january 2011 profile magazine

BIANCA AIoNobionic bianca

TAMARA WRIGLEY the importance of r & r

SANDY FoRSTERthe door to success

LADIES AT LUNCHageing (dis)gracefully

MERCEDES GARCIAthe last word

MY MINI MAGlife’s a beach

AN EIGHT-WEEK BODY CHALLENGE

the entertainer ...

january 2011

PaulaMcGrath

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COvEr pHOTOGrApHY BY ALAN HuGHEs, mAKEup AND HAIr BY pru EDWArDs, WWW.pruEDWArDs.COm.Au, sTYLING BY GENINE HOWArD. pAuLA mCGrATH WEArs rACHEL GILBErT sEquINED GOWN frOm LA vIDA, mOOLOOLABA, jEWELs BY mArK COTTErELL, WWW.mArKCOTTErELL.COm. sHOT ON LOCATION AT mAIN sTAGE, THE EvENTs CENTrE CALOuNDrA, WWW.THEEvENTsCENTrE.COm.

features

10 future – bionic bianca Bianca Aiono

12 success – the door to success Sandy Forster

14 ladies at lunch – ageing (dis)gracefully Our lunching ladies get personal about their views on turning back the ageing clock

20 people – the importance of r and r Tamara Wrigley

22 cover – the entertainer PaulaMcGrath

26 feature – new year, new you

56 feature – sunshine coast business women’s network Meet the members

66 the last word Mercedes Garcia

cont

ents

4 publisher’s note

6 pinboard

8 he says, she says

30 briefcase

44 life

50 unwind

52 on the table

54 abode

58 business

64 rsvp

regulars

BIANCA AIONO

HOTEL COmfOrTs

pAuLA mCGrATH

33 my mini maglife’s a beach

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profilemag.com.auprofilemagazine4

They say “there’s no business like show business” and I can certainly attest to that.

I just love everything about the ‘biz’ – the lights, the camera, the action and the nervous excitement. And I’ve had my fair share. There were the yearly calisthenics concerts complete with leg tan, hair curling and fake eyelashes; small spots on Getaway and The Great Outdoors; the amateur theatre shows (my favourite was playing ‘Marty’ in Grease); and then there were the days when I was ‘Fizz’ in an all-female version of the Wiggles – but with more makeup and no skivvies (and, alas, without the gazillions of dollars …). That’s another story …

What I also love about show business is the behind-the-scenes action and drama. Believe me, it is often more entertaining off camera or backstage, and there is good reason for the phrase ‘smoke and mirrors’. The real story and person behind the character usually is the one with the truly inspirational tale.

This month, we blow away the smoke and take away the mirrors and reveal the true Paula McGrath. With an illustrious career in both radio and television, from the outside Paula looks to have had it all. She is gorgeous,

publisher/managing editorGenine Howard

editorAlli Grant

sub editorsJessica Jane Sammut, Phyl Grant

publication coordinatorKatie Williams

creative directorKara de Schot

sales managerBelinda Brill

staff writersLauren O’Connor, Jessica Jane Sammut

Jade Dunwoody (intern)

photographyBen Stone, Alan Hughes

contributorsSandra Wills, Belle Hemming, Karl Schussig

Todd and Sami (HOT91.1FM),

Jodie Thompson, Linda Ireland, Miriam Torres

Leisa Toomey, Dr David Hendrey, Annette Sym

Wade Blackford, Peter Trainer

Dr Simone Ricketts

[email protected]

www.profilemag.com.au

call5451 0669

fax5475 4405

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postPO Box 5012, Maroochydore Business Centre, QLD 4558

[email protected]

5451 0669

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accountsKatherine Allan

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publisherGenine Howard

printKingswood Press

web designinhale.com.au

Profile magazine is a free publication (subscriptions available) published 12 times a year by Coast Profile Magazine Pty Ltd. All rights are reserved and the contents are copyright and may not be reproduced without the written consent of The Publisher, Coast Profile Magazine 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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bright, talented and energetic (not dissimilar to an Eveready battery!).

But behind the smile is a story that reveals true courage, passion and pain. Read Alli Grant’s candid interview and be prepared for the reality that is show-biz.

This month, we also take time-out to prepare for the year 2011, which is set to be the biggest yet for the profile team. Read our New Year’s wellness feature with tips from the experts on how to enter 2011 with energy, determination and a body to match.

We also chat to locals Tamara Wrigley, Bianca Aiono and super-successful entrepreneur Sandy Forster who all share their secrets to business and personal success.

And so, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let’s get on with the show!

Oh and Happy New Year – hope you break a leg in 2011!

GENINE HOWArDpuBLIsHEr / mANAGING EDITOr

To help you get fit and ready for 2011, profile magazine and SculptLife Personal Training are giving one lucky reader a fabulous prize this month. Valued at $800, the Body Balance package is an eight-week nutritional program including a full body composition analysis, tailored nutritional program (including your shopping list!), five one-on-one and four group nutritional training sessions, four group exercise sessions and a personalised fitness training program. Wow! To enter, simply head to www.profilemag.com.au.

publisher’s note


Sandra Willsis a Certified Financial Planner TM who has been advising clients for over 23 years

You can’t always rely on the market ...but you can rely on Sandra for sound advice and peace of mind

Call 5443 9433 to book a confidential private appointment,

or to attend one of our ‘Learn About Money’ workshops:

Workshop 1: Introduction to personal financial planning

Workshop 2: Borrowing to invest (property, shares or managed funds)

Workshop 3: Understanding your superannuation choices

Workshop 4: Replacing employment income with retirement income

Workshops are $66 per person and are conducted by appointment at our Maroochydore office, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5.00pm - 7.00pm.

Phone. 07 5443 9433Level 3, Ocean Central, 2 Ocean Street, Maroochydore Qld 4558

[email protected]

www.genesyswealth.com.au

IMPORTANT INFORMATIONWorkshops provide general information only. Before making any investment decisions, we recommend you consult a financial adviser to take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation and individual needs.

Sandra Wills is an authorised representative of Genesys Wealth Advisers Limited ABN 20 060 778 216 Australian Financial Services Licence No 232686 Principal Member of the FPA www.genesyswealth.com.au

07 54437766EMAIL : [email protected]

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fast fit finaleNoosa will host the gruelling finale of The Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Surf Ironman, Ironwoman and Legends Series on January 9, where 40 athletes will battle for a prize pool of more than $300,000. The event will kick off at 8am to 4pm at Main Beach and will also be broadcasted live on Network Ten and One HD.www.surfironmanseries.com

aussie day awardsThe Sunshine Coast Australia Day Awards not only celebrates its third birthday on January 25, but also an inspiring honours list. The awards will be presented by Mayor Bob Abbott and will be accompanied by performances by local musicians at a sunset ceremony. Show your support at The J at Noosa Junction.www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

magical evening of musicSensational Russian concert pianist Konstantin Shamray will perform two of the great Bach Piano Concertos; No 1 and No 5. A standing ovation and gales of applause filled the Sydney Opera House when Konstantin performed a breathtaking repertoire to win the 2008 Sydney International Piano Competition. Pianist Mekhla Kumar will join this multi-award winning artist to perform … don’t miss this magical evening of music! January 29, 7pm to 9pm, Lucus Parklands, Montville.Phone 5478 5667

The profile office pinboard is once again bursting with events. To see more great events, head to www.profilemag.com.au.

ginger and flowersThe Australia Day long-weekend will be blooming with the annual Ginger Flower and Food Festival from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 January. The four-day event is touted as one of Australia’s premier events for subtropical gardening, featuring a full program of guest speakers, entertainment, gardening and cooking advice. Come along to celebrate the event’s 16th year at The Ginger Factory from 9am to 5pm. www.gingerfactory.com

pinboard


site of pain

AT TENTIONPEOPLE WITH HEEL AND ARCH PAIN


Ah the summer holidays … the cracking smell of onions and mystery bags on the four burner two doors down. There’s obligatory zinc cream on the car upholstery and the lashings of aloe vera on overcooked shoulders; the heavily-chlorinated

pool-dwelling blonde grommets with green hair; the third-degree burns from the steering wheel in the family wagon; and kids, kids, kids …

There’s truly nothing like the Chrissy / New Year break on the Sunny Coast, is there? I mean if you’re not bluing over the rules during an intense game of backyard cricket (over the fence is definitely six and out) or punching on midway through a family game of Pictionary, then you’re kicking back, indulging in your Santa loot and relaxing your freckle to the max.

Summer hols is that magical time of the year when icecream makes the transition from a ‘dessert’ to ‘an essential food group’. The greatest part I reckon for us mums and dads is NO SCHOOL!

Now, I know some parents will be reading this screaming, “He’s madder than Mel Gibson. What’s he on about?” So before you get your new Christmas knickers (thanks again Nan, red ones this year … you beauty) in a twist, hear me out.

NO SCHOOL means no rushing in the morning to sort lunches, homework, schoolbags, fruit break, water bottles, footy boots, library books blah, blah, blah ...

NO SCHOOL means no ducking off to Spotlight at 5:20pm 10 minutes before they close to get a costume for the next day’s sharing parade!

And NO SCHOOL means no barking orders to make beds, brush teeth, stop sitting on your brother’s head, get in the car and “no, the damn dog can’t come for show and tell; here … take this rock from the garden, the kids’ll love it!”

Sure, summer on the Coast is plagued by holiday makers and teens at the shops, and long lines for your Tropicana pack at Red Rooster (BTW Red Rooster where’d the banana fritters go?) and no parking “anybloodywhere”!

But you know what? As I chill on the couch in my undies this summer, I’ll happily take a busy backyard with no deadlines and no place to be, rather than the usual manic existence at our joint! Do you hear that kids – I love having you boys at home … hang on a bit … shh, the cricket’s on the telly! Now who wants to get Daddy another beer?

I know, I know, it is totally selfish and I am a bad person and I’m going straight to hell, blah, blah, blah. I cannot help it. I shudder whenever it is school holidays. You would have more luck finding Amy Winehouse sober than scoring a car park

at your local beach. Forget cruising in for some quick fish and chips for a night time treat because tourists in their thousands clog up the doorways and roads in every nook and cranny of the Coast.

By the time I wait for 40 minutes to be served, I am usually informed that all the potato scallops have been sold. What a cruel punishment – to be forced to survive sans scallops. The movies? Chocka block. The kids next to me hit me with their elbows and spills their drink on my shoes. Yuk. The shopping centre? Horrid. I mean, a quick trip for groceries becomes the equivalent of sending secret service agents into Afghanistan. And it would be less complicated to try and understand the new federal government’s paid parental leave scheme than to meet your friends for a beach BBQ.

It is just annoying. I love paradise but I love it even more when I have it to myself. Yes, please do send those hate letters to our stylish editor accusing me of being stuck in the 80s and resisting change on the Coast. Perhaps pen a few poisonous paragraphs if you are hot and bothered about my clear lack of insight into our financial bloodlines that are the tourism and hospitality sectors.

But secretly you agree with me, right? I mean, trips three blocks up to get some fresh bread on a Sunday take half an hour due to traffic snarls on the Nicklin Way. How can that be good?

I can see all of you breeders right now rolling your eyes in contempt at my ignorance. Well, you will have revenge as I am having a bubba next month and then I too will be one of those pesky parents with kids who wreck all the fun and have cars that smell inexplicably of mashed banana and urine.

Oh yes, good times in the hood are ahead.

It Is bang In the mIddle of the school holIdays. our

regular columnIsts from hot91.1fm, todd and samI, go

head-to-head over the pros and cons of kIds beIng let

loose from school. todd says the summer break Is the

sweetest thIng ever, but samI says the holIdays sabotage

her sanIty.TODD AND sAmI

he says she says

ll photography ben stone

The Sunshine Coast’s fastest growing women’s network

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Goddesses NetConnect Seminar Wednesday 23rd February 20114th Floor Restaurant, MooloolabaTime: 5.45pm til 9.30pm. Tickets: $57 per person

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holiday hazards

he says, she says


Loren and her team at NEXT Property Group have successfully marketed and sold over $210,000,000 of Sunshine Coast property in 2010.

Considering these outstanding results, it was time to expand, with the opening of the new Minyama office in December

2010 and the addition of a Hinterland specialist to the team.

Loren’s success is attributed to her unique communication and marketing skills and the elite team of experienced property specialists that make up the group. State of the art systems and marketing practice ensure that properties are promoted to

achieve the best results in the shortest time on market.

So if your next move in 2011 is a property sale or purchase – give Loren and her team a call now.

BUDERIM

MAROOCHYDORE

MINYAMA

MONTVILLE

1300 400 777nextpropertygroup.com.au

T H E N E X T G E N E R A T I O N I N R E A L E S T A T E

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LOREN AND HER

TEAM IN 2011?

M I N YA M A O F F I C EO P E N FO R B U S I N E S S

Loren Wimhurst

0415 380 222


want to lIve the lIfe you want and love the

body you are In? well bIanca aIono says

you can, wIth some guIdance, knowledge,

commItment and honesty wIth yourself.

sound easy? JessIca Jane sammut talks to

the fItness guru and former mIss brIsbane

of the InternatIonal body buIldIng

assocIatIon to fInd out more.

pErsONAL TrAINEr BIANCA AIONO THOuGHT BEING A GLADIATOr WAs GOING TO BE HEr BIG BrEAK AND HAD EvEN GOTTEN sO CLOsE As TO BEING AssIGNED A NAmE – ‘BIONICA BIANCA’.sHOT ON LOCATION AT THE HYpEr rOOm, COTTON TrEE, pHONE 5479 2002.

I realised there had to be more to life and I decided to go for it.

words jessica jane sammut ll photography alan hughes

future

profilemagazine 11

When you look into the future, can you see a buff, slender, hot-looking person looking back at you? You could. And this person could be your reflection.

If you are, like me, not ‘best friends’ with the concept of exercise and in fact would go so far as to say that you would rather

stick pins in your eyes than walk around the block to get your daily paper instead of driving – also like me – I can confirm that there is a real life fairy godmother who can turn that ragged little pauper (which is you) into a stunning and beautiful princess (or prince for that matter) so that you will go to the ball (of life).

Bianca Aiono is her name and passion is her game. Passion for health, that is. The owner of Sculptlife Personal Training, exercise and health is Bianca’s calling and on talking to her I suddenly get the urge to fall to the ground, complete 10 press-ups, eat a banana and finish off with a run.

A 28-year-old exercise guru and mentor, Bianca is straight down the line. “You live a healthy life by eating well and having exercise built in to your lifestyle,” she says. “It is no trick, no fad, no secret. It is knowledge, support and routine. You don’t forget to eat, so why would you not have time to exercise.”

True words, and refreshingly simple. In a world full of choices and options with regard to health, diet, training and fitness, it is not surprising that the average Joe finds it overwhelming and totally confusing, which actually leads to a state of inertia because the whole concept just ends up in the ‘too hard’ basket.

Bianca, trainer to the likes of Vicki Brown (of The Chef and I) and Shaun Juniper (of Juniper Development Group) is one lovely and very talented young woman. A Brisbanite who moved to the Sunshine Coast six years ago for a lifestyle change, Bianca was driven to start her business on the basis of her disillusionment with the fitness world. “My experience of the exercise industry was not good. Personal trainers being dictated to by gyms and the industry as a whole being corrupt and unprofessional left me with a bad taste in my mouth,” Bianca remembers. “Exercise and health is such an important part of life and should not be subject to gimmicks and blatant commercialisation. I want to help people achieve, not just take their money,” Bianca explains.

Back in 2007, after just missing out on being chosen as a Gladiator from the finalists of the Gladiators try-outs in Sydney for Channel Seven, Bianca was down in the dumps. She had thought being a Gladiator was going to be her big break and had even gotten so close as to being assigned a name – ‘Bionica Bianca’. After some soul searching and reassessment, she began to see the stars, as is often the way when we are flat on our backs. And the stars were shining in the form of Sculptlife.

“I realised there had to be more to life and I decided to go for it,” Bianca smiles. “I went to a marketing seminar for the fitness industry called ‘Fit For Profit’ and they showed me what I had to do – how to get my business off the ground, how to crack my market, what tools I needed to go forward. I immediately went home and subscribed to all their products and they have been my mentors all the way through.”

So Bianca took her first baby steps towards starting Sculptlife. After six months she was doing so well she was able to put on a staff member and from the first year the business has tripled in income and Bianca is just about to hire a full-time manager. In two and a half years, Bianca has founded a thriving business and been awarded the prestigious Caloundra Chamber of Commerce New Business of the Year Award, a great honour indeed. She has also given the fitness industry back some much needed credibility, something very dear to her heart.

“I feel I am an ambassador for fitness,” Bianca confirms. “My training makes people feel good and look good and is absolutely great for confidence and self esteem. I aim to be an encouraging and positive force. There is so much misinformation out there and eating disorders are rife, it is frustrating and sad. I hope to correct this.”

So what are the top fitness tips we should all be following I wonder? How can we be better? Is it really as simple as Bianca claims? “Eat every three hours, drink plenty of water, have protein in every meal, cut out carbs after lunch, make breakfast your biggest meal of the day and exercise for 20 minutes three times a week,” Bianca answers.

Wow, I have been enlightened. Bianca is right, these rules are easy. “What the difficultly is,” Bianca continues, “is making the lifestyle change in the first place – you need the knowledge, a workable plan of action and support [short term and long term]. Put yourself first, you deserve it, do not feel guilty. Cravings only exist because you are not eating properly during the rest of the day – it is your body talking to you. It is a science.”

While running her successful personal training business, Bianca has not stopped there. In 2009, Bianca won the highly sought after Miss Brisbane International Natural Body Building Association Award, and one search on YouTube throws up her impressive clips of the occasion … not to mention a body to die for.

