Ruth summer 2015 web by Lotusflower

SUMMER ISSUE 13

LIVE AN INSPIRED LIFE

reach for the stars Stars Wanted in Local Government Summer Food and Fashion Your Star for 2016

RUTH SUMMER 2015/2016 ISSUE 13 | $7.95 INC GST

Brisbane Girl on a Mission to Mars

Our views really are this beautiful.

As a country, aged care home, our views are spectacular, our hospitality warm and we have home style meals, cooked onsite every day. Our staff are blessed with warm hearts, and as a not-for-profit community based home, our job is to make sure we look after you, the way you want. Come and meet our community, simply call (07) 4619 8422.

www.beauarabaliving.org.au 10 Weale Street, Pittsworth (30 mins south west Toowoomba, QLD)

Pictured: Olive Shone (resident) and Kate Hanley (her daughter) enjoy the early morning views from Beauaraba Living. Photo courtesy of Garry Wilkinson

SUMMER 2015

❖

LIVE AN INSPIRED LIFE

CONTENTS

Meet the stars of fashion, food and outer space

reach for the stars 6 LOOK WHAT WE FOUND – fun finds and must-haves

8 COUNTRY KITCHENS – exciting new QCWA project 1 0 Celebrating 90 years of a wonderful little grub

11 H O T T O P I C – Women in Local Government: we need you!

17 A T T H E T A B L E –

Summer Stars with Alison Alexander

25 W E L O V E ... personalised

3 2 Indigenous Cosmology 35 C R A F T – make a quilt in a

Goddess

weekend

52 M I N D & B O D Y – Fibre

36 C R A F T – easy tin-can

5 3 Your Stars for 2016

lanterns

37 S P E C I A L P R O G R A M S –

Monte Lupo Arts

38 I N S P I R A T I O N A L

P E O P L E – Sandra Gully

3 9 Sandra Gully’s Colouring Page

4 0 Me and My Car

presents

4 1 ACWW and CWAA

26 I N S P I R A T I O N A L

4 2 QCWA Robyn’s Blog

P E O P L E – QUT’s Rising Stars

4 3 QCWA Young Leaders

29 I N S P I R A T I O N A L

44 F A S H I O N – Celebrating

P E O P L E – Sirius Observatories

31 I N S P I R A T I O N A L

P E O P L E – Madame Weigel

5 1 A S K R U T H Domestic

the Stars of Queensland Fashion

48 H O W T O W E A R ... togs

58 H O U S E – Christine King’s Christmas Wonderland

6 3 Birds Queensland 6 4 Travel Blog with Ainsley 68 D E S T I N A T I O N –

Bundaberg and Mon Repos

7 0 Events Calendar 74 W E M E A N B U S I N E S S – Communications in the Gulf

76 WE MEAN BUSINESS – Freckle Farm

7 8 A S T R O N O M Y – review

of Queensland observatories

80 R E C O M M E N D E D

R E A D I N G – Maleny Branch

8 1 P U Z Z L E with Roy O’Reilly

05 EDITOR’S NOTE

STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT, THE FIRST STAR I SEE TONIGHT; I WISH I MAY, I WISH I MIGHT, HAVE THE WISH I WISH TONIGHT FOR RAIN OUT WEST … NOT TOO MUCH

editor’s note

WHAT A FANTASTIC YEAR a ck n o wle dg e me nt s Editor: Ally Martell Design Yohanna Dent Cover art: Jane Bray Advertising Sales: Deb Hanfeld Advertising Enquiries: 07 46909310 Editorial Enquiries: 07 46909481 Email: ally.martell@thechronicle.com.au Subscriptions: 07 46909300 PUBLISHED BY: Toowoomba Newspapers Pty Ltd; 109 Neil Street, Toowoomba, QLD 4350 in conjunction with Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA), 1st Floor, Ruth Fairfax House, 89-95 Gregory Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4000 PRINTED BY: APN Print, 56 Kenilworth St. Warwick, QLD 4370. All material published in RUTH is subject to copyright provisions. No

and wonderful journey with Ruth

ur summer theme “Reach for the Stars” has taken us on a wonderful journey of astronomical places: Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, Mt Kent Observatory and the Cosmos Centre Charleville. We’ve met some incredible, inspirational people who constantly reach for the stars – whether it is in science, local government, food or fashion. We couldn’t help but embrace the Christmas spirit at Christine King’s beautiful home. We hope you do too and that you make this a really magical Christmas to remember. It’s bound to be if you serve some of Alison Alexander’s delicious summer treats! Wherever you are over the summer, please pray for rain out west. And after you pray, make a commitment to take a mini-break or holiday out there so that you can help the economy of these struggling communities. What a fantastic year I’ve had with Ruth. My sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed. I am so priveleged to work with talented writers and photographers who keep Ruth authentic and real. And thanks to you, our readers, for being inspired, for celebrating all things Queensland and for supporting the outstanding organisation that is the QCWA. Merry Christmas everyone and I hope all your wishes come true !

part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. DISCLAIMER: The information contained within RUTH is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher; APN will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein.

See you in 2016

SPECIAL FINDS FOR SUMMER AND THE

LATEST QCWA NEWS

UPFRONT

Summer competition:

Look what we found

Please D O N’T CRY QCWA DIARY DATES November 15 and 16 QCWA Piecemakers’ Patchwork Workshop at RFH on Gregory Live in and enjoy great company ,hospitality while learning the latest patchwork techniques. January 30 and 31 QCWA International Weekend Country of Study Greenland Venue James Byrne Centre Highfields for more information contact State International Officer Carol Jackson 0429653128 August 17th to 23rd, 2016 Associated Country Women of the World 28th Triennial Conference in Warwick, Coventry UK University of Warwick Enquires QCWA State Secretary on 07 30261220

Wear these stylish Dame Edna goggles next time you chop onions! Available online at

www.homewaresdirect.com.au

WHO WAS Ruth? Ruth Fairfax OBE was the founding president of the QCWA and a founding member of the CWAA. She worked tirelessly to address issues affecting country women. Her son Sir Vincent Fairfax is also remembered as one of Australia’s most generous philanthropists. You can find out more about him at

www.vfff.org.au

Bird BATHS If you love birds in your garden, make sure you provide a bird bath for them during the hot summer months – preferably out of cats’ reach! Here’s a particularly lovely bird bath by sculptor Will Wilson. You can see more of Will’s work at www.williewildlife

sculptures.com.au

WIN ONE OF THREE beautiful books Mrs Weigel was the doyenne of Australian fashion and style from the 1880s through to the 1950s. Her paper patterns, craft booklets and famous “Journal of Fashion” were the guiding lights of home sewing and fashion. Anyone with an interest in fashion, sewing and the history of domestic life will love this book. Mrs Weigel: The Woman who Clothed the Australasian Colonies by Veronica R. Lampkin PhD. Each hard cover book is valued at $55. How to enter: The competition opens on Tuesday 1 December 2015 and closes at 5pm on Thursday 21 January 2016. Simply write your name, address, phone number and email address (if you have one) on the back of an envelope addressed to Ruth Summer Competition PO Box 40 Toowoomba Qld 4350. Winning entries will be drawn at 9am on Friday 22 January 2016. Winners will be notified by phone and published in Ruth autumn edition. The books will be posted via Australia Post Registered Mail. For terms and conditions visit www.thechronicle.com.au. Find out more about Mrs Weigel by visiting

www.madameweigel .com.au

QCW A Archives

UPFRONT

During WW2 QCWA members were recruited to make camouflage nets using twine and a special wooden implement. Awards were given to the most proficient net makers. You can find these and other interesting artefacts in the QCWA Archives housed in Ruth Fairfax House, Gregory Terrace Brisbane. Tours are available by appointment. Phone.3026 1220

AN ELECTRONIC FIELD GUIDE TO AUSTRALIAN FROGS AVAILABLE ON YOUR PHONE

DO YOU H A V E A N Orange-eyed Treefrog IN Y O U R GARD E N ? F IN D O UT H E R E . .. Frogs of Australia - a complete electronic field guide to Australian frogs at the App Store. Queensland summer wouldn’t be the same with the croaks and squeaks of our beautiful frogs. Dr Conrad Hoskin Senior Lecturer School of Marine & Tropical Biology at James Cook University has developed an App which helps you to identify your local frogs from their sounds.

Happy Bustards AT WOOLABRA NEAR CHARLE VILLE Find out more about Brolgas, Bustards and Other Beaut Birds on a special outback farm tour hosted by the property owner Kevin McDonald. Visit:

www.murweh.qld.gov.au/ brolgas-bustards-andbeaut-birds for more information.

Summer Cocktail

BL U E BERRY GI NGE R FI ZZ

Ingredients: 5 Blueberries 3 mint leaves 30ml vodka 90ml Buderim Ginger Reduced Sugar Ginger Beer (66 calories per can) Ice cubes Method: Prepare a glass filled with ice cubes and set aside. Muddle the fresh blueberries and mint leaves with the vodka in a cocktail shaker and then add ice and shake. Double strain the liquid into the serving glass and then top with the Buderim Ginger Reduced Sugar Ginger Beer. Add a sprig of mint as a garnish and serve. FOR MORE GINGER RECIPES GO TO WWW.BUDERIMGINGER.COM

How to GET THE APP: Google - Frogs of Australia iTunes store then click on any of the first few hits which will take you to the iTunes site.Once there, click on the button to purchase it and follow the simple instructions to get it on your own phone.

Winners of the spring Ruth “Tropical Blooms Competition” are J. White of Helensvale; J. Terry of Urangan and R. Rigby of Dirranbandi.

COUNTRY KITCHENS

ACCREDITED PRACTISING DIETITIANS ON A MISSION TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF QUEENSLANDERS

Kicking THE FAST FOOD HABIT

ACCREDITED PRACTISING DIETITIANS ON A MISSION TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF QUEENSLANDERS

OUNTRY Kitchens is here to help Queenslanders kick their reliance on fast food and return to nutritious, wholesome and colourful meals that fuel a healthy and active family. With $2.5 million in funding from the state government, the program will deliver approximately 400 hands-on nutrition workshops across Queensland in the next three years. These workshops will cover basic nutrition information and label reading; cooking for one and how to run your own cooking demonstration. In the past month the Country Kitchens team has met nearly 50 communities and collected their ideas for what the program should look like. It is with a thorough understanding of what drives food choices in these regional, rural and remote communities, that this novel food program hopes to increase the health of people across the Sunshine State.

The 2014 Queensland Chief Health Officer’s report is disturbing: ❖ only 9% of Queenslanders eat the recommended five serves of vegetables a day. ❖ foods high in energy with little nutritional value make up one third of daily intake. ❖ males aged 14-18 consume 16 teaspoons of sugar each day through sugary beverages alone. ❖ 40% of adults are not sufficiently active. A combination of factors including these unhealthy dietary behaviours has led to a Queensland population where two in three adults and one in four children are overweight or obese. Our expanding waistlines mean that preventable lifestyle-related diseases such as type two diabetes are also increasing. One in 12 adults has diabetes, with a person being diagnosed every 23 minutes.

INTRODUCING THE COUNTRY KITCHEN’S TEAM

FIONA – PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR

RENAYE – SENIOR NUTRITIONIST

BELLA – NUTRITIONIST

Fiona has arrived at QCWA after working with the Department of Health in Queensland for the past 18 years. Graduating from Deakin University in 1984, Fiona began her dietetics career in rural Victoria, travelling to Western Australia before calling Queensland home in the early 1990s. Since that time Fiona has enjoyed designing, developing and implementing nutrition promotion programs with newly arrived refugees, Indigenous Australians, children with obesity and adults with mental health concerns in urban, regional and remote settings. At home with an edible garden, two chooks and a love of cooking from scratch, Fiona is excited to be working closely with the Country Women of Queensland, to continue the great efforts of this amazing grassroots organisation that is definitely more than just tea and scones.

Born in Bourke and raised in Moree, Renaye graduated from the Masters of Nutrition and Dietetics at Griffith University in 2010. Since then she has been working in rural and remote New South Wales as a community dietitian. She is passionate about improving the health of country communities. Overseas travel, cooking and exercising is how she spends her free time. Due to her personal and professional experience in country areas, Renaye will be assisting with travel scheduling and the development of QCWA catering guidelines.

Bella completed her Masters of Dietetic Studies at the University of Queensland in June 2015. Her new grad status means no task is too small, and she’s excited about learning the ropes of public health nutrition under the guidance of Fiona and Renaye. A Brisbane-born, Townsville-bred girl, Bella spent her primary school years travelling to different parts of North Queensland. With an Italian heritage that fuels a love of fresh pasta and herbs. As part of her role, Bella is heading up the social media aspect of the Country Kitchens campaign, and hopes to get more young people involved in the wonderful work that QCWA does.

09 COUNTRY KITCHENS

Food literacy encompasses the steps we go through when choosing our food on a daily basis. It includes things like location, food access, cost, time, cultural preferences and food knowledge and beliefs. Improving food literacy requires not only changing individual food decisions but also changing the environment in which those decisions are made. This is where the QCWA women come into their own – with their proven track record as Queensland’s great cooks, as well as their capacity as lobbyists and policy-changers. This organisation will give the Country Kitchens program the best chance of influencing the food environment in a positive and healthy way.

YOU Wonderful LITTLE GRUB Celebrating 90 years of the Cactoblastis Moth in Queensland NE hundred years ago, around 24 million hectares of Australian farming land was covered in thick prickly pear cactus. Farmers walked off their properties in despair. But in 1925 the Commonwealth Prickly Pear Board introduced the first cactoblastis moth and larva to the Queensland town of Chinchilla. The program was spectacularly successful and enabled those millions of hectares to return to productivity. During the height of the program the board was sending up to 14 million cactoblastis eggs each day to other affected areas. Congratulations to the entomology team. Here’s to you little moth – you’ve done an outstanding job.

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CACTOBLASTIS MOTH

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.

