Profile Magazine TNQ December by Profile Magazine

December 2011

mystyle

LADIES AT LUNCH

a touch of luxury

marriage: for better or worse?

$4000 in port douglas experiences SHAUN HERGATT

a master chef CAROL FLEMING

touched by magic GERARD PUGLISI

sweet success LEISEL PISANI AND TRACEY HAYES

flying high

ABBY YOUNG the accidental mother

STEWART CHRISTIE

the last word

THE PERFECT GIFT

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The Nanny Network difference?

"We love what we do"

OTH O N LIKE E C I ERV S Y N NAN A VER O C IS TO D E TIM IT'S

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Call 0403 357 436 or visit

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26 abby young

Leisel Pisani and Tracey Hayes

carol fleming

features 14

homegrown – a master chef Shaun Hergatt

people – touched by magic Carol Fleming

success – sweet success Gerard Puglisi

secret life – flying high Leisel Pisani and Tracey Hayes

ladies at lunch – marriage: for better or worse? Our ladies discuss the pros and cons of wedded bliss

cover – the accidental mother Abby Young

the last word Stewart Christie

regulars

december 2011

6 publisher’s note

38 life

62 milestones

8 pinboard

42 travelfile

64 win

10 he says, she says

48 on the table

65 on the road

32 style counsel

53 abode

34 profile loves

56 business

$4000 in port douglas experiences page 64 special feature 44 palm cove and northern beaches

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publisher’s note

his year for Christmas I am going to ask Santa for the impossible. Instead of bringing me a sack-load of perfectly wrapped gifts, all I want for Christmas is … time (and maybe an iPad if there’s one going). Yes, time. I want more precious moments of time in each day next year, please Mr Claus. More time to play, more time for friends, more time to relax and more time to eat, drink and, well, be merry! All I know is I want time; time off, time to do nothing, time to do everything. Time … a precious, intangible luxury. This issue we take the time to celebrate life’s little luxuries. We meet 25-year-old entrepreneur and accidental mother Abby Young, who’s in the business of giving parents back a little quality time with their families. Local lady Abby has created her own Nanny Network – a business responsible for producing multiple mini-Mary Poppins, ready to spread their magic to local families, and a business that is on the brink of national success. We also chat to the ever-glamorous Carol Fleming, owner of Exclusive Spas, whose main purpose in life is to provide people with the luxury of relaxation, and Miallo farmer Gerard Puglisi whose crops form the foundation of one of world’s most delicious luxuries … chocolate of course! And a special welcome to Jodie Sherman, the newest member of the Profile Magazine team. Jodie is a well-known local, having worked in sales for many years, and is also membership and sponsorship manager for the Cairns Business Womens’ Club. It’s great to see our little team growing! So what are you going to ask Santa for this year? If only he could grant us all that ultimate wish of just a little extra time in our day … a girl can dream! Merry Christmas to our loyal Profile Magazine readers and clients. Here’s to a prosperous 2012 for the Tropical North.

www.profilemag.com.au group managing director / publisher Genine Howard

group general manager / publisher Hamish Rose

group editor-in-chief / publisher Alli Grant

publication manager Coral Florian, 0419 483 183

account manager Jodie Sherman, 0477 642 424

sub editors Phyl Grant, Stacey Carrick

creative director Kara de Schot

graphic designer Johanna Jensen

mystyle contributor Pip Addison

profile writers Mia Lacy, Sarah Sheehan, Juliana Doupe

photography Stuart Frost, Carly Whouley

email Sales: tnqsales@profilemag.com.au Editorial: tnqeditorial@profilemag.com.au General: info@profilemag.com.au

call / fax (head office) 07 5451 0669 / 07 5475 4405

post (head office) GENINE HOWARD

PO Box 1065, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558

PUBLISHER / group MANAGING direcTOR

distribution

visit us on facebook.com/profilemag

THECOVERSHOOT This month we set the challenge to our photographer, Stuart Frost, to capture Abby at her best. After a couple of stints on a trampoline (thanks PCYC!), a few changes of wardrobe and location, and addition of a puppy, ... voila! Abby is stunning, and her dedication to her business is as inspirational as her weight-loss journey over the past few years. Thanks to the team from Pulse Hair and Beauty (Spence Street, phone 4051 4212) for Abby’s look, and to stylist Kylie Ferrier for dashing all over town organising locations and garments. Photographer Stu Frosts’ partners in crime this month were the magical Katie Archer, the dynamic Allie Patton and the unstoppable Amber Mynott, and of course the super Stacey Carrick who all assisted on Stu’s shoots through the month. Check out Stuart Frost’s amazing work on his website www.frostyphoto.com, and head to www.profilemag.com.au for a behind the scenes peek at this month’s cover shoot.

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14,000 copies printed monthly.9,300 are home delivered and 4,700 copies are street delivered to high traffic areas such as high-end cafes, boutiques, hairdressers and professional offices across the TNQ region (from Cairns to Port Douglas), monthly, and online along with an eMAG to 6000 inboxes regularly.

subscriptions

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

accounts Katherine Allan – accounts@profilemag.com.au Profile magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published 12 times a year by Brisbane Profile 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, Brisbane Profile 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.

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Sally

Virginia

Kirsten

Karen

Sam

Amanda

Kerry

Chris

december 2011

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december pinboard

with Jennifer Thompson A List Events International To register your event email jennifer@alistevents.com.au

1-11 december the postcard show

Enjoy the annual fundraising exhibition at the Cairns Regional Gallery, The Postcard Show. www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

christmas race day Enjoy the fun and frivolity at the Cairns Jockey Club’s Christmas Party Race Day. www.cairnsjockeyclub.com.au

2 december art exhibition TAFE Mainstream Visual Arts Student Exhibition at the Cairns Regional Gallery. www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au

3 december dance performance Julia Macalpine Dance Studio presents And Another Christmas Adventure – Randolph’s Quest. www.cct.com.au/events

6-7

annual concert – timeless North Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra presents Timeless. Enjoy a selection of timeless pieces for vocalists, soloists and orchestra during this annual concert, tickets $33 (adults). Phone 1300 855 835 or www.ticketlink.com.au

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4 december human rights day Celebrate International Human Rights Day at the Tanks Arts Centre with living books, local people and remarkable lives, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. The guest speaker is Noela Davies, recipient of the Florence Nightingale Medal. Free entry. Phone 4044 0133

6-21 december the producers Don’t miss the laugh-a-minute musical extravaganza, The Producers, brought to you by the Cairns Choral Society. Showing at Cairns Civic Theatre, the show is directed by Wayne Rees and is one not to be missed! www.ticketlink.com.au

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pinboard

7 december young chamber event Join the Cairns Young Chamber for its Cre8 Networks Event. www.cairnschamber.com.au

cairns business womens’ club christmas lunch

7 december council meeting The Cairns Regional Council ordinary meeting will be held at Council Chambers at 10:00am.

Celebrate the festive season in style at the Cairns Business Womens’ Club Christmas Lunch, Pullman Reef Hotel, $66 (member’s price) … sponsored by TNQ Profile Magazine!

www.cairns.qld.gov.au

7 december carols by candlelight Live music and entertainment will be the feature of this year’s Carols by Candlelight at Ravizza Park, Edmonton, with proceeds going to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal. Phone 4045 3386

9 december looney tunes live Marilla Productions presents Looney Tunes Live! Classroom Capers. It’s back to school for Bugs Bunny and the gang from Looney Tunes. In this action-packed musical production, things will truly get out of control when the teacher is late for class at the ACME Academy. www.cct.com.au/events

10 december chris lloyds Enjoy jazz favourites by Chris Lloyds in The Sebel lobby bar from 7:00pm. Free entry. www.chrislloyds.com

10 december taipans v tigers See Cairns tackle Melbourne in the National Basketball League action at the Cairns Convention Centre. www.nbl.com.au/taipans

31 december taipans v breakers Cairns takes on New Zealand in the National Basketball League action at the Cairns Convention Centre. www.nbl.com.au/taipans

december 2011

www.cbwc.org.au

carols by candlelight The Cairns Junior Choral Society will lead the audience in this year’s premier event from 6:30pm. r.anderson@cairns.qld.gov.au

new year on the esplanade Cairns Regional Council will provide a full program of entertainment and activities to celebrate the start of 2012, at the Esplanade Lagoon area and Fogarty Park between 6:00pm and midnight, with fireworks displays at 9:00pm and midnight. www.cairns.qld.gov.au

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he says, she says

t i e fakmake it!

u o y l i ‘t

from fake bags to fake boobs, the world has gone mad with hiding the truth. is it okay to lie to your partner? is a fake louis handbag just as good as the real thing? what has happened to “honesty is the best policy”? this month we throw our favourite radio hosts, dave and inkie from zinc fm’s morning zoo, into the deep end to find out the truth ... do they fake it?

he says

kie

’m standing here in what looks like a surgical mask gone wrong, covering my lady bits with a loaded gun pointed straight at me. The lady behind the gun instructs me to stand at attention with my feet shoulder width apart and put my hands up. I take a deep breath and oblige as she slowly counts down from three, two, one … all of a sudden she pulls the trigger. Instantly I’m hit with a bronze substance which coats me with a Caribbean fake tan, taking me from vanilla to latte. You see, I was born with gecko-style see-through fair skin, or as some people like to call it, ‘English’ skin. So I’m not a big fan of going out in the sun, lathering on the coconut oil and frying like an egg until I almost smell (and look) like a piece of crispy bacon; I’d rather fake it with a fake tan. Plus, I am genuinely frightened of a thing called skin cancer. Both my parents have had skin cancer. Mum had one removed from her top lip and Dad had quite a large melanoma dug out of his back, even though he has the most striking Aussie olive skin I’ve ever seen. It just goes to prove that ridiculous rumour wrong … people with naturally tanned skin can definitely get skin cancer. Okay, so I’m obviously not opposed to faking it. We all do it at some stage of our lives. Some fake it in the boudoir, some wear fake hair (aka hair extensions), some even fake their careers like Milli Vanilli, who were busted for miming all of their songs! And Cher? She was busted for having way too many facelifts and botox. I mean her body may be 65 years old, but her face recently just celebrated its 18th birthday! My only advice is that if you’re going to fake it, fake it well or be prepared for it to unravel and fall apart.

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in ave and

She says

remember I always used to shake my head and mouth the word ‘why?’ whenever we drove past my uncle’s shop. And not just because he’s an over-user of the wink, or the guy who knows everything about anything yet boasts that he hasn’t ever read a book. Or because he’s the bloke who tows a camper trailer to the Kimberleys behind his 4WD yet stays in a motel every night and then hires a 4WD when the bitumen runs out because he says, “It’ll ruin my springs”. I can deal with that because it’s real. The contents of his shop, however, weren’t. He sold fake plastic trees. And plants. And it didn’t stem (pardon the pun) from a hobby, like you’d expect an aquarium shop guy to at least have a passing interest in fish. He didn’t have a fake plastic tree collection at home that the kids weren’t allowed to touch. So, once again, I mouth the word ‘why?’ Why would anyone choose a fake plastic tree over a real one? Because they’re easier. And that’s what we’re all about, isn’t it? It’s easier for Olivia Newton-John’s ex, Patrick McDermott, to fake his own death than to suffer the sight of Chloe Lattanzi’s overly operated on face every morning over the top of his Coco Pops. It’s easier for fat Aussie paparazzo Darryn Lyons to buy and implant a pretty impressive set of abs than to go to the gym and physically work on them. Tip for Darryn … drain the keg before you buy a six pack, you look ridiculous. It’s easier to fake an orgasm than to explain why you didn’t have one. It’s easier to take a dive and fake an injury in the dying minutes of a 2006 FIFA World Cup match than to actually try and win the game on merit. Take a bow, or a dive if that’s easier, Fabio Grosso and the Italian football team. So I’m off to water my trees … my real trees in my real garden. Sure, it may take me a bit of time, but hey, some things in life are worth the time and effort. Keep it real …

TaNKs ARTS CENTRE

ZINC’S d

tanksartscentre.com profilemag.com.au

december 2011

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AU D I C E N T R E CA I R N S

ll photography carly whouley

Audi drivers choose prestige as a way of life. These luxurious cars are far more than just a mode of transport. Each month we meet the refined TNQ drivers behind the dashboard. This month, the Audi Centre welcomes Paul Furse out from behind the dash.

with PAUL FURSE

PAUL DRIVES AN AUDI A5 CABRIOLET (SINCE AUGUST )

LET’S MEET PAUL …

PAUL’S REVIEW ...

Paul Furse, CEO of Williams Graham Carman (WGC), shows his romantic side every day – his number plate (showing the number 93) reflects the date he and his wife Debbie married! Other than working at WGC, one of Cairns’s larger legal firms, Paul spends his time with his other true loves – photography and music (he plays the saxophone and flute).

From one to 10 (10 being the highest), individually rate your car ...

I earned my way to the top in business by ...

Technology: 9

I’ve been lucky to get where I am now owing to (on my good days) being able to realise the best capabilities of the team around me while maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Practicality: 5

My car’s best interior gadget is ...

Driveability: 10

wow, there are so many, the flappy paddle gear change, the computer information. Perhaps it is the bit that conveniently puts the seat belt into your hand or being able to open up the roof on the move.

Resale: 7 – don’t intend trying for some time though.

The vehicle I learnt to drive in was ... my great aunt’s Austin 1100. Nicknames for my cars have been ... Moggy (MG), The Pimp Mobile (white Golf convertible), The Rhoid (Pajero – its full name was the Happy Haemorrhoid Chariot after the number plate it came with). Each day I am in my car for ... an hour to an hour and a half. I apologise to anyone I have cut up on the road, but if you would perhaps move out of the right lane when you’re done overtaking … The stretch of worldwide road I would choose to drive my car on is ... the Davos-Stelvio Pass as recommended by Top Gear but it also holds a family connection. My car and I are similar because ... not at all. My car is stylish, turns heads, it is efficient and is so very German. I am none of the above – and I have a sense of humour.

Safety: 10 Value: 9 Design: 10

Fuel economy: 8

PAUL’S CAR Safety: Airbags and front side airbags, for driver and front passenger, Electronic stabilisation program (ESP), incorporating ABS, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Traction Control (ASR), EBD and Brake Assist, head restraints and three point seat belts for all our seats, servotronic, speedsensitive steering and safety steering column with tilt and telescopic adjustment Standard equipment highlights: 17” alloy wheels in 7-arm design, with 225/50 R 17 tyres, Audi parking system, concert sound system with single disc CD player (mp3 compatible), leather upholstery: Milano with resitance to heat build-up, Bluetooth interface for mobile phone connectivity, multi-function sport leather steering wheel Options fitted: Metallic paint, 18 inch 10 spoke alloy wheels, Xenon plus headlights, fully automated Acoustic Hood, advanced keyless entry / starting, front and rear optical parking and multi-function steering wheel. Cost: Drive Away $98,279.00

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AU D I C E N T R E CA I R N S

Paul furse and his audi a5 cabriolet

My car is stylish, turns heads, it is efficient and is so very German.

www.audicentrecairns.com.au december 2011

Audi Centre Cairns 303-309 Mulgrave Rd Phone 07 4046 6322 profilemagazine

homegrown Local lad Shaun Hergatt was always passionate about food – so much so, his passion has taken him to the other side of the world. These days, this awardwinning, Michelin-rated chef is running his own show, SHO Shaun Hergatt, in New York City. Genine Howard catches up with her husbands’ old schoolmate, Shaun, to find out more about how this local made it big on the world stage.

ormer Cairns local Shaun Hergatt has changed the culinary identity of New York City’s Financial District with his two-star Michelin-rated restaurant, SHO Shaun Hergatt. His menu of Asian-accented modern French cuisine has garnered him a Best New Chef award from New York magazine, 29 out of 30 ratings across the board from Zagat Survey and Best New Restaurant accolades from both Esquire and New York magazines. Growing up in a culinary-oriented family in Cairns, Shaun was exposed to a combination of impassioned and professional cooking by way of his Scandinavian grandmother and his father, a professional chef. With cooking in his blood, at 17, Shaun pursued an apprenticeship at Crystal Twig in Cairns – he was trained in classic French cooking. He soon moved to Sydney, and at 23, became chef de cuisine of The Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton. A host of awards ensued before his move to the US in 2003, working in Washington DC and Boston before taking on the roles of executive sous chef of Atelier at The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park, and later in 2005, executive chef of The Setai in Miami. In 2009, Shaun returned to New York to become executive chef and proprietor of his first solo project, the eponymous SHO Shaun Hergatt at The Setai, New York – a feather in the cap of this master chef.

profile: Shaun, tell us about growing up in Tropical North Queensland. shaun: I grew up in Cairns and went to Trinity Bay High. I lived there until I was 17, and then a career opportunity came up in Sydney and it was too good not to take. profile: How often do you get back to see your family and friends? shaun: All my family live in Cairns and I don’t go back often enough to see them. The last year I have made a vow to visit at least once a year because I find that I miss out on a lot of family life when I am away for long periods. I definitely don’t want to look back with regret, because no one is getting any younger. profile: What do you miss most about life in the Tropical North? shaun: I miss the laidback lifestyle and the genuine nature of Aussies. Not to say Americans aren’t genuine, but Aussies have a way of living a very 14

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a master chef ll words genine howard

simple and honest life and calling things what they are. profile: Can you sum up the key differences between life in New York and life in Cairns? shaun: New York is like it is in the movies, its 24/7, fast-paced and a place to go for opportunities you could not find anywhere else. People who come to New York from abroad generally come here with an instilled ambitious nature that this city nurtures and feeds on. Cairns definitely offers a much more relaxed lifestyle. profile: When you head home for a holiday, what are the ‘must-do’ activities on your to do list? shaun: Visit Gran and family; visit mates; eat a lamington and a meat pie; eat fresh seafood; visit Port Douglas; swim at Crystal Cascades and eat brekkie at Perrotta’s at The Gallery. profile: What did you love most about life in the Tropical North?

