TNQ January Profile Magazine 2012 by Profile Magazine

LADs AT LUNCH marriage: for better or worse?

mystyle

new year, new wardrobe

a daintree eco lodge escape

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22 kerry magee

Charlie maxwell

Hans Van Der Wolf and kazanno

features 10

view – a moment captured Perrin Clarke

people – changing the world Charlie Maxwell

success – dare to dream Hans Van Der Wolf

secret life – as time goes by Craig and Connie Kimberley

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

cover – a quiet achiever Kerry Magee

the last word Jo Desmond

a daintree eco lodge escape on page 58

regulars

january 2012

4 publisher’s note

30 life

56 milestones

6 pinboard

34 travelfile

58 win

8 he says, she says

42 on the table

26 style counsel

44 abode

59 on the road 60 rsvp

28 profile loves

50 business

special feature 36

trinity beach

profilemagazine

hange … for many this word strikes fear. Fear of the unknown, of moving outside our comfort zone and of the ‘what ifs?’. For the minority, the word evokes something more profound. Change is seen as a necessary force to move forward and to create the life they want. I, for one, am quite happy with change. I find that, every so often, I have to do something completely outside my comfort zone to keep feeling alive and connected. Next month I will be taking on my first ever triathlon – for those who know me this is something very much outside my comfort zone! But change can be even more profound than running a triathlon or mixing up your daily routine. Like our gorgeous cover person, Kerry Magee, who proves change can, in fact, help the world. At the ripe old age of 19, when most other teens were concentrating on partying and drinking, Kerry set about changing the lives of hundreds of locals from Mizoram in Northern India by giving them the gift of hearing through third-generation business, Audio Health. We meet other courageous locals who have used change to better both their lives and the lives of others – take Charlie Maxwell, a young entrepreneur who teaches us to follow our dreams, or Connie and Craig Kimberley who decided to change their direction in life three years ago by taking on the Herberton Historic Village, and charismatic Hans Van Der Wolf who dared to take a chance and is reaping the rewards. So how do you see change? Something to be afraid of? Are you afraid of the ‘what ifs?’ Well, dear readers, my question to you today is this: What if change offered up a new experience? What if it was ... amazing? Change is about perception – you can choose to see reasons why you should stay the same, or you can allow yourself to see the golden opportunities change can open up for you. Yes, change is like a golden door just waiting to be thrust open for those willing to turn the key. Sure, it is scary thinking about the ‘what ifs?’, but just imagine the ‘what ifs?’ if you didn’t venture through to the other side. You will never know unless you grab that doorknob and give it a turn.

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GENINE HOWARD PUBLISHER / group MANAGING direcTOR

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, Samantha Alexander, 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) PO Box 1065, Cotton Tree, QLD 4558

distribution 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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Creating Success With People

january 2012

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pinboard

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

chinese new year festival

Welcome in the Year of the Dragon at the Chinese New Year Festival in Fogarty Park. Live entertainment includes a Chinese dragon, lion dancing, traditional dance, music, martial arts, Beijing Opera face painting, calligraphy and market stalls. www.cairns.qld.gov.au

6 january the producers

passion for fashion

Ba8 Lounge Bar, Shangri-La, will play host to four fashion shows (7pm to 9pm) featuring great local and national designers with a live DJ, champagne cocktails and French Moet champagne by the glass. Phone 4052 7670

A producer and an accountant team up to produce ‘the worst show ever’. However, the show is a surprise hit. Presented by the Cairns Choral Society at the Cairns Civic Theatre. www.ticketlink.com.au

9 – 14 january cairns has got talent Premium young local talent will be uncovered during the heats of Cairns Central’s ‘Cairns Has Got Talent’ search, from Monday 9 January to Friday 13 January at 11am and 1pm, with the grand final to be held on Saturday 14 January from 11am at Cairns Central Centre Court. www.cairnscentral.com.au

15 february

15 january ‘save the date’ wedding expo This wedding expo at Brothers Leagues Club is raising funds for the Cairns Oncology Unit at the Cairns Base Hospital. Fundraising efforts will contribute towards digitally printed photographic curtains for patients.

ladies @ lilo

The inaugural Ladies @ Lilo will be a fun, glamorous, girls’ night out, including prizes, giveaways and high-end, female-focused local products. A cocktail party version of ‘Chicks at the Flicks’. www.lilowetbar.com.au

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Phone 0423 534 416 or email joanne@weddingcairns.com

SAVE THE DATE

24 january fashion forum Cairns Regional Council and various economic agencies will present services and funding information to the Cairns fashion industry. Email Belinda.Down@deedi.qld.gov.au

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he says, she says

s ’ R A E Y W NE utions L O S E R

It’s that time again when we all vow to change our lives for the better – we will get fit, eat better, give up our bad habits, become a better friend / wife / husband, overhaul our bank account and, better still, our entire lives so we are happier, richer and better people. But who sticks to New Year’s resolutions? This month we hear from Dave and Inkie from the ZINC FM Morning Zoo about their thoughts on the matter …

he says

ands up who thinks it’s a cracking idea to make a commitment, any commitment, doesn’t really matter what, after 19 beers, 12 bourbons, two shots of Absinthe, a glass of warm champagne and an ill-advised toke on your next-door neighbour’s joint? Thought so. Boris Yeltsin, Jelena Dokic’s dad, Peter Slipper and big John Daly; you can all put your hands down now. As will I. So as the clock strikes 12 I’m now bound by a pact with myself to start a cheese rolling tournament, write to Kate Beckinsale, wear nothing but Speedos when grocery shopping and eat more foie gras. I don’t even know what that is! That’s why I’ve always included a ‘cooling off’ period in my resolution contracts with myself. Which expires at precisely the same moment my hangover does on New Year’s Day. So I’ve got roughly six to eight hours tops to back out. It’s an exit clause no resolution should be without. This is because my brain on New Year’s Eve is a lot like the horse-drawn coach in the Cinderella story, at midnight it turns into a pumpkin; a booze sodden, irrationally emotional, resolution touting pumpkin, whose promises are about as empty as the current Australian Cricket team’s talent pool. Or Lara Bingle’s head. Take your pick. So as the empty promises of my New Year’s resolutions lie there flatlining on the floor next to last night’s empty bottles, I take great heart from the principles of our former PM John Howard. There are no lies, just ‘core’ and ‘non-core’ promises. It’s up to you which is which. Now, does anyone have Kate Beckinsale’s address?

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ZINC’S d

in ave and

kie

She says

ive, four, three, two one … Happy New Year! As we all start singing Auld Lang Syne and firing off party poppers, then comes the moment where, if you’re single, you want the world to swallow you up so you don’t look like a lonely loser in the corner feeling awkward and alone. Or if you’re loved up, you turn and plant a big fat sloppy one on your lover’s lips. But why is it we kiss when the clock strikes 12:00am? According to the old wives’ tales, we kiss as it’s a symbol of closeness and affection that will last with you throughout the year. So it got my little brain thinking – are there any other New Year’s superstitions and wives’ tales out there that I’ve never heard about? Here’s what I found: Get a little rowdy: Make as much noise as possible at midnight so you scare the evil spirits away. Don’t do your laundry on New Year’s Day: Wash all dirty laundry before New Year’s Day, otherwise you will wash someone out of the family. The First Footer: The first person to enter your home after the stroke of midnight will determine what kind of year you have, and legend says that the person should be male, not female. And finally, make a ‘new’ resolution: Why? Because it’s good luck to kick off a new year with a new goal. So whether your resolution wish is to lose weight, to save money by limiting yourself to only a couple of squares of toilet paper at a time, to buy a scooter so your fuel only costs a couple of dollars, to be the annoying neighbour who starts up the lawnmower at 7:00am on a Sunday waking up the neighbourhood, or you couldn’t be bothered wasting your time making resolutions, I say let’s raise our glasses to 2011 and bring on 2012.

profilemag.com.au

january 2012

profilemagazine

view

I really love food photography ... and you’ll find a lot of abstract art shots in my gallery ... I like to mix it up a little.”

ll words alli grant

perrin clarke

A picture is indeed worth a thousand words, so why are fewer of us taking the next step to print these treasured pictures after they are taken? Alli Grant chats to local photographer and businessman Perrin Clarke about his mission to encourage people all over Australia to hang their memories proudly on the wall to treasure for years to come.

s the mother of a toddler, I’m mad for a photo. And thanks to technology and my fabulous little friend called the iPhone, I am always prepared for a happy snap. The park, a birthday party, a random trip to the shops, a play date – within seconds I can whip out my phone and capture the moment. But am I really capturing a moment and enjoying a memory? Probably not. Because, truth be told, I haven’t printed one of the 970 images I have stored away in my iPhone. Not one. You won’t find a single impromptu pic in an album or on a wall in our house. Come to think of it, I haven’t printed a photo of Hudson in about a year. I have thousands stored in my computer, phone and camera, but if it wasn’t for the grandparents and their love of digital printing, I wouldn’t have any images of my beloved son. Thanks to technology, I take these memories for granted. For some reason (I blame lack of time), I have not taken the next step. I have not printed the images. I have not shared the memory with others. My walls are pretty much void of memories, except for that one super expensive family shoot when Hudson was a baby, and a few wedding pics. But there are so many more special moments I’d love to revisit – regularly. Thank goodness for Port Douglas businessman Perrin Clarke, owner of Image Bank Australia, who recently reminded me how important it is to cherish, celebrate and share these memories – in albums, on walls … everywhere. 10

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An experienced photographer himself, Perrin was born and bred in Melbourne, studying photography at RMIT before launching into a successful career as a product photographer. Studio work was his thing initially, with product shots for companies like Cottee’s, Schweppes, The Australian Open and other big brands. In 2000, Perrin headed off to see the UK – he spent six months travelling – and on his return he decided he needed a change. A friend living in Port Douglas persuaded him to come up to take a look, and like so many, Perrin didn’t leave. Next, Perrin was to try his hand at picture framing, deciding to take a break from photography. “I got into picture framing and ended up buying the business from my boss about five years ago and have expanded it to online, and to new types of printing – it’s now really a photo art printing business. “It’s the digital age. People aren’t getting pictures printed any more, which means they are starting to miss not having memories on their walls. It’s such a shame as there are so many amazing options for printing, such as canvas and acrylic [Plexiglass], it’s so easy to do online, and it’s affordable. “Really, you get such enjoyment coming home to see a great memory hanging on your wall – from a holiday, a wedding or some other fun thing you’ve done. You should surround yourself with these memories. What’s the first thing you look at in the morning? If it’s a snap from your last holiday surely you’d start the day in a happy mood?”

Pairing Perrin’s stunning photography work with his picture framing business seemed natural. He has returned to his first love, photography, and today Image Bank Australia boasts a gallery of Perrin’s work. “I really love food photography and do a lot of the restaurants here [Port Douglas], but I also love landscapes, and you’ll find a lot of abstract art shots in my gallery. I haven’t just stuck to landscapes, as many do. I like to mix it up a little,” Perrin tells me. Perrin also does a fair bit of commercial work – he has decked out several local resorts with his custom-made pieces. Ultimately, Perrin gets a kick out of seeing his clients fall in love with their memories. “It gets me excited to work for people and to see them enjoy the images. My goal is to expand the printing side of the business so I can spend more time taking my own photos. I’m looking to expand into Melbourne and Sydney – business is growing really quickly, despite the slow times.” Perrin explains that about 50 per cent of his business is online, meaning he doesn’t have to rely just on local customers, although he has established a loyal client base. There’s a reason why they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and Perrin has encouraged me to better celebrate my pictures, to print my memories and hang them on the wall for all to see.

profilemag.com.au

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Smarter Business Solutions profilemagazine

people

words stacey carrick ll photography carly whouley

CHARLIE MAXWELL

AT JUST 29, CHARLIE MAXWELL IS RUNNING HIS OWN COMPANY FOCUSED ON CARBON, FORESTRY AND CLIMATE CHANGE. IT WASN’T AN EASY ROAD FOR THIS ENTREPRENEUR, WHOSE FATHER PASSED AWAY WHEN HE WAS A TEENAGER. CHARLIE CHATS TO STACEY CARRICK ABOUT HIS BELOVED ROLE MODEL, HIS CAREER AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS.

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cannot imagine losing a parent. My parents mean the world to me and I must remember to appreciate them and everything they do for me, and never take them for granted. Because life can be too short, as Charlie Maxwell discovered when he lost his father to leukaemia at the tender age of 15. “It is, to this day, the most difficult and testing period of my life,” Charlie recalls. “It was a scary time and it happened very quickly. From the time he was diagnosed with leukaemia he passed away within a year. “Dad was my hero and I wanted to be just

like him. He was definitely a role model. He was extremely proud of his kids and, needless to say, it was a very difficult time for us all. My mother had six kids at home, all of whom were under the age of 17. “I really struggled through my final two years of high school. I was fairly disinterested in school work. I was more interested in having a good time with friends. It’s fair to say I caused my mother additional headaches at a time when I probably should have been more supportive. In hindsight, I wish I’d helped out more.” Originally from Melbourne, Charlie is one of profilemag.com.au

people eight children, who grew up in a loving family. Due to his parents’ work commitments, his family relocated a number of times – firstly around Victoria, then to Mackay and eventually Townsville where he completed high school in 1999. After some strong determination and hard work, Charlie surprised himself by being accepted to study forest science at The University of Melbourne. “I had always loved the outdoors and the environment,” he recalls. “My dad always took us camping when we were younger and some of my fondest memories are sitting around the fire with Dad cooking marshmallows on a stick.” Charlie packed his bags and moved to Melbourne where he spent the next four years completing a forestry degree. His hard work paid off and he graduated with second-class honours. After completing university, he travelled to Mexico and South America for five months by himself. “I was frightened a few times in Mexico, like when I was on a bus in the middle of nowhere not knowing what was going to happen, and enduring some wild cab rides. My sister was living in Peru, and I visited Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil. People in some of these countries are poor but they’re happy with what they’ve got. It was an amazing experience and I think I learnt a lot about the importance of being happy and content with very little.” Upon returning to Australia, Charlie took up a graduate position at VicForests. He was based in Marysville, Victoria, where he worked in his first job as forester-operations planning. He then moved to Healesville where he lived for two years. Charlie was working for VicForests during the Black Saturday fires in 2009. Marysville was destroyed, and about 100 people lost their lives. Healesville also came very close to being engulfed. “Although I wasn’t directly affected by the fires, I had work colleagues who were trapped in Marysville as the fire passed. Many of my colleagues had seen things that no one should be subjected to. People were struggling to cope with such a huge loss of life.”

