TOWNSVILLE’S COMPLIMENTARY LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE JULY 2013 ISSUE 86
RUG UP FOR
WINTER ON THE FLIPSIDE: FIFO MAGAZINE SECOND EDITION
MEET CLAIRE DOBBINS INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN: OUR JULY COVERGIRL IN REAL ESTATE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH STEVE PRICE
PRESENTS THE 2013
FRIDAY 5 JULY
FROM NOON-3PM AT JUPITERS TOWNSVILLE
$99 per person OR $990 table of 10 Book your seat or table at townsvilletickets.com.au Price includes a delicious 2 course plated lunch and a 3 hour beverage package Tickets must be purchased by close of business 2 July 2013 This is an 18+ event. Jupiters Townsville practices responsible service of alcohol.
P R O U D LY S U P P O R T E D B Y
WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO
2013 RANGE ROVER
LIMOUSINE. SUV. CAR. IT’S THE NEXT GENERATION RANGE ROVER
Tony Ireland Land Rover 54 Duckworth Street Townsville 4726 7777 tonyirelandlandrover.com.au
IN WINTER
www.townsvilleshines.com.au Townsville Shines in July! Celebrate an action packed month full of excitement with events like the winter racing carnival, school holiday programs, business luncheons, concerts, V8 supercars and markets galore. There’s something for everyone! With more than 100,000 visitors anticipated to travel to the Townsville region for July, this will once again be the highlight of Townsville’s annual event calendar.
Get race ready for the Sucrogen Townsville 400! Have you bought your ticket yet? Do you know where you’re going to park or what you can bring to the race? 1.
Plan before the event: Go online to www.townsville.qld.gov.au and search for Sucrogen Townsville 400 V8 Event before the race weekend for information on public transport, parking and road closures.
2. Food: Small Eskies are permitted to the
track so pack some food and drinks for the family before you go. Both packaged or homemade are permitted. No glass or alcohol is permitted. 3. Seating: Take a blanket or chairs to find a
great spot on the grass. 4. Sun safety: Take a hat, sunscreen and
water. The UV in Townsville is high even in winter and the cool air makes it easier for dehydration to creep up. 5. Get in early and purchase your tickets: If you
get in early and purchase your tickets now you won’t have to wait in line at the gate. Visit www.v8supercars.com.au for more information on tickets.
Your passport to Shine The Townsville Shines ambassadors will hit the streets this July, welcoming the city’s visitors and providing plenty of information on the big events and the best places to visit. The ambassadors this year will be armed with the Townsville Shines Passport, a lanyard and booklet with discount vouchers from local businesses. With more than 15,000 Townsville Shines Passports to give away, the ambassadors will be stationed at locations throughout the city to distribute the passport.
CHECK IN USING SOCIAL MEDIA
@TownsvilleShine
Visit Townsville, Australia
Visitors and locals can pick up a Townsville Shines Passport from a number of locations, including: • Visitor Information Centres • Townsville Airport • Townsville 400 Super Welcome at Strand Park • Strand Night Markets and McDonald’s Dance Expo • Hotels and motels Grab a copy from the above locations or download from www.townsvilleshines.com.au
#TownsvilleShines
UPCOMING EVENTS Townsville truly shines in winter and don’t miss a minute of the action with 50 events in just over three months.
July 1
3 4 5 5
5 5-7 9-10 12
15
Dam Fine Rally, Ross River Dam V8 Transporter Parade, Bohle to Reid Park Townsville 400 Super Welcome, Strand Park Sucrogen Townsville 400 Investor Breakfast, Jupiters Townsville V8 Ladies Lunch presented by DUO Magazine, Jupiters Townsville
26
Townsville 400 V8 Supercars, Reid Park The Comedians, Townsville Civic Theatre Full Moon Party, Base Backpackers
NQ Cowboys vs Brisbane Broncos, 1300 Smiles Stadium
19-20 Mozart’s Don Giovanni,
27 Jul - 1 Aug
10-11
August
14-18 Townsville Cultural Fest,
Abandon, Dance North
2-5
Townsville Civic Theatre
20-27 Townsville Winter Racing 21 23
McDonald’s Dance Expo, Strand Park
NQ Cowboys vs Manly Sea Eagles, 1300 Smiles Stadium
25 28
Carnival, Cluden Park Race Course Paluma Push Mountain Bike Race, Hidden Valley Comedy of Errors, Townsville Civic Theatre AFCM Chefs in the North Dinner, Jupiters Townsville Magnetic Island To Townsville Swim, The Strand
26 Jul – 5 Aug
Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Townsville
3-4 4 9 9-11
Gold Fever Healthy Lifestyle Festival & Gold Fever Le Tour, Charters Towers The Strand
NQ Cowboys vs South Sydney Rabbitohs, 1300 Smiles Stadium
16-19
Australian Italian Festival, Hinchinbrook
16 Aug - 6 Oct
NQ Cowboys vs Gold Coast Titans, 1300 Smiles Stadium
The Personal and the Political: Selected Works 1994-2012, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
McDonald’s Townsville Running Festival, The Strand Full Moon Party, Base Backpackers, Magnetic Island
23-26 NQ Cowboys vs Newcastle
Palmer Street Jazz Festival, Townsville
29-31 Magnetic Island Race
9 Aug - 6 Oct
Life in Your Hands: Art from Solastalgia, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery
Knights, 1300 Smiles Stadium
Week, Magnetic Island
30-31 Strand Ephemera VI, The Strand
#TownsvilleShines tell us what you LOVE about Townsville
www.townsvilleshines.com.au
contents
JULY 2013 COVER STORY
32
32 STEVE PRICE 37 INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE
REGULARS
12 INBOX 14 HOROSCOPES 16 DUO COVER GIRL 70 BEAUTY 18 TOWNSVILLE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 20 TOWNSVILLE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 50 YEARS DINNER 22 COPPELIA, ULYSSES DANCE CO. 24 2013 BAULDERSTONE TOWNSVILLE CHARITY GOLF DAY
FASHION
26 DELUXE MAN 28 DELUXE WOMAN 50 MY STYLE 52 MY BAG 56 CAMILLA
28
54 64
8 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
26
54 LORNA JANE CLARKSON 64 PARTNERS IN... JODIE CONNOR & RENEE JEZARD, JO LANKESTER & SANDRA WRIGHT, SAM STEDMAN & JENNI ROBERTS 84 JULIE BAILEY 85 BLAIR SHILLINGTON, MADONNA LANGRIDGE, RUSSELL RHODES
WELLBEING
SOCIETY
56
INTERVIEWS
71 CLARITY HEARING SOLUTIONS 73 HELPING HANDS - HAND, WRIST AND ARM CLINIC
FAMILY
75 EWEN JONES MP 75 NICOLE PIEROTTI
CORPORATE
77 CORPORATE UPDATE 77 DAVID KIPPIN TEL 78 BANK OF QUEENSLAND 79 KLP FAMILY LAW 80 ALLAN BRANCH 82 ARTICULATE
There's always one that stands out...
from $3485
STOCKLAND • STOCKLAND DIAMONDS • WILLOWS • CASTLETOWN Freecall 1800 646 508 loloma@loloma.com.au www.loloma.com.au
welcome
"I WON GOLD LOTTO... NO, I REALLY DID!"
Not me, a guy I met once. Just after Art College and before I got into advertising, a mate from my class got the drummer gig in the resident band on South Molle Island. He said he could also get me a job so I hopped on the Sunlander and walked into 3 months of great times. In those days you could always get a job on an island (and you probably still can). It was mostly Canadian backpacking girls and Kiwi blokes then, so the staff changed like the weather. The first job they gave me was looking after the Golf Club Bar from 4pm until 2am. Because it was so out of the way nobody came there but one night a happily drunk guy in his early 40s stumbled in. The first thing he said was, "I won Gold Lotto... no, I really did." I'd never met a Gold Lotto winner before and I wouldn't have thought you'd find many on South Molle but there he was. I handle the role of barman/confessor pretty well I think, so I shouted him a couple of rums and he told me the story. Let's call this story - 'You may as well buy a ticket cause you never know your luck'. It usually takes me about five minutes to tell this story at parties and dinners but with space constraints - here's the short version. First of all this guy was no angel. He probably fits into the category of the 'undeserved' but I always cheer for the winners who had it tough and this guy had it tougher than many. It starts with him opening a painting business with his brother in Sydney. He gets called up and goes to Vietnam. End of his tour he comes home but unfortunately he's now into drugs and quickly loses his business and family. He heads up to Brisbane for a new life but instead he gets caught with hard drugs (I'm being conservative here) and wastes a couple of years in Boggo Road. On his release he walks into a newsagency, buys a Gold Lotto ticket and wins a million! He gets his prize, buys a new car and drives up to South Molle Island while he works out what to do with it. I kid you not. As we were talking though he said he'd always wanted a million dollar yacht, but now that he's got a million dollars, the yacht he wants costs two million! Ten things I appreciate this month: this fantastic cool weather, Thai massages, Yummy Noodles, mum selling her house, DUO's V8 Ladies Lunch (free plug), degustation dinners, House of Cards, Jenna-Lee's training, Adobe Creative Cloud, Molly/Polly/Holly at JAM Corner.
THE DUO MAGAZINE TEAM IS PUBLISHER SCOTT MORRISON PRODUCTION JOAN FANNING EDITORIAL STACEY MORRISON ADVERTISING RAE WHITE FOR EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES EDITOR@DUOMAGAZINE.COM.AU FOR ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS SALES@DUOMAGAZINE.COM.AU THANK YOU ONE AND ALL CARLA CARUSO, SKYE BREE MILLARD, SANDRA HEIER EVENSEN, KYLIE DAVIS, DANI HANSEN, TAMMY & HANNAH AT 121 CREATIVE, SIMONE RAYNER, CARLY LUBICZ, NICOLE THOMSON-PRIDE. CALL US ANYTIME ON 07 4771 2933 WWW.DUOMAGAZINE.COM.AU DUO Magazine is published monthly by Intrepid (NQ) Pty Ltd ACN 107 308 538 60 Ingham Road West End PO Box 1928 Townsville Qld 4810 Telephone 07 4771 2933 Facsimile 07 4771 2699 Email duo@duomagazine.com.au COPYRIGHT Contents of DUO Magazine are subject to copyright. No part of this publication JULY be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication, the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in this publication. Expressed or implied authors’ and advertisers’ opinions are not necessarily those of the editor and/or publisher.
SCOTT MORRISON PUBLISHER
Winter just got hotter. Wrangler’s new range is here! Come in and try on the new 2013 Winter Collection today
230 Charters Towers Road 4775 5144 www.donohues.com.au 10 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
Aurora is next to Crestbrook Estate
calendar
INBOX:
DUO MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE V8 LADIES LUNCH
5 July 12pm-3pm | Jupiters Townsville In celebration of the Townsville 400, ladies will enjoy a delicious 2 course plated lunch and a 3 hour beverage package, latest fashion from Stockland, Myer and Loloma Jewellers, prize giveaways. Guests must be aged 18 years and above to attend. Supported by V8 Supercars, the V8 Ladies Lunch is the prestige event of the season. www.ticketstownsville.com.au
EVENTS The Sucrogen Townsville 400 5–7 July | Reid Park Be part of the on track action at North Queensland’s biggest sporting event as the new generation of V8 Supercars hit the track for three days of racing and a Saturday night concert featuring Australian rock legends the HOODOO GURUS and IAN MOSS. This signature track will also host the Dunlop Series, Porsche Carrera Cup, V8 Ute’s and Formula Ford. Kids can join in too with the all new Disney Pixar Fun Zone trackside. Kids 12 and under receive free general admission with a paying adult. Tickets from $36. Book now at www.ticketek.com.au 360 Allstars 10 July 7.30pm | Riverway Arts Centre World champion break-dancers, a BMX flatlander, basketball freestyler, world champion Beatboxer and a master drummer deliver a phenomenal display of rotation that will leave you dizzy with excitement! www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797 Mulkadee 2013 19 July 7.30pm | Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre Presented by Townsville Catholic Education, Mulkadee is an intensive arts program involving more than one thousand students from Catholic
schools across the Townsville Diocese. Students will participate in dance, drama, choir, strings, guitar and band workshops led by experienced arts professionals, including international artists. The program will culminate with a concert. Tickets available from www.tecc.net.au or 4771 4000. The Coffee Club Ladies Day Trackside Marquee 20 July Gates open 11.00am Townsville Turf Club Cluden Park Enjoy one of Townsville’s biggest and most enjoyable days at the track. Champagne on arrival, fully licensed bar, lunch and coffee by The Coffee Club, Fashions on the Field with over $2,500 worth of prizes (thanks to Stockland Townsville), fashion parades, gift bags, live entertainment and special guest Emma Freedman. Limited seats available. Bookings close 17th July unless sold out prior. www.townsvilleturfclub.com.au FOGS Indigenous Employment & Careers Expo 2013 23 July 9.00am-2pm | Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre A day for Indigenous job seekers and school leavers to meet with some of Queensland’s prominent employers, education and training providers. Come and discover what positions are available now.
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2013 Queensland Derby Dinner 25 July 7pm | Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre Celebrate Queensland rugby league rivals on the eve of 2013’s blockbuster clash, Cowboys v Broncos with a spectacular line-up of entertainment, special guests and hospitality! www.cowboys.com.au 1300 462 692 RSL Townsville Cup Race Day 27 July Gates open 10.30am Townsville Turf Club Cluden Park With record crowds this is one of the biggest race days in Queensland and Townsville’s most iconic and largest social events of the year. High quality racing featuring the $100,000 RSL Townsville Cup and the $75,000 XXXX Gold Cleveland Bay Handicap. Enjoy local and TAB betting facilities, airconditioned bars, entertainment and bar facilities, an exclusive trackside marquee precinct and a fantastic atmosphere. This event is 18+ only. Persons under the age of 18 years will not be permitted to enter Cluden Park under any circumstances. www.townsvilleturfclub.com.au
FOOTBALL NRL: NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS 15 July 7.00pm Sea Eagles 26 July 7.35pm Broncos 1300SMILES Stadium www.cowboys.com.au 1300 462 692 NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUE: NORTHERN FURY FC 20 July 6.00pm Sunshine Coast Fire 27 July 6.00pm Olympic Townsville Sports Reserve North Ward www.northernfury.com.au
MARKETS Strand Night Markets, The Strand, First Friday of the month May to December 5pm-9.30pm. Cotters Rotary Markets Flinders Street, Sundays 8.30–1pm. Willows Rotary Markets Willows Shopping centre car park, Sundays 7am–11am. Townsville City Markets Flinders Square, Townsville CBD Wednesdays 6am–6pm.
Magnetic Island Night Markets Arcadia RSL, Fridays 5pm–9pm. Horseshoe Bay Markets Second and fourth Sundays, 9am–2pm. NQ Farmers Markets North Shore Town Centre, Burdell, Saturdays.
THEATRE + CONCERTS Townsville Little Theatre’s Witness for the Prosecution 3–5 July 7.00pm 6 July 2.00pm & 7.00pm PIMPAC Pimlico Performing Arts Centre Although the circumstantial evidence is damning, Leonard Vole convinces even the famous defence barrister, Sir Wilfrid, that he is innocent of murder. You, the audience are playing the Jury. A brilliant Agatha Christie mystery. www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797 The Comedians 9–10 July 8.00pm Townsville Civic Theatre Feel like you’re in a traditional comedy club without sacrificing the comfort of the theatre. Plenty of audience interaction and a variety of comedy styles including three hilarious headliners Fiona O’Loughlin, Bob Franklin and Ethel Chop. www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797 Ballet Revolucion 12 July 8.00pm Townsville Civic Theatre This hit international dance company mixes the dynamics of contemporary dance, brilliant ballet, powerful street dance and hip hop giving the world 'Ballet with Attitude'. www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797 Celtic Fyre 13 July 7.30pm C2, Townsville Civic Theatre This 11 piece band blends a wide array of musical styles and songs into their own distinctive Celtic sound. They play bagpipes, assorted drums, guitar, bass, fiddle, bouzouki, banjo, mandolin, flute, mouth organ, accordion and keyboards. www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797
calendar Mozart’s Don Giovanni 19-20 July 7.30pm Townsville Civic Theatre A new production from Opera Australia’s Oz Opera. Love. Betrayal. Passion. Revenge. He’s stolen kisses and broken hearts, but has opera’s great Casanova gone a step too far? Find out in this exciting new production of Mozart’s classic masterpiece, directed by Michael Gow. www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797 Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition Theme & Variations Gala Concert 19–23 July | Riverway Arts Centre The Australian Concerto and Vocal competition is an internationally recognised event attracting musicians from around Australia and overseas, performing works from the concerto repertoire and opera. www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797 The Comedy of Errors 23 July 8.00pm Townsville Civic Theatre Two sets of identical twins are separated at birth when they’re rescued from a shipwreck. And when they end up in the same shifty, transitory port town of Ephesus fully grown, we join them on their bizarre journey of reconciliation. As they collide unknowingly with each other’s friends and family, it’s not long before this absurd tale of mistaken identity and far-fetched coincidence unfolds in chaotic hilarity. www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797
Paul Kelly 'Spring And Fall' National Australian Tour 24 July 7.30pm Townsville Civic Theatre Paul Kelly performs his 19th studio album ‘Spring and Fall’ in its entirety, followed by a generous selection of older songs that will change from night to night and will include wellknown songs and a few surprises. www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797 Abandon 24 July–1 August Eight performances School of Arts Theatre A collaboration between Dancenorth and Opera Queensland featuring music by Handel. This synthesis of baroque music and contemporary physical theatre, where singers from Opera Queensland, athletes from Dancenorth and brilliant musicians meet in a landscape of the imagination. www.soatheatretownsville.com.au or call 4772 2549
EXHIBITIONS
Australian Festival of Chamber Music 26 July–6 August Townsville Civic Theatre, C2, St James, St Joseph’s Church, Jupiters Townsville The 23rd Australian Festival of Chamber Music brings together outstanding musicians from around the world and around Australia for an exciting, unique and entertaining program of 30 concerts and events. The Festival is designed to enhance Townsville’s cultural environment by presenting internationally acclaimed classical musicians. For programme details visit www.afcm.com.au www.ticketshop.com.au 4727 9797
Hypercathexis: Carolyn Dodds Until 11 August 2013 Perc Tucker Regional Gallery This survey exhibition of prints by Carolyn Dodds will include works spanning 30 years of the artist’s practice. The exhibition features relief and intaglio prints by the artist which are drawn from real life, as well as several artist books which are an integral part of Dodds’ practice. Dodds is a highly skilled artist, and while she has been based variously in the UK, US and Macleay Island, she remains a regular exhibitor in Townsville. The exhibition is curated by Sue Forster, Editor of IMPRINT magazine.
The Comedy of Errors 23 July 8.00pm Townsville Civic Theatre
Arena: A Post Boom Beijing 27 July–1 September 2013 Pinnacles Gallery The exhibition Arena: A Post Boom Beijing, curated by Laurens Tan, is a survey of contemporary documentaries and video from China’s cultural capital Beijing, offering views of a society undergoing a frenzy of change since the 2008 Olympics and the Global Financial Crisis. The collection reflects on the temperament of Beijing’s cultural production following the boom in Chinese Contemporary Art.
DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 13
horoscope
Cancer
JULY
Most with the Sun in Cancer love their home and sometimes it can sometimes be different to separate yourself from familiar surroundings. Your family is a very strong part of you. Cancer is ruled by the crab, that crustacean creature that carries its home on its back and keeps it every ready to retreat into, should a threatening or unpleasant situation come up...and until you feel completely safe, very little can coax you out again. Another crab-like traits is a love of privacy. You probably also loathe to throw anything away, and may end up an avid collector of anything and everything. Sometimes, too, it can be equally difficult for you to give up on the past, or failed relationships. A lesson that you may have to learn in this life is the difference between being caring and being possessive.
