YOUR COMPLETE SUNSHINE COAST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SPRING ’14

http://www.sunshinecove.com.au

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TYSON STELZER WINE WRITER

I have a dream job! Sharing stories of the people, places and wines of the world in words is a wonderful privilege. If I were doing anything else, I’d be sharing the same stories in images as a professional photographer.

spectacu ar

@SALTMAG SALT-MAGAZINE SALTMAG

@SALT_MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@saltmagazine.com.au

ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS info@saltmagazine.com.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES 0417 762 335

KATE JOHNS EDITOR

FROM THE EDITOR

NEIL PASKINCOVER PHOTOGRAPHERI have always had a passion for nature and the outdoors, so capturing it through the art of landscape photography is a challenge I relish. My aim is to capture nature’s amazing palette of colours, textures and form that may not always be obvious to the viewer but through my photography the scene can be enjoyed forever. We can be found at The Caloundra Street Fair at Bulcock Street every Sunday.neilpaskin.com

LEIGH ROBSHAW WRITER

I would be living in New York and writing for Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair, seeing live music, comedy, theatre and dance every night and coming home to my expansive beach house on the Sunshine Coast for three months a year during the northern winter.

BRISEIS ONFRAY DESIGNER, WRITER

I’d be blogging my way around interesting parts of the globe. Fossicking for artisan produce and trades. Meeting with the ‘makers’ and documenting their stories. My online store would showcase beautiful, worldly things, promoting the ‘makers’ seeking extra exposure to sell their crafts for a living.

CONTRIBUTING TALENTS: WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WEREN’T DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING NOW?

A short time ago I shared a moment of wonder with my two-year-old daughter, Finn.

I had the privilege of showing her her very first real rainbow. Before this, she had only seen rainbows in her story books and we would often sing the song… “red and yellow and pink and green… dah ... de ... dah …

I can sing a rainbow toooo.” You know the song – right? Anyway, over the dry winter months rainbows have been scarce in

these parts. One morning recently as we were pulling out of our driveway, the sun

and rain decided to kiss in the sky and make a sparkling, candescent rainbow for Finn and me to see to “ooo” and “ahhh” at.

“I want it in my hand, Mummy,” she told me. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to hold a rainbow in our hand as a

reminder of how simple and beautiful life can be?Some people put wishes into action. Alex Harris from Koala Tracker

(featured on page 28) is the rainbow in the sky for our koala population. She is essentially saving these iconic Australian mammals from extinction

with her groundbreaking website – koalatracker.com.au I heard Alex speak at this year’s TEDx event in Noosa. I was weeping from the moment she started her heart-felt presentation and I knew I

wanted to share her story and plight with you, our dear readers.I’m signing off for a couple of issues and leaving you in the accomplished and capable hands of Karina Eastway. Karina has been beavering away

learning the salt-y ropes for quite some time now and she has become part of salt’s heartbeat.

I know she has some wonderful adventures to take you on over the next couple of editions.

Until then,

SIMPLY

THANKS GO TO OUR OTHER CONTRIBUTING TALENTS TOO: ANGUS JOHNS PUBLISHER JANE FYNES-CLINTON SUB-EDITOR, COLUMNISTKARINA EASTWAY EDITORIAL & ADVERTISINGANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS PHOTOGRAPHERLUCY EMLYN-JONES WRITERALEX FYNES-CLINTON WRITERPHIL JARRATT COLUMNISTLINDA READ WRITERCASSY SMALL WRITER SALLY TRUDE FOOD WRITERAARON WYNNE WRITERJANE TODD PROOFREADER

http://www.settlerscove.com.au

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IT’S A WRAP The cover image is titled

Pastel Dream and was taken at Mudjimba Beach in 2007.

The image was captured using a Canon 5D 6s camera, f/11,

20.0mm lens, ISO 100.

Cover kindly supplied by Neil Paskin

neilpaskin.comsalt is a free quarterly magazine

published by Johns Publications P/L.

Distribution area between Bribie and Fraser Island and inland to Kenilworth and select areas throughout Brisbane.

PO Box 1015, Maleny QLD Australia 4552

© Copyright 2014

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IN THE LIMELIGHT

6 LIGHTING THE WAY For more than a hundred years, our coastline has been watched over by sentinels.

16 LIVE, LOUD AND LOCAL A handful of passionate music makers have crafted a colourful Sunshine Coast live music scene.

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS

24 PURSUIT OF PASSION Pancho and Nicola Roeleveld not only love the 1940s and ’50s – they live them.

28 FOR A CAUSE Alex Harris has used guts, hard work and people power to help koalas’ voices to be heard.

34 BOOKS & BLOGS Our pick of the best new releases and websites that wow to enjoy on spring days.

92 UP AND COMING Rochelle Whitham breaks with conventional notions of seasonal releases with Hungry Wolf The Label – and is turning heads.

100 ARTIST Sunshine Coast art godfather Gary Myers continues to push himself and break new ground.

102 OFF THE WALL Artist Suzy Platt finds endless inspiration in the happiness of children.

104 ART DATES The Sunshine Coast has some of the best art galleries in the world. Find out what will be on show, where in spring.

CONTENTS

“ IS BORN OF THE PUREST PARENTS, THE SUN & THE SEA.”PYTHAGORAS

SPRING’14

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50LOVESTRUCK

58 KEEPING IT REAL Chris and Belinda Hubon share how they put their distinctive stamp on their wedding day.

64 FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE Graham and June Ashton’s love was born at the Maroochydore Surf Club more than 50 years ago.

66 TO HAVE AND TO HOLD Fashionable, must-have products for the loved up.

68 HE SAID, SHE SAID A bride and groom share their perspectives on their special day.

70 LOOK OF LOVE A wedding spread, done salt style.

LIVING & LIFESTYLE

108 IN YOUR DREAMS A Buderim couple has created art with gardens.

112 HOMEWARES Bathrooms are made beautiful this spring.

114 MEET THE DESIGNER Inventor and entrepreneur Ross Patten’s vision is inspired and practical.

FASHION & BEAUTY

76 FASHION A sensational spread of the must-have styles for spring.

96 BEAUTY Conditional loves so perfect for spring.

98 CUT & DRY Chemical-free colours are strong and lasting, as our writer discovers at Eco-Organic at Cotton Tree.

TASTES & TIPPLES

38 TABLE TALK A cooking class at Spirit House at Yandina sends an appreciation of Thai food into overdrive.

42 NOSH NEWS Snippets from the industry that gives us food, glorious food.

44 CULINARY CREATIONS Flame Hill Vineyard chef Adam Lugg shares a magnificent recipe.

46 PRODUCE PEOPLE Gerard and Tracy Mackle grow pretty, tasty, native finger limes.

50 RELAXED RECIPES salt goes nuts in the kitchen over coconuts.

54 SALT CELLAR Wine writer Tyson Stelzer samples Austria’s delectable offerings.

STAPLES

12 6 SENSES A selection of items based on the special powers that we humans use to experience the world – touch, see, hear, smell, taste and feel.

14 SECRETS Get authentic information on the best things about the Sunshine Coast from the only people who really know – the locals.

22 CALENDAR OF EVENTS salt has hand picked a variety of events on the Sunshine Coast that are guaranteed to please throughout spring.

32 ON THE FRINGE Acclaimed writer Phil Jarratt shares waves and stories from the edge of the world.

36 A DOSE OF SALT Columnist Jane Fynes-Clinton delves into the digital side of life.

116 GREAT OUTDOORS Our writer goes rock climbing and finds a fresh angle on our ancient landscape.

118 TOURIST INFORMATION Essential info for all visitors to the coast, including travel times, surf safety and market details.

120 MAP

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FEATURE

Lightingthe way

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The Sunshine Coast’s lighthouses have illuminated the region’s vast, vibrant waters for local and visiting ships for more than 100 years.

THEY ARE THE REGION’S most storied guardians, standing tall through decades of whistling wind, torrential rain, horrendous hail and sweltering heat. With panoramic views out to the bay and a steady, earnest glow, they have long fascinated the thousands who bask in their glorious light – dancing through the dreams of children, adults and visitors alike.

Thanks to a dedicated local group, the Caloundra lighthouses old and new are now open to visit. With three years of careful restoration, the Friends of the Caloundra Lighthouses (FOCL) group has given residents the chance to discover the vital role these towers played in the coast’s early growth and development.

WORDS ALEX FYNES-CLINTON PHOTOS ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

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MODERN DAY GUARDIANSThe seas of the Sunshine Coast are now watched over by the lighthouse at Point Cartwright.

It was opened in 1978 in response to high-rise building developments in Caloundra rendering the new Caloundra lighthouse ineffective. When Point Cartwright took over lighthouse duties, the new Caloundra lighthouse was used as a harbour light.

“There’s now beacons at Golden Beach and Kings Beach in addition to the lighthouse at Point Cartwright that light the way for the ships,” Donnalea says. “They’re all GPS operated and have never had keepers.”

REVIVING THE LIGHTHOUSESDonnalea has always been passionate about the sea and specifically, the Sunshine Coast.

“I’ve just always loved lighthouses, whales, dolphins and anything to do with the ocean ever since I was a tiny little kid,” she says. “The FOCL committee and I were determined to re-open the lighthouses for everyone to enjoy.”

Since its closure the old lighthouse had been sitting in Golden Beach, while the new structure took over in its original location. The local Powerboat Club had initially wanted to use the old lighthouse as a clubhouse, but let it fall into disrepair. It was moved back to its original spot in the late 1990s and after a general refurbishment, lay dormant.

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LIGHTING A TORRID AND TERRIFYING COAST

There are few older buildings on the Sunshine Coast than the old Caloundra lighthouse. Built way back in 1896, years before electricity, the telephone or even the federation of Australia, the now heritage-listed structure was constructed in response to the famous SS Dicky going aground three years earlier.

FOCL treasurer Donnalea Mangion says many ships fell prey to the area’s rugged coast at the turn of the twentieth century.

“Along with the SS Dicky, there were a range of incidents in the area involving passing ships at the time,” she says. “It’s quite appropriate Dicky Beach was named as such – it really was a ‘dicky’ area for ships to cross. The old Caloundra lighthouse was built soon after to light the crossing for passing vessels. It was the second lighthouse in Queensland after Moreton.”

Seven different lighthouse keepers looked after the old Caloundra lighthouse through its life. In addition to their lighthouse duties, they also played the role of telegraph operator – until the invention of the telephone – and postmaster for the local area.

Carl Walter Edlundh was the first keeper, a well-travelled native of Stockholm, Sweden who settled in Caloundra with his Queensland-born wife after a stint working as a pilot in Moreton Bay. With electricity yet to be invented, the lighthouse shined a candlewick flame out to the ocean. Carl would head up for his 12-hour shift at dusk.

“He would use any oil they could get to keep the burner alight, whether it be whale fat, coconut oil or kerosene,” Donnalea says. “The caretakers lived in a small cottage adjoining the lighthouse. There were only five other houses in Caloundra at the time. There was a lot to do.”

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Until its closure in 1968, the old Caloundra lighthouse was manned every year except through World War II.

“The artillery section of the Royal Australian Navy came and took over,” Donnalea says. “It was the best vantage point to get a view of the parameters of the area. It was here that in ’42 the light was changed over to electricity with a little petrol engine acting as a backup generator.”

The old lighthouse was a pillar of the local community until its closure in 1967. Its light was extinguished a year later. In its place a new, more modern structure was built next door. It came complete with a signal station – a first for the area.

“The signal station used to log the ships that went by and send messages to emergency services if there was anyone in distress,” Donnalea says. “The lighthouse itself was automatic, but there were guys going up daily to do all the logging until 1998.

“The flash on every lighthouse is different. That’s how the mariners would know where they were. Caloundra’s is two flashes every ten seconds – flash flash pause, flash flash pause, flash flash pause.”

Donnalea says the two lighthouses played a vital role in both the development of Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast.

“It’s no coincidence the logo on the shirts of many local schools is the lighthouse – it’s become the emblem of the area,” she says. “The link came from the original lighthouse keeper. With his wife playing the role of teacher to their nine children, the cottage became the first school. The lighthouse keepers played a really important role for the area with the duties they took on.”

Trevor Hamey - Friends of the Caloundra Lighthouses, President

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“HE WOULD USE ANY OIL THEY COULD GET TO KEEP THE BURNER ALIGHT.”After years of hard work, Council awarded the lease to operate and maintain both the old and new lighthouses to FOCL in August 2012. The move allowed the group to pursue their dream of re-opening them for a new generation to enjoy.

“By us signing the lease, it enabled us to pay for the upkeep and keep them ready for everyone to enjoy,” Donnalea says.

“It took us three years to renovate them and bring them up to health and safety requirements. We were there working every second weekend.

“The old lighthouse is now back in its original location – next to the new lighthouse, three quarters of a foot from where it sat when built in 1896. It’s really satisfying with so many people enjoying them now.”

Donnalea says the views from the summit of both the old and new lighthouse are breathtaking.

“Not long ago we had a period where we got whales and dolphins every day for about a month and a half. It was spectacular,” she says.

“The original cottage where the lighthouse keepers lived all those years ago is now in Upper Gay Terrace. “It’s owned by a private investor, but can still be viewed from the top of the lighthouses.”

POINT CARTWRIGHTWhile you can’t get inside the Point Cartwright lighthouse, you can still enjoy the majesty of one of the coast’s most iconic structures up close. A path hugs the coastline and takes you right past the lighthouse as well as sand dunes, Buddina beach and the glorious Point Cartwright headland.

A favourite for runners and meanderers alike, this is one of the most beautiful pathways on the coast.

LIGHTS IN THE DISTANCEThree grand lighthouses stand proudly on Double Island Point, Moreton Island and Fraser Island. Each steeped in their unique history, they are cherished by residents and visitors:

DOUBLE ISLAND POINTEver dreamed of spending a night overlooking the southeast Queensland coast as a lighthouse keeper? Then look no further than the Double Island Point lighthouse.

Built in 1884, the structure was operated by various keepers before being converted to an automated solar model and de-manned in 1991. The Noosa Parks Association was awarded a lease to the site soon after and wasted no time restoring the building’s two adjoining keeper’s cottages and making them available for rent on a working holiday. Visitors will dedicate a couple of hours a day to local environmental tasks like manning the island’s information outlet and managing pest plants.

Old Caloundra Lighthouse

To apply, you’ll need to join the Noosa Parks Association and join a waiting list. Registration costs $40 for families and $25 for individuals.

Noosa Parks Association President Darlene Gower says the experience is one of a kind.

“Everyone who is lucky enough to stay talks about what a privilege it is – it’s an amazing location,” she says. “From the cottages you can see across to Fraser and view the dolphins and whales on a clear day. It’s such a pristine spot. The light still shines every night and caretakers have a presence and responsibility for the area.

“On a gusty night, you get a real sense of what these lighthouse keepers went through. It’s a unique experience.”

Sandy Cape lighthouse, Fraser Island, 1907. Image courtesy of the State Library of Queensland

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CALOUNDRA LIGHTHOUSESFOCL offer guided tours of the old and new Caloundra lighthouses on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at a cost of $2 per person. The tour comprises walkthroughs of both structures, plus the generator room built by the Royal Australian Navy during World War II. FOCL treasurer Donnalea Mangion says there is a range of rare and unusual things for visitors to see.“We have panoramas and a whole bunch of folders with chronologically organised pictures,” she says. “We have one spectacular one of a lighthouse keeper getting ready to walk up the stairs to the lighthouse. There’s some really unique photos.”Private tours can also be organised by request.For more information and to book, visit caloundralighthouses.com.au or call Donnalea on 0418 999 014.

Old Caloundra Lighthouse

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Morton Island

MORETON ISLANDThe Moreton Island Lighthouse is the oldest in Queensland, built in 1857 by local tradesmen and convicts out of locally quarried rock. The structure was made fully automatic in 1998, but still shines a light more than 30 kilometres out to sea to light the way for the region’s many vessels.

Moreton Island Tourist Services Director Keith Wilson says while the lighthouse itself cannot be entered, his company runs regular trips to the base of the structure.

“We take tour groups to the top end of the island, about five metres from the base of the lighthouse,” he says. “The scenic views are just spectacular – giving you an outlook of the entire island to the south and west, plus views back across the bay to the Glass House Mountains and Sunshine Coast.

“Very shortly we’ll see humpback whales and it’s not uncommon to also sight turtles, dugongs, schools of fish and manta rays. The water is crystal clear.”

To book a visit call Keith on 3408 2661 or visit moretonisland.net.au

Lighthouse at Comboyuro Point, Moreton Island.

Image courtesy of the State Library of Queensland

FRASER ISLANDAt a whopping 33 metres tall, the Sandy Cape Lighthouse on Fraser Island is Queensland’s tallest.

It’s also one of the most difficult to visit, with prospective visitors made to navigate some of the island’s most treacherous tides and menacing rocks to reach it. An iconic landmark, the structure was opened in 1870 and originally made use of an oil lamp before being upgraded to kerosene, electricity and finally solar in 1995. During World War II it was used by the Royal Australian Air Force as a radar station, with 30 men based in nearby huts.

Due to safety concerns local tour companies steer well clear of visiting the site, but very experienced four-wheel drivers can reach the lighthouse with adequate preparation.

Like the Moreton Island lighthouse, the Sandy Cape Lighthouse is now automated and is administered by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

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The world is a sensory place. salt takes a peek at items that evoke us to see, hear, smell, taste and touch and we have tossed in an extra just for fun … feel.

6 SENSES

6 SENSES

Illustration courtesy of TWIGSEEDS STUDIO, twigseeds.com.auFEEL

HEAR A young, fearless, garage band out of Athens, Alabama, Shakes have stormed onto the authentic rock scene with their debut album ‘Boys & Girls’. Harbouring influences from R&B, blues and early ’70s rock, you could be forgiven for thinking that Janis Joplin and Robert Plant had a love child – the über-talented lead singer/songwriter Brittany Howard. You will feel the instant effects of ‘You Ain’t Alone’ and ‘Heartbreaker’ deep in your chest cavity, while ‘Hold On’ and ‘Goin’ to the Party’ rattle around your mind like sweet musical déja-vu. This is old-school sound made fresh and thrilling.

REVIEW LIBBY MUNRO

SMELL Get a nose for the good life with this luxurious outdoor chair from the Patio-Top Garden Furniture Collection. If you’re anything like us at salt HQ you’ll use any excuse to get outside and soak up those golden rays as the weather heats up, so why not do it in style? Sit back in the stunning (but more importantly comfortable) Sydney daybed, throw on some funky cushions and a colourful throw and voilà, you have a fashion statement right at your back door. The daybed is $2500. Available from Patio-Top Garden Furniture, 37 Gibson Road, Noosaville. 5474 3865 or patio-topgarden.com.au

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TASTE Give your feathered friends a home with taste with handmade birdhouses and feeders from The Original Eumundi Birdhouse Company. John and Sandra Lewis cleverly manufacture

each piece from discarded materials such as old roofing iron, reclaimed hardwood

from old houses, farm sheds and furniture so that the only thing new is the screws

holding it together! Prices start from $30 and you can only find them at Eumundi Markets (where they’ve been for the last 14 years).

Eumundi Markets on the Lower Terrace, 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi. 5442 7106 or

eumundimarkets.com.au

TOUCH Excite your child’s imagination with an arrangement of fabric wall stickers that make every touch seem magical. The ever-charming creators at Love Mae have given a new lease of life to the game of Play Pretend, creating artful stickers that are bound to kick-start a conversation from the creative kid who cares to think, dream and wonder. Available at Evolve, 5/10 Grebe Street, Peregian Beach. 5448 2077 or evolvembh.com.au

SEE In an unnamed part of Africa, War Witch is a story told by a young mother to her unborn child; a story of violence, merciless cruelty, courage and innocent love. Komona is a 12-year-old village girl forced to become a child soldier. With a Kalashnikov thrust into her hands, she is declared a rebel and abducted deep into the jungle. This is a brave and powerful story of culture, fear and mysticism, told with a delicacy that belies its gritty realism and gives a deep understanding of this ongoing nightmare for children in the heart of Africa.REVIEW LIBBY MUNRO

TUCKED BEHIND the main street of the chocolate-box village of Montville is the charming and sprawling Russel Family Park. It’s not a park that you would necessarily stumble upon when walking the cobbled streets of Montville and it’s recently received a facelift. The pea green lawns, ancient trees, duck ponds and lakes scream spring picnic spot. If you have restless kids who need to stretch their legs they can explore this English-style park with abandon. Map reference: K17

SECRETS

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NOT ONLY is the winding, honesty box-fringed drive from Cooroy to Kin Kin as pleasant as can be, there is now a reward at the end. The Kin Kin General Store has a new owner – Jodie Williams, chef and lover of Kin Kin. Jodie has re-instated the general store (established in 1946), which not only includes the post office but now has Black Ant Gourmet running from its commercial kitchen. On weekends the store is flat-chat, serving bikers, horse riders and Sunday drivers with creamy, fair trade brews from her vintage coffee machine and gorgeous gourmet delights. What are you waiting for? Take a Sunday drive to Kin Kin, windows down, fresh air gusting, and treat yourself to fine coffee and scrumptious delicacies at the Kin Kin General Store. Map reference: J10

THE SHAK is where it’s at! A new organic eatery has popped up its groovy, timber-clad head in Buderim with resounding applause from foodies with a conscience. Think Quinoa, fresh figs, biodynamic activated almonds, chickpeas, purple cabbage, fennel, parsley and mint salads to blueberry, lemon vegan baked cakes. Tastes good, is good for you and does the world good too – a triple dose of goodness. 11/43 Burnett Street, Buderim. Map reference: N17

GRAB YOUR MINI BMX bandit and make tracks to Cooroy … dirt tracks that is. Behind the bustling town centre is one of the best multi-use parks on the coast, featuring a purpose-built circular dirt bike track (suitable for 5-12 year olds) within easy viewing distance of picnic tables, bench seats and shady trees. Add a fully enclosed littlies’ playground and rad skate bowl for the teens and there you have it … one fun-filled family day out! From what we’ve seen, kids just can’t get enough. Map reference: J13

secretsONLY A LOCAL WOULD KNOW

POUR YOUR OWN beer … whaaat? Yep, it’s a first in Australia and it’s just so quirky it’s worth checking out – any excuse right? Put your beer tab on a token, grab yourself a table and press Go (you can keep any leftover credit until next time too). And while you might come for the great selection of beers, Taps Mooloolaba has a heck of a lot more going for it: absolutely scrumptious food including sticky pork belly and finger-lickin’ lamb cutlets, plus a pretty cool vibe with board games galore and regular live music. Corner of The Esplanade and Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba. Map reference: O18

FOR MAP REFERENCESSEE MAP ON PAGE 120

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Rewarding visitors with discounts and moreNoosa Civic Shopping is Noosa’s largest Shopping Centre with Big W, Woolworths and over 100 specialty stores. We’ve designed a rewards card just for visitors to Noosa allowing you to redeem special offers from our retailers. Sign up in Centre today and start stocking up on your holiday essentials for less.**Terms and conditions apply. Visit the Customer Service desk to obtain a copy of the terms and conditions.