Charlie decided he needed to relocate to make a fresh start. Although he was working in the forestry industry, his interest lay in carbon and climate change. At the beginning of 2010, Charlie relocated to Cairns, where his best friend had just moved. “The idea was to move up here for a change while working on my online carbon trading platform and finishing my masters in forest ecosystem science. I invested a lot of my time and money into the project, but unfortunately, the market wasn’t ready for the product. I learnt some valuable lessons about starting your own business, and I don’t regret anything.” He then decided to follow his passion – carbon, forestry and climate change. A Google search led him to Daryl Killin, another forester with a strong interest in carbon. They were both aware of Tropical North Queensland’s potential to develop carbon sinks, and Select Carbon was born. Charlie is passionate about changing the world. A professional forester, he is part of a team specialising in establishing carbon sinks and other forestry projects to help large companies offset their carbon. Charlie works with landholders, planting trees on their property and leasing their land, which in turn generates carbon credits. The company’s major project is the Southern Atherton Tablelands Native Conifer Carbon Sink Project, which utilises non-cropping land to generate alternative revenue for farmers. “This project also creates jobs and positive outcomes both environmentally and socially,” he says. Charlie has learnt a great deal about running his own company in a short time. “There is a certain amount of risk,” he says. “You have to be disciplined and put in the hard yards. There’s also a huge amount of personal growth. It’s important to be ambitious and follow your dreams. I think losing my father at such a young age made me grow up faster. Sometimes you might think, ‘I’ll never do that’, but the knowledge gap between what you don’t know and what you need to know can be smaller than you think. You just have to jump in the deep end. You have to learn from your failures, not dwell on them. Don’t sweat on the small stuff.” Wise words from a man so young.

I think losing my father at such a young age made me grow up faster.”

Charlie Maxwell is doing his bit to change to world, through his climate-change focussed business

Mediterranean and Seafood Restaurant

january 2012

profilemagazine

success

You know when you have that dream. Bali Hai was that dream. I was able to make it happen.â&#x20AC;?

Hans Van Der Wolf

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profilemag.com.au

success

words samantha alexander ll photography carly whouley

Touring with a prime minister, meeting the Queen and hosting Rebecca Gibney’s wedding. This is no ordinary life. People person Hans Van Der Wolf tells Samantha Alexander this is all in a day’s work and life couldn’t be better.

s an Aquarius, I have never had a problem dreaming. Dreams of exciting travels, great achievement and the realisation I am where I want to be. In reality, it is these dreams that guide me. Dreams create excitement and the willingness to continue when things get shaky. For me, the realisation of a dream makes the hard work all the more worthwhile. You can never set the bar too high. Someone who reminded me of this was local dreamer and adventurer Hans Van Der Wolf. There are many ways to describe Hans and interesting is an understatement. Originally from Holland, Hans migrated to Sydney at 17 with his mother and brother. This was to be the most significant change in his life. The move to Australia led him to meet some very influential people and provided him with the opportunity to do what makes him happy and follow his dreams. “I am very blessed with a great life,” Hans says without hesitation. “I was so happy when my mum said we were going to Australia. I would never have done in Holland what I have achieved here. That’s how it is. They could give me half of Holland for nothing and I wouldn’t go and live there. I love it here,” Hans tells me. Holland has a population of about 20 million people squeezed into half the size of Tasmania. “They all get on, but I didn’t like it. Australia is lucky. We are very blessed.” Raised by his mum, Hans understands times were challenging. “It was hard for her to educate us, run a business and clean the house. It was tough on her.” Speaking very highly of his mum, Hans attributes his confident nature to the woman he says was a good mother. “She was very easygoing,” he adds. Hans’s mother relocated from the Gold Coast to Port Douglas to be closer to her son. “She would be waiting up at 2:00am when we arrived in late from overseas to hear the stories,” he says. These stories were from his adventures as a flight attendant with Qantas. Qantas was a big part of Hans’s life, where he worked for 35 years. “When I worked for Qantas I realised what a great life it was. I loved the travel and the people. I started at the back, in economy class. I really loved the job … from the day I started to the day I finished, but I lived part of it in America.” january 2012

Hans went to California to be with a girl. She was Dutch and very at home there. “She didn’t want to come to Australia, she was very American-ised. I never blame her, that’s her choice. I just had to be with my children here in Australia. Anyway it didn’t work and that is fine because it was a great experience,” Hans says. Leaving California to return to Australia, Hans was lucky Qantas took him back, as Qantas rarely reinstates former staff. However, this wasn’t without hard work. “There is always seniority. You start at the bottom, clean toilets and work your way up. Some people can’t do this when they have been in charge. I was lucky I did, and so I worked my way back up to first class,” Hans says. With a strong work ethic, Hans earned his place in caring for the Queen three times over. “Let’s say I did a good job at Qantas.” The interesting experiences, however, don’t end there. “I have done lots of things in my life. I have driven from Sydney to Perth in a Kombi with my brother and his wife. When we got to Perth we shipped the Kombi to Bombay and drove all the way from India to Holland … just for fun.” This two month journey was the most adventurous thing Hans has ever done. Hans has flown all around the world, travelling through Indonesia, Thailand, Iran and Afghanistan. He has even accompanied former prime minister Gough Whitlam and his wife as they travelled throughout Singapore, Bangkok and the Philippines. Also after these memorable experiences, Hans still has more dreams to fulfil. Half of the husband and wife team at Executive Retreats, Hans has spent his most recent years creating perfect holiday homes – Rebecca Gibney even married in one of their homes. “You know when you have that dream. Bali Hai was that dream? I was able to make it happen. Three years of searching for the block of land which was an overgrown cane farm. We had to drive through it with a 4WD, we got lost in it,” Hans says. The plan was for Hans and wife Wendy to live at Bali Hai. Knowing Wendy’s mum was a heavy smoker, they designed the house around her. “As she was going to stay with us we designed one bedroom here and the others away. She’ll be

there, we’ll be here and she can smoke as much she likes,” Hans explains. Bali Hai was built in six months. “The day I finished my mother-in-law gave up smoking. I always laugh,” Hans tells me. He doesn’t dwell on this, nor does it bother him. He is a giving soul and likes helping people as it makes him feel good. He wants to see people enjoying themselves. This is at the core of who he is. Hans is most thankful for his good health. “I am so lucky to have everything fine, others are not so fortunate. Beyond anything else, good health is important … and secondly a good marriage,” he says. He is a very humble man, perhaps shaped from years of hard work and a little luck. “I am never envious of other people. If they worked hard, then good luck to them. They deserve it,” Hans says. There is nothing Hans would change if given the chance, and change is no stranger. “I think change is great. I think it’s good for you.” Hans has never been nervous about making change.

I am never envious of other people. If they worked hard, then good luck to them. They deserve it.” “You can always go back. You can say it didn’t work out, so I don’t worry. “Nothing is always perfect, but if you can go close to it that is all you need. Health is the most important thing. You can have all the money in the world and not be happy.” This attitude is typical of his easygoing nature and relaxed approach to life. “If I was to leave this world tomorrow, I would be perfectly happy. I have had a fabulous life and good health so far. I live in a beautiful country and in one the nicest parts of Australia. For me this suits.” He says this as we ponder life’s greatest pleasures and dare to dream. profilemagazine

secret life

words alli grant ll photography mia lacy

Connie and Craig Kimberley

Founder of Just Jeans and The Just Group Craig Kimberley is lauded in the retail industry as a pioneer. These days, Craig and his wife, Connie, choose to spend their time paying homage to pioneers of a different kind – our Australian pioneers – at Herberton Historic Village, as Alli Grant uncovers.

just love a good success story – a rags-to-riches, against-all-odds-type tale. Craig Kimberley has such as story. As the founder of Just Jeans (and The Just Group), Craig knows what it means to take a risk and follow a dream. In 1970, Just Jeans was born, following a buying trip to the US where Craig discovered stores dedicated just to jeans – brands like The Gap and Jeans West. While his current employer, a sportswear manufacturing company, wasn’t keen on the idea, thankfully Craig was able to convince a couple of family members. And the rest is retailing history. Despite a rocky start, The Just Group was sold to a private equity group in 2001, and Craig and his wife, Connie, decided to retire. So what did this successful couple do upon retiring? Take up golf? Potter in the garden? Nope. Craig and Connie stumbled across a new passion – preserving Australian history and sharing it with the world. The Kimberleys have always loved the Tropical North, buying into Port Douglas some 18 years ago and taking time, often, to head up from Melbourne to explore the region. Three years ago, Craig and Connie were doing just that, exploring, when they stumbled across what was to develop into an allconsuming passion – Herberton Historic Village, an authentic museum of Australia’s pioneer history. “We love travelling around the Tablelands … about three years ago we drove past Herberton [Historic Village]. We said, ‘What’s that?’ so we did a wheelie and came back for a second look. Six months later we bought it.”

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The Kimberleys have ditched their Port Douglas pad in favour of a little farmhouse at the village, one of 42 buildings on the land. “We come up at least five times a year and we absolutely love it,” Craig explains. “Connie and I believe Australian history should be saved – and we employ about 20 locals from the area to help us to do it.” Craig is probably just a little genetically predisposed to such bouts of patriotism – his great-great-great grandfather came to Australia on the First Fleet. When Connie and Craig purchased Herberton, it had been closed for about six years after a 26-year history as a tourism attraction, so there was a bit of work to do. And probably a change in mindset required too as the couple had come full circle and had to embrace the role of small business owners all over again. You can tell they love fossicking for bits and bobs to add to their ever-expanding collection. “Connie and I hunt for all the pieces ourselves. We do it all together and we love it. We want to show people what was happening in Queensland 100 years ago.” You won’t find a single reproduction at Herberton. Everything is ridgy-didge, dinky-di Aussie, just as it should be. Craig tells me about the newest attractions at Herberton. “We have a few new displays – the coach house, garage and radio shop. The coach house features nine horse-drawn vehicles from more than 100 years ago. We even have this fantastic hearse from 1906, with the plumes restored and an original

coffin in it. “And there are wagons – it’s very exciting. Plus we have the garage with some fabulous motor cars. A highlight is an old model T Ford from 1923, and we have a little van that was featured in The Sullivans [television show]. Oh and there is also a fully-restored 1923 Harley Davidson motorcycle. We have even put in four old petrol bowsers …” There’s also the Pioneer’s Wing which features six displays – medical, military, Aboriginal, Chinese, dental and even a barbershop, Herberton State School, Bishop Feetham’s Cottage, the Tin Pannikin Pub, the Citroen Rail Ambulance, the grocer’s store … and the list goes on. “In 2012 we will develop the other side of the river … start bush walks and build a bridge to the other side. We have even had an old saw mill donated.” Not only do the Kimberleys commit much time and money to sourcing and purchasing the memorabilia, they have also received a number of significant donations. But it’s not just about the physical pieces that make up the village. For Craig and Connie, it’s about sharing it with the world – about showing school children how their ancestors lived 100 years ago, and encouraging people like me to take the time to learn about our past. “There’s something for everyone really – school kids to senior citizens to people like us. We really are passionate about helping people to learn about their history.” A noble passion indeed. profilemag.com.au

A night of Fashion, Glamour & Goodies Wednesday 15 February 6-8 PM

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january 2012

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lads at lunch

“It’ll be hard being a child and raising a child at the same time!” Thom Danson

1. Dion eades 2. mondo’s chicken kebabs and couscous 3. michael nelson 4. mondo’s mexican fajitas 5. mia and the lads enjoying lunch 6. Thom danson

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lads at lunch

words mia lacy ll photography coral florian and mia lacy ll venue mondo cafe bar and grill

When it comes to marriage maintenance skills, which sex is ahead in the race? Mia Lacy dissects the motion to marry over lunch with the lads at Mondo Cafe Bar & Grill.

one of us enter marriage with low expectations. The act of getting hitched is attended with high hopes that the union – de facto or certificated – will be an enduring and happy one. Even those of us who’ve been there and are no longer married can remember the optimism and alacrity with getting that first joint bank account. I can also remember the advice I received. From my mother – “Cleave to your husband” (good) and from my father – “It’s not too late to change your mind” (correct). People think it’s very cute to chant homilies like “happy wife, happy life” to you (actually, that’s a good one to bide by) and you’re radiantly, positively focused on the future together as a couple. And it does work, because you made the right choice in your other half. But you have to work at it, and that’s the crux of better or worse. Who’s working it better? Research suggests that whether a marriage succeeds or fails depends on the husband’s attitude and actions, not the wife’s. Such men increase the chances of having a loving union by – wait for this – letting themselves accept the influence of their spouse. Now, that does sound romantic! Too easy? Let’s ask the lads themselves. Occupying the first chair at lunch at Mondo this month is Dion Eades, 37, director of marketing and communications at Trinity Anglican School. Dion has been married to Melinda for just over a year. Next is Michael Nelson, 38, director of Pinnacle Tourism Marketing, who is married to Suzi and they have two boys and a girl. Lastly, Thom Danson, 31, manages the permanent staff division at Forde Group Ltd. He speaks with an English accent, has been married to Amber for five years and they are expecting their first child. january 2012

profile: How did you propose to your wives? thom: We were living in the UK, and I surprised my wife with a trip to Prague. We were on the Charles Bridge, a very well known spot for romance, and I’d cleverly managed to arrange about 100 swans milling around under us for when I popped the question. She didn’t actually say yes, she just snatched the ring out of the box and jammed it on her finger – so I had to ask her again, at which point she acknowledged I was there and said yes! michael: I asked Suzi to marry me on a weekend away at Silky Oaks in Mossman. I carried the ring around with me the entire time, trying to find the perfect moment. I thought it was going to be dinner, but there were so many people around, and my stomach was knotting because of the internal dialogue, ‘What if she says no, what’ll I do? – nah, she’ll say yes’ and finally I gave up the public bit and asked her when we got back to the room. Not only did she say yes, she told me I could have asked her anywhere! dion: We went to Hong Kong. The idea was for Melinda to buy the engagement ring of her dreams. I was going to take her to a fabulous restaurant overlooking Hong Kong to do the actual proposal. Big fail. She wouldn’t go into any jewellery shops to buy the ring! So I ended up proposing to her when we were back in Australia, on her birthday, and we went shopping together for her engagement ring. She got the one she wanted, luckily, because I think the design I had in mind was quite off the mark! profile: Has marriage lived up to your expectations? dion: Yes, totally – the year and a bit I’ve been married – it’s been great! We’re good friends. michael: (laughs) It’s a very dangerous question!

But absolutely, yes. Suzi and I often go away for a weekend just by ourselves and we still laugh just as much as when we were first dating. Eleven years down the track, I can’t imagine life without her. thom: It’s been fantastic. We got together when I was 22 and you hear stories about how it changes your relationship and in one way it’s better than it was because you grow more and you grow together. I might have to readjust my thinking on children now that we’re pregnant though – it’ll be hard being a child and raising a child at the same time! profile: Michael, any advice you can offer? michael: No words can describe it! thom: Our dog had puppies recently, is that similar? I’ve been up every morning at 5:00am for the last eight weeks. [Michael smiles a knowing smile!]. profile: Has marriage changed you? How? michael: Yes. As serious as it sounds, I think I became an adult. You can still get out with your mates, but when you’re at home you have to be the adult person – you’re a father, you’re supposed to be a role model and all that goes with that. Your circle of friends also gets married eventually, and catches up with you. dion: I don’t think it’s changed me, but there’s definitely focus, direction, structure from it. I hope it hasn’t changed me, but if so, it is for the better. You’d better ask Melinda! thom: I’d say it’s changed me for the better. When we got together I was running nightclubs in the UK, and I’d be out every single night. Meeting Amber changed that and it never felt like a chore to stay in; it actually felt good. I know guys who are still in that job who go out every single night – that’s surprisingly lonely and sad, I think. profilemagazine

lads at lunch Mondo Cafe Bar and GrilL, CAIRNS Mondo is intrinsically Cairns. When you have visitors in town, you take them to Mondo because you know they are going to love it. When there’s a significant birthday to celebrate, it’s just the spot. And when there’s a group from the office or a gang of friends, it works really well because of the ‘order and pay at the counter’ option which sheds the awkwardness of splitting up a bill in a large group. Mondo is also a gorgeous snapshot of Cairns, with its spreading poinciana tree (which was covered in red feather-like flowers when we were there) and Trinity Inlet vistas. It’s a place that puts you in the mood for company and cuisine and, when we all met there, we felt this pulse and unanimously chose a glass of bubbles in celebration (the house wine is Rothbury sparkling cuvee – highly recommended).

mia and the lads enjoy a chat over lunch at mondo cafe bar and grill

profile: Do you support same sex marriage? dion: Yes, why not? michael: Yes, no issues with that. thom: Yes – I can’t understand why it’s an issue – I mean, protecting the sanctity of marriage? How does preventing couples who desire it do that? michael: They shouldn’t be discriminated against because of their lives.