Want your own personal profile?
If you’re interested in an in-depth astrology profile prepared by our favourite astrologer Tanya Obreza, visit www.tanyaobreza.com
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
There’s no time for lazing around in a month that seems determined to assail you with change. Rather than panic, you should sit down and calmly work out what’s going on. Like it or not, sometimes the best things happen when they’re not expected. Be patient in matters of the heart; there’s no hurry for a decision, and late July could surprise you.
July finds you charging ahead, with little regard for formalities. So, are you making progress, or just being reckless? That depends on the company you keep. Some will find your irrepressible drive a little hardgoing. Others are delighted with your passion. Either way, preparations for your moment of glory are underway.
More recently, endless conflict has chipped away at the Gemini spirit. Not so now. Despite feeling battle-scarred, this should be a fairly triumphant month. No longer the victim, you’re sharpening defences. Professionally, too, you’re better able to shape small details into a larger picture and make the right choices. There’s plenty of work ahead.
If dreams can come true, they will soon. The cosmos has already given you a head start by stirring motivations. Only the heavens will know where all that extra energy will come from, but why question a good thing? Just get on with the business of being a marvel. Your career possibilities expand, as does your financial outlook.
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
From time to time, the least amount of effort brings the biggest rewards. You can thank a feisty cosmos for this. You have an innate charm and confidence; but this month your immaculate sense of timing further helps to steer things your way. And it’s not all talk; your words and actions ensure that you also deliver the goods.
When it comes to fighting spirit, you’re fully armed this month. Nonetheless, the old principle of counting to 10 in moments of anger will serve you well. Emotions will swing, but don’t forget that life is all about constant change. July holds the promise of success, with one particular long held dream finally receiving recognition.
Here’s a month when one detour leads to another. Couples might want more independence, but be sure to give others the same freedom. Singles can expect love that’s short and sweet. Should the planets argue for a career change, don’t ignore them. Be grateful for any timely guidance.
Recent times have been dramatic, so a sense of belonging becomes more important this month. For singles, the lure towards coupledom may be hard to resist, while established duos rekindle commitment. If a project needs bankrolling, look to relatives. Also consider real estate deals or home improvements.
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
You deserve congratulations. Despite difficulties, important goals should soon be reached. If you’re trying to lose weight, boredom could be your worst enemy— so avoid snack attacks by keeping on the go. Change bad eating habits too, and exercise more. At work, you get a chance to follow your dreams. But only if you stay within the borders of tact.
July has an important feel about it, where most Capricorns get to move in a new direction. Others may want to intrude on your plans, but you know what’s no longer working for you — so don’t ignore this chance to discard heavy burdens or emotions. By lightening the load, life becomes easier. Love wins a generous time slot too.
July finds you in a more serious mood. With many plans thrown onto hold, you should put aside some time to work out where you’re really heading. Aquarians are often blessed with wonderful ideas, though not all fall into the realms of reality. So if forced to abandon a particular dream, don’t worry. It’ll soon be replaced by another.
Life becomes all about independence, and finding your own strength. Self-reliance takes priority, particularly in matters involving joint income, property or debts. Expect financial changes, so it’s best not to become too dependent on another’s money or resources. Romance also needs to offer more excitement. A sassy, spicier you emerges.
21 MARCH – 20 APRIL
23 JULY – 22 AUGUST
22 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER
21 APRIL – 20 MAY
23 AUGUST – 22 SEPTEMBER
22 DECEMBER – 19 JANUARY
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21 MAY – 21 JUNE
23 SEPTEMBER – 22 OCTOBER
20 JANUARY – 18 FEBRUARY
22 JUNE – 22 JULY
23 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER
19 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH
promotion
DEVELOPMENT ON THE UPSWING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS, THE GILCHRIST GROUP, HAVE SOME INTERESTING PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE – PROOF THE MARKET IS MOVING AGAIN. WORDS KYLIE DAVIS
DIAGONALLY opposite Willows Shopping Centre, Headspace’s new headquarters are taking shape under the experienced direction of The Gilchrist Group. The project is one of many the company is moving forward on, including a set of shops on the corner of Mitchell and Gregory Streets that will offer Townsville a new café and clothing boutique. “This year a considerable number of developers are coming to talk to us about their sites’ potential,” says manager of The Gilchrist Group, Darryl Gilchrist. “They recognise that now is the right time to get projects moving for the right price.” The Gilchrist Group takes the uncertainty out of a project for developers by giving them a feasibility report based on an actual construction cost. The company started life as New Home Solutions in 2003 and has now diversified into property investment and commercial construction through its New Property Investment Solutions and Gilchrist Construction arms. Led by John Rosel, Gilchrist Constructions is establishing itself as
a premium construction partner. John brings more than 20 years of experience in property development to the group. Combined with Darryl’s 30 years of new home construction experience it’s an impressive combined force. “Our skills at the front end, including feasibility analysis, masterplanning and development management, are aimed at lowering the risk to the client across the entire project,” John says. The organisation is now 20 staff strong and has significant buying power because of the several entities it operates. A diverse property company, The Gilchrist Group has ridden the GFC with determination and focus to emerge as one of the leaders in the housing and property industries in Townsville. Adept at taking developers from vacant land to completion, the company can handle all of the front-end concerns including the design work and town planning. “We want to see our clients establish a long-term wealth building strategy through careful property investment,” John says. “The company philosophy is to work with clients for life.”
“Our skills at the front end, including feasibility analysis, masterplanning and development management are aimed at lowering the risk to the client across the entire project.” JOHN ROSEL
For more information about Gilchrist Constructions please call 4723 0011 www.gilchristconstructions.com.au
DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 15
covergirl
12 FACES OF DUO COVERGIRL Every year DUO Magazine holds a very popular competition to choose 12 local women to grace one of our covers during the coming year. This month we're delighted to introduce you to our JULY Covergirl, Claire Dobbins.
16 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
covergirl COVERGIRL Claire Dobbins
PHOTOGRAPHY
Age 22 Occupation Administration at Thinc Projects & Marketing Assistant at First Things First Wellness Centre. Where were you born? Proserpine Tell us something about yourself. Growing up in the Whitsundays I have a passion for the outdoors and a love of nature. There is nothing better than spending a day out on the water with family or a weekend on Hamilton Island with friends! What have you got going on at the moment? I am currently working and trying to save so I can venture back to Europe next year and travel through the South of France, along the Amalfi Coast and around the Greek Islands! What would surprise people to know about you? It isn’t a surprise to those who know me but during university I found my one true love.. Coffee! I am a huge coffee addict. There is rarely a day where I miss my Coffee Dominion fix. Anything else you’d like to add? A huge thank you to the DUO Team, Prophecy Hairdressing, Dana Zolli Make-up and of course Stella the Shih Tzu for such an exciting photo shoot!
Sandra Heier Evensen 0478 293 081 sandra@sandraheier.com
HAIR Prophecy 4721 6455 Jenny Zumaran, Ash Craperi Rhiannon Smit, Stella (the Shih Tzu)
MAKE-UP Dana Zolli 0414 904 443
STYLING ASSISTANT Simone Rayner
COATS + HAT Dolls & Guys Australian Vintage 0410 723 853
COVER JEWELLERY Swarovski 1300 791 599 Velour Necklace RRP $1100 Valeska Pierced Earrings RRP $200
DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 17
society
Caroline Bottrill,Lisa Thompson,Kellie Ballarino
Townsville Food and Wine Festival
Jupiters Townsville Poolside Lawns MGM Photography Now in its third year, the Townsville Food and Wine Festival presented a feast of fine food and wine as ‘foodies’ converged on the pool lawns at Jupiters. Guests enjoyed a range of entertainment including a celebrity cook-off, cooking demonstrations, grape stomping, wine masterclasses, beer tastings and live music.
Blair Marin,Suzanne Schmidt, Lydia Sandman,Catherine Prowse
Jarrod Tranter, Melanie Hooper
Glenn and Kylie Hall
Craig and Colleen Stocks, Deanna Rankin
Deslie Buttery, Karen Mutch
Maddie Vaughan, Mia McIntyre
Mayor Jenny Hill, Jessica Howe Lauren O'Halloran Amy Lang
Leah McManus, Louise Middleton and Thomas George
Michael Byron, Kelsey Banks
Tom Christman, Diane Arnol Tenille and Gavin Cooper
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Eimear Henhem, Amy Cayton, Megan Blagdon
society Townsville Chamber Business Awards Jupiters Townsville
The 16th annual Townsville Chamber Business Awards on 21 June celebrated the contribution of outstanding businesses and individuals. Five awards were granted plus one overall Chamber Champion Award. The evening, hosted by Glenn ‘Minty’ Mintern, embraced the theme of social media. Visit Facebook/YoungChamber for more photos.
Winner Business Community Awards, TBD Communication Design, Travis Farley and Matthew Gianoulis Jeff Jimmieson and Glenn “Minty” Mintern
Business Community Finalist Brothers League Club
Chair of Coast to Country Housing Company, Andy Frogatt
Winner Young Business Award, Joshua Hislop, Fusion Solar and Electrical, and partner
Marsha Davies, CEO Coast to Country Housing Company with Philip Clarke, PwC and Chair of 2013 Chamber Awards Selection Committee
Chris Paterson, Simon Boyes, Travis Farley
Young Employee Winner, Dr Govinda Pandey, and Tim Reynolds of Rockfield Technologies
Jodi Hamilton, Tegan Crisafulli and David Crisafulli, MP Mundingburra
20 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
Emma Meeking and Darren McKenna
sources
GUIDING YOU TO SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE Financial planning is the process of meeting your life goals through the proper management of your finances. Your financial independence and future quality of life are vital issues that should not be left to chance. We understand this and can help you secure your future by providing tailored financial strategies designed to create and preserve wealth. Our services include: | Retirement planning
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DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 21
society
Pat Newman, Kylie Stockdale
Coppelia
Riverway Arts Centre Photography Dani Hansen
Townsville’s Ulysses Dance Company’s contemporary interpretation of the much-loved ballet about a young girl called Swanhilda, whose fiancé falls for Coppelia, was a delight. The show also featured Ulysses 2 – the new younger dancers in the company.
Kirsty Tucker, Ahlia Tucker, Jenny Tucker Maria and Mark Franettovich
Kellie Mann, Ebony Buckle Hannah Gillam, Kaitlynne Warren
Margie Montague, Anne Baynes
Patricia Dirks, Victoria Alexion, Ruth Blenkinsop
Richard Sipos, Nicole Potgieter, Enzo Troccoli
Jane Elliott, Molly Elliott
Vagisha Baveja, Catherine Adebiyi, Beverley Zhong
Tarnya Olivier, Cianna Archer
22 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
sources DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 23
society
Gary Butler, Jeff Byrnes, Jessica Hammond
2013 Baulderstone Townsville Charity Golf Day Rowes Bay Golf Club MGM Photography The sun was shining for the biggest charity golf day in North Queensland. Funds raised went to Camp Quality NQ, which supports children living with cancer, and BiVACOR, which develops artificial hearts for lifesaving surgery.
Robert Byles, Allan Mott
Peter Sellars
The Gnome, Billy Reed, Troy Deans, Andrew Clark
Matthew White Chris Newton Kevin Denney
James Doyle Wayne Simonsen Washington Mendes, Michael De Nittis
Matthew Lee, Robert Baker
Martin Hewett, Jeff Byrnes
Leah McManus, Louise Middleton and Thomas George
Jeff Byrnes, Kristy & Toby Douggin
Steve O’Keefe, Peter Worbey, Bradley May
Jessica Hammond, Bonnie Boyce, Sam French
24 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
sources
Lavaracks Restaurant at Townsville RSL Queensland’s RSL of the Year 2013 A SMALL SELECTION FROM OUR MENU
ENTRÉES Prawn doughnut
…w/ kaffir lime sauce
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Pan-fried prawns (GF) …w/ squid ink risotto, rouille
Deep fried camembert …cranberry & orange glaze
Salmon Pastrami (house-made) …w/ mustard ice cream, toast
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M 14.50
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3 cheese chicken (GF)
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13.50
14.50
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OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY LUNCH AND DINNER
139 Charters Towers Road, Hermit Park Phone 4759 9500 www.townsvillersl.com.au | tsvrslenquiries@tsvrsl.com.au
Entertainment in your inbox Keep up-to-date with the latest art, culture and event entertainment presented by Townsville City Council. Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter. Visit www.townsville.qld.gov.au and subscribe today!
DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 25
deluxe man
PORSCHE 911 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION PACO RABANNE 1 MILLION INTENSE LIMITED EDITION 50ML $105, 100ML $138. AUGUST RELEASE
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26 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
sources
OUR EXCITING NEW DISPLAY HOME IS
NOW OPEN Our brand new display home is now open at 13 Westbrook Drive, Fairfield Waters. You’re going to LOVE it!
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DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 27
deluxe woman
DINOSAUR DESIGNS 12 BEADS CORAL FAN CHOKER ‘ORANGES’ $245
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BALLY DOUBLE SIDED LEATHER SHIFT DRESS $5,000 PAPILLON LEATHER TOTE FEATURING INTERNAL BONDED LEATHER POCHETTE $1,995 PRAGYA STRAPPY PLATFORM SANDAL DETAILED WITH FLURO ORANGE PIPING $P.O.A.
FRENDS TAYLOR ROSE GOLD HEADPHONES $212
RAYMOND WEIL JASMINE FEATURING STAINLESS STEEL AND ROSE GOLD PLATED CASE AND BRACELET, SILVER DIAL WITH ROSE GOLD APPLIED ROMAN NUMERALS, 35MM CASE DIAMETER, QUARTZ MOVEMENT AND DIAMOND SET BEZEL. RRP $4,600
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28 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
sources
Call Shadeview. Townsville's experts for custom-made blinds, louvres & awnings.
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interview
CLASSICALLY JAZZ IN JULY
PIANIST JOE CHINDAMO AND VIOLINIST ZOE BLACK HAVE JOINED FORCES TO CREATE SOMETHING TOTALLY NEW FOR AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF CHAMBER MUSIC AUDIENCES. WORDS SUZANNE SCHMIDT
IT’S A NEW CONCEPT, without a template. That’s how one of Australia’s leading pianists and composers Joe Chindamo, describes his upcoming performance with partner and violinist Zoe Black at the annual Australian Festival of Chamber Music to be held in Townsville in July. Chindamo has composed concertos, chamber music and film scores, he has performed all over the world, including the Umbria Jazz Festival, Tokyo Dome and Lincoln Centre in New York, but he considers AFCM artistic director and fellow pianist Piers Lane’s invitation to perform in Townsville a true honour. “It’s a highly prestigious event, one of the great chamber music festivals in Australia, probably the world for that matter,” Chindamo said. As performers, Chindamo and Black are a relatively new duo, combining jazz and classical music to create something totally new. “Zoe and I come from different worlds of musical experience and the duo was born out of a desire to create something which would celebrate our differences and strengths,” Chindamo said. But don’t label this a cross-over project. “I detest those,” Chindamo said. “It’s like you might add an Indian group with a jazz group but everyone still does their own thing – like east meets west – it’s supposed to be a fusion but it’s highly unsuccessful because it’s still either one or the other. This is not jazz meets classical. Part of what we do is take melodies by Handel and Chopin and essentially rewrite them from the ground up. Other than that they’re original compositions. It has a
classical aesthetic with a jazz innuendo.” The Melbourne couple formed their duo a year and a half ago when Black was part of a chamber music trio that commissioned Chindamo to compose a piece and their creative partnership progressed from there. They collaborated on a CD for the Hush Music Foundation, to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne. It was a charity fundraising project but their music was also played to calm children undergoing chemotherapy. Their new collaboration is markedly different. “It’s grown and become more classical as time has gone by. In some ways it’s a honing in on an idea – trying to create something new but one that wouldn’t compromise either of us but still satisfy our artistic needs,” Chindamo said. Music has always played a big part in Chindamo’s life. He was instantly attracted to the influences of the jazz style when he took accordion lessons at the tender age of six. “As a kid I felt the need to change things – when I was six I was learning accordion and my teacher once played Happy Birthday but changed all the harmonies. The only way I can describe it is like I was having my mouth filled with chocolate – it was a delicious and lush sound and it was exciting – I distinctly remember that feeling – I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t excited about finding a more delicious chord or phrase to replace the one that was written by the composer.” Black, known for her beauty of sound and natural virtuosity has performed throughout the world with the Australian
“It’s a highly prestigious event, one of the great chamber music festivals in Australia, probably the world for that matter.” JOE CHINDAMO
Chamber Orchestra as assistant leader, and is still in high demand as an orchestral and chamber musician. She has spent the past few months leading the ACO2 tour to regional areas where she is mentoring the next generation of talented young Australian musicians. The couple have just recorded their latest CD Spiegelhaus and will perform about 20 concerts this year including their appearance here in Townsville. Joe Chindamo and Zoe Black will perform Explorations – It Ain’t Necessarily So at Jupiters Townsville on Sunday, July 28 at 8.30pm as part of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. The Festival is held in Townsville over ten days from 26th July to 3rd August with over 30 concerts and events around Townsville featuring many national and international musicians, all fellow performers with Joe and Zoe. Tickets are now available online at www.afcm.com.au or call the Ticketshop on 4727 9797.
DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 31
cover story
“RADIO IS AN INTIMATE THING BETWEEN MYSELF AND THE LISTENERS. I LEARNT THAT 43 YEARS AGO, AND IT HASN’T CHANGED.”
STEVE PRICE
32 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
cover story
PRICELESS YOU COULD WRITE A BOOK ABOUT PRICEY. AND SOME DAY HE WILL. ALTHOUGH IT WON’T BE ABOUT HIM EXACTLY; MORE ABOUT THE ART OF RADIO AND THE EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES IT HAS BESTOWED. AFTER 43 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY; 30 OF THOSE IN TOWNSVILLE BEHIND THE MICROPHONE AND 22 WITH HIS OWN BREAKFAST SHOW; THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS COLOURFUL ADVENTURES. SO LET’S CELEBRATE THIS ICONIC TROPICAL-SHIRT-CLAD NORTH QUEENSLAND AMBASSADOR DECADE-BY-DECADE.
WORDS BY CARLY LUBICZ PHOTOGRAPHY SKYE BREE MILLARD
DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 33
The wonderful days of vinyl, when we were actually disc jockeys. Loved every moment, even the occasional wrong speeds.
Mr Keating was quite perturbed by my presentation, then the cameras appeared, and he changed, then he loved it, especially the front pages. With Mark Kelly in East Timor. Now a Major General and a great bloke. Not sure if he still has the shirt, or owns up to this picture.
Overalls and teddy. Pricey’s 3 Days of Christmas. On air alone nonstop for 3 days. For pre-loved toys for the needy of paradise.
