Being pregnant is definitely no picnic when you work full time. It’s not so much the unrelenting heartburn, the inconvenient nausea which can rear its ugly head at any moment, the need to know where a toilet is at all times or the excruciating pain you get in your stomach when you sneeze too hard. But what can be harder to handle are the waves of imbalanced hormones that send your emotions on a rollercoaster, with the smallest trigger evoking a tsunami of tears.

So when I had the opportunity to join Jules and Pete from Broken Ballerina last week for a private back-to-school shopping experience for families and children who had suffered from domestic and family violence, I knew it would be an emotional experience.

These were tears of joy I shed of course, seeing the faces of children light up as they ran around the store choosing bags, shoes and drink bottles, so proud of their choices which clearly reflected the colourful personalities in their hearts. I watched as two sisters, who were placed in foster care black and blue from abuse at the hands of their father, went back and forth picking shoes and comparing colours. Another young girl with a rare medical condition, also in foster care, beamed as she looked at her new school items, clearly excited to show her friends at school.

In the moment, I held back the tears and listened eagerly to the kids tell me about their choices. Once I got back to my car, I let those tears flow. The experience had touched me deeply. As we run around in our busy worlds, we often forget that there are people in our community going through terrifying trauma. It’s so important that if we know domestic or family violence is happening, that we speak up, before it’s too late.

As my heart ached for the children who smiled through their emotional and physical scars, my unborn baby gave me a kick and wriggle from within. All children deserve to be raised surrounded by love.

Amanda

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As the rain pelted down in the early hours of Tuesday, January 17, a pregnant Angel McKay awoke in pain in her home in Crediton, 12km from the Eungella township.

With her partner Dean Gajda and her mother Shona by her side, it became clear that her first child was arriving earlier than expected.

“It was starting to get a bit more serious, so we ended up calling the hospital and they were like, ‘Yeah, you need to try and get into the hospital,’” said Mr Gajda.

This was an impossible task due to the rain event cutting the range and flooding bridges between Crediton and Eungella, so the rural fire brigade and local members were contacted.

“All the community basically dropped what they were doing, and it was all hands on deck,” said Mr Gajda.

Dalrymple Rural Fire Brigade First Officer Ian Smith and his wife, who live in Eungella, trekked the 12km in their 4WD equipped with chainsaws and shovels to remove anything that stood in their way, bringing the family back to their home.

Mr Smith also utilised his 4WD and tractor to bring local retired Doctor Beryl, off-duty Nurse Sue and General Practitioner Emma, as well as some pain relief, to the home to assist in the delivery.

Within an hour and a half of arriving at Mr Smith’s house, Ms McKay gave birth to her first child Hayley Anne Gajda on Smith family’s lounge room floor at 9:45am.

“If it wasn’t for them and if it wasn’t for (Mr Smith) coming to pick us up, we would be up shit’s creek,” said Mr Gajda.

“A massive, massive thanks to Ian Smith and the crew that helped bring our baby girl into this world because it’s just phenomenal.”

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Angel McKay gave birth to baby Hayley with assistance from retired doctor Beryl, GP Emma and nurse Sue

Father Dean Gajda said baby Hayley is happy and healthy. Photos supplied

If you need a job done, ask a Queenslander. The generous spirit which lives among the Sunshine State is one of the many things that makes it a great place to live. The generosity shines brighter in times of disaster, where a person will give the literal shirt off their back to help another in crisis.

It’s heart-warming to see the local community come together in times of need, and although this week’s flooding event wasn’t as bad as anticipated, it didn’t stop proactive locals from preparing should the Pioneer River have burst its banks.

Steven Taylor was one such humble hero, who put a post on the Mackay Noticeboard on Facebook, asking if people needed assistance in filling sandbags.

He wrote, “If anyone needs help filling up sandbags or moving them, feel free to message me, happy to help.

“I’ve been unsuccessful in finding anywhere to get empty sandbags to fill but am happy to help in other ways if needed by anyone.”

The post was met with much praise from grateful residents who lived within the warning areas and were preparing their properties for the possibility of inundation.

More than 1 metre of rain fell in Finch Hatton during the weather event, with Mackay Weather Chasers posting rain totals as at 6am Tuesday morning. At that time Finch Hatton had recorded 1013mm with more falling later that day.