Shaun hergatt

shaun: The peace and the sunshine. When it’s minus 14°C in the heart of winter and I am up to my knees in snow and every slap of wind chill brings me closer to frostbite, I close my eyes and dream of Cairns ... sunny Tropical North Queensland! profile: If you weren’t a chef, what would you be? shaun: Sports Illustrated swimsuit model photographer! profile: Any plans to move back to Cairns? shaun: I think I am accustomed to New York life now. It’s great to go back to Cairns and visit family and take time out to relax and be in silence, but it’s also a blessing to come back to New York and be among the best in the culinary world, doing what I love most … cooking! Do you know of a former local who has made it big beyond the Tropical North? Drop us a line at tnqeditorial@profilemag.com.au. profilemag.com.au

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people

words sarah sheehan ll photography carly whouley

PROFILEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SARAH SHEEHAN TALKS TO OWNER AND FOUNDER OF EXCLUSIVE SPAS AUSTRALIA, CAROL FLEMING, ABOUT THE SIMPLE JOYS OF LIVING IN PARADISE AND THE MAGIC OF THIS REGION.

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Carol Fleming, founder and owner of Exclusive Spas, is a spiritual person. She believes in maintaining the perfect work / life balance and does so from her Wonga Beach home-office profilemag.com.au

people

s I drive the sparkling coastal road to Port Douglas to interview co-founder and owner of Exclusive Spas Australia Carol Fleming, I reminisce about my own spa experiences. When Cyclone Atu hit Vanuatu earlier this year, I was laid out on a massage bed in my beautiful resort, in a dream-like state thanks to the aromas and healing hands of my therapist. Cyclonic winds roared outside, belting and shaking the timber pavilion, threatening to blow me and my therapist away like Dorothy and Toto. Even as coconuts dropped like bombs on the tin roof, and a tidal surge lapped at my door, threatening to steal my passport and belongings, I remained in a state of blissful oblivion. Carol assures me that this is the type of spiritual experience you receive at her multi-international award-winning Exclusive Spas at the Reef House at Palm Cove, at Q1 Resort on the Gold Coast and Peppers Beach Club in Port Douglas. “We know that when you walk out of that spa, you have been touched by magic,” she smiles. She looks exactly as an expert in the spa industry should. Carol almost floats as she walks me to the poolside of Peppers Beach Resort in her breezy, relaxed attire. Her skin is soft and supple and I gasp in disbelief when she tells me she is 60. “Life for me is a bit like approaching a mirror,” she says. “If you go towards it with a smile and a sense of humour, then that’s what you’re going to get back.” Carol had an idyllic childhood in New Zealand. Her first job was at the Waikato Times as a cadet reporter, and she flirted with the media world before entering the hotel world as a PR and marketing manager for Noah’s Hotels. Carol was loving life in Christchurch, until the All Blacks stole her boyfriend. Jeffrey, an intense All Blacks supporter, followed a tour to South Africa with friends, and landed himself a job in a hotel and decided to stay on

in Johannesburg. Eight long months later, Carol received a telex from Jeffrey asking her to join him. With an empty purse, Carol jumped on a plane and flew to South Africa. Carol and Jeffrey spent three-and-a-half years in Africa before deciding to travel, falling in love with a quaint little island called Thassos in Greece. They were determined to be married on the island, which was difficult for tourists, but they were granted permission by the High Priest of the Northern Territories. She bought the only cream dress she could find in a tourist shop on Thassos, and an old Greek cook from the pizzeria nominated himself to be Jeffrey’s best man. The priest didn’t speak English, and Carol and Jeffrey didn’t speak Greek. “We got lovely presents for our wedding like jars of honey, watermelon, bunches of flowers and olives,” Carol says. Carol and Jeffrey returned to Thassos on their anniversary this year. Unbelievably, they found the priest who married them, and their best man. The priest was due to move off the island only a week later. After years of travelling the world, the Flemings decided Australia was the land of plenty. Carol enrolled in a massage course and qualified as a remedial massage therapist at the Australian College of Natural Medicines. “Once I became qualified, our opportunities opened up,” she says. “We discovered we could set the same formulas to running successful spas as we had done to running successful resorts.” She says her Cook Island background inspired her to use ancient Aboriginal Australian inspired therapies and the Li’Tya range of products, which are made of the flora of the Australian land and sea. The success of the Exclusive Spas of Australia can be attributed to her therapists, Carol explains. “The key to our success is we just work in the background. Those girls are at the coalface. They’re our light, and they’re our success.”

Carol goes on to tell me that she has never had to advertise to recruit therapists, as the right therapist always seems to arrive on their doorstep at the right time, as if by magic. “We are therapeutic, a little bit holistic, and a smidge spiritual. We seem to attract that type of therapist. They are highly-qualified and consummate professionals. However, they have this extra aura around them,” she explains, proudly telling me that one of their therapists, Michelle, was named one of the top 10 therapists in the world by international company Spa Finder.

The key to our success is we just work in the background. Those girls are at the coalface. They’re our light, and they’re our success.” Carol admits that she is a very spiritual person. “I like to impart something on people, and they don’t even know it is happening. I like to think I can call upon a greater power and feel very comfortable.” Jeffrey and Carol now maintain a perfect work / life balance, working from their beachfront home at Wonga Beach. “It’s like living in paradise. We’ve been all over the world, and Wonga Beach doesn’t offer everything, but does one need everything? We have a lovely daughter and a beautiful home. What more could you want?” I drive back to Cairns and have an overwhelming appreciation as I look out to the reef on one side, as the rainforest rushes by me in a green blur on the other. This place truly is magic, and Carol has invigorated my passion for it.

Mediterranean and Seafood Restaurant

december 2011

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success

… When I was boilermaking you get this feeling after building something, farming’s much the same, ‘I produced that’, it’s a good feeling inside.”

Farming is in Gerard Puglisi’s blood – a fourth generation cane farmer, he has turned to producing the sweetest crop of all ... cocoa for chocolate

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success

words juliana doupe ll photography stuart frost

JULIANA DOUPE HEADS TO THE SLEEPY LITTLE TOWNSHIP OF MIALLO TO MEET GERARD PUGLISI, A FOURTH-GENERATION FARMER WHO’S HELPING PRODUCE THE NATION’S FIRST EVER CHOCOLATE MADE FROM 100 PER CENT AUSTRALIAN GROWN COCOA. DELICIOUS!

omeone once told me that people remember experiences not things. A friend and I were talking about what to get our respective kids for Christmas, but the sentiment, that life is about the doing, not the having, has stayed with me. Success is measured by the good you do, not the goods you have. It’s about making things better, not having better things. Somehow, it’s about values, and when people value hard work, family, community and each other it shines through. It shone through at the Puglisis’ property. I was going to visit them because they, along with three other local farmers, are doing something extraordinary – they’ve created the first chocolate made from 100 per cent Australian cocoa. Gerard Puglisi is a grower – director of Daintree Estates, the company that produces the chocolate. He’s the fourth generation of his family to be farming Miallo, but the first to diversify into cocoa. At just 34, he’s a proud husband and father, northern director of Cane Farmers Australia and co-founder of a young farmers group in Mossman. Gerard and his family live in the farmhouse his grandfather built. Gerard’s dad lives just across the creek. “We moved to this farm when I was six,” he says. “I did all my schooling here and did my apprenticeship as a boilermaker at Mossman Mill. I went to Cairns for four years, did my trade and worked at the Mulgrave Mill. I met my wife down there, we got married and we’ve been back here for the last six years. We moved into the family home about two years ago – the kids moved here around the same age as I did.” A few years ago, when sugar prices were shaky, the Puglisis decided to plant 1,800 cocoa trees on a small block which was hopeless for cane. Wild pigs partied there on a nightly basis and it was hard to get a tractor in. Four years down the track, Gerard and three other local cocoa growers are proud shareholders in Daintree Estate, the first-ever commercial Australian cocoa supplier. Miallo, it seems, is one of the few places in the country where cocoa will grow.

december 2011

“The Department of Primary Industries did a cocoa trial a number of years ago – around here and in South Johnstone,” Gerard explains. “It grew best in South Johnstone and halfway between here and Port Douglas. Cyclone Larry wiped out the South Johnstone crop, so all that’s left is our four estates.” When it comes to wine, the buzzword is terroir, a French word which encompasses the place, the climatic conditions and the soil type in which the grapes grew. Terroir is the natural history of wine and the Daintree Estate chocolate has terroir. “Even though we’re so close, the chocolate that comes from each different property has a unique taste. Daintree Estate has two ranges, a 75 per cent dark and a 45 per cent milk, and the dark has a really nice, fruity taste to it.” Living in the house his grandfather built, working the land with his dad and watching his kids thrive in the fresh air of the countryside, Gerard says farming is the only life for him. “I’ve always been a farmer, farming’s in the blood, I’m a fourth generation sugarcane farmer and my grandfather’s really good at growing fruit and vegetables in the backyard, so there’s a green thumb in there somewhere.” Farming offers Gerard something quite special, the chance to work closely with his own father, the opportunity to balance work and family commitments and to continue in a long, unbroken line – improving the land for the kids. “Farming’s a good lifestyle, but you just have to get the balance right so you’re not working all the time. It’s all about balance and trying to keep everyone as happy as I can.” Gerard and Therese’s children, nine-year-old Lucia and six-year-old Angelo, (named after Gerard’s father) love life on the farm. Gerard says that while he always wanted to be a farmer – which his dad’s quite pleased about – it’s up to his kids also whether they want to be generation number five on the Miallo farm. “I’ll never push them to stay on the farm, whatever they decide to do in the future I’ll

support them. At the moment they’re showing an interest but I’ll encourage them to do whatever they want.” Being willing to think outside the square is a useful asset. While it’s been a few years coming, the gamble of planting cocoa trees on the back block is now paying off.

I’ve always been a farmer, farming’s in the blood, I’m a fourth generation sugarcane farmer …” “Just getting to this point, having chocolate on the shelf, is a big success. There’s been a few hurdles on the way, but now that we’re finally there it’s a great achievement. It makes all those times I got smashed by wasps while checking the cocoa trees worthwhile. Success is being able to go outside and doing whatever you want, not being told what to do, and having enough money to live. If you’ve got your health and good family support you can’t ask for much more. “My rewards, my luxuries, are spending time with family, going on family holidays … when I was boilermaking I got this feeling after building something. Farming’s much the same, ‘I produced that’; it’s a good feeling inside.” And Gerard thinks he’ll be here for the long-term. “Yeah, probably until I get kicked out by the kids, hopefully. I’ll always be there for the kids and whatever they want to do, but if they want to come on the farm, I wouldn’t mind an early retirement. I’ll probably be like my father, always tinkering around, always doing something. There’s always something to be done.”

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secret life

words stacey carrick ll photography stuart frost words stacey carrick ll photography stuart frost

TRACEY HAYES and LEISEL PISANI

TRACEY HAYES and LEISEL PISANI HAVE TWO THINGS IN COMMON – THEY BOTH LOVE BRINGING JOY TO PEOPLE’S LIVES ON THEIR WEDDING DAY – LEISEL AS A CIVIL CELEBRANT AND TRACEY AS A PHOTOGRAPHER – AND THEY ARE BOTH PASSIONATE ABOUT FLYING. STACEY CARRICK CHATS TO THE LADIES ABOUT THEIR BELOVED HOBBY.

have always loved flying, especially the exhilaration of take-off and landing. I love the feeling of peering out the window at the clouds and looking down on my destination. Of course, I am more accustomed to planes best-suited to my numerous overseas jaunts rather than two-seater microlights. I recently discovered there are only nine female microlight pilots in Australia, and I had the pleasure of meeting two of them – Leisel Pisani and Tracey Hayes. Both local women are in the wedding industry, but they met through their love of flying. And their enthusiasm is definitely infectious as they tell me about their passion for soaring through the sky. Leisel and Tracey were both hooked the moment they sat behind the controls. Leisel was inspired by her brother, who was learning to fly. “I can sniff out fun a mile away,” she says. “I saw the fun he was having and thought: ‘I want a piece of that’.” A former Qantas flight attendant, Leisel has even taken Qantas pilots flying. “I think it’s really funny – a role reversal from a normal day where as a flight attendant I was in the back and they were up the front. I like joking with them – I say ‘This is your captain speaking, we are now approaching the Atherton Tablelands. There will be no cabin crew in attendance today, and you are not free to move around the cabin’. They like to judge my landing out of 10 – they really put me under the pump!” The women say they are very lucky living on

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the Great Barrier Reef to have such spectacular aerial views. “I’ve seen dugongs, turtles, crocodiles and sharks,” Leisel says. “I almost feel like I can reach out and touch them. Flying a microlight is the closest feeling to being a bird, other than a hang glider. The beauty about flying a microlight, as opposed to a hang glider, is that you can go anywhere. There aren’t any traffic lights, and you don’t get stuck behind slow cars.” Both women agree that flying their own planes gives them an amazing sense of freedom. “When I’m flying I don’t take my iPod or my phone, I just enjoy the experience,” Tracey says. Leisel says she forgets about everything while she is in the air. “I forget about my problems and my schedule.” Leisel adds that her hobby is definitely addictive and consumes her thoughts. “When we’re around each other and it’s a nice day we have a silent connection. We both have a grin on our faces because we know what the other one is thinking.” When Leisel tells people she is a microlight pilot their reactions are like chalk and cheese. “People either think I’m a crazy lunatic or they think it’s fantastic. I think their reactions are amplified because I’m female.” Tracey remembers landing on an air strip, taking off her helmet and receiving a reaction something like: ‘Wow, you’re a girl, good landing’.

“They obviously weren’t expecting a chick!” Tracey laughs. “I think I need to wear a pink jacket. “I do my pre-flight check, my radio check, and put my jacket and helmet on ... then when I lift off, I think ‘Wow, I’m doing this!’ I just think it’s amazing that I own my own aircraft and can go flying whenever I like.” Both women are always scanning the weather conditions, because for these aviation addicts, the temptation is always there. “Sometimes it’s enough to just punch a hole in the sky, even if it’s only for 10 minutes,” Leisel says. Leisel and Tracey’s hobby has turned into a real family affair – they own their own planes, their husbands have both caught the aviation bug, Leisel’s brother and brother-in-law own their own plane, and her nephew is learning as well. However, they admit it can be hard to be the passenger as they always want to be in the hot seat! The women take regular trips around the region, and they have even flown to Cooktown together, swapping the piloting role for each leg. “We think it’s groundbreaking having two female microlight pilots sharing the journey,” Leisel says. “We enjoy having a gasbag at 3000 feet. It’s like meeting for coffee ... without the coffee.” I enjoy meeting the women for lunch, but most of all, I can’t wait to take them up on their offer to join them for a flight.