In addition, she has represented Australia on an international level in four other different sports over the years. At 14-years-old she competed in the World Championship trials for 50m breaststroke; at 17 she came third in Australia for javelin; at 20 she represented Australia in beach volleyball; and soon after this went on obtain a scholarship in America for indoor volleyball.

This woman is one incredible lady and I leave her feeling inspired. The ‘new year, new me’ motto I have been toying with has just had its kick-start I feel …


want to know how to be a success or how to get rIch? sandy forster has not only achIeved both of these elusIve

goals herself but In fact teaches the skIlls necessary for accomplIshIng them all across the world. profIle’s JessIca

Jane sammut drops In to chat to sandy (and pIck up some tIps …).

Have you ever wondered how some people have the ‘midas’ touch where everything they brush past seems to turn to gold? Have you ever wanted a little touch of this yourself? If the concept of ambition, wealth and achieving

your potential appeals, then read on, as I am about to chat to the woman who appears to have bottled the secrets behind these intangible goals and I, for one, am eager to know more …

If there was a dictionary definition of Sandy Forster it would be this: Sandy Forster [san-dee for-st-er] - a ball of self-sustaining, positive energy burning brightly and warming all those who come near. And there are many who do come near. Life coach and author Sandy Forster is head of Wildly Wealthy Women, an inspirational weapon of light created by Sandy to give women the theoretical and practical tools necessary to make wealth a reality in order to empower, create choices and give independence. And as I arrive at her beautiful Bali-inspired home, I am sensing a positive force and spiritual sense of calm already, without even having yet shaken hands with the great woman herself. Friends with Deepak Chopra, Sandy is truly up there with the great gurus of self-help. She has so many awards under her belt that I am imagining her pool room must be crammed with trophies, and as I inspect her home I realise I am right (except that it is the kitchen, not the pool room). Recent winner of the 2010 Australian Business of the Year and winner of The Stevies 2010 Best Overall Company of the Year in New York, plus a finalist of the The Stevies 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year (along with similar awards in 2009 and 2008), Sandy’s story is one of hard work, tireless determination and a mindset to succeed.

Sandy arrived on the Sunshine Coast at the age of 15 from Victoria and immediately knew this would always be her home. “I was in heaven,” she states. “The lifestyle, the culture, the ocean, the beach, the heat. I just fell in love with it. There is nowhere like the Sunshine Coast.” After becoming a beach babe on the surfer circuit and leaving school, Sandy’s ambition to achieve began to fire-up, and during the aerobics revolution which hit the Sunshine Coast in the ‘80s, Sandy cleverly seized her opportunity. “I began to teach aerobics and after some time I even gained my own show Shape-Up on a local television channel,” Sandy explains. “I even had a column in The Sunshine Coast Daily in relations to exercise. I also started to make fabulous leotards as I realised there was a gaping hole in the market for attractive aerobics gear.”

Soon, Sandy could not keep up with the number of orders flooding in as her aerobics items flew off the shelves and so her first company was born with the label Koala-B Designs, manufacturing aerobics wear and later adding ladies swim wear, kids swim wear and finally mens surf wear to the range. Things were looking great. Sandy had a thriving business (and was even asked to exhibit at the Brisbane Expo), and went on to marry her high school sweetheart, becoming pregnant with her daughter. Sandy was riding on the crest of a wave.

However, as with many fairytales, the course of success / true love never does run smooth. Sandy and her husband split up after two years of marriage, leaving Sandy at home with her first child and a newborn son. It then became apparent that Sandy’s manufacturing business, while looking very successful from the outside, was in fact running at a loss, a devastating blow to Sandy. Being a single mum did not allow Sandy the luxury of being able to spend the time trying to fix the business as she had two hungry mouths to feed. It was a sad day for Sandy when she was therefore forced to close the doors of her first enterprise.

At the same, Sandy discovered several of her investments had also fallen over and money she thought she might have been able to rely on was not there. Things had hit rock bottom. Sandy’s emotional and financial well-being was at an all-time low. She was drained from the break-up of her marriage and knocked in confidence by the failure of her business venture. She was reliant upon welfare to sustain her and her children’s existence and it was a harsh reality. As they say, the higher you go, the harder you fall.

“Forget yummy mummy, I was a crummy mummy at that time of my life,” Sandy reminisces. “I had no money at all. I was flat broke and getting further into debt. Red letters were arriving every day. It was not a nice time in my life.”

So Sandy started searching. Searching, searching for her next calling. With grit and determination she refused to keel over but knew that there was another path out there for her which she just had to find. “I truly believe in the slingshot effect,” Sandy explains when I question her about how she retained that sense of unfailing belief in herself and the future. “The further back you go, the further forward you will be flung.

“I started to look into the personal development industry and I became fascinated at what made people tick. What made some people a success and vastly rich and others not? It wasn’t about being rich for the sake of it, but having money to achieve independence – to give you options and choices in life. I loved this whole phenomenon and became immersed in it and on the back on this, I decided to become a life coach.”

And a life coach Sandy became. After much study, Sandy qualified and formed her own company in 2001. Life coaching was such a new thing in Australia at the time. Sandy had her work cut out for her. “When I told people I was a life coach, they thought I meant a surf life saving coach,” she smiles. “It certainly was an uphill climb to educate people but I knew it was right.”

Sandy specialised in prosperity and the law of attraction and with the advent of the internet, she began offering seminars online across the world. It was a hard and rocky road to travel and one which Sandy veered off a few times to gather her composure and reassure herself that what she was doing was going to work. But after much dedication, Sandy began to see results and the fabulous concept Wildly Wealthy Women was born in 2003, offering a killer formula to enable success and wealth.

“I woke up with the name ‘Wildly Wealthy Women’ in my head one morning and I knew it was something special. I immediately registered the domain,” Sandy recalls. “Wildly Wealthy Women teaches ‘the millionaire mindset’ together with practical strategies to create prosperity. It is theory and practical application together, which is an unstoppable combination.” With a knack for spotting previously untapped markets (such as Sandy’s aerobics venture), Wildly Wealthy Women was the first internet mentoring program for women in the world.

Originally focusing on real estate investment, Wildly Wealthy Women now covers all strategies for success. A huge sensation in Australia, New Zealand and America, Sandy has gone on to write a best selling book, in addition to setting up the Inspired Spirit Life Coaching Academy and creating her own publishing company. In fact it would be safe to say there is a whole empire surrounding Wildly Wealthy Women.

“Everything in life starts with how you think and feel,” Sandy explains. “You have to be passionate about what you are doing in life. Then success is yours. We have so many success stories from Wildy Wealthy Women. It is immensely rewarding to watch people achieve their dreams and know that you have helped them in doing so.”

And as we conclude our chat for the morning and Sandy gives me a tour of her latest pride and joy – her organic veggie patch – I notice how relaxed and content Sandy is, and so she should be. From someone who has risen up to be a success through sheer hard work and self belief, Sandy is not only a teacher of life coaching skills but is also the actual embodiment of what she teaches. And this is inspiration in itself.

As I close the door on my chat with Sandy, her book tucked tightly under my arm as I mentally book-in some bedtime reading that night, and I realise I feel somewhat giddy with hope, prosperity and a sense of the future (which Sandy must transpose on to each one of her clients – there’s that warmth again). The door shuts hard and locks itself, and I am once more on the outside of Sandy’s kingdom as when I arrived. Except something is different. I have her secrets in my hand and a feeling that another door has just opened. My own door of success …

ll words jessica jane sammut

THE DOOR TOsuccesssuccess


THE DOOR TO

I truly believe in the slingshot effect. The further back you go, the further forward you will be flung.”

sANDY fOrsTEr

success


We all grow up in different times and so it is hard for the generations

to identify in some instances.

As you get older, you get more confident which is amazing. I

love my age and don’t feel any older.

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2

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1. mOOLOOLABA prAWNs

2. DI WILLCOx

3. pETA YujNOvICH

4. TrICIA AsHTON

5. KELLY EDWArDs

6. BArBArA mILLAr

7. sEE rEsTAurANT mOOLOOLABA LOOKs DIrECTLY OuT TO mOOLOOLABA mArINA

ladies at lunch


“do not go gentle Into that good nIght, old age should burn and rage at close of day; rage, rage, rage, agaInst the dyIng of the lIght.” – dylan

thomas, poet. It Is a fact of lIfe that we are all ageIng, but how Important Is age nowadays anyway? wIth the lInes between the generatIons

blurrIng, Is It stIll necessary to act In accordance wIth our age as opposed to our dress sIze? profIle’s JessIca Jane sammut fInds out …

Getting older is a concept we all think about. When we are young, we want to be more grown-up. When we are old, we want to look younger. Always wanting what is not. Never liking what we’ve got …

But with our ability to live longer, work harder, have more choice in life and more access to the world around us through travel and the internet, age is becoming more and more about mindset and less and less about restriction and social expectation – for young and for old. The moulds are not only being cracked but thrown on the floor with wild force. Every decade is ours to make of it what we will, and phooey to anyone who tries to tell us otherwise. So are we ageing gracefully or disgracefully? Does the current attitude towards age make it easier to get older or in fact harder?

Joining me to consider this controversial debate at See Restaurant and Bar in Mooloolaba was a fabulous mixture of ladies from all generations to give me their views from their unique perspectives.

Our co-host for this month was Kelly Edwards from BOQ Maroochydore, a 29-year-old mother of one, with one on the way. Kelly brought three guests, Tricia Ashton, an incredibly chic lady of 63 years who is the property manager of an international investor group, along with the wonderful Di Willcox of Mrs Billings Fine Foods, also 63, and author Barbara Millar, who when asked her age initially told me she was 48 only to remember five minutes later she was in fact 49 and three quarters, thus gaining a year and three quarters in the blink of an eye. Did Barbara seem worried however? Did she heck! Rather, she was animatedly gleeful as she talked about her impending 50th birthday celebration which was not the sedate tea party as one could arguably expect, but a dare devilish trip travelling around New Zealand … proof in itself that age is all in the mind.

Joining profile this month was the lovely Peta Yujnovich, a litigation lawyer from STO Law teetering on the cusp of 30, and Melissa Dury, 46, of Cozmedics clinic whom I could not wait to chat to in order to find out the motivation behind her clients’ needs to look more youthful. And then there is me, Jessica Jane Sammut, writer and sub editor of profile magazine, 32 years of age, just buying my first house having spent my 20’s

travelling the world with my hubby. To me, my 30’s are now about settling down and family life.

profile: Let’s kick off with finding out our stances on age. What is the best age?di: As you get older, you get more confident which is amazing. I love my age and don’t feel any older.tricia: Being in your 30’s is wonderful as you have freedom, independence and a strong mind. Having said that, I love my age also as I am allowed to be who I am at my age and this is very liberating.barbara: The 30’s are great, but it is also very pressured – bringing up children, paying off mortgages, forging ahead in careers. The 40’s, however, is a little bit more relaxed. My children are grown and my ego is no longer attached to my children’s behaviour and I am enjoying this. My time is now.tricia: It is true that when you see your hard work in raising your children rewarded as they get older, this is very satisfying. Although the down side is that as you also get older your body won’t do what you want it to do! That is the problem with ageing – physical restrictions.peta: I can imagine this is true – I already hear my mother’s words coming out of my mouth! I think that every age must have its pros and cons. I am about to turn 30 and had a slight meltdown a few weeks ago. Then I thought further about it and realised I was so happy with how far I had come in my life and what I had achieved. So now I am planning ahead and looking forward to what more may be in store.kelly: I can’t wait to see my children grow up and achieve. I am looking forward to this.melissa: I love the big decade-change birthdays. It is exciting because the twists and turns that are to come in the next decade are often unexpected and part of life’s rich journey. Having said that, aren’t we supposed to be disgruntled in our 40’s?tricia: My 40’s were about survival. I had no husband, no financial child support, no childcare. It was hard going. profile: What about the facets of ageing? The physical / psychological sides of age?melissa: It is very interesting in terms of the women I get coming into my clinic. At Cozmedics we offer

all sorts of treatments to ‘enhance’ a person’s age. [For example] to help them reduce their wrinkles, skin lines, skin condition, vein prominence etcetera through non-surgical and surgical procedures, and I have many women who come in at 65-years-old and tell me they want to look 40. Lots of them tell me it is because of the pressure of being in the workforce – they need to still look good to compete against the younger girls nipping at their heels. It is a dog-eat-dog world now and these women feel they need to make the best of themselves in this way to survive. I also believe it is women who are the hardest on other women.peta: With regard to my work, it is ironic, as I am looking forward to ageing a little as in my profession as a lawyer, looking young can in fact work against you – a client thinks you have no experience.barbara: I agree with Melissa. I don’t think that men care as much about how women look as women care.kelly: It is true women put a lot of pressure on themselves, even when pregnant, to look good.tricia: Women dress for themselves, put nice clothes on for themselves, to look good, to feel great. profile: Is it just women who feel they need to look more youthful or is it men also?melissa: Over the past few years I have had more and more men come in for assistance to look younger also. There is a general pressure to look young. profile: So what about ageing gracefully. What does this mean to you?peta: Ageing gracefully to me means hard work – taking care of yourself, exercising, eating well. It is a mindset.tricia: To me it means owning a high level of self esteem and confidence. This is our most valuable asset.di: It means to still enjoy life. To love your work and not slow down. To keep your mind active. profile: What about ageing disgracefully?melissa: Ageing disgracefully to me is to when a person becomes stuck in a rut / time warp and they do not move forward. Old fashioned clothes and makeup is a classic example. It may be a confidence issue, but it is no excuse. I am not saying a person of a certain senior age should be wearing the same clothing as a teenager but having

words jessica jane sammut ll photography katie williams ll sponsored by boq maroochydore and genesys wealth advisers

(dis)gracefully

ladies at lunch


style and knowing what suits you physically is a key to feeling good. It is not about what is in fashion.kelly: For me ageing disgracefully is being in denial of age – the term ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ springs to mind.melissa: Yes, less is definitely more.peta: The plastic surgery craze to me is ageing disgracefully – there is one famous lady who is supposed to have had 10 surgeries in one day. I think the air-brushing that goes on in magazines has a lot to answer for.tricia: I was always taught ‘don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see’ and I think this is a good maxim in life.di: There are people who, as they get older, do not get more confident but in fact get more nervous and want to stay in their comfort zone. This is a shame and life is passing them by.kelly: It comes down to the person and whether they can adapt to change.tricia: Another element is working. A working woman is valued for what she does and she knows this because she is paid. This gives her worth and independence. A woman at home is not valued in the same way. It must be hard when children flee the nest and the purpose for a woman at home is removed. This perhaps is what allows people to then age – they get left behind. When you are in the working world, you have to keep up. profile: Do you think age is a factor in how we live our lives? Do we act in a certain way according to our age? Should we?melissa: I think there is a stereotypical image of how we should behave at certain ages but I think this is changing. The excuse of ‘I am too young or old’ is not so relevant now, as we can pretty much do anything anytime we choose these days, subject to physical restrictions.barbara: Young people are still susceptible to the boundaries of their age.kelly: I agree – young people want to be like other young people – this is very apparent even with my four-year-old who is already so aware of branding. There is a group mentality in age. A different mentality for each group.di: There is much more emphasis on appearance and perception than in my day and this certainly has an impact on matters.peta: I agree with Kelly; there are different mentalities. When we are young, we cannot relate to the old. When we are middle-aged we can’t relate to the young or old. And when we are old, we find it hard to relate to the young. We all grow up in different times and so it is hard for the generations to identify in some instances.tricia: I also think the young of today live their lives very differently to how I live my life. There is such consumerism now and an availability of credit which encourages this. There is an attitude among the younger

generations of a right to instant gratification. My son will not have a television in the house as he has a one-year-old daughter and he does not want this mindset projected on to her via the television. profile: I came across a concept the other day – that of ‘age rage’ – which apparently does exist! Have you had any experience of this?peta: Yes, kids texting the whole time, it drives me crazy! Teenagers constantly looking at their phones texting when they are in company. They all do it. My 16-year-old niece even did it the other day when I had put time aside to spend the day with her and take her to the movies! I didn’t say anything though as I thought I might have sounded old …di: I have retired friends who cannot understand why I am still in business and starting new businesses at my age. kelly: The retirees who have all the time in the world frustrate me as my time is so precious and they hold me up!tricia: I get angry with those people who get older and give up. The brain doesn’t age. You can be something every day. profile: So what about retirement? It has come up a bit. Is it good or bad? Is it for relaxing or for doing all the things you have always wanted to do and haven’t yet had time?peta: My idea of retirement is to be financially secure enough to be able to do what I want to do without having to go to work. I would do so many other things instead!barbara: I think the key is to surround yourself with positive, like-minded people and you will feel contented and enjoy whatever you are doing in life.di: I think work keeps you young, I will be working until I am 90.

So there you have it. The views on age, across the ages. Whether we are ageing gracefully or disgracefully, one thing is clear. It is up to us. So seize the day. If you want to do something, do it. Do not be concerned about whether you should or should not, or whether it will work out or will not and most of all do not be concerned what other people think, especially if their disapproval is based on an outdated and insulting pre-conception of what age means.

So go to those jujitsu lessons, learn how to salsa, splurge on the latest designer fashion, put your name down for a course in acceptance and self-love. Because age is just a number … but you are so much more.

See ReStauRant and BaR, MooloolaBa

I simply adore fresh food combined with water views and so this eatery was a dream come true for me. See Restaurant is the only restaurant in Mooloolaba that offers over-water dining in an all-weather intimate space. Seating around 70 people, the focus is on the menu. Their cuisine is best described as modern-Australian with attention on fresh seafood straight from the trawlers.

