Acreage Living - Summer 2021

SUMMER

2 0 2 1 | TAKE ME HOME, I’M FREE!

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Living

THE SW EET LIF E | R ED IR E C T Y O U R G R O C E R I E S | T H E S N A K E FI L E S

WEEDS I N P A S T UR ES | A G U A R D I A N A N G E L | W E L L B E I N G ON TH E L AND

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Contents

5 THE SWEET LIFE The life and times of

local Honey producers, Highvale Honey.

7 SCULPTURE PROFILE Riveting Masterpieces from Tommy Paul 9 REDIRECT YOUR GROCERIES Meet the Mini Farm Project and their new movement to provide produce free of charge to not for profits

The Green Room

10 WEEDS IN PASTURES How weeds can be an 11 12 13

indicator of soil health BE PREPARED FOR SUMMER Some simple tips to get your garden summer ready A GREEN THUMB FOR GOOD HEALTH All the health benefits from working in the yard STRATEGIES TO KEEP SEEDLINGS ALIVE Advice to allow your seedlings to flourish

At Home

14 RENOVATE & REAP THE REWARDS Home

renovation solutions for homes with plenty of space to offer

Animal Insider

16 THE SNAKE FILES Some fascinating insights

17

into the life of snakes A GUARDIAN ANGEL We take an indepth look into the ancient breed of the Maremma Sheepdog

17

SUMMER

Style Spotlight

2021

| TAKE ME HOME, I’M FREE!

Living

18 THE EDIT This seasons top 5 looks 19 DRESS FOR NOW, WITH PURPOSE AND FOR YOU! Styling tips from stylist Lee Martin

Health Hub

20 TERRIFIC TRAILS Discover some awe22 25

inspiring bush trails around the region AGEING GRACEFULLY A guide to a range of of aesthetic treatments on offer WELLBEING ON THE LAND Social Worker, Elena guides readers through the ordinary difficulties of human life on the land

Plus

READING ROOM p 26 - 27 GIFT GUIDE p 28 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT (Riding for the Disabled) p 29 PUZZLE PAGES p 30 - 31

T HE S W E E T LI F E | R E DI R E C T YO U R G R O C E R IE S

| T H E S NAK E F IL E S

W E E DS I N P A S T U R E S | A G U AR D IAN ANG E L | W E L L BE ING O N T H E L AND

On the cover: Local Honey producer Daniel on his property at Highvale.

..............................

Acreage Living is made from a FSC MIX Certified stock.

The paperstock is made using a mixture of materials from FSC-certified forests, recycled materials, and/or FSC controlled wood.

Acreage Living 3

acreage A celebration of rural living at its best.

Living

Acreage Living is a free lifestyle magazine. producing 6,000 copies per quarter.

Distribution is via letterbox to homes prominently in rural areas around North West Brisbane. Copies are also available from local magazine stands.

Acreage Living is proudly independently and locally owned by MAC Group Publications (The Publisher), the producers of The Echo Community newspapers. All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission from The Publisher.

All care is taken, however responsibility is not accepted for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Publisher.

As the situation with the COVID 19 crisis is ever changing, we urge you to contact organisers of any events listed within our publication.

For more information, visit www.echo-news.com.au, email admin@echo-news.com.au or call 0466 607 045

A note from the editor

Welcome to the debut edition of Acreage Living. I am delighted to bring what was simply a vision for a free rural lifestyle magazine to life!

So, what is Acreage Living, you may ask? In short, this publication is a celebration of country living at its best. Uniquely original with an engaging combination of smartly written, thought provoking editorial features, in a beautifully designed glossy magazine. Encompassing fashion, health, home & garden, animal insights along with a local vibe, Acreage Living embraces the essential elements of the good life.

The best part about this magazine is that it is free to all - just like her sister publications The Echo Newspapers. On that note, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all the local businesses that have supported this debut edition of Acreage Life. Advertising revenue is truly the lifeblood of free independent publications like this, so please ‘think local’ and support our advertisers!

Every quarter, we will be producing 6,000 copies of this beautiful magazine, which will be delivered to homes primarily in acreage areas of Bunya, Warner, Cashmere, Draper, Wights Mountain, Highvale, Samford, Closeburn (and Samford Village)...Plus there will be a few thousand available for pick up from local outlets.

So, kick back, grab a cuppa, and I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as I enjoyed putting it together. For more local news, head over to our website www.echo-news.com.au or follow us on Social Media @echonewsbrisbane. If you would like to get in touch or be part of the upcoming Autumn edition, drop me a line on katie@echo-news.com.au or call 0466 607 045

Katie

Katie Maclean, Editor

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4AcrAcreage Living | Summer 2021 eage Living

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FEATURE

The

Sweet Life

Chasing the sweet scent of honey, the lovely Dutch Martine and Swedish Daniel (pictured above) left their respective countries independently at the close of last century and relocated to Samford. Here, the couple now operates their flourishing business, Highvale Honey with the help of their teenage children, Simon, Vera, and Anton.

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heir beekeeping journey began in 2015 with 4 hives, and it didn’t take long before they were producing more honey than they could eat or gift to friends. This is when Millen Farm’s farmer’s market came in handy, and Highvale Honey was born.

More than just a cost-neutral hobby, Highvale Honey is also a parttime business and passion project for the local couple.

Martine’s interest in bees grew the longer she spent on her Samford acreage, basking in the liberty and the rush she felt from so much open air, brainstorming ways to live off the land. Amongst honey, the couple also produces edible plants, eggs from

their poultry, and honey from their bees.

Martine explained the formalities behind the fruition of Highvale Honey, revealing, “In February 2015 I attended a course organized by Millen Farm called ‘Introduction to Honey’. [One of the presenters] offered to teach me beekeeping, and six years later he’s still my bee mentor. We talk bees once a month!”

She also explained, “I’m very intrigued with the way the bees operate, and I love to care for them so that they thrive. Another thing I really enjoy is sharing my honey and bee knowledge with other people.

And get them excited about the bees and beekeeping.”

Other people, of course including Martine and Daniels’ three children. They love getting involved here and there, and learning about hives, beekeeping, and the production of honey. Their youngest lights the smoker while Martine gets dressed to visit the hives, their daughter looks after the harvested honeycomb, and the oldest helps Daniel do the uncapping of the frames while Martine takes more full honey frames from the hives. When it comes to attending the occasional market or fair, Simon, Vera and Anton can always be relied upon to show up and educate the public about beekeeping and honey production.

More on page 6

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Call your most trusted agent.

Acreage Living 5

FEATURE

The

Sweet Life

Continued

Honey:

How it’s made Martine and Daniel from, Highvale Honey give us a brief run down on the honey production

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Once in the comb, nectar is still a viscous liquid — nothing like the thick honey you use at the breakfast table. To get all that extra water out of their honey, bees set to work fanning the honeycomb with their wings to speed up the process of evaporation.

o explain it briefly, nectar — a sugary liquid — is extracted from flowers using a bee’s long, tube-shaped tongue, and is stored in its extra stomach, or “crop”. While sloshing around in the crop, the nectar mixes with enzymes that transform its chemical composition and pH, making it more suitable for long-term storage.

When most of the water has evaporated from the honeycomb, the bee seals the comb with a secretion of liquid from its abdomen, which eventually hardens into beeswax. Away from air and water, honey can be stored indefinitely, providing bees with the perfect food source for when food is scarce.

When a honeybee returns to the hive, it passes the nectar to another bee by regurgitating the liquid into the other bee’s mouth. This regurgitation process is repeated until the partially digested nectar is finally deposited into a honeycomb.

