BUY AUSTRALIAN MAGAZINE October/November 2022 issue

PERFECTION BLUEBERRIES

Working with some of the best local and international programs, Perfection is committed to introducing varieties to the Australian and New Zealand on attributes not only for the consumer but example, is a large firm variety set to be available. In trials, 70% of fruit is in the 14mm

PERFECTION RASPBERRIES

Perfection has a large array of exclusive from local and international breeders. working closely with top international varieties. Perfection raspberries are due to attributes such as large size, life. Kwanza, our exclusive variety

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WHAT’S NEW ON YOUR SUPERMARKET SHELF?

Products

Best of the Best

Recently voted Australian NonAlcoholic Producer of the Year at the 2022 Melbourne International Spirits Competition, Naked Life Non-Alcoholic Spirits has launched four new flavours for this summer. Including the classic Mojito and Cosmo, a Rosé Sangria Spritz and the multi-award winning and Australian first, Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini. These join the full range of 15 classic cocktail experiences in Australia’s number #1 selling non-alcoholic range. All crafted with distilled botanicals, low to no sugar and less than 9 calories per can. www.nakedlifespirits.com.au

Chobani 1L Oat Milk range

Made with the goodness of real oats, the Chobani Oat Milk range is a deliciously creamy alternative to dairy. Expertly crafted to create a unique flavour experience, the Chobani Oat Milk range is a good source of calcium for teeth and bones, a source of Vitamin A for immune function, with no added sugar, no lactose, nuts or soy. Chobani’s Oat Milk range is in retailers now, available in:

• Chobani Oat Milk Barista Edition 1L

• Chobani Oat Milk Plain 1L

• Chobani Oat Milk Vanilla 1L (Woolworths only)

Brutal Truth

You could always clean up your act.

Brutal Truth’s Shower Gel is formulated using naturally derived ingredients and a blend of Australian native extracts designed for optimal hydration whilst effectively cleansing the skin. Crafted with the powerful antioxidants and antibacterial benefits of Australian Rainforest Lime and Aloe Vera that gently cleanses and exfoliates. The skin also soaks in a natural source of Vitamin C that increases collagen production assisting in improved skin texture and healthy, youthful skin.

Available in two unique and refreshing scents: Shower Gel – Rustic & Woody 500ml, Shower Gel – Clean & Crisp 500ml, Stockist Details: Both of the unique Brutal Truth Shower Gel’s scents are available at leading supermarkets nationally.

www.brutaltruth.com

New Vitasoy Plant based Yogurt

New Vitasoy Greek Style Soy Yogurts are made from Australian grown whole soybeans and almonds? They are vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Vitasoy say the plant based Yogurt is as thick and creamy as other yogurt. Thick delicious and nutritious, also good for the planet.

NEW Products

New Maxiblock Mineral: non-greasy, lightweight clear zinc sunscreen that rubs invisible

Maxiblock Mineral is a lightweight non greasy zinc sunscreen for face and body. It features the latest clear zinc technology and rubs invisible onto the skin with an exceptional transparency and dry touch feel. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free ("reef friendly") and ideally suited to sensitive skin and those allergic to chemical UV filters. Recommended for sports, children and daily wear.

The Creamery, The Better

Tamar Valley Dairy’s new delicious Mild & Creamy and Sweet & Creamy Yoghurts. The ultimate in taste indulgence. Silky, smooth, and lusciously creamy yoghurt. Crafted with mild cultures, strained and gently blended with a generous addition of cream. Elevate any sweet or savoury recipe with a single dollop. Or simply enjoy this rich and creamy yoghurt in your favourite creations each and every day.

Products

Kellogg's LCMs 25% Less Sugar*

Kellogg's LCMs 25% Less Sugar* chewy snack bars are a delicious treat made with Rice Bubbles® and are topped with Caramel flavoured choc chips. It's the LCMs bar that kids love, now with 25% Less Sugar*!

Kellogg's® LCMs® 25% Less Sugar* Caramel flavoured snack bars contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.

LCMs 25% Less Sugar contains 6 individually wrapped snack bars – ready to grab for the lunchbox, after school or when the kids are on the go.

*25% Less Sugar than LCMs® Unicorn

Products

Rice Bubbles Multigrain range

Kellogg's® Rice Bubbles® has introduced a new multigrain Cereal with Vitamin D, B6, folate, iron and zinc.

The Rice Bubbles them selves have a new fun look now in a half moon shape. The flavours include Berry and Honey

Egg it grab‘n’go snack

This delicious new product contains two ready-to-eat hard boiled eggs alongside a flavour sachet – Mayonnaise or Sweet Chilli – so snackers can Eggit! their own way. However, more amazing flavours will be available to Eggit! Soon. No need to worry about peeling the shells off or cleaning up a pot, just peel back the film, pour over the included sauce sachet, and enjoy. Available now in selected Coles stores in New South Wales and Victoria.

Raffertys Garden new vegemite cheesy bread sticks

Crispy and crunchy, these VEGEMITE Cheesy bread sticks are perfect for little hands and peckish tummies. Baked with real VEGEMITE plus the added goodness of prebiotics and a good source of B vitamins.

Contains: Wheat, Gluten and Milk.

MADE with B vitamins

MADE with prebiotics

NO GM ingredients

Suitable for 12+ months | 30g

Proudly Aussie owned for over

Copha Fairy Baking Australia

www.copha.com.au

MORE In a Biskit

In 2021 In a Biskit re-luanched their Drumstix and Chicken Flavours. In a Biskit has now added three more flavours to their range inspired home delivery hero that include – Cheeseburger, Loaded Cheese and smokey meatlovers. Made in Australia.

Aussie made and over 60 years.

Products

How Refreshing

Golden Circle have introduced a low sugar fruit drink range just in time for Summer, made using a refreshing blend of still and fruit juice flavors, no artificial colours or preservatives.The new Refreshers range includes Tropical Sunrise, Wild Water Fall, Cool Crush and Berry Burst. Available in 1Litre and handy 250ml six packs.

9CHA Australian Made Milk Tea

Ever wondered what all the fuss is about Milk Tea ?

This Asian led phenomenon is now taking Australia by storm ! With a category that’s growing across all retail channels, there is only one Australian Made and Owned product available in the marke in a Ready to Drink format.

9CHA is now available in the 3 great varieties, Jasmine , Original and Original No Added Sugar. Available nationwide at Woolworths Stores (in the Asian Food Aisle) and selected convenience outlets.

Get out there with Aussie Sunscreen!

40+ YEARS OF SUN PROTECTION.

Generation after generation, Maxiblock sunscreen provides quality protection against the harsh sun.

Proudly Australian made and owned since 1979, Maxiblock is dermatologically tested, fragrance-free, and non-greasy with eco-friendly packaging.

