Last week, members of the community gathered to remember the sacrifice of those who served during the 10 years of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day was originally known as Long Tan Day which commemorates the day in 1966 when the battle of Long Tan was fought by the men of D Company, 6th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR).

Vietnam Veterans’ Day was first commemorated in 1969 with the raising of a cross at the battlefield by the men of 6RAR, this has been adopted to cover all veterans who served in the Vietnam War – the longest conflict in Australia’s history.

60,000 Australians served during the decade of war. Sadly, 521 died and 3,000 were wounded.

On Vietnam Veterans’ Day on August 18, the state government launched the second round of the $4 million Queensland Remembers Grants Program, helping ex-service and other not-for-profit organisations to honour Queensland veterans and their families.

“Queenslanders continue to demonstrate their commitment to honouring our veterans and sharing their stories – always turning out in enormous numbers for Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and other commemorative events throughout the year,” the Premier said.

“The Queensland Remembers Grants Program is an important part of the Queensland Government’s efforts to ensure we appropriately honour the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who have served this country.”

Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs Bart Mellish said the Queensland Remembers Grants Program builds on the state government’s extensive investment in the veteran community.

“Honouring veterans, recognising their extraordinary contributions, and ensuring the continued health and wellbeing of veterans and their families is important, ongoing work,” Mr Mellish said.

The second round of the Queensland Remembers Grants Program is now open for submissions and will close at 5pm on 4 October 2022.

Vietnam Veterans’ Day service at Mirani. Left to Right: Bob England (Vietnam Vet. Navy Ret.), Mayor Greg Williamson (RAAF Ret.) Jan Lindbergs (RAAF Ret.), Mackay RSL President Ken Higgins OAM (Vietnam Vet. 6RAR D Company 1969-1970 Ret.)

Vietnam Vet. Ray Higgins Ret. (6RAR Mortars 1969 – 1970)

Vietnam Veterans’ Day service at Mirani

Phuoc Tuy Province, South Vietnam. May 1971. A section of soldiers from C Company, 2RAR /NZ (ANZAC) (The ANZAC Battalion comprising 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and a component from the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment) taking part in the battalion's final operation in Vietnam before returning to Australia later in the month. Private Ray Beattie (left) of St Kilda, Victoria and members of the section are spread out to his left.

Original description and photo sourced by The Australian War Memorial collection/C319339

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Impressive Innovation At The Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Housing & Construction Awards

The Urban Trend Difference

Building A Better Mackay

Give Me A Home Among The Gum Trees

Refurb Over The Reef

To Be Enjoyed For Years To Come

A Matt Brady New Build

Top Dogs Of Affordable Homes

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Development plans for a new short-stay hospital in Mackay now sit with Mackay Regional Council, in an effort to bolster the region’s healthcare capacity.

Short Stay Private Hospitals has formed an alliance with ReNew Mackay for a 60-bed facility that aims to complement healthcare currently servicing the region.

The alliance says the addition to Mackay’s healthcare landscape will increase quality options for the region.

The development application has been lodged with Mackay Regional Council at 476 Bridge Rd West Mackay, opposite Mackay Base Hospital.

The project would include five operating theatres and the latest in health technology, including space for healthcare services such as X-ray, pathology and pharmacy uses. Plans also include space for a café, and 154 car parking spaces have been included in the lodgement.

“This project aims to complement and strengthen the healthcare options available to residents in Mackay and the wider region,” Short Stay Private Hospitals Director Leith MacMillan said.

“We want residents to receive excellent care close to home without having to travel to other parts of the state or country.

“This helps to reduce waitlists, attracts more specialists to the region and improves overall health outcomes.

“Health technology continues to change for the benefit of patients and we would look forward to working with the Mackay community.”

Short Stay Private Hospitals is an Australian-owned and funded organisation with experience in providing integrated models to communities.

Plans submitted to council read that the facility will operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week, however notes that the health care services will likely contain their operating hours to normal business hours.

It also states that the proposed hospital does not include an emergency department and that ambulances will only be accessing the site to transfer patients to and from the facility, not under lights and sirens.

ReNew Mackay’s Craig Percival said the project added to the vision to improve the region’s offerings to residents.