❖ PICTURE COURTESY OF QUEENSLAND

CELEBRATIONS

❖ Find out more by visiting the Chinchilla Historical Museum in Villiers Street and the memorial at the Boonarga Cactoblastis Hall 10km outside Chinchilla. You can also visit www.daf.qld.gov.au and follow the links to a detailed Fact Sheet.

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With only 150 women included in the 512 council positions in Queensland, more women are being asked to step up and make a difference in their local communities words VIRGINIA LAMBERT

â?&#x2013; IN POWER: ALGWA Qld president Rebecca Hersant (right) is also manager client relations at Whitsunday Regional Council.

11 HOT TOPIC

WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ... WE NEED YOU!

❖ Former Mayor of Blackall Tambo Regional Council., Jan Ross was a councillor for four years first.

HOT TOPIC

❖ Far right: Gail Sellers, Mayor of Gladstone, has been on council for 25 years.

UBLIC office life is not for the faint-hearted. Nor is it something to dread. Rather, it’s to be applauded as a way to meaningfully contribute to society to effect positive change. The call to be a servant leader is a noble invitation that has been taken up by generations past and present. Although the title and its associated responsibilities may differ across continents, countries and communities, being an elected local government representative in Australia today continues to be a privilege entrusted by the community at large. And with the trust comes expectation. And legitimately so. As someone who has lived the experience, (my mother served for 26 years in local government, eight of them as mayor of Grafton), I can appreciate the personal commitment and focus required to do the job. It’s also apparent to me that altruism, integrity and a profound belief that individuals can make a positive difference to the lives of those around them feature prominently in the personal attributes of councillors. While these qualities are commonly shared and not gender specific, the ratio of female to male councillors seems to stack up a little differently when the gender conversation starts. Of 512 councillors in Queensland, only 150 are women. Too big a difference according to Australian Local Government Women’s Association Queensland president Rebecca Hersant. “We want to ensure more females have the opportunities to aspire to and succeed in elected or executive positions in councils across the state.” One woman who has been there and done that is former mayor of Blackall Tambo Regional Council, Jan Ross. “I will not say it was always easy as a woman but it was achievable with family support and personal dedication. I can say with conviction I enjoyed my time in local government,” Mrs Ross said. “It was a great pleasure to watch a council made up of differing mindsets meld together in their efforts to accomplish and celebrate long held community dreams of two communities 100kms apart. “It is an opportunity for you to contribute to the future prosperity, sustainability, of financial, social and ecological matters of your local area.” Are you up for the challenge?

Family support and personal dedication can help women achieve a rewarding career to effect positive change as an elected representative of their community in local government

GAIL SELLERS Mayor of Gladstone

S QUEENSLAND heads into a local government election in March next year, Regional Council Mayor, Councillor Gail Sellers is keen to send this message to women throughout the state. “Women play such a positive role in our communities in so many areas and this should extend to the pivotal work done by local councils,” Cr Sellers said. After 25 years in council, including 11 as deputy mayor and six as mayor, Cr Sellers is clear about the benefits to the community and the personal rewards women can expect. “Women are very logical thinkers and have excellent organisational skills. “This can inject a practical approach that can help ‘cut-through’ and find solutions to issues facing the community,” she said. Cr Sellers believes family commitments and campaigning are key reasons women don’t nominate in higher numbers. “The role involves significant time commitments, including after-hours meetings, so a good support network is crucial for women with families,” she said. “For others, putting themselves forward as part of the election process is uncomfortable. “But the rewards for you and your community will be significant, including helping make that community a better place to live and watching projects you have championed become a reality.” Nominations for the next election will be advertised in local newspapers.

BELINDA MURPHY

KYLIE FARRINELLI

Mayor of McKinlay Shire Council

Councillor, Cassowary Coast Regional Council

ayor of McKinlay Shire Council, Belinda Murphy acknowledges it’s not an easy job but it is varied, fulfilling and rewarding. “Balancing expectations, ensuring you deliver and being open minded enough to change direction when needed are skills that will serve well,” she said. “Developing a diplomatic tool set to work across community and government - all the while maintaining your sense of humour, character and convictions that you were elected on is a continuing work in progress. “Most of all if you do all this understand that no matter what, you simply cannot please everyone and you have to get past that to get a good night’s sleep.” Cr Murphy says seeing new projects evolve is a particularly rewarding part of the job and so are the people she works with. “The people are fantastic. The majority are passionate people giving their time to make a difference. “I love being active and enjoy competing in our local Dirt and Dust Triathlon, a major regional event that see’s 3000 people hit our small town, as well as campdrafting…when we have some time. “Being a Mum I am passionate about child protection and I recently took part in the Bravehearts 777-7 marathons, with our Council’s Executive Assistant Linda McNab and local Senior Constable Dave McNab. “Since becoming Mayor I notice people comment “I don’t know how you do it” which is amazing because this usually comes from women with children, running a business or working full time. Former Governor General Dame Quentin Bryce once stated about women “You can have it all. Just not all at once”. “Life has a habit of throwing things at us when we least expect it. “During my current term I became pregnant and had our second child Liam – he was in the office from eight days old. I am not going to say it’s not difficult and everyone handles work and life balance differently but for those who are looking to stand for Council during this time of your life I am proof that is can be done without ending up in a straight-jacket.”

ORN and bred in tropical north Queensland, Kylie Farrinelli has almost completed her first term as the only woman in office at Cassowary Coast Regional Council south of Cairns. She is another who believes we need more women in local government. “Women bring a different point of view to the decision-making table,” she said. “It is unfortunate that the gender balance is simply not there but I can understand why women hesitate because it is a tough gig and if you want to make a difference and be heard you to have to develop a thick skin.” So what made her take the leap from busy community volunteer to full-time councillor? “I have always been passionate about the prosperity of the region,” she said. “I knew I could benefit the community through my extensive business experience and the best way to do that was by joining council.” She admits it is a job with ups and downs but overall she loves her work. “On the positive side, I love engaging with the community and I have helped deliver some great new projects such as the new regional library and public wharf which are both under construction.” As for the challenges ... “The greatest challenge is that I am only one vote out of seven so even though I may feel passionate about something I cannot always get it supported,” she said. “The first six months, being my first term in local government, were quite difficult as I was the only woman sitting around the table of councillors and executive staff. Unless you have been in local government you have no idea just how much there is to learn in order to do your job properly,” she said. Cr Farrinelli’s advice to any woman considering a move to local government is: “You can’t be afraid to put your point of view across – even it is different or challenging,” she said. “You also have to be willing to admit when you are wrong and celebrate the times when you are right. “And if you want to achieve work/balance you’ll need great organisational skills and know how and when to say no.”

13 HOT TOPIC

❖ Far left: Belinda Murphy, Mayor of McKinlay Shire Counci ❖ Left: Kylie Farrinelli, Councillor at Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

HOT TOPIC

❖ Annie Liston, deputy mayor in Murweh Shire, Charleville. ❖ Pam Parker, mayor of Logan City Council.

ANNIE LISTON

PAM PARKER

Deputy Mayor Murweh Shire, Charleville

Mayor of Logan City Council

ITH a huge heart and endless stamina, Annie Liston gives her all to the Charleville community. But she doesn’t focus on gender too much. “It’s more important that councillors can work together as a team – regardless of gender, share the same goals and are clear about the long term sustainability of the organisation,” she said. “By working closely with the Mayor and my fellow councillors we have achieved some wonderful things.” Cr Liston ran for council six years ago and hasn’t looked back. “I ran for council because people are my passion. I knew I had the skills and ideas to contribute and now I love that every day I spend my time alongside and working with people from all walks of life. “The thought that I could ease someone’s load just by being a little practical and with a little information is what keeps me motivated.” Her greatest challenge is how slowly changes are implemented. “Waiting can be a little frustrating,” she said. Cr Liston is especially passionate about youth issues, aged care and housing, flood mitigation, town planning and development, re-energising and supporting local business. Her advice to anyone considering a life in local government is: “You need to be highly motivated, a hard worker, organised and completely dedicated to your region.” Cr Liston will definitely be putting her hand up again at the next council election in March. “If I don’t get in I’ll still support whoever the new councillors are because this is about my community, not just me,” she said.

ayor of Logan Pam Parker says the best part about her job is definitely working with the people. “They re-energise me, they keep me motivated, they are the reason I work the long hours I do – because everything I do is about creating a brighter future for all the people of Logan,” she said. Pam had already served as a councillor for 11 years before she made the move to Mayor. “I looked at the candidates and asked myself, ‘Who is going to care for the people of this city the way I do?’. I believe the other candidates came up short so I put myself forward to be that caring and hard-working mayor.” Throughout her 19 years in council she has worked tirelessly for many charities and is proud to boast that the Mayoress Community Service Fund has raised more than $1 million to support hundreds of charities. As for the issue of gender at Local Government level, Pam thinks women bring a different perspective to leadership. “It’s a balanced perspective. I believe the qualities of a good leader come down to care, followed by strength balanced with compassion.” Her advice to anyone considering running for their local council? “You need to be passionate and have strength, but you also need to have the ‘smarts’ to know how to bring about positive change for your community. It’s great to have ideals, but you’ve also got to have a smart plan to be able to implement your ideas and achieve your ultimate goals. “It is most important that women have self-belief. Women everywhere are pre-disposed to not believing in themselves, but if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Surround yourselves with good people who are going to encourage and support you, and find a like-minded mentor who can help you learn the ropes... “I fail miserably in work-life balance – my husband would say ‘I am married to the job’. We have faced enormous reform in the City of Logan, and I believe it is the case for many women that we have to work three times as hard to be thought half as good.”

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at the table

17 AT T H E TA B L E

recipes ALISON ALEXANDER photos CLAUDIA BAXTER kitchen assistants from QCWA MOGGILL BRANCH MARGARET BAILDON and JEANETTE NORTON

SUMMER is a time for food sharing, whether it is at the Christmas table, relaxing at the beach or just getting together with family and friends. These recipes feature the star flavours of a Queensland summer and make entertaining so easy. The savoury recipes will travel well when packed in a cold box and the Prawn and Mango Salad followed by the Macadamia, Coconut and Rum Tart with Vanilla and Orange Scented Semifreddo would make the perfect Australia Day lunch

AT T H E TA B L E

ROULADE OF WHOLE CHICKEN 1.8KG CHICKEN, BONED OUT WITH SKIN INTACT (ASK YOUR BUTCHER TO DO THIS) 300G FRESH RICOTTA 120G FRESH BABY SPINACH LEAVES 2 GREEN ONIONS, FINELY SLICED 60 G FETA, CRUMBLED FINELY GRATED ZEST OF 1 LEMON 2 TABLESPOONS EACH FINELY CHOPPED BASIL AND PARSLEY 2 TABLESPOONS PINE NUTS, TOASTED 1 EGG, LIGHTLY BEATEN FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER ❖ Pre-heat oven to 180°C ❖ Place ricotta in a large bowl and mash with a fork. Place spinach in a microwave proof bowl and microwave for 1 minute. When cool enough to handle, squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach and chop roughly then add to the ricotta with remaining ingredients (except chicken) and mix well. ❖ Spread chicken out on workbench lengthwise, skin side down. Spread filling over the flesh, leaving the far long edge bare for 5cm. ❖ Roll up the chicken ensuring that the edge is underneath. Using string, tie up the chicken firmly at 3cm intervals and place on a rack inside a baking dish with water in the base to a depth of 2cm. ❖ Bake the chicken for 1 hour, turning twice to ensure even browning of the skin. Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature before placing in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to chill for at least 4 hours. Slice when ready to serve.

ONION, MUSHROOM, PANCETTA AND CHEDDAR FLAN

Pastry: 1 ½ CUPS PLAIN FLOUR PINCH SALT 125G COLD UNSALTED BUTTER, CUT INTO SMALL CUBES ¼ CUP COLD WATER FROM THE REFRIGERATOR Filling 60G BUTTER 750G ONIONS, THINLY SLICED 125G SLICE OF PANCETTA, CUT INTO SMALL DICE 6 MUSHROOMS, SLICED 3 EGGS 200ML CREAM 2 TABLESPOONS FINELY CHOPPED PARSLEY PINCH GROUND NUTMEG SEA SALT FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER 80G MATURE CHEDDAR, GRATED 2 TABLESPOONS FINELY GRATED PARMESAN

Ce le bra t e the t a s t e o f Sum mer wi t h t h i s g reat ro ula de o f whole c h i c ke n

❖ Pre-heat oven to 200°C. ❖ Place flour and salt in food processor and pulse for a few seconds to combine. Add the butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the water and mix only until the pastry starts to come together. ❖ Turn the pastry out onto a floured work bench and knead until it is smooth. Shape into a disc and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Remove pastry from the refrigerator and roll out to fit a 23cm flan tin with a removable base. Trim the edges and line with a piece of foil or baking paper. Fill the flan tin with raw rice or dried beans and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Take the flan tin out of the oven and remove the foil and rice and then return the flan tin to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the base is cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside. ❖ Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C. Melt the butter in a frying pan over moderate heat and add the onions. Cook slowly until the onions are translucent but do not allow them to brown. Remove and place in a mixing bowl. ❖ In the same pan cook the pancetta until it is crisp then add the mushrooms and cook until they have softened. Add this mixture to the onions and stir to combine and allow to cool. ❖ Combine 2 tablespoons of the cheddar with the parmesan. Lightly whisk the eggs and cream then stir into the onion mixture with the remaining cheddar, parsley and seasoning. Pour the filling into the flan shell and sprinkle over the combined cheeses. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until just baked and golden on top. ❖ Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20 minutes before serving.

