and Greek, you probably wouldn’t expect an Ipswich-born, Australian amateur boxer with a shaved head and tattoos.

Nick Larter is an intriguing contradiction in every sense. At night, this gently spoken Bundaberg barrister trades his courtroom wig and robe for boxing silks as part of Fred Brophy’s Boxing Troupe. “I’m a sheep in wolves’ clothing,” Nick laughed.

Brophy’s touring tent is the last of its kind in Australia, where Fred invites ‘all comers’ to enter the ring and give members of his Troupe a run before of an eager crowd of rowdy

spectators. Many see the demise of this nomadic entertainment as a progressive step in the right direction. Others lament the loss of Australian outback traditions that we once solemnised in national symbols of pride like the iconic boxing kangaroo.

Dubbed the Fighting Barrister, Nick cut his teeth working for Legal Aid as the prison duty lawyer, and has met some of the State’s most infamous criminals. “It was a baptism of fire and I was desensitised quickly,” he said.

Nick said there was no doubt that fighting attracted some ‘wayward people’. “To help them learn discipline and hard work that brings reward and see them grow into contributing members of the community is a very satisfying thing. I was lucky enough to find people to do that for me at a young age, and now it’s nice to have come on that journey to the point that it’s

something I can offer back.”

It’s largely this mentee-mentor relationship that continues attracting people to the sport of boxing. “If you want to have a fight, let’s do it safely and earn your reputation the right way; not in some pub brawl where one punch can kill.” The 43-year-old said his perception of strength had changed since taking up boxing, and he now placed great value on vulnerability and exposure. “My trainers and fellow boxers at Attila Boxing Academy in Bundaberg and the Brophy Troupe have given me the courage to put myself in a position where there’s a very big chance of spectacular and public failure,” Nick said. “Fighting, for all it’s worth, has actually got all of the anger out of me. I was not confident enough to express myself in the past because I thought that may have been viewed as a weakness. Now I’ve got the strength to expose myself.”

CRUSH MODELS AREN’T PAID PROFESSIONALS, JUST PEOPLE WHO LOVE THE BUNDABERG REGION. Read the extended version of this story at crushmagazine.com.au

For Glen Miles, 68, Keith Miles, 72, and Karen Beveridge, 69, Bundaberg Parkrun is as much about community as it is about fitness.

Glen said the free weekly event first appealed to him a few years ago. He was looking for something active to do where he could be around more people. His brother Keith thought it sounded like a good idea and joined him. While the name of the event can put some people off, the pair are there to enjoy the outdoors and company; choosing to walk and jog the 5km course.

Karen said being in the fresh outdoor air was a great mental health boost, with the course taking about 45-mintues to complete if you are walking. “By the time you start your walk and meet up with others, chatting away, before you know it the 5km is finished,” Karen said.

Run by a team of volunteers, Bundaberg Parkrun is an event for all ages. Parents bring their children in prams, until they are old enough to register at four-years-old.

For more visit www.parkrun.com.au/bundaberg

For bodybuilder Graham Evans, who owned Improvements Gym in Bundaberg for almost 20 years, strength is as much about the mental game as it is about the physical. Crowned Mr Universe in Italy in December 1993, Graham used the bulk and trim method. “One of the differences between power weightlifting and bodybuilding is that one is based on genetics and brute force and the other is mental toughness,” he said. “It was the discipline of dieting that I enjoyed, with the consistency of training. Persistence is so important in body building, particularly when the gains stop or you are in a plateau,” he said.

Winning Mr Queensland and Mr Australia multiple times gave Graham credibility in his own gym to help novice body builders, as well as people who just wanted to get fit or lose weight. “I enjoyed helping other people,” he said. In his early retirement, Graham was a strength and conditioning coach with the NRL, on tour with the former Origin greats (Qld) and former international greats (Aust). Today, at age 67, Graham enjoys playing golf and riding his bike.

Strength. noun 2. The capacity to withstand great force or pressure.

Addalyn Large, 8, and Cameron Sorbello, 9, lead the charge for Saturday’s parkrun, ahead of Keith Miles, Karen Beveridge and Glen Miles.

MAUREEN BRANSON

After the age of 50 many people begin to choose exercise they can do at a slower pace. Low impact. Easier on the body. But 67-year-old Maureen Branson still runs, swings kettle bells and box jumps with the best of them. Training four-days-a-week at Bundaberg’s only outdoor bootcamp, BTY Fitness, Maureen doesn’t let her age dictate how she moves her body. “I enjoy exercise and being outdoors. It’s good for my mental health,” she said.

Maureen said she has always enjoyed group classes, which help keep her young-at-heart and give her something to keep pace with. “I suppose one day I might switch to swimming or something low impact. But I just think while I can still do this, and it’s not causing me any issues, I’ll keep at it,” she said.

IS SEXY strong

Forget any preconceived ideas you had about pole dancing being associated with stripping. Pole dancing, lyra and silks are becoming mainstream thanks to performances like Pink’s stunning ‘Glitter In the Air’ at the 2010 Grammy Awards show. In 2021, her 10-year-old daughter Willow Sage joined her in silks on stage at the Billboard Music Awards, performing ‘Cover Me in Sunshine’. Then there’s the likes of pole dancer Kristy Sellars who wowed judges on Australia’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent. The strength and flexibility required to master these disciplines is no mean feat.

It’s why music teacher and singer Toni Jordan decided to buy and revamp the pole and aerial fitness studio where she exercised. “The studio had been in Bundaberg for about 12 years, as Bella Bliss and Raven Dance,” Toni said. “I really loved working out there – it opened my mind to different ways to get fit.”

Toni renamed the Bundaberg CBD studio, The Neon Loft, gave the space a bright,

modern facelift and introduced some new activities. “My fantastic team and I added spin pole and heels dance and chair classes to our already exciting class offerings. We also continued lyra, silks, static pole, burlesque, stretch & flex and Neon Kids classes,” she said. “We want it to be a space where people of all ages and sizes feel comfortable, and can be part of a community that is supportive physically, mentally and emotionally. Our youngest student is five-years-old and our eldest is 74. All our exercises can be modified to suit individual capabilities.”

The Neon Loft offers group classes, private lessons and practice sessions, from beginners to professionals. It’s also a great space for private functions, like birthdays and hen’s parties. Buy pole equipment for your home or some Neon Loft merchandise. “At the end of the day, everything we do here is about having fun, femininity, confidence and strength, because strong is sexy. Aerial and pole fitness are whole of body workouts,” Toni said.

MORE THAN massage

Living with chronic pain can be supported with the right treatments. It is something that Rebecca Starr has been working on her whole career.

The owner of Soul Flow Studio is a nutrition, holistic and wellness coach, as well as a qualified remedial and rehab massage therapist. She uses her training to help clients manage

and recover from chronic pain, stress, trauma, injury, anxiety and depression.

“I had chronic migraines and chronic injuries, with no relief. I’ve discovered along the way which things helped me, so I wanted to help others. It’s about getting to the root cause of things, rather than just masking the symptoms,” Rebecca said.

Using a range of different techniques, remedial massage extends far beyond simple relaxation.

“We look at the fascia, we look at trigger points, we look at muscle function. I also do assessments and muscle testing. Then I target my treatment to that specific region. I also incorporate nutrition, stretching and exercise planning,” Rebecca said.

Soul Flow Studio also offers a traumaaware yoga class, for people with high-impact or chronic injuries. Clients have access to a gym and meditation area. Health Industry Claims and Payments Service (HICAPS) is available at the Studio.

For more

SOUL FLOW STUDIO

Shop 1/10 Walla Street, Bundaberg 0491 605 362 www.thesoulflowstudio.com

KEEPING

Bundy Fit

There is nothing quite like the feeling of achievement. Trying a move you haven’t done before. Going up a weight you have yet to attempt. Beating a personal best.

These are just some of the reasons people exercise week-in, week-out. Not to mention the endorphin high after you complete your workout - you feel awake and full of energy.

It is these results and feelings that are the focus of locally-owned and independent gym, Bundy Fit. Owner Natalie Hepi-Tehuia said their sole purpose was to help new members find the joy in exercise and to help current members continue to strive for their personal goals.

“After exercise, not only do you feel great about yourself, but you feel a bit stronger to be able to take on life issues. It’s about so much more than being

physically strong. There are so many other added benefits,” Natalie said.

Bundy Fit specialise in functional fitness. They started out as a bootcamp almost a decade ago, and then became affiliated with CrossFit. Now putting their own stamp on training; their daily classes cover a bit of everything.

“It’s weightlifting. It’s cardio. It’s gymnastics. It’s not the same thing everyday. Everyday you come in, it will be a different format,” Natalie said.

“We are technique focused, so you don’t need to have any gym or training experience, as our coaches will work with you to learn and perfect the technique you need.

“If you are just getting involved in fitness and need some motivation, if you are time poor and want to make the most out of your hour, if you want to train

hard and compete, our trainers cover it all. All you need to do is show up.”

