Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and restore balance. In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment and those struggling with infertility.

Acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect on fertility in several ways. Firstly, acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are known to negatively impact fertility. Research has shown that stress can interfere with ovulation and sperm production, so reducing stress levels can improve the chances of conception.

Secondly, acupuncture can improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which can enhance the chances of successful embryo implantation. Thirdly, acupuncture can regulate hormonal imbalances and improve the quality and quantity of eggs produced by the ovaries.

Acupuncture can also support couples during the IVF process by reducing side effects associated with fertility medications and promoting relaxation before and after embryo transfer.

However, as with any medical treatment, there are risks associated with acupuncture. The most common risk is mild discomfort or bruising at the needle insertion site. It is essential to choose a licensed and qualified acupuncturist who has experience in treating infertility.

Acupuncture can be a valuable addition to the fertility journey for couples undergoing IVF or struggling with infertility. It can help reduce stress, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormonal imbalances, and enhance the quality and quantity of eggs produced. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to choose a licensed and qualified acupuncturist.

Contact the team at Art of Acupuncture to learn how they can help. You can find Art of Acupuncture at 19 Palmer St, North Mackay or phone 0421 185 041.

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North Queensland’s Pick Paradise workforce attraction campaign has re-launched for the 2023 growing season, encouraging workers to experience what the Whitsunday region has to offer.

Following a successful “social media blitz” in 2022, this year’s campaign is focusing on the connection and friendship found as workers travel and support local growers.

Combined with destination imagery, the campaign hopes to inspire both domestic and international workers to book a ticket to the region, promising adventure, beauty, and the perfect work and holiday balance.

An audience of 391,000 was reached by the Pick Paradise campaign in 2022, generating strong interest from workers both domestically and globally – a target this year’s campaign hopes to match.

Metrics from the first phase, combined with worker and grower sentiment, means Pick Paradise 2023 will tighten its spread, though, focusing on target markets who are ready to travel to the Whitsundays and North Queensland for work in the horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture sectors.

Bowen Gumlu Growers Association Chief Executive Officer, Ry Collins, said the launch of Pick Paradise 2023 was timed to entice workers to the region when growers need them most.

“Highlighting the beauty of the region and the diversity of roles on offer was a great success in 2022,” Mr Collins said.

“In 2023 we once again aim to support our industry through this platform and look forward to the vibrancy and economic benefits that an engaged workforce brings to the region.”

Pick Paradise campaign hopes to capitalise on its website and free jobs board – a successful component of the previous attraction term. Close to 10,000 users visited the site in 2022, with the platform offering growers a large audience to share position vacancies and potential workers valuable information about the region and what is involved in farm work.

Colette Williams, Agriculture Workforce Officer, said the Pick Paradise website is an important tool for both growers and working holiday makers.

“The website has become a one-stop-shop for potential workers,” she said, “they can find all of the important information on travel, accommodation, leisure activities and work, and then easily apply for the jobs on offer.”

“The diversity of positions available across the region really means there is something for everyone considering a working holiday in North Queensland”.

As the growing season commences for 2023, local producers are encouraged to visit the Bowen Gumlu Growers Association website for more information on how to post jobs to the Pick Paradise website.

In addition, growers and workers can use the hashtag #pickparadise when posting to social media to spread the word on the campaign.

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The successful Pick Paradise agricultural worker campaign is relaunching for 2023 with hopes to bring more seasonal workers to the region

The Whitsundays has been named the most affordable place to live in Queensland, followed closely by Mackay, in a study completed by PRD’s Chief Economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo.

“Both local government areas tick the boxes for having a much lower median house price than Brisbane Metro, strong investment indicators, a lot of future projects, and looks like not much supply planned,” she explains.

“Slower price growth is now evident; this makes house prices more affordable and creates opportunities for owner-occupiers and investors.”

This news gives prospective home buyers more confidence in the market and also encourages future growth of our region.

The median house price in the Whitsundays is $440,000 and over the last 10 years there has been a 10 per cent growth.

Meanwhile, Mackay’s median house price is $435,000 and their growth has been 0.5 per cent over the past 10 years.

The rental yield in the Whitsundays is 5.3 per cent and the vacancy rate is just 0.2 per cent.

The top 10 most affordable local government areas all had median house prices that were $600,000 and under, approximately 30 per cent lower than Melbourne’s and more than half of Sydney’s median house price in December 2022.

