Feature Magazine February 2021 by The Local Times

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ISSUE 69 FEB 2021

Community Magazine

PROSTATE CANCER Where You Can Find Support

Burpengary Bus Stop

NEW GEL GEL BLASTER BLAST TER LAWS S

On The Move!

Will They Affect You?

LOGAN CLARKE Growing Up With Congenital Heart Disease

FEATUREMAGAZINE.COM.AU

February 2021

Feature

CONTENTS

From the Editor...

ON THE COVER

The February issue is back to our full size of 48 pages. We take a look at some developments happening in our suburbs, some warnings and great little stories that touch our hearts. On page 14, Logan Clarke is a cheeky and adventurous toddler who lives with congenital heart disease. His story is one of inspiration, and his parent's unconditional love. He has such a bright future ahead of him, thanks to the marvels of modern medicine.

“That’s the thing with heart defects, it’s fixed now, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fixed forever.”

COVID-19 has given us all a wake-up call in January letting us know just how we are not out of the woods yet. A three-day lockdown was deemed necessary and welcomed by the broader community to keep COVID at bay. What was with the panic buying? At least some households have enough toilet paper and pasta for the next year! We know that following the rules keeps the more vulnerable members of our community safe.

– Rachael Clarke

Straight to the heart of it, p14

Photographer: Contributed

OUR DISTRIBUTION

THIS MONTH

Deception Bay Interchange Upgrade:

Works on the jointly funded $163.3 million Bruce Highway upgrade at the Deception Bay Road Interchange are now underway. Page 4

Samford Music Under the Stars:

Samford’s favourite music event is back in 2021 with a bigger, brand new venue! Page 12

On a brighter note, Clean Up Australia Day is just around the corner but now is the time to register your Clean Up or sign up to a Clean Up. More information on page 10. With two Cyclones this season already, experts are predicting more. While we live in the South-East, we are not altogether immune to the effects of bad weather. This summer is definitely a wet one so let's all stay safe and look out for our neighbours and the elderly in our community. After all, it's what we do.

Facing the Reality of Mortality:

Moreton Bay Regional Prostate Cancer Support Group highlights importance of annual medical check-up. Page 20

@featurecommunitymagazine

Feeling the Heat:

For Josh Channon, the opportunity to become a volunteer firefighter was one he couldn't pass up. Page 22

Roar- Some Talent Hits the Field:

Please dispose of this magazine responsibly by recycling after use.

NEXT ISSUE: March 1 booking and copy deadline:

February 15, 2021

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Narangba’s Archie Mitchell is one step closer to achieving his soccer dream after being accepted into the Brisbane Roar Academy. Page 36

PUBLISHER Feature Magazine 07 3886 9040 PO Box 105, Narangba Qld 4504 EDITOR & ADVERTISING Darren More 0416 430 792 editor@featuremagazine.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS Sheree Hoddinett Jayden Johnston Monica Shanahan Richard Lancaster Moreton All Body Care Lifestyletradie Brisbane YAMAHA RSPCA Bunnings Warehouse Alex Gow Funerals

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DISTRIBUTION Caboolture, Morayfield, Burpengary, Narangba, Dakabin, Kallangur, Petrie, North Lakes, Mango Hill, Deception Bay and online at 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 it’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

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IN BRIEF

Deception Bay Interchange Upgrade Above: Artists impression looking north at the new parallel bridges.

Works on the jointly funded $163.3 million Bruce Highway upgrade at the Deception Bay Road Interchange are now underway after the construction contract was awarded to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd, creating 270 jobs during construction. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Deception Bay Road Interchange upgrade was part of the $12.6 billion Bruce Highway Upgrade Program.

“Because Queenslanders have stepped up to the plate and continue to manage the health impacts of the global pandemic, we’ve been able to get on with this project as well as a $23 billion pipeline of transport and road upgrades for Queensland that’ll mean 21,500 jobs.

“The Australian Government has invested significantly in the projects on the southern end of the Bruce Highway and once open to traffic, these upgrades will continue to support growth in the region,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“The interchange upgrade will support 270 direct jobs throughout its life – from design through to delivery – and once complete will tackle congestion and safety for the thousands of small businesses and families who use the interchange every day.”

“Through the Australian Government’s investment, all Queenslanders, including those travelling home and further north, can expect to see improvements in safety and capacity along the Bruce Highway.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said the Bruce Highway was a major freight transport corridor. Increasing the road capacity would deliver industries greater efficiency in transporting goods and produce to and from markets.

“We are investing in our future beyond COVID-19 by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come, and this project is a perfect example of that. “Our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline will support our economy and create jobs, particularly for those in the construction and building supply chain sectors.” Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the upgrade would form a key part of the Queensland Government’s $3.13 billion to roads and transport program for the fast-growing area, including the $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade from Caboolture to Steve Irwin Way.

“Chris Whiting and Shane King have been huge advocates for this upgrade and, importantly, for creating jobs in the region as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Bailey said.

“The new overpass is welcomed by Deception Bay residents as it will reduce travel time for small and family businesses and help people crossing the highway from Narangba, Burpengary East and Deception Bay,” Mr Howarth said. “Anyone who knows the existing bridge, that is decades old, knows that it is in urgent need of an upgrade and as the Federal Member who fought to get this funding, I am very happy that it is now becoming a reality.” State Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said the upgrade would include two new parallel bridges over the highway, plus upgrades to intersections east and west of the interchange.

February 2021

“Motorists who travel along this stretch of the Bruce Highway know just how heavy traffic can be during rush hour. Right now, drivers are getting stuck during those peak hours along the two-lane bridge,” Mr Whiting said. “Getting the interchange upgraded is needed first so we can then turn our attention to duplicating the remaining section of Deception Bay Road.” State Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said It also adds to our $2.1 billion plan to bust congestion from the Pine River through to the heart of Moreton Bay – including an alternative route to take traffic off the Bruce Highway and upgrades for the Gateway Motorway. “What we’ve also seen at this interchange is vehicles queuing on exit and entry ramps. That presents a safety issue, contributing to high crash rates on the highway and surrounding road network.” Mr King said. “I’m pleased that as part of the upgrade crews will build long on- and off-ramps plus new metering signals to balance that demand as drivers move onto the highway. “For our cyclists, pedestrians and truck drivers there will also be benefits for them with new pathways and an increased height for the new bridges so tall trucks and vehicles don’t need to detour.” The $163.3 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments through an 80:20 funding arrangement. It is expected to be completed in early 2023.

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IN BRIEF

Funerals in a Time of Coronavirus Words: Alex Gow Funerals

Guidelines have been established by our Federal and State Governments designed to help us all minimise the transmission of Coronavirus throughout our community. The details set out in this article is accurate at the time of print. Please check www.qld.gov.au/health and your local authority for up-to-date information regarding restrictions.

set up to Livestream funeral services as a complimentary service. Those who cannot attend can then watch the service live over the internet in the comfort and safety of their own home. After the funeral service, the recording is saved on the Alex Gow website for up to 12 months to watch it and download and save it to your own storage device.

Attendees at funerals [both internal & external] are limited to a maximum of 100 people [family members or friends] plus 3 people to conduct the service, including the priest/celebrant, funeral staff and a videographer - if the service is being webstreamed. Masks must be worn from the time attendees leave their cars until the time they exit the property.

When you can't attend a funeral, you can still show your support to grieving family and friends in the following ways:

These guidelines have reduced the number of people that can be seated in established venues. Still, these changes are for your safety and should be adhered to. For example, the Alex Gow Funerals Deception Bay facility can have 70 inside the chapel itself and a further 30 in the enclosed portico adjoining the chapel area. All other venues you may be considering (e.g. cemeteries, churches, community halls and function rooms) can be assessed for attendee numbers at the arrangement time. Live Streaming The Great Northern Chapel and Crematorium in Deception Bay has been

Check with the deceased's family to see if they're doing a live stream of the funeral service. This way, you can still virtually attend the funeral or watch it at a later time. If the funeral is delayed or reduced to a very short service, you could set some time aside to have your own personal memorial at home. Take some time looking at photographs of the deceased, light a candle, write a message to them or follow any of your own cultural or spiritual rituals. If you are not in isolation, you may be able to visit somewhere meaningful to you or the deceased, keeping in mind social distancing rules. Sending flowers is a simple yet meaningful gesture. You can send them to the funeral home or the home of the bereaved and include a note to express your condolences and sadness for not being able to attend.

Send a sympathy card with a heartfelt message. You may choose to share a favourite memory of the deceased. A short, simple note can provide comfort and let's those who are grieving know that you're thinking of them. Ask if there is an online guest book, for friends and family members to sign and offer their condolences. Family members often find comfort in reading these messages. Having them available online makes it easy to look back on them later. Ask if the deceased has an active social media page where you could write a message. Making a donation in the name of the deceased pays tribute to them and creates a positive impact on the lives of others. Consider writing or recording a message to be read out or played at the funeral. Contact the funeral director for information. After the funeral check in with people, either by telephone, social media or a video call using the internet such as FaceTime or Skype. You could ask someone to call you afterwards to let you know how it went. This is a good opportunity for you to talk about the deceased and share your memories. For more information call Alex Gow Funerals on 3888 3535 or visit Great Northern Gardens of Remembrance at 31-35 Tallowwood Drive, Deception Bay.

USC Makes Almost 1,400 Offers for Places at Moreton Bay Campus USC has so far made almost 1,400 offers of study for Semester 1 this year at its Moreton Bay campus at Petrie.