“Mackay will grow and attract new economic activity if we continue to boost our essential services,” Mr Percival said.

“This healthcare project would be a quality addition to the region.

“ReNew Mackay is proud to link with these positive projects and we look forward to the next steps.”

ReNew Mackay is a locally-led private consortium with global and national success in urban regeneration. Its project partners are companies behind some of Queensland’s iconic buildings, award-winning architecture, community infrastructure and master- planned developments.

Artist impression of a new 60-bed private hospital planned to be built directly opposite Mackay Base Hospital on Bridge Road. The development plans have been lodged with Mackay Regional Council. Image supplied

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Students from all over the region got the opportunity to learn the ropes of sailing last week thanks to the Making Waves Foundation and the inspirational crew aboard the foundation’s vessel Kayle.

The Making Waves Winds of Joy program is operated by a crew of skilled volunteers from Sydney and Newcastle with backgrounds in competitive and casual sailing, facilitating an unforgettable experience for students and people living with physical or intellectual disabilities.

Led by skipper Kathy Veel, the crew takes two groups of students a day out on the sea, teaching them the basics of sailing as well as valuable life lessons.

“It’s not so much about sailing,” said Ms Veel.

“It’s about the teamwork, the communication, stepping outside where you think your limits are, which are skills that (students) can then take to whatever they’re doing in life.

“It’s about changing attitudes internally and also within society’s expectations of what people with disabilities can do.”

Making Waves In Mackay

Departing from Mackay Marina, students from schools including Pioneer State High, Mackay State High, Glenella State School and Mackay District Special School were treated to two hours on the water where they had some magical encounters, including spotting whales and dolphins.

Ms Veel says two hours on the water can make a world of difference.

“What we see with the kids is when they step into the boat, they’re shy, they’re fearful, they’re reluctant to move anywhere,” she said.

“We get them to steer the boat, to help us trim the sheets, just things that they’d never get an opportunity to do, and they start to move about the boat more freely.

“From sitting huddled in their spot, they’ll be up on the bow looking out for whales and they’re very different when they get off the water.”

“For the carers, we’ll hear them say things like, ‘I never thought they could do that.’”

Patrick Borg, parent of Mackay District Special School student Conrad, said the experience was one like no other.

“It was good to give the kids a go at something they wouldn’t normally have a go at, and it was done in such a safe manner,” he said.

“(Conrad) didn’t sleep at all last night, he kept talking about the big ‘canoe.’”

Jenelle Whittaker, a classroom teacher at Mackay District Special School, says the experience was executed in an extremely safe manner.

“Often the level of safety in the things that we do is more suited to the mainstream so sometimes it doesn’t offer the higher support needs that our kids need,” Ms Whittaker said.

“Boats that are set up to cater for kids with a disability are a very rare thing, so that’s fabulous.

“As you can see, they all had a great time.”

The organisation also has programs that mentor young people to work in the marine industries and Ms Veel says there are plenty of examples of the programs starting a passion for sailing in participants.

“People have gone on to be sailors, also to work with shipwrights, and other aspects of marine work,” she said.

Starting in 1993, Making Waves has given over 55,000 people the unique opportunity to take to the seas.

Kayle and her crew will also make stops at Roslyn Bay, Southport, Brisbane, Coffs Harbour and Newcastle on her way back to Sydney, giving children all up and down the coast the experience of a sailor.

To find out more, visit makingwavesfoundation.com.au.

Students from Mackay District Special School enjoyed a day on the water last week with the inspirational volunteers from the Making Waves Foundation. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

‍Students from Mackay District Special School enjoyed a day on the water last week thanks to the Making Waves Foundation. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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I really thought the first one last year was big! By the looks of it all, it will be even bigger this year, raising over $100K for Variety, the Children's Charity.

The amount of music festivals and stadium concerts that I have been to over the years still makes my eyes water, and my bank balance.

Seeing The Eagles live in Melbourne was massive. Same goes for when Simon and Garfunkel did the huge reunion show down south. I have been lucky enough to watch the Rolling Stones, Pink, Simple Minds, and more because of what I do for work. I even got to chat to the guys from Pearl Jam plus a quick chat with Billy Joel before he went on stage.

