WEEKEND | 10-09-2016

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Saturday, September 10, 2016 qt.com.au

w PE OPL E w EA SY EATI NG w BOOKS w DIY w GAR DE NS w TR AVEL w ENTERTA INMENT w FA SH ION w H OM E

Weekend

screen life

Hollywood hunk Patrick Dempsey is in one very complicated love triangle ...

Inside

Sally Fitzgibbons How surfing’s sweetheart is making waves off the board

T R A I N L I K E S A L LY: Y O U R 12 -W E E K S U M M E R T R A N S F O R M AT I O N STA RT S H E R E .

P LU S : J O I N OU R T OW N V T OW N ST E P P I N G C H A L L E N G E

easy eating

travel

home

Healthy recipes to cook now and eat later

Where there is kava and rugby, there is plenty of singing

10 ways to detox your home this spring

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welcome // inside today

qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

Let Sally put a spring in your step WE EKE ND E D IT O R K ir i t e n D o l le

S

HE’S the surfing powerhouse with a megawatt smile.

Inside today, I sit down with Sally Fitzgibbons to talk about her latest ventures off the board, including joining our mastheads as ambassador of our Kick the Kilos competition.

If anyone could give you the get-up-and-go into fitness this spring, it’s Sally. Her determination and energy for life is infectious.

While on her eighth season of the World Surf League, currently at California’s Lower Trestles competing in the Swatch Women’s Pro, Sally’s also cutting a career as a fitness entrepreneur with the recent launch of her business Fitzgibbons International.

“If I could help one person into a healthier lifestyle, for me, that’s the most rewarding thing,” she said.

From today, Sally joins our ranks to inspire a happier, healthier you. Over the next 12-weeks she will share her training secrets, favourite strength and cardio workouts, recipes, tips and advice in Weekend.

Find out how to join your town’s stepping group, as we seek out Queensland’s and northern New South Wales’ most active cities. Who will take the most steps?

Plus, learn how you can score a free FitBit or NutriBullet over on our YOU pages.

Have a great weekend.

EASY EATING

SCREEN LIFE

TR AVEL

inside today TRAIN LIKE SALLY: Your summer body transformation starts inside today. Are you ready for the challenge?

read // When pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons is not chasing

waves on the world tour, she making them back home.

you // Join our 12-week challenge for a happier,

home // How to detox your home of chemicals. you // Former NRL star Adam MacDougall shares the three silent killers hindering your weight loss journey.

healthier you. Turn over to train like Sally.

How to navigate your weekend: We’ve colour-coded your magazine for easy reference. Each section listed on the index page is coloured accordingly throughout. If you’d like to skip to Easy Eating look for the yellow at the top of the page, or magenta to skip to Home.

easy eating // Discover the healthy recipes to

screen life // Hollywood hunk Patrick Dempsey

cook now and eat later – music to any busy parent’s ears.

chats about playing one-third of a very complicated love triangle in the latest Bridget Jones romp.

travel // Alaska’s White Pass Railway is a true

mind // R U OK? How to look out for signs and help

engineering marvel.

others battling the black dog.

w COVER: Sally Fitzgibbons. PHOTO: Contributed. CREATIVE: Kiri ten Dolle and Angela Carroll. CONTRIBUTORS: Seanna Cronin, Alexia Purcell, Chris Calcino, Tracey Hordern, Maggie Cooper, Regan Drew, Dominique Rizzo, Steph Mulheron, Angie Thomas, Maree Curran, Peter Owen, Ann Rickard, Geoff Egan, Greg Bray, John Grey, Jody Allen, Roy O’Reilly and Rowena Hardy. CONTACT US: weekend@apn.com.au CONTRIBUTE: contributors@apn.com.au ADVERTISING: Visit apnarm.com.au or contact your local sales consultant.

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Insider

w i th S e an n a C r on i n

Show’s diversity admirable

M

ARRIED At First Sight’s first gay couple may not have lasted the distance (more than a few days actually) but that doesn’t mean they’re a failure.

Sydneysiders Andy and Craig faced more scrutiny than any of the other participants after it was announced they would tie the knot on the controversial show, which expertly matches strangers who meet for the first time at the altar.

On Tuesday night’s episode Andy revealed the pressure he felt for his experimental TV marriage to succeed on behalf of the gay community.

“The fact that Craig and I were the first same-sex couple to be married in this experiment, I guess there’s a lot riding on us being right and us making it work due to the marriage-equality debate going on at the moment,” he said.

“It’s a damn shame we’re not still together and you can see two men living harmoniously together.

“But if I spend one day with Craig that’s keeping him one day from not being with the right guy for him, then I’ve stolen that day. He’s a great guy and he’s going to make somebody a lovely husband; it’s just a shame that person is not me.”

But the important point, in my mind, is that he and Craig were featured on the show in the first place – getting married, showing affection and being given equal treatment and airtime on national telly.

Whether or not they worked out shouldn’t be seen as any more or less of a result than the other couples.

Each of the pairings offers viewers different lessons about communication, vulnerability and conflict resolution.

The TV experiment has its detractors, who say it makes a mockery of marriage, and fair enough.

But you can’t watch the show and fail to see the genuine hope for love in the participants.

Andy and Craig are no exception, and to their credit the two men handled their split maturely. Andy in particular showed a great deal of emotional intelligence.

They certainly set a better example than Dave, who couldn’t effectively communicate with his new bride Jess, leaving her feeling hurt and rejected.

Cameras didn’t show Dave making any contact with Jess until showing up at Wednesday night’s dinner party, when all of the couples meet for the first time, and even then they weren’t able to make amends and part ways on good terms.

Bring on more diversity on our screens, I say, so that all sections of the community are represented.

w Craig and Andy at their wedding in New Zealand in a scene from Married At First Sight.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

App of the week

It’s town v town, mate v mate SIGN ups have opened for ARM’s Kick the Kilos competition. Join your town’s team as we seek out Queensland’s and northern New South Wales’ most active city.

Download Strava, following the instructions below. The competition starts on September 17. Here’s what you need to do: Download Strava from the App Store or Google Play. Go to ‘more’ (the three dots on the bottom left).

Click on clubs. Select the magnifying glass search tool top right and type in ‘kick the kilos’. Find your local masthead and press join. To log a workout, press the record button in middle of bottom menu bar, then the big record button when you begin. Stop button to stop, and the finish flag to save.

Rename your workout. And SAVE on top right. It will then post in your group, adding your distance to your team total.

w Taking the money was a chump move but at least Sam Dastyari bowed out.

PHOTO: DIGITALLY ALTERED

Strange Politics w i t h C h r is Cal cino

Resignation prompts greasy phenomenon

F

IRST they put their onions out for Tony Abbott in his winter of despair. Then keyboard jockeys called for blokes to flop out their todgers in solidarity for slain gorilla-cumbabysitter Harambe.

Now it is Senator Sam Dastyari’s turn to ride the bizarre #PutSomethingOutForSomeone internet phenomenon.

The young political firebrand’s hallmark smile had thoroughly dissolved when he told media he was stepping down from Labor’s frontbench. Brow furrowed, eyes dark and solemn, he begged forgiveness for sending a $1670 personal travel bill to a Chinese donor. What he did was not illegal but it was still wrong, he told reporters on Wednesday.

‘‘

What he did was not illegal but it was still wrong, he told reporters on Wednesday “I’ve never been afraid of the spotlight, but in the past week it’s clear that the ongoing examination of my behaviour is taking attention away from bigger issues facing Australia and Australians,” he said. “The last thing a government as bad and as divided as this one deserves is a free pass.”

Taking the money was a chump move but at least Dastyari bowed out – much classier than his Cheshire Cat-grinning media conference the previous day when he tried to play it down and keep his job. Only after a barrage of questions did he admit: “Why did I ask them to pay? To avoid paying a $1670 bill myself.”

Dastyari has still failed to explain why he called for Australia to respect China’s illegal – as the international Court of Arbitration deemed it – claims to territorial waters in the South China Sea. He now claims he “misspoke” when calling for

At the water cooler

Australia to remain neutral, having previously suggested Chinese media had misquoted him.

The Turnbull Government letting this rest with Dastyari’s resignation from the shadow cabinet is about as likely as John Howard being called up to captain the next Ashes squad. He will just have to grin and bear it. But to the real issue at hand: What is all this #PutOutYourHSPs nonsense?

When Tony Abbott was on the verge of being dropped as prime minister, social media users across Australia posted photos of onions on their doorsteps along with the tag #OnionsOutForTony – in homage to his favourite raw food.

It was drawn from the #PutOutYourBats tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes when a ball hit him in the neck mid-game and killed him in 2014. Thousands of people left cricket bats on their front porches as a mark of respect.

The whole #D*cksOutForHarambe sensation took the hashtag to a strange place after the gorilla was shot when a child fell into his enclosure at the Cincinatti Zoo. Dastyari, then a relatively unknown senator, really entered public consciousness when he offered live on television to take One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson out for a Halal Snack Pack – a kebab shop delicacy of halal meat, chips, cheese and sauces.

So when Dastyari stepped back into the senatorial wilderness this week, supporters took to social media to post photos of their greasy snack packs along with the tag #PutOutYourHSPs. The internet is a weird and unforgiving place, but Sam Dastyari has impeccable taste in heart attack-inducing munchies. He will be back and will not be looking for hand-outs.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If any kebab shop owners have thrown Dastyari a free lunch, please get in touch.

Strange Politics is a satirical column. Follow Chris Calcino on Twitter: @ChrisCalcino

HELL hath no fury like a kid throwing a tantrum.

While on a recent jaunt in Melbourne, my three-year-old threw the mother of all tantrums in the foyer of the museum.

Crying, screaming and wailing like a wounded animal, he carried this on all the way across the courtyard to the park.

And this was just the beginning.

Trying to push a pram while your three-year-old clings to the side crying and screaming as you negotiate the lunchtime crush in Melbourne’s busy CBD. Not cool.

I felt deflated and like a total failure.

I couldn’t explain his behaviour, as he is usually so placid and well behaved.

My husband said it was just because he is three.

The government’s Better Health website says tantrums are a normal part of child development and they are a young child’s way of expressing their feelings.

How do you deal with a tantrum?

w i t h A l ex ia P u rc e l l

What we’re talking about on social media this week w Is he simply just at that age where tantrums are the norm?

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

Alexia Purcell is APN Australian Regional Media’s social media editor.

Follow Alexia on Twitter: @alexia_purcell.

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read

Sally Fitzgibbons

Surf’s up for your ride to health How a gutsy grommet from Gerroa became surfing’s sweetheart B Y K i r i ten Do lle

S

ALLY Fitzgibbons is hungry to inspire others.

When the current world number five is not chasing waves in the World Surf League, she’s making them back home.

Sally’s recently added fitness entrepreneur to her job description and busy schedule with the launch of her business Fitzgibbons International. There’s a fitness app, Train Like Sally, in the pipeline for a summer release.

Soon she’ll start touring schools in a series of educational talks to battle obesity and inspire healthy living. There’s her own four-day beach and surfing event set for November 3–6 at Cronulla where she hopes to unearth the next generation of women’s surfing talent. Not to mention a possible Olympics debut in Tokyo in 2020 – a gold medal dream since she was a child. Plus a wedding to Penrith Panthers lock Trent Merrin to plan.