19 AT T H E TA B L E

ONION, MUSHROOM, PANCETTA AND CHEDDAR FLAN

AT T H E TA B L E

PRAWN AND MANGO SALAD 1KG COOKED OCEAN KING OR TIGER PRAWNS 100G BEAN THREAD NOODLES 2 RIPE MANGOES 2 AVOCADOS, PEELED AND CUT INTO LARGE DICE 3 GREEN ONIONS, FINELY SLICED DIAGONALLY 80G SNOW PEAS, JULIENNED 125G BEAN SPROUTS 2 HOT CHILLIES, FINELY CHOPPED ½ CUP EACH CORIANDER AND MINT LEAVES ¼ CUP FRESHLY SQUEEZED LIME JUICE 1 TABLESPOON FISH SAUCE 1 TABLESPOON RICE WINE VINEGAR 1 TEASPOON FINELY GRATED GINGER PINCH SUGAR 1/3 CUP ROASTED UNSALTED PEANUTS ROUGHLY CHOPPED

MOROCCAN CARROT SALAD 1 ½ PACKETS JUST VEG GRATED CARROTS OR 4 CUPS GRATED CARROTS 400G TIN CHICK PEAS, DRAINED 7 LARGE DATES, SEEDS REMOVED AND ROUGHLY CHOPPED 4 GREEN ONIONS, FINELY SLICED ½ CUP FINELY CHOPPED CORIANDER ½ CUP UNSALTED PISTACHIOS, ROASTED 2 VERY FINELY CHOPPED HOT GREEN CHILLIES 100 G FETA CHEESE Dressing: 3 TABLESPOONS EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL 2 GOLDEN SHALLOTS, FINELY CHOPPED 2 CLOVES GARLIC, FINELY CHOPPED ½ TEASPOON GROUND CUMIN ½ TEASPOON GROUND TURMERIC PINCH GROUND CINNAMON FINELY GRATED ZEST AND JUICE OF 2 LIMES ½ TEASPOON SEA SALT FLAKES FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER

❖ Peel and de-vein prawns. Place in a small bowl in refrigerator while preparing other ingredients. Place noodles in a mixing bowl and pour over boiling water to cover. Stir with a fork to separate the noodles and allow them to soften. Drain and allow to cool.

❖ Combine carrots, chick peas, dates, green onions, coriander, pistachios and chillies in a large mixing bowl.

❖ Peel the mango, remove the cheeks and cut into slices. Place in a large mixing bowl with the prawns, noodles, avocados, onions, snow peas, sprouts, chillies and herbs and mix gently.

❖ Place all the dressing ingredients in a deep bowl and puree with a stick blender. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may need to add more olive oil and lime juice.

❖ Combine the lime juice, fish sauce, vinegar, ginger and sugar in a screw-top jar and shake vigorously. Pour over the dressing and mix carefully to ensure all ingredients are coated. Place the salad on a serving plate and scatter over the peanuts.

❖ Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a small frypan and sauté the shallots until they are transparent. Add the garlic and spices and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

❖ Pour enough of the dressing over the salad to lightly coat the ingredients and stir gently. Spoon salad on to serving plate and crumble over the feta. ❖ Note: JUST VEG GRATED CARROTS FROM KALBAR ARE AVAILABLE IN WOOLWORTHS STORES. IF LIMES ARE NOT AVAILABLE, LEMONS CAN BE USED INSTEAD.

21 AT T H E TA B L E

PRAWN AND MANGO SALAD

MOROCCAN CARROT SALAD

AT T H E TA B L E

RICH CHOCOLATE FRUIT CAKE 500 G SEEDLESS RAISINS 500 G PITTED PRUNES 500 G CURRANTS 200 G DRIED CRANBERRIES 200G GLACE GINGER, ROUGHLY CHOPPED 1 CUP PORT ½ CUP BRANDY 200 G GLACE CHERRIES 250 G UNSALTED BUTTER AT ROOM TEMPERATURE 250 G BROWN SUGAR FINELY GRATED ZEST OF 2 ORANGES 1 ½ TEASPOONS VANILLA PASTE 1 TABLESPOON TREACLE 6 EGGS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE 500 G PLAIN FLOUR ½ CUP GROUND ALMONDS ¼ CUP COCOA POWDER 2 TEASPOONS MIXED SPICE ½ TEASPOON BI-CARBONATE OF SODA

❖ Combine raisins, prunes, currants, cranberries and ginger in a large mixing bowl. Pour over port and brandy and stir again. Cover and leave at least 48 hours and up to 2 weeks. ❖ Pre-heat oven to 150°C. Line a deep 28cm cake tin with a double layer of baking paper. ❖ Place fruit mixture in batches in food processor and using the pulse button chop the mixture to a coarse texture. Return to a bowl and stir through the whole cherries. ❖ Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the orange zest, vanilla paste and treacle. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

RICH CHOCOLATE FRUIT CAKE

❖ Sift together the flour, almonds, cocoa powder, mixed spice and bi-carbonate of soda. ❖ Stir creamed mixture into the fruit mixture with the sifted ingredients and mix well. ❖ Spoon mixture into prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 3 ½ hours or until the cake is cooked when tested with a wooden skewer. If the top begins to brown too much place a piece of foil or brown paper over the top loosely to protect the surface. ❖ Remove from the oven and brush with 2 tablespoons of brandy and then immediately cover with a double layer of foil, sealing well around the edges. Leave the cake in the tin until completely cold, preferably overnight. ❖ Next day remove the foil and wrap the cake in a double layer of plastic wrap and then into an old towel. When ready to serve place a template in the shape of a star or icicle in the centre of the cake. Sift over a heavy layer of icing sugar then carefully remove the template. Cut into thin slices. ❖ Note: THIS CAKE MIXTURE CAN BE BAKED IN TWO SMALLER TINS.

MACADAMIA, COCONUT AND RUM TART WITH VANILLA AND ORANGE SCENTED SEMIFREDDO

Pastry: 1 ½ CUPS FLOUR PINCH SALT 1 ½ TABLESPOON CASTER SUGAR 125G UNSALTED BUTTER 2-3TABLESPOONS ICED WATER Filling: ½ CUP FLAKED COCONUT 1 ½ CUPS MACADAMIAS 125G UNSALTED BUTTER 3 TABLESPOONS HONEY 3 TABLESPOONS CREAM 2 TABLESPOONS RUM 2 EGGS ½ CUP BROWN SUGAR

❖ Pre-heat the oven to 200°C. ❖ In a food processor place the flour, sugar, salt and butter and process until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs using the pulse button. Add water and process only until the pastry starts to form a ball. ❖ Remove pastry and knead a few times on a floured workbench. Press into a flat disc and wrap in plastic film. Rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Roll out to fit a 34 x 10cm tart tin and prick the base with a fork. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with raw rice or dried beans. ❖ Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove tin from the oven and take out the paper and rice or beans. Return the tin to the oven for a further 5 minutes or until pastry is cooked on the base. Remove the tin from the oven and set aside. ❖ Reduce oven temperature to 180°C. Place coconut and macadamias separately on trays and lightly roast in the oven. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. ❖ Place butter and honey in a small saucepan and heat only until the butter has melted. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cream and rum. Beat eggs and sugar in a mixing bowl until pale and thick. Add the butter mixture and coconut and macadamias and stir to combine. Pour the filling into the pastry shell and bake for about 25 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Serve with Vanilla and Orange Scented Semifreddo.

VANILLA AND O RANGE SCE NTE D SE MIFRE DDO * 5 EGG YOLKS 170G CASTER SUGAR 1 ½ TEASPOONS VANILLA BEAN PASTE 50ML FRESH ORANGE JUICE 600ML CREAM

❖ In a mixing bowl combine egg yolks, 60g caster sugar and vanilla bean paste and whisk until light and fluffy. ❖ In a saucepan combine 110g caster sugar and orange juice and place over a medium heat, stirring intermittently to until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and pour the hot mixture into the eggs and sugar gradually, whisking continuously. Continue whisking for several minutes until the mixture has cooled slightly. Remove from mixer and refrigerate until cooled completely (this should take about 30 minutes). ❖ In a clean mixing bowl, whisk cream to soft peaks. Remove mixture from fridge and fold through the whipped cream a third at a time. Pour into a greased and lined tin or mould (I used a 38cm loaf tin for this recipe) and smooth the top flat with a palate knife. Freeze for several hours, or overnight, before serving as required. ❖ *Recipe from Caroline Jones, Three Girls Skipping Café, Graceville.

23 AT T H E TA B L E

MACADAMIA, COCONUT AND RUM TART

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... the personal touch CELEBRATE THE INDIVIDUAL THROUGH PERSONALISED OR MONOGRAMMED GIFTS. THEY TRULY ARE WORTH THE EXTRA EFFORT

❖ 1. Hand Stamped Sentiments to wear by Yondale Designs, www.yondale.com.au and Tel: 0407 623 746

❖ 2. Intersection Personalised Print, www.hardtofind.com.au ❖ 3. and 5. Personalise T shirts, tote bags, cushions, and hoodies with any design you like – can be original drawings, photos, words. www.dastshirtautomat.com

❖ 4. Teacher Engraved Compact Mirror customised with teacher's name and year, www.hardtofind.com.au ❖ 6. Personalised Silver-plated Vintage Tea Spoon, www.hardtofind.com.au ❖ 7. Beautiful personalised note paper and other stationery made to order from

www.notecouture.com.au

TO BE YOURSELF IN A WORLD THAT IS CONSTANTLY TRYING TO MAKE YOU SOMETHING ELSE IS THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT. RALPH WALDO EMERSON 6

CURRENT LOVES

WE love

R I S I N G S TA R E

Abigail IS REACHING

FOR MARS 2020

Astrobiologist Abigail Allwood, QUT’s Outstanding Alumnus for 2015, will co-lead NASA’s Mars 2020 rover mission team. But there’s no way she will be travelling to the Red Planet, preferring to conduct studies from Earth... Word and images supplied by QUT

he NASA Mars 2020 mission leader is Queenslander Abigail Allwood. If anyone can answer humanity’s most burning question – are we alone? – it’s likely to be Dr Allwood. The astrobiologist and co-leader for NASA’s Mars 2020 rover mission was recently named 2015 QUT Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and winner of the

University’s Science and Engineering Faculty award. The next Mars rover robot to visit the red planet will search for signs of past life, and if it finds that evidence, Dr Allwood’s machine will play a lead role in that discovery. She is the mission’s principal investigator for her Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry, one of

❖ Brisbane girl Dr Abigail Allwood is a co-leader of NASA’s Mars 2020 Rover Mission. 27 R I S I N G S TA R

seven sophisticated scientific instruments that will be packed onto the rover. Operated remotely by her team back on Earth, it will analyse the chemistry of Martian rocks in finer detail than ever before. “This detailed analysis will help us figure out whether the environments the rocks formed in could, or did, support life,” she said. “If there ever was life on Mars, it’s likely that it was microbial, because favourable conditions for life were short lived, very early in Martian history. “That means any life forms would not have had much time, compared to Earth, to evolve into more complex organisms. “This is why the Mars 2020 rover mission is concentrating on looking for evidence of ancient microbes rather than something like a dinosaur bone or shell.” The Mars 2020 mission is the culmination of Dr Allwood’s lifelong dream to explore the solar system. Her passion was ignited as a young girl in Rochedale, watching Voyager mission scientist Dr Carolyn Porco describe on television the moment she became the first person to see Voyager’s stunning, first-ever close-up images of Saturn.

Dr Allwood studied physics at QUT as a pathway to space exploration. It was here she discovered her second great love, geology, graduating instead with a first-class honours degree in geoscience. A chance meeting with past NASA scientist Malcolm Walter put Dr Allwood back on the planetary path, studying 3.5-billion-year-old rocks in the Pilbara region to see if features within those rocks constituted evidence of life. That PhD research led to her appointment to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and underpinned her six-year development of PIXL. Dr Allwood’s goals are firmly set on NASA’s Mars agenda. Does she want to travel to Mars? “I’d go mad in a tin can for eight months!” she said. “But being an astrobiologist and planetary scientist has given me a different perspective. Earth is a mind-bogglingly complex system of interactions between biosphere-atmosphere-hydrospherelithosphere – a delicate, beautiful web that enables life as we know it. “We have not found anything quite like it in the universe. From that perspective, it is actually Mars that is mundane in the universe, while Earth is indescribably special.”

R I S I N G S TA R

❖ Jasmine James is reaching for the stars ... in the field of mechatronics.

Jasmine IS NAVIGATING

INTO THE FUTURE words ABBY BLAIKIE

he world of robotics is far from futuristic. It’s right here and now. Jasmin James’ PhD studies at the Queensland University of Technology involves teaching robots to navigate in challenging environments.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ROBOTICS?

Initially I just wanted to do Engineering, but when I started the degree I found that Mechatronics was interesting and it made me want to major in Robotics.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING ELEMENT OF ROBOTICS?

I’ve always really enjoyed problem solving and I think robotics is really interesting in that it is so multi-disciplinary, it takes aspects from all different areas to solve problems. I also love the practical side of robotics; it’s not just sitting at a computer all the time.

WHAT DOES YOUR PHD FOCUS ON?

My PHD involves research into Robot Localization. It

involves teaching robots to navigate in challenging environments. Obviously in an outdoor environment GPS is really good to use, but when you’re inside or down a mine shaft or in other challenging environments, then you need to use different sensors. That’s where my research would come in useful.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY AT QUT?

I knew that the Mechatronics degree at QUT was hands on and there were lots of practical subjects where we got to build real projects. Obviously, your study and tutoring would keep you very busy, what do you do in your time away from University? I love to play netball and I actually play internationally for the Cook Islands.

SO, IF YOU WEREN’T STUDYING ROBOTICS, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PLAN B?

If I wasn’t in the robotics field, I think I’d like to be a detective. I love problem solving.

29 INSINSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

❖ Sirius Observatories from around the world.

