Oasis Magazine - Feb|Mar 2016 by Julianne Steer

FEB |MAR 2016 ISSUE 10

Let’s Get P hysical! THIS ISSUE: At Home with Marlies Hobbs At Work with Juan Walker Spilling the Beans on Biking Meet Carla Schesser

e m e k Ta WITH

YOU

CELEBRATING LIFE IN TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

THE TEAM

Pub lisher’s NOTE

LET’S GET PHYSICAL!

This issue, we’re focussing on our bods! What we put into them, and what we can expect from them. Any new year brings with it all sorts of resolutions about getting fit and healthy. I, myself, have fallen victim to the hype, and will (apparently!) be on my bike in the IronMan event in June. {Gulp} To get inspired for my upcoming 90km of ridiculousness, I chat with four very entertaining locals as they Spill The Beans on bike riding, Paleo Cafe founder, Marlies Hobbs, invites us into her home to tell us what inspired her Paleo journey, and we join Juan Walker at his job on his Walkabout Tours. We also chat to the inspiring team at REAP, who are Making A Difference to the city’s most needy residents, by rescuing and redistributing unwanted food before it becomes landfill. February 28th, we’ll be at The Esplanade bright and early for the Rare Disease Day Fun Run & Walk. In anticipation of this event, you can Meet … this year’s event Ambassador, the very unstoppable Carla Schesser. Flick through to our fashion spread to see local fitness gurus, Sasha Blake and Adam Fahim “looking gorgeous in their ActiveWear”. One day I hope to look like that while working out! And with so many talented locals making a name for themselves across Australian and the globe, we’ve introduced a new section to find out about their adopted home, and why they tstill think theres No Place Like Home. First up this issue is Chanel Olive Thomas, a former Cairns High student who is making it big on the Manilla modelling scene. So, we’ve made it though January, we’re back on track after the holidays, the kids are back to school, and now it’s time to grab 2016 with both hands, and make it your own … just as soon as you’ve read your Oasis Magazine.

Jules

Publisher Julianne Steer julianne@oasismagazine.com.au 0423 959 648 Sales Jenny Gard sales@oasismagazine.com.au 0417 371 359 Joey Pollington-Stepp joey@oasismagazine.com.au 0479 145 456 Graphic Design Astie Design Journalists Amanda Cranston Michelle Dryburgh The Crew Mick Fuhrimann Tia Pehi Contributors Dave Warner Hayley Gillespie Pip Addison Annie Godwin Dr Agu Pepela Adam Fahim Belinda Coldebella Jan Warnock Kelly Roberts Kristy Blackhurst Shannon Telley Michele Annison Deb Hancock Jenny Gard Jodi Williams Printing Lotsa Printing Published by 2 Mad Mums Pty Ltd T/A Oasis Magazine PO Box 101 Edge Hill Qld 4870

No part of this publication including advertisements may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publishers. While the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information provided is correct at the time of printing, the publishers accept no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The views expressed in the public pply advertising material or editorial content are responsible for ensuring all material does not infringe copyright, trademark, defamation, libel or slander, and agree to indemnify the publishers against any investigations, claims or judgements. The publishers, advertisers and contributors are in no way responsible for any actions taken by an individual, organisation or any party on the basis of reading any of the material within this publication.

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Feb | Mar 2016 | 3

FEB | MAR

ents

Save the DATE

Co nt 16

Issue 10

FEB | MAR 2016 INSIDE: Message from the Publisher

A Few of our Favourite Things

Food Vixen 8

events

Warner’s Corner 7 The Arts: Hayley Gillespie

people 22

At Home: Marlies Hobbs

4 FEBRUARY

CAIRNS GREATEST SIGN UP

6 FEBRUARY

CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

13 FEBRUARY

COVER SHOOT CAIRNS WOMEN’S SEMINAR

13 FEBRUARY

RARE DISEASE DAY FUN RUN & WALK

28 FEBRUARY

FEAST OF THE SENSES

11 - 20 MARCH

Styling Pip Addison | Modern Style Hair | Make up Sarah Holmes Models Adam Fahim & Sacha Blake Location Genesis Fitness, Lake St Cairns

THE ZINC MORNING ZOO MONDAY - FRIDAY | 5:30AM - 9:00AM 4 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Making A Difference

Spilling the Beans on biking

At Work: Juan Walker

FOHER MULTISPORT

style BRINDLE CREEK SANCTUARY

Fashion Shoot

Fashion: Pip Addison

Hair: Kristy Blackhurst

Nails: Jodi Williams

Beauty: Reanna Tickner

Fitness: Adam Fahim

Nutrition: Belinda Coldebella

Health: Dr. Agu Pepela

home

Social Media: Jenny Gard

Styling: Jan Warnock

Strata Property: Kelly Roberts

Mortgages: Michele Annison

Insurance: Shannon Telley

Chamber Chatter: Deb Hancock 52 Travel: Kewarra Beach Resort

meet

Profile: Carla Schesser

4. The Posy Crew Prices on Application Why not sidestep the standard bunch of flowers, and opt for a unique, made-toorder design from The Posy Crew. 0439 456 522 Facebook: @ThePosyCrew

VALENTINES DAY GIFT IDEAS

A few of our 1.

LISTLESS

FAVOURITE THINGS...

1. Dear Pearl Vintage | RRP $179 This floral frock from Dear Pearl Vintage is the perfect number for Valentines Day. Equal parts beauty and bombshell, this dress is part of a collection exclusive to the Grafton St boutique. Facebook: @ThePosyCrew Shop 14, Oceana Walk, 62 Grafton St 0431 365 057

WARNER’S CORNER

3. Gypsett Roar of the Wild $399 You haven’t spoilt your Valentine until you have given them a Camilla. Shop 19, Oceana Walk, 62 Grafton St gypsett.com.au 4041 5559

DAVE WARNER ZINC FM I’m a list man.

8. 2. 3.

8. Swiss Cake & Coffee Shop Spoil your loved one with a beautiful Chocolate Almond cake from Swiss Cake & Coffee Shop on Grafton Street. POA. Just a little bit won’t hurt …

6. Dapper Jones | RRP $30. Spanish for “My love”, the Amado set by local creative brand Dapper Jones, is a handmade adjustable bow tie with a crocheted organic cotton rose lapel pin. Perfect for that well-dressed man in your life. Facebook @DapperJones

2. Eggplant & Poppy | From $30 Remind the one you love of something they used to love. Handmade Book Clocks are perfect for the book lover or home décor enthusiast. Each book is uniquely individual as the recipient. Shop 10, Oceana Walk, 62 Grafton St eggplantandpoppy.com.au 0484 936 050

7. KORU | RRP $599 Fall in love with your outdoor area by introducing the Jamie Durie acrylic wall panel range to your home. Using digital print technology to transform stunning artwork onto 6mm gloss acrylic glass panels, these designs are perfect for the Tropics. Koru, 392 Sheridan St, Cairns North Ph: 4053 3152

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Don’t be so

5. Spirit Of Cairns | From $65 per person Set sail with your Valentine along the calm of Trinity Inlet on this luxurious catamaran taking in the beautiful views while sipping champagne and enjoying a delicious buffet and desserts. For bookings call: 4047 9170

I don’t mean an A list man, just an ‘a’ list man. As in, I like to make lists. Long lists of stuff I’ll most likely never do but figure if I write it down I’m half way there, right? I think it’s also because my tiny walnut sized brain doesn’t have a lot of storage space; if I don’t get it out of my head and onto paper it gets deleted or overwritten and flies off into the ether along with anniversary dates and kids birthdays. Should probably write those down too. The other great feature of creating a list of things to get done is that it demonstrates to your wife a solid intent, that you have a plan and you have goals that don’t just involve watching cricket and drinking beer on the couch in your underpants for five days. Or three if we’re playing the West Indies. I list more than a badly packed boat. I made a list of things to get done around the house over the Christmas holiday break, the things you don’t usually get a chance to do or that you put off because you couldn’t be bothered and they’re a pain in the arse. Like paint the front fence, clean out the shed, fix the side gate, plant the avocado tree, buy an A frame ladder and get the ute serviced. I had 21 items on that list at the start of the year, and as of today I can honestly say that I’ve managed to reduce that down to a measly 20 items. At this point I’d like to thank my sister-in-law, Amy, for giving me an A frame ladder for Christmas. Tick. Be warned though, the down side to creating a long list that stays long is that it demonstrates to your wife that she probably should have married her old boyfriend Jeff, the tiger tamer who hates cricket. So what have I learnt from all this? Next year I’m going to create a shorter list that goes like this; 1. Watch cricket. 2. Drink beer 3. Sit on the couch in my underpants. Tick. Tick. Tick. Here’s to ticking off the right things, not the wrong people in 2016.

Cecil’s

RICE & SPICE FOOD VIXEN Reviewing: Cecil’s Rice & Spice

Whoever coined the phrase ‘curry in a hurry’ clearly hasn’t made curry from scratch before, because the process is anything but speedy! With my mum originally from Sri Lanka, I have eaten more than my fair share of curries over the years. I’ve also made plenty of attempts at my own curries - derived from family recipes, and from Peter Kuruvita’s cookbook Serendip. Alas, no matter how hard I try my curries just don’t taste like Mum’s or Nana’s; and the timely process of acquiring the spices, roasting them, grinding them (not to mention the whole “cooking” bit!) sure can take the fun out of it sometimes. Sri Lankan curry is also traditionally served with a minimum of three side dishes – think dhal, sambal and vegetable curry. So, by the time you’ve finished cooking, you could have nearly flown to Colombo faster. That was until someone told me about Cecil’s Rice and Spice on Grafton Street. Cecil makes his curries fresh every week and freezes them so they’re perfect to take home for a night when you don’t feel like cooking. He also bakes his home-style curry pasties, also known as ‘short eats’, fresh every morning. My favourite are the beef pan rolls. The pasties are so popular that they usually sell out. As far as I know, Cecil’s is the only place in Cairns that sells Sri Lankan curries.

eggplant, sambal, turmeric rice and String Hoppers – a family favourite that sadly I haven’t had fresh in Cairns since my dear old Nana Iris passed away in 1994. A couple of days ago, Mum and I popped into Cecil’s to pick up some of Cecil’s delicious curries for dinner. A polymer pineapple (aka $50) got us plenty of curry and more than enough to feed four members of my family - including my annoying younger brother, who is terribly greedy with his servings. Couple that with a few pappadums each and we had a bloody good feed around the old kitchen bench, washed down with a glass of wine. Would you believe that Cecil and my Mum’s cousin used to play together when they were kids in Colombo? This was only recently discovered by Mum and Cecil whilst reminiscing about their little tear drop island home. It’s a small world indeed. Of course if I’ve inspired you to make your own curry, then Cecil has a mountain of ingredients that were previously almost too difficult to find in Cairns. Like Maldive fish flakes. He’s also more than happy to give you a few tips on recreating your own little slice of Sri Lankan curry heaven at home.