“Eleven years down the track, I can’t imagine life without her.” michael nelson

profile: Is yours a 50/50 partnership with respect to decision making and the division of labour? dion: It’s 50/50. Here’s how it works – I might have 80 per cent of the idea, then Mel puts in her 50 per cent to work out if the idea has legs and then we move forward – usually with her recommendation. michael: 50/50 decision making yes, labour …

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well, in reality Suzi does a bit more than what I would – the outside’s mine, the inside’s hers – with a bit of overlap every now and then. thom: I’m easygoing – happy to say yes to most things. On the rare occasion I say no, Amber respects that cause she knows I really don’t want whatever it is to happen! profile: What has your wife introduced you to since you met her? michael: Wog food. (Her parents are first generation Australians). I love it. dion: Couscous. She puts something new each week on the shopping list. And responsibility. thom: Australian sayings. Things like ‘going off like a frog in a sock’. profile: There’s an expression which describes a wife as ‘the old ball and chain’. Do you ever feel trapped by marriage? michael: No, never. dion: Not ever. thom: No, never. No – wait – only if you’re stuck at the pub and she can’t pick you up! Who says marriage is dead? Our lunching lads certainly have a healthy respect for this age-old institution, and for their significant others. Yes, marriage changes you, but change can be a good thing, right? I certainly think so.

And then there’s the menu. Management recognises it’s nice to come back and find your favourite things on the Mondo menu (thanks guys!) and innovative new choices are added just to spice things up. Since Thom was the newbie, we chose a Mondo classic, Mexican fajitas, for him. He thanked us, saying it was “Absolutely beautiful – just spicy enough to catch your attention and plenty of it”. The harissa and yoghurt marinated lamb cutlets were cooked to perfection, the seafood curry was “Very fragrant, and spices nicely balanced” and Dion’s venture into couscous (served with a chicken kebab) was pronounced delicious and light for a summer lunch. The selected accompaniment was a bottle of crisp Squealing Pig, a Marlborough sauvignon blanc – if you like a savvy with a bit of interest and texture, this is for you. The menu is careful to cater equally, with two new vegetarian dishes we noted – lasagne and frittata – plus children’s meals for up to 12-year-olds. For the lunchtime work crowd, weekday light lunches of wraps, a wok toss and a steak sandwich are ideal, and the prices for espresso coffee ($3.80 for a flat white or a caffe latte) are welcomingly realistic. Mondo is open seven days a week. Light snacks and lunch daily from 12:00pm, and dinner from 5:30pm. 4052 6780 34 The Esplanade, Cairns www.cairns.hilton.com

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business promotion

Darrell Back and Melissa Sinopoli

Darrell Back is a man who seizes opportunities … it’s in his Irish blood! So when an opportunity arose in Tropical North Queensland for Darrell to start a sister company to his New Zealand-based roofing business, he seized it by the horns and Gerard Roofs was born. Gerard Roofs grew out of unfortunate circumstances – Cyclone Yasi – which highlighted the need for a roofing product that was cyclone accredited. The company’s lightweight steel roofing tiles, which look like regular concrete tiles, are suitable for our cyclonic conditions as they have superior fixing capabilities. How long have you lived in Cairns? I have lived in Cairns my whole life other than four years I spent in Townsville studying law and business at JCU. What is your role at MacDonnells Law? I’m a lawyer in our commercial department, specialising in corporate law, securities and liquor licensing and gaming. What would you say is the main difference between MacDonnells Law and other firms? Due to our size we are able to concentrate on specific expert areas of law. For instance, there are many property lawyers, but our team also includes experts in sub-areas of property such as leasing, body corporate, hotel and management rights. What would we find you doing on a Sunday afternoon? Usually catching up with friends and family or baking something. What is the best thing about living in Cairns? That it takes you 10 minutes to get to work and the great places we have close by such as Port Douglas and the islands. january 2012

Starting a business overseas for New Zealandbased Darrell proved to be challenging. And not only that, the company was to be established as a Limited Liability Partnership – a business structure that is quite uncommon and complex to set up. MacDonnells Law rose to the challenge set before them by Darrell and his team. Having been recommended by his bank (ANZ) to use the services of the law firm, Darrell was more than happy to engage the firm as they came highly recommended. Melissa Sinopoli was appointed to the Gerard Roofs project – a role that proved challenging and required intensive research, perseverance and patience. Darrell could not sing her praises high enough. “I wanted to set up a company in Australia while based overseas. That was the easy bit! This is where the twist comes in – a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is something that is known about in New Zealand but is rarely used in Queensland nowadays. It was an extremely long and difficult process to establish various licenses, however, Melissa did a magnificent job. Only one person in government knew how to set up this type of structure and so Melissa had her work

cut out for her to get the LLP established. Plus she had to put up with many frustrating times … and me!” MacDonnells Law played such an integral role in assisting with the establishment of Gerard Roofs in Cairns (and the company operates as far south as Gladstone and is now in national expansion mode), Melissa has now been appointed to all corporate and business law matters in Australia. “Melissa’s dogged persistence to battle along and keep me from throwing in the towel meant that we succeeded,” Darrell said. “Many people from New Zealand who have tried this [to establish an LLP] in the past have given up. But I am too Irish for that … once I start something I can’t stop. “We had to learn to communicate as every other business in the region does. We were very conscious of learning business the Australian way and that’s where we got a lot of good advice from MacDonnells Law. The staff go above and beyond the call of duty. We got through and we did what we set out to do – that is something to be proud of. “As we look to move to other parts of Australia, we will take MacDonnells Law with us – the people who know our business.” Looks like one happy partnership.

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cover story

Often when I turn the hearing instruments on for the first time a client will be nearly in tears because they can relax.”

ON COVER: KERRY MAGEE WEARS Studibaker Long Calypso dress, RRP $529, and orange Miriam bangle, RRP $39. All available from Shine Boutique, Grafton Street, Cairns. Phone 4041 0660. Hair and makeup by the team at Pulse Hair, Spence Street, phone 4051 4212. THIS PAGE: KERRY WEARS LISA BROWN ‘POPPY’ LONG DRESS IN JADE, RRP $599.99, AVAILABLE FROM VIVA BOUTIQUE, GRAFTON STREET, CAIRNS, PHONE 4048 8250 AND TEAL JEWELLED BANGLE FROM ANNIE’S BOUTIQUE, BOLAND CENTRE. PHONE 0406 214 144. The team at Pulse had a challenge this month with Kerry’s gorgeous mane of hair! Tegan created Kerry’s beach-chic hair for our shoot while makeup artist Nicola created her golden look complete with lollipop lip. Tegan says, “We went for full hair with lots of movement keeping it full of life allowing the wind at the beach work its magic. Nicole kept the makeup look glamorous but still natural. Bright pop colours for lips are in so she went for a beautiful pink colour that wasn’t overpowering, but enough to catch your eye.” KERRY MAGEE

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cover story

words juliana doupe ll photography stuart frost ll hair and makeup pulse hair and beauty

ll styling genine howard

Kerry Magee’s criterion for a career is one where she can make people happy. The hearing specialist spoke to Juliana Doupe about travel, volunteering in India and Nepal, and how hearing aids can change lives.

s a writer and communications professional, I am definitely in awe of doctors and nurses. They have conquered squeamishness – they clean a septic wound, deliver a baby or give an injection without batting an eyelid. I have medical fantasies where I go and work for an international charity as a doctor in some Godforsaken country, saving lives, left, right and centre. Reality, however, is a little different – my one brush with medical training was when I was working in after-school care, a position which required a first aid certificate. I didn’t have one so I had to do a course. The trainers gave us a sturdy, hardcover book called First Aid in Australia. I was great at the theory, loved the multiplechoice questions and even mastered sling tying and CPR. Then we came to the fishhook section – specifically, what to do if someone gets a fishhook in their thumb or finger. First Aid in Australia had diagrams of how to remove fishhooks from people. Black and white line drawings showing how to push the hook forwards to avoid doing more damage to the flesh with the barb. I took one look, felt a bit sick, imagined how a colour drawing or God forbid, a photograph would make me feel, let alone a real fishhook in a real thumb, and in a moment of revelation knew I would never be doctor. Thinking about my doctor / third world / saving lives fantasy now I see that it’s all about making a difference in a dramatic way (and to be perfectly honest, in a way that would garner me quite a lot of attention). In my head I am wearing the charity’s T-shirt, in some tent in Africa, working, part of a team, taking on what others won’t, making a difference. Other people don’t bother with fantasy, and in their own quiet way, change lives every day. Third generation hearing specialist Kerry Magee is one of them – her career clearly inspired by her childhood january 2012

and the time spent exploring her grandfather’s hearing clinics (the largest, privately-owned group in New South Wales). “I’ve been working in hearing clinics since I can remember,” this former Sydneysider says of her childhood. “Grandpa had 11 hearing centres; he employed his daughter – my mum – and eventually all of his children. So as I was growing up my mum brought me into the clinic during the holidays, and my great aunty was on reception so she’d mind me. So ever since I was little, I’ve grown up in the profession. “The family had a strong work ethic and while in primary school, I helped the staff fold newsletters, helping out where I could. When my grandfather retired, Mum and Dad began their own hearing clinics. At high school, I worked for them during holidays. Basically, ever since day dot, I have been part of the industry.” Kerry is a determined young woman who is clearly goal-driven. I find her down-to-earth and quickly detect a bit of a competitive streak … turns out my instincts were right. By her own admission, Kerry “plays to win” in all aspects of her life. An accomplished athlete, despite her small size, she is not afraid to take it to the boys on the soccer (indoor and outdoor) fields. In fact, on more than one occasion, players from competing teams (the blokes!) have complained about her ‘take no prisoners’ approach to the sport. “I don’t really care how big they are – I’ll take them on, and if their shin happens to get in the way, so be it,” she jokes, adding that while she probably still is a bit of a tom boy, she does like frocking up every now and again, although is most at home in her flannel PJs. But aren’t we all? It comes as no surprise to hear that, as a teenager, Kerry represented Australia in Futsal and toured throughout Europe with the team. She was amazed by the different cultures and determined to see more of the big, wide world. Kerry had definitely

caught the travel bug. At the end of school, Kerry worked full-time at her parents’ North Shore clinics, ever intrigued by the ear. Learning what looks normal and what doesn’t, she loved helping people through a lifechanging experience. Soon after, Kerry was faced with the opportunity of a lifetime – the opportunity to live out Ghandi’s quote to, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. It was an opportunity to help those in need. Travelling to Mizoram in Northern India, the young woman took more than her hearing training with her; she took a swag of donated hearing devices. In her three months in India, she helped more than 250 people to hear. What a phenomenal gift. “When I was 19, I went to India, to a place called Mizoram. I was travelling with a woman who worked for Mum and Dad, an audiologist who was originally from India, from Mumbai. We spent time in Mizoram doing general repairs of hearing devices. “We were working on donated hearing aids – these generally come from families where the owner of the hearing aid has passed away and the family decides to donate it, or where the owner buys a new one so they’re generally quite old. But as a donation these are great.” Kerry goes on to explain that their clinic encourages people to stop by the office to donate their old hearing aids for future hearing projects – she continues to collect donated hearing aids which have assisted people in India, Indonesia and Nepal to hear. Back to India. “There was a nurse, two other clinicians and me, and a former local man who wasn’t trained but had set up the whole thing. He was married to a woman from Mizoram so that’s what got the project started. He saw there was a need … he knew someone in the hearing profession and told them there was a really big need for help profilemagazine

cover story

We each went to different sections of Kathmandu and were given a classroom of 14 children and asked to teach them English, even though we didn’t know Nepalese …”

Kerry Magee was genetically disposed to working in the hearing industry – she is a third generation in the family business, and spent her youth helping out in her grandfather’s business

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and asked if people would be interested in going out there, and that’s how it got started.” It was a challenging assignment. People had long names which the volunteers had to try to spell to keep their records in order, clients were given numbers to keep track of who was next in line so one person didn’t slip in front of another waiting for three days. The team tested clients for hearing loss, checked for ear infections and arranged for ear moulds to be made for those who needed hearing aids. “We brought over a lot of equipment from Mum and Dad’s clinics that was all calibrated and left there. For those people who needed devices we used the donated hearing instruments,” Kerry proudly explains. “In Australia it takes about a week or so to have ear moulds made; they’re to hold the hearing instrument in place. In donated instruments, only behind the ear hearing aids can be used. Custom-made hearing aids can’t because it’s just not practical. We would take an impression, a casting, and send those orders away to be made, and in the meantime, the client would have a temporary mould made of plastic. We trained someone to fit the moulds to the new hearing aids and the client would go away delighted with their new ability to hear.” There was high demand for the Australian’s hearing services. Long queues formed and Kerry says people were content to sit and wait, as they had walked for days to attend the clinic – just for the gift of sound. The ability to hear – something we all take for granted each and every day. The trip to India was a culture shock on many levels for the young woman and left her with a new appreciation for life in Australia. “We’re really lucky where we live,” she says. Assailed by the smells, sights and sounds of India, Kerry felt like she was living in some kind of sub-continental Dickens novel. She says she was the only blonde-haired female she saw in the town. “First thing out of the plane, we had a bunch of kids pulling on us, begging, ‘I want money, I want food, I want money’. It is very confronting. I didn’t know how to help. My Indian colleague was familiar with this, and said, ‘Don’t give them anything. If you are going to give them something, give them food’. Like Oliver Twist, there could be someone who sent them out to get the money and would take it all off them if they got it, or beat them if they didn’t. To experience that just after stepping off the plane was like … Oh my goodness! It was heartbreaking and I just wanted to help all of them.” Quickly getting used to the hustle and bustle, and she says, the smells, Kerry headed to Nepal after her stint in Mizoram. She had signed up with a youth organisation to do a three-month voluntary project in the Himalayan Kingdom. Her time in Nepal was divided into four sections; living with a Nepalese family to learn about the culture, volunteering in an orphanage where she and other volunteers designed and built a playground for the orphans, teaching children English, and finally, a mountain trek, complete with sherpas. “We each went to different sections of Kathmandu and were given a classroom of 14 children and asked to teach them English, even though we didn’t know Nepalese,” Kerry explains. “These were very underprivileged children. It was great to spend time with them and try to teach them English. Fortunately, there was a blackboard, so we could draw

pictures and we could learn each other’s names and play games … and communicate that way.” As the end of the three months approached, Kerry set off on her trek. “The fun the part,” she tells me. “I broke my toe playing soccer in one of the little communities in the Himalayas and then had to trek for another week and you can’t do anything about a broken toe either. But it was great, I had a good time,” Kerry says. Something tells me Kerry doesn’t give up easily. I don’t think ‘can’t’ is in her vocab. Apparently it’s a trait passed-on from her late grandmother – a feisty, red-haired Irishwoman! “I definitely take after Granny Gee, or so I am told,” she confesses. “When Granny was a baby she was bitten by a dog while she was in her pram … so she bit it right back!” Point taken – Kerry is one determined and headstrong, in a good way I’m sure, young woman. And it was this determination that saw the birth of Audio Health in Cairns. After obtaining her hearing qualification, and when her parents sold their New South Wales practices to move up to Cairns for a bit of rest and recreation, all the pieces came together for the family to set up the family-owned business. The Magees had previously fallen in love with Palm Cove, so knew a move to the Tropical North was inevitable. Kerry tells me that she persuaded her parents to open the clinic as she really believed the area required such a service. I imagine she would have been like a very hungry dog with a juicy, delicious bone … determined to see the project through to fruition. And she did – literally designing the practice from scratch. Audio Health is a vision realised for Kerry and her parents. “When we opened in June 2008, we filled a niche. There was a real need for this kind of service. Ever since I can remember, I always wanted a profession where you feel as though you’re helping. You feel like you’ve done your best and someone’s happy, someone’s benefited from it.” Right now, Kerry has her hands full. Her job requires continuous professional development to ensure optimum client outcomes and to keep on top of rapidly changing technology. Last year, she travelled to the Audiological Congress in Chicago to keep abreast of the new technology. “With hearing instruments, the technology changes all the time, it evolves,” she says. “So every three to six months you have to gain knowledge of the new technology, learn how it will benefit the client, how to adjust it, fine-tune it, master the software.” While Kerry’s parents, John and Joanna, both consult in the clinic and her father consults at Mission Beach, Kerry manages the administration as well as consulting at Innisfail, Port Douglas, Atherton and Yungaburra on a fortnightly basis, working in Cairns the other three to four days a week. Again, I am taken aback by Kerry’s commitment to her profession and by her ability to change the lives of so many. On any given day, Kerry will assess people from all walks of life and all age groups, from young people of 16 to the elderly who are more than 100 – each has a unique set of needs. “Some people may not be actively motivated to seek profilemag.com.au

cover story

Ever since I can remember, I always wanted a profession where you feel as though you’re helping.”