Right now the three-time runner-up surfing world champion is in California, competing at the Swatch Women’s Pro at Lower Trestles.

Her unwavering determination and energy is infectious. It’s go, go, go for the once gutsy grommet from Gerroa who’s gone on to become surfing’s sweetheart. Success seems to follow in her wake. And somehow she keeps her trademark cool, laid-back persona.

“I was never satisfied to just be okay at something,” she tells Weekend. “I was always up for another challenge. I wanted to excel, whether it was school work or my sport. I had this urge and I couldn’t give anything a half-hearted effort. It has led me all the way to here.”

If it wasn’t in the ocean, Sally would have found success on the track. In 2007 she was looking at a career path as an athletic runner having won the 800m and 1500m at the Australian Youth Olympics. She had already made the state and national teams of six sports before joining the surfing tour at 15.

“I’ve lived and breathed my training since I was eight years old. I had a dream to become an Olympic gold medallist or a world champion. I didn’t really know at that age what that looked like – I was country kid with all these elements at my disposal.”

Since becoming the youngest surfer in history to qualify on the elite tour after winning the World Junior Championship in just five events in 2007 and 2008, Sally has built a formidable competitive career now with eight seasons on the world tour

w “If I could help one person into a healthier lifestyle, for me, that’s the most rewarding thing.” PHOTOS: STEVE BAC CON

with three runner-up finishes in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

“I felt a bit of a shift, something inside of me, the third time I was runner up to the world title,” Sally says.

“It’s so heart-wrenching when you pour your heart and soul into something and you’re not quite getting to your ultimate goal. It’s right there, but each time it rips your heart out. I needed an 8.9 score to become world champion and that’s what I’ve always dreamt of, but I ended up getting an 8.7.

Point 2 of a point, what is that in the scheme of things?

“Some people will label you a ‘bridesmaid’. But what seems like a setback has driven me further forward. It’s taught me more about myself, has made me mentally stronger as an athlete and also allowed me to think laterally and outside the box about what else I want to develop off the board. That’s where the business angle comes in and probably what’s inspiring me more than ever.

“I’m not going to lose the desire to chase this world title, but I’ve got so many things inside me I want to bring to life.”

Sally’s true Aussie grit was highlighted in her 2015 Fiji Pro victory, beating the entire field with a perforated eardrum.

“I think it was probably the most euphoric yet painful moments I’ve ever experienced,” she recalls.

“I just couldn’t believe when the siren went and they announced ‘You’re the champion of the Fiji Women’s Pro’. I

Surf eight World competed in s ha on gibb w Sally Fitz s. ur to ue ag Le

qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

YOUNG GUN: Sally doesn’t shy away from a challenge, and now she’s got a challenge for you.

had all the tape on, one eye covered, my head was pounding, pain ringing down my neck, I lifted my arms up like ‘Yeah I did it’. It proved to me you can overcome anything. The Aussie battler was in me that day.”

Perhaps that’s why she quotes tennis ace Martina Navratilova for the best piece of advice she’s been given.

“Once I was fortunate enough to give Martina a surfing lesson and I asked her ‘What’s one piece of advice that’s always stuck true to you?’ She said: ‘Champions will find a way to adapt’.

“It really resonates with the way surfing is. You can’t really forecast you’ll have an exact same experience in a competitive heat, it will always be different. But if you can be comfortable in uncomfortable situations, you’ll find a way because you’re always going to give it your best shot.”

For Sally, surfing is not only a sport that feeds her competitive endeavours, she says it brings much joy and energy to her life.

“I couldn’t imagine my life without the ocean. Being out on the water brings a sense of calm. It’s my own little space, my own little bubble.”

From the age of three she was on a boogie board doing her “apprenticeship”. It was her three older brothers who taught her to surf.

“All the boys would be out the back and I was stuck on the inside, I thought this is no fun. I kept nagging dad to push me on waves.

“I cut my teeth (in surfing) on the river mouth at Gerroa with a longboard. You’d feel like you’d go for 100m because you were so small,” says Sally, emulating her younger self in the moment with her arms stretched out. “I became instantly hooked from there. It unleashed the inner competitor within me.

“As a sport it’s very stimulating in the sense that you become an amateur weather reader. You become so in tune with your surroundings that you’re basing your day around winds, waves and tides – you don’t ever really switch off from it.

“There’s always an infinite amount of things to work on. I think that’s why athletes like Kelly Slater, Layne Beachley, Taj (Burrow) and Mick (Fanning) have been in the sport a long time. It’s because no wave is ever the same. You go out on your board and one day it’s magic and the next day you’ve got a list from A-Z to work on – I don’t think its something that will ever get old. It keeps me motivated.”

And while she’s surfed some of the best breaks in the world, her favourite is still at home in Gerroa, where she grew up on the New South Wales South Coast.

“There’s probably only 250 (people who live in Gerroa) and most of them are over 70 years old. But it’s the best place in the world,” she says.

“I’ll go for my morning run and I’ll have the whole ‘Rocky’ vibe going on. The steam is coming off you it’s that cold and as the sun breaks you’ll pass a couple of oldies walking the dog who’ve done the same route for 20-odd years.

“I’ll pull out of the street to go to an event and there’ll be a big cardboard sign saying ‘Go Sal, go get ‘em in the US’. It’s so special, you couldn’t replicate it anywhere in the world. No matter how far I go, I’ll always come back.”

While she admits life is “a bit nomadic” at the moment,

rld champion, set on becoming wo w Her sights remain ekend. we s h Women’s Pro thi competing in the Swatc

w She was runn er-up for the w orld title in 2010 and 2012. , 2011

Saturday, September 10, 2016 qt.com.au

when she’s not on tour her time is often spent between home in Gerroa or in Penrith with fiance Trent.

“We can’t wait every time that free moment pops up when maybe he can come to an event or I can go to a footy game,” Sally says.

“It makes it so much more rewarding to run out onto the field or out into the surf and know they’re there.

“I’ve been a Dragons fan at heart since I was a kid, now my allegiance has been torn a little, obviously supporting the Panthers.

“It can often be nerve-racking when I’m watching him play in some of those big games. But it’s really great to be connected to someone who is also on their journey to the top. As with any athlete, it’s the downs you need support from and when things don’t go to plan, we really find a lot of strength from one another.”

While the pair are yet to lock in a wedding date, Sally says they’re enjoying the “whirlwind phase”.

“We want to have a country wedding – we’re both from the South Coast. With both our schedules busy, especially next year, it’s been hard to lock in a date, but it’s such a great milestone to look forward to. It doesn’t need to be rushed, we’re relaxed about it.”

Her business is as progressive as her athletic prowess.

‘‘

I’ve had results that can knock you down, but you can be resilient enough to come back.

“Surfing is still first and foremost. But business-wise, there’s just as big a thrill when I hop off the board and I’m able to bring my ideas to life. There’s something really empowering about being a young entrepreneur. It’s authentically me.”

The Train Like Sally app comes off the success of her first book, Live Like Sally, in 2014. She says it’s her way of “giving back” to her league of loyal fans (one million of them on social media) globally.

“We don’t just jump on the board and have a few waves, we have to train for what we’re doing and that’s the same for other elite sports.

“Train Like Sally combines the tips and elements that make me tick as an athlete. If I could help one person into a healthier lifestyle, for me, that’s the most rewarding thing. They are some of my favourite sessions and things I do before competing. It’s your training buddy, whether you’re entry level and want to kickstart your healthy lifestyle or you’re in that upper echelon of training and looking for something different.

“I’m working towards a goal, I’ve come close so many times (to a world title), so this my way to give people that little bit of inspiration to not give up. I’ve been there, I’ve had results that can knock you down, but you can be resilient enough to come back.”

And at only 25, Sally says: “I’m only just getting started.”

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Get summer-ready with Sally THERE has never been a better time to get fit and healthy and with spring in the air, it’s time to get it in your step too.

Over the next 12 weeks Sally Fitzgibbons will share her training secrets, favourite workouts and healthy recipes to inspire a happier, healthier you.

Join our Kick the Kilos competition as we seek out the most active city in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

Fourteen regions will go head-to-head for the top gong of Fittest Town. The aim is to run or walk as many kilometres as you can over 12 weeks, log your scores in our Strava group, and the town that racks up the biggest distance overall and per capita wins.

To join your local team, download Strava on your smartphone and search Kick the Kilos in the clubs section.

Find your local newspaper and ‘join’.

w Turn over

to take Sally

’s 12-week b ody challen ge.

PH OTO: CONTR IBU

TED

The competition starts next Saturday, so gather your mates and get your walking shoes ready – let’s show the rest of the regions who’s boss.

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qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

week one

Train like Sally Are you ready to join Sally Fitzgibbons as she kicks off our 12-week exercise challenge?

R

outine activity and healthy meals are essential to creating a happy, balanced lifestyle. Making or breaking any habit requires patience, consistency and will- power. Over time, as it becomes part of your routine, the more natural it will begin to feel and your perception that exercise and healthy eating is a chore will be knocked out of the ball park and become something that is super fun.

JO

IGHT V WEIGHT MA T E V MATE, WALTEHIER YOU

IN O

UR CA

MPAIGN FOR

A HE

Are you ready to kick the kilos?

SIGN up to our 12-week Stepping Challenge today.

Download Strava from the App Store or Google Play, search Kick the Kilos in the clubs section and join your local masthead’s walking group as we try to find which city takes the most steps. Plus, get a free Fitbit or NutriBullet with our latest digital subscription offer. Phone 1300 361 604 for more.

Recipe

Fish taco bowl with three salsas INGREDIENTS: w 8 flour tortillas w 600g white fish fillets w canola oil spray w flour (for dusting) w butter (for frying) w ½ iceberg lettuce, finely chopped.

Guacamole - w 2 ripe avocados w ½ red onion, finely diced w ½ red chilli, de-seeded, pith removed, finely sliced w ½ cup coriander leaves, finely chopped w juice of ½ lime w juice of ½ lemon.

Tomato Salsa - w 4 fresh tomatoes, diced w ½ cup coriander leaves, finely chopped w 1 red chilli, de-seeded and pith removed, finely sliced.

Mango Salsa - w 1 ripe mango, diced w ½ red chilli, de-seeded and pith removed, finely sliced w juice of 1 lime w ½ cup mint leaves, finely chopped.

METHOD: To shape the tortilla bowls, preheat your oven to

180C. Wrap four of the tortillas in foil and place on oven tray for 10 minutes just to warm them up.

Remove tortillas from foil and spray lightly with oil. Place them between the holes of an upside-down muffin tray, lightly pressing them down in the centre to form the base of the bowl.

Repeat with three remaining tortillas. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven, allow to cool, and repeat with the other four tortillas.

To fry the fish, coat both sides of the fillets with flour. Heat 2 tbs of butter in a pan and cook two fillets at a time on medium-high heat, two minutes per side. The fillet will fall apart when cooked. Serve fish in the tortilla cups with chopped lettuce and salsas. Serves 4.

Sally’s new fitness app, Train Like Sally is launching summer 2016 with programs available for every fitness level. For more information, check out www.trainlikesally.com or follow us on social media: @trainlikesally.