Arts | Parties | Entertainment

So what are you waiting for? Pop into Cecil’s for some hassle free curries. I promise you won’t be disappointed! And be sure to pick up some ‘short eats’ for the road - just make sure you leave some for yours truly! Follow Foodvixen on Facebook and Instagram for Cairns cafe and restaurant reviews and foodie news.

There are stacks of different ready-made authentic meat curries to choose from including Goat, Beef, Chicken Pork, and local caught Spanish Mackerel. There’s also dhal, mixed vegetable curry, jackfruit,

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Feb | Mar 2016 | 9

Happy Chinese

NEW YEAR! THE ARTS HAYLEY GILLESPIE ARTIST

Enjoy a second chance at celebrating the New Year this February with a huge amount of Chinese New Year celebrations throughout the city. Local galleries such as Kick Arts and the Cairns Regional Gallery will be hosting Chinese themed exhibitions to celebrate the occasion, as well as the annual massive street festival held by CADCAI and Cairns Regional Council. 2016 is the year of the Monkey - that clever, cunning, mischievous animal that represents those born in 2016, according to the Chinese zodiac signs. To find out which of the Chinese zodiac animals represents you, head over to the Cairns Regional Gallery to see the interactive “Year of the Monkey” exhibition, created by yours truly and Yixuan Ruan. Be sure not to miss the opening on the February 4th, featuring some Monkey Magic characters! With the celebrations continuing from February 2nd to 21st, there is a great deal of time for a variety of events for both children and adults. The main event will be the Chinese New Year Annual Street Festival, which will be held on the February 13th this year on . The Festival weaves it way along Grafton Street, between Shields and Spence

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Streets, from 4pm to 9pm, with the Street Parade starting at 5pm. There will be delicious, traditional Chinese food and drink available, as well as the spectacular Lion, Dragon and other various performances on the day. Other activities throughout the month include film club screenings with ‘End Credits’, banquets organised by the Chinese

Community,

karaoke

and

exhibitions. William Yang will be hosting an exhibition at KickArts celebrating Chinese New Year and the official opening will be at 6pm on February 5th. His predominantly photographic exhibition will be taking the stage for the entirety of the month at the Art Gallery. Finally, the Flying Monkey Café will be showing a spectacular exhibition called ‘Monkey Business’, featuring 30 different monkeys made by established and emerging artists. The monkeys will be a variety of sizes, medium and shapes, so it is sure to be interesting! The fascinating works will be on display between February 8th and 27th, so pop in for a look and a coffee sometime throughout the month.

Feb | Mar 2016 | 11

EVENTS

ut On The

St Patrick’s Day

Celebrate the Irish Way!

As Cairns’ only original Irish Club, St Patricks Day at Brothers is one of the most anticipated events on the club’s social calendar. Brothers World of Entertainment is steeped in Irish history which shines through on St Patricks Day when we host the best Irish celebrations in the city. The festivities start from the minute the doors open in the morning through to the late hours of the evening. As always, the gorgeous and talented Irish dancers will light up the club with their brilliant and colourful costumes and polished routines. The cheeky leprechaun will be let off-duty from guarding his pots of gold so that we can give it away to our members and guests celebrating in the club. Lunch and dinner is the full Irish fare, so you’ll dine on a vast array of traditional dishes at Lanterns buffet restaurant. As the Irish do, follow it up with an icy cold Guinness or two from the bar.

AT BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB

wn TOP LEFT: Jay Berghofer (L), Leila Kirk (M), Fintan Rafferty (R) RIGHT: Liam West (L), Rob Keegan (R) BOTTOM: Leonie Mackedie

TOP: Bo Joinbee (L) Dionne Marshall (R) RIGHT: James Price (L), Ryan Faichnie (R)

NYE SALT HOUSE THURSDAY 31 DEC

Brothers’ schedule of events for this outrageously Irish day includes Irish entertainment from show-stopping local bands Mangrove Jack at 12.30pm and Get Reel (4 piece Irish Band) at 5.30pm, with Irish dancers performing from 6.30pm and 7pm so the kids can come in and enjoy the spectacle. Irish games, gifts, raffles and a face painter will be on hand for the little tykes so the big kids can sit back and enjoy the day festivities with Sea FM as they broadcast live from Brothers. We look forward to you joining us to celebrate one of our favourite days of the year on Thursday March 17th… to be sure. For further information please contact Brothers reception on 4053 1053 or visit www.brotherscairns.com.au

Latin Dance Extravaganza Join us for this spectacular dance show full of glitz, glamour, glitter and stunning costumes - one night only! Witness the Australian, World Latin & Salsa Champions! Includes social dance session with the dancers after the show! Saturday 20th February, 8pm - Brothers Auditorium Tickets available 4053 1053 or www.brotherscairns.com.au Proceeds support the Meredith Anne Rundell Foundation BROTHERS LEAGUES CLUB CAIRNS | 99 ANDERSON ST | MANUNDA

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Feb | Mar 2016 | 13

At Home with ... Marlies Hobbs At Work with ... Juan Walker

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Feb | Mar 2016 | 15

PEOPLE | At Home with Marlies Hobbs

At home with..

MARLIES HOBBS The Paleo food movement has taken the world by storm and leading the way is Cairns’ own Paleo Café. Since opening the doors to their flagship store in Grafton Street in 2012, owners Marlies and Jai Hobbs have expanded the health-conscious café franchise to several locations nation-wide.

a host of Australian and international awards including Marlies being named the 2015 Franchise Council of Australia Franchise Woman of the Year. Marlies also published the successful Paleo Cafe cookbook and received the title of 2014 Emerging AusMumpreneur of the Year.

The Paleo movement embraces a natural, active lifestyle and a diet of seasonal vegetables, high-quality meat, seafood, free-range eggs, fruit, nuts, seeds and fresh herbs. It is a prehistoric approach to eating, free from dairy, grains, gluten, refined sugar and preservatives.

It makes for a demanding schedule, and away from work Marlies is also a busy mum of Troy, now 4, and Zac, 1. With a New Year’s resolution to enjoy more down time at home, Marlies is looking forward to perfecting the worklife balance. She and Jai moved into their dream home in June, and it’s been custom designed to fit their busy and healthy lifestyles. The home lies in the Bluewater community, just across the road from Marlies’ parents. “It’s important to us for Troy and Zac to be close to their grandparents and to embrace the family and community philosophy that aligns so well with a Paleo lifestyle. We have a lot of friends in the estate and we love being able to just walk a kilometre down to the beach with our dog Roxy.”

The idea for a café centered around this philosophy was inspired by the couple’s first-born son, Troy, who was born with lactose intolerance. The resulting acid reflux meant an unsettled baby and sleepless nights for him and his new parents. Marlies and Jai had been introduced to the Paleo concept through their local CrossFit, and just a couple of weeks after trialling a dairy-free formula, Troy was sleeping soundly through the night. Soon after, the couple introduced grain-free and dairyfree meals to their own diets and realising the health benefits of clearer skin and improved energy, adopted the Paleo lifestyle. But as a busy working mum, Marlies found it challenging to keep on top of the extra cooking, and the pair found themselves wishing for a Paleo café. It was a light bulb moment, with the name swiftly registered, the couple set about sharing the power of Paleo with the world. Marlies and Jai have recently partnered with fellow Paleo advocate and celebrity chef Pete Evans, and are working together to introduce a new ready-made meal range and take the Paleo Café brand international, branching into New Zealand and possibly Germany this year. Their success has been celebrated with 16 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

The open-plan house has been designed to bring the outdoors in, embracing natural earthy materials of timber and stone and an impressive internal garden wall as the centrepiece of the home. Plants add natural splashes of greenery throughout, further showcasing the family’s love of nature. “We love getting outside, being active and engaged and enjoying life,” says Marlies. “Being so close to the beach we love getting on our paddle boards and we have a swimming pool too so it’s nice to able to have a swim with the boys even during the stinger season.” But it’s not just all work and adrenaline pumping play.

“It’s a place for coming together, and has been designed to create a meal time ritual. It’s definitely a special place.”

Admitting to ‘burning the candle at both ends’ over the last few years, Marlies is also discovering the joys of slowing down. “We love to play music in the house, play games, light a candle or just watch a movie. Jai and I have also started a tea ritual, winding down with a nice herbal tea and our beautiful tea set. It’s a good way to force us into slow down mode I suppose.” The tranquil feel extends throughout the home, with a collection of buddhas and water features further enhancing the zen. Paleo nutrition also continues to be an important part of life for Marlies and her family, both for managing allergies and providing optimum energy for their busy schedules.

So it is perhaps not surprising the kitchen

Further

is the heart of the home, and Marlies’

program is also high on the agenda,

favourite space.

along with a series of appearances

“It’s a place for coming together, and

and talks starting with the Cairns

has been designed to create a meal

Business Women’s Club luncheon in

time ritual. It’s definitely a special place.”

February and International Women’s

Marlies and Jai will still be kept busy this

developing

the

Paleo

Day celebration in Sydney in March. year, with plans to introduce Paleo Café

“Our focus for 2016 is really about trying

to New Zealand and Germany as well as

to find the right balance of business, and

launching a ready-made meal range in

lifestyle, and inspiring and supporting

partnership with Pete Evans. She has even started dreaming up inspiration for her next cookbook and begun planning Paleo cooking training

others to do the same.” Words: Michelle Dryburgh Images: Melissa Duncan Photography

courses for chefs. Feb | Mar 2016 | 17

PEOPLE | Making a Difference

No P lace Like Home

CHANEL OLIVE THOMAS

“In Manila, I live in a high-rise apartment block. I don’t walk anywhere. I go from my apartment, into an Uber, into a building. Because of the population, I exercise at indoor gyms. I really miss nature.” Having carved out a successful modelling career in the bustling city for the past two years, the 25-year-old former St Mary’s and Cairns High student is embarking on a new challenge. Scouted by LuLu’s Modelling Agency in Cairns whilst she was still a student, Chanel entered a contest in Girlfriend Magazine and the Face of Ekka contests. After graduating high school in 2007, Chanel moved to Brisbane to model with Vivien’s Agency, while attempting different fields of study, including nutrition and psychology. “In 2013, I went to Philippines for a holiday and decided to stay. I was offered a few small roles, and then I gained a reputation as being reliable. I was offered more and more jobs, which I kept embracing with enthusiasm.” “Eventually, modelling alone became a little boring. I was at the point where I had reached the top of my field in Manila. In modelling, I felt like I wan’t growing anymore. I’m very into selfdevelopment. I’m very ambitious. I needed a new challenge. That’s where the pageants came into it.” “Pageants are huge in the Philippines. There are month-long pageant camps where you are assessed day-in dayout.” I was nominated to represent my mother’s and aunt’s province, San Antonio Nueva Ecija in the Miss Philippines Earth Air pageant last June. It was the first pageant I had entered, and certainly the biggest in the country. In June, I was honoured to be named Miss Philippines Earth Air 2015” Chanel hasn’t been back to Cairns since 2013, and over the holidays, she has been concentrating on enjoying time with family and close friends. “A lot of my school friends have now moved back to Cairns, after spending the best part of the last decade away. Some went away to study. Some went 18 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

travelling. But most of them are coming home now, to get married or raise a family. Cairns really is an amazing place to grow up in. Everyone is always so chill.” “What do you love most of all about Cairns?” “I love the environment. And I love the fresh produce. Rusty’s! In the Philippines, all the food is wrapped. You can’t just get fruit. It has to be wrapped in plastic, to protect it from the pollution. Everything in Cairns is so accessible. Traffic is a nightmare. During APEC last year, there were reports that Ubers were taking 6 hours to drive into the city.” But mostly, I miss trees. The longer I live in the Philippines, the more I appreciate nature.” “The Philippines is an amazingly beautiful country, especially once outside of the city. And the nightlife in Manila is amazing. I’m sure the city has the world’s best clubs. But Cairns is paradise.”

by OzHarvest

A motor scooter screams along the street past us, drowning out the noise, and our conversation halts. Chanel smiles wryly. “That sounds like The Philippines”

The statistics are staggering.