Art Prize Now Exclusive to Locals Being local is the competitive artwork exhibited at the new edge, with the new 2021 Pine Rivers Art Gallery in Moreton Bay Region Art March. Prize only open to residents. “The opening of the new Building on the strong art gallery in itself will be foundation and legacy of exciting for the local creative the Moreton Bay Region Art community, and a fantastic Awards, Mayor Peter Flannery space to connect with the said the new focus of the art breadth of talent we have in prize will be supporting and Moreton Bay. celebrating local artists. “Art has this incredible ability “In previous years, artists to bring joy and community from across the country could to our lives, something I enter the art awards, now the know we have all appreciated new art prize is open only to more than ever during these Moreton Bay residents,” Mayor uncertain times.” Flannery said. The exhibition of finalists will “We made this change to be held at the new Pine Rivers better support and celebrate Art Gallery from 27 March - 24 local artists who have endured April 2021. a challenging year with COVID-19. Entry is free, with applications closing Friday 26 February “With a total prize pool of 2021. $10,000, there are 10,000 reasons why artists should To apply for the Moreton Bay enter today! Region Art Prize, visit https://www.moretonbay. “As well as the prize money, q l d . g o v . a u / G a l l e r i e s finalists will have the M u s e u m s / G e t - I n v o l v e d / opportunity to have their Artist-Opportunities/Art-Prize

The mid-January round of offers was released on 14 January by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), bringing to 1,379 the number of university hopefuls who have received offers to study at USC Moreton Bay to date. The most sought-after degrees at the campus are Nursing Science, Biomedical Science, Social Work, Primary Education, Criminology and Justice, and Psychology. Further offers were made in late January and will be made throughout February ahead of Semester 1, which will start on Monday 1 March.

Moreton Bay students would be announced soon. These include eight Moreton Bay Regional Council scholarships, each valued at $8,000 per year for up to five years, and the Rotary Club of Pine Rivers Bursary worth $2,000. Enrolment information has been provided online to successful applicants, who are encouraged to respond to their offers by early next week. Those who did not receive an offer can contact USC’s Student Central for advice about further QTAC offer rounds. For more details about applying to study at USC, go to www.usc.edu. au/apply

Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett congratulated those who have received offers to study at USC Moreton Bay and welcomed new students to join in Orientation activities in late February. Professor Bartlett said the new campus was meeting an important local need for university education, with the number of enrolments last year far exceeding expectations. She said the recipients of various scholarships and bursaries for USC

February 2021

Feature

Every life is an amazing story >YP[L `V\Y Ă&#x201E;UHS chapter and be remembered the way YOU want by pre-arranging your funeral with Alex Gow.

Pre-arranged Funerals Phone 3888 3535 alexgowfunerals.com.au

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... still family-owned

IN BRIEF

Caboolture Leading Post-COVID Jobs Bonanza Caboolture will literally build its way out of the COVID-induced recession, with three major new developments approved for 2021 and set to deliver hundreds of local jobs. Moreton Bay Regional Council has granted two local businesses approvals to construct new workshops in the Corporate Park Estate, and also approved a major new Bunnings Warehouse within Caboolture’s Big Fish Business Park (formerly known as the Sungate Business Park site on the Bruce Highway). Mayor Peter Flannery said the smart money is already backing Moreton Bay for success in 2021. “The private sector is clearly responding to our renewed focus on driving economic development and jobs in our region, and I see this wave of investment in Caboolture as cause for region-wide optimism about next year,” he said. “Despite the pandemic and economic downturn, businesses still have confidence in this region because we’re one of the fastest growing areas in the country, we’re pragmatic and outcomes focussed.

“I want to thank our planners for working so cooperatively with local Caboolture luminaries: Kel Stanton’s and Aspect Cabinet Makers.

“Beyond the immediate boost to construction, there are the permanent retail and trade jobs that locals will have to look forward to.”

“I also want to welcome this massive Bunnings investment by Wesfarmers, which will send a signal to the market about the potential of Moreton Bay Region and no doubt help attract more investment in our area.”

Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) said the new Bunnings development was just 8km down the road from the region’s newest major industrial estates.

Councillor Adam Hain (Div 3) said Caboolture was on track to become the region’s great success story.

“The $90 million Corporate Park East Industrial Estate provides 40 hectares of usable land for both small and large scale businesses, with scope to build lots well in excess of 1000sq m,” Cr Savige said.

“When Bunnings, Costco and Ikea were built in North Lakes they helped make Moreton Bay Queensland’s strongest economy at the time,” Cr Hain said.

“These lots are being snapped up at a phenomenal rate and there it’s great to see that the demand for this space isn’t dropping off, despite the pandemic.

“As a Morayfield local and a chippie in a past life, I know firsthand how construction and major projects can transform a town.

“This site will now also be the new home of Kel Stanton’s and Aspect Cabinet Makers who are relocating for extra floor space as they expand their successful businesses.

“We need new job opportunities like this in the northern stretch of our region because we have a higher unemployment rate than the state average.

“This is an impressive precinct and it is great that locals see it as a real opportunity to grow their businesses.” Cr Tony Latter (Div 12) said all eyes will be on the region’s north. “This is exciting for the residents of the regions northern suburbs and will deliver jobs close to home. “I am excited to see investment attraction initiatives and growth opportunities like the ones outlined in our new Regional Economic Development Strategy. “It’s exciting to see developments like these that will support jobs in and around Caboolture and build momentum in our community that will hopefully attract further investment in our region.” “We may not have faced a pandemic like this in our lifetime, but if the last 20 years are anything to go by Moreton Bay is definitely a safe bet for future success.”

Work Starts on $6.6 Million Morayfield State High School Hall Construction is officially underway on Morayfield State High School’s $6.6 million multi-purpose hall. State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan turned the first sod on the project, which will support 20 construction jobs. “This will be a great facility for our growing community,” said Mr Ryan, “providing a space for indoor sport and events like awards nights, as well as everyday school activities. “The Palaszczuk Government has invested $5.2 billion on school infrastructure since 2015. “Our record investment of $1.95 billion worth of infrastructure in the 2020-21 Budget will build on this and create almost 4800 jobs. “Despite the pandemic, local tradies have been working on multiple school building

projects across our region throughout 2020, and this very welcome addition for Morayfield SHS will continue the construction work into next year.” Evans Built has the contract to build the new multi-purpose hall, which has two sports courts, a gymnasium, change rooms, amenities, a performance stage, backstage facilities and an entry foyer with a kiosk.

“This new state-of-the-art building will provide a wonderful space for a huge variety of school and community activities. “We have a very strong sporting culture at this school, so the addition of flexible indoor courts that can be used for basketball, netball and volleyball will be a great boost for our school.”

It is due for completion in mid-2021, in time for the start of Term 3. Morayfield SHS Principal Leasa Smith said the whole school was looking forward to the completion of the new hall. “We’re looking forward to seeing our new hall take shape over the coming months,” she said.

February 2021

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IN BRIEF

Bus Stop On The Move To Benefit Burpengary Residents In a move to make public transport more accessible in Burpengary, the Palaszczuk Government will start works later this month on the Morayfield Road bus stop relocation.

Photo: Tim Levy

STEP UP TO CLEAN UP NOW

Registrations for Australia’s largest community-based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day (Sunday 7th March 2021), are now open at cleanup.org.au.

The opening of registrations comes as COVID-19 restrictions that have significantly impacted local environments are easing. There has never been a better time to tackle the surge in single-use disposable items, such as takeaway coffee cups, food packaging, masks and sanitised wipes; all of which have polluted our local parks, bushland, streets, waterways and beaches. Research reveals that more than 1 in 3 (34%) Australian households self-identified as producing more packaging waste during lockdown periods than previous years. More than 1 in 2 (55%) reported they are now more concerned about product packaging waste than in 2019. Clean Up Australia Chairman, Pip Kiernan, says now is the time for all Australians to Step Up to Clean Up, to help protect and conserve local environments. “This year has seen disruption to our lives, not least of all to our local environments which have been impacted by increased uptake of single-use, disposable items,” said Ms Kiernan. “We know Australians everywhere are itching to get involved and now is their chance to officially register interest for the next Clean Up Australia Day. Indeed, it’s never been more important to get involved and make a real difference. “Whether you are a first-time volunteer looking for a more eco-conscious New Year’s resolution, or a more seasoned Clean Up Champion looking to get prepared early ahead of next year, now is the time for you to register your involvement.

Member for Kurwongbah Shane King said the bus stop would be relocated further north to be more accessible for older residents living in the nearby retirement village.

calls this year for more sustainable pathways for the nation, which include increased attention on 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable household packaging within the next decade.

"The Palaszczuk Government is building the $163 million Bruce Highway upgrade at the Deception Bay interchange, we're upgrading Burpengary station, and we're making sure access to buses is as accessible as possible for the community," Mr King said.

“Stepping Up to Clean Up goes well beyond one day. It’s an ongoing commitment to protecting our environment and looking for ways to help live more sustainably 365 days a year,” said Ms Kiernan.

"Works will also include lighting improvements, new pedestrian paths and a refuge crossing island to make it safer for pedestrians crossing Morayfield Road to use the new bus facility.

“Most recently, the 2025 National Packaging Targets set a clear path and open ambition for all Australians to choose a sustainable pathway for our future, which included targets for 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging, so the time to get involved is now for both Clean Up Australia Day 2021 and well beyond,” concluded Ms Kiernan.

Mr King said to coincide with the bus stop works, the Palaszczuk Government would also upgrade safety near Burpengary Pines Village.

If you can’t join a Clean Up, Ms Kiernan urges you to make a donation to Clean Up Australia. 100% of funds raised through donations are allocated to the provision of educational resources and clean up materials provided free of charge to community, school and youth groups across the nation, all year round. For other ways to get involved, eco-conscious Australians can now get in on the Clean Up action by shopping their “Buy Recycled Collections” which showcase products and packaging made from recycled content, extending the life of resources we have already used and reducing the need to extract new ones from our precious planet. To register your Clean Up, sign up to a Clean Up or donate, please visit cleanup.org.au Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday 7 March Business Clean Up Day – Tuesday 2 March Schools Clean Up Day – Friday 5 March

"An additional $300,000 has been allocated by the Palaszczuk and Australian governments' economic stimulus package to improve safety near the Burpengary Pines Village," he said. "The safety improvements will provide a dedicated, right-turn lane and an auxiliary, left-turn lane. "To reduce impacts on the community and road network, these works will be carried out while construction activities for the bus stop relocation are underway." Works are expected to be completed by mid-2021, weather and construction conditions permitting. Mr King thanked the community for their patience ahead of the works, which will be undertaken between 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. During construction, commuters will need to continue using the existing bus stop. For more information, visit www.tmr.qld. gov.au

“By planning ahead and signing up to a Clean Up event, you are making a pledge to help conserve the environment for the long-term future, and taking an important action by stepping up for your community,” added Ms Kiernan. In response to COVID-19, additional conditions will be put in place to ensure the health and safety of Clean Up volunteers, including set limits to volunteer numbers per event and Clean Up kits will now include QR codes for registration on the day and hand sanitiser, plus bags and gloves for every volunteer. The announcement of early-bird registrations follows heightened

February 2021

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IN BRIEF

Samford Music Under the Stars Samford’s favourite music event is back in 2021 with a bigger, brand new venue! Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of amazing entertainment at Samford Music Under the Stars on 20 February 2021. Mayor Peter Flannery said the event is moving to Alan Cash Park to safely accommodate more patrons under coronavirus restrictions. “The night will be packed with live music, indulgent food trucks, artisan markets and plenty of fun for the kids,” Mayor Flannery said. “The kids will stay entertained with a soft play area, silent disco and art and craft cart. “Plus the popular twilight markets will feature the very best in handmade, sustainable design and wares.”