And the menu did not disappoint. A divine selection of entrees saw us choosing from chilli salt calamari with Asian salad and aioli, Mooloolaba prawns in batter with a coriander salad, and peppered rare beef brushetta with exotic mushroom, chargrilled sour dough bread, roquette and parmesan salad; all complemented by a crisp Balgownie chardonnay. Perfect. The sumptuous main course consisted of a choice of 100-day eye fillet with goats’ cheese and muscatel jus, chef’s catch of snapper served with king prawns and chilli lime butter, chicken pistachio breast with a nut mousse and sweet cherry jus and a Thai seafood curry on a bed of jasmine rice. The exquisite De Bortoli cabernet sauvignon set off the flavours beautifully. And the dessert menu had us almost bouncing up and down in our seats, young and old alike, with a selection of a brandy snap basket complete with macadamia ice-cream, strawberries and romanoff coulis, a lemon curd tart with crème anglaise and Persian fairy floss and Mississippi mud cake with chocolate sauce topped off with house-made rocky road ice cream. Gosh, just reliving this all again has made me want to go back … See Restaurant and Bar is open for lunch from Tuesday to Sunday, and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday (Sunday in high season).

See Restaurant The Wharf, River Esplanade and Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba5444 5044www.seerestaurant.com.au

Having style and knowing what suits

you physically is a key to feeling good. It is not about what is in

fashion.

“

“

sEE mOOLOOLABA’s CHEf’s COOK up AN ImprEssIvE mENu

ladies at lunch


IT IS THe NeW yeAR, AND THe START OF ANOTHeR SeASON OF COASTLINe MINI MySTeRy DRIVeR. THe PAST yeAR SAW AuTHORS TO PeRSONAL TRAINeRS TO LOCAL BuSINeSS OWNeRS TeST DRIVING AND SHOWCASING AN ARRAy OF LuxuRy VeHICLeS FROM COASTLINe BMW AND MINI, CuRRIMuNDI. TO KICK THINGS OFF FOR 2011, We HAVe INVITeD A WeLL-KNOWN LOCAL TO TAKe A SPIN IN A LuxuRy MINI AND HeRe ARe THe ReSuLTS. AS IN PReVIOuS ISSueS, THe IDeNTITy OF OuR MySTeRy CAR ReVIeWeR WILL ReMAIN A SeCReT … uNTIL NexT MONTH, WHeN We WILL ReVeAL THe DRIVeR. WHO COuLD IT Be?

LAST MONTH’S MySTeRy DRIVeR WAS ANNeTTe SyM, AuTHOR OF symply too good to be true. CONGRATuLATIONS TO STePHANIe MOONey FROM MOOLOOLABA FOR GueSSING CORReCTLy, AND WINNING A $200 LIFeSTyLe PRIze PACK FROM COASTLINe BMW.

I’m driving the amazing, head-turning, funky MINI Cooper D – what a hot little car!

I drive out the driveway of BMW Currimundi, pull up at the lights and look around at the other cars stopped beside me. everyone is looking in my direction. At first I think OMG, what have I done? But then I notice they are all looking at the funky, red hot MINI I am driving. This MINI just screams ‘look at me!’ As a business owner my mind started racing with ideas on how to sign up a MINI as a moving advertisement – what a perfect car to promote a business. People are automatically drawn to the character-filled MINI Cooper.

I’m pleasantly surprised with how spacious and comfortable the cabin is for a MINI-sized (pardon the pun) car. There is ample head and leg room. Cruise control, bluetooth phone and audio controls are all located on the steering wheel for ease of use. The interior is modern retro with its signature MINI dash centred in the middle rather than straight in front of the driver, which just adds to the spunkiness of the styling of the MINI Cooper. Cruising around the Sunshine Coast, I find the steering to be direct and definitely worthy of its go-kart handling comparison. The brakes bite quick and sharp and overall handling is very confident.

On my travels I have to visit the Sunshine Plaza – a place that would normally cause me to break into a cold sweat at the best of times as I’m a nervous parker. But not in my new

dream car. The MINI is a breeze to park. A large, flat windscreen and big side windows create fantastic visibility.

Safety and your personal carbon footprint are very important factors when choosing a vehicle today. I am happy to know that MINI Cooper has taken care of that – you’ve got six airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and dynamic stability control; I told you this car is cool. In terms of the ‘green factor’, the MINI Cooper D is the most fuel efficient car in Australia, running on the smell of an oily rag. It only emits 104 grams per km of carbon, which is the lowest emission of any car in Australia. I’m impressed.

The MINI Cooper D in fun; funky hot red got the approval of every mum at school pick-up. My daughter thought it was flashier than Buzz Lightyear and wants one for her third birthday. As for my thoughts, I am already thinking about my birthday present this year …

MY TEST DRIVE EXPERIENCE

MINI

coastline MINI feature


What’s not to love? It’s hard to choose between the head-turning appeal of the shape, colour, style, and spunky interior, or the spaciousness it offers for such a small car, not forgetting its super fuel economy. What an awesome vehicle to put on your test drive list.

When it comes to reviewing the MINI I would also like to add that when I visited BMW Currimundi, I was so impressed with the warmth and friendliness of the staff, I would certainly look to go back to this dealership if purchasing. There was no arrogance – nothing but beautiful, inviting smiles and hellos came from everyone I encountered on the day of my test drive. I highly recommend visiting their stunning showroom!

The MINI Cooper Diesel LCI range starts on road from $39,417 with weekly repayments from $153*.*price includes GsT, stamp Duty, registration & CTp and Dealer Delivery charges.

Based on a mINI Cooper Diesel LCI with an on road price of $39,417 over a 60 month term with a residual payment of

$16,405 at 9.5% (subject to rate changes).

770 Nicklin Way, Currimundi. Phone 5491 9100

www.coastline.minigarage.com.au

WHY I LOVE IT

WHAT DOES IT COST?you could call me a ‘mumpreneur’. I’m a young, energetic, business woman who divides her time between building a successful wellness centre in Maroochydore and caring for my two beautiful little girls. I’m married to one of the Coast’s leading fitness gurus and have been in a business partnership with him for nearly 10 years.

If you can guess who I am, you could win a BMW /MINI lifestyle pack valued at $200. Head to www.profilemag.com.au for competition conditions and entry details.

WHO AM I?mYsTErY DrIvEr

mINI COOpEr D

coastline MINI feature


Do you remember what you said you wanted to do when you left school? Like many of us, Tamara Wrigley had no clue what she wanted to do when she graduated from her

high school in Tasmania. Making the move back to Queensland when she was a teenager with her mother seemed like a good start, and Tamara landed a junior receptionist position with a real estate agency in Brisbane.

“I was in that role for about three months when they then asked me if I wanted to do a traineeship in property management, so for the next 12 months I studied to be a property manager,” Tamara explains.

It was during this time that Tamara met her now husband, Peter Wrigley. Peter, a property developer, was expanding his business and an opportunity came up to buy a real estate agency on Racecourse Road in Hamilton, Brisbane. “The business was named Ideal Real Estate and we had it for around seven years.” During this time, Peter and Tamara got married at the Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast, which was closely followed by the arrival of their two children, Ashton and Mikayla.

“When we sold the business, Peter went back into property development, but I wanted to try something a little different to real estate,” Tamara states. Tamara landed a role as the business manager at Mercedes-Benz in the Valley in Brisbane. “It was a highly stressful job and I think that was the beginning of when my health started to go downhill. I was working 80 hours a week. Needless to say, I started to get sick. I was burning the candle at both ends.”

Tamara sought medical help and found out she had severe glandular fever. “I’ve never felt anything like it before. For a long time the doctors thought I had chronic fatigue. I was just so drained and I had no energy. To walk from the bedroom to the bathroom felt like I’d been walking up 300 flights of stairs, and it’s not just feeling exhausted, but you feel sick and nauseous as well.

“I didn’t give myself enough time to recover from the glandular fever as I was always thinking, ‘I’ve got to get back to work’, so I initially only took four or five days off to get well. I then went back to work, trying to work 80-hour weeks again, and it just didn’t happen for me.”

Tamara had not given her body enough time to recover, and as a result of the strain, she also damaged her liver. “I’ve learnt that you have to think about yourself, and

it’s okay to put yourself first, especially when it comes to looking after your mind and body. It’s also important not to worry about what other people think because people can be very judgemental, especially employees and employers; so for example, if you need five day’s rest, take it! If you’re sick, you’re sick, and don’t feel guilty about it.

“If you do nothing about your illness, you only have yourself to blame. If you are sick and you take the actions you need to become fit again, which might mean only working half days or taking an extra day off for example, you do it.

“I continued with Mercedes Benz for a while and then the opportunity came up to buy a business [Carolan’s First National Real Estate in Nambour]. Peter was doing his property development and needed to show the banks that he had a steady income to support his projects, so we thought, ‘Let’s go and buy something we know; real estate’. So we bought the business in September 2008 and made the move from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast.

“Nambour is a very close community. You know everyone and I really believe that our business has grown the way it has because

of word-of-mouth and because we really do deliver such an excellent service. Brisbane is a bit like a rat race. It was stressful just driving to work in Brisbane. It’s more laid back up here; I love it.”

Tamara, after two years of slowly recovering from her illness, still hasn’t quite gotten back to where she should be. “You’ve got to think of yourself as a V8 engine. When I was sick I was probably only running on two cylinders. I’m probably up to four cylinders at the moment, and I’ve got probably about two more to go to be closer to feeling 100 percent.

“The only thing I feel I have missed out on due to my illness is spending quality time with my children. There was a point where I was too exhausted to even go down to the beach. So Peter would take the kids down to the beach for a couple of hours, but then I’d feel like I was missing out because I wanted to go to the beach, and it just wasn’t fair. I hated that I couldn’t be there with my family.

“At the end of the day, nothing should be more important than your health and the health of those close to you. Maybe chasing the idea of that elusive siesta shouldn’t be as far-fetched as what we believe it to be.”

Good advice indeed.

It’s okay to put yourself first, especially when it comes to looking after yourself and your body.

words lauren o’connor ll photography ben stone

western culture has drummed Into our braIns a re-

sponsIbIlIty to spend more tIme In the workplace than

ever before. tamara wrIgley experIenced thIs fIrsthand

and learnt the hard way that not gIvIng your body

the break and rest It deserves can have dIre conse-

quences. lauren o’connor sIts down wIth tamara to

fInd out more.

the importance of

R&RTAmArA WrIGLEY

people


Mark CotterellMASTER JEWELLER

[email protected]

ESTABLISHED 1987

ph 0410 962 917

ESTABLISHED [email protected] ph 0410 962 917


Soon they asked me to do a night show … it was the beginning

of my career, although the GM at the time told me I’d

end up in TV.”

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cover story


best known for her vIvacIous personalIty as a presenter on channel v’s By DemanD show, paula mcgrath has already

lIved a lIfe most of us can only dream of … achIevIng her chIldhood ambItIon of makIng It bIg In the medIa. but, as

wIth all tales of success, there have been many challenges along the way for paula and allI grant dIscovers how

she has come out the other sIde stIll wearIng her trademark smIle.

When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with performing. Dancing, singing, acting; you name it, I was likely to break into spontaneous fits of it at the drop of a hat. Admittedly, I was a bit of a show-off.

How I loved the stage. Well, it wasn’t really the stage so much as being the centre of attention. When I was singing in the lounge room into a hair brush on Christmas Day for my grandparents, all eyes were on me. When I was treading the boards at my local amateur junior theatre, all eyes were on me. When I was attempting some kind of gnarly ‘80s break-dancing move at my year seven school camp concert (with no dance training, mind you), all eyes were on me. Okay, so perhaps amateur break-dancing wasn’t really my forte …

School musicals, speech and drama, amateur plays, talent quests, even professional theatre all thrilled me. Singing and acting was my thing, even though my talent was somewhat ‘raw’. And of course, I was going to go pro – the world simply needed to experience my talent. Through my exceptional singing and acting abilities, I would make the world a better place. Ah, the dreams of a child!

Somewhere between my 1987 performance in Silkstone State School’s sell-out production of Fiddler on the Roof and my 24th

birthday, I lost the drive to turn professional. Maybe I was distracted by boys and uni and life in general. Or perhaps I realised I wasn’t really that talented after all, and that a bigwig Hollywood director wasn’t about to knock on my door to offer me the lead role in Grease 3.

Whatever the reason, I hung up my theatrical hat at the tender age of 23, following an exceptional swansong performance (if I do say so myself) in the two person musical Long Gone Lonesome Cow Girls. But I miss it. While I’ll still happily bust out a bit of karaoke at a Christmas party (as the profile girls can attest to), I lost my passion and I gave up on my dream. And so many of us do.

Through the eyes of a child, anything is possible. Yet through those same eyes some years later, instead of possibility and dreams all you see are hurdles and challenges. Reality kicks in and it’s all too easy to shelve your childhood dreams. I am a realist – I really wasn’t that good, so I don’t have any regrets. But I do admire those who commit to following their heart and achieving their childhood ambitions.

Paula McGrath always wanted to be on television – it was to be her destiny. Paula was a natural performer (okay, so perhaps a little more talented than I). As a child, she loved to sing, dance and act and she just knew that one day she would be a star.

Born and bred in Adelaide, Paula and her family had spent Christmas holidays on the Sunshine Coast since she was a little tacker. While she loved the Coast, she had no desire to relocate here, so when her single mum announced that the family would be moving to the Sunshine Coast, she was less than impressed.

“At 14 you’re right into your friends so I just didn’t want to leave. But now I thank God Mum brought us here. I don’t know what my life would be like if we had stayed in Adelaide.”

Paula finished her schooling at St John’s in Nambour and was accepted into a Bachelor of Drama at university, deciding to defer for a year to give full-time work a go. However, the dream of working in TV was still simmering away thanks to several work experience stints with local networks during her high school years. She even worked with Jamie Dunn and his alter-ego, Agro. Jamie told the teenager she was “going to be perfect for television in her 20’s”. She knew it would happen; it was just a matter of when.

“My friends all went to Schoolies but I didn’t go – I worked at a newsagent and then a restaurant as a waitress … I was saving up to go overseas. My husband and friends call me the secret squirrel as I have always been a saver … work, work, work to save.”

Paula was focused on saving for an overseas adventure, but unfortunately a tragic accident was to throw a spanner in the works.

“At 19 I was hit by a drunk driver just near the Mooloolaba Surf Club. I broke my neck and smashed my knee – my knee was actually stuck on the radio knob! It caused a massive halt to my life as I had a C1 fracture. I had to wait for my injuries to heal so I couldn’t go overseas straight away, and I had to get a sit-down job.”

With her injuries partially healed, it was off to London for Paula who planned to spend three weeks visiting her sister with her best friend, but she stayed three years. Her professional performing career was to get a kick start in London thanks to a random encounter with a stranger.

“I was at a club with my girlfriend [Katie] – we were dancing. This cool, funky, black guy came up to me and asked me if I would come to a dance audition. I was thinking that this guy was trying to pick me up!”

It turns out this “guy” was Ugo Mazinwosu who was part of the then-successful band Technotronic (of Pump Up The Jam fame). He was looking for a singer and dancer to join his new band, Tin Man, and Paula was a keen singer who won the South Pacific Song Contest just before leaving for London.

“I went to the audition … I’d never actually done any dancing, except ballet when I was three but I quit because I was too short to get my leg up on the bar,” she laughs. “They went through the process of cutting down dancers, and then we had to sing. He picked me to be his partner in the band [Tin Man].”

This was the start of a wonderful journey for Paula.“Ugo was amazing. He taught me everything I know – he is so

well known in the dance world. We toured with Tin Man until I couldn’t get a visa into the US, so I had to stay behind. It was tough.”

Paula decided to get a “real job” and worked for Janet Holmes à Court and her network of theatres in West End in London.

words alli grant ll photography alan hughes ll styling genine howard

paula mcgrath is a born entertainer, equally at home performing in a band,

dancing as a resident performer in a night club, interviewing celebrities or on

television debating current affairs with some of the biggest names in the media.

... the entertainer

cover story


I wonder if that was my mummy

moment. I’ve given birth – that was so

positive, so I try not to look

back on it as a sad thing. Time definitely heals but I won’t ever

forget.”

“I worked with and saw so many famous people … well now they are famous. I did everything, from selling icecreams and programs to ‘Red Coat’ work. I even took Princess Di to the Royal Box. What I saw, who I saw, who I knew … I didn’t really appreciate it at the time.”

Paula would clock off from her day job in the theatre and clock onto her night job as a professional dancer in London’s most exclusive night club, Hanover Grand.

“It was the biggest, coolest club – all the celebrities went there … Madonna, Take That, Lenny Kravitz … I even saw Hugh Grant fall off a banister. Ugo and I were the resident dancers. We’d dance with all the big performers and DJ’s – it was just awesome fun.”

Paula did a bit of travelling around Europe before being called back to Australia under tragic circumstances. Her best friend, Katie Wilkinson, who was travelling with her, had received heartbreaking news. Her sister, Kellie (also a local girl), had been murdered by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. The pair returned to Australia for the funeral.

“I still remember that day like it was yesterday … Scotland Yard turned up at home and took me to Katie’s work to tell Katie. It was just awful. I love the Wilkinson family so dearly … and that was the first time I experienced tragedy.”

Katie and Paula returned to London following the funeral. After two more years abroad Paula came back to the Sunshine Coast at the age of 22, ready to get serious about her life and career. She knew it was time.

Paula’s career in the media was about to take off, thanks to a bit of commercial voice over work with local station 4SS.

“Soon they asked me to do a night show … it was the beginning of my career, although the GM at the time told me I’d end up in TV. He told me we’d be having champagne together in Sydney as that would be where I would end up, and he was right.”

After two more years, Paula took on a role in promotions with SEA FM in the early days – she managed the promotions team while juggling a breakfast radio show called Perfect Paula and the Fat Boys. From here, she was taken to the Gold Coast to do a night show on SEA FM … and soon she found herself in Brisbane, back working with Jamie Dunn during his successful on-air partnership with Ian Skippen in the early days of B105 FM.