It’s a lot to digest, we know! But trust me, honey goes down nicely—especially when it’s local. The environmental benefits of shopping local are astronomical. Not only are you helping the planet, but you’re also helping yourself and your community.

While no formal studies have been conducted, the idea has been fostered that consuming honey involves trace-exposure to common allergens, which can in turn desensitize patients to their allergy!

So, wonderful readers, if you’re obsessed with the sweet taste of honey, check out Highvale Honey’s site on Facebook. Better yet, come find them at the local markets!

Pictured on page 5, Martine and Daniel.

Top left: Anton attaches the wax foundations (wax sheets) to the wired frames. These frames will go in the hives. The apparatus he is using sends a small 12V current through the wires which heats the wire. The wax of the foundation then melts locally. When the wax cools down again it solidifies and results in the wire being embedded in the foundation and stuck to the frame.

Far right Simon uncapping the honey frames (on his right is the extractor) Right: Martine in her bee suit, handing over a full honey frame for Simon to uncap at ‘The Bee Hut’ .

FUN FACT: Because bees collect honey from a large variety of flowers, two batches of honey are

never the same. They collect nectar from the rainforest trees on the mountains, the gumtrees and also from the veggies in our veggie patch and the weeds everywhere else. The variables that determine the taste of honey are infinite.

acreage

Living

6 Acreage Living

Do you have a story to share, or interesting hobby?

If so we would love to hear from you!

Join us for the Autumn edition of Acreage Living Email: admin@echo-news.com.au Call: 0466 607 045

SCULPTURE PROFIL E

Riveting Masterpieces We had the joy of catching up with metal artist Tommy Paul—a man making waves in Queensland’s sea of art, without leaving so much as a footprint on the environment.

A

fter spending his youth growing up in Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast, Tommy left his stomping ground behind for the army.

He was posted to Townsville, then completed a 6-month tour of duty in Timor-Leste, before going A.W.O.L after a “slight misunderstanding” with his commanding officers. From there, Tommy lived a life of travel, of trying the trades— landscaping, door-to-door salesmanship, parachute packing, delivery driving—and of finally testing the waters of his passion.

It was Tommy’s arts degree at university that set him striding on the right path.

The same path that led him to a farming property just outside of Goondiwindi, where the Cooroy boy was introduced to a welder and an abundant supply of scrap metal. His next decade of life was spent knee deep in the cattle farming

world, sculpting at every chance he got whilst completing formal training as a boilermaker and blacksmith. Armed to the teeth with talent, Tommy soon began to make a name for himself.

According to the artist, he doesn’t specialise in any one thing, and “the only limit really is the combined imagination of himself and the customer”. Tommy has sculpted a multitude of animals, such as emus, kangaroos, lizards, birds, and snakes. He is also no stranger to crafting fire pits, fabricated furniture, gates, guitars, bird baths, balustrades, and fire tools.

Currently, Tommy’s focus lies upon a wedge-tailed eagle—his favourite artwork thus far. With a wing span of 2.5m and being made entirely out of discarded star pickets, it has been the most challenging (yet rewarding) endeavour to date.

A genuine, true-blue Aussie with a ‘salt

n earth’ vibe, Tommy is an incredible artist who can weld up a storm out of purely scrap metal. According to his artist statement, Tommy’s work is driven by a desire to transform hard, seemingly rigid materials—like steel—into pieces that appear fluid and vibrant, giving the impression of movement and life. Using a combination of modern fabrication processes and traditional blacksmithing techniques, Tommy morphs reclaimed materials into uniquities you won’t find anywhere else. His sculptures prove to the world that even discarded, junked items can be recycled and repurposed into something beautiful. Something new.

A little touch of something that every property needs.

LIFE IN IRON BOILERMAKER. WELDER. ARTIST

Whether nestled in the garden or front & centre, Tommy’s sculptures will add a stunning focal point to your outdoor space. All sculptures are handmade with their own story to tell.

Unique, High Quality Steel Art Custom Made Design Handcrafted

www.lifeiniron.com

Call Tommy 0438 927 642

LOCAL BUSINESS

A One Stop Shop for Acreage Needs

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rading since the early 1980’s, initially as a chook shed selling eggs and dressed poultry, Gleam O’Dawn has been servicing Samford and its surrounding areas with quality products, friendly service and free, impartial advice. Here is a run down on just a few services the store has to offer

Animal Feed

In line with the business’s previous history, the store has an extensive range of chook feed in both pelletised and grain mix forms from reputable suppliers such as Ridley Agriproducts, Riverina, Laucke, Jenco, and Country Heritage Organic.

The equine market is also well catered for with a variety of feeds from Mitavite, Hygain, Prydes, Ridley Agriproducts, Riverina, Teese, Stance, Energreen Nutrition, Coprice and C.E.N. Horse supplements, mineral mixes, veterinary equipment, treats, as well as three lines of hay and larger 4x4 round bales available.

Also supplied is a broad range of companion animal dry feed from Purina, Coprice, Dogpro and Cobber. Other stock such as alpaca, goat, sheep, cattle and pigs are catered for from Gleam O’Dawn.

Fencing

A major feature of all acreage properties is a well constructed and maintained fenceline. Apart from the primary purpose of keeping stock or pets in, a good fence also safeguards against wild dogs and dingoes, as well as providing a pleasing aesthetic feature.

Fencing supplies such as treated hardwood and pine posts, hinge joint wires, plan wires farm mesh and bar gates, gate fittings and Gallagher electric fencing are on hand in store.

Garden Supplies

This longstanding store is also a supplier of herbicides and fungicides to keep acreage gardens and lawns pest and weed free. Spray units, both manual and 12v electric, are available to help reduce the maintenance workload. There is also a range of fertilizers both chemical and certified organic, along with liquid foliar applications such as Seasol. Because of the size of acreage properties, gardens tend to be bigger too. For mulching the garden, Gleam O’Dawn has available very large (ie 300/400kg) bulk bales of sugar cane mulch, as well as the traditional smaller bales and plastic wrapped varieties. Potting mixes to suit a broad range of applications are also in stock.

Water Supplies

For the majority of acreage homes, tank water supply is the only option, and Gleam O’Dawn as a preferred distributor for Rapid Plas can supply a range of water tanks from 500L to 32,000L. They can also supply water and feed troughs for stock, horses and companion animals, along with poly pipe and compression fittings to reticulate your water supply around the property.

Gas Supplies

Supplying vital utilities such as gas is another aspect of life that Gleam O’Dawn can take care of. They are an approved Elgas Distributor and stock large household 45kg cylinders, as well as smaller 18kg and 8.5kg BBQ Cylinders.

Next time you are in Samford, call in and say hi to Alan, Louise and the friendly team at Gleam O’Dawn. Just 2k up on Mount Glorious Road on the right. The store is open 7 days a week.

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YOUR LOCAL RURAL SUPPLIER Serving Samford & surrounds with friendly advice and quality products for over 40 years

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w w w. g l e a m o d a w n . c o m . a u 8 Acreage Living

gleam_o_dawn GleamODawn

FEATURE

Redirect Your

Groceries

Situated in the Samford on half an acre, the Mini Farm Projects Millen Farm site is partnered with Meals on Wheels Pine Rivers & Districts. This farm grows fresh nutritious produce at no cost to Meals on Wheels, allowing them to divert funds that they would have spent on produce to other vital services.

F

ood insecurity—another world issue drastically worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. And another world issue that our community is striving to solve on a local basis.

The Mini Farm Project (MFP), a community initiative established to eliminate food insecurity, makes use of special purpose urban and peri-urban farms. Each farm is specially designed to produce food for those in need, with the help of local charities and food relief agencies. It is the MFP’s belief that our community’s vulnerable members deserve access to nutritious food—always.