SIRIUS OBSERVATORIES FOR SERIOUS STAR GAZERS Boutique business in Brisbane enjoys international reputation for quality

tar gazers from Toowoomba to Tibet and Hong Kong to Latvia buy their observatories from the same trusted manufacturer: Sirius Observatories in Clontarf, Brisbane. For the past 29 years, this boutique business has earned international acclaim for its cutting edge designs. Owner of Sirius Observatories Joe Deregt started out as a boat builder but when a friend asked him to make an observatory he discovered a whole new world. Marketing Manager Steffie De Maddieson says many amateur astronomers own their own observatories for looking at the stars from their farms or city homes. “People literally have them in their backyard or fixed to

their roof,” she said. “We also design and fit the electronic systems that allow people to remotely open and close their observatory domes. “So they can be at home or miles away and still use their telescope to see the stars.” Sirius Observatories are not only great for looking at the stars; these specially designed fibreglass structures make sensational all-weather proof storage facilities too. “Fires in New South Wales melted the lock on one observatory but otherwise it was completely unscathed,” said Steffi. “Another of our observatories survived Hurricane Sandy in the USA. So they are great for storage.”

❖ Visit www.siriusobservatories.com

31 INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

❖ Veronica Lampkin spent six years studying the extraordinary and influential Madame Weigel for her PhD.

MADAME WEIGEL: THE WOMAN WHO CLOTHED THE AUSTRALASIAN COLONIES Anyone with an interest in sewing, fashion and women’s domestic history will devour VERONICA LAMPKIN’S new book.

adame Weigel was the doyenne of Australian society and a huge influence on couture and style from the 1880s to the 1950s. Her paper patterns covered everything from elegant riding habits to gentleman’s bicycling outfits. She designed baby bonnets, evening gowns and hats, and then there were the knitting and crochet patterns. Her versatility in fashion design was extraordinary, including trends from the demure and fussy styles of the

Victorian and Edwardian eras through two world wars to the flamboyant 1950s. Her “Journal of Fashion” was consistently the most popular women’s magazine. Inspired by this influential woman, Veronica Lampkin studied Madame Weigel by PhD through Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. “I took six years to complete my PhD and Madame Weigel became firmly part of my life,” she said. Turn to page 7 for a chance to win a copy of Veronica’s book.

❖ You can find out more about Madame Weigel and her work at www.madameweigel.com.au

ABORIGINAL COSMOLOGY

ABORIGINAL COSMOLOGY – CELEBRATING THE WORLD’S FIRST ASTRONOMERS Australian indigenous people are among the earliest astronomers in the world. They were studying stars more than 35,000 years before the Egyptian pyramids were built. Their knowledge has been passed down through folk tales, song and dance over thousands of generations and now this ancient cosmology is being presented in a fascinating show at the Cosmos Centre in Charleville. words ALLY MARTELL

HE Greeks created celestial objects from various constellations and their names have stuck with us ever since. We’re familiar with the signs of the zodiac, Orion the Hunter and so on. The Australian indigenous people looked at the sky a little differently taking into account both the stars and the dark spaces between. Shelly Gaulton and her daughter Lisa Draper are tour guides at the Cosmos Centre in Charleville. They also present the Aboriginal Night Sky shows throughout the week. “Dreamtime creatures such as the emu can be seen between constellations in the dark spaces made up of nebulas – clouds and gases – silhouetted against the Milky Way,” Lisa said. “There are certainly cultural and geographic differences, for instance, where the Greeks saw a scorpion the indigenous people saw a crocodile. “We also have a warrior but not like Orion. He isn’t made up of stars, but rather he is in between the stars which makes him quite scary. I remember as a kid I didn’t like to wander away from home at night because of the warrior watching.” According to Lisa, indigenous tribes all over Australia used the stars to measure time, the seasons and to regulate daily activities. Their myths taught moral lessons and provided reminders such as when to eat certain types of food. “The stars and where they sat in relation to the horizon, provided navigation as well as an idea of the seasons. For example, where Pleiades was in the sky could relate to dingo breeding season in central Australia but something quite different to tribes along the coast,” she said. “Many tribes traded with each other. They would arrange to meet in the same place on a regular basis according to the position of the stars. And they would do this year after year.” Stories about the stars have been passed on by elders to younger generations not by books - but through folktales shared in song and dance. The fact that the stories can be recounted today is a miracle of generational communication. “One of my favourite stories is from a central Australian tribe about the seven sisters (the Pleiades),” Lisa said. “It is a love story proving that romance was alive and well in Australia 40,000 years ago.” ❖ The Aboriginal Night Sky shows are presented on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. They run for one hour. Find out more by visiting www.cosmoscentre.com

33 ABORIGINAL COSMOLOGY

❖ ART: Indigenous artist Melanie Hava frequently features the night sky in her paintings. See more of her work at www.artofmelanie hava.com.

❖ RIGHT: Lisa Draper is one of the indigenous guides at the Cosmos Centre in Charleville

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❖ Gay Burey teaches a variety of crafts at Spring Hill near Amby. The retreat has beds for seven (each with a hand made quilt) plus there is room for camp beds. Gay keeps a well-stocked craft shop to help get you going.

35 CRAFT

GAY IS AVAILABLE TO TAKE WORKSHOPS/ CLASSES

❖ Book for a day or a week ❖ Seven beds and plenty of room for fold-outs or tents in the yard. ❖ Two bathrooms ❖ Fully equipped country kitchen for self-catering ❖ Great library of craft books ❖ Big TV room ❖ Craft shop with great range of fabrics, threads and essentials ❖ Sewing machines available or BYO

HOW TO MAKE A QUILT IN TWO DAYS …. Spring Hill Craft Retreat – Amby

OW would you like to escape from your daily routine and spend a few days with like-minded folks, on a farm, immersed in craft? If that sounds like your perfect getaway, you and Gay Burey have a lot in common. Gay knows craft people. She grew up in a crafty family and is seriously crafty herself. She does patchwork, quilting, sewing, knitting and crocheting. And she can teach too. Gay has conducted workshops all over Queensland for QCWA. So it’s only natural that crafty folks should gravitate towards her property Spring Hill near Amby on the Western Downs. In fact, Spring Hill has become something of a craft hub with some groups visiting for a day and others staying for a week. “We even get people who just like to browse through

the library, or come for a morning drive and cuppa,” Gay said. “The only distraction at Spring Hill is the resident echidna digging for ants. “People appreciate the quiet and having the time to focus on a specific project or learn a new skill. “A beginner, who has never quilted before, will make a quilt top in two days,” said Gay. “For many, it’s a lifetime goal to make a quilt and we can make it happen for them.” Other activities include early morning walks to the dam where water birds gather, twilight wine, camaraderie and 27.000 acres of red dirt, bottle trees with distant sheep and cattle. Creations out here are sure to be filled with the heart and soul of Australian country.

CRAFT

LUNCH HOUR LANTERNS I literally made these lanterns in my lunch hour, so it just goes to show how easy they are. Of course with a little more time, you could make some very fancy lanterns with detailed patterns and pretty decorations.

You will need:

❖ Tin cans of any size or shape ❖ Candles – I used battery candles but you could use tea lights as long as they won’t be a fire hazard ❖ A small hammer and a few different sized nails ❖ Spray paint of your colour choice

❖ Wash your cans and draw your design on them in marker pen - stars, hearts, Christmas motifs for seasonal decorations. ❖ Fill cans with water. Place in freezer until solid this ensures the can doesn’t split when you hammer in the holes. ❖ Place frozen can on a non-slip surface ❖ I used an old towel but you could use a rubber mat or even a clamp. ❖ Hammer nails into the design as you please. ❖ You can make bigger holes on the sides for a handle if you wish. ❖ Spray can all over with spray paint. ❖ Leave to dry and then place your candles at the bottom of each can.

What a great use of old tin cans and left over paint!

37 SPECIAL PROGRAMS

❖ Monte Lupo ladies are available in store and to order.

MONTE LUPO – GIVING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH CREATIVE EXPRESSION

ONTE Lupo studios, galleries and cafes are providing career paths for people with disabilities while also encouraging creativity and artistic expression. The products they make are simply stunning. Founding potter, David Usher was inspired by his mother-in-law who trained as a potter and decorator in the Tuscan town of Monte Lupo Florentino. He developed the business for Multicap to give people with disability a chance to express themselves through art.

“It’s not just a valuable therapy,” he said. “The skills developed help provide an independent source of income. “Artists here can proudly say they have accomplished a great deal thanks to the opportunities provided, moulding a creative career within a supportive team. Working together is a large part of the Monte Lupo approach and many artists contribute to a single piece of work, utilising the strengths of each individual artist.”

❖ You can find out more at www.montelupo.org.au or visit one of their Brisbane galleries at 217 Tufnell Rd, Banyo and at 269 Padstow Rd, Eight Mile Plains.

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE

SANDRA’S GIFT TO RUTH READERS After completing a law degree, mother of two Sandra Gully decided she needed a “creative gap year” which led to a new business venture designing colouring-in books. Sandra has designed a special starry page (opposite) for Ruth readers to enjoy

PICK UP A PENCIL AND COLOUR YOUR WORRIES AWAY

❖ Mother, lawyer and colouring in designer Sandra Gully. ❖ Sandra’s first published colouring in book Latitude.

“A

FTER nine years of study and two children I was feeling pretty worn, so I took a creative “gap year” – in the mythical ‘spare time’ re-acquired after graduation – to enjoy my young family,” Sandra said. “I began drawing again, exploring line, pattern and design in a creative burst and finding my old passions. This personal journey became so satisfying, engaging and productive, that friends encouraged me to put the designs together for others to enjoy. “Drawing and being creative have other benefits for wellbeing and stress relief. There is a surge of people internationally seeking the benefits of meditative drawing and reconnecting with their creativity. “The outcome of all this drawing is a book of original hand-drawn designs Latitude for colouring in. I continued to draw and colour – ok, it’s a little compulsive – and a second book Patterns and Linear Citizens is almost done, with another Patterns and Ark in planning.” A former Glen Innes Show girl entrant (circa 1991)

Sandra is very familiar with the work of the CWA. “I’ve always been impressed by the leadership and resilience of country ladies, they hold families and rural communities together. Yet, our sense of community can be difficult to hold on to when there are troubles or concerns affecting us. “QCWA’s Ruth magazine represents another form of community, where the common factor is often the distance between us, and so many communities rely on the support from the QCWA.” Sandra is delighted to offer a special design for Ruth magazine readers to enjoy. She used our summer theme Reach for the Stars to create a slightly retro Christmas design based on the Southern Cross. “I so admire the work of the CWA throughout Australia and it’s really nice to be able to give something back through my designs,” she said. Most households have a pen or pencil or two, and a few minutes’ distraction with a drawing and a cup of tea may help ease worries. So, work this design, colour or add some “design elements” with a biro.

❖ GO TO: Latitude Colouring In (Facebook), to download some free designs for further colouring, or even order a book if you find you enjoy the designs. You can find out more about Sandra’s journey at http://hilltopgully.wix.com

ME AND MY CAR

“JOHN USED TO STAND OUTSIDE THE ALBERT HALL IN LONDON AND WATCH ALL THE RICH PEOPLE DRIVING THEIR ROLLS ROYCES, BENTLEYS AND ALVISES AND SAY TO HIMSELF THAT ONE DAY HE WOULD HAVE A CAR LIKE THAT.”

ME AND MY CAR is setting an example to women. She wouldn’t think of selling her Alvis after her husband John died. Instead she drives it as a special tribute to him.

RONNIE BROWN

words ANGELA NORVAL

“J

OHN is with me every time I drive my Alvis, his gentle, quiet voice whispers in my ear – why did you hit that pothole.” For Ronnie Brown, driving her Alvis TC 21/100 drop head coupe or her Grey Lady or Grace as she affectionately calls it, is testament to the dedication and determination of her late husband John. Ronnie bought the coupe as a present for John on his 70th birthday and inherited the Alvis on his death, but not before John had spent four years and thousands of hours renovating. Ronnie said it was a tribute to John’s ability that she was enjoying driving a 1954 British classic car on Australian roads day today and a credit to the people who make up The Vintage Car Club of Queensland Inc for helping to give her the confidence to do so. “John used to stand outside the Albert Hall in London and watch all the rich people driving their Rolls Royces, Bentleys and Alvises and say to himself that one day he would have a car like that,” she said. “He was a newly qualified industrial pharmacist and we were engaged to be married at the time so it was an unfulfilled dream until I found the Alvis for his birthday.” Despite the fact that the Alvis was in a disastrous state when Ronnie bought it, John took it apart piece by piece. Eventually the only change to the original design was

a glove box to fit the dash board where the 1954 radio would have been. What does Ronnie enjoy most about driving the Alvis? The challenge. “It can also be driven with three positions – one with the hood down, two the Deville position with the hood half up and three the hood right up which makes the car almost water tight. “She is a joy to drive on a winter or spring day but she is too hot to take far in a Queensland summer. “With no power steering, turning and parking is difficult. Making hill starts is a challenge as the hand brake is under the dash board and I can only just reach it. “As events co-ordinator of the Vintage Car Club of Qld I am trying to set an example to others. Many wives sell the cars they have enjoyed with their husbands when his death occurs, but I want to drive our Alvis as a tribute to the wonderful man who was my husband for 53 years. “My car has been described by other Alvis 3 litre owners as the best of the drop head coupes in Australia – there are only five TC 21/100 dhc in Australia. “The VCCQ currently has four women drivers who take their vehicles on club events and there is a fifth in the offing as her husband has just bought an Alvis and she said to me if I can do it so can she.”

ental health and suicide prevention, domestic violence and “Ice” are the top three issues currently being tackled by the Country Women’s Association of Australia. Dorothy Coombe is the new national president of the Country Women’s Association of Australia (CWAA) and she is ready for action. The kind of action that will come about once the organisation becomes a company limited by guarantee. “It doesn’t sound exciting but that one first step will open doors for the organisation,” she said. “It will still operate as a federated system through the independent state organisations championing the cause of women across Australia, but the restructure will allow for greater flexibility and better advocacy.” Dorothy is from Victoria and has been a member of the Brighton Branch for 14 years. She has been the State President for Victoria for the past two years and involved in development of governance, policy and procedures, social media and membership growth. She is married to Max and has a son and two grandsons who are the light of her life. Her other interests such as horses, craft and cooking have been put aside for the moment. As president of the CWAA, Dorothy inherits some important roles including council membership of the National Rural Health Alliance involving 37 health organisations and director on the National Rural Women’s Coalition involving 12 other bodies.