Home loan affordability has been at the lower end of the scale since its peak in 2001, with December 2022 figures showing more declines.

In the past 12 months, Australia’s home loan affordability declined to 22.4 index points with Queensland (QLD) recorded at 24.5 index points, proving it to be the friendliest state for buyers.

This is the highest home loan affordability among the four states within this report and is above the Australian average.

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Growers can now maximise profits and reduce inputs through improved nutrient management planning thanks to Mackay Area Productivity Services (MAPS), as part of the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Program (MWWQP).

Nutrient management plans developed for specific farms allow growers to better understand their soils and growing conditions.

By having this detailed knowledge, growers in conjunction with agronomic assistance from MAPS, can more effectively plan what, when and how to apply nutrients to their blocks to maximise yields, and reduce inputs and runoff entering local waterways.

Nutrient management starts from the ground up with soil testing and interpretation of those

results by agronomists.

Growers can access this detailed soil analysis with MAPS via funding from the MWWQP.

One grower who has taken advantage of the funding available is Albert De Boni, a generational cane grower from Devereaux Creek.

“Our soil tests are what govern how much nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous and sulphur that we put on,” he explains.

“We could be up for within excess of $250,000 this year just for fertiliser alone.”

The soil analysis determined that the pH of Albert’s farm was lower than ideal to

maximise nutrient uptake from applied fertilisers.

As a result, with support and financial assistance from the MWWQP, Albert and MAPS worked together to design and construct a liquid lime spreader that could accurately apply lime to the rows.

This increased the pH, allowing less nitrogen fertiliser to be applied, and optimising the cane’s ability to use that nitrogen.

This project reduced the amount of overall nitrogen applied, thereby lowering costs, and moved away from blanket spreading of powdered lime, meaning smaller amounts of lime could be applied more accurately.

“The less you apply, the less chance you have of it getting into our river systems,” said Albert.

“Therefore, projects such as this one are reducing costs and improving environmental outcomes.”

“MAPS has been very, very helpful. If we can get funding to do a project, it sort of

encourages us to have a go,” said Albert.

If you would like to see what programs and assistance could be available to you, please contact Reef Catchments or visit their website www.reefcatchments.com.au

The MAPS Projects are funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.

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Cane farmer, Albert De Boni, uses liquid lime spreader to save money and the environment. Photo supplied

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A local organisation is hoping to help seniors with a free information seminar as the number of scam calls, emails, and text messages continues to grow.

Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre will run its free “How To Spot A Scam” Session on Friday, April 28 from 9.30am to 12.00pm.

The information meeting will be facilitated by Gary Greenhill, a Neighbourhood Centre volunteer who runs weekly one-on-one computer literacy classes for the region’s older generations.

Mr Greenhill, who has an array of experience with technology, professionally building websites and coding, is a “certified computer whiz”, and said he had been planning to run these new internet scam spotting classes for some time.

Executive Officer Rebecca Woods said the new “How To Spot A Scam” sessions would be a ‘pilot test’ where they could gauge the response and need from the number of attendees, though she believed there certainly was one.

“What we’re hoping for is a good group of people who want to focus on things with their computers, whether it be security or otherwise,” Ms Woods said.

“It will be an opportunity for people to ask questions in a small, group environment that will be extremely informative.”

The session will also be the official launch of the Centre’s new ‘Digital Library’ where members can loan a Tablet or an iPad.

More information on the Digital Library is available by phone at (07) 4946 7850 or by email at nc@whitnc.org.au

What: “How To Spot A Scam” Information Session

When: Friday, April 28, from 9.30am to 12.00pm

Where: Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre

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Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre will provide a free “How To Spot A Scam” information session alongside the launch of its tablet loaning system the ‘Digital Library’

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The last month has seen a surge in the number 11 sugar futures contract with new highs recorded for all contracts on the board.

This has catapulted the balance of the 2022 crop to a high of $775/t for growers who are still to finalise target pricing for last season.

A major beneficiary of the higher prices has been the Wilmar Production Risk Pool. As at the end of March, the forecast pool valuation was $709/t actual ($685/t IPS).

This is a great result for growers who have chosen to use this marketing option for some or all of their crop.

For the upcoming 2023 season, prices are also making new highs, along with 2024 and 2025 seasons. At the time of writing the highest target price filled for 2023 was $690/t, $600/t for 2024 and $550/t for 2025.

