Blog

Police Urge Drivers to Stay Focused on the Roads this Easter

Motorists travelling on Queensland roads this Easter period are asked to stay focused and share the road with care, particularly in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer representing Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services Mark Ryan today joined Police Commissioner Ian Stewart to launch the 2018 Easter Road Safety Campaign.

During the five day Easter break in 2017, 3787 drivers were issued infringement notices for speeding, 15, 711 drivers were detected speeding (camera) and 299 people were charged with drink driving offences.

The Fatal Five – drink driving and drug driving, fatigue, inattention, not using a seat belt and speeding – are the most common killers on Queensland roads.

Commissioner Stewart said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) would play a key role in ensuring road safety and compliance by employing high visibility patrols on major road networks throughout the state.

“Easter is one of the busiest periods on our roads. It’s a time when many families travel long distances to reach their holiday destination,” Commissioner Stewart said.

“For this reason, we will be staging officers from the Road Policing Command in high risk areas actively enforcing the Fatal Five.

“In the lead up to the games, this year in particular, we are asking road users travelling along the Pacific Motorway to exercise caution and specifically to heed the warning of the dangers of speeding and distraction.

“The Queensland Police Service is committed to keeping Queenslanders safe on the roads, and we ask that drivers show tolerance and respect for all road users this Easter.”

FAST FACTS

In 2017 police conducted 82, 223 RBTs over the five day Easter break
There were two fatalities on the state’s roads during this period, however 236 people were injured as a result of traffic crashes
155 motorists were issued with infringements for talking on their mobile phone
In 2017 3787 drivers were issued infringement notices for speeding and 15, 711 were detected speeding (camera) and 299 people were charged with drink driving offences

28/03/2018 | mandah

Community News

10 Tips for Decorating Small Home Spaces

Small homes aren’t a problem when you work the space using some clever facts!

1. Green and Yellow are both receding colours that will create the illusion of more space!

2. Use verticle lines in your decor drapes, plants, patterns, artwork shapes etc. to create the illusion of higher ceilings

3. Reduce the use of circles and curves to the bare minimum as these shapes will create a more cluttered looking space

4. You can have bright colours, but keep them to smaller shapes and not too many colours. 3 is ample.

5. A white and natural colour palette with green is excellent for small spaces

6. De-clutter and set up storage solutions.

7. De-cluttering includes small photos/artworks hanging on your walls. Group these into sets and hang in the smallest and most intimate parts of your home i.e. hallway, stairwell and not the lounge or formal entry!

8. Do have a focal point artwork in your larger spaces so they unite the decor and create your Wow! factor.

9. Dress your larger walls to their proportion. This means larger art again. Large art that incorporates a distant view, in keeping with your decor style, will create the illusion of more space.

10. Watch your furniture clutter! The rule of thumb is 2/3rds space to 1/3rd furniture; not the reverse.

Need space planning help? Book a Reorganise my Home Decor to Wow! Day Session for $308. Commission art too and I’ll credit that to your deposit! Call me and see how I can help you!

0419 428 628
sharron@tailoredartworks.com.au
www.tailoredartworks.com.au

26/03/2018 | mandah

Community Interest

New report shows cost of water bills has fallen for first time in five years

The cost of residential water bills has fallen for the first time in five years, according to a report released today.

The annual National Performance Report for urban utilities found the median cost of an annual residential water bill was down by $32 from the previous year.

The National Performance Report, now in its twelfth year, compares the performance of 84 water utilities that provide urban water services across Australia and analyses the trends between years and utilities.

Water Services Association of Australia Executive Director Mr Adam Lovell said the reduction in the cost of water bills was positive news for consumers.

“Sixty per cent of water utilities reported a decrease in their typical residential bill in 2016–17,” Mr Lovell said.

“The reduction is a result of efforts by water utilities to drive greater efficiencies, as shown in the five per cent reduction in operating costs when compared to the previous year. Australian water utilities continue to seek opportunities for innovation and efficiencies to improve benefits to customers.”