I also reckon hanging backstage with INXS was cool, but when you break it down, it has nothing on being right here in Mackay, being the MC this weekend for Mackay's biggest ever festival.

Lee Kernaghan and Tania will be here. Graeme Connors will be playing too. Casey Barnes, Beccy Cole, Gina Jeffreys, Travis Collins, and Brad Cox just to name a few. Do not miss all the fun of music and line dancing too.

One extra thing I am nervous about is being the bloke on the microphone tomorrow morning for a charity breakfast with former Aussie footy legend Mal Meninga. He is here and I cannot wait to hear his stories from the field and off it.

Enjoy the weekend and all the fun, including the Cutters playing on Sunday, hot off the back of two consecutive wins.

You can join Rob Kidd from 5am weekday mornings on 4MK 1026 AM in Mackay and Proserpine, 91.5FM in Airlie Beach or just ask your smart speaker to play 4MK on iHeartRadio!

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The one thing we generally don’t think about is rubbish. We put our bins out every week, and the “bin fairies” come and empty them for us. Well, there’s a lot more to waste management than you’d think. So, here’s some interesting facts.

Most people wouldn’t be aware that sales of the materials placed in recycling bins offsets the costs of landfill. All that’s required to become better recyclers, as a community, is to start thinking about items placed in bins as materials rather than objects. There’s a very good reason why we only ask for certain items to be placed into recycling bins – they’re the materials that we can sell to reduce landfill costs and our environmental impacts.

To increase recycling awareness, council has developed an easy-to-follow “What goes where” poster. Schools and body corporates are welcome to order these free of charge to place on their premises to help improve correct recycling rates. Head to mackay.qld.gov.au to order yours.

Mackay Regional Council is leading the way as Queensland’s first organisation to use recycled soft plastics in concrete. MRC was selected as the beneficiary of 3.7 tonnes of Polyrok as part of the Wonder Recycling Rewards initiative, whereby 1000 schools across Australia collected soft bread plastics, which were converted into Polyrok (a 10% replacement for stone aggregate). This not only reduces the need to mine basalt but has also been locally trialled and demonstrated to reduce the heat of concrete by four degrees. Council also uses recycled soft plastics as bollards, signs and benches.

Council also uses crushed glass from bottles placed in recycling bins for road resurfacing. We used 222 tonnes of recycled glass for the access road to Hogan’s Pocket at Eton, which represented approximately a month’s worth of glass collected locally.

Our Waste and Recycling Strategy is due for review, and staff are currently developing a draft, with the aim to go out to the community later this year. This Strategy will underpin council’s actions for waste and resource recovery for the next five years and beyond. We will encourage the community to provide feedback once the draft is released later this year.

Finally, “Clean Up The Mackay Region” is happening from August 15 to 27. People can get involved to help clean up sites impacted by littering and illegal dumping. We encourage everyone to get involved at https://www.cleanup.org.au/mackay.

Councillor Belinda Hassan

Mackay Regional Council

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Sometimes it’s a note left on the kitchen bench. Or there might be an almighty row behind closed doors that announces that the relationship is over.

In the case of Steve and Jenny, there was a full-page ad in last week’s Mackay and Whitsunday Life that gave a strong hint that the relationship is not as good as it once was.

In case you missed it, the full-page ad was a short but prominent note from Jenny claiming Steve was a “filthy cheater”.

Now I’m no relationship counsellor but, reading between the lines, it seems to me that the relationship between Steve and Jenny could well be doomed. (I know, thanks Sherlock).

Unfortunately, a portion of real estate sales come about due to relationship breakdowns and an agent has to manage the process.

Sometimes it is harmonious, other times it’s tense but civil, and there are times when it is more challenging and acrimonious and that is when the agent has to work extra hard on communication.

These are sales that have to happen and many of the requirements of the agent are exactly as they are with any other sale: Ensure the marketing is excellent, create competition for the property, communicate regularly with all parties and get the best price.

It’s the communication that can be more of a challenge in these situations. If the two owners are not talking, the agent has a vital role in ensuring everyone knows what is going on.

