August Profil eMagazine

in this issue

16

cecily toomey

12 marjie andrews

24

12

people – eternal youth Marjie Andrews

16

view – flair for beauty Cecily Toomey

18

success – a dream come true Vicki Brown

20

ladies at lunch – over the hill Our lunching ladies debate whether the age old adage is true

24

cover – the winner Lisa Curry

54

the good life – age no barrier Debbie Chappell

56

ageing feature

59

milestones – leap of faith Colin Mason

66

the last word Mark Jamieson

lisa curry

regulars 4 publisher’s note

46 profile loves

6 pinboard

48 style counsel

taste nambour, the quiet achiever

8 he says, she says

51 life

28 briefcase

60 business

tour passing clouds winery

40 abode

65 win

44 vanity case

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profilemagazine 7/10/10 11:24 AM

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publisher’s note

I

t’s been a busy month for the Profile team, with our Genine on an overseas jaunt stepping into her role as a WAG. (Not that we are jealous or anything ...) Of course, it’s a role she has relished and by all accounts she has done a wonderful job supporting her husband and the fabulously successful Sunshine Coast Oriana Choir during their tour of Europe (while still managing to look glamorous, of course). As I type this, Genine and Rowan are enjoying a well-deserved break in sunny Spain and we look forward to welcoming them back next month. We have much catching up to do!

Genine left us with very big shoes to fill but we have managed to do her proud. I will admit, it has been quite challenging at times, (let’s just say we have had a lot of take-away at our house recently!), particularly as we are in the thick of production week so it’s heads down, tails up!

But seeing our wonderful magazine come to fruition each month and knowing the blood, sweat and tears (and teamwork) that goes into producing it reminds me why I love this job so much. I am very proud to be part of such a close-knit team who always have each other’s backs. A special thanks to Natalie Tink of Coast to Coast Magazine for the huge jar of lollies that were delivered to our office this month, they have kept us going!

I think you will really enjoy this issue of Profile Magazine. We discover why age is no barrier to success and chat with several local ‘mature-aged’ women who are living life to the fullest and blowing the stereotype of being ‘over the hill’ out of the water. In fact, after working on this issue, I don’t believe there is such a thing! As they say, ‘Age is a mindset, if you don’t mind, it don’t matter!’

None other than the gorgeous Lisa Curry graces our cover this month. Fabulous at 50, this local icon is truly an inspiration. She shares her amazing journey with us and reveals how she became one of the best swimmers the world has seen.

We also meet the gorgeous Marjie Andrews, an aerobic ace in her 70’s! Fashion stalwart and glamorous long-time local Cecily Toomey, tells us why she still loves making Sunshine Coast women feel beautiful (and she’s in her 80’s – amazing!), not to mention Vicki Brown, who changed career paths recently to become a seal trainer ... in her 40’s.

So sit back, relax, grab a coffee (or some bubbles) and get ready to be inspired. Cheers!

Ingrid Nelson Editorial assistant

welcome to the neighbourhood ...

new platinum scissors

salon

visit us on facebook.com/profilemag

New kids on the block Platinum Scissors Hair Design have recently opened their doors on Sixth Avenue, Cotton Tree and the Profile team are delighted to welcome them as our new neighbours! Established five years, with an experienced team of hair stylists, the girls are all about offering a tranquil experience for their clients; and who doesn’t need a little pampering now and then? Good luck team, we are sure you will have much success.

follow us on twitter.com/profilemag

youtube.com/user/profilemagazine

The Lovely Bird 4

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august 2012

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pinboard

group managing director / publisher Genine Howard

group general manager / publisher Hamish Rose

group editor-in-chief Alli Grant

editorial assistant Ingrid Nelson

sub editors Phyl Grant

creative director Kara de Schot

graphic designer Johanna Jensen

sales manager Belinda Brill

seeking osiris by frank birrell

account manager Maree McGrath

11 and 12 august heartfelt small business conference

feature writers

If you’re a small business owner looking for inspiration and education, head along to the My Heart Speak UNLOCK The Secret to Small Business Brilliance Conference in Carseldine (north-side of Brisbane). This two-day event is sure to inspire you to small business success thanks to special guests speakers and educational workshops, and it will be hosted by Profile Magazine’s Alli & Genine. www.myheartspeak.eventbrite.com.au

photography

12 august eumundi food fest Now in its 10th year, the Eumundi Food Fest offers something for everyone, from families to day trippers and foodies of all ages. It‘s a great opportunity to sample locally-produced product, in the vibrant village atmosphere that is Eumundi. www.eumundifoodfest.com

16 august the man in black – the johnny cash story Tex Perkins leads The Tennessee Four in a celebration of the life and times of one of the most incredible singers, songwriters and entertainers to ever grace the stage. This is two hours of Cash’s magnificent music interwoven with the story of his rise to stardom, his fight for survival and his eventual redemption. www.nambourciviccentre.com.au

Nikkii Joyce, Jessica Jane Sammut, Jaclyn Paul (intern) Ben Connolly, Velocity Images Calli Burnett, Alicia Aberley

email or call / fax info@profilemag.com.au or 5451 0669 / 5475 4405

drop in Beach on Sixth, 104 / 65 Sixth Ave, Maroochydore

post PO Box 1065, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558

advertising 5451 0669, sales@profilemag.com.au

distribution 15,000 free copies are street delivered to high traffic areas such as high-end cafes, fashion boutiques, hairdressers and professional offices across the Sunshine Coast, monthly, and online along with an eMAG sent to 6000 inboxes monthly

subscriptions www.profilemag.com.au/subscription, $65 +gst (12 issues)

accounts Katherine Allan – accounts@profilemag.com.au

until 26 august myth and legend Internationally-known and highly-regarded Sunshine Coast artist Franki Birrell will showcase her new works based on the myth of Isis and Orisis and the famous Chinese legend of the Butterfly Lovers at the Rosebed St Gallery and Studio in Eudlo. This is her first exhibition on the Sunshine Coast, as she usually exhibits interstate and internationally. www.rosebedstgallery.com

1 september spring charity ball The Young Professionals Network is hosting a Spring Charity Ball next month and it promises to be a fabulous evening. The network aims to connect and inspire like-minded individuals in a fun and engaging environment, while raising much-needed funds for worthy local causes at the same time. www.youngprofessional.com.au

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profilemagazine

Profile Magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published 12 times a year by Profile Magazine Publishing Group Pty Ltd. All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of The Publisher, Profile Magazine Publishing Group Pty Ltd (“The Publisher”), their related companies and officers hereby disclaim, to the full extent permitted by law, all liability, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from or in connection with copy information or other material in this magazine, any negligence of The Publisher, or any persons actions in reliance thereon. Any dispute or complaint regarding placed advertisements must be made within seven days of publication.

Inclusion of any copy must not be taken as any endorsement by The Publisher. Views expressed by contributors are personal views and they are not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher.

profilemag.com.au

Y Woods A D 15s Maria

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profilemagazine

7

he says, she says

ll photography ben stone This issue of Profile is all about age. some people choose to change the course of their career well into their 40’s and 50’s there are also those who are fitter and happier than they have ever been in the later stages of their life.

The wealth of experience that comes with age is invaluable.

Goes to show there really is no substitute for what a few more years on this earth teaches you. HOT 91.1FM’s Todd and Sami gave us their take on the topic.

he says

M

y Nonnie used to say, ‘The years between 50 and 70 are the hardest … you’re always being asked to do things by people, but you’re not yet decrepit enough to turn them down’. She also used to say, ‘A man knows he’s reached middle age when he’s told to slow down by his doctor, rather than the police!’ These days, folk who have conquered more than half a century on this crazy earth are less likely to chillax and wait for old age to come knocking and are more inclined to be changing jobs, jumping out of planes and getting tatts! Naturally, any mention of tattoos or ‘tough stickers’, as the kids call them, should come with a stern warning for the youth, especially for young girls. Just remember a cute, colourful butterfly inked on your chest looks ace at 20, but by the time 60 rolls around, that butterfly will look like a gargoyle hanging on for dear life!

Sure when you’re young tatts tend to look hotter than the pages that grace chapter eight of 50 Shades of Grey, but as you age, they carry all the heat of a snow cone at the local school fete.

This is different if you’re already pushing 60 and keen to hook up some body art, because let’s face it, if it’s going to sag it’s already started right? Hey I’m only 37 and I’m suffering the debilitating condition known as ‘saggy dad bum’, or SDB as they call it in the industry! But as usual I digress, we’re celebrating the over 50’s invasion everyday in this country, where there’s less grey nomads hogging the road with their Nissan Patrols and over-sized Jayco’s and more electing to share their wealth of knowledge with us younger people by working at Bunnings, or running surf schools or teaching pilates. And for the more adventurous over 50’s, there’s always abseiling or jumping off tall buildings. Just ask Tom Cruise, he’s just turned 50, and he’s single, ladies.

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todd and sami

She says

T

his is one of my favourite stories of all time: ‘Every Friday night, Lupe and Olga go out on the town. They wear strapless yellow dresses to show off their tattoos of La Virgin de Guadalupe, they fling their mojitos out of the window. On the way home they split a beer at the ice house.

The next day their grandchildren wonder what the neighbours think.’ It is from the amazing book The Persistence of Yellow, by Monique Duval. It cracks me up and gives me inspiration of how I hope to be when I am lucky enough to be a grandmother or great grandmother. I would like to age quite badly.

Not in the physical sense. I want to smoke a pipe and travel to Paris and drink cognac watching the sun set over the Eiffel Tower. Then I will walk my two black poodles (named Audrey and Pier of course) to the fashionable little bar at the end of the Champs Elysées and let them pee on the street lamps and then flip the bird to anyone who dares to question me.

That’s the dream, and yes, it is yet another one that revolves around Paris and all of her mystical pull. But seriously, we have the greatest older role models in the world. My beautiful friend Shirley is in her 70’s and has just converted to Buddhism. Zen to her. My neighbour must be in her 80’s and still goes to tap dance lessons every week. Kay McGrath from Seven News is an icon in the industry and brings so much more credibility to the news. And Ita Buttrose is top of my list. That lady has a pitbull attitude with the grace of a jaguar.

Admittedly, I am massively in awe of Ita, as she started her groundbreaking career as a cadet journalist and created her own empire to become a role model to so many women around Australia. And of course, don’t forget Lupe and Olga as fabulous role models. May we all continue to wear high heels in our 80’s, use the good china cups every day and sometimes, just for fun, embarrass the grandchildren.

profilemag.com.au

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Fashion is synonymous with luxury, and Coastline BMW is proud to present the ‘Driving Style’ campaign in support of our very own thriving fashion industry. The Sunshine Coast plays host to a plethora of

MEET YANEIRA

talent, with fashion designers leading the

profile: Have you always wanted to be a designer? yaneira: Not at all, I grew up in a very small village in Venezuela.

Fashion and design was not considered a profession. I had never touched a sewing machine in my life before enrolling in the fashion and design course at SSCT.

way and making their mark on the world stage. Yaneira Velasquezis is one such amazing designer. this month, We interview Yaniera and showcase one of the fabulous creations from her latest collection.

Fashion designer Yaneira Velasquezis pictured (right). Makeup

by Jessica Hunt. Photography by Ben Connolly, Velocity Images.

Model Alexandria Daffara wears a Rosa Mercedes couture hand-made gown. Highly commended at the Queensland Calico Brides 2010, it is made with 100 per cent cotton fabric-calico 10

profilemagazine

profile: Tell us a little about your background? yaneira: I was born in Santa Fe, Venezuela, an amazing village by the warm Caribbean sea. I am the typical example of a loud Latino lady who loves dancing, singing and great food. I was about 10 years old when my mum was diagnosed with cancer and my dad always worked hard in order to give Mum everything she needed. We children had to help wherever we could ... I started working at my dad’s small construction business at the age of 11. I learned how hard it was to get the money to support the family. I think that time changed me forever and made me become the woman I am today. profilemag.com.au

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profile: What is the point of difference with your designs? yaneira: Uniqueness. Every design I sketch, every dress I make, every stitch I sew, I do it as if it was the last time I was able to sew. I put everything I’ve got into it … I think this is the difference in my designs. profile: What training have you had? yaneira: I am an Australian-made designer. Everything I know about design, sewing, pattern making, grading and business, I have learned here at the Sunshine Coast TAFE. profile: What is the inspiration behind your work? yaneira: I get inspiration by taking in everything that’s going on around me. I really love Australian culture, art, nature and architecture. There is so much potential, power, energy, love and knowledge. I really hope that my gift and talent as a designer will help me show the world this amazing culture through my clothing. I like mixing culture, art and history into my clothing. august 2012

profile: Who have been your biggest influences? yaneira: Alexander McQueen is my greatest fashion influence. What I really loved about him was his ability to be fearless when it came to the clothes he presented on the runway. Artistic representation, a vision and passion for what he did is something that I really admired. profile: What are your future plans? yaneira: Globalisation is the buzz word and almost a synonym for success in the 21st century. It is my focus to make a name on the international stage and to show the world Australian expertise and excellence in fashion design. profile: Where can we purchase your designs? yaneira: Yaneira Velasquez is a high-end fashion brand, we make one-off garments made to fit the silhouette of a specific client. It is done only by appointment. All our contact details are online at www. yaneiravelasquez.com. profilemagazine

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people

words ingrid nelson ll photography ben connolly, velocity images

marjie andrews

When it comes to exercise, no one is more dedicated and passionate than aerobic ace Marjie Andrews. Twice as fit as most people half her age, Marjie’s irrepressible energy and passion for active ageing is infectious. Ingrid Nelson caught up with Marjie to discover her secrets for a healthy, happy life through her love of exercise.

