Feature Magazine September 2017 by The Local Times

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CONTENTS

Share Your Story! Do you have an inspirational story, know a top achiever or simply want to share something interesting with the community? We publish stories from, and distribute in, the following communities: Caboolture Morayfield Narangba Burpengary Dakabin Kurwongbah Kallangur Petrie Murrumba Downs Griffin Simply email your story or story idea to us at editor@featuremagazine. com.au

Photo of the Month!

#featurecommunitymagazine @featurecommunitymagazine #featuremorepub @featuremorepub

Photographer Stuart Cox

#featuremorepub @featuremorepub

Image Title

Misty Bush Walk: Self Portrait Taken along Forgan Road, Joyner

More Publishing Group

www.burpengarycameraclub.org.au Meetings 2nd and 4th Thursday monthly - 7:15 to 9:30pm

SEPTEMBER 2017 FEATURE STORIES

MARK SOWERBY: ONLY HONEST ANSWERS 28 A PICNIC AT PEMBERLEY: A LOVE FOR ALL THINGS AUSTEN 40

Contact

Advertising: Darren More 0416 430 792 ads@featuremagazine.com.au General: 07 3886 9040 editor@featuremagazine.com.au

Writing Team

Publisher: More Publishing Group Editor: Darren More Copy Editor: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith Writers: Kristine Lane, Alex Habillay, Melina Simpson, Meegan Berry, Rebecca Fawcett-Smith, Tim Vetter

Camera

Fuji XT1 with Fuji 35mm F1.4 1/125sec F8 ISO200

In Brief 06 Health 33 Education 43 Real Estate 55 Dining Guide 52 Directory 60 Puzzles 54

Creative Team

Photographer: Pixels and Spice Photography Graphic Design: Graphic Design by Jo-Jo

EDITORIALS Send all story ideas and articles to editor@morepublishing.com.au ADVERTISING For advertising rates, conditions and bookings please contact our team at ads@featuremagazine.com.au or contact Darren More on mobile 0416 430 792. BUSINESS HOURS Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm DISTRIBUTION Caboolture, Morayfield, Burpengary, Narangba, Dakabin, Kurwongbah, Kallangur, Petrie, Murrumba Downs, Griffin and online via www.featuremagazine.com.au COPYRIGHT & DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. The information in this magazine is for information purposes only. Feature Magazine and its editors, publishers and agents assume no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organisers or organisation without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Feature Magazine or itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publishers. Therefore, Feature Magazine carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon. INDEMNITY By advertising or submitting with Feature Magazine you agree to indemnify all participating contributors and supporting businesses such as graphic designers and printers against any claims. ABN 47 438 219 632

September 2017

Feature

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HIGHLIGHTS

InBrief FREE DAVID BOWIE SHOW

FREE MOVIE NIGHT

Love Bowie? Don’t miss the free David Bowie tribute show to be held at Caboolture Sports Club on September 2.

Lots of family fun at the free movie night at Dakabin State School on September 2.

more on page 42

InBrief

JULY WINNER!

Congratulations to Pat from Burpengary who won a family movie pass courtesy of Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas Morayfield Cinemas! Turn to Page 63 for details on September’s giveaway!

North Lakes Sports Club Officially Opens Attorney General and State Member for Redcliffe, Yvette D’Ath, officially opened the North Lakes Sports Club last month on behalf of The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Arts. The club has quickly established itself as a key part of the local community with the club’s General Manager, Chris Sartori, announcing that in the first three months of operation the club had served 84,900 meals and 61,000 drinks, with 3,100 children having enjoyed their play area and 100,000 visitors and members had attended. The community has embraced the new club with 10,000 members signing up in the first 60 days and employees growing from 95 to 125, most of whom are from the local area. Non-profit CSC Group were congratulated on yet another successful club which contributes so strongly to the local community.

Bunnings Morayfield To Host Fathers Day Family Night

Burpengary Student New Barber Receives $1,000 Welcomed by Bursary Narangba Valley

Feature Magazine readers and their families are invited to head to Bunnings Warehouse Morayfield on the evening of Thursday, August 31 to celebrate Father’s Day at a fun-filled and free Family Night.

Tiffanie Turnbull, a young journalism student from Burpengary, has earned a $1000 bursary thanks to the National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) and Moreton Bay Regional Council in recognition of her passion to inspire and support her community.

Our readers will be able to come together and take part in a range of entertaining, hands-on activities, including a D.I.Y. Workshop where kids can get crafty and create a special gift for dad. The Father’s Day Family Night will be held from 6pm until 8pm and includes light refreshments. Bookings are recommended, so please contact Bunnings Warehouse Morayfield to reserve your place. WHEN: Thursday August 31 6pm – 8pm WHERE: Bunnings Warehouse Morayfield, Cnr Morayfield & Walker Roads Tel: 5495 9900

E.M.A Hair & Body has opened a new barber service. With over twenty-five years experience, Collette offers all the specialised barber services including, but not limited to, Hot Towel Shave, Beard Services, Style Cuts plus more.

A special presentation was held in Caboolture last month with Moreton Residents are encouraged to just walk in Bay Regional Council Mayor Allan and enjoy the premium services from a Sutherland and Deputy Mayor Mike professional barber. Charlton presenting 19-year-old Tiffanie with the coveted bursary. “Tiffanie’s achievements throughout her schooling career is remarkable and her strength to empower communities in the Moreton Bay Region is inspirational,” Mayor Sutherland said. “She has such a strong passion to be involved in the community from her role as Head Mentor and Founder of the Academic Success Peer Mentoring Program, through to Head Mentor and co-founder of the High Achieving Student’s program at Northpine Christian College and volunteering efforts at the Pine Rivers District RSL Sub-branch among other wonderful achievements, she is truly deserving of this bursary.” Since 2009, 140 female Queensland students have been assisted by this program - with bursaries ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. A total of 31 bursaries were presented to the recipients in the presence of His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC and NCWQ patron.

September 2017

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COMMUNITY

If you are a cat lover in need of a feline fix, look no further than The Cat Lounge, where you can recline on a couch, coffee in hand, while enjoying the company of the resident rescue cats.

Get Your Feline Fix at The Cat Lounge WORDS AND PHOTOS: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Run by volunteers, The Cat Lounge is a special event only outdoor café open every two to three weeks at Pet Supersavers in Kallangur. With up to twenty-five resident rescue cats, The Cat Lounge offers people the opportunity to sit and relax, pat a cat and (if one should steal your heart) take home a furbaby. “Our cats have either come from a pound death row, been surrendered, or were part of the Last Litter Program where irresponsible owners can surrender a litter of kittens,” explains Pet Supersavers Owner, Leichelle McMahon. Once a member of The Cat Lounge clowder, the resident cats are guaranteed a safe haven until such time as they find their furever home, no matter how long it takes.

Date: Saturday September 9 Hours: 10am to 2pm Where: Pet Supersavers, 1 Russell Street, Kallangur 12

“We’ve got a few long term residents. Jaffa, Fantail and Licorice came down from Rockhampton Pound in December 2015. They are here until they find a home.” While adoption is the ultimate end goal of The Cat Lounge, people who aren’t in a position to adopt a cat are more than welcome to attend. “We see the events as an opportunity for people who can’t have animals to come and have a pat, and kids that aren’t

September 2017

confident with animals can come in and get to know them.” Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available for guests to purchase, and each guest is given a bottle of kitticinno to offer to the feline stars. “On a usual Cat Lounge day we might end up with 50 – 70 people in attendance, but about two Cat Lounges ago there was about 100 people. It was standing room only which was amazing. We’ve had one family come to every Cat Lounge event.” Entry to The Cat Lounge is free for children under five years-of-age and $5.00 for adults. “The money raised goes back to helping the rescue cats. It pays for their vet work, worming, flea control, food et cetera.” Adoption is $100.00 for adult cats (male and female) and $175.00 for kittens. “We’re not looking for a home right now for our cats, we’re looking for the right home. A forever home, because pets are for life. It’s a lifetime commitment.” The Cat Lounge is next open on September 9. For more information, visit The Cat Lounge Facebook page or call Pet Supersavers Kallangur on 3142 3496.