Natalie said being ‘group’ focused also added to the camaraderie at the centre, with six-week health and weight loss challenges, a dedicated teen program, basketball teen program and inhouse competitions.

Bundy Fit moved into their new space in East Bundaberg in 2022, which means members can comfortably work out in their own space. Men’s and women’s amenities and a children’s area are also provided.

BUNDY FIT

Trial three sessions, free 6/44 Princess Street, Bundaberg 0490 086 911 bundyfit.com.au

DISCIPLINEdaring

When asked whether an Olympic gymnast had ever hailed from Bundaberg, Tony Hogan’s immediate response is: ‘not yet!’. It’s this kind of forward-thinking positivity that is the driving force behind Gymfinity in East Bundaberg.

Speaking with Tony and his wife Tracy, who are both national gymnastics judges and coaches, it’s easy to see why their business has produced one of Queensland’s fastest-growing clubs in the past 10 years. They have about 20 coaches in their team, including some who are internationally-accredited, who work across a range of programs, designed to suit all ages and abilities. Their classes cover everything from developing basic gross motor skills to competition level gymnastics.

Tony, a teacher at Shalom College, said youth programs like Kindergym, Foundation and NinjaZone were aimed at turning energy into ambition. “NinjaZone combines obstacle training, gymnastics, martial arts, and freestyle movement,” he said. “Having kids involved in fun gym activities at a younger age is going to develop their core strength, their agility, their mobility and their flexibility, which are qualities that are going to be great for any sport they pursue in the future; whether that’s gymnastics or something entirely different. Many gymnasts go on to be very successful aerial skiers, divers, synchronised swimmers, ninja warriors or rock climbers and some have even performed in shows like Cirque de Soleil.”

Tracy, who was a state representative level gymnast for many years, said they

started Gymfinity because they were tired of travelling to Hervey Bay several times a week so their two children could train. “It was either move towns, or build our own,” she laughed.

“Coaches in other areas encouraged us to start something here and we are so glad we did. The thing we love about the sport is that it’s about an individual’s pathway, not someone else’s. You may be part of a team, but you can also track your own progression – it’s measurable. We just want all our students to be the best they can be; to reach their own optimal potential.”

As well as providing space for childrens’ birthday parties, Gymfinity deliver programs in childcare centres, kindergartens, and primary schools.

“Community outreach is really important to us,” Tracy said. “We want to encourage more kids to be active, enjoy sport and challenge themselves outside their comfort zone. It’s great to see children commit to sport, achieve progression and learn new skills. Gymnastics teaches life lessons and skills, like dedication, discipline and commitment. It’s rewarding to see children grow in confidence while they’re enjoying what they’re doing.” Give it a go!

GYMFINITY

29 Steptoe Street, East Bundaberg 07 4151 8989 www.gymfinity.com.au

swimmingly GOING

Donna Keech is determined to get more people swimming. Her philosophy is straight forward. “Swimming is a life skill and a skill for life. It’s an exercise with longevity; a fitness activity that will serve you for life, from six months to 80 years,” she said.

Donna and Rose Fraser are celebrating 10-years in partnership at Kepnock Pool, where they operate their businesses DNA Aquatics and Aqua Fun and Fitness. “We were once competitors, but I knew Rose was great at what she did, so we met for a coffee and I asked if she wanted to join

forces. We haven’t looked back. We complement each other,” Donna said.

Both Austswim-qualified, Donna and Rose are specialist aqua aerobics instructors. “It only takes a basic fitness certificate to be able to instruct an aqua class, but there is much more to understand about the properties of water and the effects it has on your body,” Donna said. “How your body moves and reacts to the water is very different to dry land. On land lifting a weight might increase your biceps, but in the water it’s going to do your triceps. The hydrostatic pressure of

the water helps with blood flow, so we design aqua aerobics routines with that knowledge and expertise. We offer a range of different aqua aerobics classes, all designed for different purposes but with the aim of having fun.”

Rose, who was a radiographer for 45 years, said many orthopaedic surgeons referred patients to them. “We’re not physiotherapists, but we often assist people with particular mobility problems to support their broader rehabilitation program,” Rose said. “Water is a great equaliser, where you can move for a lot longer than you might be able to out of

the water. The buoyancy of the water doesn’t take as much of a toll on your knees, hips or joints. While we can scale or modify each exercise to suit individual needs, aqua aerobics is something people of all ages and abilities can do. We see everyone from seniors to pregnant women and entire sporting teams.” (see Rose on page 33)

Rose and Donna love building water confidence in both the young and old. “Our Kick Fit program, which is exclusive to DNA Aquatics, is a way of getting more people swimming. It’s for people who are not confident to swim laps but want the exercise benefits of the pool, so we give them a kick board and fins and they follow a specialised routine,” Donna said. “If we can get more adults in the water, that has a positive

influence on the next generation.”

Donna, whose husband and daughter are patrolling members of Elliott Heads Surf Lifesaving Club, oversees a team of qualified, compassionate and handson instructors in her seasonal swim school, which offers term lessons and intensive block lessons. “Everyone learns differently. At DNA Aquatics, our teachers focus on each child as an individual,” she said. “Learning to swim at a young age opens up a world of fun. It carries a wealth of physical and mental wellbeing as well as social and community benefits that a person carries well into their senior years. It is low impact, builds endurance, improves co-ordination and balance, and builds immunity. We live in a beautiful part of the world, and we

want to ensure more local children can enjoy that lifestyle safely.”

Earlier this year, Donna and Rose participated in Bundaberg Regional Council’s Be Active, Be Alive program, offering free classes over eight weeks at public pools across the Region.

movemen t

STRENGTH IN Book it!

PULSE PILATES BY THE SEA Bundaberg CBD 0431 589 795 www.pulsepilatesbythesea.com.au

Breathe. Strengthen. Align. Stretch. Exercise doesn’t have to always be about weights and cardio. Movement and mobility are just as important, especially as we get older.

Pulse Pilates By The Sea owner Melinda Pain said there was nothing more rewarding than hearing clients say they could get down on the floor to play with their children or grandchildren, or pain they had been experiencing had improved.

“Pilates is such a great low impact exercise, that uses your own body weight, which is designed to get you mobile. It has a focus on strengthening key areas like the abdominals and glutes, which is of benefit to your whole body as well as helping reduce postural pain,” Melinda said.

The former nurse and pelvic health medical representative had enjoyed pilates practice for many years before becoming an instructor. After a spur-ofthe-moment sea change to Bargara in

2021, the mum of two decided to take her passion for helping people to the next level by opening her own business.

Mel started offering pilates on the beach at Burnett Heads, then added Bargara and Elliott Heads. After running some classes in Bundaberg, Mel opened a dedicated studio space in March 2022.

Offering mat and barre pilates, the classes are designed to suit all levels of fitness and flexibility.

“My classes are very much based on getting mobility back. We are not doing the Instagram poses. We’re getting strength back into body parts that are weak which can help your overall posture,” Mel said.

“And what I love about mat pilates is that you can’t even see what the person next to you is doing, which is great for beginners or people who feel self-conscious. My modifications are always so subtle. Because of my experience in nursing and my understanding of anatomy, I can modify an exercise purely just by the way I put someone’s body slightly angled, or with a small added support.”

Pilates is also a great exercise for new mums to work on their core strength and pelvic floor.

“We have dedicated ‘Mums and Bubs’ classes where they are carefully guided through an appropriate range of movement for their post partum recovery. Being able to bring bub along helps reduce social isolation feelings that often plague new mums trying to get back into the world post the newborn haze,” Mel said.

Pulse Pilates By The Sea has a range of class times, five days a week, with Mel recommending three classes for anyone keen to give pilates a go for the first time.

Brumbies have a complicated place in Australian culture and history. Introduced by English settlers and convicts to help toil rugged land for farming, these majestic warm-blooded animals were integral in the Light Horse Brigade in the First World War. But with increased industrialisation, they became obsolete and were set free to roam the Australian outback. Brumbies have been romanticised in poems, books and films like The Man from Snowy River and The Silver Brumby. Considered a scourge by many, the political issue of aerial culling evokes fierce opinions from all sides of the debate.

PHOTO ESSAY BY CAT VINTON WORDS BY LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR

PHOTO

One of the brumbies’ biggest advocates is a French expatriate who calls the Bundaberg Region home. In 2019, Aliénor le Gouvello traversed Australia’s Bicentennial National Trail, from southern Victoria to Far North Queensland, with her three brumbies and dog. She’d spent 18 months training her horses and preparing for the journey.

Fewer than 50 people have travelled the full length of the Trail since it opened in 1988. Initiated by the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association committee, led by world-

famous stockman RM Williams, the Trail runs alongside the Great Dividing Range through National Parks, private properties and wilderness areas; following old coach roads, stock routes, brumby tracks and fire trails.