THIS PAGE Kerry magee WEARS LOUNGE SILK WRAP, RRP $415. Available from Shine Boutique, Grafton Street, Cairns, phone 4041 0660. Stylist’s own bangle

assistance even though they’re aware of a hearing loss because of the perceived aesthetics of the device, the stigma that might be attached to hearing loss. There’s a whole bunch of reasons why people may not make the move,” Kerry says. “That’s a hurdle as well, because people can realise, ‘Yes I do need to do something, I do have hearing loss, but I don’t want to do anything just yet.’ They often need to be encouraged to take that first step and I make them aware of the improvement they can expect.” Kerry proudly tells me about one of her success stories, and I am certain there are many, many more. “I have a client who is fitted with two fire engine red hearing aids. He had been to the hairdresser who told him they were really sexy! We figured this must be a first for hearing instruments as people generally think of them as the beige old bananas hanging off your great-grandmother’s ears … It’s great that people want to flaunt them instead of hiding them. I call them ‘ear gear’ rather than hearing aids, and there even invisible options available” Times are definitely changing. Kerry believes hearing loss is becoming more accepted and there’s a wide range of hearing instruments for people to choose from, making the task of finding the right device easier. And while many opt for discretion and the ‘invisible’ devices, some people just want the world to know. “I can think of four or five clients, off the top of my head, mostly male clients who have these brightly-coloured hearing instruments because they want people to know, ‘I have a hearing loss’ so that others don’t think they’re being rude. People know to talk directly to them rather than away from them,” Kerry explains. “They want people to know.” Kerry tells me that, on average, people can take six to seven years before making an appointment and having a hearing loss identified, and being advised that hearing instruments will help them. Then some procrastinate and there can be another five to seven year gap before they take action and are tested again and fitted with hearing instruments. That’s a long time; a long time to struggle along with hearing loss, unnecessarily. ‘It’s hard testing someone who may have up to 80 per cent hearing loss and unless they do something about it there and then, I know it’s unlikely I will january 2012

see them again for a few years,” Kerry says. “All that time wasted. The futility of it gets to me when I know that taking that step can make all the difference in the world to them and their families.” When clients obtain a hearing device they often kick themselves for not having done so sooner. People with hearing loss have to watch the person speaking and have to concentrate on every single word being said. Often the conversation has moved on and they’re still concentrating on the previous sentence trying to work it out. It doesn’t lead to effective communication and in fact affects all family members, not just the person with the hearing loss. “Often when I turn the hearing instruments on for the first time a client will be nearly in tears because they can relax. They can hear! It’s overwhelming. Recently I had a client who was sitting on the fence; he didn’t know whether he should make the decision, but in the end he did. He came in a few days after the fitting and said, ‘These are like drugs, these are addictive!’ It was such a complete change, because he was really reserved and sceptical.” Bitten by the travel bug and her desire to stay at the cusp of new technology, Kerry is preparing to head overseas again to take a look at America and be involved in a hearing congress for independent hearing clinics. But while she loves travelling the world, Kerry’s ultimate desire is to settle down with her partner. (Incidentally, Kerry is still with her childhood sweetheart who was originally Kerry’s arch enemy. He once copped a knee “where it hurts” after verbally insulting Kerry. Aint love grand?) “I’d love to have a big family and lots of animals … and live on an acreage where we can grow our own food,” she tells me of her future plans. And I’m sure she will achieve this dream – just as she has achieved all the others that came before. Kerry Magee is changing lives every day, leading people who struggle with hearing loss into her world, the world of better hearing. “It’s a bit dramatic to say I’m changing lives, but yes, it is a life-changing experience to hear again,” she says. Changing lives, eliminating shame, bringing joy … all in a day’s work for Kerry, most definitely one of the region’s quiet achievers.

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style counsel

Sonya Alba-Miller is one half of Sonlia Fashion – a fashion label and retail boutique owned by Sonya and sister Liana in Mareeba. The sisters have won a number of awards for their Australian -made one-off designs. This month we talk to Sonya about the label’s unique style, influenced by strong, rich colours and bold, intriguing designs.

profile: What do you love most about living in Tropical North Queensland when it comes to fashion? sonya: We love Tropical North Queensland and could never imagine moving from the area. We get great inspiration from the contrasts of the landscapes and you can see that in our designs through the colour and cut of an outfit. profile: We hear you had fashions entered into both Cairns and Melbourne racing carnivals. How did you go? sonya: Fantastic. Five preliminary finalist outfits made it in Melbourne, which was exciting. We were invited to showcase in the designers section for the first time, and although we did not make top 10 with our outfit, we did capture a lot of attention from the media and the public. It was a learning trip for us, just to put ourselves among the rest of Australia is great. Our fantastic customers have also been winning at the Cairns Cup, Mareeba, Cooktown, Tolga and Mount Isa races. It is very rewarding when we get the call from our customers telling us they have won fashions [on the field]. profile: What is your fashion inspiration? sonya: With my millinery, Waltraud Reiner from Melbourne, who I have learnt so much from, who dedicates her life to teaching millinery techniques. She is so inspirational. We do try and come up with our own concepts and ideas. Some outfits are planned and others we just start cutting into the fabric, keep an open mind and see how it turns out in the end. This is what makes our outfits so unique. profile: What must-have item should we all have in our wardrobes this season? sonya: Summer is upon us, so now is the time to invest in some bright block colour pieces which can be mixed and matched and accessorised with chunky jewellery and worn with funky sandals and wedges. profile: Who is your favourite designer – locally, nationally and internationally? sonya: Local – Vivienne Francine for being such a successful local designer and for the use of her fabrics and colours. National – Sass & Bide for its unique take on fashion and not being afraid to be different. International – Dior Haute Couture for its dramatic, unique and detailed gowns, and Valentino for his classic lines and style. profile: How would you describe your own style? sonya: We love having fun with fashion, it is great to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Our style is bold but classic with a hint of vintage inspiration. profile: What is coming up in-store? sonya: A casual range, and we are working on next year’s 2012 race wear. profile: What is your fashion fetish? sonya: Because I rarely buy clothes other than our own label, shoes, shoes and more shoes. profile: What do you always have in your handbag? sonya: My handbag is massive – it has everything from five shades of lipstick to a pen, a notepad and even pins and a tape measure. profile: What is your favorite fashion memory? sonya: We have a number of highlights including winning a Queensland Minister’s Award for Excellence in high school for one of my wearable art pieces, and more recently, both my sister and I were complimented on Melbourne Cup Day by one of the world’s best milliners, Philip Treacy! 26

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a selection of sonlia’s Fashion designs

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january 2012

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profile loves locally-made with Pip Addison, fashion stylist 0425 756 083 www.modernstyle.com.au

Made in Australia Isson Sunglasses, RRP $329. Tea Lily, 57 Grafton St, Cairns. Phone 4041 4150

(Join me on Facebook for more fashion tips!)

pretty in pink Kato fordora, RRP $25. Tastey, 3/78 Grafton St, Cairns. Phone 4051 4119

natural wonder butterfly necklace, RRp $49. annie’s at boland’s in spence street (phone 0406 214 144) and annie’s at palm cove (phone 4059 2112)

Happy New Year! 2012 is here and your purses are likely to be a little empty after Christmas. With this in mind, January’s fashion page aims to provide inspiration and ideas so you can add something new to your wardrobe without too much ‘over-spending’ guilt. Accessories are a great way to update an outfit and give it a fresh lease on life, and simply having a new purse or bag can lift one’s mood. Happy shopping!

hoot hoot Anna Nova owl purse, RRP $19. Shiva Moon, Grafton St, Cairns. Phone 4031 1644

perfect match Franco Sarto casual bag with matching umbrella inside, RRP $149.95. Sassi Shoe Boutique, 82 Grafton St, Cairns. Phone 4031 4999

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fashionable Tea Lily white and gold sun earrings, RRP $35. Tea Lily, 57 Grafton St, Cairns. Phone 4041 4150

deliciously decadent make a statement Only Midge Ada purse (other styles available), RRP $19. Shiva Moon, Grafton St, Cairns. Phone 4031 1644

high-class Nude aqua and cream platform high heel, RRP $199.95. Sassi Shoe Boutique, 82 Grafton St, Cairns. Phone 4031 4999

animal instinct Brazillio tan high sandal pony skin and leopard print strap, RRP $199.95. Sassi Shoe Boutique, 82 Grafton St, Cairns. Phone 4031 4999

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january 2012

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life

corns and calluses … foot or footwear? with Tyson Franklin Many people suffer from painful corns and calluses on the soles of their feet and on the tops of their toes. Poor-fitting footwear may be the cause, however, certain foot types are predisposed to these problems. There are two general rules:

to the formation of corns and calluses. A shoe with more cushioning may make your feet feel better initially, but once the cushioning is lost, the discomfort will return. In addition to this, the corn and callus formation will become thicker over time, regardless of the cushioning in the shoe. Rule two:

Rule one: Corn and callus development on the bottom surface of the foot is usually foot type-related, rarely is it footwear-related. Excessive pronation (flat feet) and excessive supination (high arched feet) place increased shearing force on the skin and over a period of time the skin will thicken to protect the underlying structures of the foot. It is the same process that occurs on the palms of the hands of people who do a lot of heavy work (something you will never see on a surgeon’s hands). Therefore, you could change the footwear you currently wear and it would not make a difference

Corn and callus formation on the top of the foot, usually the toe area, is caused by footwear. There are certain foot types that can cause the toes to claw and hammer, which will increase the pressure in this area. However, if a person didn’t wear shoes, the corns and calluses would not occur. Corn and callus formation is not hereditary, however, your foot type may have been passed on from your parents. So what should you do? You can see a podiatrist and have the painful corn and callus removed or reduced, but this is only a short-term solution

and is more of a Band-Aid approach. Ideally, the podiatrist will suggest having a full biomechanical assessment of your feet and lower limbs to try and evaluate what is causing the problem. Once you identify the cause, the long-term reduction of the corn and callus development is much improved. Will you need to have custom-made foot supports (orthotics)? If a biomechanical problem does exist, then orthotics may be the best treatment. However, customised innersoles can also be beneficial. Ideally, to change the force on your feet you must change the way the feet function and this can only be achieved by using customised orthotics. Proarch Podiatry 4033 2218 www.proarch.com.au

radiology for shoulder pain with Tanya Maunder Shoulder pain is a common complaint with many underlying causes. The good news is that shoulder pain can be relieved with radiological interventional procedures such as cortisone injections. What is a cortisone injection? Cortisone is a steroid your body naturally produces to counteract stress. When used in a synthetic form, cortisone acts as an antiinflammatory that helps to relieve pain. How is it done and does it hurt? The injection can be slightly painful, but in skilled hands it can be ‘pain-free’. Numbing medication may also be mixed with the cortisone giving temporary relief. Often, the injection is performed with a small needle that is placed into the area of inflammation. This is done under ultrasound guidance making the injection even more accurate. The procedure takes about five minutes. Are there side effects? Cortisone injections are safe to perform.

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However, there may be some side effects. The most common is a ‘cortisone flare’. This is where the injected cortisone, causes a brief period of discomfort with increased pain generally lasting a day or so. Another side effect is infection. Whenever there is a break in the skin, as when a needle is used to administer cortisone, there is a chance of infection. The doctor giving the injection will sterilise your skin first to minimise the risk of infection. Diabetic patients should also carefully monitor their blood sugar as cortisone can cause a temporary rise in blood sugar levels.

problem then repeating it may not be worthwhile.

What are the results and are they immediate?

Radiological interventions such as cortisone injections under ultrasound guidance can help to relieve shoulder pain. Although safe, cortisone injections still have some risks. Speak to your doctor for more information.

Once injected, the cortisone starts to work quickly. Most people experience relief within 48 to 72 hours after the injection. Can I get a cortisone injection more than once? Yes. Although there is no general rule as to how many cortisone injections can be given, there may be practical limitations. If a cortisone injection wears off quickly or does not help the

Where can I go to get a cortisone injection? There are several facilities in town that perform these types of procedures, including Cairns Radiology. Is it expensive? It depends. If you go to a facility that bulk bills, there is no cost to you, but you must have a referral form from your doctor.

Cairns Radiology 4051 9729 admin@cairnsradiology.com.au (Ed’s note: Last month’s editorial on back pain was incorrectly captioned Tom Sheehan. The author of the article was Peter Reynolds. Profile apologises for any confusion.)

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We treat, Back and Neck Pain, Sports Injuries, Work Related Injuries and many more muscle and joint pains. Call our Qualified Physiotherapists Today and say “Goodbye” to Pain!