Get the most out of your life outdoors with Maxiblock. maxiblock.com.au

IN SEASON

PERFECTION FRESH IS AN AUSTRALIAN FAMILY COMPANY WITH A LONG HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE AND SUPPORTING AUSSIE GROWERS AND FARMING COMMUNITY.

We’re passionate about growing delicious seasonal produce. And we’ve harnessed Australia’s unique climate and diverse growing regions to make that happen. From the sun-streaked fields of Queensland to the lush midland meadows of Victoria and the mild climates of Southern Australia. We go where the seasons take us. We’ve established our very own Perfection growing facilities across the country. And partnered with Australia’s finest growers. So our fruit and veg is farm fresh and flavor perfect all year round.

PERFECT BROCCOLINI®

Sweet, tender and entirely edible from floret to stem, it’s no wonder Perfection Broccolini® is fast becoming one of our favourite greens. The versatile green is a varietal cross between broccoli and Chinese kale and has a mild peppery taste that becomes sweeter when cooked. But that’s not the best thing about Perfection Broccolini®, the best thing is this superfood is packed with nutrients.

IMMUNITY BOOST

Perfection Broccolini® is is high in vitamin A and C - key anti-ageing vitamins that helps to fight off inflammation and keep the immune system strong. It's also packed with essential nutrients, potassium for the heart and beta-carotene for healthy skin.

LOVE YOUR GUT

We are now learning so much about the importance of good gut health and how it provides the foundation for a healthy body. Perfection Broccolini® is high in fibre which helps to feed the good bacteria in your digestive system and acts as a prebiotic for the gut.

JAPANESE ROOTS

Perfection Fresh growers first tasted Broccolini® at a farmers market in Japan, 20 years ago. They were so taken by its sweet, peppery taste that they brought the veggie home to grow locally and share with Australian families. »

QUKES® BABY CUCUMBERS MADE TO BE MINI

Qukes® baby cucumbers are a specialty variety that’s made to be mini. Fully grown at only 8.5 to 12cm long, they’re perfectly sized for fresh snacking. They have a crispy mild skin and a refreshing cleansing taste.

Qukes® are ideal additions to kids lunchboxes. Pop them in whole, as sticks for dips or get creative and roll them in sandwiches for sushi-style bites.

CAULI-BLOSSOM® FIORETTO®

Meet Cauliflower’s elegant, good-looking cousin. Tall and willowy with brilliant green stems, Cauli- Blossom® Fioretto® is an exciting new flavour discovery. This creamy yet mildly nutty vegetable is grown in Australia. It’s also entirely edible from stem to floret, making it the amazing taste, zero waste vegetable.

SWEET FLAVOUR

This beautiful veggie is entirely edible and requires no prep at all. Its flavour is sweeter than traditional cauliflower and there’s no cauliflower smell when it cooks. Simply pull apart the bouquet and use. For larger florets, simply slice them in half lengthways.

PERFECT PAIRS

From a wide range of proteins to aromats, spices and other vegetables, Cauli-Blossom® is a versatile veggie that works with pretty much every cuisine. It can be grilled, roasted, steamed, blanched, barbequed, stir fried, pickled or even eaten raw.

CALYPSO® MANGOES

CALYPSO®MANGOES, THE MORE IRRESISTIBLE MANGO, ARE BACK IN SEASON..

Calypso® Mangoes feature a smaller seed, so you have more juicy cheek to enjoy! They have a firmer, fibre free flesh that is perfectly suited to using in salads, grilled on the BBQ, and even cooked lightly on the stove or using the oven.

LOVE A SUN-KISSED MANGO

The unique red blush that sets apart a Calypso® mango from other varieties is actually caused by the sun. Just like humans, the skin of a Calypso® mango is prone to turning a shade of sun-kissed red under the hot Australian sun. Luckily the skin turns a beautiful blush red and the sweet flesh underneath is unaffected.

MORE TO LOVE, LESS TO WASTE

Calypso® mangoes are high in energy, low in fat, and are a great source of calcium and vitamins essential to a healthy lifestyle. Plus they naturally last longer than other mangoes thanks to their firmer skin.

GOLDEN GO TIME

Just like bananas, mangoes continue to ripen once picked from the tree and may appear a green-yellow on supermarket shelves before turning into a more golden skinned mango. For same day eating, look for a Calypso® mango with a golden glow. For eating in 2-3 days, look for a Calypso® with a slight green tinge to its skin.

FRECKLES ARE A SIGN OF SWEETNESS

Light brown freckles on a Calypso® mango’s skin indicate it may be a particularly sweet mango on the inside. The freckles are the skin’s reaction to the sugar, and contrary to popular belief, is not a sign the fruit is past its prime.

MORE YUMMY, LESS MUSHY

Calypso® mangoes have a firm, fibre-free flesh which means no more stringy bits in your teeth! Plus, with their irresistibly

MIDNIGHT BEAUTY® BLACK AND AUTUMN CRISP® SEEDLESS GRAPES

Both the Midnight Beauty® and Autumn Crisp® are seedless. Both Red and Green grapes are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. The perfect snack fruit, anywhere anytime. Great for kids as they are sweet, healthy and easy to eat. Add halved grapes into your salad for something new and a pop of colour. You can freeze your grapes in Summer and eat them as a cool delicious treat. These tremendously juicy, seedless grapes are large, crisp, and bursting with sweet flavour. High in antioxidants and vitamins. The texture, flavour, and nutritional benefits make Midnight Beauty® grapes a perfect choice. Autumn Crisp® green grapes have large clusters, perfect for sharing. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at our grapes crisp texture, bursting with a mild sweet flavour with subtle hints of muscat.

RED TIP®

ECOGANIC® BANANAS

PERFECT PAIRS

Perfect for a morning energizer in a smoothie, on top of cereal, porridge or yoghurt. Also ideal on their own as a healthy snack on the go. These delicious Red Tip Bananas pair perfectly with blueberries, raspberries, caramel and coconut.

Red Tip® Bananas are grown using the Ecoganic® farming system and is endorsed by The Great Barrier Reef Foundation. The wax tip is our way of letting you know that we are different to ordinary bananas. These sweet and creamy bananas have a great shelf life from the store to the kitchen bench. Grown as nature intended without harsh chemicals, making them perfect for the environment and you.

At Perfection we are passionate about growing strawberries. All an even bright red with a rich large array of strawberry varieties have been chosen breeders. We travel across the world to source varieties that are carefully hand picked at peak are seasonally grown in four states to guarantee

PERFECTION RASPBERRIES

EASY, HEALTHY, GRAB N' GO SNACKS

Perfectionhasalargearrayofexclusiveraspberryvarietiesthathavebeenchosen fromlocalandinternationalbreeders.Weconstantlytravelacrosstheworld workingcloselywithtopinternationalbreederstosourceandsecuresuperior varieties.Perfectionraspberriesareinhighdemandfromconsumersandgrowers duetoattributessuchaslargesize,deliciousflavour,highyieldsandgreatshelf life.Kwanza,ourexclusivevarietyisaprimeexamplewhichhascustomerscoming backformore.