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COMMUNITY

Amazing Space WORDS: Sandra Conte ARTIST IMPRESSION: Contributed

he enchanting, semi-rural campus that is Caboolture Montessori School (CMS), located at 200 Old Gympie Road, has experienced unprecedented but planned growth in student numbers and buildings. Last month, CMS celebrated the opening of a two-storey, architectdesigned building. Since the ‘breaking of the soil’ ceremony on the identified building site in 2016, the School community has been witness to every part of the construction, with the great outdoors always an inspiration for the children’s learning. Caboolture Montessori School Principal, Yvonne Rinaldi, said the building was conceived through intensive consultation with all members of the School community and Towill Design Group’s principal Architect, Rachael Towill, engaged directly with the students. Principal Rinaldi stated, “We embrace the demand for Montessori education, and with the additional building we can now cater for a cap of 300 students in our community and have already surpassed the 200 student mark.” The School’s reputation is such that families have been known to relocate from both interstate and overseas specifically to attend the Caboolture Montessori School. Montessori is taught worldwide and has been in Australia for over 100 years. CMS has been in the Moreton Region, on its current campus, for 19 years, and offers a Nationally-recognised curriculum, catering from the pre-Prep infant community through primary years and is an ISQ (Independent Schools Queensland) member organisation.

Principal Rinaldi stated, “As a school of Montessori distinction, the context in which children are educated is considered to be critical to their learning; this is why we have a specially prepared environment, with the youngest students even having scaled furniture; our teaching materials are also specially sourced and the equipment beautifully crafted. The new two-storey structure is no different in that it is architect designed to incorporate multiple functions.” The state-of-the-art building showcases environmental aspects through sustainable design and locally sourced products, and landscape elements accommodate purposeful plantings in the ‘Land for Wildlife’ setting. Integral to official building launch proceedings were Senator, the Honourable James McGrath, Queensland Senator and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister; the Honourable Mark Ryan, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services, State Member for Morayfield; Susan Lamb Federal Member for Longman and Andrew Powell MP, Member for Glass House. The whole of School event on Friday, August 25, saw VIP’s tour the building then join with community guests for an official afternoon, student-organised, ceremony comprising Acknowledgement of Country, school performances and addresses by Senator McGrath, MP Mark Ryan, Principal Yvonne Rinaldi, Architect Rachael Towill and Board Chair Nick Willemsen. A plaque unveiling, ribbon cutting and performances of the school song concluded the ceremony, following which the children enjoyed celebratory cake.

September 2017

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OPINION

HAS TECHNOLOGY KILLED THE

VIDEO STORE? WORDS: Alex Habilay

The summer of 1975 marked the beginning of the greatest era in home entertainment - the rise of the video store. With only three video stores remaining in Moreton Bay, one has to ask, what the heck happened to all the video stores? We all look back and reminisce on the seventies, even those of us who only know it through stories and pictures. What makes this pocket of time so special is that technology and life were intertwined, but not synonymous like they are today. Technology was vibrant, the film industry was booming and finally almost everyone had the silver screen at home. It was within this space that video stores ruled. Video stores were a sanctuary where any demographic could spend hours perusing an eternity’s worth of Hollywood’s greatest and worst. Video stores bustled with locals scattered among their favourite genres and flirting with movie titles. This video store sensation continued through to the eighties and nineties, remaining a staple for a good night in. As VCR became DVD and DVD turned to Blu-ray, the video store adapted. For a period, during the industry’s prime, customers could even acquire gaming systems and disc players. But that all changed in the millennium. Technology had overgrown life at this point, and although the video store tried to keep up with technological advances, eventually the sanctuary was breeched. No longer was there an even balance between physical life and technology. This time, everything was going digital. People no longer had to leave their homes to get

a cinematic experience, and as a result video stores began to fall silent. In all the advances, we didn’t know what we were leaving behind. Offering a delightfully unique and safe social experience, video stores were a cornerstone in a community. With the rise of online streaming titans like Netflix and Foxtel, video stores died. Netflix subscribers have grown from one million in the early 2000s to nearing 100 million as of the last financial year. But what if the video store could be brought back? Though this generation loves the instant gratification of Netflix and co., we also love anything excessive and embellished. Video stores could introduce private screening rooms for marathon viewings, or party nights with movies tailored to their audience. Throw in some lolly buffets and maybe even some pizza, and you’ve got a good night out. Advantageous owners could acquire exclusive movies or unreleased films, film directors could use private viewings at their local video store as a test audience for their projects. Seeing more synergy with the film industry would open up a whole new avenue of opportunities. Video stores could host celebrity signings to help promote new feature films rather than replacing clerks with kiosks. Perhaps the video store industry isn’t dead. Perhaps this millennium it’ll be about the experience once again, not just the latest blockbuster. If not, we’ll always have the seventies.

September 2017

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COMMUNITY

JUICY NEWS FOR STRAWBERRY LOVERS

Queensland Strawberry Growers Association (QSGA) released a new Queensland-bred favourite for strawberry lovers to sink their teeth into this season called the ‘Red Rhapsody’. The new strawberry was officially launched on August 19 at Sandstone Point Hotel’s annual Strawberry Festival. “The new strawberry has been developed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to be deep red, easier to grow, more resistant to disease and easier and cheaper to harvest,” said Ms Jennifer Rowling, Strawberry Industry Development Officer for QSGA. The Red Rhapsody is available in stores now. When you see them, do not be misled by its deep, rose red colour which may lead you to believe that the berries are overripe. It’s actually a very tasty variety and colour is an indication that the strawberries have reached their full flavour. The new variety is the result of breeding research at DAF’s Maroochy Research Facility in Nambour. The project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development Strawberry Industry levy and funds from the Australian Government, and co-funded by the Queensland Government.

DID YOU KNOW? Queensland is the biggest producer of strawberries in Australia. There are approximately 100 strawberry growers in Queensland, covering over 600 hectares of land. The majority of growers are located in the Caboolture region, north of Brisbane and up to the Sunshine Coast. Bundaberg is also a growing region for strawberry production. Stanthorpe now has summer production too. The Queensland Strawberry Industry produces between 6,000 and 15,000 tonnes of fruit per season – that is about 60 million punnets of strawberries each season.

The Red Rhapsody variety has been developed and delivered as part of a national variety improvement program that is backed by strawberry growers, including QSGA. “The Red Rhapsody is attractive to growers because it has been specifically developed to enable quicker and less expensive harvesting,” said Ms Rowling. “A producer could have hundreds of thousands of plants, and each plant could have up to 50 fruit – every one of those fruit has to be picked individually by hand. “The Red Rhapsody has longer stems that enable the fruit to grow away from the bush, making them easier to locate; a high resistance to bruising, meaning they can get to the consumer in good condition despite the rough and tumble of harvesting, packing and transport to shops; and larger berries.” The demand for the new variety of strawberry plants has so far exceeded supply. Whilst Red Rhapsody strawberries are available now at most retail outlets that sell fruit, the punnets aren’t labelled with the variety name, so the tip is to simply keep an eye out for darker berries. For more information on Red Rhapsody strawberries, visit www.qldstrawberries.com.au.

September 2017

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FEATURE

FREE EVENT Saturday, Sept 2 Time: 7.30pm

WORDS: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Since 2003, Brisbane-based band KillerQueen have paid homage to Britain’s regal rock quartet, Queen. At Caboolture Sports Club on September 2, the band will debut a new act which pays tribute to another of Britain’s best-selling music artists of all time, the late great David Bowie. KillerQueen bass player turned Bowie impersonator, Wayne Vitale, took time out of rehearsals to talk to Feature Magazine about The David Bowie Show.

What made you decide to put together a David Bowie tribute show? “We’ve been thinking about putting together a Bowie show for a few years, and then earlier this year we put it to our manager and he said, ‘Well why don’t you put it together and we’ll take it from there?’ I’ve been working on it since February, and it’s taken up to now to get it to its final stages.”

How did you land being frontman for The David Bowie Show? “I’ve been the bass player in the Queen show for nearly 12 years, and for a few years now I have been singing the David Bowie part in ‘Under Pressure’. Everyone always says that I sound great, so I’m excited to do it.” What challenges have you faced putting together a Bowie tribute show? “The image is hard, because Bowie had so many looks. He went from one image to another. He was a chameleon.” So we can expect to see some of Bowie’s personas like Ziggy Stardust and Alladin Sane? “Absolutely. It’s not just someone singing the songs, it’s a show. There are four or five costume and makeup changes and I’ve got some custom-made platform red boots from China and suits September

for The Thin White Duke and eighties looks. I also play a 12-string guitar in the show because that’s what Bowie played.” Bowie was a large figure in popular music for over five decades. What material will feature in the show? “In the first set we’ll cover his hits from 1972 to 1975, and then in the second set we’ll start in the later seventies and go to the mid-eighties almost. That era is his biggest selling point. Between the early seventies and the mideighties is when he broke into the mainstream.” What is your favourite Bowie song to perform? “‘Let’s Dance’ is a good song to sing because it’s got the low notes and it also goes high. ‘Space Oddity’ is another great song to sing, but really they’re all great songs to perform.”

