MAYOR
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Meet Our Mayor
The name Paul Antonio when mentioned is a name that very few don’t know and rightly so. He has been the Toowoomba Region Mayor since 2012 and has served in various Council roles from 1982 through to 2008. His experience in local government is extensive and his involvement throughout the community is respected?. The desire to make a difference in his home town of Millmerran is what drove Paul to enter into politics, and making a difference is what he is doing.
When speaking withPage Paul, you soon realise that his grandchildren are the apple of his eye and watching them grow up and being involved in their lives is something that is of utmost importance to him. Family life and the birth of his children has been the most rewarding part of his life.
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Have You Heard About Quota?
How To Break Up With Your Agent
Page
26
We all strive to leave an impact and sometimes we would like to change things that are out of our control. For Paul, to see the end of all wars and the effect they have on the women and children that get caught up in these tragedies would be a great start. However Paul is a realist and knows that this probably won’t happen in his lifetime. Paul is very passionate about his association with White Ribbon in his role as a Ambassador and would do anything to stop the impact domestic violence has on families.
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What’s On Trend?
Never Hear “I Am Bored There Is Nothing To Do” Again! Get Your Financials Right
Personal Styling
To Find Out How You Can Be Included In Toowoomba Life Magazine Contact Tess Bourke: 0409 466 233
Advertising Enquiries: __________________ Published By: READ PUBLISHING Distributed By: READ PUBLISHING Designed By: READ PUBLISHING ALL RIGHTS RESEREVED Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer,
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“
We all enter the world hoping to do good and when asked “What would you like to be remembered for” he simply answered “Being Positive”
Paul is a graduate of UQ Gatton, formerly Queensland Agricultural College, so the conversation flows easily especially if you are talking about the land and farming. With Paul still being involved in the family farm west of Millmerran he is always interested in the rainfall around the district, what yields farmers are getting and what the price of cattle is doing this week.
Dine Darling Downs
Delicious Family Recipe
Page
Page
doesn’t allow for the escape the next best time. thing is a tour of
Have You Heard About Quota?
Meet Our Mayor Never Hear “I Am Bored There Is Nothing To Do” Again!
Curve Ball
Dine Darling Downs
This Issue I Had Coffee With…Sarah
Airport Article
This Issue I Had Coffee With…Sarah
Ten Things We Can Learn From Our Kids
Share Your Story
or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by READ PUBLISHING.Links outside of this publication are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by READ PUBLISHING. The publisher or any of the editors, writers or contributors will not accept responsibility or liability for the correctness of information or opinions expressed in the publication. All material submitted is at the owners risk and while every care will be taken the publisher does not accept liability for loss or damage. No person, organization or party can copy or re-produce the content on this site and or magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the editors’ panel and the author if the content, as applicable. The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work.
Curve Ball
Ten Things We Can Learn From Our Kids
A message from the Editor
Welcome to this, our first issue of Toowoomba Life Magazine. It has been such a pleasure working with Tess Bourke creating a magazine all about the fabulous people and places of Toowoomba. We are really excited to be able to bring you a publication that focuses specifically on your local community. And what a fantastic community it is! In this issue we meet charismatic Mayor, Paul Antonio. A man, known to many in the area, due to his long and esteemed history of public and community service. It’s great to get to know him out of the public spotlight and find out what really inspires and interests him on a personal level.
• • •
Getting your finances right A delicious brown rice salad recipe A sneak peak at what styles are on trend in 2018 if you are interested in giving your home a little makeover
… and so much more. We are so glad to have you on board and we hope that you enjoy Toowoomba Life– a magazine specifically dedicated to showcasing your local businesses, community events and the people that make this area so special. Thanks so much for taking the time to read Toowoomba Life Magazine. Please continue to support the businesses that make this publication possible. After all it is all about community!
We also discover Quota Toowoomba – an incredible organisation implementing a variety Enjoy! of local programs from assisting refuges to offering support to the hearing impaired. It’s organisations such as this that really remind us how lucky the residents of Toowoomba are to be part of such a strong community. We also have lots of other great articles including: • •
How to break up with your agent Ten things that you can learn from your kids
Georgina
FROM THE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF I am excited to be a part of this great magazine. My part in Toowoomba Life is to get out and about and meet locals and help to bring their stories to life. Being a local Toowoomba is such a privilege. We live in a place filled with wonderful people and places. Everyday I am amazed by the fantastic people I meet, the organisations that make our community great and the wonderful charities that form the foundation of what makes Toowoomba the supportive community that it is. After moving from Chinchilla more than 2 years ago I am super proud to call Toowoomba my home. Everyday I have the privilege to meet great locals whether in my other life as an agent at Peter Snow & Co or out on my morning walk, having hot chocolate or attending an event. I am always left feeling grateful that I get to call Toowoomba home. Toowoomba Life wouldn’t be a magazine at all without great stories to share. If you have a great story to share, a person you would like us to feature or something you think everyone needs to know about then I would love to hear from you. Simply give me a call or send me an email all my details are below. I really hope you enjoy this first issue. Cheers
Tess Bourke
MEET OUR CO Outside The Square Projects Outside the Square was created by 2 friends who share a common love of renovating and an appreciation for beautiful things with a twist! Need a hand decorating or staging your home then call Lucy and Tonita from Outside The Square Projects! https://www.facebook.com/outsidethesquareprojects/
Dine Darling Downs Dine Darling Downs is a digital media platform founded by Kristen O’Brien who is just simply passionate about our region and our amazing food culture. Highlighting regional produce and the best places to eat in Toowoomba and surrounds, you can follow them in each issue for what’s happening on the foodie scene.