Upper body Pushup position touches w REPS:10 Start in a high plank position with your hands underneath your shoulders and aim to maintain a straight line from your shoulders, through your hips to your toes. Keep your core engaged by pulling your belly button towards your spine.

Starting with your left hand, reach out to touch 4 points in a semi circle - as if your hand is moving like a clock. Return to the starting position and repeat with your right hand. That's one rep. Aim to keep your shoulders and hips square to the floor.

Up down plank w REPS:16 Start in a high plank position on your knees or toes, maintaining a straight line from your shoulders, through your hips to your feet. Lower down on to one elbow and then the other, keeping your stomach engaged and your hips square. Push back up to the starting position and you've completed one rep.

Mountain climbers w REPS: 10 As before, start in a high plank position. Without raising your hips or butt, bring one knee forward, aiming to touch your elbow. Repeat on the other side, that's one rep.

Maintain a consistent steady pace for a cardio workout.

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Lower body Squat jumps w REPS: 15 Start with your feet at hip-width apart and lower into a squat keeping your back straight and chest up.

Your knees should be tracking over your toes as you squat. Power through the heels as you jump up and extend the legs. Aim to land softly on your toes and lower back to your heels. If you have any knee pain, stand up from the starting position and don't jump.

Reverse lunge w REPS: 16 Start in a standing position and step your left foot back, keeping your pelvis tucked.

Squeeze your shoulder blades together to keep your chest proud, try not to lean forward. Lower slowly, ensuring that the front knee tracks over the toe. Aim to have both knees at 90 degree angles at the bottom before you raise back up.

That's one rep. Continue on the same leg before switching to the other side.

Wide squat w REPS: 12 Start in a standing position with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Slowly lower down into a squat, keeping your back straight and your chest up. With every rep, aim to go as low as you can while maintaining good form.

Full body HOW TO SUPER SET: For each set, alternate between exercise 1 and 2 through the pyramid time blocks. So for example, for set 1, complete 15 seconds of skipping then 15 seconds of pushups hands raised. Then 30 seconds of skipping, and 30 seconds of pushups. Then 45 seconds, and so forth.

Super set 1 Skipping w 15s/30s/45s/60s/45s/30s/15s Pushups Hands Raised w 15s/30s/45s/60s/45s/30s/15s Start in a high plank position with your hands shoulder width apart and elevated on a bench.

Maintain a straight line from shoulders through to your heels and your core engaged, with your belly button pulling towards your spine.

Breathe in and lower down slowly in a controlled movement.

Exhale as you push back up. A higher elevation will make this easier if needed, and a lower elevation will give you more of a challenge!

Super set 2 Skipping w 15s/30s/45s/60s/45s/30s/15s Sumo Squat Hold w 15s/30s/45s/60s/45s/30s/15s With your feet out wide, lower into a sumo squat with your knees tracking out over your toes. Keep your back straight and your chest up and bring your hands to a prayer position in front of your chest.

Super set 3 Skipping w 15s/30s/45s/60s/45s/30s/15s Crunches w 15s/30s/45s/60s/45s/30s/15s Start lying on the floor with your feet anchored and your arms across your chest. Engage your core by pulling your belly button to your spine. Exhale and lift up until your eyes are in line with your knees. Lower slowly back down and repeat.

Amazing Family Holiday up for Grabs Get Ready for a Wild Holiday! We’re giving one lucky family of four the chance to enjoy a three-night Gold Coast getaway to explore the all-new Tiger Island only at Dreamworld! Prize also includes unlimited entry to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint Observation Deck for the duration of your stay.

We’ve also got Dreamworld season passes* up for grabs so don’t miss out!

It’s easy to be in the running. Simply head to www.qt.com.au/tigerisland to enter online.

You could be a winner!

Visit www.qt.com.au or The QT front counter for full terms and conditions. Promoter is APN Newspapers Pty Ltd of 100 Brookes St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006. Promotional period 27/08/2016–16/09/16. Competition drawn 10am 19/09/16 at 100 Brookes St, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006. Winners announced in The QT 21/09/16. Total maximum prize value $9,515 (including GST). NSW Permit # LTPS/16/06722 *Dreamworld Season Pass is valid until 24 June 2017.

...one local to another

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easy eating

qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

EAT

with Dan and Steph Mulheron

w Dan and Steph’s salt and pepper squid with Asian salad.

CHICKEN LEGS ARE THE

PHOTO: GLEN DAVID WILSON

G O -T O C U T O F P O U LT RY F O R

Surefire way to impress guests

T H E B U D G ET- C O N S C I O U S

S

QUID or calamari is always a dish that I look for when dining out. I love to see how others prepare and cook it. We don’t eat a lot of seafood at home, but every now and then we do like to turn to this magnificent recipe, especially now spring is here. This is definitely a dish to create if entertaining. Your friends will be very impressed. w Dominique Rizzo’s Greek-style baked lemon chicken.

Salt and pepper squid with Asian salad Serves 4

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

INGREDIENTS: w 600g squid, sliced into strips w 160g – 320g rice flour w Enough vegetable oil to fry w 4 lemon wedges. Seasoning: w 60g sea salt w ½ tsp Sichuan pepper w 1 star anise w 1 cinnamon stick.

Wasabi mayonnaise: w 3 egg yolks w 2 tbs white wine vinegar w 200ml grape seed oil w Salt and white pepper to taste w 1-2 tsp wasabi paste.

Asian salad: w Rocket leaves w Mint leaves w Coriander leaves w Bean sprouts w 1-2 long red chillies, chopped into thin slices.

Dressing: w 2 shallots, finely sliced w 1 tbs rice vinegar w 1 tsp sugar w 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil w 1 tbs mirin w 1 tsp toasted sesame oil w Salt and pepper.

METHOD: In a hot frying pan, add seasoning ingredients for about 2 mins until just smoking and the flavours are fragrant. Place mix in a small food processor and blend. Set aside. Next, pat dry your squid pieces and place in a freezer bag with rice flour. Toss to coat. Heat oil in a large saucepan until hot. Add squid and cook for 2 to 3 mins until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain and then into a big bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper mix. Toss to coat.

Asian Salad – Add salad leaves and chilli to a large bowl.

Make dressing by simply combining all ingredients.

To make mayonnaise from scratch, put egg yolks and vinegar in a jug, and while using an electric mixer whisk for 1 min. Then with the oil in another jug, slowly and in one stream add the oil. Continue whisking on high speed. The mayonnaise will become thick and glossy. Add salt, pepper and wasabi paste. You could add wasabi to store-bought mayonnaise too. To assemble, place a handful of dressed Asian salad on a plate, followed by squid pieces. Have the wasabi mayo in a dish for dipping.

Visit www.danandsteph.com.au

THE WEEKEND COOK with Maggie Cooper

Get a head start on Christmas pudding DON’T run and hide – Christmas will seek you out wherever you bury yourself. It’s still a while off (105 days, to be exact), but now is the perfect time of year to start thinking about Christmas cakes and puddings.

Try making your own Christmas mince with this versatile recipe that can be incorporated into a cake or pudding, with some left over for mince pies or gifts. Yummy little mince pies are available in supermarkets and bakeries, of course, for the weeks leading up to Christmas Day, but it’s easy to forget how much better they taste when you make them from scratch.

My old friend Jill in Sydney makes this recipe each year and

Baked chicken

Can’t beat a drumstick This easy dish is full of flavour and great the next day

INGREDIENTS: w 1.2kg or 12 chicken legs w 1 tbs fresh

oil w 1 lemon cut into eight wedges.

Herb roast vegetables: w 1 large red capsicum, seeded and cut into 4cm pieces w 400g pumpkin, peeled and seeded and cut into 5cm chunks w 2 brown onions, peeled and cut into 8 wedges w 4 roma tomatoes, cut into wedges w 2 cloves garlic, minced w 1 tbs olive oil w Salt and pepper w 1 tbs fresh picked thyme.

METHOD: Preheat the oven to 200C. Using a sharp knife make a couple of incisions in each chicken leg and sit them in a baking dish.

Blend or chop together all the herbs and the garlic and mix this with the lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper. Pour this over the chicken and rub it into the incisions. Take a wedge of the lemon and push it into one of the incisions in the chicken and sit it back in the baking dish. Bake the legs for 40 minutes.

Prepare the vegetables on a baking tray and drizzle over the olive oil combined with the minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30 minutes.

Garnish the vegetables with the fresh thyme when they come out of the oven.

rosemary, chopped w 1 tbs fresh oregano w 2 cloves garlic w 1 tbs parsley w Salt and pepper w 2 tbs lemon juice w 1 tbs olive

More at dominiquerizzo.com

PURE FOOD

with Dominique Rizzo

C

HICKEN legs are something I associate with Asian marinades or crumbed and fried. For this Greek-style recipe, I trimmed the chicken legs off at the knuckle and took off the skin and the meat around the bone for a cleaner look. It also makes it easier to pick them up and eat. You can ask your butcher to trim them up for you. This baked lemon chicken with herb roasted vegetables uses fresh lemon and a selection of herbs that I am sure you can easily start to grow. It’s easy, deliciously flavoursome and ideal for lunch the next day.

Greek-style baked lemon chicken with herb roasted vegetables Serves 4

gives it to friends for Christmas; I always look forward to receiving a jar. Hand-made gifts are lovely, particularly if they’re made with Grand Marnier! If you want to cut down on costs a little, you can use brandy (or any other spirits) instead.

If you make this now, allow it to mature for several weeks then use it in your usual cake or pudding recipe (reserve two cups for pies); or you can leave it in a dark, cool cupboard for a few months then seal in sterilised jars for gifts.

Christmas mince

INGREDIENTS: w 425g raisins w 250g dried dates, seeded w 250g prunes, seeded w 250g glace cherries w 115g glace pineapple w 125g dried apricots w 50g glace ginger (optional) w 850g sultanas w 375g dried currants w 200g mixed peel w 3 medium granny smith apples, peeled, cored and grated coarsely w 1 x 250g jar marmalade w 2 tbs finely grated orange rind w 60ml lemon juice w 2 cups firmly packed brown sugar w 1 tbs mixed spice w 350ml Grand Marnier, Cointreau, brandy or other spirits.

METHOD: Finely chop the raisins, dates, prunes, cherries, pineapple, apricots and ginger. Use a sharp knife and spray the blade with a little non-stick cooking spray to make the job

GIVING MINCE PIES TO FRIENDS HAS BECOME A TRADITION easier. Take care not to spray the handle. Sharp kitchen scissors or shears can also be used. Combine all ingredients in a large plastic container with a lid. Leave in a dark place for at least four weeks, shaking the container every few days.

Bottle in sterilised jars for gifts, or use for a pudding, cake or mince tarts for Christmas.

Contact Maggie at maggies.column@bigpond.com

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Saturday, September 10, 2016 qt.com.au

Stir-fry

Meals for the time-poor Prepare dinner ahead of time and make order out of chaos

Hentley Farm was worth the search WINE WORDS with Regan Drew

T w Kung Pao Chicken. From The Dinner Ladies by Sophie Gilliatt and Katherine Westwood (Murdoch Books).