“I know there will come a time I won’t be able to model anymore, so I’m focussing on a career in television. When I was in Grade 9, a teacher told me that I was a very good talker and I should consider a career as a professional talker. He was right. I do talk - a lot! I’m starting a Bachelor of Communications through Griffith University in March.” I have so much opportunity to succeed in the Philippines. Having the opportunity to speak to people on a regular basis and share the importance of self worth, knowledge that you were only created to be victorious as well as environmental awareness is a powerful thing. I’m pretty blessed.”

Did you know the average Australian household throws away 20% of the groceries it purchases? Australians waste approximately 4 million tonnes of food each year. However, it’s not just the food product that is wasted. For every litre of milk that is tipped down the sink, so too is the 1000 litres of water required to make it. Throwing away 1kg of beef essentially wastes the 50,000 litres of water that was used producing it. The most commonly wasted foods include bread, milk, cheese, bananas, chicken, lettuce and tomatoes. Information regarding ways to store and use these products are available via the Foodwise website, with a goal of educating the public to reducing waste.

“Tell me again, how old you are?,” I ask. “You’re incredibly well balanced for a 25 year old.” She laughs coyly. “Trust me, I used to suck at life! But I moved out of home when I was quite young, and I realised those things around the house that always got done - someone was actually doing that! Then I started travelling and seeing the different ways that people live. I grew up a lot.” And with Philippine Airlines commencing direct flights between Manila and Cairns, Chanel is excited to know her friends and family will have more opportunity to visit her, and she knows she will be home more often.

According to studies undertaken by the CSIRO and other agencies, Australia produces enough food annually to feed 60 million people. Despite this, 2 million citizens rely on food relief of some form each year.

Images: Supplied

Home from Manila for the Christmas holidays, Chanel Olive Thomas seems entirely at ease in the crowded cafe where we meet. And no wonder. She’s living in one of the most densely populated cities in the world. “Isn’t this weather wonderful?”, she proclaims, sipping on her freshly squeezed orange juice. “I want to be outside everyday while I’m home.”

In 2004, OzHarvest founder, Ronni Kahn, successfully lobbied for amendments to the Civil Liberty and Health legislation, which had previously prevented food service industry from supply excess food. Provided no reimbursement

was received for the unneeded food, and the food was a fit for consumption at the time of the donation, food service businesses could no longer be held accountable for the quality of the food, after it left their premises. Soon after this modification, OzHarvest was founded in Sydney in November 2004. Recognising a need to continue this service in regional centres, and REAP by OzHarvest expanded across Australian states. In August 2014, it landed in the Far North. Since the opening of the local chapter, 33 tonnes of quality excess food has been delivered it to local charities. That’s approximately 100,000 meals that have landed on local dinner plates, instead of rubbish bins! REAP Cairns is run entirely by volunteers, and relies on donations and fundraising to continue its operations.

You’ll see their yellow shirts busily collecting donations at Rusty’s on a Sunday afternoon, and other local restaurants and shops who have already recognised the benefits of this program. REAP Cairns currently services 18 local charities, and delivers food to some local schools, who include these donations in their School Breakfast programs. To further their capacity on their food-waste-fighting mission, REAP Cairns next goal is obtaining refrigerated transport. Local businesses wishing to provide assistance to REAP, or help the team with regular collections, are asked to make contact with Jana via email - reapcairns@gmail.com Words: Julianne Steer Images: Christine Howes

Feb | Mar 2016 | 19

PEOPLE

Glenys

Spilling Darryl

Cairns has become a Mecca for bike fans, with events like IronMan, Coral Coast Triathlon, RRR Mountain Bike race, Crocodile Trophy, Cairns to Karumba and Cardiac Challenge dotting the local calendar, boosting tourism and bringing tens of millions of dollars into the region each year. Taking to the great outdoors on two wheels is immensely popular in Cairns, so we had a chat to four locals about their interest in the sport.

Fiona

Michael

Q: How did you get involved in cycling? And what’s your most satisfying moment? Glenys: I got on a bike 10 years ago for the first Cardiac Challenge. I realised I really loved it. Now I ride for fitness, and more than anything, the social aspect. I completed the 9-day ride along Great Ocean Road. It was wet, cold and absolutely miserable, but I did it. I also did the Cairns to Karumba ride this year. Darryl: I did the Cairns to Cooktown two years ago, and am planning the Cairns to Karumba this year. The thing about doing a distance race is that you will never look at a map of Queensland the same way again. When you realise that you have just ridden a pushbike hundreds of kilometres through the most remote roads in the country, it’s a huge satisfaction. I also did the 5km at the GBR Marathon Festival, and now proudly boast that I ran beside Steve Monaghetti. Yes, it was only three or four steps, as he overtook me and vanished out of sight, but I’m claiming that. Fiona: Last IronMan, I was perched at Rattle N Hum, cheering on the competitors. After far too many Corona’s I vowed to enter this years event. My first event was just a few months ago - the GBR Marathon. Only 10km, but for me, it was massive achievement. I got my medal, and to my enormous delight, it doubles as a bottle opener and fridge magnet. Michael: When I hit 40, I wanted to do something big, so I trekked the Kokoda Trail that year. I helped raise $80K for the Declan Crouch Foundation. The next year, we raised $40K for COUCH. Kokoda makes you fit, so I started looking for another challenge. I’ve completed the Half Ironman the past two years, and, as a member of Team Carling, we’ve raised close to $100K for COUCH. Let me assure you, I will never bother the IronMan podium, so being able to give back to the community through fundraising is enormously satisfying and, to me, it’s as good as winning. Fiona: I agree, the fundraising aspect is a really nice way for friends to be a part of your hobby. Friends from my hometown are contacting me, firstly asking if this is a hoax, and then secondly saying “Yes, I will totally donate $100 to see you run”. 20 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

PEOPLE | Spilling the Beans

THE BEANS ...on Biking

Q: How healthy is your diet? Fiona: I’ve always had a decent diet, but since starting training, my appetite is insane. I’m a Labrador. I’m eating like a 14 year old boy. I’ll swim, and stepping out of the pool, I’m looking for food. I’ll finish a ride, and I’m eating before I take my helmet off. Darryl: Pizza is part of a food group, isn’t it? I have a wife who eats very well, who forces me to eat my vegetables. So under sufferance, and through absolutely no fault of my own, I actually have a very good diet. Glenys: I’m currently detoxing, and I’d really like to lose 15kg, so I’m aiming towards that. Michael: I’m a 6-month on/6-month off type of an athlete, dedicated to the cause when I need to be.

Q: Any embarrassing moments you’d care to share? Fiona: My husband is my self-appointed personal trainer. While complaining while running up a huge hill, he was yelling at me, saying I was weak. He’s never spoken to me like that, so I retaliated, screamed back and stormed off, probably gesturing as I did. Later that morning, a colleague asked if it had been an intense training session, and I realised that our spat had occurred on her front lawn. Darryl: I was once riding a motorbike wearing protective pants that were slightly too small. As I dismounted, an

FIONA:

“

I think it’s very important that my whole outfit is coordinated. As I see it, one of three things is going to happen to me come June 12th.

I’m going to win, so I’m going to be on the news, so I need to look good.

2. I’m going to come stone-motherless last, so I’m going to be on the news, so I need to look good.

or, 3. I’m going to die, so I’m gonna be on the news,

”

so I need to look good.

observer pointed out that I’d split my pants and they could see my underpants. My wife informed them that I’ve not worn underpants in 30 years. Michael: I learned that after you wear lycra for some time, it actually wears quite thin, and isn’t as supportive as it was. My training mates were also witness to this. It’s a lesson not easily forgotten. Glenys: I’ve had a number of spills, usually in the wrong gear, up a hill, with shoes clicked in, and then I’m on the ground.

Feb | Mar 2016 | 21

PEOPLE | Juan Walker

At work with..

JUAN WALKER “There is a fascination and thirst for knowledge by travellers wanting to know more about Aboriginal culture”

As I stand beside Juan Walker, listening

week after he died the tree fell down,”

to the stories passed down to him

Juan says. “And the white wattle tree

from his own Aboriginal grandfather, I

my grandmother was born under fell

understand why culture and the land

over the day she died. It shows how

is so important to him and why he has

we are all spiritually connected to our

also chosen to be a storyteller.

place of birth.” He also talks about how boys are named after places

half-daily

and girls are named after things, no

indigenous tours and I have joined his

matter how obscure, like Shiny Stone

Walkabout Adventures full day tour

or Spear in the Neck. The stories Juan

through the Daintree to learn more

shares on his tour provide a fascinating

about him and his culture. The tour

insight into indigenous culture and how

starts in the small Daintree township and

it is steeped in tradition and strongly

Juan talks about what life was like for his

connected to country.