Artists on the night will include The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Experience, The Voice Australia 2016 finalist Ellen Reed, looping master Daniel J. Lewis and The Angel Strings Quartet. Division 11 Councillor Darren Grimwade said he can’t wait to welcome everyone back to this much-loved event. “Community safety is our top priority, so attendees will register upon arrival and we thank you for following all directions from our event staff,” Councillor Grimwade said. “Treat yourself at the array of food trucks on offer and make sure you drop in and say hello to the Samford Stags Rugby League Club who will be running the bar.

bring your blanket and come down for night beneath the stars.” This event has a limited capacity and will follow a COVID Safe Plan approved by Queensland Health. All attendees will be required to register upon arrival using our QR code check-in and follow all safety requirements as directed by event staff. A reminder that if you are feeling unwell, please stay home and follow health advice. Samford Music Under the Stars is a free event presented by Moreton Bay Regional Council. For more information visit: www. moretonbay.qld.gov.au/events/councilcommunity

“Gates open at 3.30pm with the event running 4pm to 8pm, so mark your calendar,

New charity to provide free legal advice

For Vulnerable Australians

An innovative new charity will improve access to legal advice, particularly for regional and mobility-impaired Australians, and provide relief for overstretched community legal services. The new charity, known as Everyday Justice, is an initiative of leading national law firm Mills Oakley. Commenting on the new charity, Mills Oakley CEO John Nerurker said that the need for pro bono legal advice has never been greater: "This has been a tough period for many people, and a particularly difficult time for people who can't afford to pay for a lawyer to help them with issues like unpaid wages, mounting debts and possible eviction from rental accommodation," he said. "The team at Mills Oakley felt that it was time to step up and take a unique approach to address the unmet legal needs of so many Australians." Everyday Justice will provide free legal advice for the "missing middle." This term describes the growing number of low to moderate income earners in Australia who are ineligible for means-tested Legal Aid services but are unable to afford a private lawyer. To access the legal system, the missing middle often must make a difficult choice between incurring substantial financial hardship, self-

representing or abstaining from pursuing their legitimate legal claims altogether. Everyday Justice hopes to alleviate some of this undue hardship. "During the COVID lockdowns, Mills Oakley honed the skill of providing seamless client service remotely," said Nerurker. "We are well placed to apply those lessons with Everyday Justice." Everyday Justice will provide advice on employment law, tenancy, credit & debt, bankruptcy, financial abuse, fines & infringements, human rights, environmental and other areas of public interest. Everyday Justice will continue to work closely with the many charities supported by MO, who will refer clients to the service. "Every charity needs to have roots in the community," said John Nerurker. "It is vital to have a consultative approach, taking advice and seeking engagement from as wide a cross-section of stakeholders as possible. We are not here to re-invent the wheel – we are here to follow best practice and to assist as many vulnerable people as we can." The decision to launch Everyday Justice was welcomed by Australian Pro Bono Centre CEO Gabriela Christian-Hare,

February 2021

"Mills Oakley is to be congratulated for establishing and investing in Everyday Justice as a vehicle through which vulnerable Australians can obtain pro bono legal support across a range of critical areas. The charity will also help to build the next generation of lawyers committed to access to justice, the public good and community service through pro bono work," said Gabriela Christian-Hare. The launch of Everyday Justice reflects the evolution of Mills Oakley into a modern, progressive national firm. Mills Oakley has passed many milestones in the past five years, including appointing the firm's 100th partner, crossing the $200m revenue mark and opening a Perth office to become a truly national law firm. "We have enjoyed tremendous success in recent years,' said Nerurker. "But with that success and national profile comes an obligation to give back to the community in equal measure. While we have been active in the community for many years, it is time to step up and take our pro bono strategy to the next level. This is a coming of age moment for Mills Oakley."

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FEATURE

Straight To The Heart Of It Words: Sheree Hoddinett

Photos: Contributed

Above: Logan with his parents, Brenton and Rachael

With a cheeky smile that could make anyone melt, Logan Clarke is like most toddlers, keeping everyone else on their toes. But in a twist that sets him apart from so many, little Logan has Congenital Heart Disease, and it’s already seen him undergo openheart surgery at just 6 months old. Logan’s life may follow a slightly different path with regular doctor appointments and possible future procedures. Still, none of that will get in the way of this determined young man. Parents Rachael and Brenton have watched their son achieve so much in a short space of time with the help of their supportive family, friends and HeartKids. February 14 is Sweetheart Day, a day to raise awareness and funds to help HeartKids make a difference for those families in the community just like the Burpengary-based Clarke family.

Finding out their son had a heart condition came early on and a little out of the blue for the Clarkes. Rachael was 20 weeks pregnant and went in for a scan when it was initially picked up. Although they were facing a scary situation, it wasn’t until after Logan was born that more information came to light. “It was a bit of a rollercoaster actually,” Rachael says. “It was picked up originally in our 20-week scan. Then at 35 weeks, we had an appointment to come up with a birthing plan. During that scan, the cardiologist looked further and said it didn’t appear to be what they initially thought. No surgery would be required so we could give birth at our local hospital (Caboolture) and everything would be fine.

February 2021

“But then they heard a murmur when he was born. We were sent to a cardiologist a week later where we found out it is a condition that needs surgery. Still, many people don’t actually find out about this condition until they’re in their 20s or 30s. So we thought okay we’ll keep an eye on it. Two weeks later he ended up in hospital and then had to have open-heart surgery at 6 months old.” It was May 19 last year that Logan went in for surgery. It’s a day his parents won’t forget anytime soon as they describe it as “the scariest day of our lives”. Logan had a number of defects including: • Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (PAPVR) where the pulmonary veins returns blood to the right atrium instead of the left atrium causing oxygen-rich blood to flow back to the

Feature

“Heterotaxy and Congenital Heart Disease go hand-in-hand so many people who have Heterotaxy will have CHD as well,” Rachael explains. “Because he has the two left sides of his heart, he’ll have 6 monthly checkups forever because it can throw his heart rhythm off and cause heart block which will then mean he needs a pacemaker. He’s more likely to require a pacemaker than further heart surgery, at this stage. But it’s all just wait and see, and that’s what it’s been like since day one in all of this. That’s the thing with heart defects, it’s fixed now, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fixed forever.” As his parents recall the highs and lows of what’s happened so far, Logan does what toddlers do best, eating and playing. When he goes quiet, he can usually be found in the vicinity of the spice rack. “He’s quite cheeky,” Brenton says. “But very friendly and loves people too.” Although going through this experience has been tough on the young family, Rachael admits it’s been easier in the aspect that Logan doesn’t fully comprehend what’s happened to him.

Congenital Heart Disease Eight babies are born with a heart defect every day in Australia, • That is 1 in 100 babies. • Each week 4 lives are lost. • Congenital heart disease is the single biggest cause of death in children under one in Australia. • It is a lifelong disease. There is no known cure. • Approximately 32,000 Australian children have congenital heart disease. More than 32,000 adult Australians have lived with a heart defect since childhood. • HeartKids is the only national charity dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by CHD • HeartKids aims to raise $500,000 during February to expand its support programs in particular regional and rural areas. Bracelets are being sold for $5. Visit www.sweetheartday.org.au •

• •

lungs instead of the rest of the body. Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) which is a small hole in his heart. Left-sided Isomerism - 2 left atrium.

“I’m actually really glad that he didn’t understand and hopefully he won’t remember in time,” she says. “When we do go back to appointments at the hospital, you can sense that he does remember something and he seems a bit worried. He knows he’s been there before and he knows it wasn’t nice. But when they’re a bit older, and you have to explain what’s about to happen, that would be awful to go through, so hopefully we won’t have to.” Both Rachael and Brenton credit their strong support network with family and friends always there when they needed them. They also have nothing but the utmost respect for HeartKids who have been there every step of the way. This year the Clarke family have also taken on the role of Ambassadors for Sweetheart Day. “As soon as I got home from finding out he had a heart condition I found HeartKids through Google and emailed them,” Rachael says. “I reached out to them, and they replied within 24 hours and sent me info packs. They have helped us immensely. “With Sweetheart Day…the whole thing around this campaign, life can change in a heartbeat as we know. CHD is actually one of the main causes of infant death, but there’s just not enough out there about it. HeartKids really advocate for more research because there’s just not enough out there. We were

completely oblivious about it until before it was part of our lives.” “It’s amazing how many people around us actually have heart disease, and we didn’t know until we had Logan,” Brenton adds. “While our story sounds bad, there are many that are much worse. When we were in hospital the first time, we saw so many kids waiting for surgery because they needed to be well enough first before they could have an operation.” HeartKids Limited Queensland Support Co-ordinator Simone Vollbon says it’s an absolute privilege to help kids like Logan and their families with peer to peer nonclinical support and be the listening ear they need in a tough time. “Most of our support staff have been through similar situations and understand firsthand how stressful and isolating this experience can be,” she says. “Life can change so quickly, and our dreams of parenthood can be very different from the reality of what happens. “We can also assist by providing emergency care bags, food parcels, some financial assistance and specific medical equipment when required. In the acute phase of treatment, we want to smooth out the bumps in the road as much as possible, as the ride can be rough enough without all the usual day to day worries. It really is an emotional rollercoaster.” A touching reminder of living with Congenital Heart Disease is the Heartbeads necklace the family keeps with them. “We love these,” Rachael says. “Every procedure and appointment from now until he’s 18 - scan, surgery, anything he gets done - he gets beads for it, so we collect them. “It’s a symbol. Each one means a different thing he’s had done. There are lots of them for us already, but some kids have necklaces you can loop around them multiple times.” Simone would love to see as many people as possible in the wider community support HeartKids and their annual Sweetheart Day. “Please make a donation or purchase a bracelet on Sweetheart Day,” she says. “Or if you can’t donate, please have a conversation about CHD with a friend or colleague. Pass on what you know and ask them if they know anyone whose life is impacted by CHD. You might be surprised how much awareness and understanding in the community will assist families like Logan’s into the future.”