2017

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COMMUNITY

NIKKI MCGRADY WORDS AND PHOTO: Melina Simpson

ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER INTERVIEW Nikki McGrady grew up in Tenterfield, NSW, reading from books detailing the proud ways of Indigenous people in this country. Belonging to the Gamilaroi people and raised by a long lineage of strong women, her childhood was filled with family, stories and a spiritual connection to her country. She moved to Queensland 18 years ago, has two children aged 19 and 11, and has been living in the Moreton Bay region for the past four years, carefully respecting the traditional owners of this country, the Gubbi Gubbi people. Originally pursuing the ‘Aussie Dream’ of earning a six figure salary and owning a house, she realised her passion was working in the community, and needed to reconnect with her people and her children. Nikki has been working at the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), with the Australian Nurse Family Partnership Program (ANFPP) as a Family Partnership Worker since the start of this year. The program aims to provide Indigenous families with support and education on becoming first time parents. Nurses and midwives visit mums during pregnancy, and after the baby’s arrival up until the age of two. Nikki can see how the program is changing both the patterns and life courses of its participants. “To be able to empower new mums to be the best that they can be and get paid to do that, is such a privilege,” she says. “To have that support, knowledge and understanding is something I wish I’d had when my babies were born.” Nikki’s face shines when she speaks about her work. It has inspired her to study midwifery, and she intends to eventually take what she is learning to other regions, so that future generations of Indigenous families can have the same confidence to thrive. Educational programs play an integral role toward the continued healing and acceptance of Indigenous Australians since European colonisation. Nikki believes that education is vital to the understanding and recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders deserve, and will assist in overcoming the stigma placed on Indigenous Australians to conform to ‘white’ Australian society.

To be able to empower new mums to be the best that they can be and get paid to do that, is such a privilege. To have that support, knowledge and understanding is something I wish I’d had when my babies were born.

“My Grandmother could sing songs in our language and knew so much about our culture,” she said, full of emotion. “But she would tell us ‘You don’t need that now, it’s a different world. You don’t need to know that stuff.’ “You were never allowed to speak or sing in language, or perform ceremonies after colonisation – so you couldn’t be yourself,“ Nikki explained. “And I think that gets passed down, even unknowingly.” She dreams of an Australia that accepts all cultures for who they are, where there’s no superiority and everyone has respect for others’ beliefs and traditions. “Just because it’s not your way, doesn’t mean it’s not right,” Nikki says emphatically. “I tell my kids that all the time.” Education for Australian schoolchildren to know the true history of Australian colonisation and the history of Indigenous Australians in this country since then, including learning Indigenous languages, is something else she hopes can be achieved in her lifetime. On a sign which has hung in every house she has lived in are the words ‘Never Give Up’. A reminder to keep fighting to be who you are. To always be proud.

September 2017

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COMMUNITY

Taurus

Australia’s Longest Obstacle Course WORDS AND PHOTOS: Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

Narangba husband and wife team, Dan and Ilca Andrikis, are preparing to launch Australia’s and possibly the world’s first 200km obstacle course race – the Taurus 200. Dan, Owner of No Bull Fitness Training, and Ilca, naturopath, nutritionist, medical herbalist and Owner of Lacinda Naturopatica, created Taurus 200 after talking to fellow obstacle course race (OCR) participants about what was lacking on the OCR calendar. “I’ve been competing in obstacle course racing for many years, and being in the fitness industry, I’ve always got my ears open to better understand what people like and dislike about big events,” says Dan. “Taurus 200 was created from all the information that we’ve gathered over the years, and we’re changing things up.”

Caption: Ilca and Dan

Set in natural bushland at Murrenbong Scout Reserve, Kurwongbah, the 200km course will traverse bush, water and natural trail, and with over 30 obstacles planned, participants’ endurance, strength, speed and dexterity will be tested. “The landscape is really nice and we’re going to make use of every little incline on the property,” say Dan. “All other obstacle course race events have obstacles positioned individually and then participants run a short distance. I want to have several obstacles at once. There’s also two dams on the property so people will be getting wet. We’ll have a mad mud pit.” 200km race participants will have 54 hours to complete 10 x 20km laps. Shorter distance waves are also available including solo distances of 20km and 60km, as well as a 100km solo or teams of two, or 200km teams of two or four. All finishers will receive a medallion for the distance they complete, and a presentation will be held on the Sunday for all place getters.

September 2017

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200

Race Debuts in Kurwongbah “I can assure you that Sunday is going to be great,” says Ilca. “Even though they’ll be tired, the participants are going to be thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve just done something amazing.’” In 2018, Dan and Ilca hope to have Taurus 200 listed in the Guinness World Records as the world’s longest OCR. “Once the 2017 event has been run successfully, we can apply to have a Guinness World Records judge attend next year to assess our record title attempt,” says Dan. Adds Ilca, “This is a tough race but it’s a good race, and the great thing is that it is happening right here in Moreton Bay. The majority of obstacle course races are held on the Gold or Sunshine Coasts or interstate, and it’s about time this part of Queensland had something like this. We are hoping to gain the attention and support of the local council and large businesses so that Moreton Bay will be the home of Taurus 200 for many years to come.” For more information visit www.taurus200.com.au.

When: 1-3 September Where: Murrenbong Scout Reserve 135 Scout Road, Kurwongbah www.featuremagazine.com.au

FEATURE

MARK SOWERBY: ONLY HONEST ANSWERS INTERVIEW Queensland’s Chief Entrepreneur, founder and former Managing Director of Blue Sky Alternative Investments Ltd., Mark Sowerby, takes time to answer questions from our readers about entrepreneurial life and the challenges it brings.

September 2017

Feature

Why did you take the leap into entrepreneurship? It seemed to me the best path to changing my life. My wife Heidi and I had set some goals, and starting my own business was a way to do what I thought I enjoyed most (building businesses) – on steroids. I would be building our business whilst also helping others build theirs. It seemed to make sense at the time! What are some of the biggest initial hurdles for building a business and your tips to overcome them? Like everything else in life, preparation is everything. Each and every day is relentless so you need to be ‘fit’ for what’s coming at you. No way would you jump into doing an Ironman triathlon without training, and entrepreneurship is the same. So the key is getting experience in hard and diverse fields, with hard and diverse people, in hard and diverse situations. That way you increase your tolerance to uncertainty and stress, and also learn a lot about yourself under pressure. Working out your weaknesses and then solving them through self-improvement and/or hiring people that cover for them is imperative. And then take a long view – 10 years at least. This will help stop you making dumb short decisions (although you will do plenty of this anyway!). What should an entrepreneur look for in a business partner? A famous US investor said to me, “For every shareholder you introduce you double your risk”. This is really, really important. The misconception is by bringing in a partner you are reducing risk. But if you understand this is increasing your risk substantially, you sure will be careful about making that leap. It dilutes your equity, means you need shareholder and other legal agreements, and brings exposure to their personal and financial troubles! Partners can be great, but in my experience it’s best to have a deep and long term relationship, complementary skill sets, different life experiences, and total alignment and commitment by putting all of what you have on the line for the business. In my case, I found that person in Tim Wilson who now runs all the private equity and venture capital for Blue Sky. Once I got it right, we took off, so partners are great but they need to be amazing. And Tim was an amazing partner. What do you look for in an employee? The same thing as a partner! There’s this misconception in life that progress is made by changing jobs and climbing corporate ladders. It’s like a constant need for external validation that we are important and special, but to be honest it’s a bit ‘needy’. In a startup every person matters, so finding people that have an owner’s mentality, or developing that in them, is critical. But of course it’s difficult to attract people that are already battle hardened and successful to these businesses, so mostly you have to build (or rebuild) them. Therefore you should always be searching for those with strength of character, little or no ego, and high intellect. These people can be molded into what you need, and tend to stay the journey. Most early stage companies seem to have about 50% turnover in the first few years, and this is fine as long as you’re not losing the good ones! At Blue Sky, what was the key to building a positive work environment that attracts and retains talent? There are so many elements to this. The starting point is to set up a structure that rewards the behaviours you value as a group. At Blue Sky, it’s a long term investment business and we needed people to stay with us for a long period of time. They had to believe that this could, quite literally, be their last job. They also needed to be convinced that by staying the course their lives could be changed, their need for achievement satisfied, and their potential maximised. We set up a remuneration structure with salary and super at the base of the pyramid; to provide shelter and food and pay the bills. Then, there’s equity and dividends; as a listed company we provided ownership opportunities through shares and options – then performance bonuses from the funds. Finally, we setup a discretionary bonus for amazing performance. Then we provided scholarships for mental and physical challenges, nominated by the team or individual. These are open to everyone and completely funded by the business to help people extend the boundaries of what they believe is possible. Confidence