“The CWAA is a highly regarded organisation invited to represent women at the highest levels,” she said. “I’ll be tackling one issue at a time with the top priority being mental health particularly in regional Australia.”

ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE CWAA AS OUTLINED AT THE RECENT CWAA NATIONAL CONFERENCE INCLUDE: ❖ Mental Health and Suicide Prevention ❖ Domestic Violence ❖ Ice in communities ❖ Implementation of drought policies ❖ Addressing women in poverty and the gender pay gap ❖ Gambling and Alcohol Advertising restrictions ❖ Banning the sale of energy drinks to those under 18 years ❖ Recognition of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a disability ❖ Lyme Disease recognition, contracting and diagnostic testing ❖ Removal of women and children in mandatory detention CWAA will continue the campaigning of agricultural, environment, water and social issues previously approved by members – such as quad bikes, postal and communication services including equal access to NBN or its equivalent.

THE CWAA WILL OPEN ITS FIRST CANBERRA OFFICE IN 2016 TO ENSURE THE ORGANISATION HAS A STRONGER VOICE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL.

❖ LEFT: CWAA National Presdient Dorothy Coombe. RIGHT: Rural women in Kasese, Uganda pose with smokeless charcoal briquettes that have been manufactured as part of an ACWW-funded project to improve health in the home and provide disadvantaged women with employment.

Your QCWA membership automatically gives you membership to the Country Women’s Association of Australia. QCWA is a member of the Associated Country Women of the World. You can join ACWW as an individual if you wish. Visit www.acww.org.uk for more information.

“These are exciting times and through our members we aim to be the most powerful voice for women in Australia,“ Dorothy Coombe. Details about issues will be communicated to members through the website – www.cwaa.org.au (you can also like CWAA on Facebook)

41 Y O U R C WA A

COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

ROBYN’S BLOG

Robyn’s BLOG QCWA PRESDIENT ROBYN MCFARLANE

Let’s all aim to reach for the stars in 2016 in our own communities . Look for those people who are always helping others and do what you can to assist them in their endeavours.

JOIN QCWA AND REACH FOR THE STARS IN 2016

t this time of year members of the Queensland Country Women’s Association have returned to their branches invigorated and enthused by their recent state conference. The finalists of the state contests were on show and what a wonderful display of beautiful work by our members. Some very talented ladies – ever willing to share their skills in many towns and cities around the state. Look for classes near you. The pivotal point of the annual conference is friendships that are forged and members who have not seen each other for 12 months catch up like old friends. Friendship and caring for our communities is the mainstay of our association. This year the QCWA celebrates 93 years of operation. As we have in the past QCWA reaches for the stars in every activity we encounter. We continue to light the way for those experiencing terrible drought conditions by distributing grocery vouchers, paying overdue accounts and helping where we can to brighten someone’s day. We do not shout this from the rooftops but go about giving this help to families all over the state no matter what the crisis is. We are proud of the Public Rural Crisis Fund as every dollar donated to us is donated to the community with no administration taken from it. It has DGR status which means all donations over $2 can be claimed in your tax return. Leading up to Christmas is an important time for the members of the QCWA to bring cheer to their communities, with many Christmas parties being held for

children and families. Being a member of QCWA gives you the opportunity to learn – no pressure as you can learn a lot or a little in many areas. You can learn to be a good or even an expert crafter, knitter, cook or patchworker. You can learn flower arranging, photography, sewing and even the art of public speaking. We have many members who are willing to teach you these skills. You can enter your essays in our writing contest. We can teach skills to run a meeting. You can just be a great friend to all. So as you can see there is something for every woman in Queensland. We have a special new branch and new members’ officer who would be willing to come and show you how to get a group together. If you need to build your confidence please do come and join us. Christmas time is a Christian celebration and a grateful look back at the year that has gone before us. New Year celebrations bring positive energy and hope for the year ahead. While many families gather together for Christmas, others will be alone. That is the bittersweet reality of happiness and sadness experienced at this time. I ask our readers to look around your area and see if anyone is going to be alone this Christmas. Please include them in your celebrations. Make this Christmas special for somebody else. On behalf of the members of the Queensland Country Women’s Association I wish you all a wonderful Merry Christmas and may 2016 bring everything you hope for.

“LEADERSHIP SCHOOL IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR. I GET TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS, MAKE NEW FRIENDS, LEARN

NEW THINGS AND ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE”. GRETA STEPHENSEN

YOUNG LEADERS

-MISS JUNIOR YOUNG LEADER OF THE YEAR 2015

“My time at camp was fantastic and the girls that I meet on the first day turned out to be some of my best friends now and I'm glad the camp is put together so we can spend time with our friends and learning new skills”. FRANCES WRIGHT – MIDDLE RIDGE YOUNG LEADERS PRESIDENT.

“Seeing the growth in our young leaders since between last year’s camp and this one was amazing. They put all last year’s judges’ tips for debating to good use and gave us a spirited and well presented debate this year!” PAIGE RUNDLE – MIDDLE RIDGE YOUNG LEADERS SUPERVISOR.

YOUNG LEADERS ENJOY CAMP QCWA Leadership School allows participants to develop additional skills and make strong friendships words and pictures SERENETTE CROMBIE, STATE LEADER, QCWA YOUNG LEADERS

CWA Leadership School is a week of engaging our young members in fun, interactive activities that empower confidence and develop new skills while most importantly making strong friendships. This year’s school featured cake decorating, resume writing, public speaking, debating and lots of beach fun. Held at the Apex Camp at Mudjimba on the Sunshine Coast in the September school holidays, the school was attended by 35 girls with nine supervisors. State leader of the QCWA Young Leaders is Serenette Crombie. “The theme for this year’s school was “Anzac and Outback”,” she said.

“Members learned how the QCWA helped the war effort, made poppy broaches, raised money for the QCWA Public Rural Crisis Fund and sang Australian songs around the camp fire. “However that’s not all, members moved out of their comfort zones and took part in a range of activities including Young Leader of the Year competition which involved an interview with the state president. “The Leadership School is a great way to for girls to meet like-minded members from across the state, create new friendships and feel safe to try new things in a supportive environment,” she said.

Style

FA S H I O N

Shining

LIGHTS As we reach for the stars this summer, we are delighted to introduce some of the brightest stars of Queensland’s flourishing fashion scene. words KATE DODD all images supplied

INTRODUCING SACHA DRAKE DEANNE MAYOCCHI BRONWYN SMITH ❖ Botanica Dress by Sacha Drake

45 STYLE

❖ ABOVE: Sacha Drake at work in her studio; TOP LEFT: Sacha Drake’s Love Tunic design; BOTTOM LEFT: Sacha Drake’s Wallflower Dress.

SACHA DRAKE

hat made you want to be a fashion designer? I always loved designing and patternmaking since I was a kid. It was a long road to becoming self-employed and I tried other careers in my 20s, but my heart has always been a creative one. I began designing out of my desire to find the perfect dress to flatter me and my shape. As a statuesque size 14, finding clothes in the market that suited my shape was not always easy and I thought, surely other women felt the same way! So I started out designing a little range of party dresses for women with curves so that they too could be flattered and look and feel their very best. Where do you get your inspiration from? I’m always inspired by beautiful fabrics – that really is my starting point. I’m also inspired by making my customers feel great. What makes your designs unique? The way my designs inspire confidence through their flattering shapes and striking yet feminine design. I dress the women of Australia from the neck up. The smart ones, the busy ones, the ones who are contributing to the world, their work, schools, community... They want to look good and I want to make it easy for them so they can look at themselves in the mirror with certainty before they face the day. What is trending this season? Navy is the new black, midi hemlines, fresh, crisp white, florals (both modern and vintage). The jumpsuit is also a must-have. What’s new that you’ve got coming up? Beautiful new fabrications and exciting new shapes coming up for our next season.

“MY COLLECTIONS ALWAYS HAVE A TOUCH OF JAPANESE INFLUENCE AND VINTAGE STYLE.“

FA S H I O N

DEANNE MAYOCCHI

hat made you want to be a fashion designer? My mum made me clothes when I was little. She was quite creative and bought all of the gorgeous magazines from overseas. I spent a lot of time looking through her magazines and dreaming up new dresses. I started making my own clothes and selling them at the Valley markets and then Maiocchi grew from there. Where do you get your inspiration from? Each season I like to start with a unique story or a great collection name. But I have a passion for travel and a love for all things vintage. My collections always have a touch of Japanese influence and vintage style. What makes your designs unique? Making unique and flattering frocks is my most important job as a designer. I don’t tend to follow trends when designing – it usually starts with a special pattern or print that I re-imagine into different silhouettes. I know that’s what makes us unique and our customers love that our collections are small and limited edition. What is trending this season? Spring/summer is my favourite season. You will see fabulously retro styles in fun and playful yet ladylike and feminine frocks. Bright colours and floral prints are a must this season. What’s something new you’re working on or have coming up? This month we will be working with Brisbane City Council and Curategy to create our very own paper garment for their runway show to help promote National Recycling Week. I’m looking forward to coming up with a great Maiocchi paper design. ❖ TOP: Deanne Mayocchi at work. MIDDLE: Mayocchi’s Are We There Yet dress (red), Cabin Dress (black) and Cocktail Dress (black, white and red). BOTTOM: The Fancy Free dress by Deanne Mayocchi.

IRMA J SMITH’S BRONWYN SMITH

hat made you want to be a fashion designer? My sister, Marabeth, and I were born into fashion design and our label and work today continues the legacy of our late mother, Irma J Smith – hence our brand name. Mum was a French-trained seamstress and her eye for glamour is legendary. We grew up making Barbie doll costumes and outfits beside her as she created her next showstopper look. Her European training set the foundation for our love of European fabrics, which forms the foundation of our designs. Our brand mantras are that life is too short to wear boring clothes and that it is always best to be overdressed than overlooked. Where do you get your inspiration from? Like our mother, we are very inspired by Europe. Our clients inspire us as well – and we love nothing more than educating our ladies on glamour and style. What makes your designs unique? Glamour underpins every creation because we simply believe that there is always a place for glamour. Our passion for fabrics and workmanship is second-to-none and we pride ourselves on sourcing absolutely exclusive fabrics from across Europe and then creating our designs with the utmost attention to detail. Our designs are not factory-produced – they are all handmade, sewn here in Brisbane in our workrooms. We have our own fabric store on the gallery level of Brisbane Arcade so our clients/customers are able to

handpick their fabrics with or without our consultation. Our designs are always head-turning because, while we love elegance, we are not afraid to marry that with bold decisions about combining patterns (spots with stripes is a favourite), colour and style. We love nothing more than to celebrate the female form with a hint of risk and ‘look at me’ wow factor. We are very different to any other Australian label, yet we have our own distinct identity and signature style. I think we can confidently say that our designs are always memorable. What is trending this season? We don’t like to be held to ransom by trends but certainly we are creating some very bohemian and bold evening-wear looks. Our racewear and suiting will always feature our signature elements like bold bows, fringed skirting and, of course, bold fabrics. What’s something new you’re working on or have coming up? Historically, we have primarily created bespoke, one-off designs for clients and, while this is still a big part of our business, our ready-to-wear label, Miss Smith Collections, is growing momentum. Miss Smith Collections is aimed at a slightly younger audience than Irma J Smith House of Fashion has traditionally appealed to, with sassy, feminine designs that can be worn by ladies of any age and at great prices. The label still uses our exclusive and luxurious European fabrics but in slightly edgier designs. We have had an enormous response to Miss Smith Collection designs when they are shown on the runway.

47 FA S H I O N

❖ Below Marabeth and Bronywn Smith getting ready for Brisbane Fashion Week.

HOW TO WEAR TOGS

TOG TERROR YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE NERVOUS ABOUT GOING TO THE BEACH. THERE ARE SWIMMERS AVAILABLE TO SUIT EVERY SHAPE

How to ...

CHOOSE A SWIMSUIT FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE Most women find the idea of shopping for togs completely terrifying. The pressure to look good in swimwear is so unfair – when all we want to do is have a swim! So we asked our favourite Queensland swimwear designers for some advice and we are delighted to note there really are togs out there to suit everybody. It’s all about dressing to suit your body shape and then finding the right size and fit. Here are a few tricks of the trade that will get you back on to the beach or into the pool with confidence. words CLARE STANDFAST and COURTNEY MARTINELLI

❖ All images by Sirens Swimwear www.sirensswimwear.com.au

Pear shapes

Athletic ladies

Athletic body shapes generally lack curves, but if you pick the right swimwear, you’re able to create curvier illusions in all the right places. Go for bold prints, ruffled and embellished bikinis with tie-side bottoms. The smaller the bikini bottoms are, the fuller and curvier your derriere will appear. One-pieces with slashes, cut-outs or monokinis will also create an impression of curves. Avoid: bandeau tops will make you look flatter.

Curvy girls

Good support and correct sizing are the keys to showing off curves in the most flattering way. Think bra when choosing a top. Moulded cups will give you greater support. Colour blocking combinations and retro swimsuits will highlight your assets and you can create a flattering vertical line with halter top, coordinated hat, sarong and shoes. Asymmetrical swimsuits will highlight the line from neck to collarbone. Avoid: swimsuits with thin straps, ill fitting swimsuits that cut in and create bumps.

Large bust

Yes, it can be a mission to find swimmers for women that are fuller on top! Luckily, there are ways to avoid sneaky slips while still showing off your stunning self. Ultimately, you’re going to need support, so look for bra-style tops with underwire or moulded cups and adjustable, thicker straps. This applies to one- and two-piece togs. Remember, the higher the back of your swimsuit, the more support you will have. Avoid: skimpy tops and styles with ruffles or embellishments.