John

Carla

318 Mulgrave Rd at The Doctors Ph 4044 0444 (then press 3 for Physio) january 2012

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life

confronting infertility with Marg Schilling Possible infertility can be very confronting. No couple enjoys being in the consulting room telling the doctor or nurse about their private life, nor in the treatment room having procedures that are sometimes embarrassing. We understand this. The doctor has a more clinical approach, the counsellor a psychological approach and the scientist a specific clinical approach. The fertility nurse co-ordinator is stuck right in the middle. Our job is to carry through the instructions of your treatment, outlining your possible treatment in every detail. This includes those dreaded injections if necessary, side effects of the hormones you may be taking, what to expect of the procedures, and many, many sometimes simple, sometimes complex pieces of information. We never expect you to recall all the information we give you but are always here to answer your questions at the clinic, or on the phone, and,

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please remember, no question is a silly one. Often we are asked if there is anything more that you, as couples trying to start a family, can do. Lifestyle is important but not always the reason that the much-wanted pregnancy is not happening. Smoking is a big no-no. Alcohol is not recommended and food and drinks high in caffeine are not good for your fertility. Being overweight seems to be a modern day phenomenon – if you are carrying extra weight, often just losing 10 per cent of your weight can help your ovaries to perform better – i.e. if you weigh 90kg and you can lose 9kg, it could make a difference. Regular exercise and adequate water intake are also important – we all know what is good for us. Having fertility treatment can threaten to interfere with personal and work commitments. We understand this and try very hard to accommodate your schedules. Often your

treatment will require scans twice weekly or even second daily. Always ask if a specific time is better for you. You do not need to take long periods of time away from work but having an understanding employer is a bonus. Thankfully, we have a counsellor who is available if you need more than just a chat. As nurses we get to know you quite well during your treatment and hope to make a good connection with you to help you through the highs and lows. Please be aware that we are always there at the end of the phone. A growing area of our work is the need for donor eggs, sperm and embryos. This is a specialised area which we are very experienced in treating. More on that at a later date. Queensland Fertility Group, Cairns 4041 2400 cairnsivf@qfg.com.au

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life

the fitness revolution with Christina Borzi Like most, I am sure you have made at least one New Year’s resolution. And, if you are like the majority of these promise-makers, it is probably related to your health and fitness. While resolutions are well-intentioned, unfortunately most people fail at keeping them. So what is the secret to successful resolutions? While you can’t wave a magic wand and make your resolution come true, there are some easy steps you can take that will make it easier to fulfil your promise to yourself. Choose an obtainable goal Resolving to look like a super model is not realistic for the majority of us, but promising to include daily physical activity in our lives is very possible. Break it down and make it less intimidating Rather than one big end goal, dissect it into smaller pieces. Set several smaller goals to

achieve throughout the year that will help you reach the ultimate goal. Then, even if you are unable to reach your final goal, you will have many smaller, but still significant, achievements along the way. For example, if you’ve resolved to run a marathon in 2012, your small goal could be to complete a 10km race first. Create a game plan At the start of January, write a comprehensive plan. All successful businesses start with a business plan that describes their mission and lists specifics on how they will achieve it. Write your own personal plan and you’ll be more likely to succeed as well. Reward yourself with each milestone If you’ve stuck with your resolution, treat yourself to something special. But be careful how you reward yourself. If your exercise goals are for weight loss, don’t give yourself a piece of cake as a reward. Instead, treat yourself to something non-food related, such as a massage.

Don’t go it alone Get professional assistance. Everyone needs help and sometimes a friend just isn’t enough. Sometimes you need the help of a trained professional. Studies have shown that assistance from a fitness professional greatly improves people’s success rate. On average, only about 20 per cent of us keep our New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, some of the biggest failures are found in fitness resolutions. But don’t let the statistics get you down. By following the tips above you’ll be better equipped to fall into the successful 20 per cent category. Wishing you all the best in health and fitness for 2012. Rydges Esplanade Health Club 4044 9010 info@individualfitness.com.au

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and have to this date injected over a thousand patients with the ‘Liquid Gold’ serum.

and tighten skin. This amazing ‘Vampire’ treatment, better known as Regen PRP (platelet rich plasma) is taking the cosmetic medical industry by storm worldwide.

“It’s particularly good for rejuvenating thinning skin, around the eyes, cheeks, jawline, décolletage and also crepey necks and the backs of hands.”

The highly trained and skilled Specialist Cosmetic Injectors at Face Today Medi Clinics are the very first to use this technique in Australia

It’s a truly exciting and forward thinking treatment, don’t delay, join the ‘VAMP TRAMP’ club now by booking your ‘VAMPIRE’ treatment today.

Shop 15, Total health Centre, 146 Anderson Street, Manunda

www.facetoday.com.au january 2012

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cairns@facetoday.com.au profilemagazine

travelfile

GOMA’S DRAWING ROOM AT MATISSE: DRAWING LIFE

ll words phyl grant

Cosmopolitan Brisbane – a popular destination for locals looking for a holiday with all the trimmings … shopping, dining, proximity to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, and of course, entertainment and the arts. This month, we sent our resident culture vulture, Phyl Grant, to experience the new Hilton Brisbane and the wonders of GOMA’S latest exhibition, Matisse: Drawing Life.

hat would Matisse have made of Brisbane? Can you imagine his wild palette with its blobs of purple, red and yellow inspired by jacaranda, poinciana, allamanda? How would the ‘wild beast’ of the French artistic world have reacted to such rich and gaudy colours? He would have had a fauvist fit, for sure. These were my thoughts as I drove to the Gallery of Modern Art for yet another (yes indeedy) block-buster exhibition. I can recall when Brisbane was Cinderella City, sitting among the embers of ‘nowhere to go, nothing to do and too damn hot anyway’. But not anymore. The GOMA is the most-visited gallery in Australia, hosting such crowd-pleasers as Andy Warhol, Valentino and Picasso. Add a burgeoning cafe culture, laneway arts and crafts shops and other open-air markets so suited to our sub-tropical climate and voila, Brisbane is a happening place. The guest of Tourism Queensland, I recently spent a weekend in the city overnighting at the Hilton Brisbane. Now the Hilton has long been ‘our hotel’. It has always been where my family has celebrated birthdays, special occasions, Mothers’ Days, even annually honouring Mommy Dearest’s birthday long after she’d gone to high tea in the sky. Surely, then, it is all right for me to mention the Hilton’s recent facelift? Mind you, I didn’t think she needed it. First of all, I double-checked her birthday. There, on the walls of the business centre for the world to see, was the date at the bottom of Harry Seidler’s plans: 1986. So perhaps a little freshen-up was in order, just to keep apace of the times? A $13million dollar touch-up. A SELECTION OF MATISSE’S DRAWINGS (GOMA)

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travelfile

THE HILTON BRISBANE HAS UNDERGONE A SPECTACULAR TRANSFORMATION four mile beach

At first I couldn’t recognise the Atrium where the renowned buffet was held. Erased is the trompe l’oeil arched window. The Hilton’s new face is bold and modern with sharp, clean lines, smooth contours and edgy decor. There is no doubt, I thought, that she means business, setting out to capture a corporate clientele. And then there was my room. On the executive level. With its cloudlike comfort and proportions, skyscraper views overlooking the CBD and lazy old river. Like Matisse’s famous painting, all was luxe, calme and volupte … luxurious, peaceful, voluptuous even. All those pillows. And a highlight was my dinner at the brand new Vintaged Bar + Grill, touring the wine cellar with Matt Chapman, so obliging, where you can try a wine before you buy. And we did. Before meeting Dario the Italian chef who cooked our Black Angus to perfection. Ottimo, Dario. But first on the agenda was a visit the open-air markets at St Augustine’s Church, Racecourse Road, selling all local handmade works of art, and then lunch at the Flamingo Cafe. The Flamingo Café is in Winn Lane, Fortitude Valley. And it’s no stretch to call the laneway grotty, in a fabulously hip kind of way. The owner is as exuberantly graffitied with tattoos as the surrounding walls. There were plenty of customers and they just kept coming. My open grill sandwich of tuna, olive, mayo, onion and melted fontina was washed down with a Carrot Top. I was stonkered, and could not finish it. This cafe is nothing if not funky and oh so fresh and delicious. This laneway was a little gem – EP (Easton Pearson) jewellery, Ash to Gold, Ruby and Frankster for leather soft as butter, Sunday Social Shop for vintage and retro clothes. I could have spent the afternoon just trawling Winn Lane. Fortified and under the guidance of Bodhi Mary Hunter of the Good Guides, I was easily led away into temptation. So many shops, so little time. Bodhi is a lifestyle curator – how do you get these jobs? And she just loves showing people around the Valley. What happened to the Valley while my back was turned? It’s a hive of artistic activity. Incube8r, for example, is a gallery for artists, taking no commission. And everything in the shop is handmade. Did I dream about a shop called Fallow with its deer horn door handles and chandeliers, full of superbly-made clothes from fabulous fabrics? And Ryan Renshaw Gallery with its superb Waterford crystal installation suspended like a hovercraft over an antique table? Pinch me! Bodhi felt it was time for a cocktail at Cloudland, and who was I to object? Genial John met us with a tall one made of elderberry flower. It was certainly floral and went down a treat. Then we did the tour. Was I on the set of a Ken Russell movie or not? Each floor was more surreal than the last. Some rooms were French Empire, others ornately Italianate and overriding all Art Deco with lots of glass and marble. It was all a bit La Cage Aux Folles meets La Dolce Vita, if you can imagine that.

january 2012

But I’m almost out of words and haven’t told you about the Matisse exhibition, especially the marvellous Drawing Room set up just as Matisse would have in the Belle Epoque. There was even a real live model that budding artists were drawing – a life class in the art gallery, no less. What next? What next were 300 or so drawings, sketches and paintings, and for me the stand-outs were the Odalisques. And the Arabesques. All the nudes. Oh, and the biggie, the charcoal on canvas violinist. But there is nothing like the female form for sensuous lines and nothing quite so sexy as a woman’s bare back. Matisse used his pencil as an explorer; it was how he limbered up. Henri, you wild beast, thank you for coming to Brisbane and notching up yet another success at GOMA. And thank you, Hilton Brisbane and Tourism Queensland for allowing me to indulge in a weekend that was nothing less than luxe, calme and volupte. And best of all, it’s the perfect mini-break away ...

MORE INFO To learn more about the Matisse: Drawing Life (open until 4 March 2012), head to www.qag.gov.qld.au. For more information on what to do in Brisbane, visit www.queenslandholidays.com. au. The Hilton Brisbane has special Matisse: Drawing Life Mini-breaks available. The package includes deluxe accommodation for two with breakfast in the hotel’s recently refurbished restaurant Vintaged Bar + Grill and two tickets to the exhibition, from $299 per room per night, twin share (subject to availability). Visit www.brisbane.hilton.com.

Supporting Queensland Tourism: Profile Magazine, a privately-owned Queensland business, is doing its part to promote Queensland tourism destinations.

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trinity beach feature

Trinity Beach is the ideal location to do a lot or a little.’

words alli grant ll photography stuart frost

trinity beach

This month, Alli Grant explores picturesque Trinity Beach and discovers why tourists and locals alike are happy to coexist in this peaceful little seaside community.

n my experience, it’s rare to find a beachside location embraced by locals and tourists alike. As a rule, locals tend to stay away from tourist hot spots, especially in peak season, preferring to leave the bustling seaside locations to the visiting hordes. Trinity Beach, one of the region’s famed Northern Beaches, is definitely an exception to the rule. Just 15 minutes north of Cairns, locals adore their peaceful stretch of sandy beach along the Coral Sea, and they seem more than happy to share this little slice of heaven with tourists. Bless them! I still remember my first visit to Trinity … after spending so much time in Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Cairns, I don’t think I was prepared for the tranquillity of Trinity – it certainly has a personality of its own. Trinity Beach is part of the region’s great Northern Beaches, which incorporates Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove and Ellis Beach. The beach itself is most definitely the drawcard, with calm waters thanks to headlands to the north and south of the beach and a safe swimming area. Probably why it was voted the region’s most popular beach with locals in 2010? Or maybe it’s the beachfront picnic areas, playgrounds and barbeques perfectly positioned along the waterfront?

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Whatever the reason, the secret is definitely out, and Trinity Beach has become one of the region’s hottest spots, in a sleepy village kind of way, just as the locals like it! If you haven’t yet explored picturesque Trinity Beach, Profile urges you to take a little time over January to check it out. After all, it’s the low season – the tourism industry could do with a bit of a helping hand. So where to start? What to do? What to see? Where to go? Here’s my pocket guide to Trinity Beach. Dining out For a small seaside location, Trinity Beach doesn’t disappoint on the cuisine front, with a plethora of options for everything from casual beachfront dining through to romantic dinners. Thai, Italian, Mediterranean, seafood, Turkish, fish and chips … it’s all a stone’s throw from Trinity Beach accommodation. Try Profile’s favourite, Lime Tree Restaurant, for a unique Asian meal, or perhaps Bangkok Thai. The six-time state finalist Blue Moon Grill has such a relaxed atmosphere, or head to the Trinity Beach Tavern, boasting the most amazing views of any hotel in Queensland. Get active Trinity Beach is the ideal location to do a lot or a little. If you’re a fitness fanatic, make the most of the many walking and running tracks along the

beachfront, plus there are local tennis and squash courts for a bit of competitive activity. Why not give kayaking a go? Trinity Beach is also a popular spot for fishing or boogie boarding. To relieve tired and sore muscles post-activity, see Ash and the team at The Massage Shack for the perfect answer, then head to the beach for a relaxing (and stinger-free) swim. Ulysses Beauty is also a fabulous option for a facial, massage or beauty treatment. We all deserve a little time-out every now and again. Stay and play Why rush your visit to Trinity Beach? If you’re looking to escape the mundane but you don’t want to travel too far, check out the myriad of accommodation options at Trinity. There’s something for every budget, from 3.5 stars to deluxe 5 star. Trinity Beach is the perfect place for a mini-break – a romantic weekend away, or a family holiday. And of course, just up the road you’ll find Palm Cove and Port Douglas, and to the south, Cairns, so if you’re looking to explore the region a little further, Trinity Beach is the perfect home-base. Whatever your plans for January, make it your mission to further explore your own backyard, and pop Trinity Beach at the top of the list!

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january 2012

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trinity beach feature

They say the secret to a good holiday is finding out where the locals go – when in Rome do as the Romans do! This is what Trinity Beach locals have to say about their slice of heaven … ll photography stuart frost

“I lived on the south side of town for a long time but I am not a big fan as there is nothing like living near the beach in paradise. Being able to walk down and get a cold beer at Trinity Beach Tavern and relax after a hard day’s work in the Cairns sweltering heat is the best.” Trent Pickering, TPC Glass & Aluminium trinity beach

“We used to come here as a family when I was young, even though we lived at Clifton Beach then. Dad would go to the pub on the hill, and Mum would take us for a swim! Now I love living at Trinity. It’s a very pretty beachfront, everything is handy, and it’s just that little bit closer to Cairns and the airport. Our favourite thing to do is pitch up on the grassy esplanade with homemade prawn and avocado sandwiches of an evening!” Mia Lacy, TNQ Profile Magazine & Libra Communications

“Trinity Beach is the best kept secret in Tropical North Queensland – a stunning beach where there’s always plenty of room for a day with the family. Nothing better than watching the sun set over the Coral Sea with a mojito in your hand and a smile on your face. Trinity Beach combines all the elements of this region in perfect proportion – a healthy dash of beautiful beach, a splash of sunset, a dollop of visitors, a good handful of locals and equal measures of good food and good fun.” Todd Parker, Parker Travel Collection

“Trinity Beach is paradise for my fiancé and me … we love the casual, relaxed ambience and the friendly locals. We walk the dogs along a tropical beach, watch the red sun rise over the sparkling water, I have my hair done on the beachfront with the Great Barrier Reef as the backdrop and meet with friends at funky restaurants for drinks. Where better to get married on 14 July 2012? Trinity Beach is THE beach.” Annie Riddet, TTNQ

“I believe Trinity Beach is the best beach in Cairns because of its beautiful atmosphere – it is nice and relaxed. It always has a great mix of locals and tourists who we get to know and meet all the time. It’s a great place to have our restaurant and we love it here.” Namkhang Humphries, Bangkok Rose

“I love living in Trinity Beach. We have the most beautiful, long palm-fringed beach with a really amazing rocky cliff walk at the southern end that my German shepherd, Bear, and I enjoy every day. There is also nothing like popping down the road, not having to go through a set of traffic lights to get a coffee or a meal. I would love to buy one of the houses along the sand and listen to the waves all night long … it’s perfect.” Jodie Sherman, TNQ Profile Magazine

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Massage

Massage, not an indulgence, a way of health.

not an indulgence, a way of health.