We are getting a lot of enquiries from our growers what is driving the price. Obviously, the physical market remains tight with northern hemisphere crops cutting out a bit quicker than hoped and Brazil yet to fully come online.

Our forecasts have 22/23 season with a global supply and demand deficit of over 2 million tonnes of sugar.

For 23/24 season we are currently projecting the trade flows to remain tight even with a massive Brazilian crop factored in.

The recent rise in the oil price and the decision by the Brazilian government to raise the tax rate on gasoline will underpin concerns for sugar supply from the world’s largest exporter.

A weaker AUD has also helped nudge prices higher.

Nevertheless, there is a market saying that high prices cure high prices. Growers need to assess where their current costs of production are, and whether the forward prices on offer make sense to provide certainty of income for their business.

Our marketing consultants are currently busy with growers finalising their pricing for 2023 season. The deadline for nomination is April 28. There is a lot of fresh enquiry for our GMPRS product following excellent grower results this year.

For any queries, please contact your Proserpine Grower Marketing Consultant Shirley Norris on 0437 803 019. Plane Creek growers can contact Angus McKerrow on 0419 238 536.

Contributed with thanks to Wilmar Sugar.

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Headspace Whitsundays is recruiting young people passionate about mental health and well-being to join its Youth Reference Group (YRG) and have their say in the community.

The confidential health service centre plans to give local youth the opportunity to input on headspace’s strategic direction through being a “voice of young people” in the Whitsundays.

Headspace, a national Youth Mental Health Foundation-run organisation, provides early intervention mental health services to young Australians each year, helping thousands of young people access services like counselling in 140 communities across Australia.

The volunteer role in the Youth Reference Group is for 14–25-year-olds and involves getting to influence the direction of headspace within the Whitsundays, meeting and working with other young, passionate mental health advocates, and developing personal and professional skills.

The Whitsunday centre provides free, confidential health services with a key focus on mental health, alcohol and other drugs, education and employment support and physical and sexual health.

As YRG members, local young people provide crucial information to headspaces across the country, keeping the sites relevant to the 12–25-year-olds it services.

YRG members will be involved in regular meetings with the centres and help make decisions on things such as community engagement, communications and health promotion.

Across the country, there is also the opportunity to act as a National YRG member, where participants can be a spokespeople for the organisation and lead local projects.

Training will be provided and for more information or to apply, contact headspace Whitsundays at 07 4842 6760 or Whitsundayheadspace@nwrh.com.au

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Headspace Whitsundays is recruiting for its Youth Reference Group

Proserpine Museum is experiencing its own miniature “Renaissance period” thanks to the return of cruise ships bringing in museumgoers by the busload.

The local institution has welcomed an influx of travellers over the past six months similar to pre-Cyclone Debbie levels.

Proserpine Museum volunteer Gloria Cowan said the cruise ships – which began returning in June 2022 – are providing the non-for-profit with its second-largest injection of funding, just behind the annual Book Bonanza.

“As the museum is run entirely by volunteers, all funding goes towards maintenance – which is usually covered by the Bonanza,” Ms Cowan said.

“With the number of people coming from across the world thanks to these cruises, we will be able to afford more than just upkeep.”

Passengers from the United States and Europe have dropped by en masse at the Proserpine Museum, coming fresh from the cruise ships in numbers as high as 320 people per day.

“They will often arrive in the morning buses with as many as 50 people as part of these tours out to Proserpine,” Ms Cowan said.

“Then 15 more buses will come throughout the day and they are always extremely interested in the history of Proserpine and our museum – most have no prior knowledge of the sugar industry or of our town at all.

“It has been excellent for the museum and for the volunteers. The majority of the time, they’re walking out of the door wishing they had more time to explore!”

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Proserpine Museum volunteers Gloria Cowan, Peter Harling, Ros Gardel, and Julianne O’Brien. Photo credit: Declan Durrant

A local supermarket has donated over $20 thousand worth of food to the Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s and the Whitsunday Foodbank in the past six months.

Peries IGA Proserpine has been quietly passing on the goods to the local non-for-profits since November 2022 in a partnership through ‘Food For Change’.

A national charity, Food For Change partners with IGA across the country, growing and “rescuing” nutritious food to support Food Relief Organisations who feed hungry Australians. Rescuing being the act of sending food which would normally be thrown away by stores - though it is still entirely safe and edible - to welfare organisations.