THE DINNER LADIES

w i t h S o p hi a G i l li a t t a n d K a t he r in e W e s tw o od

O

RIGINALLY, this was a spicy stir-fry, designed for last-minute cooking. We love the sweet-sour flavours of chilli bean sauce, vinegar, chicken and peanuts so much that we adapted the recipe so that it is a bit saucier (never a bad thing) and able to be reheated. w Make ahead: You can make this recipe ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for three months. For maximum freshness, add the capsicum, spring onions and peanuts at the last minute before serving. If you prefer chicken breast, you can use it in this recipe, but don’t make it ahead of time – it really doesn’t reheat well.

Kung pao chicken Serves 4

INGREDIENTS: w 1 egg white w 1 tbs cornflour (cornstarch) w 800g boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces w 2 tbs soy sauce w 11⁄2 tbs chilli bean paste w 11⁄2 tbs Chinese rice wine w 1 tbs rice wine vinegar w 1 tbs sesame oil w 1 tbs sugar w 3 tbs peanut oil or other mild-flavoured oil w 1 brown onion, sliced w 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced w 1 long red chilli, seeded and finely chopped w 1 x 5cm piece ginger, cut into thin matchsticks w 1 red capsicum, seeded and cut into 4cm pieces w 4 spring onions, ends removed, sliced into 3cm pieces.

To serve: w 3 tbs unsalted roasted peanuts, lightly crushed w steamed jasmine rice w stir-fried or steamed Asian greens.

PHOTO: BEN DEARNLEY

METHOD: Whisk the egg white and cornflour together with a fork and coat the chicken in this mixture. Set aside in the fridge.

In a small bowl or jug, mix together the soy sauce, chilli bean paste, rice wine, vinegar, sesame oil and sugar to make the sauce.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the peanut oil in a wok over high heat.

Stir-fry the chicken ‘til it is just opaque – the cooking will finish later. Don’t worry if the cornflour mixture sticks to the wok – this will help thicken the sauce. Set the chicken aside.

Add a bit more oil if you need to, then fry the onion, garlic, chilli and ginger over high heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly.

Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the sauce, stirring continuously to lift anything stuck on the bottom of the wok.

Turn the heat down and simmer ‘til the chicken is cooked – about 15 minutes. You may need to add some water – about 100ml – so that nothing sticks, especially if you are making this ahead of time. The extra liquid will help you reheat the dish successfully.

Add the capsicum and spring onions, and stir through ‘til everything is combined and brought up to heat.

Garnish with the peanuts and serve with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried or steamed Asian greens.

Recipes and images from The Dinner Ladies by Sophie Gilliatt and Katherine Westwood (Murdoch Books).

HE Barossa Valley has some of the oldest grapevines in the world and some of the oldest labels-productions in Australia. So in terms of vinous age Hentley Farm is but a glint in the milkman’s eye. Keith and Alison Hentschke searched for many years to find the right location before purchasing the 1840s-built Hentley Farm, located in the Seppeltsfield region, in the late 1990s. It is still run as a mixed farming site and the first wines were produced in 2002. The estate also houses an award-winning restaurant. These releases mark a distinct evolutionary change by winemaker Andrew Quin.

Shiraz, 2015

A blend of 10 different blocks and with only 10 months maturation in old oak, the wine is intended to be approachable in youth. Smells of fresh crushed grapes and bright red plums. Young and vibrant. Smooth choc-ganache, soft tannins and bright acidity. Carries itself lightly for what could be a bruiser. w Rating: 8.5/10 w RRP: $28.50 w Alc: 14.8%

Zinfandel, 2013

Only 2% of Hentley Farm is dedicated to zinfandel and traditionally made into a blockbuster kind of wine. This style change sees earlier picking for lower alcohol percentage and, again, aged in older oak. Herbs-cloves, orange citrus, fresh rhubarb and cherry-strawberry. Suave and approachable. The herbaceous lift to the goji berry fruit is delightful. Match to lightly grilled tuna steaks. w Rating: 9/10 w RRP: $39.50 w Alc: 14%

The Old Legend Grenache, 2015

Earlier picking and only 10% new French oak continues the new theme here: light red currants, soft rubber, a turn of fresh earth, a small amount of stalky leaf character. All cool and inviting. Sits right in the groove of deliciousness, with a distinct spring in its step. New paradigm Barossa grenache. w Rating: 9/10 w RRP: $62 w Alc: 14% Wines available from major retailers and hentleyfarm.com.au.

More at vinonotebook.com

That’s the way the crumble cooks THE combination of warm, slightly tart fruit and crunchy, biscuity crumble is universally loved – and how about those bits where the fruit’s juices have bubbled up around the edges of the topping and gone jammy and toffee-ish? Oh, stop it right now.

With a few different crumble recipes up your sleeve you’ll never be at a loss for a fail-safe, make-ahead dessert at any time of the year – we’ve often used frozen fruit when there’s been nothing else available and it’s been just fine. Make ahead: Both the fruit filling and the topping can be made ahead and will keep for 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Just keep the filling and topping in separate tubs until you are ready to fill your ovenproof dish for baking.

FROZEN FRUIT WORKS FINE IF THERE’S NOTHING ELSE AT HAND

Strawberry and Rhubarb Crumble

Serves 6 INGREDIENTS: Basic crumble topping – w 75g self-raising flour w 100g light brown sugar w pinch of salt w 50g cold salted butter, diced into 1cm cubes w 50g rolled oats.

Filling – w 45g slivered almonds, toasted w 400g rhubarb, trimmed and chopped w 100g caster (superfine) sugar w 400g strawberries, hulled, halved if large.

To serve – w cream or ice cream.

METHOD: Preheat the oven to 180C. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and salt. Rub the butter into the mix with your fingertips until the mixture resembles clumpy breadcrumbs. Stir through the rolled oats.

Add the almonds and set aside.

Place the rhubarb and sugar in a heavy-based saucepan and cook gently over low heat for about 15 minutes until the rhubarb is completely soft. Add the strawberries and bring everything up to heat. Pour your filling into a greased ovenproof dish of about 1.5 litres capacity. Scatter the topping over your filling to cover.

Cook in the oven for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up round the edges.

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving with cream or ice cream.

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qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

Fiji

The sound of angels

ANOTHER WORLD: Captain Cook Cruises’ ports of call take you to the smaller villages and places few get the chance to experience.

Cruising a tropical island paradise will leave a song in the heart

w The kava welcoming ceremony is a special treat when you visit the remote smaller islands of Fiji.

TRAVEL

with Peter Owen

F

OR me, the highlight of the Rio Olympics was Fiji’s gold medal in the rugby 7s, and the joyous, yet dignified, celebration by the Fijians after that amazing victory.

Who will forget the emotion within that ring of Fiji players immediately after the final siren, arm in arm, spontaneously singing their hymn, those astonishing voices ringing out in praise of their Lord?

In the week leading up to that extraordinary evening I’d been in Fiji, most of the time on and around the outlying islands, and I am convinced that every Fijian – man, woman and child – is blessed from birth with the ability to sing beautifully.

I was a passenger aboard Captain Cook Cruises’ Reef Endeavour, which trawled through the sparkling waters for a week, stopping at least once a day at one of the country’s 355 islands, where Fijians live in much the same way as their ancestors did centuries ago.

Three things were consistent wherever we went – kava would be drunk, locals would talk incessantly about rugby, and there would be singing.

PHOTOS: SIMON TAYLOR

Nowhere was it more sublime than in a community hall at Yalobi Village, a small community on Waya island in the Yasawa group, where we had stopped for the day.

The hall doubles as the village church, and we were greeted on this Sunday morning by the sound of angels. In truth, they were the children of the village, boys and girls dressed in their Sunday finest, belting out hymn after hymn, in voices as pure as the streams that flow down from the hills.

Later they were joined by their parents, aunts and uncles for a church service that none of us will ever forget, a service interspersed with songs where the only accompaniment was those glorious voices themselves, and where you can sense the joy that singing brings to these noble people.

Yalobi is one of four villages on Waya and is home to 250 people. One of the youngest is Solo, a four-year-old who quite naturally clasped my wife’s and my hand as his aunt escorted us through her village.

The guide, Mary, pointed out a small herd of dairy cows grazing on the edge of the trees behind the village. “My family owns those five cows,” she said, with obvious pride.

“Do you sell the milk?” my wife asked. “Oh, no,” said Mary.

“We share it with everybody.”

And everybody else shares what they have. That’s how life is on these remote Fijian islands, where many of the inhabitants

IRELAND

Luxury train travel across 2217km of stunning countryside

BELMOND Grand Hibernian has started a new chapter in history as the first luxury sleeper train to travel throughout the island of Ireland. The inaugural journey last month took 40 guests on a six-night Grand Tour of Ireland. Belmond Grand Hibernian covers 2217 kilometres as it heads from Dublin to Cork where guests visit Jameson’s Distillery, followed by a private visit of Blarney Castle where it is traditional to kiss the Blarney Stone. Head chef Alan Woods has created mouth-watering dishes showcasing the best of Irish produce with a contemporary twist to ensure guests experience the best of Irish cuisine. Two, four and six-night itineraries for up to 40 guests run until the end of October. w COSTS: From $5500pp. w MORE DETAILS: reservations.uk@belmond.com or visit Belmond.com/grandhibernian

are born, live and will die without ever leaving their shores.

They live on what they grow and farm from the sea. And if there’s anything left over they will take their produce to Nadi on the mainland island of Viti Levu, or sell it to a tourist resort recently built on the opposite side of Waya.

Many visitors to Fiji make a beeline to one of the luxury resorts around Viti Levu or on the islands. And no wonder. You can sit by the pool, snorkel in the warm water, eat delicious food, sip a cocktail and bask in the warmth of Fijian hospitality.

You can do all that on a Captain Cook cruise, too. But the unique thing about the Reef Endeavour is that you get to visit islands that nobody else sees; to meet Fijians in their natural homes, living simple, happy lifestyles; to explore beaches and diving spots that remain pristine.

The Reef Endeavour can accommodate more than 100 passengers, but only about 60 shared the cruise with us.

The crew – a delightful group of friendly, funny, happy-go-lucky men and women, who unfailingly remember your name – were all Fijians, while the officers were Australian, the captain hailing from Maroochydore and the chief engineer from Bundaberg.

The seas are protected by the islands and numerous reefs, so there is nothing but a gentle sway as the Reef Endeavour makes its way from anchorage to anchorage. On average we cruised for only a few hours a day, as the point of it all is to visit the islands, experience island life, swim in the deserted beaches, and snorkel among the reefs.

Social life aboard ship centres around the Yasawa Lounge, where you find the bar and piano, and where canapes are served each evening before dinner.

As so often happens on cruises, meal time can tend to dominate one’s existence, so it’s a good idea to make the shore excursions, where you can walk and swim and keep moderately active. There’s also a gymnasium, spa and sauna on the sun deck, and you can book for massages and facials.

The Fiji economy is doing it tough, and the average Fiji worker earns only about $2 an hour – but you’d never know it. There’s a calmness about the place; it invites you to take it easy, smile and relax; to let the worries of the world pass you by.

We left Fiji the day before the gold medal game of rugby.

That’s something I’ll always regret because I reckon Fiji that day would have been just about the happiest place on earth.

The writer was guest of Captain Cook Cruises.