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C A R D

SO FRESH to the coast we bet you haven’t even tried it yet is The Good Bean Deli at Kawana Shoppingworld, Buddina. It’s home to the brew of choice for coffee connoisseurs – single origin coffee from Ethiopia, Guatemala and Mexico and just between us, they also make one of the best chai lattes we’ve ever tasted. Tell the bearded barista lads salt sent you. Food options include fresh wraps and focaccias, cakes and brownies, including gluten or dairy free. (psst, parents! It’s right beside a toddlers’ play area, so you can relax in (relative) peace.) Map reference: O18

FEATURE

LIVE, LOUD AND LOCAL

WORDS ALEX FYNES-CLINTON

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Big Pineapple Music Festival photo Paul Smith Images

Sunshine Coast memories are best made with music.

FROM THE ELATION of a perfect wave to the raw power of a raging hinterland storm or the simple euphoria of a bright summer’s day, there is no shortage of memorable moments crying out for a score. But while the region’s surfing heritage goes hand in hand with plucking out a tune, in the past opportunities for youngsters to make their passion a musical profession have been limited – a spread out population and limited nightlife leaving opportunities thin on the ground.

With a handful of determined old hands and visionary venue owners now providing much-needed opportunities to shine, the coast’s coming of age as a music mecca may be closer than ever before.

AN EMERGING SCENEThere are few who understand the Sunshine Coast music scene’s challenges and opportunities better than local promoter Mark Pico. The Melbourne-born muso is a driving force behind the revitalisation of live music in the region, putting together hugely successful festivals such as The Big Pineapple Festival in Nambour and Golden Days in Coolum.

Mark’s first contact with the coast came as a performer, when he would start or end his tours at local venues and fell in love with the region. He made a name for himself scoring the surf films for major labels like Quiksilver, Rip Curl and Billabong, and the experience led to his next career move.

“It’s my passion now and I really enjoy bringing the best out of other people instead of myself,” Mark says. “Through surf films, I used to work with a lot of different styles of music and we’d then go out on tour around Australia, New Zealand and the world. That’s where I learnt to put on events.

“You used to have to get into the mindset and feel. I’d try to nail the words that would suit certain parts of a film and that’s how it works trying to put together a line-up for say the Big Pineapple.

“You’ve got to get in the mindset of your people while also pushing the boundaries to put together music people haven’t heard before. You want to tap into their wavelength and get into a zone that people can relate to.”

While Mark’s enthusiasm for the coast’s potential as a live music hub is unbridled, he admits there are factors which make it difficult to achieve success. A sprawling population and an ingrained Saturday night culture of the barbecue with friends has left promoters scratching their heads at times.

“As a promoter you’re up against the Sunshine Coast itself, which is a beautiful place with beaches and hinterland,” he says. “At the end of the day, I think a lot of people aren’t fussed if they miss out because life is pretty good up here. I speak to agents in >

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Pincushion Island

“My passion for music kicked in when I met my brother in law. He’s a fantastic musician and an artist manager based part-time in the US and part-time here. I learnt everything about the music industry from him.”

Marcus and his brother-in-law, current Peregian Originals president Steve James, have led a local music revival since taking over the festival from founder Jay Bishoff. Jay established the event as a favourite of the local community, attracting hundreds of revellers each outing and fostering a strong local passion for music. But as time wore on, the event fell foul of the local Council, with some residents coming to resent the crowds and disruption. But with a new format, crowds are up, the Council is happy and the township is embracing the festival with more fervour than ever before. More excitingly, all of this was achieved while the Sunshine Coast’s own local talent were given starring slots. The event’s friendly, entertaining reputation has become such a winner in its own right that success or failure no longer rests on the shoulders of major headliners.

“The local community trusts Peregian Originals. It gives artists the option of getting their music heard by a crowd locally instead of needing to go to Sydney or Melbourne,” Marcus says.

Marcus says entry still only costs a nominal donation, with the focus very much on blooding young talent.

“Having events powered by donations, available to the whole community is a really good thing. But better than that it opens up the stage for eight artists or bands every month to play in front of healthy crowds,” he says. “That’s what it is all about – showing off younger talent and nurturing local artists. Hopefully we’ll give these kids the chance to follow their passions and become career musicians.”

Sydney and Melbourne and unanimously [the Sunshine Coast] is the most difficult area to get people out of their houses.

“Where I grew up in Sydney you would sometimes go out four or five times a week to different venues and clubs, whereas up here there isn’t that variety. People aren’t used to it, because it hasn’t always been the case that it’s always been on offer.”

But with local festivals gaining huge momentum in recent times, the tide appears to be turning. With crowds booming and a range of big national headliners like Grinspoon, Bliss N Eso and Sticky Fingers lining up to rock the coast, promoters may have finally worked out the region’s puzzle. Mark believes tapping into the coast’s proud local heritage is the key.

“There has to be something special about it. You can’t just land one or two big bands and expect people to come,” he says. “That’s the way it’s going in Australia now, with a lot of big festivals falling over because people are wanting an experience.

“The Big Pineapple has been really special because of the location and the way it taps in locally. People really embrace it. It’s something very special when you mix an event like that with an iconic, beautiful Sunshine Coast place like the Pineapple.”

A STRONG LOCAL FLAVOURMarcus Pluckhahn is in wholehearted agreement with the sentiments of Mark. New to the music business, he became involved with Peregian Originals in 2013 after a serious accident overseas led to a period of soul searching. With no experience as a performer, Marcus chased his passion out of a pure love for music and the glee it brings others.

“I had a really bad accident just under two years ago and when I came out of that I realised what I was doing wasn’t really fulfilling anything inside me that I loved,” Marcus says. “I was overseas travelling and had a dog run out in front of my scooter which resulted in some bad injuries and some fairly horrible infections. When I got back to Brisbane, I spent two months in hospital and had 13 surgeries due to complications. I had a lot of time to reflect.

Peregian Originals founder Jay Bishoff in Indonesia, which he now calls home

Big Pineapple Music Festival photo Paul Smith Images

LEADING THE WAYThe recent success experienced by Marcus and Mark wouldn’t have been possible without pioneers like Barry Charles.

The Melbourne-born and bred rocker moved to the coast in the early 1970s and helped plant the seeds of the scene going so strong today. He played all over the country and overseas during his heyday, performing at major music festivals like Glastonbury and taking his experiences back home to improve the local scene. His band Barry and the Rockets played to packed out country halls all around the region, giving the coast its first regular taste of world-class entertainment.

“It was a big surfing culture and a cosmopolitan crowd. You used to get people from South Africa, France and New Zealand out for surfing – the word was out about the Sunshine Coast,” Barry says. “There was a niche to be filled for those guys to get their rocks off and have a rage after they’d been surfing. We wrote our own songs and were accepted quite readily. There were some fantastic nights and not a lot of rules and regulations. It was a very loose scene. >Mark Pico photo Sunny

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“People wanted to be entertained and we had the experience to entertain. Our bus The Rocket Express would take loads of people to the different halls we would play at. We had a bit of a cult following.”

Barry was also the man behind the Lamington Show concerts, which were a spiritual precursor to the now wildly popular Verrierdale Full Moon Dances. Now taking place at regular intervals, it pulls crowds of hundreds to each instalment, putting local rockers in the spotlight and becoming one of the coast’s best-kept secrets.

“There was a need to have a place where bands could come and play with full-on productions. People wanted to come out and let their hair down,” he says. “Even now you walk in and feel the energy in the walls – the pulsating energy of the bands. You can’t avoid dancing. The lighting is amazing. The energy of the room knocks you over and it’s still got that same feeling. The audience is five inches away from your face while you’re playing. It’s got a natural energy.”

CATCH A GIGThe Sunshine Coast has a feast of local events, venues and festivals helping grow the live music scene and supporting up and coming local acts. Check out the following for a sure-fire live entertainment fix.

SOL BARMooloolaba’s Sol Bar has a gained a wonderful reputation among revellers and promoters alike for its dedication to live music on the coast. They host regular live gigs from Thursday to Sunday, with a mix of major national headliners and exciting local talent. Pop in for their open mic night on a Wednesday to see new stars born and join in on the fun. To check out upcoming gigs, visit solbar.com.au.

THE ORIGINALS FESTIVALFrom the minds of Mark Pico and Marcus Pluckhahn comes The Originals Festival. Taking place at Noosa AFL Ground in Noosaville on September 13, the event will partly act as a fundraiser for the popular Peregian Originals, which relies on donations to pay performers. Ash Grunwald, Sticky Fingers, Kingswood and OKA will headline a massive day of live music. Tickets are $5 for under 12s, $25 for 13-17 year olds and $40 for adults. For more information visit originalsmusicfestival.com

VERRIERDALE FULL MOON DANCEThe Verrierdale Full Moon Dance has become one of Noosa’s best kept secrets, with bands of all styles and genres rocking the Verrierdale Hall on the eve of the full moon. Tickets sell quickly, with crowds approaching quadruple figures not uncommon, so prospective groovers should get in quickly to avoid disappointment. Bring your dancing shoes. For regular updates and general information visit facebook.com/verrierdalefullmoondance

THE FACTORYThe Sunshine Coast’s newest entertainment venue has been spoiling locals with a smattering of awesome live DJs and excellent local bands and performers. With a thriving nightclub welcoming a host of talented performers every weekend, great Sunday sessions and a range of ticketed events for high profile acts, The Factory has established itself as a must visit for live music lovers. To stay up to date with the latest visit factorytheproject.com.au THE BIG PINEAPPLE FESTIVALThe Big Pineapple Festival experienced a bumper sophomore year in 2014, welcoming thousands of guests to one of the Sunshine Coast’s most historic sites. Legendary Aussie acts Bliss N Eso, Art Vs Science, Spiderbait and The Living End spearheaded an unprecedented line-up this year, with big things expected again in 2015. To sign up for updates, visit bigpineapplemusicfestival.com

Peregian Originals

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FLIPSIDE CIRCUS

OCTOBERFLIPSIDE CIRCUS

An existential exploration of identity, the innocence of youth and life’s big questions, the Flipside Circus will feature a cast of 14 performers aged nine to 18, there to express their identities through aerials and acrobatics among other amazing circus routines.

when October 1 to 3, 10am and 1pm where Lake Kawana Community Centre, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina cost $18 scvenuesandevents.com.au

GLUTEN-FREE PASTRY WORKSHOP

Join Kunara’s pastry expert Monica Topliss for an afternoon of gluten-free baking and discovery. Every participant receives a workbook and a set of recipes to use on the day and to take home for continued pastry experimentation.

when October 4 where Kunara Organic Marketplace, 330 Mons Road, Forest Glen cost $135 kunara.com.au

THE COLOR RUN

This crazy event rooted in Indian spiritual culture is returning to Stockland Park. The 5km run is designed to be less about speed and more about a crazy colourful day out with friends and family in the name of charity. Suitable for solo runners or teams. All ages or fitness levels are welcome.

when October 12 where Stockland Park, 320 Nicklin Way, Bokarina cost $57.50 includes white T-shirt and bag of coloured powder. Free for spectators. thecolorrun.com.au

MINDFUL MEDITATION RETREAT

A week-long meditation retreat to develop the skill of being fully aware of the present moment and an attitude of openness and acceptance. An amazing tool to help us handle mental and emotional stresses with calmness, kindness and clarity.

when October 3 to 10 where Chenrezig Institute, 33 Johnsons Road, Eudlo cost from $270 chenrezig.com.au

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

EXPLOREDREAM

DISCOVER

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TAIKOZ CRIMSON SKY

Starring the master of the Koto Satsuki Odamura, Australia’s treasured drumming ensemble is coming to Caloundra, promising hypnotic melodies of shakuhachi and shinobue bamboo flutes.

when October 18 where The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra cost $44 theeventscentre.com.au

SUITCASE RUMMAGE

Set up a stall at the back of The Lane on Palmwoods’ Main Street for the chance to shift, swap and give away some of your old clothes, books, bric-a-brac, records, vintage wares, household items or handmade crafts.

when October 18 where The Lane, Main Street, Palmwoods cost $10 palmwoods.net.au

NOVEMBERMUDJIMBA BEACH WALK

Join the Sunshine Coast Bushwalking Club for a sociable saunter along the beach at Mudjimba. Non-members welcome.

when November 16 where Mudjimba Beach cost free sunshinecoastbushwalkingclub.com

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DAVE HUGHES LIVE

Spend an evening with stand-up comic Dave Hughes and soak up his new material at ‘Pointless’, his exciting new show.

when November 20 where The J Noosa, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction cost $44.90 noosa.qld.gov.au/thej

THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES

Sue Clapham presents the renowned Joanna Murray-Smith satire on celebrity feminism.

when November 27 to December 6 where Noosa Arts Theatre, 163 Weyba Road, Noosaville cost from $20 noosartstheatre.org.au

FERMENTED FOOD WORKSHOP

Learn how to culture milk kefir, make coconut water kefir, as well as water kefir cheese. Each person gets a detailed book of recipes to take home.

when November 23 where Kunara Organic Marketplace, 330 Mons Road, Forest Glen cost $60 kunara.com.au

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DECEMBERSANTA’S GINGER GROTTO

Come and ride the train with the jolly man himself and get a photo to remember at Santa’s Ginger Grotto.

when December 5 to 24 where The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina cost from $6.50 gingerfactory.com.au

POET’S BREAKFAST

Come along for a buffet breakfast and the chance to listen to some entertaining recitals from bush poets at the Cooroy Hotel.

when December 6 where Cooroy Hotel, 38 Maple Street, Cooroy cost $30 cooroy.com.au

SUMMER NIGHTS IN EUMUNDI

Enjoy the buzz of these special night markets with a wide array of fabulous food on offer, live music each week and free outdoor family movies under the stars. From 5pm.

when December 5, 12, 19 and January 2 where Eumundi town centre cost free entry and entertainment eumundimarkets.com.au

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PURSUIT OF PASSION

WORDS LEIGH ROBSHAW PHOTOS ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

FIFTY SHADES OF STYLE

The ravishing red genoa lounge suite is so stylish it is swoonworthy.WITH ITS CURVACEOUS armrests, cool art deco design and inlaid Marilyn Monroe drink coasters, it’s a flamboyant statement piece that takes pride of place in Pancho and Nicola Roeleveld’s living room. You’d imagine such an eye-popping piece of furniture inside a Hollywood home buzzing with fabulous people and parties, but it’s hiding shyly away in a little Queenslander on two pretty hectares in Conondale. And the confectionery-coloured couch is just the icing on the cake in a home decked out entirely in functional 1940s and 1950s furniture and paraphernalia.

“Our rule is, if we don’t need it we won’t buy it,” says Pancho. “If it’s not working we won’t buy it. Everything we buy has to be vintage, preferably Australian made or American made, and working. We have to be using it, so you won’t find any memorabilia.”

“We don’t have bric-a-brac because we are not collectors,” says Nicola. “I don’t have ten radios like some people have.”

Two horses and a pony in the front paddock, chooks scratching around in the driveway and a little white terrier yapping excitedly paint a familiar Mary Valley picture. But that’s where the similarities to any other home in this part of the world end.

There’s an inkling you’re in for a treat when you reach the end of the long driveway to the house – which they built themselves 10 years ago – and get your first glimpse of the cars garaged underneath.

Nicola’s creamy 1957 Buick is gleaming like the day it was born. Pancho’s mint-green 1959 Chevrolet apache pickup truck sits beside it, weathered and well-loved. They shipped both left-hand drive beauties from the United States for their everyday use and Pancho, who runs an on-site welding and metal fabrication business, fixes the cars himself – and anything else in the house that goes on the blink after 60-plus years of use.

“If you look at the shape of a car from the 1950s, how it’s designed, round and streamlined, you can tell they put a curve somewhere or a round edge where they didn’t have to, just because it’s pleasing for the eye,” says Pancho. “They put their heart and soul into it. Most importantly, it was built to last.”

“I love driving my car,” says Nicola. “I get a lot of reactions, especially from older people who grew up with cars like that and very young people, especially little boys. Everyone loves them really.”

The cars are head turners and conversation starters, much like Pancho and Nicola themselves. As hardcore members of a worldwide subculture of rockabillies and rockers, they live as if in a 1940s-1950s time warp and dress exclusively in vintage or reproduction vintage clothing.

Pancho and Nicola both discovered they had a passion for old music – hillbilly, swing, rockabilly and rhythm and blues – at a young age. She was 16 and living in Amsterdam; he was 17 and in Sydney. They met at a ’50s club in Amsterdam 20 years ago and have been living the vintage dream together ever since.

“I can’t imagine being with someone who didn’t like the music I was into,” says Pancho. “Can you imagine if my partner was into hip hop? It wouldn’t work. It would drive a wedge between us.”

They love to dress up and go to ’50s dances and festivals, raving about Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend, the world’s biggest rockabilly party, held in Las Vegas each April.

When salt swung by on a Sunday afternoon, Pancho’s garb could have been stolen from grandpa. Neatly pressed fawn shirt with a collar, tucked into high-waisted olive green dress pants with front pleats and side pockets. The hair: short back and sides, combed back with Brylcreem. He even pays a seamstress to make his work clothes from original 1950s garments. >

Nicola is pure ’50s rockabilly, sporting fitted denim overalls with a cap-sleeved floral blouse underneath and cherry red lips. To go dancing she wears a “nice dress”, either vintage or reproduction, stockings and vintage shoes.

“I only use eyeliner when we go out dancing, sadly. I draw my eyebrows in a ’50s style with eyebrow pencil and of course I wear red lippy.”

After a ‘soda’ on the verandah, venturing inside is where the real fun begins. French doors draped in white lace curtains are the doorway back in time. The interior is sparsely and simply furnished, as was the fashion in the ’50s. An old rhythm and blues number is playing, adding a nostalgic ambience to a small and spotless open plan living room, dining room and kitchen.

There’s a working original suitcase record player in one corner (Pancho has an impressive collection of old records), but this tune is playing on an online old-time radio station. They concede the internet is unavoidable, especially for their children, Paige Mae, 12, and Dayton, 15. Plus, they love being able to choose from a vast array of radio stations through the TuneIn app.

“If we want to dance, we dance at home,” says Pancho. “If we hear a song we like, we just dance in the lounge room.”

“Or in the kitchen!” beams Nicola.

“The kids say ‘that’s disgusting!’ or ‘that looks horrible’,” Pancho laughs.

“They listen to rap music,” Nicola says. “They like the cars and our home’s interior, but they absolutely hate the music. We had to take our son to see Eminem!” They grimace in unison.

“IF WE HEAR A SONG WE LIKE, WE JUST DANCE IN THE LOUNGE ROOM.”

28 salt

saltmagazine.com.au 29

FOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au to see more photos of Pancho and Nicola’s ’50s inspired home.

“That’s the thing with music; you can’t force anyone to like a particular music,” says Pancho. “If we listen to a nice song you can dance to, it’s food for the soul – you need it. We don’t need drugs because when we listen to that music, it’s so good.”

“The music is the drug!” Nicola grins.

“I’m high when I listen to a good song,” Pancho says.

And standing in their living room, you can easily picture this quirky pair dancing away, for no one’s benefit but their own.

From an authentic kidney-shaped formica coffee table to an original Barsony black lady lamp, old TV/radio cabinet and triple-head floor lamp, just about everything you lay eyes on is either vintage or a replica.

Nicola cooks on an original 1955 O’Keefe and Merritt gas stove – big and beautiful with polished chrome detailing, Nicola calls it her ‘Cadillac’.

“You can flip burgers on it – you don’t see that anymore,” Pancho says.

The ‘Cadillac’ sits beside a well-preserved Crosley Shelvador refrigerator with the soft, round look that defined 1950s appliances. An old electric hand mixer sits atop pastel peppermint kitchen cabinets. A black rotary phone on the kitchen wall is still in good working order – Pancho and Nicola get a kick out of the fact their kids’ friends don’t know how to use it.

The dining suite features super-groovy retro vinyl chairs, each a different colour – red, yellow, green and pink. The bedrooms are decorated simply, with white cast iron beds and original walnut wardrobes. Every light fitting and light switch is carefully chosen. Downstairs, Pancho’s office continues the theme right down to the smallest details, like an old rubber stamp carousel and tape holder.

“As time goes on, it gets harder to find,” says Pancho, bemoaning a new breed of Japanese rockers who’ll pay top dollar for vintage pieces.

But they have everything they need to continue living their charming lifestyle forever and they’d rather go without than buy something modern that could detract from the magic.

So, just what is it about that era they love so much?

“Easy, it was not so stressed as the lifestyle everybody has today,” says Nicola. “Now everybody has to be somewhere at any time of the day. It was more simple.”

“I can’t see myself living any other lifestyle,” Pancho says. “We had loads of friends who were really into it, very genuine, hardcore rockers. They break up, meet someone else and you don’t hear of them. They just disappear; they’re living a new lifestyle. I just can’t fathom that. I don’t think I’ll ever change.”

YOUR CHOICE OF

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FOR A CAUSE

WORDS LINDA READ PORTRAIT PHOTO ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLDIS

VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

saltmagazine.com.au 31

The koalas of Australia are talking.

THEY’RE TELLING US where they live, where and how they die, how they feel, and where they like to cross the roads we’ve built through their neighbourhoods. One woman, who decided that our koalas needed to be heard, has given them a powerful voice.

Noosa resident Alex Harris has created Koala Tracker, a crowdsourced national community research project to save the koala. This means everyone in Australia can be a part of it, giving the koalas a collective voice so loud they might just be able to change the course of their future.

A real estate agent with an extensive background as a corporate public relations consultant, Alex is the perfect choice for the role of representing the koalas’ cause. The project aims to provide key information about where koalas live; what condition they are in; and what are the major points of impact for death and injury. Koala Tracker members (it’s free to join) log in to the website and map koala sightings – alive, dead, sick or injured – in the wild.