Juan

runs

daily

and

Australians and do not attract as much

saline and can be squeezed into the

interest either. It’s true that indigenous

eyes to wash out sand and seeds that

tourism is incredibly popular in Australia

you can make hot to seal cuts thus

and there is a fascination and thirst for

stopping infection. Then there’s the

knowledge by travellers wanting to

variety of bush tucker available if you

know more about Aboriginal culture,

just look for it. Juan teaches us how to

hunting techniques, traditional bush

spearfish in the mangroves for crabs

tucker and Dreamtime stories. It’s this

and fish. He shows how easy it is to

sharing of passed-down knowledge

collect pipis in the shallows and cook

that makes Juan a great storyteller.

them up and how to crack open fresh almonds growing on the tree. But he

Juan grew up in the Daintree region and

also points out that over 70 percent

swam in freshwater creeks, spearfished

of fruit in the rainforest is toxic, so

in the mangroves, ate traditional bush

he doesn’t advise eating fruits, nuts

tucker and learned all about the

or berries unless you know precisely

healing properties of local plant life as

what it is.

a young boy. Today he not only shares this knowledge with his young family,

Upon meeting Juan, you realise he is

ensuring his three children grow up

incredibly passionate about his heritage

with a solid understanding of their Kuku

and ensuring Aboriginal culture is

Yalanji culture, but he also shares this

preserved for future generations. By

knowledge as part of his tours so others

sharing his stories and traditions, he is

can better understand the native flora

helping keep the culture alive.

and fauna of the region. He teaches about plants that treat stingray and stonefish stings, berries that work like

For more information visit

Words: Amanda Cranston

www.walkaboutadventures.com.au

Images: Supplied

ancestors when they lived here before

22 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

the missionaries arrived. He points out

He says that while it wasn’t until 1961

the hill where his grandfather was born,

that a referendum was passed to

explaining in great detail how one’s

class Aboriginal people as Australian

birthplace is their connection to their

citizens, Australia is actually a lot more

land and country. “My grandfather

accepting today of their indigenous

was actually born under a coconut

heritage than many other countries.

tree and his placenta was buried under

An American family joined us on Juan’s

that same tree. He would sit under the

tour and explained that the Native

tree all the time to contemplate life and

Americans have not enjoyed the

keep his connection to country, then a

same acceptance as our Aboriginal

Feb | Mar 2016 | 23

PEOPLE | Kylie Anderson & Hannah Hogan

The Definition

OF DESIGN

FOHER MULTISPORT FOHER MULTISPORT is taking the Triathlon World by storm! Its creators, sisters Hannah Hogan and Kylie Anderson, are both keen athletes, yet always struggled to find a triathlon suit which was comfortable and practical. After numerous discussions with other female athletes, they realised they weren’t alone. With Hannah’s psychology knowledge to ascertain precisely what was important to female athletes, and Kylie’s scientific and research experience, combined with a flair for creativity and intimate knowledge of competitive performance garments from years Hannah spent working in a fabric store, they went about creating what was soon to become the first 100% Aussie made female specific triathlon brand. Oasis Magazine had a chat to these two sisters, to see what inspires them to do what they do. How did you get into this industry? By taking a plunge! Triathlon has been a part of our lives for a long time, but very early on in the piece it quickly became apparent to Hannah that a sleek and stylish female triathlon suit was missing from the market. We both then set about to develop a functional and, most importantly, comfortable suit that was manufactured in Australia. We can say that this industry is very closed so it was a massively steep learning curve for us! We have so far probably made every mistake in the book! But that is what keeps us moving forward. What practical changes did you concentrate on when designing your suits? We had to design a suit that was flattering yet still functional for our ladies. We polled countless newbies and experienced triathletes, we looked at seams and stitches, we researched fabrics, we played with colour combinations, and after putting about 15 samples through their paces, here we are.

24 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Instagram: @fohermultisport Facebook: FOHER - Multisport Woman Website: www.fohermultisport.com

Our trisuits are definitely unique. Our branding stands out through its simplicity. We believe our suits are simple and tasteful, yet very flattering. We have our Wildher type prints for bolder ladies, and our Fuhery type styles for those who prefer just a splash of colour. Our trishorts don’t cause “sausage leg” and they don’t ride up. The seams are designed to reduce or eliminate chafe, and we have not seen any of our ladies sporting the dreaded muffin top. We consistently receive such positive feedback that our suits are the most comfortable.

What inspires the artwork featured in your creations? The environment in which we live! We are surrounded by such vibrant colour… the reef, the rainforest and the animals and plants within the Australiana theme. We have a running guessing game for each new print – try to figure out what animal or plant is hidden within. What do you enjoy most about your job? Most definitely meeting our ladies in person. We have had such a beautiful response to our brand since its launch at Noosa Multisport Festival in 2014. Through our social media channels we have made some beautiful and long lasting friendships. We get such a buzz when we see our FOHETTES rocking their suits during training and out on course during a race. One of the first Wildher suits we sold went on to race at Ironman Arizona! The pictures of Monica jumping through the finish line actually brought tears to our eyes it was so exciting. We also launched our much anticipated Ambassador program this year. We have 52 incredible sportswomen rocking FOHER all over the world! We have Ambassadors in Canada, Sweden, Brazil, USA, the UK, Mexico, Germany to name a few! Most are within Australia though, especially in Queensland along the Sunny Coast. We even have a couple of gorgeous local athletes Clare Zappala and Salome Villiger - so keep an eye out for these talented ladies.

Kylie: At the moment it’s definitely juggling a new baby with the bookwork. Hannah has had to step in and cover a lot of the jobs I did before I had Theodore, so her workload is particularly heavy and I constantly get frustrated at my lack of time. I take comfort knowing this is only temporary. I also am cranky because my training is taking a back-seat to raising my baby {laughs} But again, I know it’s only temporary! Baby steps (pun intended) will see me back out on the road in no time! And what Hannah says. Hannah and Kylie have big plans for FOHER, and encourage everyone to never give up in pursuit of their dreams. “We have ladies from all over the world embracing our brand and supporting each other on and off course. If we see a woman in her FOHER suit, and she is having a ball high-fiving other competitors and smiling as she races through the finish line then we know we are achieving the FOHER goal – inspiring and empowering happy, healthy and fit women! As long as there are athletes of all levels inspiring themselves everyday through fitness and sport, then FOHER will be right there with them, sharing their journey, encouraging them every step of the way.” With such positive and inspiring attitudes, we can’t wait to see these girls make it all the way to the top!

What is the most challenging aspect of this business? Hannah: Starting out as a small unknown brand has been very challenging. We don’t have celebrity status to leverage off, nor do we pretend to be anything more than two sisters who want to make a difference to women in a truly positive way through sport. Kylie and I started FOHER quite literally with our own two bare hands and no backing from anyone, so while this has been challenging, it has also been one of the most rewarding aspects of the business. We are lucky that we are both very strong minded, stubborn, and relentless women when it comes to achieving our goals, so there is no hurdle or setback that deters us for long, if at all.

Feb | Mar 2016 | 25

Fashion | Hair Beauty | skincare

A unique designer resort set amongst lush tropical gardens, QT Port Douglas welcomes guests with a contemporary yet quirky tropical feel. Make your special day everything you imagined it would be here in paradise. For bookings and enquiries call 07 4099 8900 or email sales_portdouglas@qthotels.com.au www.qtportdouglas.com.au

FASHION SHOOT: Stylist Pip Addison | Modernstyle 0425 756 083 www.modernstyle.com.au Hair Sarah Holmes | 0400 892 836 Photographer Mick Fuhrimann | 0447474846 Models Sacha Blake and Adam Fahim Location Genesis Fitness 113 Lake Street | 40412290

New Arrivals Weekly - sizes 8 to 18

www.shesheaustralia.com

26 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Feb | Mar 2016 | 27

STYLE | Let’s get physical

Our fantastic models this issue are Sacha Blake and Adam Fahim. Sacha Blake is a born and bred local, who claims that we really do live in heaven on earth. A fitness coach and personal trainer for the past five years, Sacha says she loves her job because it’s humbling and full of courageous, positive people. She ranks her fiance and two daughters as her biggest inspiration, keeping her focused and positive everyday. When Sacha’s not gracing the pages of Oasis Magazine, you’ll find her helping others achieve their dreams at DFO World Gym. Adam is an import, having arrived in Cairns from Scotland almost three years ago. He loves his newly adopted hometown, rating the weather and scenery as second to none. Adam has been a personal trainer for seven years, and can be found most days at Genesis Gym on Lake Street.

28 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Sasha: Adam:

Feb | Mar 2016 | 29

STYLE | Let’s get physical

New year

GOALS FASHION PIP ADDISON MODERN STYLE

Yes, we all start the New Year with the best intentions, setting ourselves goals we wish to achieve for the coming year. For some it’s big life changes such as a new job; new home; quit smoking; or even plan to start a family.

No longer do you need to wear the boring black lycra pants and oversized t-shirt of old! You have every style you can think of, including bright neons, animal prints, and mesh.

For others it might be more common goals such as eating healthier; being more active and planning a holiday (well that’s what I am doing anyway!).

Think Lorna Jane, Jaggad, Country Road, Witchery, Sportsgirl, Danni Minogue (for Target), and the list goes on.

This month I thought what better way to inspire you other than to showcase some of the latest active-wear out this season! I know it is without a doubt that when you feel good about yourself you look good, and it always motivates you to do better! Therefore if you’ve put on a couple of extra kg’s over Christmas, treat yourself to a new workout outfit and I bet you’ll work that little bit harder when exercising, whether walking the nard, at the gym, yoga, or even a boxing class!

And then we are faced with the dilemma - can you wear activewear when not exercising? Personally, I prefer it to keep it in the gym, although I can put my hand up to having done the school drop-off and grocery shop a number of times whilst in gym gear, and I’m sure I’m not the only one! Happy New Year to all, and I hope all your goals come true! www.modernstyle.com.au

Active wear has become a world phenomenon, with so many brands bringing out a range to better accommodate their customers.