The report also highlighted significant water savings and water security planning. These include:

A 17 per cent reduction in the amount of water supplied to residential customers in South Australia. This was due to above-average levels of rainfall and led to a decreased demand for surface water and generation of desalinated water.
In Western Australia, the Water Corporation returned or ‘banked’ 8,531ML to surface water storages, thanks to the increased usage and reliability of desalinated water. This water is set aside to service the community in periods of high demand.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s General Manager Water Dr Robert Argent said intelligent management of a mix of water sources helps ensure we can meet water demand in our variable climate.

“Reducing our reliance on surface water is crucial to Australia’s water security into the future,” Dr Argent said.

“The outcomes in Western Australia are an indication of our growing ability to source water from non-traditional methods, something that will be critical to Australia’s water security moving forward.”
Other key findings from the report include:

The median cost of supplying water to properties fell from $940 in 2015–16, to $892 in 2016–17, representing a five per cent drop
The amount of recycled water used nationally fell by six per cent, due to above average levels of rainfall
The median volume of water supplied to residential customers remained consistent with previous years.

The report is prepared by the Bureau, the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) and State and Territory governments. The public, independent report is intended to help consumers and government determine whether the water sector is operating in an efficient and cost effective manner.

It contributes to the Bureau’s Water program, which provides a comprehensive and reliable picture of Australia’s water resources to support policy and planning.

For more information, click here

12/03/2018 | mandah

Seasonal Effects On Your Skin

Similar to our ever changing seasons, our skin goes through its own transformations.

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and is vulnerable to many environmental hazards.

A combination of humidity, extreme cold, varying indoor and outdoor environments, can all cause damage to the skins protective outer layer.

Vital lipids (oils) between cells get stripped away, leaving harmful gaps in the natural defensive barrier of our skin.Harmful elements can penetrate causing inflammation and redness, while the good moisture gets rapidly sucked out. This can leave the skin feeling and looking tight, dehydrated, itchy, thirsty, dull, flaky, dry around the eyes, tingly, stinging and cheeks may also go a little pink.

Specialising in skin therapy, skin health is our greatest passion. Allow us to address your concerns using locally crafted, organic skincare products and facial treatments to achieve your desired results.

Our face rituals have been designed to enhance your skins natural vibrancy, gently supporting your skin from the inside out.

Now is the perfect time to give your skin a little pick me up after a long summer!

By Bronte Inman, Beauty Therapist
Zen Chi Natural Therapies & Wellness Centre

06/03/2018 | mandah

Community News

Get Ready for the End of Single Use Plastic Bags

North Lakes shoppers and retail workers need to start preparing for the ban on single-use lightweight plastic shopping bags starting on 1 July 2018.

Chris Whiting, Member for Bancroft, said the ban on supply of these bags will mean a change in our shopping habits, but believes Queenslanders want to help reduce the amount of plastic getting into the ocean and our waterways.

“North Lakes has the most dynamic and interesting shopping experience in SEQ, and our community needs to the ready for this big change coming in on July 1,” said Chris Whiting.

“While the majority of these bags end up in landfill, around 16 million lightweight plastic shopping bags enter the environment in Queensland each year.

“Sea turtles and sea birds can ingest these bags or become entangled in them.
“Littered plastic bags are unsightly, can clog up infrastructure, and are difficult and costly to clean up,” said Chris Whiting.

In February 2017, a consultation paper seeking feedback from the public on a ban on the supply of lightweight plastic shopping bags attracted more than 26,000 submissions and an overwhelming 96% supported the introduction of a ban on the supply of lightweight plastic shopping bags.

North Lakes shop owners and workers need to know the plastic bag ban will apply to all retailers in Queensland.

From 1 July 2018, Plastic shopping bags less than 35 microns in thickness (a single-use or lightweight plastic shopping bag) will no longer be able to be sold or given to the customer.

This includes compostable, degradable and biodegradable plastic shopping bags, as these can still harm wildlife if littered.

Retailers may choose to provide and charge for alternative bags including reusable heavy duty plastic bags, woven polypropylene “green bags,” paper or other bags.Shoppers can also bring their own bag or trolley.

Types of bags which will not be banned include:

– barrier bags for unpackaged perishable food such as fruit, vegetables, meat and fish.
– bin liners and garbage bags
– ‘dog park’ bags provided by Councils at dog parks and beaches
– paper bags or cardboard bags
– heavier weight single-use department store plastic bags.

“I know North Lakes shoppers are already changing their shopping habits in preparation for the single use plastic bag ban,” said Chris Whiting.