Alex explains that collectively, the data can help to ensure more informed public policy, effective risk mitigation and koala conservation. Koala Tracker also has the power to allow the community to get involved in conservation and planning, by raising awareness of koalas’ presence within particular areas.

It started when Alex saw some photos of koalas drinking water back in 2009. Not just one or two, but a dozen or so, drinking from flower pots, garden hoses, and creeks. She realised that she knew nothing about the animal which was our national icon.

“What struck me was all my life I thought koalas didn’t drink water,” she says. “I thought ‘that’s disgusting I’ve got to this age and know so little about something that’s so important to Australia’. So I started doing some vague, casual research, and there was so much we didn’t know, that it struck me that we really don’t know what we don’t know.”

She started to ask a lot of questions, but three major ones came to the fore: How many koalas were left? Where did they live? What condition were they in? Although the Australian Koala Foundation puts the koala numbers between 40,000 and 80,000 in Australia, nobody knows precisely. Alex explains that the Threatened Species Scientific Committee has three times rejected listing the koala as endangered, the latest being in 2010, because they said the data was “patchy, sparse, and not >

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The map has nearly 6000 national reports to date. Members visit the user-friendly site, log the location and condition of the koala, and can also post a photo. (Alex believes the site hosts the best collection of photographs of koalas in the wild.) There is a reporting map and database, which feeds into a display map.

“What we’re defining is their location, their movements, and the role or the importance of connecting corridors,” she says.

She urges everyone to use the site, as the more comprehensive the data is, the bigger the effect will be.

“It doesn’t cost the government anything [to use the data]. And if the reason the government has not listed koalas as endangered and at the risk of extinction is because we don’t have enough data, then we need to call on everybody to do their bit.”

32 salt

comprehensive”. Later that same year, Alex “nearly tripped over a koala” on one of her regular early morning walks in the Noosa National Park. As she watched the koala, and took some photos, she started to formulate her idea.

“I thought that we’re the ones best placed to actually make the observations and do the surveys, we ordinary citizens out there walking in the morning and the afternoon, out in the parks and gardens. We’re out in our own yard seeing koalas, so really we need to crowdsource the information.”

Alex launched Koala Tracker in 2010, at her own expense.

“It took me a bit of time to put together,” she says. “I don’t have an IT background but I’m a very logical thinker and I’m used to finding solutions to problems. So this was just a natural thing for me to do; I didn’t think twice about it.”

HANDS-ON HELP Join Koala Tracker – it’s free: koalatracker.com.auMap every sighting of a koala you see anywhere – alive, dead, sick or injured (this takes about three minutes)Call for help if you see a sick or injured koala – Sunshine Coast Koala Wildlife Rescue 0423 618 740 or 0431 300 729 (for other numbers in all parts of Australia, see koalatracker.com.au) or Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital emergency 1300 369 652Check the Koala Tracker website database for koala sightings in your area, and drive carefully where you know koalas might be livingDo not walk your dog off the leash

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Proof of the project’s power is the case of the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Eerwah Vale, where a major power line project was shelved because, Alex says, Koala Tracker was able to prove the existence of a healthy population of koalas there. Traditionally, she says, the way koala habitat has been assessed by governments and researchers is based upon pixel colour on satellite maps, to determine where eucalypt forests are. Based on these images, habitats are deemed “high value”, “low value”, and “not suitable” for koalas. But apparently koalas don’t read the maps. A good example of this is the resident population of koalas in the Noosa area – an area which is considered not suitable for koalas, according to the satellite maps. Alex points to the reports from Koala Tracker members of koalas in the national park, at Little Cove, Hastings Street, and even in the Coles loading bay at Noosa Junction.

“The thing is, the koalas don’t have a satellite map that tells them better habitat is 20 kilometres away,” says Alex. “They live where they live.”

“If you take a koala from their habitat and translocate it elsewhere, they will come back. There is a homing device; they come back to their territory. We have created these urban environments around them and they still live with us, in areas that are low-value habitat for koalas, and not suitable for koalas.”

Habitat destruction, cars, disease and dogs remain the koalas’ worst enemies. But in a sign that signifies that the koalas’ collective voice is starting to be heard loud and clear, Alex says that the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils are overlaying the Koala Tracker map onto their own planning maps to inform development decisions.

“So it’s making a real, positive difference,” says Alex. “It’s very meaningful; it’s very rewarding.”

34 salt

ON THE FRINGE

For most people, spring is the season of hope and optimism, when new buds appear and the endless possibilities of the season of plenty lie tantalisingly close.

FOR SUNSHINE COAST SURFERS, however, it is the season of sloth, of not getting out of bed for the early surf because there is none, a time of devil winds and angry old men.

Don’t let this put you off enjoying the glories of those lake-like blue ocean days, perfect for bracing swims and lonely walks along the tide-line. The problem is ours, not yours, and like most problems, it can be resolved with careful planning. My idea of careful planning is to go somewhere else, either somewhere there is surf at this time of year, or somewhere so far away from it that its lack will not be a constant affront.

Escapism has been the plan for many, many years. I can remember coming home from work and my wife saying: “The ceiling in the girls’ bedroom has collapsed and

SEASON OF THEWORDS PHIL JARRATT ILLUSTRATION PETER HOLLARD

it’s going to cost two thousand dollars to replace it. What are we going to do?” I would quickly do the maths and reply: “We’re going to go to Bali.”

Blocked toilets, rusted gutters, paint jobs, season-long flat spells, all could be resolved (in the short term at least) for approximately the same cost by getting out of town, by putting the problems out of sight and out of mind. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it is a fiscally irresponsible approach, but travel has always been a higher priority for me than savings or even home comforts.

This is why, dear reader, as the nor’ easter flecks white caps across Laguna Bay and you sit in the morning sun with your dose of salt, I will be bobbing up and down in an Indian Ocean swell somewhere in the tropical latitudes. Anyone can do this, of course. It doesn’t cost much to get yourself to somewhere it’s warm and the waves are pumping, as long as you don’t expect that privilege to be solitary. But there are some – a few of my surfing buddies among them – who will not be moved, who staunchly reserve the right to stand around the beach car park once dawn has revealed Lake Pacific yet again, and bitch and moan about the lack of waves.

An aside here: since the invention of surf forecast websites and surfcams, the vast majority of surfers check the situation before they get out of bed and save themselves the journey. “Know before you go” is the famous slogan of one site. But there is a particular kind of surfer – often a retired longboarder – who doesn’t trust the beach camera, because flat days, like moon landings and planes flying through skyscrapers, can easily be faked so that “they” can enjoy perfect waves to themselves.

“If the waves won’t come to us, we’ll have to go to them,” I said to a down-at-mouth old bloke as we surveyed Lake Pacific one recent morning.

He looked at me quizzically. “Drove as far south as Coolum looking for surf once,” he said. “Waste of petrol money.”

I told him I was thinking of farther afield, but it fell on deaf ears. And after a while it dawned on me that he, like others of my acquaintance, actually like whining about the waves. It’s part of the glorious unpredictability of the surfing experience. But you can’t whine all day, so here, for the benefit of the wave-starved springtime stay-at-homers, are a few tips for surviving the season of the bitch:

• Learn how to shape a surfboard. It can’t be that difficult. Some of the surfboard builders I’ve known over the years haven’t exactly been Einsteins. And with every mow of foam, every stroke of the glass job, you’ll be riding that sucker in your mind. Just as soon as the swell comes back.

• Write the great Australian surfing novel. Now that is difficult and I’ve been trying for years. But it will be a first. Hurry up while people still read books.

• Take stuff to the tip. Don’t say you’ve got nothing to take. Old surfers have more crap lying around the house than any other human subset. Start with all those old wetsuits you can’t get into any more. No, e-bay doesn’t want them. After the beach car park at dawn, the tip is where you are most likely to run into your surfing mates and you can all have a good whinge.

• Help your wife around the house. I’ve heard it softens them up for when the surf is pumping and you’re nowhere to be found. Personally, I wouldn’t know. I’m on a boys’ surf trip in the tropics.

To see more illustrations by Peter Hollard visit peterhollardart.com

BITCH ’N’ MOAN

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36 salt

GROW HARVEST COOK

Meredith Kirton and Mandy Sinclair | Hardie Grant | $49.95

Nothing screams ‘the simple life’ like wandering into your very own garden, picking an armful of vegetables and heading back inside to create a meal with fresh ingredients. From those in the know, Grow Harvest Cook will teach you what produce grows well in Australia, when to plant it and when it is ready to be harvested. Teeming with practical information, this book has more than 200 delicious recipes that encapsulate the true meaning of ‘homemade’ food.

BOOKS & BLOGS

REVIEWS CLAIRE PLUSH

Embrace slow days and simple living with the help of these handpicked, hard-covered gems, and learn how to decorate your home, create fresh meals and build a garden that thrives.

BOOKS & BLOGS

FOOD DIY: HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN EVERYTHING

Tim Hayward | Penguin | $50

If you fancy yourself a bit of a home cook but don’t know how to cure meat or whip up a silky butter, then this food DIY manual is a kitchen must-have. Skip the packaged options in the supermarket and master the skills that will ultimately help you save money and eat better. While the recipes may be a tad intimidating, the tasty dishes they create will make the extra effort worth it.

Win

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BY MR JASON GRANT BY HEADING

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saltmagazine.com.au 37

HOME FOR NOW

Joanne Thornhill | Hardie Grant | $34.95

After 12 years of living in rental properties, Joanne Thornhill knows a thing or two about turning a temporary abode into a home. Her latest book Home for Now is for renters or first-

home buyers who are either restricted by a landlord or budgets but crave a space that reflects their personality. Inspiration-heavy,

this DIY gem is the key to breaking out of an interior design rut.

A PLACE IN THE SUN: GREEN LIVING & THE SOLAR HOME

Stephen Snyder | Rizzoli International Publications | $75

While it’s not a necessity to blend a more simple approach to living with going green, the two often go hand-in-hand. If you’re considering taking the plunge to make your home environmentally friendly but are afraid of sacrificing good design or comfort, add Stephen Snyder’s tome to your booklist. Stunning green homes and interviews with the homeowners are bound to inspire and motivate.

BLOG ROLL – THE SIMPLE LIFEBLOGS TO BOOKMARK PRACTISING SIMPLICITY Thoughtful musings on living a slower-paced life. practisingsimplicity.com SPROUTED KITCHEN Irresistible wholefood recipes, photographed beautifully. sproutedkitchen.com VINTAGE REVIVALS Get creating with over 200 original DIY projects to choose from. vintagerevivals.com DOWN TO EARTH Sunshine Coast local Rhonda Hetzel is a back-to-basics powerhouse in the online world. down---to---earth.blogspot.com

These books were recommended by Rosetta Books, 30 Maple Street, Maleny. 5435 2134. The blogs were selected by salt HQ.

INSPIRE: THE ART OF LIVING WITH NATURE

Willow Crossley | CICO Books | $39.95

Bring the outside in with the help of florist and all-round creative Willow Crossley. Spanning five chapters, Inspire: The Art of Living with Nature is a how-to guide bursting with innovative and affordable ways to turn nature into decorative treasures for the home. From vases made out of red cabbages to an intricate foliage wreath, this book will turn every outdoor expedition into a foraging mission for the next project.

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A DOSE OF SALT

For starters, let us do away with that overused acronym ‘LOL’. Many older users still think it means ‘lots of love’ and when digital natives use it, they are never being literal – LOL is possibly the biggest lie going around the internet. In fact, if more people actually LOLed when they said they did on social media, our society would be one hell of a lot jollier and laugh lines would never be Photoshopped out of profile pics.

Other internet lies that everyone oddly put up with include that you have read the terms and conditions (if we are honest, NO ONE has read them), that you have been unsubscribed from an e-mailing list and that a controversial, deliberately contrived post lost friends or followers.

Online dating is another whole web of double realities. Couples who meet via online dating websites nearly always say they met through a friend, and scold me if I am wrong, but an internet address looks like no friend I have ever had. The pair might say they met on a night out, which is a little bit true, because when they finally swapped virtual winks or pokes for the real deal it was probably in the evening in a dimly-lit establishment. No person

ONE IS RICHLY TEXTURED, with ups and downs, private and public moments, quiet and busy days and emotions and observations that are so deep and delicate that they have no name.

The other reports and depicts, nearly always framing us in a palatable light. It is a place where we have beautiful meals, outings and outfits. We share wise quotes and sage advice, and people ‘like’ and ‘favourite’ us for that. Life is colourful and interesting – and as manufactured as a mechanical heart.

In some ways, the online and real worlds could not be more different.

But as well as putting our best face forward, the online world is also interesting, connects us in unprecedented ways and makes communication instant and easy. It is also fun, enriching and despite the ebb and flow of different platforms, is absolutely here to stay. We who heeded the call of getting on board or being left behind mostly love our runaway virtual train, but there are a few modifications that could make the online journeys slightly more comfortable.

WORDS JANE FYNES-CLINTON

ILLUSTRATION AMY BORRELL

There are two worlds in one these days, and nearly all of us oscillate between them.

VIRTUAL REALITY

who has put themselves out there in the dating world via carefully-posed profile pics is going to like the garish daytime light for a first real meeting.

Other half-truths should be called for what they are: friend requests are as likely to mean that person from Grade Four wants to stalk your page and study your photos. Check-ins are more about letting people know you have vacated your home and are actually out in the real world somewhere exciting, interacting with real, breathing people.

I have to say I am also over the whole food porn thing. I like my tucker as much as the next hungry gal, and I like it to look as pretty as it tastes if I have paid someone else to cook for me. But while you are slapping my poised fork away to take a photo of my delectable meal with your smartphone for posting on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest, it is going cold. And ain’t no one got time for chilled chow, no matter how attractive it looks.

“IF MORE PEOPLE ACTUALLY LOLED WHEN THEY SAID THEY DID ON SOCIAL MEDIA, OUR SOCIETY WOULD BE ONE

HELL OF A LOT JOLLIER.”Finally: A word to the wise – Gen Y is not crazy about sharing their spaces with other Gens, so if you are following a young person on Instagram or are blessed enough to have had a Facebook friend request granted, do not abuse the privilege. Observe, by all means, but comment sparingly. If you gush or are all over them like a virtual rash, they will run for the figurative hills.

And before you know it, they will have blocked you, filtered you out or moved onto the next big thing in social media spaces, leaving you to wonder whether mixing up your acronyms or emoticons led to your virtual parting of the ways.

But fear not, there are always new friends to request and followers to attract. In a virtual reality, where there is no facial expression or tone of voice, feelings run surprisingly deep.

To see more illustrations by Amy Borrell visit amyborrell.com

VIRTUAL REALITY

TABLE TALK

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WORDS LINDA READ PHOTOGRAPHY ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

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saltmagazine.com.au 41

You could say I fell in love over Thai food.

ON THE FIRST EVER date I shared with my husband, in a dimly lit little Thai restaurant in Brisbane many moons ago, romance blossomed as we shared plate after plate of the culinary delights of Thailand. Although I can’t recall now exactly what we ate, let’s just say that the heady scent of ginger and lemongrass remain forever etched into my heart – and tastebuds – as a reminder of the beginning of something beautiful.

The same scents and memories fill my head as I weave my way up the shaded path to the celebrated Spirit House at Yandina, in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. Set in a two hectare subtropical oasis, the Spirit House comprises an award-winning restaurant and a separate purpose-built cooking school, the latter of which is my destination today.

A natural soundtrack of birdsong and tinkling wind chimes ushers me through the trees and into the cooking school pavilion, which sits amongst towering bamboo and the lush glossy undergrowth of an established rainforest. While the rainforest looks like it has been here forever, the property was originally, according to owner Helen Brierty, “a cow paddock”, which she and her husband subsequently transformed 21 years ago. It now resembles an Asian garden paradise, the perfect setting in which to embark on a Thai cooking adventure.

I am here for the ‘BBQ Hot Plate’, one of the many four-hour classes that are offered. They promise to offer a glimpse into the secrets of the Thai kitchen, the tantalising cuisine the Spirit House specialises in and has built its formidable reputation on.

Although the classes can hold up to 18 people, there are only seven of us on this crisp weekday morning, but we make for a varied and lively group including teenagers and semi-retirees, and begin chatting immediately as we gather inside the school’s cosy dining area. >

Coconut Braised BBQ Pork with Orange and

Mint Salad

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Our teacher is chef Annette Fear, a Spirit House veteran who has been teaching here for 16 years and has visited Thailand more times than she cares to remember. She explains that although the Thai food remains the Spirit House’s biggest influence, a more accurate description of their food style is ‘modern Asian’, with chefs taking the key ingredients from dishes and re-interpreting them.

Before we don our aprons and begin the class, Annette takes us through what she calls “a little cultural etiquette”. We learn about the Asian rice-based food culture, the shared table and the differences between Western and Asian palates. We learn that in Thailand you don’t put everything on your plate at once, but take a little from one dish and finish it, before trying the next one.

We also learn exactly what we are going to be creating today, which will become our lunch. If we can pull this off successfully, we are in for a treat. Our repertoire includes seared scallops with coconut and chilli jam, coconut braised barbecue pork, sweet soy and ginger beef, and barbeque prawns with a spicy larb salad. Annette gives us each a booklet of recipes and explains them before we start, which is extremely helpful, given that some of the elements are unfamiliar.

The cha plu, for example, is a peppery vine which grows “everywhere” in Asia, and is related to the betel plant. Today we are using its glossy dark green heart-shaped leaves for our miang (wrap) in the scallop dish. They also grow quite prolifically on the coast, apparently, and Annette has kindly brought some in today from her own garden to use in the class, as well as some “runners” for us to take home and plant.

We take to our stations around a huge rectangle of stainless steel that holds large bowls brimming with colourful and fragrant fresh herbs and vegetables. The kitchen is vast and gleaming and holds every conceivable tool and appliance that a chef – amateur or otherwise – might need.

Annette gives us a crash course in knife skills, which comes in handy as she puts us to work chopping, slicing and dicing our produce. For the next couple of hours, under her expert direction,

Chef Annette Fear with cooking school participants

Miang of Seared Scallops with Coconut and Chilli Jam

saltmagazine.com.au 43

FOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au to see more photos of Spirit House Yandina.

we pound, roast, peel, mix, grind, stir and shred. (My julienne carrots are perfect, she says. My finely shredded kaffir lime leaves need some work.)

We learn how to properly peel and de-vein a prawn, how to de-seed and finely slice the flesh from a chilli, and how to make a delicious red curry dressing for one of the salads. We make our own coconut and chilli jam from scratch, our own roasted rice powder (one of the key ingredients in Thai cooking) and a delicious marinade for the beef.

With our prep finally complete, we move to the barbecue on the deck which runs off the dining room and into the rainforest, where Annette guides us to sear and chargrill our seafood and meats to perfection. Finally, the “plating up” and garnishing takes place.

A feast has materialised. As we take our places at the lunch table set for seven, Annette pours us all a glass of wine and we eat the shared fruits of our labour, conveniently forgetting what we heard earlier about the “one small thing at a time” Thai tradition. To everyone’s delight it is one of the most delicious meals ever.

While my classmates and I eat, talk and laugh together, all the dirty dishes and utensils miraculously disappear into the wash up area and the kitchen is returned to its gleaming pristine self, thanks to Annette and her magical assistant, Yuni.

The four hours is up, a little sadly, but as I bid my new friends farewell and stroll back through the whispering forest, clutching the runner from the cha plu vine Annette has given me to plant in my garden, I’m reminded of that long ago first date with my husband.

I think I’ll plan a romantic dinner for two, Thai-style.

This time, I’m cooking.

20 Ninderry Road, Yandina. 5446 8977 or spirithouse.com.au

Bookings 5491 0800

SANDBAR CAFE AND KIOSK26 THE ESPLANADE, BULCOCK BEACH, CALOUNDRA , QLD 4551T: (07) 5491 0800 F: (07) 5437 0722 INFO@SANDBARCAFEKIOSK.COM . A U WWW .SANDBARCAFEKIOSK.COM . A U

Relaxed, Affordable, Waterfront Dining. And Views to Bribie Island

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NOSH NEWS

Dining has never played a bigger part in our lives, so here salt shares news, information and products that enhance our passionate consumption.

NEWS

NOSH

WORDS KARINA EASTWAY

1 Ola Brazil! Ocean Street’s MACHU PICCHU restaurant presents a night in Brazil each Thursday night (it proved so popular during the World Cup it’s become

a tradition) with a tapas-style share menu to get your South American juices flowing. From authentic Brazilian

bread (Pao de Queijo) to traditional black beans (Feijoada) to melt-in-the-mouth slow-roast rump marinated in

garlic and rock salt for 24 hours (Picanha – and yes, it’s as good as it sounds), this is a seven-course menu not

to be missed. $35 per person. Tip: get adventurous and try some local Brazilian beer or the national cocktail

Caipirinha for extra Brazilian flavour. Ocean Street, Maroochydore. machupicchubar.com.au

2 As every local knows, PITCHFORK is one Sunshine Coast restaurant that delivers exceptional food – time after time. The new-season spring menu is no exception, bursting with modern Australian flavours which highlight the freshest of produce, clever flavour combinations and an eye for detail on the plate. Entrée selection includes pan fried semolina dusted garfish with pickled cucumber, labna and pinenut dukkah or mains of chilli, garlic spanner crab linguini, confit panfried spatchcock or chargrilled beef fillet skordalia and onion ring. You can’t go past the vanilla pannacotta with strawberry sorbet and popping candy salad for dessert. 5/4 Kingfisher Drive, Peregian Beach. 5471 3697 or pitchforkrestaurant.com.au

“Rovera Plaza”King Street Cotton Tree

PH 07 5443 8819Open 7 days from 7am

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saltmagazine.com.au 45

4 Overseen by a statue of Jesus, two resplendent peacocks and a row of galloping horses, BOHEMIAN BUNGALOW is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Owner Caroline Arnett admits the restaurant is attracting its fair share of large group bookings who want to step away from white napkin tradition, including bridal parties after a colourful and intimate wedding reception venue (for up to 85 guests). There’s also the added benefit of talented resident pastry chef Liz Battersby who creates desserts, wedding and special occasion cakes in-house. 69 Memorial Drive, Eumundi. 5442 8679 or bohemianbungalow.com.au

5 It is an affirmation of excellence: THE LONG APRON restaurant manager Joanne Hanmer has created a service team second to none at Spicers Clovelly, and has been awarded two hats for the third year in a row by Brisbane Times Good Food Guide. The iconic Sunshine Coast restaurant has continued to increase their point score each year – from 16 in 2012 to 17 in 2013 – to reach a 17.5 for 2014 and placing them as one of only two restaurants on that score. General manager and executive chef Cameron Matthews says it was truly a team effort to strive to constantly improve on things and always push forward. 38-68 Balmoral Road, Montville. 5452 1111 or spicersgroup.com.au

3 Stick your beak into THE LOOSE GOOSE restaurant at Twin Waters at lunchtime for the irresistible Sticky Beak menu: two courses for $25 or three courses for $30. salt chose the three-course menu (why wouldn’t you?) of truffle risotto entrée, swordfish with crushed kipfler potatoes for main and an-absolutely-must-try caramelised strawberries, strawberry ice cream and biscotti for dessert. Not only is the nosh top-notch but with an outdoor deck hovering over a lily-pad filled lake, The Loose Goose has one of the most tranquil dining settings on the coast. Sticky Beak menu available Tuesday to Friday. 3/175 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters. 5457 0887 or theloosegoose.com.au

CULINARY CREATIONS

CULINARY CREATIONS

46 salt

CHEF ADAM LUGG PHOTOS ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS RESTAURANT FLAME HILL VINEYARD

Ingred ients:Venison stock2kg venison bones 100g carrot, roughly chopped 100g celery, roughly chopped 100g onion, roughly chopped 5 peppercorns 2 bay leaf Small handful of parsley

Venison ribs with juniper glaze3 venison ribs 1 cup brown sugar 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1/4 cup of soy sauce 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 2 cloves of garlic crushed 1 tsp of mustard powder 10 juniper berries crushed in the mortar and pestle

Venison shank tart Savoury pastry 250g flour 125g butter 1 cold eggShank mix 2 venison shanks 80g butter 90g plain flour 500ml venison stock

ASSIETTE OF VENISONServes 6

Met hod Venison stockPlace bones in the oven and cook until brown.