To repair these defects, doctors created a baffle and re-routed all of the right pulmonary veins through the ASD to the left side of his heart, where they belong. During his open heart/bypass surgery, the doctor discovered Logan also has Heterotaxy Syndrome, which means he has two left atria (two left sides to his heart), one kidney on the left side and five spleens, one of which is fully functioning. While it may sound like a lot to deal with, Logan can still lead a relatively normal life. He’ll just need to visit his doctor a bit more than most people. Above: Logan in hospital after his operation in May last year

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OPINION

The World According to Kate The Power of Pussy Cat Ears!

As a mother, you juggle many responsibilities and daily activities on which people depend—food shopping, clothes washing, picking up kids and dropping them off. In short, you are the general manager of your family’s universe. So, when I found myself needing time out to finish an assignment, I discovered that ‘time out’ meant ‘5 minutes’. Constant interruptions of what would usually not raise much of an issue suddenly summon rage as my husband and daughter are left wondering what went wrong.

I guess it is human nature to assume that sitting reading a book or just staring into space is not doing anything majorly important. The world of academic study changes this paradigm. You realise that outside appearances don’t always reveal what is going on inside. Perhaps, it is also the nature of university students to assume that people ‘get it’. We are University Students. That means we need to do a lot of study if we want to succeed. However, it doesn’t take too long

into studying to realise that some people don’t quite get the concentration and pressure involved in passing university, let alone achieving higher results. My first approach to this challenge was to do what most mums would do (I guess), namely try to cram everything into the day and stress themselves out of their tree in doing so. After too many weeks of being crabby, I decided I needed another way. I decided that time was the issue. I did not have enough time. So, I started getting up at 3am to have a few hours of peace to concentrate and study before my family woke up. This worked wonders, until seven days of five hours sleep a night had me resembling a crazed Frankenstein. I was starting to wonder how I was going to fit it all in. Nothing seemed to work. Until one day… The room of primary school students was bustling around, and as I looked for my daughter, I noticed one little kid sitting to the side with a hat on. I naturally assumed he was in the ‘naughty’ corner and asked my daughter what he had done wrong.

February 2021

She looked at me quite puzzled and explained that the hat meant that he was concentrating, and we could not disturb him! LIGHT BULB! The moment we got home, my daughter and I looked for the most prominent and easy thing I could wear when I did not want to be disturbed. A headband with cat’s ears on them was the golden find! Now, as a simple solution to my need to be left alone, I pop on the cat’s ears. It is like flipping the lock on a toilet cubicle – everyone knows that it means Do Not Disturb! What is your secret method for getting some quiet time?

Feature

Critically Speaking 2020. A YEAR TO FORGET.

n 1992, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Richard Lancaster declared the year to Cryptic Critic be `Annus horribilis`her horrible year, due, no doubt to her son Prince Charles' goings-on with Camilla Parker-Bowles to the exclusion of his wife, Princess Diana. But the triangular machinations of the three royals pales into insignificance when compared with the goings-on of 2020! The year started with the disastrous bush fires, largely in Victoria and New South Wales, which resulted in a loss of human and animal life, habitation and income. But a still more deadly enemy was poised ready to strike, due to human lack of hygienic practices. Yes, the Coronavirus or Covid19 pandemic swept the planet, killing off millions, rivalling the terrible Flu pandemic of 1918. Amid this chaos, we had the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump, then into the fourth and last year of his presidency behaving more like a cross between a clown prince and a Middle East dictator, than the leader of the free world. With a world desperately needing a leader to stand up and show the world the way to tackle the monstrous disease, Trump instead decided to dismiss it and in so doing allowed hundreds

of thousands of his countrymen and women to needlessly die. Fortunately, the majority of Americans recognised his chicanery and voted him out of office, but not before he unsuccessfully attempted to `railroad` the election results. The British royal family weren't far behind Donald Trump in the poor behaviour stakes with Prince Andrew trying unsuccessfully to wriggle out of admitting a close association with the now-dead paedophile Geoffrey Epstein and his nefarious goings-on. Prince Harry and Meagan Markel's decision to leave the cloistered walls of Buckingham Palace was a brave and understandable one. But instead of recognising that they and we now live in the 21st century, not in mediaeval times, the Queen publicly admonished them, spitefully imposing penalties on the couple.

WRITE TO US! Email: editor@featuremagazine.com.au Post: PO Box 105, Narangba Q 4504 CONDITIONS: Please email a maximum of 150 words to editor@featuremagazine.com.au. Letters are published at the absolute discretion of the Editor. Feature Magazine has the right to reproduce letters submitted and accepted by the editor in print and electronic form. Letters may also be edited to fit. The views expressed are not the views of the publisher. No responsibility is taken for the views expressed in these letters. All letters to include a full name (first name and surname) and contact phone number (your contact number is not for publication).

Cardinal Pell certainly had his worries in 2020. Found guilty of paedophilia and thrown into jail, the Cardinal appealed his sentence and was subsequently found not guilty. It now appears inter-cardinal rivalry was behind the event. But Harvey Weinstein was not so lucky. He wasn't given `A get out of jail free` card. On a lighter note, a Bolivian orchestra was trapped for weeks in a German castle by several packs of hungry wolves, and Macaulay Culkin turned 40!

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IN BRIEF

New Gel Blaster Laws Now in Force On February 1, 2021 changes to Queensland legislation came into effect. Those who have purchased, or are thinking of purchasing, a replica firearm – including gel blasters – are being urged to take the changes seriously. Carrying a Gel Blaster in public is now classified as an offence, pointing a Gel Blaster at another person without their permission or seriously injuring someone by firing a Gel Blaster at them—penalties for these offences ranging from two to seven years imprisonment. Acting Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors said since 2018, more than 100 people had been charged with misusing a gel blaster. “Replica firearms, such as gel blasters, can look similar to handguns, shotguns and rifles from around the world,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Connors said. “It is incredibly important for all people possessing replica firearms to familiarise themselves with these new rules.” Replica firearms, such as gel blasters, will not be classified as a firearm or category of weapon under the new legislation nor

will they require a licence or need to be registered with Weapons Licensing. However, owners will be required to store gel blasters and other replica firearms securely, such as in a locked cupboard or bag and keep them out of sight when being transported. Whilst a gun safe is not required by law, it is required that any bag being used to transport the replica firearm does not silhouette a firearm. Anyone owning a gel blaster must have a reasonable excuse for having one, for example, being a collector of replica weapons, or a member of a club that uses them recreationally. A plea of ignorance of the changes by replica firearm owners will not be easy to make as the Stop and Think campaign run by Queensland Police makes it clear that by purchasing a replica firearm, including a Gel Blaster, you are stating that you have read and understood the facts. These changes have been made with a view to strengthening community safety. You can learn more by visiting www.police.qld.gov. au/units/weapons-licensing/Gel-Blasters.

Next Stage Underway to Improve Major Morayfield Roads Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in Morayfield will soon be moving better than ever before with two major road upgrades on track for completion in March.

Local Councillor Tony Latter (Div 12) said once the broader upgrades are complete, the new and improved roads and intersections will bring many benefits to the local community.

Today, Moreton Bay Regional Council awarded tenders to relocate essential utility services at Oakey Flat Road and Graham Road.

“I see these upgrades as the ‘flying start’ we all need to start 2021 on a better note,” Cr Latter said.

These two projects are the latest stages in a broader $15.4 million road efficiency overhaul in this booming area of Moreton Bay.

“Locals and those passing through Morayfield will soon experience eased traffic congestion, reduced travel times and improved safety for motorists, as well as cyclists and pedestrians.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the next stage of upgrades would help keep the community moving in more ways than one. “Widening a road involves more than pouring new concrete, you need to relocate vital utility services such as electricity, water and telecommunications,” Mayor Flannery said. “We do this to avoid seeing residents left in the dark or some would argue worse, without internet to watch their favourite Netflix shows. “We’ve engaged NBN to relocate their telecommunications network at Oakey Flat Road and Energex to move their power and street lighting at Graham Road. “As one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Moreton Bay, it’s important that we have the infrastructure in place to cater for the expected traffic growth over the next decade. “These road and intersection upgrades will help drive Morayfield in the right direction both now and into the future.”

KNOW THE FACTS • It is not an offence to possess a gel blaster in Queensland. • When possessing a gel blaster in a public place, the item should be carried in a way that is not visible to the public, so it will not cause alarm to any person. • There are no restrictions on the sale of gel blasters in Queensland. • Use of gel blasters is a responsibility of the person in possession of the item. • It is an offence to modify a gel blaster if it has the capacity to fire ammunition as defined in the Explosive Regulation 2017. • You do not need a weapons licence to possess a gel blaster. • You cannot use a Gel Blaster on a paint pellet shooting gallery when paintball guns are in use. • Each state and territory possesses its own policies relevant to gel blasters. For any questions in relation to another authority, you will need to contact the relevant authority in that state or territory directly.

“Division 12 is one of the largest divisions in the Moreton Bay Region, so it’s important that residents can travel efficiently and safely. “Which is why Council has invested more than $13 million in road infrastructure and maintenance this financial year in Division 12 to It looks like we might be in for a wet one help keep residents moving and cater for future this summer, and heavy rain can cause flash traffic growth. flooding that can turn roads into rapids

If It’s Flooded, Forget It

before you know it.