E

very year I promise myself that I am going to get fitter, that I am going to get back on the treadmill that’s been gathering dust in the corner for the past six months, and every year I fail miserably. I pull out all the usual excuses ... I don’t have enough time, I’m too tired, there are not enough hours in the day. Then I met Marjie Andrews and now I have absolutely no excuse – ever.

At 71 years young, Marjie is the epitome of health and wellbeing. A self-confessed fitness fanatic her whole life, this sprightly and effervescent character is truly inspiring.

Greeting me at her Rosemount home recently, dressed in skinny jeans, boots and glamorous makeup, the diminutive aerobic queen’s youthful appearance belies her true age. I was told this lady looked good for her age, but seriously, that is the understatement of the year!

A qualified fitness leader, Marjie Andrews believes no one is ever too old to enjoy the benefits of exercise – and she living proof.

A former school teacher, with more than 25 years’ experience in the fitness profession, Marjie believes that much of the physical decline associated with ageing is due to inactivity rather than disease.

“I am all about keeping mature-aged people out of hospital and away from doctors,” Marjie says.

Through the gentle exercise classes she has been running for many years, Marjie has been a crusader for “active ageing” and tells me it all boils down to quality of life.

“If you don’t use it, you lose it – it’s a simple as that. Otherwise you will just fade away,” Marjie says matter of factly. “That might sound a bit harsh but it’s the reality.

12

profilemagazine

“A lot of people want to come to classes but they think, ‘Am I going to fit in? Am I going to be too old? Will they laugh at me?’ So they don’t turn up.

My advice is to give it a go; any exercise is better than none and you might just like it!”

Born in Melbourne, Margie moved to Queensland in 1971 and regards herself as a “true Queenslander”.

Hailing from an active family, Margie tells me exercise was always a big part of her life. She also followed in her mother’s footsteps and was involved in competitive dancing for many years.

“I had always been into exercise, calisthenics, ballet, yoga, you name it. I was in calisthenics for a long time in Melbourne and I couldn’t find anything like that here so I went into training for competitive physical culture – it’s a bit like calisthenics. Then I started teaching it but it wasn’t such a competitive sport on the Coast. After a few years I started teaching gentle exercises and I found my niche with more mature-aged people.”

Her dedication was recently recognised with an Australia Day Award for her service to the community.

“I suppose I just love exercise – when I took on the exercise classes I had to become qualified so this is my 26th year of teaching fitness.”

With a love of the beach and the outdoors, Marjie says it was while driving along the south bank of the Maroochy River she had a light bulb moment and thought, ‘Why can’t I combine exercise for mature people with the beautiful outdoor lifestyle we are lucky enough to have on the Sunshine Coast?’

With many of her clients getting older, some even in their 80’s Marjie says some of the group

were no longer able to do some of the exercises but still wanted to stay active, hence ‘Welcome to Walking’ was born and will kick off in the first week of September.

“I’m branching out now. I am trying to do things differently. Walking is one of the best forms of exercise, because you can do it at your own pace.

There is no competition.”

But it’s not all work and no play for these sprightly retirees.

“You have to get your priorities right,” laughs Marjie. “We always like to have our coffee fix afterwards. Some of the ladies who are well into their 80’s don’t exercise anymore but they have all stayed together, which is lovely.”

So what is the secret to looking so good in her 70’s, I hear you ask?

“I am very conscious of eating the right foods.

I don’t eat sweets or cakes or biscuits. I do love a couple of chardonnays – that’s my downfall ... I guess I just never wanted to let myself go. You have to make the effort. Some mornings I think, ‘Oh I have to go to class and cart all my stuff there’ but once I get there I really enjoy it and away I go.”

Marjie’s devoted husband, Steve, is quick to make a sneaky quip.

“Margie is actually only 39,” he chuckles. “I think most of it is due to the fact she married me.

She looks great because I look after her so well, that’s her secret!”

Wrapping up the interview, I ask Marjie how she responds to people who refer to mature-aged people as ‘over the hill’? “Over the hill is better than being under it!” she laughs. Couldn’t have said it better myself.

Now how do I turn this treadmill on? profilemag.com.au

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profilemagazine GRANT SMITH PROPERTY

13

the ultimate guide to FAST DEBT REDUCTION

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1. MONEY Most people get their advice about money from a bank - what sort of account to open, what sort of loan to have. A bit of a laugh really, with most of the profits the banks make coming from their smallest account holders it’s like asking the mouse where to keep the cheese. I wish I had been taught that banks will tell you how to do your banking to increase their profits, not yours.

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4. BUDGET Vs CASH MANAGEMENT Most people cringe when they hear the word budget, yet most people think a budget is a list of out-goings taken off income to show a surplus or deficit. This is just a list….

A budget – or more importantly a cash management program compares what you are actually spending each week against what you planned to spend, to allow for lifestyle decisions. A budget is treated like a diet for money – it shouldn’t be! If only someone had shown me years ago that getting organized with your money allows you to have more of the things you want in life. This can be so easy to do with the right tools and the right people on your team.

5. INTEREST RATES DON’T MATTER Really! I wish someone had shown me that if you do your banking properly you can pay out your home loan in a just a few short years and higher interest rates would make only a few months difference. Yet banks are constantly talking interest rates rather than banking strategies - it makes no sense.

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Neena’s Story...

The day I walked into Chris Childs office I was in despair, our financial situation was out of our control, we had a good little business with plenty of work to keep the money coming in, but due to poor cash management we were going deeper and deeper into debt. Ringing Chris was the best thing we have ever done, the years of experience and expertise in Debt Reduction that she and her team have is invaluable.

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view

Beauty may be only skin deep, But even if all of us aren’t equally genetically blessed, Cec Toomey of Mooloolaba’s Hoi Polloi Beauty Centre tells Nikkii Joyce it’s every woman’s right to feel beautiful.

C

oco Chanel famously said that it’s best to make oneself as pretty as possible for the events of destiny. Wise words from the lady who, among other things, cemented the little black dress, bell-bottoms and Chanel Number 5 as staples in a woman’s wardrobe. But a shy and naïve farmer’s daughter could never have known that her destiny would be the creation of a Sunshine Coast dynasty encouraging women to embrace their own beauty.

For the last 28 years, Cec Toomey’s name has become synonymous with style and grace, promoting the understanding that a girl’s desire to look her best isn’t the shallow cliché it once was.

She is flawless in person, I discover. Despite being in her 80’s, this one-time farm girl and grandmother/great grandmother of 12 is effortlessly chic, dressed from head to toe in sweeping black layers capped off with classic red lips and rimless glasses encased with Swarovski crystals.

Her warmth and genuine alarm at the cause of my late arrival reveals a down-to-earth character one might incorrectly assume cannot be sustained in such an industry focused on the outer shell.

Cec doesn’t mince words and is single-minded yet polite to a fault when she explains that no product in the world is going to suddenly make a woman beautiful.

“You can’t change people but you can keep their skin soft with products.

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It’s terribly hard to be a good beautician. We’re listening to their problems and people feel better when they leave.” She smiles softly and adds “that is the therapy.”

Cec is the original beauty innovator here on the Sunshine Coast, but ironically, if she had her way would still be loving life on the Maroochy River as a farmer’s wife.

Her father took over the family’s sugar cane farm in 1919. With no male heirs, the farm was passed to Cec and her husband, John, one of the farm’s leading hands who was equally as close to her father’s heart.

One year later the teenage pair welcomed their first child, daughter Cecilia, on Cec’s 18th birthday.

“It was a nice present, but I didn’t think so at the time. My mother was a midwife and she never explained anything because in those days they didn’t talk to you. It was such a shock,” she says candidly.

It was little different six years later when the young family welcomed son Jeffrey.

But what there is no denying is Cec’s delight in bringing up her burgeoning family on a farm.

“Living on a farm was a beautiful life. We (women) never had those dramas of having to leave children to go to work ... Things are so much harder for women now.”

Fifteen years after the birth of their first son, Cec and John discovered they were pregnant again and this time the experience was significantly more pleasurable.

“Cecilia (daughter) was horrified because she was getting married at the time,” she says with a devilish chuckle.

Two more children would follow, including high profile Sunshine Coast family law solicitor Leisa Toomey. This loving mother gave birth for the last time at age 40 to son Brendan.

Cec first stepped into the beauty industry when daughter Cecilia started working as a pharmacist.

But it wasn’t until her daughter Kym completed a beautician’s certificate and began weighing up her options about what to do with the qualification that the idea of creating a business first took hold.

The mother/daughter duo discovered an empty, bright red video store on River Esplanade, and in 1984 Hoi Polloi Centre made its debut.

“We were just bandying it (the business name) around. And we came up with Hoi Polloi – it’s Latin for ‘the masses’. Like the Pope has an audience – all creeds and all races. You’re only common if you make yourself common.”

Having weathered the storm of fads and new competition, Cec confesses she has no option but to be on the job six days a week.

“Financially, it (the current economic climate) has had a big impact on a woman’s budget on beauty. It’s the first thing that husbands expect us to give up. You get the husbands in here that are really negative about it.” So I ask her if they should be? She is emphatic in her response for the negative.

“Husbands need to be able see that wives need something more than just children and sex.”

Cec describes the closure of the Nambour sugar mill eight years ago as the point in time where “the bottom fell out of my world”.

With the sugar gone and the Coast environment seemingly hostile to farming, there was no option but to shut down the working property that had been in Cec’s family for more than a century. It was a challenge, but not the only one Cec has faced.

Hoi Polloi has weathered the arrival of major competition from beauty chains capitalising on tough economic times. What has remained steadfast is Cec and her team’s devotion to their clients.

And after 66 years of marriage and 28 years of business, it’s clear this is a lady who knows the secrets to a successful union.

“It’s very tough in business but we’re still keeping our head above water.

So many close down because young girls want a life as well. This is my life because and through it all, it gave my family and I one.”

Certainly a life well lived if you ask me.

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success

words alli grant ll photography ben connolly, velocity images

Vicki Brown has quite the resume. This local marketing guru has done it all, from writing a cookbook to creating the iconic Mooloolaba Prawn, and she has been a vet nurse and a zookeeper along the way. But recently vicki achieved her ultimate dream, as Alli Grant uncovered.

I’m certainly in a happy place now – that’s the best bit about being over 40. I like being 44. I just hate saying it!”

18 brown profilemagazine vicki shot on location at underwater world, mooloolaba

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f you could be anything or anyone in the world, what or who would you be? An astronaut? A singer? An actress? A professional sportsperson? An inventor? Angelina Jolie? Mark Zuckerberg? Richard Branson? Madonna?

As a youngster I wanted to be an actress and / or a singer. Oh yes, how I desperately yearned to entertain people everywhere with my clearly God-given natural talents. While I didn’t make it to Broadway or Hollywood, I’m still somewhat of a show off, but thankfully I do get to stand up in front of people and “entertain” thanks to the creation of our Alli & Genine world. I’m a happy little camper.

But when asked, “So Alli, what do you do?” I’m a little lost for words, or rather, I have too many words. I am a stack of things and none of them fits neatly on a passport application form.

As opposed to local business woman, Vicki Brown. Not only does her current vocation fit perfectly on a passport application form but she’s also thrilled with her new career path. Vicki is a seal trainer. Wow! Last time we caught up with Vicki she had just launched her first cookbook, with Sails chef Paul Lette, called The Chef and I. She had also ticked “created iconic food industry brand” off her to do list by creating and marketing the Mooloolaba Prawn and was busy working in the family business, Browns Seafood and Slipway.

Today, she doesn’t teach people how to prepare and eat seafood. Instead, trains it to perform at Underwater World! Okay, so perhaps it’s not quite as simple as that, but Vicki certainly sees the irony.