comes from being tested and surviving. This creates a high performance team culture which then has to be constantly calibrated by improving the skills and performance of those that aren’t at the right level, or removing them from the group. Finally, we developed a rule that made it very clear what was required; everyone at Blue Sky had to be able to answer both of the following questions: What do you do at Blue Sky that nobody else can do, and what do you own? When people know what these two things are, they feel like they are a valuable team contributor, they feel comfortable in their role, they know what it is, and they know they are secure. And by doing all these things we ended up with almost no staff turnover, we built an ‘owner’s mentality’, and the business took off. What was the single most influential factor in your success? It has absolutely been finding good people and literally loving them to death. I love seeing people maximise their potential and be the best they can be. And when they are doing it tough then making sure you genuinely care for them. The flip side of this is you have to get rid of the bad ones. What is the biggest mistake you have ever made as an entrepreneur? You get really tired sometimes. So every now and again I would ease off the accelerator, almost in hope it was going to get easier. Each and every time I did this, we got bashed. So I learned there is only one speed – full throttle. Once you embrace this then for sure your chances of sustained success are higher. What was your greatest successful moment? On a personal level it was swimming across the English Channel in August 2015. This challenge had morphed into my own personal and very public Grand Final moment, so to get across was a huge relief. From a Blue Sky perspective it was the handover to the team in August 2016. I started the business, but they built it. It was their turn to get a chance to change their own lives, to own the future. They just delivered their results for the financial year without me, and profits were up 54%. One investor called me and said, “I wish you had left earlier!” How do you believe evolving technology will impact the way we do business over the next ten years? One of my tech friends tells me there have been a number of gold rushes in technology and the new one is Artificial Intelligence. The applications of this technology appear almost endless, so it seems likely AI will become a part of everyday life over the next few years. How do you recharge your batteries? What do you do to relax? To be honest, there was just no chance to do that during the decade at Blue Sky from startup. I learned to manage this by staying “fittish”, not drinking much, and on occasion getting myself somewhere where there was no email or phone access. I’m still adapting to a new lifestyle, but for now I’m just happy to be in the sanctuary of our new home and spending more time with Heidi and the boys. What do you know today that you wish you knew when you first started? That human beings are capable of both the best and worst things in life. Watch what they do, not what they say. Always focus on the evidence and the outcomes, not the activity and noise. Who is your hero and why? I’ve got lots and lots of heroes. So many people added so much to my life at different times. I liked the concept of taking just a little piece of good from all of them and building that into a personal toolkit for use through the various challenges life throws at you. I think about those people all the time, and always make sure they know I love what they did for me in that moment, or moments.

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COMMUNITY

What Makes A

Sensory

SuperHero? WORDS: Kristine Lane PHOTOS: Contributed

When a seven-year-old boy with Asperger’s visited Burpengary Occupational Therapist, Deb Bone, he brought with him a history of behavioural problems, learning difficulties, and motor coordination issues. Having also been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), his constant search for stimulation was getting him into trouble, much to the chagrin of both his parents and himself. After numerous therapy sessions, coupled with the use of sensory aids such as compression clothing and textured items, this young boy’s life improved dramatically. Empowered by his newly-controlled sensory system, the idea of a ‘Sensory Superhero’ became entrenched. Deb and her business partner, Jenna Schade, have taken this concept on board, recently launching their business, Sensory Super Heroes, which provides therapy, strategies, and physical aids to kids with SPD. Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition that affects one in 20 children. It’s a neurological dysfunction whereby a person struggles to cope with either an overload of sensory input or continually seeks sensory stimulation. Be it through movement, touch, smell, sight, sound, or taste, people with the disorder can be so adversely affected that it impinges on everyday life. As an Occupational Therapist of 25 years both here and in America, Deb has seen first-hand the difficulties people with SPD, notably children, suffer, and feels it is her and Jenna’s mission to accommodate the needs of those with

SPD, which often goes hand in hand with ASD, Autism and ADHD. “Basically, I got sick of seeing the parents, kids, and teachers struggling and not having any knowledge, training or resources to deal with the everyday needs of these kids,” says Deb. “The system here in Australia just isn’t working, and one of our aims is to help those on the spectrum or with sensory issues to make everyday life more enjoyable.”. From selling specialised products at their headquarters in Burpengary, visiting schools in the area for consultations to give advice on how to restructure classrooms, product demonstrations, and presenting at Sensory expos and markets, this pair has already made positive impacts on many families in the area. Deb affectionately names each one of her clients a Superhero, understanding that once their internal engine has been super-tuned and they feel better, they can then navigate this world a lot easier. “If someone with SPD knows their own sensory profile, embraces who they are, and isn’t afraid of being adaptable and forward thinking, then the empowered individual can be ready for anything. Their powers are limitless once they have weapons in their arsenal to create change,” says Deb.

September 2017

Feature

21 22 OCT 17 COMING TO CABOOLTURE Join us for the inaugural Generate Creative Festival - A brand new 2-day event celebrating art, design and technology with music, street performances and markets

GENERATEFESTIVAL .COM.AU

COMMUNITY

BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR

WYLLIE PARK WORDS AND PHOTOS: Melina Simpson

The community can enjoy electric BBQs, fitness equipment, shaded playground, picnic tables, rubbish bins, shelters, toilets and water fountains

Situated on Gympie Road, Petrie, Wyllie Park runs alongside the North Pine River and includes ample facilities for a great day outdoors. Located within walking distance of local cafes at the Petrie roundabout and close to public transport, the park is effortlessly accessible. Being part of a large network of parks nestled alongside the river also means that residents can walk or ride along the pathways, and enjoy the large variety of native fauna and flora in the area. The park has recently reopened after closure to remove large Pinus elliottii, or Slash Pines. After inspection by arborists last year, the trees were declared to be in decline and in need of removal to maintain park safety. An introduced species originating from the USA, Slash pines are regarded as an environmental weed in Queensland, so Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) were willing to replace them with 40 species of native trees endemic to the area, and in keeping with the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection’s, Vegetation Management Plan. Councillor Denise Sims values the inclusion of Araucaria cunninghamii – Hoop pine, and Eucalyptus propinqua – Grey gum, to the park. “Hoop pines and eucalyptus trees are intrinsically linked with the Petrie area, so I’m thrilled to see planting of these native varieties now complete for the community to enjoy,” Cr Sims stated. “The eucalyptus trees have been strategically planted close to the riverbank to enhance koala habitat, while the hoop pines have been planted in a radial pattern as a nod to the site’s past.” The original patterned planting of slash pines dates back to the early to mid 1900’s, when Wyllie Park was one of a series of rest stops for travellers heading up the coast on what was then the Old Bruce Highway. Cars could stop under a shady tree, rest up, and use the facilities of the park before continuing on their journey.

A lack of caravan and camping parks at the time eventually led to rest stops such as Wyllie Park being well used as overnight camping areas. By 1955, Main Roads Department restricted stays to 48 hours to ensure park facilities remained available for casual use. Until this year, Wyllie Park was one of only two remaining rest areas which allowed free overnight stays for motorised homes and contained vans. Over the past few years, constant misuse of the park has stretched council and police resources, and following complaints by fellow campers, police and local residents over damage to the park’s infrastructure and surrounding environment, the privilege of overnight camping at Wyllie Park has now been removed. This will see the park restored to its original use as a well-facilitated rest area and one of the region’s valued heritage sites. Alternate camping grounds can be accessed for a small fee a couple of kilometres south of Wyllie Park at Pine Rivers Showgrounds, Gympie Road, Lawnton. This site is pet friendly with facilities including big rig parking, dump point, powered sites, showers, toilets and drinking water. Interested travellers can contact the Showgrounds caretaker on 0459 023 346 for further information. Where people in need of more permanent accomodation are identified, MBRC continues to liaise closely with the responsible State Government agency (Department of Housing and Public Works) to enable appropriate referrals and support services to be provided. Although temporary fencing will remain at Wyllie Park while the new trees continue to establish themselves, this delightful park, abundant in history and nature, is now open for the whole community to enjoy.