“There may be some disruptions during construction, and I’d like to thank residents for Almost one in three Queenslanders answered their patience during this time.”

yes when asked if they’d risked driving through

For more information about the Oakey Flat floodwaters—and that’s a worrying statistic. Road upgrades, visit https://www.moretonbay. qld.gov.au/Services/Projects/Oakey-Flat-Road- In a survey, 29% of Queensland drivers answered yes to driving through floodwater. Morayfield-Ashbrook-to-Lakeview-Drives For more information about the Graham Road upgrades, visit https://www.moretonbay.qld. gov.au/Services/Projects/Roads/Graham-Road

Of those who answered ‘yes’, 36% were male, and 22% female and a staggering 40% were our least experienced drivers between the ages of 18 to 24.

“The water was getting up pretty high, but other cars were going through. Do I turn around and go up the long way? I thought. No. Bugger it. I went through. The water came up to door level. My heart was pounding,” said one driver. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced driver. If the person before you got through or you think you know the road and what your car can do, floodwaters can change everything without warning. Remember “If it’s Flooded, forget it.

February 2021

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Facing the Reality of Mortality Words: Sheree Hoddinett

For someone who has been through one of the worst experiences anyone can face, John Dowling recalls his prostate cancer ride so far, with smiles and laughter. Not that any of it has been fun in any way. The complete opposite, in fact. But as John points out, you need humour to get you through all the bad as much as the good. Now, as part of the Moreton Bay Regional Prostate Cancer Support Group, John and his fellow group members are working hard to highlight the importance of an annual medical check-up to men everywhere.

“I was going through all sorts of emotions, thinking I’m not going to see my grandkids grow up, I’m not going to see this or do that, I still haven’t done this or that,” John says. “Fear, uncertainty and doubt were all part of it. Then I underwent radiation and Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) which also came with several side effects. But I was still vertical and breathing, I can still do a whole bunch of things that other people can’t.”

Hearing the words, “you have cancer” came as somewhat of a shock for John back in early 2013. The now 76-year-old had undergone his annual medical check-up as normal, but his blood test results showed some numbers that were cause for concern. With his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) score rising, his GP sent him off to see a urologist for further investigation.

“If there’s any good way of looking at it, be positive about what you have got,” he says. “You can get on with life like anybody else. I made up my own mantra when I was first out of hospital. I said I’m just as alive as anybody else so I’ll live my life like everybody else. That became my daily mantra, and I lived by it every day.”

“We thought all the usual things, it’s benign, nothing will happen, I’ll be fine,” John says. “I had all the tests, scans and everything else done and went back to see the specialist. He told me I had prostate cancer and that it was aggressive. It got worse from there when he added: “if we don’t take it out, it will kill you”. His bedside manner wasn’t really the best.” Following his diagnosis, John said shock took over with his mind going numb as he confronted his own mortality. “It was like a boom, and then you go into a fog, often referred to as the fog of cancer,” John says of his first thoughts when hearing the news. “You find out that you are actually human, just like everyone else.” John underwent surgery to remove the cancer. More bad news was to come as he was told by his urologist that while the operation itself was a success, the outcome wasn’t. It would mean further treatment.

One of the biggest things you notice about John while he speaks about his experience is his constant positive attitude.

John said it was luck that steered him towards MBRPCSP. He also found himself part of the Australian Advanced Prostate Cancer Support Group. After undergoing radiation therapy with GenesisCare, John was also invited to be a part of their National Consumer Advisory Committee. He says ignorance appears to be easier for many men to grasp than face up to the reality of their situation. “Prostate cancer kills about 3300 men every year. More than breast cancer,” he says. “Men don’t want to talk about it, men don’t want to know. I think women have a better grasp on reality than men. Men don’t want to become involved in support groups. They pretend it’s not happening to them. For men, prostate cancer also refers to their virility, their manhood, all of those sort of issues. But they think I’m tough, this won’t get me. Guess what? It does.

and taking care of their health - being aware that men’s health matters. “You can’t seem to convince some men, they need an annual medical check-up anyway and included in that should be a simple PSA test. If you don’t think about your health, think about your economics, if you do find out you have prostate cancer and it’s advanced, you’ll need money in the bank to treat it.” Not only is the support group a chance for men to meet others going through similar experiences, it’s also an outlet to talk, find out information and even have some fun. “We do have a whole lot of fun, we have some great players in our team, it’s really encouraging,” John says. “We raise money and make donations towards immunotherapy research and seeing cancer nurses appointed to hospitals as we have just seen at Redcliffe Hospital. “We’ve got all these activities happening but what’s so important to us is getting this message out there, about how important a check-up is and how it could save your life.” Moreton Bay Regional Prostate Cancer Support Group • • • • • •

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month (except January) 6pm-8.30pm. Level 1, YMCA Building, Linear Drive, Mango Hill. Partners are also very welcome. President – Fred Travis (0404 495 898). For further information, please visit www.prostatesupportgroup.org You can also follow the group on Facebook.

“That’s why the support groups are so important. We want to get males thinking

February 2021

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YOUR STORY

Feeling the heat

Words: Sheree Hoddinett

Battling rough terrain amid hot fire conditions is not for everyone. In fact, most people would want to run in the opposite direction. But for Burpengary resident Josh Channon, the chance to be a volunteer firefighter with the Queensland Rural Fire Service is a role that he cherishes. Although not every call out is the same, nor can you predict how a fire event will play out. For volunteer firefighters like Josh, the chance to know they are helping make a difference in the community is a big part of why they take on the position. When you first meet Josh, you can sense the laidback larrikin character that he is. Not afraid to have a joke and of course a good laugh. But all that changes when it comes to the serious nature of what is involved in his role as a volunteer firefighter. "I have always appreciated and respected the RFS members and the important role they play in our community," Josh says. "When the opportunity to join earlier in 2020 arose, I jumped at it." Based with the Rocksberg-Moorina brigade, Josh seized the chance to add his name to the crew in March last year. His station choice wasn't purely by chance but based on aspects including the location, its reputation within the community, and because they actually had spots available. "A lot of RFS branches are actually full," Josh says. "But what I like about this station is the team camaraderie, the brigade's professionalism and its passion for the community as well as the willingness to assist in any way possible. "As an added bonus, our brigade has also recently received a new appliance with stateof-the-art firefighting technology onboard." While yet to come across any specific downside within his volunteering role thus far, Josh has already attended several bush fires, vehicle fires and other fire-related incidents.

He says being a part of a positive team environment has been quite rewarding. "Definitely…everyone in the crew has each other's back on and off the fire ground and are always willing to help in tough times but also have a good laugh in the good times too," he says. Besides knowing he's helping, he's making a difference and putting newly acquired skills to the test. What other feelings does fighting a fire evoke? "At the end of a "turn-out", especially when it has been a successful or challenging fire or situation, you always have a sense of pride in the job you have done for both the brigade and the service in general," Josh says.

Above: Josh in uniform

But for those wondering if they joined the service today, would they be out on a fire truck tomorrow? Bad luck, it doesn't work that quickly. There's a bit of training involved before you can hit the front line. "You have to undertake six months of FMS training (Firefighter Minimum Skills) including practical and theoretical exams, which on completion allows you to be able to attend incidents," Josh says. "From there, you can also access other avenues for training, which will allow you to progress further in your career in the RFS if you wish."

How do you become a volunteer firefighter? •

You can lodge an expression of interest with your local volunteer brigade. This can take place either via the internet or by visiting your local station.

•

You can become a volunteer firefighter or take up another position, including: • Community Education • Administration • Incident Management • Communication • And many more.

•

Training is provided whether you undertake an active firefighting role or a non-operation role.

And does Josh plan to further his role within the RFS in the future? "For now, I'm going to continue on with my role in the RFS and work on gaining more experience and skills to hopefully eventually progress up the ranks," he says. "For anyone out there who may be looking to become a volunteer firefighter, I would suggest they contact their local brigades and also keep an eye on their social media pages, as some brigades do advertise openings for recruits via that avenue."

When we say “tell us your story,” we’re looking for readers who will speak about the experiences that have made them who they are today. We want to know how you’ve grown, what you’re working on and where you’re headed! You can write the story yourself or we can write it for you however you must live in one of the following suburbs: Caboolture, Morayfield, Narangba, Burpengary, Petrie, Kallangur, Mango Hill, Noth Lakes or Deception Bay. Simply email a summary of your story, or the article you have written (max 500 words plus photo/s) to editor@ featuremagazine.com.au. Above: Showing off the Rocksberg Moorina truck

February 2021

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HEALTH + WELLNESS

Understanding Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology

Words: Georgie Vinton

Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is the treatment of injury, disease and disorders through physical methods — such as exercise, massage, manipulation and other treatments — over medication and surgery. Many people may believe that physiotherapists mainly work with back and sports-related injuries, but that's not always the case. Physiotherapists are University Qualified health professionals who provide treatment for people suffering from physical problems arising from injury, disease, illness and ageing. A physiotherapist aims to improve a person's quality of life by using a variety of treatments to alleviate pain and restore function or, in the case of permanent injury or disease, to lessen the effects of any dysfunction. Exercise Physiology An exercise physiologist is a University Qualified allied health professional with specific training in understanding the body's response to exercise. They are much more than a personal trainer or gym instructor. Exercise physiologists have extensive knowledge about the human

body and the benefit that exercise has on it, both mentally and physically. This is not just in regard to fitness but more specifically in the context of injury, chronic disease, pain and disability. Exercise physiologists apply their knowledge with a therapeutic approach aiming to improve quality of life, disease management or treatment outcomes across all populations. What is the difference between Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology? The training of a physiotherapist has an emphasis on the diagnosis and assessment of injuries within the body, so primarily their treatment revolves around the acute reduction of symptoms. Once symptoms have settled, they will then work with patients to provide long-term solutions for ongoing management. Exercise physiologists have a greater emphasis on increasing functional capacities and quality of life over a longer period of time, focusing on chronic disease management. They also work with healthy population clients to improve physical function and provide strength & conditioning.