The important thing is to provide the communication that both parties need. After open homes and private inspections both owners must be given the information they need to understand how buyers are reacting to the property.

During price negotiations with a buyer, both owners need to know what the buyer is saying.

Sometimes, the sellers don’t agree on marketing strategy or price and that means the agent has to help create an agreement. Again, honesty and clear communication usually get that job done.

Selling real estate is always about helping people get the result they need to make the next steps in their lives.

With a sale resulting from a divorce or relationship breakdown, the agent must be sensitive and  aware but also needs to have a detached professionalism that ensures both parties are treated the same and given an equal level of communication and respect.

It is so important that no matter what else has gone on in a relationship, the sale happens as seamlessly as possible and both parties can agree that “at least the agent did a good job and we can now move on”.

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Mackay nu-folk artist Weathered has won the Mackay leg of Passport to Airlie, earning the opportunity to perform at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music in November.

Weathered is the moniker of Upile Mkoka who says the experience of performing at Passport to Airlie was a lot of fun.

“It was such a solid turnout; it was really cool to see the support from the Mackay community,” Upile said.

“It seems like there’s some good things happening with original music here which is really exciting, especially for a regional centre.

“(Passport to Airlie) is a cool initiative because it’s a great opportunity to see what other musicians are doing in town and meet a lot of people.”

Upile performed amongst a stacked line-up of local talent in the finals including Lindsay Crowley, Olive Rose, Nortica, Raining Roses, Viva and the Wild Sky.

“We’re really, really excited and honoured and keen to represent Mackay,” he said.

“Hopefully we can do the city proud.”

Upile says the competition has given him a taste for playing live music and we can expect a Mackay headline show soon.

Weathered will be performing songs off their new album ‘Until This Love is All That Remains’ which is available now for streaming or purchase.

Find Weathered on Facebook for more information.

Upile Mkoka AKA Weathered has won the Mackay leg of Passport to Airlie. Photo supplied: Upile Mkoka

Upile and his band performing at the Passport to Airlie finals. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes

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It might seem like the price of sugar is a matter for the growers and the millers, but every one dollar spent in cane multiplies to contribute $6.40 across the region. The industry supports over 5,000 local jobs and 1,700 Mackay region businesses.

There are quite a few factors at play in determining the price for sugar, including Reserve Bank rates and movements of other countries producing sugar.

The price of raw sugar has seen a drop from the recent record-breaking highs of $600 AUD/mt to around $551.

Shifts in India and Brazil have both contributed to this. Brazil is one of the world’s major producers of ethanol, derived from sugarcane. It’s second only to the US, and produced 35 billion litres in 2019. Ethanol production has had strong support from the Brazilian government, and a guaranteed buyer in state-owned Petrobras.

While that is still the case, there has been an upswing in the percentage of cane going to sugar production with higher sugar prices and slightly reduced world demand for ethanol. For the first half of July, 47.1 per cent of cane harvested went to sugar production.

Meanwhile, India is raising its sugar export quota, with an additional 1.2 million tonnes of extra sugar heading to export. Fortunately, CANEGROWERS and Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) success at the World Trade Organisation means that this sugar is no longer subsidised by the state. The move means that India’s exports will now be above 11 million tonnes.

Brazil, followed by India, are the two highest sugar-producing nations globally, and so exert a huge influence on sugar pricing. In perspective, Australia, the world’s tenth largest sugar producer, exported 3.3million tonnes of the 4.36 million tonnes of sugar produced here in 2021.

Recently, we have seen rate rises delivered not only by Australia’s Reserve Bank, but there have also been likewise moves in the United States, from the US Federal Open Market Committee. On the ground, rate rises put pressure on producers as a rise in costs, and that pressure reflects on world sugar prices.

Ongoing cost-of-production pressure with high fuel and fertiliser and chemical costs have all taken a price increase in the recent past, soaking up a large proportion of added income drawn from a strong sugar price.

As we see the world economy in a somewhat precarious situation as a result of Covid, instability from Chinese expansionism and the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, we hope to see some settling of these increases in the near future so that we can again get a real grasp on our cost of production.