Aliénor’s gruelling solo journey was punctuated with life-changing moments, which she shares in her memoir, Wild At Heart. Battling loneliness, she found company in the trees and landscape. “I had moments of grief on the Trail where I really had to manage my mind and these kind strangers who I call my ‘trail angels’

would just appear when I needed them most. People’s generosity in the rural places of Australia is really amazing,” Aliénor said.

In a fateful turn of events, one such stranger would become her future husband. Mitch Ballantyne, a barefooted grazier and helicopter pilot who emanated something ‘different’, greeted Aliénor from his blue tractor, just outside Gin Gin. The pair bonded over beers under the Southern Cross. They’ve since had a son, and will welcome a daughter this Summer.

Published in 2021, Wild At Heart is a quintessentially Australian story of perseverance, determination and indomitable spirit, told through both Alienor’s own inspiring words and breathtaking pictures captured by award-winning adventure photographer and ethnographer, Cat Vinton.

Cat lives with nomadic families, documenting their extraordinary resilience and selfsufficiency in their relentlessly challenged existence. This intimacy

has allowed her to capture the human spirit, survival stories and the fragile connection between people and land. Since 2007, Cat has completed five solo expeditions to the nomadic Sámi, Mongolian, Dolpo, Moken and Tibetan people.

Previously employed as a youth worker in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, Aliénor is studying counselling and working towards becoming an equine-assisted therapist with the intention of starting

her own practice. She owns nine horses and is also a motivational speaker. “I want to inspire people to follow their dreams and not be afraid to take an unconventional route,” Aliénor said.

“Young people need to understand that it’s chip by chip, when there’s a will there’s a way. Being open-minded, coping and adapting to change; they’re all life skills that are very important.”

Wild at Heart Prologue

BY ALIÉNOR LE GOUVELLO

“I travelled Australia from South to North, from Healesville to Cooktown spilling my fair share of blood along the way. Crippling pain and tropical fevers dogged my footsteps. Sometimes my joints and hands still feel as though they are being torpedoed.

Twice, staphylococci took residence in my foot and in my leg. I came just shy of contracting sepsis. During my two stays in hospital, the doctors tried to forbid me from returning to the Trail – but it didn’t stop me.

My only truth was in sticking with it, for 13 months, in all weather, through mountains and every other type of terrain. My one mission, for myself and my horses, was to find our way, to find water, food and to organise the logistics for contacting the people whose territories we were crossing.

Every day, after assembling my bivouac the night before, I’d dismantle it and get myself going again: this was my routine. But my most important task was centred around my three companions. As we travelled deeper into the land, the connection between me and my horses grew exponentially. Keeping them in good physical condition, as we travelled across 5330 kilometres of land, became my strongest motivation, my underlying challenge. I did not know it at the time, but caring for them, focusing on them, is what kept me together.”

PHOTO

TIME TO

Thrive

Wellness, like strength, is multi-dimensional. Being active and fit is not the only way to strengthen your body, nor is it the answer to wellness. Simply, wellness is practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to achieve better physical and mental health. To thrive, instead of just survive.

But how do we achieve wellness? Is it clarity of mind? A peaceful and calm home? Is it looking after your health and feeling your best? Do you need to be checking off all these things simultaneously?

As we spend the Summer reflecting on the year that has passed us by and the possibilities of what the new year will bring, many of us will set some new intentions. The businesses on the following pages may bring some inspiration on how to add balance to your life, or to take some of the stress out of it. They each have a different passion, but all share the one goal; to be a helping hand. A guide. A support system.

Meet our Summer 2021 Cover Model Brittany Lanam (pictured) at www.crushmagazine.com.au

Win a place in Kali Coaching’s signature program, Chaos to Calm in 90 Days, valued at $498.50. Head to the Crush Magazine website www.crushmagazine.com.au to enter.

“Within our programs we really take a deep dive into all that stuff that has us stuck and is holding us back. Ultimately we are here to help put the structures in place, to set women up for success without the overwhelm. It is about releasing the old so the new can enter,” Amanda said.

“It’s also where we learn about time organisation and how to protect our time around what it is we want to achieve. By the end of it, you’ve got your pathway forward.”

Amanda understands that Kali Coaching doesn’t provide the answer to a busy life, however it does provide the tools and systems to enjoy it.

“We will always have chaos come into our life. My life is not full of days that are beautiful and calm, there’s definitely chaos in there, however it’s about having the tools in your toolbelt of life to enable you to ask yourself, ‘how can I bring myself back to a place of calm,” she said.

ARCHITECT OF

your own life

How many times have you set a goal for yourself, you plug away at it, then life happens, and your goal becomes a thought: ‘I’ll get back to that one day’?

Unfortunately it’s an all-too-common scenario. Amanda Roche was in the work-family-house-repeat cycle when a life-changing event helped her realise there had to be more to life. After a journey of self-discovery and becoming a John Maxwell certified coach and speaker, Amanda began her journey as an ‘accountability architect’ and opened Kali Coaching.

“Kali Coaching is for women, business owners and professionals who have

trouble staying accountable to their goals. They may even find themselves in a situation where they’ve lost their way and feel stuck within the work-familyhouse cycle. At Kali Coaching we’re here to help women stay accountable to achieving their goals so they can take back control and become the architect of their own life,” Amanda said.

Trained in DiSC and Flippin personality profiling, Amanda has also been building a range of programs that encourage women to step outside their comfort zone to reach their full potential. Kali Coaching’s signature program is ‘Chaos to Calm in 90 days’.

In addition to the signature program, Kali Coaching also offers one-on-one transformational coaching and two 12-month programs, one for the empowered woman and one for the empowered business owner. There are also five-day online challenges and a free Facebook community.

Amanda has just launched an abundant transformation planner to help people get more organised, set clear goals and be accountable with ease.

Book in!

KALI COACHING

Pre-order your planner or join Amanda for her ‘Start 2023 with Ease’ event 0409 262 993 kalicoaching.com/abundanttransformation-planner/

let go

WORDS BY LARINE STATHAM-BLAIR

I am a naturalist and lover of all things art, music and mindfulness. I sometimes find profound meaning or deep sentiment in seemingly straight-forward moments, memories and symbols. But I’m certainly not hippy-dippy or prescribe to ju-ju. I’m probably what you would call a deeply spiritual sceptic.

That’s why it came as a complete surprise to me that a day at Wattle Cottage and Wellbeing Centre could touch me on such a deep level. When artist Jane Marin invited me to attend one of her retreats, I was in a personal slump. As a visual artist, I’d heard a lot about art as therapy, but it wasn’t something I’d ever considered doing. I decided to give it a go, and promised myself that I would lean into the experience with an open mind.

On the drive out to the Centre, I set my playlist to shuffle and asked the universe to pick a song that would set the tone for my day. Train –Calling All Angels. No kidding!

Hidden in a clearing in the cane fields, the Centre is surrounded by beautiful shady gardens. I’m flying solo and am relieved when I only know one other lady in the group – no need for small talk. We start with some deep breathing exercises to clear our minds, and Jane directs us to close our eyes, to scrawl and scribble our feelings, thoughts and intentions down across the canvas.

There is an air of ease when you are with Jane. You can’t help but feel like she sees you.

I randomly select a Celtic Oracle card, Tinne Holly, which in tarot symbolises renewal, protection and wholeness. It offers backbone, justice and strength. I was born in December and my parents had always intended to name me Holly but changed their mind at the last minute.

We apply layer upon layer of paint to the canvas; each time using different techniques and colours that resonate with us. I chose green, blue, yellow and orange.

After a lunch time stroll along a creek that joins the Elliott River, we each select a bee to add to the canvas as the focal point, using texture paste and acrylic paint. Great! I absolutely love these cheeky little pollinators but knew very little about their spiritual meaning before the retreat. Turns out the bee means productivity and personal power. The ancient Druids saw the bee as symbolising the sun, the Goddess, celebration, and community. They are a constant reminder to give back to the world what you take from it.

The thing that’s different about Jane’s workshops and retreats is that they are about the process, not the final product. Jane’s retreat helped me let go and reconnect with a side of myself I hadn’t seen in a long time. It was magic.

SOOTHING sounds

The soft gong of the mallet rings out as it gently strikes a crystal singing bowl. It emits a deep, resonating musical note. Relaxing. Calming. Soothing.

There is no denying the affect singing bowls can have on a person. It’s why Lisa Blainey, owner of Sacred Sounds, uses them in group meditations and one-on-one treatments. The qualified aromatherapist and meditation instructor has even incorporated them in a new style of treatment she developed.

“Client after client was needing the same thing, so I developed this treatment which I call the Four Gates,” Lisa said.

“It’s a really nice treatment in the evenings as it looks to bring balance back to the body by either stimulating or calming four main

acupressure points on the body. This is combined with aromatherapy and the singing bowls to act as an overall tonic, creating the ability for the body to heal itself.”

As well as seeing clients one-on-one, Lisa is also partnering with other wellness providers to run full-day retreats or other combined events.