Small bust

As much as women talk down having a smaller bust, it can be a blessing because you can choose the degree of support to suit. Bikini wearers can choose more delicate styles with smaller coverage, such as bandeau, strapless or triangle tops. You can also look at swimsuits that have ruffles, horizontal stripes and different patterns to give the illusion of a bigger bust. Halter tops and padded push-ups give the impression of more cleavage. If you prefer a one-piece, consider swimsuits with underwire, boning, pleating and padding to give more shape.

T ummy tricks

If you carry more of your weight in the middle, never fear — there are gorgeous togs to give you the confidence you deserve. Retro, high waisted bikini bottoms are a massive trend. It will cover and draw in the lower part of your belly so you can swim, run or socialise without worry. Shirring or ruching is also great to hide those lumps and bumps that make us so self-conscious.

49 HOW TO WEAR TOGS

Are you bigger in the bottom than the top? The key is to create balance by bringing focus to the top half. Decorative detail and lighter colours around the neckline will draw the eye upwards. Don’t forget a fabulous hat. For bikini wearers, colourful tops matched with solid colour bottoms will minimise attention to your lower half. Avoid: busy prints and detailed bottoms with bows or frills. Boy shorts can make hips appear wider. Cover up: find clean-skirted bottoms that fall below the largest part of your upper legs. A matching long line sarong will provide the finishing touch.

Summer is the time to store away our special winter woollies. But they are a smorgasbord for ever hungry moths, silverfish and mice. Thank goodness our very own Domestic Goddess, MARG BAILDON , is here to guide us about correct, safe storage for out-of-season garments and blankets.

orget mothballs! They’re a common remedy for keeping moths and mice away but they do contain harsh chemicals that can expose you to unnecessary health hazards. With high concentrations of toxins, Naphthalene or Paradichlorobenzene, they slowly release their toxic gas to kill moths or other insects. But these fumes are highly toxic to humans as well – and they really do not smell the best.

❖ These tips will help keep a range of fabric types from leather to linen and wool in good shape for years to come

WASH FIRST THEN STORE

Always wash and dry your out-of-season garments before you store them. Mould can grow on organic material such as food spots or sweat.

SEALED CONTAINERS

Store your washed clothes in a clean, dry reusable container with a tight-fitting lid. This is particularly important if clothes have to be put away in a storage unit or other space where mice may be looking for a nesting place.

SILICA PACKS

Keep clothing dry by reusing the free silica packs that come with your vitamins, seaweed snacks and new shoes. You can also add them to your drawers and sealed clothing containers. Moths and silver fish thrive in moist environments, so these will help keep everything dry. You can also buy larger packs from the hardware store.

LEARN HOW TO STORE YOUR GARMENTS SAFELY

CEDAR

Cedar is a natural insecticide. You can purchase cedar blocks, balls or chips for your cupboards and drawers from your local hardware store or online at Howards Storage World. Some even come with ties to place on your clothes hangers.

BAY LEAVES

Moths cannot stand the smell of bay leaves! So place them in your wardrobes and drawers. Place two or three leaves in with each sweater or four or five in each garment bag for storage.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Add a few drops of citronella and lavender oils to cloth strips or cotton balls and place inside your cupboards and drawers. This can also help combat silver fish, flies and moths.

CAMPHOR

If you’re not allergic to it, a camphor wood chest is great for storing blankets and woollens. They have a soft distinctive scent that insects do not like.

DOMESTIC GODDESS

Ask RUTH

MIND & BODY

THIS SUGARCANE PRODUCT MAKES GETTING ENOUGH FIBRE IN YOUR DIET EASY

GOODNESS!... IT’S MADE FROM SUGAR! Sweet news for those seeking a dietary fibre supplement

rom the canefields of Far North Queensland to retail shelves across Australia, there’s a new dietary fibre product on the market that is set to revolutionise digestive health while also supporting the state’s sugar cane industry. Cairns-based company KFSU has spent the past 10 years developing innovative and patented processes to create a 100% whole plant sugarcane product that makes getting enough dietary fibre easy. In addition, it’s a product that supports Queensland’s sugarcane industry by providing an alternative market to traditional sugar products and Bagasse bio-fuels. According to KFSU managing director Gordon Edwards, Kfibre has some real innovations in the fibre market. “Most commercial fibre supplements are made from wheat or corn,” he said. “Sugarcane has a more elaborate composition of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. “We have developed a patented processing system

that removes the sugar without excessive heat, harsh chemicals or enzymes. So we are able to preserve the vitamins and minerals while keeping Kfibre low in calories and rich in fibre. “Kfibre is the only fibre product on the market that retains all natural plant micronutrients and, of course, it is also gluten free.” Who should take a dietary fibre supplement? It’s always best to talk to your doctor before you take any supplements. However, Gordon Edwards says Kfibre can assist with digestive health and enable a person to look after their inner health by promoting regularity. It can contribute to better nutrient absorption and is beneficial in the management of weight, heartburn and reflux. “Just a small dose of Kfibre will meet recommended daily intake for fibre, manganese and iron,” he said. “And it’s so easy to take by simply mixing with food or drinks, cereals, soup or smoothies.”

❖ To find out more, ask your pharmacy about Kfibre or visit www.kfsu.net

the spiritual

Kara is a psychic medium, clairvoyant, metaphysical teacher and spiritual healer

HOROSCOPES

YOUR STARS BY KARA

KARA is a well-known psychic, medium, clairvoyant, teacher and a recognised reverend of the Church of the Australian Spiritual Lyceum in Toowoomba. She is a metaphysical teacher and spiritual healer with broad range of skills. Kara is available for private consultation in person and via Skype. Visit her website www.psychickara.com or phone (07) 4638 1483 for more information.

Your health, our priority! With 25 years experience, the Living Valley team of qualified naturopathic doctors, therapists, counsellors and personal trainers will optimise your health, renew your vitality and set you on the path to perpetual wellness and longevity! A Living Valley experience will promote healing, restore energy and provide you with solutions for the long term.

Renew your vitality. Stay young! Freecall: 1800 644 733 or visit www.lvs.com.au

5950048aa

HOROSCOPES

Aries

Taurus

LOVE: Singles stick to your guns with what you are looking for in a partner. You value your independence, so choose wisely. Partnerships will focus on traditional views which will make your union stronger. Treat relationships with fun and love and not as business ventures and you will find your relationships will flow more easily, particularly from January to June.

LOVE: Singles are more likely to find a partner through friends or social life. January to June has better opportunities where the heart is involved. Don’t let partnerships be neglected in the hustle and bustle of life. If you’re in a relationship, be sure to enjoy more time together.

❖ March 21 – April 19 ❖ Fire sign, ruled by Mars ❖ Affirmation: I can achieve the impossible with self belief

CAREER: Communication, tact and teamwork will be necessary. Changes that you may not expect are in the air with good opportunities you may not foresee immediately. It’s time to consider your own business or pursue a passion.

❖ April 20 – May 20. Earth sign, ruled by Venus. ❖ Affirmation: I can do anything I put my mind to

CAREER: Despite challenges in the first half of the year, you can climb any mountain to achieve your ambitions. Stay calm and think before reacting. Watch those in authority and don’t take things personally. Look at facts to get you through difficult situations.

GENERAL: Quality time in nature will be beneficial. Stress affects health, so keep an eye on your heart, blood and the head area. Enjoy the simple things to bring more fun into your life and remain firm about travel plans.

GENERAL: Keep emotions balanced by exercising and having fun. Taureans tend to go like a bull at a gate but can tire quickly. The throat and chest area may be affected if you don’t relax enough. Slow things down and take time to smell the roses. Keep in touch with those closest to you.

Gemini

Cancer

LOVE: Looking for love? Sort out past issues first. You are at a turning point and will realise what it is you are looking for. Your ideals are changing and you are more aware of what a relationship means for you. A love interest is closer than you think. Those in a relationship may find talk of babies is in the air: for you, close family members or friends.

LOVE: Don’t jump in too quickly, singles, particularly around May/June. On a positive note, the energy surrounding you can open new doors to the love you want. But be selective. Partnerships focus on decisions about personal security. Be patient where love is concerned. Enjoy the simple things together to balance your relationship. More communication is needed between March and June.

❖ May 21 – June 20. ❖ Air sign, ruled by Mercury. ❖ Affirmation: Positive changes are on my forefront

CAREER: Unexpected success is likely for students while others will be more goal-oriented in their employment. Focus on planning and organising your own success. From September onwards you will feel more determined and will start to look for solid opportunities. GENERAL: You are sorting out who you want in your life and who you don’t. There will be a big cleanout of negative people. This is a positive turn and life will have many changes for you.

❖ June 21 – July 22. ❖ Water sign, ruled by the Moon. ❖ Affirmation: I am opening up new doors for myself

CAREER: There is some growth for you in 2016 but you have greater expectations. Responsibilities are high and you are capable of much. Promotions and new job opportunities are right under your nose. GENERAL: The past few years have been a bit topsy-turvy for you. Changes on your horizon are not a mirage. Try to allow more time to enjoy life including travel. Take things a bit easy between March and July or you could become over-tired.

❖ Leo: July 23 – August 22 ❖ Fire sign, ruled by the Sun ❖ Affirmation: I will have positive outcomes

LOVE: For singles, April, November and December are positive for love. You will focus on social life a lot more as invitations come to you. Those in a relationship will need to remain cool, calm and collected to get their point across in the right way. CAREER: The first few months are all about your ambitions and how to structure your career more positively. You may find yourself looking into further education. You are more satisfied about your goals with good opportunities surrounding you. Expect some surprises to your advantage.

Libra

❖ Libra: September 23 – October 22 ❖ Air sign, ruled by Venus ❖ Affirmation: I am shining my light for all to see LOVE: September onwards is the best time for singles. Be choosy in your decisions, especially with the type of person you are looking for. Bad habits can be hard to change. Those in a relationship will need to look at spending quality time together. CAREER: From May/June onwards, opportunities to expand your work are in front of you. Hard work and good ideas will open new doors. Stay calm in decision making and others will see your ingenuity. Your light will be shining at its best.

GENERAL: This is a time of character building. You may re-vamp yourself with very pleasant surprises. Style and sophistication are on your side. Keep balance by being practical in all aspects of life. Watch out for stomach, back and neck. Some good news is coming your way.

GENERAL: Watch misunderstandings with family and close friends. Try not to get involved with problems. Put unfinished projects to the forefront. Update or replace electronics and technology. Your emotional wellbeing will affect your health so try to stay balanced by doing meditation, yoga, Tai Chi or by walking and exercising.

Virgo

Scorpio

LOVE: August to November is a positive time for love if you are single, while the first part of the year brings fun and planning for those in a relationship. You may need to compromise on decision making though. Work through issues with open communication. Family will need your wisdom and advice which you are so good at.

LOVE: For singles, be particular in your choices. You will be enjoying some fun this year. November brings some appeal to you. Those in a relationship will need to watch their insecurities and irritabilities, as this may lead to discontent. Instead, take time out together and have some good old fashioned fun.

❖ Virgo: August 23 – September 22 ❖ Earth sign, ruled by Mercury ❖ Affirmation: I am creating new plans for myself

CAREER: Education and change is at the forefront, with success. Use your contacts if you seek career change. A new path will be positive and you will see results from October. GENERAL: Exercise will keep your mind focused and your body healthy. Monitor your throat, chest, neck and nose. Some travelling is on your agenda. Worries about children will sort out. There are dramatic changes are ahead for you, particularly in the first part of the year.

❖ Scorpio: October 23 – November 21 ❖ Water sign, ruled by Mars ❖ Affirmation: I can work well in a team

CAREER: Good opportunities surround you, as long as you stay focused on your hopes and dreams. If you aren’t, then it will feel like doors are closing in your face. Complete projects to see better outcomes. The key this year is teamwork. Learning will come naturally to you. GENERAL: You may have symptoms of incorrect diet affecting your body. If you are feeling sluggish in the early part of the year, exercise to feel better. You’re showing leadership qualities with work and finances, so use them wisely to get ahead.

HOROSCOPES

Leo

HOROSCOPES

Sagittarius

❖ Sagittarius: November 22 – December 21 ❖ Fire sign, ruled by Jupiter ❖ Affirmation: I am an achiever LOVE: For singles, romance is in the air through mid-March, June, July and into August too. Patience and communication are virtues for those in relationships. You may come across as dominant and impatient, even though this is out of character. CAREER: Changes are all around you in 2016. In the first half of the year you will feel like you have only climbed halfway up the ladder, perseverance will take you to the top. Be determined about necessary changes as you work towards your goals. Go with the flow and get co-operation from others for success on projects.

Capricorn

❖ Capricorn: December 22 – January 19 ❖ Earth sign, ruled by Saturn ❖ Affirmation: I trust my instincts LOVE: Those looking for love won’t need to look far. Be specific in what you desire. Everything is moving quickly in the first half of the year. If you are in a relationship, be careful of being too laidback in communication and understanding. Try to make decisions on your future together. CAREER: Watch the attitudes of co-workers and don’t get involved in workplace politics. You will have an opportunity for promotion or job change. Your key to success is to strengthen skills through learning.

GENERAL: Travel is on the agenda, but be sure you actually enjoy it, instead of worrying unnecessarily. There’s not a lot of time out in 2016 which can affect the health. Relax, focus and do the things you enjoy more, to ease stress.

GENERAL: Review and analyse your inner self to give you the outward opportunities you seek. Out with the old and in with the new. Activity on the home front is positive, whether decorating, building or buying real estate. Watch your health from April/ May. Make sure you relax more in 2016, as your stamina may be down.

Aquarius

Pisces

❖ Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 ❖ Air sign, ruled by Saturn ❖ Affirmation: I am victorious in all that I do LOVE: There are plenty of opportunities particularly around your social activities this year. This is the right time for singles to look for that special partner. June/July and October are good times for romance. Partnerships require a stronger bond. Keep things positive by using that great sense of humour of yours. Enjoy the simple things and plan those trips together. CAREER: Friends and acquaintances will provide information about how to expand your work or business. The first half of the year is the time to look for a new venture. Projects need an eye for detail. GENERAL: Learn lessons from your past, especially with those close to you. Try not to make the same mistakes. Children may need extra attention. Exercise off stresses. Meeting people from your past will surprise you.