Peries IGA Proserpine Manager Keiryn Stacpoole said, through Food For Change, the local supermarket had donated $20,825 to the two local organisations.

“It’s a commitment on our end to one, not have any landfill, and two, to help people who need it,” he said.

“Not everyone can afford things and to have $20 thousand in food that hasn’t gone into the rubbish and is feeding those who are less fortunate, that’s a wonderful feeling.”

Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s volunteer Elsie Magee said IGA had reached out to her directly to donate the food which is now a major contributor to Vinnies’ welfare operations.

“We’re so grateful that something like this is happening in Proserpine,” she said.

“That is a considerable amount of money that is now helping to support the community who need it, and I cannot thank IGA enough, as well as all those who make Vinnies what it is.”

St Vincent de Paul’s Proserpine had previously been accepting supplies for welfare from Townsville, with non-perishables and perishables being shipped down as part of regular activities – Ms Magee said that was almost no longer the case.

“I’ve told them that we don’t need so much to be sent down here now, and it can stay up there to help people in Townsville,” she said.

“What IGA gives us is more than enough. It’s been excellent to have that backing, and the service itself [welfare] is becoming more popular over time. With the cost-of-living crisis, it’s necessary.”

Whitsunday Foodbank – which moved into a new location on Proserpine’s Main Street earlier this year – expressed how ecstatic they were to be receiving the ongoing donations alongside their regular Foodbank Queensland supply.

“We have such an amazing community,” a Whitsunday Foodbank Proserpine spokesperson said.

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Proserpine St Vincent de Paul’s volunteer Elsie Magee and Peries IGA Proserpine Manager Keiryn Stacpoole

Creating a whole new world for “characters that write themselves” is local author Nigel Gleeson, who has just released his first novel ‘Awakening’.

Following the tale of a young girl called Ariana, the book is in the high fantasy genre and follows her journey as she is kidnapped by a group of priestesses who have been exposed to magic so potent that it has possessed them.

Ariana escapes when she is nine years old, and her journey continues.

A self-proclaimed ‘Pantser’, Nigel chooses to let his words flow and his characters create themselves and dictate the storyline.

Writers are traditionally either ‘plotters’ or ‘pantsers’ which is short for flying by the seat of your pants!

In Nigel’s case, he thoroughly plans and depicts a firm vision of the reality he is creating, then allows the story to wander within that world without pre-planning where it will lead.

“A lot of the work that goes into writing these sorts of books is not seen by the readers,” explains Nigel.

“You have to create a whole culture, a history, even the weather!”

Originally from the gorge country of Northern New South Wales, Nigel is a generational farmer whose culture is founded in Irish convict ancestry.

He uses the remote wilderness of his childhood to inspire his fictional world.

A move to Tasmania with his seven children saw new doors open for him when he wandered into a Gothic Medieval giftshop.

There he met a man who invited him to join The Order of the Dragan’s Realm, a medieval club where he learnt to fight full metal combat with swords.

Again, this inspires the theme of his novel today.

It took Nigel 12 years to write his first novel, much of this has been achieved in the past few years since he moved to the Whitsundays with his daughter.

The first book is part of a trilogy and Nigel is already working on the second book entitled, ‘Scar’, with ‘Other World’ completing the series.

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Author Nigel Gleeson introduces his first book, Awakening. Photo credit: Rachael Smith

For many, fitness is a word that instantly creates a feeling of “No thanks, too hard, I don’t look like those gym people, etc.” It’s sometimes as simple as this that people don’t actually regularly exercise.

After a while, if health problems begin, then the thought of being ‘fit’ just becomes a thought it’ll never happen.

The interesting thing is that when we are actively involved in fitness, or any exercise including sport, all you really want for those people is to understand that fitness is literally different for everyone.

For me, fitness has always been about challenging myself, and ensuring I have a sharp mind, and have the ability to do a diverse range of physical tasks like mountain biking, gardening, or any rigorous work.

Fitness has also evolved over the years to really include the many mental health benefits and not just the physical. It’s always been known to us ‘fitness type people’ as we regularly have the endorphin rush from exercise, as many of us embark on some kind of physical activity every day.

In summary, I want to set the notion that:

*Fitness is different for everyone

*Fitness isn’t just about the physical

*Most people that you see that take their physical health seriously, also want you to take care of their physical and mental state too.