Put vegetables and herbs in a large pot and caramelise before adding the browned beef bones. Fill the pot with water and simmer for 12 hours then strain and set aside.

Venison ribs with juniper glazePlace the ribs in the simmering stock for about two hours. They are ready when the meat is starting to fall off the bones. Remove them from the stock and place in the refrigerator.

For the glaze, place all the other ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for five minutes.

To serve, cut ribs to the required size and place them in the saucepan with the glaze. Heat for a couple of minutes and serve.

Venison shank tartSavoury pastryCombine the flour and butter and then add the egg. Work until the dough is combined. Place in fridge for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, roll out the pastry and place in tart cases. Cook at 180°C until the pastry is golden brown.

FOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au for an orange panna cotta with cinnamon churros and chocolate fondue recipe.

Shank mixPlace the venison shanks in the stock and simmer until the meat starts to fall off the bone, then place in the fridge to set the meat. Once set, take the meat off the bone and dice it into about 5mm cubes.

Take some of the venison stock and reduce it by half.

In a separate pot, place in the butter and flour and cook for one minute. Add the reduced venison stock and whisk until the liquid thickens up.

Place the venison shank meat in the liquid.

To serve, place the tart case on the plate and put the shank mixture in the tart case.

PHILOSOPHY To ethically and sustainably produce quality produce from our estate vineyards and farms, served with a conscience.

WINE TO MATCH Flame Hill 2013 Kurrajong Mountain Gum Block Merlot

Available at Flame Hill Vineyard, 249 Western Avenue, Montville. 5478 5920 or flamehillvineyard.com.au

A GREAT DISH STARTS WITH GREAT

INGREDIENTS. THE BETTER THE

INGREDIENTS, THE BETTER THE END RESULT WILL BE.

PRODUCE PEOPLE

They’re on the verge of extinction, shrouded in thorns and arguably hard to grow but it’s all part of the charm of southeast Queensland’s native finger limes.THE LARGELY MYSTERIOUS FRUIT resemble the fingers of hobbits more than that of humans, but below the surface these understated gems pack one hell of a punch. Gerard and Tracy Mackle, along with their three young children, are the team behind Coonowrin Fingerlimes which is taking local taste buds by storm.

“The response to what we have been doing here has been pretty unbelievable to be honest,” Tracy says. “I guess it’s something different: the flavour is there and we are locals producing something native to this region. People seem to have really responded to that in such a positive way and it’s great to be a part of.”

Tracy and Gerard already had about a hectare of land in Glass House Mountains and were keen to put it to good use.

“I grew up on a farm and for me vegetables were just going to be too hard with a young family,” Tracy says. “It’s constant, it’s every

48 salt

FINGERS OF FLAVOUR WORDS AARON WYNNE PHOTOS ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

day, it depends on the market, the weather and everything like that so we really wanted to look at different options that would work better for our circumstances.”

Tracy’s husband Gerard is Irish and has always had a keen interest in native Australian bush tucker.

“Bush tucker is just so different to what he would’ve grown up with in Ireland I guess,” Tracy says. “It’s the kind of fruit you have to research and experiment with and that really appeals to him too. There is also something great about being able to walk into your backyard and pick your fruit which definitely appeals to both of us.”

The family had a small finger lime tree in their front yard and couldn’t understand why it was nearly impossible to find the fruit in any of the local shops. The dearth of it was a symptom of a larger potential problem: extinction.

“We were really excited with the idea of bringing something native to southeast Queensland back to the Sunshine Coast and the hinterland,” Tracy says. “There are heaps of suppliers who export finger limes but we just have a small farm, we want to stay local and supply the local market.”

The farm is only in its second season of production but already there is some strong momentum behind what is labelled ‘citrus caviar’. Tracy and Gerard specialise in three varieties of the fruit, which sound more like cocktails than limes – red champagne, pink ice and chartreuse. Each variety boasts its own flavour and appearance.

“We get such great feedback from people who have found new ways to use the limes and the methods honestly seem endless,” Tracy says. “They are great just on their own or sprinkled on top of a salad or just in a glass of soda water.

“But then we also have chefs using them in high-end restaurant desserts, on oysters, in curries or even in marmalade and jams. I love hearing about new methods of using them and I guess that’s the exciting thing about a relatively unknown product.” >

50 salt

It’s clear Tracy is proud of what her family has managed to produce, but it’s more than that – it is almost as if she feels a responsibility to the fruit itself.

Once upon a time the Sunshine Coast was covered in native finger lime trees, but like many things an ever-growing population has pushed them to the brink of extinction. Tracy and Gerard probably won’t be responsible for saving the entire species but they definitely will be behind opening people’s eyes to an entirely unique Australian bush plant.

“It’s crazy thinking that maybe one time this land was covered in finger lime trees long before we got here and now we are just

“IT’S CRAZY THINKING THAT MAYBE ONE TIME THIS LAND WAS COVERED IN FINGER LIME TREES.”

saltmagazine.com.au 51

slowly bringing them back,” Tracy says with a smile. “They are an endangered plant and it’s honestly kind of hard to figure out why.”

Tracy spends hours on end picking the limes armed with a bucket and thick protective gloves. It’s backbreaking work but seeing people’s smiles when they taste the fruit for the first time is clearly something Tracy revels in.

“It is tough,” Tracy says. “Every single branch has at least one big thorn on it and the limes are often buried right down in the middle of the bush. You have to work to get them, but the flavour in each one is pretty unbelievable and they really do sell themselves.

“The reaction from people when we do in-store tastings is really great and even from people who say they don’t really like regular lime varieties.”

Tracy and Gerard have modest plans for Coonowrin Fingerlimes. They aren’t looking to take over the world, sign extensive supplier deals or become overnight millionaires – they are simply looking to stock local fruit shops with a fruit grown locally by locals.

“We can see the farm growing in the future, but it’ll never be a mass produced kind of thing here,” Tracy says. “It would be great if it becomes something we can do full-time and maybe even something that our kids will be interested in when they get a bit older. But it will always be about supplying a product that can be restaurant quality when served at home and about trying something different and experimenting a little bit.”

coonowrinfingerlimes.com

FISTFUL OF FRUIT FACTS• The Australian finger lime has the widest colour variation of any citrus species.• Research into the fruit’s health benefits is limited but the limes are high in folate, potassium and vitamin C.• Finger limes can be frozen meaning the fruit is available all year round.• Coonowrin Fingerlimes is named after Mount Coonowrin, an iconic peak within the Glass House Mountains.• The fruit is available at a range of local fruit shops around the Sunshine Coast including: Matilda Fruit Barn - Glass House Mountains Daniel Street Fruit and Vege - Caloundra Jeffers’ Market - Maroochydore Maluka Produce - Noosaville

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RELAXED RECIPES

GO (COCO)

NUTSCoconuts boast a bevy of health benefits, most of which are attributed to their high levels of good fats. They’re also a balanced protein, high in dietary fibre,

rich in vitamins and minerals and a brilliant source of energy.

WORDS SALLY TRUDE PHOTOS ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

2 tbsp coconut oil

2 shallots, finely chopped2 cloves garlic, finely chopped1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped 1 red capsicum, finely chopped1 400ml can coconut milk 3 tbsp lime juice1kg mussels, scrubbed and bearded1/4 cup coriander, finely choppedSea salt

In a deep saucepan heat the coconut oil over a medium heat. Add shallots and sauté for 3 minutes. Add garlic, ginger and red capsicum. Sauté for 2 minutes then add coconut milk and 2 tbsp of lime juice.

Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes then add the mussels to the saucepan. Cover and cook for 3 minutes, until mussels open. Discard any mussels that have not opened.

Add a pinch of sea salt to the sauce, the fresh coriander and the remaining lime juice.

COCONUT LIME MUSSELSServes: 4 Prep time: 30 min

1 tbsp sunflower oil1 onion, peeled and finely chopped1 clove garlic, crushed1.25cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated675g sweet potatoes, peeled and diced1 tbsp lemongrass, chopped570ml vegetable stock570ml coconut creamSalt and freshly ground black pepper2 limes, zest and juice

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and gently fry the onion, garlic and ginger for about 5 minutes until tender. Add the sweet potatoes and lemongrass and cook for a further 3 minutes.

Add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Cool the soup slightly then blend with half of the coconut cream and process until smooth.

Return the soup to the saucepan, add the remaining coconut cream. Season with salt and pepper. Heat through without allowing the soup to boil. Add the lime juice.

Ladle soup into bowls, garnishing with lime zest.

< SWEET POTATO AND COCONUT CREAM SOUPServes: 4 Prep time: 30 min

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COCONUT CHICKEN WITH LEMONGRASSServes: 6 Prep time: 40 min

115g sugar 2 eggs Pinch salt 125g almond meal 2 tbsp fine white breadcrumbs2 x 400ml can coconut milk3 tbsp fish sauce3cm piece ginger, finely chopped 2 lemongrass stalks, finely sliced 6 kaffir lime leaves (very finely chopped)1 fresh red chilli, chopped 2 tsp brown sugar 500g boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks 2 tbsp lime juice A good handful fresh basil and coriander, roughly chopped

METHOD

Tip all the ingredients except the chicken, lime juice and herbs into a pan, bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered at a relaxed bubble for 5 minutes.

Add the chicken, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until the chicken is tender. Stir in the lime juice, then scatter over the herbs before serving with rice.

FOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au for our Pumpkin and Coconut Loaf Cake recipe.

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Preheat oven to 200°C. Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake for 1 hour or until very tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 175°C.

To make the crust, stir together gingernuts, coconut and butter in a medium bowl until moistened and well combined. Press mixture into and up the sides of a 24cm pie dish. Bake about 15 minutes or until golden. Let cool slightly.

To finish making the filling, peel roasted potatoes and transfer the flesh to the bowl of a food processor. Discard skins. Process until sweet potatoes are puréed. Add coconut milk, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt and process until evenly combined. Pour the sweet potato filling into the crust and bake for about 50 minutes or until just set in the centre of the pie. Allow to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Serve or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve with whipped cream or plain yoghurt.

2 large sweet potatoes 3/4 cup canned coconut milk3/4 cup light brown sugar3 large eggs1/2 tsp ground cinnamon1/4 tsp ground nutmeg1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Crust11/4 cup ground gingernut biscuits (about 25 biscuits)1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

COCONUT-GINGERNUT SWEET POTATO PIEServes: 8-10 Prep time: 40 min

Multi-award winning restaurant renowned for its delicious flavours, friendly service and magnificent

uninterrupted views of the Noosa River.

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tapas, with free WiFi, fully licensed and BYO wine.

257 Gympie Terrace Noosaville • p 5455 6688 • www.sirocconoosa.com.au

A N N E E V E R I N G H A M

From the earliest of time there are countless references to the pearl in religions and cultural mythology. The ancient Egyptians were buried with them. In the dark ages Knights wore them into battle for protection and in the Renaissance the royal courts of Europe were awash with them.

Contemporary jeweller, Anne Everingham believes they are the most feminine of jewels, despite being worn into battle! Anne’s designs often combine pearls with other semi-precious tones such as old jade beads, glass, gold or silver.

You are welcome to visit Anne’s studio in the Noosa hinterland to view her latest collection. Open by appointment.Phone: 07 5442 8051 or email anne.everingham@bigpond.com

www.anneeveringhamjewellery.com.au

Pearls: treasures from antiquity

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f

Flux Restaurant & Lounge dare to be different. Not only do they allow customers to create their own dining experience, they also aim to push boundaries when it comes to your drinking experience, too.

Owner Malcolm Butcher has therefore chosen to not only include boutique wines in his menu, but also over 30 craft beers.

Craft beer is a term that equates to individuality; a true craft beer means that the brewers have the freedom to be creative, making beers that vary in style and flavour.

“People often come in and ask for commercial beers and are initially taken aback when I tell them we don’t stock them” says Malcolm. “But the whole idea of Flux is that you get out of your comfort zone and try something new.”

There are always two different on tap beers to try, with these options changing about every 18 days. The fridge stock rotates regularly too, with a lean towards Australian brewed beers above all others.

“Beer is complex and can match to food just like wine” Malcolm adds. “Unless you try something new, you may never realise how amazing beer can be.”

Flux Restaurant & Lounge, Noosaville P 5455 6540 FluxRestaurantLounge

CRAFTY BEER IDEASCRAFTY BEER IDEASCRAFTY BEER IDEAS

SALT CELLAR

WORDS TYSON STELZER

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE

food, better suited to this dry or off-dry style than the German culture of sweet wine consumed in the afternoon or after dinner.

In Austria’s west, gazing directly over the border toward Hungary, the warmth of the broad, sweeping plains of the Burgenland region is a distinct contrast to the cool of the north. Here, the deeply coloured red grape of blaufränkisch declares dramatically that there’s more to Austria than refreshing whites.

Austria has finally come of age as a red wine producer and blaufränkisch is setting the pace. This unique variety possesses the unusual chameleon trait of rising to both cool and warm seasons. In warmer years, it’s reminiscent of a compelling, spicy red in the style of a grenache shiraz blend from the Rhône Valley in France. In cooler vintages, it tones down to an elegant and fragrant demeanour, not unlike a cool climate pinot noir.

Like most corners of the wine world, Austria is coming to grips with a warming climate, and particularly warm years tend to produce juicy, approachable wines that lack distinctive character and definition. In these times, the outstanding and cool vintage of 2013 is particularly noteworthy, and it’s landing in Australia right now. This is a classic season of fruit concentration perfectly countered by wonderful purity, energetic acidity and great endurance, articulately expressing the distinctiveness of Austria’s finest individual vineyard sites.

The only thing not to love about great Austrian wines is that they’re never inexpensive.

THE REMINDER THAT this small and dramatic country is a long way from Australia is hardly necessary. With wine varieties bearing such obscure names as grüner veltliner and blaufränkisch, Austria occupies a little world of its own. Land-locked in the dead centre of Europe, Austria borders Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, taking cues from all sides in climate, culture, gastronomy and, of course, wine.

In the cool reaches of Austria’s north, the regions of the Wachau, Kremstal and Kamptal are reminiscent of the great wine regions of Germany, as the mighty Danube carves its windy course through the rolling landscape, furnishing steep slopes ideally orientated to capture what precious sun they can absorb. Ancient terraces carved into precarious hillsides by monks more than 10 centuries ago support narrow rows of intricately tended vines. Riesling is king here, but it is grüner veltliner that captures much of the limelight, as nowhere on the planet grows this native Austrian grape as distinctively as this.

While grüner veltliner is completely unrelated to riesling in the vast family tree of grape varieties, its similarities of style are unmistakable. Like riesling, grüner presents an aromatic personality, tangy lime juice zing and crunchy apple vitality. It is typically more spicy, distinctly peppery and often carries more breadth of flavour. To counter high levels of acidity, Austrian riesling and grüner are typically made with a touch of sweetness, but usually only barely perceptible, in contrast to the sweeter styles of Germany. The Austrian way is to always consume wine with

Tourist shops throughout Austria proudly display bright yellow kangaroo signs declaring:

“No kangaroos in Austria”.

saltmagazine.com.au 57

3 SALBERT GESSELLMANN CREITZER RESERVE BLAUFRÄNKISCH 2011, $50 Wines like this are why it’s worth trying something outside the standard red varieties that we all know and love. Tangy morello cherries meet clove spice and pepper. Pronounced tannin structure promises longevity.

4 PRAGER STEINRIEGL FEDERSPIEL RIESLING 2013, $52 Benchmark Wachau riesling in a top season. Think of a collision between a kaffir lime and a freshly cut fennel bulb on a wet river stone in a freshwater stream at dawn on a crisp winter morning.

BEST OF THE BUNCH1 NITTNAUS BLAUFRÄNKISCH KALK UND SCHIEFER 2012, $38 The best value-for-money blaufränkisch lands in Australia this spring. It’s an assemblage of a few of my favourite flavours: wild strawberries, black cherries, plum liqueur and dark chocolate.

2 PRAGER HINTER DER BURG FEDERSPIEL GRÜNER VELTLINER 2013, $45 The concentration and intensity of the Wachau is on parade here, perfectly tempered by the taut, cut lime focus that defines the great 2013 vintage. Ever wondered what classic grüner tastes like? This is it.

5 BERNARD OTT DER OTT GRÜNER VELTLINER 2013, $55 The 2013 vintage has given birth to graceful and age-worthy grüners. This is a blend of younger vines in three vineyards. Purity and freshness reminiscent of lime blossom meet all the energy and intensity of lime zest.

6 BRUNDLMAYER BERG VOGELSANG GRÜNER VELTLINER 2013, $60 Brundlmayer’s coolest vineyard has no soil: the vines are implanted in rock. You can taste it in this fine-boned, slatey, mineral-textured wine, one of the most definitive, site-specific grüners I’ve ever encountered.

7 HIRSCH ZOBINGER GAISBERG KAMPTAL DAC RESERVE RIESLING 2013, $75 Benchmark Austrian riesling, capturing purity of granny smith apple, fennel and lime flavours of beautifully even ripeness, energised by brilliant, scintillating acidity. Such balance only comes one year in 10. This was it.

8 BERNARD OTT ROSENBERG FEUERSBRUNNER GRUNER VELTLINER 2013, $76 Generosity meets impeccable refinement. This is a grüner of purity and energy, defined by kaffir lime and fennel, lingering with pronounced pepper spice. A wine of drive and determination, promising a grand future.

This street fair is more than just shopping, it’s an experience offering live music, locally-made art and craft, home wares, street food, gourmet sweets, fresh produce, fashion and fun stuff for kids. See you there!

Every Sunday 8am to 1pmBulcock St, Caloundrawww.caloundrastreetfair.com.au

Find us on

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SELECTIONOF THESE AUSTRIAN WINES VISITSALTMAGAZINE.COM.AU

A WEDDING FEATURE WITH SPRING ’14

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ALICE & JEREMY IMAGE COURTESY OF JAMES DAY, DAYLIGHT.COM.AU

58 KEEPING IT REAL Chris and Belinda Hubon share how they put their distinctive stamp on their wedding day. 64 FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE Graham and June Ashton’s love was born at the Maroochydore Surf Club more than 50 years ago. 66 TO HAVE AND TO HOLD Fashionable, must-have products for the loved up. 68 HE SAID, SHE SAID A bride and groom share their perspectives on their special day. 70 LOOK OF LOVE A wedding fashion spread, done salt style.

saltmagazine.com.au 59

KEEPING IT REAL

Belinda Rac&

Chris Hubon8 June 2014

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IMAGES COURTESY OF BOOTS PHOTOGRAPHY BOOTSPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU

SLOW BURN, BOLDdanceWORDS LUCY EMLYN-JONES

saltmagazine.com.au 61

BEFORE ENTRÉES had been served, Chris and Belinda Hubon’s wedding reception was in full swing. In a break from tradition, the newlyweds started the evening with the big, brassy notes of Benny Goodman’s Sing Sing Sing as they took to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

“WE HAD LESSONS,” Chris says. “It didn’t all go to plan but I think we still pulled it off.”

From the design of the bride’s gown, a show-stopping dance move was conceived.

“I wanted a dress with a detachable skirt so it could be long for the ceremony and short for the reception,” Belinda says. “When the music started, I turned into Chris so we were facing each other. He then grabbed where the skirt was attached at the back and flung it off to the side.”

“The whole dance went downhill from there,” Chris laughs.

On June 8 the Brisbane-based couple was wed at AnnaBella the Wedding Chapel, their affirmation of love shining through the grey-cloaked Sunshine Coast horizon. >

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WEDDING DAY ROLL CALL

RECEPTION, CATERING & TABLE DECORATION

The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast, 15 Freshwater Street, Mountain Creek.

0400 642 339 or thelakehousesunshinecoast.com.au

EVENT STYLIST by bride

DRESS Keooula

keooula.com.au

Upon being pronounced Mr and Mrs Hubon, the pair’s nearest and dearest showered them with love and petals. And while the ceremony was kept short and sweet, the beaming bride explains that theirs was not a whirlwind romance.

“It took seven years for him to propose,” she says. “Chris wanted to buy the house first.”

“I wanted to make sure I was earning enough to give Belinda the ring and wedding that she wanted,” says Chris.

After picking the stunning brilliant cut diamond together, the ring box burned a hole in Chris’s pocket for months while he tried to plan a proposal to catch his knowing partner off guard.

“I was waiting and waiting,” says Belinda. “Every time I came home I thought, maybe it will be today but nothing ever happened.”

Despite his best attempts, woman’s intuition foiled Chris’s attempt at surprise.