PORT STEPHENS

Swim in Australia’s largest pool

OAKS Pacific Blue Resort in Port Stephens is the coolest place for families this summer. This seaside resort also features lush grassy areas, a 25-metre lap pool, gym, tennis courts and a poolside restaurant, making it the summer holiday hot spot for families of all ages. w COSTS: Book a two-bedroom Lagoon Apartment for five nights and save 15%, starting from $1690 w MORE DETAILS: www.oakshotelsresorts.com

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Saturday, September 10, 2016 qt.com.au

2 17 EUROPE RIVER CRUISES Last chance to get the best offers.

Must end 30 September.

IT’S ALL INCLUDED

ON BOARD

All world-class meals in up to six venues Complimentary top-shelf beverages all day, every day and mini bar stocked daily Your own butler and laundry concierge E-bikes – electronically assisted bicycles Exclusive Scenic Tailormade GPS for selfguided touring and on board commentary Complimentary Wi-Fi internet

15 day luxury cruise from only

$9,990pp

INCLUDES

BUSINESS CLASS

FROM ASIA TO EUROPE RETURN*

ONSHORE Scenic Enrich – unforgettable and exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences Scenic Freechoice - choose from a variety of wonderful shore excursions Airport arrival and departure transfers And of course all tipping and gratuities

Fly Economy Class to Asia, then Business Class to Europe return.

Available on all cruises 11 days or more in a Standard Suite.

+ BONUS HOTEL NIGHT

*

Quote SNPR3190 for offers Visit scenic.com.au/agents for your nearest Scenic Agent

1300 888 769

SCENIC.COM.AU/BONUS

*Conditions apply. Price per person, twin share, strictly limited, subject to availability until sold out. For new bookings only, not available in conjunction with any other offer. Non-refundable deposit of $1,000pp due within 7 days of booking. Prices include early payment discount of $300pp where full cruise payment must be received by 31 October 2016. Offer is based on an airfare with Swiss Airlines (or another airline of Scenic’s choosing) in K class from Australia ex BNE/SYD to Asia, and Z class from Asia to Europe and is subject to availability until offer sold out. Airline/Airport taxes of up to $1,225 per person included. Prices based on STC 8 November 2017 departure category E suite (no balcony). Bonus hotel night must be taken immediately before or after 2017 itinerary start or end date and is valid for new bookings made by 30 September 2016. Pricing correct as at 5 September 2016. For full terms and conditions refer to brochure or visit scenic.com.au/terms and scenic.com.au/bonus.

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qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

Tourism

Return of the road trip

CHILD’S PLAY: Road trip games for kids include I Spy, Tic Tac Toe, Hangman, Twenty Questions and I’m Going on a Picnic.

More families are putting the kids in the car and heading off

Where Aussies Travel Number of overnight visitors a year: w Sydney: 9.2 million w Melbourne: 8.3 million w Brisbane: 5.7 million w North Coast NSW: 5 million w Gold Coast: 3.7 million w Sunshine Coast: 3 million w Central Queensland: 1.5 million w Darling Downs: 1.9 million w Mackay: 800,000 w Fraser Coast: 619, 000 w Whitsundays: 482,000 *Figures are the number of overnight visitors in the 12 months to March 2016.

Source: Tourism Research Australia, National Visitors Survey

w The Australian holidaying culture is shifting back to domestic travel.

T R A VE L w i t h P a m e l a F r o s t

E

YE spy with my little eye, something beginning with R. Need a clue? It involves a family, a car and questions such as “are we there yet?” and “can I go to the toilet?”.

And possible fighting in the back seat depending on how well your children get along.

The family road trip (which is the answer, if you haven’t already guessed it) has re-emerged as a popular holiday and research has shown playing eye spy and listening to the radio are still two of the top forms of entertainment on Aussie family road trips.

With the September school holidays just around the corner, a survey from JAX Tyres has shown 74% of Aussies love going on a road trip with their family and 77% see it as a good opportunity to bond.

And only 15% of people thought arguments were among the top annoyances on a family road trip.

Research from a national tourism body shows the Aussie holidaying culture is shifting back to domestic travel and family road trips.

About a decade ago, a strong Australian dollar and competitive airline prices caused a surge in international travel.

Travelling to Bali and Thailand became just as cheap as, if not

BYRON BAY

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

cheaper than, travelling interstate. But now the tide is changing back to domestic holidays.

Tourism Research Australia figures show more Australians are opting for a domestic holiday rather than heading overseas and they are also choosing shorter, more frequent trips rather than a holidays lasting several weeks.

The tourism figures also show 80% of domestic travel in Australia is on the road.

“The road trip is alive and well,” Tourism Research Australia assistant general manager Janice Wykes said.

“Family road trips are as popular as they used to be because fuel prices are lower than they were a couple of years ago.”

Holidays used to be about breaks. Now, there is more of a focus on outdoor experiences and creating lasting memories.

“Rather than going to something, people want an authentic experience and I think that’s the way of the future,” Ms Wykes said.

Usually the top picks are outdoor activities, such as beaches or bushwalking. Not having access to technology while on a family road trip does not affect families as much as one might think.

The JAX Tyres survey found 80% of people did not find it annoying when they lost a mobile phone signal.

In fact, the top annoyances on a road trip were car

Unwind in your own element STAY at Elements of Byron from $380 for two people, including complimentary continental breakfast, daily yoga class and high speed internet until December 15, 2016.

Experience barefoot luxury among the elements at Byron Bay’s new world class beachfront resort, set on 20.2ha with 2km of absolute beach frontage.

Until the end October, enjoy the following treatment at the resort’s Osprey Spa: Get Glow Ritual Upgrade: Choose your complimentary 30 minute treatment (LaGaia Body Balm Massage, normally $75 or LaGaia Express Facial, normally $85) when you book a 90 minute Get Glow Ritual.

Receive a full body polish and hydration masque, then sink into your happy place while tucked in a cotton cocoon wrap.

Surrender to a calming head and scalp massage followed by an aromatic rainwater shower. Be pampered with an all-over LaGaia body creme, then come back to earth while you sip organic tea. From $225 for a two hour journey.

Stays subject to availability. w MORE DETAILS: Elementsofbyron.com.au.

breakdowns, getting a flat tyre and running out of fuel.

Ms Wykes said the recent revival of the family road trip could come down to cheaper fuel prices and a weaker Australian dollar. And she said the surge in domestic travel was unlikely to calm down any time soon.

To put it in perspective, domestic tourism in Australia actually decreased 0.3% every year, on average, between 2004-05 and 2014-15. This figure was based on the number of overnight domestic visitors.

Now, Tourism Research Australia expects domestic holiday travel to increase about 3.2% a year. And considering domestic tourism makes up about 70% of the total tourism industry, Ms Wykes said this annual growth was “nothing to sneeze at”.

If domestic tourism is going to keep spiking, there are fears Australia’s top destinations, such as the Whitsundays and Byron Bay, will become more and more overcrowded and therefore less appealing.

Ms Wykes said it was hard to say whether this could happen, but Tourism Research was watching the potential problem.

Part of the tourism organisation’s goal is to also push more international travellers to other regional areas in Australia.

Ms Wykes said tourism often did not get the recognition it deserved.

“People don’t understand the value of it as much so therefore it just gets pushed aside.

“But I think that from an economic perspective it’s the new mining boom to some extent.

“But we have to actually nurture it – we can’t just expect it to happen … we have to make sure we’ve put in place the policies and programs that will allow it to continue to grow.”

PORT DOUGLAS

Free night in Port Douglas

SECLUDED beaches, fine restaurants, boutique shopping and endless sightseeing opportunities make Port Douglas the perfect place for a well-earned holiday. Enjoy a free night in Port Douglas at the boutique Shantara Resort within walking distance of famous Four Mile Beach. Pay from $405 per person twin share and receive four nights for the price of three and free wi-fi, valid for travel until October 31. w MORE DETAILS: Visit www.travelonline.com or phone 1300 883 887.

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RAIL ADVENTURE: The railroad climbs from sea level in Skagway to almost 1000m in 32km.

Alaska

Thrilling journey The astounding engineering feat of Alaska’s White Pass Railway T R A VE L w i t h A n n R i c k a r d

W

HEN George Carmack lifted his face to the sky and shouted ‘gold’ in Alaska 1896, the stampede might possibly have been heard from outer space.

They came in the tens of thousands looking for gold. A few got rich, most suffered hardship and misery.

But we found gold, metaphorically speaking, when we boarded a charming restored train at Skagway for the historic White Pass Railway trip.

We suffered no hardship on this shore excursion from our ship Nieuw Amsterdam docked in Skagway, one of the port stops on our cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage.

This excursion was going to give us insight into the minds of men with vision to build a railroad under hazardous conditions and dangerous geography, all to get hopefuls to the goldfields by train rather than journey on horse and foot over 900km of treacherous land and waterways.

The astounding engineering feat of the railroad was apparent from the moment the historic train rattled out of Skagway to journey us through granite mountains, up steep grades and around cliff-hanging turns. How did the 35,000 men who worked on the railroad during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898 cope, let alone survive?

w The White Pass and Yukon Route is up there with the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

The railroad climbs from sea level in Skagway to almost 1000m in 32km.

The tight curves of the terrain called for a narrow gauge railroad, rails just 1m apart on a 3m-wide road bed.

Tunnelling through mountains, building bridges and sky-high trestles on turns of 16 degrees would have been difficult enough, but then there was the heavy snow and freezing winter temperatures to contend with.

But for us, on this thrilling shore excursion, it was all about gasps of awe as the train rattled along its narrow tracks and every kilometre brought discovery as we looked down to misty valleys, across mountain lakes, to waterfall cascades, yawning chasms and lush forests. Someone spotted a moose and there was a yelp of excitement as we crowded windows for a brief glimpse of this rare sighting.

One sadness that affected everyone, was the section we passed through called Dead Horse Gulch where 3000 pack animals – even pigs and dogs were used – met a miserable end, victims of neglect by the stampeders who overloaded them and worked them to death.

At remote Bennett Lake, we disembarked and stood where

PHOTO: ROYCE BAIR

30,000 stampeders had spent the winter of 1898-99 building makeshift rafts and boats to take them across Lake Bennett and down the Yukon River to the goldfields.

In terms of engineering marvel, the White Pass and Yukon Route is up there with the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

Now, the rail fleet consists of 20 diesel–electric locomotives, 83 restored and replica passenger coaches and two steam locomotives.

After 108km of wild and natural environment, we reached the native village of Carcross where a motorcoach waited to take us back to our ship along the scenic Klondike Hwy. Way too much of nature’s beauty for one day.

IF YOU GO: A seven-day Alaska round-trip from Vancouver is priced from $1499pp (departs April 29, 2017). w MORE DETAILS: Holland America Line at 1300 987 322, or visit www.hollandamerica.com.au.

GO FURTHER, JOURNEY BEYOND. E XPEDITION

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SYDNEY TO PERTH OR VV

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INCLUDES: • 3 NIGHTS IN GOLD SERVICE TWIN CABIN FROM SYDNEY TO PERTH OR VV • OFF TRAIN EXCURSION IN BROKEN HILL, ADELAIDE OR BAROSSA VALLEY (WESTBOUND) AND KALGOORLIE (EASTBOUND)

2017/18 NOW OPEN.