By converting underutilised spaces into urban farms to grow good quality food, this registered charity is saving livelihoods all round—and turning the heads of generous locals willing to offer more helping hands. Moreover, you can find the MFP locally at Samford with

the organisation leasing half an acre from Millen Farm. In addition, they have partnered with Meals on Wheels Pine Rivers & Districts and grows fresh nutritious produce at no cost to Meals on Wheels. This allows them to divert funds that they would have spent on produce to other vital services. Liam (pictured on the left) is the Samford sites farmer and he works hard on the farm to supply a weekly delivery to Meals on Wheels.

MFP also grows and delivers free produce to our neighbourhoods, and has harnessed the power of Patreon—their fresh website—to set up a fundraising initiative where people can sign up to support them. Monthly pledges start as low as $3.70 (the price of a coffee!).

Alternatively, there is the option of making a custom pledge. The links to this great initiative are https://www.patreon.com/ minifarmproject and https://www.mfp.

org.au/. To order online, clients can go to our website and click ‘Shop Now’, or go direct to www.minifarmbox.com.au.

As well as their fundraising initiative on Patreon, MFP has partnered with schools and universities to ensure these farms have a flow on community development effect outside of the supported charities. They are currently seeking philanthropic donors to get involved with bringing two new farms to fruition—one in Logan, the other in the Caboolture/Dakabin area. As a registered charity, all of MFP’s donations are, of course, tax deductible.

Liam, the Mini Farm Project’s farmer works hard on the farm to supply a weekly delivery to Meals on Wheels. He is onsite Tuesday to Saturdays, so pop along and volunteer to help grow food for those in need.

Words by Georgia Wright

QUICK FACTS - More than 4 million Australians (18%) have experienced food insecurity in the last 12 months Up from 3.6 million Australians (15%) in 2017.

- Of these, 3 in 4 (76%) experience very low food security.

- Children represent 22% of all food insecure Australians.

- Only 36% of charities meet the full needs of the people the assist down from 37% in 2017.

REFERENCES: Food Bank Hunger Report 2018 The MFP site at Millen Farm, Samford

Acreage Living 9

IN THE PADDOCK

Weeds in Pastures

An indicator of soil health

Local Nutrition Farming Consultant Linda Murray from Carbiculture gives us an insight into the life of weeds and how they can be used to indicate what is going on in the soil

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he Macquarie Dictionary states that a weed is “a plant growing wild, especially in cultivated ground to the exclusion or injury of the desired crop”.

From a biological farming perspective, a weed indicates what is going on in the soil.

without understanding what message the weed may be passing on.

A variety of common SW Queensland weeds indicate common poor soil symptoms such as soil mineral imbalances; soil deficiencies; soil acidity; low microbial activity; use of herbicides; overgrazing, or previous over-cultivation (where land has been previously farmed and subsequently sub-divided). Soil erosion is another symptom of poor soil health.

The good news is that most weeds can be managed through use of a soil nutrition program in the same way a person may

Working with small landowners running horses, sheep, cattle goats and/or other animals I predominantly find owners wanting to eradicate weeds.

In some cases, a weed may be highly toxic to an animal and will need to be removed.

However, in the majority of cases, the land owner simply wants a weed eradicated

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take recommended supplements to manage/overcome a health issue.

Soil issues in many instances can be managed using materials on hand, where a property is being grazed. Supplementing minerals to animals can also be a useful method to help improve soil health and in turn bring weed numbers under control.

Animals are also very adept at recognizing and using weeds for self-medication. Most weeds are still today well-recognised and used around the world for medicinal purposes.

Contrary to most people’s beliefs/ understanding, the more weed and grass species present in a paddock indicates a better balance of nutrition through a varied diet, for animals to maintain good health.

Paddocks such as these may be mown, however the mower should be set at the highest mowing height possible.

Healthy pastures assist achieving self-reliance and taking control of how and where food comes from.

Be gentle with Mother Nature and reap the rewards of a healthy eco-system and healthy animals.

Linda Murray Nutrition Farming Consultant

T H E G R E E N ROOM

Be Prepared for

Summer

With Christmas fast approaching and the severe weather season upon us, now is the perfect time to get your properties ready for summer. Here, Kirst from Mini Digs Landscapes takes us through some simple tips to get your garden summer ready

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ith the severe weather season now upon us, ensuring your home and garden is in the best shape it can be at this time of year is imperative. A well maintained garden, along with looking out for any damage on your home as a result of age or a previous incident will help to keep everything safe , secure and in tact this summer. Here are a few ideas and tips to get ready for summer around your home this year.

Get Ready…

State of Queensland recently launched the Get Ready Queensland campaign, which is a time for your household to prepare for the upcoming severe weather season. As a timely reminder to all our community and particularly to new residents in our beautiful region who will experience their first Queensland summer, it is easy to be prepared in just three steps.

Step 1: Know your risk Step 2: Make an emergency plan Step 3: Pack an emergency kit Visit getready.qld.gov.au for detailed information on each of these steps and much more.

Get your gardens in order…

Whether you are preparing for the upcoming severe weather season, or it’s your turn to host Christmas, you will want to get your outdoor living spaces and gardens in order.

Firstly, assess your area to identify any risks or if anything needs attention.

Do you have rubbish to remove, trees or overhanging branches to be trimmed that are close to your home, or a fence or retaining wall that is about to collapse?

How about finally having that fire pit installed that’s been sitting there a while that you haven’t had time to do? Maybe your gardens need a summer spruce up?

You can do this by pruning your shrubs, fertilising your plants and spreading fresh mulch. If you’ve had trees or branches cut, remember to check any plants underneath to see if they can tolerate the new amount of sunlight.

Decide if you are going to try your hand at some DIY or seek help from a local licenced professional. Our community has many great Arborists/Tree specialists, Landscapers and Designers for you to seek help from.

Kirst and John from Mini Digs Landscapes

Keep your grass short...

With the weather continuing to heat up, snakes are on the move. Given that we live on acreage and our properties tend to be surrounded by bushland, it is inevitable that we will cross paths. Turn to page 16 to discover some simple actions that our local snake catcher suggests to help reduce the likelihood of one venturing into your home.

Contact John and Kirst

0428 786 248

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T H E G R E E N ROOM

Good Health T

In The Garden

here are few things in life more satisfying than filling your plate with items you have grown in your own garden.

Aside from the enjoyment of gardening, research shows there are numerous physical and psychological benefits from working in the garden, including improved endurance, strength, flexibility, mobility and general wellbeing. A pot or two is all that’s needed to create an interesting and edible garden.

Which space is best?

The beauty of an edible garden is that they don’t require a significant amount of space.

Courtyards, balconies, porches and even living rooms are all ideal spots in which to place a pot or container to grow your produce of choice. To make your garden a talking point try upcycling an old bath or laundry tub or even stacking a few old car tyres in which to grow your plants.

Unless you have access to a raised garden bed, the area you select should be flat and sheltered but also receive reasonable amounts of sunlight.

What to plant?

Common options include: edible flower types such as chamomile, fuchsia, lavender, honeysuckle and violet; herbs such as rosemary, basil, chives, sage, thyme and mint; vegetables such as lettuce, silver beet, tomato or corn; and fruits such as kiwifruit,

“Research shows there are numerous physical and psychological benefits from working in the garden” strawberries or passion fruit.

Planting times will vary for different vegetables, herbs or fruits depending on their growing seasons. A good rule of thumb is to plant warm-season vegetables in spring and cool-season veggies in winter.

Safety comes first Remember, everything you pick to eat should be washed carefully. Only eat flowers in salads if they are organically grown and free of pesticides and other garden sprays.

Some flowers, seeds and leaves can be toxic, so if you’re not sure, do further research.