We all love a treat after lunch or snack between meals, so why not something tasty, delicious and nutritious like these grab’n’go options. These products are also great for the kid’s lunch box or kids’ parties, it is not only healthier for the kids, it is also often much better value. Healthy Kids habits and choices can start with you and the choices you make when preparing their lunch.

PERFECTION STRAWBERRIES

AtPerfectionwearepassionateaboutgrowingthefreshestandtastiest strawberries.Allanevenbrightredwitharichsheenandoutstandingflavour,our largearrayofstrawberryvarietieshavebeenchosenfromlocalandinternational breeders.Wetravelacrosstheworldtosourcesweetanddeliciouspremium varietiesthatarecarefullyhandpickedatpeakripeness.Availableyearround,they areseasonallygrowninfourstatestoguaranteeconsistentpremiumquality.

PERFECTFORKID'S LUNCHBOXES

Prep Time: 30 min + 2 hours chilling Cook Time: 5 mins Serves: 8 Difficulty: Beginner

METHOD

1. For the passionfruit syrup, combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Boil gently for 5 minutes, without stirring. Remove from the heat. Cool. Stir in the passionfruit pulp. Pour into a jug and refrigerate for 2 hours or until cold.

4. Cut the mango cheeks from the stones. Cut the mango into thick wedges.

3. Arrange the blueberries, blackberries and black grapes together on a large serving platter or board, then add the raspberries, strawberries and watermelon. Add the Calypso® mango, kiwi fruit, green grapes, pineapple and banana. Drizzle over the chilled syrup and serve.

TIPS

• Try replacing the passionfruit with 3 tablespoons of Limoncello, orange juice or lemon lime and bitters syrup.

Fyna Foods’ s ever popular Wizz Fizz sherbet will have its own BIG party this year turning 75!

Loved by kids, and fondly remembered by parents and grandparents, Wizz Fizz is embedded in so many Australians’ childhood memories, you can bet most of us can remember that unmissable fizzy taste we enjoyed after school outside a milk bar with our mates…Good old times…

3 generations have now succumbed to the thrill of Wizz Fizz on their tastebuds and enjoyed discovering new crazy monsters on the packaging.

Today, there is no sign of slowing down with many more generations of Wizz Fizz fans to follow. Australian owned, Wizz Fizz only uses sugar sourced from Australia and produces 20 different SKUs including cones, Christmas stockings, and Easter eggs.

To celebrate the 75th anniversary, a limited-edition pack will reach the shelves later this year with the inclusion of 4 retro monsters sachets for kids young and old to enjoy!.

WIZZ FIZZ: THE STORY OF AN AUSSIE ICON

1940S

Founded in the 1940’s by Arthur and Marjorie Campbell, Fyna Foods have always strived to create tasty treats that are better than the rest

After mastering jam making, Arthur and Marjorie turned their hand toward confectionery. They began with lollypops, before Arthur decided he wanted to add some ‘fizz’ to set them apart from the crowd and deliver a taste sensation.

In 1947, he developed a recipe for the classic sherbet that the lollypop could be dipped in. Legend has it that the sherbet was so good the factory staff suggested it should be sold separately – and so Wizz Fizz came to be!

As television grew in popularity, Arthur, a visionary and ever entrepreneur, saw the opportunity and began advertising Wizz Fizz on the Mickey Mouse Club TV Show to introduce a young generation to the delicious treat. A 30year licensing agreement with Disney was born. This led to the annual tradition of selling Wizz Fizz bags at the Royal Melbourne Show – which today are still one of the best-selling show bags.

1990S

In the late 1990’s, the company parted ways with Disney and embraced a new generation of Wizz Fizz fans, with crazy monsters appearing on the Wizz Fizz packs for the first time. Kids loved the fantasy creatures with wacky names including Mad Myron, Doctor Freak, Nerdy Neil, Screaming Mimi and Weird Wally!

2003

The crazy monsters were replaced with Super Star Kids and we headed off into outer space.

2008

Bringing back monsters became the call, so a new range of quirky characters from Planet Wizz Fizz arrived on pack and quickly became a hit with new generation of Wizz Fizz fans.

WHY WE MUST SCRAP ‘WASTEFUL’ BEST-BEFORE DATES

THE SNIFF TEST IS THE BEST WAY TO JUDGE!

WITH A GOAL OF HALVING THE AMOUNT OF FOOD WASTED IN AUSTRALIA BY 2030 GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO ABANDON THE WASTEFUL BEST-BEFORE DATES ON FOOD.

Sustainability groups are calling for unnecessary best-before dates on packaged fresh produce to be scrapped in an effort to cut down on household waste.

It is estimated the average Australian household wastes 312 kilograms per person every year for perfectly edible food at an estimated cost of between $2200 and $2700 per household.

Much of this is due to “best before dates” that are only a guide to food freshness and often have no impact on the quality of the food.

Even Use by Dates need to be reviewed on a case by case basis as many well stored foods can extend well beyond their Useby date including tinned and the packaged foods.

In the UK one major supermarket chain has scrapped useby dates on milk in favour of customers using the ‘sniff test’ research from the European Union suggesting such moves could reduce household waste by 63 per cent. »

A ‘best-before date’ is different from a ‘use-by’ date. Use By means a product is no longer safe for consumption, while Best Before can be sold and eaten after the date marked on the packaging, but may have lost some quality.

OzHarvest believes widespread confusion around date labelling contributed to the 2.5 million tonnes of food wasted from homes each year

The Government, supermarkets and manufacturers needs to be convinced that Best Before Dates need scrapping and this won’t be easy.

It has been estimated it could take 18-24 months for the change to occur in the supermarkets - from the day the decision is made!

Government is cautious and manufacturers and supermarkets make more money from people throwing away perfectly good food, but given that we are facing such chronic food and vegetable shortages phasing out unnecessary best-before dates would help.

Some food specialist believe we need a “complete overhaul” of food labelling in Australia and a national education campaign.

And manufacturers and supermarkets need to be brought into line with consistent labelling. Right now the same product from different brands - such as yoghurt or soft cheeses - one has a best-before date and another a use-by date.

Major retailers Woolworths and Aldi have committed to sending zero waste to landfill by 2025, and Coles will reduce the waste it sends to landfill by 85 per cent by the same date.

It is illegal to sell foods after a 'use by' date. Common 'use by' foods include milk, sliced ham and shaved meats. A 'best before' date means the food is still safe to eat after the date as long as it is not damaged, deteriorated or perished.

FOOD – USE-BY AND BEST-BEFORE DATES GUIDE

• Check the ‘use-by’ or ‘best before’ date when you buy food.

• ‘Best-before’ dates give you an idea of how long foods will last before they lose quality.

• Most products will last beyond their ‘best-before’ date if they are stored properly.