ELM Media & Marketing Emily Moon – Owner of ELM Media & Marketing is here to help you through the mine field of digital marketing. We all know we should be and need to be present in this space however due to lack of time or being stuck in a content rut or simply not knowing where to even begin it may be time to let the experts handle this side of your business.
ONTRIBUTORS Felicity Wright Felicity Wright, founder of Wright Style, is a fashion stylist with a wealth of international training and experience. https://www.wright-style.com.au/
Emma Linton Doig Emma Linton Doig is a finance professional with Fortress Financial Solutions in Toowoomba. Fortress is a financial advisory firm that is passionate about financial education and helping people achieve financial freedom. Emma has commercial experience in Australia, Singapore and the UK. https://www.fortressfinancialsolutions.com.au/
Morgan Smith Morgan Smith is the photographer behind the Morgan Journal. (Our Awesome Cover Photo Taken By Morgan Smith) Passionate about people, fashion and online marketing, Morgan developed her photography business to showcase all three. Based in Toowoomba, with a background in Interior Design, Morgan lives with her partner and two Dachshund pups. https://www.facebook.com/themorganjournal/
MEET our MAYOR The name Paul Antonio when mentioned is a name that very few don’t know and rightly so. He has been the Toowoomba Region Mayor since 2012 and has served in various Council roles from 1982 through to 2008. His experience in local government is extensive and his involvement throughout the community is respected?. The desire to make a difference in his home town of Millmerran is what drove Paul to enter into politics, and making a difference is what he is doing. When speaking with Paul, you soon realise that his grandchildren are the apple of his eye and watching them grow up and being involved in their lives is something that is of utmost importance to him. Family life and the birth of his children has been the most rewarding part of his life.
Paul is a graduate of UQ Gatton, formerly Queensland Agricultural College, so the conversation flows easily especially if you are talking about the land and farming. With Paul still being involved in the family farm west of Millmerran he is always interested in the rainfall around the district, what yields farmers are getting and what the price of cattle is doing this week. We all strive to leave an impact and sometimes we would like to change things that are out of our control. For Paul, to see the end of all wars and the effect they have on the women and children that get caught up in these tragedies would be a great start. However Paul is a realist and knows that this probably won’t happen in his lifetime. Paul is very passionate about his association with White Ribbon in his role as a Ambassador and would do anything to stop the impact domestic violence has on families.
You could say Paul Antonio is a busy man, which he admits is deliberate. On those rare occasions when there is some down time he enjoys hopping into his car and driving to Fingal in Northern NSW where he enjoys just sitting for an hour or so looking out towards Cook Island watching the waves and seagulls and walking along the beach. And when time doesn’t allow for the escape the next best thing is a tour of
the farm with his son looking at the crops, livestock and recent projects. Being Mayor is not an easy job. Like most jobs in public life no matter which way you go, you always risk upsetting some people. In his practical way Paul understands that leadership means that you can’t make everybody happy all the time.
“
We all enter the world hoping to do good and when asked “What would you like to be remembered for” he simply answered “Being Positive”
How did I not know about this amazing organisation ?
I
have come to the conclusion after meeting the amazing team at Quota that they are one of Toowoomba’s unsung heroes – unassuming, hardworking and just going about their business - helping others every day.
Quota is an international organisation that was founded in 1919 by a Buffalo, New York business woman Wanda Frey Joiner. And why you may ask? She realised that women have a tremendous contribution to make to their communities – and contribute they certainly do.
For more information about this wonderful organisation head to www.quotatoowoomba.com.au
Some of their Toowoomba Community Projects include: Hear and Say Centre – hearing impaired children & parents in Toowoomba Manna House Women’s Refuge – food and housing for abused and/or homeless women & children Agoonoree – support for disabled scouts and guides to attend camps Life Flight bears and QAS Care Bears QuoCKa reading programs Quota Toowoomba offers friendship, fellowship, fun and the opportunity to make a positive difference to others in our local community. This is such a beautiful organisation making our community and the people who live here all that bit stronger. Quota – We Change Lives
The Journey of a Family
FavouriteRecipe whose brown rice salad recipe is it...
really?