Massage (n) - A treatment that involves rubbing or kneading the muscles, either for medical or therapeutic purposes, or simply as an aid to relaxation. the massage shack (n) - A specialised clinic established to promote a fresh approach towards clinical massage therapy that goes beyond just symptomatic relief.

** SPECIAL OFFER ** Mention Profile Magazine and receive an extra 15 minutes massage when you schedule your first one-hour treatment.

Suite 14 Coastwatcher Shopping Centre, Trinity Beach

www.themassageshack.com.au Phone: 4057 8818 january 2012

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trinity beach feature

Trinity Beach is a cool and laidback place … “

trinity beach

ll photography stuart frost

“One of my favourite things to do is dine at the many excellent restaurants on offer at Trinity Beach. Otherwise, I like training on the beach, which I do three to four times a week, and participating in group fitness activities. Trinity Beach holds a great blend of tourism and a local community feel, which I love. I find that the beach promotes a healthy, active lifestyle as its particular infrastructure in-place encourages participation in health and fitness activities.” Ash Shephard, The Massage Shack “Trinity Beach is a cool and laidback place … great weather, beautiful beaches, rainforest and mountains as our backdrop. It’s the most perfect place on earth!” Leigh Nelson, Choice Pool Inspections

“I grew up on the beaches of mid-North Coast New South Wales so living on the beach again feels like home. There are some fantastic restaurants on the beaches, offering sensational food and service. The lifestyle is great, laidback and cruisy, with plenty of attractions and activities. And there is always something happening between Yorkey’s and Ellis Beach.” Andrew Saville, Ellis Beach Bar and Grill “Our vision for our restaurant was ‘fresh, relaxed and local’ and we wanted to be able to serve our community. That’s why we chose Trinity Beach – it has such a relaxed, neighbourhood feel.”

“I love that it’s such a tranquil and beautiful place to live and to work. It’s all about the nature; the greenery, the mountains and the sea, along with all of the friendly and helpful locals. I love a good walk on the beach where I can just veer off to a lovely cafe and order a nice cappuccino. I also love to sit back sometimes and watch the world go by at such an easygoing place like Trinity Beach.” Michelle Holland, Ulysses Body Boutique

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Mia De Leva, Lime Tree Restaurant “The beaches offer a very relaxed atmosphere with great beaches, amazing views and great locals we love! I couldn’t think of a better place to work.” Jason Brennan, Trinity Beach Tavern

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january 2012

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on the table

frittelle di zucca e provolone (pumpkin and provolone fritters)

frittelle di zucca e provolone (pumpkin and provolone fritters) (makes 12)

ingredients •• 500g peeled, seeded pumpkin, cut into 2cm pieces

•• 35g grated pecorino pepato (see page 228)

•• olive oil, for cooking

•• 50g plain flour

•• 1 golden shallot, thinly sliced •• 1 red (Spanish) onion, thinly sliced •• 3 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley •• 1 cup (100g) grated provolone piccante (see page 228)

•• 4 eggs •• sea salt and freshly ground •• black pepper •• handful of pea shoots or watercress •• 1 little gem or small iceberg lettuce, washed and roughly chopped

method Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the pumpkin on a baking tray and drizzle with a little olive oil. Roast the pumpkin for 20 minutes or until it is cooked but not too soft. Cool for 10 minutes. Transfer the pumpkin to a bowl, then add the shallot, onion, parsley, provolone and pecorino. Sprinkle over the flour and toss to cover all the ingredients. Whisk the eggs and pour over the pumpkin mixture, then season with salt and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients so the pumpkin pieces stay intact and the flour is just moistened by the egg. Heat a heavy-based frying pan over medium heat, then add three tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add ¼ cup (60ml) of the mixture for each fritter. Use the back of an egg flip to lightly press down on each fritter, then cook for two minutes on each side or until golden and firm to touch. Serve warm. 42

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with Dominique Rizzo Ready, Steady, Cook celebrity chef, and author of My Taste of Sicily www.dominiquerizzo.com.au

rowing up in Brisbane, I was always surrounded by the Sicilian way of cooking, eating and enjoying food. During frequent trips to Sicily, I collected my family’s favourite recipes and added my personal touches … and My Taste of Sicily was born. This book is a celebration of the peasant way of life – real and natural, just like these pumpkin and provolone fritters! I like to serve these delicious fritters for weekend brunch with a dressed garden salad, roasted tomatoes, poached eggs and bacon. They also make a good accompaniment to a barbeque lunch, as they can be cooked on a barbeque flat plate. If you can’t find provolone piccante, a sharp cheddar works just as well, and if you are unable to source pecorino pepato, just use pecorino or parmesan instead. You could use sweet potato instead of pumpkin. This recipe is from my first book, My Taste of Sicily (published by Lantern and available at all good book stores, RRP $39.95). Enjoy! Dominique profilemag.com.au

We would like to thank everybody for their support in 2011 and we wish you all a safe and happy New Year!

Great deals for Locals*! at

Tradewinds

Locals can now stay at Rydges Tradewinds from only

$99 per room per night.

Sea Level Food & Wine is now open for breakfast! Take in the VIEWS of the CORAL SEA with your bacon and eggs or morning coffee. RELAX and enjoy alfresco dining for LUNCH or DINNER at SEA LEVEL on the Esplanade. Share a COCKTAIL overlooking the picture perfect VIEWS of Trinity Bay. Sea Level makes the ideal spot for lunch or dinner daily. * Local ID required at checkin. Subject to availability and conditions apply.

To book, visit www.rydges.com/cwp/tradewindslocaldeals or telephone 4053 0300 To book your Sea Level dining experience â&#x20AC;&#x201C; call 4053 0372 137 The Esplanade, Cairns QLD 4870

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january 2012

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abode

nothing over my roof with Marcus Achatz Take a moment to picture the areas of Cairns, Port Douglas, Innisfail, Townsville and all the other towns along the coast, with a skyline composed solely of rooftops and not a single tree disrupting the monotony of corrugated iron. I know it’s not what I’d like to see as the future of the tropics, but fear is steering many gardeners in this direction. Understandably, Cyclones Larry and Yasi have made locals very cautious when it comes to selecting plants for their gardens. The fear of having a massive tree crashing into the house is real, and it can happen. However, is planting only small plants that will never reach over the height of the roof really the best answer? Anyway, what about all the leafy shade we’d be missing out on? I think we need to be smart about what we plant. If you’ve got enough space to plant a tree that

won’t damage anything important if it falls, then please do the local wildlife a favour and plant something big and sturdy. But if space is at a premium and you’re worried about the ‘what ifs’, then it would be best to exercise a little caution. However, planting only small shrubs is probably being over cautious. My concept of a cyclone-safe garden is to grow plants that won’t cause significant structural damage if they were to hit the house. So I would avoid species that produce heavy woody limbs above the height of the guttering. For example, most of our local gumtrees are risky in suburban gardens. What I would recommend are tall bushy shrubs that produce a large number of finer branches and a thick cover of leaves, so that if they were to fall down in a storm it would be more like your home being hit with a giant sack of straw than

with a tonne of bricks. Large dense shrubs can even act as a first line of defence by shielding your home from flying debris such as sheets of corrugated iron and wheelie bins. Ideally, the garden should be seen as beneficial during a storm, so consider some of the following next time you’re looking for a new addition to the garden … the Cascading Bean (Maniltoa lenticellata), Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis), Weeping Lilly-Pilly (Syzyguim luehmannii), and Silky Tamarind (Guioa lasioneura). See you at Yuruga! Yuruga Nursery 4093 3826 www.yuruga.com.au

finishing touches with Roslyn Smith One of the best things about building a new home is that you get to put your personal stamp on it. You get to choose the colours of tiles, cabinets, carpets, blinds and paint. When you’re thinking about your colour scheme, also think about how you will incorporate a couple of feature colours. Maybe not too outrageous, but something that helps you incorporate those finishing touches. You may love an absolutely wild colour, but really don’t see yourself including that colour throughout your home. It might be just the thing to set off the feature wall in the living room or the bedroom. Bathrooms for the children are a good place to have a splash of colour, either in the vanity cabinet or in a set of feature tiles. You can match it with brightly coloured towels, plants in freshly coloured pots or even a piece of art on the wall.

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Plenty of natural light will help lift the colours in your home, so make sure you’ve got the best aspect incorporated in the design stage as it can set off your feature colours. Very strong colours may be best to avoid in bench tops, for instance, as they can become very expensive to replace, as opposed to a quick repaint of a feature wall. Using light paint colours internally will help your home feel more spacious, but can be rather sharp if the sun reflects directly on the walls. Outdoor living areas can also take a good splash of colour either as a feature wall, colourful furniture and pots or maybe even an exotic hammock hanging from the roof beam.

be less expensive for the original purchase but don’t wear as well or can be costly to maintain. Your designer or builder may recommend some ideas or you can engage a colour consultant to help with something personal. Remember, you are the one who will be living in your new home, so try to have just a little of you in it. Affinity Designer Homes 4051 8866 www.affinitydh.com.au (Roslyn is a building designer and licensed builder QBSA 533314)

Think about these things when you are at the original design stage as once your home is built your colourful ideas might not fit in. You need to consider the practicality of finishes as some may

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ll photography stuart frost

Everyone’s talking about Selflet’s new property management website for private landlords, but who is the person behind it? Highly motivated and with a proven track record for delivering friendly, personal service, Gary Burke is the person responsible for Selflet.

Gary Burke

So Gary, what’s your background? I have always been an entrepreneur. When I was a kid, I had a car wash business. It did so well that I needed to employ my school friends. All went well, until one day, my friends found out that I was making money on each car they washed. They all quit! Since then, I have started several businesses: a giftware shop in the yachting town of Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, England; share trading on the Australian stock market, where I came fourth in a national trading competition; and my own independent real estate agency. How did you get into real estate? I fell into real estate when I moved to Cairns. I somehow became involved in helping friends establish a new real estate agency. I obtained my real estate licence and later became a buyer’s agent, establishing my own agency, Cairns and Co. Why a buyer’s agent? I saw that property buyers needed someone on their side: real estate agents may befriend buyers, but at law, they must work on behalf of the seller. I was the only true buyers’ agent in Cairns. To further assist my clients, I managed their rental properties, along with a rent roll I had purchased. We received plenty of positive feedback from owners and tenants alike regarding our friendly management style. Do you have a significant other? Yes. Donna. We met at an entrepreneurs’ course, of all things. We have been together for 20 years and have spent much of that time working together. We work well together: I see the forest and Donna sees the trees. Donna is involved with all aspects of the business. She has an accountancy background and a thorough knowledge of property management.

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What was your inspiration behind Selflet? Selflet has been a dream of mine for some time. In my opinion, anyone who buys an investment property to provide others with a place to call home is doing something really worthwhile. When investors are ready to rent their properties, they have two options: either engage a property manager or manage their property themselves. Statistics show that many investors who self-manage do not know enough about what is legally required of them when renting out their properties. This often gets them into trouble with the courts and can cost them a lot of money if a tenancy goes bad. Landlords are providing an invaluable service, but don’t have adequate support when it comes to self-managing. This bothered me and inspired me to start Selflet. Why did that bother you? After buying their own home, many people dream of owning an investment property to help secure their future. Not many people realise that the outlay for an investment property is often more than what is required to start a small business, and that without the right knowledge, their dream can soon become a nightmare. Having comprehensive, hands-on experience and knowledge of property management, I knew that I could support them and help keep their dreams alive. You mention dreams a lot. Why is that? I believe everyone should have dreams and goals. Selflet was my dream; my goal is to educate landlords, so that they will have the correct knowledge to manage their investment properties with confidence.

and clarification of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act – the main Act governing residential tenancies – and property management information and support, designed to supplement and further expand on what the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is able to provide. Selflet members have access to everything they need to know about the requirements of the Act and instructions on how to correctly complete RTA forms. They have access to as much information as any property manager would have: Selflet is a total self-management tool. What if a landlord runs into a situation they don’t know how to handle? Selflet members can email us for help with any aspect of renting a residential property in Queensland. Our qualified property managers can provide step-by-step assistance tailored to their needs. Where did your slogan “You’ll swear by us, not at us” come from? It’s kind of an industry joke, really. It seems that landlords have either a love or a hate relationship with their property manager. It came about from that! To sum up, how would you describe Selflet? If you are a landlord in Queensland, Selflet is a good friend to have by your side.

Okay, so how can you help landlords keep their dreams alive? In order to help landlords, Selflet provides a detailed, yet easy to understand, explanation

www.selflet.com.au

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abode

with Richie Stevens Inside Out Stylists www.insideoutstylists.com.au real rusty Insideout’s Richie and Chontelle relax after completing a balcony makeover, using one of Richie’s favourite pieces, the Sahara Rusted Steel Geo Wall Screen (pictured left on wall behind Richie and Chontelle). Team it with this stunning Bubbles Ethanol Burner (right). Both available from www.entanglements. com.au. (Prices vary, subject to size.)

good cookin’ This Webber Q cooks better than it looks … and it looks fabulous! RRP from $699 from Barbeques Galore, Anderson Street, phone 4032 3500

cushions by design Add a little design style to your outdoor area with these beaut outdoor cushions from Freedom Furniture, phone 4051 9888. These 50cm x 50cm cushions are from the Mendoza range and RRP at $29.95 each

Summer is upon us in the Tropical North – make the most of your balcony or deck and enjoy the great outdoors this festive season … rail, hail or shine! outdoor style This funky 5 piece outdoor setting is made from synthetic woven resin. RRP from $1149 from Lavita furniture, www.lavitafurniture.com.au

the perfect pandanus

january 2012

These beautiful Akers are perfect for hot spots on a balcony where nothing seems to grow. This Pandanus in a pot is available from www.silktreesandplants.com.au, RRP $129

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abode hang in there Synthetic rattan hanging chair in turquoise from Equator Homewares. For enquiries contact Spaceplanners, phone 07 5446 6802

i love huckabee Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with a Mr Huckabee umbrella from Basil Bangs. RRP $239. www.ecooutdoor.com.au

soft escape

pure bliss koKomar ‘Pure’ wall mural, RRP $288. New release for January 2012. Available from Paint Right, Scott Street, Cairns. Phone 4044 2700

Oasis cushion from Escape to Paradise, RRP $79.95. Phone 02 9939 3337 or www.escapetoparadise.com.au

Furnish your coastal home with colour, texture and island influences this month … so every day feels like a holiday. beach chic

take a dip

‘You Never Regret A Swim’ handmade limited edition canvas (41cm x 31cm), RRP $120. www.youneverregret.com.au

Lil Miss Gia chandelier is hand-beaded from coconut shells. Stunning beach chic. For enquiries contact Brave Agencies, phone 07 3844 5251

Logo Clearspace

R BUI L

ENSLAN

Master Builders

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Master Builders Brand Identity Standards Manual

MA S

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.