• Foods marked with a ‘use-by’ date must be consumed before or on that date.

RELIABILITY OF USE-BY AND BEST-BEFORE DATE

Frozen and canned products, in particular, tend to keep their quality for some time after the best-before date.

Within reason, provided the food looks and smells as you would expect, it should be safe to eat, even if the best-before date has passed.

WHERE TO GET HELP

Australia

Tel. (02) 6271 2222

Australian

Tel. (02) 9577 3333

Zealand

• Food Safety Information Council Tel. 0407 626 688

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ healthyliving/food-use-by-and-best-beforedates

https://foodlegal.com.au/inhouse/document/389 https://www.foodbank.org.au/expiry-anddistribution/?state=vic

https://www.goodfood.com.au/eat-out/news/ how-long-can-you-really-use-foods-past-theirbestbefore-date-20200512-h1o06x

https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/ food-savers/ultimate-guide-to-use-by-and-bestbefore-dates

https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/ labelling/dates/Pages/default.aspx

Waters a LARGE area up to 15 metre diameter. Average flow rate of 10 LPM.

Waters a SMALL area up to 8 metre diameter. Average flow rate of 4 LPM. Purpose shaped base for roof cooling.

Large area - low pressure 9 to 14.5m diameter. Average flow rate 7LPM. Designed for domestic, commercial and rural application. Available from leading hardware stores and rural retailers.

The Wobble-Tee, Clever Drop and RolaRain sprinklers all have removable filters for dam or river use. Multiple sprinklers can be run off one tap. UV stabilised for a long life in the harsh Australian sun.

WASTE ISN'T WASTE UNTIL IT'S WASTED

NATIONAL RECYCLING WEEK

This year, National Recycling Week explores the idea that Waste isn't Waste until it's Wasted. We invite you to get involved and join your community in all events on how you use resources by giving them a second life, reducing the need for newly produced products. This year it is all about quality over quantity, it is not about recycling more, but recycling better. Reducing our waste not only keeps valuable materials out of landfill.

While recycling is a fantastic way to reduce landfill and reduce greenhouse emissions it only forms part of the bigger recycling picture. As you can see by this chart the best way to recycle is to simply use less stuff, like plastic bags to put your groceries in, or single use items.

My favourite, the Reuse and repair, great for hoarders (only kidding) but for those who love to re purpose this is a great option and fun to do. From the Schools Recycle Right Challenge and workplace recycling trivia there is something in National Recycling Week for all Australians. To learn more or join countless other Australians getting involved in National Recycling Week, visit nationalrecyclingweek.com.au

ESTABLISHED BY PLANET ARK IN 1996, IS HELD EVERY YEAR DURING THE SECOND WEEK OF NOVEMBER (7TH TO 13TH OF NOVEMBER 2022).

MONDAY 31ST OCTOBER IS HALLOWEEN, THE LEAD UP AND EXCITEMENT IS ALWAYS GREAT AS COSTUME’S ARE PREPARED AND SCARY GARDEN ORNAMENTS LEAVE THE SHED FOR THEIR ANNUAL OUTING.

Ever tried to carve a jack o lantern pumpkin?, well its pretty easy, buy a pumpkin, cut the top, scoop out the middle, cut a face, and at night you can insert a candle to give it that creepy look. Preparing a Jack o Lantern with the kids is a great fun activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family »

GET IN QUICK

Last year many could not buy a pumpkin within a week of Halloween as unprecedented demand left them in short supply, so if you are planning a Jack o lantern, buy early.

The same can be said for buying a plastic pumpkin, get in quick or you may miss out.

ALLENS BLACK CATS, PERFECT FOR HALLOWEEN

We all know how spooky a black cat can be, check out the Allens black cats lollies, perfect on a cake or for a Halloween party.

CRAZY MONSTER WIZZ FIZZ PERFECT FOR THE TRICK OR TREATERS

The sherbet flavour is something a bit different from the lollies and chocolates.

SpringGardening tip

ORGANIC MATTER IN SOIL MATTERS

The sad fact is that most gardens have soils with insufficient organic matter, especially those in new developments. Adding a good source of organic matter to almost any soil is the best way of improving its quality, and can make a big difference to plant health and vigour, although it won’t necessarily produce dramatic changes overnight, improvement will occur within a few months if a reasonable amount of good quality organic matter is applied.

Soil organic matter comes in many forms, natural matter (decaying roots and leaf litter, etc.) to very small decomposing microbes and soil wildlife like earthworms, insects & other invertebrates.

Whilst the mineral soil itself supplies plants with some of the essential elements they need to grow, well-composted organic matter not only supplies further nutrients,

but also provides important changes to soil properties that greatly improves their quality, especially ion exchange and organic matter:metal atom complexing. Sounds complicated?! It is, but without getting too technical, various charged ions (ammonium, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, iron, etc.) are held by the organic matter in a tight enough form to prevent loss from the soil, but loose enough to be available for the plant roots to extract. Simply put, these processes help reduce nutrient leaching and thus are important for maintaining soil fertility.

Bottom line is Organic matter is vital for a healthy soil, and thus healthy plants –whether they be general garden shrubs, trees, annuals and perennials or vegetables, berries and fruit trees

By Craig Godman Gardening Contributor.

BEFORE YOU START SPENDING MONEY ON NEW PLANTS FOR THE GARDEN, CONSIDER PREPARING THE SOIL FIRST FOR BEST RESULTS.

Seasol.

A better way to grow…

And grow. And grow. And grow!

For lush, healthy, happy plants, don’t forget the Seasol.

HOT TIPS

With the plant-based milk alternative taking Australians by storm, oat milk is becoming the fastest growing dairy substitute. Being vegan friendly, oat milk caters to a wide variety of people and knowing how to make the perfect cup of coffee will be a handy skill to learn for all coffee lovers. The calcium benefits in oat milk are also a valuable asset to the notion of the ‘perfect coffee’. Being a natural source of fibre, not only does oat milk taste good, it encourages Australians to stay on top of health and lifestyle trends.

According to Carlos Escobar, World Brewers Cup Champion and Uncle Tobys Ambassador, there are ways to recreate the barista made coffee people love so much, in the comfort of your own home. There’s no need to sacrifice the quality of your coffee. You can become your own barista, thanks to Carlos.

HERE ARE HIS FIVE TIPS ON HOW TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT OAT MILK COFFEE AT HOME:

1. Getting the temperature right when making a coffee is a vital step in perfecting the art. All good things take time. A good tip is to have a thermometer inside the jug when heating the milk and stop the process around 3°C before the desired end temperature (you can use the thermometers used for cooking or get a cheap one in any “Bargain Store”). Another pro tip is to work with plant-based milks specially formulated for coffee, such as Uncle Tobys Barista Oat Milk. These milk alternatives are less sensitive to heat, allowing for the perfect texture when steaming that doesn’t overpower the coffee flavour.

