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IpswichLife Issue 15 | 10 August 2015 | find us on Facebook | readership 70,000
INSIDE THIS EDITION: • STAR CHAT: BILLIE MCKAY • STAR CHAT: JOHN JARRATT • FOCUS ON EDUCATION • TAX TIME FEATURE • PROVIDENCE FEATURE • GIVEAWAYS GALORE! • DEFENCE NEWS
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It’s my life!
Dairy Cows & Fat Ducks
IpswichLife Managing Editor Finance News Editor Advertising Administration Cover Image
How Billie McKay became a Masterchef
John Armstrong Suzette Armstrong Darren Hallesy David Teitzel Joanne Pollard Angelic Studio
Beating Queensland’s Georgia Barnes to the coveted title, the 23 year old from a farm near Ballina won a car, $250,000, a magazine deal and best of all, a job offer from Heston Blumenthal. Growing up on a farm on the peaceful north coast of New South Wales, Billie McKay is soon off to begin her training in the UK, and Ipswich Life caught up with her the morning after the win aired. “To be honest, the last twenty four hours have been insane, but amazing,” Billie said. “It’s surreal… I can’t quite believe it but I have to get used to it.” Billie credits her parents for giving her what many would consider a great childhood, and shaped who she is. “I think growing up on a farm taught me a lot, it made me who I am, not only the farm life but the work ethic. All that comes from mum and dad, I feel really privileged to have had such an upbringing.” Billie has managed a restaurant in Ballina for several years and always had a keen interest in food. “I’ve always wanted to own my own restaurant, and I’ve worked front of house
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Ipswich Life is published fortnightly, reaching in excess of 40,000 households across the Ipswich region - and online through our website ipswichlife.com.au. Our focus is on promoting Ipswich, it’s lifestyle, its events, local stories of interest, and the Defence Forces on RAAF Base Amberley. IpswichLife is the only full colour lifestyle magazine wholly produced in Ipswich. We welcome story leads and feedback.
my whole working life. I wanted to give the show a whirl and it worked out pretty well to say the least, but the goal eventually is still to own my own restaurant. “I’d always watched the show and loved it, then especially with last year’s show seeing the amazing food that was being put up, my partner encouraged me to apply. So I put the application in, it was a scary thing knowing the standards of food that were expected. “It’s so true that the bar does get raised every year, I remember George said to me its not the judges raising the bar, it’s the contestants. “The staff at work were really happy for me, they knew I had a passion for food, and all of them were so supportive,” Billie said. “I haven’t actually been back to work yet, as I’ve been on this whirlwind. But I can’t wait to get home and see everyone!” Billie never imagined from the start she could win the whole competition, but as time went on she started to believe she was in with a shot. “From the start I was quite nervous and at times terrified…I never dreamt I would make top two, never mind win it. I guess when I
got to top six, then top five…I thought ‘wow I’ve really learnt so much, I could win this’. I was putting up dishes that I was really proud of, and I thought maybe I could pull it off.” Going into the finale, Billie had proven her skills, and often stayed very calm under pressure while others around her fell to pieces. “It’s hard to put my finger on what keeps me calm. Mum and dad have always had the attitude that there’s no point getting frazzled or working yourself up over something, you just get on with the job. I learnt early on that if I can keep calm, it really helped me out. “When I saw that final Heston dish, I just died on the inside. I thought ‘no way’, it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, it didn’t even look like food! I knew I had to just knuckle down and give it my all. “When I finally had it all finished, I was just so proud that I did it, and would have been happy with that, but to go on and get such praise from Heston was just amazing.” If the dessert specialist Reynold had survived to the end, things may have been different for Billie.
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Star Chat
Toni Childs to hold Yoga class in Ipswich
Billie McKay has joined a select list of Australians, taking out the 2015 Masterchef title in front of over 2.1 million Aussies watching on TV.
In what is possibly the first event of its kind in Ipswich, local residents have the chance to enjoy a yoga class conducted with multi-award winning international singer Toni Childs, who is touring Australia at the moment and a devout follower of Yoga. On at Lifestyle Health Club in Raceview August 12, this very special class will combine meditation, dance, and sound healing in a yoga class that will transport and transform your day (maybe even your life) as you enjoy Toni’s Emmy AwardWinning soulful lyrics, “Because You’re Beautiful”; from her 2008 album release “Keep the Faith”. This is a once in a lifetime chance to do a yoga class with an international artist and it’s not every day you get a chance like this. The 57 year old singer from the United States is best known for her songs ‘Don’t Walk Away’ and ‘I’ve Got To Go Now’. Numbers are strictly limited for this unique event. For more information call 0407 599 973 or 32816779.