I came across this salad at a Dagleish Family gathering and loved it – I initially thought it was Simone’s Salad – oh how wrong was I…. The journey of the Michele Sheehan’s Brown Rice Salad started when it was published in the Jandowae Domiciliary Care Recipe Book... After requesting to use the recipe Michele was reluctant to claiming it as her own. The journey continued... This recipe was passed on to me by Margaret a local doctor’s wife in town. I am reliably informed that Lou a local nurse gave it to her, and this was backed up by the recipe featuring in another Chinchilla recipe book where it claims Lou as the recipe owner. I have tweaked the recipe a little – slightly less olive oil, more garlic, more lemon and I also add macadamia nuts with the cashews. Sometimes I add chilli. The secret is using the freshest ingredients and the very best quality olive oil. It is a favourite in our family. You may not realise, but our youngest son Christopher and Margaret’s youngest William grew up together and were always either at our place or Margaret’s place. Margaret was
making the salad one day when Chris was at her house and Chris became excited and said: “You are making Mum’s salad”. Of course, Margaret was not impressed and I did not live it down when Chris came home. On occasion when I make this salad it is still mentioned that I stole Margaret’s salad – or does it belong to Lou? It probably doesn’t matter – it brings such joy to everyone. THE VERY DELICIOUS BROWN RICE SALAD RECIPE Salad 3 cups brown rice – washed and cooked 2 bunches shallots chopped 1 ½ red capsicums chopped ¾ cup currents 1-2 bunches parsley finely chopped 250g unsalted cashews toasted 4+ tablespoon sunflower seeds toasted Dressing ¾ cup olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 4 tablespoons soy sauce 5-6 cloves of garlic Salt and Pepper to taste Add toasted nuts and seeds to salad just before serving.
It’s ok
to BREAK UP with your
agent So how do you know it’s time to let your agent go?
1
2
CommuniCation
this should be easy, frequent and you should feel at ease, basically you shouldn’t be wondering what is happening and why.
3
RepoRting
a good agent will keep you informed every step of the way with all feedback the good the bad and sometimes ugly – if you are only hearing good things about your home and it is still on the market you should be wondering why.
4
maRketing
from open homes, online and offline marketing, signage etc – a good marketing plan and strategy is key; if one buyer doesn’t know about your home that’s a missed opportunity. Be wary of the agent offering FREE marketing, having an agency with an invested interest in your home is not a strategy.
negotiating
if the agent is quick to negotiate their commission down, then perhaps they are not the agent you should be considering.
Now there are some areas that agents cannot control
1
Feedback that is negative – unfortunately you need to be sure you get all feedback about your home and this can be tough to hear, however to make an informed decision when accepting an offer you need to know all the facts.
2
Price – agents do not control the price – your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it – the job of the agent is to be sure they are getting the best price in today’s market place for you. So when is it time to let your agent go – I hope the above has helped you make that decision…
If you would like to know more about a plan and strategy to get your home sold please feel free to contact me. Links
tess.bourke@petersnow.com.au www.tessbourke.com.au
“You shouldn’t be wondering what is happening and why”
What’s on Trend HOME STYLING 2018
“
Because what’s on trend this year may very well be gone next year – choose wisely”
If you are considering updating your home, then this is for you… Each and every year no matter if you are revamping your home or your wardrobe the trends change – sometimes I question some of these trends especially when it comes to bringing back the fashions of the 80’s – they weren’t right in the 80’s never alone now. So let’s have a look at what is in for 2018 Warm colours, natural stone, cacti, curved shaped furniture, wicker, black kitchens – now most of these trends look great especially the warm neutral colours and wicker furniture these appease with most people, however the black kitchen I would tread very carefully with this one especially as the kitchen is normally the hub of the home.
What’s Out – It’s time to pack away the florals and forget about the polished glossy stone, white kitchens and bathrooms, copper, shiny high gloss finishes, BUT before you start thinking about forgetting about the white kitchens and bathrooms be mindful of your colour palette the last thing you would want is your fabulous pink bathroom to be the sole reason why your home isn’t selling. Renovating is an expensive task so if you are thinking you may look at selling in the next couple of years be sure you stay neutral with your colour scheme and add your colour
through soft furnishings and art. Because what’s on trend this year may very well be gone next year – choose wisely. Need a hand decorating or staging your home – speak to Lucy and Tonita from Outside The Square Projects – they are beautiful people and they do beautiful work - Click Here To Contact them https://www.facebook.com/ outsidethesquareprojects/ For more advice on Preparing your home for sale or if you would like a non-obligation appraisal – please give me a call I would love to help you - 0409 466 233
Tips On Great Things To Do In Toowoomba
NEVER
HEAR
“I AM BORED THERE IS NOTHING
TO DO AGAIN!”