“It’s all about bringing wellness providers together to make things affordable, reachable and educational. It’s about offering capacity building in ways we may not even realise we need,” Lisa said.

Book it

SACRED SOUNDS 0438 555 551 www.sacredsounds.com.au

MENTAL HEALTH

It takes a lot of courage to make a phone call reaching out for help. It’s not something lost on therapist Michaela Rizqallah. “I will do everything I can to make whoever is sitting in front of me feel as comfortable and safe as they possibly can,” she said.

Owner of LIFE: Enhanced Therapies, Michaela is passionate about helping people, after spending 20 years as a clinical nurse before moving into counselling.

“I chose to step into that field so I could work more one-on-one with people to improve their mental health and overall

wellbeing; to help people get to a place where they feel like they can do life well, rather than just treading water and surviving,” Michaela said.

Home visitations, telehealth, phone conversations and in-person sessions are all catered for, with no referral necessary, making it easy for people to reach out.

“It’s very common to see people in distress, where I help people with depression, anxiety, mental illness and marriage or personal crisis,” Michaela said.

“But I am also seeing more people who are interested in the longevity of mental health. They are choosing counselling as a source of self-care so they have the tools and strategies available to them now, when they are well, so that when they do have stress or mental health issues they are actually able to apply the strategies they have already developed.”

Nutrition nur turing

It’s the time of year when we start thinking more about taking care of our health. What changes we can put in place or how we can do things a little better? You probably know what you should be eating, but may be having trouble putting it into practice. If you are, then a nutrition coach, like Amanda Findlay at Above Average Nutrition, may be just what you need.

While dietitians and nutritionists are qualified to deal with health problems, nutrition coaching is about helping people develop healthy lifestyle habits.

“You can be told to just eat certain things or a certain amount each day, but are you going to get sick of eating those things? A meal plan doesn’t actually teach you anything,” Amanda said.

Above Average Nutrition is a small group online program with weekly check-ins or phone calls with Amanda.

“It’s not about what you have eaten or what the scales say for the week. It’s about how do you feel this week.

What are your wins or what do you feel went wrong,” Amanda said.

Nutrition coaching is something Amanda, also a CrossFit coach, became passionate about after trying it herself.

“About four years ago I had a nutrition coach and it just changed how I viewed food and how I viewed myself. Working in the nutrition space is something I have always had an interest in,” she said.

The structure of the program is also set up to fit around people’s lives and Amanda’s other business, Complete Bookkeeping Concepts, which continues to grow; now a team of seven.

“Our role as bookkeepers has changed in the past few years. For a lot of our clients we’re more of a finance team. We are taking on more small business who are struggling to get admin staff,” Amanda said.

“A lot of businesses also struggle with the complexity of bookkeeping. Just because you have Xero or Myob doesn’t mean you are looking after your business. Like all software, if you put rubbish in you get rubbish out. The financial data has to be clean,” Amanda said.

“With our help, businesses can be confident to make decisions based on their finances, whether they can grow the business, or need to employ someone else.”

For more

ABOVE AVERAGE NUTRITION amanda@aboveaveragenutrition.com

COMPLETE BOOKKEEPING CONCEPTS 07 4151 2307 www.cbcbookkeeping.com.au

Clearing the

We all need a helping hand at some stage of our lives. Whether it is someone to just be there for us, give us advice, or tell it like it is (we all have that one friend, right!).

For Kirsten Williams being there to help others is something that has always come naturally. “After all, we do life with people, right?” she said.

From being a youth pastor and guiding teenagers into young adulthood, to working with businesses as a graphic designer and marketer, to becoming a CrossFit coach, Kirsten continued to feel the pull to do more to help. It led her on a path to become a certified life and creativity coach.

“During the pandemic, like most people, I began reassessing my life. ‘What

do I actually want to do now for the next season and my life’, as our kids had grown up and left home. I started to think about what encompasses everything I do,” Kirsten said.

After her initial training, Kirsten has partnered with Flourish Coaching and the John Maxwell Leadership Team, enabling her to become certified in life, business, and creativity coaching, with other certifications on the way.

Kirsten sees her job as one of support – to be there to help clarify some things for her clients.

“People already know what they want in their life, and for a whole range of factors they have been trying certain things and haven’t succeeded, or they don’t feel like they are where they should be in life. There’s also a lot of

business stress as well and people are thinking about the future,” Kirsten said.

“I’m a firm believer that everybody has the answers to whatever they’re going through. It’s my job to help pull that forward and help people actually see what that is, then helping them to make the steps in the right direction to make that a reality.

“Coaching is not me telling somebody ‘this is what you should do’. It’s about an ongoing conversation that keeps people getting those revelations for their own life to keep them moving forward.”

Calm and softly spoken, Danielle Dennis is everything you would want in a naturopath. She’s caring and easy to talk to.

It’s no surprise that naturopathy is something Danielle said she felt drawn to.

“I’m passionate about herbal medicine and how it works. My mum used to take my younger siblings to naturopaths, and I was always so impressed with the results. The thinking behind it, the remedies actually working and seeing changes from them. It was all so fascinating to me,” Danielle said.

Seeing clients both in person and online, Danielle enjoys helping people to find relief from anxiety and low mood, emotional strain exhaustion and general fatigue, and insomnia. She specialises in formulating her own herbal tinctures and flower essences, determining herbal combinations and dosages for each individual client.

“Flower essences are an energetic remedy and are derived from flowers and diluted to an extent that they contain only the energetic signature of the plant. And through that they work on a different level in your body. I like to use them to bring emotional balance to people. They are a really big part of my treatment,” Danielle said.

A self-proclaimed traditional naturopath, Danielle believes there is a strong link between not feeling your emotions and having them manifest in your body.

“We’re in the habit of not feeling our emotions and when that happens, emotions become suppressed into your body, or you distract yourself from them or avoid them, and this in the longer term can lead to health issues. So a big part of how I work is to guide clients to feel their emotions. Honour emotion as it comes up, feel it then let it go and refocus,” Danielle said.

As a naturopath, Danielle said the most common reasons clients come to see her is to improve their general health and emotional wellbeing.

“I work intuitively. One of my strengths as a naturopath is being able to get a really good picture of how someone is going, how sensitive they are, what they need to work on, which direction to go and how long a treatment may take.”

safe haven

WORDS BY PARTRIECE LYONS

There is strength in connection and collaboration. So when three likeminded women decided to combine their powers for good under a single banner, Little Blue Shop, it made complete sense. You might have driven past this cute little store on the corner of Branyan and Woondooma Streets without even knowing.

Inside, fairy lights, colourful artwork and mindful quotes line the walls. Kellie Roche, Marion Chappel and Emma Ellul all share a genuine desire to truly give their clients the best of who they are.

They’re bringing mind, body and soul services together, all under one little blue roof. They are a unique, eclectic bunch that each have something different to offer.

Kellie Roche from Breathe and Be Yoga Therapy , is an occupational therapist and yoga therapist.

“Yoga therapy is using the principles of yoga, to help support, find balance, and ease symptoms for people with medical conditions,” Kellie said.

“I just love the energy here at Little Blue Shop. It’s a loving, healing space, that brings us all together to find connection.”

“We offer classes, workshops and individual sessions (by appointment).”

With 40 years in the industry, Marion Chappel from Health and Healing Touch, is a massage therapist, specialising in reflexology, pregnancy and remedial massage. She also teaches yoga and pilates. Marion said continuing these practices over the years had kept her off the surgeon’s table and in excellent health.

“It’s so important to have resilience and the energy to maintain certain exercises and a healthy, balanced way of life. And having the strength and vitality to do it,” Marion said.

“The Little Blue Shop is intimate and relaxed. We all have a similar vision of what we want to offer the world and how we want to live it.”

Holistic Counsellor Emma Ellul, from Wild Hearted Wellbeing, creates a safe haven for women and men to speak freely and openly, with no judgement. She is passionate about helping people feel loved, empowering them to move forward using simple tools they can use in their everyday lives.

“We can always walk the journey on our own. But true strength comes in asking for help when we need it. Sometimes we need someone to hold our hand for part of the journey and then we’re strong enough to go it alone.” Emma said.

Emma is also a weight loss coach as well as an author. She has written and illustrated a book ‘Feel the Love’, helping children with anxiety. Visit it

THE LITTLE BLUE SHOP 91 Woondooma Street, Bundaberg 0435 662 730 (Emma)

PICTURED: Kellie Roche, Marion Chappel and Emma Ellul at the Little Blue Shop

Breaking the Queensland discus record at 15-years-old and qualifying for the Youth World Championships was a turning point for athlete Taryn Gollshewsky – she knew she had what it takes to make it.

Her talent and dedication was not going to be enough, or so she was told.