Soon Sydney executives would come calling – Paula found herself working with the likes of Ugly Phil and Wendy Harmer with TODAY FM, working all hours of the day and night. Finally, in 1997, Paula was offered her own breakfast radio show with FM 104.7 in Canberra with Austereo.

“I was very young for breakfast radio … and in 12 months we went to number one, but Canberra was just too straight for me. At the end of my contract my boyfriend at the time heard about this new live show with Channel V’s By Demand. They wanted radio presenters as they needed people who could carry a live show for three hours. I got the job – I couldn’t believe I was finally in TV.”

And the news only got better. Paula’s on-air partner in crime was to be none other than her old Brisbane radio buddy Andrew G (who, she tells me, had long hair down to his bottom!). It was the first TV gig for both Paula and Andrew.

“It was the funniest time. We had free reign – it was live TV on the run. And in its hey day, Channel V was massive. It was just incredible to be a part of it … good times! But it wasn’t just about the people we got to interview. We could be spontaneous and could grow and feel and do and say things you couldn’t do on commercial networks. We met everybody you could possibly imagine.”

Yes she did! Following our interview, Paula sent me a list of the many celebrities she interviewed during her time with Channel V. And what a list it is! Charlie Sheen, Jerry Lewis, Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Bon Jovi, Tom Jones, Garbage, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kylie Minogue, Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin, Richard Branson … and the list goes on.

And the biggest celebrity brat?“Definitely Christina Aguilera. She was so difficult – the worst! No

one comes close actually as she was such a prima donna. It was during her Genie in a Bottle phase, so she might have grown up by now …”

I ask Paula who she was most star struck by. She ponders this for a moment and gives me a surprising answer.

“I remember being in the green room and feeling nervous, but not because of the people you’d expect. I was probably the most

star struck by Jerry Lewis – my sister and I grew up watching him!”Channel V was to open many doors for Paula … after two years

she was invited to be a guest on The Panel.“The Working Dog crew were my idols. I absolutely thought

they were brilliant. Actually, I was probably most nervous meeting them. Being on The Panel made me realise I’d done something good for them to like me … I loved it. I was so humbled to be there with them.”

Due to a few internal issues within Channel V and an incredibly challenging creative director who Paula describes as “a female who had real issues with other women”, Paula moved on to a new role with Love Rules, a dating show that had been previously fronted by ‘The Love Machine’ Gabrielle Richens.

“Andrew G and I had been doing 25 hours of live television a week – it was so full on. And here I was filming one day a week and getting paid more!”

And the work kept on coming – pilots for new TV shows, Foxtel’s Beauty and the Beast … Paula describes the period as being “all a bit of a blur”. She had made it – she was a TV star.

While with Channel V, Paula started a little management company called Diamond Road. Through this fledgling business she would help up-and-coming artists and would also perform media training for some of the big recording labels, such as Sony and BMG.

“A label would sign a new act and I would train them for radio and television – no one was doing it back then.

“But interviewing has always been my passion. I look back on my show reel and it makes me smile – I pride myself on talking to people for who they are … I enjoy extracting the real person out.”

Diamond Road is Paula’s major focus today.It was soon time for Paula to take on a new challenge, a new job

… the job of being wife to Tony Tregurtha (who she met in a bar in Sydney and Paula describes as her “polar opposite”) and maybe even a mother. The couple married in 2004.

“I was doing the weather and Tony had expanded his business [a management consulting firm called The Spencer Partnership] to Asia. I tried to keep commuting to Singapore, but it was just too hard. I knew something had to give so I moved over. I gave up a lot for him – but ultimately I knew that his career was bigger than mine.

“I became a wife … but I had to drag myself there. I never dreamed of the big, white wedding. All my goals were about work. I never really thought I could have both, or that I would want both. I didn’t really think about getting married until I was proposed to! I was a flitter – I didn’t have time for a partnership. Giving up my career, even temporarily, was hard – it was who I am. Although I do believe you can have both – a family and a career. I felt a little like I had lost my identity. Tony saw my struggle, but he is honestly the most generous person on the planet.”

She laughs and tells me that she still has her own bank account to “squirrel away” her money – always the saver.

Is Paula independent to the extreme? Does this strength come from her mother?

“Yes, probably … and it probably stems from my mum. She is very, very strong. Mum looked after four of us on her own – I don’t know how she did it. But she always told us we could achieve whatever we wanted. Somehow she put us through private school, but while we never had the cool things she’d always find a way to get us what we needed.”

But Tony came along and swept Paula off her feet and over to Singapore, where the couple lived for three years.

Unfortunately, the job of becoming a mum was Paula’s biggest challenge yet. The couple tried for two and a half years before falling pregnant.

“We did all the investigation work and they couldn’t find anything wrong. We tried everything – herbs, the Blood Group Diet … everything! It was so frustrating as we weren’t candidates for IVF.”

Paula finally fell pregnant while in Asia – the couple was understandably thrilled. At about the 18-week mark, Paula came back to the Sunshine Coast to check on the construction of their dream house in Alexandra Headlands – their future family home.

“I got the killer Asian flu on the way over, I was so sick, but I didn’t go to the doctor, I didn’t know I needed antibiotics. I flew back and I felt better … I was doing yoga. But one day I just felt ‘open’ – it was the only way I could describe it.”

Paula was only 20-weeks pregnant but by the time she got to

cover story


“I had dreamt of this moment all my life, but I didn’t ever think I would have to say hello and goodbye at the same time to my baby.

the hospital she was already three centimetres dilated. The news was not good.

“We were devastated. They had to operate and stitch me up to take the pressure off but by the time they got in I was already 10 centimetres [dilated]. They told me I had to stay in bed – for four and a half weeks I was completely bed-ridden. I didn’t get up once. I was just praying to make it to 27 or 28 weeks – I started marking it off on a calendar.”

But Paula was to succumb to a massive infection due to the invasive stitching, an infection that would risk the life and health of her unborn son. They put her on antibiotics to counteract the blood poisoning, but she just “didn’t feel right”.

“They told me I was dying – the infection levels were so high. They said we had to finish this and I told them absolutely no way. I was determined to make it to 27-weeks – that was when I thought my baby would be able to survive.”

Despite all her efforts, Paula would soon go into labour.“I laboured all night … I was stitched right up and I just knew

they had to take the stitches out immediately. I couldn’t hold off. They just got me out of the room and into the labour ward and as soon as the stitches were out I was pushing. It was so traumatic and I didn’t have any drugs. I had dreamt of this moment all my life, but I didn’t ever think I would have to say hello and goodbye at the same time to my baby.”

The doctors warned Tony and Paula of the risks associated with such an early birth – they said there was only a five percent chance of normality.

“I can’t even tell you what that felt like. What I had been through – how sick I was … it had to have an effect on the baby.

“Through it all, Tony was my rock, as we were both going through this together.”

They made the decision to let nature take its course and not to use medical intervention. Their beautiful little boy sadly did not make it.

Paula recalls those devastating moments after the birth of her son.“I had to ask for them to bring the baby to me [to say goodbye].

It was so different in an Asian hospital – they were very cold. I even had to ask for them to take footprints and handprints of our son.”

Paula didn’t have long to grieve the loss of her baby boy; not even five minutes – they had problems getting the placenta out so she was rushed into surgery. The experience was beyond traumatic – especially as she had to farewell her newborn on Mother’s Day.

“We tried for so long … there was so much disappointment. It is such an awful place to be and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

Upon returning to Australia, the couple saw a specialist in Sydney

who told them he could see the problems with the pregnancy at the 19-week scan. The low grade infection she suffered had caused all the problems. Paula was relieved to hear she didn’t have an incompetent cervix, but the guilt was a hard pill to swallow.

“It just goes to show you don’t know what’s around the corner in life. I was the healthiest and fittest I had ever been … but you still go through this ‘could have, would have’ guilt. You can’t help but ask why.

For a long time, Paula felt “numb and empty”, but she has come out of the experience stronger and more positive.

“I’ve always been a glass half full girl. I bounced back – I had to. You have your time and then you have to shake it off and get on with life. The first three months were awful but I don’t really have many dark times now. My humour and my funny side started to creep back in.

“I am definitely in a different place now. If it happens … what a lovely gift. I wonder if that was my mummy moment. I’ve given birth – that was so positive, so I try not to look back on it as a sad

thing. Time definitely heals but I won’t ever forget. I have this amazing life. I have my health and my friends. It definitely reminds you that you don’t know what’s around the corner though.”

And what is around the corner? The growth of her management company, Diamond Road, commercial endorsements and ongoing public speaking and media training work. Paula picked herself up, dusted herself off and threw herself into her career, once more, only this time she is focused on making other people famous.

Her shining light is former So You Think You Can Dance finalist, Katrina ‘Kat’ Riteska, who will soon release her debut album. Paula spends a great deal of time in Sydney, where Kat is based. She is like a proud mother as she talks about Kat – her nurturing side shining through.

“Kat’s only 19, and she’s amazing. She is the hardest worker – she’s such a bundle of energy. I honestly haven’t seen anyone else in this country who can sing and dance like her. It is such a pleasure helping her along.”

Paula thinks about Kat for a minute and adds, “I can actually see a lot of myself in her.”

She probably doesn’t realise, but by making this confession, Paula has bestowed the highest level of praise onto her young performer – the ultimate compliment.

Kat, if you have just an ounce of the strength, gumption, raw talent, humour and drive apparent in Paula, you’re going to go a long, long way. Paula McGrath is certainly a true entertainer.

cover story


Kim and Fleur’s top 10 tips for 2011 …

1. Make aromatherapy a part of your life in 2011When life gets out of balance, challenges pop up or illness strikes, it’s nice to know there are many natural remedies offering help, some of which have been around for literally thousands of years. Out of all the complementary therapies we use, aromatherapy is without a doubt one of the easiest and most effective tools. It can be as simple as using a drop of peppermint on a tissue to alleviate a queasy stomach, lavender oil on the pillow to help induce sleep or rosemary in the vaporiser to get you going in the morning. Aromatherapy is a science. It is a 4000-year-old therapy and it produces instant results.

2. Eat, drink and be merry – but do it naturallyFood can either slow the ageing process or speed it up. Many manmade foods increase cortisol production in the body – these are foods that trigger the stress response within the body (called pseudo stressors). High cortisol levels speed up the ageing process and block the production of DHEA – the youth hormone. If that’s not a good enough reason to eat well – then what is? Anything that contains numbers, colours, flavours or preservatives should be a cause for concern. Eat foods as close to nature as possible and make sure you have a good serving of raw foods every day. Or another way to say it is ‘eat how your grandparents would have eaten’.

3. Try a new therapy and make it a monthly treat for 2011This is the year to try something new for yourself. Ayurvedic treatments, naturopathic consultations, chiropractic care, massage or even holistic integrative medicine are all the go for this new decade. If you have never tried anything like this you will be pleasantly surprised at how fantastic you feel with a regular, monthly check-in. Think of it as an investment into your health and wellbeing, not an expense.

you know how It goes … each year on January 1 we

all make a pact to have the best year yet. we’ll gIve up

smokIng, we’ll lose those fIve kIlos, we’ll go to the

gym more … all to be dIscarded three months In wIth

“I’m too busy”. well, how about thIs year you make

some sImpler adJustments that may Just actually stIck.

profIle talks wIth wellness gurus and InternatIonal

authors, kIm morrIson and fleur whellIgan of Like

ChoCoLate For Women fame about theIr top 10 tIps for

mInd and body wellness for 2011.

Kim Morrison and Fleur WhelliganLike Chocolate For Womenwww.likechocolateforwomen.com

new year, new you feature


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4. Become more connectedFeeling connected is an inner experience; it is knowing that you have meaningful links with the people and world around you, including yourself. Social connectedness is about getting involved in your community – business, hobbies, sport or cultural are all wonderful ways to feel a part of your environment. Inner connectedness is fostering that inner connection with yourself. Make time for yourself, adopt a habit of quiet meditation or prayer, indulge in massage, yoga or quiet time in nature. It is during this time we regain our inner strength, develop awareness of our spiritual and physical body and tune into areas that need attention.

5. Declutter, declutter, declutterClutter is debilitating. Most of us understand that but not all of us are that great at doing anything about it. For some, thinking about throwing things out is as terrifying as asking some girls to give up wine or chocolate! We have a rule in our houses – if it is not useful or beautiful then don’t keep it! Make 2011 the year to declutter and get organised. We have seen it on many occasions: people declutter their wardrobe and their weight suddenly begins to fall, or they organise their finances and the money begins to flow in from all angles. Go ahead. Get serious about creating spaces that are organised, calm, practical and beautiful.

6. Live by the 80/20 ruleForget calorie counting, food weighing and nutritional content on the label. Live by the 80/20 rule and make your life simple. Eighty percent of the time eat ‘nature’ foods – foods close to their natural source like vegetables, fruit and plenty of water. The other 20 percent of the time is when you can relax. If you have a party to go to, a special occasion or an outing, just enjoy yourself. Do not feel guilty. If you want to indulge (and let’s face it, that’s why nature gave us chocolate) then the key is to go for quality. If meals are rich but made with quality ingredients then go for it. Enjoy fine wine and desserts made with pure ingredients – icecream made with real cream and sugar, chocolate made with 70 percent cocoa solids. Life is for living and good self-care means indulging in the occasional yummy treat without guilt.

7. Shake that butt – get movingMake 2011 the time to transform your body. Being healthy is about recharging and enjoying your body. The exertion of physical exercise improves blood circulation, increases tone and strengthens muscles, including the heart. On a physiological level the brain releases certain chemicals and endorphins – natural mood lifters – and there is no doubt when you feel better, you look better. Accept exercise as a positive life sentence. It doesn’t matter what you do to move – as long as you are shaking that butt and moving it!

8. De-stress and empower!Stress is a constant part of our lives. It is normal, inevitable and nothing to be afraid of. However, it is important to know there are two types of stress. Good stress helps us to stay alert and excited about life. Good stress has a beginning, a middle and most importantly, an end. Bad stress, on the other hand, is constant stress that is emotionally and physically draining. Our bodies produce chemicals in stressful situations. When these chemicals are not dispersed they can contribute to heart problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, weight loss or gain, wrinkles and skin problems, depression, nervous breakdowns and even cancer. Make 2011 the year to commit to managing your stress levels.

9. Make your relationships matterYour relationships with others; your partner, children, family, work colleagues and friends, are all an extension of the relationship with yourself. These relationships are a fulfilling and rewarding part of your life. But relationships don’t just happen; good healthy relationships require time and energy from both sides. Make 2011 the year to treat everyone with high regard and politeness. Make this the year to smile at everyone. Watch what happens. It costs nothing to be kind. It takes little energy to smile. But you never know ... it could be the best thing that happens to someone on that day!

10. Create 10’s, 20’s, 50’s, 75’s and 100’s!Here is the best thing to plan for 2011. Create wonderful events in your year that make your heart sing. Developed by Dr Fred Grosse, this system is aimed to help you to take control of your life. 10’s are everyday events, inexpensive, short duration and are ‘just for you’. A coffee at a cafe, walking the dog, going to the gym etc. 20’s take a bit more planning, a bit more time and money. A night away, attending a sporting or cultural event. A 20 can be shared with others; it is something to look forward to. 50’s are longer events – maybe a weekend away. It might require planning and that is half the fun. A 75 needs to be on your ‘bucket list’, something you have always wanted to do – a wedding in an exotic location, visiting one of the seven wonders of the world, building your dream home or brand new car. 100’s are truly mind blowing. This is what life is all about. 100’s are huge and often include those nearest and dearest to you. Everyone’s 100’s are different but the common thread is that the event or experience ranks up there with the BEST things you have ever done in your life, a truly unforgettable experience! Go for it and live the dream!!



Let’s face it, working out can be healthy, rewarding and beneficial. Working out can be lots of things, but it’s never been known to be an exhilarating experience … uNTIL NOW!

The zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked.

zumba® fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning, body-energising, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat.

Add some Latin flavour and international zest into the mix and you’ve got a zumba® class! In the past years, the zumba® program has become nothing short of a revolution, spreading like wildfire, and positioning itself as the single most influential movement in the industry of fitness. Why? Because it’s the best party around.

Sunshine Coast zumba is the Offical zumba fitness company on the Coast – with classes held by fully qualified zumba and fitness instructor Celestia Spong, and her team of qualified zumba instructors.

With both a London trained dance background and a professional fitness background you can be sure that you will get a fantastic and fun dance party, under fully qualifed supervision.

We operate from many different locations, including Caloundra, Kawana, Buderim, Bli Bli, Sippy Downs, Mooloolaba and North Buderim. So come along to the one nearest you!

Phone 0401354199 www.zumbasunshinecoast.com.au

Sunshine Coast-based model manager and finishing school proprietor Serena Keenan is always on the lookout for models and talent to join her team at Serena’s Image.

All ages from 6-90 are welcome. yes, they have had real requests for people in their 90’s!

Serena’s Image offer courses in deportment, grooming and basic modelling as well as modelling and TV commercial acting and weekly catwalk classes are available.

If you want to be a model or just look like one, Serena’s Image has courses that can teach you manners and etiquette, posture and deportment, how to create a positive impression with the art of good speech, how to dress well, how to apply makeup on yourself and others or combine them all to achieve that overall ‘look’.

you will learn how to walk with correct style and posture, catwalk routines, choreography and technique.

Learn the art of photo-posing, identifying your best angles, working to camera. Find out how to get a portfolio together and what makes a good composite card.