With beautiful parks, on going concerts and shows, bush walks or challenging walks, museums, endless shopping, relaxing cinemas all on offer right here in Toowoomba there is no need to wonder how you’re going to fill in the weekends or even if you’re here for a short stay there is plenty to see and do. But today we are featuring the Empire Theatre This magnificent building alone is what makes going to the Empire theatre all that bit more special. Toowoomba has long been a very socially active cultural setting which led to the construction of the largest performing arts centre and cinema in regional Australia. The Empire Theatre originally opened on Thursday 29 June 1911, however in the early evening of Wednesday 22 February 1933 fire broke out at the Empire Theatre and most of the original theatre was destroyed. Only the northern and southern walls were left standing and these were incorporated into the rebuilding of the theatre, which reopened on 27 November the same year. The 1933 theatre was built in the detailed art deco style, which was popular at the
time. Its seating capacity was 2,400 patrons. For many years the Empire Theatre was the cultural hub of Toowoomba, a meeting place and regular entertainment spot for the entire local community. However, by 1971 competition from other forms of entertainment including television resulted in the eventual closure of the large theatre. After closure, the theatre was used as a warehouse and by the TAFE College before falling into disrepair. The theatre sat slowly decaying and it seemed it was to be lost forever. However, a need for Toowoomba to have a performing arts complex saw the Empire Theatre undergo an award-winning restoration to serve the people once more. The doors re-opened on Saturday 28 June, 1997. Heritage listed, the Theatre now boasts the latest purpose-built facilities as well as retaining the grandeur and superb acoustics of the original theatre. The interior styling has been faithfully restored to the finest detail. The grand proscenium arch, thought to be the only one of its kind remaining in the Southern Hemisphere. Since reopening in 1997 the Empire Theatre, in its third incarnation, has received commendation from visitors, patrons and performers alike. The new complex retains the existing elements from 1911 and 1933 and complements them with modern seating for 1567 people (1000 seats in the stalls and 567 in the dress circle). The Empire Theatres cultural precinct remains the largest performing arts theatre in regional Australia.
The Empire has a dedicated group of volunteers called The Friends of the Empire Theatre who support the venues by providing assistance through fundraising activities and a volunteer workforce. To further serve the cultural needs of the community the company also launched the Empire Theatres Foundation in 2003. The Foundation is a registered charitable trust which seeks to provide performing arts opportunities to further the cultural experiences and professional development of young people in the Toowoomba region. The patron of the Empire Theatres Foundation is internationally renowned actor Geoffrey Rush, who first experienced live theatre at the Empire as a child growing up in Toowoomba. To see what on visit the:
http://www.empiretheatre. com.au/whats-on/
Get your
A financial plan is a set of strategies that help you achieve your goals. Not sure what your long-term financial goals are? One of the easiest places to start is to focus on getting the fundamentals right so that when your goals become clearer, you are in a great position to hit the ground running.
financial fundamentals
right
It is vital to know where your money goes. To get ahead, you need your expenses to be less than your income. Once you have that nailed, focus on getting the below fundamentals right and you’ll be well on your way to wealth accumulation and financial freedom.
step 1
step 2
Set up a budget.
Set up an emergency fund.
Yes, budgeting sucks. Do it anyway. Simple is best, so start with four categories:
This emergency fund should be three months’ worth of your take-home salary. I know what you are thinking: that will take me years to save! Yes, it might… but it’ll be so worth it.
1) Savings- aim for 10% of your pay; 2) Bills- rent, insurance, car; 3) Living costs - groceries, mobile phone, fuel; and 4) Fun money.
The golden rule of personal finance is always save first.Set up an automatic transfer so that every time you get paid, money goes into the account. Trust us, the peace of mind you will feel once you’ve saved that magical number will be worth it. This fund will allow you to deal with any financial disasters swiftly and easily, without having to resort to using a credit card or going into debt. Which leads us to…
FIVE
FUNDAMENTALS -Stick to a budget -Save an emergency fund -Stay out of debt -Protect your wealth -Learn how to invest
step 3 Stay out of debt. Use your emergency fund for unexpected expenses, not your credit card. Better yet, don’t have a credit card! Save up for what you want to spend money on. It’s easier to save if you have a clear idea of what you are saving for, so set some goals.
step 4 Protect your wealth. Get some insurance to cover unforeseen health issues or loss of income. Remember, your grand plans of holidaying, owning homes and building investment portfolios all come crashing down without your income.
step 5 Learn how to invest. Ask an expert (hi!) or read, read, read.There are endless books and websites available, so self-education has never been easier. As a starting point, aim to understand how your superannuation is invested and whether it is going to meet your retirement goals. If the answer is no, do something about it! If you get the fundamentals right, you are on the track to financial freedom. You are also developing an awareness of saving, budgeting and investing, so when the day comes that you have a lot of money, you will know what to do with it!