February 2021

Physiotherapists use a lot of 'hands-on' treatment methods to assist their patients and use exercise to improve movement and function. In contrast, exercise physiologists are predominantly 'hands-off', using only exercise to generate a therapeutic or performance outcome. While there are areas of overlap in which physiotherapists and exercise physiologists perform similar roles often the most successful treatment options for patients will have the two professions working together. Reasons you may see a Physiotherapist • Acute sports injury • Low Back Pain • Neck Pain • Headaches • Joint pain • Postoperative rehabilitation • Jaw Pain Reasons you may see an Exercise Physiologist • Chronic Low Back Pain • Return to sport post-injury • Recurrent injury • Injury prevention • Cardiac Rehabilitation • Diabetes management • Improved Sports Performance

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BEAUTY

LaBella Day Spa + Clinic

• • • • •

Facts About The Sun And Our Skin.

UV radiation from the sun is essential for life on earth. UVA often called UV aging, is imperceptible but always present as long there is light. Too much exposure causes skin damage. UVB often called UV burning, burns and damages your skin. The sun is our essential friend but also our worst enemy. Elephants coat themselves in mud to protect against the sun.

We are not elephants, so we don’t have to use mud, but we can use sun cream! In this article, I will explore the different types of sun creams/blocks to help you to decide which one is the best for your skin.

This is good, but because this chemical reaction happens inside the skin, it causes free radicals. I am sure you have heard of free radicals, but what are they?

There are 2 types of sun protection on the market: • Physical sunblocks • Chemical sunscreens

Free radicals are unstable molecules, highly reactive and unbalanced, they become such because they have lost one electron.

A physical sunblock is made of prevalently of two minerals, titanium and zinc.

Happy and healthy molecules always have paired electrons. Still, exposure to sun, stress, pesticides, chemicals, pollution and radiation from phones and computers compromise their health.

It works by creating a barrier on the top of the skin. When the sun rays hit the skin, they get reflected by those physical sunblock ingredients, crushed rocks of titanium and zinc. As the name suggests, chemical sunscreen is made of chemical compounds, which act as filters.

When a free radical comes in contact with a healthy cell, it can break down the cell membrane, and as a result, the cell becomes damaged and dies.

The most common active ingredients are oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate and octinoxate.

Let’s come back to the sun protection So far, we can see that both physical sunblock and chemical sunscreen give protection from the sun. Still, physical sunblock does it without causing damage to the skin. One for a physical sunblock Nil for chemical sunscreen What about the SPF rating? It is impossible to produce a 50+spf that is entirely physical. To achieve this rating, the cream needs to have chemical ingredients in it.

To answer this question in an informed way, we need to look at the numbers. 15+ SPF provides circa 93% protection against UV radiation. 30+spf provides circa 97.3% protection against UV radiation. 50+spf provide circa 97.8% protection against UV radiation. You can clearly see there is not much difference between the 30 SPF and the 50 SPF percentage in protection. The main difference is that the chemical sunscreen has chemicals in it that are damaging your skin. There is huge marketing behind sunscreen and skin protection, and it is often misleading. High SPF protection can give a false sense of security to people that tend to stay longer in the sun, without reapplying the sunscreen.

What to do? Well, you will be relieved to know that there is an antidote, but maybe that can be the topic of another article.

These actives are not just sitting on top of the skin, but they have the capacity to draw into it where they wait for the sun’s UV rays to penetrate the skin, neutralising the rays. These ingredients have the ability to absorb, and the UV radiation disappears, but it does this within the tissue.

than 30 SPF?

It makes people feel more protected. Consequently, they don’t try to seek shade or cover themselves with appropriate clothing such as a hat. Incorrect protection that leads to more exposure and UV damage. The recommendation is to apply two tablespoons of a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is water-resistant with SPF of 30, half an hour before going out and reapply every two hours. And if I may add to this, I would say to make sure that the sunblock is physical. In conclusion, it is essential to realise that sunblock is not the whole answer to sun protection. To protect your skin appropriately, it is also important to seek shade and cover up with appropriate clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Do we have one strike for the chemical sunscreen? Not really

Ask Monica!

Given a choice between 30 SPF and 50 SPF, 9 out of 10 people will probably choose 50 SPF, but is 50 SPF protection really more efficient

February 2021

Do you have a beauty question that needs answering? Email Monica via editor@featuremagazine.com.au

Feature

SENIORS

Dementia Peak Body Welcomes Extension Of Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line

Dementia Australia has welcomed an announcement by the federal government of a $2.5 million investment to extend the Older Persons COVID-19 Support Line until 30 June 2021. Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the continued investment will enable Dementia Australia and other advocacy and support groups to continue to help older Australians to get the critical information they need to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. “The support line has received more than 5,000 inbound calls and provided more than 29,000 outbound calls,” Ms McCabe said. “As well as helping to provide information to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic, the support line is also an accessible onestop source for personal support, questions and up-to-date guidelines. “We encourage people living with dementia, their families and carers to call the support line, where they will be connected with our trained Dementia Australia advisors. “We can offer strategies and support for families with concerns about a loved one in

residential care and support carers of a loved one at home who might be struggling with isolation or changes to routine.”

language and a lack of understanding of the service systems available to people living with dementia. This focus is vitally important.

The support service is a joint initiative of Dementia Australia, COTA Australia, National Seniors Australia and the Older Persons Advocacy Network. The expansion of the service will also include support from the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) Alliance.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the federal government to ensure appropriate support and services are provided to those impacted by dementia.”

“It is fantastic to see that the service will now be extended to include outbound calls to carers of people living with dementia, as well as more specific community supports for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) seniors,” Ms McCabe said. “The unprecedented social distancing measures and restrictions put in place as a result of COVID-19 have affected people living with dementia, their families and carers significantly. “This extension will help to ensure the mental health of both people living with dementia and carers is a priority. “We know that people from CALD communities can face difficulties with

February 2021

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you. For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available and the Helpline is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au

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HOME

Bunnings Warehouse

Your Foolproof Guide to a Stylish Bathroom For standout style that’s on trend but timeless, upgrade your bathroom with black fittings.

Quick switch, lasting results

A simple change of tapware and accessories can transform a so-so bathroom into a classic beauty. Make a statement with Caroma ‘Jade’ tapware (exclusive to Bunnings) and ‘Cosmo’ accessories in velvety matte black, for everyday luxury that’s built to last.

Create your sanctuary

Investing in new fixtures and fittings is one of the most effective ways to refresh a tired bathroom and make it your own. Caroma’s ‘Cosmo’ and ‘Jade’ ranges will complement all bathroom styles, and with accessories suitable for installation on tiled and plaster bathroom walls, they’re the ideal choice to use in a new bathroom or a retrofit.

Reliable and renowned

While style matters, so does the feel and durability of any bathroom product. Comfort is key, and Caroma has long been celebrated for its easy-to-use designs and durable materials. With products covered by a 20 year warranty*, Caroma’s timeless style is matched with robust design you’ll love to live with for the long haul.

Cohesion and flow

Don’t stop at taps when giving your bathroom a style upgrade. Caroma’s ‘Cosmo’ collection includes plenty of fixtures and accessories, from robe hooks to soap holders, so you can give your bathroom scheme a sense of continuity and cohesion – a key factor in good interior design.

A modern classic

While you can’t go wrong with a classic combo of black and white, you needn’t be limited to a monochrome scheme. Bathroom trends have evolved to embrace different textures – think timber and stone – as well as punchy colours and tile patterns, all of which partner well with a touch of black.

Laundry Bliss with Everhard Upgrade your laundry into the ultimate chore space with these essential features. Your favourite room? With the careful selection of key ingredients, your new laundry might even become – don’t laugh – your favourite room in the house! What’s in-store Generous well-organised storage is a must for a laundry you’ll want to spend time in. Everhard’s Nugleam drawer system laundry unit has been cleverly designed to maximise storage, with a bottom drawer large enough for bulky containers, plus finger-pull functionality for a minimalist, modern look. The unit can be used either alongside custom cabinetry or as a standalone piece for a retrofit solution. A sink to tackle your tasks One of the key ingredients of a good laundry is a tough sink to tackle the hard demands of family life. To choose the right one, consider your household’s needs. A large sink is a must if you want something big enough to soak a load of sheets, but if your needs are more modest, a kitchensized version will do, leaving more space to spread out on either side. Everhard’s Nugleam utility sinks come in three sizes –

February 2021

35L, 45L and 70L – so you’re bound to find one to suit your space. Regardless of size, your sink should be robust; the Nugleam sink comes in tough stainless steel, with a 25mm internal corner radius to make it easier to keep clean. Bench space Clear bench space for folding, sorting and odd jobs is an essential feature of a stellar laundry. The Nugleam range of units and utility sinks is designed to pair with custom cabinetry, so you can match the system with all the bench space you desire. Tough stuff A laundry that’s easy on the eye is going to be a lot more pleasant to spend time in, but it needs to be more than just a pretty face. For a functional laundry that will last the distance, look for hard- wearing materials that look good, but can also take a beating, from rough handling and wet conditions. As the centrepiece of the laundry, the Nugleam drawer system – in super-strong, heavy-duty galvanised steel – is tough enough to meet mess head on, while delivering a stylish white powdercoated facade to complement any contemporary laundry scheme beautifully.

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GRANT PROGRAMME FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES

Applications now open!

The Stronger Communities Grant Programme intends to encourage and support participation in local projects and contribute to vibrant and viable communities. Grants between $2,500 to $20,000 are now available to fund small capital projects in the Petrie electorate. Community groups and sporting clubs are invited to apply and applications will be assessed against the program’s eligibility criteria through a closed non-competitive process. Applications are now open and the closing date is the 22nd March 2021 at 5pm.

For more details including eligibility and how to apply, contact Luke’s ofﬁce or visit the website at lukehowarth.com.au/community/grants

Luke HOWARTH MP Federal Member for Petrie

40 Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf QLD 4019 07 3284 8008

Luke.Howarth.MP@aph.gov.au

lukehowarth.com.au

LukeHowarthMP

Authorised by L. Howard, Liberal National Party of Queensland, 40 Hornibrook Esplanade, Clontarf QLD 4019.