“When I was leaving high school, I was told I had to move away from Bundaberg in order to succeed in any sport. And I made a quite controversial decision to stay in Bundaberg and a lot of people doubted me and whether or not I would make it. I was fortunate enough to be successful. I have a fantastic coach here in Bundaberg and we just made it work,” Taryn said. “I take great pride in being a professional athlete that’s living in a regional town because I know there are not very many

SUPPORT FOR

WORDS BY NIKKI SORBELLO

who have successfully achieved that.”

The three-time Commonwealth Games competitor had to forge her own road to success, with no athletes in the Wide Bay showing her a pathway to an elite level. That lack of local opportunity and support is changing for young up-andcomers with the development of the Wide Bay Sports Academy. The not-forprofit organisation launched in 2020 and has been slowly building ever since.

Executive Manager Scott Allison said similar programs in New South Wales and Victoria had been successful in bridging the gap between regional competitors to their capital city counterparts. “Why should we be sending all our talent to the South East Corner?” Scott said.

“We’re not here to take players, we’re actually trying to help clubs develop their

players to the next level. Clubs are really good at developing them in the sport, but they’re not great at getting them from clubland to the next level,” Scott said.

“We provide all the ‘one percenters’, so things like nutrition, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, hydration testing and access to gyms.

“We run weekend events and bring up special speakers who cover topics such as sports integrity, nutrition and cooking, media and social media training, injury prevention, education and more. We will have olympians, scientists, university lecturers and health professionals speaking to the kids.”

Local sporting clubs in disciplines like football, cycling, rowing, triathlon, hockey and athletics refer players, aged 13 to 19, to the Academy. To

keep it going, the Academy currently relies on the support of sponsors, like Auswide Bank, CQUniversity Bundaberg, Healthy Lifestyle Australia, Coral Coast Physio, Hervey Bay Physio, Scody Aus, Spotted Dog and Elders Insurance Bundaberg.

Ben Heidenreich, owner of Coral Coast Physiotherapy, has been one of the driving forces behind establishing an academy in the Wide Bay, providing physiotherapy, strengthening and conditioning, as well as ongoing support.

“Regional areas always punch above their weight with producing athletes. It’s that gap between being identified as a talented 16-year-old to being a state-level athlete. What happens in the next four years of their athletic development is quite crucial. Unfortunately, statistically, kids fall out of sport if they are regional and haven’t gone to Brisbane or are in a specialised program. That’s what we are trying to change,” Ben said.

“If they get a decent injury in that age group, they drop out because they just haven’t been managed correctly.

Whereas, you talk to any athlete, they’ve all had the same injuries, they’ve just had the support around them to get over that injury and get better. So it’s just those little things that regional athletes need that we are trying to provide for them here.”

For Taryn, a primary school PE teacher, she is happy to be helping the next generation of athletes reach their potential from their home towns.

“This is giving them insight into what it takes to really reach that elite level and giving them access to physiotherapists and nutritionists. They are steps ahead of where I was, and that is really exciting for them,” she said.

WIDE BAY SPORTS ACADEMY info@wbsa.com.au

CORAL COAST PHYSIOTHERAPY Bundaberg and Bargara 07 4159 2904 www.coralcoastphysio.com.au

Jodi Willis-Roberts is a decorated paralympian, having won two gold, two silver and three bronze medals at Paralympic games from 1992 – 2008. While she now calls Bargara home, she spent the majority of her athletic career living in Ballarat, Victoria, so she knows the challenges young regional-based athletes can face.

“Regional areas have a huge wealth of talent, but you don’t have easy access to coaches and an elite knowledge base. So things like the Wide Bay Sports Academy are awesome for people to get a foothold to start learning some of the other things they need, learning from others and progressing to the next step,” Jodi said.

Her best advice for future sporting stars is to listen and take it all in. “Physios have the knowledge about recovery, movement, and training. They will be the ones to get you through a competition.”

EYES

THE WINDOWS TO THE SOUL

When thinking about strength, your eyes may not be the first body part that comes to mind, but they are one of the most remarkable and interesting!

The eye is an incredibly sophisticated organ, thought to have begun development in animals around 550 million-years-ago.

Eye muscles are the fastest muscles in the body, have over two million working parts (only the brain is more complex) and can see 500 shades of grey (a lot more than just 50!). If our

case meaning better vision). Eagles are commonly known to have the best vision in the animal kingdom. Their acuity is four times better than the average human, able to see a mouse from almost five kilometres away!

Owls have the best night vision, sharks have the best underwater vision, bluebottle butterflies have the best colour vision and chameleons have the broadest field of view. The largest eyeball prize goes to the colossal squid, around 27cm across (or 10 times the size of human eyes).

It is also commonly thought that you can tell a lot about how people are feeling by looking at their eyes. The origin of the phrase ‘the eyes are the window to the soul’ is not exactly

blink rates increase, and your pupils will dilate. Steady eye contact usually indicates trust (as long as it’s not prolonged staring!), whilst shifty eyes can be a sign of deceptive intent.

Eyes are extremely precious and to date they’re irreplaceable (although research and development continues). Protect your eyes. Get them tested and never

When was the last time you stopped to appreciate your feet? This sometimes-undervalued part of our body is not often thought of for its strength. But each and every day they carry our entire weight around and always persevere when tired.

Footwear is often thought about in terms of what looks good or not given much thought at all. But podiatrist Alex Bramley, who owns Hinkler Podiatry and FootMotion Bundaberg with her husband Paul, knows footwear has the capacity to prevent foot conditions, not just fix them.

“Good footwear is the foundation of good foot health. If you’ve got a good stable and supportive base, one that’s actually contoured to the foot, we can create more effective, more patientcentred treatment,” Alex said.

“There is evidence now to suggest that correct footwear will actually reduce the incidence of certain foot disorders.”

Summer is a great time to be thinking about footwear choices. You may be planning to get back into regular exercise. Replacing the work shoes. Taking children to get fitted for new school shoes. Adding to your thong, sandal or sandshoe collection for the warmer months. If you are, a visit to FootMotion should be your first stop.

Quality podiatrist-approved footwear is only the start of what you’ll find. FootMotion has the latest technology that not only provides a 3D foot scan, but analyses your walking pattern as well. The data helps staff identify exactly what type of support and size is needed, including width and volume.

“Our team don’t just sell shoes. They do an accurate, valid fitting service which is about much more than finding the right size,” Alex said.

FootMotion Bundaberg stocks leading brands such as Ascent, Mizuno, Hoka,

Birkenstock, Brooks, Revere and Ziera.

“Gone are the days when ‘podiatristrecommended’ means bulky, unattractive shoes. There is much more of a focus on making sure they look good too. Because if it looks good and feels good you are going to wear it and get the benefit from it. There is such a diverse range now,” Alex said.

Success through sport

WHY PHYSICAL EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT FOR ALL STUDENTS

Physical activity is foundational for human health and wellness. It’s why educators like St Luke’s Anglican School don’t underestimate its importance.

Health and Physical Education Head of Faculty Michael Parsons said St Luke’s focussed on the wholistic development of each student because physical, mental and social wellness are intrinsically linked.

“On the surface we are educating our students about movement competency, sport specific skills, tactical strategies and strength and conditioning,” Michael said.

“But we are also providing an environment of trust and respect where students feel safely challenged to improve their general fitness, personal development or pursue higher sporting goals.

“We aim to teach students about the value of sustained effort, overcoming challenges and pursuing personal and collective goals, which helps them to develop self-confidence, self-esteem, resilience and personal accountability. It’s not a bad idea to have plenty of fun along the way too.”

Michael said physical activity was shown to help students in the classroom. They are more likely to be settled in class, develop clarity of thought, apply sustained effort when challenged intellectually and work effectively with teachers and in classroom teams.

Students have a wide variety of opportunities at St Luke’s; from health and physical education classes and sport extension classes to joining sports teams that compete in state-wide competitions and an Athlete Development Program. Students can access a wide range of team and individual sports.

It’s not just the students that benefit from these kinds of programs.

“The greatest benefit to the school is that we help our students become the best they can be. It is very fulfilling for teachers, coaches and trainers to see students develop physically, mentally and socially through engagement in sport and physical activity,” Michael said.

“In my experience, the best environment to build relationships with young people is through sport. And the best way to improve adolescent communication and behaviour is through quality relationships.”

For more

ST LUKE’S ANGLICAN SCHOOL 4 Mezger Street, Kalkie www.stlukes.qld.gld.edu.au

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

full circle

Most teenagers can’t wait to leave school and enter the big wide world. More often than not, it’s only after finishing school that we realise how great it was. That’s certainly the case at Bundaberg Christian College, where countless alumni have been so inspired by their teachers that they’ve pursued careers in education and returned to the school as adults.

Design Technology Teacher Liam Cherry (pictured) graduated from Bundaberg Christian College (BCC) in 2015. “It was kind of weird walking into the staff room for the first time and trying to call my old teachers by their first names,” he said. “My physical education and metalwork teachers inspired me to be a teacher. I just want to do the same for others.”