In the Mackay region, Eungella came in next with 734mm, closely followed by the Northern Beaches suburb of Bucasia with 689mm. Mackay itself recorded 594mm.

The severe weather warning was cancelled on Tuesday evening, with locals breathing a sigh of relief that this wet season downpour wasn’t as intense as the 2008 flood, which dropped the same amount of rain as this event, but in a more ferocious fashion within a 24-hour period.

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Police arrested an alleged armed robber in Moranbah last week on January 12, arresting a man on the same day the alleged crime took place.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton said that police will allege that at approximately 5.45am on January 12, a man approached a Griffin Street, Moranbah business wielding a knife and demanding money.

The store assistant managed to exit the shop with the alleged offender also fleeing the scene.

Police attended the store and after viewing CCTV images, managed to identify the man.

Police attended an address in Hannan Drive, Moranbah and arrested a 35-year-old Moranbah man.

During the arrest it is alleged the 35-year-old man assaulted and obstructed police. He has since been charged.

The man appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on January 13, charged with enter premises to commit indictable offence, attempted armed robbery, obstruct police, serious assault of a police officer causing harm, possess utensil or pipes etc in connection with smoking drugs and failure to dispose of needle and syringe.

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Back to school was made brighter for survivors of domestic violence, foster parents and their children last week, with the generosity of individuals and local businesses providing the essentials to start the school year off with a smile.

Families affiliated with local domestic violence support organisation Broken Ballerina Inc. were treated to a private shopping experience at Rebel Sport last Friday morning, where a generous couple from the Whitsundays joined the families to pay for school shoes, bags and drink bottles. The couple also gave grocery vouchers to the families.

Officeworks filled the children’s book list orders free of charge and Jules and Pete Thompson from Broken Ballerina delivered the book list boxes to the families. Previously, Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre also donated $1,500 worth of gift cards to be used towards the purchase of school uniforms, as well as coffee vouchers for the parents.

Domestic violence has a serious impact on children and families, with those parents who flee a dangerous situation often left stranded trying to pick up the pieces. Not only is the physical and mental trauma scarring, but the financial burden can become unbearable to cope with.

Broken Ballerina Inc. help domestic violence survivors and their families immediately after escaping from a dangerous situation. Often, they assist with emergency accommodation and care packs to help a parent who has been left with nothing.

When it comes to back-to-school, a time that falls straight after Christmas, the financial outlay can be difficult for a single parent starting from scratch.

Local Whitsundays couple Dr Allan Cook and his wife Pam Cook knew that while families are often gifted assistance at Christmas, the rest of the year is forgotten, with back-to-school being one of the most financially stressful times for parents.

Dr Cook said he used to support Anglicare, which was founded by psychologist John Langford. John passed around a year ago and the couple wanted to ensure they supported an organisation making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged locals.

Pam said she discovered Broken Ballerina and after some time following what Jules did for the community, Pam knew she wanted to support the not-for-profit organisation.

“I knew they had enough goodies for Christmas, I thought back-to-school support would be more beneficial in helping these families,” Pam said.

“I suffered at the hands of domestic violence for more than 30 years.

“My sons never had anything new, we had nothing,” Pam added.

“I finally left when the doctor said my ex-husband would kill me if I didn’t leave.

“I’m thankful I met a kind man like Allan, we’ve been together 15 years this week which is wonderful.

“We want to help others since we are in a position to do so, it means a lot to me to be able to help women who have been in similar situations to what I faced during my first marriage.”

Dr Cook said for years the couple donated to many charities, including overseas charities helping children in need, but after many large charities were exposed for using funds inappropriately, he said the couple now focus on charities who make a difference locally.

“We know with Broken Ballerina that every dollar we donate will be used locally,” he said.

The generosity left parents and foster parents in awe as it made the school year easier to face. The grins on the children’s faces were unforgettable, as children aged from prep to teenagers relished the opportunity to shop for brand new items instead of the hand-me-downs many had become accustomed to throughout their lives.

Rebel Sport Customer Service Manager Luke Taylor said after hearing Broken Ballerina’s story he thought it would be a great idea for the children and their families to have an intimate shopping experience before the store opened to the public.

“We had our staff here from 8am to 9am so the focus could be solely on these families,” Luke said.

“We also donated gift bags as a thank you from Rebel for shopping with us, which has a drink bottle and some games for the kids like a hacky sack and some other items.