“Every year Chris goes away for a weekend with his friends,” Belinda says. “I just knew he was going to come home early. I woke up on Saturday and thought to myself, I am getting engaged today.”

After a romantic dinner at the restaurant where they shared their first date atop Mt Coot-tha in

Fraser Island’s pristine surrounds and Kingfisher Bay Resort’s wedding know-how combine to provide a postcard-perfect location

for beach, bush, island and resort weddings. And now there are even more reasons to say “I do” on Fraser.

07 4120 3311or email weddings_sales@kingfisherbay.com www.fraserislandweddings.com.au

Fraser, the perfect Island to say “I do”

Conditions apply: Subject to availability. Minimum spend $5000 excluding accommodation, for weddings held in venues other than resort restaurants. Deposit of $750 is non-refundable, can be transferred to alternate date if change made within three months of original booking.

S P E C I A L O F F E RHold your wedding on any day other than a Saturday and

you’ll receive $1000 off the cost and a further 15% discount on hotel accommodation for your guests.

It just takes one ring from you.

KBRV1137

Photography by Bambi

>

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NEW SALON

WEDDING SPECIALISTs

~ Experienced Stylists & Colourists ~

~ Luxury Hair Care ~

Bree Billin - Senior Stylist

Shop 4 Da’Vos 3-7 Thomas St Noosaville Ph. 5440 5209

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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL YOU

HAIR & MAKEUP Twidale

twidale.com.au

SHOES Designed by bride

Shoes of Prey shoesofprey.com

FLORIST Adore Event Floral Design

facebook.com/pages/Adore-Event- Floral-Design

PLAYLISTS Ceremony

Lakme Flower Duet Instrumental A Thousand Years

Clair De LuneFirst Dance

Sing Sing Sing by Benny Goodman

ABOUT THE VENUE The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast is a fresh and stylish new wedding venue situated in Brightwater Estate, overlooking Brightwater Lake. Adorned throughout with contemporary interiors, The Lakehouse is the elegant new backdrop for the modern-loving bride and groom.

Located next to Brightwater Hotel, the venue caters for up to 150 seated guests and can cater for cocktail style functions for up 250.

saltmagazine.com.au 65

Brisbane, Chris asked Belinda the question she’d been waiting to hear.

An intimate wedding by today’s standards, 60 guests were treated to a rustic affair at The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast. Soft light, distressed timber furniture, old oars and antler chandeliers – the Mountain Creek venue’s country chic decor aligned with the bride’s vision for their perfect day.

“I loved that there was a theme you could work with,” she says.

On the day, family and friends enjoyed the finer details. From stationery to favours, table numbers, gold-tipped feathers in jars and a suitcase wishing well, every element was stamped (literally) with the Hubon’s unique brand of old-world charm infused with contemporary elegance.

“For bombonieres I did bottles of rosemary-infused olive oil for the girls and a little olive tree for the guys,” she says. “I also did a cookie buffet. It took me two days to make hundreds and hundreds of cookies for guests to take home.”

With plans for a European adventure down the track, the newlyweds enjoyed a weeklong “mini moon” in Melbourne and are now comfortably, albeit slightly reluctantly, settling back into their normal routine and married life.

“We took our time and everything worked out perfectly,” says Chris.

For more information on The Lakehouse Sunshine Coast, visit thelakehousesunshinecoast.com.au

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FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

him to make it official, moving to Brisbane three weeks later and marrying June in 1962 at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Holland Park a year after they met.

“It was a happy day,” June says. “Graham gave me this big smile as I walked down the aisle. We had our honeymoon at Noosa and brought a surfboard each.”

While it was on Brisbane’s northside that the Ashtons raised their two children, an invisible thread was always pulling them north, back to the sand and the surf where love was found.

“The Sunshine Coast was home to us,” Graham says. “We never really left. I was a member of the Maroochydore Surf Club, still am, and we would come up on weekends during summer and even in the winter the whole time we were living in Brisbane.”

Graham is being modest. At the surf club, his face is well known, his words respected and his achievements remembered.

“I was boat captain for a long time. Our crew won the Australian title in 1974,” Graham says. “I’ve been president and treasurer. Presently, I am secretary and on the board of the supporters’ club. I’m also a life member.”

In their home there is a wall with row after row of shiny plaques. The lifetime of dedication and accolades are not only from the Maroochydore Surf Club but also the Sportsmen Association, Australian Surfer Rowers League and Rotary International.

However, it is a framed, yellowing photograph sitting preciously on the shelf in another room that Graham smiles at with the most pride. A handsome young man in a dark suit and tie and a radiant bride in a satin and lace gown smile back.

If walls could talk, the Maroochydore Surf Club would tell the story of Graham and June Ashton.

THEIR HISTORY IS ingrained there, etched in the sand that kisses the doorway.

“It has been a part of my life since 1951 and a part of our lives since 1962,” Graham says.

You could say it was love at second sight, or love after a quick shower and shave, for June Ashton. On her 24th birthday, the fresh-faced Brisbane stenographer received an unexpected gift from a scruffy lifesaver.

“We were invited to water-ski at Maroochydore. I had hardly been there before,” June recalls. “Graham turned up to the party that night. He was unshaven and dressed in an old tracksuit. He came up and gave me a kiss for my birthday.”

The brazen act left June pleasantly surprised but it wasn’t until Graham ducked into the surf club to shower off the salt water and run a comb through his hair that her stomach did a full flip.

“He came out looking really schmick,” June says. “All the other girls started looking at him.”

She caught up to where Graham had already gone. It was love in a clubhouse.

A lifetime later and Graham still manages to look pleased. And why wouldn’t you? He got the girl and it didn’t take long for

WORDS LUCY EMLYN-JONES

PORTRAIT PHOTO ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

Sun-kissed love through sands of time

saltmagazine.com.au 67

“One day you feel young when you go to bed, and then you wake up and go, ‘I’m really old now’,” June says with a laugh.

In 2012 the golden pair reached a milestone, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at where else but the Maroochydore Surf Club.

“We had a celebration in the big function room with all our family and friends,” says June. “I think it’s an important part of being happy together, sharing your life with friends.

“It was such a lovely night. One of our friends presented me with a purple heart.”

“She deserved it!” Graham chimes in.

When the time came to pick a spot to retire, there was only ever one place where these two souls of the sea would settle. For 23 years, their apartment in Alexandra Headland has overlooked a landscape where their memories as a couple and as a family are stored, a landscape that has changed before their eyes. Graham, who spent his teenage years on the Sunshine Coast, remembers when there was not a building in sight.

“It was scrub … nothing,” he says. “Back in the old days the bitumen stopped at Cotton Tree. It was a dirt road through to Mooloolaba and people camped along the beach front from Maroochydore Surf Club to the Mooloolaba Surf Club.”

“I don’t think there is a good spot left,” June says.

You get the feeling that this couple could happily spend the rest of their days in a tent by the beach, as long as they were side-by-side, feeling the sun on their faces and the sea breeze in their hair.

And the secret to a lasting, happy marriage? One word. Communication.

“Like any marriage we have had our ups and downs but it is about not giving in and talking things through. Don’t run away from your problems,” June says. “Be kind to each other. And the love has to be there from the start.”

“You have got to be mates,” Graham says. “And we are best friends – most of the time.”

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TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

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Oh, the sweetest shade of all. A pretty parasol will complement your bridal party theme in such a charming manner, as well as providing fashionable sun protection. It’s a great prop to inspire magical moments with your photographer too. This sweet flower girl carries a vintage-style parasol made of pure cotton and Battenburg lace. Parasols with Love have a gorgeous selection of parasols with various fabrics and colours to choose from. There are sizes to suit the little ones and the grown-ups. They are absolutely perfect shade solutions for an outdoor garden, beach or country style wedding. Vintage lace parasol, child size costs $19.50. Adult size costs $39.90 parasolswithlove.com.au

A LOVELY SHADE

phot

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mel

anie

mcn

iven

wed

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s.co

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Here’s our pick of fashionable, must-have products for that loved

up occasion. WORDS BRISEIS ONFRAY

SCENTS OF HONOUR

The bridal gown should really be the element of surprise. But the spell-binding allure of bride and groom

perfume to fill the room in romantic harmony would be a sublime touch. The House of Amouage is devoted to creating finely blended perfumes

with the highest quality of rare and luxurious ingredients, sourced from around the world. Amouage ‘Honour’ is the perfect fragrance

for such a loved-up occasion, with a bottle for him and a bottle for her. It’s a mix of earthy-spice, floral and evocative undertones. This blend is for the sophisticated, confident and well-travelled lovers who appreciate

haute perfumery like a fine art. Honour Woman is a white, floral

masterpiece. Honour Man is a spicy allusion of truth and beauty.

Amouage, Honour Woman, Eau de Parfum, 100ml, $371 and Amouage,

Honour Man, Eau de Parfum, 100ml, $348.

agencedeparfum.com.au

ROCK SOLID ARRANGEMENTThe sentiment and significance of a beautifully-set engagement ring needs to sparkle its lucky-love charm for … well … forever. It’s a rock solid arrangement, so choosing ‘the one’ as a symbol of ‘I do’, will always be a close-to-the-heart investment. Timeless quality and beauty will be the biggest benefactor for such a significant decision. This dazzling ring, designed by Sunny Coast jewellers NY2K, has a total diamond weight of 1.32ct, with the centre marquise diamond rating with a pure (D) colour on the diamond colour scale. This little beauty is $10,500rrp. Custom designs are also available. ny2k.com.au

saltmagazine.com.au 69

amazing graceIt’s a day filled with enchanting moments, so flowing down the aisle like a heavenly vision of feminine grace will surely leave your groom (and your guests) feeling breathless. Brisbane-based bridal gown designer Jennifer Gifford has just released her spring/summer collection. Her designs are a silhouette of beautifully crafted finesse. The gowns are wedlocked in layers of blush coloured tulles and ivory lace. Jennifer’s labour of love has a unique class of its own. Collections or couture designs are available in standard dress sizes or gowns can also be made to measure. Design lead times can vary between four to six months, so it is recommended that you book as soon as you know you’re going to be a bride. Gown prices start from $2500. (Couture designs start at $3500.) jennifergifforddesigns.com

Escape to your very own island paradise and enjoy the beauty and exclusivity of Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island. They’re experts at making unique receptions a reality from Kingfisher’s own bush chapel to cocktails alongside open fire-pits and sit-down affairs for up to 200 guests. And for perfect wedding photos you can’t go past the backdrop of Fraser Island’s iconic coloured sands, forest canopies and azure-blue lakes or the romance of sunsets over the Great Sandy Strait. Mecure Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island. 07 4120 3311 or fraserislandweddings.com.au

ISLAND GETAWAYphoto Chesterton Smith Photography

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HE SAID, SHE SAID

he said,

she said

BRIDE MELISSA SMITH GROOM MATT CAIRNEYMARRIED OCTOBER 5 2013, TOWN BUDERIMIMAGES COURTESY OF KIRK AND TREENS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, KIRKANDTREENS.COM

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Family owned and operated by Anthony and Aletta Lauriston

11 HARRY’S L ANE BUDERIM (OFF L INDSAY ROAD) | P 5445 6661 | www.harrysonbuderim.com

AVAIL ABLE FOR WEDDINGS & FUNCTIONS

OPENING HOURS

LUNCH WED - SUN • DINNER WED - SAT

Like us

saltmagazine.com.au 71

TWO PRECIOUS PEOPLE ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF THE DAY THAT FORMALISES THEIR LOVE AND THEY OFTEN SEE THE DAY’S EVENTS FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES. HERE, SALT ASKS A COUPLE TO REFLECT ON DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DAY OF THEIR LIVES.

WHEN YOU THINK OF YOUR WEDDING WHAT IMAGE, WHAT MOMENT FIRST ENTERS YOUR MIND?He said: How beautiful she looked.She said: The feeling of excitement walking down the aisle towards Matt.

HOW DID YOU REACT WHEN YOU SAW EACH OTHER ON THE DAY FOR THE FIRST TIME?He said: I got a little choked up.She said: It made me so excited for the rest of the day. We had a first look so we could get photos done before the ceremony and it was nice to have a moment with just the two of us before the day started.

NOW THAT YOU’VE HAD THE WEDDING, IF YOU COULD DO IT ALL AGAIN WOULD YOU STILL INVITE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OR WOULD YOU PREFER TO ELOPE?He said: Yeah, family and friends for sure.She said: I’d definitely invite family and friends again. That was one of our main goals for the wedding – to spend time celebrating with friends and family.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF THE CEREMONY?He said: How casual and relaxed it was.She said: We wrote personalised vows. Matt is generally not the emotional type so it was really special to hear him really speak from the heart.

IF YOU HAD TRIPPED UP ON THE WAY DOWN THE AISLE, WOULD YOU HAVE BEEN MORE LIKELY TO LAUGH, CRY, SQUIRM, SHOUT OR RUN?He said: Laugh.She said: Hopefully laugh. I’m pretty clumsy so I would not have been surprised!

WHAT WAS THE FUNNIEST MOMENT OF YOUR WEDDING?He said: Probably me dancing at the reception.She said: The driver that came to pick us up was running late and when he finally got there and we were about to leave he got out and started polishing the car. It wasn’t funny at the time – I was so stressed – but looking back now, it makes me laugh.

WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF YOUR WEDDING DAY?He said: Hearing all the speeches.She said: When it was just the two of us afterwards back at the hotel when we got a chance to chat and relax and reflect on the day. It was really nice.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE ABOUT GETTING MARRIED AT HARRY’S ON BUDERIM?He said: The food was amazing and Tony and Aletta looked after us really well.She said: The food was incredible, which was one of the main reasons we chose Harry’s – it’s one of our favourite restaurants. Tony and Aletta were so amazing. Leading up to the day everything was just so easy and nothing was too much trouble. On the day we didn’t have to think about anything. Everything was taken care of perfectly.

ABOUT THE VENUE Harry’s on Buderim is nestled in the rainforest at Buderim Forest Park. The historical venue is a 120-year-old homestead that has played host to lunches, dinners, weddings and other special events for more than 20 years. With enough seating for up to 40 guests, the Fire Room is the perfect backdrop for photos and intimate receptions. Outside, a sweeping open lawn is the ideal spot for weddings and the nearby winding rainforest boardwalk a magical photo setting for bride and groom.

For more information on Harry’s on Buderim, visit harrysonbuderim.com

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LOOK OF LOVE

into the woods

WORDS BRISEIS ONFRAY

CARLY BAUM AND DEZLEY HUGHES are the creative makers behind this opulent scene.

Set under the majesty of a beautiful maple and atop of its fallen leaves, the vision has hints of intoxicating romance and far-away dreams. Rich with local colours, textures and scents, it is the true essence of a Sunshine Coast hinterland setting.

If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure to stumble onto one of the Sunshine Coast’s most enchanting backdrops for a picture-perfect wedding day.

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CREATIVE TEAM

PLANNER AND STYLIST CARLY BAUM CL WEDDINGS AND EVENTS CLWEDDINGSANDEVENTS.COM.AU

FLORIST DEZLEY HUGHES TWIG AND GRACE TWIGANDGRACE.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY KAREN BUCKLE PHOTOGRAPHY KARENBUCKLE.COM.AU

STATIONERY BRANDI ROBERTSON INSTAGRAM.COM/LADYBRNDI

This clever collaboration has captured the unexpected, pushing the boundaries of creativity and providing a refreshing contrast to current beach-style trends.

“We wanted to create a point of difference, far removed from beach-inspired weddings. To capture the beauty of the Sunshine Coast in a way that people wouldn’t recognise, yet one that is so readily accessible,” Carly says.

The landscape is the inspiration behind their moody colour scheme. Smoky greys, charcoal, gold, rust, taupe and rich greens, every little detail – from the spray-painted vintage chair, fine touches of Spanish >

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The most private and romantic location for weddings in Noosa. With uninterrupted water views and ceremony and reception locations in the one gorgeous setting.

142 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566W: noosawaterfrontrestaurant.com.au

M: 0409 607 292follow us on facebook.com/noosawaterfront

*Conditions apply

*

INTO THE WOODS INSPIRATIONSVintage, timber chairs; gold (matt) cutlery; crystal decanters; smoky glass tea-light holders; mustard-yellow, velvety cushions; dark coloured candles; brass, old, amber apothecary bottles; a wooden pipe box and rusty urn.

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moss on the table and beautifully-illustrated bespoke stationery – has been selected to theme, and then placed to be in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings.

“An interesting aspect of this theme was to be able to showcase what can be done with a darker colour palette, as an alternative to more traditional wedding themes,” Dezley says.

“Fragrance is an important element. The sense of smell is a memory-based experience. I like to create a scent that will linger into guests’ memories. One to remind everyone of that beautiful day and setting forever.”

A collection of true vintage with new pieces mixed with contradictions of regal texture creates old-world class. Wood-scented bouquets of eucalyptus, native wattle, berries and yellow-golden boronias provide visually-scented highlights.

BUNCHES OF WOODLAND BEAUTYCymbidium orchids, dollar eucalyptus foliage, yellow-golden boronias, berries, poppy pods, native wattle, pinecones, Spanish moss, woodland foliage and twigs.

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FASHION

78 NEW KIND OF WHITE Fresh as a daisy for spring. 80 BLACK IS BLACK The colour of confidence

that is very chic. 82 ON THE BRIGHT SIDE A palette to inspire happy-go-lucky spirits. 84 IN

THE NAVY A respectable colour to float about in. 86 NOTICEABLY NEUTRAL For the understated

babe. 88 ROMANCING THE STONE A rock solid combination. 89 BEND IT LIKE DENIM What’s not

to love about hard-working denim?

FOR LABELS AND STOCKISTS REFER TO PAGE 90

IF THERE WERE A SEASON THAT SHOULD BE BURSTING WITH BUMPER

COLOURS, IT’S GOTTA BE SPRING!

THIS PLAYFUL PALETTE IS SPRINKLED WITH HOT PINKS, TANGERINES AND

POPPING WITH VIBRANT ENERGY. AND THERE ARE STILL STRONG STATEMENTS TO BE MADE WITH

DIE-HARD BLACK, WHITE, NAVY AND NEUTRAL COMBINATIONS.

BUT FOR THE LADIES WHO STILL HAVE A FANCY FOR PINK, THIS ONE

IS FOR YOU.

FASHION EDITOR BRISEIS ONFRAY

Bitte Kai Rand

COLOURCRUSH

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CELEBRATING

YEARS IN BUSINESSElk

Samantha Wills

Country Road

Zinzi

80 salt

FOR LABELS AND STOCKISTS REFER TO PAGE 90

There is something about the purity of white that reflects modern, feminine and sexy appeal. White on white is beautiful, especially when adorned with silver, rose-gold or leathery tans. Vintage applique and motif cut-outs are punching their way through white linen and cotton fabrics too. Nothing like feeling as fresh as a daisy this spring.

NEW KIND OF

WHITE

Esprit

Collette

Krystle Knight Jewellery

Convict

Von Treskow

YB J’aime Zulu & Zephyr

0039 Italy

Latitude Gallery9ct rose gold Australian pearl and diamonds

Naturalizer

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm / Sat 10am - 3pm

Shop 3/18 Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction(across the road from Coles, Noosa Fair)

Ph. 5447 3366www.minxandmax.com.au

Verge - Morrison - LTB JeansOlsen - Nougat - Antik Batik

Sandwich - Jean Paul - Meredith Blacky Dress - 0039 Italy Pretty Ballerinas - Naudic

Antik Batik

NY2K18ct white and rose gold Australian Argyle pink and white diamond heart pendant

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SEASONAL STYLE

1 JACKET Metalicus

2 GLASSES Eyebobs

3 BAG George, Gina & Lucy

4 SHOES Tilly Rose

IT’S A MIGHTY FINE COLOUR TO WORK WITH. CONFIDENT AND VERY CHIC. TOO MUCH BLACK CAN STIFLE A LIGHT-HEARTED DAY, BUT MIXING IT UP WITH BLOCK SOLIDS OR STRIPES SOFTENS THE INTENSITY. ADD FLICKERS OF METALLIC OR GOLDEN CHARM WITH SOPHISTICATED ACCESSORIES TO CREATE BOLD BEAUTY WITH EASE. BLACK IS A WINNER.

FEATURED STOCKIST OV BOUTIQUE

BLACK IS BLACK

2

1

3

Mela Purdie

AVAILABLE AT: OV Boutique Shop 4, The Dunes, 27 Cotton Tree Parade, Cotton Tree, 5479 4505 or ovboutique.com.au

4

FOR LABELS AND STOCKISTS REFER TO PAGE 90

Elk

Zulu & Zephyr

Orientique

Metalicus

Misuzi

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It’s easy to snap out of black this season. Spring is

bursting with joyful colours to inspire fun like juicy

tangerine, bright yellow and hot pink. Get creative and

mix it all up for extra vitality. This palette is sure to inspire

happy-go-lucky spirits.

FOR LABELS AND STOCKISTS REFER TO PAGE 90

ONThe

BRIGHtside

Sao Paulo

Nancy Bird

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Anannasa

Naudic

Elms + King

Ellis & Dewey

Noosaville - 230 Gympie Tce 5447 1755 Caloundra - 82A Bulcock St 5492 7185 www.getsetfootwear.com.au

SPRING 2014 Birkenstock

CrocsFitFlops

SkechersTeva

AetrexECCONaot

Wonders of Spain

MensLadiesKids

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Karen Walker

Opals Down Under

White gold ring featuring 1.05ct Lightning Ridge black opal and 20 diamonds

Morrison

FOR LABELS AND STOCKISTS REFER TO PAGE 90

Hello sailor! Well, ain’t this a respectable colour to float around in? It’s a sophisticated take on darker shades and looks great in almost any style or fabric. The beauty with navy is that its corporate stigma can be easily diluted into loveable, nautical-nice. It’s a classic choice that will always stand tall in a crowd. Midnight navy is unstoppable.

IN THE

NAVY

Sirens Swimwear

Mela Purdie

Stef & Ali

Mesop

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Muted, neutral hues are kind of undefined in colour. But their subtle presence has great impact of a demure kind. It’s an attitude. Edgy textures mixed with sheer and sheen mixes create a sense of mystery. Just add some sexy accessories for extra allure. It’s for the understated babe who knows she’s got it.