1980s Arriving in the tropics from Melbourne in 1983 for a relief role on radio, 28-year-old Steve Price’s parents knew their son would never be back. “I can still remember the second day I was here ringing Mum from the mall. It was stinking hot and raining and I’d just finished on the air after midnight. Mum said whatever time you finish, just ring me. I’d left them two days before and I said, ‘Look Mum…’ and I’d only said that when she said, ‘I know, you’re not coming home… I knew you’d love it.’ I was only meant to be up here for three weeks, but I tore up the return airfare on the second day.” For the man who quickly become known as just ‘Pricey’, he was caught in the spell of shorts, thongs and tropical shirts. He took to his producing and announcing roles like a croc to water, working from 8am to 6pm in production and 8pm to midnight every weeknight on air, plus a Saturday shift. “I was 28 years old and having the time of my life,” Pricey says. “I loved the honour of being on air and being instantly local.” He worked seven jobs in those early days to get by; his love of radio never being for the pay. “Radio is an intimate thing between myself and the
34 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
The Captain and the Mayor at Maggie Rediscovery Weekend. Lots of silliness, laughter and I always ended up wet.
listeners – I learnt that 43 years ago, and it hasn’t changed,” Pricey says. “I have a little saying: ‘People may not remember what you say, people may not remember what you do, but they will never forget the way you made them feel’. That’s what radio truly is.” While he was carving a name for himself in the studio, Pricey also became a regular in the newspaper – a big broadsheet page he would hand-write himself – and within a year he had his own TV show, Airwaves; later followed by children’s show Kid’s Army and a role as TV weather man. “You work hard, relate to the city, talk about the city and all these things happen,” Pricey tells. “I will admit I was living on adrenalin, but I wasn’t afraid of work so I got stuck into it and they were wonderful years.” But Pricey’s true success came from the way he totally launched himself into the community. He was fortunate that the bosses at 4TOFM gave his creativity free rein, which lead to spectacular feats like the Rediscovery of Magnetic Island where – for 10 years – Pricey, the Mayor and a host of supporting sailors would dress-up as
Captain Cook and his crew and row ashore to Horseshoe Bay. While not strictly historically accurate, the event proved a hit and featured poetry and beach games and netted the ‘Captain’ two national tourism awards. Another notable adventure was Pricey’s Three Days of Christmas where he stayed on air for three days straight; a marathon he says “nearly killed me”, but succeeded in bringing pre-loved toys to 15,000 homes. Townsville residents will also recall Pricey’s Christmas Lights Tour, now in its 28th year. Created to get elderly residents out of their retirement homes at Christmas, with Rotary’s support it became huge. “For many years we’d have 25 coaches each night for two nights with 40 to 50 people in each. They’d be Villa McCauley residents in one, the Endeavour Foundation in another and so on,” Pricey tells. “I’d run from coach-to-coach to see everyone and it would be like jumping in and out of different worlds. No one will ever know the magic I felt for all those years when I’d jump onto a coach and there’d be singing and welcoming… it still gives me goose bumps.”
cover story
1990s Pricey dubs this time the beginning of his ‘breakfast years’, and describes the honour of having his own radio show as a ‘dream come true’. “Working in breakfast radio is extraordinary and every day is a highlight,” he says, having woken up before 4am for 22 years and only missed the alarm seven times. “It’s the start of people’s day and it’s how you interact with listeners and how they interact with me that gives the entertainment value. People won’t turn off if you’re making them feel good.” Whether it was helping residents through the Night of Noah in 1998 or shining a human face on defence, Pricey was there to deliver. “I’ve spoken to diggers in every theatre of war since I’ve been on air and being able to bring a digger’s life to people on the radio has been a big highlight.” Pricey was also heavily involved in the basketball in the 1990s alongside his best mate (still to this day) Shaun Williams; aka the Croc. The antics the dynamic duo got up to would bring the house down – it was a display of family-friendly entertainment at its best. “The Croc and I would come-up with ideas that were simple vaudeville humour,” Pricey recalls, flicking through photos of him with outrageous hair. “He never spoke – I was his voice – and we’d just have fun.” The 1990s also laid claim to one of the proudest nights of Pricey’s life – when he was unexpectedly named Citizen of the Year and Citizen Ambassador in 1994, just before he was due to step on stage to debut as Thénardiers (the corrupt innkeeper) in Les Misérables. He was asked to attend to help the Mayor host the ceremony but got the shock of his life when it turned out he was getting the honour in front of his Mum, Dad and sister who had travelled to Townsville to see him in the musical. “I couldn’t believe it. All in one night… it was emotion overload that day.”
cover story
The most wonderful Les Misérables days as drunken, womanising , thieving inn-keeper Monsieur Thénardier. Type cast, of course.
My East Timor body guards. Not much of a body to guard. Chaps and hat at the Cowboys. You have to dress the part naturally. I still have those chaps! No, I don’t still wear them.
My most marvellous companion, The Croc. Over 13 years of magic and I think there may have been a basketball game on too.
A very special group of happy souls, the Happy Feat. When one needs a dose of pure joy, go and see them.
Years passed, Les Mis returned and I was honoured to be given the role once more. Cat and I as the outrageous Thénardiers.
2000s You’d think Pricey would have taken his foot off the accelerator in more recent years, but, in truth, his weekends are still packed with compère engagements that he does for love. If anything, he has condensed his priorities, channelling most of his energy into his breakfast show (describing radio station 4TOFM as ‘his life’) and local charities. His pet cause is Food Relief (once Food Bank) where, as deputy chair, he advocates that everyone has the right to a fair meal. He also can’t resist anything to do with kids. So much so that he’s got wiser in recent years with fundraising – he would once dip into his own pocket when littlies rang to ask for help for worthy causes, but now he runs a series of initiatives that form a donation kitty. These projects are distinctly Pricey and include ‘nose stress’, which are stress balls
36 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
in the shape of noses (a send-up of his own honker); teddy bears clad in unique tropical shirts with individual ‘bearth’ certificates featuring names and poem for each; his North Queensland-flavoured cookbooks with listeners’ recipes, and an annual Christmas CD with personally-penned songs. He’s also going away more with his ‘girl’; with travel being another of his great loves. But – no matter the destination – he can never resist taking his recorder with him. “I was in the Antarctic Circle a couple of months ago and I met a lady from Atherton. I’m sitting on this island looking at the mountains of Antarctica in a dreamland, there were penguins everywhere, and this woman came up and said, ‘You’re not Pricey’s brother are you?’ There’s nobody within 10,000km. I said,
‘I am Pricey’. So she said, ‘Gee, you’ve put on some weight!’ So I’ve come to the very bottom of the Earth for someone to insult me! I did have a huge jacket on… Why not share extraordinary things like that with people back home?” Incapable of separating himself from announcer and ‘civilian’, Pricey is radio – he has lived and breathed it over his 30 mango seasons and has no intention of retiring to his hammock. At least not until his listeners have had enough of him. “Look at what I’ve had the opportunity to do, and to know I’ve made somebody somewhere laugh once in my radio show makes it all worthwhile; every bit. If it all ends tomorrow I’d say I’ve had the greatest 30 years that anyone could ever have. And North Queensland has given me that.”
DUO MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHT
INSPIRATIONAL
women
real estate
IN
THERE’S SO MUCH MORE TO REAL ESTATE THAN JUST BUYING AND SELLING HOUSES. PEOPLE OFTEN LOOK TO REAL ESTATE AGENTS TO HELP THEM MOVE ON, WHETHER IT’S FOR A JOB TRANSFER, UPGRADING, OR WHEN THE KIDS HAVE GROWN. WHETHER YOU’RE BUYING,RENTING, INVESTING OR SELLING, THESE INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE CAN TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF THE PROCESS. PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE THEY’RE HARD-WORKING PROFESSIONALS WITH A REPUTATION FOR HONESTY AND INTEGRITY.
WORDS KYLIE DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY SKYE BREE MILLARD
promotion
I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
annette rowlings PROPERTY AND MARKETING CONSULTANT RAY WHITE TOWNSVILLE RIVERSIDE
Annette Rowlings has been with Ray White for seven years, starting off at the Kirwan branch and now as sales and property marketer for the Annandale branch. “I think I’ve always had a passion for real estate,” Annette says. “Apart from being interested in the potential of the properties themselves, I love the many facets of the job. The connections you make with people from all walks of life keeps things interesting.” Annette had only been at the Annandale branch for a year when the then-owner, Helen Munro, sold to Brad and Jim Read of Reana Developments. “I’m always up for a challenge so I held the fort on my own with just one admin staff during the change-over period,” Annette says. “It was a highlight as it was a chance to do things my way, listing and selling an award-winning home in the river precinct of Annandale with multiple offers in the first month. “I began handling some land sales and we now have the Village development, which gives us an option for clients who want something newer but want to stay around the river to city area.” Having a suburban office allows Ray White Townsville Riverside to maintain local knowledge, servicing residences along the southern Ross River suburbs of Annandale, Fairfield Waters, Riverside Gardens and the core area surrounding the army, hospital and university. Passionate about helping people to move on to the next stage of their lives with real estate, Annette has many past clients who call to ask for her input if they are considering making a change. “They may not be sure whether to find the new home first or put their current property on the market first,” Annette says.
Ray White Townsville Riverside Shop 8, 56 Yolanda Drive Annandale Telephone 0414 565 134 Email annette.rowlings@raywhite.com www.rwtr.com.au
38 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
“Mind you, you don’t have to be a past client to call me. The advice is free. It’s satisfying to help people along the way and it’s this experienced advice that makes a difference in the outcome for our clients.” When she’s not talking real estate, Annette likes to keep fit by walking or riding around the river near her Annandale home.
promotion Ferry Property 21-25 Sturt Street, Townsville city Telephone 0417 616 004 Email karynv@ferryproperty.com.au www.ferryproperty.com.au
I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
karyn voevodin
RESIDENTIAL SALES CONSULTANT | FERRY PROPERTY
Karyn Voevodin recently celebrated 10 years of working with the Ferry team, a milestone she’s extremely proud of considering the current market conditions and knowing that many agents come and go from the industry. “In 2003 Richard Ferry approached me to head up a project division where we took older unit blocks and I would coordinate renovations, body corporates and then sell off the units individually to help establish my name in the marketplace,” Karyn says. “From there I went into residential sales and have never looked back. What you see with me is what you get. I’m a good communicator and I have integrity with pricing property and returning calls.” Ironically, Karyn worked for Xerox (next door to Ferry) for seven years, starting off in copy service before moving on to printer sales. “That’s where I got the desire to do something bigger and better. As soon as I got into sales I loved it, I just needed to find something I was passionate about and houses it was,” Karyn says. “I love helping people reach financial goals and I also come from a background where my family are in the building trade so I feel I have more to offer when it comes time
for people to consider adding value to their homes.” Ferry Property was established more than 35 years ago in Townsville and since then has become recognised as a leader in services within both the commercial and residential property market throughout North Queensland. While exceptional sales and management services remain the core of the business, the group now offers extensive marketing, valuation and development services in the property market from the Whitsundays north to Cooktown. “We are one of the very few agencies in Townsville that covers every aspect of real estate,” Karyn says. With a strong belief in working with clients for the long-term, Karyn has made some exceptional friends and clients for life along the way. When she’s not busy talking property, she enjoys the simple things life has to offer, like relaxing in the park with her partner and their dog. “I also like to jet-ski to Magnetic Island and travel but I love Townsville and couldn’t see myself living anywhere else,” Karyn says.
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Keyes & Co. Property 505 Flinders Street, Townsville Telephone 0439 793 559 Email Tess.Sellwood@keyesandco.com.au www.keyesandco.com.au
I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
tess sellwood
PROPERTY AGENT | KEYES & CO. PROPERTY Tess Sellwood’s real estate story began in her childhood with her father Rob working in the industry for many years. “I saw first-hand how hard they (my parents) worked along with the success it brought and it inspired me to forge a career for myself in the same industry,” Tess says. Tess has been a property agent with Keyes & Co. since it began operating as a business in September last year. Before joining husband-and-wife team Damien and Kirsty Keyes, she was aware of their impeccable reputation in the industry. “Their leadership and ability to facilitate my personal and business growth has been fantastic,” Tess says. “My passion is people. We meet all kinds of interesting characters and I simply want to be the ‘name’ that is remembered for the right reasons.” Keyes & Co.’s strength is in its systems, technology and people and the company invests heavily in all three areas to make sure their clients receive the best service and advice whether buying or selling property. “We believe in positioning our clients’ homes at the forefront of the latest marketing techniques and acknowledge that each property and situation is not the same and therefore ensure each client receives a tailored
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package that suits both their property and personal situation,” Tess says. “Our team culture in the office is exceptional. There is so much motivation and support that I feel very blessed to be part of it all.” Tess’ focus is on residential sales and before joining Keyes & Co. Property she worked in sales at Harcourts Townsville City for four years. She says her career highlight to date was achieving a sale per day over a 10-day run. “It was a culmination of a great deal of hard work and good timing,” Tess says. “Working hard is not something I have ever been scared of and the rewards do exist if you are consistent.” In her downtime, Tess enjoys catching up with friends over a glass of wine and renovating her modest Queenslander with husband Bill. “Having a plumber/builder as a husband is not only handy at home but we also have so many friends who are in various trades,” Tess says. “Along with my background in new homes, and construction with my father, we have helped many of my clients through smart project management to ready their homes for the marketplace. This assistance to our clientele is priceless as we can assess the feasibility of improvements to ensure the right result.”
promotion I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
kirsty keyes
BUSINESS OWNER AND PROPERTY AGENT KEYES & CO. PROPERTY Kirsty Keyes, and her husband Damien, have been well-known names in the Townsville real estate industry since 2006. After working for high-profile local agencies they followed their dream of opening their own business, Keyes and Co. Property, in September of last year. “We had a vision of how we wanted it to look and worked with some talented professionals who pulled it all together in record time. I must say I am thrilled with the final result,” Kirsty says. “There were plenty of challenges we faced behind the scenes as we had to continue our existing sales business in our family home where we needed to accommodate four staff as well as ourselves.” Before moving to Townsville, Kirsty and Damien sold apartments at a 4.5-star golfing resort on the Sunshine Coast. “Given we were in residential real estate for six years before opening our own business I believe we not only gained invaluable knowledge and experience but also respect from the marketplace,” Kirsty says. “We did the grass roots of selling, handling homes from $200,000 right up to the top end and built up a reputation for professionalism and integrity.” Kirsty’s role involves assisting Damien in their sales business, managing administration staff, working closely with their graphic designers to produce stand-out marketing and also managing the company accounts. “Since starting Keyes & Co. Property my workload has become a lot busier and quite challenging at times but I have definitely grown into my new role and I love it,” Kirsty says. “We offer a high level of service to our clients from start to finish, which shows in the written testimonials we receive frequently and existing clients referring friends and relatives our way. “I believe in hard work and paying the price for success upfront and I really think that has had a lot to do with how we have become such a strong brand in the marketplace.” In her spare time, Kirsty loves spending time with extended family as well as her two children, four-year-old Sara and sixyear-old Hugo. “We have a beach house at Balgal that we love to get away to even if it is only overnight,” Kirsty says. “I am also co-president of the North Queensland Jelly Baby Gala ball, which raises money for Type 1 diabetes. This awful disease affected our family in 2010 when Hugo was diagnosed.” The gala ball has been running since 2011 and has raised more than $170,000 for the cause. “We have been overwhelmed by the incredible support the community has thrown behind our event,” Kirsty says.
Keyes & Co. Property 505 Flinders Street, Townsville Telephone 07 4447 9010 Email Kirsty.Keyes@keyesandco.com.au www.keyesandco.com.au
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Harcourts 673 Flinders Street, Townsville city Telephone 0428 242 817 Email julie.mahoney@harcourts.com.au www.juliemahoney.harcourts.com.au
I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
julie mahoney
QUEENSLANDER & CITY SUBURB SPECIALIST | HARCOURTS Julie Mahoney says a career highlight was being listed by RP Data in an independent top 100 agents ranking across all agencies in Australia for 2012. A Queenslander and city suburb specialist, the Harcourts sales agent is passionate about character homes. “I have always owned character homes. I embrace their diverse history and their unique and very practical tropical architecture,” Julie says. “They are a vital element to the foundation of Townsville and it is my job to market these homes in their best light.” Julie has studied the evolution of our beautiful city and its homes and is always challenging herself with top-end training and technology. “I have seen sales evolve from the late 1980s as sale-based to marketingbased,” she says. “Marketing is vital. I deal with people’s biggest asset not just financially but emotionally.” Genuinely interested in people and helping them get the best price for their homes, every sale is a thrill for Julie. “I get to assist people to move to the next phase of their lives. I get to know their families and fulfil their dreams. I get to make a difference,” she says. Harcourts is synonymous with service and working tirelessly for clients.
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The property management team has been awarded national awards and, according to realestate.com.au, Harcourts has the shortest days on market of any agency in Townsville, Julie says. Prior to her seven years in the real estate industry, Julie worked for an Auckland import/export company called DM Palmer. “Funnily enough I have a degree in horticultural science, which led me to working as a commodity trader buying and selling perishable goods into Japan,” Julie says. “My role was to arrange contracts directly with the major import companies in Japan. I certainly learnt top negotiation skills having to meet with the Japanese as a female on my own (you would lose credibility if you didn’t negotiate on your own merits). “I learnt an incredible amount in relation to negotiating and it has contributed to my strong reputation as a negotiator. When she’s not striking a deal, Julie spends as much time as she can with her family. “My husband and three children are my everything,” Julie says. “And I love to garden, even if it’s by torchlight!”
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women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
glenda worrall OWNER PRINCIPAL ELITE PROPERTIES TOWNSVILLE
A well-known name, Glenda Worrall has been selling real estate in Townsville for more than 16 years and created Elite Properties five years ago. She says her career highlight to date was finally seeing all the hard work that went into renovating, and putting systems in place with the best support staff, come to fruition at the opening of her business. “I wanted to offer a real point of difference in a boutique agency and deliver all of the professionalism a consumer expects today,” Glenda says. “Our office is like no other. I’m a big Audrey Hepburn fan and have created an environment that makes you feel comfortable. After all we are in ‘the people business’, we just happen to sell houses.” The services offered by Elite Properties Townsville include selling homes with attention to detail, dressing homes, advice on presentation and property management, which is headed up by Glenda’s husband Chris. Glenda comes from an advertising background so is adept at making homes stand out in the crowd. “People don’t see 95 per cent of what we do, but that’s how we like it,” Glenda says. “Our aim is to make the whole process of being a buyer, seller, landlord or tenant hassle-free.” With a genuine love of helping people, the real estate industry was a natural fit for Glenda. “People often look to real estate agents to help them move on, whether it’s for a job transfer, upgrading, or when the kids have grown up. “There are so many reasons why people move – 18 per cent of Australians move every year and I would say Townsville is even more than that. I have sold the same houses sometimes up to four times over my career.” Outside of work hours, Glenda balances her schedule between spending quality time with her family, including seven grandchildren, and travelling. She’s also a big fan of old movies from the 40s and 50s, starring Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Doris Day and Cary Grant. “I have over 500 movies in my collection,” Glenda says. “I also like to walk The Strand first thing in the morning before the sun rises, which I do twice a week with a friend and end with coffee. It’s a great way to start the day.” Townsville has always felt like home for Glenda, who moved here in the 60s and remembers working at the Townsville Travelodge and Pat Washington’s. “I have fond memories of Townsville growing up,” she says.