“Many are already taking reusable bags shopping instead of relying on the single-use bags provided in-store.

“I want to encourage shoppers to keep some reusable bags in your car for those unexpected trips to the shops,” said Chris Whiting.

06/03/2018 | mandah

Your Monthly Horoscopes

FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 20

Happy birthday, Pisces! Your magical mojo returns when you’re kissed by the Sun on your birthday. Inspiration flows freely early in the month so make the most of this spiritual connection by bringing compassion to your real-life relationships. This higher purpose may call you to travel and learn from other cultures. You can visit a foreign land or explore the unfamiliar from the comfort of your home. Sit deeply with the questions as you rediscover your personal belief system. Harness the power of the new moon in your own sign on the 17th to create positive new conditions within yourself that will flow out into all areas of your life.

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)

Even an energetic Aries get exhausted, so you’ll need to factor in time to replenish your energy this month. Schedule some quiet time around the new moon on 17th and think about what is meaningful in your life. Don’t be too surprised if the answer is: Work! Your ruling planet Mars moves into your career sector, so your motivation to pursue your career goals is boosted just after the new moon too. You choose which ladder you want to climb and you do it on your own terms.An unexpected stroke of good luck falls into your lap around the 29th. Take a chance and embrace the possibilities offered by this random opportunity.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 21)

Your luckiest new moon of the year is on 17th so it’s worth doing something a little bit extra with your intention setting process. Light a candle, write down your goals and keep it somewhere special. The universe is listening. Whatever tasks and projects that you start are blessed by your creative vision, helpful supporters, and general good fortune.Go cold turkey on your fears, surround yourself with positive people, and believe in yourself. Around the 29th, be open to a breakthrough insight about the ways you sabotage yourself. Taurus loves to hold on but once you decide to let that crap go, you’re unstoppable.

GEMINI (May 22 – June 21)

If you’ve been feeling a little dreary about your career and public status, the new moon on the 17th gives you the opportunity to make a fresh start. Put aside your intellectual approach and see what would feel right. It’s important that you follow your intuition in your dealings with the outside world this month, as your ruler, Mercury, goes retrograde. If you’ve got important conversations on your agenda, have them sooner rather than later. Prepare to take multiple deep breaths around the 23rd. Patience is your new best friend especially if you’re involved with committees and groups.

CANCER (June 22 – July 23)

You’re a lunar being which makes March is an exciting plunge on the emotional rollercoaster. The first full moon on the 2nd reveals the details of ideas and agreements with your siblings and neighbours. Turn your attention further afield mid-month and look beyond the familiar. Whether it’s a holiday or language course, expansive international opportunities are seeded at the new moon on the 17th. A plot twist in your career path surprises you around the 29th. Even though Mercury retrograde may create a few frustrations, grab this opportunity with both hands and run with it. The second full moon on the 31st shows what needs to change at home.

LEO (July 24 – August 23)

March has a double dose of drama as it’s book-ended by full moons giving you two opportunities to step into the limelight. Good luck guru, Jupiter, consolidates growth and opportunity within the home. Exercising a little restraint and keeping things private now will ensure family and reals estate matters flourish in the long-term.The new moon on the 17th is your chance to change and rearrange your loans, long-term finances, and shared resources. The full moons at the start and end of the month stimulate communication about financial matters, particularly with relatives.

VIRGO (August 24 – September 23)

The new moon on the 17th renews your faith in people and, for some lucky fish, can bring new relationship opportunities. Say yes to social invitations from your siblings and neighbours. You never know, unless you go. Take it slow and allow the magic to unfold in time. Another reminder to be patient this month comes from your ruling planet, Mercury, which begins retrograde motion on the 23rd. This is a great time for you to renegotiate loans and contracts as you’re feeling motivated and assertive. Shop around for the best deal and ask for what you want.

LIBRA (September 24 – October 23)

Are you trying to impress your boss with your creative vision? It’s OK if you are. The new moon on the 17th heralds changes to your work and wellness routines. You may find that you have to work harder for your money or need to squirrel it away for later. Watch for increased competition and conflict arising at home or with family this month. Prepare for crossed wires and miscommunication with your significant other as Mercury goes retrograde in your partnership sector. Patience will be hard to come by but it’s your best strategy – especially around the 29th when there’s a shock or surprise news from your partner.