Sacha wears: Do Not Disturb cap | $29.99 Offbeat sports bra | $65.99 Sunsafe T-shirt in charcoal | $69.99

Karli support ¾ tight in purple | $89.99 Inspire necklace | $29.99 Lorna Jane Fit Bit | $229.95 | Myer

Bangle cuff | $5 Set of 3 bangles | $10 | Target New Balance grey/purple runner | $130 Platypus

30 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Feb | Mar 2016 | 31

Seductive hair for

VALENTINE’S DAY HAIR KRISTY BLACKHURST HAIR ENVY BY KRISTY

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love, relationships and to crack open a beautiful bottle of champagne. It’s also right around the corner! In the coming weeks, you will see an abundance of “romance“ showing up in your news feeds - from tempting chocolates, to impressive bunches of flowers and sultry lingerie. To be honest, until receiving the brief for this month’s column, I hadn’t put a lot of thought into what it takes for a hairstyle to enchant the opposite sex. After a little bit of Instagram and Pinterest research, and some interesting conversations with males, it became clear to me that men want minimal, lush, touchable hair with soft make-up and a bold seductive lips. Taking all this into consideration, I came up with 4 minimal hairstyle ideas to get you Valentine’s Day ready: Smooth and shiny: Nothing is sexier than smooth shiny hair that you can run and tousle your fingers though. Add my favourite Mythic Oil by L’Oreal into dry hair to achieve ultimate shine; simply section your hair into small sections starting from the nape working your way towards the forehead, smooth over the hair from roots to ends using your GHD irons. Once complete, this with give you a smooth, straight, shiny, sexy look. Basic, yet effective. Flirty and full of mystery: For those thinking about a change, a short choppy bob is sure to turn heads. This look is extremely sexy! It enhances

those gorgeous cheek bones and dazzling eyes. You’re sure to catch a few wondering eyes with your neck being bare. Add a peek-a-boo fringe with a pixie cut and you instantly have a flirty and mischievous look. The trusty bun: We want this bun to totally look like wild bed hair. Tousle up your hair whilst spraying some Next Day Hair by L’Oreal. Effortlessly push the roots up whilst adding more spray - but remember less is more! Pull the hair off to one side to bare some neckline, lightly twist and pin. After gently pinning, pull at the bun to loosen and create softness. Sultry ponytail: A simple pony can be extremely seductive. Pull the hair up into a high ponytail utilising a large barrel tong to create movement within large soft waves. Spray with a little Air Fix by L’Oreal to hold the waves whilst keeping the humanity at bay! Lastly a spray of perfume from the first day you met, add a bold red pout, and you’re straight to your sexy haven!! HAPPY VALENTINES DAY XXXX Thanks to all who entered our L’Oreal Pro-Fibre competition. The winner of this amazing giveaway is

Leigh Murphy Please contact the salon to collect your prize.

m 32 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Feb | Mar 2016 | 33

The Art of NAILS Artificial nail enhancements can be a confusing business. Where should you go? What product should you choose? I can demystify the choices available, by explaining the available products, plus their pro’s and con’s to help you make an informed decision when choosing how to spend your hard earned money. The four main nail enhancement products are: Acrylic, Gel, Gel Polish and Gel Powder. ACRYLIC is a powder and liquid based product which begins to harden once the powder and liquid are combined. Acrylic is extremely hard, meaning it is suitable for very long nails. However it has a strong odour and is non-permeable. This increases the risk of fungal infection, and the dehydration and overfilling of the nail bed required to ensure acrylic adhesion results in significant damage to the natural nail. GEL is a thick, runny liquid (clear or coloured) which needs to be cured

under a UV lamp. It has received some bad publicity of late with television programs stating that some UV lamps were found to omit UV rays at an unsafe level. These lamps are typically the cheap, inferior overseas lamps produced in countries with low safety standards. Look for a professional company like Bio Sculpture who have had an independent testing by FarmovPerexel, giving its gel and its lamps a five star safety rating. GEL POLISH is basically a long wearing nail polish. It is only effective on nails which are in good condition and cannot be used to lengthen the natural nail, nor does it add any strength. GEL POWDER is often disguised and promoted as being a gel however, don’t be fooled, ‘gel powder’ is just an acrylic product in disguise. Nail enhancements can be beautiful, but without a qualified technician, and without products which are obtained from professional companies that adhere

to industry safety standards, you could be wasting your hard earned money (at best), or damaging your health (at worst). Please take the time to educate yourself on the products available as well as checking the qualifications of the technician servicing you. I have spent over 15 years in the nail industry and have closely investigated many of the products on the market. The product I use and stake my reputation on is ‘Bio Sculpture Gel’. They are passionate about nail health, as well as clean and safe professional nail practices. I am a Cairns local who proudly works in my boutique salon conveniently located in Lake St. Individual attention is guaranteed and I very much look forward to meeting you and helping you to realise your dreams of beautiful, healthy nails. To book your appointment telephone 0408735105 and please visit my Facebook page at www. facebook.com/theArtOfNailsCairns

Wedding PLANS BEAUTY REANNA TICKNER DARE WAXING & TANNING

Another year bites the dust … Here’s to 2016! Can you believe that January is already over, meaning Wedding Season is just around the corner. If you are a bride-to-be, it’s time to book in all those hair and beauty appointments. To make your lives just that little bit easier, here at Dare we specialise in only waxing and tanning, which means we supply and deliver only the Best of Best of services and our products.

QUICK TIPS: • Book your appointments in advance! You will have secured your spot at the time you want, and it’s one less thing to worry about.

also suggest getting all your waxing done a week prior to your wedding day, which will give your skin time to settle.

• Don’t

forget

lots

exfoliating and moisturising to ensure you have smooth and

Whether it’s perfecting your brows or getting a natural glow for your big day, we can guide you along the way. If there are any questions or queries you may have please don’t hesitate to give us a call or just pop in for a chat. We are more than happy to help! Don’t forget, Dare to be a little different this year.

even skin tone.

• If you are considering a spray tan for your big day we suggest getting a trial tan a few weeks prior to your wedding, to allow you get a feel for the tan and the colour it provides. We recommend getting your spray tan done a day or two before your wedding day.

The Art Of Nails

www.facebook.com/DareWaxTan

Shop 30b, The Conservatory 12-14 Lake St, Cairns Phone: 0408 735 105

@TheArtOfNailsCairns 34 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Feb | Mar 2016 | 35

New Year’s SUCCESS

FITNESS

ADAM FAHIM PERSONAL TRAINING & MEMBERSHIP CONSULTANT GENESIS FITNESS CAIRNS

Statistics show that over 50% of Australians make New Years Resolutions. So, 11.5 million people are hoping to change something in 2016. Staggering! The top 5 resolutions are improve fitness, lose weight, eat better, quit smoking/ drinking and learn something new. Unbelievably 88% of us won’t stick to our resolutions for the year; which means that 12% will succeed. We want to help you be one of those 12% of the population! If you asked any of the 88% why they gave up, you’d hear a variety of excuses - it was too hot; it hurt too much; I haven’t got time; the gym is too intimidating. Or you could just say it how it is. It’s hard! Trying to stick to something on your own is hard for everybody. So make the commitment, stop whinging and hold yourself accountable. Speaking from experience, we know “motivated” people have a few things in common - a genuine desire, a deadline and support. Have you ever known a bride who has transformed herself for the big day? They had a genuine desire to look good for their big day, a set deadline, and they had their excited bridesmaids for support.

beat yourself up and think “what if I’d started 12 months ago”. Imagine how you will feel if you’ve kicked your New Year’s Resolution out of the ball park. Focussing on the Top 2 resolutions, here’s our 6 tips to help you achieve: 1. Write your resolutions on the bathroom mirror and tell everyone in your village (family, friends and colleagues) 2. Buy a pair of decent shoes 3. Give away your favourite treats from the pantry and fridge (if the temptation is too hard to bear) 4. Find a friend and buy an alarm clock 5. No problem if you fall off the band wagon! Get back up and start again (don’t wait until Monday) 6. Join Genesis Fitness (oh so cheeky!) Avoid gym-intimidation by remembering that most gymgoers start from where you are right now. They just got “motivated” a little earlier and became comfortable with a little help from those in the know. The gym becomes comfortable very quickly when you know your way around. Make 2016 your year, and become one of the 12%.

On 31 December 2016, don’t

36 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Feb | Mar 2016 | 37

How to keep your

New Y ear

RESOLUTIONS

NEW YOU NUTRITION BELINDA COLDEBELLA HEALTHKICKS PTY LTD

Personally I’ve always thought that February 1st was the best day to start New Year resolutions. It just makes more sense.

areas of your diet and lifestyle that need to change in order for you to achieve your New Year resolution (come in and see us).

The kids are back at school, work is back on track, the summer season is over and we are heading into a cooler autumn. This pretty much ticks the box for building a foundation for achieving some of the more popular New Year resolutions like ‘get fit’, ‘lose weight’, ‘eat healthier’ and ‘stress less’.

3) Eat healthier: I love this one because it is so easy to make small changes to your nutrition that result in maximum impact. Don’t underestimate simple things like focusing on increasing your daily fibre intake to 30gm per day (this will open your eyes to wholefoods), have a vegetarian day or make it a point to try something new every week from a healthy recipe website e.g. learn how to use legumes.

1) Get fit: It doesn’t matter what physical activity you like, Cairns is full of fun friendly options. The Cairns area has some excellent personal trainers available to help motivate you to reach your fitness goals. I still believe that people need the one-on-one coaching that personal trainers provide to help kickstart this type of New Year resolution. At least two sessions a week for eight weeks will accelerate your fitness and help compliment your other weekly exercise.

4) Stress less: Stress has such a detrimental affect on our wellbeing. In particular; poor concentration, memory, changes in mood, a decrease in sleep quality, poor immune function, changes in appetite, digestion, weight and exercise performance. We could all take a lesson in the art of stress management, but the good news is we don’t need to attend formal meditation classes to learn ways to diffuse those stress levels. Things that you can do to help reduce stressful days include listening to music, exercise, laughing, massage, taking time out with friends, aromatherapy, yoga or focusing on a hobby e.g. cooking, gardening or art.

2) Lose weight: This is by far the most common New Year resolution. My advice is simple; if it’s 5kg you need to lose, move more, drop the alcohol and lattes and start focusing on your food routine. If you are after more than a 5kg loss, then you will benefit from getting some advice on

Kickstart your health  

Nutritionists Metabolic Researchers



Dietitians Bariatric Specialists



Exercise Physiologists Health Educators (workshops)

Not sure if the healthkicks clinic is right for you? Make an appointment for a free health check with no cost and no commitment.

38 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

DR AGU PEPELA MBBS APPLETREE MEDICAL CENTRE SMITHFIELD

It happens with every new year - new year, new start! We start out with the best of intentions, whether it’s to stop smoking, exercise more or learn how to juggle. It all starts out well. Even big business is there giving us a hand, with a myriad of ads for gym memberships and new diet products on the shelf. But somewhere along the line, it all falls into a heap. The resolutions end up in the bin and we wait until the new year for the cycle to start again! Study after study has shown that anywhere between 70-90% of people fail to keep their new years resolutions. So why are we so bad at it?

The first hint may come from the time of year. Why do we need a new year to change a habit? The fact that we haven’t started to work on our goal at any other time of the year, proves that we probably don’t want to do the hard work required, and are using the hype to try to energise ourself, with unrealistic expectations. Psychologists have actually put a lot of study into why we break new years resolutions, and although there is still some debate going on, a few things are becoming clearer. The crux of the problem is that we have multiple competing internal self-interests, which all become more important the nearer they get in time. So the “you” that wants to wake up early to make a healthy breakfast is trump when you go to bed. But when the alarm goes off at 5am, the “you” that wants to lie in is so much more important than it was the night before. This time concept and competing selfinterests is important to understand, because it shows why all our resolutions break. And importantly, it can also be used to help keep resolutions. Say your resolution is to get fit. You set your alarm early to go for a jog. But the next morning, you convince yourself that you don’t have to do it this morning. Tomorrow you definitely will. As the process keeps repeating, we end up abandoning the resolution altogether. The trick to actually keeping a resolution is to set very specific goals. For instance, to go for a jog on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 6am for 20 minutes each time. If we leave any ambiguity in it, then our competing self interests will undermine us slowly until failure.