While we are dealing with fluctuating prices most growers are like any business and are not able to see into the future and what farm input price rises will mean to their business in the long term.

Even though we have seen a softening of prices, growers have had the opportunity to take advantage of the stronger prices that were available in the past months. As a result of Marketing Choice legislation, Forward Pricing has been an added optional management tool that growers have had access to for the past 10 years or so. It gives growers that take this option the ability to insulate themselves from the price volatility that we are seeing at this stage.

With that said, prices are still very attractive, and growers will continue to make the best of all opportunities as they arise.

Raw Sugar on the move at Mackay Sugar Terminal. Picture: Contributed

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One of Business Network International’s (BNI) Mackay chapters welcomed visitors of varying professions to a special breakfast last week to introduce them to the networking opportunities available in programs like BNI.

BNI started in the USA in 1985 to get like minded people together to generate business.

Networks are organised into chapters and chapters organised into franchise territories, with two face-to-face chapters and one virtual in Mackay.

BNI North Queensland franchise owner Bernie Hock has been involved in BNI for over 16 years and says generating business is one of the main benefits.

“If you’re in business and want more business, BNI is a great vehicle for that,” he said.

“It’s sort of like a way of marketing your business but it’s relationship marketing, you get to mix and mingle with people from different walks of life and different trades or businesses or professions.”

Visitors were asked to introduce themselves and their business before presentations were given to introduce the concept and fellow members.

A time for chatting and networking followed the presentations.

Copywriter, business owner and vice president of the Excelsior chapter Katrina Nissen says she’s been involved for almost three years.

“I’d only just moved to Mackay, and it was one of those things that I thought would be really great for helping my business and my confidence as well,” she said.

“I’ve been really able to grow my business exponentially from that.”

“There’s networking and then there’s a different type of networking when you come to BNI.”

Excelsior president and business owner Carl Allen says he was apprehensive at first.

“I actually thought I was coming to a church group, and I wasn’t real keen about that but then I realised I needed to network a bit more…it’s paid dividends,” he said.

“We’re all excited to be here on a Thursday morning mainly because we’re like minded business people.”

The Excelsior chapter of BNI welcomed visitors last week

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Mackay Council residents are advised that rate notices will start appearing in letterboxes and inboxes from next week.

They will be issued on Monday, August 22, and residents should receive them shortly after. Payment will be due on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.

To be eligible for the Early Bird Payment Initiative, residents are encouraged to pay their rates by Monday, September 5, to go in the draw for the chance to win one of three $500 prizes. Conditions apply.

Residents are also advised that they can pay their rates online through council’s website. Just follow the instructions on your rate notice.

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If cards, bowls and dance are activities you enjoy, the Mackay & District Senior Citizens group hosts weekly opportunities to have fun and form new friendships.

Forty-eight members of the Mackay & District Senior Citizens met at Harrup Park Country Club for their first social luncheon for this year.  

Members who attended were from Tuesday Cards and Bowls, Thursday Cards and Bowls, Saturday Cards and Saturday Night Dance.

Tuesday Cards and Bowls, Thursday Cards and Bowls and Saturday Night Dances are held weekly, while Saturday Cards are played the third Saturday of the month.

If you are interested in any of these activities, please come along to the Senior Citizens Centre, 58 Macalister Street, Mackay.  Everyone is welcome.

Members of the Mackay & District Senior Citizens group at their first social luncheon for 2022 at Harrup Park

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Expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Australian Government’s 2022-23 Volunteers Grants are now open, with Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, calling on community organisations to apply.

These grants recognise the vital role that volunteers have within our community and support the positive difference they make on the ground.

“This additional funding will go a long way in helping local organisations and their volunteers to continue their crucial work in supporting the vulnerable and strengthening our community,” Ms Landry said.

“Volunteering acts as an effective pathway to employment, fosters community participation and breaks down the barriers of marginalisation.

“The 2022-23 Volunteer Grants provides organisations with grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to assist with purchasing equipment, training, cover fuel costs, as well as background screening checks for their volunteers.”

EOIs will be accepted until 5.00pm, Friday 23 September. For EOI application form and guidelines, please contact Michelle Landry’s office via Michelle.Landry.MP@aph.gov.au.