“Some days I’ll be educating kids about barramundi, and I’ll almost say ‘Oh and barramundi goes well with blah blah’ ... seriously though, the fishermen really are all about preserving the environment. They love the oceans and they want to preserve them for generations to come, so I do feel like the two go hand in hand. I’m extra qualified for the job.” profilemag.com.au

success

How did this seafood-loving marketer who ironically confesses to being a “terrible cook” end up training seals at Underwater World? A qualified zoo keeper and vet nurse by trade, Vicki worked at Underwater World for many years, leaving 12 years ago to work in her husband’s family’s business.

When Browns Seafood was sold in January last year, Vicki decided it was time to go back to her roots, to working with animals.

“I’d spent 11 years in seafood ... I had just written a book about it, and then in January last year my father-in-law sold the business and all of a sudden we were out of the industry. It really all happened so quickly!

“I decided I wanted to go back to Underwater World, to working with animals, so I phoned them and went in for a chat ... the following Monday I was back, working on their education program.”

Vicki’s eyes light up (not unlike mine do when I spy a 50 per cent off shoe sale) when I ask her about her favourite fishy friends.

“I just love the otters and the seals. The otters remind me of my son!” she jokes, going on to explain that she was desperate to work with the seals.

“I asked if I could volunteer a day a week [to work with the seals] and they agreed, so every Thursday night I was like a kid on Christmas Eve waiting for Friday to come. I worked behind the scenes – getting the fish ready [45 kilos a day!], show control, animal husbandry ... and I still did the otter shows.”

Unfortunately, there’s a bit of ‘past tense’ action when discussing her dream job at Underwater World as Vicki is currently on a ‘health concern induced hiatus’, but she hopes to be back on deck soon.

I ask Vicki if it was difficult to flick the switch from small business owner to working for someone else.

“To be honest, it was a big ‘exhale’ moment. I could leave work and not bring any problems with me. And I think having owned a business makes me a better employee – you just get it and it makes you want to do a better job.

“When I worked at Underwater World 12 years ago, I was so gung-ho, it was all about getting to the top. But now I just want to go there and do a good job and I get so excited about going to work. Oh and I get to put ‘seal trainer’ on my passport application. How cool is that?”

Vicki tells me she loves being “over 40” as it has given her a new view on life.

“I feel like it’s my time to shine. I love what I do and that’s what life is all about. Being over 40 I think I have the maturity to deal with it all ... I don’t get caught up in the little things. That said, I might have to give the seals away,” she tells me, her mood suddenly shifting.

“I have worked with the seals for eight months and I have had the best time.

When the doctor told me I might have to give it up I cried for three days, but then I realised that I’d done it, I’d had a chance to be a seal trainer.”

Vicki explains that she has a condition call Ehler Danlos Syndrome. In layman’s terms, there’s an issue with the structure of the collagen in her body and this has led to serious problems with her ligaments. So much so, she suffers from daily dislocations.

“I was diagnosed nine years ago, but one of my closest friends passed away recently from cancer and afterwards I slipped two disks and tore seven and since have dislocated my hips, knees, elbows, ribs and shoulders. My specialist told me that it can be brought on by physical or emotional trauma; that’s what caused such massive dislocation.

“Some days I’ll cough and will pop a rib out, or I’ll be walking and my hip will slip out or I’ll dislocate my shoulder not really doing anything at all.”

Vicki’s doctor has told her that she should steer clear of lifting anything over five kilos in weight for the rest of her life – there goes the seal training.

She has taken a break from work to focus on strengthening her muscles as best she can, with daily hydrotherapy and a spot of surfing.

“They had taken so much away from me the doctor didn’t dare tell me I couldn’t surf anymore! I’m so bad at it but I love it.”

Vicki aims to be back at work in a few months, focusing once again on the educational program and her furry little friends, the otters.

Aside from her work at Underwater World, she is still committed to promoting her book and loves public speaking, on everything from ‘Marketing without a budget’ to ‘Spicing up life – from the kitchen to the bedroom’. She’s a confident, funny, crazy woman who loves the spotlight. Vicki also adores spending time with her boys, Dylan who is nine, and husband Anthony, who keeps himself extremely busy running their shipping and freight business, Browns Slipway.

“I’m certainly in a happy place now – that’s the best bit about being over 40.

I like being 44. I just hate saying it!” she laughs, adding that it’s important to “learn to live in the moment and work hard to spice up your life”.

Sound advice indeed..

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ladies at lunch

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“If you are over the hill you have no one to blame but yourself.” sandra wills

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“The only people who make me feel old are my children!” sonny stacey

1. sonny stacey 2. rose nation 3. julie elley 4. view from la dolce vita 5. seafood linguini 6. vikki dunn

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ladies at lunch

words ingrid nelson ll photography alicia aberley ll sponsored by boq maroochydore and wealthways ll venue la dolce vita, caloundra

Just how old is too old? You only have to flick through this month’s issue of Profile Magazine to realise the answer is that you’re never too old! Ingrid Nelson caught up with a gaggle of energetic ‘mature-aged’ ladies who are living live at full throttle and asks them to share their thoughts on life after 50.

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ver the hill – no longer able to do something at an acceptable level because of age. Well, if the six wonderful ladies I recently had the pleasure of lunching with have taught me anything, it’s that this is certainly not the case! Witty, vibrant and full of energy, these ladies may be over 50 but they are definitely not over the hill. They know who they are, they have confidence in themselves and most importantly, they are still having plenty of fun. They could teach the younger generation a thing or two, that’s for sure. I can honestly say I left our lunch at the delightful La Dolce Vita, Caloundra, feeling excited about what the next decade or two has in store for me. Co-hosting the lunch was the beautiful Sandra Wills, owner of Wealthways Financial Planning. Joining us was Julie Elley, owner of Sandcastles on the Beach, Mooloolaba, Sonny Stacey, owner of Sonny’s Hair Design and Beauty Salon, Buderim, Vikki Dunn, manager of Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters Golf Resort & Spa, Caloundra and Rose Nation, owner of ABBsolve Services. profile: Ladies I want to cut straight to the chase, at what age are you officially “over the hill”? sonny: As far as I’m concerned, you are over the hill when you’re dead! I have 30-year-olds come in to my hair salon who have gone grey and are happy to go grey. Everything rolls on from that.

It’s all attitude. julie: I think it’s all in your head. You can do whatever you want whenever you want, it’s up to you. You must keep yourself involved with like-minded people and you will never get old.

I’m 62 and I still feel 42. rose: If you are around people who make you think you are over the hill you have to get rid of them and surround yourself with more positive friends! vikki: I don’t think you are ever over the hill and I am not going to be labelled by people who perceive that I should be doing this or that at my age. I still have so much to do. august 2012

sandra: If you are over the hill you have no one to blame but yourself. Your 30’s and 40’s are hard work. Bring on the 50’s, I say. profile: What, if any, are the benefits of being “mature-aged” in the workforce? vikki: We have a certain skill set – it’s how our generation was brought up. We have discipline.

We know how to act, how to dress properly, how to conduct ourselves. The younger people of today don’t seem to have that. Although I still very much like to interact and work with younger people. It’s interesting to learn from them. sonny: Having worked for myself for so long, that’s a challenging question. I think with life in general you have so much more confidence in every way as you get older. You also have more of an inner peace; things don’t bother you so much. I value older employees. Younger employees don’t have the initiative or the common sense older people do. julie: I would definitely suggest employing an older woman. There is total reliability, they have lived life, they appreciate having a job and respect the opportunity to be there. They also don’t have family pressures or school holidays to think about. rose: Unfortunately those qualities are not always recognised though. I recently approached a job agency for two days work and the young lady, maybe 32, replied that I could always go into cleaning or aged care, to which I replied where does it say that on my resume? julie: They make you feel old, we could cut their legs from under them and do what they do in 10 minutes, but they have the power. profile: Some would say women become invisible as they age, your thoughts? julie: I am 62 and I am definitely starting to feel like that. I went to buy $800 worth of white goods for my business recently. The young sales chap was on the phone, he gave me the once over and then directed someone else to serve me. I may have only

spent $800 that day but I could spend $10,000 tomorrow. But I will never deal with that young man again. I think it was because he considered me an old woman. They don’t realise we can buy what we want without credit! rose: I went to buy a barbeque recently and asked my daughters to come with me so I would be served faster. They were amazed that this would happen and told me it was rubbish. Sure enough when we got there the sales assistant went directly to help them because they are young and gorgeous and completely ignored me. vikki: It’s not so much what they say, it’s the rolling of the eyes and their body language. sandra: Invisibility is a real issue for people as they age and it’s not just women. I think the whole issue of age is really interesting. Anyone who is 10 years older is old to you, depending on what age you are.

I find there are some amazing inspirational people who are far from over the hill. Julie and I did the five kilometre run at Noosa a few weeks ago and it was amazing. There were all these people in the 60’s and 70’s and they were out there doing it. profile: Can you share the times you felt your age? sonny: The only people who make me feel old are my children! If I play my Michael Jackson music, the kids yell at me to turn it off. They are 23, 17 and 15 and they find it embarrassing in front of their mates! julie: I agree. We were checking into a motel recently and I was filling in the registration forms when my 38-year-old daughter said to me ‘Give it to me mum I can do it faster’. And I run a resort! vikki: I am glad it’s not just me then. My girls tell me I drive too slow! julie: It’s funny how things change. My daughter used to be scared of me, I was a disciplinarian.

Now the tables have turned and I am scared of her! I sit quietly and I don’t say anything because I don’t want to upset their routine or be a nuisance! profilemagazine

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ladies at lunch

one of the sweet treats at la dolce vita

“We have discipline we know how to act, how to dress properly how to conduct ourselves.” vikki dunn

rose: We had a birthday recently and I was making a chicken stir-fry. My daughter said ‘Oh mum leave that, I will make a modern stir fry’. My roast is still the best though; they still come home for that! profile: What about your looks, do you still feel they are as important as you age? sonny: My friends all go through this 50 crisis and I say what are you talking about you should be grateful you could be six feet under. Princess Diana would be the same age as me now and I often think I may have a few grey hairs but I am sure she would love to be here seeing her boys grow up. rose: When I think of my age I think of my blessings, my wonderful country, wonderful husband and wonderful kids, what more do I want? I really enjoy getting older, I love it. sonny: I’m fighting it with all I’ve got, I make no bones about it. I’m Botoxed up to the hills! You need to feel good about yourself and I don’t care how old I am. You have to enjoy every day, you never know what’s around the corner. julie: It’s not that you are trying to look 25. I am happy I’m this age but I want to look in the mirror and think, hey I’m okay!

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our lunching ladies sandra, sonny, julie, rose, ingrid and vikki

profile: What are some of the biggest lessons life has taught you? julie: I think when you become mature, you don’t judge. You are who you are. rose: You recognise that everyone has a story and journey and you don’t pass judgement. sonny: No regrets is a massive thing to remember.

You will always get a positive out of something.

I was widowed a few years ago. I lost my beautiful husband and soulmate and was left with three children but I survived. sandra: It’s how you respond to what life throws at you unexpectedly. That’s what you learn as you get older. profile: How you feel men respond to older women? julie: The older men still try to pick me up! They love me. I think young men also like me because I can still relate to them. sandra: I hate the stereotype of being a ‘cougar’.

The only one who benefits from that is the male! sonny: A younger bloke might look the part but he won’t make you laugh, he’s like a schoolboy. rose: Men are respectful to older women. They might not open the door for someone the same age but they will for me. I don’t get offended, I like it. julie: One thing that makes me laugh is that old men never stop trying! I think it’s when they do stop looking at you or noticing you that you have to worry. vikki: I am just trying to find someone who will make me laugh at this stage. I want to have fun.

That’s the most important thing.

My jaw was sore from laughing after our wonderful lunch. These ladies are bright, vibrant, savvy and inspirational and a prime example of living life to the fullest. If I am travelling half as well as they are in my “mature age” I will be very happy. They taught me a few things too – be kind to yourself, remember to be true to yourself, never accept second best, never have regrets and live everyday like it’s your last. It has certainly worked for them.

LA DOLCE VITA, CALOUNDRA Located in a prime position at the base of the world class Rumba Resort, on the waterfront of Bulcock Beach, La Dolce Vita boasts a relaxed and casual ambience. Sleek wallto-wall glass frontage allows beautiful ocean views, seven days a week.

Charismatic co-owner Khabeer Lateef has been in the restaurant industry for more than 20 years and it shows. Warm, welcoming and a lot of fun, he went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure we had an enjoyable lunch experience. Nothing was too much trouble and, of course, Khabeer’s cheeky wit and charm was a hit with the ladies! I have dined at the restaurant many times previously and the service is always first-class.

Although we were spoiled for choice with the varied lunch menu and daily specials on offer, most ladies could not go past the seafood linguini, and it didn’t disappoint.

The juicy Moreton Bay bugs, cooked with black muscles and succulent king prawns in extra virgin olive oil with garlic, chilli, olive and tomato, served with linguini was delicious.

Sonny was equally impressed with her polo avocado. The sautéed chicken breast pieces, flamed with vodka, finished with avocado crème sauce and sprinkled with roasted macadamias looked divine.