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – November 22)

March asks you to consider how you make your own luck and the benefits of keeping a positive attitude. Belief in your inner resources will have flow-on effects to all areas of your life – even if you don’t see results immediately.Your creativity is replenished by the new moon on the 17th. You can direct this energy into your art, your leisure time, or your kids – anything that gives you pleasure. Enjoy the good vibes until the 23rd when Mercury turns retrograde and mucks about with your daily routines and schedule. Stay positive though! A fresh perspective here could help you identify ways to get things done faster.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

An inner spiritual quest has you taking some time out from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life to ponder and meditate and pray. Think of it as taking yourself offline for some cosmic maintenance. This time alone is restorative and will bear fruit in time. The new moon on the 17th, continues to have you laying low, probably at home, where you can expect fresh opportunities around real estate and family life to arise. You may experience a sense of urgency to complete a personal mission at this time, before Mars starts to kick your money mojo into gear.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Generous but discrete investment in your networks and group affiliations sets yourself up for reciprocal benefits down the track. The new moon on the 17th motivates you to create fresh connections in your local community. Perhaps you join the local library or become a regular at the café down the street. Share information and open up new avenues of communication. While you’re out enjoying your neighbourhood, a surprise announcement about your home and/or family could sneak up on you around the 29th. As action planet, Mars, is in your sign from the 17th, you have plenty of energy to tackle whatever challenges come your way and to make them work to your advantage.

AQUARIUS (Jan 19 – Feb 18)

Are you due for a payrise or promotion? It’s on the low-low for now, but there’s definitelysomething positive brewing on the career front. Keep believing in the opportunities that are opening up for you; keep smiling in those staff meetings; and keep working furiously behind the scenes. You are setting yourself up for success. The new moon on the 17th signals new financial opportunities, especially related to your income. You’ll need to follow your intuition, as Mercury, retrograde from the 23rd is likely to create a few crossed wires in your brain and in your communications. Slow down your thought processes and double check everything before hitting the send button.

March Events

Saturday 3rd March – Discover Your Jupiter – Find out how the Good Luck Guru blesses you.
Sunday 18th March – Seasonal Star Session (Autumn Equinox) – Planning with the stars.

For bookings and more information, visit: www.dreamorpheus.com

05/03/2018 | mandah

Community Interest

Wet Weekend Ahead

If you had outdoor plans for this weekend, be prepared for them to be postponed in lieu of an indoor movie/board game type of weekend!

The forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology is looking rather bleak with showers and a possible thunderstorm forecast for the rest of the day, with falls from 40mm-90mm predicted. The forecast for Saturday and Sunday is similar, with falls between 15mm-50mm forecast for Saturday.

An incredibly moist air mass will combine with a coastal trough to produce areas of heavy rain across Southeast Queensland today and into Saturday morning, which we are currently experiencing.

All river and creek heights in the Moreton Bay region are below minor, at the time of writing.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an initial flood watch, which provides early advice of possible flooding within the specified catchments:

Initial Flood Watch for coastal catchments from Maryborough to Caboolture

Flood Watch Number: 1

River level rises above the minor flood level are possible from Friday.

Moderate to heavy falls are possible across the Flood Watch area from Thursday evening and will continue during Friday and into Saturday.

Rainfall totals of 40-140 mm have been recorded in the Mary River catchment and Sunshine Coast rivers and creeks in the 24 hours to 9:00 am Thursday.

Further widespread rainfall totals of 50-100 mm are expected during Friday and into Saturday, with isolated totals of up to 150 mm possible.

River levels rises above the minor flood level are possible in the Flood Watch area from Friday.

Catchments likely to be affected include:

Mary River
Sunshine Coast Rivers and Creeks
Pine and Caboolture Rivers
Upper Brisbane River
(Stanley River)

See www.bom.gov.au/qld/warnings to view the current flood warnings for Queensland.

For more information on the Flood Watch Service: http://www.bom.gov.au/water/floods/floodWarningServices.shtml

Flood Safety Advice:

This Flood Watch means that people living or working along rivers and creeks should monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings.

Remember: If it’s flooded, forget it.