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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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buying balance with Abby Young I’ve noticed lately that many people around me have the mentality that they really have to “do it all”. Bring home the bacon, shop, cook, clean, iron – not to mention the child-related duties, if you’re so blessed with them! While I understand all of the above may be possible if one person in the relationship is at home full-time, I also see that even a part-time job can completely throw off the balance … the answer? Outsource! Confession time. As a single girl it may seem excessive to some that I have a magical cleaner who comes to my apartment once a week and washes my clothes, irons, changes the sheets and cleans. And If I’ve been really organised and have fresh fruit in the fridge she’ll whip me up a big fruit salad for the week! I argue that I’m far better off (mentally!) doing a little bit more

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of my own profession to substitute the cost. Spending my evenings and weekends planning my business, walking Harper the puppy, seeing my personal trainer, spending time with friends or watching the final episode of Doc Martin without that voice in the back of my head saying “The floor is horrendous” or “Hang out the washing” is my idea of balance. I urge you all to find something in your lives this year that you could offload to someone else, whether it be mowing, pool cleaning or domestic cleaning and ironing, or even a nanny who picks up the children from school and puts a meal together one evening a week!

Couples: Discuss your individual roles within the home and work out either a joint role that you both do, or one role from each person that could be outsourced, either weekly, fortnightly or monthly – then make some calls! Friends are also great forms of referral for cleaners and other domestic help. Happy New Year from Nanny Network Australia. Nanny Network Australia 0403 357 436 www.nannynetworkaustralia.com

Singles: Get a cleaner! Remember to keep things tidy – if your cleaner doesn’t spend an hour just picking up after you they will be able to get a lot more of the serious stuff done – like dusting!

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business

it’s a question of character with Kirsten Le Roux Undeniably, in our experience, a reference check is the make or break point of the recruitment process. At the very least, having had their selection endorsed by a referee, the reassured employer moves forward more quickly and confidently with an offer. So it’s vitally important to think through your referee selection carefully before you apply for vacancies to ensure your referees are appropriate and are willing (and legally able) to participate.

occasion we have contacted surprised referees who are flustered at the intrusion (usually resulting in an average reference) or are bound by company policies that don’t allow them to comment.

It‘s widely advocated in recruitment that referees are verbally checked, so while it’s an added bonus to have glowing written references from past employers, you’ll also need to have details of relevant and recent referees who may be contacted.

Select referees who are most relevant to the role you’re applying for. You should outline your professional relationship to the person in detail (or stipulate if they are a character referee and not a professional referee and how long you’ve known them). It’s not suitable to provide the details of a work colleague or peer unless asked specifically. Where possible, your referees should be your direct manager or HR manager. If you include a current employer in your referee list, expect them to be called!

Ensure you contact your referees ahead of time, confirm their permission to supply their personal contact details for a verbal reference, and double check their preferred telephone number. On

Information routinely checked in professional resumes includes dates of employment, eligibility for rehire, salary history, employability, performance and responsibilities. These days,

you should also expect that as part of the process you may be asked for a police check, credit check, drug test, 360 degree check (about three to four checks at all levels: i.e. staff you work for, work with and manage) or a criminal history check. Finally, never falsify your work history. It’s estimated that more than 40 per cent of resumes contain untrue or tweaked information, particularly with regard to length of employment, title, past salaries or qualifications. This is easily verifiable in a verbal reference check and the risks of being discovered could put your good character in question. CBC Staff Selection 4051 9699 Kirsten@cbcstaff.com.au

Want an Australian Visa? At Visa Connection we provide expert and personalised immigration advice to individuals and corporations worldwide. We have a vast knowledge of: • Australian Migration Law • General Migration Advice • Family sponsored visas • Spouse and Defacto visas • General Skilled Migration • Australian Citizenship and • Work sponsored visas (457 and RSMS/ENS)

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business

three flab busters for 2012 with Naomi de Costa Looking for a New Year’s Resolution, but not keen to do the Red Arrow every day, or resort to eating cabbage soup for every meal? Well my friends, look no further. This is the place for you. I have another New Year’s Resolution for you … business ‘flab busters’. So here are my top three tips for busting the flab in your business this year! 1. Read your lease This is a good alternative to test cricket if the television has been commandeered. If you have a business lease – whether as a property owner or as a tenant – read it. In particular, make sure you are complying with the terms of it. Most importantly, check if any option or renewal dates are coming up during the year and diarise them so they don’t get overlooked.

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2. Check your insurance

3. Chase down your creditors

As a solicitor, I’m not in the business of selling insurance, but it sure is a good idea. We see a lot of personal injury matters at our firm. Often a bread winner can’t work for an extended period of time, or has passed away, leaving kids, mortgages and pet rabbits to feed … it’s astonishing. Without insurance, things can get ugly … quickly.

Now that Christmas is over, don’t let the festive spirit hold you back. Your business is not a bank for your customers. And you would be amazed at what a solicitor’s letter or some salient legal advice can achieve that no amount of phone calls and statements with hot pink stickers can.

Most importantly, review your life / income / TPD insurance with your financial planner or broker to make sure it is appropriate for you and your type of work. Don’t just rely on insurance in your superannuation either – make sure you read the fine print. And if you are involved in a business, make sure your business insurances are up-to-date and appropriate too.

So there you have it. Get on top of your business paperwork early this year, so you can avoid any dramas that might otherwise arise in the year ahead … and bust that business flab! Williams Graham Carman 4046 1111 www.wgc.com.au

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bricks and mortar with John Mlikota Our love affair with property has Australia as one of the highest levels of home ownership in the world. Real estate’s attraction is based on the belief that bricks and mortar offer stable and permanent return. The very real characteristics of being able to drive past it, touch it, leads investors to a feeling of greater control of their investment. Even when property is purchased through a listed trust, investors can still identify with office towers, shopping centres etc. Property definitely has a place in everyone’s portfolio but the decision needs to put through a normal rigorous decision making process. Just like any other investment, property provides income and possible capital gain. Real estate valuation is no different to valuing any other financial asset in that current prices are determined by the present value of future cash flows. Many people unfortunately believe that property is on an eternal upward trend and that you can never lose from bricks and mortar. It is this belief that has property investors happy to hold their asset through any market fluctuation.

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Property prices are as volatile as shares, maybe even more so. However, as the individual cannot check the price of their real estate each day in the newspaper or the internet, they are ignorant to the volatility. Moreover, the property investor is not bombarded with media reports and expert opinions on what their asset is worth. Between 1980 and 1987, real property prices fell by 29 per cent, property prices jumped by more than 73 per cent over a two-year period after the stock market crash of 1987 to June 1989, then took more than a 30 per cent fall. Over the following nine years, property prices increased by a total of 12 per cent. If you are looking to buy property with a less than five-year time horizon, this market is not the right time to make your move. History shows the markets will show a more sustainable growth pattern, and in some areas, values may soften further. In this environment, short property play is not a wise option. The main short-term determinant of property prices is the movement of interest rates. The Reserve Bank

of Australia has expressed many times its desire to make housing more affordable. If you’ve been renting for a while and you’re trying to decide whether to buy, you need to consider a couple of issues. First, are you in a secure job? Not all properties or locations grow at the same rate, research is limited, and affordability is determined by free cash flow and budgets. There’s no sense in buying an investment property if in a few years you need to upgrade your family home. Emotion: many investors fall in love with the features of a property, effectively skewing their ability to assess the value objectively, the same can be said for all investments. Undoubtedly property plays an important role in every portfolio. Therefore, careful analysis needs to be undertaken. Independent Capital Advisers, Cairns 4031 4575 www.incapital.com.au (John Mlikota is senior investment manager and director of Independent Capital Advisers)

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MIGRATION PLUS BUSINESS PROMOTION

philosopher’s corner …

false equality and distorted freedom

with Dr Chris White

We commonly assume that freedom and equality are basic principles for organising our society, democracy and lives. In reality, this is just an urban myth or perception. As we see with the current global protests against the widening gap of haves and have-nots, our system is not working. Based on mistaken concepts on which it is based it is likely that, without significant change, it will never provide for a happy society. In our society there is only pseudo freedom and false equality, true equality is distorted or ignored. Likewise, freedom as used in our everyday language is a radical deviation from true freedom. We have a misguided view of freedom as often licentiousness, which abandons standard principles and goes beyond what could be regarded as the ‘normal’ life of a human being. Destroying property, harming others, damaging the environment, murdering and abuses should be regarded as a fatal error of humanity caused by insanity, temporary or otherwise. True freedom could be described as, for example, whenever one would like to go to sleep or to eat, work or play, they can do so, freely. It is an unreasonable situation that some could eat and others could not or that false equality does not require one to eat when they do not feel like eating. Giving everyone the same is not true equality! However this is often what our society strives for. When we consider this further, it is false equality if everyone lives in the same size house and wears the same sort of clothes, eats the same quantity and quality of food, works in the same jobs or follows the same ideals. True equality, on the other hand, is where anyone can live in any kind of house, wear suitable clothes to their needs, eat as one’s body needs, and have enough rest for mind and body. If society could flush out the current false inequality and distorted freedoms which only act to suppress people’s feelings and limits their occupation and place of living, and provided for one that was suitable for the individual’s personality by providing equal opportunities to meet individuals needs, then we would solve many of the dysfunctions and social problems in society that we try to control by law. The fundamental flaws and irrationality in our current approach and the incorrect definitions of freedom and equality drive many of the social problems we currently face. If we accept the current state while chanting about freedom and equality and human happiness, without understanding what they really mean, we would be better to remain silent. Migration Plus 4041 2620 www.migrationplus.com.au

january 2012

WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION BUSINESS PROMOTION

cash flow planning the key to happy business with Kate Adams A Westpac survey has revealed that successful cash flow planning is the secret to happy businesses in Tropical North Queensland. Business owners in Mackay and Tropical North Queensland are happier than the rest of Queensland and more optimistic about their future, yet they find running a business more difficult than other regions, according to the survey. The biannual Westpac’s Local Business Sentiment Survey revealed Tropical North Queensland businesses reported an overall Business Sentiment Index of 57/100. While the cost of real estate, access to skilled workforce and adhering to government regulations were major concerns for businesses in Mackay and Tropical North Queensland, a silver lining was seen in improved local consumer confidence and weather conditions, which were said to have given local businesses a boost in the past six months. Despite challenges, more than two thirds of all businesses in Mackay and Tropical North Queensland said they expected their profit to increase or remain the same in 2012. Westpac Tablelands bank manager Kate Adams said the biannual survey was an important information tool for the Mackay and Tropical North Queensland business community. “This survey gives local businesses a clear picture of the experiences of other business owners operating in the area to help them gain a clear understanding of challenges and opportunities so they can do business in their local communities and maximise business performance,” she said. According to Ms Adams, the findings of the Westpac Local Business Sentiment Survey strongly reflect what she has been hearing from local business owners. “Having recently spent a great deal of time sitting down with local business owners, a strong sense of resilience seems to be a common strength among Tropical North Queensland business owners,” she said. “It doesn’t surprise me that, even though everyone’s doing it tough, our overall sentiment is not far off that reported earlier in the year.” The Westpac Local Business Sentiment Survey also provides a snapshot of businesses at a state and national level. The next survey will take place in June. Westpac Banking Corporation Atherton Branch - 36 Main St, Atherton Mareeba Branch - 178 Byrnes St, Mareeba Phone 0429 454 427

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permanent visa visa optionswork for parents with Fiona Ryan If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen who is settled in Australia, and have a parent living overseas wishing to migrate here, parent visa categories are available. All applicants for parent visas must meet the balance of family (BoF) test. This means parents must have either: at least half of their children permanently resident in Australia or more children permanently resident in Australia than in any other single country overseas. There are two visa categories for parents wishing to migrate to Australia: the parent category and the contributory parent category. The differences between the two categories are that there are more visa places available each migration program year in the contributory parent visa. The contributory parent visa classes are given much higher priority, and therefore,

processed faster. However, these classes are subject to a substantially higher second visa application charge and higher assurance of support bond with a longer bond period. A mandatory Assurance of Support (AoS) bond is payable for all parent classes. The AoS is a legal commitment by a person to repay to the Federal Government certain welfare payments paid to migrants during their respective AoS period. An AoS is also a commitment to provide financial support to the person applying to migrate, so they will not have to rely on social welfare payments. The AoS period is two years for the parent visa classes and 10 years for the contributory parent visa classes. Parents whose age is equivalent to a person who is eligible for an Australian age pension, in most cases, are able to make an application for an aged parent or aged contributory parent class while here in Australia and remain in Australia

during the visa processing. Otherwise, applicants need to apply for the offshore categories. The contributory parent visa is split into temporary and permanent visas. A parent can either apply directly for permanent residency or they can choose to apply for a temporary visa, and then within two years apply for the corresponding permanent visa. The advantage of doing this is that the substantial second visa application charge is spread across two visa applications and potentially a two-year period. If you are intending to migrate to Australia, you should seek the assistance of a registered migration agent who can provide advice and guidance on the right visa option for you. Visa Connection Pty Ltd 4051 9043 info@visaconnect.com.au (Fiona Ryan, Registered Migration Agent No. 0640004)

INDEPENDENT CAPITAL ADVISERS PTY LTD Licensed Securities Dealer

PO Box 5667, Cairns Qld 4870 | Level 1, 55 Spence Street, Cairns Qld 4870 T + 61 7 4031 4575 | F + 61 7 4051 0880 | E admin@incapital.com.au

www.incapital.com.au Independent Capital Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 95 765 269 541 54

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Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) Number: 378693 profilemag.com.au

business

looking into 2012 online trends with Nicky Jurd For businesses entering the online world now, it’s more confusing than ever before to know where and how to spend your marketing money. Most businesses use their website as the centre-point of their online marketing, but there are lots of other exciting things happening online to attract customers. Businesses experiment with geo-location Smart phones with an awareness of your location have blossomed a wave of software businesses can use to their advantage. So far, the online geo-location industry has been driven by hardcore users who we refer to as the ‘super-connected’. Retail, food, hospitality and attractions hoping to attract more customers to their door should take a serious look at Google places, Foursquare and Bean Hunter. Foursquare, in particular, is worth inspecting for businesses that currently publish a loyalty card. Customers ‘check in’ at your location and announce to their friends nearby or online that they’re a customer at your business.

january 2012

Death of flash on the web

QR code popularity will soar

Apple and Adobe have been at war for five years, and as a result, Adobe’s Flash technology is not available on iPhones or iPads. Flash enables a website to have a high level of animation and interaction with visitors. There has certainly been a dramatic reduction in the number of websites using Flash, and this will continue due to the strong frustration of Apple users not able to interact with Flash websites. My recommendation is to steer clear of Flash so as not to upset the Apple fans.

Many people look at QR codes with wide-eyed amazement and wonder if they contain a hidden picture, but they’re an incredibly useful mobile readable bar code. They can store all kinds of data like website addresses, contact details, email addresses or just text. QR codes were recently identified as top of the list of strategies executives are most likely to use.