GARDEN

Bunnings Warehouse

Shade Ideas for Any Backyard When the weather warms up there’s nothing better than spending time out in your backyard. It’s the perfect place to relax or entertain friends so it’s important to have plenty of shade to protect everyone from the sun. What to Shade The amount of shade you need generally depends on your climate. If you live in a hot region, then you should be shading up to 75 per cent of your garden. While more variable climates need to shade about 50 per cent. Entertaining and seating areas should be well shaded along with any plants, flowers or vegies exposed to the sun. Your trees may already cover some of these areas,but you can add some artificial shade for extra protection. Umbrellas With a wide range of materials, colours and designs available, umbrellas are an easy, portable shade option. They’re easy to move about and angle to the sun’s position at any given time of day. Market umbrellas are a smaller lightweight option. They look great and are perfect for small areas over outdoor settings or chairs. You can adjust their height and fold them up when you don’t need them. Alternatively, cantilever umbrellas are sturdier and built to cover larger areas. They have a solid metal stand and are ideal for shading smaller decks and courtyards or kiddie pools and spas. Shade Sails Perfect for larger areas like patios, pools and decks, shade sails are a flexible option because you can put them up in summer and take them down over winter. Their distinctive shape makes a terrific design feature. Plus, they’re easy to install and tailor to suit the size of your space. Made from fabric or PVC, shade sails are designed to withstand a lot of pressure and can be easily tightened so they don’t blow around in the wind. Before you install a sail, it’s best to check where the shadows fall in your yard so you can angle your sail to cast shade where you want it. Gazebos You can create some shelter anywhere you want in your backyard with a gazebo. There are portable and fixed styles, available in a range of materials and designs. They’re simple to put up and offer great protection from the elements. Portable gazebos are ideal for gatherings in the backyard, at the beach and even as a market stall. They come in different sizes with some offering screening, side panels and even windows. Fixed gazebos are more solid, permanent structures. They’re tough, weather resistant and come in a wide range of styles. Some even have drawback curtains that you can pull around for a bit of privacy. Pergolas Putting up a pergola can extend your living area to create an outdoor room. It looks great, adds value to your home and lets you spend more time outdoors. You can build a pergola from the ground up or they come in kits with instructions for easy installation. Build one over an existing verandah or put in a deck first and build around that. The great thing about a pergola is that you can keep adding onto it and enhance the space. Put in screening, grow some creepers across for beautiful natural shade, hang up plants or install polycarbonate roofing. Outdoor Blinds Shading your windows with outdoor blinds will protect your indoor furniture and help cool your house, especially on hot afternoons. You won’t need to use the airconditioning as much, which will save you energy and money. You’ll find roll-up, roller and retractable blinds in loads of colours and patterns, which you can also get custom made to suit the size and shape of your windows. You can even invest in some retractable awnings to wind out when you need them. Bistro blinds cover larger areas and are easy to install, it’s a great way to enclose and protect your outdoor area. Add them to an existing pergola or gazebo to keep the weather and insects out during the hotter weather. There is a range of colours to suit your decor or you can get clear and tinted PVC to enjoy the view of your backyard.

February 2021

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YOUR PET

with RSPCA QLD

No Rest For The RSPCA

RSPCA Qld's Wildlife Hospital Busier Than Ever RSPCA Qld's Wildlife hospital at Wacol and the small wildlife triage centre at Eumundi have seen no easing of numbers during the Covid year of 2020.

RSPCA Qld's Inspectorate and Rescue services were still on "full throttle" in a year that was consistently referred to as "unprecedented."

26,476 animals and birds were treated, including 709 koalas. "Our Wacol hospital is by far the busiest in the Southern Hemisphere. At this time of the year the hospital can actually receive over 100 patients a day," said RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty. "This has been the height of the trauma season with animals and birds breeding and giving birth. Because they're roaming and looking for mates, most koalas, in particular, are either hit by cars or attacked by dogs."

RSPCA Inspectors investigated 17,146 complaints about animal cruelty and neglect, and ambulance officers attended 29, 072 rescues. "It's still been incredibly busy, but the number of jobs has decreased slightly from last year which I guess is a glimmer of hope," said RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty. Last year Inspectors investigated 18,681 complaints, and ambulance officers received 29,865 call-outs.

Above: Reggie

When the Wacol wildlife hospital was built back in 2012, it dealt with approximately 8,500 patients a year. That number has skyrocketed. "Sadly, it's mainly due to habitat destruction and the increase in development and traffic that comes with it."

The Inspectorate Taskforce, which consists of two Inspectors and a digital intelligence officer,

Above: Charlie

investigated 26 jobs in relation to prohibited events (dogfighting and cockfighting), 58 jobs involving commercial breeders and 7 involving rescue groups. There are four current prosecutions relating to the prohibited events and two each in relation to breeders and rescue groups. Some of the more distressing inspectorate cases included a kitten that had firecrackers taped to it and set alight and a dog that was shot in the leg that later had to be amputated. Ambulance rescues included a wallaby down a mineshaft, ducklings hatched in a home owner's chimney, a coughing kangaroo treated with antibiotics and a possum stuck in a pipe that was filled with excrement.

Pet Power! have a pet, you can rush out and have four tons of salt on the fish and chips and drink a bottle of scotch, but it is food for thought. Some of the other findings in recent surveys in the United States and the UK are also worthy of note, although most won't come as any huge surprise.

If you're male and you own a pet, you may be interested to know that your chances of attracting the opposite sex are thirty percent higher than a male who doesn't! And the news gets better. Suppose you're male and you actually bought your pet from an animal shelter. In that case, you're practically assured of a never having to spend another lonely night in front of the TV comforted only by beer, pizza and of course the fore-mentioned shelter pooch. These romantic incentives for pet owners were discovered as part of a mini-survey that attempted to investigate the "pulling power" of pets. It was good news for pet owners, particularly males. But in reality, surveys about the benefits of pets have been ongoing. These days, science is starting to back up what many previously regarded as animal lovers' hearsay. A Baker Medical Research Institute study showed that pet owners had cholesterol levels 2% lower than those without pets. It is not world-shattering, but when you consider that this can lower your chances of having a heart attack by 4%, it is well worth considering. Pet owners also had lower levels of triglyceride fats in their blood and lower blood pressure. That doesn't mean that if you

People who own dogs tend to exercise more and be more socially interactive. Being a conscientious dog owner means that at the very least, you'll take your dog for a walk once a day and probably twice. This is not only good for your general health, but it also increases your chances of having a chat with other conscientious dog owners. Many old people live alone, and their daily dog walks not only get them out of the house, but they also increase their opportunities to chat with neighbours and other pet owners. In fact, a study of people walking in a park with and without dogs showed that the people with dogs had more extended conversations with more people than those without and you only have to observe the activity at any dog off-leash area to realise that the people are enjoying their socialising as much as the dogs. For people who are lonely or just live alone, this interaction is often vital and can help ward off depression.

companionship in their homes, right till the end. They can have peace of mind knowing that, should an emergency occur, the staff and volunteers from RSPCA Qld will be there to help and to care for their pets. In the event of the owner's death, RSPCA Qld will ensure that the pets will go on to have the best possible quality of life with very carefully selected guardians. Many nursing homes now have live-in pets or animals that visit as part of a pet therapy program. All say that the pets tend to reduce the stress levels and that the patients are much calmer and less inclined to be irritable when the pets are there. Many moons back, my grandmother, who could crack a "wobbly" of gargantuan proportions, was always soothed if I brought along our Airedale Trigger. (Named after Roy Rodgers' horse, but that's another story.) Even fish can have a calming effect. Watching fish swim can lower blood pressure, and many doctors and dentists now have fish tanks in their waiting rooms.

However, many elderly people refrain from taking on a pet because they're worried about their pets' care if they get sick and have to go to hospital. RSPCA Qld has introduced a program to assist elderly pet owners and/ or those coping with poor health. When hospitalisation is required, and there is no one to look after the patient's pets, RSPCA Qld may be able to help through their Pet Legacy Program.

But perhaps one of the most interesting studies in Washington found that horse riding for the disabled led to improvements in language, coordination, work skills and self-confidence. Parents of autistic children also have noted majority improvements in their children's attention span and coordination after buying a pet. In fact, all children can gain enormous benefits from pet ownership. Pets help teach them a sense of responsibility and simple humanity. In fact, it's these very messages that RSPCA Qld's Educational Mobile Unit (EMU) brings to thousands of school children, teachers and parents every year.

Through this Program, which has helped hundreds of people across Queensland, elderly folk can enjoy animals'

Yes, pets can and do make a difference. Good luck at the off-leash area with your shelter pooch fellers!

February 2021

Feature

LOCAL SPORTS

Roar-Some Talent Hits The Field Words: Sheree Hoddinett

Archie Mitchell is certainly no stranger to a soccer ball and a pair of boots. It’s a sport that has become ingrained in his life, both on and off the field. For the talented and very sporty 11-year-old from Narangba, one day playing in the English Premier League is his dream. He’s already one step closer to fulfilling this goal after being selected to join the Brisbane Roar Academy as part of their U13’s Academy Squad for 2021. It’s an outstanding achievement for the young player, who hasn’t forgotten his local Narangba club where it all began. It seems Archie was always destined for a sporting life of some kind. Not only has soccer been a big part of his life, but he’s also enjoyed Futsal - taking out the 2020 grand final of the Queensland Futsal Competition with the Bulimba Bears. School sports was also very much on the radar for Archie, most notably Cross Country. He managed to come first place in his age group every year of primary school. All in all, for someone still so young, he’s already doing well for himself. The enormity of what 2021 is shaping up to be for Archie certainly isn’t lost on him. He knows joining the Roar Academy is the opportunity of a lifetime. “I couldn’t miss this. I didn’t think a few years ago that I would be playing for Roar,” he says. “I’ve had these opportunities come up, and I took them.”