❖ February 19 – March 20 ❖ Water sign, ruled by Neptune ❖ Affirmation: I am an independent person LOVE: Singles need to be aware while seeking romance. Overdo the “princess” and you could lose your independence. Search in different areas for true love. Those in a relationship may find strain around communication. You both need some emotional bonding. Planning and organising fun times is necessary. CAREER: Look into further study as knowledge will keep you moving ahead. It will pay off in the long run. Be careful about work without play as you will burn out. Being competitive may cause you to over-think and make unnecessary mistakes. GENERAL: Trust your intuition. Take particular notice of your dreams because you will receive important messages. Your love for animals is at an all-time high and you may surprise yourself by wanting a new one. Watch those muscles and feet.

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Visiting

HOUSE

DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF HOLLY .... Every second year Christine King’s home is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. For family, for friends and for charity.

Words by Ally Martell images by Don Hildred

hristine King’s Christmas spirit extends far beyond her superbly decorated Brisbane home. Every second year she throws open the doors to her seasonal wonderland and invites neighbours, community groups, friends and family to join her in raising money for charity. With carefully coordinated decorations spread over 10 rooms, Christine’s Bellbowrie home is a sight to behold and it is famous for inspiring the Christmas spirit in her visitors. “When you decorate your home and invite others around to enjoy it, you’re sharing the Christmas spirit,” she said. “My visitors often tell me that they feel so much more Christmassy after visiting me and when they go home they can’t wait to put out their own decorations.” Last year she was thrilled to support her CWA sisters in Papua New Guinea’s Sepik Province and help fund a roof for their women’s refuge. Not everyone has a collection like Christine’s but it’s never too late to start. Christine shares a few secrets with us about decorating your home for Christmas:

HOW DO YOU BEGIN THE SETUP?

I have to start in August, packing away all my regular decorative items throughout the home. I then polish all the furniture and cover it. Boxes with Christmas items are brought out of storage and I fill all available floor space for sorting. Quilts are

sorted and hanging rods are matched up, patchwork table runners and Christmas cloths are selected to fit each table and enhance the theme of each room. It then takes a few days to gather up all the boxes and put them back into storage.

DO YOU WORK TO A TIME FRAME?

I start hanging quilts in September and make decisions on displays and themed trees by October. I try and make the themes different each year and introduce any new items that I may have purchased during the year. The inside of the home has to be finished by the end of November and then we begin on the outside, putting up lights around the house and garden. Everything is in place for December 1st.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS?

Sharing the display with friends, family, neighbours and many CWA and other community groups. I like to collect textile works from my travels overseas. I enjoy memories of the purchase and I also appreciate the hours of work that has gone into each one. I collect quilts and I like to hang them behind the Christmas trees. I try and buy in the colours of Christmas so I can use them in my displays.

❖ AT RIGHT: Top: pink and silver themed kitchen table setting. Middle left: Christine King in her living room with some of the quilts she has either made herself or collected from her travels. Middle right: Collection of German decorations from the Christmas Markets in Stuttgart. Some are “smoking Santas” which burn incense. There is an electric Christmas arch in the background. Bottom left: Tall Santa hand carved from cyprus knee timber in the USA.

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61 HOUSE

Shopping Hints:

“I tend to collect items all year round especially when I’m travelling.” “I rarely shop before Christmas,” she said. “I will wait until the sales and see if I am to be lucky with some special pieces – that’s the fun of it.”

❖ Top: The over mantel display features nutcrackers from all over the world. A nativity scene is around the fireplace. Middle: pink and silver garlands match the crokery in the kitchen. Right: Santa designed by Jim Shore for Heartwood Creek in the USA.

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Your Summer adventure begins in the State Forests of the Coffs Coast.

Once the creeks and waterholes dry up, life becomes very difficult for birds which, like us, need access to clean water. Providing a bird bath offers respite and much-needed water for birds as well as great deal of enjoyment for us. It need not be flash. A clean, shallow container positioned so that the birds are not exposed to marauding cats or dangers from raptors overhead will do the trick. Containers on posts or hanging from trees are ideal.

WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER

THE LONG, HOT SUMMER Summer can be beautiful, but it can also be a tough time with extreme heat and drought. It can be difficult for birds too.

Some species breed in the summer, hoping to take advantage of the summer rains and the bounty they can bring. Egrets breed together in large colonies, often composed of several different species. In summer, they sport their breeding plumage. The most spectacular perhaps is the well-known cattle egret, which develops shaggy orange plumes on its normally white head, neck and back. Other egret species grow long, white plumes, once favoured by milliners. In the early 20th century, the feather harvest threatened the extinction of these beautiful birds. Fortunately, dedicated bird lovers managed to stop the trade and ensure their survival.

CATTLE EGRET

words JILL BROWN photos IAN AND JILL BROWN, both from Birds Queensland

WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOWS DUSKY MOORHENS FEEDING CHIC

By midsummer, many Australian birds have raised at least one clutch of young and are busy nurturing them through their adolescence. Some chicks, like those of ducks and moorhens, leave the nest when they are only a day or two old but remain with their parents for weeks or even months. Others stay in the nest for weeks, but may still need parental care after they have fledged. Some stay with their family for a year or two, and help raise later broods. Visit www.birdsqueensland.org for more information

BIRDS QUEENSLAND

RED-BROWED FINCHES

T R AV E L B L O G

Follow your dreams

WHEN PLANNING YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST words AINSLEY HARDIE

Dear Ruth I asked my children in the car on the way to school recently to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;reach for the starsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and tell me where in the world they would like to travel. They proceeded to fill the back of an envelope with travel dreams. As a parent I was proud of them as destination after destination rolled from their tongues. Some were old favourites that needed to be revisited, others were brand new exciting places to be explored. I was also sad that some of these adventures would be without my husband and me as they go off into the world as young adults. With travel, we all have a bucket list and we should all be reaching for the stars to check them off. My bucket list has inspired some travel ideas in this edition of Ruth but you can also read more about my list on my blog mptpontheroad.com.au . Until next time, enjoy the summer and I wish you all safe travels and a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. Ainsley

65 T R AV E L B L O G

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has officially kicked off its year-long 10th anniversary celebrations. To honour this milestone, the resort has planned a brand new, year-long “Happily Ever After” celebration with an amazing array of new entertainment for guests to enjoy. An all-new stage show, “Mickey and the Wondrous Book,” opened at Disney’s Storybook Theatre on November 17. At night, guests will be dazzled by an enhanced “Disney in the Stars” Fireworks show, made even more vibrant by cutting-edge technology, lighting effects and state-of-the-art video projection shown on Sleeping Beauty Castle. To find out more call 07 4637 8235 or visit www.hongkongdisneyland.com

NORTHERN LIGHTS AND THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Bentours has been Australia’s leading Scandinavian tour provider for over 35 years. Their brand new, in-depth focus on Scandinavia brochure features a range of regional destinations for travellers interested in an off-the-beaten-track adventure in Scandinavia along with Greenland, Iceland, the Baltic States and Russia. Highlights include New Scandinavian Island breaks, Faroe Island packages and self-drive itineraries through Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the Baltics. There are also several options to experience the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun by joining the Follow the Lights Tour, the Northern Lights Astronomy Voyage or take part in the incredible Realm of the Polar Bear adventure. Visit bentours.com.au for further information or call 07 4637 8235.

CRUISING UNDER SOUTHERN STARS

Royal Caribbean is treating Australians like stars this summer seeing all three brands from RCL Cruises; Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises based in local waters for the very first time. In total six extraordinary ships all offering a range of incredible onboard features will take passengers on 93 diverse itineraries from local ports to destinations around Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia. We are truly spoilt for choice this summer. In the summer of 2016/2017 Ovation of the Seas will be visiting Australian waters in its inaugural season. Spaces are filling fast on each of the four sailings planned for Ovation. Call 07 4637 8235 to secure your space. .

❖ For more information on any of these travel inspirations, call My Personal Travel Planner ❖ 07 4637 8235 ❖ www.mypersonal

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Stanthorpe Day Tour If you are staying in the Stanthorpe area, this is the tour for you. The Day Tour includes: • Pickup from accommodation houses at around 9.30am • Wineries • Cheese & Biscuits • Lunch included • Places of Interest One Day Tour The One Day tour is Ex Brisbane and surrounding areas pickup. The One Day tour includes: • Breakfast on Journey to Stanthorpe • Choice of Wineries • Liquer Shop • Bramble Patch - for Berries & Jams • Fruit Farm - for Apple Juice • Lunch at Wineries Stanthorpe Winery & Brewery Tour • Tour starts at 10am • Three wineries plus a place of interest • Beer tasting at Granite Belt Brewery with lunch • Tours finish at 3pm • Dropped back at accommodation • Tours run every Saturday - min. 4 people • Tours can be arranged for other days for large enough groups - please contact us to discuss. Twilight Tours Would you like to experience the Stanthorpe area in a whole new light? The Twilight Tour includes: • Saturday only - 1pm departure • Visit three wineries with sit down tasting • Place of interest • Glass of champagne on arrival of restaurant • Three course dinner • Drop back at accommodation at 8pm The Overnight Package The Overnight package features all items listed in our ONE DAY package, but also includes: • Motel Accommodation • Breakfast with accommodation • Cabins & Cottages PRICE ON APPLICATION • Dinner Included

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DESTINATION BUNDABERG

Summer IS

TURTLE TIME

The best place to see them is Mon Repos

ummertime is the best time to witness the miracle that is the nesting and hatching of loggerhead turtles at Mon Repos near Bundaberg. It is the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific Ocean region and November to March is turtle season. You can visit Mon Repos Turtle Centre free of charge and learn about the special journey turtles and people have taken here, the colourful history of the area and about Mon Repos Regional Park. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers take guided tours at Mon Repos Turtle Centre to watch nesting (November to January) and hatching (January to March). Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to arrive at the centre at 6.45pm for a 7pm start, when you will be placed in your turtle encounter group for the night.

â?&#x2013; Find out more at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/ mon-repos/turtle-centre

While You’re in the Area

(Drop into the Visitor Information Centre when you’re in town for maps and guides) ❖ Dive with manta rays on Lady Elliot Island ❖ See turtles hatching on Mon Repos beach ❖ Snorkel in Lady Musgrave Lagoon, with a day cruise from Bundaberg ❖ Take a guided expedition through the Bundaberg Rum Distillery ❖ Pick up fresh, local produce at one of the many farm gates dotted around the region ❖ Try the 14 exotic flavours of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks at the Ginger Beer Barrel ❖ Find out more by visiting www.bundabergregion.info or Tel: (07) 4153 8888

❖ Left: Turtle and snorkeler on the Southern Great Barrier Reef Above: Ranger Cathy Gatley and visitors on Mon Repos Turtle Experience Tour, with hatchlings: Right: Historic Bundaberg Post Office is one of many beautiful buildings in town Left: The famous Bundaberg Brewery. Above Top: Beautiful Lady Elliott Island is a snorkeling paradise.

DESTINATION BUNDABERG

TOP 6 THINGS TO DO IN BUNDABERG ON THE SOUTHERN GREAT BARRIER REEF…

Queensland CALENDAR

S E E I T, D O I T

DECEMBER TO END OF FEBRUARY

by ANTHEA MOODIE

Christmas TOOWOOMBA’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND ❖ WHEN: December 5 to 24 ❖ WHERE: Queens Park, Lindsay St, Toowoomba ❖ WHAT: Experience the spirit of Christmas with a spectacular lights display throughout the park. Features carol singing and other activities. Gold coin donation. ❖ www.christmas wonderland.com.au

TOWNSVILLE CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT ❖ WHEN: Sunday, December 6, from 5pm – 8.30pm ❖ WHERE: Reid Park, Railway Estate, Townsville ❖ WHAT: The whole community gathers to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. ❖ www.townsville.qld. gov.au/community/events

SWEATY SANTA FUN RUN ❖ WHEN: December 6 ❖ WHERE: Barron Gorge National Park. ❖ WHAT: Dress up in your best Santa suit and run a sweaty 1km, 3km, 5km or 10km race with walking event options. Stick around for a well-earned breakfast. ❖ www.running calendar.com.au/event/ sweaty-santa-fun-run/

TOWNSVILLE HOSTS CAROLS TO CELEBRATE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Arts and Crafts MCGREGOR SUMMER SCHOOL ❖ WHEN: January 8 to 18, 2016 ❖ WHERE: University of Southern Qld, Toowoomba ❖ WHAT: Acclaimed tutors in drawing, painting, woodcarving, millinery and other crafts, music and performance provide workshops for beginners through to advanced levels. ❖ www.usq.edu.au

BRISBANE LORD MAYOR’S CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT ❖ WHEN: Saturday, December 12 – gates open at 5pm. Concert from 7.15pm – 9.15pm ❖ WHERE: River Stage in the Botanical Gardens at Gardens Point. ❖ WHAT: A much-loved Brisbane event featuring a variety of world-class performers and celebrities. Raising money for Mater Little Miracles. ❖ www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/ facilities-recreation

STUDIO 8 GLASS WORKSHOPS

HAVE A GO! FESTIVAL

❖ WHEN: February 13 to March 19, 2016 ❖ WHERE: Xanadoo, 106 Gelsominos Rd, Sth Isis (near Childers) ❖ WHAT: Learn the art of glass fusing and casting to make bowls, platters and jewellery. ❖ www.art-in-tropicalaustralia.com

❖ WHEN: February 21, 2016 ❖ WHERE: Cobb and Co Museum, 27 Lindsay Street, Toowoomba ❖ WHAT: Wide range of heritage trades and crafts. Activities include leather plaiting, pyrography stick whittling, weaving and more. ❖ www.cobbandco.qm. qld.gov.au