NOTICEABLY NEUTRAL

FOR LABELS AND STOCKISTS REFER TO PAGE 90

Durieu

Tangerine Beach

Lauren Vidal

•••NEW MALENY STORE NOW OPEN

•••Shop 12, 43 Maple St, Maleny

Shop 2, 56 Burnett Street, Buderim •••

5445 6616 • gingersboutique.com.au gingers@gingersboutique.com.au

D e S i g u a l

B a n a n a B l u e

B o o R a D l e y

S t y l e B u t l e R

S a o P a u l o

Bleu Blanc Rouge Zoe Kratzmann

Anne EveringhamGold and silver with glass bead from Indonesia

Latitude GalleryOver 3cts of diamonds, platinum and 18ct yellow gold

Lisa Brown

Convict

1 PANTS Elk

2 NECKLACE Flotsam

3 SHOES Elk

4 DRESS Holiday

AVAILABLE AT: Carmel’s Designs & Homewares, Shop 20 Peninsular, The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5444 6946 or 21B James Street, Burleigh Heads, 5535 9255 or Shop 1, 212 David Low Way, Peregian Beach, 5471 3332 or carmelsdesigns.com.au

Carmel’s

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THIS COLOUR SCHEME IS ONLY A STONE’S THROW

FROM NEUTRAL, BUT HAS MORE ROCK SOLID

DURABILITY AND VERSATILITY. GROUNDED SMOKY SHADES

OF CHARCOAL, GRANITE AND STONE COMBINED WITH SANDY WHITES, REFLECT TRUE COLOURS OF OUR SUNNY COAST NATURAL

WONDERS WELL. NATURAL FIBRES ARE THE SECRET TO THIS PRACTICAL YET

ATTRACTIVE, EASY TO WEAR SUITE.

FEATURED STOCKIST CARMEL’S DESIGNS & HOMEWARES

romancing the stone

WIN your very own piece of Flotsam style. Just head to saltmagazine.com.au to enter our spring giveaway.

SPRING GIVEAWAY

Win

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SEASONAL STYLE

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Brax

What’s not to love about hard-working denim? It sure holds a well-worn, reliable and trusty reputation. Traditional denim is blue, but in all its stone-washed glory, there are still some cool colour options to grab off the racks. Pastel or earthy block colours are a great substitute for blue. Quality denim is key and spicing it up with flash accessories works wonders.

BEND IT LIKE DENIM

Birkenstock

Ferracini

Daniel Wellington

Watches

FOR LABELS AND STOCKISTS REFER TO PAGE 90

Cushe

Fleur Wood

LABELS AND STOCKISTS

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FASHION STOCKISTS

0039 ITALY Minx & Max, Shop 3, 18 Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction, 5447 3366 or minxandmax.com.auANANNASA Soul Diva, 45 Burnett St, Buderim, 5456 4111 or souldiva.com.auANNE EVERINGHAM JEWELLERY By appointment only. 5442 8051 anneeveringhamjewellery.com.auBIRKENSTOCK Get Set Footwear, 82A Bulcock Street, Caloundra, 5492 7185 or 230 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, 5447 1755 or getsetfootwear.com.auBITTE KAI RAND Gingers Boutique, Shop 2, 56 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5445 6616 or Shop 12, 43 Maple Street, Maleny, 5494 2725 or gingersboutique.com.au BLEU BLANC ROUGE Gingers Boutique, Shop 2, 56 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5445 6616 or Shop 12, 43 Maple Street, Maleny, 5494 2725 or gingersboutique.com.au BRAX Klingers, 29 First Avenue, Mooloolaba, 5444 4200 or klingers.com.auCARMELS Carmel’s Designs & Homewares, Shop 20 Peninsular, The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5444 6946 or Shop 1, 212 David Low Way, Peregian Beach, 5471 3332 or carmelsdesigns.com.auCOLLETTE Elegant Affair, 39 Howard Street, Nambour, 5476 3923 or elegantaffair.com.auCONVICT Birdy Fashion & Beauty Boutique, Shop 2, 45 Maple Street, Maleny, 5499 9005 or birdyonline.com.auCOUNTRY ROAD Myer or Country Road stores, Sunshine Plaza, Horton Parade, Maroochydore, 5443 4133 or sunshineplaza.comCUSHE Get Set Footwear, 82A Bulcock Street, Caloundra, 5492 7185 or 230 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, 5447 1755 or getsetfootwear.com.auDANIEL WELLINGTON WATCHES Silver Wolf Jewellery, Kiosk 12, Kawana Shopping World, silverwolfjewellery.com.auDURIEU Klingers, 29 First Avenue, Mooloolaba, 5444 4200 or klingers.com.au

EB & IVE Watermelon Red, Shop 5, Peregian Boardwalk, 224-226 David Low Way, Peregian Beach, 5448 1452 or watermelonred.com.au; Elements at Montville, 38 Kondalilla Falls Road, Montville, 5478 6212 or elementsmontville.com.au; Giddy and Grace, Shop 2, 1 Maple Street, Maleny, 5494 3636 or giddyandgrace.comELK Carmel’s Designs & Homewares, Shop 20 Peninsular, The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5444 6946 or Shop 1, 212 David Low Way, Peregian Beach, 5471 3332 or carmelsdesigns.com.au; Soul Diva, 45 Burnett St, Buderim, 5456 4111 or souldiva.com.au; Evolve, 5/10 Grebe Street, Peregian Beach, 5448 2077 or evolvembh.com.auELLIS & DEWEY Giddy and Grace, Shop 2, 1 Maple Street, Maleny, 5494 3636 or giddyandgrace.comELMS + KING Giddy and Grace, Shop 2, 1 Maple Street, Maleny, 5494 3636 or giddyandgrace.com; Watermelon Red, Shop 5, Peregian Boardwalk, 224-226 David Low Way, Peregian Beach, 5448 1452 or watermelonred.com.au; Soul Diva, 45 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5456 4111 or souldiva.com.auESPRIT Myer or Esprit stores, Sunshine Plaza, Horton Parade, Maroochydore, 5443 4133 or sunshineplaza.comFERRACINI Klingers, 29 First Ave, Mooloolaba, 5444 4200 or klingers.com.auFLEUR WOOD Burnish, Shop 1, Sandcastles, 3 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5478 0885 or burnish.com.au

MELA PURDIE OV Boutique, Shop 4, The Dunes, 27 Cotton Tree Parade, Cotton Tree, 5479 4505 or ovboutique.com.au; Elegant Affair, 39 Howard Street, Nambour, 5476 3923 or elegantaffair.com.auMESOP Carmel’s Designs & Homewares, Shop 20 Peninsular, The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5444 6946 or Shop 1, 212 David Low Way, Peregian Beach, 5471 3332 or carmelsdesigns.com.au; Soul Diva, 45 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5456 4111 or souldiva.com.au; Evolve, 5/10 Grebe Street, Peregian Beach, 5448 2077 or evolvembh.com.auMETALICUS OV Boutique, Shop 4, The Dunes, 27 Cotton Tree Parade, Cotton Tree, 5479 4505 or ovboutique.com.au; Soul Diva, 45 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5456 4111 or souldiva.com.au MISUZI OV Boutique, Shop 4, The Dunes, 27 Cotton Tree Parade, Cotton Tree, 5479 4505 or ovboutique.com.auMORRISON Minx & Max, Shop 3, 18 Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction, 5447 3366 or minxandmax.com.au; Soul Diva, 45 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5456 4111 or souldiva.com.au; Myer, Sunshine Plaza, Horton Parade, Maroochydore, 5443 4133 or sunshineplaza.com; Carmel’s Designs & Homewares, Shop 20, Peninsular, The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5444 6946 or Shop 1, 212 David Low Way, Peregian Beach, 5471 3332 or carmelsdesigns.com.au; Elegant Affair, 39 Howard Street, Nambour, 5476 3923 or elegantaffair.com.au; Burnish, Shop 1, Sandcastles, 3 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5478 0885 or burnish.com.auNANCY BIRD Evolve, 5/10 Grebe Street, Peregian Beach, 5448 2077 or evolvembh.com.au

HOLIDAY Gingers Boutique, Shop 2, 56 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5445 6616 or Shop 12, 43 Maple Street, Maleny, 5494 2725 or gingersboutique.com.au; Carmel’s Designs & Homewares, Shop 20 Peninsular, The Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5444 6946 or Shop 1, 212 David Low Way, Peregian Beach, 5471 3332 or carmelsdesigns.com.auKAREN WALKER Silver Wolf Jewellery, Kiosk 12, Kawana Shopping World, silverwolfjewellery.com.auKRYSTLE KNIGHT JEWELLERY Alterior Motif, Shop 9, Rovera Plaza, Cotton Tree Parade, Cotton Tree, 5443 3406 or Shop 7, Noosa Cinema Centre, 29 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads, 5412 2803 or alteriormotif.com.au LATITUDE GALLERY Shop 1, 180 Main Street, Montville, 5478 5771 or latitudegallery.com.auLAUREN VIDAL Klingers, 29 First Ave, Mooloolaba, 5444 4200 or klingers.com.au; Elegant Affair, 39 Howard Street, Nambour, 5476 3923 or elegantaffair.com.auLISA BROWN Burnish, Shop 1 Sandcastles, 3 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5478 0885 or burnish.com.au

NATURALIZER Get Set Footwear, 82a Bulcock Street, Caloundra, 5492 7185 or 230 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, 5447 1755 or getsetfootwear.com.auNAUDIC Minx & Max, Shop 3, 18 Lanyana Way, Noosa Junction, 5447 3366 or minxandmax.com.au NY2K Rovera Plaza, King Street, Cotton Tree, 5443 1955 or ny2k.com.au OPALS DOWN UNDER 11 Ballantyne Court, Palmview, 5494 5400 or opalsdownunder.com.auORIENTIQUE Birdy Fashion & Beauty Boutique, Shop 2, 45 Maple Street, Maleny, 5499 9005 or birdyonline.com.auSAMANTHA WILLS Elegant Affair, 39 Howard Street, Nambour, 5476 3923 or elegantaffair.com.auSAO PAULO Gingers Boutique, Shop 2, 56 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5445 6616 or Shop 12, 43 Maple Street, Maleny, 5494 2725 or gingersboutique.com.au SIRENS SWIMWEAR Soul Diva, 45 Burnett Street, Buderim, 5456 4111 or souldiva.com.auSTEF & ALI Giddy and Grace, Shop 2, 1 Maple Street, Maleny, 5494 3636 or giddyandgrace.comTANGERINE BEACH Shop 9A, Noosa Marina, Parkyn Court, Tewantin, 5440 5557; Shop 2, Seahaven Resort, 13 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, 0429 919 888 or tangerinebeachnoosa.com.auVON TRESKOW Silver Wolf Jewellery, Kiosk 12, Kawana Shopping World, silverwolfjewellery.com.auYB J’aime Burnish, Shop 1, Sandcastles, 3 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba, 5478 0885 or burnish.com.au ZINZI Silver Wolf Jewellery, Kiosk 12, Kawana Shopping World, 0427 198 602 or silverwolfjewellery.com.auZOE KRATZMANN Elegant Affair, 39 Howard Street, Nambour, 5476 3923 or elegantaffair.com.auZULU & ZEPHYR Alterior Motif, Shop 9, Rovera Plaza, Cotton Tree Parade, Cotton Tree, 5443 3406 or Shop 7, Noosa Cinema Centre, 29 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads, 5412 2803 or alteriormotif.com.au

DISCOVER A NEW SEASON OF FASHION IN STORE NOW

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN SUMMER FASHION!Visit Sunshine Plaza, the Sunshine Coast’s premier shopping destination. You’ll fi nd the largest range of on-trend fashion retailers, entertainment and family fun with over 230 stores including Myer, Kmart, Target, Coles, Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas and the Riverwalk Dining Precinct.

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UP AND COMING

Fashion retailers globally face a rather frenzied, online-shopaholic reality, but that hasn’t stopped an ambitious undercurrent of young Australian designers sewing their own way to the forefront of global fashion.

ROCHELLE WHITHAM IS THE founding designer behind her spunky new label. With only one year up its sassy sleeve, Hungry Wolf The Label is still a fresh face on the scene. But with its most popular design piece, the sexy ‘wanderer’ skirt, already working its charm on customers as far away as Italy and Dubai, this hungry label is quickly snapping up thread-respect.

And no wonder. Like label name, like owner: Rochelle has an insatiable appetite to excel. She is passionate, talented, hardworking and bursting with love-what-she-does creativity. She’s definitely a people person and at the ripe, go-get-’em age of 27,

WORDS BRISEIS ONFRAY PORTRAIT PHOTO ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

WOLF WHISTLE

has already clocked up an impressive network of fashion-savvy knowers, doers, shoppers and followers, boosting her enviable social media presence.

Rochelle is originally from Melbourne and grew up within a supportive family who were all pretty creative themselves. “My family are my greatest inspiration and have always encouraged me to do what I love,” she says. “My nan taught me to knit, my mum was always making soft furnishings and my dad would draw and write poetry all the time. Even my brothers are artistic. Creativity was always encouraged in our household.”

Rochelle immersed herself into the bustle of inner-city Melbourne living. She worked in retail for a few years, scoping out how the retail world and consumerism ticked, and learnt the importance of customer relations and consumer experience. Eager to get a good sense of the fashion industry hands-on, Rochelle initiated a work-experience opportunity with one of Sydney’s favourites, One Teaspoon. This was a real taste of label satisfaction and Rochelle had no doubts about pursuing her future ambition.

“I always knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. It’s not all glamorous, but I love it,” she says. “There are so many great Australian designers to admire, but it’s important for me to be myself 100 per cent without trying to be anyone else. I keep my eyes peeled on everything and get inspiration from everywhere. It can be daunting at times, but I have learnt to trust myself and keep focused on my own vision.”

She added a Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology and has not looked back. All of this tailor-made faith has given Rochelle the prowess to go out and finally make it happen.

Photography: Sarah Fountain

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Her creation, Hungry Wolf The Label, is exactly that: an eagerly sophisticated label with fierce determination and a gutsy appetite to conquer international status. The label name itself sounds a little ‘new-romantic’, and that’s with big thanks to Rochelle’s mother’s tasty music sense. Fans of 1980s megaband Duran Duran will get it, while their much younger contemporaries will just want the ‘Hungry Wolf’ look.

Rochelle’s current collection boasts feminine confidence. It is classic fashion with an edgy attitude, minimalistic style with sophisticated textures and prints that don’t outshine her chic designs.

“It’s important to wear what you feel comfortable in,” she says. “There are no rules. Watch what trends are happening, but don’t over think it. Basics mixed with trend things are great. Have fun and have a style.”

It’s still early days, but at start-up Rochelle already knew that success within the fashion industry would require lots of hard work, creative thinking and much faster production cycles. Her audience seeks an almost instant fashion feed, so rather than following the industry tradition of a four-season cycle, Rochelle releases ‘mini capsule’ collections more frequently.

“It’s a fast pace, but I have to keep up with it,” she says. “I keep designing new stuff. Social media is full on with sales. It’s how most customers find us. Instagram is a blessing and continues to build our profile. Constant interaction with customers is

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FOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au to see more images of Rochelle and Hungry Wolf The Label.

“Everything is here – great resources and a vibrant creative industry,” she says. “It’s so community-based. People seem more connected and thoughtful, which is nice compared to the big cities. Anything is possible here. I love it.”

Rochelle’s designs can be found at Alterior Motif, Shop 9, Rovera Plaza, Cotton Tree. 5443 3406 or alteriormotif.com.au

unique.individual.beautiful.conceptual interiors

Peregian Beach Shop 5 ‘Peregian Boardwalk’ 224 – 226 David Low Way

Shop online www.watermelonred.com.au Phone us 07 5448 1452

“Encourage Summer time rest and relaxation with a fresh new look from our Confetti range of bedlinen. Available in store and online now!”

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important. Imagery is such a big thing. It has to be strong, so knowing good photographers is valuable.”

Of course, there are still so many other aspects of the design process to consider. Designing desirable must-haves is one thing, but quality and affordability is paramount. Garment manufacture, fabric printing and sample checks take place in Bali.

“I love going to Bali. I love the people,” Rochelle says. “Seminyak is so inspiring. It’s a global feast. You get to see what everyone else is up to. There are so many great ideas. I have had to learn to go with the Bali-flow more, but once I did, production flowed.

“It’s a lot of work, but I love my job. Not one day is exactly the same as the next. I work with so many interesting people. I love the creative process. Creating mood boards and then seeing my designs make their way to a catwalk is so rewarding.”

Rochelle’s determination and drive is refreshing, but it hasn’t been all easy. One of her closest friends suddenly becoming very ill was a big, reality shake-up.

“I wake up on most days feeling very fortunate and blessed,” she says. “I’ve learnt not to worry about the small stuff. Being healthy, working with love and living with gratefulness is a privilege.”

It was a wonderful holiday experience that inspired Rochelle’s move to the Sunny Coast. Like a romance novel, she fell head-over-heels in love with her now fiancé and it seems her life continues to blossom. Rochelle loves living here. She studied her diploma here and her Hungry Wolf The Label was born here.

“IT’S IMPORTANT FOR ME TO BE MYSELF 100 PER CENT WITHOUT TRYING TO BE ANYONE ELSE.”

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CONDITIONAL

L O V E SCOMPLEXIONS WILL BE GLOWING AFTER THESE POST-WINTER BEAUTY BOOSTS. KICK START WITH A GOOD EXFOLIATION BEFORE APPLYING NOURISHING GOODNESS. A LITTLE MORE COLOUR WILL GO A LONG WAY TOO, AND PINK IS A SEASONAL FAVE, SO BLUSH UP FOR A CHEEKY SENSE OF MISCHIEF. OH, AND LUSH-LOOKING HAIR AND A LITTLE SELF-TANNING MAGIC WILL DEFINITELY RAISE SPIRITS.

YAY SPRING!

BEAUTY

SIENA ECRU BATH MITT $9.95. Available at Carmel’s Designs & Homewares, Shop 20, The Peninsular, Mooloolaba. 5444 6946 or Shop 1 & 2, 212 David Low Way, Peregian Beach. 5471 3332 or carmelsdesigns.com.au

LIFECELL ANTI AGING TREATMENT CREAM $189, 75ml. Free shipping and fast delivery. Toll free 1300 850 533 or lifecellaustralia.com

WATERLILY DAILY ANTIOXIDANT SKIN BOOST $46.50, 50ml. Available at Spa Anise, Spicers Tamarind Retreat, 88 Obi Lane South, Maleny. 1300 252 380 or spicersgroup.com.au

ENVIRON AVST A, C & E BODY OIL $90, 100ml. Available at Elements at Montville, 38 Kondalilla Falls Road, Montville. 5478 6212 or elementsmontville.com.au

PURE FIJI COCONUT SUGAR RUB $49.95, 457ml, Available at Lagoon Day Spa, Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Ocean Drive, Maroochydore. 5450 9565 or lagoondayspa.com.au

pre-conditionals

For your chance to WIN one of four Waterlily Daily Antioxidant Skin Boosts or a Saya Sun Free Natural Self Tan Cream or one of three Strut Hair and Beauty Kevin Murphy Travel Packs head to saltmagazine.com.au

SPRING GIVEAWAYS

JANE IREDALE SUNBEAM BRONZER $90, 8.5g. Available at Ikatan Spa, 46 Grays Road, Doonan. 5471 1199 or ikatanspa.com

SAYA SUN FREE NATURAL SELF TAN CREAM $TBA, 200ml. Available at Watermelon Red, Shop 5, Peregian Boardwalk, 224 - 226 David Low Way, Peregian Beach. 5448 1452 or watermelonred.com.au or Saya Factory, Shop 6/41 Gateway Drive, Noosaville. 5473 0257 or sayaskin.com

YOUNGBLOOD LIPSTICK in Tangelo $38. Available at Esha Beauty, Shop 268, Sunshine Plaza, Horton Parade, Maroochydore. 5443 4133 or sunshineplaza.com

just add colour

BUTTER LONDON NAIL POLISH in Trout Pout $22, 11ml. Available at Aqua Day Spa Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa, 14-16 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads. 5449 4888 or sheratonnoosaresort.com/spa

ZOYA NAIL POLISH in Wednesday $19, 15ml. Available at Nails@Noosa, Shop 4, Noosa Cinema Centre, 29 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Heads. 5447 3380 or nailsatnoosa.com.au

Win

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BEAUTY EDITOR BRISEIS ONFRAY

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KMS FREE SHAPE 2-1 STYLING AND FINISHING $36.95, 200ml. Available at

smyths inc, Islander Resort, 187 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville.

5449 8877 or Shop 2/52 Noosa Drive (off Hastings Street),

Noosa Heads. 5447 4422 or smythsinc.com

KEUNE BLEND SHINE $33, 55 capsules. Available at Strut

Hair & Beauty, 21 Beach Road, Maroochydore. 5443 5605 or

struthair.com.au

KERASTASE CONCENTRÉ PIXELIST WITH BOOSTER

$30, 12ml. Available at Elenbi Hair Salons, Shop 228 Sunshine

Plaza, Maroochydore. 5479 3488 or 47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba. 5444 4965 or Shop

1/61 Burnett Street, Buderim. 5326 1995 or Shop 10, 21-37

Birtwill St, Coolum Beach. 5351 1802 or elenbi.com.au

KEVIN MURPHY BLONDE ANGEL TREATMENT $39.95,

250ml. Available at Eco Organic Hair and Body, 3/1 King Street,

Cotton Tree. 5451 1300 or eco-organic.com

ready, set,

shine!

All for only $125Valid until 30 November

Mention SALT and receive a complimentary glass of champagne!

BOOKINGS PHONE NOOSA SPRINGS SPA ON 5440 3355www.noosasprings.com.auLinks Drive Noosa Heads Q

with one of these Spa treatments: Eminence Facial or Massage or Sugar Scrub. (Each treatment is 55 mins)

plus receive one of the following treatments complimentary: Spray Tan Brow Wax Lash Tint File & Nail Varnish HydroMassage & Steam Experience

Get ready to glow

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CUT AND DRY

I believe in the benefits of going organic. FROM THE FRUIT and veg I choose at my local farmers market to an increasing number of grocery items I fill my trolley with on my supermarket shop, it’s safe to say that a bigger proportion of my purchasing power is now dedicated to organic products. We’ve come to accept that organic is better for our bodies and better for the planet, so it makes sense then that organic alternatives are also embraced in our hair and beauty routines.

Belinda Baretta opened Eco-Organic in the main street of Cotton Tree 10 years ago after a stint working as a hairdresser in London. She says that at the time organic hair care was thought of as being a nice idea, but consumers were skeptical, with most predicting it wouldn’t be able to compete with mainstream hair products.