We provide face-to-face and ehealth/ telehealth consultations.

181 Mulgrave Road Cairns, QLD 4870 P: 4041 6675 www.@healthkicks.com.au

HEALTH

So now that you know what is going on in your mind, good luck with your new year’s resolutions. And remember, if they don’t work out, you don’t have to wait for the new year to try again! www.appletreemedical.com.au Feb | Mar 2016 | 39

G etting your business SOCIAL SOCIAL MEDIA JENNY GARD FIND ME A TRADIE

40 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Social Media is a “must-do” marketing strategy to promote your business. Even though you hear about it quite a lot, you may not have taken the plunge yet to market your business this way. Below are a few simple reasons why you should be on Social Media . Brand Awareness A wise marketing strategy will incorporate social media with your print, television, and radio campaigns to ensure your business is competitive in today’s electronic world. Open your business to a wider audience by using Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram to reach audiences and build connections that traditional media methods may miss. Promotion of a Product or event Social Media can be used to quickly alter your marketed products, or to promote a product or event relevant to your business. Use it to run a competition or a give away targeted to a particular audience for your business, which has the added advantage of increasing followers and building your brand awareness. The Personal Approach Respond to your customers request in real time, adding a very personal approach. Customers want to be valued, even outside the traditional “9-5” working day. Responding online makes you approachable, and is a way to stand out from your competition. It’s most important to be authentic. Don’t overpromise. Don’t criticise others. Be proactive and support other business and colleagues. While social media is great for business, if

you do the wrong thing the ramifications are far-reaching. Share Knowledge Everyone loves a freebie and learning about a product/service they are using. With social media, your business has the capacity to share tips about your field that can be changed and updated constantly. Regular blogging will attract attention and establish your reputation as an industry leader, which will be presented to a wide range of potential customers. Build your customer base Customers refer to social media to seek others opinions. An established and engaged online presence will attract more followers, building your audience and increasing your reach. Getting reviews from your current customers is a great way for others to see that your business is the one they should be using. Research your market and create campaigns to target that audience. Search for potential customers who have expressed an interest in your product or service. Listen to what people want, then build your business towards that. Outsource If this all seems too much - outsource! Find Me a Home Qld and Find Me a Tradie FNQ promotes the local Real Estate, Building and Construction Industries. We can manage your Social Media campaigns, provide education to help you do it, or build your website.

Real Estate | Decorating | Insurance Mortgage Broking | Body Corporate

Jenny Gard | 0417 371 359 www.findmeatradiefnq.com.au www.findmehomeqld.com.au

Feb | Mar 2016 | 41

Refresh and

Status UPDATE INDUSTRY SECRETS

Status Plus Design Centre If you have been into Status Plus recently, you may have come across the newest addition to the showroom, The Status Plus Design Centre. Run by our resident kitchen and bathroom designer Rod Busoli, it showcases samples from a range of products available for your new Kitchen, Bathroom or Outdoor Kitchen all of which are there to help make those important decisions.

With

years

experience

working as a kitchen designer Rod has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to

Recently after working on a clients design I was given the following feedback ‘The most important thing to consider is not what IS there, but what is NOT there. And you did this – not many people can do that!’. Create the look Whether it’s the kitchen or the bathroom, make sure the area renovated or created suits the style or era of the house. There are a number of ways this can be achieved including colour, different finishes and appliances. The aim is to create a seamless look throughout the house.

knowing what works (and what doesn’t!). He shares his best tips below:

Functionality is something that lasts a lifetime Functionality is the most important design feature of the kitchen. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the kitchen is, if it doesn’t work it will frustrate the person using it. I spend a great deal of time creating specific work stations that reduce the amount of time spent wandering the kitchen searching various items. This will

Product Knowledge Over the years I have seen ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ come and go. I pride myself on being up to date with the latest products and trends. With having a wide variety of products on hand at Status Plus you can look, touch and feel to make your choices easier. I also like to offer product advice to help you save money where possible and to gain better functionality in other areas of the space and its surroundings. Rod is available by appointment for kitchen and bathroom designs Tuesday – Friday.

be by using the allocated space for the kitchen/bathroom, big or small, more efficiently and effectively.

42 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Call 4031 2676 or email rod@statusplus.com.au to book a time.

REVITALISE STYLING JAN WARNOCK JOOSH IT UP

Into a new year and we’ve all made some decisions about what the year will hold. This is also a good time to think about how we can refresh and revitalising our homes. It could simply be to update your décor or totally redefine your look. And you don’t need to blow the budget. Whatever you decide, it is super easy to achieve. Firstly, assess what you have. To remain budget friendly, you have to work with your big items like sofas, dining table and chairs and beds. Then go from room to room and decide what is in that particular room you really like and what could you easily get rid of. Sometimes this is the hard part – the decluttering. But if it’s holding you back from changing and rejuvenating your environment, then you need to make that call. You know what they say: a cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. If you are feeling like you need a good clearing out, now is the perfect time to resolve to get started.

bedrooms and bathrooms. The higher the thread count the more luxurious the feel. And it’s easy to use this as the basis for adding colour with cushions and throws. Living rooms are your show piece. To really make the whole space work there needs to be a synergy between your sofa, art work and cushions and then the whole space is “pulled together” by the right rug. This is where that artwork that you love can work so well. Use it to determine your colour palette. But don’t make it too “matchymatchy”. Get this right and your room will look like those pics in the magazines. If all this seems too hard then take the simple step and add greenery and fresh flowers into your home. A gorgeous orchid in your bathroom, a dracaena in the living room or the perennial ‘mothers in law tongue’ that is almost indestructible. A weekly dose of fresh flowers will breathe life into every space. Happy 2016!

A few things to think about. You need to keep your personality in the room - use your favourite colour to decorate with; include a favourite piece of art and make it the focus of the room or work with those beautiful, fluffy towels that you bought on sale. Now the fun starts. Nothing says revitalised or refreshed as crisp white linen in

Feb | Mar 2016 | 43

Bienvenue

P lanning for the

2016! STRATA PROPERTY KELLY ROBERTS TCM STRATA

It’s a new year and like each before it, the 1st January brings a fresh set of resolutions. New Year’s resolutions tend to cop a fair amount of criticism from the general populace and are taken as seriously, as the big man that climbs down our chimneys once a year, or perhaps the bunny that then fills the shops with chocolate eggs a few weeks later! The trick to New Year resolutions is looking at them more like a work project or goal setting exercise rather than being held hostage to them and the idea of fulfilling them pronto! Break goals down into bite size, achievable steps and celebrate each of these smaller steps. These resolutions usually involve, abstaining from all the horrible things in life that we actually adore, on the premise that our life will be perfect without them. A smarter approach, is just moderating the good and the bad; similar to undertaking a cost benefit analysis. Oh, and the other very important requirement, is that you actually have to apply some effort to make positive change. I recently read a quote that I believe reinforced this sentiment accurately – “effort is the best indicator of interest”. Goal setting should not only be something you apply to your personal life and health, but should also be a fairly standard task that you undertake sporadically, to your financial health. If you own property, this might include

Taking the

FIRST TIME your home or an investment property. The beginning of the year is a great time to create a tick list of goal,s including Rates of return and then drilling down to see how to achieve these. A coat of paint, landscaping or general repairs, might be just what your property needs to reach that sale or rental return you are hoping to achieve. Look into refinancing while interest rates still favour the consumer. If you are in a Strata Property, perhaps becoming actively involved in your building by joining the committee or by introducing yourself to a neighbour; this could open the lines of communication and result in collaborative information sharing. At the very least, you might create a friendship and meet your neighbours. If you are on a committee of a Body Corporate it might be time to apply the same goal setting within the committee. Perhaps if there is a supplier or service you are not happy with, its time to seek alternate quotes. A review of your by-laws could be in order to keep up to date with the needs of your community and any new legislation. Complacency is fatal to progress, so make the most of the fresh New Year and reflect on last year’s failures as the reason for this year’s success. Kelly Roberts is Managing Director of TCMStrata and a Strata Community Australia (QLD) Board Member.

FINANCE

TIME

MICHELE ANNISON SMARTLINE

INSURANCE

SHANNON TELLEY INTOUCH INSURANCE

The prospect of buying your first home can be daunting, but the guidance and knowledge of a mortgage expert can make the process much less stressful. First homebuyers could potentially benefit from talking with a mortgage adviser more than two years in advance of buying a property. It is a good idea to seek expert advice early as it means that a first home buyer has time to:

The start of the year is the perfect time to get all of your affairs in order. The madness of the Festive Season is over. Now it’s the calm before the “back-to-school” and “sport sign-on” storm. And then, before you know it, it will be Easter. If you haven’t reviewed your insurances over the last couple of years, I strongly recommend that you take this opportunity as your insurance needs to change with you.

• Become accustomed to the idea of owning a home, having a mortgage and all that comes with it; • Get into the best possible position to buy; • Consider alternative strategies, such as buying in partnership or using a family guarantee A good adviser will review your circumstances and, if necessary, help the client establish a budgeting and savings plan. The adviser will also look to obtain pre-approval for the first home loan – meaning the client knows how much they can borrow before starting the property hunt.

Things to consider when reviewing: • Has your level of debt changed? Maybe you have taken a bigger mortgage or paid off your house? • Has your relationship status has changed? If you have married or divorced you may need to update your beneficiaries. • Have you had more children or perhaps your children are now independent and you are no longer financially supporting them? • Has your income changed? • Has anything changed with the insurance you hold in your superannuation? The level of cover can decrease with age and premiums may have increased. • Have you quit smoking? Some insurance companies offer reduced premiums for clients that have quit.

A mortgage adviser provides guidance and shares knowledge each step of the way and helps a first homebuyer to understand: • How much deposit they will require; • Lenders Mortgage Insurance; • How much they can borrow; • How to arrange first homebuyer incentives; • The costs of buying; • The right type of loan to suit their specific financial situation; and importantly • How to present themselves to lenders in the best possible light.

It is really important when you review your cover that you do it with a qualified and licensed adviser. They will be able to make sure that the cover meets your current needs. Reviewing your insurance is part of the service that I offer, regardless whether you are an existing client or not. For more information or to make an appointment please contact me on 0419 324 984.

So, let me take the worry out of this process and book an appointment sooner rather than later. I have offices in Cairns and Mareeba or can come to your home to discuss your lending options.