Elite Properties Townsville 279B Charters Towers Road, Hermit Park Telephone 07 4725 8181 Email glenda@elitetsv.com www.eliteproperties.net.au
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I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
suzanne coverlid SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE VIRGO PATTERSON REALTY
With monthly sales averages comparable to the top five per cent of agents in Townsville, Suzanne Coverlid says she’s passionate about working for Virgo Patterson Realty because savings are passed on to clients. “We’re locally owned and operated and have worked for a flat sales commission fee since 2004,” Suzanne says. An expert at finding solutions for everyday people’s housing requirements, Suzanne has been a senior sales executive with Virgo Patterson Realty for three years. “All up I have been working in the real estate industry for seven years now and, before that, I was a bookkeeper,” she says. “I don’t think I was suited to that role, though, because I love talking to people.” With the real estate industry changing on a monthly basis, agents are constantly learning about their business. This part of the job suits Suzanne as she enjoys problem-solving. “I love matching people with properties. I like to see the excitement on their faces when they purchase a home,” she says. Suzanne is also happy to go above and beyond the call of duty to help her clients. “I have taken in people’s animals they were going to surrender to the RSPCA because they were splitting up when their house was sold or they couldn’t look after them,” she says. “I have taken in two dogs and rescued two pigs.” Suzanne has also driven a vendor to hospital for cancer treatment and organised people to come in and get people’s houses ready for sale. Her friendly, caring, yet professional approach to her work has earned Suzanne a loyal, referral-based following. “Providing a continued competitive real estate service in an industry that is very challenging is what drives me,” she says. Originally from England, Suzanne immigrated to New Zealand in 1976 then moved to Australia. Virgo Patterson Realty 266 Charters Towers Road, Hermit Park Telephone 0439 032 210 Email suzanne@vprtsv.com.au www.vprtownsville.com.au
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“My family and I moved to Townsville with my husband Michael’s job and we wouldn’t live anywhere else now. We love it,” she says. “I certainly couldn’t give the level of service I do at work without the support I get from Michael and my 14-year-old daughter, Georgia, who goes to Cathedral. My husband does all the cooking and my daughter helps too.”
promotion Ray White Munro Partners Townsville 252 Charters Towers Road Hermit Park Telephone 0407 352 276 | Email julie.paton@raywhite.com juliepaton.raywhite.com
I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
julie paton
SALES AND MARKETING CONSULTANT | RAY WHITE MUNRO PARTNERS TOWNSVILLE Love brought Julie Paton back to Townsville – both love of her partner and North Queensland, where she performed two years of policing service before moving out to Mount Isa. “It’s the best move I’ve ever made,” says the sales and marketing consultant for Ray White Munro Partners Townsville. “I’m proud that I’ve climbed a steep learning curve to transition my skills into the property industry and I’ve come out above the average.” During her 22 years with the Queensland Police Service, Julie travelled to East Timor as a United Nations peace-keeper. She says a sense of ‘service’ to her community is still her primary motivator. “Accountability, transparency and very hard work are my trademarks,” Julie says. “My personal integrity is something I treasure enormously and I know once compromised it will be lost forever. Life’s lessons have established my values, beliefs and personal identity. I choose never to conduct myself in a manner (professionally or personally) that would compromise my integrity.” Julie’s mindset is a match for the approach taken by Ray White Munro Partners Townsville. “We are not driven by personal greed, we are trained
to consider what is the best fit for the seller and buyer,” Julie says. “It is about that personal touch.” Helen Munro, the company’s principal, has been in real estate for 25 years and a proprietor of Ray White offices for over 17 years. Helen’s son Errol is the business’ sales manager and her daughter Tracy is the property manager for rental properties. Both children became partners of the business in 2012 and share their mum’s passion for the real estate industry. Julie considers herself an employee for those selling their property. “I am providing my professional advice on the property market to assist owners and buyers navigate a path to meet their financial goals,” she says. “This mindset leaves full control of the sale of the property with the owners always. It keeps my mind focused on being respectful of their needs while being honest and forthcoming about the buyers’ opinions of a property. “I get so much energy, sense of purpose and worth from helping people. I believe in a holistic approach to marketing a property for sale in order to achieve a premium price in the current marketplace. ”
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I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
jan lee
SALES ASSOCIATE RAY WHITE ACTON & ASSOCIATES Ray White Acton & Associates was started by Andrew Acton just on a year ago. Andrew has a proven track record of running highquality real estate businesses, so it’s no surprise this business has a culture of customer focus and delivery of results. It’s an approach that sits well with sales associate Jan Lee’s own way of working. “We are totally focused on delivering the very best result possible for our clients,” Jan says. “After 25 years that is still the most important thing to me.” With 10 agents and an environment of sharing knowledge and resources, clients of Ray White Acton & Associates benefit from a work culture where employees strive to improve every day. “I am very focused and passionate about my work and I have never worked with a better team,” Jan says. “Unofficially, my role could also be described as ‘mother hen’ and I am always available to other agents seeking advice. I am more partial to the term ‘mother hen’ because the notion of ‘senior’ can have unpleasant references to one’s age or longevity!” Jan enjoys the fact that no two days are the same in real estate and relishes the fast pace. Real estate is an exciting, challenging and potentially rewarding career,” she says. “It’s definitely not a nine-to-five job but it allows flexibility and a sense of doing something good for people while making a decent living at the same time. It’s nice when your occupation is also your hobby.” This year Jan celebrated 25 years in the industry. She has worked in all sorts of real estate markets, from the hard times in the late 1980s when interest rates reached 17 per cent through the rollercoaster ride that saw prices fall dramatically during the early 1990s and peak in 2009.
Ray White Acton & Associates 51 Sturt Street, Townsville city Telephone 0408 777 437 Email jan.lee@raywhite.com www.raywhiteacton.com.au
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“It makes me smile to think I am now working with the children of buyers who moved into the homes I sold during the early years of my career,” she says. “I choose not to see it as ‘getting long in the tooth’ but as a reward for always working in a fair and honest way and treating people the way I would like to be treated.”
promotion Siobhan Case Real Estate and Michael Case Homes 25 Pilkington Street, Garbutt Telephone 0400 689 555 Email siobhan@siobhancaserealestate.com.au www.siobhancaserealestate.com.au
I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
I N R E A L E S TAT E
siobhan case
PRINCIPAL | SIOBHAN CASE REAL ESTATE AND MICHAEL CASE HOMES
Next year Siobhan Case will celebrate 10 years in business in the Townsville real estate industry. As principal of Siobhan Case Real Estate, and operations manager of Michael Case Homes, she is one busy lady… but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I really have three roles, principal of the real estate business, operations manager of the building company and director of the investment division,” Siobhan says. “Oh… make that four roles. I am also ‘Mummy’ to my beautiful six-year-old daughter Paris-Coco.” Offering clients the personal service of a boutique agency, with the strength of a diverse local group at her fingertips, has won Siobhan a loyal following. “I do the research, listing, marketing and open homes myself but can call on any number of our licensed new home agents to help whenever I need,” Siobhan says. “I think the thing my clients like the most, though, is that I really get to know them and keep in touch with them regularly on a personal level.” Over the years it became more common for Case clients looking to build with them to be needing to sell their existing home first.
“It was a natural progression to offer to help them sell and keep it all in-house as a one-stop shop,” Siobhan says. “It’s a win-win situation because, if I sell their home quickly for a good price, they are happy and we get to build for them.” This service also allows clients to continue their relationship with one company all the way through. Siobhan has even sold clients’ homes and provided them with one of the company’s rental properties while they built their new home. “We do it on a week-to-week basis without them having to sign a long lease, giving them flexibility,” Siobhan says. “It’s all about making it easier for people to get from where they are now to where they want to be. “My clients know I really care about achieving their goals, whether they are building with us or not, plus the greatest difference I offer is the advantage of exposing their property to hundreds of buyers each week who visit our Michael Case display homes. “This puts their property in front of hundreds of genuine buyers who would never see it otherwise. We have sold many properties for our clients this way.”
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RAEWYN, THE DANCERS AND OPERA SINGERS SHARING A JOKE
A SENSE OF ABANDON
INSPIRED BY EXTREME HUMAN EMOTIONS, THIS UNIQUE COLLABORATION BETWEEN DANCENORTH AND OPERA QUEENSLAND WILL TAKE AUDIENCES ON A MUSIC-DANCE ADVENTURE NOT SEEN BEFORE.
WORDS SUZANNE SCHMIDT
ABANDON, co-created by three leading artists: director Lindy Hume, choreographer Raewyn Hill and virtuoso classical accordionist James Crabb is “a synthesis of sublime baroque music and contemporary physical theatre”. Inspired by Georg Friedrich Händel’s arias and exquisitely costumed from the 2013 summer collection by Bruce McKinven, the eight shows to be performed at Townsville’s School of Arts Theatre are sure to leave audiences breathless. This extraordinary work, to premiere in Townsville, has been developed collaboratively over months, however only in the final weeks of rehearsals will the dancers, singers and musicians come together in Townsville with Raewyn, Lindy and James as they work together to create the full-length production.
Raewyn Hill
Lindy Hume
James Crabb
Critically acclaimed choreographer and Dancenorth artistic director Raewyn Hill said the collaboration behind Abandon began when Dancenorth and Opera Queensland worked together on a regional outreach program last year. “We had initial conversations about developing an ongoing relationship between the companies. When Lindy came to Townsville we started talking through concepts for the creation of a new work. Abandon has been in development for about a year now,” Raewyn said. Raewyn is one of New Zealand’s foremost contemporary dance practitioners. Her work has been presented by festivals and venues worldwide, including New Zealand Arts Festivals: Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch, Taupo and Dunedin; Brisbane Arts Festival (Australia), Sydney Opera House (Australia), Ten Days on the Island (Tasmania), Hong Kong Arts Festival (China), Peter Sharpe Theatre (New York), COCA (Australia), Bolshoi Theatre (Russia),
Baryshnikov Arts Centre (New York). “Lindy and James are two phenomenal artists. It’s been such an honour to share the space with them. It’s important for Dancenorth to bring together artists of this level for our Townsville audience, and as Dancenorth’s artistic director it’s a good example of where I see the future of the company going,” she said. “We have had an incredible time developing this project – we’ve been working in different centres – Paris, Melbourne, Tasmania, Gold Coast and Townsville creating the solos. All the while Lindy has been working with James in Brisbane and we connect via Skype and email as often as we can. It’s not until you’re standing together in the studio that you know if you’re on the same page creatively, so that’s been a real challenge we have all faced as we continue to create separately. Purely because of Dancenorth’s location we are used to creating work in that semi-detached way but this took it to a whole new level.” RAEWYN HILL’S PHOTO BY NAOMI LEE PHOTOGRAPHY. JAMES CRABB’S PHOTO BY CHRISTOFFER ASKMAN WWW.ASKMAN.DK
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promotion Raewyn said Abandon truly was a project that catered to all tastes. “As an audience member the performance is going to be quite phenomenal to engage with. You have opera, dance and live music all in the same space, so it caters to a wide audience,” she said.
Lindy agreed the project had its challenges. “We all speak a different language – opera versus dancing – so we’ve tried not to focus on what’s different, but on what connects us. It’s been challenging finding a language that works for all of us, but it’s the challenge that makes it so interesting,” she said.
Co-creator Lindy Hume, who is artistic director of Opera Queensland, is considered one of Australia’s leading directors, acknowledged internationally for fresh interpretations of a wide variety of repertoire and for progressive artistic leadership of a number of Australian arts organisations, including Sydney Festival and Perth International Arts Festival, West Australian Opera, Victoria State Opera, then Oz Opera. She has also served on the Australia Council’s Major Performing Arts Board. In 2007 Lindy was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters by University of Western Australia in recognition of her contribution to the cultural life of Western Australia.
Lindy said working with James Crabb made the project complete. “James is an amazing classical accordion virtuoso,” she said. “What would normally be played by a full orchestra is being played by only two musicians in Abandon – classical accordion and cello (played by Teije Hylkema). It’s quite extraordinary.”
As a director, Lindy has created more than 50 major productions across Australasia including Carmen, Don Giovanni, Die Fledermaus, La Périchole, Les pêcheurs de perles (Opera Australia), Orlando, Trouble in Tahiti, The Barber of Seville (Oz Opera), Alcina, Orpheus in the Underworld (West Australian Opera), Carmina Burana (State Opera of South Australia/The Australian Ballet), Idomeneo (Pinchgut Opera). Lindy said she had been keen to work with Dancenorth for a long time. “We were working in the Dancenorth studio and I had seen Raewyn’s work in New Zealand so I was aware of her talent and was keen to do something intimate in scale,” Lindy said. “I thought Dancenorth would be an interesting company to work with.” Lindy said the concept of combining opera, live music and dance in this format was quite abstract. “It’s a bunch of human beings in a room with different stories to tell in a short time – some strands link and some don’t. It’s a unique people-watching exercise,” she said. “It combines Händel’s arias written more than 300 years ago and presents them in a contemporary format. It’s fantastic reaching across time to talk about the human experience we all share.”
James Crabb, who has being playing since the age of four, has performed all over the world and is considered a pioneer of the classical accordion by critics who have praised his virtuosity and versatile musicianship. He has performed worldwide as soloist and director with orchestras and ensembles including the BBC Symphony, Sydney and Melbourne Symphonies, London Philharmonic, London Symphony, Hallé Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Nash Ensemble, Hong Kong Philharmonic and Swedish Chamber Orchestra as well as at Festivals including Edinburgh, the London Proms, Lucerne, Sydney Millennium, Aldeburgh, and Brisbane Biennale. James is an internationally acclaimed authority on the music of Astor Piazzolla and later this year will direct Piazzolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires for Victorian Opera from the instrument. He was professor of classical accordion at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen from 1995 – 2010 as well as guest professor at the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz, Austria. Being a part of Abandon has been an exciting collaboration for James and he is keen to see all elements of the project come together in Townsville in July. As musical director of Abandon, James has created bespoke arrangements for soprano, alto and bass voices for the show, and said the classical accordion was unique in that it was both a keyboard and wind instrument
JAMES CRABB AND TEIJE HYLKEMA
“Lindy and James are two phenomenal artists. It’s been such an honour to share the space with them.”
RAEWYN HILL
with the possibility of life-like breathing from the bellows, allowing him to follow the singers’ phrasing and mimic their moves. “The instrument also provides an astonishing variety of orchestral tone colours as well as an interesting and often dramatic visual element,” James said. “It is very much like chamber music in that there is no conductor dictating what happens on stage, all the performers have to put a lot of trust in each other, which in return gives a wonderful sense of spontaneous expression and flexibility. These are essential ingredients for creating truly magical communicative moments of individuality and intimacy.”
CONNECT ONLINE Abandon will be performed at the School of Arts Theatre from July 24 to August 1. Visit www.dancenorth.com.au or call 4772 2549
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my style
CASSIE MOORE SMART STYLE SHOPPER I was born in Gladstone, Central Queensland, and lived there my whole life up until a year and a half ago, when my boyfriend and I decided it was time for a change and made the move to Townsville. Great decision! I work at Skin Ski and Surf in Flinders Street. It’s a lot of fun and I’ve made some great friends from it!
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Describe your style? I pretty much just dress to suit my mood on the day. I wear a lot of black. I guess you could describe my style as edgy but girly. Most treasured item? Probably my silver jewellery. I love finding interesting pieces at markets and quirky little hippy shops. Labels you like? I tend to shop style more so than
brand. Your style guru? I don’t really have just one. I’m inspired by various people, places and 80’s metal! You’d never be caught wearing…? Fluro and/or Crocs! Wardrobe item you can’t bring yourself to part with? My leopard print tights. They’re tacky but I love them. Shoes or dress first? Lately it has been shoes.
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ATTENTION FOOD+WINE LOVERS THE PEPPERS GOURMET FOOD TRAIL, LAUNCHED IN AUGUST 2012, CONTINUES TO WIND ITS WAY DOWN AUSTRALIA’S EAST COAST.
A PROGRAM OF EVENTS, packages and offerings at Peppers’ collection of stylish resorts and elegant retreats, The Peppers Gourmet Food Trail celebrates the finest food and wineproducing regions in Australia and New Zealand. Peppers’ latest series of events continues the Peppers vision to showcase regional food and wine, from the paddock to the plate, and integrate exceptional accommodation with gourmet dining experiences. For more information visit www.peppers.com.au/food. AT OUR VERY OWN PEPPERS BLUE ON BLUE on Magnetic Island, chef Rodney Smith wows guests of the Resort’s Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar with his own take on modern Australian cuisine using fresh local seasonal products and seafood. Beginning his career with a chef apprenticeship at the Sydney Boulevard Hotel, Rodney’s career highlights include opening the Parkroyal’s signature restaurant hotel and Kingsford’s in Cairns, cooking for ministers, governors and an array of high-profile business people at Sydney’s The Australian Club for 10 years, and heading the kitchen at the former Peppers Palm Bay in the Whitsundays. He enjoys seeing diners come back again and again to savour his ever-changing menu, which always includes one of his signature dishes such as Cape Grim Beef fillet with mashie peas, seared scallops, sautéed kipflers and port jus. Set in tropical landscaped surrounds with beautiful marina and mountain views, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort redefines the essence of island holidays on Queensland’s magical Magnetic Island. The resort is positioned on the water’s edge in the heart of a waterfront precinct which includes its own marina for guests to soak up the nautical atmosphere. The resort is a 25-minute ferry ride from Townsville, with accommodation a leisurely stroll from the Magnetic Island ferry terminal. The Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar is located at Peppers Blue on Blue Resort, Magnetic Island. For bookings call (07) 4758 2419.
At our very own Peppers Blue on Blue, chef Rodney Smith wows guests of the Resort’s Boardwalk Restaurant & Bar with his own take on modern Australian cuisine.
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my bag
CHELSEA MCLENNAN
I GREW UP IN ALBURY, NSW AND HEADED OVERSEAS AFTER UNIVERSITY WHERE I MET MY HUSBAND, ROSS. WE MET WHILE ON A TOUR IN TURKEY FOR ANZAC DAY. I LOVE TO TRAVEL AND HAVE LIVED IN THE UK AND CANADA (I LOVE THE COLD AND PEOPLE IN TOWNSVILLE THINK I’M CRAZY). I’VE WORKED AT TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE PAST FOUR AND A HALF YEARS IN MARKETING AND LOVE IT! IT’S VERY CHALLENGING BUT ALSO VERY REWARDING, I HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST IN SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING.
THE BAG From Witchery, black, buttery soft – it’s the perfect size (to fit those female essentials) and you can use if for day (work) and night (dinner or drinks). Love the buttery soft feel of the Witchery bags. I’m an eBay addict and bought this bag and other items in my bag on eBay.
BLACK, QUILTED WALLET Another great eBay purchase. Just the right size and I love the cute, gold charms.
HAND GEL Always handy after the gym or using public toilets.
MAC RED RUBY LIPSTICK With my dark hair I love to wear red lipstick – good way to dress up your day outfit if you’re out and about and heading to dinner.
BOHEME SIGNATURE BALANCING MIST A gift from my beauty
NANA’S ENGAGEMENT RING My
have in your handbag so you can refresh throughout the day.
Nana passed away a few years ago and left me her engagement ring in her Will. I always carry it around with me.
VON TRESKOW BRACELET My husband bought me this bracelet a few years ago for my birthday. I wear it every day.
iPHONES X 2 I have a private phone and a work phone – a bit annoying but I swap between the two.
VICTORIA’S SECRET LIP GLOSS Can’t get enough. It smells so good and they have great colours. My friends always steal this one, they love it too.
iPHONE HEADPHONES Love listening to music walking up Castle Hill and always handy to have in your bag when you’re going away.
NOTE PAD Great for writing down your groceries or any notes you may need to record.
CREDIT CARD The all-important necessity for any female. My husband would probably wish I didn’t use it as much as I do.
CLINIQUE SUPERPOWDER Hands down the best makeup product ever. I’ve been using it since I was 18 and can’t recommend it enough.
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therapist, it’s perfect to revitalise your face and give you a lift.
BURBERRY BEAT PERFUME Nice to PANADOL Never know when you’re going to need it. SEACRET CUTICLE OIL I’m a bit of a fanatic with my nails and try to apply this every couple of days.
TCC EVENTS GUIDE Pocket size guide with all the city events for 2013, perfect size to keep in your handbag and refer to each month for what’s on.
PIRATE KEY RING A girlfriend from work bought this for me in China. We have a little joke – she calls me ‘Patchy’ hence the pirate with a patch key ring. RAY BAN SUNGLASSES I like to change up my sunnies. I put old sunnies on eBay then buy new ones – these would be my best purchase. I love them.