More engagement with offline and online media There has been a huge spurt in television programs integrating with online media, and more businesses will be looking at taking advantage of the benefits of cross-promotion. Special deals and social media interactivity are easy ways to dip your toes into this new world. This year has seen a dramatic increase in the number of publications creating iPad versions.

With smart phone use becoming increasingly widespread and as the familiarity of QR codes gains momentum, we can expect to see a lot more of them on our printed material. They are ideal for including in a magazine ad, or on a poster when you want to encourage a customer to engage with you online. Check out www.QRstuff.com (made right here in Cairns). Precedence 1300 363 460 www.precedence.com.au

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milestones

words genine howard

photography carly whouley

Beauty Spa Club International – Shambhala, owned and run by local Jennifer Bowden, is a place of healing hands. This month, we meet with Jennifer to hear more about the life milestones that have shaped this successful business woman. Jennifer bowden

or me, the ultimate indulgence is a spa session … any kind of spa session. Facial, massage, beauty treatment – I’m not fussy. And what a wonderful career path to choose – a path that enables you to bring peace, solitude and healing to your clients. Jennifer Bowden from Beauty Spa Club International – Shambhala knows this feeling all too well. No one was more surprised than Jennifer when she stumbled across a career in beauty therapy and fell in love. As director of Shambhala, this 55-year-old success story is also a proud mum to two 20-somethings. We catch up with Jennifer to learn more about her life, her journey, and how she ended up running a business that leaves its clients feeling “awakened, balanced, restored and rested”. I’ll have a double helping please!

Milestones ... Milestone 1: In 1981, I got married I was a free spirit travelling the world (never to be shackled by marriage or children) when I met my husband-to-be in 1978. I had no idea how self-centred I was until I met someone more important to me than me. I moved to Brisbane and set down roots, bought my first house and first car, got a driver’s licence, cooked for the first time, and started my career in make-up, beauty therapy and massage therapy. My passion for this industry took me by surprise; at the time I owned one lipstick, one mascara and one blush … never worn unless going to church for a wedding, christening or funeral. My mother bought me a cleanser, toner and moisturiser when I turned 13, and so began a lifelong addiction to face creams. My interest in massage developed when I learnt about Swedish massage. Milestone 2: Falling pregnant in 1982 I was two hours late … I’ve only been two hours late twice – hence my two beautiful children. I had a baby boy in July 1983 and a baby girl in May 1986. I was married, a homemaker and a mother … who kidnapped the free-spirited girl never to be shackled by marriage and children and lured her into this amazing transformation? Having children taught me to go with the flow, be adaptable and flexible, not to sweat the small stuff, and learn the art of anticipation. These are all valuable skills I’ve drawn on in business. 56

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I decided to join a direct marketing skincare and make-up company so I could keep my hand in the industry while being a stay-at-home mum. This business opportunity gave me an income, allowed me to retain my beauty therapy skills and take on the role of educator. Milestone 3: Getting divorced and moving on in 1999 Although statistically divorce is common, for me, the shock and grief were overwhelming. I was replaced by a newer and perkier model. I took a look at myself and was amazed at how much I had changed. I didn’t know who I was any more. I was still someone’s daughter, sister, mother and friend, but not wife … who was I? The solicitor who handled my divorce described my situation as, “You’re middle-aged and re-entering the real workforce with minimum skills on minimum wage. You have insufficient superannuation and not enough years ahead of you to build a career. You shouldn’t rely on finding another partner because men marry younger women like the one your husband left you for”. I wanted to prove him wrong. I left his office with no clue as to how I would do it, only that I knew I would. Milestone 4: Moving to paradise in 2003 ... Cairns! I totally fell in love with Cairns as soon as my feet touched the tarmac, but it would be another five years before I moved here. I met the person who was later to become my business partner at Amphora Spa in Palm Cove; he invited me to join him in his business and become a partner. I left my job and began a journey that has taken me to the brink of financial disaster and self discovery. In our three year partnership we grew the number of day spas to 11 in Australia and four in China. I took the three spas we had in Cairns as my settlement for the dissolution of our company, and facing bankruptcy, I moved to Cairns in 2008. I’ve had to weather many storms, make many sacrifices, and without help from people I respect I would have failed. Milestone 5: An ongoing journey My ongoing journey of personal and professional growth is both satisfying and rewarding. Although the circumstances that brought me to Cairns were difficult and challenging, I realise how blessed I’ve been to come to one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth and meet some of the most fascinating and admirable people I have ever encountered. Thank you Cairns for taking me in as one of your own. I’m very proud to call Cairns home. profilemag.com.au

FORDE GROUP BUSINESS PROMOTION

New year, new horizons with Paul Fitzgerald As our economy recovers from the fallout of the Global Financial Crisis, what a wonderful time to make plans for the future. What will you be doing in the year 2020? What salary will you be commanding? What size home will you own? What quality of life will you be leading? When I ask people those questions, I normally receive sincere, well-intentioned replies, something personal they believe in. But when I ask them what plans and objectives they have set to help them achieve this, the response is far from optimistic! Everyone needs a dream, something to believe in and strive for, and dreams sometimes come true, but letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not forget that simply having the right intentions and desires is a long way from actually achieving them. We need to set realistic objectives and lots of little dreams along the way, which can be achieved, and which will take us a stage nearer to our ultimate goal. And we must start now! Whatever your goal is in life, ensure it consists of lots of other smaller achievements along the way to give you the guidance and motivation necessary to see it through. Remember that it is easier to buy a brick than it is to buy a house. But when we have bought enough bricks the house becomes inevitable. Having plans with clearly defined objectives is critical for success and a vital tool used by all high achievers, but they must not represent vague hopes for the future. Instead, they should be clear cut, specific, measurable and agreed to by all parties involved (particularly your family). Hard work and effort are vital ingredients, but only when they are focused on key objectives, not secondary time wasting issues. Goals and objectives should be the magnet which feeds your motivational hunger, the torch which helps you see through the pressures and changes of a complex economic environment and the ideals and morals necessary to maintain the maximum level of integrity in these challenging times. Setting goals and objectives gives us a meaning and a purpose to whatever task we commit ourselves to. It allows us to measure our success and our self-development and when achieved, we should enjoy it and set new targets for the future. HEAD OFFICE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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

Dr Christopher R White MARN 9255749 Yoko Yamaguchi MARN 0964594 Kinga Urban MARN 0956576 Roberta Dunsmuir MARN 1172452 Claire Barton - MARN 1174647

www.fordegroup.com.au january 2012

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win

win a daintree eco lodge and spa escape The Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa (www.daintreeeco.com.au) is renowned as one of the country’s best. Nestled in the world’s oldest rainforest, guests can enjoy a pampering session at the Aboriginalinspired Daintree Wellness Spa, dine at the Julaymba Restaurant and Aboriginal Art Gallery, or simply relax in their exclusive ‘bayan’, with only 15 in the resort. This month, Profile Magazine and Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa have a luxury package to give away, featuring one night for two plus bed and breakfast, and a pre-dinner drink at the Julaymba Bar (plus 15 per cent off meals, spa treatments and in-house tours), valued at $589 (conditions apply).

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

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

win luxury moet blooms for your valentine

win shuteye linen

Keep romance alive this Valentine’s Day with a delicious alternative to traditional gifts from Edible Blooms (www.edibleblooms.com. au). Edible Blooms create chocolate flowers and bouquets to luxury arrangements of fruit and French Champagnes. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so this month Profile Magazine is giving away two Luxury Moet Blooms. This stunning prize features a bottle of Moet and Chandon amidst a sea of 60 Ferrero Rocher and Belgian milk chocolates in a gorgeous crimson bouquet, valued at $189 each (plus delivery).

Gorgeous linen is one of life’s little luxuries and SHUTEYE (www.shuteye.com.au) wants to bring some luxury to your life with its unique range of premium bedding. Made from 100 per cent cotton, SHUTEYE designs have versatility in mind with reversible linen sets, meaning you can refresh your bedroom with the flick of a quilt cover. The Chambray Collection features signature pockets on the charcoal front, and bright floral stamped linen on the alternative side, providing two transeasonal looks for your bed. This month, Profile Magazine has two sets of queen size linen to give away, worth $189.95 each.

win a cool kaftan Profile Magazine publishers Alli Grant and Genine Howard have created a new business called Alli & Genine – a very raw, real and honest world for everyday women to share their problems, have a chat, be inspired and have a belly laugh. Sign up to Alli & Genine’s blog (alliandgenine.wordpress.com) or like them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/alliandgenine) and you could win a stunning Colin Heaney Heartspace kaftan top (RRP $425 in georgette silk) and Atlantis sarong (RRP $300 in satin silk). Colin is a visionary artist from Byron Bay who uses images of his glass art and digitally transforms them to create his striking fashion (www.colinheaney.com).

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on the road

captiva 5, we meet again … ll words hamish rose

Holden Captiva 5 Diesel

s previously confessed to in a review of the Captiva 5 petrol, one of my favourite SUV reviews was the series one, seven-seat Captiva 7 diesel – with a torque diesel motor, ample interior room and a features list much longer than you would expect from a $40K SUV. I must also admit, my recent review of the Captiva 5 petrol saw extremely good value for money, but what got me hooked on the Captiva 7 was the driveability and economy of the diesel motor. So here I am, sitting in the driver’s seat of my all-time favourite’s baby brother, and it begs the age-old question … Can you fill the shoes of your successful big brother, young man? The series two Captiva diesel introduces a complete review of the Captiva 5, resulting in increased fuel economy, performance and power. The Captiva 5 diesel has everything you need such as air-conditioning, cruise control, six stack CD player with MP3 capabilities, dual front and curtain airbags, ABS and 17 inch alloy wheels. Plus Holden threw in a few unexpected extras with a leatherwrapped steering wheel, front fog lights and even front and rear park assist. What I really like about the new series of Captiva 5 is that Holden has jam-packed all the features into one model, making the choice really simple. Buyers are left with only two choices to make; a standard 2WD 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol model, or an AWD 2.2 litre turbo diesel model producing an impressive 135kw and a massive 400Nm torque. A previous Profile review of the 2WD petrol proved extremely good value for money, but I was very keen to test the AWD and all new 2.2 litre turbo diesel model. january 2012

The Captiva 5 exterior has been revamped, with a new front grill and chrome-surrounded fog lamps to create a classy yet sporty look. Sitting inside the Captiva 5 diesel is a nice experience for driver and passenger – a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, nice looking, easy-read dials, just the right amount of chrome, ample personal storage (including a clever centre console bin under the cup holders – a great use of otherwise wasted space), and even a single-touch electric park brake. Boot space is ample for this class of vehicle, with a 430 litre boot capacity, but folding the seats down makes 865 litres – enough space for just about anything you would need to transport! This model comes with a perfectly-mated six speed automatic gearbox that delivers smooth around town driving. The diesel motor provides a bucket of torque from only 2000rpm yet sips only 8.5 litres per 100km. In addition to the normal stability controls, Holden has included a hill-start assist and descent control system to assist with car braking on steep slippery descents. The Captiva 5 diesel proved a comfortable ride with suspension good for around town motoring, but really comes into its own on the open road and provides a quiet and comfortable highway drive, with plenty of overtaking power on tap. After finishing a lengthy drive in the Captiva 5, it is clear Holden has made a good thing even better. This motor has more power, the gearbox is excellent and the all-around driving experience is great. If you are in the market for a new SUV, the Captiva 5 must be on the test drive list – and try out the diesel as it’s likely you’ll see the extra value.

THE FACTS Holden Captiva 5 FEATURES

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

17 inch alloy wheels Electronic stability control Electric park brake Front and rear park assist Cruise control Six airbags ABS and EBD Hill start assist

ENGINE

2.4 litre 4 cylinder petrol with 123kw and 230Nm torque or 2.2 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel with 135kw and 400Nm torque FUEL CONSUMPTION •• 2.4 litre 4 cylinder petrol motor – 9.1L per 100km •• 2.2 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel – 8.5L per 100km PRICE

•• 2.4 litre 4 cylinder petrol from $28,990 drive-away •• 2.2 litre 4 cylinder diesel from $37,665 drive-away (as tested) To test drive this vehicle, contact: Ireland Holden 227 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Phone 4052 3666 profilemagazine

rsvp

The Tropical North is a hive of activity at this time of the year - so many things to do, places to go and people to see! Have you been snapped at one of our rsvp events?

Doug Mckinstry, Tanya Stragoosi and Rachael Tierny

May Boison, Colleen Young and Eddie Hayes

Cassandra Buckle, Danielle Mirotsos and Anthony Mirotsos

Cairns Business Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club celebrated Christmas in style, with guest speaker Allan Pease (and wife Barbara) joining guests for a special TNQ Profile Magazine-sponsored celebration.

Barbara an

d Allan Peas

From top left: Julie Simon-Abbott, Lauren Hull, Krystal King, David Smith, Kylie Gabutto, Jodie Sherman, Andrea Jackson and Trudy DiCola. From bottom left: Maddi Ellis, Allan Pease, Santa and Georgina Watling

Donna turnbull, Gina Skilbeck and Genine Howard

On a balmy summer night, locals and VIPs were invited to catch up on new products and offers from Mii Spa, and see the range on offer from the fashionable Sea Temple Palm Cove boutique.

Chrissi Ryan and Pau

profilemagazine Mia Lacy and Jenny Fulton

Luke Kotai and Kelsey Burge

la Syer

Roby Schuberg and Diane Priceprofilemag.com.au

tial Residen d e g a n n Self-Ma rty Informatio Prope

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 january 2012

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

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the last word

jo desmond

ll photography ben connolly Jo Desmond is a familiar face to TNQ locals – as the region’s local Seven News presenter, she has been working in the media in the Tropical North for some 20 years. As a busy mum of four boys, Jo also freelance writes and works with many charities. But the highlight on her social calendar each year is emceeing Fashions on the Field at the Cairns Amateurs.

“don’tMostknowpeople that I … intended to become an art teacher, before journalism beckoned

I grew up … on a horse stud at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, a couple of hours from Sydney.

Most people don’t know that I … intended to become an art teacher, before journalism beckoned.

I start my day by … going for a brisk walk with my husband to clear my head and get me ready for the crazy day ahead!

When I was growing up I wanted to be … doing anything that involved horses.

I would love to be a better … guitar player. I’ve had a few lessons and it’s on my evergrowing list of ‘things to do one day when I have the time’! I am at my happiest when … I’m with my four gorgeous boys and husband, John. When I am not working I am … helping out at the school on weekdays, enjoying time with friends or driving kids to and from engagements.

“

I wish I could … speak fluent French. Jo Desmond loves nothing more than spending time with her husband and four sons, and she also loves travelling whenever the opportunity arises, particularly in France

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The best meal I have had was at … a little village in the Gordes region in France. It was the best pasta meal of my life! My favourite holiday spot is … locally, Magnetic Island, for getting away from it all. Internationally, the south of France.

My all-time favourite movie is … I have many, but When Harry Met Sally is a favourite. I couldn’t live without … my family and … chocolate! My greatest achievement is … my four fantastic boys. My most annoying habit is … being late! In five years I hope to be … travelling overseas more; and spending more time with friends and family. The one person I would most like to meet … is my grandmother, who died just after I was born. My hidden talent is … painting. profilemag.com.au

102.7

ONE STATION ALL THE ROCK LEGENDS

weekdays from 5.30am ZINC 102.7 ROCKING THE CAIRNS COMMUNITY ...

january 2012

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