Bundaberg Christian College was established more than 26-years-ago and started with just two teachers and 39 students. Growing from strength

to strength, the school now has some 730 students, 150 staff and an early learning centre. Principal Paul Thompson said the school’s positive culture had created a tight-knit multigenerational school community.

“Alumni are enrolling their own children in the College,” he said. “The strength of a school is producing students who want to be teachers, and creating a community that people want to be part of.”

Hospitality teacher Caitlin Howkins (pictured), who graduated in 2015, said she had many fond memories of her time as a Christian College student. “It was a place that I felt comfortable to be myself and push myself to achieve my best,” she said.

“I knew that the teachers genuinely cared for me … talking about life with my teachers, sharing my hopes, dreams, fears and worries. They were always there to walk alongside me – whether that be with a stressful exam, difficult

assignment, friendship troubles or to share in my achievements.”

Caitlin graduated from university in 2020. “I wanted to be part of the BCC culture again,” she said. “I love the small, family-like community of our school. Being able to smile and walk past each student and know them by name is something I didn’t experience teaching at other high schools. BCC is a place where God is honoured in every aspect, and I can combine faith and the curriculum. I love being able to share my faith and walk with students through their faith journey.”

kindy education

You notice the sense of calm when you enter St Joseph’s Catholic Kindergarten. The children busy themselves with the various activities on offer. They laugh and play. You can tell they are comfortable in their environment.

Opened in 2020, the kindy is bright and colourful. Its modern design enhances the play-based learning and outside play offered at the centre. The kindy is a

well-planned and open space, which has designated areas for each kind of play.

St Joseph’s Catholic Kindergarten is a dedicated kindy program for children the year before they go to prep and welcomes students and families from all Faith backgrounds.

Sustainability is a key feature of St Joseph’s Catholic Kindergarten. Children can tend the chicken coop,

feed the chooks and collect the eggs, or take the scraps to the worm farm. There is a bush tucker garden and edible veggie patch. Staff, children and parents are focussed on reusing, repurposing and recycling.

The centre also partners with the Taribelang Aboriginal Corporation of Bundaberg, as a way of embedding first nations and Torres Strait Island people into the kindy. They celebrate culture and listen to stories about the first boomerang, animals, plants and waterways of Bundaberg. A yarning circle has also been lovingly constructed.

There’s no better way to get ready for school, as children explore, play, experiment, use their imagination, discover and solve problems.

Book in

ST JOSEPH’S KINDERGARTEN

Accepting new enrolments 07 4151 4771 sjbgrok.catholic.edu.au

MAKING AN IMPACT

Over time, perceptions of a car’s strength have evolved. In the past, a car that appeared to be ‘strong’ was thought to be safe in an accident. Safety was perceived to be provided by large, heavy chrome bumpers, solid metal body panels and chassis that did not budge under impact. Numerous clients have complained to me over the past 25 years that ‘cars aren’t made like they used to be’ and ‘all these automobiles appear flimsy and fall apart in an accident’. This kind of thinking is false.

Modern cars are sophisticated pieces of equipment built to protect its occupants in the case of an accident. Cars are designed to deform and crumple in a controlled manner, absorbing and transferring the powerful forces of an

impact away from the occupants. For instance, by slowing a cars deceleration time from 0.2 seconds to 0.8 seconds will result in a massive 75 per cent reduction in the total force involved in the accident. Energy is now absorbed, destroying specific parts of the car and not being exerted on the occupants, resulting in substantially less trauma on the human body and saving lives.

The quality of steel utilised throughout the vehicle is one area in the car industry where strength has a significant influence. There are more than 30 grades of steel available to the industry with multiple grades used in the one car, each one playing a crucial role in protecting the passenger. Over the past decade Advance High Strength Steel (AHSS) has become the fastest-growing material in the automotive industry and a key factor when it comes to vehicle weight reduction as well as more stringent crash test. These new grades of AHSS can be rolled thinner without

losing strength, making vehicles lighter by 25 to 40 per cent compared to using regular steel. Using a lower amount of stronger steel also reduces the material cost of building a car and by saving weight, fuel consumption is improved, which is a benefit to the environment. There are constant improvements in the design and construction of new cars that aren’t well publicised. If you are looking to upgrade your car, my sales team are ready to show you through our ever-evolving range.

Christopher Makin is the General Sales Manager of Bundaberg Motor Group, featuring nine brands and a large range of quality used cars.

Lips&Locks

SKIN SINS

You slept in your makeup. Now what?

Summer is the party season – lots of events and late nights. It may come as a surprise to some, but even I have committed the cardinal sin of the skincare world – I went to bed with my makeup on.

Even using mineral makeup, which is best for the skin, I have discovered first-hand why your skin does not like makeup staying on your skin overnight. The next morning, I had very upset and cranky skin.

One day not doing my normal routine and instantly I could feel my skin had been affected.

As soon as I showered, my skin felt rough and dry all along my nose and cheeks. I could feel my pores were clogged, especially in my chin - my problem area for blackheads.

When I applied my serums and hydrator, instantly my skin flushed

red and went very blotchy. I had heat and itchiness for a few minutes, the blotchiness lasting a lot longer.

So why did this happen? Your skin is a living organ. In that one night I did two things to my skin. I didn’t allow it to breathe and to do its natural cycle of life. It didn’t have a chance to properly regenerate, where it releases a natural oil as our barrier. Leaving your make up on either dries up the oil or stops the process from happening.

The other thing I didn’t do was feed the skin anything during the night. Just like our bodies, when we sleep our skin is repairing, regenerating and rebuilding. I gave my skin nothing to help with that.

So what happens now? Well, I need to play it careful for a few days with my skincare – no actives (the ingredients that help make your skin look younger, stop pigment and help fight acne).

I need to strengthen my barrier back

By Abby Blanke SERENITY SKIN SPA

up with lots of good oils internally and topically. Try fish oil tablets and using a rosehip or triglyceride-rich oil. Once my barrier is repaired, then my actives can come back into use.

Try to avoid it, but life and leaving your make up on at night, happens. Just remember to go gently with it the next few days – think love and nurture, rather than repair and regenerate. Just use your oils until your skin feels happy again.

BUNDABERG:

Shop 43, 16 Maryborough Street

HERVEY BAY:

Shop 105, 6 Central Avenue www.serenityskinspa.com.au

HOT STUFF

Between the sun, sea and sand, in Summer our hair gets a pretty rough deal.

So before you even think about creating those beachy waves, you need to start treating your hair to mask treatments to get it into tip-top condition.

Over Summer, the heat of the sun and hot weather intensifies the damage that is done to the hair normally through styling appliances. Chlorine from swimming pools and generally hair getting wet in the pool or sea and then drying in the sun repeatedly through the day takes its toll.

It’s not only external factors that can cause hair breakage and split ends.

It’s also about what you put into your body. Good nutrition and hydration are vitally important for your hair, particularly in Summer. There are plenty of multi-vitamin supplements

on the market, formulated to strengthen hair, skin and nails.

Here are our top tips.

Strong hair starts at the scalp. So start with a weekly deep treatment to moisturise your scalp and roots. We recommend applying a nourishing hair mask once a week at home. This is enough to coax hair into good condition. Very dry or thick hair will drink up a lot more mask. We also recommend changing to a more nourishing shampoo and conditioner over the Summer season too.

If you are blonde, your toner will wash out faster. Using a weekly at home toning mask will keep your colour looking great over the hottest season.

Shield your hair from the sun when outside. Wear a hat to protect your hair and face from direct sunlight. I also recommend Goldwell’s Bond Pro Day and Night cream. It acts like a sunscreen for your hair. It supports the bond-protein network with reinforcing soy protein. It reduces breakage and split ends, detangles and makes your hair more resilient.

If you are straightening or blow drying your hair, always use heat protectants.

By Kiralee Honor

And don’t forget to get regular trims to remove fuzzy split ends.

HAIR COLOUR THIS SUMMER

Now that we’ve thawed out from Winter, the forecast for Summer 2022 hair colour is looking especially bright, warm and glossy. Warmth and gloss in hair colour creates a sparkle, which is something all of us have been yearning for.

There is nothing like a fresh set of highlights to add extra pop to your Summer look. The sun is out longer in the warmer months, which means that it reflects brighter on your hair and skin. And we think that’s pretty hot!

nourish

YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL

Enriching experiences. Natural wonders. Pristine beaches. Wholesome food and world-class beverages. Relaxed lifestyle. A slower pace. Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle, spend time reconnecting with your family or replenish your body – the Bundaberg Region has all the ingredients for a nourishing escape or staycation this Summer.

BEACHES AND BUSHLAND

There’s nothing quite like sinking your toes into wet sand and listening to the waves as they lap the shore, clearing your mind and recentering yourself with a natural dose of ‘vitamin sea’. Stretch out along Woodgate Beach, Coonarr Beach, or Moore Park Beach where your footprints may be the only ones you’ll see in the sand for kilometers. Patrolled beaches, like Neilsons and Kellys Beach at Bargara or Elliott Heads, offer a relaxing day with your little ones.