“There are opportunities for us to support other groups with private shopping experiences for interested organisations,” Luke added.

After shopping at Rebel Sport, Jules headed to Officeworks to collect the back-to-school boxes from store manager, Scott Marlow.

“We’re happy to help Broken Ballerina clients with their book lists again this year, some of the families have three or four kids and we’ve helped 18 children this year,” Scott said.

“Education is one of our key focuses and if we can help these children go to school with everything they need it puts them in the right stead to fit in and achieve academically to make bigger things happen for them.

“We also help the Smith Family throughout the year to assist local children with their school needs. Our back-to-school appeal helps us to fundraise each year to help local children. We hope to sponsor 18 disadvantaged students this year with funds to help them with school supplies, uniforms and school excursions.”

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Office works store manager Scott Marlow (left) donated 18 school lists of stationary for clients of Jules and Pete Thompson (centre and right) from Broken Ballerina Inc. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Pam cook (left) and Jules Thompson (right) help local families with a back-to-school shopping experience at Rebel Sport. Photo credit: Amanda Wright

Rebel Sport provided a private shopping experience for clients of Broken Ballerina to shop for school supplies. Photo credits: Amanda Wright

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been criticised for his whirlwind visit to Mackay last week on Wednesday which lasted less than an hour.

In his visit, he met select media in a Mackay pharmacy to speak about the rising cost of living, briefly speaking to some customers afterwards.

“As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, right around the world, we're seeing inflation in many countries go to double digits. That's placing real pressure on people's cost of living,” he said.

But Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox said the trip was a ‘photo opportunity’ which would have been better spent reinstating funding for the region’s roads, tackling the regional worker shortage or addressing the recent mental health cuts under the Albanese Government.

“It’s no wonder locals in our neck of the woods say they feel overlooked by the Labor Government when stunts like this happen. Dawson deserves better,” Mr Willcox said.

Some residents took to Facebook to criticise the Prime Minister for the brief visit.

“Once he got past Gympie, he forgot he was in Australia,” wrote one.

Another claimed he spent more time at the cricket and the Woodfolk Folk Festival than in Mackay.

Mr Albanese has been criticised previously for his brief visits, being donned by some as ‘Airbus Albo.’

But local Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert, not seen at the media event, took to social media to thank the Prime Minister for coming to Mackay.

Mr Willcox took aim at the Agriculture Minister’s ‘failure to engage’ with farmers in the Dawson region during his visit.

“Most people would have no idea he was in Dawson because he didn’t do anything. I had hoped that the Minister would speak about the extended crushing season or the struggle for producers to find workers,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Minister should be making every effort to meet with local industry leaders and those on the ground doing the hard yakka to get product to market.

“What good is a Minister for Agriculture who comes along for the ride? Our Ag sector does so much for this country, but it’s taken for granted by Labor.”

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Glen Clark, pharmacist at T + C Pharmacy in Mackay met Prime Minister Albanese during the PM’s brief visit to Mackay last week

No cats were seen during this week’s torrential deluge, but Mackay’s faithful police dog, Griffin, was spotted having fun in-between deployments.

Sergeant Nigel Dalton of the Mackay Police said that the rain was fairly normal at this time of the year, but there are still risks to the community posed by flooding and hidden dangers.

“It’s welcomed rain that makes our area stunning for the rest of the year but with all weather events there comes danger if we are not careful and responsible,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“Police over the weekend have had a challenging time and have to react to many different situations quickly with other emergency crews, even our own dog section were out and about helping.”

Dog Squad Sergeant Jacob Bates took photos while Police Dog Griffin was having a rest between deployments.

“Police Dog Griffin noticed flood waters and was soon back in the Police Ute before any danger came by,” Sergeant Dalton said.

“It is important to look after each other when there is flood water around, keep children and pets out of flood water in case hidden dangers approach.

“People and animals can be swept away creating further dangerous situations for rescuers.

“Do not underestimate the ferocity of the flood waters and wet roads.

“If it’s flooded, forget it – even if you are on foot.”

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PD Griffin enjoyed down time between deployments to assist with flooding. Photo credits: Dog Squad Sergeant Jacob Bates

Police assisted a car stuck in floodwater near the Victoria Plains Road in North Eton. Photo Credit: Mackay Police

You might be waiting a little longer this week for your fresh supply of Eungelladale milk, but when stocks are replenished, we recommend buying an extra bottle.