• 2 OUTBACK EXPERIENCES ALONG THE NULLARBOR • ALL MEALS AND BEVERAGES ONBOARD

Terms and conditions: *Save up to $1420 per couple based on the High Season Advance Purchase Adult Fare on The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide. Fares based on Gold Service, High Season Advance Purchase per person twin share, with single pricing available on request. For new bookings from 04 July 2016 for travel from 01 April 2017 - 31 March 2018. Advance Purchase fares are available in Gold Service and are subject to availability at time of booking and may not be available on the date first requested. In order to receive the Advance Purchase fare, bookings must be made a minimum of 6 months prior to departure. Full payment required within 14 days of booking. Amendment to travel dates allowed greater than 45 days prior to departure to another Advance Purchase fare more than 6 months before departure and subject to yield availability. If no yield availability or the amendment is less than 45 days prior to departure then guests to pay the difference between Advance Purchase and applicable fare.

100% cancellation fees apply 14 days after booking date and the fare is non-transferable. Credit card fees may apply. Not available with any other offer. Timetables and Off Train Excursions are subject to change without notice. For general terms and conditions of carriage please visit www.greatsouthernrail.com.au. ATAS No. A10679.

04850CDBD 0716

42 W

home

qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

BACK TO BASICS: The average house may contain as many as 400 chemicals, some of them toxic, many untested.

Style w i t h T r a c ey H o rd e r n

Spring into the latest interiors

H

EADING into spring, here are some of the latest interior trends. While some are a continuation of past looks, others are as fresh as tomorrow.

Clearing the air

w The kitchen

Matte black accessories and finishes, including ovens, cooktops, lighting and other appliances are totally now. Eclectic, mismatched kitchens with warm finishes are fabulous, as are industrial-style kitchens, but copper highlights are definitely a thing of the past.

Detox your home

w Formal dining spaces vs seamless entertaining spaces

Depending on lifestyle, climate and status, separate dining rooms can create space where family and friends can gather in real time. Yet the demand for outdoor kitchens and seamless open living spaces is equally strong.

w The living room

Blooming floral soft furnishings and sofas scream 2016-17. Seen at this year’s Décor and Design show were floral prints and lush silk velvets in contemporary bold colours such as deep purple and emerald green.

Reducing your contact with chemicals can bring clear benefits 5. Stop using bleached products STAY AT HOME MUM with Jody Allen

w Textures

Mirrors are even more on-trend than ever, with bevelled edges adding an element of luxe. Cork is the surprising new hero, with entire walls cladded in the material for both style and function.

w Bathrooms

Gone are the cold, spa-like spaces and in with opulent and industrial-style bathrooms. Coloured metallic tiling can add a hint of glamour, as does brushed steel or brass tapwear.

w Bedrooms

Modern bohemian, colourful bedrooms with lots of luxe, ethnic textiles are red hot now, with most interior designers recommending upholstered bedheads.

E N T W I N E I N C LU D E S F O R E ST FRUIT PINK AND ARMY FATIGUE

A

RE you looking for ways to rid your home of toxins but don’t know where to start? Synthetic chemicals are in everything from cleaning products and cosmetics to furniture, clothes and toys. In fact, there are about 100,000 synthetic chemicals on the market today, and many of them haven’t been tested for human and environmental toxicity.

And of those that have been, there are many chemicals that contain known allergens, endocrine disrupters and carcinogens.

1. Take your shoes off

If you take your shoes off before you enter the house you can reduce the load of dust, residue and other nasties you trail in from the outside world.

2. Ditch toxic plastics

Potential carcinogens and other dangerous chemicals are leached by most plastics. The worst ones to look out for are polyvinyl chloride (V or PVC), polystyrene (PS, aka Styrofoam, when extruded), and polycarbonate (PC). Opt for cardboard or glass packaging, storing food in ceramic or glass packaging, rinsing all canned food thoroughly and using non-plastic microwave containers and stainless steel drinking bottles.

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

6. Ditch spray cans

Sprays like air fresheners, artificial fragrances and insect sprays contain lung irritants and phthalates, one of the worst endocrine disrupters. Endocrine disrupters mess with hormones and affect body functions such as growth, metabolism and fertility.

7. Use a water filter

Invest in a good quality water filter for your home to filter out chlorine and fluoride in drinking water. Store your water in stainless steel or glass.

8. Avoid Teflon pots and pans

The chemicals used to create non-stick cookware can cause damage to your thyroid, your liver or your immune system.

Get rid of Teflon and other cookware that’s made from fluoropolymers and fluorinated telomers, and opt for pots and pans made from iron or stainless steel or are glass or porcelain coated.

9. Use essential oils as disinfectant

The soil bacteria will help to reduce volatile organic compounds such as formaldehyde in the air.

Essential oils such as lime, tea tree and cinnamon have disinfectant properties and are better than commercial disinfectants that contain chemicals like chlorine, triclosan and formaldehyde.

4. Air your home

10. Read the labels on processed foods

3. Keep house plants in every room

w Bedroom featuring Dulux 2017 Entwine colours.

Chlorine byproducts have been found to be 300,000 times more carcinogenic than the pesticide DDT. You can find it in bleached products like paper towels, bleached coffee filters and toilet paper. Choose chlorine-free paper products.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to detox your home naturally is to open up the doors and windows. Healthy homes are filled with fresh air and light.

Try to avoid artificial flavours, colours and flavour enhancers.

More at www.stayathomemum.com.au

Home products

New season calls for new prints, colours and texture

w Indoors Topiary, $29, Kmart, www.kmart.com.au

w Canopy Quilt Cover Set, from $129.95 – $159.95, Pillow Talk, www.pillowtalk.com.au.

w Congo Relax Chair, $599, Uniqwa Furniture, www.uniqwafurniture.com.au.

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garden

Saturday, September 10, 2016 qt.com.au

HIGHLY TOXIC: To receive a bouquet of azalea flowers in a black vase was once a well-known death threat.

Bougainvillea

The thorny issue It’s the plant that gardeners either love or hate

In my garden w i th A ng i e Th o ma s

w Azaleas make great potted colour.

How to grow amazing azaleas

BOUGAINVILLEA ARE POPULAR WITH BONSAI ENTHUSIASTS DUE TO THEIR EASE OF TRAINING

w Southbank’s iconic bougainvillea-adorned pathway.

GREEN THUMB with Maree Curran

G

ARDENERS tend to fall into one of two camps when it comes to bougainvillea. Devotees love the fact that bougainvilleas will flower almost year-round, and don’t mind a hot, dry location. They will thrive in pots, and will perform well in salt-laden coastal gardens.

Opponents can’t see past the vigorous growth and the long, sharp thorns that can make the plant difficult to contend with and which can inflict painful injuries.

Bougainvillea can grow anywhere from one to 20 metres tall.

The flower is small and usually white, but the real appeal is in the brilliantly coloured bracts which surround the flowers. These can be pink, magenta, purple, red, cerise, yellow, orange or white, and they sometimes change colour as they age.

The climbing bougainvilleas have masses of long, strong, sharp, hooked thorns which they use to support themselves as they climb up trees or wherever else they can cling to. These vigorous growers can become a bit tricky to manage if you don’t want them to grow to their natural size. The trick is to trim them frequently, but lightly. If you let them go and then cut them back hard they will produce long flowerless shoots, almost overnight.

If you’ve ever visited South Bank in Brisbane you will probably

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED

recall how brilliantly bougainvillea are used in the Arbour, a kilometre-long walkway located in the Parklands. The 443 arched, galvanised steel posts are clad in brilliant magenta bougainvillea, and I’ve never seen it without flower.

But if that sounds like too much work, stick with the dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties which can easily be kept to a height of less than two metres.

Bambino Bougs are dwarf varieties, bred in Brisbane. There are some beautiful colours available in this series, including some unusual yellows, lavenders and bi-colours as well as the reds, pinks and cerises. They have smaller, softer thorns.

Bambino Bougs grow to about 1.5m tall and wide, and, like all bougainvilleas, love a hot, sunny position. Use them to create brilliantly coloured informal hedges, feature pots, hanging baskets, or as a flowering shrub in the garden.

Plant bougainvilleas in well-drained soil in full sun. If you are planting in pots, use a premium grade potting mix.

Bougainvilleas will flower for most of the year. Just trim off taller or wayward shoots to maintain the shape and size you want. A light trim will encourage more flowers. Don’t overwater, especially in winter. Let pots dry out between waterings.

Bougainvilleas have sensitive root systems, so be careful when planting or repotting. They may be burned by frost but should survive. As with all plants, don’t remove damaged parts until all danger of frost has passed.

A

N AZALEA in full flower is a sight to behold. Often you can’t see the leaves for the flowers, which come in almost every shade from white through to bright pink and also yellow, salmon and two-toned flowers. Most azaleas are happiest in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, in moist, organic-rich, well-drained soil that is on the acidic side. Azaleas also grow very well in a pot.

Here are a few simple steps to keeping your azaleas looking fantastic: w Sprinkle Dynamic Lifter around the root zone every six to eight weeks, which adds valuable organic matter to the soil. w Azalea petal blight is a disease that attacks azalea flowers, turning them into brown mush. To prevent azalea petal blight, just before the flower buds open start spraying with Yates Zaleton Dual Action Systemic Fungicide and spray every two weeks until the end of flowering. w Azalea lace bug is a sap-sucking insect pest that causes a silvery mottled appearance on azalea leaves. You might also notice dark spots underneath the leaves, which are lace bug droppings. As with azalea petal blight, a proactive approach is required as once the leaves are damaged it cannot be reversed. Start spraying both sides of foliage in early spring with Confidor to protect leaves from lace bug damage. Spray late in the day when there are no bees foraging on flowers. w Azaleas prefer an acidic soil (with a pH of 5.5 – 6.0) so in areas with alkaline (basic) soil, apply some liquid sulphur to reduce the soil pH. w To help promote healthy foliage growth and lots of beautiful flowers, feed azaleas each week with potassium-rich liquid plant food.

Got a gardening question? Email maree@edenatbyron.com.au

Angie Thomas is a horticulturist from Yates

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44 W

stuff

qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

On a lighter note

Gadgets

Social media detox: click ‘like’ if you agree

w i t h G e of f E g a n

For the next 100-plus days, why not unplug in order to reconnect?

ON A LIGHTER NOTE with Greg Bray

F

OLKS, I actually know people who don’t use social media, have never commented on an article, blogged or tweeted.

Apart from that, they seem like reasonably, well adjusted individuals.

In fact, I’m going to join them; it wouldn’t hurt to try being well adjusted for a little while.

Possibly it’s because I’ve become a little jaded with the social media circus.

Like a chicken pecking at a feeder we’ve become trained to constantly check our profiles. Gawping at the amazing things our friends are doing, or eating.

Or seeing how many ‘likes’ we’re getting on the stuff we’ve posted, and often feeling miffed because the posts we stole from other folk aren’t getting the same amount of ‘likes’.

Or, perhaps it was the shock of working out how much time I waste online nowadays. It’s amazing how a three minute update on my friends and family’s activities can take over an hour; which is really chewing into my TV watching time.

Worst of all, social media gives me the illusion that I’m keeping in touch.