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The construction industry can have many ups and downs, but Better Built Sheds General Manager Brendan Frier says there is one constant source of satisfaction that keeps him excited for each and every job.

“The best moments are the end of any project we do and handing it over to the new owner and seeing how happy they are with the end result,” Brendan said.

Brendan is Mackay born and bred and has vast experience in carpentry, ranging from both working on the tools and managing projects.

He’s worked on everything from new houses and unit developments to multi-million-dollar school projects, both new and refurbishment works.

Being a part of WHF Group, a construction company that has been in operation for over 29 years, Better Built Sheds has become a household name in the Mackay area.

Better Built Sheds can supply kit-only sheds or complete projects from start to finish, including council approvals, concreting and the erection of everything from carports to sheds, both residential and commercial.

They also offer a range of farm sheds for storage of machinery and produce.

Suited for our climate, all structures are cyclone rated and built using only Australian BlueScope steel.

Brendan says Better Built Sheds’ use of cutting-edge technology makes the process of purchasing a shed as simple as possible.

“I can draw a shed in 3D and take the client on a virtual walkthrough of their shed, both inside and out,” he said.

“Our program allows me to quote a shed for someone in less than 10 minutes.

“The client can call me and deal direct with me at any time for an update on their build.”

With the help of Kaitlyn in Finance, Laura in Administration and a whole group of about 20 talented team members, the team at Better Built Sheds are always talking and helping each other out with projects and people.

If you’re in the market for a shed and are looking for a supportive team of talented, dedicated professionals delivering a product that is second-to-none in a simple and innovative way, Better Built Sheds is the way to go.

Call Brendan and the team on 07 4998 5922.

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“Biophilic design is the practice of connecting people and the natural world of which people are a part within our built environments and communities. If we think about design as creatively solving the puzzle of look, feel and function, then biophilic design turns to nature for solutions.” - Wikipedia.

Biophilic design has become, what I believe, to be one of the best new trends for interior design. It has so many benefits where it can have a positive effect on all your senses, plus increase productivity if you work from home.

When choosing furnishings to accentuate this look, bring into your home beautiful raw and reclaimed timbers, bamboo, rattan, natural stone, cork in organic shapes, textured cushions and throws in natural fabrics like linen and cottons.

In floor coverings choose wool, jute, or sustainably sourced animal hide rugs. When it comes to choosing the colours opt for tones inspired by nature from greens, browns, warm neutrals and earthy tones.

Think of letting in natural lighting, water, plants, and other sensory design elements to give you an experience which energises, refreshes, and connects to nature.

You could put a sky light in or select a section of your home to create a sunroom conservatory with glass doors that open to create more ventilation when you like. You can create a vertical garden, plants or herbs in pots and hangers, terrariums, or plants on floating shelves; the options to bring the greenery in is endless.

If you don’t have a green thumb, there are other ways you can achieve this. Indirect biophilic elements that are merely representational still hold an arsenal of benefits. You can use good quality artificial plants, like an olive tree or palms, which we can supply at great prices though Style Central Home.

Speaking about bringing the outside in, serious biophilic design appeals to all the senses, including sound.  Possibly one of the most soothing things about being immersed in nature is the soft sound of birds and gently running water. You can create this by playing relaxation nature music like Tony O’Connor’s Rainforest Magic or by installing a water feature.

Bringing nature into your home or office can also be achieved by incorporating certain aromas, it’s a simple way to extend the experience and influence not just the tone of the room visually but also how it makes you feel whilst in it. Forget synthetic fragrances though, go with organic essential oils such as pine, cedar, lemongrass, or lavender, preferably diffused into the air for 30-60 minutes.

Outdoor living spaces also work well with the Biophilic design aspect of blurring the boundary between the indoor and outdoor areas of your home. Making your outdoor living space your own, no matter how large or small will create a haven for you to enjoy.

If you would like to find out how you could embrace Biophilic design at your home or commercial space, I would be delighted to assist you to create your own sanctuary.  Contact Style Central Home for a complimentary initial phone consultation.

Tracey Fincham

Interior Design & Décor Stylist

Style Central Home

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