The locally made milk comes from Eungella cows and is pasturised and bottled in Eungella, supplying fresh and creamy milk to Mackay.

When this week’s rain caused devastation to the Eungella Range with flooding and slips, Eungelladale Dairy owner Dale Fortescue showed his dedication to dairy.

Posting on social media, Dale said he and his son walked 1.5 miles up the Eungella Range to get home for milking.

“There are a lot of rocks on the range, it will take a week or so to clear, so shops may be short of Eungelladale milk,” he said.

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Dale Fortescue from Eungelladale Dairy climbed 1.5 miles of the Eungella Range to milk his cows after damage to the range prevented vehicle access. Photo credit: Eungelladale Dairy

A world-leading Future Foods BioHub in Mackay is a step closer with the Queensland Government partnering with Cauldron, Asia-Pacific’s first large-scale precision fermentation manufacturing launchpad, to develop a business case.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said a future contract manufacturing facility will generate local jobs and play an important role in meeting global demand for food.

“The proposed fermented Future Foods contract manufacturing facility will provide the large-scale fermentation capacity needed by Future Foods fermentation companies to produce their products at scale,” Mr Miles said.

“We made a commitment at the last election to deliver a business case for a BioHub in the Mackay region.

“We are delivering on that commitment by funding up to $528,000 and partnering with Cauldron to get it done.

“The proposed $300 million facility will provide the anchor infrastructure Queensland needs to catalyse a new commercial-scale industry, complement the region’s agricultural and manufacturing strengths, protect existing jobs in the sugar industry, diversify the local economy and create new local jobs.

“Nationally, CSIRO estimates the fermented Future Foods industry could produce close to $1.1 billion worth of retail products and up to 2,020 jobs by 2030.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the Government was prioritising creating a Future Foods BioHub in Mackay.

“Locally, the industry, including the Greater Whitsunday Alliance, have a long-term vision to manufacture bioproducts using the region’s unique strengths, such as its ample biomass feedstock and transport networks and port,” Ms Gilbert said.

“With a Future Foods BioHub that enables this growth and supports the local vision, the Palaszczuk Government and Cauldron are looking to capture these benefits for Queensland.”

Cauldron Founder and CEO Michelle Stansfield said she looked forward to working with the Queensland Government.

“Australia has a unique opportunity to become a regional powerhouse in precision fermentation and unlock future breakthroughs in science, technology, and medicine, in combination,” Ms Stansfield said.

“Working hand in hand with regions like Mackay, we will be able to create new jobs and unlock future opportunities to create more food, fibre and feed for the world.

“We commend the Queensland Government for its commitment to help plan the future of our regional jobs, resources and capabilities.”

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Fermented foods could become an important industry in the Mackay Region with the announcement of a Future Foods BioHub supported by the Queensland Government

A 31-year-old man has died following a single vehicle crash near Nebo earlier this week, on January 16.

The man’s upturned vehicle was located at about 11.20pm Monday evening just off the Peak Downs Highway, around 10kms from the township of Nebo.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a 31-year-old from Nebo, died at the scene.

Investigations by the Forensic Crash Unit are continuing.

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Patients across Central Queensland recovering from heart procedures are now able to access rehabilitation care and monitoring from home, no matter where in the region they live.

Mater Private Hospital Townsville has introduced virtual cardiac rehabilitation services for patients unable to attend face to face sessions due to distance or lack of transport. The virtual rehabilitation includes two video consultations a week with a specialist clinician complemented by a phone application developed by Queensland scientific technology company Cardihab, which tracks patients’ heart rate, blood pressure, steps walked and more.

Mackay resident Sharon Nuttall said the virtual rehabilitation sessions allowed her to recover from home.

“I’m fit and healthy, and exercise regularly – I used to jog 6 km or swim 30 laps, however a coronary calcium scan showed my overall calcium score was well above average and my main artery was 70 per cent blocked,” Ms Nuttall said.

“I was admitted to Mater Private Hospital Townsville and underwent a triple bypass. Following the procedure, staff discussed Mater’s virtual rehabilitation program with me which would allow me to rehabilitate from home rather than having to travel.

“Mater’s virtual cardiac rehabilitation program is a great idea, especially for regional areas of Queensland without ready access to specialist care. I’m still completing my rehabilitation program but am already feeling the difference.”