Fortress Financial Solutions Pty td is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Magnitude Group Pty Ltd ABN 54 086 266 202, AFSL 221557.This information is of a general nature only and has been provided without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this you should consider whether the information is appropriate in light of your objectives, financial situation and needs
Emma Linton Doig Emma Linton Doig is a finance professional with Fortress Financial Solutions in Toowoomba. Fortress is a financial advisory firm that is passionate about financial education and helping people achieve financial freedom. Emma has commercial experience in Australia, Singapore and the UK. For further information or to book an appointment phone 07 4646 4970 www.fortressfinancialsolutions.com.au
Personal Styling GOOD FOR THE MIND AND THE WARDROBE. By Felicity Wright, founder of Wright Style www.wright-style.cm.au
I am a true believer that when you look pick apart your body, throw out all good, you feel good and you can take on of your clothes, make you spend an anything. obscene amount of money and reduce you to tears. The thought of all of that Everybody deserves to feel that way and frightens me!! my job as a Personal Stylist is to help make that happen. The truth – seeing a stylist is a good for the mind as it is for the wardrobe. I cannot really remember when I decided I wanted to be a Personal We are all made in different ways. Stylist (I do remember offering a friend Different shapes, sizes, colourings, likes of mine a makeover in primary school and dislikes. My job is to develop an – oh dear!!) understanding of who you are, what makes you feel good and help you to I moved to Sydney after school, fresh become the best version of yourself. out of Tasmania. I studied Fashion Business and Merchandising and landed In a world where we are told how to my first industry job working in Public look, live, eat and dress, combined with Relations. Thinking back, it was probably being increasingly time poor it is easy to after my first few months in this role I lose our true selves. found myself thinking that I loved the I help women to rediscover their style in fashion industry but that it could be an easy fashion and show them how to quite cut throat and that I needed to wear what they love in a way that flatters find something with a bit more of a ‘feel their shape and makes them stand tall good’ factor. and confident. So my next step was to move to London and study Personal Styling. I completed this in 2009 and have had the honour of making women feel and look amazing ever since. I am sure you have heard of the UK styling duo Trinny& Susannah and maybe even watched an episode or two of their TV series…… I AM NOTHING LIKE THEM! Trinny and Susannah have very successfully frightened women all over the world by making them believe that to see a stylist mean they will make you strip down to your underwear,
Yves Saint Laurent ‘Fashions fade, style is eternal’ www.wright-style.com.au
Dine Darling Downs’
The Toowoomba Golf Club, Middle Ridge
5 great choices for eating out with kids
The Cafe at Abbie Lane, Highfields
Picnic Point Toowoomba
Piccolo Papa
1. Vapianos Toowoomba A relatively new addition to the Toowoomba dining scene, Vapiano’s is a crowd pleaser with a huge variety of kid friendly meals…and with wine on tap it’s equally as adult friendly! Located right beside Grand Central Shopping Centre’s ‘Central Square’ there is plenty of outdoor seating to sit and watch the world go by. Our Tip: Leave some room for the Panna Cotta, light, delicious and good value all around.
2. Piccolo Papa Keeping with the Italian theme, Piccolo Papa is about as authentic as it gets! Think delicious hand-crafted pizza, local and imported wines (for the grownups), pasta and gelato PLUS this little gem even serves up mouth-watering breakfasts! Located outside of High Street Shopping Centre in Rangeville, there is plenty of parking available out the front making it easy to *roll* back out to the car when you’ve finished! Our Tip: Order a selection of pizza’s and pasta’s and share away! There are so many mouthwatering combinations
3. Toowoomba Golf Club, Middle Ridge The Toowoomba Golf Club at Middle Ridge has really stepped up its game with a new menu full of tasty share plates, cheese platters and good quality hearty meals! They do have a dedicated kids room but the deck overlooking the green is the perfect spot to relax with the family for lunch or dinner.
4. The Café at Abbie Lane, Highfields Yummy food, great coffee and a playground for the kids…what more could you want! The Café at Abbie Lane in Highfields is the perfect location for a delicious breakfast, lunch or morning tea with an endless variety of options including plenty of kid friendly choices! The kids can run wild on the grassy outdoor area and find hours of entertainment in the gated playground! Our Tip: Take a sneak peek inside the possum house on the back lawn and see if the resident possum is at home
5. Picnic Point Café & Restaurant A Toowoomba icon, Picnic Point Café & Restaurant has it all, including stunning views! Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner that you are wanting, you will be pleasantly satisfied by their mouth-watering menu and fantastic service! If you’re visiting during the day, there is a playground nearby to keep the kids entertained and a man-made waterfall that is worth an explore! Picnic point café & restaurant is fully licensed so Mum and Dad can choose a glass of wine from their extensive selection to accompany their lunch and dinner. Our Tip: Finish your meal with an ice cream and stroll through the glorious parkland, the kids will love it! To keep up with all the great spots to dine in the Toowoomba region visit: www.dinedarlingdowns.com.au or follow them on Facebook & Instagram.