For flood emergency assistance contact the SES on 132 500.

For life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Current emergency information is available at www.qld.gov.au/alerts.

This advice is also available by dialling 1300 659 219 at a low call cost of 27.5 cents, more from mobile, public and satellite phones.

Warning, rainfall and river information are available at www.bom.gov.au/qld/flood/

The Queensland Police Service has also issued a timely warning:

With heavy rain falling across large parts of the state today, police are urging motorists to drive to conditions and heed the message: if it’s flooded, forget it.

A number of drivers were rescued after proceeding through flooded roads in the Wide Bay area yesterday.

As the rain moves further south, police are warning drivers particularly around the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture and Brisbane areas to slow down, turn their headlights on and increase their stopping distance.

Under severe storms or heavy rain bands, flash flooding can occur very quickly and without any notice – even on roads that you usually travel on without any issues.

Flash flooding can cause significant structural damage to roads, so even if you think it looks safe, you can never be sure exactly what is underneath the water.

No matter what car you drive, no matter what bike you ride, no matter what shoes you wear – if it’s flooded, forget it.

Seqwater have advised that low flow releases from Somerset Dam are planned in the next 48 hours. Wivenhoe lake level rise will be less than 0.5 metres over the 48 hour period. Somerset Dam is currently operating on a temporary full capacity of 80% due to the Somerset Dam Improvement Program which began in January 2016. Somerset is currently 77.3% full, while Wivenhoe is only 68.2% full.

It might be worthwhile heading to Spotlight North Lakes to stock up on some new board games and craft sets to prevent kids going stir-crazy!

23/02/2018 | mandah

You have a delivery… just click here…..

That feeling you get in the lead up to your online purchase being delivered.

The anticipation builds as you race to check your front door or mailbox.

Check again. I see something in the mailbox!! Wait, no… it’s just my credit card statement.

But then you get an email from Australia Post with details of your package. Click here to organise its delivery…….

Stop. It’s a scam.

An email is currently doing the rounds claiming to be from Australia Post with details of your purchase and seeking to organise arrangements for delivery. The email contains malicious software (malware) which is then loaded onto your computer.

Please be aware that Australia Post will never:

Ask you to click on an email link to print off a label to redeem your package
Email or call you to ask for personal or financial information including password, credit card details or account information
Call or email you out of the blue to request payment

If you receive any suspicious emails, please:

Delete them immediately
Do not click on any links or attachments

R U in Control of your inbox? For more information visit the R U in Control? page.

22/02/2018 | mandah

A Better Way to Resolve Child Custody Battles on the Horizon?

Although not well known, any member of the public has the right to go and observe any Court proceedings on any day.

This right is based on the principle that justice must not only be done but “seen to be done”. In the Supreme or District Courts on George Street, the spectator is likely to witness a very orderly process. Lawyers in wigs and gowns each wait their turn and converse in drab monotones over rules and procedure that would bore most people to sleep. Over in the Family Court on Tank Street however, the scene on most days, is more resemblant of a Zoo*! Family Court judges are often seen shouting and repetitively reprimanding/disciplining litigants for rule infringements as they attempt to fight their way through impossible lists of 20+ disputes all scheduled for determination by one Judge in one day.

Many of these cases involve parents battling over the care arrangements best suited for their children. Under a Court adversarial system, each litigant is permitted to present their case or “have their say” but in truth the arguments are often more about ventilating hatred and distrust over failures as a partner not as a parent. Over time, many initiatives have been trialled to solve this problem including, creating a lower-tiered Court with simplified procedures and compulsory mediation. Each initiative has had some success, but none have significantly reduced the proliferation of parenting cases constantly clogging the Court.

Starting from 2018 however, the Government is planning to trial a new lower level style of Court which is to be called a “Parenting Management Hearing Panel”. Panel Members will hold expertise in family law, mediation, family violence, psychology, mental health and child development. Like a Court, the Panel’s decisions will be binding on the parents but unlike a Court, the Panel can operate in a more proactive inquisitorial manner. This means the Panel would be entitled to take control of the dispute and ask the parents the questions rather than being required to sit passively and hear out each of the parent’s grievances before attempting to step in with a solution.