2. No milk frother? No problem! You can substitute a steamer with a French press, a hand-held immersion blender, a regular stand blender, egg whisk or even just a jar with a lid (extra tip: make sure you heat the milk slightly hotter than the desired drinking temperature If frothing with the above methods, so it cools slightly as it foams - creating the perfect temperature to enjoy straight away!)

3. Try to not incorporate too much air when are frothing. The real challenge for the home barista is finding just the right amount of air addition, so that your milk has enough texture and is not thin and watery, but without adding so much air that it becomes bubbly.

4. Let oat milk to rest for around 30 to 45 seconds, before you add it to your coffee.

This will result in more evenly textured beverage. The mild, neutral flavour that oat milk offers is perfect for every coffee drinker.

5. A perfectly textured oat milk will have a silky, creamy, and smooth look. This consistency should also allow you to experiment with latte art! Oat milk is the best alternative (in my opinion) for latte art as it tends to froth, foam and steam very well, thanks to the water-soluble fibre contained in oats. Uncle Tobys’ Barista Style is my go-to Oat Milk for latte art. The first thing you need to do is to ensure that you have an espresso with an amber colour coating that you usually see on top of espressos. To achieve it, you need either an espresso machine or an aeropress.

CARLOS ESCOBAR Carlos is the winner of the World Brewers Cup Champion 2020 and a coffee expert.. Being the National Sales Manager at Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters, his industry knowledge and passion for coffee is evident in all the work he has done and continues to do.

LAMB &

Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Serves: 5

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 mins Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

900g butterflied leg of lamb (boneless)

2 Tbsp harissa paste

zest from 1 orange

1/3 cup orange juice

1 Tbsp olive oil

Veggies

2 green zucchini

1 red capsicum

1 yellow capsicum

200g swiss brown mushrooms

50g castelvetrano olives, pitted and torn

2 Tbsp olive oil salt and pepper

To serve rocket leaves orange segments

METHOD

1. Combine harissa, orange zest, orange juice, ½ tsp salt, and 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Add lamb and turn to coat. Set aside to come to room temperature. When ready to cook, drain excess marinade.

2. Roughly chop zucchini and capsicum into bite-sized pieces, cut mushrooms in half. Toss vegetables with 2 Tbsp oil, season with a good pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Preheat bbq to high. Cook lamb for 15 min – fat side down. Flip and cook a further 10 min, or until cooked to your liking. Transfer lamb to a serving platter, cover with foil and rest 10 min.

4. On a bbq flat plate, or a skillet over medium-high heat, cook veggies 5 – 6 min until golden and tender. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle over olives.

5. Thinly slice lamb and serve with grilled veggies, orange segments, and rocket.

TIPS

• For a milder marinade, substitute half the harissa with tomato paste.

• For a stronger flavour, refrigerate lamb and marinate overnight.

Recipe courtesy Australian Lamb

AUSTRALIAN

PRAWN LAKSA

INGREDIENTS

20 large green Australian prawns, body peeled, keeping tail and head intact

250 g thin dried vermicelli noodles

2 tablespoons fried onion oil or vegetable oil

½ cup laksa paste

400 ml can of coconut cream

1 ½ cups chicken stock

1 tablespoon fish sauce

200 g snow peas, trimmed

1 cup snow pea shoots

Coriander leaves and fresh lime to serve

Fried eschallots*

10 eschallots, peeled and thinly sliced on a mandolin

150 ml vegetable oil

* alternatively you can use store bought crispy shallots (saves 45 minutes cooking time).

METHOD

1. For fried eschallots, place sliced eschallots and oil in a heavy based frypan. Place pan over low heat and cook for 45 mins or until crispy. Strain eschallots and spread over a large tray lined with paper towel.

2. Cook rice noodles according to packet instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.

3. Heat a large pot or wok over medium high heat. Add the oil and laksa paste and cook for 3 minutes or until fragrant and paste is sticking slightly to the base of the pot or wok.

4. Add coconut cream, stock and fish sauce. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes allowing flavours to develop. Add prawns and snow peas, cooking for 3-5 minutes or until just cooked through. Divide noodles between bowls. Ladle over laksa. Top with pea shoots, herbs, fried eschallots and fresh lime.

Cook Time: 1 hour (including frying eshallots) or 25 minutes (when using store bought crispy shallots) Serves: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 25 mins

Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 35 mins Serves: 5

INGREDIENTS

900g butterflied leg of lamb (boneless)

¼ cup lemon juice

¼ cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed

½ tsp salt

½ tsp cracked black pepper

1 Tbsp dried oregano

1 large red onion, cut into 8 wedges

200g cherry tomatoes

2 lemons, halved

To serve

½ cup fresh parsley leaves

3 Lebanese cucumbers, diced

½ cup kalamata olives, pitted flatbread wraps prepared tzatziki

METHOD

1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano, in a large dish or zip-top bag. Add lamb and turn to coat well. Set aside to come to room temperature. When ready to cook, drain excess marinade.

2. Thread onion wedges and tomatoes onto separate skewers. Brush with a bit of olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Preheat a bbq to high. Cook lamb for 15 min – fat side down, then flip and cook a further 10 min, or until cooked to your liking. Transfer lamb to a serving platter, cover with foil and rest 10 min.

4. Cook onion and tomato skewers for 5 - 6 min, until tomatoes are blistered and onions are golden. Add lemon halves to bbq, cut-side down, and grill for a minute or two until just charred.

5. Toss parsley, cucumber and olives together in a bowl. Warm flatbreads.

6. Thinly slice lamb. Serve lamb and resting juices with grilled onion, blistered tomatoes, cucumber salad, pita breads, tzatziki, and lemon.

TIPS

• For a stronger flavour, marinate lamb in the refrigerator overnight.

Why not try me in an airfryer?

• Bring butterflied leg of lamb to room temperature, as you would when cooking on a pan or BBQ.

• Preheat airfryer to 180°C for 10 minutes, before adding lamb. This helps with browning and keeps the inside moist.

• Cooking in an airfryer takes roughly the same amount of time as cooking on a pan or BBQ.

• A meat thermometer is the best tool for achieving desired doneness. Rare - 52°C. Medium Rare - 57°C. Medium - 63°C. Medium Well - 66°C.