Our meals were washed down with chilled glasses of Babich Black Label sauvignon blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand.

For dessert we enjoyed an array of mouthwatering sweet treats including tiramisu, raspberry and frangelico cheesecake, cannoli and sticky date pudding, there was something to suit all taste buds.

Shop 1 , Rumba Resort The Esplanade, Caloundra 5438 2377

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august 2012

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cover story

I used to wear my togs to bed because I was so excited to go training.�

Lisa wears her own clothes and jewellery. Hair

by Kooshka, Mooloolaba. Make up by Pru Edwards.

Creative direction by Kara de Schot. shot on location at lisa’s home in minyama

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cover story

words jessica jane sammut ll photography ben connolly, velocity images ll hair kooshka, mooloolaba ll makeup pru edwards

WHEN YOU THINK OF LISA CURRY, YOU MIGHT THINK OF SPORTING SUCCESS AND PHYSICAL PROWESS, BUT BEHIND THE HERO IS ALSO A WOMAN WHO HAS RAISED THREE CHILDREN, WRITTEN SIX BOOKS, RUBBED SHOULDERS WITH THE PRIME MINISTER, ENDURED A LIFE-THREATENING HEART DEFECT AND RUN A HUGELY SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, AS PROFILE’S JESSICA JANE SAMMUT DISCOVERS.

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inner: noun; someone or something that succeeds; synonyms – achiever, champ, champion, conquering hero, conqueror, first, hero, medalist, medal-winner, number one, prize-winner, strongest, title-holder, top dog, vanquisher, victor.

The 2012 Olympic Games is here and one can only imagine the hard toil, total dedication and unwavering commitment the participating Australian athletes will have undergone to find themselves in London, competing for their country.

I have to admit, I am not a creature of natural physical ability, so to watch these incredibly talented men and women take part in such strenuous events boggles my mind. I “ooh” and “ahh” at their amazing bodies, their sporting excellence and their mental dedication, and I ponder on the question that if we all behaved like athletes in our approach to life, what would we be capable of?

Because sporting accomplishment is so much more than just physical training; it is about resilience, it is about dedication, and it is about trying – again and again – until there is success. Perhaps this is a lesson we all could learn.

So when I find myself meeting up with the ever-great swimming champion Lisa Curry over coffee one fine Saturday morning, I am keen to discover what makes this legend tick.

I want to know how she managed to become one of the best swimmers the world has seen, competing in three Olympics (Moscow in 1980, Los Angeles in 1984 and Barcelona in 1992), two World Championships (Berlin in 1978 and Ecuador in 1982) and three Commonwealth Games (Edmonton in 1978, Brisbane in 1982 and Auckland in 1990). I want to know how she has become one of the most sought-after coaches and speakers in Australia. I want to know how she has survived a life threatening heart defect. Yes, I want to know how to win. august 2012

“It’s all about mental perseverance,” Lisa glows.

Born in Brisbane in 1962, Lisa was a very regular child until a certain significant event sparked the beginning of a life-long love for swimming.

“We were on our way to Tangalooma for a family holiday and I was four years old,” recalls Lisa. “The boat pulled up to the island and I jumped off intending to land on the ground. Instead, I found myself fighting for breath in the ocean, sinking like a stone. It was a terrifying moment for everyone and marked the day my parents realised I needed to learn to swim.”

From that moment on, Lisa spent many days at the pool learning how to swim and on the beach with her father who surfed with her, and when she was ten years old, Lisa’s potential was spotted.

“I was swimming with my friends at the pool when a coach approached me and asked if I would like to join his swimming squad. It sounded like fun so I started training. I loved it. Soon I was training three times a week. One afternoon, my coach appeared at my parents’ house and told my mum and dad he believed I could be Australia’s fastest swimming freestyler if I set my mind to it. This marked the start of my career in swimming.

I wanted to be like the Olympic swimming champion Shane Gould.

“My coach used to say to me, ‘If you want to be a winner, you have to practise being a winner every single session.’ This stuck in my mind. I wasn’t terribly interested in school and was not really a natural athlete, but I poured my heart and soul into my passion for swimming, and committed to train as hard as I possibly could. I was always the first to training and the last to leave. I lived and breathed it. I used to wear my togs to bed because I was so excited to go training.

“I trained five to six times a week perfecting my technique, and by twelve years old, I was one of the fastest swimmers of my age in the world. Later that year, I went to the Olympic trials so that I could start gaining some serious experience, and I came second in the 200-metre individual medley. Usually that would

I awoke to find what felt like a 20 kilogram weight on my chest. By the next day, I had been admitted to intensive care.”

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cover story

We all should live each day with happiness, passion and contentment because you never know if it will be your last.”

have qualified me to take part, but the event had been removed from the Olympic program. It was an encouraging indication, however, that I was already good enough to compete at that level.”

In 1976 when Lisa was just 14, she found herself on her first overseas trip competing at the Calgary Cup in Canada, where she won more medals than the other members of the team put together. By the age of 15 she was ranked number five in the world for the 100-metre breaststroke, and at the age of 16, she took part in her first Commonwealth Games.

“I learnt a lot at that first Commonwealth Games,” smiles Lisa. “I competed in three races and came fourth in each race, and in one of those races there had been a false start which was overlooked. I found this injustice really hard to deal with and was very frustrated. I subsequently attended a talk by Dennis Waitley who wrote The Psychology of Winning and I learnt that winners can’t depend on other people but can only rely on themselves to achieve their own goals. This really helped me refocus.”

Lisa Curry went on to collect 24 gold medals, 21 silver medals and eight bronze medals at international competitions in a career that spanned an awe-inspiring 23 years. In fact, Lisa was the first mother ever to represent Australia at an Olympic Games when she took part in Barcelona in 1992.

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She was 30 years old (considered ancient in the sporting world) and had two children. Lisa did not retire from competitive swimming until she was 33, smashing the sporting stereotype.

“I certainly did not think I could ever compete seriously after becoming a mum, but I trained hard and after my first two children I worked my way back up to a physical peak. I had to prove everyone wrong!”

On retirement from swimming after the Barcelona Olympics, Lisa took up other sporting pursuits and competed in surfboat rowing competitions and championship outrigger canoe events, applying her ethic for winning in a new way.

“After being used to training so hard, I was physically bored when I retired,” Lisa explains. “So I took up surfboat rowing and outrigger canoe paddling.

It was a very different mental space for me. Suddenly I was competing for the team. It was not just about my solo effort any more.”

Lisa’s team won the Queensland Surf Life Saving Championship in 1996 and the World Championship Outrigger Canoe event in 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2004. In addition, Lisa went onto be the first Australian to ever win the Solo World Championship in 2005. There was no end to her limits.

During this time, Lisa also went on to become one of Australia’s most

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cover story

How a situation is handled has a lot to do with perception and mental attitude.”

lisa curry

sought-after speakers, having written six books on health and fitness with more than 250,000 copies sold, including Get Up & Go which was a number one best-selling sports book. Her book Fit Kids was launched in 2000 by Prime Minister John Howard, and is still considered one of the most important books available today as it aims to help children and families by improving their health and fitness.

“I wrote my books to help get the message out there that we are all able to look after ourselves. Physical and mental health and fitness is vital to keep our lives in balance and maximise our capabilities.”

Further, in 2000, Lisa was appointed by John Howard as chairman of the National Australia Day Council (the coordinating body for the Australian of the Year Awards and Australia Day celebrations across the nation), and worked closely with the prime minister and the governor general as a result. She was the first woman to be appointed to such a prestigious position.

However, in 2007 disaster struck.

“I was in Hawaii racing and I didn’t feel well. I couldn’t breathe very easily and was generally off colour. I had been in Asia previously and I was worried it was SARS. I went to the doctor and he thought it was bronchitis. The race came and I managed to finish it, coming second, but I really did not feel myself.

“Approximately 13 months later, I awoke to find what felt like a 20kg weight on my chest. I spoke to a paramedic friend who sent me straight to the hospital. By the next day, I had been admitted to intensive care with what was discovered to be myocarditis from a virus in my heart. The medics suspected the virus dated back to my Hawaii trip. At the same time, the doctors also discovered I had a mitral valve prolapse.

“I was absolutely devastated as I thought this was going to be the end of my sporting life. I experienced 22,000 irregular heartbeats a day at that time. I underwent surgery to have a defibrillator and pacemaker fitted to my heart and then had to stay in hospital for a month as I developed an infection around the device. It was very scary. Lying in a hospital bed for such a long period of uncertainty when I was used to being so active gave me a great deal of time to think. It was an extremely difficult moment of my life.”

Lisa was lucky to recover well from her illness, and miraculously was able

august 2012

to continue a little sport, although to a lesser degree. However, as she got back on her feet, Lisa found herself going through a high profile separation.

“Following my illness, my marriage to Grant [Grant Kenny, ironman legend] broke down and I suffered many more dark moments. It was a very rocky few years. But how a situation is handled has a lot to do with perception and mental attitude. I tried not to internalise too much but to release my mind through physical activity and by talking about it. I also tried to ignore negative people and influences.”

Like a true winner, Lisa emerged from this tumultuous time of her life determined to find the positive. And that she did. Although the amount of sport she was medically allowed to undertake was limited as the result of her heart defect, she managed to see opportunity in this and committed to pouring her energy into helping others achieve success.

“My heart condition allowed me to focus my energy elsewhere and to truly embrace coaching and speaking, which is now what I love to do. When I see one of my clients achieve their goal, it fills my heart with pride. The feeling of winning is temporary, but the feeling of passing on a talent stays with you.

I want my new website [www.lisacurry.com.au] and my 10-Week Kiss Club (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) to empower others to be physically and mentally strong and capable, fit and healthy, motivated and confident. I believe we all should live each day with happiness, passion and contentment because you never know if it will be your last.”

There is no doubt that Lisa Curry is a sizzling ball of energy. A winner through and through, I can’t help but feel a little of her positive sparkle rub off on me as I sit opposite this radiant alpha female. As a woman who had just turned 50, she looks not a day over 35 (with a 30-year-old boyfriend to prove it) and is a shining example of how staying physically and mentally strong is the key to pushing forward.

I came to chat to Lisa about how to win and she had shown me the key.

Winning is within us all; we just need to unlock our potential. An unwavering dedication to one’s cause, a belief in oneself, an understanding of one’s psyche, a commitment to never giving up and a fire in one’s belly is what it takes. And once that light has been lit, anything is possible.

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briefcase

words jaclyn paul ll photography ben conolly, velocity images

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karina blackwood

unshine Coast go-getter Karina Blackwood doesn’t know the meaning of sitting still.

Born and raised on a farm, this vibrant lady has always lived an active lifestyle, and praises the importance of maintaining one to her clients.

While Karina highly regards health and wellbeing, shown through her profession as a registered nurse and her online business Slimplicity International, she also believes in helping others to achieve this.

“I was initially pretty excited about becoming a police officer, but I quickly realised my need to help others was more health-related,” Karina says, inspiring her to pursue a career in nursing even after completing her diploma of justice. “I’ve always had this passion for health and science and knew it would be more of a fulfilling career and lifestyle for me and the people I could help along the way.”

It wasn’t until Karina was pregnant with her second child that she discovered health implications causing her to take medication that was making her gain excess weight. “My sister introduced me to a product called Bio Life Slim which helped me drop a dress size, and I no longer have issues with my

ulcerative colitis that I was diagnosed with during my last pregnancy,” Karina explains. Seeing the success of the product among her family and friends and after doing extensive research of her own, she knew she had to become a distributor for the company, and Slimplicity International was born.

“It’s my goal to help people with their health, but more specifically to assist them with losing weight and decreasing the chance of heart-related problems that way,” Karina says. “In turn, it can improve their own confidence too, which I find extremely important.”

When I ask how this avid 29-year-old finds the time and motivation to keep up her enthusiastic lifestyle, she replies, “If you’re passionate about something, you need to find the time and make it happen. It’s not in my nature to sit around and do nothing because life’s too short.”

In the future she plans on motivating more people to look after their bodies and to inspire children to become active. One only has to look at Karina to realise that a healthy life really can be the key to happiness.

words jaclyn paul ll photography starshots

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julianne jones

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oving to a new state with no friends or family around can be a daunting lifestyle to adjust to. Julianne Jones has experienced this first-hand, relocating her family from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast, and is making sure other families find it an easier transition.

Her passion to bring people together has proven to be of great importance to Julianne, who volunteers as a co-ordinator of the new Family Connect initiative being launched at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo this year. Since her move to the Coast six years ago, (with a four-year-old, six-month-old and bub on the way!), she was thrown into the deep-end with no support or networks. “The first year was really full on,” Julianne explains. “I didn’t know anyone, where to go or what to do, and my husband didn’t move up for another eight months, so it was definitely a challenge.”