But I’ve finally realised that the best way to keep in touch with

Gadget review w i t h G e of f E g a n

Smart watch doubles as fitness tracker WHEN you buy a Garmin-made activity tracker you know at the very least it should have a good GPS. The just-announced Garmin Forerunner 35 includes state-of-the-art heart tracking technology without having to use a chest strap.

The GPS unit means you don’t need to take your phone on a run to track distance.

Like all smart wearables the Forerunner 35 is not just a tracker but also a smart watch that can connect to a phone to give you messaging notifications and control music playback.

Price $299.

‘‘

Like a chicken pecking at a feeder we’ve become trained to constantly check our profiles. Gawping at the amazing things our friends are doing, or eating

w SADLY, owning a personal X-Wing starfighter might still be a few years away. But the newest Parrot mini-drone, the Swing, is pretty close – but still inside the atmosphere. The Swing flies more like a plane than most drones. The Swing comes with a gamepad to fly with and connects over Bluetooth. Australian price TBA.

my friends, is to unpeel myself off the couch and actually visit them in human form.

Also, there’s a pretty good chance I could start having conversations again with the other i-Zombies wandering around my home; aka: my family.

So, for the next 100 or so days leading up to Christmas, I’ve decided to go social media cold turkey.

It’ll take some adjusting, but I’m planning on reading more novels, wiping the dust off my guitar and having a twang, catching up with family and friends, and getting round to finally finishing the jumbled saga known as ‘My damned novel’.

This could actually be fun.

Please, click ‘like’ if you agree… please.

Greg Bray blogs at www.gregbraywriter.wordpress.com. Find him on Facebook: Greg Bray – Writer.

w SONY has mashed together its Xperia X line with its Z line to create the XZ. It has the Z’s bigger screen, extended battery life and metal casing with the chipset and 23-megapixel camera of the X line. If the large screen is too big the XZ will also come in a Compact model. Australian price TBA.

NOTIFICATIONS: Vibration settings on the phone can notify you of calls, texts, emails and calendar events.

w The Garmin Forerunner 35.

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

w THE Walkman is back. It also costs nearly $5000. For most people, phones have taken over from dedicated portable music players, but for audiophiles streamed music isn’t high-enough quality. That is the market Sony is targeting with the gold-plated new Walkman. Price $4870.

W 45

you

Saturday, September 10, 2016 qt.com.au

ADAM MACDOUGALL IS A FORMER NEWCASTLE NRL WINGER WHO REPRESENTED NSW AND AUSTRALIA

w Author and businessman Adam MacDougall.

PHOTO: SAM RUTTYN

Health

How to beat the three silent killers Lack of sleep, stress and prolonged sitting can have dire consequences

A

NYONE can lose weight eventually by eating less and moving more – but if you want faster, easier results, and you want that gut to stay gone, the smart thing to do is start paying attention to the 3 S’s: sleep, stress and sitting.

Twenty thousand years ago our hunter-gatherer ancestors slept more, stressed only when they really needed to, and sat less, but now with all the demands of our busy lives the 3 S’s often get ignored, to the detriment of our health and with dire consequences for our waistlines. In fact, how much we sleep, how much we stress, and how much time we spend sitting are just as important as diet and exercise, and can make all the difference in blasting away fat and getting fit.

Sleep

When we are sleep-deprived the hormones that control our appetite are negatively affected – that’s why you find yourself ripping the door handle off the fridge half an hour after lunch. A recent study at the Mayo Clinic showed that on average people who got only two-thirds of a proper night’s sleep ate a whopping 549 extra calories the next day.

The other thing that happens when we don’t get enough sleep is our brains crave high-fat and high-sugar foods. And on top of that, sleep deprivation raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. So if you don’t want to undo all your good work in eating right and training right, you need to make sure you sleep right, too.

You’ll find that as you lose weight you’ll also sleep better – studies at Johns Hopkins University have shown that losing belly fat in particular leads to much better sleep quality. And as you sleep better your ability to lose weight will improve. Win win!

To make sure you get a good night’s sleep:

w Stop eating and drinking at least an hour before you go to bed. w Put away the smartphone or computer, turn off the TV and read a book, or have a hot shower in the hour before bed to help your body wind down and get ready for sleep. w Turn your room into the ultimate man cave: make sure your blinds block out any light, remove any devices like phones, computers, TVs and alarm clocks and make sure the room isn’t too hot and that you don’t have too many layers on, as this can disrupt your sleep, too.

DID YOU KNOW? w Losing one night of sleep has the same physical effects as having a blood alcohol level of 0.19%. w 22 minutes: estimated decrease in life expectancy for every hour spent watching TV after age 25. w 64%: increase in your risk of heart disease if you sit for more than six hours a day.

Stress

Our bodies are biologically programed to put on weight when we’re stressed. When one of our ancestors saw a sabre-toothed tiger on the horizon, an alarm would go off in his brain and his body would be flooded with the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, preparing him for fight or flight (hopefully flight in this case). The fight-or-flight mechanism was vital for survival, but it was not constantly in use.

Nowadays, however, we are surrounded by daily stressors, and have exactly the same response, even if the threat is only an annoying email. The result is that our bodies are saturated with stress hormones, in particular cortisol, and prepare for disaster by hoarding energy stores, aka fat.

To manage your everyday stress levels so that your body is not constantly in fat-hoarding mode, try some of these strategies:

w Don’t dwell on it – If something is stressing you out and you can’t change it, accept it and move on. w Get the blood pumping – Leave your stress behind by taking a brisk walk to clear your head. Or, even better, high-intensity exercise is an awesome instant stress remedy. w Catch up with your mates – Yes, scientists have proven that nights out with your mates are essential for men’s health. A study of monkeys with similar social behaviour to humans showed that male monkeys were most relaxed in all-male groups. w Live in the present – Take a break from stress by being mindful of what you are doing in the moment.

Sitting

This silent killer now kills more people than smoking, and has been identified as an independent risk factor for developing

‘‘

Our bodies are saturated with stress hormones, and prepare for disaster by hoarding energy stores heart disease and diabetes. No matter how well you eat or how much you exercise, sitting for more than six hours a day can still undo your good work.

In most people, as soon as you sit down your metabolism grinds to a near halt, burning just one calorie a minute, the electrical activity in your leg muscles shuts down, and worse still, a key enzyme in your body that helps break down fat in the blood is switched off. After two hours of sitting your good cholesterol levels can drop by 20%. This may explain why people with desk jobs have twice the rate of cardiovascular disease.

Not only does your metabolism slow right down if you sit on your rear end for long periods of time, but the fat cells in the area can increase in size by as much as 50%.

Add to this the truth that sitting for hours can cause your insulin and blood sugar levels to spike dangerously, and you can see why it is such a major lifestyle risk factor.

Try these tips to break up the time you spend sitting:

w Aim to stand up every 30 minutes and move around for five minutes at a time. w If you’re watching TV, use the ad breaks as training time – pump out some mountain climbers before the footy’s back on. w Move around while you’re on the phone – it’s called a mobile for a reason. w Build your own standing desk.

Extract from The 10 Minute Man by Adam MacDougall, published by Viking RRP $35.

46 W

screen life

qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

NOT HAPPY: Hugh Grant said no to reprising the role of Bridget’s ex-love rat Daniel Cleaver because he had issues with the script.

Bridget Jones’s Baby w Stars: Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent. w Director: Sharon Maguire w Rating: M w Reviewer’s last word: Renee Zellweger is back in her most-loved film role as the awkwardly charming Bridget Jones, who tackles the new challenge of motherhood in her trademark fashion.

w Renee Zellweger, Patrick Dempsey and Colin Firth in a scene from Bridget Jones’s Baby.

Star profile: Patrick Dempsey PHOTO: GILES KEYTE

Film

Bridget and her bump Still trouble-prone, she’s also pregnant with a new man in her life very complicated love triangle.

SCREEN LIFE

with Seanna Cronin

T

WELVE years on from the last Bridget Jones movie and it’s not happily ever after for Helen Fielding’s iconic British character.

Bridget Jones’s Baby follows the publishing executive turned TV producer as she faces the new challenges of divorce, dating in her 40s and motherhood.

Bridget Jones’s Diary director Sharon Maguire returns to helm the new film, in which Patrick Dempsey enters the picture as Bridget’s new love interest, Jack.

Encouraged to just try to have fun, she ends up spending the night with the handsome, charismatic billionaire. But she also reconnects briefly with her ex-husband Mark (Colin Firth).

Bridget becomes pregnant, and isn’t sure which of her suitors might be the father.

Dempsey, best known for his McDreamy character on Grey’s Anatomy, tells Weekend about joining the cast as one-third of a

Q: How aware of the Bridget Jones stories and films were you before you got the role?

A: I was aware of the movie and Bridget and all of that. But I don’t have the same connection that women would have to Bridget. She is such an iconic character, and certainly in Europe and England particularly, a beloved character, that it’s almost like a cult status. It captured the essence of this generation and other generations certainly can identify with it and I don’t think there are a lot of strong female characters that are out there. I think her imperfections make her perfect in many ways. That’s what’s fascinating about it and why so many people like it. She’s real and accessible and human, not some superhero. I think it’s a special role for actresses and for other people and she’s iconic for that reason. This is a woman who has a good sense of humour and an understanding about herself and is trying to find the answers. So that’s the appeal (for me).

Q: What was it like to be the new kid?

A: There was enough time that had gone by when they came back to it so that they were looking at it in a fresh way and restarting. Everyone was in the same place – a little nervous at the beginning of how we could continue on and everything, and

w Quirky fact: As a teenager, he came third in his age group at the National Jugglers Convention and aspired to attend Clown College. w Best known for: Grey’s Anatomy, Enchanted, Sweet Home Alabama. w If you like this movie you’ll like these: Bridget Jones’s Diary, Notting Hill, Pretty Woman. w Quote: “People sometimes mistake being serious with being taken seriously. You have to find the balance between being entertaining and being preachy.” that was good. It was nice to be able to have a process with a beginning, middle and end. In a TV series it just continues and success is wonderful, but it can be very challenging in a sense, so this was nice because it was contained. You sat down, you read this script, you talked about it, you worked on the scenes and you let the writers go write it then come back to you, so the pace of it, the process of it was enjoyable and the cast were really accommodating, really generous.

Q: Bridget has a choice between these two seemingly great men, but they both have issues?

A: I like that the conflict is not so obvious. Colin and I were really conscious about trying to get away from the stereotypes and yes there has to be some jealousy, but how do we show it?

How do we do it in a way where it’s somewhat believable and make it not too contrived?

Q: How did you build your dynamic with Colin?

A: It was tough because we didn’t know how it was going to play itself out. This is a new character, you’re living with what Hugh Grant did with that, and it’s wonderful and part of the success of the film. They both love her; they both care about what’s going to happen to the baby. So we decided to use that, you know, how can they do the one-upmanship and change the dynamic slightly? So we were discovering it as we were going along but we didn’t really have the answers in the beginning, but we answered as many as we could with the time we had.

Bridget Jones’s Baby opens on Thursday.

Reviews What’s new on the big screen

Pete’s Dragon

FOLLOW the adventures of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just happens to be a dragon, in Disney’s live-action overhaul of the beloved 1977 movie. This a gentle, soulful and sweet film is great for the little ones with its messages of friendship and family. w Stars: Bryce Dallas Howard, Karl Urban, Robert Redford. w Rating: PG w In cinemas: Thursday.