Recipe courtesy Australian Lamb www.australianlamb.com.au

QUKES SUMMER SNACKING PLATTER

INGREDIENTS

3

320g

125g

125g

125g

125g Minicaps®

2 x 200g dips (we used guacamole and beetroot)

400g sliced meats (we used prosciutto & sopressa)

1 fig & pistachio roll to serve

200g stuffed olives

200g pie brie

8 slices (80g) salami

4 tbs olive oil

3 garlic cloves, crushed

1 loaf Turkish bread, split

8 baby bocconcini, drained

400g watermelon, diced

80g soft feta, crumbled

1/4 cup small mint leaves

1 lime, juiced

1 tsp chilli salt, optional (see tip)

METHOD

1. Roll 8 Qukes® in a slice of salami. Place on a plate and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Preheat oven to 200°C fan forced. Combine oil and garlic and brush over the cut side of the bread. Place cut side up on a tray and bake for 8-10 minutes until light golden. While warm cut crossways into 5cm-thick slices. Cut 4 of the slices, crossways each into pieces. Cut 4 Qukes® crossways into 4. Thread bread cubes,

Qukes®, tomatoes and bocconcini onto 8 skewers. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Cut 4 Qukes® into rounds and place in a bowl. Add the watermelon, feta, mint and lime. Stir gently to combine. Spoon into 8 small glasses or bowls. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

4. Cut the cheeks from the mangoes, then cut into thick wedges. Score into pieces and sprinkle with chilli salt if using.

5. To build the snacking board, spoon dips onto bowls and place on the board. Arrange the salami Qukes®, Qukes® skewers, Qukes® watermelon salad, mango wedges, fruit and nut roll, berries, cold meats, olives, cheese, Minicaps®, remaining Qukes®, tomatoes and bread on the board.

TIPS

•

To make chilli salt, crush 1 tbs salt flakes into a bowl. Stir in 1/4 tsp ground chilli powder or cayenne.

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 10 mins Serves: 4-6 Difficulty: Simple

BAKED BRIE WITH QUINCE PASTE AND WALNUTS

INGREDIENTS

100g walnuts

200g Triple Cream Brie

100g Quince Paste, roughly chopped

3 tbspn Verjuice

METHOD

1. Pre-heat a fan forced oven to 180°C.

2. Place the walnuts onto a baking tray and place them into the pre-heated oven and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, remove from the oven and place them into the centre of a tea towel, bundle up into a pouch and rub to remove the skins. Set aside to cool.

3. Remove the brie from its packaging and place it onto a lined baking tray, set aside.

4. Place the quince paste and verjuice into a small pot and place over a medium-high heat, stir until the mixture has melted and is smooth, remove and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

5. Pour the quince mixture over the brie and place it into the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

6. To serve, place the brie onto a platter and sprinkle over the walnuts and serve with melba toast or crackers.

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OVERNIGHT WEETBIX WITH MIXED BERRIES

METHOD

1/4

1/2

2

1

1. Crush Weetbix into container, add milk and smooth with spoon then set aside.

2. Add yoghurt and honey to a bowl and mix together. Spoon yoghurt on top of Weetbix and set aside.

3. Add berries to a small saucepan and heat on low until berries turn into a syrup approx. 10 mins - stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool slightly.

4. Once cooled, add berry syrup on top of yoghurt layer, swirl with spoon, add extra frozen berries if desire. Cover container with lid and refrigerate overnight.

SEAFOOD IN GARLIC SAUCE

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons garlic butter spread

1.5kg black mussels, scrubbed, debearded

750g prawns, peeled leaving tails intact, deveined

250ml (1 cup) white wine or fish stock

1 tablespoon Gourmet Garden Mediterranean Herb & Spice blend 530g loaf rye & seeds sourdough bread

METHOD

1. Melt garlic butter spread in a large deep saucepan over high heat. Add the mussels, prawns and wine or stock. Cover and cook, shaking the pan for 8-10 minutes or unitil mussels are open and prawns are tender. Discard unopened mussels.

2. Use tongs to transfer the mussels and prawns to a deep serving dish. Stir the herb blend into the juices in the pan. Season with pepper and pour over the seafood. Serve with pasta or rice and a thick slice of bread.

CHOC-MINT CRACKLE CHEESECAKE LASAGNE

Remind your guests to bring their appetite to the party for this epic make-ahead dessert! This no-bake dessert lasagne is full of crunchy chocolate crackle and minty cheesecake filling, get ready for oohs and aahs.

INGREDIENTS

Chocolate Crackle Layer

125g Copha, chopped

125g dark cooking chocolate

45%, chopped

¼ cup (40g) icing sugar mixture

3 ½ cups (175g) Kellogg’s Coco Pops

½ cup (40g) desiccated coconut

Choc Mint Cheesecake Filling

200g white cooking chocolate, melted and cooled to room temperature

2 x 250g cream cheese, softened and chopped

¼ cup (55g) caster sugar

1 teaspoon gelatine dissolved

in 1 tablespoon boiling water, cooled

½ cup (125 ml) thickened cream, whipped

1 teaspoon peppermint essence

35g Peppermint Crisp bar, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish

Topping

60g Copha, chopped

100g dark cooking chocolate 40%, chopped Mint patties, mint biscuits, choc-mint balls and other choc-mint candies to decorate

METHOD

Chocolate Crackle Layer

1. Grease and line the base and sides of a 11.5cm x 20cm (base measurement) loaf pan. Leave a 5cm overhang on the two long sides.

2. Combine Copha, chocolate and icing sugar in a large heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, stir until melted. Remove from heat.

3. Add Coco Pops and coconut to the Copha mixture and stir to combine. Set aside.

Cheesecake Filling

1. Using electric beaters, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add melted white chocolate and dissolved gelatine and beat until well mixed. Gently fold through the whipped cream, essence and peppermint crisp.

2. Spoon a third of the crackle mixture into prepared pan, flatten gently with the back of a spoon. Spoon over a third of the cheesecake filling. Smooth top. Sprinkle evenly with half the remaining crackle mixture.

3. Repeat with remaining cheesecake filling and crackle mixture. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, until set.

Topping

1. Melt Copha and chocolate together in a bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Cool, stirring occasionally until thickened and spreadable.

2. When ready to serve, spoon melted topping over cheesecake. Decorate with a selection of choc-mint biscuits and sweets.

Tips & Hints:

• We used Mint Patties, Oreo Cadbury Coated Mint Biscuits, Darrell Lea Minty Crunchy Chocolate Balls and Peppermint Crisp to decorate.

• Copha and chocolate can be melted in the microwave. Place into a microwave safe bowl and heat on High for 1-2 minutes, stirring every minute until melted and smooth.

• Remove cheesecake lasagne from the fridge 15-30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.

• Use a warm and dry serrated knife to cut thick slices.

• Undecorated crackle lasagne can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store covered in loaf pan. Decorated crackle lasagne will keep for 4-5 hours, depending on the sweets and biscuits used for decorating.

Prep Time: 35 minutes, plus 4 hours setting time Cook Time: 5 minutes Serves: 8-10 Difficulty: Moderate

CREAM

Swap out the cookies for extra crunchy chocolate crackle in these chocolate mint ice cream sandwiches! This no-bake recipe is the ideal cool and creamy summer treat.