When she resigned from her role as a physiotherapist last year, Julianne knew her time and dedication would go towards helping a cause she felt so strongly about. “We recognised a need to help new families connect with others and establish themselves on the Coast,” she explains. “I’ve wanted to start a mentoring program for a long time due to my own personal experience.”

While her move initially was a difficult time for Julianne, it paid off in the end. “I wouldn’t change it for the world. My family loves the outdoors and the beach and we thought the Coast was the perfect place to bring up the kids.”

Since organising Family Connect, Julianne has helped co-ordinate workshops, get togethers, special events and website resources to assist others. “I get the opportunity to help families feel connected, supported and not isolated, and I will do anything for my own experience not to happen to others.”

And while this enthusiastic woman devotes a lot of time assisting families and their particular needs, in her spare time she is quite the artist. “When I get the chance, I love to dabble in creative arts, such as photography and graphic design. It’s something I’ve always loved.”

With a passion for helping others and going out of her way to do so, Julianne proves that incredibly selfless people do, in fact, exist. And as she calls the Sunshine Coast her new home, she is doing whatever she can to enable other families to feel the same.

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ll words nikkii joyce Champion water skier Emma Sheers may have stepped off the world stage but is now going for broke for the future of her sport, opening a brand new water ski facility at Coolum. Nikkii Joyce catches up with the sporting great to hear more about her exciting venture.

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or almost 20 years, four-time world champion water skier Emma Sheers has captivated those in her game, winning fans and stunning critics with her no fear attitude and aggressive cutting style on the water, where she reached speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour, hitting a ramp and being shot into the air.

Emma was just six years old when she first put on a pair of skis as a little tearaway who earned the nickname of “Dilemma” from her much-cherished father.

At the age of 18, Emma began competing on a national level. Almost as quickly as word spread of this ice-cool queen of the water, so did the accolades.

In just 15 years, Emma amassed four world titles, 20 national championships, 57 professional titles, and multiple honours, including International Water Ski Federation Athlete of the Year and US Masters Jump and Slalom Champion.

Many have spoken of her fearsome determination and gruelling training

I’ve worked incredibly hard and I’m glad I am able to share that as a mentor and pass on my everything that I have learned”. regime which unlike most in the lead up to competition, would peak with time challenges set by husband Rick Habermann.

Emma and Rick quickly became a formidable duo, but in 2000, a tragedy threatened to upend it all, with the death of her then 47-year-old father in an ultra-light plane crash.

“It’s funny, the closer you get to that age you realise how much more life he had to live,” says Emma of the loss she still holds close today.

So what’s been tougher? The life of an elite athlete or the one that came after – being mother to daughter Marley, 6, and son Rory, 2. august 2012

“As an athlete you get quite selfish and there is a lot of time spent working on yourself, but as a mum it’s not an option. I’ve had to learn more patience. I really enjoy being a mum and I will really enjoy seeing them pursue their dreams.”

Seeing children pursue their dreams has led Emma and Rick to their next project, the recently council approved international standard water ski park at Quanda Lake, Coolum Beach.

Oz Ski is set to be a water ski facility providing tournament water skiing, two slalom courses and a ski jump to recreational and competitive users. The park will have two lakes, sized about 550 x 150 metres.

Emma, now a coach to Queensland’s water skiing juniors, explains a lack of a quality facility has thwarted the dreams of Queensland’s water skiing future stars for years.

How is this possible when nature has so generously provided the Maroochy River?

“Basically, you can’t ski on the river when it’s flooding. You can’t have a slalom course when the river starts to flow because courses bend, buoys get lost.

It’s been quite devastating for our juniors – they were lucky to get a month’s training in last year and we really want to get our juniors to a high level.”

Emma hasn’t ruled out making a return to the sport she has built her life around, but for now she’s focused on our future stars.

“I feel very blessed. I’ve worked incredibly hard and I’m glad I am able to share that as a mentor and pass on my everything that I have learned”.

Oz Ski is set to open summer 2012. For updates on the park go to www. facebook.com/ozskiresort. profilemagazine

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Sunshine Coast Council supports local business Online interactive guide for starting and operating a business

Connecting local business with professional support

Assisting local business to tender for government work

Accessing economic development grants

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business promotion

words nikki joyce ll photography karen buckle

from left: david pumpa, harry, david, kelly and jack Tilse and colleen pumpa

So you bought your own ring. You ended up asking him. Well ladies if you believe that romance is the stuff of movies – this is going to hurt.

Meet the Sunshine Coast’s hopeful romantic who may not have been the first to fire cupid’s bow, but she’s helping couples join her on the road to happily ever after.

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n a set of steps on a busy Sydney suburban street, a young woman has sought shelter from a torrential downpour underneath her beau’s jacket while waiting patiently for the rain to pass before they arrive home. He is quietly cursing his luck that the horrid conditions literally rained on his hot air balloon parade, but at least now there will be an element of surprise.

He drops to his knee, looks up and smiles at the slightly sodden girl of his dreams whose face momentarily brushes with bewilderment before breaking into the world’s most beautiful smile. Cue music and lucky lady’s missing cat jumping out from behind the city bins.

Okay, so I embellish a little but the real life love story of Sunshine Coast Hinterland entrepreneur, super-mum and all-time romantic Kelly Tilse takes a little time to comprehend.

And settle yourself – there’s more.

“We grew up across the road from each other in a country town in the Hunter Valley. We’ve known each other since we were five. He was asking me out every day for probably three years and I said yes for the last week of sixth class so he could take me to the dance,” Kelly says, giggling at the memory.

“Then we went our separate ways. I went to Stockholm in Sweden to do my floristry private schooling and I was over there for about 10 years.”

Worldly and enjoying her new life, the 28-year-old returned to hometown Scone to catch up with a best friend, and who should she see in the local town pub?

“We saw each other and he was like ‘I can’t believe it’s you. I can’t believe it’s you’. He was jumping around and hugging me and stuff.

‘Can I have your number?’”

The pair was delighted to discover they were both living in Sydney, and the rest, as they say, is history.

august 2012

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business promotion

weddings at tiffany’s reception venue

weddings at tiffany’s

So it makes sense when you’re living the fairytale that you might want to help other people on their path.

To be exact, by the end of 2012, Kelly and her still adoring husband, David, will have guided 180 couples down the path to matrimony in just 18 months.

The couple opened Maleny’s one-stop nuptials shop, Weddings at Tiffany’s, and have just celebrated their first anniversary.

Twelve months on, a new purpose-built chapel and some much appreciated recognition of their unique all-encompassing business by Sunshine Coast Council, couples-in-love from the Coast and beyond are putting their dreams in the hands of Kelly, David and her parents, David and Colleen Pumpa, at Weddings at Tiffany’s.

From the flowers to the celebrants, the food to the transport, Kelly, Colleen and their Davids are equally responsible for bringing top local products and services together in “collections” that take away all the stress of that encroaching big day.

Kelly’s husband, David, works his magic behind the bar, liaising with couples and wine representatives, her father, David, networks with suppliers and heads the administration team, while mother Colleen is “the glue” who holds everything together.

“Tiffany’s has directly injected more than one million dollars into the local community and we have the figures to show that. We’ve had it drummed into our heads from growing up in a country town. You buy there, you shop there and you eat there and it’s the same while we are here in Maleny and Montville.

“Between the four of us that’s what makes Tiffany’s so successful. We run it, own it and we multi-skill so we can each do each other’s job.”

Incredibly, this is one of three wedding-themed Coast businesses of which Kelly stands at the helm.

Despite her responsibilities at Tiffany’s, Maleny Villas and Wedding Flowers in Maleny, Kelly and husband David still manage to dedicate two full days a week to their boys, Jack, 6, and Harry, 2, making it home every night for bed and bath time.

Kelly sits on the fence when asked to confirm the existence of the much-famed bridezillas, but reveals she has witnessed plenty of tears from some unexpected sources.

She laughs explaining, “One groom stands out. He was an absolute sweetheart. He could not stop crying. He was just an absolute mess and we had to wait for him to hold it together before she could walk down. That was really nice.”

Kelly explains that it’s something she never takes for granted.

“I never ever miss being at the chapel doors, waiting and helping her [the bride] out of the car. I usually always tear up. That, for me, is saying, ‘It’s been a long journey but you’ve got here.’ We’re here.”

And so far, everyone is living happily every after.

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chapel

I never ever miss being at the chapel doors waiting and helping her (the bride) out of the car. I usually always tear up. That for me is – it’s been a long journey but you’ve got here. We’re here.”

Kelly Tilse

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Telstra store Caloundra Stockland Caloundra 47 Bowman Rd Call: 5438 2999 TM

Telstra store Kawana Waters Kawana Shoppingworld Nicklin Way Call: 5444 6777

and 速 are trade marks and registered trade marks of Telstra Corporation Limited, ABN 33 051 775 556.

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first bite tour

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sweet slumber Time to rest, time to sleep and time to dream with this gorgeous new range of Bedlinen from Shannon Frickle. For enquiries contact www.shannonfricke.com

lap of luxury Be seduced by the Marie Antoinette Upholstered Bedhead from Peoni Home, rrp $1100 for a Queen Size. Available in a choice of coloured linens. www.peonihome.com.au.

Phone 0422 673 076

classy coasters

savvy storage

Set of four Tumbled Travertine Coasters. RRP $39 a set.

For enquiries www.huntandgather.com.au

Eco-friendly storage solutions, featured is the Bird Storage, From rrp $29 for medium and rrp $55 for large. For enquiries contact www.huntandgather.com.au

winter warmth Catherine Martin Feathers Rug available from Designer Rugs 200x300cm. RRP $5,895. For enquiries contact Designer Rugs, Fortitude Valley, phone 07 3852 6433

with Belle Hemming Interior Designer www.spaceplanners.com.au

vintage inspiration

vintage charm Vintage-inspired Brooklyn Tan Sofa three-seater. RRP $2,299. Contact Freedom Furniture www.freedom.com.au

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Inspired by Vintage Blue Tableware – Porcelain Wallpaper Blue from Studio Ditte. RRP $220 per roll.

Available through Peoni Home.

For enquiries contact. www. peonihome.com.au

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Secure the future for an at risk Aussie kid Donate just 11cents a day/$40 a year www.sunnykids.org.au

Ph: 07 5479 0394 | info@sunnykids.org.au PO Box 1936, Sunshine Plaza QLD 4558

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your ultimate guide to fashion and beauty

Abakus new Naiya Dress rrp $220.

Available online www.abakus-design.com, or shop at Eumundi Square Store and Big Pineapple Concept store, see website for hours or phone 0416 534 600

vanity case caffeine fix Rich caffeine eye serum, RRP $44.95. Available from www.richskincare.com.au

in the night Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10PLUS Night Cream, RRP $18.98 Available from supermarkets and pharmacies

Not quite ready for Botox? We’ve found the next best things to slow down the ageing process – try these age-defying beauty products.

reverse effect Dermologica age reversal eye complex, RRP $95.

Available from Pelican Waters Day Spa. Phone 5437 3022

age proof Trilogy Age Proof CoQ10 Booster Serum RRP $43.95 and Trilogy Triple Action Line Smoother RRP $44.95.

Call 03 9533 1336 for stockists

with Johanna Jensen fashion and beauty editor

bees knees Burt’s Bees naturally ageless line diminishing day lotion, RRP $49.95.

Available at Myer or call 1800 855 478 for stockists

natural lift Santorini Sun nature’s facelift oil, RRP $29.95.

Available from www.santorinisun.com

cleanse and restore Neostrata facial cleanser, RRP $35. Visit www.purist. com for stockists

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refresh and repair

oh so good

Dermologica overnight repair serum, RRP $110.

Available from Lime Health Beauty, Cotton Tree. Phone 5443 8201

O Cosmedics Immortal Cream, RRP $99.

Available from Bliss on Buderim. Phone 5477 1430

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Book a 40min Lime Facial $75 & receive

1 Facial add-on FREE Book a 60min Lime Facial $95 & receive

2 Facial add-ons FREE

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profile loves jeepers peepers Lola Retro Sunglasses, RRP $16.

Available from www.boohoo.com

hot spot Charlie polka dot trimmed floppy hat, RRP $24. Available from www.boohoo.com

heavenly high Talulah Heavens on high dress in black and white, RRP $240. Available at La Vida, Mooloolaba. Phone 5444 8833

fair lady Lemonade on the Lawn dress, RRP $309. Available from Essential Style, Cotton Tree. Phone 5479 4785

No matter what the season, the timeless quality of black and white never fails. This month, we take a look at some of the best monochromatic trends. Mix it up with patterns, stripes and spots.

with Johanna Jensen fashion and beauty editor hollywood heel Milu Katherine Hepburn heel, RRP $159. Visit www.milu.com.au

perfect platform Milu Claudette wedge, RRP $189. Visit www.milu.com.au

comfort shoe Ziera Lark shoe, RRP $209. Available from Just comfort shoes, Mooloolaba.