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST Sensible solutions for you and your family including: · · · · ·

Life Insurance Total & Perm. Disablement Trauma Insurance Income Protection Insurance Business Expenses Insurance Appointments available at a time that suits you.

Shannon Telley from InTouch Insurance is an Authorised Representative of Synchron AFS Licence No 243313.

Tel: 0419 324 984, www.intouchinsurance.com.au 44 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

Feb | Mar 2016 | 45

CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL

ELECTIONS 2016 Saturday March 19 is the day we will be heading to the polling booths for the Cairns Regional Council elections. Soon enough, the roadsides will be dotted with placards, and the election campaign will be in full swing.

Oasis Magazine wanted to provide our readers with a background of all candidates, allowing for an informed decision to be made. Each candidate from each electorate within the Cairns Regional Council boundaries was approached, and given equal opportunity and ample notice to participate in this exposure. Unfortunately, not all candidates accepted. Oasis Magazine is a non-partisan publication, who’s prime objective is supporting and promoting Tropical North Queensland, its residents and their businesses, and encouraging all residents to embrace the opportunities offered by this sensational community.

DIVISION 1

DIVISION 2

DIVISION 3

MAYOR

Jim Brooks

CONNECT CAIRNS

“

I was raised on a dairy farm. I first came to Cairns in 1978 and returned in 1991. I live with my partner Tracy Fantin and our teenage sons on a cane farm. We live off the power, water and waste grid. I volunteer in local school, sporting and community events and have contributed to numerous community organisations. I have had a thirty-year career as a lawyer, manager, mediator, facilitator and investigator. I have managed government and regional organisations. I have established a reputation for inspirational and inclusive leadership and the ability to manage multi-million dollar budgets to achieve efficient service delivery in sensitive and complex fields. I am a listener and an agreement maker and I can develop constructive relationships with all levels of government. The Connect Cairns candidates are fresh and energetic and the team that is committed to transparent and participatory government. We promise to listen to and engage with the community to deliver results. We intend to represent ALL of Cairns. We plan to support the tourist industry and future-proof our economy by establishing a strong climate-responsible economy: an economy which will attract investment in renewables, and create new jobs in the industries of the future: health, education and renewables. Cr Manning’s team has failed Cairns. Major projects are behind time and over budget and there’s lots of waste. There’s no evidence of hard work, enthusiasm or vision for Cairns’ future in Unity. With your support we will deliver: A strong voice for community in shaping our city’s future More jobs in a strong, sustainable and diverse economy Efficient services to the community Protection and enhancement of our tropical lifestyle and environment. A safe and thriving CBD for local business, residents and travellers A thoroughly revamped purchasing process which actively favours local business, and is fair and honest.

”

Cr Bob Manning was invited to participate in this feature.

DIVISION 1 DIVISION 4

DIVISION 5

DIVISION 6

Sandra Charlton INDEPENDENT

“

DIVISION 7

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DIVISION 8

DIVISION 9

Gordonvale is my hometown, it’s where I was born and educated. My father Eric Charlton was a well-known dentist and grazier in the district. On completing my schooling at Gordonvale State High School I undertook studies at University of Queensland, returning to North Queensland to commence my teaching career. For many years I have had an interest in representing my community in local government and thought that when my children were older I would do so. My son Steve, is now in his 3rd year at university and my daughter Kate will be commencing Year 11. I have a genuine love and interest in community and this has been acknowledged by being a recipient of a Pride of Australia Medal and Queensland Parliament Community Service Award. I am proud to be a resident of Division 1. I believe in the strength of community. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard and their community to be well represented. As a Councillor I will represent Division 1 in a full time capacity, with this being my sole occupation and will be in the community listening to, canvassing and addressing suggestions, issues or concerns of residents.

Unity Candidate Brett Moller was invited to participate in this feature.

”

Feb | Mar 2016 | 47

DIVISION 2

DIVISION 4

Scott Colbran

Jesse Martin

CONNECT CAIRNS

“

I was raised in Bentley Park and have spent 23 of my 28 years here. I am a community development advocate and founder of the Streets Movement, which has helped thousands of young people and gained international attention. I have represented my community and the Streets Movement at the United Nations as an example of successful grassroots community development. I am running as a candidate for Division 2 because I believe that the Southern Corridor has been neglected for far too long. It is the largest and fastest growing area in the Cairns region, and it holds enormous potential. But Council has failed to capitalize on this potential, and has failed to create new opportunities for development which extend beyond mere housing estates. We need to ensure that fundamental basics such as physical and community infrastructure are provided so that our youth have positive outlets and guidance; families have recreational spaces, and our environment and waterways are clean and safe. Division 2 needs a significant expansion of services in order to meet the needs of businesses and residents. More resources are also needed to support the many organisations that are struggling to meet the needs of the community. I am running as a candidate with Connect Cairns because I believe that Cairns needs new leadership. We need a Council which goes beyond just rates, roads and rubbish in order to address the major issues facing the community. I want to be part of a new approach for Council; an approach in which the local community has greater opportunities to steer the direction and pace of economic growth and social development. I believe councillors should serve their community, and if elected I will fight for a Council Office in Division 2, so that people have open and easy access to me as their Council representative.

”

Unity Candidate, Cr John Schilling was invited to particiapte in this feature.

“

Scott Colbran……”Committed, Honest, Hard Working and Friendly” These four words best sum up who I am. I live in Kanimbla with my wife Larysa, eight year old Bianca and little Anthony aged 16 months. I bring extensive life experience to the table. I helped opened the very first McDonald’s restaurant in North Queensland with my parents in Townsville in 1988 and have since then supervised and owned restaurants, managed retail stores and currently own and work in my Able Wolf Cleaning and Maintenance Services business. I know the value of hard work and the results that come from it. I have built my businesses from scratch and am not afraid to roll my sleeves up and get the job done. I decided to throw my hat in the ring because I believe that I have what it takes to represent the people of Division 4 and deliver for the people of Cairns. I understand the diverse nature of the communities within Division 4 and know the financial struggles facing working families in this current economic climate. I am proud to have been chosen by Jim Brooks to represent the Connect Cairns team in Division 4 and am excited about getting involved and working for the betterment of Cairns and its community. A Connect Cairns Council will listen and deliver better services for residents and business. My priorities for the Division 4 will reflect the needs of it’s the diverse communities: Improved community safety for residents and businesses; Restoration of Council funding for the Mooroobool and Manoora Community Centres to make them hubs for community activities and services once again; Improved road safety and traffic flow; Improved infrastructure, such better drainage for low lying areas and the return of the Givens St Footbridge; and More Council supported youth activities.

Unity Candidate, Cr Terry James was invited to participate in this feature.

DIVISION 3

DIVISION 5

Michael McGarry

“

Steve Edwards

CONNECT CAIRNS

I have tertiary qualifications in psychology, public policy and management and strong commitment to community. I am a police officer with almost 15 years’ experience working all over Queensland and currently serves as a Sergeant at the Edmonton Police Station. I have also been a successful small business owner in Cairns. I am actively involved in my local community. I have held numerous leadership positions with Mount Sheridan Toastmasters and initiated the Gordonvale and Edmonton Liquor Accords. The highly successful Cops v Colts annual AFL match at Gordonvale, which has broken down barriers between local Police and youth, was also one of my achievements. I attribute my success to my ability to problem solve, communicate and network with a diverse range of people and groups. I and my wife Sarah have a teenage daughter and I understand the needs of families in Division 3. I believe that Division 3 is a great place to live, work and visit but I also know that there is so much potential to make it even better. I am a proud member of the Connect Cairns team and will be a strong advocate for residents and small business. I will continue to listen to the community and be guided by their needs. I currently have four priorities to build a stronger greater sense of community in Division 3: Improve community safety through community partnerships and use of technology e.g. mobile CCTV; The construction of a local community facility so that community groups can host events and conduct meetings and forums; Increase the number of Council promoted activities for families and young people in local parks and open spaces to bring the community together. Improve planning and consultation about traffic flow and road connections within the division

Indépendent candidate Cathy Zeiger was invited to participate in this feature. 48 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

”

“

I spent many years in senior management positions within the tourism industry and in 1995 moved to Cairns to take on the role of regional manager for one of Cairns’ major tour coach companies. Since 2001 I have been involved in the education industry and currently operate a private college specialising in tourism, hospitality, leadership and management. As a firm believer in lifelong learning, a couple of years ago I completed my Masters of Business Administration at James Cook University and am now exploring other postgraduate study opportunities. Through my roles within numerous sectors of the tourism industry and in the education industry, I have gained an array of skills and knowledge that I have been able to apply not only in my working life but also in my interactions with many people throughout the community on a daily basis. I live in Cairns with my wife and teenage son. I have been a member of Rotary and have held the role of secretary of the P & F association at my son’s school. I believe in the value of community service and have contributed my time to a number of other non-profit organisations. I know that Cairns can become Australia’s best tropical regional city. I will work to diversify our economy, attract new investment, new residents and more tourists – while retaining the character and heritage of the city we love. I will continue to listen to and work with the people of Division 5 and also with those from the wider community to help make Cairns a safe and vibrant place to live, work and visit. I will achieve this by: Working to strengthen council’s financial management Working with all stakeholders to ensure a vibrant and safe city centre Supporting the many small businesses and the residents who now call the CBD home Attending to local issues like the ongoing problem of flooding in low-lying suburbs in Division 5.

Unity Candidate, Cr Richie Bates and Independant Candidate, Raj Patel, were invited to participate in this feature.

”

Feb | Mar 2016 | 49

DIVISION 6

DIVISION 8

Ellen Weber

Linda Cooper

CONNECT CAIRNS

INDEPENDENT

“

I have had the privilege of being the Councillor for Division 6 since 2008, and will be running as an Independent candidate again in this year’s election. There have been some major boundary changes for this election which will no doubt cause some confusion. Due to the deamalgamation of the Douglas Shire, the Boundary Commission has realigned the divisional boundaries to create a better parity within divisions. As a result Freshwater and Stratford are now part of Division 6. In the past four years I have had the pleasure of being able to deliver remarkable projects in Division 6; the award winning Redlynch-Brinsmead pathway, the amazing adventure playground in Goomboora Park, upgraded playgrounds at Loridan Drive and Redlynch Valley Green, exercise equipment along McManus Street, the incredibly stunning (and slightly challenging) Green Arrow walking trail and, significantly, the acquisition of land to create more sporting fields and a second access to St Andrew’s Catholic College. It has been of major importance to work with the community to deliver strategic projects that can be enjoyed and used by all residents. Major projects aside, it’s also the less tangible things that make this role so fulfilling. I love attending school events and community fetes. I love organising free movie nights and park activities within neighbourhoods. These are the activities that bring our community together and I would feel blessed if I was given another four years to continue doing this.