Mater Private Hospital Townsville Exercise Physiologist Shaun Whiley said prior to the pilot program, participation rates for cardiac rehabilitation in regional areas was low.

“The virtual rehabilitation program began following our Allied Health Manager and I identifying that a large number of cardiac patients from areas outside of Townsville would not adhere to any sort of rehabilitation or care plan until their six week consultation with a cardiologist,” Mr Whiley said. “Rehabilitation is vitally important, not only because research suggests that those who do not rehabilitate following heart procedures have a higher chance of being rehospitalised, but so these people can return to their normal lives: we are from a region where everyone is very physical and social in work, social and family settings.

“Knowing that these sessions have given patients the confidence to return to normal following what can be in many cases very significant procedures is why cardiac rehabilitation is so important.

“Delivering virtual rehabilitation means regional and remote communities do not have to drive two or three hours to access a clinician. Participants to date have been from Mackay, Charters Towers, Ravenshoe and more – if there is anyone who cannot access cardiac rehabilitation in their region, from Mackay up to the Cape and West to the border, Mater is here.”

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Mackay Resident Sharon Nuttall (on screen) with Mater Private Hospital Townsville Exercise Physiologist Rachel Armstrong

Wet weather can be a challenge for lawn care, but it's important to take steps to keep your lawn healthy during this time. One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that your lawn is properly drained. This means ensuring that there is no standing water on your lawn, as this can lead to mold, fungus, and other problems.

Another key step in keeping your lawn healthy during wet weather is to make sure that it is getting the right amount of fertilisation. This means using a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for use during wet weather. It is also important to apply the fertiliser at the right time, as applying it during periods of heavy rain can wash it away before it can be absorbed by the grass.

In addition to proper drainage and fertilisation, it's also important to mow your lawn at the right height during wet weather. This means cutting your grass to a slightly longer length than normal, as this will help to reduce the amount of damage caused by heavy rain and foot traffic.

Finally, it's important to be mindful of the types of activities you're doing on your lawn during wet weather. Avoid heavy foot traffic, as this can compact the soil and make it more difficult for your lawn to absorb water and nutrients. Also, avoid using heavy equipment, as this can damage the soil and make it more difficult for your lawn to recover.

By following these tips, you'll be able to keep your lawn healthy and vibrant during wet weather, despite the challenges it can present. With a little extra care and attention, you can help ensure that your lawn stays green and beautiful, no matter what the weather has in store.

TOP MOWING TIPS

• When mowing in damp conditions, it's important to keep your mower clean and well-maintained to prevent mould and other issues.

• After mowing, clean the deck and tires with a wire brush and scrape the deck with a putty knife.

• Mow more frequently to prevent tall, wet grass, and raise the mower deck to the highest or second-highest setting.

• If conditions are bad, use side-discharge instead of bagging or mulching.

• Keep your mower blades sharp for a crisp cut and healthy grass.

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With many hot days and nights on the horizon, many homeowners are looking to upgrade their outdoor spaces, and with the rise of stay-at-home work opportunities, backyard pools have become more popular than ever. Here are some of the top pool design trends for 2023 to help you create the ultimate backyard oasis.

• Natural Materials: Bring nature into your everyday life. The use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and plants is becoming increasingly popular in pool design. This not only adds a touch of the sublime to the space but also helps to create a more seamless transition between the pool and the surrounding landscape.

• Negative Edges: Negative edge pools, also known as infinity pools, create the illusion of the water extending out into the horizon. This type of pool design is perfect for those with a view and can help to enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.

• Lighting: Lights, camera (for the poolside selfies) and you have action! In 2023, homeowners are opting for more modern and energy-efficient options such as LED lights. These lights can be controlled by a smartphone or tablet and can change colours to match the mood or occasion.

• Water Features: Water features such as waterfalls and fountains are still as popular as ever, although, have they ever been out of fashion? Not only do they add visual interest to the aesthetic, but they also provide the soothing sound of running water.

• Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces: To create the ultimate backyard oasis, many homeowners are opting to include outdoor kitchens and living spaces as part of their pool design. This allows for easy entertaining and extends the living space of the home.

• Sustainable Design: As homeowners become more environmentally conscious, sustainable design is becoming increasingly important in pool design. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient equipment, and the incorporation of natural filtration systems.