Phone 5444 8009

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Jamie Black & White Miracle Peplum Top, RRP $74.

Available from www.celebboutique.com

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Time for a

change!

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style counsel

ll photography ben connolly

Growing up in country Victoria, Kobi Nygrin was a selfconfessed tomboy. Known for her trademark messy mop of hair and getting into things she shouldn’t, Kobi‘s parents affectionately nicknamed her “mud rat” when she was just three years old. Still known as Muddy to this day, Kobi says it was the inspiration behind the name of her salon – Mudeez Hair.

Opening its doors almost three years ago, Mudeez Hair is an award-winning salon and Kobi says it’s a place where her staff and clients are treated like family. We caught up with Kobi to get her tips on the hottest trends in hair this season.

profile: What do you love most about your job? kobi: I love having the opportunity to meet new people every day. Being able to make someone feel beautiful, confident and happy is the most incredible feeling and blessing. I also love being in an atmosphere of creativity every day, it’s amazing. profile: What looks can we expect to see this season? kobi: This season is all about glamour. We can expect to see soft curls, waves and hair full of body and volume. Put your straightening irons away and bring out your blow-dryers, large round brushes and curling irons.

Colour this season is soft and subtle. Balayage is the new “must-have”, creating a soft, dropped, highlighted effect in the natural movement of your hair. profile: What must-have product should we have for our hair this season? kobi: The new Cloud Nine curling wand. This wand is amazing, unlike anything else I have ever used before. It’s great for both long and short hair, creating that natural, beautiful wave / curl we all desire. profile: Who’s hair would you most like to cut / style? And what would you do to it? kobi: Julia Gillard … need I say more? She needs a fresh new look! profile: How would you describe your own style? kobi: I would have to say my salon Mudeez Hair is a clear reflection of my style – glamorous, edgy, sassy, classy and loud. I don’t believe a lady can ever have enough bling. I love being a modern woman, the fashion and beauty industry is so exciting, flamboyant and sexy.

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kobi nygrin

profile: What or who is your inspiration when it comes to hair and styling ? kobi: My clients. There is nothing better than seeing somebody come into the salon feeling average and walk out feeling beautiful and confident. I would have to say this is the most rewarding part of my job. profile: What and where is your favourite boutique? kobi: I have two favourite boutiques. Sass & Bide for that edgy, sexy style, and Alannah Hill for a softer, vintage look. profile: What is your fashion fetish? kobi: Red lips! I have always been known to wear red lipsticks; it’s the signature of Mudeez Hair. profile: What do you always have in your handbag? kobi: Mac Red Lipstick and a small can of Sebastian Shaper Fierce Hairspray. profile: What is your best hair tip? kobi: The messy bun. You can dress it up with earrings or wear it casually with a pair of boots and a scarf. You will get a better result if your hair is dirty.

Messy buns always look effective and a little bit sexy.

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AUGUST TREAT

ONLY AUSTRALIAN LABELS SASS & BIDE ONE SEASON TALULAH SHONA JOY USCARI LUISA CLARE BE SEDUCED MARTINI QUBA BLUE TURTLES

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advice

fringe benefits with Erin Watt Should I get a fringe? This is always such a big hairstyle question! It goes without saying that fringes are dramatic face-changers and a nifty way to change your look without having to compromise on length. But ... there are certain lessons I wish to share with you before you’re tempted to take the plunge.

Square shapes can definitely wear a full fringe.

However, they have to be kept narrower in the center. In addition, try adding layers that reach below your chin or have a reasonable amount of volume on top of your head, this will help elongate your face. Think Jennifer Garner or Rachel McAdams.

In general, oval faces are the most versatile, especially when it comes to fringes. A more oblong face will need a wide fringe as it gives the eye area a sense of width.

A heart-shaped face can carry off lots of different styles. Again, a side-swept or off-center side fringe are great for drawing attention away from a sharp chin. A short, wispy fringe will work well depending on your hair texture. Steer clear of blunt bangs if your face is wide by the eyes and narrow down below. This will only make a sweetheart-shaped face look longer.

A rounder face needs to be elongated. Avoid a severe blunt cut as this can sometimes add too much width. A gently-layered or side-swept fringe will work wonders to minimise the fullness of a round face, not to mention highlight great eyes.

right tools and always blow dry your fringe first.

Make sure it is nice and wet to begin with.

Don’t forget to make the most of in-salon fringe trimming services. I would recommend having it trimmed twice as often as you would normally have your next haircut to keep it maintained.

Tempted? Go on, give it a try! Follow these tips and you are sure to be get more bang for your buck.

Strut Hair and Beauty 5443 5605 www.struthair.com.au

Once you have a fringe, remember it can be pretty high maintenance. Arm yourself with the

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life

changes during pregnancy with Dr James Moir During pregnancy there are major changes in the body, some which are the result of the hormones associated with pregnancy, and others that happen later, due to the size and pressure effects from the pregnant uterus. At various stages women may experience different symptoms, some of which may be serious, others that are irritating and uncomfortable, but which don’t affect the health of the baby itself. Let’s look at some of those.

Bleeding during pregnancy It is not unusual for light bleeding to occur at various stages in the pregnancy. In the first few weeks, this may be associated with implantation bleeding. The bleeding will be light, short-lived and not painful. However, it is difficult to be completely reassuring in this situation, and I would normally have women come in and be checked by a scan to confirm that the baby is healthy. Some pregnancies may continue happily, even in the presence of moderate to heavy bleeding, but these will need extra monitoring.

august 2012

Pain during pregnancy

Swelling

Pain is a symptom that every woman should take note of. However, there are some conditions in pregnancy where pain occurs that don’t signify a problem for the baby. Braxton Hicks contractions can sometimes be felt from the middle trimester.

They are felt as a tightening or hardening of the uterus, which lasts for a few seconds to half a minute or so. Provided they are short-lived, don’t go on for more than a few minutes, and disappear when you rest, there should be no cause for concern.

Nearly every woman has some degree of noticeable swelling during pregnancy, particularly in the last trimester. Women often complain of swollen ankles, or the rings on their fingers become tight. Swelling on its own is common during pregnancy and is not associated with risks to mother or baby. The one thing we do look out for is any elevation of blood pressure.

Swelling, particularly if it’s worsening quickly, in association with raised blood pressure, is a much more significant problem.

Ligament pain

Remember, while these issues are worth checking out, most of the time they won’t pose a threat to you or your baby. If you have any concerns, talk to your GP, obstetrician or midwife.

This a common concern as pregnancy progresses. The pregnancy hormones can cause your tendons and ligaments to loosen and relax, ultimately making things a little easier for the baby’s head to pass through the pelvis. However, in the earlier part of the pregnancy, low back pain may be an issue. Other pains in the joints in the pelvis are common. Women may require support from a physiotherapist or a chiropractor.

Moir Medical 5444 0799 www.moirmedical.com.au

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getting long in the tooth? with Dr Simone Ricketts Gum recession occurs when gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away in the direction of the root, exposing more tooth and essentially making your tooth appear longer. Hence derives the expression “getting long in the tooth”. Gum recession does not happen overnight. This can occur at any age, however, is often more obvious as we get older.

This is a common dental problem. The first sign of gum recession can be tooth sensitivity, or you can simply become aware of a gap or a ledge on the tooth near the gum, or you may notice the tooth looks longer than usual. Spaces between teeth seem to grow. Roots of teeth also look more yellow than the rest of the tooth.

Why do gums recede? There are many reasons, including the following; bacterial infections (gum or periodontal disease), genes (thin, fragile gums due to family history), female hormonal changes (fluctuating hormones in puberty, pregnancy and pre-menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to gum recession), smoking, grinding and clenching your teeth (puts excessive

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pressure on teeth triggering gum recession), aggressive tooth brushing with hard or medium brushes, body piercing of the tongue or lip, crowded or rotated teeth and poor oral hygiene (poor tooth brushing and lack of flossing leading to build up of hard tartar or calculus on teeth can cause gum recession).

Treatment should begin with sorting out what caused the gum recession in the first instance.

Try using a soft toothbrush and be gentle with your gums, massaging gums rather than scrubbing them is what I recommend. Have regular, professional cleans with your dental hygienist, ask them to show you how to floss and how you can improve your brushing technique.

Consider a bite splint for grinding / clenching, have your crowded teeth corrected (you may be suitable for the clear invisible teeth straightening process “Invisalign”), treat your gum disease, lose the tongue piercing, and be extra diligent with your brushing and flossing during specific hormonal times in life.

You may need to do no more for the existing gum recession to keep it stable. Gums, however, do not grow back. If there is sensitivity, this can be treated by using specific varnishes, pastes, gels or applying a thin protective filling layer (like an overcoat on the receded surface).

Thirty years ago, 70 per cent of people aged over 65 had lost all of their teeth and were wearing dentures. In 2012, we are definitely expecting to keep our teeth for life, receding gums and all, with more than 70 per cent of adults now retaining many of their own natural teeth. Thus getting long in the tooth is a more common occurrence.

Smile by Design 5443 2888 www.smilebydesign.net.au

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Not as happy as you used to be? Is stress, anxiety, depression or insomnia overwhelming you? Are anti-depressants not working for you? Find out why!

Do you find yourself irritated, not able to feel excited, or constantly thinking negatively? Do you have trouble sleeping, your mind won’t stop racing, or you wake too often through the night? Do you get anxiety at bedtime, where you can hear your heart beating while your head is on the pillow?

One single underlying issue can cause all of these symptoms including anxiety, nervousness, depression, or lack of excitement and motivation for life. Stress feels overwhelming, and little upsets cause feelings of anger. Palpitations, excessive heat in the body, tingling in the hands or feet, irritable bowel syndrome, foggy brain and lack of concentration including ADHD in children, can also be present. Often these symptoms have been going on for months, years or even decades. You may suffer just a few of the above symptoms or perhaps all of them.

The cause has been found in the gut and seems to be widespread throughout the community. It is a malicious infection mainly picked up from travelling overseas, or having contact with someone who has travelled which is often only detected in specialised testing.

This infection has been shown to release a

neuronal toxin, affecting the nervous system physically and mentally. It has not often been associated with mental health conditions even though studies are available showing its impact on the brain. It can be passed on from person to person very easily, and so more than one person in a household may be suffering from similar symptoms and both may be affected.

Often, sufferers are able to correlate the first sign of symptoms, coinciding with a trip overseas where they experienced a tummy bug causing diarrhoea or vomiting. Australia is so close to the Indonesian countries it can be transmitted from, and Australians travel there often for their holidays, so imagine the amount of people coming back who could be infected and how it can be passed on quite easily through schools, day care centres, or places of work.

Fortunately it is quite easy to address, and most symptoms are relieved as soon as the infection has been eradicated. I have seen patients who have suffered depression for four decades, and after treatment for one month have improved out of sight. Other patients have shown improvement after just one week of treatment.

Bacterial infections are just one part of a seven-step process for permanently treating depression, anxiety or ADHD. We have successfully treated hundreds of patients within months of beginning treatment. These are not conditions with an unknown cause like many believe, and can be resolved quickly. If you would like to know more, call the centre and arrange a free half hour consultation, or view the webinar “7 Steps to Freedom from Anxiety & Depression” at www.advancedwellness. com.au. A webinar is simply a seminar that you can see on the internet. www.advancedwellness.com.au Jodi Chapman B.H.Sc. Naturopath Suzi Le Fanue BSc(BMed) ND Naturopath & Nutritionist

Advanced Wellness & Behavioural Centre 5443 1987 44 Baden Powell St, Maroochydore

We have MOVED • • • • • •

august 2012

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the good life

words ingrid nelson ll photography ben connolly, velocity images

Debbie Chappell owns and operates a unique anti-ageing and wellness studio at Peregian Beach.

Having experienced ill health herself in her mid-20’s, Debbie began her foray into natural health after Western medicine failed to help her with debilitating chronic fatigue. Over the past nine years, she has combined some amazing technologies, allowing her to monitor and improve her clients’ wellness.