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business promotion

Merry Christmas everyone! December is the month to wrap up (not just gifts) and take stock in preparation for a well-earned Christmas break. If you are in business you should have finalised, or be in the process of completing, your 2012 business plans and goals. Strategic planning is one of the most important things you can do for your business prosperity. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce has done just that, reviewed and refreshed our 2010 / 2012 strategic plan to take us to 2015. We look forward to sharing that plan with you in early in the new year.

On behalf of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce members, management committee and operational team, I would like to wish everyone a relaxing, safe and happy Christmas. We look forward to a positive, energetic and prosperous 2012 for Cairns and our beautiful region. Festively yours,

Anthony Mirotsos President, Cairns Chamber of Commerce For further information please visit www.cairnschamber.com.au, phone 07 4031 1838, or email info@cairnschamber.com.au

Membership to a Chamber of Commerce is one steeped in tradition whose aim is to further the interests of business, its members. If you would like to be a part of a business community advancing its interests, then the Cairns Chamber of Commerce is the member organisation for you. Membership is a small investment of a couple of hundred dollars per year depending on the size of your organisation, and it gives you the opportunity to be a part of a noble, honourable and professional body that delivers results and adds value to doing business in Cairns. The first Chamber of Commerce began in Marseille, France, in 1599 and the oldest English speaking Chamber began in New York in 1768. The Cairns Chamber of Commerce is 103 years old, representing more than 650 businesses in Cairns, making us one of the largest and most active Chambers of Commerce in Australia. Networking is one of the most popular reasons why businesses join and we host a diverse range of activities and events, from fun to serious. Whether it be lunch or breakfast meetings with respected industry leaders from all over Australia and overseas, or cocktail functions, the Cairns Chamber of Commerce brings to our members the best of the best in speakers and political VIPs including premiers and prime ministers. We do not discriminate as we are apolitical and funded wholly and solely by our members. This year almost 4000 people attended 21 events, a staggering 11 per cent increase in one year!

The Cairns Young Chamber of Commerce is also an important part of what we do to assist aspiring business people in Cairns. Young leaders now are essential to a pipeline of future talent and the Cairns Chamber recognises that we need to lead by example and mentor the next generation. If you are a new member or renewing membership for 2012, prepare yourself for a line-up of innovative events and meetings as well as a busy year as we provide the leadership Cairns needs to prosper and celebrate success. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we can’t wait to see you at the next Cairns Chamber of Commerce event.

The Cairns Chamber of Commerce also lobbies local, state and federal governments for positive change and commitment to improving our economy on behalf of our members. Being a member gives you a voice in that process, and plenty of information and data to make informed decisions on policy. We are committed to giving every member the chance to voice their opinions and we are the vehicle to deliver the message to our political leaders – visit our website and see what we are doing with the ‘report card’ for our most recent examples.

december 2011

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ladies at lunch

“Everything I do is about being ‘us’ together.” TRACEY VINCE

1. emily rossi 2. ochre oysters 3. Peisha McHeyzer 4. tempura bugs 5. Tracey vince 6. Signature calamari

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ladies at lunch

marriage: for better or worse? words mia lacy ll photography mia lacy and alana rushton ll venue ochre restaurant, cairns

“Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage”. Or do they? Is marriage an irksome task, or something to be celebrated and feted and does it really matter if you say ‘I do’ or not? Mia Lacy asks the ladies.

e’ve all heard the statistics – married people live longer, people with partners are happier. What are the ties that bind a marriage – de facto or certified – today? Or is freedom just another word for nothin’ left to lose, as Janis Joplin sang in Me and Bobby McGee? Popular culture would still seem to point to a committed relationship as the holy grail – movies and television shows celebrate it, singles seek it, and same sex marriage is now a reality. And really, let’s be honest, Mum’s still hoping you’ll find a great bloke and settle down, isn’t she? Just because it’s desirable, it doesn’t mean that true commitment is any less of a challenge. Three ladies, from three different decades, each inhabit a different relationship realm. Yet each agrees on what constitutes the commitment such a partnership takes. Emily Rossi, 33, married Paul two years ago, and they now have a one-year-old cherub, Zade. Peisha McHeyzer, 42, was married for eight years. Some time after her divorce, she met her partner, Tim, and the two have been in a successful de facto marriage for eight years. Tracey Vince, 52, has been in a committed de facto relationship with her partner Bill for 17 years. Let the lunch begin ... profile: Does a marriage certificate – the piece of paper – make a couple more committed to their relationship? emily: The marriage itself did for me, not the piece of paper that came with it. It made me feel more complete. peisha: I’ve experienced both. I don’t think the marriage certificate is the be-all and end-all. My partner and I have had three businesses together, car loans … house loans, we’re as committed as it

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gets. I don’t think the piece of paper is going to make us any more so. tracey: The commitment you share is what counts. We have houses together, businesses together, we work together 24/7 at times. For me, marriage is a great ceremony – I love going to other people’s weddings – I just never envisaged me doing that. peisha: Would you have a commitment ceremony then, to celebrate your relationship? tracey: I celebrate it daily! emily: Er, does bling come into it? I really like my big rock! tracey: Bill had this made for me (displaying her solid gold bangle) – he thinks it’s funny that I don’t wear a wedding ring but I’ll wear the bangle that’s 10 times as big. profile: What keeps you together, committed? tracey: I love him – I can’t imagine my life without him. Everything I do is about being ‘us’ together. emily: We keep each other committed. He’s the rock; the basis of everything. It’s a partnership, and now we have a son we are enjoying life even more. peisha: It’s definitely the partnership that we have. We work together and have spent 24/7 together for the last eight years. We still love and trust each other … and have loads of fun! profile: Is there anything that you’d love your partner to be able to do that he doesn’t? tracey: Maybe – stack the dishwasher! emily: I’d like him to be crafty with wood. Like a carpenter is. He’s great with steel, welding etc, but I’d love things handmade from timber. peisha: I kind of wanted him to be really handy – he’s a chef by trade – and funnily enough we’ve just renovated a property together and he’s really proved himself on that front – tiling floors, hanging doors, all that blokey stuff. I think he’s pretty perfect, in fact!

profile: What are the things about him that make you think ‘Ahhh yes, that’s why I’m with you!’? emily: He’s the salt of the earth – that sums it up. He’s a kind person. And he’s as real as they come. tracey: One thing he taught me is everyone has a story and everyone’s really interesting. Last night a homeless man asked me for street directions. Before him, I would have been more dismissive of the guy. I got my phone out and looked up the street, discovered it was 700 metres away, showed him on my screen how to get there and he was a happy chappy. Bill would have found the street, put the guy in his car and driven him to it, made sure he’d eaten and had somewhere to sleep that night! He’s caring, and I care more because of that. peisha: My man is a very sensitive person, very aware that what he does impacts on other people and he’s shown me that too. And he gets me to lighten up a bit and not take life so seriously! emily: When we brought our son home from the hospital, he took control and organised everything – shopped for food and even cooked dinner every night for eight months. I could have, but he did. I let him take over, gave myself up to motherhood and I loved it. profile: Are there any life decisions that you’ve made as a couple that you’ve regretted since? tracey: Real estate! He says I’ve saved him from several small fortunes! No I think there’s nothing in our lives that I’ve regretted – you just shrug and go ‘well that didn’t work out like I thought it would – what’s next?’ peisha: Going back into hospitality! I wouldn’t have done that again in hindsight, but I certainly don’t regret it – the experiences we have lead us to where we are now. emily: Nope … none yet!

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ladies at lunch OCHRE RESTAURANT, CAIRNS Twelve months ago Ochre Restaurant won the Taste Paradise signature dish. Owner / chef Craig Squire’s concoction of tempura bugs, papaya salad served with sweet chilli lemon myrtle dipping sauce was a winner then and still is now. Three of us are discussing ordering this delicately balanced dish; two of us because we have it every chance we can! Ochre’s menu changes regularly and seasonally. I note we are dining on Menu #40 (since the restaurant’s inception in 1994) – and the restaurant’s approach to customer service is evident in the multiple lunch options. The choices offered include daily specials menu, a regular lunch menu, plus the restaurant’s a la carte menu. Two people can opt for the Ochre Lunch Platter, where you can choose any three dishes to share from the light lunches section of the menu, accompanied by a beverage of your choice.

mia and the ladies enjoy a chat over lunch at ochre restaurant

“He says I’ve saved him from several small fortunes!” TRACEY VINCE

profile: How do you keep your relationship fresh so it doesn’t become predictable? peisha: Have fun together. Take time out together ... go for a bushwalk. Predictability comes from being stressed, or being in a poor routine. tracey: Our life’s pretty unpredictable! We often don’t know what we are going to be doing in two months so it’s never boring, and occasionally surprising! I think you need to get out of the routine … travel. We’ll go into town and spend the night in a hotel, and even six kilometres can make a lot of difference to your perspective. emily: We live on a farm, and we’ll go outside and sit around a fire pit in the evening and share the day there sometimes. There’s a lot of routine with a baby, so we like to mix it up deliberately. profile: So you’d agree that commitment is for better or worse, regardless? peisha: Yes. In reality being married doesn’t make any difference to that. I guess we might get married if we have children, but it won’t change our relationship at all.

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emily: Before my son and our marriage, I thought you could be with someone and you could be committed without the piece of paper but because I wanted to have a family – and my husband really wanted to be married before we had children – we wed and now that we are a unit, it is really important. It completes us. tracey: With children, marriage is that really solid knot because it’s more than just the two of you. My friend who’s a marriage celebrant asked me to assist as a witness to one of her weddings at Palm Cove last weekend. The couple had a two-year-old child, and were eloping together – just them. It was a beautiful event, I loved it – they’d been with each other for years and you could see how right they were together. Interestingly, the things which make marriage more satisfying today have also made it more optional. If you hold with tradition, marriage is to provide love, intimacy, fulfilment and fidelity. Yet for centuries, marriage was workable because it didn’t provide a couple with wedded bliss – nor was it expected to. Bring love into the mix and people started to think about remaining single if they hadn’t found the perfect mate, or taking up the increasingly available option of divorce once love died. “For better or for worse” is a commitment by both partners to rise together against situations that would threaten the relationship, and it seems to point to a unified strength and purpose. I guess I could have cast my net and caught three unsatisfactorily committed women, but I didn’t. These ladies are leading the life they love, with their chosen loved ones. And staying the distance doesn’t seem to be hard at all.

We began with a Pacific Oyster tasting plate – bush tomato kilpatrick / wasabi mayonnaise / tomato and balsamic vinaigrette – which seemed to be over far too quickly. Next, we were presented with the tempura bugs, and calamari skewers served with a green vegetable salad and sweet chilli lemon myrtle dipping sauce. Lightly crumbed and fried, the calamari is a highlight. We completed the seafood trifecta with Queensland scallop and Tableland’s chorizo served with a white bean and sweet corn puree an a lemon aspen salsa verde. The scallop and chorizo was a perfect marriage – definitely one for the better! Ochre’s wine list would have to be in the top three in Cairns, with many choices available by the glass as well as the bottle. We loved the Gabbiano pinot grigio, the Robert Channon verdelho (just so smooth and lunch-i-licious) and the Tasmanian Dalrymple sauvignon blanc. We had the luxury of time for dessert with plenty of inclination from the delicious sounding sunrise lime and coconut tart with strawberry and mint salad. The second choice was sticky date and macadamia pudding served with wild lime butterscotch and Amaretto cream. The dessert voted as the piece de resistance was the lemon myrtle pannacotta with rosella jelly and hazelnut tuille. Rosella flowers are a magical memory of a Cairns childhood for me, and the delicate jelly was the perfect enhancement for the pannacotta. A date at Ochre should definitely be in your diary – whether it’s dinner for two, a family affair or a business lunch. The consistency and care factor here remains a blessing to locals and a boon to the visitors who seek it out. Ochre Restaurant 4051 0100 www.ochrerestaurant.com.au

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cover story

People find it hard to digest that intelligent, successful people would leave their children with someone so young.”

abby wears veronica maine. hair and make-up by pulse hair and beauty. Thanks to the team from Pulse Hair (Phone 4051 4212 www.pulsehair.com.au) for creating Abby’s look. Owner Craig Roberts tells us how to recreate the look: “Abby’s makeup was kept natural and simple using warm gentle tones for cheeks and eyes. Zazi Mineral Makeup was used to complement her features and make her beautiful blue eyes stand out. We used peachy blushes and dusk shadows to really accentuate the redness of her hair.

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“To style Abby’s hair we prepped with Osis Grip Mousse and then set with hot rollers to create soft volume and movement. Using the lengths to sweep off to the side in a tousled chignon while also giving height and softness. Osis Sparkler Shine Spray was glossed lightly over at the end to create the perfect shine finish, and lasting hold was given by using the Osis Elastic Light control Hairspray.”

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Abby Young …

the accidental mother words alli grant ll photography stuart frost ll photography assistant allie patton ll hair and makeup pulse hair and beauty

In a world where we are committed to having more and making more, there’s one thing we won’t ever be able to buy – and that’s time. And boy, does it fly! Today, parents are definitely losing out on the ‘quality time versus quantity time’ debate – most days, getting to spend neither with our beautiful children. But what if there were a way to find just a few more hours in your day? As Alli Grant discovered, perhaps all we need is our very own nanny, happily trained and provided by local Mary Poppins Abby Young.

“T

ime is on your side. A stitch in time saves nine. Time is money. Time flies when you’re having fun. Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. There’s no time like the present. He’s living on borrowed time.” Much has been written, said and sung about the concept of time. It’s something you can’t buy. You can oh-so-easily waste it, and you most definitely can’t get it back. Time is a precious luxury, yet it’s one we don’t value enough. And news just to hand; there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. Sure, technically there are still 24, which by my not-so-crash-hot-at-maths count is 1440 minutes or 86,400 seconds, but this is still not nearly enough. It’s light years away from enough. Once upon a time, we used to fit a fair bit of productive ‘stuff’ into each of these 24-hour periods. It was easy to get the required eight hours of sleep – deep, invigorating, refreshing sleep. Today; well you can tell how much sleep I get by the matching set of luggage under my bloodshot eyes. Eating? I recall when I had the time to eat a real meal at a real table with real people sitting around it. Today; my dining room table doubles as my home office. And work? Well, work was just that – work. Not my life; it paid the bills and gave me satisfaction. Don’t get me wrong, I did work long and hard, but it didn’t consume or define me. Today; as a small business owner, I have no off-switch. And even worse; I work from home – so I don’t ever really clock off. A sad little confession. Miraculously, after I slept, worked and ate (all in healthy doses), I managed to find adequate time to fit in a life – friends, entertaining, shopping, exercise. Enter 2009 and the birth of my darling now

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two-and-a-half-year old son. Somehow, 24 hours immediately became 14. Call me paranoid (and perhaps a little cuckoo from two-and-a-half-years of little sleep) but somewhere along the way I got ripped off – by about 10-odd hours a day. A nasty little thief snuck into my world and buggered off with 10 hours of my time! So now I am expected to fit twice as much in to about half the time I started with? Help! Trying to do the working mum thing, spectacularly unsuccessfully I might add, juggling two businesses, a husband, two cats, a dog, two goldfish, a snail (don’t ask!), a home office and a household, the other parts of my life have sadly paled into insignificance. Why do I do it to myself? Why can’t I do it all? Why aren’t there more hours in the day? Why can’t I be the perfect mother, business woman, wife, friend and daughter? Why? Why? Why? Because, as I said, there aren’t enough hours in the day – and I can’t slow down time, no matter how hard I try. Life is just too darn busy. But, as I was to learn upon meeting Cairns’ business woman Abby Young, while I can’t turn back the clock and reclaim some of this lost time, perhaps I can borrow just a little of it from someone else. All I need is Abby and one of her super nannies – gifts sent directly from heaven for working mums like me. Mums who just want a bit of ‘quality’ time with our beautiful kids … We gave up on the idea of ‘quantity’ time years ago! Abby is the owner and director of Nanny Network Australia, a company that, you guessed it, specialises in providing nannies to families who are in need of a little help and support. While the company is focused on Cairns at the moment, national expansion is not too far away. At 25, Abby’s age belies her experience and confidence. She boasts incredible business acumen and a clear passion to achieve in her chosen field.