AIRPLANE USB Very handy to keep in your handbag and load any files you may need on the fly – and it’s cute. HIDDEN VALLEY CABINS BROCHURE I’m looking at a weekend away soon and picked this up at Ecofiesta.
interview
“I COULDN’T FIND ANYTHING IN STORES I WANTED TO WEAR TO MY CLASSES, SO I STARTED MAKING MY OWN.” LORNA JANE CLARKSON
interview
DUO MAGAZINE SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY WITH
LORNA JANE CLARKSON THE QUEENSLAND DESIGNER BEHIND LORNA JANE LIVES AND BREATHES THE LABEL’S HEALTHY PHILOSOPHY. WWW.LORNAJANE.COM.AU INTERVIEW CARLA CARUSO
How did the Lorna Jane label come about? I started designing my own active wear while I also worked as a dental therapist and an aerobics instructor. I couldn’t find anything in stores I wanted to wear to my classes, so I started making my own. I wanted fun, bright and fashionable exercise gear that not only made me look good but feel great. The women in my classes loved what I was doing and the requests flooded in for their own custom-made leotards and tights – all the rage back then! Lorna Jane just organically evolved from that moment on and I knew I was onto something very special.
Did you ever imagine the brand becoming a household name? The success of Lorna Jane in the early days was truly overwhelming and is still something I am taken aback by and so very grateful for to this day… it was never my plan to grow the business to the position that we’re lucky to hold today. It was definitely a learning experience in the beginning – and really, every day still is as I’m faced with new challenges! – But it was all about taking it one step at a time and picking myself up, dusting myself off and moving forward with any obstacle I ran into. I think that’s definitely where my [label’s] ‘never give up’ attitude was born.
Has the fitness industry changed a lot since you began designing? The industry has completely transformed over the past 20 years. As women, we once believed cardio and aerobics was
the answer to looking fit. Now we are educated in the power of strength training and the benefits it brings, such as weight loss, muscle gain, and overall body toning and sculpting. It’s crazy to think it took me so long to include it in my workout routine. There are also so many new fitness crazes cropping up around the place that keeps exercise exciting and fresh for us.
Any latest season pieces that are must-haves? As we’re in the midst of winter, I recommend investing in a great jacket to help you face those early mornings. My pick is the ‘zeena excel’ zipthrough, which has flattering panel lines, power mesh – and thumb holes to keep your hands extra-warm!
Which celebs have you been excited to see in your gear? It is always such an honour for me to see any woman wearing Lorna Jane. And, of course, to think celebrities who are honestly spoilt for choice when it comes to active wear have chosen our brand over any other is incredible. Our celeb fans include Charlize Theron, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba and [ex-Spice Girls’] Mel B, just to name a few.
Are you still based in Queensland?
Your label has grown to include gym and sportswear, yoga and lifestyle clothing, intimates, and accessories. What’s next? I’m very excited to release my second book this month, More Of The Fit Woman’s Secrets. The response after my first book, Move, Nourish, Believe: The Fit Woman’s Secret Revealed, was incredible. Women loved hearing about how I live my life and embrace my philosophy to achieve good health and happiness, but they wanted… more! So that’s exactly what I did, and with my new book, I am sharing more recipes, more ways to move, and more inspiration to keep you motivated on your active journey.
Tell us a little about your personal life. I am an active woman, an eternal optimist, a wife to my husband, Bill (and Lorna Jane’s CEO), and a mum to my puppy, Roger. I’m so lucky to have found a way to do what I love every day and make a living from it… I love exercising and keeping fit, cooking and enjoying wholesome and nutritious foods, and writing and sharing my experiences with other women to enhance the quality of their lives. I strength train with my personal trainer twice a week, practice yoga at least three times a week, and walk my dog every day.
Definitely. Queensland is the home of Lorna Jane and we’re here to stay. I love the relaxed lifestyle, the beautiful beaches and the stunning weather. It is the perfect recipe for active living as I get to enjoy the city during the week and then escape to the beach on the weekends.
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fashion
BOHEMIAN R H A P S O DY Camilla Tales from a Reading Room - eclectic, straight-from-the-bazaar pieces www.camilla.com.au
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fashion daughter of hecuba shoestring strap jumpsuit $599 daughter of hecuba front tie cape $599
fashion
a daydream swing jacket 3/4 sleeve $599 a daydream yoke detail sleeveless top $399 a daydream yoke detail sleeveless top $399 maluku embroidery and fringe belt with tie detail
fashion prey yoke detail sleeveless long dress $699 prey front tie cape $599.00 fully embroidered boot cuffs
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fashion 60 DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au
fashion eye of horus bat sleeve dress $420 gold legging w/ hand embroidery $599 flores long sleeve undergarment $199
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interview
JODIE CONNOR AND RENEE JEZARD
“WE’RE OFFERING SOMETHING RATHER UNIQUE… ANYONE AND EVERYONE CAN HAVE A GO AT BURLESQUE.” RENEE JEZARD
interview
PARTNERS IN...
Many people spend their life trying to figure out where their true passion lies. Not only have these dance instructors, adventure race partners and artists figured it out, but together they’re promoting their passion throughout North Queensland, and in some cases, Australia. WORDS BY NICOLE THOMSON-PRIDE PHOTOGRAPHY BY SANDRA HEIER EVENSEN
JODIE CONNOR AND RENEE JEZARD, BURLESQUE DANCE INSTRUCTORS By teaching women how to dance burlesque style, Jodie Connor and Renee Jezard are bringing a little bit of glitz and glamour to the lives of ordinary Townsville women. Jodie is the owner of local dance studio Latin Vibrations and Renee, who was once a student there, is a dance instructor. Both are excited to offer burlesque dance classes to women, as it is such a fun and easy dance style to learn. “Anybody can try it and enjoy it,” Jodie explains. Renee also agrees: “We’re offering something rather unique… anyone and everyone can have a go at burlesque. We have a range of different women performing burlesque at the upcoming Townsville Cultural Fest.” The class has certainly proved to be popular since it was first introduced over a year ago. “We had over 40 women turn up to the one class,” Renee explains. “We have girls who do it for a social reason, some do it for fitness, and then there are the body builders who come along to pick up posing and movement.” And credit must be given to both Jodie and Renee who came up with the idea to bring burlesque classes to Townsville. Although that type of creative thinking is exactly what Jodie perceives as being the strength of her partnership with Renee. “We’re both very similar sorts of women,” Jodie explains. “We both love to explore ideas that might be bigger than what the normal person might think of. We’re not afraid to dream big and see how far we can get and I think that makes it really exciting.” According to both Jodie and Renee, their personalities balance each other out. Jodie is a big picture person whilst Renee is into the finer details. She helps to put the realistic aspects into Jodie’s big dreams. When describing Renee, Jodie says that discipline is right at the top of the list. “Her commitment is her best quality.” She also says that Renee has been a real inspiration for a lot of students at Latin Vibrations. “She is one of those people who can really open other people’s eyes to what is possible in their own lives.” And whilst Renee is an inspiration to her students, Jodie is a ray of sunshine. “Jodie is very vibrant and bubbly, a very personable person. She has a very fun and bubbly dance style,” Renee explains.
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interview
JO LANKESTER AND SANDRA WRIGHT
“WE BOTH WORK PRETTY HARD FOR PRESSNORTH. WE SEE HOW GOOD IT IS AND HOW GOOD IT COULD BE.”
SANDRA WRIGHT
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interview JO LANKESTER AND SANDRA WRIGHT PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF PRESSNORTH PRINTMAKERS Jo Lankester and Sandra Wright first met whilst Sandra was completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts at James Cook University (JCU) and volunteered at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery as part of her studies. “I volunteered at Perc Tucker to help hang up and take down exhibitions and Jo’s job there was to be in charge of all that,” Sandra explains. Jo remembers that Sandra was a fantastic volunteer who worked methodically to procedure and in leading new volunteers.” According to Jo, a few years later, a key group of JCU Alumni students and lecturers discussed creating a group that would meet regularly, produce a newsletter, hold exhibitions and create print exchange folios. Sandra was instrumental in organising the first meeting for this group on Anzac Day 2009, which Jo attended. This meeting saw the birth of PressNorth Printmakers. “We both work pretty hard for PressNorth,” Sandra says. “We see how good it is and how good it could be.” Both Jo and Sandra are very passionate about increasing the profile of visual arts within the North Queensland area. Jo teaches printmaking at her local studio, Brush and Press whilst Sandra continues to be a full time artist. So far they
have more than 50 members in PressNorth from places as far south as Mackay and as far north as Cairns. But whilst both Jo and Sandra are passionate about visual arts, they are also quite different in many aspects and bring different strengths to PressNorth. “I have learned a lot from Sandra and believe she is a great leader. I am an opportunist who leaps into new opportunities with gusto and works out how best to do it later. Sandra is more considered and thinks through situations to ensure great outcomes every time for PressNorth,” Jo explains. Sandra adds how Jo brings a lot of bravery to the partnership. “We were asked to go to a meeting at Umbrella Studio with former Premier Anna Bligh when PressNorth was just a fledgling group. Jo confidently stepped forward to articulately express Townsville’s need for funding for an Arts Precinct to Anna… Jo is definitely a great leader in Townsville’s arts community.” This combination of great leadership has yielded great success for PressNorth, such as winning Best Exhibition at this year’s North Queensland Arts Awards for their Out of the Box exhibition.
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interview
JENNI ROBERTS AND SAM STEDMAN
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interview SAM STEDMAN AND JENNI ROBERTS ADVENTURE RACE PARTNERS AND DATING If working as a team is important to the success of a relationship, Sam Stedman and Jenni Roberts can rest assured that they’ll stand the test of time. The pair, who have been dating for over a year, first met through adventure racing and have since started competing together. “I met Jen through some other friends who wanted to get into adventure racing,” Sam explains. “I helped Jen get ready for her first race.” Jenni has come a long way since that first race and just last month they were part of a team who placed second in GeoQuest, Australia’s premier adventure race that tests a competitor’s endurance over 48 hours. And it is that test of endurance that can sometimes test a relationship. According to Sam: if you can survive an adventure race as a couple, that’s when you know you’re on to something good. “When we’re racing our relationship takes a back seat and we become team mates,” Sam says. Jenni also agrees, “We understand that when we’re racing, we’re racing and when we’re not, we’re not.” It’s not just an understanding of their relationship that they share; they also have a huge amount of respect for one another. When speaking of Jenni, Sam says, “Her best quality is her ability to achieve. Everything in her life she has been successful at.” He also admires her mental toughness and her will to never give up. “When we’re racing, she’s one of those girls who would never stop… she has the strongest will to never give in.” Although according to Jenni, that strong will to never give in is something that they both share. “Sam is fast. He does everything quickly and never slows down or stops.” His fast paced attitude has also contributed to the success of his adventure fitness business, Outer Limits. “I’m really proud of where he has taken Outer Limits… It’s come a long way and he’s worked really, really hard for that.” Jenni adds. But whilst it seems that both Sam and Jenni are a cut from the same piece of cloth, there is one big difference between them. Jenni enjoys relaxing and doing things that aren’t physically related, whilst Sam only enjoys activities that seem to involve him pushing his body to the limits. “He just runs, rides and paddles. That’s what he does,” Jenni says.
“WHEN WE’RE RACING OUR RELATIONSHIP TAKES A BACK SEAT AND WE BECOME TEAM MATES.”
SAM STEDMAN
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beauty
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Bask in the glow of Summer with a collection inspired by the sultry shades and exotic scent of the Caribbean. Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer $63, Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave $75, Pure Color Liquid Eyeliner Duo $50, Pure Color Five Color Eyeshadow Palette in Batik Sun $90, Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Solar Crush and Fuchsia Fever $45. STOCKISTS: L’Oréal Paris Hair Expertise now available Woolworths, Priceline and selected pharmacies 1300 659 359 | Thierry Mugler 02 9663 4277 | Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Summer 2013 Collection available from July 14 at selected Estée Lauder counters nationwide and online 1800 061 326 www.esteelauder.com.au | Jurlique 02 9223 0315 www.jurlique.com.au
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Give your skin the means to maintain a perfect balance and leave it glowing with optimal health, naturally. Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil 50ml $65 Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil 50ml $65
Every year I attend the holy grail of Audiology – the annual conference of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). Here’s what I learned this year. GRANT COLLINS I AUDIOLOGIST I CLARITY HEARING SOLUTIONS
Eighty thousand Audiologists attended the conference; there were 200 hours of lectures and presentations of the latest research and products over four days and nearly 500 exhibitors. One of my highlights at the conference was sitting in on a research paper about a new family of drugs designed to act as a treatment and preventative agent for damage to the cochlear from significant noise exposure and certain chemotherapy and antibiotic drugs. When you’re subjected to dangerous levels of noise, the little hairs and cells in the inner ear are flattened and a temporary hearing loss and subsequent tinnitus immediately follows. This temporary hearing loss is called a Temporary Threshold Shift or TTS. Provided the level of the noise is not extreme the hearing usually returns to a normal level after 24-48 hours. However, repeated TTS or a single severe noise exposure incident can lead to what is called a Permanent Threshold Shift, or PTS, and this can occur immediately or 15-20 years later. Research has found there are several
“When you’re subjected to dangerous levels of noise, the little hairs and cells in the inner ear are flattened and a temporary hearing loss and subsequent tinnitus immediately follows.”
naturally occurring substances which can prevent both TTS and PTS occurring if taken immediately before and after significant noise exposure. The most effective substance is called D-methionine or D-met and these trace elements are found naturally in dairy products such as cheese and yoghurts. It’s been found that taking this drug prior to significant noise exposure actually prevented the onset of TTS and PTS as well as any subsequent onset. Furthermore if the drug was administered immediately after and for extended periods of time following significant noise exposure it also prevented the TTS from turning into a PTS. The uses for this drug are numerous so it’s not surprising that the majority of funding for this research was provided by the US Department of Defence. It’s now common practice in Afghanistan for the Taliban forces to use IED not just to injure troops but to provide an explosion loud enough to cause a TTS. Once a TTS occurs then the ability not just
to localise sounds (tell where sounds come from) but to determine your own positioning in space is diminished. This leads to confusion by the soldiers and it’s when the Taliban ambush as Coalition troops can’t determine the direction of the ambush. It’s hoped that in the future by taking the drug prior to going on patrol it prevents this situation and any permanent effects of the noise exposure. Other applications of this drug are endless, including inoculations for emergency services such as firemen, police officers, mining etc. Even the average punter like you and I may eventually take a pill before or after going to a rock concert that will prevent lying in bed with ringing ears! The other ground breaking discovery with D-met is that is has also been found to effectively prevent damage to the cochlear from the effects of very strong chemotherapy and antibiotic drugs which would destroy the inner ear permanently (called Ototoxic drugs). It is already being used successfully for paediatric Oncology in the US.
All new Tinnitus solutions from Clarity Imagine a virtually invisible hearing aid that can help reduce the perception of tinnitus. The latest tinnitus technology is now available from Clarity Hearing Solutions. Using masking tones and fractal equation
technologies, issues with tinnitus may now be positively reduced. Talk to Clarity Hearing Solutions about the right solution for you. Phone 4779 1566 or visit www.clarityhearingsolutions.com.au Advanced Hearing Aid and Audiological Specialists
266 Charters Towers Road Hermit Park QLD 4812
Visiting: Ayr, Bowen, Collinsville, Charters Towers, Ingham, Mt Isa, Longreach, Roma, Charleville, Mackay, Moranbah, Emerald, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Brisbane
Grant Collins Principal Audiologist B.PSYCH(DIST).,M.AUDST.,MAUDSA (CCP)., MAAAPP. Georgia Cambridge Audiologist B.ARTS(PSYCH)., M.AUDST., MAUDSA Sophie McLennan Audiologist B.ARTS(PSYCH)., M.AUDST., MAUDSA(CCP)
w www.clarityhearingsolutions.com.au
e enquiries@clarityhearingsolutions.com.au
Call 1300 CLARITY (1300 252 7489) or 4779 1566 now for your free, no obligation consultation.
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wellbeing
AAA CONFERENCE REPORT
promotion
REACHING YOUR PEAK PERFORMANCE The body, similar to a racing car, needs regular maintenance to run like a well-oiled machine… and that’s where chiropractic care comes in. SUZANNE JARSCHKE I OWNER I WELLSPRING CHIROPRACTIC
July in Townsville marks an exciting month of events that have one thing in common – peak performance. The largest of these is the Sucrogen Townsville 400. V8 Supercar racing has moved well beyond being a recreational pursuit. It is a multi-million dollar series demanding a peak level of physical and mental fitness. This perpetually evolving sport continually pushes the limits of technology and engineering and is increasingly demanding on the drivers. Many teams are now dedicating increased resources to not only look at what is fuelling the car, but also what is fuelling the driver. Proper nutrition and hydration, quality sleep, exercise and an optimally functioning nervous system all play a vital role in enhancing
“We all need to take better care of our bodies and focus more time on maintaining health and wellness.”
performance. Just like a racing car that is driven to the extreme measures of its capacity, so too are these athletes. They need to service their bodies regularly, so when pushing for maximum effort they will not falter. Chiropractic care can help maintain and even improve the biomechanics of the individual. If the nervous system of the driver’s body is free of interference this can improve performance, speed, concentration and agility. The late Peter Brock was a legend in his sport and a long- time supporter of the chiropractic profession. As patron of the Australian Spinal Research Foundation for over five years, he understood that the body, similar to a racing car, needed regular care and maintenance to perform optimally and
run like a well-oiled machine. We all need to take better care of our bodies and focus more time on maintaining health and wellness. Chiropractors treat athletes of all ages, helping them to function at their peak performance. These approaches are applied to injury management in the form of acute, sub-acute and chronic injury as well as in the prevention of injury and the optimisation of athletic performance through the pursuit of the highest efficiency in neuromusculoskeletal functioning. The team at Wellspring would love to help you improve your athletic performance and reach peak performance. For specialist advice call 4779 1604, visit us on Facebook and www.wellspringchiropractic.com.au
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Do you get tingling or numbness in your hands? Is it worse when you sleep at night? There’s a chance you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. CASSANDRA WEBB | DIRECTOR / OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST | HELPING HANDS - HAND, WRIST AND ARM CLINIC
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition brought on by increased pressure on a nerve in your wrist. When the pressure becomes great enough to disturb the way the nerve works, numbness, tingling and pain may be felt in the hand and fingers. The good news is, with the right treatment, the symptoms can be reversed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel, rather than a problem with the nerve itself. A common factor in developing carpal tunnel symptoms is increased hand use or activity. The shape of someone’s wrist may also have a significant role in an individual’s susceptibility, and fluid retention during pregnancy can also cause symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Many people with carpal tunnel syndrome have gradually increasing symptoms over time. It might start with noticing numb hands during the night, but then it can progress to pins and needles when driving, holding a
“Hand therapy can be very effective if the condition is caught during its early stages.”
book or phone. The sensations will be most prevalent on the thumb, index finger and middle finger. Pain can start to develop in the wrist and forearm and finger stiffness is common. Fortunately, for most people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome, proper treatment can usually relieve the pain and numbness and restore normal use of the wrists and hands. In most patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, initial treatment is usually simple. The first options used for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome typically include wrist splints. It is generally recommended that a wrist splint be worn at night while sleeping. While sleeping, people often hold their wrists in a position that allows the median nerve to become pinched. The night splint holds the nerve in a relaxed position, which prevents the pins and needles and allows for a better night sleep. As well as splinting, hand therapy can include soft tissue techniques for forearm and wrist pain and exercises to help the nerve glide in the tunnel.
Ergonomic and task modification advice can be really important to stop the aggravating activities. For pregnancy-related carpal tunnel, compression gloves are often effective to reduce swelling in the hands. Hand therapy can be very effective if the condition is caught during its early stages. Unfortunately, if people leave the condition untreated, nerve and muscle damage can occur or they may require surgery. Here are some tips for avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome: • avoid prolonged or repetitive gripping • keep your wrist straight when typing (flatten your keyboard) • alternate your work tasks and take regular breaks • use a speaker phone instead of holding your mobile • avoid resting wrists on table or desk edges • keep your fingers relaxed when driving and change position often • use anti-vibration gloves if using power tools
For hand, wrist and arm conditions . . .
we’re the experts, hands down!