Our Tip: Book a table on the deck for an early dinner. Sunset time is magical here!
Vapianos Grand Central Shopping Centre
Have You Heard About Darling Downs Women In
Business?
Darling Downs Women in Business (DDWIB) is an informal, women only networking and support group organised and sponsored by Briese Lawyers. DDWIB meets monthly in Toowoomba and is filled with business professionals, entrepreneurs and mumpreneurs from various backgrounds and with a broad offering of products and service. As a business owner, Briese Lawyers Principal, Kym Briese is only too aware of the unique challenges faced by women in the business world and particularly the juggle between career aspirations and parental responsibilities. Kym is passionate about seeing others succeed and is particularly supportive of other women and for that
reason has committed time and resources into running DDWIB and providing a judgement free zone where women are encouraged to take a collaborative approach to sharing ideas and helping each other. From humble beginnings, the DDWIB group now has over 700 active followers on its Facebook page and a growing database of women keen to attend the regular lunches. The lunchtime events (held while the kids are at school) provide an opportunity for the members to showcase their business, make valuable connections and share ideas and initiatives. Topics can range from parenting to social media and marketing ideas. Most meetings
include a guest speaker covering anything from a community cause to something members can apply in their business or home life. DDWIB also believe in giving back to their community and doing social good. They have traditionally supported a variety of causes throughout the year but for 2018 have focussed on supporting “Share the Dignity – It’s in the Bag” campaign which aligns beautifully with their purpose of women supporting women. For more information about DDWIB contact Margaret Lyons – margaret@brieselawyers. com.au or telephone 07 4638 4833 or send us a message on our facebook page
Is social media really that important for your business? Running a business is hard enough without the added stress of staying on top of those little extras such as social media‌ we get it! So often businesses will put their social media on the back-burner whether its due to lack of time, being stuck in a content rut or simply not knowing where to even begin. This poses the question of, is social media really all that important? Our answer? Not only is it important, it is absolutely necesarry. In a world that relies on their smart phone for just about everything, you really cannot afford to lack a social media presence. The hard truth is that your business will be overlooked and will always be a step behind your competitors who are consistently posting and engaging online. After seeing this same scenario with so many small (and large) businesses, ELM Media & Marketing have developed a number of
options to help local Toowoomba business owners re-gain confidence and control over their social channels. From social media health checks, through to private training sessions and ongoing social media management, we can tailor a package to suit your business’ needs at an affordable price! So, contact us today for a free no-obligation chat to see how we can work together! emily@elmmediamarketing.com.au 0402 597 447
The
2018
Curve-
Ball
“A charity ball with a difference�
The first inaugural Curve-Ball was held in 2017 at Rumours International and held host to over 700 attendees raising $70,000 for that year’s chosen recipient and charity. Each year the funds from this glamourous event will be distributed between a chosen charity and a local recipient who is deemed to have been thrown a life curve-ball. The 2018 Curve-Ball recipient is local man, Zach Nightingale, who was thrown a huge life curve-ball in December
last year when a horrific motorbike accident left him fighting for his life. Zach’s extensive injuries meant the loss of his right leg and part of his right pelvic bone and hip. Zach has shown incredible resilience having spent the last three months of his life in hospital with a long road to rehabilitation still ahead of him. The Curve Ball committee is proud to announce that in addition to recipient Zach, their charity of choice for this year’s event is The Royal
Flying Doctor’s Service, tying in perfectly with their 90-year celebrations. In particular, the proceeds donated will go towards the RFDS’ efforts to bridge the gap in access to vital mental health services throughout rural communities. “The community support that we have received already for this year’s event has been overwhelming and we couldn’t be more appreciative,” said Curve-Ball Committee President, Toby Cook.
A
Your ticket to the 2018 Curve-Ball includes a 5-hour drinks package, canapes, entertainment and a guaranteed fantastic night! Tickets are $140. Tickets to this year’s Curve-Ball can be purchased through Eventbrite with a direct link available on the event’s Facebook page.
For further information about this event,including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Toby Cook on 0437 905 516 or at curve-ball@outlook.com
fter its incredible success last year, the Curve-Ball
black tie fundraising event is back again, bigger and better in 2018! This year The Curve-Ball will be held at the iconic Queens Park on Saturday 5th May and will draw a crowd of over 1,500 attendees, donning gowns and tuxedos to support a worthy cause.