But becoming a nanny and running her own agency wasn’t always the plan for Abby. Born and bred in Cairns, Abby has always loved kids – especially babies. The baby herself of three, there is a fairly substantial age gap between Abby and her two older brothers, seven and nine years. “We used to do so much stuff together [as a family] on weekends – camping, sailing, go-karting, waterskiing and annual snow skiing trips to Canada. “My parents worked incredibly hard for many years in their own businesses and so were able to enjoy that hard work while I was small. And yes, I too had a nanny! “From about the age of eight I was given many opportunities to be independent. Mum and Dad had a lot of new interests outside of the house. Plus I really didn’t associate much with kids outside of school. I had always spent a lot of time around adults so I think that helped me to grow up really quickly. I have always had a strong sense of initiative,” Abby tells me, going on to explain that, prior to finishing school, she was entrusted with a number of babysitting and nanny roles. It is this initiative and confidence that saw 17-year-old Abby pack up her belongings and head south to Brisbane to study hairdressing. “I really had to push myself to even finish school – it wasn’t really for me. I knew I was ready to leave Cairns and my family and be completely independent. I woke up one day and decided I wanted to move to Brisbane – and I was on a plane nine days later.” Abby had always wanted to be a hairdresser, but she soon discovered it wasn’t for her. However, she stuck to the course and finished it in 18 months, juggling a couple of part-time jobs. “I worked really hard – I’d work in a bar at night and then do hairdressing all day – I enjoyed the life, but I didn’t want to be a hairdresser. I became

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There’s this stigma that nannies are for rich people only so they should pay for it all themselves, but that’s not fair.”

Abby Young is a 25-year-old with a mission – she hopes to make a difference for new mothers everywhere through her business, Nanny Network Australia, and by lobbying government for a higher level of maternity services

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fully qualified and moved back to Cairns.” Abby decided that she would pick up where she left off – with a couple of nannying gigs for families she had previously worked for during high school. “I was working for a family I knew, and through wordof-mouth another family approached me … I had so many job offers. Families have always been comfortable leaving their children with me – it’s that sense of initiative I spoke about earlier. “When I came back from Brisbane I was 19 and I was left with three children, a house and their cars while the family I worked for went overseas for three weeks. “Although I have often had to lie about my age – not to the families but to the outside world and onlookers. People find it hard to digest that intelligent, successful people would leave their children with someone so young.” As a working mother of one, my little boy is in daycare three days a week. I’m more than thrilled with the level of care he receives, and to be honest, we didn’t even consider hiring a nanny. Okay, so our budget probably wouldn’t have extended to this kind of care, but also because we think of it as something rich English folk do – they hire a nanny right after they buy their children a pony! Why hire a nanny? Why not use traditional childcare? “Child care centres certainly have a place, but a nanny adds to the family structure. It really is about creating time for families. When parents come home at 6:00pm and the dinner is made, children are bathed, kindy or school bags are packed, lunches etcetera have been unpacked and repacked for the next day, homework is finished … they can spend one and a half quality hours with their children before they go to bed.” Back to Abby’s story. True to her impulsive nature, at the age of 21 Abby decided it was time to try out her nannying skills on an English family – lured most definitely but the big pay cheques and lavish lifestyles on offer. “I thought I’d head over to London and nanny for a few years and would come back with pounds in my pocket. I did it for two years and worked for a couple of high profile clients including millionaire hairdressing tycoon John Frieda and his wife, Avery Agnelli. “I got to live this amazing life of luxury– chefs, housekeepers, fully-staffed mansions, holidays in the South of France. But it taught me that if you don’t have a strong family, money doesn’t matter. I have seen every type of family unit and relationship; you have to have a really strong mutual respect for each other. One of my first clients told me families who play together stay together, and after being in this job for so long I’ve learnt its true!” If Abby had to highlight one area she is passionate about, it’s definitely maternity nursing / nannying. “I most love being a maternity nurse or nanny. Your job is solely to look after a newborn for the first eight to 12 weeks of his or her life – you don’t have any other duties around the house. When I was in London I worked for this family who lived in Hyde Park – I had an entire floor of their mansion to myself.” I have to pull Abby up here. As a working mother, I completely support a woman’s right to work – and to choose what is right for her. But I do have to question how a mother can leave a newborn baby with a nanny – right

from the get-go. “Some of these mothers earn $400,000 plus – it’s just what you do! Most dads are quickly back at work and it’s hard if you don’t have any support. It’s really the norm in the UK. Many people, especially in big cities, don’t have the family support that would have been available only 20 years ago. They need guidance and advice.” But all too soon it was time to return to Cairns. By her own admission, Abby struggled. “Being a nanny in Cairns is far more hands-on. You don’t have a housekeeper or a chef … it’s much more grassroots nannying. I suddenly had to cook and clean again. I guess I was spoiled [in London] but what I loved most about the lifestyle was that I could focus on my kids, which I really enjoyed. “Coming back I was inundated with calls – families were counter-offering to get me! They wanted my initiative I guess, which is hard to find.” As is a good nanny, clearly. Abby quickly saw an opportunity in the local Cairns market, and Nanny Network Australia was born. “I had this inkling that I could train girls to be good nannies, so six months ago I put an ad in the paper. I interviewed so many girls, but many just weren’t appropriate. You really are a role model to these kids – I am even conscious of what I eat around them. I’m not saying I don’t go out on the weekends like any normal 25-year-old, but when I am at work I have to be like Mary Poppins … but with my own flair!” Abby now has a team of seven who work on a rotational basis and juggle both nanny and babysitting roles. She plans to launch in Sydney and Melbourne in the next 12 months. “We are getting a lot of interest already for next year, especially for after school nannies, and I have a number of girls already undertaking training. All my girls have to have a certificate three in childcare, although you don’t have to really have any qualifications to become a nanny.” Abby tells me she’s passionate about creating an even playing field for parents when it comes to government support for nannying services. “There’s this stigma that nannies are for rich people only so they should pay for it all themselves, but that’s not fair. Not all of my families are like this. Some get the childcare rebate, but you don’t get the 50 per cent of out of pocket expenses. I want to change that. “I have also been working hard to get my agency registered as an in-home care provider. Unless people like me lobby the government, it won’t happen. I also want to run a maternity care service – so I can help women who have children later in life who are struggling. But again, I am fighting the government.” Abby is certainly committed to her profession and to bettering the standard of care and support available to parents of all ages and demographics. We chat about motherhood in general, and Abby quickly shows me her compassionate side. “It really is such a special time, and some women can be completely terrified. Women who need me – I can see it on their faces. There’s this fear. They have been successful, have had high-powered jobs … many are doctors and solicitors, but the thought of looking after their baby terrifies them. profilemag.com.au

cover story

… when I am at work I have to be like Mary Poppins … but with my own flair!”

abby young and nine-week old harper

“People need to understand that there is a really high rate of post-natal depression in women over 30. Many young mums who haven’t had careers tend to do okay. It’s the older women, the highly intelligent and well-educated women who have lead very independent and childless lives for many years that struggle. They are the ones I look out for the most.” Boy can I sympathise with that. I became a mother for the first time at 34. I had achieved in my career and was a confident, intelligent, capable woman. And then I brought my son home from hospital and my brain turned to jelly. I certainly could have done with a little assistance and support from someone like Abby. Although in hindsight I wouldn’t change a thing – Hudson and I really bonded in those first few months. I share my story with Abby. “I really feel for women like you – some women have to go back to work quickly, or they choose to. Honestly, I believe that some women really are better mums if they are working. I don’t judge women for their decisions. “I often say to people that mothers who go out and work, who get to do what they are really good at, come home and have a really good time with their kids. They have done something for themselves, using every part of their brain. Some women are just better mums for it. “And some families don’t care that I am a replacement mother – they make the choice as to where and how I fit in. I know when to back off and when to step forward. I’ve often had parents tell me that they are embarrassed that they need advice on how to deal with their three-year-old’s tantrums. I remind them they have been parents for three years, and I’ve been doing this for 10! “But it’s an exhausting job. And it’s isolating, although very rewarding. You are the support for that family. You get through every day just like a mother would.” Finally, I ask Abby if she plans to have children of her own. “No! I don’t think I want my own children, although I adore my nine-weekold puppy. I know what it means to have children. I’m not ruling it out, but I have brought up a lot of kids and I know it’s bloody hard work. Although in saying that, after spending months travelling through South East Asia I spent a lot of time in homes and orphanages throughout Thailand and Cambodia. december 2011

When you see these parentless children it’s hard not to include an off-shore adoption (or three) into your long-term dream. She thinks of a moment and adds, “I have a lot of empathy for single mums – that’s really what I am most days. I have to get the groceries, take the kids the swimming, do hockey drop-off, drop and pick them up from school, cook dinner, clean the house … it’s really a 12-hour a day job with no help. Not many parents are alone all day every day with their children. “I can offer a lot of advice and opinions … but I don’t unless I’m asked. I met this mother the other day and when we had finished talking she asked me why I didn’t give her my advice. I asked her if she needed it. She said no, which I knew. I have this wealth of experience and I’m happy to help,” Abby proudly tells me. You would think that launching a new business at the age of 25 would be challenge enough for someone so young. Nope. Abby has recently overcome a bigger battle, against her weight; a battle she fought on her return to Cairns from the UK. “I had battled with weight problems most of my life. I was in Weight Watchers when I was 12! “When I returned from the UK I was in the 90’s [kilos] and I felt horrendous. I was back to a size 18 to 20. I made the decision deep inside that I no longer wanted to live like this.” Abby started exercising with her now best friend, Kryssi Marriott from Getfit Personal Training. She not only whipped Abby into shape (she is proudly a size 10) but she has transformed her life. Last year, Abby ran her first half marathon. When she overcomes her current back injury, she plans to run another. Ultimately, Abby is determined not only to succeed in business, but on a much grander scale. She wants to make a difference to mothers everywhere, especially the first-timers like me. She wants to challenge government legislation, and she wants to better educate women. Quite a commitment from this accidental mother.

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LOCAL EXPERTISE

MacDonnells law, founDeD in cairns in 1884, has grown consiDerably froM its early beginnings anD now ranks as one of the largest inDepenDent law firMs in the state. toDay the MacDonnells law network coMprises offices in brisbane, cairns anD townsville anD is renowneD for working with local businesses to Deliver seaMless, professional service. we chat with lesley van De water anD linDa grainger froM north QueenslanD airports group on their experience working with the MacDonnells law teaM.

meet ...

DONNA PATANE What is your role at MacDonnells? I am an Associate in the MacDonnells Law Commercial group. I specialise in commercial and property law, body corporate law, franchising and intellectual property. How long have you lived in Cairns? Forever! What inspired you to study / practice law? It was kind of an accident. When completing my QTAC forms in year 12, I decided to go for something challenging. What would you say is the main difference between MacDonnells Lawyers and other firms? We have the best Queensland-wide cover, with offices in Brisbane, Townsville and Cairns, and can co-ordinate between the offices with ease due to our ‘one firm’ mentality and great IT systems. What is your business ethos / motto? To give the best advice possible to achieve the client’s desired outcome in a timely fashion – with a personal touch. What would we find you doing on a Sunday afternoon? Probably watching a movie or baking something unhealthy like cupcakes! How would your boss describe you? Systematic, bubbly and has a can do attitude! How would your friends describe you? Organised, animated, honest. Best thing about living in Cairns? I love being local because of the happy balance Cairns gives me between quality legal work and lifestyle.

Linda GrainGer and LesLey Van de Water

Lesley Van De Water and Linda Grainger are Property Managers within the Property and Development Department at Cairns and Mackay Airports, which are owned by North Queensland Airports Group (NQA). NQA administers a diverse property portfolio that includes the leasing and/or licensing for ground, office, retail and aircraft parking areas across both airports. MacDonnells Law is one of the key providers of legal services to NQA, having assisted closely with the privatisation process when the airports were purchased from the State Government. During the privatisation process in 2008, Cairns Airport seconded MacDonnells Law associate, Donna Patane, as privatisation co-ordinator. Donna’s role involved providing advice and assistance in relation to the collation and checking of documentation, management presentations and the Q&A process. The secondment gave Donna an intimate knowledge of the workings of the business and the location of infrastructure at Cairns Airport. Lesley and Linda continue to work closely with Donna in the management of the property components of each airport and seek advice from her in relation to various

“Her local knowledge and her expertise in commercial and property law mean she is able to make suggestions that may be outside the box.” commercial matters including preparing leases and licences and providing general legal advice. Lesley said of the partnership, “Donna always provides professional advice in a timely manner. And Donna also ensures NQA’s interests are protected at all times.” Linda added, “Her local knowledge and her expertise in commercial and property law mean she is able to make suggestions that may be outside the box.”

www.macdonnells.com.au

A night of Fashion, Glamour & Goodies Thursday 15 December 6-8 PM

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december 2011

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style counsel

ll photography carly whouley

Michael Guidice

Michael Guidice is a well-known face at the Estee Lauder counter at Myer Cairns Central. He is known for his impeccable dress sense and ability to transform women’s faces into works of art. Genine Howard gets behind the counter with Michael to discover more about his unique style and what a male working in a beauty store recommends ‘30-somethings’ have in their vanity case.

profile: What do you love most about your job? michael: Helping make every woman feel beautiful – the cosmetic industry is very dramatic and allows you to develop relationships with your customers.

profile: What is coming up in-store? michael: We will be launching our Christmas program featuring amazing gift sets including fragrance, makeup and skincare … the perfect gifts for your mum, sister or best friend!

profile: What looks can we expect to see this season? michael: The Bronze Goddess collection, inspired by the warmth of the Mediterranean, is a collection of sun-kissed colour and fragrance.

profile: What is your fashion fetish? michael: You can never have too many on-trend shirts. There is always room in my wardrobe for one more!

profile: What must-have item should we all have in our vanity case this season (perhaps something to help us 30-somethings)? michael: Of course, the ionic ANR (Advanced Night Repair), a beautiful skin solution for every woman who turns 30 in 2012, and a Sumptuous Mascara for bold volume and sexy lashes.

profile: What do you always carry with you? michael: An Estee Lauder lip gloss and mobile phone. profile: What is your signature fragrance? michael: That would be Estee Lauder’s Pleasures for Men. Its beautiful spicy aroma top notes are nectarine, green notes and grapefruit.

profile: Who is your favourite designer? michael: There are so many great designers, but Jayson Brunsdon would be one of my favourites.

profile: What is your best style tip? michael: Less is more – allow your natural beauty to shine through.

profile: How would you describe your own style? michael: I would describe my style as a mix of urban and contemporary.

profile: What is your craziest fashion moment? michael: Definitely something from the ‘80s!

profile: What and where is your favourite boutique? michael: That would be Myer Cairns Central ... of course!

profile: What is your favourite beauty industry memory? michael: Every customer is special so being able to create memorable moments with them is what I consider most rewarding.

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december 2011

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modern floral

Capella sweetheart moulded bra, RRP $104.95 and matching short brief, RRP $39.95, Bella Forma, The Pier, Cairns. Phone 4041 7308 or visit www. bellaforma.com.au

Freya Nieve long line floral bra, RRP $74.95, and matching short brief, RRP $44.95, Bella Forma, The Pier, Cairns. Phone 4041 7308 or visit www.bellaforma.com.au

perfect for mum Soho matching red and bone dressing gown, RRP $44.95, Myer, Cairns Central. Phone 4044 7700

bedroom heels My Boudior by Dames & Divas’ Kimono-inspired silk bedroom heels in Aka (red), RRP $159.95. Available exclusively online at www.damesanddivas.com.au

This month I have chosen some beautiful lingerie to add to your Christmas wish list. There’s something for every mood and a few ideas for your loved one for gift buying. Don’t save your favourite delicates for the boudoir; wear them every day and say goodbye to Bridget Jones. Merry Christmas!

with Pip Addison, fashion stylist 0425 756 083 www.modernstyle.com.au (Join me on Facebook for more fashion tips!)

lady of the house Sweetheart slipper in pink, RRP $59.95, Bella Forma, Shop G3, The Pier, Cairns. Phone 4041 7308 or visit www.bellaforma.com.au

santa’s little helper Lolla satin and mesh babydoll with embroidered trim in black and ruby, RRP $89.99, Bras N Things, Cairns Central, Stockland and Smithfield shopping centres or visit www.brasnthings.com

sporty spice

give ‘em the slip

Bonds tube bra, RRP $36.95, and Bonds hip hanger, RRP $16.95, Myer, Cairns Central. Phone 4044 7700

Nancy Ganz The Allure Lace Slip, (RRP $159.95) features an inbuilt contour bra for defined shape and lift, whilst the slip gives maximum control. Available at selected stockists and new online store www.nancyganz.com.au

the night before christmas Mandy lace and satin water bra in black/purple, RRP $54.99 and matching v-string, RRP $22.99, Bras N Things, Cairns Central, Stockland and Smithfield shopping centres or visit www.brasnthings.com

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december 2011

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According to

Party frocks:

the latest summer range is fab and available at annie’s boland’s. mix a little stretch in with their usual fabrics. this range turns anybody, from size 10 to 28, into a fashion guru. clever Patterns, clever Prints and clever lines!