When working outside remember to wear adequate sunscreen and protective clothing including a hat, correct footwear and gloves.

Be realistic When planning to plant an edible garden the most important thing you can do is to be realistic about the time you will actually have to tend to your vegetables, fruits or herbs as this will likely influence what type of garden you plant.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN THE GARDEN

Submitted by Susanne Jones, Just Better Care Brisbane North and CBD

Monitor regularly for weed growth, ensuring that when weeds appear you remove them from the root and not just the top foliage.

Check the health of the plants. Do not leave old fruit, vegetables and pruning material underneath the plants as these can harbour disease.

Where possible, undertake minor pruning to keep shrubs and trees in shape. This removes dead growth and encourages new growth.

Pests and diseases are a natural part of nature, and it is not always possible to eliminate them. Consider using nonchemical solutions like garlic, chilli spray or milk to ward off any pests.

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T H E G RE EN ROOM

Strategies To Keep Your Seedlings Alive Farm and gardening expert, Sheia Kalima Kironn shares her tips to ensure successful transplanting of your seedlings Dearest Farm-ily,

There has been an upsurge in interest in home-gardening since the arrival of COVID 19. And many people who have never grown a vegetable garden, are trying it out for the first time :) I am loving this direction!

So, I am wanting to offer you all some tips to ensure successful transplanting of your seedlings, and strategies that we can use to increase the probability of a successful harvest.

1. Prepare your garden beds, by removing weeds, adding compost, and organic fertiliser.

2. Seedlings are generally ready for transplant after the first 2 true leaves appear on the plant - after the cotyledon leaves - or at approx 4-6 weeks of life, depending on the season and the crop you are planting.

3. Always plant your seedlings in the evening, after the heat of the day has passed at the correct spacing. If planted too closely there will be stunted growth...too far apart and you have wasted space in your bed.

For plant spacing, please see here.

4. Water your seedlings at least twice per day, everyday, for the first couple of weeks to ensure that the seedlings will take, and form root structures in their new home. After that ,water as required. Most vegetables require 1-2 inches of rain, or watering per week on average.

However, in warm conditions, this will increase.

5. Using shade cloth - or other protective screens to grow your seedlings in - will give you the most success, as they will also protect against pest damage, and provide some climate moderation, whilst the plants are young and vulnerable. I have seen some great home solutions created by a number of companies.

It is very easy to create a covered garden bed...I use this technique a lot as a commercial grower, especially with brassicas. I use hoops created out of rural polypipe, and I simply put in rods on either side of the bed I wish to cover and put the hoop over the top. Then you can simply cover with shade cloth, or finer aphid screen to cover your vegetables.

Alternatively, you could spray your plants with a natural organic deterrent to help them: neem oil, chilli, garlic, dipel etc. I'm not so much of a fan of spraying, as it needs to happen regularly to be effective, and after every rainfall. As I am a busy mumma, I don't want to add any more chores to my week :) I hope that these strategies for planting your seedlings will bring you much success, and abundant harvests!

Sheia

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www.samfordviillagepumps.com.au Acreage Living 13

AT HOME

A growing number of families are fleeing inner city living and settling into an acreage lifestyle, where there’s plenty of space to enjoy increased comfort. Here Tracie Ellis, Founder & CEO of Renovators Directory offers some home renovation solutions for homes with plenty space to offer.

Renovate and

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creage homes with careful planning can offer unique differences to a home in the city.

The flexibility of extra room gives the ability to truly customise your home to suit your family, block, and best aspect/ views.

When purchasing an acreage property, not everything will be according to your taste. Strategic improvements do however appeal to everyone, and considered investments will not only make your

14 Acreage Living

Reap the Rewards

house more comfortable, but also value add, making it more lucrative for future buyers.

Before rushing into improvements, planning is essential. Does your property have a lovely view? Are you surrounded by paddocks? Do you want to capture gorgeous sunsets?

Indoor-Outdoor Kitchen One of the multitude of benefits of renovating on acreage is the space you

have to work with. With the option of space comes the ability to have a very open kitchen that flows to an outdoor entertaining area of your dreams. An indoor-outdoor kitchen extends your usable living space and enables year round entertaining, making your home feel larger and more inviting. From retractable windows to fully operable sliding walls, there are a number of ways to convert your indoor kitchen into a dreamy multi use space. See our breakout box below.

Floor to Ceiling Glass Having the luxury of space with neighbours few and far between allows you to bring the outdoors in and truly benefit from your scenic surrounds.

Mastering the transformation of utilising glass will create a very unique point of difference to your home.

One way to achieve this modern style is to include floor to ceiling glass walls or doors in your design plan. With the addition of these stunning doors/walls, you can create a space that appears larger and more open.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, doors and walls offer a multitude of benefits and provide you with unobstructed panoramic views along with the ability to maximise natural light and enjoy your acreage even when you are indoors. Creating a sense of lightness and connection to the outdoors.

Garage / Shed With acreage living comes maintenance, and the need for ride on mowers, tractors, whipper snippers etc. Enter the need for a shed (usually a substantial one). You will be surprised how quickly you will fill this space.

Whilst considering the need for a shed, thought should be given to your current

garage. A garage is the most neglected space in a home. By carefully considering the amount of room you require, you may be able to extent your garage. Your current two car garage could be extended to a four car to enable extra storage, along with the addition of the almighty shed.

Multiple sheds of varying shapes and sizes is not ideal for improving property value. Therefore a well thought out, tidy and aesthetically pleasing property has a higher perceived value. Note, consultation with your local council is essential, as DA approval will be required (whether it be a garage extension, new shed or BOTH!).

Renovating when living on acreage certainly comes with the opportunity for a completely bespoke individualised design, creating a home with unparalleled levels of versatility to accommodate a lifestyle inner city home that owners could only dream of.

With an entire career spent in construction, Tracie Ellis is well respected for her industry knowledge. She is now leading the way to an exceptional experience in home renovation solutions for business and consumers alike.

AT HOME

Tips to Create a Dreamy Indoor/Outdoor Kitchen 3 Extend your benchtops. Having a continuous benchtop that runs from the inside to outside blurs the lines between interior and exterior, adding a sense of spaciousness and provides vast amounts of prep room.

3

Wide openings. Allowing the two spaces to open up completely with a stacking, bifold or pocket sliders is essential to deliver this look. Eliminating physical barriers between the two provides you with uninterrupted views. A servery window is also a great idea in this space.

3

Continuation of flooring. Selecting a flooring that is similar to your indoor, and continuing to your outdoor area is clever. It is hard for the eye to distinguish where the indoor space ends and the outdoor one begins, making the overall space bigger.

Acreage Living 15

A N I M AL I N S I D E R

The

Snake Files

Local Snake Catcher Casey Scholten takes us inside his slithery world of snakes and offers some fascinating insights into the life of snakes .

A

s most of us know, living in a rural or semi-rural location can bring with it potential challenges snakes being one of them. We are certainly lucky to be able to enjoy all the benefits this lifestyle has to offer. However, we also take on some obligations with living in such an environment. Here is a brief insight into the life of snakes.

As one of the local snake catchers in this area, I frequently get asked about what actions can be taken to stop snakes from “visiting” a property. The short answer is that you can’t stop them. They are a wild animal and are driven by the basic urges of eating/drinking, shelter and, at the right time of year, looking to reproduce. As a result, snakes will move within their range to fulfill these basic requirements.

There are a few actions you can do to make snakes more visible. For example, keeping yards tidy, mowing lawns, clearing piles of items such as corrugated iron and timber that provide great shelter for a snake. Some snakes are attracted by rodents which can be present at a property due to pet feed such as bird/chook grains and seeds. If you have pets, ensure the food is stored securely and the feed area is not readily accessible for rodents. Easier said than done sometimes, I know, but rodents are an attractant for some snakes.