If approved by the Senate, the first Panel will operate as a pilot program in Paramatta with a second location to be chosen later this year. The proof will be in the tasting but at first glance, the initiative and the driving intuition behind it certainly offers strong promise of giving warring parents a much more suitable avenue for the resolution of their disputes.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

*and not the good kind that respects animal welfare.

Michael Zande is a Queensland Law Society accredited family law specialist with over 25 years experience in the field. He is the principal at Zande Law Solicitors, Suite 7, Norwinn Centre, 15 Discovery Drive, North Lakes. To contact Michael for advice, phone 3385 0999.

The information in this article is merely a guide and is not a full explanation of the law. This firm cannot take responsibility for any action readers take based on this information. When making decisions that could affect your legal rights, please contact us for professional advice.

21/02/2018 | mandah

Community News

Six Ways Your Home can Feel More Loving

We all want to feel at ease within our homes, and proud to welcome guests. Your home is where you show that you love and are loved, but bar surrounding yourself with hundreds of photos—a trend now well out of date in interior decorating—what tactics can you use to express love? Here are my top six tips to help your home décor feel more loving:

1. SHAPE
And I don’t mean love hearts! In decorating, circles and curves imbue a relaxed and casual feel when compared to formal straight lines or restful horizontal lines. A blend is best—include curvaceous shapes and a few circles, but don’t overdo them or you’ll risk creating a busy space. Florals, circular geometrics, rounded leaves, and soft textured rounded cushions will all help to create a more casual, feminine, soft, and natural feel.

2. ARRANGEMENT
Asymmetrically-balanced spaces have a more informal, loving aesthetic than symmetrically-balanced spaces—that is, a space with the same two items balanced either side of a focal point. For instance, on either side of your master bed, arrange a grouping of three to five items oneside, and three to five different items on the other side, but unite them by using the same style or colours to create togetherness, unity, and a feeling of love.

3. COLOUR
Did you know that the most loving colour on our planet is green? It’s the colour of growth, forgiveness, giving (of time and money), love of the earth, humanity, and animals. The traditional colours of love can have different effects when applied to the home—pink, while sweet, is used to give little girls more energy, while red expresses business, action, male energy, and sex drive. Use green instead to create a loving décor and invite the outside in. It makes your space seem bigger and connected with nature. If you prefer, use green as your base colour with a myriad of other playful, rich jewel hues to create a fun, upbeat, warm and loving décor, as I’ve done in my own home.

4. FENG SHUI
The ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui teaches us to display pairs of images, never just one, in master bedrooms. Photos or art of two people, two matching sculptures, or two lamps are the general idea.Never have anything bulky or heavy-looking above your bed, or mirrors pointing straight out the door. Pairs do create a more formal balance, but in the bedroom, which is typically symmetrically-balanced anyway, it will feel ordered and loving.

5. IMAGERY
Imagery relevant to your dreams, goals, history, and loves,expresses who and what you are. It also helps to reinforce your décor style and colour palette. If you are starting from scratch, begin with your imagery and take its colours, style and theme into the rest of your décor.

6. ART
Art is the easiest way to unite and express all of the above concepts in a single “wow factor” focal point that defines you and helps create a loving atmosphere in a highly visible manner. To warm your space and create luxuriousness, add textures like those found in original art. Art cangive you a sensation of pride in your home every day, truly transforming your house into your home.

Customised Artwork Specialist Sharron Tancred creates personalised Art, TV Wall Murals, Mosaics and Splashbacks etc. with interior decor tips/services to fix, enhance or inspire your decor. For amazing before and afters see www.tailoredartworks.com.au
or call 07 3491 6400.

21/02/2018 | mandah

Community Interest

Sharing the Love to the Less Fortunate

On a blustery day on the Redcliffe foreshore, I made my way to the CWA hall to have a chat with the volunteers of the Breakfast Club, a not-for-profit Organisation which serves regular meals and provides care packages for those doing it tough.

After speaking on the phone with Ros, who founded the organisation with her husband fifteen years ago, I was excited to meet the amazing people who had helped to keep the Breakfast Club running for such a long time, with minimal Government funding.

As I made my way towards the building, I was cheerfully greeted by three Breakfast Club volunteers, donning their distinctive black t-shirts.