Annie’s

Timeless Audrey dress:

MUsT-HAVes

a classic, comfy, stunning dress, covers the knee, with two invisible Pockets. so versatile, so gorgeous! (available at annie’s cairns and Palm cove – different Prints at each store).

Boomshankar dresses & skirts:

always colourful, haPPy cottons for everyone from size 8 to 16. boomshankar donates half its Profits to educating women in india. the new cotton daisy dress has arrived in annie’s Palm cove, and more beautiful skirts that are great for mixing and matching and don’t require ironing.

one season:

COCKTAIL: Vanilla Lush, made by Manny at The Sebel, Cairns COFFEE: Bang weekdays; Billy’s at Rusty’s on weekends ... with a Billy’s cookie CHARITY: Doctor Dougal Bear for cancer research FOOD: Breakfast at Ever After DESSERT: Tim Tam dessert at Casmar, Palm Cove FLOWERS: Stunning pink & white fragrant lillies SWEET TREAT: Zonky Plonky for a very large slice of gourmet fudge SHOES: So many shoes, so little time. Tilly Rose is one of my faves PERFUME: Amour by Kenzo (a little hard to find) JEWELLERY: My art deco earrings ... from Kevin Shorey, so many great pieces.

Palm Cove

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Open 6 days (closed Tuesday) 4059 2112

essential for your wardrobe is the PoPPy toP with matching skirt (find this delight at both annie’s stores.)

PhotograPhy by oxygen Pictures

What’s in? According to Annie ...

Boland’s

Spence Street, Cairns Open 7 days

PhotograPh

res

Kita Ku:

y by oxygen

Pictures

annie’s stocks many frocks suitable for sPecial occasions. one-off designers linda clark and rejoice are a must-try for that original Piece. designer 5Pm has stunning cotton-lined mix florals, as well as more blingy dresses to imPress.

oxygen Pictu

nnie may not attend all the glam functions in Cairns ... but we all know Annie’s dresses are definitely in attendance – they have been lovingly handpicked from one of her two stores – at Palm Cove or Cairns city. Annie’s passion is fashion – she simply wants everyone to want to go to their wardrobe and smile at their wonderful choices. Most of all, she wants her customers to have fun finding these items. Annie’s Ladies Boutique in Palm Cove is a phenomenal success – and with this in mind, Annie recently opened a second store in the Bolands Centre, Cairns. Each store has its own unique range and feel, but both offer an eclectic array of exciting and easy care and wear items; from basics to casual, cool cottons and party frocks. Annie’s at Palm Cove is aptly referred to as ‘Palm Cove’s little secret’. “It’s a secret as it is hard to find but well worth the hunt,” Annie says. The boutique is located next to Apres Beach Bar and Grill, above the Palm Cove post office. Decorated with teal-coloured walls and butterflies, a colourful array of delights awaits, with sizes 6 to 24 available. Annie’s at Bolands is a little different, with different clothing and different brands. If you’re looking for office wear or for something perfect for a special dinner or a ladies’ lunch, Annie’s at Bolands is sure to have it. There’s also a wonderful range of basics and casuals. “Whether you are a career woman, a mum, a grandmother, a student, an aunty, or a socialite, we will help you to look gorgeous, with little fuss,” Annie says. And as a final word, Annie smiles as she remembers a favourite and apt quote “A dress makes no sense unless it inspires a man to want to take it off you!”.

owner & manager of Annie’s Boutique at Palm Cove and Boland’s

y by PhotograPh

Annie...

Annie Gillow

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december 2011

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life

when should I see a podiatrist? with Tyson Franklin Everyone is aware that it is important to have their teeth and eyes checked, and at certain ages it is important to have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked on an annual basis. Yet far too many people wait until they have pain before they have their feet and lower limbs checked. So, when is the best time to see a podiatrist? Honestly, the earlier the better. As soon as a child starts walking unaided is a great starting point. Your podiatrist may not do any actual treatment on this first visit, however, they may advise certain stretching or strengthening exercises if they feel it’s required. They will also offer footwear advice. Sometimes simple treatment earlier can prevent long-term problems later. Regarding adults, you should book in and see a podiatrist now if you have never seen one before.

Don’t wait until pain occurs, especially if it can be prevented. Heel pain, ankle soreness, shin pain and even lower back pain are not normal just because you’re an active person or have recently commenced an exercise program. Most overweight people will cite sore feet and legs as the number one contributing factor that prevents them from exercising and losing weight. But this can be prevented if treatment is undertaken early. A patient I saw recently, weighing 180kg, said he would exercise if his heels didn’t hurt so much the next morning. He had tried different footwear on advice from his GP, yet it did not help. He had tried massage, an ultrasound and pre-made arch supports from a shoe store, which all helped slightly, but not enough.

After evaluating his foot type, I customised a simple temporary arch support for him to use over a three-day period. On review, he was 50 per cent better, so I made a permanent arch support. The good news … six weeks later he was pain free and had lost about 10kg in weight, just by walking. Seeing a podiatrist doesn’t just help alleviate pain, it can also restore your quality of life. Proarch Podiatry 4033 2218 www.proarch.com.au

radiology for your back pain with Tom Sheehan Back pain is a common condition. Most people will suffer from it at some stage of their adult life. It is often caused by a strained muscle, tendon or ligament. With time and the correct therapy, this pain will generally go away. Sometimes the pain is more severe or long-term. The good news is that many causes of back pain can be relieved with radiological interventional procedures such as CT-guided facet joint or nerve root injections. What is a CT- guided facet joint or nerve root injection? For decades now, doctors have been injecting cortisone as an effective form of pain relief. With modern multi-slice CT scanners, radiologists are now able to use CT to guide a cortisone injection to the exact location that is causing pain. The most common site of injection is at the joint between two vertebral bodies of the spine known as the ‘facet joints’ and at the nerve root that branches out from the spinal cord.

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How is it done?

Is it expensive?

The procedure takes about 15 minutes. Once the location of the cause of your pain has been established, you are positioned lying face down and the radiologist performs the procedure under sterile conditions. Firstly, the skin is cleaned. Then a local anaesthetic is injected under the skin to allow for the cortisone injected to be guided in more comfortably. Finally, the cortisone steroid is administered, which is mixed with more local anaesthetic to allow for immediate as well as longer lasting relief.

It depends. If you go to a facility that bulk bills, there is no cost – but you must have a referral from your doctor.

What are the results and are they immediate?

Radiological interventions can help to relieve back pain. Most importantly, the radiologist and your doctor will use the procedure’s effectiveness as a measure to determine whether the cause of your pain is the location that has been injected. This allows them to take the next step in deciding how best to treat your pain. Cairns Radiology 4051 9729 admin@cairnsradiology.com.au

The local anaesthetic can provide you with immediate relief but will most likely wear off later in the day. The cortisone can take several days to take effect but is designed to provide long-term pain relief. The length of time varies but can typically last anywhere from one month to six months.

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Mention this advertisement to get your free lip balm* *Only for the first 50 bookings Please note that nail polish and make-up must be removed to ensure an accurate diagnosis of the skin.

The Doctors - 318 Mulgrave Rd - Ph 4044 0444 december 2011

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life

it takes two to tango … with Dr Bob Miller A survey a few years ago explored people’s attitudes and expectations in regard to their fertility. There were a few worrying misconceptions. Women knew their natural fertility declined with age, but thought that process commenced around 40, when it really begins around 30 to 32. Only 3 per cent of respondents felt that male factor infertility was important, and they were all women! In fact, 5 per cent of males have varying degrees of sub-fertility. In many couples there are sub-fertility issues on both sides, compounding their chance of success together. Increasing female age is an ongoing compounder, complicating the initial cause of sub-fertility. In more than 40 per cent of couples requiring IVF, there is a male factor that needs treating. Micro-injection of the sperm has revolutionised the treatment of male sub-fertility, and is now a routine part of IVF treatment. A semen analysis is an essential step in the initial work-up of a couple. That is not to say a sub-optimal count always predicts infertility.

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However, where there is failure to conceive after 18 months (12 months when the female is over 35), a sub-optimal sperm count and functional analysis is highly significant.

mini torpedo; the genes are packed tightly in the warhead. Marijuana can cause the sperm to fire its after-burner too soon, before reaching the egg.

Why do so many men have impaired sperm function?

Is male sub-fertility a new phenomenon? Are there environmental factors at work, affecting spermatogenesis? Unfortunately, we don’t have historical records to compare. I guess Henry VIII must have had a normal sperm count. Pity he didn’t know that the lack of sons was his fault, not his six wives! “Off with her head!”

While the appropriate tests will identify genetic and known factors, the majority will be unknown. What can be done to improve sperm function? Certainly, lifestyle factors are important. Smoking is the main scourge. Whatever you do, don’t smoke, as Yul Brynner famously said on his deathbed. Smoking affects the fertility and health of both men and women, and recent research finds that smoking could ultimately affect the health of your baby. While anti-oxidants may help, generally IVF makes the best use of the fewer sperm available.

Ladies, you can’t judge a book by its cover … so get him checked out! Queensland Fertility Group, Cairns 4041 2400 cairnsivf@qfg.com.au

Marijuana may upset sperm motility, as it is an endocannabinoid compound. Sperm is like a

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life

stay on track this christmas with Christina Borzi The festive season is upon us, and that can only mean abandoned fitness regimes and diet debauchery. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little forward-planning and a smidgen of self-discipline, it is perfectly possible to enjoy a happy Christmas and enter the New Year feeling fit, not fat. My tips ...

Eating yourself into a coma seems inevitable on Christmas Day but treating yourself at every party leading up to Christmas is a sure way to add on extra kilos. Here are my tips for keeping your calories in check:

•• Make a commitment. Why wait until January 1 to set your goals? •• If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a personal trainer to keep you focused and motivated. •• Keep huffing and puffing. If you are running out of time, shorten your cardio sessions but increase the intensity. •• Use every opportunity to move more. Use the stairs, park a distance from the store. Treat yourself to a pedometer and aim for 10,000 steps a day.

and not the quantity of food. Hence, you need not deprive yourself of your favourite food. Eat small amounts of it and avoid going for seconds.

•• Eat before you go. You have heard the rule never go shopping when you are hungry; similarly, never go to a Christmas party with an empty stomach.

•• Establish a cut-off time of about 8:00pm for eating, even during a family gathering. If you need a treat later in the evening, eat the wonderful fruits we have available at this time of year.

•• Don’t skip breakfast. Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and helps burn calories. In fact, don’t skip any meals. If you are starving, your rational mind will be unavailable to make a healthy choice.

Whatever you do this Christmas, enjoy every minute, be nice to yourself and if you happen to fall off the wagon, get right back on it. Don’t let one small slip derail you. Firmly plant your wheels back on the tracks and start rolling into 2012.

•• If you drink, enjoy alcohol in moderation. Alcohol is an easy way to consume more calories than you need and it almost totally inhibits your body’s ability to metabolise fat.

Rydges Esplanade Health Club 4044 9010 info@individualfitness.com.au

•• Drink plenty of water. Water helps counter the dehydrating effects of our climate, travel and alcoholic beverages. Water will also help satiate your appetite.

•• Include the whole family. As you gather with your family, plan active activities. Walk around the neighbourhood looking at the Christmas lights or plan contests with the kids.

•• Exercise portion control. Focus on the quality

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december 2011

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travelfile

ll words alana rushton

explore the wonders of the great barrier reef this christmas with a quicksilver adventure

PORT DOUGLAS AND THE DAINTREE – IS THERE A FINER PLACE TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON THAN IN THE TROPICS? ALANA RUSHTON DISCOVERS HOW TO ENJOY A LUSH, GREEN CHRISTMAS IN HER OWN BACKYARD.

can’t think of a region that better represents Christmas than the Port Douglas and Daintree area. With its striking fields of sugar cane, flowing rivers, dense rainforest and mountainous vistas, it’s green from every angle. Add a splash of red from the poinsettia trees and croton plants, and you have a traditionally-coloured backdrop for your festive celebrations. We all know December through to March in the tropics is considered storm time. It’s the amazing wet season. It’s when waterfalls flow, fish feast and mango trees burst with fruit. It’s when cicadas hum and water rhythmically falls from the sky onto our roofs. So off I went on a three-day tour of the region, just before the ‘big wet’, with journalists from Darwin, Brisbane and Townsville. At the time, I was packing up our house to leave the state and move to Victoria, and I wanted one last hurrah in the tropics. It was a reminder of what I will miss; what the hordes of tourists come to see. It’s also a prod to make the most of what is on your doorstep. First stop, the Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa. We had lunch in the Julaymba Restaurant and Gallery. You can drive there, see the iconic canopy-top tree houses and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in the tranquil setting. We then headed just five minutes up the road to the quaint Daintree Village – a tiny shopping strip where you can book a river cruise, chat to locals or wander the timber gallery and pottery shop. The drive back through Mossman into Port Douglas reminded me of the pace of life just north of Cairns. It’s all about resort wear, tourists lingering in bars listening to laid-back music. It’s people taking the time to read the

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paper, and where green and red parrots squawk from palm trees overhead. A celebration of the sounds of summer. My mum looked after my nine-month-old son, Beau, at our Tuscan-inspired accommodation for the next two nights, at Villa San Michele Apartments. Centrally located on Macrossan Street, it’s literally in the thick of the Port Douglas lifestyle. Its curved peach walls, wrought iron balustrades, ceramic lanterns and bougainvilleas all create a sense of holiday. After settling in, I was whisked off for Flames of the Forest dining. The dark winding road led to a burning flame welcome strip. We hopped out of our bus and traversed a small path lit by candles which opened to a clearing with towering up-lit trees. Dining under a fancy marquee in the middle of the rainforest, we were told a dreamtime story by traditional descendants of the area. Tucked up in bed by 11:30pm, I was ready to face a big day on the reef – but not before a tropical Breakfast with the Birds buffet at the Wildlife Habitat, which is complete kiddy-heaven. Beau was in awe of the walk-through aviary of birds, and he even got to pat an olive python. Ready for adventure, Quicksilver boats sat glistening in sunshine at the Port Douglas Marina, where we boarded for a day at Agincourt Reef. After arriving we excitedly prepared for a dry semi-submersible tour. Completely suitable for children, Beau got his first glimpse of coral and fish – something that still takes my breath away. A lunch of prawns and salads, and I was ready to hit the water. I snorkelled along, taking in the magic of the reef. Back to harbour and we dolled up for a night at the Sheraton Mirage. I felt profilemag.com.au

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four mile beach

VILLA SAN MICHELE

a sense of old-world glamour as we entered the grand foyer filled with antiques, statues and chandeliers. Outside are two hectares of lagoon pools that dwarf the buildings, and the hotel boasts direct access to golden Four Mile Beach. Morning came too soon, and we were shown the Peninsula Boutique Hotel. Testament to its recent National Luxury Award alongside some of the biggest Australian hotel names, it was at 100 per cent occupancy. Before being shown the exquisite facilities, we ate breakfast alongside locals in the cafe that overlooks the sand and the Coral Sea. After breakfast we were given a revolutionary iPhone rundown of a new product called iTours – homemade in Port. It’s an application for tech-savvy users who wish to research and book their own tours and activities online while at a destination. As we scrolled through the region’s tourism products, it was clear the offers vary from family fun to romantic getaways. What choice! If it’s a secluded hideaway you want – it’s just a short drive on the road home to Cairns to five-star Thala Beach Lodge. It welcomes locals to enjoy

magnificent views of the coastline from the headland. Rooms are perched high in the 145 acres of the nature reserve, and you can immerse yourself in the views by dining at the spectacular Ospreys Restaurant. Now that I live in Victoria and have the benefit of hindsight, my advice is to make Port Douglas and the Daintree part of your Christmas plans. Your biggest decision will be what cocktail will best accompany the wet tropics over the Christmas period. Seriously, don’t forget how good you have it! For a great range of deals on the above mentioned companies, visit Tourism Port Douglas Daintree www.tpdd.com.au or phone 4099 4588. Supporting Queensland Tourism: Profile Magazine, a privately-owned Queensland business, is doing its part to promote Queensland tourism destinations.