Group fitness can be heaps of fun as you end up exercising together, similar to playing a sport.

So, if you aren’t familiar with exercising, but you’d like to give it a go, visit practically any fitness facility and try a group class.

I’m sure you’ll love it, and your physical and mental health will thank you both in the short term and long term.

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There are so many handy ‘tips for living’ lists out there. You may have come across some of them, maybe even tried to follow their guidance.

Have you noticed, though, that most - if not all - of these lists are different to each other?

They provide different guidance, by different individuals, from different generations and backgrounds, expressing their own different beliefs, perceptions, experiences, opinions, conclusions, and insights about life.

Who is to say any of these lists are ideal or even suitable to your own individual needs, life-fulfilment, and personality? Do you have the time or the inclination to try and test any such list?

What if there exists an ultimate list of ‘tips for living’? One guiding truth which is independent of anyone’s generation, background, beliefs, perceptions, experiences, opinions, conclusions, and insights?

One generic set of everlasting principles that can be trusted with utter surety by anyone, that can be applied by any individual in their own personal life, towards their own unique happiness and value-fulfilment?

Such a list does exist. It is based on giving new meaning to our choices and actions in life – meaning that is drawn from absolute truth. The first principle is this list is the one which all others rely upon.

So much so, that if you truly follow and live that first principle with meaning of absolute truth, all of the other principles in the list are automatically fulfilled, and therefore automatically so are you.

That principle is this: Trust and acceptance of yourself.

Here are some other of those simple principles:

• There are no absolutes, save for absolute truth.

• Only you choose and create all of your own reality.

• Your perception creates the content of your beliefs as a reality in your life.

• You are not locked to any destiny, except the one you create for yourself.

• You always have choices, even though you may not notice them.

• Underlyingly, everything is connected, and there is no separation.

• Love is naught but knowing and appreciation.

• You are infinitely more than a human being.

• You are never, ever alone.

What does all of this mean in Absolute Truth? Stay tuned.

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Ears can feel blocked for a number of reasons. If you have a cold or sinus issues, your Eustachian Tube, the part of the ear that allows your ears to equalise, can become clogged with mucus. This hampers your ability to easily equalise the pressure in your ears – giving you the sensation of blocked ears. In most instances, this will resolve itself over the course of a few days or weeks.

Sometimes an ear infection in the middle ear can cause your ears to feel blocked. This occurs when bacteria enter the middle ear space and the Eustachian Tube gets blocked. You may experience pain in the ear, and a temperature. Children may also display changes in behaviour and babies may rub their ears. Again, some infections may clear on their own, whilst others will require pain killers and/or antibiotics.

Wax is one of the most common reasons a person’s ears feel blocked. Earwax is not inherently bad but becomes a problem when it causes blockages or impaction. This can result in trouble hearing, pain, dizziness, ringing in the ear. Once the wax is removed, these symptoms will often disappear.

On very rare occasions, a blocked ear may be a symptom of an acoustic neuroma or cholesteatoma.

In any case, blocked ears should not be ignored and should be checked by your GP or hearing specialist.  

Whitsunday Hearing’s Cannonvale clinic is open five days week, with regular visiting sites at Proserpine, Bowen, Home Hill & Ayr.

Call 4946 4906.

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There was only sporadic immigration to Australia from the Netherlands (Holland) before World War 2 as the Dutch had their own colonies and close ties with South Africa. However, after the war the situation was different.  The Netherlands was overpopulated and much land was lost through floods and salinity. Dutch colonists were expelled from the East Indies. As a result, the number of migrants increased dramatically. Many looked to Queensland because of its climate and being highly skilled in tropical agriculture, they were easily absorbed into the local population.

One Dutch family with descendants still living in the district is the Spoor Family. Patriarch of the family, Rommert Spoor, had a factory in Holland making and exporting wooden casks. He had five sons and a daughter. When the business went broke, the sons went their different ways. The eldest, Pieter, took his two sons to Australia when his wife died, leaving Holland in 1911 and settling in Mundubbera. He sent for his brother, Atze who, with his family of four, arrived in Australia in 1912. Atze had worked on trains in Holland and took a job in Cloncurry. They had two more children – Jim and Wietske. Jim was a carpenter and he built quite a few houses in Proserpine.

The second eldest son, Dirk, whose first wife had also died, migrated to Australia and also settled in Mundubbera. He went in for cattle and reputedly sold some to Faust station. He also visited the Proserpine Show with some of his cattle, Illawarras.