This Issue
I Had
Coffee
with
We all have Challenges in life especially when we are working Mum’s - I caught up with Sarah Delahunty for coffee and a chat about her journey so far. Sarah Delahunty – just saying her name brings a smile to my face. There is a sense of ease with Sarah where the conversation is interesting and engaging and you know that Sarah isn’t just waiting to reply she is actually listening to understand, making the conversation that much
Sarah S
more enjoyable. Come along with me on Sarah’s journey thus far…..
arah Delahunty – just saying her name brings a smile to my face. There is a sense of ease with Sarah where the conversation is interesting and engaging and you know that Sarah isn’t just waiting to reply she is actually listening to understand, making the conversation that much more enjoyable.
remembered and set her on her way.
Come along with me on Sarah’s journey thus far…..
But the outback was calling, and Hughenden was now home for the next 7 years, working and playing hard in equal measures. With any outback lifestyle you are sure to come across some challenges – one that Sarah remembers well was the arrival of her first-born Madalyn in the middle of a cyclone and flooding in the town that had grounded the flying doctor. Hughenden’s hospital was really no
Sarah grew up on the family farm just outside Colac Victoria a small city approx. 150km South West of Melbourne – it was here that she studied a Tourism Events degree at University and then worked at various recreational resorts along the Great Ocean Road, an experience that is well
At 24 Sarah moved to Queensland – Townsville was the first stop for a number of years, where Sarah experienced many facets of work one of which Sarah drove the road roller on a construction site.
bigger than the coffee table we were sitting at, but thankfully like all good outback towns, an experienced midwife was only a four-wheel drive away and with limited resources a beautiful baby girl was delivered safe and healthy. Then along came child number two Lachlan who spent a short time in Hughenden before the family moved to the Northern Territory to a small country town Berry Springs where the family ran a horse mustering and fencing business for the next few years. Baby Ben was born in Darwin and the family was now complete. Berry Springs was a unique place and a little bit wild – it was common to lose the children and pet dogs in the long grass(can grow over 10’ tall) or to hear the Brumby horses walking along your veranda at night especially when it was dry, and they were in search for water and the odd pot plant to nibble on. After the few years in Berry Springs it was time to return to Queensland and head east. It was all going to plan until the family car broke down in Dalby, whilst waiting for it to be fixed they ended up staying for the next 12 years – when life gives you lemons make lemonade. And that is exactly what Sarah did over the next 12 years she was a Learning Support
Teacher, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Stakeholder Manager for Arrow and a relationship Manager for Care flight (now known as LifeFlight). And now resides in Toowoomba and is the Communication & Stakeholder Director of Nexus Infrastructure. Sarah has had many experiences with both community and work engagements and is someone that rolls up her sleeves and just gets the job done. One of the community projects that she is currently working on is the Quarry Gardens – a project that is gaining significant community and political support and I myself am very excited to see come to fruition. When asked what her passion was, without hesitation it was her 3 beautiful children. And then she would like to promote the greater good and equality throughout the community. “When you elevate the people in our community that have the least you end up with a stronger
community” said Sarah Sarah is a strong woman that has had her fair share of challenges throughout her life, and from each set back she has learnt, grown and got on with things – and at times she has been very grateful that she has a strong network of close friends that have always been there. Upon talking to Sarah, you soon realise that there is no hidden agenda, she is very much an open book when it comes to her opinions and beliefs, however she is also open to listening and there is nothing wrong with a healthy debate. It is not about being right or wrong it’s about achieving great outcomes and healthy discussions. You can’t help leaving a conversation with Sarah feeling that all is good in the world and all is what it is meant to be.