Spin Out

CHILDHOOD friends Billy and Lucy form one of their town’s most formidable ute driving teams, but when Billy takes one risky car stunt too far Lucy declares she is moving to the city. The film’s charming young leads help to make this a feel-good Aussie comedy romance. w Stars: Xavier Samuel, Morgan Griffin, Christie Whelan-Browne. w Rating: M w In cinemas: Thursday.

The Beatles: Eight Days A Week

RON Howard directs this definitive look at The Beatles’ touring years from 1963 to ’66 through a compilation of found footage and interviews with the surviving members. If you’re a fan of the Fab Four then this documentary, which is in cinemas for one week only, is a must-see. w Stars: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr. w Rating: M w In cinemas: Friday.

W 47

relax

Saturday, September 10, 2016 qt.com.au

EDITOR’S PICK: Two Sisters. Jukuna's story is groundbreaking - possibly the first autobiography written in an indigenous Australian language.

Books

Conflict of interests Photojournalist seeks redemption half a century after war

Deadline

REV IEW by D e bo ra h C o ok

By Simon Bouda: Captivating insight from the eyes of crime reporter Simon Bouda as he covered some of the country’s major crimes, including the Anita Cobby murder, the Granny Killer and Backpacker murders, as well as the Threadbo landslide and Christchurch Earthquake.

(New Holland, RRP $32.99).

W

E MEET former photojournalist Rook Henderson just after the death of his wife June. Unable to deal with the loss, Rook emails his son the bad news and boards a plane to Vietnam.

His behaviour is inexplicable – almost callous – until we understand he’s actually returning to the scene of his first heartbreak.

Rook’s not been to Vietnam for nearly 50 years and finds the country much changed. We learn – however – it’s not really the place he’s revisiting… but his memories, and a chance to right past wrongs.

Author Emma Chapman cleverly flits backward and forward in time. As an elderly Rook arrives in Ho Chi Minh City we’re taken back to 1961, when he and June were newlyweds, arriving in London full of hopes and dreams.

Two years pass however before the talented photographer’s offered his big break with the Sunday Times in Saigon.

Once there, Rook meets other journalists and quickly makes a name for himself, viewing and recording history through the lens of his camera.

His work in Vietnam makes Rook feel alive in a way he struggles to explain to June during his trips home and he remains there for five years until forced home by a tragedy.

Once back in England however, Rook’s demons persist, and he struggles to settle down with June and their son.

War features strongly in this novel and Chapman is – of course – able to write about the Vietnam War with the benefit of hindsight. She beautifully captures the chaotic life of journalists on the ground – collaborating and competing for the big story; and the fear and adrenaline that comes with risk and rewards.

This is an enchanting story of passion, loss, regret and redemption, told seamlessly across multiple time periods and with compassion and elegance.

Page turners w i th J oh n G r ey

Glimpses of an ancient culture IMAGINE being able to read a true story of bloody murder and desert survival, told by an Australian who grew up in a lifestyle and culture tens of thousands of years old, with no knowledge of Europeans or the concept of “Australia”. This book is extraordinary and important: the story of sisters from the Walmajarri people, who grew up in the Great Sandy Desert and, in the 1960s, saw their first kartiya – the red-skinned people who came with cattle, cars and cats, with foxes, firearms and foreign faiths.

Ngarta’s story is amazing, relating her early childhood memories of family, of hunting and gathering, of a country where choosing to be left behind meant choosing to die, and of

Outback Cop

By Neale McShane and Evan McHugh: The colourful life of Senior Constable Neal McShane, who patrolled an area the size of Victoria around the township of Birdsville for more than a decade. This book shines a light on the sacrifices officers make serving in remote communities. (Penguin Book, RRP $35, September 19).

Mulga's Magical Musical Creatures w The Last Photograph by Emma Chapman is published by Pan Macmillan Australia, RRP $29.99.

More reviews at debbish.com

two murderous brothers who tore her family apart. When Ngarta, as an early teenager, flees the killers, she lives alone in the desert for a year before being found by the brothers, whom she then leads north towards white cattle stations. The serial killers spend a short time in jail – but not for the reasons you’d expect.

Her sister Jukuna’s story is groundbreaking – possibly the first autobiography written in an indigenous Australian language. It touches on complex family relationships and a connection with country that left this kartiya puzzled and hungry for more knowledge of an ancient culture that has all but disappeared. Highly recommended.

Two Sisters by Ngarta Jinny Bent, Jukuna Mona Chuguna, Pat Lowe and Eirlys Richards is published by Magabala Books. RRP $24.99.

The QT Magazine is giving 6 lucky readers the chance too

Read more about these two fantastic books in September Edition of the QT Magazine in todays QT.

Five-second reviews

WIN N

By Joel Moore (aka Mulga): This hardcover

picture book is a delightful, stimulating explosion of colour and imagination, with crocs playing sax, kangaroos blowing flutes and owls on banjo. – John Grey

Streaming online EXTREMIS is a verite documentary exploring the harrowing decisions that doctors, families and patients face in urgent end-of-life cases. With access to the intensive care unit of a public hospital, the film, which premieres on Netflix on Tuesday, offers a uniquely intimate look at the intersection of science, faith and humanity.

a lifestyle Book from To Win a book simply fill in the entry form below with your choice of book & deliver to: QT Reception, 260 Brisbane St, West Ipswich Qld 4305 or post to“QT Lifestyle Book Competition”, PO Box 260, West Ipswich Qld 4305.

Tick the box for THE DINNER LADIES Cookbook or your choice of Book HOMESPACE Interior Design Book

Name:_________________________________ Address:________________________________ ________________Ph No:_________________ For full terms and conditions go to - www.qt.com.au/competitionterms

Competition closes 10am Monday 26/09/16. Draw will be held ld at 12noon Monday d 26/09/16. Winners will be published in the QT Public Notices on Tuesday 27/09/16.

The Promoter is Queensland Times Pty Ltd 260 Brisbane St Ipswich West Q 4305. RRP $39.99 ea (inc gst)

48 W

mind TEST YOUR GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Quiz compiled by Roy O’Reilly.

qt.com.au Saturday, September 10, 2016

Mind you w i th R o we na H ar dy

Connect meaningfully Quiz 1. Alyssa Azar at the age of 19, recently became the youngest Australian to climb which mountain?

2. Richard Branson is a co-founder of which international corporate giant?

3. An aunt of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was recently discovered running a dry-cleaning business in (a) Moscow (b) New York (c) Perth?

4. Did Australia or the West Indies win the 2016 women’s World Twenty20 championship?

5. The letter “e” in the term “email” stands for what?

6. Name the founder after whom the city of Rome is named.

7. Russell Crowe played bargain-basement standover man Jackson Healy in which recent movie?

8. Name the only solar system planet not named after a mythological character.

9. Which Australian golfer won the 2016 “fifth major”, the Players’ Championship?

10. Banff National Park is which country’s oldest national park?

11. Who recently became the first woman to anchor TV coverage of a State of Origin match?

12. Was the Eiffel Tower built in the 18th or 19th century?

13. Which former speaker of the House of Representatives recently took up a job as a political commentator for Sky News?

14. Is the Mediterranean island of Corsica a French or Italian possession?

15. Which AFL team recently became the first to lose the first six matches of a season while being the reigning minor premier?

16. Mango Hill is in which Australian state/territory?

17. Which greasy substance, extracted from wool, is used in the manufacture of some health care products and cosmetics?

18. “Stolen from Africa, brought to America,” are lyrics from which song?

19. In 1987, Maree Lyndon became the first female jockey to ride in which major Australian horse race?

20. The Blond Ambition World Tour was which US superstar’s 1990 international series of 57 concerts?

21. From 1921 to 1923, the national tennis championships of which country were played at the Germantown Cricket Club?

22. Beginning with “t”, what is the four-letter term for an act which causes someone to suffer harm or loss resulting in legal liability?

23. Which star reputedly guided the Biblical characters, the three wise men, to the infant Jesus?

24. The 2016 BRW 200 Rich List named which property developer as Australia’s richest person?

25. What is the name of the Catholic Church official tasked with arguing against a person’s proposed canonisation?

Fight mental illness by taking the time to reconnect with friends

w Take the time to ask those around you ‘R U Ok?’ and make time for more meaningful conversations.

A

BOUT 2100 Australians take their life each year and for each person who does there are 30 who attempt to.

According to the Black Dog Institute, one in five Australians aged 16–85 experience mental illness, including those listed above, yet 65% of those do not seek treatment.

Why is that we wonder? Stigma? Fear of judgment?

Dismissing it as unimportant?

It’s probably different for each person and we can’t know for sure, but clearly something has to change.

Thursday was R U Ok Day – a national suicide prevention initiative with the mission to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.

Life can be a struggle at times for all sorts of reasons; perhaps due to a major event or the result of a series of smaller setbacks that have just worn us down over time and we end up being pushed beyond resilience which puts our mental health and emotional well-being at risk.

Chronic mental stress leads to depression (one in seven people), anxiety and substance abuse and may result in suicide.

For me, the most important part of R U Ok’s mission is the part about ‘meaningfully connect’.

A lot of us, particularly adolescents, may feel we are connecting through social media, yet it’s hardly meaningful.

Even when we have a conversation, whether it’s face to face or over the phone, we aren’t necessarily connecting,

PHOTO:THINKSTOCK

let alone meaningfully.

The tendency is for the brain to lose focus every 20 seconds or so to allow it to process what’s being said which can lead to distraction and disconnection and the other person will notice it even if it’s only momentary.

Given that it’s likely we all know or love one of those ‘one in five’ (or perhaps you are that one), what can we do differently?

A couple of suggestions. Pay attention; if you notice a

‘‘

The most important part of R U Ok’s mission is the part about ‘meaningfully connect. significant change in someone’s behaviour, gently ask what’s happening for them.

Slow down; although a quick “R U Ok?” can help, you may just get a ‘fine’ or ‘yeah, all good’ response.

Sometimes it’s important to make time for a longer, more meaningful conversation and, when you do, be sure you are really listening and connecting. Are they really Ok? Dare to dig a little deeper and offer whatever support you can.

Rowena Hardy is a facilitator, performance coach and partner of Minds Aligned: www.mindsaligned.com.au.

Next week Answers

home Interior designer Darren Palmer’s tips on turning a space into a home.

you Don’t miss week two of Sally Fitzgibbon’s 12-week exercise challenge, plus her tips on staying hydrated.

1. Mount Everest. 2. Virgin Group Limited. 3. (b) New York. 4. West Indies. 5. Electronic. 6.

Romulus. 7. The Nice Guys. 8. Earth. 9. Jason Day. 10. Canada. 11. Yvonne Sampson. 12. 19th century.

13. Bronwyn Bishop. 14. French. 15. Fremantle Dockers. 16. Queensland. 17. Lanolin. 18. Buffalo Soldier. 19. Melbourne Cup. 20. Madonna. 21.

United States. (Philadelphia). 22. Tort. 23. Star of Bethlehem. (Christmas Star). 24. Harry Triguboff.

25. Devil’s advocate.