This month, we celebrate all things Port Douglas and the Daintree, in support of our special Travelfile review. Explore your own back yard with these fabulous tropical prizes! Head to www.profilemag.com.au for entry details, terms and conditions. See page 64 for more prizes.

win breakfast with the birds A visit to the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas (www.wildlifehabitat.com.au), Australia’s leading wildlife experience, is a must-do for locals and tourists alike, giving visitors the opportunity to observe a huge range of flora and fauna up-close. This month, two lucky readers will win a family breakfast (for two adults and two children, between four and 14) with the birds and a nature lover’s book, valued at $189. This experience includes a full tropical buffet breakfast with free entertainment provided by both feathered and furry friends.

win a daintree discovery Experience the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy, at the multi award-winning Daintree Discovery Centre. Explore the spectacular aerial walkway, a 23-metre high canopy tower, the interpretive display centre and rainforest tours. Together with TNQ Profile Magazine, the Daintree Discovery Centre (www.daintree-rec.com.au) has six family passes to give away this month, each valued at $68 (includes return visit entry to the centre for seven days and a guide book). december 2011

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palm cove feature

words alli grant ll photography stuart frost

palm cove beach

This month, Alli Grant rediscovers the magic of Palm Cove, just in time for a little Christmas escape, and is reminded why we shouldn’t ever take the beauty of the Tropical North for granted.

“M

ost human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” Aldous Huxley. It’s sad but true – it’s all too easy to take the most precious things in life for granted. And it’s not just the people we love the most who suffer from this affliction. More often than not, we take our own backyard, our own region, for granted – no matter where we live. It’s generally not until we have visitors come to stay that we turn our attention to what our great region has to offer. So my challenge to you this Christmas is to take some time to explore the fabulous playground that is the Tropical North, starting with perfect little Palm Cove. If you live in Cairns, this oasis is just half an hour away. Don’t take it for granted … pay it a visit and remind yourself why it has become one of the country’s most sought-after holiday destinations. After all, our friends in the tourism industry could do with our support. When it comes to Palm Cove, I am, and have been for many years, a raving fan. I’ve stayed in many of the beautiful accommodation options, and I have dined at almost all of the award-winning restaurants. I have been spoiled with spa treatments and I have shopped … boy have I shopped. There’s something so very unique about Palm Cove – somehow it manages to be sleepy, yet sophisticated. In fact, I certainly haven’t discovered a holiday destination that matches the village atmosphere of Palm Cove in my travels. So what to do? Where to go? Exploring Palm Cove A visit to Palm Cove isn’t complete without a walk along its unspoiled beach – its long, glorious, palm tree-lined beach. Grab your favourite book, stake your claim on a patch of sand and relax. From here you can look out to Palm’s sea-faring neighbours; Double Island, the home to a small exclusive resort, and the uninhabited Scout Hat Island. Or wander out to the jetty – the perfect vantage point from which to take in the total splendour of this picturesque little village. If fishing is your thing, throw in a line, or if you’re feeling active, take in a round of golf at one of Palm’s fabulous courses, like the Novotel or Paradise Palms.

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Eat, drink and be merry If you have a spare few hours up your sleeve, head to Palm Cove and experience dining at its best – with unparalleled ocean views, no less. My favourite lunch spot has always been Nu Nu – the blue swimmer crab sandwich is to die for! Or try one of the many fabulous dining options – Apres Beach Bar & Grill for well-priced fare with million dollar views, fine dining at Far Horizons at Angsana Resort or The Sebel Reef House, or an Italian feast at either Vivo Bar and Grill, Il Forno or Bella Baci. For exceptional Asian, head to Beach Almond, and for Palm Cove’s only beachside balcony dining, visit Casmar Restaurant and Bar. And don’t leave town without experiencing the local Palm Cove Surf Club. Be pampered Who doesn’t love a spa treatment? Palm Cove is home to some of the most exclusive spa experiences in the region. Try the Reef House Day Spa, The Angsana Spa and Senses Day Spa and Salon. After your pampering session, explore Palm Cove’s beachfront shopping for a little retail therapy – Tropical Collection, Paradiso and Annie’s Palm Cove both offer unique fashions. Menswear, jewellery, art, giftware, souvenirs … there’s something for everyone in Palm Cove. Escape for the weekend If you have the luxury of time, why not stay and play at Palm Cove when they need you the most? Treat yourself to an escape at The Beach Club Apartments, Angsana Beachfront Resort, Peppers Beach Club and Spa, Mantra Amphora, Novotel Rockford Palm Cove, Reef House Resort, Sea Temple, Drift Apartments … and the list goes on. Tell them you’re a local and see what specials they can entice you with. When looking for something a little different to do with your loved one, your friends, or your family, pop Palm Cove at the top of your must-visit list for this festive season. Get out there and explore the wonders of the Tropical North … and vow never to take this beautiful destination for granted again. profilemag.com.au

CONSTRUCTION NEW CLUB UNDER

135 Williams Esplanade Palm Cove Phone 07 4059 1244 december 2011

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what’s on in palm cove? ‘Tis the season to be jolly! If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate, why not head to Palm Cove? Palm tree-lined beach, oceanfront dining, five-star resorts, to-die-for spa sessions, exclusive shopping … pop it all on your wish list for Santa this year.

festive fashion fix Looking for the perfect frock for the festive season? Shout yourself an early Christmas present with 25 per cent off all clothing at Tropical Collection, Palm Cove. If it’s a gift for someone special you’re after, Tropical Collection also stocks a wide range of giftware and cards.

stimulate your senses

139 Williams Esplanade, Palm Cove, phone 4059 1316

What a year! Who wouldn’t enjoy a pampering session (or three) to wind down after 2011? Senses Salon & Spa, located within the Mantra Amphora Resort, has a number of special Christmas packages available so you can treat someone you love to a spa session. Packages start at $50 for a Santa’s Stress Relief (45-minute massage). Phone 4059 2032

party time at beach almond Enjoy the festive season at a Beach Almond’s Christmas party. Located only a stone’s throw from the beach, Beach Almond is perfect for any special celebration. Asian tapas served from Friday to Sunday between 3pm and 5:30pm, with live music on weekends from 1pm to 4pm.

chrissy nosh at the novotel Enjoy Christmas lunch at the Novotel Palm Cove Resort with all the trimmings! For $110 per adult (children’s prices vary), enjoy a three-hour beverage package and a full festive buffet, featuring fresh local seafood. Santa will be dropping by for a special visit, and all children will receive a special gift. Phone 4059 1234 or email events@novotelpalmcove.com.au

Phone 4059 1908

splurge on a spa session Longing for a way to indulge yourself (or a loved one) this Christmas? The Reef House Spa’s ‘buy three get one free’ gift voucher offer is available up until New Year’s Eve. Keep them all for yourself (you deserve it!) or share them with family and friends.

see in the new year at casmar Casmar Restaurant is the perfect place to bid farewell to 2011 and kick-start the new year. As the only restaurant in Palm Cove that offers balcony dining and a menu specialising in seafood and modern Australian cuisine, why not celebrate in style? Phone 4059 0013

Phone 4055 3633 or visit www.exclusivespas.com.au

christmas eve at après beach bar & grill Join in the fun at Apres Beach Bar & Grill with their huge Christmas Eve Party. Sing along with the carollers at their Carols by Candlelight. Enjoy a visit from Santa while DJ Bob plays all the funky Christmas tunes. Apres Beach Bar & Grill is also open on Christmas Day for lunch and dinner. Thinking about Boxing Day already? Apres is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Phone Jen on 4059 2000 or 0400 810 178

christmas relief at the reef house Treat the family to Christmas lunch or dinner at the Reef House Resort and Spa! The waterfront restaurant is always a top pick among locals for Christmas lunch and dinner, thanks to uninterrupted view of the Coral Sea, and an all-inclusive buffet of salads, seafood and all the traditional roast and dessert trimmings. Lunch is $119 (including a three-hour beverage package) and dinner is $79 per person (prices for children vary with age). Phone 4080 2600 or email functions@reefhouse.com.au 46

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ENTERTAINMENT

SUNDAY LUNCH “Almond Jazz”

FINALIST 2011 Best Asian Restaurant

december 2011

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on the table

with Tobie Puttock celebrity chef, owner of The Kitchen Cat (Melbourne), and Aussie Mango ambassador

spiced chicken and mango salad

spiced chicken and mango salad (serves 2) ingredients •• 1 large free range chicken breast (preferably with the skin on)

•• ½ a ripe mango, peeled and cut into chunks

•• 1 teaspoon of Chinese five spice

•• small handful of macadamia nuts, roughly chopped

•• drizzle of olive oil •• 2 spring onions, washed, trimmed and finely sliced •• small handful of freshly picked coriander, washed, dried and roughly chopped

•• juice of one lime

•• handful of pea shoots or watercress •• 1 little gem or small iceberg lettuce, washed and roughly chopped

method 1. Cut the chicken breast into bite sized pieces and place into a bowl with the five spice. Mix so the spice covers all of the chicken. 2. Heat the olive oil over a high heat in a medium sized pan and once hot add the chicken and cook until browned all over. Once cooked remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. 3. In a large mixing bowl bring together the spring onions, coriander, mango, lime juice, macadamia nuts, pea shoots (or watercress) and finally the cooked chicken. 4. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

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his summer, I want to encourage people of all ages to go an Aussie mango as the first fruits of this year’s crop make their way to supermarkets and greengrocers nationwide. We Aussies sure love our mangoes. Each season we eat our way through about seven million trays – we certainly appreciate this popular seasonal fruit. Every year I look forward to being able to eat a delicious, home-grown mango on a hot summer night. They are the flavour of summer and are so quick and easy to prepare. I enjoy getting stuck into them fresh, as a snack, or as part of a tasty meal. Best of all, mangoes are one of the few fruits that can jump between sweet and savoury. One of my favourite ingredients to serve with mango is maple syrup, it’s amazing! I also love to play with its sweetness by adding chilli or salty flavours such as fish sauce or prosciutto. The options are endless with mangoes and there’s a wide range of varieties for the whole family to enjoy all summer long. The best thing is you can enjoy the rich, succulent flavour and sweetness without the guilt of overindulging. They truly are one of nature’s super fruits, bursting with nutrients to help you stay healthy this summer. With summer upon us, it’s the perfect time to enjoy this spiced chicken and mango salad. For more mango recipes, visit www.mangoes. net.au. Tobie profilemag.com.au

december 2011

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with Kate Ifould

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create the perfect atmosphere with Kate Ifould It’s December, so Christmas and the festive season are definitely on the agenda. It’s time to have fun and really celebrate, so here are some tips for creating a fabulous Christmas atmosphere in your home – both indoors and out. Christmas decorations Decorate your home with magnificent Christmas decorations, especially in the living and dining rooms. There are some great bargains around, so choose a colour theme and carry that through all your decorations. The feature will generally be the tree and dining table, but for that real festive atmosphere, carry it further on to walls, side tables and consoles. Don’t be stingy – in any magazine with photos of gorgeous Christmas settings, the most warm and inviting are those where decorations are layered and sumptuous. And use colour. Be creative, as long as you keep the look and Christmas feel consistent, you can make just about any colour combination work.

Decorate with light

Food and drink

Candles any time of year are beautiful, but the light, atmosphere and colour they imbue at Christmas is even better. Coordinate your colours to reflect your theme, and consider real versus LED candles for inside and outside.

Other than the Christmas tree decorating, the dining table is probably the next most obvious place to start. Coordinate placemats, a runner, napkins and table décor with a festive feel and inline with your chosen colour theme. Oh, and don’t forget the cocktails!

As tacky as fairy lights can sometimes look, done well they can be stunning, especially at night. Get creative with where you place them, and consider whether coloured or white lights are best for your theme. Outdoor decorating If you’re anything like me you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors over Christmas and New Year. Carry your decorations and lights through into outdoor living areas and onto tables, decks and around pool areas. You can even use things like comfy bean bags, cushions and towels to carry the colour theme through.

Gift wrapping I have a friend who wraps presents in the most unusual things and they always look brilliant. She uses ribbon, small baubles, bells and unusual paper, mixing colours and textures. Be creative – there are some great inspirational images online to enthuse you. Merry Christmas! Coast Stylish Living 4055 1241 www.coaststylishliving.com.au

gaining the best from your land with Roslyn Smith So you’ve been looking around at some of the available land in Cairns and think you’ve found the perfect block upon which to build your new home. What next? It’s probably best to look at your overall budget and consider the other things that go into the building process that may affect the final cost of your project. Some of these things may include site works, pool, landscaping, fencing and any specific design requirements. Sloping sites need to have adequate drainage and retaining walls and also allow for good access. All this can be incorporated in the design process to accentuate stunning architectural details and natural ventilation. Passively embedded in the design should be the latest environmentallyfriendly materials and building practices for the sustainability of your new home.

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Whether you are building an individually designed home or an ‘off the plan’ project home, it doesn’t take much to get it right! Sometimes people complete the building of their beautiful new home only to find that it didn’t get the best of that great view or those wonderful cooling breezes. There are experienced builders and designers who can easily inspect your land and determine those aspects that will make the most of your new home. Before you put pen to paper on that land contract, visit the block of land at different times of the day, feel the breezes, look where the sun is for both summer and winter, get a feel for the neighbours’ homes and how they will impact on your privacy and feel for yourself what the block has to offer you and your family.

Sometimes it’s better to make a small compromise on your ‘wish list’ of inclusions to ensure the final layout of your new home is suited to the easy living and outdoor lifestyle we all enjoy in Tropical North Queensland. Building a new home is one of the largest investments we make in our lives, so it’s worth doing a little research and getting the right advice from experienced people. Your builder should be like a friend in this process, able to give you great practical advice and work with you and your land, ensuring your new home is all you want it to be. Affinity Designer Homes 4051 8866 www.affinitydh.com.au

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tial Residen d e g a n n Self-Ma rty Informatio e p o r P

Do you own an investment property in Queensland? If you want to expertly self-manage your rental property, then this may be the most important article you will ever read... Selflet is dedicated to people who choose to selfmanage their investment property and is run by experienced real estate professionals who will guide you step-by-step through the necessary procedures involved, so you can manage your property with confidence and have peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything correctly.

Selflet makes self-managing simple! We simplify the governing Acts and explain RTA forms and provide examples of how to complete them correctly and what notice periods are required to validate them. You’ll have as much information on hand as the most experienced property managers, all explained in simple words with many useful industry tips and best practice forms.

But that is just part of the service... As a Selflet Member, you will have access to TICA, a tenant information database that allows you to check a prospective tenant’s rental history, plus, you will be able to advertise your property on the internet at a cost that will not break the bank! And best of all, for added peace of mind, you can “Ask Us” if you have any questions regarding the management of your property.

Visit us online at

www.selflet.com.au

and become a Selflet member today

Selflet: you’ll swear by us, not at us!

december 2011

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abode

decorating for a cause This Christmas, give the gift that keeps on giving! Your friend will be proud to know this beautiful Kylie Kwong Lotus Plate, RRP $14.95, and a woven wire bowl, RRP $39.95, are both from www.oxfamshop.org.au

with Richie Stevens Inside Out Stylists www.insideoutstylists.com.au

fresh fabrics

Give them something for the home they will treasure this Christmas – a designer print for the lounge room, a statement piece for the wall, or a decorative bowl. It is the season to be jolly, after all!