PHONE 4723 9539 For an appointment, referrals not required
TOWNSVILLE | AYR | INGHAM
info@helpinghandsot.com.au | www.helpinghandsot.com.au
Hicaps available
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wellbeing
PINS & NEEDLES – A WARNING SIGN
promotion
A NEW REASON TO SMILE NORTH QUEENSLAND FAMILY DENTAL IS A FAMILY ORIENTATED DENTAL PRACTICE CATERING FOR ALL YOUR DENTAL NEEDS.
LATE LAST YEAR North Queensland Family Dental, a new family dental clinic, opened on Ross River Road in Townsville. According to the Practice Principal, Dr John Pulvirenti, it’s ‘the culture’ of the practice that sets them apart from other clinics. “We have a lot of fun here, there’s a lot of laughter in the place. We’re a kid-friendly practice that can treat the whole family.”
North Queensland Family Dental have gone to great lengths to make the practice ‘family orientated’ and nestled amongst the modern facilities is a kid’s playroom complete with a TV and XBox. But it’s not just the facilities that appeal to the whole family, so does the service. The team consists of four dental professionals who all focus on different areas of oral health. Dr Pulvirenti, who has been an established dentist in Townsville for many years, focuses on early intervention orthodontics and Dr Matthew Lombardi is the general and cosmetic dentist at the practice. There’s also Karen Ward, the Dental Therapist, who has extensive experience with children of all ages and creates a fun and positive environment for them. Whilst Carla Lejarraga specialises in dental hygiene and myofunctional therapy, focusing on correcting facial and dental development.
“We try to offer everything,” said Dr Pulvirenti. And when he says “everything” he really does mean it. In addition to exceptional service, North Queensland Family Dental also offer a complimentary patient loyalty bonus called DentisureTM. DentisureTM is free dental accident cover of up to $5,000 per accident for all eligible patients. The DentisureTM patient loyalty bonus is just another example that highlights the caring and family orientated culture of the practice.
SPECIAL OFFER If you’re a new patient to North Queensland Family Dental, your first consultation appointment with Dr Matthew Lombardi is absolutely free. The examination includes 2 X-rays, full treatment plan and a guided tour of your mouth. This is available to new patients only and can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer.
Suite 2, 132-134 Ross River Rd, Mundingburra
(07) 4755 2055 Orthodontics • General Dentistry • Children’s Dentistry • Oral Hygiene
New P ati e n t ? Your first appointment is on us! For appointments with Dr Matthew Lombardi. *Only available for new patients to North Queensland Family Dental. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
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Dr John Pulvirenti (BDSc QLD) Dr Matthew Lombardi (BDSc QLD) Karen Ward (Dental Therapist) Carla Lejarraga (Hygienist/Myofunctional Therapist)
www.northqueenslandfamilydental.com.au
family EWEN JONES MP I FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HERBERT
DRIVING COMES FULL CIRCLE “SPEND 30 MINUTES KANGAROO HOPPING AROUND THE BACK STREETS OF THE BOHLE AND A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT SEEMS A PREFERABLE OPTION.”
Well, it had to happen. One of my children got her driver’s licence. After getting the rough end of a couple of decisions (apparently, mounting the footpath while texting is against the rules), Abbie now has her licence. My eldest daughter, Emma, currently lives in Brisbane and with good public transport, sees no need in getting a licence. She has friends who will drive her or she pedals there on her push bike. There have been lessons, tests, practice, and more practice. When the figure comes up about learner drivers having to log 100 hours before going for the test, it does not seem that long. But spend 30 minutes kangaroo hopping around the back streets of The Bohle and a root canal treatment seems a preferable option. Mind you, when I was younger, it was not so difficult. We grew up in a small country town and had cattle on adgistment at one property or another. We would have to shift them from paddock to paddock. That meant that one of the boys would drive, one would get dropped off at the gate into which the cattle had to turn, and the other had to walk them up on foot. Most of the walking was done with Mum. Dad, sensibly, was nowhere to be seen as we drove the HR Holden with no synchro back into first and then the XA Falcon with 3 on the tree around the back roads of Texas and Bonshaw. When it came to my test, I was sort of unlucky. I could drive and drive as well as any 17-year-old boy in the country!! But, I
was at boarding school in Toowoomba and therefore did not get the benefit of the country driving test that my older brother endured. He had to drive the police sergeant from the station to Bill Martin’s Butcher Shop and then drop the meat off at his house. Then back to the station to get the licence typed up. I had to get my licence in Brisbane. I did a driving lesson, just to show the instructor how to double clutch and the like. I then presented at Rosalie testing station. I took this bloke around Rosalie like I was Peter Brock. I was fantastic. I was the driver the Stig would want to be. When we finished, he said I had done everything correctly but I was failed for over confidence. You know me, I don’t like to argue, so I simply pointed out that he was from a dying generation and the sooner fogeys like him left it to us the better we would be as a planet and society, man. Apparently that was not my best effort. We had to re-schedule for my second test in Shorncliffe and we had to get there before my ‘reputation’ did. Otherwise I would still be without a licence today. Abbie now has the benefit of the independence a licence brings. No, she is not getting a car, but she will have free use of it when she comes to pick us up from restaurants and parties for a change. Payback time for all the netball and dancing and school runs!!
NICOLE PIEROTTI I CHILD PSYCHOLOGIST I BABYSMILES
MAKING AND KEEPING FRIENDS “FRIENDSHIPS PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH MORE THAN JUST FUN PLAYMATES OR PEOPLE TO HANG OUT WITH.”
“Mum can Sarah come for a sleep over?” Hmmm, okay we will work something out (says mum) “How about tonight then!!” “Please….” Well I didn’t quite mean NOW. How often has this happened to you? Don’t despair, apart from feeling a bit ambushed; this is actually a great sign of how your child is going in the social world. Having friends, going to birthday parties and sleepovers are routine for most kids and a great sign to parents that they ‘have friends’. Friendships are important. So important that pediatrics says the “friends that your children make can be the most important and rewarding relationship of their lives!” Friendship also relates to personal development and success in the world. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that “making friends is one of the most important missions of middle childhood — a social skill that will endure throughout their lives.” The list of benefits is long. Friendships provide children with more than just fun playmates or people to hang out with. It is through interacting with friends, children learn important social skills – like how to communicate, cooperate, solve problems, and make decisions.
They learn that different situations and different people call for different behaviours. They learn how to lead, how to follow, how to set up rules, how to win, and how to lose. They learn to deal with satisfaction, anger, aggression, and rejection. By comparing themselves to others, children come to understand who they are through their social relationships. But not all children find this easy, some struggle with friendships and have trouble making and keeping friends. So if you notice that your child isn’t talking about friends, isn’t invited to birthday parties or over to play then it could be a problem. Especially if they are anxious about it also. How can you as a parent help? Children learn by imitating parents behaviour, so think about how you interact with others daily, respect how your child makes friends, some are quick, others take a while to warm up. Children need practice so be sure to invite other kids over or set up play dates at the local park. Be sure to listen as your child talks to you about friends and friendship problems. Sometimes children just need more practice so join the activities and think about the example you set to your children. So encourage and enjoy their friends!
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promotion
MORLEYS LADY FUNERALS A Division of Morleys Funeral Home
Some of our clients feel more comfortable with a lady director At Morleys Funeral Home we recognise that some people prefer to have lady funeral directors look after the arrangements and service. We can provide fully trained ladies who are able to assist you with your needs. Morleys Lady Funerals is integrated into Morleys Funeral Home for those who prefer lady funeral directors. They offer a gentle touch and the peace of mind that is synonymous with the Morleys Funeral Home tradition. We understand that some families feel more comfortable in the presence of a lady funeral director, as they feel they have a warm, friendly and soft approach. Our ladies are very conversant with all phases of funeral service and are able to assist you in a professional but endearing manner.
Their experience enables them to assist you, no matter what circumstances or perceived problems prevail. They have a special understanding of loss and grief and will give you all the assistance you need at this difficult time. Whether you would like to organise a funeral following the death of a loved one, or if you want to pre-plan your funeral, our ladies are trained in all aspects of funeral service and can assist you, in a friendly and personal manner. There are times of course, on the very sad occasion of the loss of an infant, when parents feel that a lady can offer more comfort and understanding through a very difficult time. Without diminishing the professionalism and caring nature of our male funeral directors, our lady funeral directors have a special place within our organisation.
2 Martinez Avenue, The Lakes, Townsville Telephone: 4779 4744 After Hours: 4779 2794 Fax: 4779 5480 Email: funerals@morleys.net.au www.morleys.net.au
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corporate
CORPORATE UPFRONT TEC-NQ TO BUILD $4M V8 SUPERCARS – THE BIGGEST ACCOMMODATION FACILITY FOR SHOW IN TOWN TOWNSVILLE Research conducted at last year’s Tec-NQ is pleased to announce that the Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories, Catherine King, visited Townsville recently to announce a $2 million federal grant towards the construction of a new Regional Training Accommodation Facility at Tec-NQ in Townsville. The facility will provide cost-effective accommodation for students from outside of Townsville undertaking studies at Tec-NQ, a registered training organisation and secondary school. Tec-NQ currently provides recruitment support and training for over 70 per cent of the school-based apprentices in Townsville for their trades. Funding for the Regional Training Accommodation Facility is being provided through round four of the Australian Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund.
Townsville 400 V8 Supercars has revealed the city’s signature event injected approximately $32.4M into the Townsville North Queensland Region’s economy. Head of Discipline, Management and Marketing at James Cook University, Dr Murray Prideaux, said new data provided from V8 Supercars, an additional survey question and access to more areas around the track allowed for a more accurate economic figure to be determined. “In 2011 the economic impact figure was estimated to be $16.9M. However, in 2012 we were able to refine the data collection based on the validity of previous year’s collections and relax some conservative assumptions. As a result, we are able to provide a more robust estimate of the economic impact, hence the increase in the figure,” Dr Prideaux said. “We were able to obtain data from the V8 Supercars on how many teams were competing, how
many people in those teams and how many nights they stayed in Townsville, something we have never had before.” “The research also revealed 152,161 spectators attended over the three day event, 1,285 higher than in 2011, with more external visitors attending and a small decline in local residents, which will also affect the economic figure.” Townsville 400 Committee Chairman, Cr Tony Parsons, said these findings will assist this year’s Committee to implement strategies to better promote the event, improve service levels and improve the overall ‘Townsville experience’ for visitors. Surveys will be conducted at the 2013 event to determine the economic impact of this year’s race. This data collection would not be possible without the generous support of volunteers.
TORGAS GETS IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME TORGAS is currently running a project called ‘Getting it right the 1st time’. It is tailored to engage Year 11 and 12 students directly with the objective of putting current Year 12 students on a
clearer career path as well as putting Year 11 students in a tracking pipeline which will motivate them to strive consistently at school to achieve their career aspirations. A TORGAS School Officer is currently visiting high schools in Townsville, Ayr, Home Hill, Ingham and Charters Towers to explain the resources available and to build relationships with the students whilst linking employment opportunities with industry. Students can register on the school’s portal www.torgas.com.au/schools and each student who applies will take part in a recruitment and selection process. Successful applicants will be placed in structured work experience through the TORGAS Employer Network, receive personal protective equipment to prepare them for their chosen work environment and receive regular site visits from TORGAS representatives and/or mentors. If you’re a business and interested in being part of the Work Experience Program with TORGAS, call the Schools Officer, Nicole Gillespie on 4759 0000 or email ngillespie@torgas.com.au
DAVID KIPPIN I CEO I TOWNSVILLE ENTERPRISE LIMITED
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY ICONS The Port of Townsville and James Cook University (JCU) are both critically important icons in our city and Region. The Port will celebrate its 150th birthday in 2016, along with Townsville itself, for the Port is the very reason for Townsville’s existence. JCU celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011 and is now recognised and acclaimed globally for its developing expertise in Marine Biology and Tropical Sciences with its spread extending to its rapidly developing campuses in Singapore and Cairns. Both are significant drivers of the regional economy both in direct economic value and with job creation. What may surprise some is that both organisations are expanding their involvement with Tourism. JCU is partnering with Townsville Enterprise, Tourism and Events Queensland and local tourism operators to provide short courses to support the development of an Edutourism strategy across the Townsville North Queensland Region. We believe this initiative is the first of its type in Australia and differentiates our Region from our traditional leisure tourism cousins to the north and south of us.
The Port has always had a small involvement in the Tourism industry in providing facilities for local ferry services to the islands and the reef as well as infrequent visits by cruise and military ships. However, with the soon to be completed Cruise Ship Terminal at Berth 10, along with the development of the southern bank of Ross Creek as a tourism and lifestyle link between the Palmer Street and Port precincts, the Port is about to take an important leap into tourism in partnership with Townsville Enterprise and the city. The Cruise Ship Terminal will also serve as an additional option for business meetings, conferences and events to complement the excellent facilities already available in Townsville. What I have highlighted is the intrinsic connection that two of our major economic players have with our emerging and quite unique tourism industry. This reinforces the fact that whilst we are blessed with a robust and diverse regional economy, our developing Tourism and Events industry plays an important role not only in destination marketing but also in marketing two of our most important and valuable economic icons.
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cover corporate story
GETTING YOUR LEASE RIGHT In my years as a Bank Manager I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly of property investment. ASHLEY SCOTT | OWNER-MANAGER | BOQ FLINDERS STREET
This includes seeing seasoned residential investors come unstuck trying to navigate the minefield that can be commercial property investment. In my experience, one of the most critical components of successful commercial property investment is getting the lease with your tenant right. So if you’ve been considering entering the commercial property sector, it’s crucial you put in the time and energy to understand what’s involved. Every property, every landlord, every tenant is different, so it’s likely that each lease you enter into will have unique aspects to suit every party involved. This is why it’s essential to consult with a legal professional. The few hundred dollars you spend here could save you thousands down the track.
“If you’ve been considering entering the commercial property sector, it’s crucial you put in the time and energy to understand what’s involved.”
While there are more lease considerations than can possibly be covered in a short article, I’ve endeavoured to highlight a few of the key retail lease issues to get you started.
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■ Know what types of businesses can be
run from your property. You may need to check if there are any restrictions with local council and the body corporate. This can save you from wasting your time negotiating leases with unsuitable tenants. Be prepared for some costs because landlords are responsible for covering their costs for entering into a lease, for example, lease preparation costs and mortgagee consent fees. ■
■ Seek
legal advice on the lease as necessary because there may be some legal requirements that you should be aware of, such as, you may be required to give a disclosure statement to your prospective tenants. You’ll also need to get some form of security from your tenant to cover any outstanding expenses or debt at the end of the lease. So you might consider a bond or a bank guarantee. ■
Investing in commercial property can be complex, which is why I recommend you have a team of professionals (which should include your friendly Bank Manager!) to support you. Think of this team as an insurance policy on your investment. They can help take the risk and effort out of buying and managing your investment property.
This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The views expressed in this article are solely the views of the author. Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 does not endorse, and has not authorised any particular statements in this article. This article has been prepared by and is the responsibility of the author.
Parenting from a distance is hard work, especially when you are confronted with a difficult co-parent. My advice – don’t give up! KATE PATEMAN | DIRECTOR | KLP FAMILY LAW
Whether you work away from home or live in separate towns and are separated from your children for a period of time, parenting from a distance can be difficult especially when the co-parent does not seem to support your relationship with your kids. Every child has a right to know and be cared for by both of their parents, don’t let anybody fool you or convince you otherwise. I always hear clients talk about the Family Court as ‘being for the mums’ or ‘the fathers have no rights’. These statements are anything but true. What you need to remember is that whilst every child has a right to know both their parents, sometimes you do have to enforce that right. Where do you stand in the eyes of the law? Well, let’s break the law down and we can then talk about what you can do. Each parent has parental responsibility (PR). This ‘means all the duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law parents have in relation to children’. That is, each parent has a responsibility to decide on the child’s long term issues, such as where the child is to live, education and health care.
“Every child has a right to know and be cared for by both of their parents – don’t let anybody fool you or convince you otherwise.”
The Family Law Act (Act) provides that when making an Order a Court must presume that this PR should be equally shared between both parents. This means that you both should discuss the long term issues together and make a genuine attempt to come to an agreement. This presumption is rebuttable, meaning that it will not apply if there is child abuse or family violence. The fact that there is a DVO does not mean that the presumption is automatically rebutted. In a lot of matters, even when there is a DVO in place the courts have still ordered equal shared PR. If this presumption applies, then the Court must consider shared care. This does not mean that the Court will order shared care, only that they must consider it. There are a lot of factors that the Court needs to factor in when considering shared care, such as the child’s best interests. If the presumption doesn’t apply or if it is found that shared care is not in the child’s best interests, then the Court must look at substantial and significant time. Now that we have sorted the law side of things, where does that leave you? How do you enforce your child’s rights?
If you are finding it difficult to see your child or communicate with the other parent, then your first port of call is to mediate. You need to do this before you can go to Court to seek any Orders as there is a certificate that you will need to obtain. Not only that, mediation also promotes communication, which is usually the biggest issue between co-parents! I cannot stress communication enough. If you can communicate with the other parent, then you are almost there. But there are times when communication is either not enough or the other parent just frustrates the process (or they won’t even agree to attend mediation). Unfortunately this is a common issue and when you are working away from home (or even when you are not) this makes co-parenting very difficult. A lot of people give up at this stage. I say push on and mediate. If you do not get anywhere, apply to the Court. Don’t leave it until it is too late. Don’t miss out on the best years because you are hoping that it will get better in years to come – they grow up so fast!
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corporate
KIDS – THEY GROW UP SO FAST!
my profile bag
“I AM PROUD THAT I DO THIS [TURN COMPANIES AROUND] WITHOUT FIRING ANYONE.” ALLAN BRANCH
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BRANCHING OUT
FROM BEING A SCIENTIST, TO AN ENTREPRENEUR, TO A TURNAROUND CEO, ALLAN BRANCH CONTINUES TO CHANGE THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE AND FIND GREAT SUCCESS. WORDS NICOLE THOMSON-PRIDE PHOTOGRAPHY SKYE BREE MILLARD
SINCE THE AGE OF 10, Allan Branch always knew that he wanted to be a scientist. But what he didn’t know was that one day he’d end up being a very successful scientist, pioneer in the research and commercialisation of smart robot technology, entrepreneur, academic and CEO. “When I was into robotics I invented, manufactured and sold more robots than anyone and since I have been doing company turnarounds, I have turned around more companies than anyone else.” According to Allan his career has followed three distinct phases; filling lots of different technical positions in his early days, then becoming a technology entrepreneur, and now fixing up companies, often in severe financial distress. In his current role as Managing Director and CEO of Krucible Metals Ltd, Allan explains how he is a ‘hands-on, turnaround CEO’ tasked with ensuring the company ‘converted some discoveries it has made into liquid funds to keep the company operational.’ As a turnaround CEO, Allan is proud that he can turnaround companies without firing anyone. He questions: “How many times do you hear a company say that its main asset is its people? All the time. Yet when times are tough, the first thing the consultants or turnaround managers do is fire people. I am proud that I do this [turn companies around] without firing anyone.” What also makes Allan proud is the knowledge that when he saves a business, sometimes, he also saves a life. He explains how “in smaller enterprises, especially family businesses, the situation is so desperate, with staff morale low, people facing personal ruin with mortgages and so on. On two specific occasions, the founders of such companies have told me afterwards that I saved their lives. ”Whilst most people might think the transition from scientist to turnaround CEO is unusual, when you think of the characteristics of a scientist, it makes perfect sense. Scientists are inquisitive and employ a scientific approach when exploring a problem. They’re also persistent, creative and analytical; they embrace uncharted territory and observe what is happening to come up with feasible solutions.