Discover makeup techniques to give you ‘the look.’ Plus when you enroll for the modelling and TV acting course you will receive a portfolio shoot, makeup and styling advise and three A4 colour prints to start your portfolio! Find out how to get started in this fabulous industry. each student will be individually assessed and given guidance and direction. enrolment forms can be downloaded from the website.

Serena’s Image also offers a wide variety of junior modelling and catwalk classes, giving you the skills and knowledge you need. Students from all over Australia come to get inspiration and world-class training with Serena.

Serena’s Image is Australia’s largest and finest, regional Finishing and Modelling School .

In addition, makeup artistry and interior decorating and design courses are available.

Phone 5448 1887 www.serenasimage.com

The famous Bikram yoga Maroochydore, has become a hot sensation among people of all ages across the Sunshine Coast. Groups from all walks of life are flocking to take part in this exhilarating yoga experience.

A local business on the Coast for eight years, Bikram yoga has relocated to a fantastic new location at 13/12 Norval Court in Maroochydore. The studio has been designed to offer something for everyone. The Bikram Room fitted out with carpet, mirrors and a state-of-the art heating system designed to continuously draw in fresh oxygen, eliminating all smells from the room. The heat allows muscles, fascia and connective tissue to become more elastic thus preventing injury. It also promotes sweating which aides the detoxification process and allows the blood to become thinner which clears the circulatory system. What is more, the system eliminates any smells from the room through its filter. Magic! One of the greatest benefits of the heated room is that warm muscles burn fat more effectively. A standard Bikram yoga class is equivalent to burning approximately 2058kj.

Designed to provide optimal health and longevity, Bikram yoga provides an infinite number of benefits and has been known to improve conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, insomnia, high/low blood pressure, weight issues, back issues and other health problems. you do not need to be fit and healthy to begin at Bikram yoga! The Bikram yoga sequence is suitable for ALL ages and ALL levels of ability. And you cannot do too much yoga! you will always leave the class with more energy than you had when you first started.

The studio is also excited to announce that Children’s yoga is now available, with the new semester starting on Thursday 27th January, from 4 to 5pm, (bookings are essential). Further, Flow yoga and Pregnancy yoga are being offered in a non-heated room. Therapy rooms are also onsite, offering massage and beauty treatments. Products for sale include yoga mats, yoga books, clothing, coconut water and water. Mats and towels are available to rent, and shower facilities are provided.

Phone 5443 1178www.bikrammaroochydore.com

roxanne gIles serena keenan celestIa spongbIkram yoga maroochydore serena’s Image sunshIne coast zumba®



81 Sixth Avenue, Elouera Tower, Maroochydore. Phone 0987 9876

Have you always thought weight loss success to be a mission impossible?

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» The activeliving team understand how starting a new exercise regime can create great amounts of anxiety and fear, we strive to make you feel safe and comfortable and allow you to work at your own pace while still achieving results

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My husband Ian, who died 3 years ago always wanted to climb a mountain so in his memory and with a little help from a friend I ventured on an awesome 28 day trek climbing 3 mountains in Nepal one over 6000m. What got me there was not only my dedication to the task but my Personal Trainer Dan who strengthened and conditioned my body to cope with physi-cal demands of the climb. Without my training with Dan I wouldn’t have be able to endure the changing emo-tions, cold, tiredness or lack of oxygen. With that task conquered, my next chal-lenge with Dan alongside is the 2011 New York Marathon all 42km of it at 62 this will be my Everest.

If you would like to know more about how Dan can change your life email me [email protected]

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Left cold at her first business networking event, Natalie McIvor was adamant to start her own. At the time, three years ago, she looked around

the room and noticed women enjoying the food and the bubbles, but wondered what made it different from any other social event. “I thought networking would be about connecting with people, finding out more about each other, yet I didn’t feel I connected with anyone beyond their business card,” Natalie says. But Natalie didn’t leave the event without fulfillment – she had been given the spark of an idea, which ultimately led to the Enlightened Goddesses Business Network.

She had just returned to the Sunshine Coast after living in Vanuatu where she owned and managed a natural health centre, Lotus Health and Beauty. “Five years ago I found myself divorced and about to sell the family home and I didn’t know what I was going to do next. I had a fair bit of healing to do in my personal life,” Natalie says. “So I became a reiki master and life coach, and one day in meditation asked ‘What will I do now?’ The voice I heard said go to Vanuatu and open a spiritual centre, which is what I did.”

Natalie opened Lotus Health and Beauty with a friend, but after two years, the partnership failed and

Natalie decided to return to Australia with her children, and this is how she found herself at her first business networking event.

She has always been passionate about supporting, promoting and assisting people to become more empowered, and she attributes this to her childhood. She moved to Bribie Island from New South Wales when she was 10-years-old and two years later Natalie was faced with great responsibility when her mother became a paraplegic. Enlightened Goddesses also proudly supports the Cindy Mackenzie Breast Cancer Foundation and Natalie says, “My aunt and also my dearest friend were diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Natalie says she’s come a long way from leaving school. She now has her own established and successful business. “I have also been married and divorced twice, and have three children, Ashlea 22 years, Jakson 15 years and Ciana 12 years and a very gorgeous grand-daughter, Grace, who is 16-months-old,” she says. “I have been living on my own for the past seven years and have been in a very happy and healthy relationship for the past two and a half years.”

It seems that Natalie is enlightened indeed.

NATALIE mCIvOr

words jade dunwoody ll photography kerrin smith

words jade dunwoody ll photography kristen little

A friend introduced Facebook to Lisa Harrison in 2006. At the time, Lisa was in the final stages of her marketing communications degree,

breastfeeding her four-month-old daughter, caring for her three-year-old son and ... a newly single mother. “Facebook was a lifesaver. I was given a channel to connect with my family and friends in a format over which I could have control,” says Lisa. “I did not have much control over anything else at that point. Everything else was controlling me, my children (although I love them dearly), my body (breast feeding), my income ... the list goes on,” she says. “To be able to choose when I wanted to socialise, what images I wanted other people to see and who I connected with was massive for me.” The personal impact of Facebook on Lisa’s life was so great she ended up adding social media electives to her degree.

Fast forward almost five years and Lisa’s early foray into the then burgeoning world of social media has become a lifeline for business owners and managers wanting to create an online community for their company or brand. Lisa, who with partner Stephen Burton, owns and operates POMO Creative, a boutique design and branding studio, says, “The interest in social media from our clients has been amazing. We help them build their brand by strategically using social media

sites,” she said.The social media world continues to grow

exponentially. By the end of 2009*, 75 percent of all Australians with access to the internet had registered with Facebook; 70 percent with You Tube and 34 percent with Twitter. More than one third of those using social media connect with others this way on a daily basis. And on top of this, Australia beats the US for the amount of time spent on social media sites.

In August this year, Lisa travelled to New York to collaborate with a design agency doing similar things for their clients. “I came back from New York with a renewed passion and confirmation that the value of using this fastest growing medium for businesses is immense – and those not using it will be left behind.

“It is not enough for businesses to just set up a Facebook page or a Twitter account and just leave it there. A strategy is required – just like any marketing plan,” she said.

In February, Lisa will guide businesses to create that strategy in a one-day seminar: Secrets to Social Media Mastery Seminar. For more information head to www.pomo.com.au.

*The Neilsen Company.

LIsA HArrIsON

social network.

path enlightened.

briefcase


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WINDoW SHoPPINGmy favourite things

VANITY CASEbeach bodies

PRoFILE LoVESlife’s a beach

ADVICEtips from the experts

my

january2011FREEfashionmagazine

FASHION, BeAuTy, PROFILeS AND ADVICe


fashion with heartLocal boutique Princess Polly has made waves on the Coast with its youthful, feminine frocks … but that is not all. Part of a national chain, the store with a conscience is also known for its work on the Amira Project — a community-run program that impacts on the lives of young women in need, in particular girls requiring crisis housing and support in youth pregnancy.www.theamiraproject.com

my favourite things ...To some, summer is a favourite time of year … sun, sand and surf. Summer for me however, conjures up images of sun (burning skin and wrinkles), sand (to put it plainly, I hate sand) and surf (I’m not particularly good in it and it requires me to get out in my togs in public).

So this summer I am making a pact to spend my summer days swanning in THE must-have item – the kaftan.

Glamorous, yet comfortable, it can be styled down for a day at the beach or glammed up with jewelled sandals for sunset cocktails or a lunch date. Whether it be a Sasha Drake original, or a cheapy from Bali (I may have bought a dozen

or so on my recent trip …), the kaftan is one item everyone looks good in. So get into summer mode with our piping hot summer fashion and beauty pages this January.

COvEr ImAGE: CAmILLA frANK KAfTAN AND pLAYsuIT frOm HEr ‘BABYLON’ rANGE. CAmILLA KAfTANs (prICED frOm $499) AvAILABLE AT THE BOuTIquE, HYATT rEGENCY COOLum, pHONE 5449 3540. sTOCKIsT ENquIrIEs 02 8353 1800

GENINE HOWArDpuBLIsHEr / mANAGING EDITOr

gym gets fitFernwood Fitness, the largest women’s-only health club in Australia, has had a make-over at its Maroochydore club – and it’s now even better than ever! According to club manager of Fernwood Maroochydore Liz Morris, the club is now even more hip with a bright new colour scheme, revamped spin room for a special night time theme (including fluorescent lights and disco ball), new cardio equipment and an increase in the number of group fitness classes on offer to more than 45 classes per week. Plus, the club is also on the hunt for the best male group fitness instructors on offer on the Coast to start teaching group fitness to their all-female members! After a five-year absence since the last male instructor was allowed to teach at the club, club owner Andrew Paul said it is great to see Fernwood opening up the challenge to the best male instructors out there who are now welcome to show members what they have got. Contact Fernwood Maroochydore for more!www.fernwood.com.au

every girl needs ...A little black dress! Touted as the absolute essential for any girl’s wardrobe, a little black dress (or LBD) should be at hand for all impromptu events. With this in mind, local Coastie Juliette Know, has created an online shopping emporium with a plethora of LBDs – and in designer styles including Talulah, Gina Kim and Sacha Drake! Haven’t heard of The Little Black Dress empire yet? Well jump onto www.tlbde.com quick smart to see their dresses to die for!www.tlbde.com

froggie friendly feetIf you are a greenie at heart like me, you will love these … 100 percent Australian-made ‘Gideon’ sneakers, fashioned from that pesky introduced cane-toad. yes, these cool kicks are made from cane toad hide (along with kangaroo and cow leathers) and have been developed by eccentric Aussie duo Rupert and Matt Noffs (recently interviewed on the today show). The brothers are donating all profits to the Noffs Foundation Street university – a free educational and recreational centre for Redfern youth. Priced from $189 and available from selected retailers across Australia, these environmentally-conscious sneakers even have fashion-cred!www.gideon.com.au

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behind the scenes

with Wade Blackford

This month, I thought I’d bring you behind the scenes and give you the inside scoop on what goes into a photo shoot and what it takes to produce beautiful images like the ones that grace the covers of top fashion mags. Last October, my long time partner in crime Katya Cox and I decided to put together a high fashion shoot with the main focus on hair. The shoot consisted of six different looks, two models and one day for photography. We wanted to create looks that were glamorous and beautiful, yet pushed the envelope, but not too far. After two months of careful planning and trials, we were ready to shoot. The morning of the shoot I woke up to the sound of a text message at 8am, and before I checked my phone I glanced out of the window to see to my dismay that it was pouring with rain. The shoot was outside. I picked up my phone and felt sick. The message on the screen read as follows: “Hi Wade, I’m really sorry but I can’t make it to the shoot today.” It was from one of our top models.

So far the day was not going well. We had a sky of rain, we were a model down and we were running out of time with only two hours until the shoot. After consulting Katya and enduring a small freak-out, we decided we had to get on with it. We started hustling to find another model and managed to arrange the beautiful Grace Collete to come to the rescue. With the crisis over, we were ready to shoot. The rest of the day went off without a hitch. The sun came out and the team was amazing. Despite the hiccups we had encountered that morning we were able to get some sensational shots. Here’s a sneak peek! Hope you love them as much as we do.

Strut Hair and Beauty5443 5605www.struthair.com.au

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advice


Our fertility specialists: Dr George Bogiatzis, Dr Kirsten Small, Dr James Orford, Dr Kirsten Morrow,

Dr Rebecca Matthews, Nurse Denise Donati.

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Sharing your journey for life


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This summer, have fun in the sun – but

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cosmetic laser 101

with Dr Alison Jamieson

The start of the year is a great time to reflect on your current level of health, fitness and happiness. Most people would love to be healthier, fitter and happier but the task seems too elusive to achieve. The greatest number of people join gyms, quit smoking and buy sporting equipment in January, more than any other time of the year. If this is you then I commend you. Desire is the first step of the journey.

Desire alone, however, is not enough. Dreams without action are the beginnings of delusions.

I encourage you to follow the simple five-step process set out below. In order to show you how the process works, imagine you are slaving over your computer all day and it is giving you poor posture and headaches. When you get home you are tired and grumpy with the family.

Step 1. Why.Write a sentence on why you would like this to change.“I want to get in great condition so that after a full day at the office, I am still feeling happy and energised to spend quality time with the family.”

Step 2. What.Be specific and measurable.“I would like my posture and neck to be in top condition with no abnormal tension and pressure.”

Step 3. When.Set a realistic date.“By easter 2011, my back and neck will be strong and supple and my posture balanced.”

Step 4. Create the plan.Set out the action. “I will do a course of chiropractic care and adjust my workstation at the office.”

Step 5. Take action.Do it. “Today I am calling the chiropractor and moving the computer screen.”

For 2011 to be your best year ever, dream it, plan it, schedule it ... then live it!

For a free 13-week action calendar, visit www.visionforvitality.com. Hendrey Chiropractic5437 7222www.hendreychiropractic.com.au

2011 – the healthiest and happiest year of your life!with Dr David Hendrey

The latest, high-tech laser procedures have become a key technology in cosmetic advancement.

Ageing skinevery one of us ages at a different rate and in different ways. Some people will develop redness, age or sun spots. Others have large pores, fine lines, wrinkles or lax skin. Most people have one or more of these conditions. As we age, changes in our skin are inevitable. However, some changes and signs of ageing are preventable. Changes may be related to environmental factors, genetic makeup or nutrition. However, the greatest single factor in the appearance of ageing is sun damage.

Effect of changesAs you age, the outer layer of your skin becomes thinner, more fragile, and the protective subcutaneous fat layer decreases. The pigment on the skin increases and changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin’s strength and elasticity. This is most easily seen on the outside surface of the forearms but can occur anywhere on the body. Clinical research shows that ageing skin repairs itself up to four times more slowly than younger skin. Cosmetic lasersSince the early 1980s, cosmetic laser procedures have became a key part of cosmetic skin advancement to help fight the signs of ageing. Cosmetic lasers are designed to help remove the signs of ageing and sun damage including pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, they can improve skin

texture, remove unwanted hair and vascular conditions. But not all lasers are the same. There are two types of laser cosmetic procedures – ablative (some down time) and non-ablative (little or no down time). Ablative lasers. These lasers work by vaporising the top layer of the skin to improve the side effects and signs of ageing. The benefits of ablative laser procedures are the dramatic results they can deliver, including wrinkle reduction, skin texture improvement and collagen regeneration. Non-ablative lasers are newer innovative technologies that instead of removing (vaporising) skin tissue, work beneath the surface skin layer to improve skin tone, texture and wrinkles. The benefits of non-ablative laser skin treatments are reduced recovery time, less risk of infection and irritation and less time spent in the doctor’s office. These procedures can take anywhere from five minutes to two hours to complete.

The most important thing to remember when considering a cosmetic laser procedure is to consult with a practitioner who has the knowledge, expertise and experience to ensure your expectations are met in a safe and predictable manner. CoZmedics Medispas – Noosa, Maroochydore, Ascot, Kenmore1300 792 299www.cozmedics.com.au

life


Maroochydore Call 5479 0744Sunshine Homemaker Centre

$1144.


Do you wake in the morning feeling anxious for no apparent reason? Do you find yourself with panic overwhelming you through the day when nothing is planned? You might feel nervous about going to work or when the phone rings, when there’s nothing to be worried about.

This can go on for months or years, and will cause debilitating emotions, reducing your ability to work, and cause relationship problems at home.

There are a number of underlying causes that contribute to symptoms including anxiety, nervousness, depression, or lack of excitement and motivation for life. Stress feels overwhelming, and little upsets cause feelings of anger. Palpitations, irritable bowel syndrome, foggy brain and poor concentration can also occur.

even though it seems psychological, and you may have issues in your life contributing to it, there are two very common physical problems that cause your symptoms to feel more extreme than they should feel. These affect the nervous system, causing your fight/flight response to over-react. A malicious infection has been

found to be a contributing factor in up to 90% of tested patients. It’s picked up from overseas, or having contact with someone who has travelled which is only detected in specialised testing.

This infection releases a toxin affecting the nervous system physically and mentally. It’s not often been associated with mental health, though studies show its impact on the brain. It’s passed on very easily, so more than one person in a household may suffer from similar symptoms. you will also find some people can carry this infection with no symptoms whatsoever, as it seems to act when there are other health problems.

Often we’re able to correlate the first sign of symptoms, coinciding with a stomach bug causing diarrhoea or vomiting. It’s passed on quite easily through schools, day care centres, or places of work.

It’s quite easy to treat, when done properly, and most symptoms are relieved as soon as the infection has been eradicated. Infections are just one part of a 7 step process for permanently treating anxiety and other mental

health conditions. These steps have been proven with testing to improve the brain function immeasurably, without the help of medication. To find out more, call the centre and arrange a free half hour consultation, or register for the next webinar on Tuesday January 18, 7:30pm. A webinar is simply a seminar that you can see on the internet. It’s easy and it’s free. Register now for Overcoming Anxiety in 7 easy Steps at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/584675257.