Ingrid Nelson caught up with Debbie to learn more about her tips on staying healthy and happy. debbie chappell

profile: What is your personal philosophy when it comes to health and well-being? debbie: I believe it’s all about balance in all aspects of our lives. If we tip the balance too much in one direction, eat too much of the wrong foods, don’t move our bodies enough, neglect our spiritual side, we are more likely to experience disease. profile: Do you consider yourself a fit and healthy person? debbie: Yes – there is always room for improvement though. Being fit and healthy are two very different things. Many fitness fanatics and some of our top athletes are definitely not healthy, and the reverse applies. Once again, it's back to balance. profile: How do you keep fit and healthy? debbie: Variety is the spice of life for me so I like to mix it up with yoga, walking, running, golf, gym, dance and whatever else comes along that takes my fancy. I avoid processed foods as much as possible and regularly take good supplements. profile: What sports do you participate in, if any? debbie: I play competitive golf – I love to compete. I grew up playing hockey, so golf is little more gentle on my body now. profile: What’s your favourite ‘good’ food? debbie: Mangoes are heaven. I just got back from Thailand and fell in love with Mangosteens – must be something in the name. profile: What’s your favourite ‘indulgence’ food? debbie: Everyone that knows me is aware that I love my chocolate. I don’t drink coffee so I also love a really good hot chocolate. profile: Western medicine or natural medicine? What’s your preference? debbie: They both have their places, but I am all for preventative medicine! If we look after our bodies now we can avoid medical intervention. That’s why in the clinic we have invested in great technology to monitor and improve clients’ wellness. Too many people are suffering from diseases that are preventable, like arthritis and diabetes.

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profile: Do you do organic? debbie: If I have the choice, yes I definitely go organic. If not organic, I always source products that have not been out of the ground for too long. profile: Have you ever tried activities like yoga and pilates? debbie: Yes I have done both. Both modalities help lengthen and strengthen our muscles. An old Chinese acupuncturist once said to me, ‘What you don’t use you lose’. I am currently really enjoying my yoga practice. Apart from the physical benefits, it really helps to quieten my mind. We have lots of fun too! profile: What health tips do you swear by? debbie: Drink plenty of water, get good sleep, eat well (most of the time), but most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously! Having fun and a good laugh is a great tonic. profile: What motto do you live your life by? debbie: Embrace changes and challenges in life – they make us grow as people. I love this saying I learned years ago, ‘When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot!’ profile: Have you suffered from any major health issues in your life? debbie: It was 25 years ago that I began my journey into the wellness industry as I was debilitated with chronic fatigue. Western medicine could not help me. I am so grateful I was able to find a way to get better and then be able to assist others over the years to do the same. profile: Favourite past-time or hobby? debbie: I love me-time to spend time at home with my two bulldogs and just being able to potter around. profile: What would your dream job be? debbie: My passions are health and anti-ageing and so I am in my dream job.

I recently discovered a way of doing both these things with an added bonus of time, money and freedom, which is really important to me as well.

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Find your perfect match.

Everyone’s idea of the ‘perfect’ retirement is different. But one thing we all want is more time and freedom to enjoy life. That’s why at Lend Lease, we offer a wide choice of low-maintenance, stylish homes in a variety of villages across the Sunshine Coast. More importantly, it’s why we create the perfect environment to meet new people and try new things – to be part of a friendly, vibrant community.

Choo

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IQUE 7 UNATIONS LOC n the o hine Suns st Coa

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Find Call 1800 550 550 and register to receive your FREE August Property Guide.

lendleaseseniorliving.com.au The information and data contained in this ad has been prepared by Lend Lease Primelife Ltd (Lend Lease) solely as a guide and does not constitute advice. Whilst every effort has been made to provide accurate and complete information, the information contained in this ad has been prepared in good faith and with due care, and no representation or warranty (expressed or implied) is made as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any statements, estimates, opinions, plans, diagrams or other information contained in this ad. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Lend Lease and its related bodies, corporate and respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisers disclaim all liability and responsibility (including without limitation any liability arising from fault or negligence) for any direct or indirect loss, damage, cost or expense which may be suffered through the use of or reliance on anything contained in or omitted from the information contained in this ad. 07/2012

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ageing feature

AGEING ...

I

everyone is doing it !

t’s no secret Australia’s population, like most developed countries, is ageing rapidly due to lower fertility rates and increased life expectancy.

The median age of the Australian population has increased by 4.7 years over the past two decades (ABS). No doubt about it, ageing is something that affects us all at some stage. But as this month’s issue shows, just because you are older doesn’t mean life has to be dull. Like good wine, often we get better with age. The only limitations we face are the ones we place on ourselves. There has never been a better time to enjoy our “mature age”. We are enjoying better health, we are looking after ourselves and we have a lot to look forward to. Over 50 is no longer over the hill, and as 71-year-old aerobic ace Marjie Andrews tells us, over the hill is certainly better than under it! It’s a time when we have greater financial security, our family commitments have lessened and we are free to enjoy “me” time. So embrace it and enjoy it ... it’s your time!

spring into action Kicking off in the first week of September, Welcome to Walking – Fitness for Fun and Friendship is the perfect way to shake the winter blues. Developed

by Sunshine Coast fitness stalwart Marjie Andrews, the walks have been specifically designed for mature-aged citizens.

After a comprehensive warm-up, participants will be encouraged to start walking slowly and build to a pace they are comfortable with.

It’s also a great opportunity to meet new friends.

Phone Marjie on 5448 4229 for more information august 2012

keeping fitness fun

I must admit to raising my eyebrows a little when my 70-year-old parents-in-law announced they had bought a Wii Fit and it wasn’t for the grandchildren. No siree, it was for them and they love it!

It never occurred to me that the Nintendo Wii Fit would be a fantastic way for mature aged people to increase their fitness and wellbeing.

So I am not surprised to learn that Lend Lease retirement residents are doing just that. In fact, residents across three of Lend Lease’s retirement villages on the Sunshine Coast have recently completed the ultimate fitness challenge after agreeing to participate in a Nintendo Wii Fit research project conducted by the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).

According to Vaughan Nicholson, an experienced physiotherapist and USC researcher who conducted the study, “Due to our ageing population, it is very important that we identify effective and fun forms of physical activity and exercise that can help older adults age healthily.

Previous research has already shown the effectiveness of Wii training in hospital and rehabilitation settings but this will be the first project of this scale to include healthy, independent, older adults.” I can see the grandkids wanting to visit more often!

Phone 07 3227 7173 for more information

get involved in seniors week this august 18 to 26 Each year, the Queensland Government supports community groups to celebrate Seniors Week by staging their own events.

Seniors Week is a wonderful opportunity for Queenslanders of all ages and backgrounds to join together and celebrate the valuable contribution seniors make to our community.

See over the page for a list of events happening during Seniors Week.

marjie andrews

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get involved in these seniors week events this august 18 to 26 august fun, fit and fabulous The Fun, Fit and Fabulous project will work with our elderly and young, to get our older generation who are less engaged in the community involved in active fitness activities by using art, sharing, cultural and music workshops to build leadership and strengthen ties between these generations.

Email peter.parkes@pcyc.org.au

august lives of the early settlers This week-long exhibition based at Caboolture on the early settlers will showcase photographs, furniture, memorabilia and letters as well as written and oral history.

Email grants@historicalvillage.com.au or phone 5495 4581

22 august a walk through time Come and join a guided walk along the Pomona Heritage Trail in conjunction with Pomona State School, finishing at Majestic Theatre for morning tea by the students, raffles and prizes.

Email admin@pomonacommunityhouse.com.au or phone 54852427

23 august moreton bay healthy ageing expo 2012 This event in Caboolture aims to raise awareness of services and activities that support the independence of seniors. It also encourages seniors to seek opportunities to improve their health and independence, and to interact with young people in the community.

Email seniors@rcamb.com.au or phone 3480 8700

23 august dance like a butterfly Suncoast Community Legal Service Inc will hold two plays exploring issues that affect seniors at Majestic Theatre, Pomona.

Email admin@suncoastcommunitylegal.org or phone 5443 7827

26 august over-50’s fun walk This outdoor event at Oaks Oasis Resort Caloundra aims to promote the benefits of active ageing, social inclusion and community volunteering to educate seniors that good health brings mobility.

Email pamandfrank@bigpond.com or phone 5492 7134

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milestones

ll words ingrid nelson ll photography ben connolly, velocity images colin mason

W

hen Colin Mason received a phone call from his cousin, Linda Ireland, some seven years ago, he had no idea it was to be the beginning of a rewarding and successful career as a mortgage broker and eventually franchise manager of Mortgage Choice, Buderim. Born in Sydney, the father of three took the plunge, left his job in insurance and financial planning and made the move with his family to Bundaberg in 2005.

It was while working here he received yet another life changing phone call from Linda, with an offer too good to refuse – a transfer to his favourite destination – the Sunshine Coast. He and his wife, Bianca, thoroughly enjoy the Sunny Coast lifestyle and say it’s the perfect place to raise their three adventurous boys. As a mortgage broker, Colin has helped thousands of people navigate the home loan maze. He has been recognised for several state awards and was nominated for the national loan writer of the year. Wonder what the next phone call has in store?

Life changing milestone 1: Getting married Marrying my beautiful wife, Bianca. We met in 2002 and were only dating for about six weeks before I knew Bianca was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. It was over a nice restaurant meal that I dropped the engagement ring into her champagne glass when she walked away briefly but then got the fright of my life when she nearly swallowed the ring!

Life changing milestone 2: Having my three wonderful children We are blessed to have three amazing boys, Isaac, Alex and Eli. Bianca and I often spoke about kids and the day our first child arrived was the best day for both of us. It is truly an amazing gift of life to care for and nurture your own child through the different stages of life. No matter how bad my day may have been, returning home to see my boys greet me at the front door with kisses and cuddles is enough to change my world!

Life changing milestone 3: Moving to Bundaberg from Sydney in 2005 I made my move into the mortgage industry in 2005 after working in insurance and financial planning for five years. My own loan required refinancing at the time and my father mentioned that I should call my cousin, Linda Ireland. I made the call and we got chatting and the next thing I am leaving my job and heading north to Bundaberg to work as a mortgage broker. The hardest thing about making this decision to move north was that my wife was four months pregnant with our first child and we only saw each other twice in three months from this period until she finished up with her work to move up. We both look back at this decision and are so glad we made the choice to make the move north as we ended being on the Sunshine Coast, where we always wanted to be, and what a great place to bring up our three children. august 2012

Life changing milestone 4: Moving to the Sunshine Coast as franchise manager It was one of those catch up calls again between Linda and I. Linda offered for me to transfer to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane to take over the management of Mortgage Choice Buderim – it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. The business was expanding and I welcomed the challenge to move into the Coast business and move to my favourite destination. What a lot of people don’t realise is that Linda and I are cousins, only a few months apart in age and we are a great team, we both come from the same background.

Both of our parents were property investors and we both ventured into property investment ourselves in our late teens. I feel really blessed to be doing something I love, in a great location and with an excellent, high achieving team.

Life changing milestone 5: Setting up Sunshine Coast Business Associates It’s no secret that the economic conditions on the Sunshine Coast have been poor the past few years so at the end of last year I decided to set up a local business networking group where local business professionals could be a support for one another with the opportunity to not only meet and network with other local business professionals through a fortnightly breakfast but to also contribute towards charity events. We feel like we’re making a difference not only to each other’s businesses but to the wider community and chosen charities as well. The name of the group is Sunshine Coast Business Associates (SCBA) and already since launching the name four months ago the group has more than 25 members, with each member representing a specific industry (www.sunshinecoastbusinessassociates. org).

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business

budgeting – a banker’s perspective with Laurie Clarke In my experience, I would say probably only 30 per cent of small businesses have a budget or cash-flow forecast.

The main reason appears to be that they don’t know what will happen in the future and therefore don’t see the point of spending the time or money putting one together.

While I understand it’s not a very exciting part of being in business, I do genuinely like to see my clients, particularly business clients, have a budget. Here are some of the reasons why.

It shows them that the business can make an adequate profit. Not just a wage, but the right return on the investment of their money and time.

If the budget doesn’t show an acceptable level of profit, it allows business owners to look at what happens if they change things such as prices, staffing, suppliers, etc.

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The budget is a point of reference to check whether you are on track, monthly or quarterly, against the business’s actual results, or if you need to make some changes. Things can go off track in any business – including uncontrollable events like changes to wage rates or electricity prices. The budget allows you to understand the impact, in a financial sense. Decision making becomes clearer as a result.

It’s a motivator. Business can be a hard slog and owners need all the encouragement they can get. If you’re achieving your budget, then you can physically see you are on track. If not, then you have a way to overcome the frustration of not knowing how to find the way forward.

the business owner’s knowledge of the market and his or her own objectives.

If you’re not in the budget “habit”, the first step is the hardest, then it just takes discipline to keep working on it. A budget doesn’t guarantee a successful business, but it can help.

And yes – we do practice what we preach. Deb and I set an annual budget, which we compare against our actual results each month once our bookkeeper does the management accounts.

BOQ Maroochydore 5451 9600 laurie.clarke@boq.com.au

Most businesses will need the assistance of their accountant to prepare the budget. But that should primarily just be formatting, advice and review – the basic information has to come from

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business

go for gold with Debbie Riddiford With the Olympics only around the corner, it’s an opportune time for us to focus on going for gold in our life and our business. Last week I was talking to Kurek Ashley, one of Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst’s coaches who inspired them to win gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics in beach volleyball.