These characteristics that have helped Allan be a successful CEO, also saw him enjoy great success as a scientist in his early days. According to Allan, in the late 1960s he was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. “I was a laboratory technician at the University of Tasmania in the Department of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine…I learned about leading edge surgical science such as dealing with liver trauma from car accidents, heart lung machines, and my professor Bob Mitchell was a pioneer in kidney transplants in Australia. I participated in the development of heart lung machines, microsurgery, kidney transplant perfusion and cooling equipment… It is almost impossible to believe I was lucky enough to have been that kid in the midst of such an amazing time.” Allan, who has had his PhD and MBA equivalency recognised at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for his career achievements, has been featured in the media and has lectured around the world including at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University and Monash University. He also continues to present at various conferences as part of his current role as Managing Director and CEO of Krucible Metals Ltd. “Over the last year, I have presented at probably a dozen conferences and venues in the local and national mining industry, and it is a key part of keeping the company visible and the industry and shareholders up to date with developments.” But after having lived all around the world in places such as New York, Paris, Zurich, Pittsburgh, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, and having worked with such well known organisations including General Electric, General Motors, NASA and CSIRO, how does living and working in Townsville compare? “Townsville has truly been a surprise and I love this place… The first thing I do is take visitors up Castle Hill at night and see the wonder in their eyes, then I take them to wander the Strand. No other Australian city has these two things side by side, then the proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, tourist islands, university, industry, mining, defence, and [it has] the country’s best climate.”
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visual arts
DavisThomas Unravel 2010 installation shot
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ARTICULATE
DUO MAGAZINE IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH PERC TUCKER REGIONAL GALLERY AND SHANE FITZGERALD, MANAGER GALLERY SERVICES, TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL, IN A SERIES THAT DISCUSSES CURRENT TRENDS, MUSINGS AND INSIGHTS INTO CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ARTS.
MUSING WITH MATERIALS MERLEAU-PONTY’S theory Phenomenology of Perception identifies the Body as the primary site of knowing the world and that as such all consciousness is perceptual and subjective. Perception is not the unchanging object as intimated by the natural sciences, but rather an ever fluctuating intertwinement of the consciousness, the world, and the human body; perceiving is an intricately and mutually engaged dance. In the latest exhibition on display at Pinnacles Gallery, Brisbane based artists Adrian Davis and Lubi Thomas – practicing collaboratively under the moniker DavisThomas – have demonstrated a masterful and dynamic repurposing of rigid industrial materials and transformed them into equally arresting and seductive monumental installations which delicately weave subliminal connections between material qualities, aesthetics and association. Seemingly organic, the works in Musings with Materials harness inherent and kinetic energy and challenge our perceptions of awareness and association with the materials that comprise each installation. By creating an oscillation between perceivable yet contradictory sensitivities in the works, DavisThomas facilitate
an awareness of the act of perception. Perception being: the combination of our sensorial responses with our innerdialogues – our own unique libraries of association and meaning. For instance, Spring-Still balances on the precipice between containment and release; the artwork’s materiality both allures and repels the viewer with beauty and threat. Poised-Steel is suspended in a state of fluidity, captured by contingent forces. This is an artwork in a state of equilibrium under tension. This collection of works is concerned with modalities of viewing and the physicality of perception. Through the ceaseless and hypnotic dispensing of paper, Unravel transfixes the audience in the interstice of an endless liminal transformation. A sublime state that both draws the viewer into a greater awareness of seeing and conversely repels them through a lack of event or conclusion. Wavelength extends the act of seeing beyond the physical stimuli to the fleeting and ephemeral. Wavelength uses the moiré effect to create intangible moments of seeing that draw the viewer’s attention to the act of seeing as a sensorial experience. Through triggering our subliminal connection between the physical world and
DavisThomas Sprung Still 2010 installation shot
our corporeal processes of perception DavisThomas explore both the fluidity of meaning and the fleeting ephemeral experience of viewing. Musing with Materials is an exhibition that deliberately draws upon Merleau-Ponty’s theory: Phenomenology of Perception, intentionally exposing our corporeity process of perception and personalised meaning-making systems. The result are works that are exciting, transformative and somewhat alchemical – a delight to behold and every bit enticing.
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interview
5 MINUTES WITH... TOWNSVILLE IS BLESSED WITH SO MANY TALENTED AND INTERESTING PEOPLE THAT WE’VE DECIDED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO FOUR LOCAL CHARACTERS EACH MONTH. IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE YOU THINK SHOULD BE FEATURED JUST SEND AN EMAIL TO EDITOR@DUOMAGAZINE.COM.AU
“I’M AN EARLY RISER. I REALLY ENJOY THE BEAUTY AND SERENITY OF THE EARLY MORNINGS, THEN THE KIDS WAKE UP.” BLAIR SHILLINGTON
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JULIE BAILEY CO-OWNER OPERATOR OF SANDWICH EXPRESS WITH MY HUSBAND PETER. AKA: Wife to Peter, mum to Jenna and Sophie. Most treasured item: Family, good health and our dog Bella. You in three words: Go, Go, Go! Most memorable event: Apart from the births of my two beautiful daughters, it would be my 50th birthday when my husband Peter presented me with a replacement engagement ring exactly the same as the one he lost 16 years ago while I was in hospital having IVF treatment to help me fall pregnant. What you love about where you live: Townsville is a wonderful place with a laidback country feel and all the attributes of a larger city. You always meant to: Go to Africa and visit one of the game parks. Where are you from: Born in a small town in Western Australia called Three Springs. My Mum and Dad had a wheat and sheep farm near Mingenew. It was 3500acres and I was driving a geared ute at 10 and rounding up sheep on my own. I think these days parents cottonwool their kids too much, maybe not let them drive at 10 but at least let them get dirty! I went to primary school in Mingenew then onto Geraldton as a boarder for my high school years. Best dish: Lamb cooked any way. I was brought up eating lamb and it has stayed with me my whole life. Your mentor: My best friend and mentor is my husband Peter. We’ve been together for 33 years. We met on Magnetic Island in August 1980 when he came up from Sydney to buy a sailing boat and I was a 21 year old backpacker who had just come over from Darwin. He wanted a crew on his sailing boat and I said “why not.” We spent two years sailing the Queensland coast after which we spent four years in Bundaberg, 15 years in Cardwell then decided to come back to where it all started in Townsville in 2001. The last book you read: Holy Cow an Indian Adventure by Sarah Macdonald as a prelude to going to India in February. Parting words: Be kind to your fellow human beings. They are just like you and love a kind word or a smile. It takes no effort and the rewards are huge.
interview
BLAIR SHILLINGTON
MADONNA LANGRIDGE
RUSSELL RHODES
SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER, HONEYCOMBES PROPERTY GROUP
OWNER OF DOLLS & GUYS AUSTRALIAN VINTAGE
INSPECTOR OF POLICE
AKA: Shillo, Ted, others aren’t fit for print. Most treasured item: My old 6ft 6” thruster (surfboard), which I haven’t ridden in about 10 years. It’s now yellow and collecting dust at my parents’ house. You in three words: Relaxed, down to earth, forgetful. Why you get out of bed: I’m an early riser. I really enjoy the beauty and serenity of the early mornings, then the kids wake up. Most memorable moment: Three actually; when I married my wife Tanya and the birth of my daughters Florence and Scarlett. What you love about where you live: I have always lived close to the ocean so being one street back from The Strand is ideal. It’s a perfect back yard for the kids. You always meant to: Play a musical instrument but now I get to live that dream through my daughters who are both very talented. You drive a: Melvin Star 10 speed; goes like the clappers. Where are you from: Born in Rockhampton, moved to Brisbane and Gold Coast early on then lucky enough to be transferred to God’s country 20 years ago. Best dish: Pork Belly anything. You wish… That I could cook, oops sorry that’s my wife’s wish. Your biggest inspiration: My wife is without doubt my biggest inspiration. I’m her number one fan. She has had to negate a few large potholes in recent years, her resilience, strength, attitude and single minded approach is worth bottling. You’d change this about yourself: Perfect just the way I am. Although looking at my photo may suggest otherwise. Ideal dinner guests: Mike Molloy, Paul Kelly and Matt Moran. Good laugh, music and food. Your must-have gadget: iPod for when I run, otherwise I’m disastrous around anything electronic. Last book you read: Shantaram – True story about a convicted armed robber who escaped Pentridge Prison and fled to India. Great read. Your philosophy: Don’t sweat the little things. As a child, what did you think you’d be doing at this age: Travelling/surfing my way around Australia in a renovated bus. Parting words: Family is the most important thing in life.
AKA: Mother of 2 adult daughters and a grandmother of 3 grandchildren. Most treasured item: I inherited from my great aunt a 1940’s Dragon Tobacco jar. I guess it has the memories associated with the family and is a beautiful item to be treasured and passed on. You in three words: Creative, compassionate, humorous. Why you get out of bed: To go to vintage and collectable sales. I love to look through markets and estates to add to my extensive collection of vintage items. Most memorable moment: When I was asked to do some catwalk modelling in my teens. This led to a brief time in TV modelling and a love of fashion. What you love about where you live: I was born in Townsville so I’ve seen many changes to the city and have always found it to be a friendly city for an easy lifestyle and a good network of friends. You always meant to: Travel to more overseas destinations when I was younger. Where are you from: Born in Townsville and moved back 24 years ago to raise my daughters. Best dish: I am not much of a cook but can do a good roast chicken and a few other dishes. I have a sweet tooth so sweets are my downfall. You wish… I could semi retire to the mountains on the Sunshine Coast and open another vintage shop. I dream of buying some acreage as I crave peace and quiet and love nature and open space. Your biggest inspiration: I have always been inspired by the glamour and manners of the past and aspire to bring some of this glamour back through my vintage shop. You’d change this about yourself: I have been told that I am too independent and stubborn. Your philosophy: Suck it up Princess, it can only get better. As a child, what did you think you’d be doing at this age: I considered becoming a nun, a pirate or a fashion model. Parting words: Wearing genuine vintage fashion makes you feel elegant and unique, as the quality of the past fashions is evident in the cuts, fabrics and styles.
AKA: Rusty or Rhodesy. Most treasured item: Harley Davidson 2004 Dyna Wide Glide. You in three words: Motivated, compassionate, social. Why you get out of bed: To make a positive difference to society and influence people to keep up the good fight and do the right thing in life. Most memorable event: The birth of my twin daughters in 1989 and the birth of my son in 1991. What you love about where you live: I live at Bessell Lodge in Townsville which is the Qld Police Service residential facility for police recruits. I enjoy the close proximity of Rowes Bay and The Strand. We have 2 adult children at JCU so I get to see them very regularly. You drive a: 20 year old Mazda Ute and when I purchase my next lot of tyres they will be worth more than the car. I’m more of a motorcycle enthusiast and have had bikes since I was 15. Where are you from: Born and bred in Cairns. I enjoy Townsville but family and life long friends are in Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands so we’ll probably retire in that area. You wish… We could slow down technology and get our kids back out in the yard playing sport with other kids in the street. Your biggest inspiration: At this point I would probably say the Morcombe family. They lost a child and they have been to hell and back but they’ve engaged with the community in a very open manner to prevent other families from being the victims of similar offences against our children. You’d change this about yourself: I need to slow down as I get a bit impatient if I try to do too much in one day. I’m getting a little better at managing this as I get older. Your philosophy: The test of a persons character is what they can do for somebody else who has no capacity to do anything in return. As a child, what did you think you’d be doing at this age: I’d make the Australian Cricket team and my life would revolve around that. Unfortunately I made too many ducks at vital times. Parting words: Enjoy life everyday, we are so lucky in Australia.
DUO MAGAZINE JULY 2013 duomagazine.com.au 85
FAMILY WINTER READING INSIDE: RELAX IN STYLE AT ANCHORA APARTMENTS GREAT SCHOOL HOLIDAY IDEAS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH PORT OF AIRLIE STILL GOING AND GROWING MOUNT MARGARET - SPACE TO MAKE A GREAT INVESTMENT MOTOCO EURO PEUGEOT CHAMPAGNE STYLING ON AN AFFORDABLE BUDGET FLY IN FLY OUT MAY BE A GREAT WAY TO EARN AN INCOME, BUT IT’S NO WAY TO INVEST IN PROPERTY! GRADY INVEST REMAINING POSITIVE AT WORK: STAYING UP WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN DON’T BE LONELY WHEN YOUR MINER’S AWAY. ENJOY PRECIOUS ‘ME TIME’ INSTEAD
THE REGIONAL MAGAZINE FOR MINERS AND MINER’S FAMILIES YOURS TO KEEP JULY 2013
LIVING THE DREAM Since the end of the 1980s, Australia has experienced a resources boom that has seen thousands of families opt for fly in fly out (FIFO) and drive in drive out (DIDO) work. The lifestyle can involve 10-14hour shifts for two to six weeks at a time. While the financial gains from this type of work are substantial, keeping connected with family and making the most of downtime can be a challenge. That’s why it’s so important for FIFO and DIDO workers to invest not only their hard-earned money, but also their time, wisely. This F!FO flip book is filled with ideas to help mining industry workers do just that. Those looking for a luxury holiday close to home will be wowed by the Anchora Apartments at Port Hinchinbrook, with charters on offer that include bait, tackle, snorkelling, scuba gear, kayaks and more. With a private pontoon and a boat that picks you up from your doorstep it’s a world away from work. We’ve also got some
INTRO
great school holiday ideas that won’t break the budget and DIDO partner Sarah Long shares how she makes the most the her ‘me time’ when her man’s away. Grady Homes discusses the benefits of sticking with a local family owned company versus ‘fly in fly out experts’. When it comes to property investment, you can’t be too careful. And you’ll find some handy tips for staying positive at work when the chips are down. Juggling a busy work life and home life isn’t easy but it can be done. We hope these ideas for making the make the most of your precious time with family make a difference.
FIFO PROMOTION
PORT OF AIRLIE STILL GOING AND GROWING To many, the Whitsundays are renowned as the lifestyle destination of the eastern seaboard. What is not as widely known is the real estate potential of the Whitsundays, arguably Australia’s most geographically constrained marketplace. The most constricted area for development is the Whitsunday coastline, and as all markets are driven by supply and demand, waterfront property is substantially undersupplied and in turn represents amazing upside for buyers. Port of Airlie – one of the Whitsunday’s premier marina communities – is gearing up for a busy second half of the year, with exclusive waterfront land and apartment releases to be made available along with a tranche of new marina berths. To cater to the development’s rapid growth, Port of Airlie’s marina is expected to almost triple in size by August, with berths available for both residents and private investors under a new 95 year lease. Port of Airlie general manager Andrew Forster said the next chapter of development was important not only for Port of Airlie, but the whole Airlie Beach community.
ANDREW FORSTER
“Port of Airlie will certainly see an influx of residents and investors as new properties and marina berths are released, but we’re also excited about all of the new infrastructure that is being developed here to improve lifestyle and accessibility,” he said. “Over the past 18 months we have completed a new public promenade to connect Port of Airlie to the heart of town, along with a transit terminal comprising a bus and taxi rank, boat ramp and public amenities to facilitate smooth transportation to and from the area.
“We look forward to seeing the progression of the new Cruise Whitsunday Passenger Terminal, which will really consolidate Port of Airlie’s reputation as the gateway to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.” For more information please contact the Port of Airlie Marina and Display Centre on 07 4948 0643 or 1800 676 526 or email us at info@portofairlie.com.au
FIFO MAGAZINE 89
LUXURY GETAWAY
Relax in Style It is a life we often only associate with the rich and famous: waterfront living, total luxury, a private pontoon and a boat that picks you up from your doorstep. But recently, Anchora Apartments at Port Hinchinbrook and Reelcrayzee Charters have teamed up to offer this lifestyle to the average Australian, making it the perfect weekend getaway or even family holiday. Anchora Apartments is situated right on the waterfront of Port Hinchinbrook, an hour and a half north of Townsville. Not only does the Hinchinbrook Channel offer some of the best fishing in Australia, Port Hinchinbrook neighbours the Great Barrier Reef and Hinchinbrook Island. Tanya Newcombe, the Managing Director at Anchora Apartments, explains how Hinchinbrook Island is a wonderful destination to sight see. “Hinchinbrook Island is the largest island on the Great Barrier Reef
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Anchora Apartments and Reelcrayzee Charters have teamed up to offer a luxurious and adventurous North Queensland getaway.
and also the largest island national park in Australia. It is truly beautiful.” And just as beautiful as the Island is the luxury offered by Anchora Apartments. Anchora Apartments is a two storey duplex with two bedrooms and two bathrooms on both the upper and lower levels. They’ve gone to great lengths to provide luxury living including a spa bath, big screen television, private pool and a coffee machine. “The apartments are modern, luxurious, spacious and exquisitely furnished,” Tanya explains. “From the living area you can look out to Hinchinbrook Island, which is such a stunning view.” But it’s not just luxury this getaway package has on offer, you can also take advantage of Reelcrayzee Charters to explore one of Australia’s best fishing spots and enjoy some of the best seafood our country has to offer.
Reelcrayzee Charters offer an all-inclusive package that includes bait, tackle, snorkelling, spearing equipment, scuba gear and tanks, kayaks, lunch and even transfers to and from Townsville, Cairns and Innisfail, if needed. They also have a license to operate over the entire Great Barrier Reef, giving you endless choice of locations to explore both above and below the water. And better yet, when you stay at Anchora Apartments, they’ll pick you up right from your doorstep, off your very own pontoon. This luxurious and adventurous holiday package is perfect for the hungry fisherman, a great girls’ weekend away, a family holiday or even a team-building getaway for business organisations. Call Tanya on 0419 716 955 or Oscar on 0428 632 471 for current packages.
Catch up on RELAXING
OR Catch THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE NOW YOU CAN CATCH BOTH at port hinchinbrook, great barrier reef The exclusive Anchora Apartments and Realcrayzee Charters have combined to offer you the best relaxing, reef and cray fishing, diving and whale watching experience in North Queensland. With so much choice this is the perfect combination for large or small families, couples or business teams wanting luxury and privacy or wanting to get amongst everything the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. Call Tanya on 0419 716 955 or Oscar on 0428 632 471 for our current packages.
Phone 0428 632 471 | Email info@rczcharters.com.au www.rczcharters.com.au
42 Royal Palm Avenue | Port Hinchinbrook | Cardwell Phone 0419 716 955 | Email info@anchoraapartments.com.au www.anchoraapartments.com.au
DEPARTURE GATE Name: Nick Loizou Job: Diesel Fitter Suburb: Douglas Marital Status: Single Children: No kids What do you like about the FIFO lifestyle? It’s an opportunity for a better future. How do you spend your days off? Relaxing quietly with family and friends. How long have you been doing FIFO? 6.5 years
Name: Peter Wallace Job: Process Operator Suburb: Charters Towers Marital Status: Married Children: 4 kids What do you like about the FIFO lifestyle? It’s good once you get used to it and you really enjoy the time you have at home. How do you spend your days off? Keep busy at home! How long have you been doing FIFO? 11 years
Name: Colin Clarke Job: Boiler Maker Suburb: Kelso Marital Status: Married Children: 2 kids What do you like about the FIFO lifestyle? Going away and getting to come back to my family. How do you spend your days off? Fishing and camping with my family. How long have you been doing FIFO? 12 years
Name: Steve Dawson Job: Underground Miner Suburb: Kelso Marital Status: Married Children: 4 kids What do you like about the FIFO lifestyle? The 7 days off! How do you spend your days off? Fishing and taking my boys to the footy. How long have you been doing FIFO? 15 years
Name: Cameron Carroll Job: Haulage Operator Suburb: Murray Upper Marital Status: Partner Children: No kids What do you like about the FIFO lifestyle? It eases my travel bug. How do you spend your days off? Farm work and fishing. How long have you been doing FIFO? 10 years or more.