Jodi Chapman B.H.Sc NaturopathAdvanced Wellness & Behavioural Centre 44 Baden Powell St, [email protected] www.advancedwellness.com.auph: 5443 1987

FindoutwhyAnxiety,Nervousness,andPanicAttackshappentoyouandhowtoovercomeit!

the insider secrets of health and fitness ...with Bianca Aiono

1. The secret to making a simple commitment to your exercise program. Many people want to believe that a pill, fad diet or a special machine will solve all their weight loss and fitness problems. The real ‘secret’ is quite simple and I’ll distill it for you right here: eat four to five small, healthy meals per day and perform a combination of aerobic and resistance training exercise for 40 to 60 minutes three times a week. Take out your calendar right now and mark off three days each week for the next 12 weeks when you will commit to exercising. Then do it. your consistent commitment will bring you the results you want.

2. The secret of having a coach. Almost every self-help book ever written talks about the critical importance of having a coach / mentor. A coach is an experienced and trusted counsellor or teacher. It’s inevitable that you will come up against hard times on your path to losing weight and getting fit. A coach will guide, motivate, educate and support you – so you can easily and rapidly overcome these hurdles. A coach is critical to systemising your exercise program for maximum results and assisting you in heightening your motivation and strengthening your commitment. And a coach becomes your ‘objective feedback system’ helping you see, understand and correct the problems that are interfering with your progress. exercise and nutrition are bona fide sciences and learning everything you need to know on your own can take years of struggle – but not if you have a coach.

3. The secret of progression. Have you ever met someone who says they exercise week after week, month after month, even year after year and aren’t getting any new results? Believe it or not, doing the same workout over and over without expert guidance to direct your progress will actually decrease your fitness. you must learn how to progressively improve and fine-tune your efforts for maximum weight loss and fitness results.

4. The biggest secret: accountability. In a recent study at Virginia Polytechnic university, researchers divided people starting a walking program into two groups. every week, each individual in one group got a phone call asking how their exercise program was coming along, the other group got no calls. At the end of 24 weeks, 45 percent of the individuals who got the phone calls were still walking compared to just two percent who did not receive calls. The results show that weekly accountability increases the likelihood of sticking to your exercise program by 2200 percent!

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life


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sport and your child’s feet

with Karl Schussig

It is important for children to participate in sport because activity improves their cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal systems, their coordination, and their state of mind. It also helps develop a sense of self-discipline and teamwork. early training should emphasise technique and basic movement-skills in all sports, especially in children younger than 10. Most podiatrists say children who concentrate on a single sport at too young an age are more likely to develop injuries of the foot. The immature bones of children are different from those of adults. The growth plates in children’s bones do not finish closing untiltheir late teens, and if over-stressed these plates become more susceptible to injury. Podiatrists warn repetitive overuse can cause inflammation of the growth plates and advise parents to promote diverse physical activities for their children rather than one sport. Warming-up before participating in sports is more important for adults than children, but it helps loosen the muscles and prevent injuries in athletes of all ages. Learning to stretch at an early age will set a good pattern for sports activities as the body develops. Whether parents like it or not, part of a child’s image revolves around footwear, but for good foot health the condition of the shoe is more important than the

price tag. excessive wear on the outsole or wear on the cushioned midsole indicates it’s time to replace the shoes. Because children’s feet are constantly growing, it is important to allow at least one finger width from the end of the longest toe when buying shoes. you can have the best shoe in the world, but if it doesn’t fit correctly it doesn’t do its job.

Podiatrists can offer a thorough examination of the entire lower extremity and identify bio-mechanical imbalances before they cause an injury. Many young children suffer from mild ‘torsional’ imbalances, commonly known as in-toeing and out-toeing. Most children outgrow these imbalances without treatment. However, if it continues, your child may be more susceptible to injury. This is also the case with feet that roll inwards too much (flat feet) and feet that roll outwards too much (high arched feet).

Both foot types, if excessive, will lead to overuse, injuries and pain, which can all be prevented with early treatment from a trained podiatrist.

Proarch Podiatry5456 2562 (1300 PRoARCH)[email protected]

just do it ...

with Dr Simone Ricketts

As the brand new year unfolds in 2011, make this yOuR year to seriously sort out your smile.

Definitely put those New year’s resolutions on a page as you are far more likely to succeed if you write them down. In my experience, it is always interesting to look back on previously written New year’s resolutions and to appreciate that 90 percent have been achieved. It is far more constructive than a vague wish-list floating around your mind – which is much less likely to be achieved.

If your New year’s resolution is to look after your teeth more so as to get less decay or fewer cavities and / or improve your bleeding gums, try flossing daily. Sorting out your smile may be as simple as learning how to floss your teeth. Ask your dentist to show you. Flossing removes plaque and food stuck between your teeth which your toothbrush cannot possibly reach. Flossing will reduce decay between your teeth too. Flossing solves everything dentally … almost! Also have a good look at your diet and cut out all sweet drinks. Drink water or have tea or coffee without sugar. If you must have a sweet snack, finish with a piece of cheese, which will neutralise the acid produced by the sugar which demineralises or dissolves your tooth enamel.

Make one of this year’s resolutions a promise to explore your options in replacing missing teeth lost for varying reasons over the years. Dentures, bridges and implants should all be considered, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Missing teeth are incredibly ageing.

Whiten your teeth! As I have stated previously – summer, autumn, winter, spring … whatever the season, it is always fashionable to have healthy, white teeth. The key to whitening success is professional supervision. your dentist will make customised trays that fit comfortably in your mouth. Generally, these need to be worn for 30 to 45 minutes a day for three to five days, depending on your base tooth colour.

Have a professional tooth clean and polish! This will make a huge difference to the colour of your teeth if you have deposits of yellow tartar stuck between your teeth and / or dark staining from tea or coffee.

Furthermore, your New year’s resolution may be to investigate options for straightening your crowded teeth or closing gaps between teeth. Talk to your dentist about straightening your teeth or closing gaps invisibly with invisalign.

Don’t go through another year wondering …what if? Just do it!

Make a time to chat with your dentist this year about treatment options for improving your smile in 2011.

Smile by Design5443 [email protected]

life


The secret to a long life, Maurizio is told, is a little red wine, cheese and hard work!

So at the beginning of a new year, with limitless opportunities and the potential to lead a long and fabulous life, Maurizio wishes to extend chentannos to all his wonderful customers and supporters of The Jewellery Lounge.

“I feel so blessed to be able to live in this beautiful place, to do what I love, and to be surrounded by amazing people. I wish all my customers the same blessings. Chentannos to you all!”

This year Maurizio continues to put his signature european flair into The Jewellery Lounge range, with exclusive jewellery designs, remodelling, beautiful handcrafted pieces, funky watches, exquisite handbags, and Maurizio’s own personal collection.

“I am so excited about what’s in store for 2011. We have a wonderful array of new jewellery and accessories coming in and we look forward to bringing these beautiful pieces to you.”

www.jewellerylounge.com

Sunshine CoastAirport Shop

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Shop 11, Zanzibar, The Esplanade Mooloolaba T 5444 5158

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It’s customary in Maurizio Fenu’s native Sardinia to wish people chentannos which means a long and happy life. And it certainly seems to be working, as Sardinia has one of the highest concentrations of 100+ year-old residents in the world.

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unwind


If I had to pick a word to describe what kind of traveller I was, I would say; ‘discerning’.

If you had asked me that in my early 20’s, I probably would have described myself as a

‘backpacker’. Remember those days when you were more than happy to lug around 15 kilos on your back in a bag containing a pair of jeans, a few t-shirts and alas, no hair dryer or GHD straightener? It wasn’t the quality of the accommodation that played any part in your holiday decisions – that was mere detail. All you needed to know was where you were going to crash that night after several cheap beers and a few shooters thrown in.

Back in those days, your holiday revolved around what adrenaline adventure you’d be taking part in that day and which pub you were going to all meet-up in that night. A far cry from my current ideal holiday experience.

So when I discovered that our weekend retreat, Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm, used to be a backpackers, I thought it was quite ironic to consider how things change as we mature. You simply couldn’t pay me money to stay in a backpackers these days – communal kitchens, lounge area, and heaven-forbid, communal bathrooms … No, these days I am more accustomed to luxury hotel rooms complete with a private bathroom (with an obligatory spa bath and organic bath accessories), private balcony and of course, a la carte dining. No two-minute noodles for me, thank you very much.

Balfour Hotel – now in the prestigious Spicers chain of boutique hotels – is a grand Queenslander nestled in a side street behind the funky shops, cafes and bars of Brunswick Street, New Farm. She has been completely transformed over the past three years – from shabby to chic, and is now an elegant reminder of times gone by. My husband and I stayed for a weekend mini-break to enjoy some city time, and made a pact to visit as many bars and restaurants as we could squeeze in.

From the street it is hard to imagine just how unique and elegant Spicers Balfour is – painted a subtle, dark grey with wrap around verandahs, the hotel exterior masks the grandeur of the interior. Traditional high ceilings, tongue and groove walls and balustrades all now mingle with plush furniture in tones of greys and hot pinks, European chandeliers hang from the ceilings and bathe warm light onto polished wooden floor boards that stretch from the front verandah to the private sitting room in the back.

Each room is an eclectic mix of plush furniture, crisp linen, sleek lines and rich colourings, with pieces collected from Asia intermingled with black and white pictures of yesteryear. It is a mix that works. We are told the owner loves nothing more than to collect interesting pieces from all over the world to complement the edgy character that is now Balfour.

And it’s not just the décor that has been thought through with exquisite attention – this is a hotel to be modelled on. General manager Matt Simpson, who has been with the hotel chain since his early 20’s and is a credit to the company (and good looking to boot!) says it has been his mission to ensure that every detail has been fine-tuned to provide the ultimate boutique experience. Each room has its own Nespresso machine (think George Clooney’s favourite coffee), hot and cold filtered water on tap, flat screen TV and DVD player, Bose Wave sound system and iPod docking station … there certainly wasn’t any of these luxuries back in my backpacking days!

And it doesn’t stop there. No detail has been overlooked. You’d like to relax in the sitting room with a paper and an espresso? Certainly. How about some afternoon pastries and a flat white on the verandah? Not

a problem. What about gourmet canapés and cocktails at sunset on the rooftop deck? Absolutely! Each night, guests are treated to sunset drinks on the hotel’s very funky rooftop bar area, complete with perfect views of the Story Bridge and cityscape. This tailor-made area is the pièce de résistance of Balfour … gorgeous views, amazing food and a plethora of wines, boutique beers or cocktails to choose from … heaven!

Although dinner is not served at the hotel, why would it need to when it is only minutes away from some of Brisbane’s best eating precincts? We chose to head over to Teneriffe for dinner (with expert recommendations from our host Matt) and found the old London Woolstores which have been converted into a haven of dining delights. We chose the groovy Grasshopper Asian Kitchen followed by a stroll along the Brisbane riverfront. For lunch the next day we headed along cool Brunswick Street and found Pintxo Spanish Taperia Tapas Restaurant; which is Australia’s first tapas train! We happily feasted on Boquerones (marinated white anchovies with grilled sourdough), Aceitunas Mezcladas (house-marinated cold Spanish and Australian olives) and Spanish beer. Ole!

Later that day we both indulged in massages at the Body Essence Day Spa, literally a couple of minutes’ walk from the hotel. A fine end to a glorious weekend away.

Staying at Spicers Balfour Hotel is certainly a unique experience. In fact, we felt like locals after our weekend away; albeit very well-looked after ones! This majestic Queenslander that has seen its fair share of guests in its time – from boozed-up backpackers to discerning travellers – is one well-loved lady, and her grand beauty is certainly to be experienced.

From shabby to chic, this is one hotel where you can leave the backpack behind.

factslocated … in the heart of New Farm, 37 Balfour Street. Phone 1300 597 540 www.spicersgroup.com.au

accommodation … nine boutique rooms including executive, courtyard and terrace rooms

facilities … dining room, library, wraparound verandahs, rooftop bar, fully-equipped gym, 24-hour laundry service, 24-hour room service

ideal for … conferences, weddings, private getaways

dining … open for breakfast, brunch and high tea (by reservation for non-guests) and canapés and drinks on rooftop bar

spa and yoga … available at Body Essence Day Spa, 612 Brunswick Street, New Farm. Phone 07 3358 3100

Bars and restaurants … try Grasshopper Asian Kitchen, London Woolstores, 36 Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe, phone 3252 8622 and Pintxo Spanish Taperia, 561 Brunswick Street, New Farm. Phone 07 3333 2231

She has been completely transformed over the past three years – from shabby to chic, and is now an elegant reminder of times gone by.’

chic

spICErs BALfOur HOTEL’s AmAzING rOOfTOp BAr

unwind


methodToast sesame seeds under griller (be careful as they can burn quickly). When toasted, leave to one side. Peel carrots then cut in half length-ways, then slice at an angle. Cut snow peas in half on an angle. Slice shallots. Cut broccoli into small florets. To butterfly the raw peeled prawns (this makes the prawn more tender), using a sharp knife run the blade down the back of the prawns bring careful not to cut all the way through, scrape out the vein. Rinse prawns. Coat a wok or non-stick frying pan with cooking spray, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds, add prawns and cook for two to four minutes (depending on size) until just cooked. Remove prawns from wok, leave to one side. Re-heat wok, add ¼ cup of water, carrots and broccoli, cook for two minutes, then add shallots and snow peas and cook for a further two minutes. Add stock powder and soy sauce. Combine cornflour with remaining water then add to wok. Add honey, sesame seeds and prawns, combine well.

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 1½ cups carrots

• 1½ cups snow peas

•• ½ cup shallots

• 1 cup broccoli

• 400g peeled raw prawns

• cooking spray

•• ½ teaspoon crushed garlic (in jar)

•• ½ teaspoon crushed ginger (in jar)

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon salt reduced chicken style stock powder (Massel®)

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (43 pecent less salt)

• 2 tablespoons cornflour

•• ⅓ cup honey

HONEY PRAWN STIR-FRY (MAKES 4 SERVINGS)

Annette SymSymply Too Good To Be

True authorwww.symplytoogood.com.au

Summer is well and truly here and it is an ideal time of year to enjoy delicious local Mooloolaba prawns, so my Honey Prawn Stir-Fry (book 4) is a perfect recipe for this month. We are so fortunate on the Sunshine Coast to have such a fabulous array of fresh seafood on our doorstep. Loaded with Omega-3’s, seafood has some amazing health benefits and prawns are also a great source of protein. This recipe

is very low in fat but high in flavour and nutritional benefits, making it a great way to start the new year. The traditional version of this dish includes fried prawns and lots of honey, but my version is light, healthy and so delicious. Enjoy!

Happy New Year everyone – wishing you a fabulous 2011 and may this year be your healthiest and happiest one yet.

HONEY prAWN sTIr-frY

on the table


2011 season opens with:Konstantin Shamray, 7pm, 29/1/112008 Sydney International PianoCompetition Winner –performingBach Piano Concerto No 1 in D minorBach Piano Concerto No 5 in F minor Prokofiev Piano Sonata No 7 Mekhla Kumar joins Konstantin to perform works for 4 HandsL.A. Piano Duo, 3pm, 20/3/11John Adams, Hallelujah 2 pianos Schubert Fantasy in F minor for Four Hands and other 2 piano worksPascal & Ami Rogè, 7pm, 6/5/11Internationally acclaimed New York concert pianists will premiere Matthew Hindson’s concerto for 2 pianos written especially as a gift to celebrate their wedding

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 3Bach Piano Concerto No 1 in D minorBach Piano Concerto No 5 in F minorHindson Concerto for 2 pianosSchubert Fantasy in F minor for 4 HandsTchaikovsky Violin ConcertoProkofiev Piano Concerto No 3Saint Saèns Cello ConcertoLutoslawski Variations on a Theme byPaganini 2 pianos

Lucas Parklands unique performance environment, combined with the Flame Mahogany Steinway and Kawai Grand has attracted international artists to perform major works in 2011.

Ian & Lee LucasLucas Parklands, Special Events Venue126 Narrows Rd, Montville 4560 QldPh: 5478 5667E: [email protected]

Enjoy exquisite classical music amid brilliant acoustic, architectural and artistic excellence at Lucas Parklands

Lucas Parklands presents

The Great Romantic Concertos

World PremiereHindson Concerto to premiere

in Montville.


with Belle Hemming Interior designerwww.spaceplanners.com.au

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BUY NOW

Welcome to Part II of our “Essential Car Buying Guide” to prepare yourself for the second biggest purchase of your life. This month we will explore drive trains, engine size and seating configurations.

1. Drive Train: this can be one of the most confusing aspects to purchasing a new car and the final decision is 100% dependent on your lifestyle. The options here are two wheel drive (2WD), four wheel drive (4WD) and all wheel drive (AWD). 2WD is easy so let’s deal with that one first. These models only have a front differential (front wheel drive) or a rear differential (rear wheel drive), but not both. This would account for a majority of the cars on the road and is the preferred option if you are only doing suburban driving. 4WD vehicles have both a front and rear differential (hence all four wheels have drive) and they have the ability to “lock in” both the front and rear via a centre differential. This style of vehicle is designed primarily for the serious off roader who wants to go on the beach or on tough tracks. AWD is very similar to 4WD but they don’t have the centre differential to lock in the front and rear. This system was designed primarily as a safety

feature because with power (drive) being sent to all four wheels, the car will be much more stable on the road. The downside to this may be that the fuel economy is a little worse than a 2WD vehicle because the engine has to work harder.

