SUMMER LOVIN’

SUMMER LOVIN’ SKIN

WITH AUSTRALIAN BOTANICALS

WRITTEN BY DONNA RISHTON-POTTER

It took one audacious vision and years of determination for two women to create change within an industry giant. Till then it had seemed impossible, but when the paths of Aussie icon Olivia Newton-John and skincare specialist Trudi Jaye crossed in 2015, their shared devotion in empowering women to seek beauty ‘from the inside out’, saw them join forces to create a unique product that would touch the world.

The late Olivia Newton-John was the cofounder of Gaia Retreat & Spa - a healing space in the beautiful Bundjalung hinterland of Byron Bay. Olivia had built it into one of the country’s leading wellness retreats - and Trudi Jaye joined the company after spending eleven years in New York, working and fine tuning her skills and experience in the skincare and wellness space. Olivia, passionate about inspiring women to feel confident in themselves, wanted to create a skincare range that provided natural solutions for all their skin concerns. Essential to her were products that were not only of an incredibly beautiful, high-end standard, but were also 100% results focused. It was here she turned to Trudi whose wealth of experience in the beauty and wellness industry was a perfect fit. “A holistic approach is integral to confidence” says Trudi, “this is where Olivia and I connected and were both deeply passionate.” The product range took years to research and develop; integrity was of the utmost importance, as were clean ingredients that would transform the skin. Together, Olivia and Trudi were intent on creating the highest-efficacy formulas, rich in potent active ingredients, without toxins or harmful practices. They found all they needed in Australian botanicals.

OUR VISON IS A WORLD WHERE NATURAL INGREDIENTS AND VISIBLE RESULTS “ AREN’T MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. IT’S A WORLD WHERE

SKINCARE NURTURES BOTH THE BODY AND THE SOUL. “

“Our natives are special because they have not only evolved under harsh conditions over millions of years but thrived by developing intense defence systems. Australian botanicals (more so than anywhere else in the world) store amazing levels of antioxidants, and it is the potency of these natural ingredients which are transformational. Kakadu Plum for example, is the world’s richest source of natural vitamin C, and we find it here, in our own backyard.” Whilst embracing Australia’s rich plethora of plants made sense, it was the sophisticated extraction method that took the potency of the ingredients to the next level. “We have harnessed cutting edge technology to preserve the molecules as they exist in the plant. By keeping them intact they stay highly potent and active and means we’re working with the design of nature, not against it.” Another point of difference was that the range had to be vegan, cruelty free, ethical, and use zero palm oil. For Olivia – well known for her animal rights advocacy and dedication in campaigning for the natural environment – removing palm oil was nonnegotiable. RETREATMENT BOTANICS - a truly divine, professional-grade skincare range - which is the first in the world to be palm oil free and 100% certified by the Orangutan Alliance. All products are also certified Vegan, Cruelty Free and Australian Made. Creating an awareness for change in the industry may be the big picture mission for Retreatment Botanics, but just as important to its founders was its everyday use and the outcome to heal, protect, and rejuvenate skin health. The products address a range of skin issues, from hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles and all formulas utilise a high concentration of vitamins and antioxidants naturally found within Australian native botanicals - proving that you can get amazing results from skincare and be kind to the planet. Trudi, the innovative force behind the formulation, branding and fast-growing success of the range, was also passionate about adding the restorative and healing properties of pure essential oils. “It was important to create a true sensory journey in every Retreatment Botanics product and for them to carry holistic benefits to their use as well as the physical ones.” “The world is insanely busy” she adds, “and people are losing a real sense of connection to self. A skincare ritual helps us to slow down, to surrender our stresses, inspire our spirit, and ultimately to love and appreciate our bodies.” It’s obvious this brand is so much greater than a skincare range. And, with Trudi Jaye at the helm of Retreatment Botanics, we know Olivia’s vision and legacy is in safe hands.

retreatmentbotanics.com

YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE WE ARE MAGIC

PAYING HOMAGE TO AN ICON

She may have been an international music icon who lived and worked across the globe, but for Australia’s beloved Olivia NewtonJohn the Northern Rivers was always her ‘Heart Home’. A multi-awarded music artist and actress whose stardom was rivalled by few – Olivia’s talent was only outshone by her passion for ‘helping others’. Endlessly inspiring, she once described cancer as ‘a gift that helped create her mission in life’ – and from a space of personal illness she used her own journey as the shining example of how to thrive. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, animal rights activist and passionate environmental campaigner, Olivia dedicated every inch of her life to the service of others - creating life-saving organisations which would produce a ripple effect of awareness and change, and continue to grow long, long into the future. She saw something here. Felt, under her feet and within her bones the endless beauty, richness, and spirit of this region and sought to carve out new paths to wellness that others could follow. She understood the importance of ritual - the surrender of our stresses, the nurture of ourselves - to find a calm centre, so that joy could be mined from within and shared around. She believed in magic, and nothing could stand in her way. Her legacy is for us all.

Olivia Newton-John 26 September 1948 – 8 August 2022

OCEAN WARRIORS

“YOU DON’T SAVE THE WORLD BY SAVING ONE ANIMAL, BUT YOU CAN CHANGE THAT ANIMAL’S WORLD.”

Olly Pitt GM, ASTR

WRITTEN BY: ALISON BONE

Based at a sanctuary on the banks of North Creek Ballina, the team at Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue (ASTR) are on a mission to reduce the human impact on marine life through RESCUE, REHABILITATION, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH. Their interactive tours are perfect for kids, or anyone who wants to learn more about protecting our precious marine environment.