Pool design trends for 2023 are all about creating an outdoor living space that seamlessly integrates with nature, while still being modern and energy-efficient. With the right design, you can create the ultimate backyard oasis that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

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In 2023 we are embarking on a journey of some exciting new trends that we will be seeing in our homes. There are so many to share with you, so we will break them down over the next few articles, and this year it’s all about personalization. What better place to kick off the new year than the central hub of the home, the kitchen.

Our kitchens are such an important space as they not only provide functionality, but they also provide a zone to share socially with family and friends where lifetime memories are created. It’s also the area which can be the most expensive to remodel or design from scratch although can add significant value to your home so can be well worth it.

The kitchen should be a place that truly showcases your personality, filled with all the things that are important to you and your family.

Today we are sharing some exciting new kitchen innovation designs that not only look stunning but also make our lives easier in many ways.

Gone are the days of walking into a kitchen and seeing large appliances everywhere which are usually in stainless or metal materials. These items perform an important function in our homes although do we have to see them so dominantly? The answer is no.

Integrated fridges create a seamless uninterrupted flow in the kitchen design and who doesn’t like a secret door?  They look neat and tidy and with innovation progressing at light speed we are now also seeing models which have water stations either internally or recessed into the cabinetry which are easily accessible.

We all love our furry friends so why not embrace a practical and thoughtful trend of incorporating feeding and watering stations into our kitchens. Gone are the days of bowls strewn through the home, this way it’s all neat and tidy and everything is at your fingertips. You may also wish to install a motion censored feeder.

In kitchen sink designs we are seeing other materials being used instead of the boring stainless steel or metal. We are seeing marble, granite, or enamel in stunning colours which just pop. New designs are countersunk and seamless just like an inground swimming pool. If you feel like splurging a little, we are also seeing automating disappearing sinks in stone, metal and ceramic, which are not only very cool in operation, they also provide further bench space.

Are you sick of seeing that massive stainless steel rangehood which never seems perfectly polished, or that ugly pull-out exhaust? We are seeing two innovative design solutions coming through in 2023. Firstly, we are seeing fully integrated exhausts that you no longer pull which sit flush under the cabinetry. Free standing exhausts are now being made a feature which feel like they are an intentional part of the kitchen design by tiling them, or you can make them become an independent feature if you wish in a contrasting colour or material like reclaimed timber.

Cooktops have evolved significantly to not only look cohesively beautiful but to be so much more practical in providing further bench space when not in use, like the invisible induction cooktop or if you are a gas loving cook why not opt for the new integrating burners which have granite or marble surrounds flowing from the benchtops instead of sitting on a piece of black ceramic or glass.

If you would like to design, re model or cosmetically spruce up your kitchen contact Tracey from Style Central Home for a complimentary initial consultation.

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By Sam Gillespie

I recently visited Bali over the new year’s period and, while some cocktails were consumed, the latter half of my trip was spent in the quieter area of Ubud, a town surrounded by rainforest and rice paddies known for its traditional crafts and dance.

It was in Ubud that I tried yoga for the first time, as the rain pitter-pattered on the shelter at our villa, overlooking rice fields of a lush green.

I know that I lack flexibility and strength – I struggle to even cross my legs, giving me a disadvantage from the start – and this experience truly highlighted that, but it also highlighted how frequently practising yoga can improve these abilities.

It was through poses like Downward Facing Dog, Warrior poses, Extended Side Angle and my feeble yet spirited attempts at more difficult poses like Forearm Stands and Formidable Face Poses that I realised the glaring benefits of yoga.

Our friendly and flexible instructor, Ambara, guided us through these poses with grace and encouragement, his movements a testament to how yoga can improve one’s body.

Physical benefits of yoga can include increased flexibility, increased muscle strength and tone, improved respiration, energy and vitality, maintaining a balanced metabolism, weight reduction, cardio and circulatory health, improved athletic performance and protection from injury.

Similarly, there is a meditation and breathing element to yoga that can help improve one’s mental wellbeing.

The calming effects of yoga were amplified by my setting, with regular yoga practice creating mental clarity and calmness, increased body awareness and a state of relaxation.

I worked up a far bigger sweat than I was expecting, giving my upper body the most intense workout I’m sure it’s received in a long time.

It was an eye-opening experience and one that has inspired me to take up yoga more regularly, with the innumerable benefits all things I could do with more in my life.

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