Tietstke, the only Spoor daughter of Rommert, married Koos van Noort. They settled in Australia pre-1920, firstly in Brisbane where Koos, a very skilled tailor, made a suit for the Prince of Wales. The Van Noorts never had any children and later came to Proserpine to live. Here Koos worked for Mr Tom Byers.

In 1924, on a trip back to Holland, they persuaded more members of the Spoor family to migrate. When Fred Spoor heard they were returning for a visit, he sold up their hardware store and with his wife, Sara, and three daughters, Wietske, Elizabeth and Mary, he headed off too. When they came to Proserpine, Peter and Bob were already farming in the area. Fred grew cane for a while and started a sawmill for tomato cases. He was a good cabinet maker and very good at French polishing, making many a beautiful chess table for locals.

Later, Fred bought a lorry and used to take a crowd to the beach on sports days. Weekly, they carted groceries for farmers – Baumgartens, Cowans, Valmadres, Thorogoods, Sinclairs and Gaspers. They also carted groceries for Happy Valley miners.

Mary married Wal Spencer and Wietske married John Holcombe. Elizabeth married their cousin, Bob Spoor, and they had three girls and one boy, Piet, who continued farming in the area.

Bertus Mazijk also migrated from Holland and eventually married one of the Spoor daughters, Christine.

Descendants of both the Spoor and Mazijk families still reside in the district with one of Piet’s sons, Dale Spoor, still farming in the Kelsey Creek area. Just one member of Rommert Spoor’s family remained in Holland.

Story courtesy of Proserpine Historical Museum and “Memories” by Mary Spencer (nee Spoor); photo courtesy Spoor family.

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Cannonvale Twins Come Home

After 37 days at Townsville Hospital, twins Owen and Evan have finally made it home to Cannonvale with their proud parents and excited older brother.

The boys arrived at just 32 weeks and were kept in the Special Care Nursery while they reached a healthy size.

It had been an intense pregnancy for mum Louise (Lou) Grice who was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome early on.

This meant the babies shared unequal amounts of the placenta’s blood, restricting the growth of one baby.

To solve the issue, Lou needed to endure an operation at 18 weeks so that the blood vessels that run from one twin to the other could be separated.

Lou says the whole journey for her and her husband Matty has been a rollercoaster - the initial news that she was carrying twins was the biggest surprise of them all.

“There are no twins in the family, so it was very much a shock for us,” Louise said.

“I told Mathew he didn’t need to be at the scan as we had already gone down this road with our first son, Cameron.

“I couldn’t believe it when they told me it was twins and when I told Mathew his jaw dropped, and his face screwed up, but I could see he was smiling.”

Lou’s membranes ruptured on February 9, and she was swiftly moved from Proserpine to Townsville where she spent a week in hospital.

A long wait ensued, and the boys were finally born 15 days later.

Lou went into labour at 11.30pm which meant that the twins were born minutes apart yet managed to cross over two dates and will forever have different birthdays.

Evan was born at 11.56pm on 24 February and Owen at 12.02am on 25 February.

Lou said being the mum of multiples was ‘surreal’.

“The first time they were both put on me, it felt like a bit of a glitch in the matrix to look at both of them at the same time,” she said.

“You’re wired to just look at one.”

Now that she has returned to earth and is happily ensconced in the baby bubble of newborn family life, Lou says that the daily routine is hectic but fulfilling.

“Matty and I are often like a highly synchronised team swapping babies to feed, nappy change and play with,” said Lou.

“Everything takes a little longer than with one newborn so we just allow a little more time when getting out and about.

“The twins are quite the attraction when we head to the shops and have been stopped many times now in the few trips we've made out.”

Lou and Matty would like to thank everyone who has been involved with the safe delivery of their precious twins.

“The medical team who took care of us were incredible, from our GP at 121 Medical here at home, to both the pre and postnatal teams at Townsville Hospital as well as the specialists in Brisbane,” said Lou.

“And especially the midwives and nurses after birth who provided essential care in the first few weeks of their life, we learned so much from each of them and each had a unique piece of information we have taken home with us to help the transition to home life.”

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Lou Grice with her newborn twins, Evan and Owen

After 37 days at Townsville Hospital the twins returned home last week

Big brother Cameron holds his baby brother.

Photos supplied

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