One of the best things about living in the Northern Rivers is the incredible marine and river wildlife that we share space with. Sadly though, human impact takes its toll, and from the period 2019 – 2021 alone, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue (ASTR) carried out 1349 seabird rescues, 349 turtle rescues and 81 sea snake rescues.

We visited the peaceful sanctuary to meet General Manager Olly Pitt, who has been involved with ASTR since 2013. She explains that climate change is the biggest threat to marine life right now. “As the sea warms it becomes more acidic, which affects the seagrass beds – an important food source for turtles. Less turtles, means less food for sharks, who play a vital role in keeping nature in balance through their role as apex predators.” The rise in extreme weather events associated with climate change also causes multiple threats to all marine life. Floods contaminate the water, killing fish and destroying habitat, but drought is equally devastating as it lowers fish stock and reduces breeding grounds. At a more local level, Olly adds that “Entanglement in fishing lines and hooks is the greatest danger, particularly for seabirds.” ASTR saw a huge spike in seabird entanglements during the covid era, with so many people taking to fishing as a permitted outdoor activity. While seasoned fishermen know what to do when a bird gets caught on a hook or line, amateur fishermen are more likely to panic and cut the line, leading to a slow painful death for the bird.

So, what can we do to reduce our impact on wildlife? “We can’t all be eco warriors, but as a community we can learn from our mistakes and do better,” says Olly. Starting with being more conscious about what we consume, as plastic ingestion is another big problem facing marine life. We all know the drill - reduce, reuse, recycle. And when it comes to fishing, the message is strong, “don’t cut the line” - call the ASTR hotline. Education is key and interactive sanctuary tours are a fun way for kids to learn how to protect the environment, and to meet the rescued marine life, including permanent resident, Frankie the freshwater turtle – the sweetest, friendliest little turtle you could ever imagine. Olly’s passion for her role and the animals she rescues is palpable. “You don’t save the world by saving one animal, but you can change that animal’s world,” she says, while acknowledging that it’s not always a happy ending for the rescues. “You can only do what you can do.” Her favourite part of the job? “Release days just don’t get old,” she says with a smile. “It’s exactly the same feeling every time, that moment they go, you get that OMG feeling… we changed that animal’s life.” A volunteer organisation, ASTR partners with the Lewis Foundation and donations are always welcomed, especially now with plans to rebuild the turtle hospital. You can also come for a tour ($8), or sign up as a volunteer. For more information check the website seabirdrescue.org.au And call 0428 862 852 for emergency rescue.

From left: Kylie Mitchell-Smith, Donna Rishton-Potter, Karen Kinnersly, Katelyn Rew

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

WRITTEN BY: DONNA RISHTON-POTTER

Everyone loves a celebration but isn’t there something truly special about first birthdays. A celebration of making it through the sleepless nights, the worries, the stumbles, the growth and all the firsts.

Locale Mag is the brainchild of Karen Kinnersly, a talented designer with 25 years’ experience under her belt who, after seeing so many local businesses struggle during the COVID lockdowns, spent her sleepless nights dreaming up a crazy idea — a creative way to help support the community of artisans, growers, restaurants, and makers around her. “I loved living in this beautiful area and just wanted to show everyone we still had so much to offer. The idea of a print magazine during COVID seemed utterly ridiculous, but I wanted something people could pick up, to feel, to be inspired by – in my mind I saw beautiful imagery and stories that that celebrated the abundance of creativity, lifestyle, beauty and wonders this region has to offer - the allure of “Living like a Local” for visitors, and something extra to discover for those of us who call this place home.” Alongside Karen’s design prowess, a small gaggle of fun, fabulous and endlessly gifted local writers have gathered to become a team - seeking out the curious, the courageous, the dazzling and most delightful hidden gems in our region - hoping to give our readers, some fresh eyes and inspiration when it comes to getting out and about in the area.

Of course, wcould never have predicted how this year would play out and, with edition #2 coming out just as the floods hit, things looked dire. Yet, on the back of the worst floods in history, our team were encouraged by endless tales of courage and bravery in the face of such devastation, and it only made us more resolved to shine a light on the amazing stories out there - the businesses and communities, the artists and individuals who banded together to pull each other through. Now, as the end of one full revolution of the sun is upon us, we’ve been taking a moment to look back and appreciate all the fabulous people we’ve met, stories we’ve uncovered and businesses we’ve discovered, and we felt a celebration was in order. So just like a grown-up mag we threw ourselves a cover shoot, collaborating with some of our favourite business discoveries this year – the ever-talented and delightful Sal Singh, who shot our beautiful cover and team images, the artistic genius that is Wandering Folk provided their magical picnicware, and the fabulous Ginger Picnics showed us exactly how a picnic on the headland should be done! Topping off that glorious day was a beautiful gift from the gorgeous team at Daughters of India who treated each of us to one of their stunning, summery dresses to wear. And, as we twirled in our floaty dresses, the sun shone, the ocean sparkled, the surfers surfed, and we captured the essence of everything we love about living here in this special place and vowed to do it all over again next year.

So, raise a glass with us if you will, and together, here’s to many more!

Kalm Springs is an indulgent seaside sanctuary providing premium floatation, sensory deprivation therapy, private infrared saunas, ice bath and our relaxing LED Light lounge at the beautiful Casuarina, in Northern NSW.

Recovery memberships available.

We invite you to unwind in our warm and spacious private float and infrared sauna rooms.

Let this be your time to recover, heal and exhale.

KalmSprings.com | 0499 252 569 | The Commons, Shop 7, 480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina NSW 2487