•• Believe in yourself. Believe in your ability to succeed. Stay positive.

So what is the difference between an Olympian and you? We watch our Olympians and cheer them on to success, but we forget that they may have had to deal with fear, doubt, low selfesteem, and many other obstacles that stood in their way to achieve their dreams. What makes them different? Nothing, if they can achieve their dreams, you too can achieve yours. It’s just a matter of knowing how. Here are some tips on how you can do it:

Most business owners have a good idea of what they are wanting to achieve, but few have actually pinpointed a destination and created a detailed plan to help navigate the sea of options and choices available to them along their journey.

Without a plan, your efforts could break down half way, or take a wrong turn and end up somewhere entirely different! In fact, businesses without plans often find they underestimate the performance of their business, or focus only on solving short-term problems, rather than working on the long-term growth of their business.

•• Know what your target is and plan how to achieve it. Break it down into chunks or bite-size pieces.

•• Stay committed, tell someone what it is that you are going to do and when.

•• Have someone to hold you accountable.

august 2012

•• Be the person you would be when you are successful, do whatever it takes to have your success.

•• Don’t let procrastination get in the way of your success.

Creating this plan before you embark on your journey is the only way of ensuring that you’re adequately prepared – that you’ve got enough cashflow to keep going, that you’re travelling

with the right people, that you’re taking the best possible route and that you’re going to get to your destination on time. It’s the only way of making sure that your strategy is right for you.

What has happened in the past is history – you will have learned from this history. However, today is a new beginning, an opportunity to start your journey for success. Now is a perfect time to make sure that you have a plan that will guide you towards your goal and that your business will be where you want it to be in 12 months’ time. Taking the time to plan ahead and create your 12-month plan now will prepare you for the unknown road ahead, and will help guide your decisions along the way. Start planning for your journey now so that you can have a fantastic 2012 / 2013 and go Aussie go, oi oi oi!

PJT Accountants & Business Advisors 5413 9300 www.pjtaccountants.com.au

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time to consolidate with Linda Ireland Juggling debts? Want to make some savings and gain greater control over your finances? You may want to look into debt consolidation. Now that tax time has arrived it’s the perfect opportunity to pool your paperwork together and make an appointment with yourself to review your current financial position.

Debt consolidation allows you to roll several debts, such as personal loans, credit cards and store cards, which are often repaid at higher interest rates, into a single, more manageable home loan. Why? This could potentially reduce your minimum monthly repayment by hundreds of dollars, because your home loan probably has a lower interest rate than your credit cards and personal loans.

Take a look at how consolidating the debts of a couple may help them save money.

Current debts and repayments:

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•• Home loan: $250,000 at 6 per cent over 30 years = $1,499 per month

•• Personal loan: $30,000 at 12 per cent over 5 years = $667 per month

off the debts sooner and may help you to resist the temptation to increase the balance.

•• Credit card: $20,000 at 3 per cent minimum monthly repayment = $600 per month

Tax time provides an annual reminder to review your finances with an accountant but to also book in a regular loan review with your local mortgage broker. It is a good habit to create – review your lending each tax time to make sure your loans are still working for you. It could potentially save you thousands, just like a good accountant could. Take the time to manage your finances instead of sitting back and letting them manage you!

The couple’s total monthly repayment amount would be around $2,766.

If the couple combined all their above mentioned debts into their home loan (ie. $300,000 at 6 per cent over 30 years) their total monthly repayments would be around $1,799. This is a saving of approximately $967 per month!

Before going down the debt consolidation path, take great care to weigh up the pros and cons of doing so. Keep in mind this approach will stretch the total outstanding debts across your mortgage term, meaning interest accrues on them over that term too.

Mortgage Choice 5476 9333 linda.ireland@mortgagechoice.com.au

Another option to help lighten the load of multiple debts from credit or store cards and / or personal loans is to make higher regular repayments, if you can afford to do so. This will assist you in paying

Who am I?

Discovering, living and loving your life purpose • drink on arrival • two course lunch • gift bags • lucky door prizes • mini trade expo Thursday 30th August 2012 RSVP: 26/8/2012 4 Floor Restaurant, Mooloolaba, 9 am til 5 pm $98 Members $109 non-Members I N S P I R AT I O N A L S P E A K E R S

th

Jean Sheehan - Millennium Education Discover how you can use your body to discover who you are!

Stacey Currie - Living your Life Purpose Find out how to tap into your passion and follow your dreams, despite adversity!

Luanne Simmons - Goddess on Purpose Learn how to gain clarity on what your life purpose is and how to plan your business around it.

Tel: 0402 462 804 natalie@enlightenedgoddesses.com facebook.com/EnlightenedGoddesses

enlightenedgoddesses.com twitter.com/Egoddesses

Book and register online TODAY www.enlightenedgoddesses.com/events/seminars/

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business

reaping the rewards with Linda Harley Most business owners dream of one day selling the business and reaping the rewards of their hard work. Sounds like a great plan, but making the sale happen is not as easy as it may appear.

Here are four tips to help you avoid business sale pitfalls and disappointment when the time comes to sell.

1. Reap the rewards of good timing Waiting too long, or not planning in advance, can cause many business owners to miss their window of opportunity. Your exit plan is vital to ensure the business is well prepared for sale and you get the timing right to attract the best buyer. From experience, there are always fewer quality businesses available from April through to August. This appears to be a result of sellers waiting for their annual accounts. At the end of the day the accounts are historical. You are able to utilise management reports to give a buyer confidence. Reap the rewards of marketing your business during this high demand, low supply period for business sales.

2. Getting the price right Buyers want to pay fair market value for their business investment. Pricing your business too high will result in disappointment for all involved.

The price needs to be based on comparative market values of businesses, not what you owe the bank or need in retirement. If fair market value is not acceptable to you, do not go to market; wait until your net profit reflects your desired sale value.

3. You cannot sell a secret Give your business the best possible chance to sell by having a well-developed marketing strategy that offers maximum exposure over a period of time to a broad audience of potential buyers.

high if the focus is too much on ‘getting them on paper’ rather than controlling the process to negotiate with the best possible buyer who has the skills, confidence and resources to complete the purchase. It may take longer but you will get to the true end goal of a successful sale and seamless transition, allowing you to reap the rewards from the business you have worked so hard to build.

Savvy Business Sales 0488 103 310 linda@savvybusiness.com.au

4. Getting to contract is not the end goal It is easy to think that once you have a sale and purchase agreement in place that the sale is complete and you can relax. Wrong! The fall rate of sale and purchase agreements can be

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business

older and wiser with Tatiana Porter As with most industrialised countries, greater life expectancy and a trend to having smaller families has had a significant impact on the demographic characteristics of Australia. We enjoy a high standard of living and a strong economy, but we have to acknowledge that an ageing population has certain inevitable consequences.

Over the next 50 years, the number of people aged over 65 will more than double. There will be a strain on our health system as the impact of an ageing population create a greater demand and there may be a further stress on our welfare system with more people post-retirement looking for financial assistance.

It also means that in the next decade most labour market growth will come from people over the age of 45.

While age discrimination is obviously illegal, employers typically look to younger people when recruiting. Perhaps there are a few pervasive

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stereotypes around older workers: too set in their ways; not able to learn new technologies; unwilling to have a younger boss; not as much energy.

They may not understand social media in the same way (the plus side being they don’t spend hours on Facebook), but there are many more benefits to having older workers in the workplace.

But then, of course, when you think about it, everyone knows someone over 65 who has an abundance of energy, is frighteningly up-to-date with changing technologies and at ease in any social group (including one at work).

People over 50 tend to stay in their jobs longer, so after training them you can utilise their new skills.

They are also flexible in their working hours and conditions and have lower levels of absenteeism.

Ultimately, attitudes have to change. Companies need to recognise that in the future there will be fewer younger people available for work (in 10 years, 25 to 40-year-olds will represent less than 20 per cent of the workforce).

Having older people working will mean that we can address the skills shortage, benefit from acquired knowledge, have greater diversity in the workplace and value the experience of our older workers.

Engaging older workers as part of your business strategy can translate into significant savings in recruitment, training and productivity and contribute to the long-term performance of your company.

Haycroft Workplace Solutions 5491 9800 www.haycroft.com.au

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win

beat the winter blues Has the cold weather affected your health? Usana Health Sciences is one of the world’s leading health and nutritional supplement companies.

Their message to you this August is to cleanse your body for spring. This month, you have the chance to win Usana’s hydrating skin products, Sensé Skincare Daytime Protective Emulsion and Firming Body Nourisher and Usana’s Essentials Immune Building Supplements – valued at more than $350, to help transform your lethargic winter body, inside and out. See more on the innovative range at www.usana.com.

skin therapy Arbonne Cosmetics is a collection of lightweight, beneficial formulas for gorgeous skin, eyes and lips, featuring Arbonne’s exclusive optilight technology. Arbonne products are free from sodium lauryl sulphate, talc, gluten, parabens and phthalates (www.arbonneinternational.com.au). One lucky Profile reader has the chance to win a $350 Arbonne Cosmetics prize pack, comprising Arbonne makeup primer, lipstick in Runway Rouge lip polish in Candy, blush in Taffeta, eyeshadow in Smoke and Petal, liquid eyeliner, a bronzer and sheer glow highlighter.

symply fabulous scan this with your smartphone to jump straight to our competition page

Head to the Profile Magazine website to enter and for terms and conditions.

With nearly two thirds of Australians overweight, Annette Sym, author of the best-selling Symply Too Good To Be True cookbook series, has taken on the challenge to change these unhealthy statistics with her sixth cookbook. Book 6 is the biggest yet (www.symplytoogood.com. au). Annette is offering 12 lucky Profile readers the chance to win signed copies of her Book 6 which includes the much talked about 28-Day Masterclass!

naturally stylish

dare to bare Who wouldn’t want to win this beautiful Turquoise Collection valued at $395 from iBare Giftware (www.iBare.com.au)? IBare Giftware is a social event company specialising in girls’ nights in, charities, fundraisers and in-house event hosting. You’ll find Australian designed and European influenced brands at 70 per cent off RRP, or you can join the team taking Australia by storm (sales@iBare.com.au). All Profile readers will also receive a free pair of freshwater pearl earrings valued at $59.95 with any order placed on the website.

Every girl loves a stylish new handbag and matching wallet! The Essence Leather Handbag and Wallet Collection focuses on natural-look leathers, beautiful embossed details and functional styling, created to complement your lifestyle. Each piece is unique and completely handmade using vegetable-dyed leather, cotton and jute canvas, fairtrade organic cotton lining and nickel-free brass fittings. This creates a product which is naturally beautiful, long-lasting and free from man-made materials. The Essence Collection is available at selected Myer stores nationally. One lucky Profile reader has the chance to win a beautiful handbag and matching wallet valued at $418 .

win a financial survival kit Buying your first investment, working on building your portfolio or looking for new ways to manage your current investments? You need the Think Money Survival Kit! Used by all levels of investors, the Survival Kit was developed

by Chris Childs from Think Money – Wealth Through Property (www.thinkmoney.com.au), to give her clients the strategies and know-how to reach their financial goals. Chris is giving one lucky Profile reader the chance to win her Survival Kit (valued at $1500), which includes five Master Class DVDs and workbooks to help you step towards future financial freedom. august 2012

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the last word

mark jamieson

ll photography ben connolly, velocity images Mark Jamieson is no stranger to senior leadership roles. With a proven track record of business expansion and development, Mark was declared Sunshine Coast Mayor earlier this year. Passionate about creating jobs and delivering a robust economy on the Sunshine Coast, Mark is all about “getting on with the job”. We caught up with Mark to learn a little bit more about the man behind the top title.

“My most

annoying habit is … leaving spoons in the kitchen sink.

“

When Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson isn’t hard at work, you will find him cooking up a storm in the kitchen or spending time with his treasured family 66

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I start my day by … drinking tea and checking the news.

My all time favourite movie is …

The Outlaw Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood film).

I would love to be a better … musician.

I couldn’t live without … my wife, Lorrell.

I am at my happiest when … with my family celebrating a special occasion.

My greatest achievement is … being a father to Sommer, Bart and Theo.

When I am not working I am … thinking.

My most annoying habit is … leaving spoons in the kitchen sink.

I wish I could … fit more into my day.

In five years I hope to be … sharing renewed prosperity with Sunshine Coast residents.

The best meal I have had was … on the QE2.

What makes me laugh out loud is … a good comedian.

My favourite restaurant is … the Duporth Tavern and Ebb.

The one person I would most like to meet is … the Queen.

My favourite holiday spot is … outside of the Sunshine Coast – Hayman Island.

My hidden talent is … at present, they’re all on display!

Most people don’t know that I … like to cook.

If I didn’t live on the Coast I’d live ... on a farm.

When I was growing up I wanted to be … a farmer. profilemag.com.au