2. Engine Size: once again this is purely personal preference and most of the decision relates to fuel economy. Generally, more cylinders equates to more power which equates to higher fuel usage. Why is this so? In very simple terms, each cylinder in an engine is a certain size and the more of them you have, the larger the volume of the engine (ie 2.0 litre, 3.0 litre etc). The larger the volume (or cylinders), the more fuel that is required to be ignited to drive the engine. But forgetting all that - how good does it feel to be thrown back in your seat when you press down on the accelerator! 3. Seating: this might be a good time to introduce some acronyms. DINK’s – Dual Income No Kids. Well, the world is your oyster because you can pick any seating configuration your lifestyle chooses! A two door convertible or coupe might be top of your list. DeWK’s – Dual employed With

Kids. Now we are back into the area of practicality and this probably means two cars. One for work and one for the school run. The creation of the 7 seater wagon has been a major win for the consumer because it turns a normal SuV into a people mover. This option will normally cost you about $2,000 extra, however, it does add to your re-sale value because it is very sought after in a used car. If you did not catch on to the idea of contraception early enough, you might need to step up to a people mover which normally seats 8 and has room for the luggage.

Oh, and a final one – KIPPeR’s. Kids in Parents Pockets eroding Retirement Savings! If you would like any advice or have any questions regarding purchasing a new car, email us on [email protected]

the essential guide to buying a new carwith Craig McPherson, Dealer Principal

Currimundi l Maroochydore l Noosawww.PacificMotorGroup.com.au

1300 635 607

PACIFIC MOTOR GROuP PROMOTION


With a genuine interest in helping others live their dreams, Karen always knew she wanted to work her way up in the banking world and become a lending manager.

Joining BOQ Chancellor Park has not only given Karen that opportunity, but also the chance to be in charge of a branch in a community which will continue to grow rapidly over the coming years.

Karen has been with BOQ since 1997 and has excelled in various branch roles in that 13 year period. Karen has now continued her association with BOQ’s exclusive owner managed network by joining Brenden and Carlie Brial at their Chancellor Park branch.

She is excited about changing people’s perceptions of banking and providing locals a more attractive and personal alternative to what the bigger banks have to offer.

On a daily basis, Karen gets to help people with all of their banking needs and in most cases makes a genuine difference to their lives.

She is excited to work for a family that shares her passion for people and delivering a level of customer service that most customers have never experienced from their financial institutions.

0488 561 082 [email protected]

Director and principal coach of Inspired Leadership, Anna Searle is a leadership coach with a difference. A certified master coach, master practitioner and trainer of NLP (neuro-linguistic programming), and a member of the International Coach Federation, Anna has a rare depth of international business experience founded on blue chip successes.

Anna’s journey began when she became one of the first two Australian students sent to Hong Kong. This adventure ignited her passion for exploration. A few years later, Anna completed her studies and entered ANz Bank’s graduate program. Being driven by her desire to travel and explore different cultures and ways of thinking, she headed to South Africa on an exchange program. While there, Anna accepted an offer to work as a strategy consultant for Deloitte Consulting. Anna soon became Deloitte’s energy expert for Africa. Returning to Australia, she continued working for Deloitte before establishing Inspired Leadership here on the Sunshine Coast.

Anna’s passion is self-awareness and gaining a deeper understanding of why and how to achieve personal satisfaction and happiness within the business world. Inspired Leadership is all about helping corporate and business people better understand what it is they want, why they want it, and how to create it. Anna brings more than 20 year’s strategy consulting experience and her flair for innovation to leadership coaching.

0414 453 913 www.inspiredleadership.com.au

To use Jacinta’s own words, “I didn’t really choose family law; rather it chose me.” After finishing school, Jacinta decided to study law because she wanted to help people on some level, but didn’t really know where to begin. At the time, a law degree sounded like a great place to start. And it was. Having studied ballet, her passion had also been music and the arts so a legal career specialising in assisting musical artists and actors with negotiating better contracts / copyright law was the direction she thought she would take.

However, after graduating with honours, Jacinta surprised herself by finding that her real passion was in family law and she has never looked back. She joined Schultz Toomey O’Brien Lawyers in 2009 and relocated from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast.

Jacinta’s favourite aspect of her job is making an otherwise difficult situation a little easier by giving practical advice, understanding the client’s needs and showing care and compassion.

She counts herself as incredibly fortunate to be doing a job she loves and living on the Sunshine Coast where the wonderful sense of community makes her feel like she has been here forever.

Jacinta hasn’t given away her love of the arts as she continues to support the Queensland Ballet Company whenever time permits.

5413 8900 www.stolaw.com.au

InspIred leadershIpschultz toomey o’brIen lawyers

boq chancellor park and mooloolaba

karen hartley

ommited 2 oachingIf you’re committed to coaching,

we’re committed to you.

c c

nspired Leadershipi“Live. Inspire. Lead”

inspired Business Solutionsi

Inspiring Leaders

i

the sunshIne coast busIness women’s network (scbwn) Is a dynamIc force on the sunshIne

coast. boastIng more than 400 members and a plethora of knowledge, the network provIdes

InspIratIon and connectIons for women In busIness. the network has been establIshed for

some 12 years and Is proudly supported by patron sponsors, the sunshIne coast daIly and

mIx fm. as an advocate of women In busIness, profIle magazIne Is proud to hIghlIght some

of the talented scbwn members In our new quarterly feature. enJoy meetIng the members!

for more InformatIon on the network and how you can JoIn, head to www.scbwn.org.au.

Are you a SCBWN member and interested in advertising your services to our readers? Simply contact us on 5451 0669 or email Belinda Brill at [email protected].

anna searle JacInta norrIs

SCBWN feature


fInalIst mIcro / small busIness woman of the year

The Sunshine Coast is buzzing about The Art of Public Speaking seminars. In 2010, more than 250 local entrepreneurs attended these programs, gaining the skills, confidence and marketing expertise to launch them into 2011 with everything they need to win the competitive edge in their business.

“I believe that our ability to communicate our message, ourselves and our value to the market is one of the greatest assets we possess,” Carren says.

“learning to be authentic, credible and at ease on the platform is a vital component of a marketing strategy, ensuring long-term relationships, niche communication and extraordinary results.”

Many Sunshine Coast locals will agree that The Art of Public Speaking seminar is one of the quickest, most efficient and effective ways to blow out the fear of speaking to groups, and to create informative and inspirational presentations. Research shows that most people are terrified at the prospect of speaking to groups, and there are many entrepreneurs who would love to inspire others yet they are unclear of their message or how to be charismatic and engaging. The Art of Public Speaking seminars are high octane, high content, transformational programs that get right to the heart of these barriers. Participants are left with the tools, experience, confidence and clarity to enjoy the success and the growth.

Carren Smith and her team deliver these seminars regularly on the Sunshine Coast, throughout Queensland and internationally.

5309 5200 www.qlg.com.au

2011 is set to be a massive year for Goal Power Training. Having just launched their second location for outdoor training on the Sunshine Coast at Lake Kawana, with other new locations planned soon.

The big news is Goal Power Training is bringing Craig Harper to the Sunshine Coast on 12th February at Maroochy Surf Club. Craig is one of Australia’s most respected professional speakers and educators in the field of human performance. He is a highly sought-after corporate coach and is considered to be a leader in the areas of personal development, having worked with hundreds of teams, companies and organisations on numerous continents over the last 20 years. Craig also was seen regularly on Network Ten’s 9Am morning show with David and Kim. The Sunshine Coast will be the first place to receive his workshop based on his new book – stop F*cking Around = 30 Principals for a better life. This is truly an event not to be missed.

Jen Forster is on a mission … to unleash the ‘Super Woman’ in every female on the planet! She is prepared to do this one woman at a time – if that’s what it takes. Her company, Goal Power Training, teaches women how to reclaim their health, wellness, their life and most importantly, their attitude to all three! Jen and her team believes it’s not about the numbers on the scale or the number of reps performed, rather your attitude to both that will give the greatest results. Tap into the Goal Power Training’s ‘belief bank’ and transform your body, your attitude and your life!

0403 236 783 www.goalpower.com.au

Debbie is the co-founder of Ocean Orthodontics, graduating as a dental assistant in 1978 and following this, completing her general nursing qualification and working as a registered nurse at the local dental hospital. After later completing her midwifery qualification in Ipswich, Debbie came full circle back to where her passion lies – the dental industry.

Her current role at Ocean Orthodontics is as the treatment co-ordinator. She helps to implement the procedures and systems which make Ocean Orthodontics a leader in its field. Debbie feels very privileged to have a positive impact on patients’ lives. She puts her heart and soul into making the practice what it is and constantly strives to ensure they are offering the highest standards with the best and most current services.

Debbie and her team regularly attend workshops and are committed to keeping their patients informed and knowledgeable regarding their dental health, so they can make informed decisions regarding their care.

“I think orthodontics is a wonderful career – it gives people a fabulous smile, what can be better than that?” she says.

Ocean Orthodontics is also a member of the ‘Give a Smile’ program – a charity which supports giving those less fortunate than ourselves a great smile, at no cost.

“We do a lot of laughing and smiling at Ocean Orthodontics and we wouldn’t have it any other way,” Debbie says.

5493 3200 www.oceanorthodontics.com

quantum leadershIp groupocean orthodontIcs goal power traInIng

debbIe hannan carren smIthJen forster

sCBWN mEmBErs ENjOY LIsTENING TO GuEsT spEAKErs ALAN AND BArB pEAsE AT A BrEAKfAsT fuNCTION

sCBWN mEmBErs BrONWYN AND KAArYN sCBWN mEmBErs sHArYN AND pETA

SCBWN feature


When you hear the term ‘gearing’, it simply means ‘borrowing to invest’, for example a ‘geared share portfolio’; or a ‘negatively geared property’. The term ‘gearing’ is not difficult to understand, but what many people fail to understand is the consequences of gearing; or how to gear appropriately. If you are young (e.g. 10 years or longer from retirement) and have secure, surplus income available to invest, then an appropriate level of investment debt can certainly fast-track wealth accumulation. But whether you’re an individual, a company or a nation; if you take on too much debt, the ‘downside’ risks of gearing can be catastrophic. Look no further than the recent global financial crisis to see how too much debt can devastate individuals (American housing market; Storm Financial); companies (ABC Learning, Allco Finance, Babcock and Brown) and nations (Greece – with Ireland, Spain and Portugal teetering).

The benefit of gearing is that it provides you with greater exposure to an asset; so that you have more of that asset generating returns for you over the long term. For example, two people, Mr Bean and Mr Buffet, each have the capacity to save $1,000 per month for the next 10 years. each of them invest in the same asset (e.g. property or shares) that over 10 years achieves an average total return of 10 percent pa (income plus capital growth). Mr Bean buys $1,000 per month of the asset for 10 years (no borrowings). Mr Buffet borrows $150,000 to buy $150,000 worth of the asset on day one and pays $1,000 per month (8 percent pa) interest for 10 years. Both Mr Bean and Mr Buffet have outlaid $120,000 over 10 years, into the same asset that has achieved the same return.

At the end of 10 years, Mr Bean’s asset value has compounded to $206,000. At the end of 10 years, Mr Buffet’s asset value has compounded to $389,000, less $150,000 loan = net asset value $239,000. There are often taxation benefits associated with gearing that can further enhance the end result; however, there are also taxation benefits that can be achieved without gearing, via superannuation.The greatest outcomes from gearing are achieved when the rate of return on investment is substantially higher than the interest costs on the borrowings. Conversely, if the investment return is equal to or less than the cost of borrowings then gearing will achieve a lesser outcome than straight savings.

Genesys Wealth Advisers5443 9433www.genesyswealth.com.au

what is gearing?

Can YOU afford the retirement you want?

Call Jodie on 5413 9300 to make a FREE appointment to dis-cuss how we can help you!

Do you worry about not having enough savings to retire?Are you unsure how much superannuation you will need during retirement?Do you worry about paying too much tax during retirement?

If you answered “YES” to any of the above questions, don’t worry. PJT are the experts in superannuation, with a team of accountants dedicated to Superannuation and Retirement strategies. They will assist you during the entire process, giving you peace of mind with a personalised strategy. So if you want a plan that will give you maximum future benefits, contact PJT today.

P: 07 5413 9300 | e: [email protected] 2, 20 Innovation Parkway, Lake Kawana, 4575PO Box 325, Wurtulla, 4575

with Sandra Wills, CFP

Important information - The information presented in this document is not intended to be advice. It has not been prepared taking into account any particular investor’s or class of investor’s investment objectives, financial situation or needs, and should not be used as the basis for making investment, financial or other decisions. To the extent permitted by law, no liability is accepted for any loss or damage as a result of any reliance on this information. While we believe the information contained in this to be correct, no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness is given. Genesys Wealth Advisers Limited ABN 20 060 778 216 AFSL NO. 232686 Principal Member of the FPA www.genesyswealth.com.au.

business


I had the absolute pleasure of being a mentor in the most recent leadership program for the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network. Throughout the program, those mentored learned about inspirational leadership and all facets of managing, motivating and engaging a team to produce results. With the start of a new year upon us, perhaps those who are in managerial roles might like to do a bit of ‘self-reflection’ of their own management and leadership style and ask themselves ‘Am I an inspirational leader to the team members I manage?’ The value of leadership in problem solving and conflict management situations cannot be underestimated. The leadership style used by a manager can either make or break the team spirit and culture, ultimately affecting the loyalty and support shown by the team. Inspirational leaders consider the wider impact of decisions and manages situations in a way that’s appropriate

for that particular person during that particular conflict negotiation. Managers are perceived as leaders of and role models for many employees, but once this trust is broken it can take a long time to regain that trust and respect.

Some may say that ‘good people management’ is just about being nice to people. The bigger picture though in reality is about talking to your team with real integrity and honesty.

If you truly want to produce results, engage your team and contribute to others, your analysis of workplace strategies, solutions and decisions made will take into account the pros and cons of your suggested changes across the whole team.

The hallmark of inspirational leadership is the ability to motivate people to do their best in any given situation. Sometimes it takes courage and sacrifice

to make a tough decision, realising that some people might be hurt by it, but a strong leader has to do it. The manager’s or leader’s charisma or power to inspire devotion and enthusiasm is seen to be one of the most important characteristics of an inspirational leader.

Michalle Faulkner EastCoast Human Resource Group5443 6022.

inspirational leadership

with Michalle Faulkner

I recently visited the drive-thru of a major fast-food chain, craving a tea.

The following was handed to me:

1 x Cup of Hot Water with a lid on1 x Packaged Tea Bag1 x UHT Milk1 x Sugar Sachet1 x Stirring Stick

I looked at the attendant quizzically. The stare back was vacant – the irony of the situation clearly lost on the boy.

I was almost disappointed the next time I repeated the drive -thru experience to order fries...I wanted the spuds, the peeler, the deep fryer!

I’d just managed to successfully make a cup of tea in a moving car whilst negotiating gears and two roundabouts. Aside from the minor triumphs of managing to get the lid off without requiring hospitalisation for burns, getting milk in the cup and not all over the car or stirring whilst driving.I could tackle anything now!

Sipping my tea, it became evident that the process had been put in place by either a non-tea drinking executive or someone who appreciates that tea making is a fine art.

Architecture is a bit like tea – you’ll put up with environments made to the specification of others, but its never better than when its created just for you.

Have the environment you crave designed just for you. Start a conversation with Raw Ochre.

C O M M E R C I A L A R C H I T E C T SP 5441 5151 l F 5441 2531 l [email protected]. BOX 215, Nambour Q 4560 l QBSC 23370

business


Well 2010 has passed and we’re at the beginning of a new year. Did you set yourself any New year’s resolutions? Making new resolutions and goals always makes me feel excited about the possibilities for the coming year. everyone knows a New year’s resolution is a commitment you make to improve a facet of your life. So why not apply this to your business? It is a great opportunity to think about what you want to achieve in business for the next 12 months and set new targets. What a perfect time to reset budgets, plan your marketing strategy and formulate better ways of doing things. Recent research shows that men achieve their goals 22 percent more often when they engage in goal setting and women succeed 10 percent more often when they make their goals public and get support from friends. This research shows that to help achieve your goals you need to do the following:

1. Set S.M.A.R.T goals. Focus on goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-based (SMART). For example, instead of thinking ‘I want to increase my turnover’, focus on creating bite-sized, measurable goals for each week. you may decide you want to increase your turnover initially by 10 percent and set a new marketing initiative each month to achieve this.

2. Be specific. Think exactly what you are going to do, when you are going to do it and by when. If you are vague about the plan – it will fail. If you say you are going to visit your best clients to help increase sales, tell yourself you are going to do it on a Wednesday at 9am.

3. Plan ahead. Take time out to reflect upon what you really want to achieve. Quick decisions won’t have the right planning and mindset attached.

4. Go public. Write down your resolutions on paper and place it somewhere prominent where you will always see it. Tell your staff about the resolutions and ask them to provide you with assistance to help you achieve the goals. Do not keep your resolutions to yourself.

5. Be persistent. New habits take time to learn and once-in-a-while you may forget or slip-up. Remember that everyone can lose focus from time to time. Just let the experience inspire you and don’t look back.

PJT Accountants & Business Advisors5413 9300www.pjtaccountants.com.au

new year, new opportunities

with Jodie Thompson

When I found out this issue was about balance I had a moment of pause. Then I thought, yes that is what I want for myself in 2011 – balance! I don’t like to set New year’s resolutions because I don’t keepthem. I like to set themes.

When I first started investing in property at 18, it was my vision to one day create passive income to have choices and balance in my life. Little did I know back then I would start my own businesswhich demanded a lot of time and attention and challenged every sense of balance. Many years on I like to think I have maintained some sense of balance, not just at work, at home, my investments and everything that needs attention in my life.

I know that I am happy where I am, starting 2011. Sometimes we forget why we first decided to make certain choices so it’s also nice to reflect back too.

It’s important to constantly review your life just like you do your finances. I’m constantly reviewing my finances and those of my clients because I think that’s great fun (warning: nerd alert!), but I also set apart time to review all other areas of my life.