Snakes don’t follow our rules ,so if they cruise along and find an open door or window, they won’t knock first and may just enter without you knowing. They could curl up in shoes that are left outside, or lay along the bottom of closed doors. It is a good habit to check shoes before putting them on, look down before stepping out

16 Acreage Living

of the door, and keep doors and windows closed, if they aren’t screened. Cats have been known to bring their “prize” home to show off , which has resulted in snakes being brought inside.

Overall, I could write/talk about snakes for ages. I have had a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and enjoy the opportunity to interact with the different species that this part of the world offers. Not everyone is comfortable with snakes, but please don’t see them as a threat. They carry out vital work in the ecosystem, including eating rodents.

Some advice I will leave you with is: If you encounter a snake, enjoy it for what it is, leave it alone and it will leave you alone.

If you require it to be relocated, contact a professional to do it for you. It is risky to do so yourself if untrained, not to mention illegal.

If a person happens to be bitten by a snake, seek medical treatment immediately. If a pet is bitten by a snake, get your pet to a vet immediately. While the snake may not be venomous, are you 100% sure about that at the time? Even non-venomous snakes bite and some form of antiseptic treatment should still be undertaken.

About Casey: He grew up in the Western District of Victoria and holds a Diploma in Applied Science (Natural Resource Management). He has worked with Parks Victoria and NSW Parks and Wildlife and currently works as a Station Officer with Qld Fire and Rescue and is a self-employed as a snake catcher at Snake and Critter Catcher”.

To get in touch call 0491 747 871

SNAKE MYTHS BUSTED “A snake attacked me” WRONG! SNAKES DO NOT ATTACK PEOPLE! Snakes bite for one of two reasons, to eat or to defend themselves. We are too big to eat which leaves defence. A person may inadvertently place their hand or foot near a snake which could then bite after feeling threatened.

Alternatively, a person may try to kill, scare off or pick up a snake which could also result in the snake being defensive.

Also, the snake’s path to safety may be behind where you are standing so it may head towards you, but it would only be to get to safety. Some snakes are more display based with their defense, such as the eastern brown. These snakes can “rear up” in its well-known “S” shaped position to try and scare away a perceived threat. Again, this is not an act of attacking.

“I have a python/red-bellied black/etc so I won’t get any browns” NOT TRUE! Snakes can coexist within the same area. Yes, some snakes will eat other snakes at times, but this does not negate the ability for multiple species to be present in an area.

“I heard one species of snake bred with a different species of snake” NOT TRUE! This is akin to a dog breeding with a cat. Can’t physically happen.

ANIMAL INSIDER

A Guardian Angel The Italian or Maremma sheepdog is one of the world’s notable flock-guarding dogs and can be traced back in its native Italy to over 2000 years ago. It is known as the guardian angel of sheep and goat flocks and their shepherds in that country. Here, Shell from Pulse Vets Warner takes an in-depth look into this ancient breed.

I

t’s an ancient and ongoing responsibility to protect our livestock from the dangers of predators. Over the centuries, farmers and herders have tried fencing, shelters, and even “keeping watch over their flock by night.”

While you could sit up all night watching your livestock, odds are that you probably have other ways you’d rather spend your time. In that case, why not enlist the assistance of a devoted livestock guardian dog to help you protect your livestock from danger and an ideal breed of choice? Namely the Mareema Sheepdog.

Perfect for rural living, Maremma Sheepdogs are large, loyal and protective family pets that needs lots of mental stimulation.

Affectionately known as gentle giants, Maremma Sheepdogs originated in Italy where their primary job was to guard flocks against wolves, bears and wild dogs. Maremma Sheepdogs are known for their self-reliant, independent and protective temperament.

They are loyal, loving and sweet dogs to their family but aloof and reserved with strangers – don’t expect this breed to be best friends with new house guests. Their protective nature makes them great watchdogs, but they aren’t aggressive. Instead, they rely on their size and deep bark as a deterrent. Highly intelligent but strong willed, training can be difficult and will take some time. They generally favour one person and see them as their ‘master’. Early socialisation and training is imperative for a wellbehaved dog. They are gentle and sweet with children they consider to be part of their flock. If socialised, they will befriend all other pets - even cats.

Maremma Sheepdogs are happiest when they have a task to do. Don’t leave them alone for too long or they will quickly become bored and destructive. They are best suited to farm life with open space and livestock to guard. They are not your average household dog.

They have moderate energy levels and need to be keep active. Maremma Sheepdogs shed heavily and have a dense, heavy coat that needs lots of upkeep. Brush them every day and trim the hair between their paws regularly. Make regular appointments with your local dog groomer. Maremma Sheepdogs live for approximately 12 years.

Scheduled health checks and visits to the vet are important to ensure your dog is healthy and happy throughout its life . It’s important that together with your vet, a preventative healthcare plan is formed.Maremma Sheepdogs are a hardy breed but some ailments can be seen. The most common issues are hip dysplasia and skin problems such as matted fur and dermatitis.

MAREMMA FAST FACTS A giant-sized breed that has a average weight of 30-45kg and an average height of 59-73cms.

Needs a large open rural property to run and roam Energy Levels Has moderate energy levels. A long daily walk, or time spent watching over their flock is ideal.

Coat and grooming needs This breed is moderate to high maintenance. Brush and comb their coat thoroughly every day and trim the hair between the pads regularly. They have a medium-long coat in solid white.

Sheds heavily.

Tendency to bark They have a high tendency to bark.

Family suitability Great family pets and loyal companions best suited to rural living. But will see one person as it’s master.

The Maremma Sheepdog is a wonderful guardian and has watched over all kinds of flocks, including a group of penguins off the coast of Western Australia and the critically endangered eastern barred bandicoots in western Victoria.

Acreage Living 17

STYLE

THE EDIT

Top 5 from Style Your Way owner, Lee Martin.

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1. A crisp, white shirt is a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion 2. The denim top with fringe edging compliments the modern inspired shorts. By adding the zip up jacket in silver grey, it takes your day into night.

3. The oriental print cami paired back with tailored pants looks the part. Add a structured jacket in a pop of colour to complete your outfit 4. Layering with a lace blouse complements the camel button through dress. Add platform wedges into the mix and you’re ready to strut through your day in style.

5. Upcycled eco earrings made from op shop finds and eco friendly resin.

STYLE

Dress for now, with purpose and

for you!

We’ve teamed up with Lee Martin, from local pre-loved boutique Style Your Way, to pull together the must-haves to take you from school drop offs to after school sports, from grocery shopping to zoom calls and everything else in between!

A

s our lives become busier and busier juggling the different roles we have; parent, partner, business owner, employee, kid’s taxi driver…. let’s face it, getting dressed should be the easiest part of our day!

Lee works with women to discover their individual style, what suits their body, and the right hues for their complexion.

“What excites me about helping women find their unique style is when I see the person’s posture change, the way they begin to move and carry themselves differently, you see a shift in their confidence. It is then that I know we have found their comfort, because it’s all about being comfortable in your own skin.”

Lee follows the simple ABC’s of dressing for today to take your wardrobe from drab to fab.

Adaptable - simplified style is knowing how to select essential core pieces that become your baseline and are interchangeable when dressing for your day.

Style your way - a true reflection of your personal brand image. Staying genuine to your style no matter the season, working with your current wardrobe and thrifting new pieces is the perfect way to reflect your unique individuality. Pinterest and social media are great places to pull inspiration and a collection of images that reflect your style.