“If I had been up against Reynold in the final he would have smashed it I’m sure, he would have been in his element. I was stoked to be up against Georgia in the final, she is such a creative, amazing cook. You can give her any ingredient and she comes up with such great ideas. I loved being in that finale with her. “Getting the job offer at the very end was hands down the best part, you can’t put a price on that, the experience alone will be priceless. “My partner and I are off to London soon, doing my training at The Fat Duck. I’m still pinching myself. I knew there would be opportunities to come out of the show, but never imagined one that good. “I plan to have as much experience under my belt as possible then ideally I plan to still open my own restaurant one day. I love the mid north coast of New South Wales up to Queensland. It’s such a beautiful coastline. I love it there so we’ll have to work out where we plan to settle. “I think working as a manager previously will give me experience on both sides of a business, so once I have my own place hopefully I’ll be able to handle both.”
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Communities PILOT 2015
*Prices current as at time of print and are subject to change. Land only lots range in price from $152,000 - $210,000 (average price $177,400). House and land packages start at $259,000 (price based on lot 2, 3 or 4), but package pricing is dependent on the lot, builder, dwelling and additions selected. Image shown may depict specification upgrades, landscaping, design options and decorator items which are not included in the advertised base price. House and land components covered by separate contracts. Buyer to contract with builder direct. All purchases are subject to contract terms. Buyers should make their own enquiries.
Ipswich Life 3
City Vibe
TIME FOR PHOTOGS TO START SHOOTING The Enviroplan Photography Competition is on again! Each issue until closing date Ipswich Life will feature some of the best pics from previous years and find out the story behind the photo. This issue we speak with Glenys Passier from Camira who loves to take her camera with her when she paddles around many of our local waterways. The photo Glenys submitted titled ‘Follow Me’ won the 2014 Adult Bremer River category “I’ve lived in Camira for over 30 years and I first heard about the Enviroplan Competition in 2007 when I got myself a good camera,” Glenys said. “A friend said I should have a go at it. So I submitted a photo and came managed a “runner up in the Native Fauna category…so I’ve been doing it every year since.” The photo that Glenys took was at a spot that is only accessible by boat or kayak, and is
a piece of Ipswich that many residents would normally never see. “That one was taken on the confluence of the Bremer River and Bundamba Creeks. As you’re paddling down the Bremer you hit the Bundamba creek, and I always take my camera with me when on the water. . I have a tandem kayak, and I sit in the front. I keep my camera with me and if I see something I shoot…the light in that photo was just right. The way the light hit the trees was beautiful. It was just one of those shots that just catches your attention. “Most people wouldn’t see this area, especially from this angle, and if you haven’t got your camera with you, you can’t get that shot! “Yes, I will be entering this year, I’ve been travelling out west so haven’t had as much time but I will be putting some pictures in.”
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Finally, Glenys has advice for anyone thinking about entering the contest. “Do it... absolutely do it. You’re helping to put Ipswich on the map. Ipswich has always been seen as a poor cousin but we have some beautiful spots in our city, and so much wildlife. “I’m working with the council for the Land for Wildlife program, and the number of animals that travel through my property is amazing” Glenys said. “Sometimes I don’t have to travel too far to capture wildlife with my camera!”
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Ipswich West State School Enrolment Information Session Tuesday 18 August 5.30 - 6.30pm Small school environment In the heart of Ipswich EIGHTH PAGE Prep to Year 6 HORIZONTAL Focus on Australian Curriculum, literacy and numeracy knowledge and skills High quality programs, practices and extra-curricular activities No fees
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vIROPlA EN
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2015 IPSWICH ENVIROPLAN
IPSWICH
Entry forms are available from the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre, Ipswich City Council Customer Service Centres, Divisional Offices, Visitor Information Centre and Ipswich Library branches as well as online at www.enviroplanphotocomp.com.au/ Entries close on Monday, 21 September so get your camera out and go for it Ipswich!
Calssic Lorikeet by C Hollis A PLAN FOR tHE FuTuRE
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION Stud ENt A Nd A d uLt C At Eg O R I ES TOTA l CA s H A N d P R I zE vAl u E Ov ER $5,000 Visit www.enviroplanphotocomp.com.au
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6 Ipswich Life
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Competition runs from 8.30am to 4.30pm Wednesday, 12 August 2015 only. 20 winners will each win 5 general admission movie passes valued at $9.90 each, valid for 12 months. For more terms and conditions visit www.riverlink.net.au E 0 SP CIALT 14
Tropic Blinds is based in the Lockyer Valley who fit and supply blinds, awnings and shutters for the Western Suburbs, Ipswich, Minden, Lowood, Gatton, Esk, Fernvale and many more locations in the Ipswich region. Their dedicated and knowledgeable staff have many years of experience supplying window coverings for homes and commercial buildings. Owner Russell Jaenke grew up in Ipswich and knows the area like the back of his hand. Tropic Blinds lives by their reputation, and rates customer satisfaction the number one priority. Tropic Blinds will take all the hassle out of measuring and installation, with trained staff who will take the time to visit your home or business to discuss your needs, show you the range of products and fabrics, then advise you on the various options you could consider for your windows. So no matter what your taste or budget, they have something to please everyone. In addition, because they provide a madeto-measure service, your blinds will fit your windows perfectly! Call Tropic Blinds today on 1300 668 174 no matter what you need, from Vertical Blinds, to Venetian Blinds, Café Blinds, Awnings, Roller Shutters, Fabric Awnings or Timber Blinds… no job is too big or too small for Russell and his team. Visit us online at www.tropicblinds.com.au
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WAYS TO WELCOME SPRING
get out in the great outdoors
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE POOL
Ipswich is home to more than 500 parks and the warmer weather makes it the ideal time of year to explore them. Whether you are after a playground, bushwalking track or picnic spot, the city’s beautiful parks and reserves have so much to offer.