CAIRNS CHRISTMAS MARKET RACE DAY

MOUNT ISA RACES

❖ WHEN: March 17 to 20, 2016, 10am – 4.30pm daily ❖ WHERE: Brisbane Convention Centre, Southbank ❖ WHAT: One of Queensland’s biggest craft shows. Highlights for this year include quilling displays, fashion shows and workshops across many disciplines. ❖ www.stitchesand craft.net.au

❖ WHEN: December 5 ❖ WHERE: Buchanan Park, Mount Isa. ❖ WHAT: Family day including fashions on the field, bookies and entertainment. ❖ MORE: www.outbackqueensland .com.au/events HORSE RACES IN THE OUTBACK FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

❖ WHEN: December 13, 11am – onwards ❖ WHERE: Cairns Racecourse ❖ WHAT: Something for everyone with a FUN-e-farm and a visit from Bambi for the kids while adults enjoy a cold beverage and enjoy the high quality horse racing. ❖ MORE: www.cairnsjockey club.com.au

AND A GREAT FAMILY DAY

Festivals

WARWICK BOXING DAY RACES

ROMA PICNIC RACES

❖ WHEN: December 26 ❖ WHERE: Warwick Turf Club, 170 Victoria St, Qld. ❖ WHAT: Enjoy a day out at the races plus a reunion-like celebration with family and friends who have all come home for Christmas. ❖ www.warwickturf club.org.au

❖ WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 2016, from 11am – 6pm and then after-party until 2am ❖ WHERE: Bassett Park, Roma ❖ HIGHLIGHTS: Corporate marquees, fashion on the field ❖ www.romaraces.org.au

WARWICK BOXING DAY RACES CELEBRATE THIS ANNUAL REUNION

MARY VALLEY TOMATO FESTIVAL ❖ WHEN: Sunday, December 6 ❖ WHERE: Imbil Bowls Club, Yabba Rd, Imbil, Burnett region ❖ WHAT: The tomato is the star of its own festival which includes the tomato splat, tomato throw, fashion parade, live music and barbecue ❖ www.maryvalleytomatof estival.com

WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL

OLD COAST FOOD AND WINE EXPO

GINGER FLOWER AND FOOD FESTIVAL

❖ WHEN: December 27 – January 1 ❖ WHERE: Woodfordia, 87 Woodrow Road, Woodford, Sunshine Coast Hinterland. ❖ WHAT: Held over six days with more than 2000 performers and 1500 shows including street theatre, writers, films, comedy, children’s festival, environmental program, workshops, circus and spectacular fire event. ❖ www.woodfordfolkfestival.com

❖ WHEN: January 22 – 24, 2016 ❖ WHERE: Gold Coast Convention Centre ❖ WHAT: Enjoy free tastings and samples from more than 150 Australian gourmet exhibitors ❖ www.foodandwineexpo. com.au

❖ WHEN: 22 – 24 January 2016. ❖ WHERE: The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina Qld ❖ Celebrating its 20th year, this event features fabulous flowers, delicious food and entertainment for the whole family. ❖ www.gingerfactory.com.au

SAMPLE GOURMET GOODIES FROM MORE THAN 150 STALLS AT THE GOLD COAST FOOD & WINE EXPO

S E E I T, D O I T

Country Races

THE STITCHES AND CRAFT SHOW

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nurturing independence / encouraging growth / supporting development

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Outdoor Education Program in Year 9

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Welcoming, country community in the city

www.stpeters.qld.edu.au A MEMBER OF

66 Harts Road (PO Box 111), Indooroopilly Qld 4068 phone 07 3377 6236 email enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au

❖ LEFT: Lyn BattleState Representative of ALARA Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association BELOW: Photo of Florence McKenzie from ALARA archives.

WE MEAN BUSINESS

Ladies ON

THE AIR

Living on remote Sweers Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Lyn Battle has become an expert communications. words and image supplied by LYN BATTLE

E ALL know that women like to chat with each other. No surprises there! These days it is easy to pick up a smart phone and you have instant connection whether by voice, email or messenger. What might surprise you is that there are some women out there who do it rather differently ... what might seem at first old-fashioned, was once at the cutting edge of technology: Wireless. The old wireless was once a vital piece of equipment throughout Australia, especially in the Outback, where it was often the only means of communication. From its beginnings in the 1800s through many birthing pains by scientists whose names may ring vague bells – Hertz, Tesla, Marconi – women have always been involved in its development. Although better known as an actress, Hedy Lamarr invented and patented a radio frequency-hopping system that became the basis for today’s mobile phone, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies. In 1924 Florence McKenzie became Australia’s first certified radio telegraphist and founded what became the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS). In 1944 Adelaide Miethke suggested using the new Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) radios to communicate with Outback children and this led to the School of the Air.

Even though telephone and satellite internet have changed communications in the bush, there are still many Australian women around the country who keep in touch by radio. These women are Amateur Radio Operators and are called YLs (Young Ladies, regardless of their age). In 1975 Norma O’Hare founded the Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association (ALARA). There were only 32 known licensed female amateur radio operators in Australia at the time. This year, ALARA celebrates its 40th birthday with more than 200 members. There is a wide range of radio equipment available and it’s not expensive to get started. Some operators still use Morse code and say that collecting Morse keys is more fun than collecting shoes! YLs share recipes as well as technical tips. Some like taking part in contests, where contacts can be made to gain awards and trophies. There are physical get-togethers, when YLs passing through town get to meet their fellow YLs and put a face to the voice. Mainly, there is friendship and camaraderie, with friends all over the world and a very special bond that is unique to those who like to talk on “the wireless”.

❖ Anyone interested in how to get involved in amateur radio should visit www.alara.org.au or www.wia.org.au Photo at right of 11 year old Christine Benz (nee Gehling) doing lessons circa 1954 courtesy of Alice Springs School of the Air.

WE MEAN BUSINESS

FRECKLE FARM THESE HAPPY FARMERS SAY LOVE AND CARE MAKES FOR HAPPIER ANIMALS AND ALSO CREATES BETTER QUALITY PRODUCE

Words by Kirsty Mawer Pictures by Pam Pattemore

hile the notion of eating produce sourced within a 100km radius to minimise the carbon footprint has been gaining momentum in city centres, the philosophy behind Freckle Farm goes one step further and gains greater kudos for their take on organic and holistic farming, suggesting that happier animals actually create better quality produce. Mount Ben Mohr rises in the distance and makes a breathtaking backdrop for Deb McLucas and Rob Bauman’s pride and joy: Freckle Farm. Just outside of Eton, 30km southwest of Mackay, is a farm where a distinct change surrounding the culture of sustainable and animal-friendly farming is beginning. On their 260ha Deb and Rob have created their ideal piece of paradise. They have also put into practice the concepts of permaculture, organic and pasture-raised

produce as a profitable business venture selling free range eggs, pork meat and beef. Deb and Rob agree that more and more people have become aware of the quality of the food they are consuming. “There is a real drive from consumers to access local, chemical-free, ethically friendly, pasture-raised produce as they recognise that confining and feeding animals on grain is not good for the quality of the food nor is it good for the quality of life for the animals. “How animals are raised does affect the flavour and many people admit they have forgotten what ‘real food’ tastes like,” explains Deb. What makes Freckle Farm special is the love and care that is evident in all facets of their business. Their dedication to their animals is evident from the

“How animals are raised does affect the flavour and many people admit they have forgotten what ‘real food’ tastes like,” DEB

77 WE MEAN BUSINESS

MCLUCAS

❖ LEFT: Owners of Freckle Farm Rob Bauman and Deb McLucas

time their new pullets are introduced to their free range pens. Each night for the first week Rob wanders down by torchlight to put the dozens of chickens on their roosts to show them how to be safe, warm and dry. Researching and developing the perfect chicken roost trailer that can be moved regularly to rotate paddocks and sourcing the right breed of pigs and cattle to breed for the highest quality meat and disease resistance so they can avoid using proprietary chemicals demonstrates that they are serious about their farm philosophy. “The real secret to our holistic farming system is about keeping everything in its correct balance,” said Rob. “Sunlight is the driver of the system, it’s a free resource that creates the photosynthesis and creates natural sanitisation. Our chooks are resilient because they are exposed to all of the things that are naturally in the environment but sanitised every day by the sun.” The reduce, reuse and recycle approach is especially evident at Freckle Farm where nothing is wasted. The paddocks where the chickens have been are rotated for the cattle once rested. Any broken eggs or leftover produce from a neighbouring farm are offered to the pigs and used cooking oil from restaurants in Mackay is processed onsite to produce biodiesel. Even the chickens are

rehomed after their laying season to local families. While some people consider becoming self-sufficient, Deb and Rob are living it proving that with a little thought it can be done. As fourth generation farmers they are especially keen to help educate local school groups with their free school tours and are now offering monthly public open days where families are welcome to visit the working farm. “We enjoy sharing our knowledge and starting the interest in real food. The idea is to provide an understanding about local food systems and encourage others to grow things in the backyard, get a worm farm or get some chooks. At an early age kids really start to pique their interest in food and where it comes from,” said Deb. If raising a family of three young girls, managing a farm full time and hosting regular tours was not enough to keep Deb and Rob busy, they are actively involved in spreading their passion and enthusiasm via different community projects with local and state governments showcasing their top quality produce and their message of being concerned with what we consume and how these animals are raised, bred and cared for. Deb and Rob recognize there is a huge demand for what they are currently producing, but like their whole farm philosophy, it is about growing in a sustainable and manageable way to ensure the success of their business and the wellbeing of their animals.

STA R GA Z I N G

❖ The Cosmos Centre at Charleville is simply a must-see - whether you’re interested in stars or not!

QUEENSLAND OBSERVATORIES – LOOKING UP Words by Ally Martell

ROM the Far North to the Outback, our night skies are so spectacular it’s no wonder Queenslanders have a special relationship with star-gazing. This summer, spend a little time looking upwards – you’ll find there is so much to see. You don’t have to be a fully qualified astronomer or employed by NASA to appreciate star projects and discoveries that are happening all over the state. If you have an interest in the big picture, the forces that power our universe, then you will enjoy getting to know our many astronomical interest groups and observatories. You’ll be very welcome too because this is a science that loves to be shared.

Mt Kent Observatory UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND, BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT ONLY OR ONLINE

With his eye to a 30x magnification telescope, Galileo discovered the four satellites of Jupiter and the transit of Venus. Modern observatories like the University of Southern Queensland’s Mt Kent Observatory don’t require you to put an eye to a telescope. Specially designed cameras are our “eyes” to the stars and their attached software systems send clear-as-a-bell images all over the world. This can be done via a computer – nearby or across the globe. The team at the University of Southern Queensland is part of a shared partnership with the University of Louisville and they are documenting the movement of exxoplanets

around specific stars. From their observations they have learned that their planet is bigger than Jupiter and orbits its sun in under two days – this is one enormous fast-spinning planet. In addition, USQ has an educational partnership with the University of Louisville and NASA. School children in the USA can drive USQ’s telescopes during their daytime hours and school children in Toowoomba can look at the northern hemisphere skies during our daytime.

Thomas Brisbane Planetarium AT THE MT COOT-THA BOTANIC GARDENS, BRISBANE

Even if you don’t have a zot of interest in astronomy, you will love the shows – and the comfy, laidback chairs. The ceiling opens up to a sky of special effects that capture the breathtaking enormity of our solar system. Be warned, one show and you could find yourself hooked and listing astronomy as your new hobby.

Cosmos Centre CHARLEVILLE

You can spend hours wandering around the Cosmos Centre, lost in another world. Featuring a variety of presentations including films, meteor talk, the power of the sun, Aboriginal cosmology and more. The guides are informed and enthusiastic. This is simply a must-do for all Queenslanders.

Queensland Observatories

❖ The Mapleton Observatory is run by dedicated volunteers.

79 STA R GA Z I N G

This is a small selection of Qld observatories, there could be more. Please phone ahead before you visit as some are weather dependent and have limited opening hours. Thomas Brisbane Planetarium At Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Tel: 3403 2578 www.brisbane.qld.gov.au Cosmos Centre Charleville Qantas Dr Tel: 4654 7771 www.cosmoscentre.com Kingaroy Observatory Geoff Raph Dr, Kingaroy Tel: 4164 6194 www.kingaroyobservatory.com USQ Mt Kent Observatory Not open to the public but find out more about projects at: http://orion.mko.usq.edu.au Chillagoe Observatory & Eco Lodge 1 Hospital Ave, Chillagoe Tel: 4094 7155 www.coel.com.au Mapleton Observatory Mapleton School, Sunshine Coast Tel: 5456 3315 www.mapletonobservatory.com.au Twin Star Guest House and Observatory 28146 New England Hwy, Ballandean Tel: 4684 1135 www.twinstarguesthouse.com Rubyvale Observatory & Motel 35 Heritage Rd, Rubyvale Tel: 4985,4518 www.rubyvaleholiday.com.au Blackheath and Thornborough College Charters Towers Observatory Used extensively by students but is also available to the public on special occasions http://btc.qld.edu.au/taking-part/observatory/

❖ USQ’s Mt Kent Observatory can be accessed online.

Where to get more information: www.nasa.gov – keep up to date with exploration and discoveries http://www.skippysky.com.au/Australia/ – for information about clouds www.davidmalin.com – incredible astronomical photographer www.asa.astronomy.org.au – organisation of professional astronomers but still an interesting site for amateurs www.asawomeninastronomy.org/ – a group dedicated to the advancement of women in astronomy South East Queensland Astronomical Society www.davidreneke.com – information about space, Australian clubs and more www.jontihorner.com – astronomer and astro-biologist working at USQ in Toowoomba. Jonti is a great speaker and is passionate about sharing information to do with space. www.seqas.org – open to all ages and levels, an active group that organises many opportunities for viewings, field trips, learn about telescopes. Brisbane Astronomical Society – monthly meetings, public outreach and viewing nights. www.bas.asn.au Astronomical Association of Qld – has special interest in astrophotography and hold many field nights. www.aaq.org.au Cairns Astronomy Club – Facebook page There are also astronomical societies in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Mount Isa, Brisbane, Townsville and Charters Towers.