Going into 2011, ask yourself these questions in relation to balance:

• What are my personal goals? And how am I going to achieve them?

• What are my health goals? And how am I going to achieve them?

• What are my family goals? And how am I going to achieve them?

• What are my short-term financial goals? And how am I going to achieve them?

• What are my long-term financial goals? And

how am I going to achieve them?

• What will most make me happy in 2011? How am I going to set out to achieve this?

every year I start with a little book dedicated to that year, it has my business plan, my budget / cashflow, my personal goals and anything else that will be important to me. I carry that little book with me everywhere so I always have a reference point. This year, my little red book and I have some big plans and I look forward to sharing them with you.

Mortgage Choice Buderim5476 [email protected]

little red book

with Linda Ireland

business


AMBeR WeRCHON BuSINeSS PROMOTION

As we get older and each year passes by at supersonic speed, we should take time to reflect on the year gone by and the year ahead. We reminisce on the positives and gladly farewell the negatives (which are just life, after all) of each year; and personally for me, 2010 had its challenges … but mostly positives!

I’m not really one for New year’s resolutions as I try really hard to reassess my goals on a regular basis and don’t wait for the dawning of a new year to set targets. However, in the tradition of reflection, I have outlined a brief summary of the year’s highs and lows in my life … so, here we go.

Lows

The passing of my beloved Aunty Tonia. As we get older (can’t believe that I am saying this at 28) we farewell more people close to us and this is an emotionally challenging journey. I’m sure all of our readers can think of someone special they have lost this year; it’s always hard, no matter how old they are or the circumstances.

My husband Paul had a near-death experience in a surfing incident and ended up breaking his neck and his back. Luckily it all ended well, but it was a real shock for both of us, making us reassess our lives and treasure our time together more.

Not long after Paul’s incident, we were both involved in a car accident where a large truck hit us at approximately 90 to 100km; the impact causing whiplash and a few other minor injuries … yet another ‘near miss’ – time again to reflect and treasure one another and the things that are important to us.

Highs

Paul and I bought a new ‘home’ (well not so new as it was built in the ‘50s) and is a beach shack in Alex. It is certainly home for us and we love living and entertaining there.

The opening of the third Amber Werchon franchise in Noosa; opening franchises is always exciting, and I am very proud of all the AWP offices and their commitment to delivering excellence and establishing themselves as market leaders in their respective areas.

Our AWP annual golf day at Pelican Waters Golf Club raised in excess of $16,000 for Motor Neurone Disease Association of Queensland (MNDAQ), a cause very close to my heart, and as Queensland ambassador for MNDAQ, I will continue my commitment to this cause in 2011 and beyond.

Winning the Sunshine Coast excellence in Business Award for 2010 was a real highlight and incredible honour, and is a great way to finish what has been a year of mixed blessings.

I take this opportunity to wish all profile magazine readers a healthy and prosperous 2011. Make those New year’s resolutions, but remember, keep assessing your goals and dreams regularly – don’t wait for a new year to start to change your life in a positive way. Treat every day like January 1.

2011 … bring it on!

with Amber Werchon

E X P E C T E X C E L L E N C E

Alex Head office:1/156 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland 4572Ph: 5430 0888

Caloundra office:Shop 5, 115 Bulcock Street, Caloundra 4551Ph: 5438 1177

Noosa office:Shop 6C/1 Arcadia Street, Noosa Junction, 4567Ph: 5447 5900

AW Money:1/156 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland 4572Ph: 5430 0818

DON’T STReSS BuSINeSS PROMOTION

be on purpose ...

with Craig Levitt

Purpose is to a person what fuel is to an engine – without it we end up going nowhere.

Hi, I’m Craig Levitt. you may have been used to my wife Lynn’s monthly article here. Lynn is currently applying her positive energy to another project at the moment, so she has passed the baton to me for the next few months.

Now, let’s get back to Purpose. everyone is born with a purpose, a reason for being, something they can excel at. When you are ‘on purpose’ you find your passion, your power, your flow and it feels as if life is working with you. When you are not on purpose, you are off-track; your power to create is dissipated and every last chore seems to drag.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to Success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

To be on purpose, you must first find or know your purpose; you must discover the ‘thing that makes your heart sing’; the thing that you are passionate about. This is one of the great inherent goals that each of us is born with. everyone has a purpose and pursuing it is a life goal.

There are many different types of purpose. For some people purpose will be the achievement of something physical; winning, buying, building, or having. For other people, purpose will be centred on their work, project, career, or what they are doing.

They are many ways to finding your purpose. Sometimes it will reveal itself quickly, sometimes it will unfold over many years; but always it will begin with setting a goal to ‘know’ what it is.

In our one day Goal Mapping workshop you will most definitely walk away with the search for your purpose re-ignited and focused! Specifically what you will get from our Goal Mapping Workshop is:

• A high energy interactive workshop with plenty of discussion, skill practices and interactive exercises

• An action plan on how to stay focused on being positive and getting what you want, be it a job, travel, house or any goal you choose

• Clarity on what you want in life and a strategy with a to-do list to obtain these goals.

• Strategies for reducing stress in your life on the way to your goals.

Our seminars will be running each Saturday in January, including January 8, 15, 22 and 29. They run form 9:30am to 4pm. Only $99 for six hours of great coaching and training.

Why not find out more at our Don’t Stress coffee and books store. It’s a store where you can come and get a great cup of coffee, attend a seminar, buy a book or just walk out feeling inspired and better for having come into the store. We hope to see you here!

FREECALL 1800 40 20 19 or visit dontstress.com.au Don’t Stress Coffee & Books43 Duporth AvenueMaroochydore QLDwww.dontstress.com.au


The million dollar question I get asked most frequently is when should I upgrade my computer system?

As we know, technology is forever changing – as soon as you have purchased a piece of equipment you can pretty much say it will be superseded before the month is out, as machines just keep getting faster and faster, better and better. Drives keep getting larger to store more data and security measures keep getting tighter. Machines are being constantly improved to maximise efficiency and business productivity.

So when should I upgrade my system?One of the biggest things you must consider is if you continue to pay a high maintenance cost for your computer system, this ultimately impacts on the productivity of your staff and business and at times may bring your organisation to a grinding halt. Replacing the unit in this instance will actually save you both time and money.

When wanting to install a new software package which may not be compatible with your current system, you may need to upgrade. Always ensure when you are purchasing any application that your computer will be able to run it and the software will be able to perform. Should your machine break down outside of its warranty period, always ask your trusted IT advisor about the cost involved for repair, as many parts within the machine itself can easily cost more than replacing the unit. The constant repair of one unit can easily run into hundreds of dollars. Replacing old technology with new, faster, cleaner, smoother technology can increase productivity and support future requirements. Further, you may have heard that computers, notebooks and other IT equipment in theory should only last three years and that therefore one should always take out an extended warranty to ensure that the hardware is protected. I would endorse

this sentiment. There is no button on the machinethat brings your machine to a grinding halt at the end of the period, but what does happen is that the cost of repair increases without the benefit of the technology increasing. This is not cost effective, as in that period of time technology will have advanced dramatically. An extended warranty takes care of this.

As always consult with your IT trusted advisor as they will be able to assist you moving down the technology road …

Secure Access5443 [email protected]

to upgrade or not to upgradewith Miriam Torres

family law and facebook

with Leisa Toomey

One of the wonderful things about the technology available to us these days is that we can be in touch with each other at any time of the day or night.

We have the world at our fingertips and we can source anything we want from anywhere in the world – all at the click of our mouse. However, the downside is that there is no such thing as flying under the radar when you use social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. Such was the story of a man recently served legal documents via his Facebook page.

This is the second time this has happened in Australia, and by no means will it be the last. In April 2010, Federal Magistrate Stuart Brown decided, in the case of Byrne and Howard, that a paternity test order be served via Facebook. In this case the man in question had a brief relationship with a woman who later had a child. When she sought child support she was unable to prove the child’s paternity as the father was not listed on the birth certificate.

The woman’s lawyers tried unsuccessfully to contact the man who moved regularly and did not respond to their letters. However, it was discovered that the alleged father was a regular Facebook user and after being advised that a private message could be sent via Facebook, the magistrate made the order that the documents be delivered to him electronically.

The documents were duly sent, and soon after the man closed his Facebook page down. However, the story does not end there. As a result of closing down his profiles on both Facebook and MySpace the magistrate said, “I am satisfied Mr Howard has been properly served with the documents and the parentage test can have only one outcome because he is [the child’s] father.”

The mother was ultimately found to be entitled to child support which was payable by the now confirmed father.

While this particular case has made news headlines this year, five years from now it will most likely be accepted as a normal means of contacting and serving legal documents on people who think they can remain elusive, yet still maintain a profile on social networking sites like Facebook.

Schultz Toomey o’Brien Lawyers5413 8900www.stolaw.com.au

business


Advancements in science and technology now provide us with methods of managing, and in some cases overcoming, certain illnesses.

In the past, some of these illnesses would automatically prove fatal. Fortunately, the modern era – while not without its own scourges – brings with it the opportunity to outlive serious illnesses through improved medical procedures and a better knowledge of how to detect illnesses in their early stages. Notably, cancer is an illness with a widespread reach across our community and age is certainly a consideration with 95 percent of cancer affecting men and women over 45 years of age. Apart from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.

On the upside, statistics also show that three out of four women who develop breast cancer survive to lead normal lives. Women who survive serious illness are likely to face other worries as well. The effects of the illness will be felt by all, including spouse and children. Apart from the emotional stress imposed by the condition, there may also be the additional financial cost to consider. even though Medicare may cover a portion of medical treatment, there may be other medical costs which aren’t covered by the government scheme. Women may have to forego their regular income to get well and may also require home-help for children and possibly even themselves. The recuperation could be lengthy – greatly affecting regular mortgage, educational and household costs.

unfortunately, some women neglect to plan for their financial futures preferring to leave these matters to their spouses. However, women usually live longer than men and may therefore face a greater risk of suffering from illnesses such as cancer. It’s therefore important to consider the threat of serious illness when preparing your financial plan. It makes sense to protect the lifestyle that you’ve worked hard to achieve for yourself and your family.

Trauma insurance for women can be an important safety net in the event of a serious illness like breast cancer. It provides a lump-sum payment on the diagnosis of specific serious illnesses, which can be agreat relief at a time of enormous stress. Trauma insurance can give financial peace of mind and independence. If you become seriously ill, you’ll have the comfort of being financially secure so you can focus on your treatment and recovery, rather than on your financial worries. Some trauma insurance policies will allow you to add additional benefits to the contract for a cost. These include death and terminal illness benefit and total and permanent disablement benefit.

To find out more about trauma insurance for women, or to have a risk protection element incorporated into your financial plan, please contact us today.

Tracey [email protected]

Buderim: 24 Gloucester Road, Buderim QLD 4556Ph (07) 54564591 Fax (07) 5441 4543Nambour: Level 1, 24 Lowe Street, Nambour QLD 4560Ph (07) 54412929 Fax (07) 5441 4543

AxA FINANCIAL BuSINeSS PROMOTION

could you cope if you got cancer?with Tracey Ferguson

THOMPSON MCNICHOL BuSINeSS PROMOTION

A feature of modern real estate practice is for purchasers to buy a property “off the Plan”. This is where a purchaser buys a property that has not yet been constructed, such as a unit in a building not yet built or land in a sub-division development not yet constructed.

One advantage to a buyer is that, in a rising market, the buyer can secure the property at today’s prices but not have to settle until months or years down the track when construction is completed. Certainly, people have made good money buying real estate off the plan and on-selling for a profit before ever having to settle. Likewise however, property markets also fall and buyers have on occasion been forced to settle on a property which is no longer worth what they agreed to pay.

Buying off the plan can be a daunting experience but there are certain steps you can take to reduce the risks. First, do your homework on the market value of the property. Compare the purchase price with prices being achieved for other similar properties. Ask local real estate agents their opinion of the market value and achievable rental returns.

If you are obtaining finance, have a back-up plan if your financier will not lend you as much as you originally expected. Financiers will only lend based on a valuation of the property by their valuer at settlement. If the valuation comes in at less than what you agreed to pay, the bank will lend you less and you will have to come up with the shortfall on settlement.

ensure the plans and schedule of finishes attached to the contract have as much detail as possible. They should show the size and layout of the unit, the quality of the fixtures and fittings and the brand and model of any appliances.

you may consider speaking with an architect or builder regarding the layout of the unit, size of rooms and the quality of fixtures and fittings as shown on the plans.

you should make enquires about the developer and only buy from developers with a good reputation. If the project does not proceed, you will get your deposit back, however you will not recover bank guarantee fees, finance application fees or legal costs that you have incurred.

As each developer drafts its own Sale Contract it will also have its own unique features and you should have your solicitor look over the contract prior to signing.

While the above is not exhaustive, it should give you an idea of some of the additional matters you need to take into account when buying off the plan. So like any investment, do your homework, seek appropriate advice and reduce the risks.

Paul McHughThompson McNichol Lawyers07 5443 [email protected]

buying off the planwith Paul McHugh


to fInd out all the latest events head to www.profIlemag.com.au

vICKI BrOWN AND pAuL LEETE GIvE A sEAfOOD DEmONsTrATION AND prOmOTE THEIr BOOK THE CHEf AND I sEAfOOD EDITION.

GrAHAm LANGfOrD, mANAGING DIrECTOr, HIs WIfE ANGE rOGErs, GIvErNY LOCKE, LEAH COpEDO, mANAGEr, jAKE GrAHAm, TEGAN mCGrEGOr

DAvID AND KYLIE HENDrEY WITH THEIr DAuGHTEr sAvANNAH AND sON HuNTEr.

Hendrey Chiropractic celebrated Christmas at their office on Lake Kawana.

The first Tony and Guy salon on the Sunshine Coast has opened its doors in Cotton Tree. Opening with a bang the team celebrated with a launch party.

Enlightened goddesses celebrated Christmas at the Fourth Floor Restaurant with its network members.

THE TEAm sHOWs Off THEIr sTYLING CrEATIONs ON mODELs frOm BrIsBANE mIrrOrmIrrOr mODELLING AGENCY.

sHELLEY LOvE AND rOsE mCGAHEY

KrIsHNA EvErsON, KYLIE pATCHETT AND KusHLA sKINNEr

GLENDA THOmAs, mAGGIE sHALHOuB, DI TuLLY AND NATALIE HENEssEY

KArmA j frANKLING, sHELL rILEY AND LIsA HArrIsON

NATALIE mCIvOr AND CArrEN smITH

Richard Stiller and Kim Shoenberger ‘deconstruction exhibition’ held at Studio 4 Gallery, Marcoola.

jENNIfEr AND rICHArD sTILLEr

DECONsTruCTION ExHIBITION

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Finest quality delicacies produced locallyon the Sunshine Coast.

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Ray & Irene De Vos

D’liciousGourmet Hampers

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directory


ll photography peter trainer

Sunshine Coast local Mercedes Garcia is certainly going places − musically that is. With the recent release of her debut album, Cross My Heart about to set the world on fire, Mercedes chats with profile magazine about her musical inspiration.

I grew up in … Madrid, Spain. I start my day by … having a coffee on our deck with my dog, Bailey.

I get my music inspiration from …Paco de Lucia, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Holliday (the list goes on but that era of female vocalists is where it’s at!) I am at my happiest when … I’m immersed in music. When I am not working I am … not working! I wish I could … surf. The best meal I have had was at … El Senador, Madrid, Spain. My favourite restaurant is … Ba Vigo, Cotton Tree. My favourite holiday spot is … Florence, Italy. Most people don’t know that I … am a chocoholic!

When I was growing up I wanted to be … a singer. My all-time favourite movie is … ET. I couldn’t live without … music. My greatest achievement is … my children. My most annoying habit is … I double check everything. In five years I hope to be … still singing and recording. What makes me laugh out loud is … a good British comedy. The one person I would most like to meet … is Nelson Mandela. My hidden talent is … being a peacemaker / mediator. If I didn’t live on the Coast I’d live … in New York.

Most people don’t know that I … am a chocoholic!

“

“

mErCEDEs GArCIA

mercedes garcia has an extraordinary voice that is filled with passion and soul. Her album, recorded and produced by local chart topping producer ken sheppard is available through itunes and ocean beach records

the last word

profilemagazine 67january 11www.hot91.com.au

The new, incredibly powerful IS 350.Good luck keeping up.

A roaring 233kW of 3.5L, direct and port injection, V6 power awaits

you when you get behind the wheel of the new IS 350.

Fancy a test drive? Go on, you know you want to.

As a new Lexus owner, you are entitled to some extra luxuries.A full collection and delivery service, as well as a complimentary loan vehicle when servicing your Lexus. •

Your vehicle will be vacuumed and cleaned at time of service and repair.•

24 hour emergency roadside assistance.•

4yr/100,000klm warranty•

Airport valet and storage service from Brisbane Airport.•

Membership to the Lexus Owners Only Club, enabling you to use the customer facilities at the Lexus of Maroochydore Showroom •

including a state of the art boardroom with 54” plasma & Skype capabilities, cafe espresso bar, customer lounge and children’s play

room.

Lexus of Maroochydore invites you to visit their new home of luxury. Our state of the art facility provides the Sunshine Coast with a level of comfort and service not yet seen before. Our pursuit of perfection goes beyond the vehicles. Become acquainted with the full Lexus range. Visit us today.

63 Maroochy Boulevard, Maroochydore (07) 5452 8777 A/H Jon Miles: 0457 073 024

>> www.lexusofmaroochydore.com.au

january 2011 profile magazine

Documents

new year

future plans

trade mark of anz

true paula mcgrath

outside paula

vital finances

wordmy mini maglifes

r tamara wrigley22