FROM
TOOWOOMBA TO THE WORLD Australia’s newest airport welcomes you to the Darling Downs!Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport (WTB) is located 17km west of the Toowoomba CBD and offers travelers a gateway straight into the heart of the region’s winelands, natural parks and cultural treasures. As the gateway to South-West Queensland, the 8,000-squaremeter state of the art terminal building features a contemporary design using a mix of glass and timber, with polished stone flooring. Designed by award winning Guida Moseley Brown Architects the terminal building was constructed by Toowoomba-based FKG Group in just over 19 months, utilising rock mined from a quarry on the original Wellcamp Downs site. Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport has entered into the modern day history books as the first major greenfield public airport development in Australia in over 50 years, and the first privately funded public airport in the country. The connectivity afforded by airline services now availalbe to and from theDarling Downs community is incredibility valuable for the growth of local businesses, tourism and the population. The Airport offers the international leisure and business traveler direct access to one of Australia’s two most productive agricultural regions, as well as the City of Toowoomba, Australia’s second largest inland city. With 80+ direct flights per week, the airport connects Toowoomba to Sydney serviced by Qantas www.qantas.com.au, Melbourne, Cairns, Townsville serviced by Airnorthwww.airnorth. com.au; and Western Queensland serviced by Regional Expresswww.rex.com.au A suite of transport services awaits passengers on their arrival, which include Garden City Cabs; transfers through CON-X-ION Airport Transfer; and car hire
throughAvis, Thrifty, Budget, Hertz & Europe Car. Short and long-term parking is available within a short walk from the terminal and start at an affordable $5 per day. When weighing up the drive time, tolls, fuel and parking cost of travelling from Brisbane, it makes sense to fly local from Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. Not planning on jetting off anywhere soon? If you are in the mood for a lunch
backdrop with a difference, why not visit Altitude Bar & Café located in the airside terminal at the airport. The café is open to the public, subject to standard security screening procedures and is open for all departing flights. Sit back and enjoy sweeping views through the glass enclosed patio of the 2,870m, 45m wide runway, which is capable of handling large jet aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-8F Cathay Pacific freighter, which lands at the
airport every Tuesday. Cathay Pacific is Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport’s first international cargo carrier, connecting Australia’s leading primary producers and processors with growing consumer markets across Asia. With the construction of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing well underway and the Federal Government’s announcement that the inland rail route from Melbourne to Brisbane
would pass by Wellcamp Airport, the trifecta of road, rail and air will place our city on the radar of many investors. Toowoomba Wellcamp airport truly connects the Toowoomba and Darling Downs tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, medical and educational sectors to the world. #fromtoowoombatotheworld
10 things we can learn from our kids
By: Georgina Senes
From the moment the baby leaves the womb until they are well and truly grown adults, parents are continuously teaching their kids. From how to recite the ABC, to toilet training and eating politely and minding their manners to what qualities to seek in friends and how to budget sensibly – parents are constantly teaching. As busy teachers sometimes us parents forget that we still have a lot to learn ourselves - and that in fact we can actually learn a lot from our kids! Here are 10 things that all parents can learn from their children:
1. Smile when you look in the mirror:Children start out
life using the mirror as a source of entertainment and amusement to smile at themselves and have fun. Remember that the next time when you are using it to judge yourself and size up your ‘perceived’ flaws!
2. Be courageous: Sing out
loud, wear what you want, dance when you feel like it. Children are far more likely to put themselves out there and embrace life without fear of failure or humiliation as they have yet to be beaten down or experienced failure. Children embrace life with open arms and are not yet fearful to try new things and take risks. Try and take a leaf out of your child’s book and move forward with courage not worrying about failing or about what people think.
3.Have fun and laugh: “A
day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin. Children have an intrinsic ability to find fun
and silliness everywhere – they find the smallest and simplest things hilarious. Start laughing more and worrying less.
4. Be confident: When have
you ever seen a 7 year old run from the water at the beach to hide behind a cover up? They don’t because they have a natural confidence in themselves. Start believing in yourself and be confident in how you look, who you are and what you can do.
8. Be active: When you were
young the highlight of your day was running outside and playing, chasing your friends in a game of tip, riding your bike, doing cartwheels at the drop of a hat and simply playing. These activities were not thought of as daily ‘exercise’ they were simply fun activities that you loved that also got you moving. Find things to do that keep you active but that also provide you with pleasure.
9. Live in the now: Put the
5. Focus on the good: Aside
smartphone down and look up and enjoy the moment. Too often we spend so much time distracted by work, family, problems and surroundings that we forget to live in the present and truly enjoy life’s experiences. Kids have a natural ability to live in the moment and enjoy things just as they are – something many a parent can learn from.
6. Be affectionate: Kids are
10. Wear your scares proudly: When a child breaks a
of the occasional argument or hissy fit, kids take their friends at face value and simply enjoy being in their company and having fun. As adults we are quick to jump to conclusions, make assumptions and dwell on peoples shortcomings – stop over analysing things and focus on the positives.
naturally affectionate creatures always looking for a snuggle or a hug or an endearing compliment. As we grow older many of us forget the importance of affection. We often think that our family should simply know how much we love them and forget that sometimes a soft touch goes a long way.
7. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary: There is beauty all around us but most of the time we are just too busy or preoccupied to notice it. Children tend to notice and appreciate the small things in life a lot more than grown ups. From the colours of a rainbow to the fun to be had in putting together a simple puzzle – kids find pleasure in the simple things.
bone and gets a cast they become superstars of the year group with everyone scrambling to sign the plaster. When a child falls down and gets a cut or a bruise they are not afraid to show you – they wear their scars proudly. As we get older we become less willing to show any sign of weakness and hide our scars – not wanting pity or attention. But what children recognize that adults forget – scares are not a sign of weakness but rather signs of living life of experience of strength and of survival.