September 2017

Feature

Health + Try Dry Needling

PAGE 34

magic macros

PAGE 36

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HEALTH

Dry Needling

PROMOTION

SUFFERING FROM MUSCLE ACHES, TENSION AND PAIN? TRY DRY NEEDLING!

ry needling is a treatment technique administered by physiotherapists to treat specific neuromuscular problems (muscles, joints, nerve) contributing to pain. More than 85% of people suffer from myofascial pain at some point throughout their lifetime, with common locations being the lower back, neck and shoulders. Dry needling has been used for over 50 years, and research studies have found treated patients report reductions in pain, increased range of motion and improved function in everyday tasks. What is dry needling? Dry needling uses a very fine sterile needle, which is carefully inserted into specific muscles/ areas of the body. Depending on the desired effect, the needles are usually left in place for 5-10 minutes. For maximum benefits, dry needling is best used as an adjunct to other physiotherapy treatments. How does it actually work? The insertion of the needle into the soft tissues has effects at both the local level (area where the needle is) as well as the peripheral and central neural

systems (nerves). In simple terms, inserting a needle into taut bands of muscles (a.k.a. ‘knots’, trigger points) can stimulate a muscular twitch response which works to relieve tension/spasms/ tightness of particular muscles which are contributing to your pain and limited joint range. The needle also stimulates nerves and the release of chemicals (e.g. serotonin, potassium, endorphins) that increases the input to the central nervous system. This aims to close the ‘gates’ of pain inputs, which then downgrades the feeling of pain. An inflammatory response is also created to facilitate blood flow and any desired healing process. In comparison, acupuncture is largely based on western/chinese medical principles to create a balance/flow of energy through the body by using specific meridian points. Does dry needling hurt? The insertion of the needle may elicit a short-lasting sting-like feeling. Sometimes a brief muscle twitch is noted which feels like a minor cramp/spasm for a millisecond. When the needles are left in place, pain is usually no longer felt. After needling, sometimes tenderness is felt in the area for up to a day, with most

September 2017

people able to continue their day as normal. If dry needling is for you, an effect is usually noticed after 1-2 treatments. Will dry needling work for me? Common conditions which respond well to dry needling may include: • Neck and low back pain • Hip pain • Sciatica • Shoulder pain • Bursitis • Tendon pain (e.g. tennis elbow, achilles tendinitis) • Plantar fasciitis • Headaches All of our Physiotherapists at Moreton All Body Care are qualified to administer dry needling (if indicated) and can do so in a usual 30 minute appointment with NO EXTRA COSTS. During the consultation, the physiotherapist may use other manual treatments and provide you with exercises to perform at home to augment the effects of the dry needling and to manage recurrences. For more information or to book an appointment, please contact us on 07 3886 9470 (Narangba) or 07 3888 6699 (Burpengary).

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HEALTH

4 calories ! per gram

MAGIC MACROS What exactly are macros? Short for macronutrients, macros refers to carbs, fat and protein - the three basic components of every diet. We need them to feel energetic and strong, and for our bodies to grow, function and perform their best. So why do we need these macronutrients and what do they do for us? Well let’s break it down.

PROTEIN

You will have heard of many diets that focus on high protein, with the Atkins diet being one of the popular ones that was very much protein orientated. Arguably, in the world of fitness nutrition, protein is essentially associated with muscle building, but it is also the core component of organs, bones, hair, enzymes and pretty much all other types of tissue in the body. Complete proteins are found in animal products such as meat, eggs and milk.

WORDS: Mel Toraya, Fit2Live

4 calories ! per gram

s 9 Calorie ! per gram CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates can be likened to the kindling of a fire. While they may get the flame started, they won’t keep it going. Carbs provide quick energy to the brain and body, which tends to be the reason we crave them (i.e. sugar). We understand that carbs will give us a quick hit, and we’ll end up with a burst of energy. This makes them great for pre-workout fuel or an afternoon pick-me-up. Carbs are either simple or complex. Your complex carbs come from healthy starches, while your simple carbs come from sugars. These sugars head directly into the bloodstream and fizzle out fast, hence the sudden spike and drop we often get after a meal heavy in carbs. Your healthier options for carbs include fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts, as well as whole grains.

FATS

I know a lot of us fear fats, but they are the firewood to our fire. They are satiating and provide us with sustainable, long-lasting energy. They’re the key to endurance, and they’re what will keep us going, with the body needing around 20% of our diet to consist of ‘good’ fats (the unsaturated kind) to function well. There are three main types of dietary fats which I’m sure we have all heard of.

Although bodies are complicated in their nutritional needs, meeting those nutritional needs is not complicated. In fact it’s really quite simple…just eat REAL FOOD.

•

Saturated Fat – found in foods like meat, butter and cream (animal sources).

•

Unsaturated Fat – these are the ‘good’ fats found in foods like olive oil, avocado, nuts and coconut oil (plant sources).

•

Trans Fats – found in commercially produced baked goods, snack foods, fast foods and some margarines.

Mel Toraya is a mother of two, Lifestyle Advocator, Doctor of Change and a Food Educator, amongst others. Her company, Fit2live, focuses health, fitness, personal training, small group training and optimal nutrition. If you need help on your path to health, contact Mel on 0429 612 323.

September 2017

Feature

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SENIORS

NOURISHING OUR ELDERLY COMMUNITY WORDS: Nicholas Hastie, Just Better Care North

Nutrition is such a vital component of everyday life as it is one of the most important factors in achieving a healthy lifestyle, and throughout our lifecycle, nutrition is important for varying reasons. Nutrition for the elderly is very crucial in regards to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life. Despite the importance of nutrition being emphasised in this demographic, malnutrition is still quite frequent. Malnutrition in the elderly can arise due to a handful of reasons including a decreased ability to perform daily activities such as cooking and shopping, poor-fitting dentures or dentition, dry mouth, poor digestion or absorption of nutrients, chronic diseases, decreased smell and taste sensations and medication interference. Once malnutrition becomes established within an elderly individual, it can lead to increased risks of chronic disease, weight loss, depression and poor immunity, along with nutrient deficient related symptoms. Tailored meal plans may present a solution to combat this preventable condition that can decrease oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life. Meal plans can be of varying durations depending on dietary restrictions and/or choices such as vegetarian, dairy free and low carbohydrate. These dietary plans involve preparing good quality, nutrient rich, and (most importantly), delicious and visually aesthetic food to encourage regular, healthy eating, whilst promoting a positive ideology around food itself. Often accompanied by easy resources, meal plans encourage meal preparation by the users. It is important to note that individuals with certain health conditions are advised to visit their dietitian or healthcare professional for a personalised diet plan. Home care providers are able to assist people with meal preparation (and the shopping prior to!) in their own homes.

Nicholas Hastie (Bachelor of Health Sciences, UQ) works alongside Just Better Care Brisbane North (Kallangur) and is passionate about the nutritional awareness of our elderly community. To find out more about newly developed meal plans available to their customers with a Home Care Package, contact Just Better Care Brisbane North on 3056 0777.

September 2017

Feature

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FEATURE

A Love of All Things Austen

WORDS AND PHOTO: Kirsti Lines

September 2017

Feature

he romance, the assembly balls, the matchmaking mothers – Jane Tawkward Austen encapsulated them all. Her books devoured during my teens, and sometimes still in my burdensome adulthood,