INGREDIENTS

100g Copha, chopped 80g dark cooking chocolate 45%, chopped

2 ¾ cups (110g) Kellogg’s Rice Bubbles

½ cup (40g) desiccated coconut

2 teaspoons cocoa powder

2 litres choc-mint ice cream, just softened

METHOD

1. Place Copha and dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until just melted and well combined.

2. Add Rice Bubbles, coconut and cocoa powder to a large mixing bowl. Pour in Copha mixture and mix well.

3. Arrange 8.5cm diameter egg rings onto a tray lined with baking paper. Spoon two flat tablespoons of crackle mixture into each ring. Press down to spread and compact the crackle. Remove rings and repeat with remaining crackle mixture to make a total of 16 discs. Freeze for 15 minutes or until firm.

4. To make the ice cream filling, arrange egg rings onto a lined flat tray. Spoon enough ice cream into each egg ring to make eight 4 cm thick ice cream patties. Smooth out ice cream with a spoon or knife. Freeze for 10 minutes to harden.

5. To serve, sandwich the ice cream between crackle top and base. Transfer to the freezer for 1 hour or serve immediately.

TIPS & HINTS

• As mixture cools the crackle mixture will cling to the egg rings, making it difficult to get a clean edge. To avoid this, warm the mixture gently over simmering water or heat in the microwave for 10 seconds.

• Ice cream should be just softened, not runny or melted. To make it easier to form the ice cream patties, make 2 at a time and return to the freezer to harden.

• Ice cream sandwiches can be made a day in advance. Store in a sealed container in the freezer.

• Egg rings can be purchased from kitchen stores or from the kitchen utensil aisle of your supermarket.

• Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling time Cook Time: 5 minutes Makes: 8 sandwiches Difficulty: Easy

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SUMMER IS COMING AND WHILE MOST STATES ENJOY EXTENDED DAYLIGHT HOURS WHICH IS GREAT FOR GETTING US OUT AND ABOUT WITH OUR DOGS, IT IS ALSO THE SEASON WHERE YOUR DOG IS MORE LIKELY TO DEVELOP SKIN IRRITATIONS. THIS CAN BE BOTHERSOME AND VERY DISTRESSING TO YOUR PET.

»

PET’S SKIN AND COAT CARE

AUSSIE PETS BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOW WOW ALL NATURAL PRODUCTS.

Skin irritation can develop very quickly, going from a small itch to a serious hot spot with 24 hours. There are many simple but not so obvious causes of itches (other than the obvious flea bite). Long haired dogs can develop itches and hot spots when they try to release mattered fur, dogs playing in heavily chlorinated water like a swimming pool, rolling in freshly cut grass or grass clippings, allergies to food, especially if they eat scraps of human food, even environmental causes like allergies to garden products or household cleaners. (Contact Allergies)

If you pet develops a hot spot it is necessary to see a vet to avoid further damage or serious infection, confirm it is a hot spot not another skin problem, a hot spot is not something that will simply heal without proper treatment.

Allergies, while antihistamines may do the trick for most dogs the more severe cases may need a review of their diet and surrounds, an elimination process is usually the only way to eradicate a serious allergy.

Ringworm is another common cause of itching and bald spots. Ringworm is caused by fungus (not actually a worm) and appears as spots or sores most noticeable on the head, paws and forearms but can be anywhere on the pet. Ringworm can be contagious so if one of your pets is infected its best to check all your pets even if they do not have signs of infection. The best way to avoid ringworm is to have a healthy pet, malnourished pets are more susceptible to Ringworm.

Of course, there are plenty of other causes for skin irritation, there is plenty of information online which can show symptoms and potential causes, many skin problems can look similar so a vet visit may be required to make the exact diagnosis.

A diet that includes Omega oil supplements Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty most often found in fish oils can help maintain good skin health. These are essential fatty acids, meaning the body does not produce it, it can only be gained through diet.

COAT

A dog’s coat is a fantastic indicator into your dog’s health. A coat that is dull, thinning, or just deteriorating are the first signs your dog may not be getting the nutrition required to maintain a good coat, but it could also be the first sign your dog is suffering from an illness.

A good shampoo and blow wave is not the secret to keeping your pet’s fur in good condition, (although it can help) Nutrition is the key to keeping your dog’s coat in good condition. If your dog’s coat has lost its lustre or thinning, or worse, this can be the first signs your dog may not be getting the nutrition required to maintain a good coat, or it could be, but it could also be the first sign your dog is suffering from an illness. It is a good idea to include some supplements into the diet or look for products that include ingredients that provide the nutrients required to maintain a healthy coat. A dog’s hair is mostly of Protein so a balanced diet that includes protein and fatty acids is a great first start.

Dogs with long coats also need regular washing and brushing, it is easy for something foreign to get caught and be hidden in the fur, once lodged it is hard for pets to remove and an irritation through rubbing or scratching can start. Specialists recommend brushing long haired dogs every two to three days, a pin brush is ideal as you need to get deep enough to remove errant hairs, a bristle brush for medium hair dogs. Remember to check the fur for burs or foreign matter and remove knots. Brushing stimulates the production of natural oils found in the dog’s skin and hair follicles, these oils are essential to produce and protect your dog’s coat.

FIXING ORAL HEALTH IN AGED CARE

URGENT AND LONG OVERDUE CHANGES ARE NEEDED TO IMPROVE ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR OLDER AUSTRALIANS IN AGED CARE FACILITIES

The recent Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety concluded that ‘insufficient attention to oral health, lead to widespread malnutrition, excruciating dental and other pain, and secondary conditions’ amongst the raft of glaring issues brought to its attention.

The inquiry put into sharp focus the urgent need to address how we tackle the health needs of our senior citizens, whether independent or no longer living at home.

This is only going to get more pressing with Aussies living longer. Between now and 2050 the number of Australians aged 65 to 84 years is expected to more than double, while the number of Australians aged 85 years and over is expected to more than quadruple to 1.8 million by 2050.

What does that mean for ageing mouths? As people age they have less mobility and often complex medical issues requiring more complex care. people have their natural teeth for longer, and many have had sophisticated restorations to keep those teeth, as well as a much higher risk of degenerative problems like decay and fracture.

Almost non-existent provision of oral care for those in aged care coupled with long waiting lists in the public dental system and poor value for money for private health insurance cover for dental work means that you have a perfect storm for rotten dental health for this rapidly expanding cohort.

THE ROAD TO CHANGE

The ADA made several recommendations to the Aged Care inquiry and central to this is the need to tackle the oral healthcare of seniors not only within aged care, but in the years before they enter the system. Yet the health assessments done by GPs for the over 75s don’t currently include oral health.

The ADA urgently recommends for GPs to include oral health in their health assessments

for over 75s, Indeed many older people enter aged care with poor oral health because they only go to the dentist when in pain, or they have reduced manual dexterity (failure to brush twice a day or floss) due to arthritis, or perhaps dementia is a contributory factor.

Coupled with this are the many complex health conditions older people suffer and associated medications which can result in reduced saliva flow, increasing the risk of dental caries and gum disease. Indeed Australian Institute of Health and Welfare statistics show that over half of people over 65 have gum disease.