Photos: Contributed

Archie has already been a part of Brisbane City Football Club in the National Premier League (NPL) along with his brother Thomas. His selection with Brisbane Roar Academy puts him among an elite bunch, after being one of just 20 kids in South East Queensland chosen for the team. He’s very casual and laidback about the news, although he says it has made him “speechless”. Parents Shelley and Graeme are proud of what both of their boys have achieved in recent years and can’t wait to see what happens for Archie throughout 2021. “It is exciting,” Shelley says of Archie’s Roar selection. “We didn’t expect it this year – it all happened so quickly. But we just have to see how it goes. Now he has to fit in with bigger kids, and he is one of the younger ones. Archie and 4 others are actually playing for a year older than what they should be. They’re playing for the best team in the best league, and they’re even a year younger than everyone. “In all honesty, to my boys, it’s just football, they don’t care about a lot of the finer details as long as they get to play.” On the field, Archie likes to play in different positions including centre attack midfield (CAM), striker or left-wing. A different side to him is that he is actually left-footed, which is an unusual trait, most people kick with their right foot.

February 2021

“I can do everything else with my right foot, but I just can’t shoot with my right foot,” Archie says. This year for Archie, the focus will be on honing his skills and making the most of this opportunity to further his development. “I’ve got to be more technical this year because I can’t outmuscle kids anymore knowing they may be bigger than me,” Archie says. “For my age, I’m fast and strong, but I know I have plenty of training and practice ahead of me.” Training with the Brisbane Roar Academy kicked off in mid-January with the family making the trek to Logan four nights a week. But it’s something this football-mad family takes in their stride finding the right balance between sport, school and home life. But if all goes well, being a part of the academy could eventually lead to a full-time position one day. “It goes all the way up to the age of 23 and from there, players can be promoted to the senior team so I’ll work towards that,” Archie says. “Eventually I want to play in England.” It’s not hard to understand why when both of his parents hail from the UK. So who do they all follow? “We’re all Liverpool supporters in this house,” Shelley says laughing.

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Printed on 100% recycled paper manufactured carbon neutral without chlorine bleaching.

MARINE & AUTO

with Brishbane YAMAHA

Quintrex 610 Territory Legend CC Tough, rugged, indestructible. Nothing will stand in your way in the Quintrex 610 Territory Legend. Originally designed for the Northern Territory these hard as nails boats have quickly become the most desirable fishing boat on the market. Anyone looking for a larger offshore fishing boat should take a look at these Bluewater battlers. The 610 model features a unique optional raised front casting platform and has all the depth you could ever need internally. The Territory Legend as tested rides on the amazing Trident 610 hull. The biggest selling 6m plus aluminium boats on the market. It’s soft and dry, essential for a console-style fishing boat. Owners can choose to have a side console or a centre console which is pushed back in the hull. This serves two purposes. Firstly, it opens up the rest of the boat and provides massive amounts of space. Secondly, you are riding in the back of the boat where it is smoother and more comfortable. For me, it’s the space that appeals the most, and it’s hard to imagine a boat with more fishing room in this category. I could chase reef fish, or troll for larger game fish and always know that the 610 Territory Legend will handle the job. The Boat As far as fishing platforms go, the Territory Legend will be at home chasing barra or offshore chasing game fish and reef species. The space in the boat and the depth offered is like nothing else on the water. The console is pushed well back in the 610 Territory Legend meaning the front 2/3rds is almost entirely fishing space. The floor is flat throughout, making for a stable experience while wetting a line. The console is purposefully small too. It won’t provide much protection, but it adds to the cavernous appearance of the interior. That’s a trade-off I’d be happy to make. The test boat as supplied by Brisbane Yamaha was fitted with an optional raised casting platform at the bow taking up the front third of the cockpit space. Anglers with a heavy offshore bias may choose to omit this upgrade. Anyone wanting to fish flats will definitely want it. Not only does it get you

up high for sight casting, it also doubles to create a massive storage cavity underneath. It is fully accessible with lidded access, allowing you room to get to every corner. A boat without it may leave some wondering where they will put their equipment to keep it out of the way. Another option is an additional fuel tank bringing the capacity to 240 litres or two by 120. This opens up a vast range for this boat, fitted with a Yamaha F150 outboard. The 610 Territory Legend cruises at 43 km/h using 23.4 litres per hour. That gives a range over 450 kilometres. Combined with the optional bow mount for an electric and you’d be hardpressed running out of either fuel or battery power. Deep side pockets provide extra storage along either side of the cockpit. They are large enough for the general bits and pieces you seem to acquire on any boat. Three pedestal seats are mounted across the transom with plenty of legroom. One can be moved to an additional mount located on the raised front casting platform. Behind the pedestal seats on the port side, is a plumbed live bait tank large enough for any sized bait. On the starboard side, a transom door provides quick and easy access back into the boat from the rear platform. Power Brisbane Yamaha has fitted a Yamaha F150 Four Stroke outboard engine to the 610 Territory Legend. It can accommodate a 200hp maximum. We are sure that with a Yamaha F200, the performance would be exemplary. That is if all you’re looking for is speed. As it is, the Yamaha F150 offers more than enough acceleration and power on this platform. The 610 Territory Legend will sit comfortably on a speed of 46 kilometres per hour, using 23.4 litres per hour at 4,000 revs per minute. That’s certainly a lot of fishing. Yamaha has built a reputation around having the most reliable engines available anywhere. Reliable doesn’t mean slouchy performance either. The F150 was the first outboard Yamaha produced in the four-

February 2021

cylinder category, and it has outstanding responsiveness and exceptional fuel economy. Performance The 610 Territory Legend is a big boat at over 6 metres in length, and it rides on the legendary Quintrex Blade Hull. With a heavy-duty 5mm bottom panel, the Territory Legend still manages to skip over small waves and chop. With all the seats located down the back, the ride is very comfortable and soft, with little to no separation between the seat and the occupant. With weight distributed towards the rear, water exits well down the hull while the bow entry does a great job of slicing oncoming waves. The Territory Legend has a sharp entry with a well-executed chine, keeping spray deflected downwards. The hull flattens out at the transom and has all the stability Quintrex Blade Hulls are known for. Given most owners will spend their time fishing, either running or drifting, you can always find a safe and comfortable position in the boat, without the ridiculous tipping and rolling other hulls can be guilty of. Tow Vehicle The 610 Territory Legend comes on a Quintrex tandem plate series multi-roller trailer. The dual axle set up will tow easily enough behind most medium and large SUVs. It includes hydraulic brakes and submersible LED lights. The 610 Territory Legend has been fitted with a quick catch and release by Brisbane Yamaha for fuss-free launching and retrieval. Overview The 610 Territory Legend is a functional and immensely spacious design with better than average depth in the cockpit. The raised casting platform will be a hit for anglers, particularly those sight fishing with lures over flats or fly fishing. It’s hard to think of another boat more suited to inshore fly fishing for black marlin. The rugged ability and ease of towing means that the Territory Legend can and will go anywhere you like and enjoy whatever harsh treatment you can throw its way.

Feature

Specifications: Price: Mid to high $60,000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Construction: Aluminium Length Overall: 6.26m Beam: 2.40m Max hp: 200hp Construction: Topsides 3.0mm, bottom 5.0mm Capacity: 7 people Weight on trailer: approx 1400kgs Engine as tested: Yamaha F150hp Four Stroke Fuel Capacity: 240L as tested

PUZZLES

SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 47

SUDOKU #54 Puzzle 4 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.52)

Puzzle 4 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.67)

MEDIUM

HARD

3 8

1 5

4 9

7 8

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

6 5

9 1

2 9

CROSSWORD

5 3

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

5 6

13 14

16 17 18 19

32 33 34

37 38 39

February 2021

Feature

Tim Tams Mandated in Moreton Bay Council meetings can no longer proceed in Moreton Bay Region without a packet of Tim Tam biscuits - specifically the new Moreton Bay Raspberry and Dark Choc variety. The unanimous vote at the very first Council meeting of 2021 takes immediate effect from today. Mayor Peter Flannery said he'll be taking every opportunity to promote Moreton Bay on the road to economic recovery from coronavirus. "Tim Tam biscuits have been a made-inAustralia icon for more than 50 years, so getting our region etched in history like this is an achievement that must be celebrated," Mayor Peter Flannery said. "This would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the McGruddy families in Caboolture who collaborated with Arnott's to create this flavour sensation: local berry growers Richard and Melissa McGruddy, and Aussie grown frozen fruit producers at My Berries, Stuart and Allison McGruddy. "I know Arnott's launched three other new indulgent flavours, but honestly Moreton Bay Raspberry and Dark Choc is the only one I can remember. It's definitively the best! "For as long as this biscuit is available on Australian shelves, we'll have a packet here to give to someone in the crowd attending

our Council meetings. No exceptions, no excuses.

"The quality of the fruit here is second to none," said Mr McGruddy.

"So, if you've not come along to watch a Council meeting for a while, maybe we can sweeten the deal for you with the promise of tasting this luxe new Tim Tam flavour?

"My dad and elder brother Richard brought the first raspberry plant over from the USA and created a farm that grows the most delicious raspberries in the country.

"We started live streaming our meetings last year to ensure our community could follow everything said in the chamber, but the Councillors and I have missed seeing locals in the gallery.

"I'm so proud to be able to continue what they started and to develop new and exciting ways to share our berries with our fellow Aussies."

"As soon as COVID restrictions lift we want to see locals back in the Chamber, following Council proceedings. "We will also gift a packet of these Tim Tam biscuits to each of our Australia Day Award recipients later this month, as well as provide them to our newest citizens at Citizenship ceremonies and some of our other events." Moreton Bay is one of Australia's largest raspberry farming regions. Its perfect climate means raspberries can be grown all year round.

Tim Tam Marketing Manager Matt Grant said he expects strong demand for the new flavours in the Tim Tam Crafted collection. "Australia couldn't get enough of last year's Crafted Collection, so we hope it will be the same in 2021, especially when communities get around their local flavours," he said. "Four new indulgent Tim Tam flavours â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what more could you wish for?"

Caboolture-based company 'My Berries' collaborated with Arnott's to create the flavour sensation. Owners Stuart and Allison McGruddy live, work, and raise their family here in the Moreton Bay region and are dedicated to promoting the beautiful berries the area produces.

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February 2021

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