have always carried me away into a world of Regency delight. Reread, recaptured, revered – I can’t get enough, nor of any TV adaptation and event encouraging the donning of a pretty muslin dress and a bit of lace. I wouldn’t call myself a re-enactment junkie, rather, just someone who but once a year is lucky enough to escape into Romantic regalia. In a dress and pelisse, and clutching a parasol and a half-finished tapestry, I fling modern day entrapments aside and in a dreamlike state, waltz, in costume, into an afternoon nestled amongst the prettyish little wilderness surrounding Caboolture’s Abbey Museum. A well-known corner for a lesser-known occasion, A Picnic at Pemberley is the one event inked on my dance card every year without fail – sunshine or rain, with or without friends – my eternal partner, nostalgia. A Picnic at Pemberley has become my pilgrimage, a bridge crossed over into a world of magic where I meet like-minded people who mingle and immerse in all things Austen. Dancing, croquet, archery – activities to set the eyes aflutter; militia displays, historical presentations, fashion parades – sensory delights to satisfy any wannabe time traveller. Anyone privileged enough to visit this intimate corner of Caboolture, casting an eye over the sea of costumed attendees, could not help but feel as if they were participants in a BBC dramatisation. Bonnets bob, coat-tails flicker, and classical music floats upon the air as a symphony of souls gather to pay homage to a bygone era. The Big Afternoon Tea, served with sweet Regency delicacies, allows for beautiful, peaceful moments to recline on the lawn, cup of tea in hand, to do what has become sadly lost in today’s society… talk. Converse, chat, titter – face-to-face, eye to eye – not with half interested nods whilst scrolling through Facebook or Twitter. Austen, feminist writer and clever satirist, would be aghast if such impoliteness occurred I’m sure, so I relish the rarest of opportunities where I can be part of a forum, act on a stage, and practise the art of olde English etiquette. Austen - intelligent woman, witty author, painter of people – artfully composed characters and plots that touch us deeply still. Be they affairs of the heart, stately affairs or a fair few critiques about 18th Century customs, Austen became the queen of sentimentality. I remember my first reading of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ as a latecomer to the club, poignantly closing its covers and appreciating the duplexity of a novel that was both a manual for love and almanac for marriage. Was Austen then, as an astute observer and gifted writer, merely the product of the Romantic era, or actually one of its finest producers? Byron, Shelley, Keats… they all had an influence, but none more so than Austen. Marriage, she advocated, should be for love rather than necessity. As though peering through the looking glass of time, Austen created a template for our romantic ideals and genteel fantasies today. And who could dare contend with the search for the fulfilment of life if there were no hope of true love, authentic honesty, and accomplished virtuosity? Hollywood, I’m sure, would be truly lost. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Austen’s untimely death, and her legacy lives on, whispering through time as though extending a hand to those of us who dare dream. I grasp it and hold it, willing to be drawn into that domain of which my imagination soars. Mr Darcy is there – handsome and gentleman-like, as too the Bennet sisters, Emma, Ann, Captain Wentworth, Marianne and Elinor - all of us sharing a page in a book so crafted with fancy and history. A Picnic at Pemberley on September 2 will be my go-to place when spring has sprung and jubilation fills the air. A picnic hamper I’ll take, and once again I’ll revel in the characterisations of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth welcoming us Janeites to the biggest garden party this side of Brisbane. Again they’ll mosey around, encouraging high talk and manners, proudly reciting vintaged words of Austen lore; pride in their stature, prejudiced only to those who do not believe. I’ll also enjoy what’s new on offer this year – as a truth universally acknowledged - that variety is the spice of life. Additional Georgian pastimes such as craft activities, embroidery, painting, talks in the uses of herbs, and a showing of the Museum’s artwork, will only add to the buffet of delectable dishes already on offer at this not-to-be-missed event. So I say to you, Austen fans alike, grab your gloves, alight your carriages, and come with me to A Picnic at Pemberley, and allow your appetite for all things frivolous and Regency to be spectacularly satiated. For event information: http://abbeymuseum.com.au/

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EDUCATION

Burpengary State School

2017 ARTS FESTIVAL WORDS: Kristine Lane PHOTOS: Contributed

n Friday, September 8, Burpengary State School will once again hold its O spectacular biennial Arts Festival, exhibiting a wide array of student art in every domain. From painting, sculpture, photography, video, dance and drama, to instrumental music and choral ensembles, every student will have at least one piece of artwork displayed, highlighting the talent and hard work of Burpengary State School students.

“Roll up, roll up, art exhibits abound! Come along to Burpengary State School grounds...” With the purpose of the Festival being to showcase student work and foster developmental art and thinking skills, Principal Brad Fox says, “We aim to develop avenues for deep and diverse thinking, creativity and expression, which, as we are all well-aware of, the 21st century demands from people more and more. The Arts have a distinct and untapped capacity to release these amazing cognitive and imaginative abilities, and we want to exhibit our students’ wonderful capabilities and accomplishments.” Burpengary State School’s third Arts Festival is expected to draw a crowd of at least 3,000 people, who can view the spectacle of 992 students’ multiple artworks. Accompanied by a twilight market, and with the school’s P&C providing food and drink, this suburban Woodfordia promises to attract huge community support. Mr Fox says, “Students get a genuine sense of achievement that comes from hard work, culminating in a real-life event, personal satisfaction, a feeling that they have been part of something great, and a prioritised sense of community.” Like previous years, students have completed their artwork in class and during special event days where local artists come to the school and work with the students. “At the moment, one of the strengths of the program is that the artwork is all related to the Australian Curriculum, but as we grow, develop and mature in The Arts, it is expected that the work will begin to come from the students more spontaneously and creatively in their own time,’ says Mr Fox. With the students being the drivers of their own creative work, and teachers merely the passengers guiding the choreography of the dance and dramatic script performances, the quality of the art produced has expounded over the years. Mr Fox explains, “Last year, we had our first award-winning student piece which will be on display in the student gallery, plus we had a wonderful indigenous display from Murgon. This year’s promises to be another extravaganza of art and performance, and so my message is simple - if you are not there, you’ll miss out on something spectacular.”

September 2017

Feature

To Homework or Not to Homework Make Your Homework Hassle Free Page 44

Page 46

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EDUCATION

TO HOMEWORK OR NOT TO HOMEWORK? WORDS: Kristine Lane

To homework or not to homework? That is the question which invariably results in many different answers.

It denies time spent on leisure, sport and family activities.

From absolute refusal to quivering acceptance, people can be divided in their opinions. Kids, as we know, spurn it and do everything in their power to avoid it – that’s just atypical kid behaviour. But why do the parents?

Kids need a break from the heavy demands of school It interferes with a child’s home and personal life too much.

There are many legitimate reasons for parents justifying why they don’t enforce schoolwork at home. And when we see successful people promoted in the media espousing their unrestrictive, carefree school days, there is definitely a point to be made that homework does not always maketh the person. From a micro to macro level, the reasons for no homework can be summed up as thus:

There can be too much stress involved fighting with a child who refuses to do it. There’s more to life than homework, especially if it is too hard and burdensome. Homework has been around since the dawn of institutionalised schooling, set by those who wanted to help children expand their mind - irrespective if said child wanted it expanded or not. But whilst societies and times progress and change, sometimes keeping with the status quo should not always be considered a bad thing. Homework was invented for a reason, and for many participants it has served them well. It helps to: Reinforce material learnt or forgotten earlier in class – brains only soak in a part of what is said, seen or heard at any one point in time. Develop time management, study skills, and prioritising. Provide a base in which teachers and parents can keep track of progress, or lack thereof. Teaches students how to work independently.

But the most important thing that has been found to be true is that homework teaches an invaluable life skill: selfdiscipline. Irrespective of whether you are gifted or have a learning difficulty, homework will help develop the faculty of doing something that one does not want to, but has to. And self-discipline is one crucial factor in the survival and success of adult life. As even Hamlet says, “I must be cruel to be kind, thus bad begins and worse remains behind.”

Kristine Lane is a local teacher and writer. You can follow her on Twitter (@kwersty) or email her your question via editor@ featuremagazine.com.au.

September 2017

Feature

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EDUCATION

Hassle Free Homework R WORDS: Karen Carter , Kip McGrath Burpengary

egardless of whether you agree or disagree that homework is important to the academic success of the child, the fact remains that the majority of teachers set homework for their students and expect it to be completed. There are as many forms of homework as there are teachers and schools, with no two being exactly alike. No matter the type of homework set, there are effective ways to ensure that children get the most from their homework experience whilst at the same time allowing parents to retain their sanity.

A habit is a routine of behaviour that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously. So how can we help our children to develop good homework habits? All children are unique and have different study habits but some general guidelines can be applied to students of all ages. •

Designate a regular, consistent time and place. Avoid conflict by allowing your child to have a say in the decision making of when and where regular homework will take place. Possible places could include the kitchen table or a desk in the child’s room. Negotiate when homework will be done; e.g. after dinner, before television, not on soccer practice days etc.

•

Keep the space organised by having a homework kit. This could include pens and pencils, stationery, rulers, erasers, scissors, glue, notepaper, sticky tape etc. Having the materials needed on hand to complete tasks and projects, makes for efficient time management. Encourage your child to let you know when they need new supplies.

•

Minimise distractions. Turn off the television, computer screens (unless needed for research) and phones so your child can concentrate on the job at hand. Homework is set for, and should be done by, the child. Be available to assist them if necessary but encourage independent thinking and problem solving skills.