Addressing and preventing these problems requires careful daily attention to oral hygiene, which can be difficult as manual dexterity declines, as well as regular reviews by a dentist. Under the current system none of this happens. Studies have also shown that high levels of plaque accumulate on residents’ natural teeth and dentures, which places them at high risk for developing aspiration pneumonia, a commonly occurring event which can be fatal and necessitates immediate transfer to an acute care facility. »

Dr Mark Hutton, President of the Australian Dental Association

WITH A NEW GOVERNMENT IN CANBERRA , THE AUSTRALIAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION (ADA) IS QUIETLY CONFIDENT THAT THE ORAL NEGLECT OF OLDER AUSTRALIANS IN AGED CARE MAY NOW STAND A CHANCE OF GETTING RESOLVED.

Several reviews found that daily brushing of nursing home residents’ teeth and / or dentures could dramatically reduce the risk of pneumonia – in one study by almost 40% for pneumonia and almost 60% for fatal pneumonia.

In our Aged Care Commission submission, the ADA proposed a national funding model – the Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule (SDBS), to make dentistry accessible to older Australians.

The ADA estimates this would cost just $95m a year to administer based on a 100% uptake of the scheme, which is not likely. This figure is tiny in comparison to the overall annual health budget of $80bn a year.

The SDBS would use the existing Child Dental Benefits Schedule as the template for additional dental benefits assistance schemes for population groups with poor oral health and unmet dental treatment needs, including Commonwealth Seniors Card and Pensioner Concession Card holders.

Thankfully, the Aged Care Commissioners agreed with the adoption of this scheme and included it in their set of recommendations.

The ADA pushed hard for all the major parties to act swiftly by adopting an SDBS system to fund dental care provided by dentists working in either the public or private system. Other urgent measures the ADA is advocating for to fix the broken system:

• the Certificate III Aged Care qualification to include oral care as one of its core units of study,

• for clinical indicators for oral health be included in Aged Care Quality Standards.

FACILITY UPGRADES CAN PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN IMPROVING AGED ORAL CARE

Lack of an appropriate type of dental chair, x-ray facilities and other dental equipment at aged care facilities are undoubtedly also barriers to providing quality care.

But these issues could be addressed if such facilities were incorporated into the design of new aged care homes so dental professionals could treat more complex cases on site rather than in an off-site dental clinic with all the logistics and transport complexities that may bring.

This will not occur without direction from governments or support provided to existing facilities - but the development of a multipurpose room that can be utilised by dentists and other visiting healthcare professionals would have significant cost benefits to the health system overall.

These measures will both enable allied health services to support aged care residents in their day-to-day healthcare needs and ensure that healthcare professionals can effectively and safely perform their work when they needed.

There is much to do to improve the oral care of seniors in residential care but with the new Labor Government working with peak health bodies like the ADA and the AMA, as well as significant changes to funding models, staffing levels and training, those much needed improvements could well be within our sights.

NIGHT MASK REJUVENATE HYDRATE REVIVE

DAY SERUM REGENERATE BRIGHTEN PROTECT

NIGHT SERUM RETEXTURE REPAIR RESTORE

Stackable Skin Care are products designed to work together over a 24-hour period. A Day Serum, a Night Serum and a ceramide gel/cream evening mask that works whilst you sleep. They can be used individually, as duos or as a trio, and can be used alongside our Hydromerse Cosmeceuticals to target specific skin concerns.

HELP US CHANGE AND SAVE LIVES.

With the money you raise, we fund groundbreaking health projects across mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer – 1,250 projects so far. We’ve had a huge impact and we’re hellbent on making it even bigger – We need your help to continue to change and save lives. There are many ways you can support Movember, the “In your face” way to show support and raise money and awareness is by growing a mo, but you can also and do something different like an epic challenge, or bike ride, long walk, host a BBQ, or simply donate online. There are Mo your

SEASON, SO WHAT IS THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA?

THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA CAN BE VERY SERIOUS FOR PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA.

Thunderstorm asthma events occur when there are high grass pollen levels, these pollons get swept up in the winds of building storms, these winds can carry pollons and tiny particlues (from bust pollon) can travel great distances and affect anyone within the storms vicinity.

STEPS TO TAKE THIS THUNDERSTORM ASTHMA SEASON:

• Of course the best way to avoid Thunderstom Asthma is to avoid the elements while the storm passes and staying inside with the windows and doors closed.

• Discuss with your doctor medications to manage both asthma and hay fever.

• Use an asthma preventer inhaler every day, even when well.

• Carry an asthma reliever puffer with you at all times.

• If you have hay fever, use a steroid nasal spray every day during the pollen season.

• Check your local daily pollen levels and stay inside with doors and windows closed when pollen levels are high

OVERALL WINNER NATURES PREY TAKEN

Ashlee Jansen

CORAL BAY, WA

A humpback whale carcass found on the ocean floor, stripped clean of its flesh by surrounding sharks. This subadult whale died while making the annual migration north along the Ningaloo Reef. A harsh act of Mother Nature, but an important part of the natural ecosystem

Judges’ comments: This captivating image of a dead whale speaks to the circle of life – one death supports the renewal of other ocean communities. The beauty of the image lies in its artful circular composition, seen in the curves of the whale’s skeletal ribs mirroring the patterns in the sand, keeping our eye within the frame moving between the living and the dead.

JUNIOR WINNER IMPERMANENCE Cian O’Hagan, 16 DUDLEY BEACH NSW

My image ‘Impermanence’ was captured at my local beach after harsh winds had uncovered numerous objects beneath the surface. It depicts a decaying seabird stretched out amongst the sand and is indicative of the dangerous and unstable nature of life amongst the coastal elements.

Judges’ comments: This simple photograph is contemporary in its execution. The photographer’s hand is strong – stark lighting and a severe palette reflect the sometimes harsh reality of nature »

BOTANICAL WINNER

A PINK TOMB

James Dorey

LAKE CROSBIE, VIC Darkness rolls over Lake Crosby adding an eerie element to the smooth pink salt. All that falls on the lake is slowly preserved as the wind-driven tide ebbs and flows, leaving a little more salt every time. Objects mar the lake’s alien texture and the lake mars them in return.

LANDSACPE RUNNER-UP FORCES OF NATURE

Ellie Morris

PERENJORI, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

A stormy afternoon at the start of autumn in WA’s wheatbelt watching dark clouds moving across the land, dropping rain as they went. As the wind picked up, clouds of dust were created ahead of the rain and hail that followed.

WINNER ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY

THE OUTLIER

Jason Perry

TOOLONDO RESERVOIR, TOOLONDO, VIC

A beautiful dead tree stands above the rest as the fog lingers over Lake Toolondo and the Milky Way lines up horizontally across the night sky. When I saw this scene that night, it was as if the tree and the Milky Way were somehow connected despite the distance.

So many ways to shatter your cravings!