Choosing preloved fashion is guilt free shopping at it’s best. It offers customers the ability to inject unique pieces into their core basics, adjust their wardrobe seasonally without breaking the budget and helps reduce our carbon footprint.

Every 10 minutes, an estimated 6000 kilos of textiles and clothing are dumped in landfill in Australia. Style Your Way is a sustainable business that relies solely on donations from the community and donates a percentage of the shop’s profits to Hummingbird House, a local hospice specialising in paediatric palliative care services.

“Fashion changes, but style endures” Coco Chanel

Beautiful - your clothes are a reflection of how you feel.

Selecting accent pieces that compliment your core outfit in the colour tones that suit you. Accessories, tops, jackets and handbags are ideal to achieve this. Be armed with the right colour palette for your complexion and you will look and feel beautiful.

Comfortable - identify the right fabrics for you so you can breeze effortlessly through your day. The fabrics you wear and the movement of the garment need to be reflective of your lifestyle. If you are in and out of the car all day, a to-die-for structured pencil skirt is not your friend!

All donations are sorted at Style Your Way with quality, seasonal clothes resold and other garments redistributed to local charities in need. Salvageable items like buttons are removed before discarding and fabrics that can be repurposed are sent to local community members who use them in upcycling projects.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lacking direction on what colours suit you or what style works for your body shape, drop into see Lee and together you can find your unique style.

Style Your Way 18-20 Ferny Way, Ferny Hills Call 0412 668 612

Top 5 Thrifters & Sustainable Style lovers to follow for ‘stylespiration’. @thrifted_mrs @neverpayretail @shethriftsallday__ @homeaccessoriesau @whenthriftersthrift Acreage Living 19

HEALTH HUB

TERRIFIC TRAILS Chasing adventure but don’t want to travel far? Lace up those walking boots and hit the road – the health benefits of bush walking and trail running are immense!

So, if you are tired of running mindlessly on the treadmill at the gym, hit the trails. You’ll be surprised and delighted by how many bush walking and hiking trails are within our region.

This feature ‘Terrific Trails’ is designed to highlight some of the wonderful tracks our region has to offer - all reviewed by our local residents.

SOMERSET TRAIL

Reviewed by Leanne Middleton from Ferny Hills

Location: Mount Mee Length: 15km Terrain: Gravel Grade: 3 - Some experience recommended.

Amenities: At start of the trail, there are toilets, BBQ facilities, picnic areas and parking.

Leanne's notes: It's a lovely mix of rainforest and Eucalypt Forest, with some Bunya plantation.

The trail runs along an escarpment with several spots having great views over Somerset Dam. The area has wildflowers in spring with little orchids in winter.

On our last walk, we passed a snoozing red belly black snake and enjoyed listening to and watching black cockatoos flying amongst the trees.

KEPERRA SADDLE

Reviewed by Kevin Doyle from Upper Kedron

Location: Turn left from Samford Rd to Settlement Rd and turn right into Mungarie St. Stop about 200m near the dog off leash area. Length: 3.4km loop Terrain: 2/3rd path is bitumen and the rest is loose gravel. Amenities None Kevin’s notes:

Lightly trafficked loop trail which is dog friendly. Quite steep at the start and a good sharp and short hike close to the local area. At the summit, enjoy the views from Mt Cootha to GDR, Mt Barney, Cunningham’s Gap to Glasshouse Mountains to Moreton Bay. There are numerous off-shoots to explore. Be careful on the way down as, due to its steep gradient, the gravel can become loose under foot.

20 Acreage Living

HEALTH HUB

RAINFOREST CIRCUIT Reviewed by Katie Maclean from Albany Creek

Location: Maiala Picnic Grounds, Mount Glorious Road, Mount Glorious.

Length: 2km circuit Terrain: Dirt with some wooden walkways Grade: 2 - 3 Amenities Toilets, picnic tables, wood barbecues and water Katie’s notes: This is such a peaceful walk, winding through a stunning subtropical rainforest. You can appreciate the majestic beauty of the old Sydney blue gum, a sole survivor of the eucalypt forest that was once the dominant vegetation here. Also, there are many opportunities to spot the local wildlife. Great track for young children. There are two other tracks departing from Maiala, a 2.5km return Cypress Grove track (class three) that takes up to eighty minutes and a 1.2km Western Window track (class four) that will have you walking for only thirty-five to forty-five minutes.

Wheelchair-accessible facilities are provided at Maiala.

BUNYA SWIMMING HOLE CIRCUIT Reviewed by Ashley Smith from Ferny Hills

GOLD CREEK RESERVOIR Reviewed by Claire Bell from Ferny Hills

Location: Upper Brookfield Length: 4.8km Terrain: Narrow gravel path Grade: 3 - Some experience recommended.

Amenities: There are toilets and a picnic bench at the start and end of the trail.

Claire's notes: The Gold Creek Reservoir track is a fantastic scenic trail, not too far at all from The Hills District. The trail is moderately trafficked and is in the style of a loop trail. If you are a bird watching enthusiast, this walk is perfect for you as there are a great variety of beautiful birds around the trail. The trail loops around a beautiful lake on the track which makes for some great vista's and photo opportunities.

Location: Start Bunya Swimming Hole, Dugandan Road, Bunya, Finish at Kumbartcho Sanctuary, Eatons Hill Length: 1.3km (2.6km round trip) Terrain: Dirt Grade: 2 Amenities At the start are toilets, BBQ facilities, picnic area and parking.

Ashley’s notes: We do this walk with our three-year-old regularly. It’s not long and it’s quite easy going.

Plus, it ends at Kumbartcho’s fairy garden! The track winds its way along the side of the river, so it’s really peaceful and quiet. There are other tracks here, obviously, but this is our fave!

Acreage Living 21

GET GLOWING at Secret Skin Studio

AGEING GRACEFULLY A Therapists Guide It can be an overwhelming task sifting through the plethora of aesthetic treatments on offer. Laser, dermaplaning, chemical peels, eyelid surgery, threads, filler… The list goes on. How do you know what is the best type of treatment for you? Dermal Aesthetician Elizabeth Kiosses gives us the lowdown about the different treatments on the market.

Boutique, Customised Skin Services

by Dermal Aesthetician Elizabeth Kiosses

Specialising in high performance anti-ageing facials and difficult skin conditions such as Rosacea and Acne Dermal therapies offered include; • Chemical Peels • Skin Needling • Crystal Microdermabrasion • Plasma Arc

Using the bodies own wound healing response to strengthen skin and restructure collagen. This targets fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, pigmentation, sun damage and general ageing.

All traditional Beauty Therapies offered: Waxing, Body Sugaring, Manicures, Pedicures, Hot Stones Massage.

BOOK ONLINE!

Bookings can be made via our user friendly website.

Scan QR Code to book https://secretskinstudio.com.au

Secret Skin Studio, FERNY GROVE

Call Elizabeth on

0412 878 511

S

o, what is your biggest skin concern? When you look in the mirror, ask yourself what are the two most obvious areas you would like to improve. It could be fine lines around the eyes and a sagging jawline. Do you see sun damage and areas of darker pigment? The most common comment I hear is, “I don’t mind getting older, I just feel I look tired and my skin needs a refresh”. Once you can describe exactly what you would like to target. Then a simple consult with a skin professional can determine what treatments are best suited to you.

Our skin is our largest organ and the primary role is to offer protection from the environment. Over treating the skin with excessive scraping and peeling will lead to an impaired barrier. This means the skin can no longer offer protection and new conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea and allergic reactions can start to appear. Having a laser treatment then excessive sun exposure soon after can lead to a complication like hyperpigmentation where the skin produces larger patches of pigment. This is why a consultation with a skin professional is so very important. They will take into account your lifestyle including sun exposure, your desired outcome, current skin condition, medical history and current medications and even your budget. They will also advise on any downtime after treatment and the best preparatory serums to get the most out of your treatment. Assurance that the treatment is the safest and most effective for your individual skin. A successful treatment plan should have your friends commenting on how good you look and will lead you to feel confident in your own skin.