Fresh European fabrics from Harry Harry Fabrics. Featured in Sundance, Bruma and Versalles fabrics in cotton and linen. from harry harry, visit www.harryharry.com.au

art for art’s sake

a little sparrow What a fabulous gift for a friend with flair! Treat them to a Sparrow server set of four, available in all black or black and white. RRP $74.95 and available from Lime Homewares, Grafton Street, Cairns, phone 4041 5579

Designer art comes in so many forms at www.allposters.com.au, from canvas to framed pieces, the options are unlimited – you’ll be sure to find a statement piece for that special someone

mirror, mirror … Give your loved one a little more for their walls with this beaut Allia mirror, 90cm. Made from bamboo, this mirror (RRP $199) is available from Freedom Furniture, Cairns, phone 4051 9888

december 2011

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abode

like a scorched poodle with Marcus Achatz While taking a friend on a tour around my property recently, we came across a somewhat unusual looking eucalypt growing in the scrub beside the road. I’d never paid much attention to it before because I was so used to driving past it every day, but my friend pointed out that it had long drooping branches that almost touched the ground. Not at all a look that is characteristic of our local eucalypts which are generally quite scraggly and upright. To be honest, I know it’s a type of white flowering blood wood, but I’m not sure which one. Anyway, that’s not important. What is important is the question of why it had attractive long drooping branches. My theory is that two factors were at play. Firstly, there is plenty of light reaching this particular tree,

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so even the leaves low down on the weeping branches still get enough light to make them an asset to the tree. And most importantly, this tree had not had any fires around it for at least 15 years, and thus the hanging branches never got burnt back and just kept growing until they almost touched the ground. If you think about all the hardships trees in the wild face, it’s no wonder they normally look rough and rugged. Apart from fires, they have to withstand attacks from insects such as termites and leaf-eating caterpillars. They don’t get pruned to shape if they look a little scraggly and no one waters them when they are dry or feeds them when they become deficient.

it in the outback to fend for itself for a couple of months. If in the unlikely scenario it manages to survive, it definitely won’t look or smell like it used to. It will be skinny and probably have a good dose of worms. Its once white fur will be dirty, matted and full of grass seeds and sticks. That is if it hasn’t been scorched off in a bush fire. I guess the moral of the story is that native plants (and poodles) are shaped by the environment they live in, and that even the most average looking native plant has the potential to be a fine garden specimen if given just a little TLC. Yuruga Nursery 4093 3826 www.yuruga.com.au

There’s another way of looking at it. Imagine you have a prize-winning white poodle and you leave

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working efficiently from home with Nicky Jurd The modern phenomenon of working from home has allowed the infiltration of our work life stealing large modules of time from our home life. Many of us feel more efficient at home where the comfort of working in our pyjamas beats frequent phone interruption to our workflow. But despite all the advantages of less time spent in traffic and being able to spend more time with the kids, there are lots of traps too. Here are my three top tips to make it easier to work at home. 1. Keep it separate Give your home office its own separate space, and keep all your work there. The physical separation will help keep your mind focussed when you’re in the work zone. Many people find that having a separate entry to the rest of the home helps too. This means that the dining table, in front of the TV and other associated family spaces are

out of bounds. Ask your family to respect the boundaries of your office, similarly to how they might behave if they were to visit you at work. 2. Get the right tools There are lots of things we take for granted about our work environment that make us more efficient; fast internet, modern computer, comfy chair and good lighting. If you invest in good quality furniture and services that will help you get the job done quickly, you can get back to having a personal life. A nice chair and a fast internet connection are two things I really can’t do without in my home office. 3. Know when to stop

you know when to stop. Set an alarm to give yourself a reminder to knock off for the night. You’ll find you have little quirks that will help you keep on task and get things done. For me, if I wear shoes at my computer at home I feel like I’m at the office, and I’m much more focussed and attentive. Experiment to find your own efficient quirks, but pay attention to that wise Roman, Ovid; “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop”. Precedence Websites 4033 7811 www.precedence.com.au

Just like a big night on the town, working late will give you a nasty hangover. You’ll be tired, inefficient and probably irritable the next day. Before you start, decide on your finish time so

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Master Builders Brand Identity Standards Manual

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The Master Builders logo must be reproduced clear of any other graphics or type to a minimum distance of one ‘y’ unit surrounding the logo. The clear space of one ‘y’ unit equals the measurement from the top of the Symbol to the top of the Logotype.

december 2011

In regards to the reversed version (see Section 2.3), the clear space is ﬁlled with only the background colour. If an Identiﬁer is used, the clear space must extend to include it.

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business

is your flexibility flexible? with Kirsten Le Roux Is yours a sincere, hand-on-heart flexible workplace? Does your workplace fairly oblige changes in hours of work, changes in patterns of work or changes in location of work (for example, working from home or another location)? Do the staff in your workplace feel genuinely comfortable and secure in requesting and using this flexibility? I’ve become a little cynical when I hear managers wax lyrical about offering flexibility to their staff as a benefit to working for the business. I’ve come to realise that in reality, many of these managers are quietly resentful of staff not at their desks and in front of their workstations from 8:30am to 5:00pm. Let me reassure you that this is not an aversion to hard work. The truth is that I place many candidates who commence a new job hooked up to their work with laptops, smart phones, iPads and remote work access. The reality is that these candidates are advocates for their business 24/7, often attending lunch time functions, after

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hours events, or taking calls and emails outside work hours – and are happy to do it. This is a world of immediacy, where only right now will do, and businesses reap the rewards of being this accessible. But in reality, if an employee is supposed to bring their work home with them why can’t they bring their home into work with them? In recruitment I often speak to working mothers who have flexibility for school hours or holidays but feel the pressure to work through their lunches or to not participate fully in company activities to offset their flexibility. Although these mums are very grateful for the opportunity to work part-time, I’m not convinced this is the true spirit of a flexible workplace. Not to be outdone, modern men don’t want to miss all the beautiful moments in life and make the same mistakes as their dads with their own children. They want a workplace that values this as they do.

The National Employment Standards now in effect aims to promote workplace flexibility because it results in better customer service, increased productivity, improved morale and reduced absenteeism. The dictionary definition of flexibility is ‘capable of being bent repeatedly without injury or damage’. I’d argue that bending; recognising a genuine give and take in a business; will result in a sustainable workforce that is more loyal and much happier, one without damage or injury. To me, flexibility means a genuine commitment to your employees to pursue the things in their life that really matter, and recognising the wider contribution they make to the organisation. To me, flexibility given with a genuine heart is better than any bonus cheque! CBC Staff Selection 4051 9699 Kirsten@cbcstaff.com.au

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business

trust the experts with Naomi de Costa Seeing as this is the luxury issue I’m going to take it up on myself to be the downer. The Negative Nelly. The party pooper pessimist. Trust the lawyer to bring everyone down just before Christmas. You see, you have to understand the week I’ve had. I’ve spent my time sorting through the affairs of a lovely lady who has recently become unwell, and helping her hapless power of attorney who is trying to figure out what there is, and what he should be doing with it. ‘Mary’ has lived a truly remarkable life. She is well-travelled and well-loved. She has made some good business decisions and some bad ones. She has had some great hair days and some ordinary ones. What is unbelievable though is the state of her affairs. You see, Linda was a lawyer (and accountant and financial planner)

hater. Someone who saw professional advisors as ... [insert whatever derogatory term takes your fancy here – blood sucking leeches is my favourite]. So she lost more than $1million on a business deal because she didn’t pay for a joint venture agreement. Her family trust hasn’t been updated, and her ex-husband will become the controller. Her life insurance has lapsed because she didn’t read the fine print. This is a true story. We will do our best, but the horse has pretty much bolted. What I know for sure is there will be a lot of work by solicitors and accountants to fix it up as best we can, and her best friend is in the unenviable position of having to sort it all out.

unhappy or unsure refer to their industry body for more information. If you’re still not satisfied with the response, move on. We are lucky in Cairns to have some great experts who will give you the best advice for your situation. So the take home message? Enjoy the luxuries of life, but get your basics right too. Having good professional advisors – whether lawyers, accountants, financial planners or pedicurists – is the best investment you can make. Williams Graham Carman 4046 1111 www.wgc.com.au

Not all professional advisors are equal, so if you have a bad experience, ask questions. If you are

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made in china with John Mlikota The world financial markets are in turmoil, and understandably. The global economy’s recovery seems to be faltering while nagging concerns about developed countries’ debt mountains will drag down recovery. The debt crisis in Eurozone is very real, though I argue much of this is political as well as economic. Government budgets are tightened in developed countries as public sector jobs and wages are cut, and taxes are raised to reduce deficits, which will slow these economies. Although it is the impaired banks that are reluctant to lend, it is depriving businesses and households access to credit that I see as the main culprit to a speedier recovery. The outlook for major developed economies is challenging, while the centre of economic activity shifts to China. With a population of 1.3 billion, China is expected to overtake the US as the world’s largest economy in 10 years. Seventy-two per cent of the total population is aged between 16 and 64 and more than 40 per cent are urban

residents, which is predicted to increase to more than 60 per cent by 2030. The nation has never enjoyed such a large percentage of able workers, and their movement from the countryside has turned China into the world’s factory floor.

everywhere. There is no shortage of labour, therefore there is no need for innovation, and most plants simply try to shave down the cost of making low margin products. Competition is ruthless.

The lifestyle changes and buying power of the middle-income Chinese, 150 million people, cannot be underestimated. They will encourage explosive demand across vast markets. Middleclass families tend to own an apartment and a car, and are familiar with foreign brands.

Studies show how much trade would be forthcoming from emerging countries such as China and India. They believe it would be 40 per cent more than for mature markets over the next five years.

China today has the same number of cars per capita as the US did in 1915, but it’s racing ahead. It has surpassed Japan as the second largest car market. China is constructing the equivalent of two power plants each week. It is not without risks; its energy hungry economy is placing pressure on the environment and separating the classes. China’s industrial revolution is following a different path to the US. Factory towns are popping up

The Chinese government has massive surpluses that could afford the biggest stimulus package, for most of the developed world. China has unleashed its remarkable population. The challenge is to develop a population that can do more than make cheap goods for less. Independent Capital Advisers, Cairns 4031 4575 www.incapital.com.au (John Mlikota is senior investment manager and director of Independent Capital Advisers)

ATTENTION COUPLES IN BUSINESS

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MIGRATION PLUS BUSINESS PROMOTION

philosopher’s corner …

obstinate ideas hold us back

with Dr Chris White

For most of us our ideas have an ‘obstinate gene’ inherent in them. In fact most ideas and thoughts people have carry this obstinate gene. What is it and does it help us get results? Put another way, it can be called self clinging. As human beings we clutter our lives and our minds with possessions that we then cling to. Not only physical things, which we think we own, but also thoughts, ideas, social groups and social standing, importance and who we are. Quite often we cling to these concepts and fight not to lose them. In doing so we often lose sight of the real reason we are fighting for these beliefs that only exist in our minds, often sustained by the belief that we are right, and therefore others must be wrong. On reflection are any of these things real? Do we own them? Or are they just transient beliefs and images that exist in our minds, and we hope in the minds of others, for the moment? Human ideas, the concepts in our minds, have this inherent obstinacy characteristic built in. It may not be so when we are born, then we absorb everything around us and as those experiences turn into ideas and as we start to make judgments on them we start to believe our judgments are correct. As these ideas accumulate we build on to them with each additional experience sitting precariously on top of all the prior judgments and ideas. If we re-examine our beliefs and ideas, we still come up with the same answer because it is based on the same knowledge, ideas and beliefs that we cling to as ours. It is easy to see this obstinacy and ‘clinging’ in others. It is easy to see and diagnose that ‘they won’t let go or move from their position’, but we are clinging to our belief that we are right yet don’t see the same obstinacy or clinging in ourselves. The alternative: remove yourself from experience, beliefs and standing – make your mind naked, cast off its suit of images, clinging to ideas of the past, eliminate selfishness and obstinate ideas – and then consider the matter. Only then can you learn and grow from seeing a new idea in this new light. As Albert Einstein said: “We cannot solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them”, yet we cling to our judgments of the past in developing solutions for the future. Migration Plus 4041 2620 www.migrationplus.com.au

WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION BUSINESS PROMOTION

settling family feuds with Narelle Djuve It’s the question which has had kids and parents at odds for generations – just how much pocket money is enough? Westpac’s new Pocket Money Index may finally have the answer. The Pocket Money Index, devised by Westpac’s global head of economics Bill Evans, outlined a ‘minimum wage’ for young Australians lending a hand at home, taking into account factors such as their age and the nature of the activities they were rewarded for. Emphasising the importance of pocket money as a first lesson in working and saving, the survey found that more than 85 per cent of respondents said children should get pocket money for helping around the house rather than as a reward for better school results or behaviour. Westpac Smithfield bank manager Narelle Djuve said introducing children to the concept of earning an allowance helped them appreciate the value of money and was a first step in setting them in the right direction for building a solid financial future. “I think the Westpac Pocket Money Index is a great resource for parents and kids – it’s a fun way for parents to determine the right rewards for their child to help them learn some valuable lessons on earning and saving money,” Narelle said. Released alongside a new Westpac-commissioned online survey, Westpac’s Pocket Money Index is based on four typical chores – making the bed, washing and cleaning the car, washing the dishes and mowing the lawn, and is designed to help improve children’s attitudes to saving money. Mr Evans said it was important to set a standard for pocket money. “It puts some value on the chores, a value that is realistic, that doesn’t break the bank for parents but provides some incentive,” he said. Westpac’s Pocket Money Survey also found that: •• 95.6 per cent of respondents believed six to nine-year-olds should get less than $10 per week. •• 46 per cent of respondents thought children aged 10-13 should get $5-10 per week. •• Almost 45 per cent thought teens older than 17 should receive more than $20. •• Six per cent of respondents thought children should never receive pocket money. Westpac Banking Corporation Smithfield Shopping Centre, Smithfield Phone 4038 8418

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permanentvisitors work visa christmas with Fiona Ryan As Christmas time approaches you may want to bring your friends and family from overseas to Australia for a holiday. There are a number of visa options for non-Australians overseas to visit or extend their stay in Australia for holidays, tourism or to see friends and family. These include the Tourist Visa, Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), eVisitors Visa and the Sponsored Family Visitor Visa. The Tourist Visa, subclass 676, is a temporary visa allowing a stay in Australia of up to three, six or 12 months for people to visit Australia for a holiday or recreation, visit family and friends or study for less than three months. Applicants can either be outside Australia and applying to visit Australia or can be already here in Australia and applying to extend their stay as a visitor. The visa is available to all passport holders from any country and can be applied for online, by post or at an Australian visa office in or outside Australia.

The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA Visitor) is for people who are outside Australia who want to visit for holidays, tourism, recreation or informal study. The visa is valid for 12 months and allows short-term visits to Australia of up to three months for each visit. To be eligible to apply for an ETA visa you must be outside Australia and also hold a passport of an ETA eligible country. The eVisitor Visa is similar to the ETA visitor visa and is designed for people to visit Australia for tourism, holidays, recreation and seeing friends and family and also for business purposes such as conferences or exploratory business visits. The eVisitor visa is valid for 12-months and allows visits of up to three months for each visit within the 12 month validity. The main difference from the ETA visa is that it is only available to passport holders from the European Union and a number of other European countries.

To be eligible, applicants must be outside Australia and hold an eVisitor eligible passport. An eVisitor visa may only be applied for online. Lastly, the Sponsored Family Visitor Visa, subclass 679, is for people outside Australia seeking to visit Australia to visit family for a stay of up to 12 months. Formal sponsorship by an eligible relative in Australia or an Australian government official is required. For advice and guidance on the right visitor visa you should seek the assistance of a registered migration agent. Visa Connection Pty Ltd 4051 9043 info@visaconnect.com.au (Fiona Ryan, Registered Migration Agent No. 0640004)

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leadership lessons from horse-riding with Carol Hautot With holidays coming up we can find ourselves doing things we wouldn’t normally do. Like riding a horse! I recently agreed to go horse riding and it’s not something I’m comfortable with. My lack of confidence was obvious, so I was given slow old Arnie. I learnt a lot from riding Arnie in those two hours.

their head down and went for it. My role was to lean forward and offer as little resistance as possible. This can be applied to leading a team. When team members are working productively to achieve their goals, they are driven by their own motivation. The leader can add motivation with positive feedback.