Clear your mind with a walk along the shaded pathways between Kellys Beach to Burnett Heads on the Region’s signature Turtle Trail, scale new heights hiking Cania Gorge National Park, or surround yourself among local wildlife at the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

FARM VISITS

Treat yourself to a sense of calm at Amandine Lavender Farm. Discover their range of natural and local-made lavender products among their bespoke gift shop nestled on their family-owned lavender farm in Bargara. Buy some essential oils for aromatherapy that relaxes the mind or learn how to propagate and grow your own lavender.

Bargara Berries have two farm gates open to the public. High in antioxidants and low in calories, it’s no wonder strawberries are regarded as a super food. Buy strawberries from the farm when in season, or try their jams, sauces, vinegars, syrups and relishes that are all handcrafted in store.

If you’re in need of a nutritional boost, The Orchard Table at Macadamias Australia serve up creamy, crunchy and delicious delights using their familyowned and grown macadamias. This native Australian nut is jam packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, to help support your body’s natural immune system (read more on page 79).

CATCH YOUR BREATH

Restore the mind and take a moment to breathe with a Wellness & Yoga Retreat

on the Southern Great Barrier Reef with Lady Musgrave Experience. You’ll be reenergized after three days of 360-degree views of glistening blue sea, crystal clear water in Lady Musgrave Lagoon; all fully catered. The only distraction will be the curious resident turtles.

Disconnect from the daily grind at one of the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s hidden gems – Lady Elliott Island Eco Resort. There is limited phone reception or internet and no televisions. Spend a day or week snorkeling with turtles and majestic manta rays, gliding over reef cities in a glass-bottom boat, and exploring the marine-filled lagoon by foot on a rock pool ramble.

STIMULATE YOUR MIND

Find inspiration and reignite your creative side with a visit to the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Art Gallery. Showcasing local, Australian and international talent from all walks of life, you’ll be inspired by their everrotating emotive artworks, sculptures and performances all year round.

SUSTENANCE

The Windmill Café is an awardwinning, Insta-worthy café serving up hearty breakfast and lunch made to feed the soul (read more on page 74). They’re proud stockists of locally made health beverages like Lonnie’s Chai and HOTI kombucha

The Bundaberg Region produces 25 per cent of Australia’s fresh fruit and vegetables. It’s a fact celebrated at One Little Farm; a cosy café, florist and produce shop that specializes in bringing the local farm gate to your plate. Fill your basket with local seasonal produce, buy a bunch of blooms or some local craft. Enjoy a coffee or fresh juice and be tempted by their delicious cabinet treats that meet most dietary requirements.

Don’t let anyone tell you chocolate isn’t good for you. In moderation, chocolate - especially dark chocolate - has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of clotting and increase blood circulation to the heart. Sourcing their collection from around the globe, Cha

Cha Chocolate on Bourbong Street have every chocolate treat your heart could possibly desire, including gluten free, dairy free, vegan and sugar free options.

Café by day and restaurant by night, Water St Kitchen is a suburban foodie surprise. Enjoy hand-picked stuffed zucchini flowers and freshly-caught Spanish mackerel from their seasonal Bundaberg-inspired menu. They work with award-winning local producers like The Seafood Smokery, who ethically and sustainably source their fish.

High in protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, seafood is vitally important to a balanced diet. If you are looking for something a little decadent to pair with champagne or a cold beer, a visit to Grunske’s by the River Restaurant and Seafood Market is a must (read more on page 73).

CULTURAL CONNECTION

Connect with country like never before on a Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tour. This half-day tour will transport you on a journey through time, inviting open

conversations and the opportunity to learn about Taribelang Bunda, bunda meaning people, who have lived on country for more than 60,000 years. Journey from one significant site to another and taste bush flavours at morning tea.

WITNESS A MIRACLE AT MON REPOS

Each year between November to March, a miracle transpires at Mon Repos. Join a Nightly Turtle Encounter to watch mother turtles heave themselves up sandy dunes to nest their clutches of eggs. Or see hatchling turtles erupt from the sand and make a mad dash to the sea. Only one in 1000 will survive the odds and return 30-years later to repeat this ancient ritual.

LET YOUR HAIR DOWN

If it’s a good time you seek, our ‘tipple town’ is overflowing with artisan cellar doors, distilleries and watering holes. Kalki Moon Distilling Company (read more on page 76), Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Ballistic Bargara, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Rusty Gate Grove Bar and Winery and Bert’s Cocktail Bar are good places to start.

oh so fresh!

A sign in the kitchen at Buzz Superfood Bar reads: fresh food, fresh faces, fresh ideas and fresh attitudes. And that’s exactly what you can expect when you visit the Bourbong Street Café.

Owners Tracey and Len Amos are the epitome of positivity. They’ve changed careers many times throughout their working lives. Len is ex-military. He’s worked in the mines and now is a part-time personal trainer. When COVID-19 ravaged Tracey’s online travel agent career, she went in search of new opportunities.

The couple wanted a fulfilling business of their own, where their daughter Annaliese could be involved. Tracey had been out of the hotel and hospitality industry for a decade when they came across Buzz Superfood Bar, but Tracey

said they were enthusiastic, enterprising and keen to give it a go. “We wanted to instil a healthy lifestyle and business sense into Annaliese. She’s only sixyears-old but can already make a great protein smoothie or coffee,” Tracey said. Len agreed. “If you look after your body, it will look after you,” he said.

Surrounded by yoga and pilates studios, gyms and clothing boutiques, Buzz Superfood Bar has built a loyal community following. “We call it the ‘Golden Triangle’,” Tracey laughed. “We know all our regular customers’ orders. Our staff are amazing. We think it’s really important to give young people opportunities, so we take on schoolbased trainees and it’s been amazing to see them grow in confidence and ability.”

Almost every dietary requirement is catered for at Buzz Superfood Bar.

From vegan to gluten and dairy free. They have what is arguably Bundaberg’s biggest range of cows’ milk alternatives. Their high-protein gluten-free vanilla pancakes, served with coconut yoghurt and fresh fruit, are to die for. Their menu also includes acai bowls, ready-made cold pressed juices and Bundaberg Ferments Kombucha. The products and supplements used on their menu, like Wizard protein powders, are available for purchase instore.

In Summer there is nothing better that sipping champagne and eating cold seafood, while enjoying water views. It’s why Paul and Beryl Grunske started Grunske’s by the River in 2010. They wanted to combine their extensive knowledge of catching seafood with their passion for food. Today, it’s one of Queensland’s most renowned fresh seafood markets and restaurants along the Queensland coast.

Paul, who has been involved in the commercial fishing industry since he was 16-years-old, started out working on a trawler on the Burnett River –the very same estuary his business overlooks today. Before he knew it, Paul had his own net and line fishing boats and trawlers.

“In 1994, we started a seafood unloading and storage facility, known

as Bundaberg Cold Stores,” Paul said. “We were little more than a freezer and processing room, selling bait, ice and a bit of locally-caught seafood.”

Some 16-years-later, thanks to ongoing support from their customers, the Grunskes branched into hospitality.

“Having no experience in that industry was daunting and overwhelming to say the least,” Paul said. “Beryl and I faced many challenges along the way, but always believed in what we wanted to achieve and didn’t compromise on the standard or quality we wanted to provide our customers.”

Beryl said it was through sheer hard work that they had established a fantastic seafood market and restaurant. “We are incredibly fortunate to have staff that have been with us since the beginning, and are the backbone of what we do,” she said. “The floods in 2011 and 2013 were devastating for our businesses, customers and staff, but we learnt from it and have become more resilient. Events like COVID-19 have also helped us diversify our offering to include things like pre-made ‘heat and eat’ options in the market.”

As well as stocking the largest range of Australian-caught seafood between Hervey Bay and Gladstone, Grunske’s by the River offer seasonal local produce, quality beef and pork, small goods, staples like bread and milk, condiments, souvenirs and gifts.

GOOD FOOD, good for you

There is something about Summer that just screams fruit. While it’s cool, colourful and sweet, fruit is still not often something you may think of ordering at a café. That is, until now.

The Windmill Café at Bargara has long been known for their locallysourced fresh produce used to serve up some of the best meals in the Region. There’s a reason this coastal, tucked-away garden retreat has been awarded Queensland’s Best Tourism Hospitality Business two years in a row.

But it is their carefully-curated acai and dragonfruit bowls that are making mouths water this Summer. Fresh, fun and definitely delicious, the Windmill Café

continues to show that good-foryou food is also good food.

Owner Joey Caruana knowns how to expertly meld fresh local produce to create stunning meals to suit all dietary requirements and answer any cravings. From their fruit-filled smoothies and breakfast bowls to a traditional big breakfast, poke or budda bowls to burgers and chips, a meal at Windmill Café will ensure everyone at the table is taken care of.