Name: Alistair McAdam Job: Process Operator Suburb: Kirwan Marital Status: Married Children: 2 kids What do you like about the FIFO lifestyle? It gives you a good life balance. How do you spend your days off? Looking after my grandchildren and working around the house. How long have you been doing FIFO? 2.5 years
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GREAT SCHOOL HOLIDAY IDEAS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH By Mining Family Matters travel guru Leah Squire When you’ve got young kids, school holidays seem to come around with alarming regularity. Parents often find school breaks difficult – not just with balancing finances, but also juggling work and play while finding fun things to do. It’s important to remember that children will look back on the TIME we spent with them, not the money spent. Here, our resident travel guru Leah Squire and the team from www.byokids.com.au suggest a range of great school holiday activities that won’t break the budget.
Grab the kids’ scooters or bikes and head for your nearest cycle or walking path for some fresh air and exercise. Have a day in the kitchen: easy recipes for kids include pizza, sausage rolls and cakes.
Take the kids to a farm, feed the sheep and milk the cows. Visit your local market, sample the foods and produce, let the kids enjoy a pony ride.
Go bird spotting, borrow a bird book from the library and learn about the birds you see. Have a world day: grab an atlas and discover what people wear, speak and do in another country.
Picnic in your own backyard, maybe even set up camp and stay the night.
Get cultural at your local museum, check out the kids’ school holiday activities.
Make a grass head by putting soil and grass seeds in an old stocking: water it daily and watch his hair grow.
Let the kids join an art activity at the art museum, you’re littlies might be future Picassos!
Visit your local aquatic centre and spend the day splashing around.
Have a board game tournament, blow the dust off the Monopoly, Take 5 and Twister, organise some prizes and have a great day in.
Spend the day at the beach: remember the buckets and spades and the sunscreen.
Go bushwalking: contact national parks or the local council and find a short bushwalk in your area.
Get some face paints and spend the day painting each other.
Eat hot chips on the local jetty or wharf, ask the fisherman to show you their catch.
Make a piñata: papier mache a balloon and when it’s dry fill it with treats.
Swing, run, jump and play at your local playground, let the kids burn off that extra energy.
Set up shop, grab the groceries out the pantry and let the kids be the shop keeper, make pretend money and you’re in business.
Buy a day pass on public transport, pack a backpack with food and go discover your town.
Visit your nearest national park and see if the ranger is running school holiday activities.
Have a movie day, hire some DVDs, make popcorn and settle in for some relaxation.
Head to the local library and get comfortable with some books and beanbags and settle in for storytelling.
Explore your nearest botanical gardens: take a picnic and look for fairies
Meet up with some other mums at a local park and let the kids hang out together.
Dress up day: let the kids loose in your wardrobe and have a laugh at their fashion parade.
Check out your local council’s website and see what events or activities are planned in your region. Visit grandma or grandpa: ask them to show you photos from when they were little and spend the day listening to their stories. We hope these ideas help break the boredom next holidays.
FIFO MAGAZINE 93
RCZ 4008 208
FIFO PROMOTION
Champagne styling on an affordable budget With capped price servicing, an assured future value and economic fuel consumption, your new Peugeot will deliver on value for money as well as renowned style.
Like all things French, Peugeot cars have always been known for their stylish, classy and chic appearance but what you might not know is that they also offer great value for money. Peugeot now offer capped price servicing on a range of new Peugeots including the 208, 308, 3008, 4008, 508 and 5008. Jason Collins, Dealer Principal at Motoco in Townsville believes the capped price servicing offer gives customers peace of mind. “It’s great that customers will know exactly how much it will cost for a service every time they come for the first few years,” Jason explains. “It also ensures their new Peugeot remains a well-oiled machine, maintained in peak-condition.” Jason believes Peugeot customers will be pleasantly surprised about how inexpensive it is to maintain your new Peugeot. “As part of the capped price servicing offer, it’s only $330 per year or 20,000kms, whichever comes first or just $270 per year if you own the 208. And the price is capped for the first three years unless you reach 60,000kms before then.”
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Another way Peugeot offer exceptional value when you buy a new 208 is their Assured Future Value offer. With this offer, you simply choose how long you’d like to have your car for – two or three years – then estimate how many kilometres you think you’ll end up driving. Pending it meets the fair wear and tear conditions and the agreed kilometre allowance at the end of your finance deal, you’ll get the agreed value for your car. “Assuming your car meets these conditions, you have a few options as to what you can do with your car at the end of your finance deal. You can trade your Peugeot in, you can keep it and either refinance or payout the assured future value or you can return it,” Jason explains. Jason also adds how a new Peugeot ensures you get maximum kilometres out of a tank of petrol with their Turbo High Pressure (THP) and Variable Valve Lift and Timing Injection (VTi) petrol engines. “Peugeot’s range of THP and VTi petrol engines produce the same amount of power but use far less fuel, helping to cut your fuel consumption without compromise.”
With a stylish interior and exterior, a focus on comfort, safety and boldness, you’ll not only love showing your new Peugeot off to all your friends but you’ll also love all the extra money in your pocket.
“It’s great that customers will know exactly how much it will cost for a service every time they come for the first few years.” Jason Collins
RESOURCES Dr Ian Tassan
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The pleasure of driving has been rekindled with the Peugeot 208. And because of Peugeot’s Assured Future Value, the 208 now comes with peace of mind too. This finance agreement guarantees you a future fixed price for your 208 and gives you the flexibility of trading in, refinancing, keeping your 208 or returning it when you come to the end of your agreement. All you have to do is choose how long you’d like your vehicle, and estimate your yearly kilometres. Then just relax and enjoy the drive. 1 With Assured Future Value (AFV) you’ll know where you stand in advance. AFV from Alphera Financial Services (a division of BMW Australia Finance Ltd, Australian credit licence 392387). Fees, charges, terms, conditions and approval criteria apply. Contact 1800 208 508 for further details.
ASSURED FUTURE VALUE
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MOTOCO 15 -17 Bowen Road Mundingburra Townsville 4729 5299 www.motoco.com.au
FIFO MAGAZINE 95
LOVE MATTERS
DON’T BE LONELY WHEN YOUR MINER’S AWAY. ENJOY PRECIOUS ‘ME TIME’ INSTEAD By Mining Family Matters writer Sarah Lang Hi! I’m Sarah Long. I arrived in Australia from the UK in early 2010 and met my Mr Miner soon after. We’re based in Sydney and he does drive-in, drive-out (or DIDO) to Orange in country NSW. I came out here as part of a six-month backpacking trip around the world, and never went home! After being in a DIDO relationship for three years, I have to say I’ve got quite used to having a bit of ‘me time’. I grew up in a family of six, with only 5 years between me and the youngest of my three siblings, so I was used to the wonderful noise, chaos and constant company of a big family. At uni, when some of my housemates sought out their own quiet space in our shared house, I craved company. I genuinely thought I was incapable of being on my own. How times have changed! I love Mr Miner time. As I write this, he is sprawled across the sofa (seriously, how can one person take up so much of the lounge room?!) stuffing his face with my chocolate, football on the TV and the dishes not done. I still wouldn’t change him, and I’ll still be sad when he’s back at work. But there will also be a little selfish part of me that loves the alone time. I really enjoy the feeling of knowing that I can come home to my empty flat in a few days, curl up in my ugliest, comfiest clothes, enjoy my favourite food (pasta) with a glass of wine and not have to share my chocolate, while I watch two hours of Grey’s Anatomy without anyone complaining or asking what’s happening in the storyline every five minutes. I like to clean the house when Mr Miner leaves because it stays clean for almost a week – and if it doesn’t it’s my own mess. No stubble in the sink, no undies right beside the washing basket and no dirty plate just above the dishwasher to wind me up. There may be 20 pairs of shoes, several handbags and inexplicable amounts of bobby 96 FIFO MAGAZINE
pins scattered about the place, but that’s my mess and nobody else is here to see it. What’s more, I have time for my own hobbies. I’m learning to Hula Hoop and Kangoo (Google it!) although not at the same time! I go to book club. I have monthly girls’ dinners and work nights out. I can now run 9km in an hour and I have time to do all of this because for 50 per cent of my life there is nobody else vying for my attention. So … for those of you finding it all a bit lonely: I understand; I’ve been there and sometimes it still hits me. But for the most part I’ve found my stride, my own things to do, so much so that I even look forward to the time that I get to do my own thing. Here are my ‘me time’ favourites: PJs, girly movie (can be substituted for Sex and The City or Friends marathon), chocolate and red wine – need I say more?! Long hot bath, candles, bubbles – without someone knocking on the door to use the toilet or ask what I’m doing! Cocktails and dancing – nothing like a true girls night for a laugh Shopping! He hates it, why take him? Hobbies – paint a chair, learn to hula hoop, bake a cake, whatever puts a smile on your face. So the next time he’s getting ready to leave for work and you’re feeling down, grab a notepad, make a list and I bet you won’t get through all the things you want to do before he’s home again. More lifestyle and relationship advice for families in mining, oil and gas can be found at the Mining Family Matters website, www.miningfm.com.au.
GRADY INVEST
FIFO PROMOTION
FLY IN FLY OUT MAY BE A GREAT WAY TO EARN AN INCOME, BUT IT’S NO WAY TO INVEST IN PROPERTY! I have heard of a number of horror stories about what people have actually bought from the “investment specialists” who have flown out to the mines to “make it easier” for the miners. It is very easy to be caught up in the excitement of the moment and take the “great advice” offered by these “fly in fly out experts” when they visit. Especially if like many, you know you should be doing something, you haven’t got around to it, and it is so easy when they are out there. Seriously, property is a great way to build wealth and to save tax. But not all property will be a good investment, and… not all “tax savings” are good. The tax savings associated with a negatively geared investment are courtesy of an income loss. Yep, the easiest way to save tax is to lose money. And unless you purchase the right type of property, that is all that will happen; you will lose money. Purchase the right type of money and over time it becomes a real cash cow.
Invest in property for less than
GEOFF CALDWELL
The problem is, the right (or wrong) type of property is not so easy to recognise. That is why you should be careful of whose advice you accept. Sticking with a local company, owned and operated by a family who have established a rock solid reputation is one great way to know you are getting information you can trust. Speaking of trust, Grady Homes have many repeat investor clients and lots of referral business. Grady Homes work with property managers, accountants and other finance specialists to ensure we are offering our investors maximum security and returns. We have published an information booklet, “Investment Property – Plain & Simple”,it’s no-nonsense and jargon-free. For a copy of this booklet jump on our website www.gradyhomes. com.au email us on info@gradyhomes.com.au, call us on 4795 0900 or visit us at 441 Bayswater Road, Mount Louisa.
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FIXED PRICE CONTRACT GUARANTEE
No nasty surprises, everything up front and guaranteed in writing.
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Cutting out the middle man and dealing directly with the builder, means you won’t be given the run around!
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Do your research at gradyhomes.com.au Visit our display homes at North Shore and Greater Ascot. *Example is based on a house and land package price of $410,000, a total income of $100,000 per annum and a bank interest rate of 6%. You are advised to seek formal advice from your tax advisor for a more accurate calculation’.
Call Today: 4795 0900 HEAD OFFICE: 441 Bayswater Rd, Mt Louisa
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DUO INVESTOR’S GUIDE TO TOWNSVILLE 97
MOUNT MARGARET
FIFO PROMOTION
Space to make a great investment When looking to secure a piece of Queensland to build your first home or your forever home, there are some exciting investment alternatives to Townsville’s suburban beaten track.
When looking to secure a piece of Queensland to build your first home or your forever home, there are some exciting investment alternatives to Townsville’s suburban beaten track. Whether you are a first-time buyer, stepping up to a family home or building the home of your dreams, there are many lifestyle considerations. What many people overlook is, that buying land and building a home is the largest investment many of us will ever make. But let’s not forget it’s not the house that increases in value it’s all about the land and location. On the western side of Townsville, Alice River, including Rupertswood, is becoming a mecca for families looking to invest in a larger, safer space for their children to grow and to escape the confines of regular suburban living. According to RP Data more than 93 percent of households in Alice River are
families, with 92 per cent owner occupied. Alice River has been a rapid growth area with the average selling price of house and land more than doubling since 2003*. Known as a laid-back park residential suburb of Townsville it is just a few minutes from the amenities of Cannon Park and Willows Shopping Centre. We spoke to Natalie Faint who moved to Alice River with her family three-and-a-half years ago. “We had lived in this area before and now we’ve come back because we love the peace and quiet out here and there’s no crime,” Mrs Faint said. “Alice River is a tight-knit community with mostly families and it’s a safe place for kids. You also have the community hall, the tennis courts, the convenience store and there’s a school bus.” Mrs Faint said she loved the large block her house was built on as it allowed plenty of space for things like sheds, boats
and trailers. “Alice River offers a great, relaxed lifestyle and there’s even a park near where we live,” she said. “With the increase in the number of people moving here Alice River is a safe investment for us.” The most exciting news for the area is the recent announcement that a local developer has launched a new suburb of Alice River called Mount Margaret. The developer, Rick Hobson, who also created the Chelsea Place estate close to the Willows Golf Course, has approval for 850 large home lots starting from 2000sqm. “We are hoping to achieve the same growth [in land value] that we saw with Chelsea Place,” Mr Hobson said. “We sold most of those blocks before we even finished the subdivision – and it looks like the first stage of Mount Margaret will go close to selling out too.”
Alice River is a tight-knit community with mostly families ...and it’s a safe place for kids. 98 FIFO MAGAZINE
MOUNT MARGARET
Mount Margaret is positioned to replicate the style and finish of prestigious Chelsea Place, which has seen home lots originally sold for $110,000 in 2003, re-sold for close to $500,000 in late 2012.
As the only dedicated master planned big-block estate in Townsville, Mount Margaret is well positioned to provide for buyers looking for larger lots as lifestyle choice.
Mr Hobson puts this success down to providing choice. “People want choice in where and how they live – and the way that we’ve always provided for this is by making our land big enough to build a large home with all the space you could ever need,” he said. “This provides a dramatic choice when compared with what is being developed on the Bohle Plains and in the Northern Beaches.”
Families moving up to their second or third home are looking for a blank spacious canvas to build their dream home on. They are demanding creative and functional designs that really capitalize on the North Queensland climate and lifestyle. Mr Hobson says this preference for lifestyle also contributes to the value in the land.
*SOURCE: RP DATA www.realestate.com.au
“Families are looking for a better lifestyle and safer places to live, and this doesn’t work in the new estates which are all about bigger and bigger houses on smaller and smaller lots. Every one of our lots is at least four times bigger than a standard lot in a new estate anywhere else in Townsville.”
River Alice
Ridge Rd
Herve y Rang e Road
In July 2000 the First Homeowners Grant was introduced in Australia and has led to an increase in demand for entry-level properties. This, along with a shortage of suitable and well-located park residential land has led to a limited range in the lot sizes in the new estates.
Land within the first stage of Mount Margaret has been advertised at $180,000 – $205,000, and averaging $80sqm. With many of the lots at the other estates in town at $340sqm, Mount Margaret is certain to offer both choice and value for families at the gate ready to move to the area.
Centre Shopping Willows
FIFO MAGAZINE 99
MIND MATTERS
REMAINING POSITIVE AT WORK: STAYING UP WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN By Therese Lardner industrial and organisational psychologist with Lee Hecht Harrison in Brisbane. We’re constantly bombarded by issues that drain our positivity: illness, job insecurity, difficult colleagues or supervisors, lack of interesting tasks. How, then, do we keep up our positivity and why is it so important to manage this at work? Whether we’re aware of it or not, optimism has a big impact on our performance: when we feel good our performance goes up; when we feel bad our performance goes down. Simple equation! In a significant review of studies on this topic, researchers found that an employee’s negativity can greatly influence how they’re viewed by their manager. (Kaplan et al., 2009). In essence, this means your negativity might affect your chances of getting a promotion, being assigned to interesting tasks/projects or even impact on discretionary bonuses or salary increases. That’s three great reasons for staying positive at work! Here’s some simple ways to make it happen:
TRY TO REMAIN OBJECTIVE There’s a strong chance you’ll look back on a stressful event and realise it wasn’t the big issue you thought it was. For example, conflict with a co-worker might seem like a massive issue now, but that’s because there’s so much emotion (anger, frustration, annoyance, defensiveness) involved. These emotions fade over time, so it’s worthwhile asking yourself “will this be a big deal in a year’s time?” If the answer is no, take a step back from the situation and focus on what you can control, rather than letting the situation by dictated by what you can’t control. If the answer is yes, I would suggest reaching deep into your coping ‘toolkit’ because you’ll need some strategies for staying positive during this stressful event. 100 FIFO MAGAZINE
RELY ON YOUR COPING ‘TOOLKIT’ Many people don’t even realise they have a coping toolkit, and some emotional toolkits are definitely better stocked than others. Ask yourself “how do I cope with stressful situations?” Of course some strategies are more effective than others, and some can damage careers and relationships. Often, people bottle it all up and take it out on someone or something else. Using this technique is likely to mean that you either vent onsite before you head home (not great for that promotion you’re after) or you vent at home before heading back to site (not great for your family and friends).
EFFECTIVE COPING STRATEGIES CAN INCLUDE: Spending time with other people while you’re onsite. Even sharing a meal in the mess hall can give you a chance to ‘decompress’. Discuss the situation with your partner, family or friends when you’re home. Trying to ignore the issue while you’re home might make it harder to deal with when you return to site. If the issue is related to the type of work you’re doing (or not doing), start planning ways to work around it. If you’re frustrated by dull tasks, consider whether you could be assigned to another project. Use any ‘downtime’ to gain new skills that might lead to more interesting work. Ensure your manager knows that you want to be doing different work. Managers are not mind readers. Discuss what you’d like to be doing and some solutions you’ve already thought about. This is a much more positive approach than just complaining. Focus on where you want your personal and work life to be in 3-5 years’ time. What
will you be doing? What can you do NOW to help yourself get there? Focussing on a future goal is more motivating than focussing on what you don’t like right now. Get to know, and utilise, all the resources available to you. They include: personal and professional networks; your HR department; Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support – a much underutilised, but highly valuable resource; community groups; online forums/groups; books, articles etc. Don’t just expect yourself to ‘snap out of it’ This type of thinking is rarely, if ever, effective. You might feel more positive for a few days, but more than likely you’ll slip back into a negative mindset. Deal with the issues by using some of the techniques above, and if you feel that your negative thoughts are starting to affect how you’re functioning at work or at home, it really is time to seek professional assistance. Your partner, family members and friends might be able to spot this before you do, so take their concerns seriously rather than brushing them off. Some great resources include your local GP, beyondblue (1300 224 636), Lifeline (13 11 14) and websites such as the Black Dog Institute and Head Space (for younger readers). Staying positive at work can be a real challenge when we’re faced with stressful situations. The alternative, though, can lead to serious consequences both at work and at home. More lifestyle and relationship advice for families in mining, oil and gas can be found at the Mining Family Matters website, www.miningfm.com.au.
Mining Family Matters is Australia’s award-winning online community for families in mining, oil and gas. Check out our free website www.miningfm.com.au to discover: › More than 700 pages of practical strategies on how to make mining work for you and your family
› Testimonials on more than 30 mining towns across Australia
› An online chat forum where you can connect with other families
› Specific financial, health and lifestyle advice
› Expert career advice: getting › A free Q&A service with our psychologists into resources, women in mining and lifestyle contributors and climbing the industry ladder miningfm.com.au
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