Skin needling is one of the most common treatments to strengthen skin. Despite the name, it is a reasonably comfortable treatment that has minimal risks usually with only 24hrs of downtime. There are clinical studies that report positive outcomes for acne scarring, sun damage, lax skin, stretch marks and overall rejuvenation. It is important to note that there is little regulation with these types of treatments.

The actual needling devices are regulated by TGA and each council is responsible for policing infection control laws. The technicians’ qualifications however are not regulated. A clinic that offers a package of treatments without a consultation should be a red flag. Aesthetic treatments are a fantastic way to repair the skin and boost your self-confidence. They are incredibly safe with minimal risk if done in qualified hands.

Subtle dermal therapy treatments are an amazing tool to soften lines and restore skin strength. Ageing gracefully means that you look the best you can be with glowing skin.

A THUURBE H E A LFTEH

Nourish and soothe inflamed skin

HYDRATE & REAP THE REWARDS! Increasing your water intake is great for circulation and skin cell function in the lower layers of skin. However, our outer layers of skin actually get their hydration from the surrounding humidity. Moisturiser assists to pull in and trap moisture to the skin. If you want to increase the hydration in the skin - wet your face before applying moisturiser. Then massage for 30 seconds.

Elizabeth, Secret Skin Studio (Ferny Grove)

This light but effective hydrating cream with botanical extracts of Liquorice, Bearberry and soothing Oat Oil is an ideal salve to nourish inflamed or dry skin,. With Chamomile, Sandalwood and Vanilla to protect, heal and enhance elasticity, you can nurture your skin back to health and vitality. Also available in Rose. Locally made in Bunya. $49 for 50gram.

Visit https://www.amisi.com.au

Health & Wellbeing

FOR MIND & BODY Feel good tips and information for the body and soul

Gorgeous Granola

We have found the most addictive granola on the market - Bask and Co Granola Clusters - the brain child of Ferny Hills local Janessa Rutter.

Chewy, crunchy, and tasting of biscuits, this delicious granola is packed full of wholesome, nourishing ingredients. These divine clusters are also Gluten Free, Vegan & Refined Sugar Free and are made with 100% natural ingredients which are mostly organic and sourced from local businesses. Each small batch is crafted by hand in their dedicated kitchen at Samsonvale to ensure only the highest quality product reaches your bowl.

Enjoy the chunky clusters straight out of the bag as a snack on the go, as a yoghurt or smoothie bowl topper with fresh seasonal fruit for breakfast or with poached fruit as a healthy dessert.

You can find Bask & Co Granola Clusters and more items in the range at www.baskandco.com.au.

Climbing up a stair burns about 0.75 calories, while climbing down burns 0.25 calories. If an average flight of stairs has about 20 steps, you burn 15 calories climbing up, and 5 calories climbing down

Magical Mangos MANGO FACT: Consuming mangoes also improves brain health. They contain glutamine acid, an essential protein that enhances concentration and memory. Regular consumption of mangoes also improves nerve functioning. So, go ahead and enjoy them without any restraint.

HONEY THE GREAT HEALER Topical honey treatment has been used to heal wounds , burns and skin conditions since ancient Egyptian times and is still common today.

Researchers believe that honey’s healing powers come from its antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects, as well as its ability to nourish surrounding tissue. In particular, Manuka honey is considered especially effective for treating burns.

What’s more, honey can help treat other skin conditions, including psoriasis, herpes lesions and it is particularly effective for diabetic foot ulcers.

Acreage Living 23

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COUNSELL ING CORNER

Wellbeing on the Land Local Social Worker, Elena Bishop guides readers through the ordinary difficulties of human life.

EVALUATING HABITUAL HABITS

T

he elusive work/life balance. Many on acreage can boast about ‘having it all’ while living the Aussie dream on the land, having the space and freedom to make it theirs as well as avoiding the suburbia house clusters. But when you have a large property, it can take a lot of grit to maintain. Sometimes, when we focus on all the tasks that need to be done, it is a matter of priority of the household and the property – like a ‘top of the pile’ mentality. Top of the pile is a metaphor for a huge stack of mail that has arrived, and you need to prioritise which bill to pay first. Living on acreage as well as maintaining a work/life balance can seem hard to manage. So, you develop Habitual Routines to get it all done.

Yes, we are all creatures of habit, and we function best when things are predicable, as it reduces anxiety and allows you to mentally prepare for what is to come. This evokes feelings of safety and control. But when your habitual routine is affecting your happiness and mental wellbeing, we need to assess if the habits we have established to keep everything ‘running smoothly’ and evaluate if they are still relevant to our needs. The interesting thing about Habitual Behaviour is that they can be automatic and unconscious actions that have been developed as an adaptive coping mechanism (they have been reinforced so much). These routines are hard to break because they have become inflexible and immediate. Hence, this behaviour has become preprogramed like a computer in your brain; you can be so task-focused that any deviation from the goal can provoke anxiety, fear of failure and challenges your sense of control. This habitual behaviour can impact on our mental health and happiness - we are focusing on the tasks to complete in an automatic fashion rather than having the freedom to choose what we want to do to with our time.

Positive Psychology states that happiness is a fallacy. Rather, achieving happiness is a conscious effort of balancing your ‘five pillars’:

1.Positive emotions – Learn to appreciate and be grateful for the life you lead 2. Engagement – Participating in activities that show your strengths will encourage confidence and productivity 3. Relationships – Making an effort in all your relationships and not taking people for granted 4. Meaning – Finding something in your life that is important and feeds your purpose 5. Accomplishments – Set achievable goals then celebrate your success when you complete them

“Habitual routine doesn’t just affect your mental health,it can affect every aspect of your life” If reading this made you realise that you can have feelings of being overwhelmed, constantly fatigued or stressed, dreading, or being unmotivated, then it is time to investigate or your habitual routine and focus on your wellbeing goals.

Firstly, be aware of where your time is going, understand your routines as they stand now and think about if you should keep the routine exactly the same – or would it be beneficial to shake things up to put a smile on your face.

Have you developed ‘maladaptive coping mechanisms’ – so when you’re stressed out you started with a beer in the arvo or a cupcake after dinner and now it has turned into a carton at the end of the day or eating a whole cake at night? Have you been focusing on getting the kids home after school, cleaning and cooking for dinner…

Perhaps learn to ‘let go’ of those hardcore structured habitual routine and one day a week play with the kids in the yard and cook a frozen meal for the family? Think

about your friendships. If you feel they are one-sided or narcissistic, maybe think about distancing yourself from people that don’t make you feel good about yourself.

If you feel like the majority of your spare time is feeling isolated on your property and you haven’t been in a social group setting for longer than you can remember, get involved in community events. We are social beings and need that camaraderie!

Remember when you were younger and you used to love that hobby or activity but no longer do it because life has got in the way? This is me giving you permission to get it back. Habitual routine doesn’t just affect your mental health, it can also affect where you spend your money – like that morning coffee you buy on the way to work, or when you are feeling blue you go out and buy something that will make you happy? If they are becoming problematic, then make a goal of saving that coffee money and then at the end of the year it could buy you a weekend away or even outsourcing help to keep things maintained! This is a constant process of evolving and becoming the best versions of ourselves, setting a positive example for our children, practicing gratitude for what you have, understanding how to feel happier in life and not letting your established habits take over your life if they are no longer relevant.