Lesson 1: Giving the dud horse to the dud rider produces an even worse rider

Lesson 3: Horses need to plot their own course and go slowly down steep slopes

It occurred to me that even if I had the potential to ride effectively I wasn’t going to find out riding Arnie. It left me discouraged and willing to give up. If we want staff to rise to the top we need to treat them like they are already there. Give them quality training and resources and assume they will do a great job.

In contrast, when we were riding down steep slopes the horse would stop and survey the scene then slowly navigate his way down. My role as the rider was to lean right back so the horse would have an even weight distribution.

Lesson 2: Horses like to run up hill All of the horses found it easy to race up the hill. Even Arnie! They could see the top so they put

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I equate this to when the team is facing a difficult time or particularly busy shift. The leader can assist by contributing in a way that lightens the load. Perhaps the leader can shield the team from interruptions? Some leaders add to the workload because of their own disorganisation.

This would be like leaning forward on the horse when he is already top heavy as he tries to navigate a steep descent. Lesson 4: Cantering is much easier than trotting or walking This will be no surprise to anyone who has ridden a horse. Walking can be tedious and trotting is downright uncomfortable. But cantering is fun. The horse flows gracefully and the rider can settle in and enjoy the ride. Business can also create this sense of flow, when we have the right team who is trained and committed to a common goal. Lesson 5: Work with your strengths Okay. This is not for me. I have a lot of strengths and horse riding isn’t one of them! ActionCOACH 0421 706 068 carolhautot@actioncoach.com

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milestones

words alli grant

photography stuart frost

Not many cosmetic surgeons can list ‘tourism operator, rally car driver and Formula 1 medical assessor’ on their resume. But there’s one such practitioner living in the Tropical North, and his name is Dr Uri Scelwyn, as Alli Grant uncovered.

r Uri Scelwyn from Cairns Cosmetic Physicians is a well-respected specialist, but this local doctor has also spent a lot of time in pit lane with the world’s best Formula 1 drivers, and he has worked in tourism. Born in Finland, Uri’s family moved to Adelaide when he was two-and-a-half – he later completed his medical degree in the ‘City of Churches’. A qualified GP, Uri found himself in motorsport, working as a trackside doctor (then chief medical assessor) for the Formula 1, before turning his hands to tourism. “I met a guy through Formula 1 … he suggested we start an adventure company. We did the Solar Eclipse in 2000, and also ran different tour groups and aircraft. Sometimes I would find myself spending half my time working in the business and half my time in medicine. When SARS hit, we decided tourism wasn’t such a great industry. I went back to full-time medicine.” Uri had always been interested in skin and surgery, so decided to undertake further training in dermatology and skin cancer. “I’ve always had a keen interest in physics, which led me to laser-based cosmetics and anti-ageing treatments.” How did this motorsport buff end up in the Tropical North? “My wife told me this is where we had to move – and I always do what she tells me,” he laughs, explaining that his family would often travel with Formula 1 crews to Port Douglas – they fell in love with the region. Two-and-a-half years ago they relocated to Cairns, opening Cairns Cosmetic Physicians with Dr Anthony Mahler. Cairns Cosmetic Physicians is the only facility north of Brisbane to offer a full range of treatments for leg veins, “from spider veins to varicose veins,” Uri explains. “There are so many lasers, but each laser really should do just one thing – they have a very specific frequency of light for each use. You can’t get the best outcomes when you try to do everything with one laser – we have six.” From pit lane to spider veins, Dr Uri Scelwyn has seen, and done, it all.

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Dr Uri Scelwyn

Milestones …

We asked Dr Uri Scelwyn to share the key milestones in his life that have helped define him, both personally and professionally. Milestone 1: Graduating in medicine at Adelaide University I guess I had always wanted to be a doctor. I even joined St John’s when I was in primary school. In my early days they used to call me Hawkeye from MASH – these days they relate me to Dr House (from the TV series HOUSE). But ultimately, I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up – if I grow up! Milestone 2: Moving to the UK to undertake advanced training (1981) I spent some time in the UK, mostly London, to further my surgical training. It’s such a great centre for medical education – a lot of great medical history has come out of the UK. It’s really the hub of education and learning. Milestone 3: When i first applied I was starting work as a trackside doctor at the Grand Prix (1985) before becoming chief medical assessor for Formula 1 at the Australian Grand Prix, until 2002 I was too late to sign up for the first year, but was asked to join the next year. Although I spent the race stuck in the middle of Bradnam Straight, a boring stretch where generally nothing happens. But the

next year I was in pit lane – it was a really wet year and the conditions were horribly impossible to drive in … plus there weren’t any speed limits in the pits either and there were turbo charged cars! It really was as dangerous as all hell but I loved it. Milestone 4: Completing advanced laser and cosmetic injection training in Adelaide and the USA (2004) I have always been interested in lasers and surgery, so I spent time in Hawaii studying under one of the most internationally-recognised laser specialists; a true pioneer of laser in its cosmetic uses. Milestone 5: Moving to Cairns and partnering with Dr Anthony Mahler (2009) Together we launched Cairns Cosmetic Physicians and have grown it into the premier service in the region. Appointed as an Australasian laser training centre, we offer treatments with the greatest range of lasers in North Queensland. Combined with advanced leg vein treatments and highly-trained cosmetic nurses, we have the ability to provide a vast range of services – from anti-wrinkle and filler treatments to rejuvenation programs and even tattoo removal. profilemag.com.au

FORDE GROUP BUSINESS PROMOTION

Health, wealth and happiness with Paul Fitzgerald Nirvana for the human race is to be healthy, wealthy and happy; and for the fortunate few, this is an attainable goal. The problem is that for most of us, the effort in pursuing wealth often comes at the expense of the other two! The global political system is inextricably linked to the pursuit of wealth, with the Australian system a ‘fully paid-up member’. At every level of government, the majority of our policies, strategies and legislation is obsessed with taxes, budgets, surpluses and deficits, driven by one-dimensional economists who see ‘profit and loss’ as their mantra. Let’s imagine a world where our political system puts happiness at the forefront of its policies; where every policy mandated by government has our well-being front and centre and where our elected representatives actually care about the life experiences of the people who vote them in, rather than seeing their electorate as ‘economic carbon units’, whose sole purpose in life is to generate taxes, breed and expire. All the riches of the world are pointless if you lack the capacity to appreciate what you have. On the contrary, inner happiness sees goodness and richness everywhere, no matter what your bank balance says. In addition, happiness has a far greater impact on your health than the stress caused by a pursuit of wealth. It is this principle that influences the advice that the Forde Group gives our job seekers. We believe that the best service we can give is to help people find a job in which they will thrive, feel alive and be energised by what they do. We spend a third of our lives working and it is crucial for our well-being that we see our working environment as an extension of our aspirations, and where we feel we can make a real contribution. To value, and feel valued, in our working lives is a huge achievement, with positive consequences way beyond our remuneration packages. Of course what we earn is critical, and it is incumbent on all of us to try to secure the best pay rewards for the work we do; something Forde takes great care to secure for all of our job seekers … but not at any price. The way you do your job (as opposed to the job that you do) should enhance your life’s experiences; it should excite and motivate you, and reward you in many different ways, so review your working life today, embrace it, make it work for you and make sure it feels good. HEAD OFFICE – CAIRNS Corner of Minnie and McLeod Streets, Cairns Phone: 07 4031 1128, Fax: 07 4031 1271 PORT DOUGLAS 19 Macrossan Street, Macrossan House, Port Douglas Phone: 07 4099 4806, Fax: 07 4099 6808 TOWNSVILLE Suite 301-303, Mercure Inn, Townsville Phone: 07 4775 4700, Fax: 07 4775 4011

www.fordegroup.com.au december 2011

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win

win two nights at thala beach lodge Luxury 5-star accommodation in Port Douglas awaits one lucky TNQ Profile Magazine reader at Thala Beach Lodge Australia (www.thalabeach.com.au). This resort offers guests unique on site experiences to complement the eco-friendly accommodation, spread over an exclusive property amongst a glorious beach and rainforest setting. This prize package includes two nights’ accommodation for two in a deluxe bungalow, with tropical breakfast daily in Ospreys Restaurant, guided nature tours, outdoor stargazing at the onsite observatory and evening entertainment by local specialists (conditions and exclusions apply). Valued at $906.

scan this QR code with your smartphone or web cam to jump straight to our competition page

This month, we celebrate all things Port Douglas and the Daintree, in support of our special Travelfile review. Explore your own back yard with these fabulous tropical prizes! As always, we encourage you to holiday at home this Christmas, in support of our hard-working tourism operators. Head to www.profilemag.com.au for entry details, terms and conditions.

win a peninsula boutique hotel escape If you’re looking for an unforgettable Port Douglas experience, head to the Peninsula Boutique Hotel (www.peninsulahotel.com.au). Located in Port Douglas overlooking Four Mile Beach and the Coral Sea end of Macrossan Street, enjoy a peaceful escape a short stroll to Port’s shopping and restaurants precinct. The Peninsula Boutique Hotel and Profile have a two-night accommodation package to give away, with full buffet breakfast, daily room servicing and access to superb facilities, valued at $780 (subject to availability, exclusions and conditions apply).

win a quicksilver reef adventure This month one reader will win the experience of a lifetime thanks to Quicksilver (www.quicksilvercruises.com). As part of the Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef double pass package, you and a friend will be taken to the renowned Agincourt Ribbon Reef, an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Choose to snorkel and dive, discover with a marine biologist, explore from a semisubmarine and underwater observatory, or take a helicopter tour over the reef. Valued at $421.

win three nights at villa san michele

win time out at mantra portsea

Escape for three nights to Villa San Michele (www.villasanmichele.com.au) on Macrossan Street in the heart of Port Douglas. These Mediterranean-style apartments are fully self-contained with air conditioning and private balconies. Relax by one of the two outdoor saltwater swimming pools and enjoy the convenience of having all that Port Douglas offers right on your doorstep, including Four Mile Beach. One reader will win accommodation for two people in a one bedroom apartment for three nights (conditions and exclusions apply) valued at $480.

Mantra PortSea (www.mantraportsea.com.au) offers hotel rooms and one and two bedroom studio apartments in the heart of Port Douglas’ village atmosphere. The resort is a short walk to beaches and Port’s main tourist strip on Macrossan Street, which offers an abundance of restaurants, shops, bars and clubs. This month you can win two nights’ accommodation for two in a hotel room at Mantra PortSea, including continental breakfast for two daily (subject to availability, exclusions and conditions apply), valued at $432.

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on the road

an aussie-made little ripper … ll words hamish rose

Holden Cruze Hatch SRi-V

he recent economic downturn has clearly impacted on local car manufacturers, with many models now sent offshore to save on production costs. Holden has bucked this trend, recently releasing the brand new Australian-built Holden Cruze. This move proves that not only can a high-quality, cost-effective vehicle be manufactured in Australia, but that this vehicle can also be of an impressive enough standard to hold its own against the long list of Asian and European cars in the small car segment. In fact, in my opinion, Holden’s Cruze is the clear winner. I was excited when told I would be reviewing the new Cruze SRi-V Hatch, as Profile has previously reviewed the Holden Cruze sedan, with top marks for the all-round solid performer. Can the hatch match the expectations and performance of the sedan? As with the Cruze sedan, Holden has left nothing out of the Cruze SRi-V Hatch, with the standard Cruze features of bluetooth with voice recognition, five-star ANCAP safety rating, cruise control, trip computer, automatic headlights, advanced stereo system with iPod compatibility and steering-wheel mounted controls. The SRi-V adds to this with a full sports body kit featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed seats, keyless entry and push-button start, rear park assist and a seven inch, full colour touch screen to control satellite navigation system with 10GB built-in hard drive. The all new Holden Cruze SRi-V Hatch features the versatile intelligent 1.4 litre turbo petrol motor, producing an impressive 103kw and 200Nm torque, while offering very economical 6.4L per 100km combined fuel economy. On the road, it is obvious that Holden’s engineers have built this car for Australian roads, with the Watt’s-link rear suspension absorbing bumps and handling corners with ease. These savvy engineers have also worked extensively to reduce noise even further than the december 2011

sedan to provide an extremely quiet and comfortable ride for both driver and passengers. The SRi-V Cruze is a real head turner. Externally, a sporty and sleek design only adds to the appeal of the already bold and solid Cruze front-end; an integrated rear boot spoiler, full sports body kit with upgraded front and rear fascias and body skirts, fog lamps and a general all round solid and sporty road presence. Internally, the SRi-V Hatch features the same sporty yet practical finishes of the sedan, but increases practicality by slightly increasing head room and offering a massive 1254 litres of luggage space when the rear 60/40 seats are folded flat. The hatch gets a double thumbs-up in the looks category from the female perspective too, with my partner even making the comment that she would like me to see David Norton at Ireland Holden for an extra special Christmas present for her this year … in the form of a blue Cruze Hatch! A countless number of cars have pulled in and out of our driveway in years gone by, so this should be taken by Holden as the highest of compliments! The Profile review of the Cruze SRi sedan finished with a statement claiming that it is hard to see how Holden could get any better than the SRi sedan. Well, I now have to eat my own words as the SRi-V hatch has done it! Not by a mile, mind you, as the sedan features are still the same, but for my personal preference the hatch is one of the best looking on the market and features all the trimmings the Cruze has become famous for. The fact that the SRi-V Cruze Hatch is built in Australia definitely appeals to patriots like me – although this may not be a significant purchasing factor to the average buyer. Australian-made may not be as high of a priority for buyers as great looks, a good mix of fuel efficiency and performance, state-of-the-art safety and value for money. The good news for the SRi-V Cruze is that it gains the full tick of approval in all categories and it is Australian-made. Yep, I’ll take one in blue, thanks …

THE FACTS Holden Cruze Hatch SRi-V FEATURES

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

Leather appointed seats Sports body kit 17-inch alloy wheels Passive entry and start with Sensor Key technology Premium audio with 10GB hard drive Voice recognition Cruise control Rear parking sensor

ENGINE

•• 1.4 litre iTi DOHC turbo petrol producing 103kw and 200Nm torque FUEL CONSUMPTION

•• Manual gearbox – 6.4 litres / 100km (combined) •• Automatic gearbox – 6.9 litres / 100km (combined) PRICE

•• Starts from $31,485 drive-away To test drive this vehicle, contact: Ireland Holden 227 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Phone 4052 3666 profilemagazine

the last word

Stewart Christie

ll photography stuart frost Advance Cairns CEO Stewart Christie has lived in Cairns since 2001, relocating from the UK with Arup, a global planning, design and management company where he worked for 16 years. A Scotsman from Aberdeen, Stewart was originally a carpenter by trade, later completing an engineering degree. These days, Stewart is passionate about developing the regional economy, protecting the environment and maintaining the Tropical North Queensland lifestyle.

“

When I was growing up I wanted to be … a professional footballer or motocross rider.

I grew up in … Aberdeen, Scotland.

When I was growing up I wanted to be … a professional footballer or motocross rider.

I start my day by … trying to get our kids ready to get out the door by 8:00am!

Most people don’t know that I … was the North East Scotland Motocross Champion in 1987 and completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner after leaving school.

I would love to be a better … communicator. I am at my happiest when … working with bright and motivated people with a common vision. When I am not working I am … hanging out with my family. The best meal I have had was at … a food market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

“

My favourite restaurant is … there are so many great restaurants in Tropical North Queensland, I couldn’t pick one. Having left school at 16, Advance Cairns CEO Stewart Christie’s greatest achievement was completing his engineering degree

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My favourite holiday spot is … Mission Beach, Port Douglas, Cooktown, the Tablelands and hanging out on the Esplanade.

My all-time favourite movie is … Avatar. My greatest achievement is … graduating from university after having left school at 16. In five years I hope to be … cutting the ribbon on a new business park that will provide hundreds of new jobs in clean, green technology in the region. What makes me laugh out loud is … the funny insights from my three-year-old daughter. The one person I would most like to meet … Is Nelson Mandela or Alex Ferguson. If I didn’t live in Cairns, I would live … I have lived in many different parts of the world and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. profilemag.com.au

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december 2011

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