•

Manage time effectively. The age and developmental level of your child will dictate the amount of time needed to effectively keep on top of homework. High school students would be expected to spend more time each day on homework as they have multiple subjects to juggle. Younger students however would be expected to spend much shorter time periods per day on set homework tasks. Use a wall calendar to keep track of homework assignment due dates, as well as family and other commitments that may need to be worked around.

•

Keep in touch with your child’s teacher. Check that your child is meeting their homework expectations. If they are finding the homework too difficult or too easy, make a point of discussing alternate options or modified homework to better suit their level of understanding.

Love it or hate it, homework is here to stay for the foreseeable future. By encouraging and developing consistent homework habits with your child, the exercise should become more hassle free. Karen Carter is Co-Director at Kip McGrath Education Centre Burpengary, providing professional tuition by qualified teachers in Maths and English for Primary and Secondary students. Contact us at www.kipmcgrath.com.au/burpengary or on 3888 2332 or 0488 445 776 for a free assessment.

September 2017

Feature

GRACE SWIMMING OPEN DAY

Face Painting Balloon Twisting Grace Swimming Club BBQ

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PETS

TICK TOCK WORDS: Leichelle McMahon, Pet Supersavers Kallangur

Spring has sprung, meaning new pollens, flowers, hotter and longer days, and the emergence of fleas and ticks! These bloodsucking demons are the most annoying thing to our pets. Fleas mean bites, scratching and a potential flea allergy. Ticks however are a different kettle of fish entirely. There are a few different types of ticks – bush ticks, brown dog ticks and the deadly paralysis tick. In Moreton Bay, we usually see the paralysis tick seasonally from September through to March – but for the last year – we have seen paralysis ticks all year round. Paralysis ticks inject a neurotoxin into the bloodstream of their host when they are taking a blood meal. This toxin causes progressive paralysis of muscles throughout the body. If you find a tick on your pet, it is best to identify which one it is first. If light grey in colour, with legs up near the head, it is a paralysis tick. If your pet is exhibiting the following symptoms, please go to your vet straight away, as left untreated, paralysis ticks can be fatal. Symptoms in first stages of tick poisoning: • • • • • • •

a change in bark or meow increased or laboured breathing coughing excessive salivation vomiting or regurgitation weakness in the hind legs, which typically progresses to involve the forelimbs also reluctance to get up or walk

Treatments can vary, but the main drug used to treat tick paralysis is an injection of hyperimmune anti-serum into the vein. This is a blood product collected from dogs that have been exposed to paralysis ticks over a long period. It contains antibodies against the toxins, so once it is given to an animal, any toxin that is still present will be removed and won’t cause any more paralysis. It can take a few days to a number of weeks to recover from tick poisoning – so prevention is better than cure! There are a few topical medications, collars and oral treatments available for dogs to prevent ticks: NexGard: an oral chew that lasts one month for fleas and ticks. Bravecto: an oral chew that lasts four months for ticks and three months for fleas. Seresto collar: kills fleas for eight months and ticks for four months. Adult ticks can live up to three years without a blood meal, so it is important to treat all year round. The newest product released to the market is NexGard Spectra, a monthly chew which not only prevents fleas and ticks but also heartworm and intestinal worms.

Ixodes Holocyclus: Females responsible for Paralysis Male Non Toxic

Unengorged

Partially Engorged

September 2017

Fully Engorged

Feature

Licroice This black, strapping young man has never had a home. He is s very cheeky and loves cuddles on his time! Licroice came to Brisbane back in December 2015 at eight weeks old, rescued from a Rockhampton pound death row. He has never had a meet-andgreet. Desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea-treated. Adoption price is $100. Book a meet-and-greet with Licroice on 3142 3496.

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HOME

10 Fantastic Reasons to Start a Garden WORDS Oxmar Properties

If you are looking for that little extra push to getting the garden of your dreams started, check out this list of ten great reasons to do just that. You might be surprised at how much a garden can do for you, the world around you, and your whole family too. Contribute to the Environment Growing a garden rather than spending money on vegetables grown with pesticides will help your back pocket and the environment. Help the Bees Growing bee-attracting plants will provide them with a supply of pollen and nectar, helping the survival of bees and therefore the planet. Relax There is nothing quite as relaxing as being able to spend time out in your own garden. This can be an excellent way to wind down after a particularly tough day at work. Get a Workout If you need to get out and get active a little more, you might be surprised at how quickly you will break a sweat when you go digging in your garden. Help the Neighbourhood Take extra veggies to your neighbours or even sell them at a booth at your local farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market. Educate the Family If you have little members of your family, you can teach them a lot about how plants grow and what the weather does to contribute to that by letting them get involved in the garden. Get a Hobby Sometimes, you might feel as though you are stuck in a rut. If you get a new hobby, you might be able to pull yourself out of that rut and find something you really love and enjoy doing. Grow Fresh Food Fresh food tastes much better than food that has been shipped in to your local grocery store. Bring fresh ingredients to the table for a huge difference in flavour. Get Some Air If you have an office job, you might not get out of the house too often. Having a garden can give you some incentive to get some fresh air every day. Decorate Your Home Growing flowers or ornamental plants can give you a great solution for decorating your home. Freshly grown flowers from the garden look beautiful at any time of the year. Are you ready to get out there and start your garden yet? With so many compelling reasons, you are sure to find the right cause to help you get motivated toward building the garden of your dreams!

September 2017

Feature

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DINING

HUNGRY? EAT LOCAL!

Whether you are in the mood for an intimate evening, a casual meal or a quick bite, there is a dining option for everyone in our local community. Try these local venues or make your own gourmet meal with our monthly recipe.

NARANGBA VALLEY TAVERN

37-47 Golden Wattle Drive, Narangba Phone: 3491 1000 www.narangbatavern.com.au

Our Bar & Grill has a delicious a la carte menu available, along with new lunch specials (Monday to Friday) and nightly meal deals. The Bar & Grill hosts 250 seats with a large indoor/ outdoor kids play area.

CREEKSIDE CAFE Full breakfast & lunch menu. Home baked cakes & slices. Non-profit 793 Oakey Flat Road, cafe. Supporting the needs of our Morayfield [Carmichael College] community locally and globally. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! Family friendly including children’s playground. OPEN: Tuesday - Friday 8am to 4pm Saturday 7am to 2pm

Narangba Valley S/Centre Phone: 3385 5161

VALLEY COFFEE

PAPPI’S CAFE

A relaxed family atmosphere to enjoy Merlo coffee, a selection of teas, cakes and freshly prepared light meals.

Sandwiches, hot food, gourmet salads, breakfast and coffee. We specialise in corporate catering.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Cnr Boundary Rd & Steel St Narangba Dine in and Takeaway Phone: 3204 0047

MENTION THIS AD FOR A 10% DISCOUNT.

OPEN: Monday - Friday 5am to 2pm

OPEN: Monday - Friday 7am to 3pm Saturday & Sunday 7.30am to 12noon

EMILIO’S CAFE

TOMMY & E SPECIALTY COFFEE

33 Progress Road, Burpengary

The combination of Cleanskin Coffee Company’s delicately roasted beans and Aaron and his staff’s brew mastery. THE SMELL OF GOOD COFFEE!

OPEN: Mon to Thurs 6.30am to 2.30pm

Fri 6.30am to 1pm Sat 8am to 12noon

8/1380 Anzac Ave, Kallangur Dine in and Takeaway Phone: 3482 2200

OPEN: Monday - Friday 6.30am to 2pm

THE HIDEOUT COFFEE HOUSE

Narangba Station Plaza Opp Narangba Train Station Phone: 3886 7573

Nestled next to LJ Hooker on Main Street, Narangba. Rustic envrionment, a great place to relax with a coffee made from quality local coffee beans.

Slo Poke American BBQ An Authentic Americal Barbeque right in the midst of Burpengary. Try out Donut breakfast on Sunday Morning! Fully Licensed. 15/157 Station Road, (near Foodworks), Burpengary

GLORIA JEANS BURPENGARY Plaza,

inside

Woolworths. Serving both dark and medium roasted coffee to suit all tastes.

CAPPY HOUR MON TO FRI 6AM TO 7AM

Tea, Hot Chocolates, Chillers, Cakes +

10% OFF food + drink combos

passion and enthusiasm for coffee.

OPEN: Mon to Fri 6am to 5.30pm

Savoury options. Come and share our

Sat 7am to 4.30pm

Saturday 6.30am to 11.30am

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

OPEN for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday and 6am to 10am on Sunday

OPEN: Monday - Friday 5.30am to 4.30pm Saturday 7.30am to 2pm

Burpengary

Enjoy our $6.00 Bacon and Egg all day Breakfast with an award winning coffee whilst you relax in our family friendly cafe.