WINDMILL CAFE BARGARA

12 See Street, Bargara www.windmillbargara.com.au

PHOTO CREDIT: Appleton Studios/Bundaberg Tourism

When you ask Alana and Mike Vandenbrink what challenges they have faced as small business owners, they have been up against their fair share.

They completely gutted and renovated their café Mollydookers Café & Bar at Apple Tree Creek (near Childers) before opening in 2016. They’ve endured painful lockdowns, uncertainties, downturns and now staff shortages brought on by COVID-19. All at the same time facing the added juggle of growing their family.

Welcoming their first child in 2018, quickly followed by another two, Alana and Mike have an uncanny ability to roll with the punches. Regulars will be familiar with the baby monitor on the counter or the squeals of toddlers as they come to visit mum or dad at work.

AT MOLLYDOOKERS

But this pair don’t dwell on the difficult stuff, choosing to focus on the good and give’er (Canadian slang for give it all you’ve got).

“Mollydookers was always the plan for us. To have our own café where we could showcase what we love about Canada, its culture and its food, and bring a little Canuk service to the Region,” Alana said.

“Having children, especially toddlers and a newborn, while running a busy café does have its challenges, but thankfully we are able to make it work so someone is always home with them. We may not have been able to find that flexibility elsewhere.”

Mollydookers is also a little taste of home for Mike, who hasn’t been able to see his family for three years. The café

developed while working in restaurants in Canada.

“It’s definitely a fusion of Canadian and Australian flavours. People, especially Canadian visitors, love our authentic poutine (chips, cheese and gravy), flavour-infused meats, perogies, wings, pizzas, sweets and of course Caesars (the Canadian version of a bloody Mary cocktail),” Mike said.

Baby Lewis helps Mike decorate the Christmas tree. Lewis and Mike enjoy a quick game of hockey in between service. The baby monitor has a permanent place on the cake display.

PHOTO CREDIT: Anishotz

shaken, NOT STIRRED

Kalki Moon’s gin is as versatile as it is delicious. The sky is the limit when it comes to cocktail recipes nowadays.

And it can be tempting to try to reinvent the wheel and experiment with new flavours. But if you ask the true gin fanatics, the classics are still the best. Quality gin is best served in its purist form. Nothing beats a simple Gin and Tonic if it has good accompaniments.

Made iconic by the Bond film franchise, a well-composed Dry Martini will never

go out of style.

Kalki Moon has more than 10 gin products in their range. In November, as part of the annual Milbi Festival, Kalki Moon launched their Commemorative Fifth Anniversary Gin. The bottle is wrapped in a beautiful double-sided label, designed specially by local indigenous artist Chern’ee Sutton.

The artwork depicts the artisan distillery’s journey to date and their hopes for the future, always moving

forward like the emu. It pays tribute to the landscape, industries and people who have made the Bundaberg Region what it is. Rivers, sea turtles, islands, the Hummock, timber and sugarcane plantations, and the moon all sit below the handprints of owners Rick and Kylie Prosser. The boomerang symbolises the customers and clients that return to Kalki Moon time and time again seeking quality products and connection.

Here are two world-famous cocktails made on Kalki Moon’s first and latest gins.

Classic

Martini

Gin and Tonic

GROWING strong

There is no stronger nut than the macadamia. It takes 300 pounds per inch of pressure to crack open its hard shell. It’s fitting this is the product the Steinhardt family has built their name on.

The multi-generational farmers have taken the humble macadamia nut and grown a business that has earned success both nationally and internationally. Locally, they have turned a farm gate into an impressive agri-tourism facility and café that continues to excite both locals and visitors. Macadamias Australia is the definition of what it means to grow from strength to strength.

The latest addition to their growing offering is a range of handcrafted chocolates, made on-site in the newly-opened Chocolate Room. Here you can see master chocolatier Kevin Wheatley creating milk or dark macadamia clusters or macadamias coated in

white chocolate, white and dark chocolate or a special lemonmyrtle-flavoured white chocolate. You’ll have a hard time deciding which bag to take home.

Macadamias Australia is free to visit and participate in a tasting. Browse through the shop or stay for a gelato, housemade sweets or coffee at the Orchard Table café. Meals are served seven days for breakfast and lunch, with special theme nights also offered on occasion.

For a more immersive experience, you can now also learn more about Macadamias Australia through one of the hosted tours. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, spend 60 minutes walking through the orchard, learning about the family and farm, having a hands-on experience with cracking, enjoying an exclusive tasting and savouring some macadamia-inspired food and drink from the Orchard Table Café.

Unfortunately, there is no local exhibition commemorating the life and career of Don Tallon and his family. Anyone with photographs or memorabilia should contact Chris Spence at the Bundaberg & District Historical Museum in the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens. 07 4152 0101

what’s in a name?

Memory Lane

BY ROSS PEDDLESDEN

You know the bridge. You may even know of the pavilion at Salter Oval. But do you know the man behind the namesake? Don Tallon was one of Bundaberg’s most successful sporting exports.

The best wicketkeeper of his generation, a much-loved member of the national side and a member of the best cricket team of all time – there’s a lot for Bundy to be proud of in the tall skinny frame of Don Tallon.

Don Tallon was born in Bundaberg in 1916 and was something of a cricketing prodigy. He played his first representative game at the age of 16 when he played for Queensland Country against the touring England team, pulling

off the stumping of renowned opener Herbert Sutcliffe in the process. He quickly progressed to the Queensland side and his first match for his state was at the age of 17 in December 1933. He’d never even seen a first-class match before he played in one.

Tallon played for his state for the rest of the ‘30s, and was considered extremely unlucky to miss selection in the 1938 team to tour England. His non-selection was controversial at the time, but it meant that he had to wait until after the war to represent his country.

That chance came at the relatively late age of 30 in 1946 in a test against New Zealand in Wellington, and he quickly established himself as the first-choice keeper for the national side.

But all of this was just a lead up to the highlight of his career – the so-called ‘Invincibles’ tour of England in 1948.

Plenty has been said of this team of champions, led by Donald Bradman, but Tallon was by no means out of place in the team. The team won every game it played in a long tour of the mother country.

After his return from the Invincibles tour he retired during the 1953 Sheffield Shield season and returned to Bundaberg, where he played local cricket for another decade.

In retirement Don Tallon lived quietly in Bundaberg, sometimes helping younger brother Mat in the family corner store. He died of heart disease in 1984, a decade before the opening of the new bridge named in his honour.

Ross is a member of the Bundaberg & District Historical Museum, as well as an author, Rotarian and passionate community volunteer.

Invincibles Team, 1948. Captain Don Bradman, centre front. Don Tallon, back row second from right.

THE WIND BENEATH

Powerful advocates deliver powerful performances. And this is particularly visible through the actions of great leaders, promoting great talent locally.

I caught up with acclaimed soprano Suellen Cusack-Greensill recently about her support of local talent. Suellen has performed alongside the likes of Marina Prior, Andrea Bocelli, Silvie Paladino and Jack Vidgen, and will release her debut Classical Crossover album in 2023.

So it’s no surprise that in her latest endeavour Suellen and good friend

talent at local venues. Saint Stella Presents has delivered a range of successful inclusive events already, and they have plenty more in store.

“I love the feeling that I’m on the precipice of something bigger than me. That so many exciting things are to come. That I am surrounded by such talented and hardworking local artists, stage crew, producers and technicians inspires me,” Suellen said.

Hotelier Gavin Hales started Lighthouse Rock in 2022 to brings rock legends, like

Ian Moss and Jon Stevens, to Bundaberg and give local musicians a chance to grace the same stage at Burnett Heads. Their inaugural event in October was a huge success, with some 6000 revellers attending. Local talents like The Abby Skye Band (pictured), Jackson Dunn and Battle of the Bands winners Evergreen Aus shared the action. “Household names are helping us elevate local acts and that’s something we’re really proud of,” Gavin said. Not one to rest on his laurels, Gavin is gearing up for a new event in 2023; Lighthouse Country.

Another champion of local music is Melbourne expat Steve Price, the architect of Bundy Gig Guide. “Across our Region there is a deep connection between musicians and the community. Amazing storytelling. If we support musicians that, in turn, supports the growth of vibrant local venues,” he said.

Radio hosts are getting on board too. TripleM Breakfast announcers Justin Bell and Julia Greenhalf, better known as JB and Jules, host a one-off evening event each December, called Carols by the Dashboard Light. Local musicians play covers of their favourite carols on air and residents with Christmas light displays (read more on page 10) register their address on the Triple M website.

Michael Dart is an actor, director and member of Bundaberg’s Playhouse Theatre.

CHECK

IT OUT ON THE SOCIALS

Bundy Gig Guide, Lighthouse Presents, Saint Stella Presents, What’s on Bundaberg, Bundy’s 93.1 Triple M

WORDS BY MICHAEL DART

Hannah Jacobs have established a production house that will showcase local