This article is brought to you by Social Worker, Elena Bishop. Elena is the director of Supportive Therapy and Social Work in Arana Hills. She has a wealth of knowledge and insight into the industry. This month, Elena discusses why ‘People Pleasing’ maybe detrimental to your mental wellbeing.

Do you know that if you text 0477 13 11 14 between 6pm - midnight when you are in need of support, a Lifeline crisis support worker will text with you?

Acreage Living 25

Moving Grantham READING ROOM

W

hen severe flooding hit the Lockyer Valley on 10 January 2011, Jamie Simmonds watched the devastation unfold on his television at his Samford home. The epicentre of the disaster was the small town of Grantham, where 12 people lost their lives after a powerful wall of water swept through, obliterating all in its path.

At that point, Jamie didn’t know how instrumental he would become in helping the town recover. In the days following the flood, former Lockyer Valley mayor Steve Jones, requested Jamie’s assistance and appointed him director of the Strengthening Grantham Project. Together they took on the ambitious task of moving residents away from the floodplain and up onto a hill.

‘Steve’s idea to move the town came about the morning after the flood,’ Jamie recalls.

‘The idea was that we couldn’t build back where all this devastation occurred. How can someone put their child to bed at night in the same place where someone lost their life?’

The first house was ready just 11 months after the flood event, and the project proved to be a huge success. An Australian first land swap initiative was implemented where residents’ land on the floodplain was traded for a similar sized lot up on the hill, utilising a ballot system without the need to exchange funds.

Jamie continued to work alongside Steve Jones up until the former mayor’s death in 2016. He wouldn’t return to the town for three years until an American professor requested someone show him the relocation.

It was this professor who would convince Jamie to write down his experience and share his successes with other communities.

‘He said I needed to write a research paper about Grantham because there’s no manual for relocating towns. Relocations are becoming a bigger thing now with more natural disasters occurring,’ Jamie explains.

That research paper quickly turned into a memoir, ‘Rising from the flood: Moving the Town of Grantham’, and the story of Grantham is now being shared globally.

For more information or to purchase a book, visit www.jamiesimmonds.com Words By Claire-Louise Vermande

26 Acreage Living

A Samford Mans Memoir

Good Reads

READING ROOM

North West Brisbane is home to many talented authors. Here we have handpicked just a few great novels to get stuck into!

Ambo Tales From The Frontline

By Harry Collfer

It seems quite ironic that perhaps the best way to learn what it’s really like to be a paramedic is through fiction. By removing the onus of truth, and all the legal implications that entails, especially in the medical field, a fictional story can accurately portray the camaraderie, banter, and inappropriate humour that is an integral part of being a prehospital clinician. For the past five years, a local Brisbane paramedic, Harry Colfer (a pseudonym), has been doing just that, writing and publishing a series of humorous short-story eBooks entitled ‘Ambo Tales from the Frontline’. After getting great reviews from both paramedics and the public, Harry has recently released his debut murder mystery novel, ‘Dead Regular’, featuring the same characters. Books are available from his website www.harrycolfer.com, in print or ebook format.

All Cats Are On The Autism Spectrum

By Kathy Hoopman

All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum takes a playful look at the world of autism, using fun feline friends that will strike a chord with all those who are familiar with typical autistic traits, bringing to life common characteristics such as sensory sensitivities, social issues and communication difficulties. Touching, humorous and insightful, this book evokes all the joys and challenges of being on the autism spectrum, leaving the reader with a sense of the dignity, individuality and the potential of autistic people. This new version regularly tops Amazon Australia bestseller lists in various categories such as disabilities, cat books and autism, and the Independent listed it as one the nine top books on autism for Autism Awareness day.

For more information or to purchase a book e-mail info@kathyhoopmann.com or visit https:// kathyhoopmann.com

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The Gift Guide

Think Local this Christmas and buy in your backyard. We have a plethora of local Makers and Shakers in the region with plenty quality, handmade LOCAL products on offer for that ultimate Christmas present.

Here are just a few....

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1. Handmade wooden frames to hold all your special things. $25 to $75. Visit www.etsy.com/au/shop/Holdspecialthings 2. Floating Memory Lockets which enable you to create your very own treasures or select a complete lockets. Purchase at www.Etsy.com/au/shop/ LoveMyLockets 3. Lavender and Chamomile Organic Herbal Bath tonic. Naturopathically blended. Handmade locally. $35. Visit www.ritualherbbar.com 4. Shopping totes made from up-cycled materials. Bags are fully lined with two inside pockets. $20. Vinyl totes and bags $25 to $35. Visit www.facebook.com/ theupmarketau/ 5. Art classes for adults, specialist workshops and sip and paint workshops with local artist, The Art Train. Find them on Instagram @thearttrain or email thearttrain1938@gmail.com 6. Protect your hands from germs with this bright and funky coated cotton trolley handle covers. $10. Call 044 796 3577 7. A gift never tasted so sweet! Locally made honey available from Highvale Honey. Find them on Facebook at Highvale Honey.

8. Perfect for the kids! A DIY Rock Painting kit. $8 from Bliss Rock Painting and Parties. Call 0414 743 569 or find them on Facebook.

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C O M M U N I T Y S H O W C AS E

Samford RDA centre operates in the heart of acreage living at its best. Here, Kerry Reeves, from the RDA gives us an in depth look at this wonderful facility here on our doorstep.

Centre of Excellence at

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ocated at Samford Showgrounds, the centre draws many of its volunteers from Samford Valley and surrounding rural-residential areas.

For many of the volunteers who live on acreage, managing horses and maintaining associated facilities and paddocks are all too familiar responsibilities.

The impressive centre has been developed over the past 14 years with strong local community support. With its covered riding arena and scenic rural backdrop, it is nationally recognised as an 'RDA Centre of Excellence'.

As well as the Jenny O'Malley Arena and adjoining covered saddling and horse yard enclosure, the centre is well set up for horse-related activities and professional management. It has an office, dedicated tack and feed sheds, a round yard, water tanks and other facilities to support the RDA program and the 11-strong herd of horses. The arena is also regularly hired to host local equestrian events and clinics.

RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) provides support services to both adults and children with a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities. The health benefits of horse riding are well documented, with RDA sessions designed to help build a person's muscle and core body strength, improve their balance and coordination, and encourage speech and social interaction.

While some riders require physical support from volunteers, others progress from being led to riding independently under instruction.

The centre totally depends on volunteer support. It operates every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday outside

Samford

of school holidays, together with Tuesday evening sessions. Participants come from across Brisbane and neighbouring areas, with the demand for RDA services so strong that wait lists exist for all sessions.

Volunteers contribute a wealth of experience in all facets of the centre's management. A background in horses is not required, however all volunteers are trained in RDA-safe procedures before working with horses or participants.

Volunteer activities are varied and include caring for the horses, grounds maintenance, fund-raising, administration, gardening, and assisting riders in the arena.

Volunteers have total flexibility in the hours and days they give to Samford RDA. The centre offers them social connections, healthy outdoor exercise and activity, plus

representatives and individuals.

With the RDA program winding down for 2021, a series of inductions for prospective volunteers will be held in the new year.

Inductions take about two hours and are a comprehensive introduction to the work of RDA and the safety systems in place, including COVID-safe procedures.

For volunteering enquiries, contact Sharon on volunteer@samfordrda.com.au.

“The health benefits of horse riding are well documented” a chance to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

Samford RDA is fortunate to receive financial support from all levels of government through grants and loan programs. Fund raising events throughout the year are always strongly supported by local residents.

The centre also relies on horse and centre sponsorships, with funds directed to the feed and care of the herd and improvements to the centre. Sponsorships come from local businesses and community groups, as well as elected Acreage Living 29

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