”

At the time of printing, no other candidates were contesting this Division

DIVISION 7

“

I live at Machans Beach with my two teenage sons, Louis (15) and Frank (12) and am actively involved in various sporting clubs and associations, P&Cs and community progress associations around Cairns, particularly the northern beach suburbs. I moved to Cairns 20 years ago to help establish the James Cook University campus at Smithfield, where I was a founding lecturer in the Science Faculty. I am currently the Executive Officer with the World Heritage Management Authority in Cairns and so I understand the important role of environment and ecotourism to the Cairns economy. I am respected for my hard work, commitment and knowing how to get the job done. My vision for Cairns is for a thriving, diversified, great city that enjoys the best lifestyle and is the most livable and connected tropical city it can possibly be. I believe we need to explore and embrace other investment opportunities that promote Cairns as a ‘smart and green’ city -a city that attracts bright minds, new investments and adopts a more positive, proud and socially inclusive attitude. I will listen to the northern beaches community and stand up for what is needed in Division 8. If elected my priorities for the next four years are to: Work with the state and federal governments to reduce traffic congestion along the Western Arterial Road and Captain Cook Highway, particularly the Smithfield roundabout Upgrade sporting, recreation and community facilities and promote active lifestyle opportunities for locals and visitors Implement climate smart initiatives into Council that will help reduce the cost of living for residents Improve bike paths and walking tracks Protect the agricultural and environmental values of the Barron Delta Support the existing community associations in Division 8 and work to establish new associations at Trinity Park, Caravonica and Smithfield to ensure that all residents have a stronger voice and greater involvement in Council decision making.

Unity Candidate, Cr Jessie Richardson as invited to participate in this feature.

DIVISION 9

Mark Malone

Sarah Flenley

CONNECT CAIRNS

“

I am passionate about creating a community that is friendly, fun and safe. I am kept busy and active as a new dad to seven-month old Aurora as well as being a keen cricketer and the president of the Rovers Cricket Club that is based at Endeavour Park, Manunda. I hold a Bachelor of Business and worked in both retail and hospitality to support myself while I studied. After graduating I began working in the financial services sector and for the last five years have worked as a Financial Advisor for QSuper. In this role I have provided retirement and wealth creation advice to over 800 current and former Queensland public servants here in Cairns. My career has seen me hold roles in Staff Management, Information Technology, Project Management and Service Delivery. I have studied and worked hard and now I am ready to work for you. I will be active, approachable and hardworking over the next four years. I will do whatever I can to meet your needs and see the ideas, hard work and effort of the people and businesses in our community flourish. I am honoured to be the Connect Cairns candidate for Division 7. Cairns is entering a phase of significant growth and we need a Connect Cairns Council to listen and deliver a long term vision which will create a sustainable, engaged and safe community for the future. As your Division 7 Councillor I will prioritise; Improving the safety and traffic flow around our school zones; Upgrading our footpaths and bike paths to improve accessibility, safety and promote a healthy lifestyle; Protecting the character of our suburbs by reviewing and strengthening the protections of our Character Precincts; and Working proactively with the State Government to ensure that the Western Arterial upgrade is a top priority.

Independent Candidate, Florence Pondrilei and Unity Candidate, Cr Max OHalloran was invited to participate in this feature. 50 | www.oasismagazine.com.au

”

“

I made Cairns my home 13 years ago, as I love the people, their generosity and a tropical lifestyle. I have held many leadership positions and come with 25 years’ experience in the tourism, arts, disaster recovery, research and community sectors. I am known for being a straight shooter, a good listener, fun to be around and a hard worker – and I get things done! I value honesty, integrity, openness and am committed to quality, excellence and action. I am passionate about the wellbeing of Cairns – our quality of life, our sense of community and our position on the global stage. I believe that we must come together as a community and plan for the future and do this without losing sight of why we love to live here and what makes our home so special. There is nowhere else I would want to live than the Northern Beaches and I will continue to listen to the community and stand up for what is needed in Division 9. My priorities include: Provision of additional community and sporting facilities Greater promotion of the Northern Beaches as a world-class tourism destination Lobbying and working with State Government to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety around our schools More walking tracks for locals and tourists to enjoy our natural environment Ensuring that future development is in keeping with the character of the Northern Beaches and that infrastructure is keeping up with the needs of the growing population A review of facilities for recreational fishers I am proud to be part of the Connect Cairns team who are committed to reconnecting the Cairns community with Council to shape and deliver a new vision for Cairns. I will ensure that your voice is heard and that your priorities come first.

Independent candidate, Bronwyn Thomas and Unity candidate, Greg Fennell were invited to participate in this feature.

”

Entering 2016

AT FULL THROTTLE CHAMBER CHATTER DEB HANCOCK CAIRNS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce has commenced 2016 at full throttle. Following our annual member survey, we have used the feedback to design and launch a raft of initiatives, projects and new services for our members. Accordingly, we have updated our Strategic Plan, aligned our operational budget and invested in new staff to exceed member service expectations in line with exceptional membership growth rates. We warmly welcome our two new Business Development Managers, Simone Travers and Fiona Arnfield to the Chamber family, who will be your first port of call for any business development, promotion and partnership opportunities. We have created the new Premium Membership option, where members can receive 1 hour free business advice from member solicitors, HR specialists, financial advisors, taxation and accounting advisors, SEO and marketing specialists, training advisors and the ability to list multiple ABNs, along with many other benefits. ‘Members providing services to members’ is how we ‘keep it local’ and support regional business growth. We have doubled our internal project management capability so that we can further invest in our industry development program. We already have active project teams and plans in place to drive growth in the logistics, education, construction,

taxation and business planning, aviation, financial advisors and civil construction sectors, and we will be adding to this extensive list in 2016. We have also heavily subsidised the cost of the 2016 Emerging Leaders program for the development of our next generation of business leaders, which includes 2 credit points towards a MBA with James Cook University. We have the local and federal government elections coming up. Members have already been consulted regarding the priorities they want the Cairns Chamber to lobby for on their behalf. We will again be partnering with Advance Cairns and TTNQ on an agreed list of priorities for investment across our region. We have recently awarded tenders for all of our major contract work during 2016, which will see hundreds of thousands of dollars of business opportunity shared with our members. We will shortly be releasing the latest update of our Major Projects & Investment list which will demonstrate to our community why we should all have every confidence in the continued economic growth of our region. 2016 is going to be a great year full of promise. We look forward to tackling all the challenges and opportunities at full throttle in partnership with our members and our community.

TRAVEL Words: Amanda Cranston Images: Supplied

Kewarra

BEACH RESORT Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just in need of a weekend away, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to book a night at Kewarra Beach Resort. It’s only 20 minutes drive from Cairns, yet, nestled along the beach with plenty of established rainforest to hide the bungalows and suites, it’s surprising how far away you feel when staying here. Tall palm trees and lush botanical gardens provide the perfect backdrop for a tranquil escape, with only the sounds of the birds and wildlife to interrupt the peace and quiet. And for those staying in the beachfront bungalows, there is also the soothing sound of the ocean to lull you into feeling completely relaxed. When you first arrive at the resort, the large open-air reception area is very impressive with lounge areas, bar and adjoining restaurant. The high ceilings and lack of solid exterior walls allow you to feel immersed in the living, breathing tropical habitat surrounding the resort. A long wooden deck leads straight from here to the beach where you will find the popular Beach Shack, the only place in Cairns where you can enjoy a sunset cocktail or wood-fired pizza with your toes in the sand. No matter what time of the day you check in, make sure you grab a map from reception to make it easier to find your bungalow, as there are lots of pathways within the property leading to lagoons, swimming pools, the day spa and all the bungalows. And at night the pathways are lit up like fireflies in the forest, providing a twinkling trail to follow. Most rooms cater for couples, although there are a few larger bungalows catering for families. The bungalow we stayed in overlooked a lagoon and we sat out on our little balcony in the morning to watch the birdlife as we sipped our morning coffee. It was lovely and peaceful with just the sound of bird calls to keep us company. We even saw a large goanna by the side of the lagoon warming its body in the morning sun. The rooms themselves are resort-style with king size bed, tea and coffee facilities, a television, a separate bathroom and a large alcove for luggage. The décor is simple and tropical, so most of your attention is drawn outside to the views of the surrounding gum and palm trees. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all offered in the resort’s Paperbark Restaurant. We enjoyed a beautiful breakfast in the restaurant as we looked out over the beach, and then took one last walk along the sand prior to checking out. There are also a host of restaurants only a short drive away in Trinity Beach and Palm Cove if you prefer. Kewarra Beach Resort is a great place to get away for the weekend if you don’t want to travel too far. It has everything you need for a relaxing resort experience and is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere special to take your loved one for Valentine’s Day. For more information contact www.kewarra.com

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Feb | Mar 2016 | 53

MEET | Carla Schesser Carla Schesser is an author, public speaker, real estate agent and Ambassador of the 2016 Rare Disease Day Fun Run & Walk. She was born with an extremely rare undiagnosed disease that has left her body with a fused spine, physically weak and undeveloped muscle mass and she continues to battle to maintain a weight of at least 40 kilograms. At birth, doctors told Carla’s family she would never reach the average size of a fully grown adult, nor would she take a single step in her entire life. Twenty-one years later, although still affected by her disease in many ways, Carla walks like everyone else and leads a ‘normal’ life thanks to her Mother refusing to accept her diagnosis and it’s limitations. After hundreds of tests, dozens of specialists and numerous hospital admissions over recent years to identify and learn more about her disease, Carla is still in the dark. She has found peace and acceptance with her disease by living by the motto “The only disability in life is a bad attitude. Everything else makes you stronger.” Families affected by rare diseases are often isolated. The Cairns community can help to bring them out of this isolation. The objective of the Rare Disease Day Fun Run & Walk is to raise awareness. Each year, more locals are understanding a little more about rare diseases and by coming together, can show their support to those affected This year’s theme is “Patient Voice” with the slogan ‘Join us in making the voice of rare diseases heard’.

Carla Schesser

With that in mind, we are calling out to those that are not living with or directly affected by a rare disease, to join the rare disease community in making known the impact of rare diseases. The event starts at 8:30am near the Fun Ship playground at the northern end of the Esplanade with a 3 or 5km run or walk. It’s a fun morning with a jumping castle, icy poles for the kids, sausage sizzle and lucky draw prizes for those that register online prior to the event. Proceeds of the event go to the FNQ Cerebral Palsy Support Group, who run therapy programs and include our “rare” kids. A percentage of proceeds are held to provide small emergency grants for families where there are no other supports available.

Author, Public Speaker, Real Estate Agent and Ambassador for 2016 Rare Disease Day fun run & walk.

Register online at www.rarefriends.org and join us on Facebook @rarefriends Queries or sponsorship enquiries to Meagan 0419 545521

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