Once inside it became very apparent just how much work goes into setting up these events. The hall was decked out, welcoming and had a cheerful feel for locals to come together to enjoy a delicious, freshly cooked meal.

The group were very organised, everyone knew their role and within a very short timeframe, the hall was setup, the food was cooking and the boxes of food to be collected, were ready to go. Although busy, Michelle made time to speak with me and enlighten me about the vital work that the Breakfast Club does. On the stage were ninety-eight schoolbags, filled with back-to-school essentials, all of which were either donated or purchased with cash donations. Over the Christmas period just gone, the Organisation put together over two hundred hampers, including gifts for children, which went to local families in need. Helen approached me and asked if I’d be interested in having a look at their Outreach Van.

We’re all human beings and we all need to remember that

She reminds me as we make our way outside to where the van is parked. The Breakfast Club volunteers visit local parks after dark on Wednesdays and Sundays delivering swags and food packs and even pet food for the animals.The list of services the Organisation provides is extensive. Other than the dinner service provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they offer Breakfast on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

On Thursdays they operate the Breakfast Club Hub, a place for visitors to have a shower, a snack and tea or coffee, receive help with completing forms, grab some emergency food supplies, obtain information about meals and other services or simply take advantage of a quiet place to sit. The hope is that the service will be increased to two or three days a week in the near future.

Thanks to funds raised by the Rockin’ 4 the Homeless concert (stay tuned for details on the upcoming 2018 concert) they have also been able to provide air-conditioning at this location.

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make all of these services possible. The Breakfast Club receives welcome donations from Oz Harvest, Woolworths, St. Vinnie’s, some local businesses and the general public.

Many businesses and organisations offer their time to this wonderful group including Orange Sky who provide a mobile laundry and shower, 1000 Haircuts and Clothes that Care are also affiliated. Sesame Lane pay rent costs for the CWA hall, One Agency Redcliffe and the organisers of Rockin’ 4 the Homeless should also be acknowledged for their continued support.

Local highschools Grace Lutheran, The Lakes College, St Benedict’s College and Mt Maria College also perform volunteer work. There are however, never enough volunteers.

Visit the Breakfast Club Redcliffe Inc. Facebook page here.

15/02/2018 | mandah

Good Chemistry: Love Changes You

Romantic love is a universal human experience. It exists across cultures, through time. It brings people together and keeps them together, sometimes inexplicably.

From a scientific perspective, love originates from the primary goal of all life: to reproduce. Humans are driven by libido, mate selection and pair bonding to produce and raise healthy offspring. Although the subjective experience of romantic love encapsulates so much more than these biological mechanisms, it still relies on good (body) chemistry.

When you’re first falling for someone, you think about them constantly. People in this phase have a serotonin deficiency, which often occurs with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Adrenaline and norepinephrine production increase, causing nervousness, focus and those butterflies in your tummy! Alongside a spike in the stress hormone cortisol, the body and mind interpret courtship as a crisis. Fortunately, shared stressful experiences help form social connections.

Perhaps further aiding bonding, testosterone levels converge between partners. It drops in lovestruck biosex males (who usually have high levels of this male sex hormone) and rises in biosex females (who usually have low levels). With a role in regulating aggression and libido, these changes might align lovers’ temperaments.

These specific love-related effects dissipate after a year or so. Then, passionate love gives way to a less euphoric but also less stressful compassionate love. It’s built upon two hormones that keep lovers attached.

The “love hormone” oxytocin makes you feel warm and fuzzy. It reinforces bonds, inspiring feelings of security and contentment with someone. Cuddling, kissing and orgasm – activities we particularly associate with romantic relationships – flood our bodies with oxytocin. We begin to crave it, which is partly why it’s so hard to keep away from a new flame.

The other chemical keeping you coming back is dopamine, the reward hormone. When you start fancying someone, it follows the surge of adrenaline to give you a pleasurable rush. Even decades into a relationship, partners still continue to respond to their beloved with just as much dopamine. This hormone is more addictive than oxytocin, so it always makes seeing your special someone a very special occasion.

Chemicals swirl beneath the intricate sensations of romantic love. While it’s natural to effervesce when we first mix with certain people, time and care can nurture something stable and long-lasting.

Words: CHARLOTTE LIEHR

13/02/2018 | mandah

Community Interest

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