“I’d seen first-hand how popular organic haircare had become in London and loved the products,” Belinda says. “We were one of the first to pop up in Australia with this concept and in the last five years in particular the growth has been really rapid.”

The organic ethos extends to the massage and beauty therapy side of the business and Belinda says many people treat themselves to a little something else from the Eco-Organic menu when they come in to freshen up their hair colour.

I know first-hand that the skeptics were wrong.

I have well and truly busted the myths on organic colour being weak, as two weeks after my first-ever organic hair colour treatment I’m still getting compliments on my ‘new colour’ and it’s shining like a cheesy shampoo commercial.

WORDS CASSY SMALL PHOTOS ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

NATURALLY APPEALING

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Visiting Eco-Organic is a feast for the senses as well as a treat for my hair. On a bleak morning, the salon’s warm and welcoming interior offers relief. As a mother of two small children, a trip to the hairdresser offers more than a chance to freshen up my ’do – it’s an oasis of tranquility. It may sound like an exaggeration but with good coffee, new glossy mags and a head massage, I can’t think of many better ways to spend a couple of hours. I’m sure I audibly exhale as I relax into the comfy salon chair.

Before we start, Belinda talks me through my different options. I’m not up for anything drastic in the styling department and opt for a refreshing trim and shaping of my current style. First is my colour. With a few too many premature grey hairs showing, I’m in desperate need of help. Belinda goes through the colour chart with me. A much smaller variety of colours is on offer than you’d see in a typical colour chart and Belinda explains it is because organic colours don’t contain ammonia. Most colours in the chart are in the darker spectrum although a nice, natural blonde caters for the fairer featured. I opt for a colour a few shades darker than my current colour, but Belinda reassures me the colour will complement my skin tones.

There are a few differences I notice with an organic colouring process. Organic hair colour is gel based as opposed to the cream I’m used to. Belinda says this will be much gentler on my hair. As she applies the gel to my roots, something feels amiss. Eventually I realise what is missing is the overpowering chemical stench and burning scalp that I’ve experienced previously. Organic dyes use a vegetable-based pigment and being ammonia-free gives them a nice smell – a refreshing surprise.

No longer considered a fad, organic hair care is here to stay and a full salon, even at 10am on a Wednesday, is a sign of its popularity.

I walk out the door with a spring in my step and the healthiest-feeling hair I’ve ever had. Naturally I’m now an organic convert.

eco-organic.comSHOP ONLINE www.giddyandgrace.com

Shop 2, 1 Maple St Maleny Phone 07 5494 3636

Open 7 daysfacebook.com/giddyandgracehome body livingFOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au to see more

photos of Eco-Organic.

WHERE IS IT? Shop 3/1 King Street, Cotton Tree. See eco-organic.comWHY IS IT SPECIAL? Organic colours provide a rich colour and a deep treatment for stressed out hair with the grey coverage and longevity you’d expect from a traditional chemical colour.WHICH TREATMENT WAS ENJOYED? A full Herbe permanent regrowth colour, followed by a wash and Kevin Murphy treatment, a trim and a blow-dry.FINAL TIPS? Leave time after your appointment to explore Cotton Tree’s boutiques.

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ARTIST

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN a young Gary Myers and other small people is that the early acclaim for his paintings was to shape the Brisbane-born artist’s life.

“All kids paint and the relations say how wonderful their pictures are. The difference with me is I believed them,” Gary says. “We lived a bit of a nomadic lifestyle – always moving between suburbs. At a young age, moving into a new community you had to have something going for you or you were a bit of an outcast. Because I could draw and paint I was accepted a lot quicker.

“It was unconscious – not something I was doing on purpose, but looking back on it I suppose it was a bit of an advantage.”

You’d be hard pressed to find most 13-year-old boys behind an easel on their Saturday mornings, but that’s just where Gary put himself as his passion for painting ramped up. While his peers were sleeping in and catching up on cartoons, the Maleny resident was delicately honing the craft that would become his career.

“I was lucky that my mother belonged to a musical club and one of the guys that played was also an art teacher and wonderful artist named David Fowler,” he said. “He lived in Paddington in Brisbane and was around until I was about 21. I’d turn up on his doorstep and he’d run through things with me. Along with my mother, he really encouraged me and when you feel encouraged you’re determined to keep going.

“Even now the motivating factor is that I just want to get better. Painting is almost instant gratification – you sit down for a couple of hours and you produce something. I’ve never been a great book reader and I guess to read a book is to expand your mind. I’m more tactile – I want to see something.”

While trained in oils, Gary has made his mark with colourful impressions of people and places using bright acrylic colours and vivid shadow. Acrylic is now his medium of choice, but he still paints in a traditional method, albeit with a varied palette. The choice to work in such a way is calculated, made to set him apart from his contemporaries and help build his own artistic following.

“There are so many good traditional artists – realist artists who do the job so well – that I found I needed my own little niche,” Gary says. “Every painting I do I try to explore something different. I’d probably describe it as impressionism using an abstract pallet. I’m not part of the main art establishment and by being just outside of that, it helps me to be more creative.”

Trained as a draftsman, Gary never lost sight of his passion to become a full-time artist. Through nine years working in the army as a cartographer, he spent his spare time tutoring, creating and curating at his very first gallery.

“The army tolerated it. They always knew my main goal was to become an artist,” he says. “I was stationed in Bendigo at Fortuna and there was a group of artists there. Back in the days before anyone had even heard of pop up galleries, we opened up a gallery in the six weeks before Christmas.

“I also had my first art gallery which I ran in conjunction with my army job and used to teach two or three times a week at night. Painting was always there for me.”

PAINTING PURE HAPPINESSWORDS ALEX FYNES-CLINTON PHOTOS ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

The artistic creations of small children inspire gushing parental praise – celebrated with warm pats on the head and prized placement on the family fridge.

In an industry where many artists spend weeks, months and even years procrastinating over their next work, Gary’s output is exceptional. Barely a week goes by when he is not painting, sketching or photographing either at home or on the road. He spends as much as three months a year travelling the country for art shows, always making time to draw new inspiration along the way.

“I’ve done shows that take me from Melbourne right up the east coast to Brisbane, where I’ll lock myself in a cabin for a couple of weeks and paint the local area,” he says.

“Tasmania is an amazing place. Tamworth is another we’ve travelled to for shows and I’ll use the opportunity to get to Armidale and Stanthorpe. Generally though I’ll take my sketches and photographs back into the studio, rearrange them with a little bit of imagination and come up with something that I think works. I’ve always got goals in mind.”

Gary is now living full-time in Maleny, managing his gallery and soaking up inspiration from his surroundings. He has strong ties to the area, with his father born next door to his Maple Street art space and his grandfather opening the local Willow Café. Surrounded by artistic inspiration and settled in his ancestral home, his passion for painting burns as bright as it did when he first began his journey.

“Painting to me is pure happiness. A lot of artists are deep and meaningful in the darker sides of their personalities and I think I’m deep and meaningful in the lighter side,” he says.

“When people stand in front of my paintings with a smile on their face, I know I’ve done something right. It’s what I’m trying to achieve. I’m an optimistic sort of person and that’s how I want my paintings to look.”

Gary’s work is available at his Maleny Art Gallery, 23 Maple Street, Maleny. For more information visit garymyers.net.au or call 0427 526 965.

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FOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au to see more of Gary Myers’ work.

TOWARDS CHARLEVILLE

Art on Cairncross

Cairncross Corner, 3 Panorama Place, Maleny, Qld.

Art on Cairncross

P. 07- 5429 6404 E. admin@artoncairncross.com.au

Open Tuesday to Sunday - 10am to 5pm

www.artoncairncross.com.au

“Colour of the Wetlands” Kevin Oxley OAM

October 25 - November 9, 2014

“Red Gum Loggers” - Mixed Media - Kevin Oxley

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OFF THE WALL

WORDS LINDA READ

THESE WORDS CAPTURE the essence of New Zealand artist Suzy Platt’s work so perfectly that it seems Emerson may have spoken them while contemplating one of her paintings. It is impossible, of course, as the famous poet and essayist lived in the 19th century, but the contemporary relevance of his words makes them a favourite quote of this artist.

“I try to create a world on canvas that captures all of that beauty and wonder and ‘fleetingness’ of childhood,” says Suzy.

Capturing the essence of childhood is no mean feat, and if you ask her exactly how she does it, she seems at a slight loss to explain.

“It’s quite strange,” she says. “It’s like there’s something on the canvas and it comes out. I’m not really dictating what it is; it’s revealing itself to me. And it’s like a little character I get to know the further along in the painting I go.

“We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

GIRL WITH YELLOW CANARY

CAPTURING CHILDHOOD

THE SUMMER LAMB

FOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au to see more of Suzy’s paintings.

“My work is a collision of my observation of my own children and an imagined world that reveals itself to me in the creative process. I strive to put these created and re-created elements together in such a way that it is a thing of beauty and wonder in its own right.”

The beauty and wonder of her oil paintings have certainly brought Suzy great success locally and internationally, including a reputation in her home country as one of New Zealand’s leading investment artists. Her inaugural Australian exhibition this year has a special significance for her; summer childhood holidays spent in Sydney with her beloved grandparents mean she has a treasured connection with this country, and an affinity with Australian art.

Her subjects are, overwhelmingly, lone figures of children – mostly girls – who are often portrayed holding or standing with a small animal. Not anatomically correct, the children have oversized heads, tiny hands and huge, expressive eyes.

“In a way I’m making them like dolls and maybe they’re kind of frozen in time,” she says. “I think that might be me wanting to capture childhood; you want them to be little forever. Maybe that’s why I do the big eyes, because I’m really interested in the emotions. So they are doll-like, but at the same time very human.”

The animals in the paintings are, according to Suzy, little motifs of tenderness. “I guess animals represent innocence and vulnerability,” she says.

And the relatively small size of Suzy’s paintings invites the viewer to get quite close.

“I think that contributes to the personal experience someone can have when they look at a painting,” she says. “They can meditate on it, and find something of themselves in it.”

With a degree in art history, Suzy attended art school in Dunedin before deciding she “didn’t really like being told how to paint”. While she names some of her early artistic influences as Picasso, Balthus, and Australian icon Charles Blackman, Suzy says she draws inspiration from myriad sources, including high fashion photography, fabric prints, colour, lighting, and – unsurprisingly – her own four children.

In fact, Suzy’s career as an artist began when she was pregnant with her first child, Mia, now 17. Having always dabbled in art, she did a painting for her mum for Mothers’ Day. At the local gallery where she had taken it for framing, the framer suggested she should paint for a living.

“I thought ‘oh well, I haven’t got anything else to do for the next nine months, so I’ll give it a go’,” she says.

She never went back to “a proper job”, and has been painting ever since. She lives in Dunedin with husband Craig, and their children – Mia, Heidi, 9, Edward, 5, and Clara, 3 – who continue to inspire her work.

“I’m always observing them and the nature of childhood,” she says. “It’s so fleeting, and I guess in a way I’m trying to immortalise those precious brief moments through my work. A child is like a newly bloomed flower: so beautiful, open, pure, innocent, and so full of joy. I think it’s that innocence I’m trying to capture in this exhibition.

“And if the viewer walks away from it with a lighter heart, then I’ve done my job.”

Suzy’s exhibition In Bloom is on now until October 4 at Tiffany Jones Fine Art Gallery, 138 Burnett St, corner of Townsend Road, Buderim. 5450 1722 or tiffanyjonesfineart.com.au

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OCTOBER1 ROBERT DICKERSON

where Tiffany Jones Fine Art Gallery, 138 Burnett Street, corner of Townsend Road,

Buderim. 5450 1722 or tiffanyjonesfineart.com.au

2 SUZY PLATT: IN BLOOM

Enter a world of innocence at Suzy Platt’s inaugural Australian solo exhibition to discover her hauntingly beautiful paintings of children that evoke the gentleness of youth and the beauty of spring.

when now to October 4 from 10am (closed Sunday and Monday) where Tiffany Jones Fine Art Gallery, 138 Burnett Street, corner of Townsend Road, Buderim. 5450 1722 or tiffanyjonesfineart.com.au

3 SUNSHINE COAST ART PRIZE 2014

Now in its ninth year, the Sunshine Coast Art Prize attracts the best contemporary and emerging artists Australia has to offer. The winner of this two dimensional award receives a $15,000 prize and an artist-in-residence placement, with the prize-winning artwork acquired into the Sunshine Coast Art Collection.

when now to October 26 where Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra. 5420 8299 or gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Eye candy. Food for the mind and soul. Take a

moment to peruse some of the finest works of art from

some of the best galleries on the coast this season.

ARTDATES

ART DATES

Pastel on paper, 540mm x 380mm, $12500 THE RED ROSE BY ROBERT DICKERSON

Left, The Lakes Between, (detail) 2013, mixed media on canvas, 50 x 50cm. Right, Sounds of Corroboree, (detail) 2014, oil-sticks and acrylic on canvas, 100 x 75cm. Images: Rex Backhaus-Smith.

Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pmSaturday 10am-noon10 Maple Street, Cooroy QLD 456307 5329 6580gallery@noosa.qld.gov.auwww.noosa.qld.gov.au/butter-factory-arts-centre

Time for Tots Storytelling: Wednesday 3 September, 9.30amProject Eliza – creative writing responses responses facilitated by Dr Sue Davis: Saturday 6 & 20 September, 10am-2pmBook Launch: Thursday 11 September, 11am-12.30pm at Cooroy LibraryGet Creative: Saturday 20 September, 10am-noonKidzart@BFAC: Tuesday 23 September, 10.30am-12noon, 5* – 8yrs and 12:30pm-3pm, 9 – 12yrsFigments of Eliza (rehearsed reading) + promenade presentation of Project Eliza: Friday 26 September, 12noon-4pm

Information and bookings: www.noosa.qld.gov.au/butter-factory-arts-centre

Butter Factory Arts Centre Thursday 21 August to Saturday 11 October

Judith Laws Beauty and Tragedy on Fraser Shores:

re-imagining the Eliza Fraser saga, including paintings from Fraser Island

*workshops are not suitable for children under 5yrs

September Public Program:

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SO NICE BY RON VAN GENNIP

4

4 RON VAN GENNIP

Children are often the focal point of Ron’s sensitive figurative oil paintings which are deeply rooted in the romantic, impressionist tradition and remind us of yesteryear and lost innocence.

when October 1 to 31 where Montville Art Gallery, 138 Main Street, Montville. 5442 9211 or montvilleartgallery.com.au

5 UTOPIA 2014

Contemporary indigenous art by acclaimed artists from the NT community of Utopia.

when October 1 to November 30 where NeoGallery, 24 Berry Court, Mount Coolum. By appointment 5471 6175 or neogallery.net

6 WABI SABI JEWELLERY BY NOELA MILLS

Get together with live music and a bar on the deck: a renowned artist in many fields, Noela Mills’ exquisite jewellery makes use of recycled, repurposed and found objects such as wire, aluminium, perspex and driftwood to create wearable mini contemporary art installations.

when October 4, 5-7pm where Gary Myers Gallery, upstairs Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street, Maleny. 0427 526 965 or garymyers.net.au

7 AH XIAN: METAPHYSICA

Ah Xian: Metaphysica presents 10 magnificent cast bronze and brass human busts by senior Chinese-Australian artist Ah Xian, who is best known for his contemporary use of the ancient mediums of porcelain, lacquer, cloisonné, bronze, brass, jade and concrete.

when October 9 to November 23 where Noosa Regional Gallery, Level 1, Riverside , 9 Pelican St, Noosa. 5329 6145 noosa.qld.gov.au/whats-on-nrg

8 KERRY WILSON: SHADOWS AND LIGHT

Kerry’s recent work focuses on light and shadow in the landscape and the sensations it emits. Luminous white paint and pastel marks contrast with dusky charcoal and ink textures to reveal the essential qualities of nature.

when October 15 to December 6 where Butter Factory Arts Centre, 10 Maple Street, Cooroy. 5329 6580 or noosa.qld.gov.au/whats-on-bfac

7

IMMORTAL ON DEER BY AH XIAN

JEWELLERY PIECE BY NOELA MILLS

6

Oil on board, 450mm x 350mm, $1090

Ron CameronRon Van Gennip Kendall

Mon

tvill

e Art

Gal

lery October November December

Phone: 5442 9211 www.montvilleartgallery.com.au

Presenting our “Artists of the Month” for the next quarter

138 Main Street, Montville Opposite the ‘Village Green’

Open daily 10 - 5

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Previously Artmadd Maroochydore

• Picture Framing • Mirrors • Canvas & Stretching • Display Boxes

For a personalised individual service and FREE QUOTE call in to see us at 59 Wises RoadMaroochydore

1/59 Wises Road, Maroochydore, QLD 4558

E: artmadd@hotmail.comW: stephensframeshop.com.au

M: 0479 062 734

9 COLOUR OF THE WETLANDS – KEVIN OXLEY

A remarkable look at the Barmah Forest region of NSW which has personal connections for Oxley and a rich cultural, ecological and spiritual history through contemporary paintings, drawings and etchings.

when October 25 to November 9 where Art on Cairncross, Cairncross Corner, Maleny. 5429 6404 or artoncairncross.com.au

10 CREAM: FOUR DECADES OF AUSTRALIAN ART

Chronicles the development of modernism in Australia from 1940 to 1980 and provides a unique opportunity for regional audiences to view a survey of 20th century Australian art by some of Australia’s most recognised artists including Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Russell Drysdale, Vida Lahey, Margaret Olley and Fred Williams.

when October 29 to December 14 where Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra. 5420 8299 or gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

NOVEMBER11 CREATIONS IN PORCELAIN BY SHANNON GARSON

Get together with live music and a bar on the deck: Shannon’s exhibition works are highly refined creations that are still grounded in a natural raw motif. She also makes a range of studio porcelain decorated with designs ranging from paddocks and dragonflies through to bird nests and rainforest flora.

when November 1, 5-7pm where Gary Myers Gallery, upstairs Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street Maleny. 0427 526 965 or garymyers.net.au

12 RON CAMERON

Ron firmly believes that for a painting to be successful it must not only tell a story but also create a pleasant atmosphere for viewers by the clever use of light and temperature.

when November 1 to 30 where Montville Art Gallery, 138 Main Street, Montville. 5442 9211 or montvilleartgallery.com.au

SHRINE (DETAIL) 2014 BY KERRY WILSON

8

9

GONE FISHING BY KEVIN OXLEY

Mixed media on paper, 300mm x 480mm, $3900

www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Art luncheon at Felicity Park on 26 October at 11.30am with live music and sumptuous local fare. Book early as tickets are limited.

Invest in original artworks at the Sunshine Coast Art Prize auction at Caloundra Regional Gallery on 26 October at 2pm.

Cream: Four Decades of Australian Art 29 October to 14 December 2014

A Rockhampton Art Gallery exhibition toured by Museum and Gallery Services Queensland.

De Greer-Yindimincarlie, Heart of Inspiration, 2013, synthetic polymer on canvas (acrylic), 75 x 100 cm

Caloundra Regional Gallery

Wed to Sun, 10am–4pm | 07 5420 829922 Omrah Ave, Caloundra Qld 4551gallery@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

John Brack (1920–1999), Portrait of Lyn Williams, (detail), 1976 © Helen Brack

‘Aspects of Me’: De Greer-Yindimincarlie17 December to 18 January 2014

SUNSHINECOASTARTPRIZE 2014

4065

5 07

/14

17 NEOGALLERY CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION

New works by NeoGallery artists.

when December 1 to 31 where NeoGallery, 24 Berry Court, Mount Coolum. By appointment 5471 6175 or neogallery.net

18 BOOK LAUNCH: IN AND AROUND MALENY BY GARY MYERS

Get together with live music and a bar on the deck: a selection of original artworks by Gary Myers, reproduced in a coffee table book.

when December 6, 5-7pm where Gary Myers Gallery, upstairs Maleny Community Centre, 23 Maple Street Maleny. 0427 526 965 or garymyers.net.au

19 PRECIOUS LITTLE

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Precious Little – an array of enticing artworks which make memorable gifts of originality and quality.

when December 6 to 24 where Art on Cairncross, Cairncross Corner, Maleny. 5429 6404 or artoncairncross.com.au

20 CIRCLES AND CYCLES

Artmakers Noosa reflects on the concepts of Circles and Cycles using various creative media through a journey that will transport you from the moon to butterflies, seasons, bicycles and tea ceremonies to name just a few.

when December 11 to January 6 where Butter Factory Arts Centre, 10 Maple St, Cooroy. 5329 6580 or noosa.qld.gov.au/whats-on-bfac

13 STOCK AND STATION – TOM MCAULAY

Bringing the bush to life through cheeky characters and weather-worn stockmen, McAulay portrays the essence of the Outback.

when November 13 to 30 where Art on Cairncross, Cairncross Corner, Maleny. 5429 6404 or artoncairncross.com.au

14 BY HAND AND HEART GROUP SHOW 2014

This is the time of year we get to show off the talents of our local ceramists and artists to share their skill in all things handmade with love.

when November 22 to December 20 where Art Nuvo Gallery, 25 Gloucester Road, Buderim. 5456 2445 or artnuvobuderim.com.au

15 PIPE DREAMS

Pipe Dreams is an exhibition of soft sculpture and paintings by Gold Coast artist Erica Gray that celebrates the mundane, the absurdity, the functionality, and the genius of the ubiquitous water pipe.

when November 26 to January 25 where Noosa Regional Gallery, Level 1, Riverside , 9 Pelican Street, Noosa. 5329 6145 noosa.qld.gov.au/whats-on-nrg

DECEMBER16 KENDALL

Throwing caution to the wind in a blaze of colour, Kendall travels the world creating her ‘feel good’ canvases which are quickly snapped up by eager buyers because they make them feel happy and alive.

when December 1 to 31 where Montville Art Gallery, 138 Main Street, Montville. 5442 9211 or montvilleartgallery.com.au

17

14CERAMIC SPOON BY JAPANESE /

AUSTRALIAN CERAMIST ERIN

Handmade ceramic spoon, $35

THE TRAVELLER BY PETER HUDSON

Oil on board, 1000mm x 800mm, $5500

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IN YOUR DREAMS

LIVING, BREATHING GALLERY

WORDS LUCY EMLYN-JONES PHOTOS ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

saltmagazine.com.au 111

HERE THE WORKS are not hung on the wall but are instead grown from the ground; a living, thriving masterpiece.