Sun 8.30am to 4pm

September 2017

Make Our Customers, Your Customers! Direct our readers to your cafe or restaurant! Reach thousands of local customers via our dining guide! Advertising from $70 +GST per month (based on a twelve month booking)

Call Darren on 0416 430 792

Feature

Dining Guide Gourmet Recipes with Shirely Harring, Hand Sourced

Heritage Chicken in Beer A simple recipe that’ll satisfy the family and give dad the bonus of a Father’s Day beer. A perfect Sunday lunch with a side salad, crusty buttered bread and a bottle of dad’s favourite craft brew. To service a bigger family, simply double the ingredients – this recipe is very forgiving. Ingredients 8 chicken Marylands, skin on Flour, seasoned with salt, pepper and a little paprika Chicken fat or duck fat, around 2 tablespoons 2 large brown onions, sliced into rings 1 tablespoon soy sauce 375 ml bottle craft beer – any good quality craft brew works here 1/3 cup thick pure cream Method 1. Toss marylands in seasoned flour to coat, and brown evenly in the melted chicken or duck fat. 2. As chicken pieces are cooked, set aside to drain. Tip onion rings into remaining chicken fat and cook over a slow heat, until translucent and beginning to brown. 3. Return chicken to pan, and sit atop the onions. 4. Pour soy sauce and beer over the contents and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid, and place in oven for 30 minutes and simmer until cooked – around 45 minutes. 5. Remove from heat, add cream, and mix lightly to combine.

Hand Sourced is a small, niche market product distribution company that actively works as a farmer’s advocacy collaborative at no cost to the farmer. We source and supply ethically raised premium produce, farmer direct, for consumer supply. By raising the bar on how you can expect fresh, quality-raised produce to taste, we make ethical eating easy. www.handsourced.com.au

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The

OPINION

FLIP SIDE WORDS Alex Habilay and Rebecca Fawcett-Smith

He Says: Introverts hide away in the beautiful

She Says: If you had asked me six years ago whether I was

It might be because I’m keen on botany, but I prefer a wallflower any day. We linger on the outskirts of parties with good friends and banter, and take root in the walls to watch the night unfold before us.

According to experts, introversion and extroversion are only a spectrum, with no one strictly one way or the other. Extroverts gain energy from social situations, whereas introverts recharge by spending time alone. In the middle are ambiverts, who recharge and regain their energy through a mixture of both.

an introvert or an extrovert, I would have without hesitation proclaimed myself an extrovert. I was super confident, willing and able to speak my mind and reluctant to relinquish a karaoke mike. Now, at the ripe old age of forty-one, I consider myself more of an introvert, and it is an interesting place to find myself. How did I go from being an outie to an innie?

privacy of their own minds, extroverts weave the world to their will with an aura of charm, while ambiverts sit firmly on the fence. Our race is built from these three primary traits, with each birthing leaders, rebels and sheep. What are you?

My partner on the other hand has more gravity than the sun. From afar I watch the room spiral around her as she tames the night. Her magnetism fries phones and keeps her audience immersed, and she has such a pull that she can uproot me and send me spinning in an alien space; the dancefloor.

Looking back, I think I have always been an introvert at heart. Team sports were never my thing, my circle of friends has always been small, and without a dose of Dutch courage, I doubt anyone would have heard me belt out Amii Stewart’s ‘Knock On Wood’. While I once may have facilitated workshops, spoken at professional development days and managed events, I have always liked to work in independent roles. Now that I work mostly from home, my world has shrunk, and so too has my comfort with putting myself out there.

Some people say our pairing doesn’t make sense, they say we’re like water and fire. But only a wallflower can see what an extrovert like her does to a room. Nobody has distracted me from my own head like she has. We may be water and fire, but when we mix it gets so steamy that an ambivert might just pop out.

So maybe, rather than sliding along the spectrum, this innie has just come out. WANT OUR OPINION? Send us an email via editor@featuremagazine.com.au

Puzzles

#20. Solution on Page 59

Puzzle 20 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.45)

MEDIUM

2 6

2 8

8 7

7 3

5 8

7 6

4 7 4

September 2017

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Jan 5 06:27:02 2016 GMT. Enjoy!

5 9

HARD

Puzzle 20 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.68)

8 7

Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Tue Jan 5 06:28:27 2016 GMT. Enjoy!

9 7

Feature

Real Estate Guide Your Local

THE BENEFITS OF STAGING YOUR HOME FOR SALE Page 56

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REAL ESTATE

The Benefits of Staging Your Home for Sale

Words: Gina Wells, Raine &Horne Burpengary

ome staging is the act of preparing a private residence for sale in the real estate marketplace. The goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. Because nearly 90% of home buyers start their search on the internet, staging is a good way to make sure online photos ‘pop’. Home sellers spend an average of $1,800 to stage a home, but costs can range from a couple of hundred dollars to $5,000 or more. You do not have to own a million-dollar home to stage. Any home can be staged big or small and in any area. A recent study in America showed that for every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400. A staged home will sell for 17% more on average than a non-staged home, and 95% of staged homes sell in 11 days or less. Staging is happening more and more in Australia and the agents and buyers love it! Boosting curb appeal is something you always hear, and with very good reason. Many people thinking of touring your home will do a quick drive-by first, often deciding on the spot if it is even worth a look inside. Make sure your home is ready to lure in onlookers with these tips:

Welcome visitors with an inviting 1entry, porch. Even if you only have a tiny make it say ‘welcome home’ with a clean doormat, potted plants in bloom and — if you have room — one or two pieces of neat outdoor furniture. Keep your entrance lights on in the evenings, in case potential buyers drive by. Illuminating the front walk with solar lights is a nice extra touch, especially if you will be showing the house during the evening.

Get your house sparkling clean. 2 From shining floors and gleaming windows to clean counters and

scrubbed grout, every surface should sparkle. This is the easiest (well, maybe not the easiest, but certainly the cheapest) way to help your home put its best foot forward. You may want to hire pros to do some of the really tough stuff, especially if you have a large house. Don’t skimp — this step is key!

Clear away all clutter. If you are 3 serious about staging your home, all clutter must go, end of story. It’s

not easy, and it may even require utilising offsite storage (or a nice relative’s garage) temporarily, but it is well worth the trouble. Clean and clear surfaces, floors, cupboards and closets equal more space in the eyes of potential buyers, so purge anything unnecessary or unsightly.

Strike a balance between clean 4 and lived-in. Yes, I know I just said to get rid of all your clutter (and you

deserve a big pat on the back if you did it), but now it’s time to judiciously

bring back a few elements that will really make your home appealing. Think vases of cut flowers, a basket of fresh produce on the kitchen counter or a bowl of lemons beside the sink. Style your dining room table. The 5 dining room is often a blind spot in decorating the home. Between

dinners, a large dining table can look bare and uninviting, so styling it up with visitors in mind can increase the appeal. An oversize arrangement can look too stiff and formal, so try lining up a series of smaller objects down the center of the table instead.

Create a gender-neutral master 6 bedroom. Appeal to everyone with a clean, tailored master bedroom, free of personal items and clutter. You can’t go wrong with clean, crisp linens, tasteful artwork and a blanket folded at the foot of the bed.

Use only perfect personal accents. 7important Particularly in the bathroom, it is that anything left out for

visitors to see is pristine. If you have a gorgeous fluffy white bathrobe, hanging it on a decorative hook on the door can be an attractive accent —but if your robe is more of the blue floral variety, you might want to hide it away. Look at every detail with a visitor’s eye — bars of soap should be fresh and clean, towels spotless, and the garbage always emptied (you get the idea). If contestants on ‘The Block’ can do this, then so can you! Google pictures of bedrooms and bathrooms to help you with some ideas.

Gina Wells is a local, licensed and experienced Real Estate Agent. Send your real estate question for Gina via editor@featuremagazine.com.au

September 2017

Feature

Streets Ahead The property market in Burpengary and Narangba is still performing well!

MAY - JULY 2017 BURPENGARY FIGURES

$435,251

$945,000

House Sales

Average House Price

Highest House Sale

$205,400 Lowest House Sale

MAY - JULY 2017 NARANGBA FIGURES

$477,954

$949,000

$211,400

House Sales

Average House Price

Highest House Sale

Lowest House Sale

The Market Price Review Figures have been sourced from Corelogic RP Data to give insight into what has been happening in real estate in Burpengary & Narangba.

REAL ESTATE 58

September 2017

Feature

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