Spring-time means the Rosewood Swim Centre which closes over the winter is re-opened for the summer season while those swim centres that operate year-round are prepared for busy times ahead and hours are extended. For more information call your local centre or visit council’s website QTRat www.ipswich.qld. PAGE gov.au
VERTICAL
put those $750 green thumbs to work
THROW A PRAWN ON THE BARBIE
enjoy some alfresco dining
Spring is the perfect time to spruce up the garden. Why not take advantage of Ipswich City Council’s free plant program and add some new shrubs or ground covers? Or hire a skip for that big Spring clean of the house and yard.
Nothing heralds the warmer months quite like a barbecue, so clean off the plate, make sure the gas bottle is full and enjoy this great Australian tradition. If you do not have one of your own, many of the city’s parks have barbecue facilities.
The spring months are perfect for enjoying alfresco dining at one of our many local restaurants and cafés. From traditional cafés to culinary delights from around the world, Ipswich has dining options for all tastes. Mayor Paul Pisasale City of Ipswich
City Vibe
it all
starts With over 150 years of experience in teaching boys at Ipswich Grammar School, we understand what makes them tick. Over this time we have developed and implemented innovative approaches to address the specific needs of boys as students. Boys learn by doing. They are active learners. They need to be heard. They are strongly influenced by peers and adult mentors. Their learning drops off if classroom discipline is not maintained. Yet they respond to the right incentives and teachers have a strong impact. They learn at their own pace and they are bursting with energy, funny, creative and risk-taking. We inspire, engage and challenge our students, giving them a solid educational foundation so they leave here ready for the challenges of the world ahead of them. We focus entirely on the unique needs of boys and celebrate their strengths and abilities. Knowing boys means we teach them the way they learn best. We set high expectations and they respond with high achievement. We value every boy’s individuality and they learn to value each other. We see their leadership potential and they
step up to become leaders. We enjoy boys’ humour and enthusiasm. We have a balance of female and male teachers who relate well to the boys as well as being mentors and role models. We keep boys active with learning, sports and the arts. We nurture their minds, challenge their bodies and motivate their spirits. We watch them grow with pride. We are committedCOVER to helping all PKG our boys develop into men who are competent, EDITORIAL confident and compassionate. We see their moral and values development as important FULL PAGE as their grades. The boys at Ipswich Grammar learn to be independent yet interconnected. Their intellectual pursuits are encouraged alongside a dedication to their all-round development. We support their striving for excellence as we nourish their understanding of wider social responsibilities and community engagement. We are committed to boys’ education because we know it offers many advantages for boys. That is why we are here. We foster an encouraging environment that
delivers more than exceptional academic results. Whether it is sport, debating, the arts, literacy or the sciences, our students are given the opportunity to excel and network in any field. They are supported by staff from various backgrounds that bring world-class knowledge and experience to the classroom, playing field, and laboratories. Every day is stimulating, unique and exciting. We tap into boys’ sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. We encourage the boys to be self-motivated, to strive to do their best in everything they do and to have the confidence to take risks. We provide them with the tools to be able to express themselves clearly and to share their ideas. To be creative, innovative and enterprising thinkers. To know how to gather and analyse information and make informed decisions. These are the tools they will need for tomorrow’s world. After all, our students today are among those who will be thinkers and leaders of the 21st Century. Our focus is to recognise each boy as an individual and offer him the opportunities to
discover and explore his dreams, regardless of how big they are. To give every boy the opportunity to reach his dreams, he needs to have best start to his school life. We believe that start is here. Ipswich Grammar School has recognised changing markets and have realigned the fees in our Early Learning year levels to better reflect this. Starting from 2016 for Prep to Year 3 year levels, the annual tuition is just $5000 per annum, per child. PLUS if you apply on Open Day, we will waive the $110 application fee. To find out more about Ipswich Grammar, to see the school in action and judge for yourself whether your son could reach his full potential here, please come along to our Open Day on Thursday August 20th from 9am – 12pm where you will be taken on a personal tour of the campus by our students and have the opportunity to meet with the Ipswich Grammar leadership team. For more information on Ipswich Grammar School’s Open Day, visit www. ipswichgrammar.com or call our dedicated enrolments team on 3813 9600.
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