“Come see my art gallery,” says the curator. “It’s love made visible.”

Looking at the property of retired couple Gerry and Sally (who asked that their surnames be withheld), it’s hard to imagine that a mere 10 years ago their land was bare bar a few blades of grass. Now, the air vibrates with the hum of life from a beautifully lush, wonderfully diverse garden enveloping the house.

Magnolias, camellias and roses flower on the right; aloe vera and bamboo plants to the left; crotons, papaw and soursop trees in the distance. The eye doesn’t know where to rest as it follows the colours, contours and textures of the delicately designed outdoor space.

It’s obvious that this is not a DIY project started in the later years of life but rather the result of a professional mastering a craft. It is a garden of love that thrives on mutual respect. The plants almost visibly respond to Gerry’s touch, leaning in as though he is an old friend they’ve been expecting.

“To the plants I am not a human. I am a living sculpture,” the former horticulturalist says. “You might ask how many plants we have but I don’t count. Plants are not possessions. You don’t own them.”

Tucked away in Buderim, there’s a gallery of a different kind.

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While Sally turns on sprinklers for thirsty occupants and assesses areas that need to be mulched, Gerry moves slowly around the garden. Today is a good day. The body is being kind as he uses only a walking stick for support.

“If I can walk in the garden and see something I planted years ago flowering for the first time, my heart is pleased,” he says. “You forget about the pain in your legs. It doesn’t exist anymore. You only think about the beautiful flower.”

While old age plays a part, the pain the 76-year-old experiences is also the result of a stroke suffered decades ago.

“Suddenly, it was a different ball game,” he recalls. “I was only 46 and I had to rethink what I was going to do with my life. I was in a wheelchair to start and only had the use of one hand and one leg.”

At the time Gerry was running his own commercial nursery in Bundaberg, but the severity of his condition forced him to sell the business and embrace an early retirement. His career as a horticulturalist came to an abrupt end but Gerry’s love affair with plants endured, becoming a therapy of sorts. It wasn’t long before he was back getting his hands dirty at home, planting, potting and propagating new life.

Gerry credits his positive attitude to his heritage and the example set by his father.

“With the Dutch, perseverance is the key. You develop this ‘get-on-with-life’ philosophy,” he says. “My father had polio and walked slumped to one side. The townspeople would call him The Hunchback of Notre Dame and I would walk beside him as they cursed at him. But he persevered. He didn’t consider himself disabled.”

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FOR EXTRA SALT visit saltmagazine.com.au to see more photos of Gerry and Sally’s property.

For Gerry, the seeds were planted at a young age, with his father setting up and operating glasshouses on an old dairy farm during World War II. A nurtured love of plants and botany grew into a clear career path which in due course led to Australia where he would eventually become the Brisbane Botanical Garden’s first fully qualified horticulturalist and met his future wife.

“We shared a love of the outdoors. We could sit in the bush together and contemplate life,” he says. For this dynamic duo, the old saying rings true; behind every great man there is a great woman.

“I couldn’t have done any of it without Sally,” Gerry says. “It’s teamwork. When I can’t do something, Sally fills in.”

While Sally had always enjoyed gardening, her chosen profession was as a general practitioner. However, through marriage and circumstance, Sally now has a green thumb as bright as any you’ll see.

“I do the maintenance: weeding, mulching and mowing,” she says. “I like plants that behave themselves and don’t require a lot of pruning, like the crotons and camellias.

“I’ve learned to look at every plant with suspicion. A big part of gardening is controlling antisocial plants that want to take over the world.”

When he’s not in his shed elbow deep in dirt, you’ll find Gerry at the Buderim Men’s Shed coordinating the garden interest group and all landscaping activities.

“There was a member with cerebral palsy who only had the use of one hand too. He said he’d wished someone had told him he could still do things … that he wasn’t useless,” he says. “They see that I can do things and hopefully I can inspire them.”

BOTANICAL WANDERINGSNOOSA BOTANIC GARDENSHost to a remarkable array of palms, fernery, flowerbeds and labelled plants, at Noosa Botanic Gardens you can surely find something fresh and interesting to talk about, think about, read and admire. where Noosa Botanic Gardens, Lake MacDonald Drive, Cooroy when Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3.30pm (closed public holidays) cost free entrynoosa.qld.gov.au

YANDINA COMMUNITY GARDENSWinner of the Sunshine Coast Council’s 2010 Glossies Award for Edible Landscapes, the Yandina Community Gardens were sown and grown to show locals on the Sunshine Coast how food can be grown easily, beautifully and organically through permaculture design principles. where Corner of North and Farrell Streets, Yandina when Monday and Saturday, 8am to noon and Tuesday 8am to 2pm cost free entry yandinacommunitygardens.com.au

MAROOCHY BUSHLAND BOTANIC GARDENSTraverse the walking trails with a conversational friend and take the chance to stop and admire the beautiful flora and fauna of the Sunshine Coast in passing. where Palm Creek Road, Tanawha (beside Tanawha Golf Course) when Open 7am-5pm (April to October) and 7am-6pm (November to March) cost free entry sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

OPEN GARDENS AUSTRALIAThree very different gardens including Joan’s garden of ornamental and edible plants, Mary’s loosely Japanese inspired garden and Terry’s relaxed Balinese garden with a tropical holiday feel. Note: not suitable for children due to unfenced swimming pools.where Units 1-2/26 and 1/28 Bluefin Court, Noosaville when October 25 to 26, 10am to 4.30pm cost $15 for three gardens opengarden.org.au

HOMEWARES

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THE BATHROOM IS THE ONE PLACE WHERE FRESHNESS AND FUNCTIONALITY ARE PARAMOUNT. IT’S WHERE MOST OF US SPEND OUR TIME PREENING.

SO HOW ABOUT A SPRING CLEAN? MODERN FIXTURES, LIGHTING, STORAGE AND A SPLASH OF CLEAN COLOUR WITH LOVELY ACCESSORIES ARE EASY TO ARRANGE.

STYLING BRISEIS ONFRAY

VANITY FAIR

Glass etched soap dispenser from $39.95. Available at Giddy and

Grace, Shop 2, 1 Maple Street, Maleny. 5494 3636

or giddyandgrace.com

Enamelled hurricane lantern $55, H210mm. Available at Watermelon Red, Shop 5, Peregian Boardwalk, 224-226 David Low Way, Peregian Beach. 5448 1452 or watermelonred.com.au

Elke Lucas ceramic soap dish $14.50, 90mm x 90mm. Available at Carole Tretheway Design, Shop

8b, Arcadia Walk, Noosa Heads. 5447 3255 or ct-design.com.au

Zillpa Mega Basket $77, W380mm. Available at Local Labels, Shop 16,

Bay Village, 18 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads. 0403 087 412

Gessi Goccia Basin Mixer Chrome $1,430 and Gessi Goccia Countertop Washbasin $1,293, 400mm. Available at NCP Bathroom Centres, 90-94 Sugar Road, Maroochydore. 5443 2522 or 21 Rene Street, Noosa. 5449 7577 or ncpbathroomcentres.com.au

Onsen cotton bamboo queen towels $39.95, 600gsm. Available at Domayne, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre, 11 to 55 Maroochy Boulevard, Maroochydore. 5443 5005 or domayneonline.com.au

Boutique showroomUnit 3, 35 Project Ave Noosaville, QLD Australia

jaredholmesfurniturebydesign.com

0424 438 810 Find us on facebook

Bespoke Furniture RentalsFor home staging and showcasing

property listings

“Jared Holmes has been a furniture maker and designer for over 17 years. A true craftsman, Jared has a passion

for original, bespoke and contemporary pieces.”

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Makoko wicker mirror with metal frame from D1120mm, $880. Available at Eileen Middleton, 9/2 Gloucester Centre, Main Street,

Buderim. 5456 2181 or eileenmiddleton.com.au

Sofia dressing stool $299, H460mm. Available at Design Initial, Maroochydore Homemaker Centre, 11-55 Maroochy Boulevard, Maroochydore. 5479 3286 or designinitial.com.au

You cube flexible cube system P.O.A. Pictured H900mm. Available at Jared Holmes Furniture By Design, Unit 3, 35 Project Avenue, Noosaville. 0424 438 810 or jaredholmesfurniturebydesign.com

HANDY DESIGN HINTS FROM NCP BATHROOM CENTRES

Lighting Your bathroom shouldn’t be a dark, dingy space. If you don’t think you will have sufficient light, investigate a skylight, LED lighting or large mirrors to ‘bounce’ the existing light around.

Storage Storage space is something that is often under-done in bathrooms. You need plenty of space to keep your towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, medicines and more tucked away so that everything looks fresh and tidy.

Accessories Good quality bathroom accessories will go a long way towards creating a relaxing, luxurious feel. Stylish soap dishes, heated towel rails, stainless steel toothbrush holders and other bathroom accessories can help you to make your space more personal and practical.

NCP Bathroom Centres, 90-94 Sugar Road, Maroochydore. 5443 2522 or 21 Rene Street, Noosa. 5449 7577 or ncpbathroomcentres.com.au

• building design • residential interiors• commercial interiors

• furniture consultancy & design • investment property refurbishments

p. 07 54473255 f. 07 54473299 e. carole@ct-design.com.au shop 8b arcadia walk po box 613 noosa heads qld 4567

enhance your life through designwww.ct-design.com.au

Servicing Brisbane, Sunshine Coastand Nationally

The phrase ‘nine to five’ has never entered the vocabulary of Peregian Beach’s Ross Patten. A LIFELONG ENTREPRENEUR and ideas man, he has made his way with an unshakeable confidence and keen eye for the next big thing. But little did he expect a small, red plastic box would be his meal ticket to the creative and career freedom he always craved. Like all truly brilliant ideas, the former Masterchef contestant’s Rice Cube was an invention born of the simplest intentions.

“It was simply a tool to get me through the Masterchef process,” Ross says. “I’m standing in Coles in Peregian in the rice aisle and I knew I wanted to do something geometric and was thinking how to cube couscous.

“I went back and put together a rudimentary prototype and it was perfect. I didn’t think about it as a product until the winner of the show Adam said ‘mate, when you’re finished can you send me one and I’ll get my girlfriend to make sushi with it’.”

Ross’s ‘little red cube that could’ is now for sale in 33 countries and more than 10,000 retail outlets across the world, picking up some of the homeware industry’s most prestigious awards along the way.

Its design reinvents the method of making sushi – and indeed any other cubed food that may take its user’s fancy – cutting down the mess and simplifying the process. But while the product’s invention may have come by chance, its success since is down to anything but luck. Determination is one trait Ross has never lacked.

“I’ve had that confidence since I was born,” he says. “I grew up in a family where I had an older brother and an older sister. They were four years older, so I was always keeping up with them.

MEET THE DESIGNER

OUTSIDE THE BOX

WORDS ALEX FYNES-CLINTON

PHOTO ANASTASIA KARIOFYLLIDIS

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Although he experienced various degrees of success and failure, he never stopped backing himself.

“I always had in the back of my mind that I needed my own product,” he says. “After I lost it all in the dot com crash, I was packing TNT trucks at 3 o’clock in the morning and using my days to think of my next venture. Ever since I was 13 and got ripped off, I always knew to have your own product is to have your own control. I have no boss – well, apart from my wife.”

Indeed, the success of the Rice Cube has enabled Ross to live life on his terms.

In demand from distributors all over the world, he grew tired of the midnight phone calls, so made the decision to pull his phone out of the wall and switch his mobile phone off. Email is now his only form of contact.

Along with his wife Margot, he also owns Peregian Beach’s The Romantic homewares store and The Loveshack Dumpling Bar and Cafe, the latter of which helped birth the 45-year-old’s latest invention – the Dumpling Cube.

With further plans to expand his product line and restaurant empire abroad, a little one on the way and new home being built, things aren’t slowing down any time soon. But you get the idea Ross wouldn’t have it any other way.

“This is a rollercoaster ride. It could fall over tomorrow, but that’s the nature of the business,” he says. “I’m responsible for my own success or failure entirely. It’s cool. It’s complete freedom.”

Visit The Loveshack Dumpling Bar and Cafe at Grebe Street, Peregian Beach or ricecube.net

“It gave me the confidence to do anything and that’s still the case. I’m almost over-confident. I guess I get a little bit obsessed: I’ll push an idea until it’s either fallen apart or succeeded.”

Indeed, the Rice Cube was not Ross’s first crack at invention. Whether he knew it or not at the time, the Melbourne-born entrepreneur was drawing on a lifetime of design experience when he dreamed up his break-through product. An ill-fated inventing experience as a fresh-faced teen strengthened a fledgling belief in his ideas and intuition.

“The first product I developed was when I was 13 years old, which I called a yak tail,” he says. “You pushed the arms of your sunglasses into it to hold them on your head while you were riding your bike. I’d take them to the local markets and people were buying them.

“There was nothing on the market like it, so I took it to a guy who in his Yellow Pages ad claimed to develop products. He stole the idea and 12 months later it was all over the place. He was rapt in the idea and copied it to a tee – even down to the little rubber components I had on the inside that I sat and stitched. I vowed at that point to never let anyone copy or profit from my ideas.”

Although it was always interesting, Ross’s career hasn’t always been easy going. Without any formal qualifications, he began a marketing and communications consulting business at 22, building it from the ground up and quickly landing accounts for big corporate clients. The venture brought him his first taste of business success, but a change of focus and ill-fated investment in the dot com boom had him back to square one soon after the turn of the new millennium.

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GREAT OUTDOORS

WORDS AARON WYNNE

OVER THE EDGE

For your chance to WIN an abseil for two people at Mt Tinbeerwah with Robin Leeman go tosaltmagazine.com.au

SPRING GIVEAWAY

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go bungee jumping to get over it and it totally worked. Now I have a fascination with being close to the edge.”

As I rappel down the cliff and past the halfway point my confidence is sky high. I’ve picked up the pace a little more and I’m starting to jump outwards and take bigger leaps with each movement. It’s the funny thing about doing anything adventurous – you start out questioning everything, but as you get going you are left wondering what else you might be capable of.

My new-found extremism is halted by what Robin yells next.

“OK! You’re doing really good, but you’re just about to come up to the big snake’s nest.”

He is, of course, joking but it doesn’t stop me from keeping a keen eye out for any slithering fellow climbers.

Moments later my feet touch the ground, I yell “clear” to Robin back at the top and I’ve done it. I look back up at the face, at the little ridges and tricky sections I have just conquered. However, rather than feeling relief or excitement that it is over I am genuinely left wanting more and wishing the peak was higher.

“We are hoping to have the 100 metre abseil run open soon,” Robin says. “Once we get it up and running it will be the longest single pitch commercial abseil in Queensland. That will be a whole different experience with two instructors, radios and an awesome 30 metre overhang section at the bottom.”

As we sit back at the top of the cliff and admire the final stages of the sun setting over Lake MacDonald and Mount Cooroy, I’m struck with the answer to my initial question. Yes, there probably is an easier way to get to the bottom, but I can guarantee it wouldn’t be anywhere near as much fun.

multisportecoadventuretours.com.au

I’m standing with my back to a sheer cliff face, my heels are hanging over the edge and only one thought is running through my mind: surely there’s an easier way to get to the bottom?

TODAY I’VE JOINED Multisport Eco Adventure Tours owner Robin Leeman on the top of Mount Tinbeerwah for a sunset abseiling session of the mountain’s 50-metre western face.

I have been lucky enough to abseil before but I think it was during a Year 7 school camp and I’m certain it wasn’t anything like 50 metres.

As Robin talks me through fitting my harness and the safety briefing, I casually ask how long he has been lowering people down cliff faces. “Oh, this is actually my first day,” Robin laughs as I stare back in horror. “Nah, I’ve been working in outdoor education and tours now for over six years.”

Before long the time for talking is over. I take one last look down the drop (probably not a good idea), take in a confident word from my fearless instructor and shuffle my way over the edge. Within seconds I am starting to feel my grip on the rope relax, I sit back into my harness and take note of how lucky I am to be in this beautiful setting. I’m like Bear Grylls’s slightly less coordinated cousin as I begin to gain confidence, start to pick up the pace and genuinely revel in the challenge.

As I look back up the cliff face, I can see Robin’s big grin looking over the edge. He knows I’m enjoying myself and it’s something he really seems to thrive on. While in hospitality and looking for a change, Robin was blown away by guys telling him they could go rafting and kayaking for a living.

“At first I couldn’t even understand,” Robin says. “I was like ‘what do you mean you get to do that stuff for a living?’ So basically I did my training and now I’m abseiling, hiking and whatever pretty much everyday.”

Robin can sympathise with people’s fear of stepping out of their comfort zone having overcome similar challenges himself.

“As a younger guy I had a really serious fear of heights,” he says as he’s crouching next to the vertical drop. “I literally forced myself to

THE LOW DOWNAbseiling dates back to the 1870s.The method of descent is used by rescue organisations and the military for recovery or tactical missions.Multisport Eco Adventure Tours run a range of activities including hiking, canoeing, camping and many more. For more information call 0438 438 499 or visit multisportecoadventuretours.com.auAbseiling sessions are suited to age eight and up and an average level of fitness is required.The 50-metre abseil costs $89 per person, which includes as many descends as you like in the half-day session.

Visit: www.globetrotting.com.auWe’re a booking agency specialising in tailored

horse riding holidays to all corners of the globe.

LOVE TO RIDE? LIVE TO TRAVEL?

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CLIMATE No wonder it’s called the Sunshine Coast, with an average of seven hours of sunshine daily (one of the highest amounts in the world). Spring (September to November) days are always popular with visitors with an average temperature between 13°C to 25°C and an ocean temperature of 22°C. Temperatures in the hinterland can be several degrees cooler.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYSSeptember 20, 2014 to October 6, 2014.

MARKETSCaloundra Country Markets, 17 Buderim Street, Currimundi, every Sunday. Caloundra Markets, Bulcock Street, Caloundra, every Sunday, 8am to 1pm.Cotton Tree Street Market, King Street, Cotton Tree, every Sunday, 7am to noon. Eumundi Courtyard Village Market, 76 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, every Saturday, 8am to 2pm, Wednesday 8.30am to 1pm. Fishermans Road Sunday Markets, Fishermans Road, Maroochydore, every Sunday, 6am to noon.Kawana Waters Farmers’ Market, Stern Street (Sportsman Parade end), every Saturday, 7am to noon. Maleny Market, Maple Street, every Sunday, 8am to 2pm. Nights On Ocean, Ocean Street, Maroochydore, second Friday of the month from 5pm.Noosa Farmers’ Market, AFL Grounds, Weyba Road, Noosaville, every Sunday, 7am to noon.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERSAmbulance, Fire Brigade, Police, Coastguard, Rescue .....................000Poisons Information Centre ..............131 126Ambulance Transport .......................131 233

TRAVELLING DISTANCESBrisbane to Caloundra........................ 100kmBrisbane to Mooloolaba ..................... 105kmBrisbane to Nambour ........................ 110kmBrisbane to Noosa ............................ 148kmNoosa to Montville ............................ 56 kmMooloolaba to Maleny ....................... 41kmCaloundra to Kenilworth .................... 77km

SURF SAFETY PATROLS (Times vary between 7am – 5pm)Year round 7 days/week Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach, Coolum Beach, Twin Waters Resort, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Dicky Beach, Kings Beach.

TO STAY SAFE AT THE BEACH REMEMBER:Too much exposure to the sun can cause serious damage to your skin. Make sure whenever you are going in the sun that you take adequate precautions.

SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, SEEK AND SLIDESlip on a shirt (preferably a long-sleeved shirt).Slop on the sunscreen (+30 reapply as needed).Slap on a hat.Seek some shade.Slide on wrap around UV protective sunglasses.It’s also a good idea to avoid direct exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day – between the hours of 10am and 3pm – and try to take advantage of shade when possible.

ALEXANDRA HEADLANDS

NOOSAVILLE

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TOURIST INFORMATION

NOOSA SUN SPACES

@SALTMAG

Dear salt-y readers,

We hope you are enjoying your spring dose of salt.

Why not follow us @saltmag and share your Sunny Coast moments.

It’s the quirky, unexpected things which make our salt-y hearts smile the most so hashtag #saltmag to share the love.

The team at salt. xx

USEFUL INFORMATION WHEN VISITING THE SUNSHINE COAST

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DIRECTORY

ADVERTISE WITH SALT FOR FREE*Each edition salt gives away a third page advertisement worth $1100 to a worthy non-profit organisation that tugs on our salt strings. This edition we’re proud to donate a third page advertisement to Team Adem. If you know or are a part of a non-profit organisation that needs to spread the word, please let us know. To find out more visit saltmagazine.com.au and click on the free ad link.

DENTAL

Riverside Dental offers swift, accurate and pain free treatments. Friendly advice and great value.

Suite 2/17 Thomas Street, Noosaville. 5455 5066 or 0432 907 559 (after hours)riversidedental.com.au

ELECTRICAL

Looking for a reliable and prompt electrician? green energy electrical services the domestic, industrial and commercial industries.Accredited in solar grid connect.Call Steven Pilcher for a no obligation free quote on 0421 162 007 greenenergyelectrical.com.au

MEDICAL

BULK BILLGeneral Practice and Skin Check ClinicOpen 8am - 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am - 5pm Saturday and Sunday. Coolum Village Shopping Centre 8-26 Birtwill Street, Coolum Beach. 5471 6333lookingafteryourhealth.com.au

BULK BILLPeregian Springs Doctors Open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday At the new Coles Peregian Springs Shopping Centre, 1 Ridgeview Drive (formerly Havana Road West)Peregian Springs, 1st floor above Amcal Pharmacy. 5471 2600lookingafteryourhealth.com.au

SKIN

Early skin cancer detection. Scan QR code with smartphone for details

Surgical and non-surgical treatments.Suite 1, Kawana Private Hospital, 5 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya. 5438 8889skinsurveillance.com

Would you like to advertise in our directory? Contact salt magazine 0438 851 981

NOOSA SUN SPACES

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MAP

Map Disclaimer: This map was not created to any scale, and no claim is made to its accuracy. Most natural features are eliminated, as are changes in elevation. This map does provide a starting point for finding your way around. Map depicted is subject to change.

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SHOPPING CENTRES: MAP KEY:DINING PRECINCT:

ON THE COVER: Mudjimba Beach

http://viridiannoosa.com.au

“ IS BORN OF THE PUREST PARENTS, THE SUN AND THE SEA” PYTHAGORAS