It’s been a longstanding convention that DC Comic’s animated outings are top-tier, whilst their offering of live-action films leave a little (often a lot) to be desired – not for wont of trying, and likely a position DC would rather flip. But, nonetheless, DC have cultivated a reputation for excellent toon features.

In this tale of (Super)man’s best friend, that’s no different.

DC League Of Super-Pets capitalises on the inherent humour evident in superhero worlds. And, with that humour, it delivers fun, fast-paced action in a counterbalancing act that caters to both adults and children alike. Helped by a star-studded voice-cast of Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson, Kevin Heart, Kate McKinnon, and even John Krasinski and Keanu Reeves, Super-Pets can’t help but soar.

Krypto the Super-Dog (Johnson) and Superman (Kraskinski) lead the early stages of the film as an inseparable duo of best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime in Metropolis side by side. But Superman and the rest of the Justice League (Reeves is perfectly cast as a sour Batman, and Jermaine Clement of Flight Of The Concords fame is a hilarious Aquaman) are kidnapped.

Krypto must convince a rag-tag shelter pack- Ace the hound (Hart), PB the potbellied pig (Vanessa Bayer), Merton the turtle (Natasha Lyonne), and Chip the squirrel (Diego Luna)- to master their own newfound powers and help him rescue the superheroes.

Super-Pets makes for lightweight viewing, but where it excels is its action scenes and likeable jokes. There’s few that don’t land, and all of that is underscored with touching themes worthy of mention: friendship, teamwork, and finding one’s self-confidence.

Directors Jared Stern and Sam J. Levine manage to get this film flying high for an animated feature aimed at the whole family. It sits nicely in the middle of the dog lover and DC Comics fan Venn diagram.

DC League of Super-Pets opens at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema on Saturday, September 17.

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There’s talent galore on show in DC League Of Super-Pets - Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Heart, and Keanu Reeves to name a few

On any given Sunday – in fact, on any day of the week – sports biggest matchups grace the giant screen at the local’s favourite local, The Pub.

Football of every code: Aussie Rules, Rugby league, soccer. Combat sports: UFC, MMA, Boxing. It’s an offer of the full sporting scope, from table tennis to horse racing, gymnastics to darts and golf – there’s nothing you can’t watch at The Airlie Beach Hotel’s Sports Bar.

And, at this time of year, the Australian sporting world is working its way to a crescendo.

Yesterday’s showing of the Bledisloe Cup was a taste of the finals football set to be played over the coming weeks: The NRL Semi-Final tonight between Eels and Raiders, and the AFL Preliminary Finals showing at the same time between Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions.

Saturday is no different: a late afternoon Preliminary Final between Sydney Swans and Magpies before the Grand Final on Saturday, September 24. And later on in the night the Sharks will take on the Rabbitohs, the winner heading to the showpiece at Accor Stadium in Sydney, the October 2 NRL Grand Final.

It’s the season end for Australia’s biggest competitions, and that time of year we all feel sportingly spoilt.

With a freshly poured Stein of beer in hand, in amongst the pack of fans at The Pub’s Sports Bar, there’s no better atmosphere to experience finals footy. Surround sound, 24 screens, and an electrifying air.

Airlie Beach Hotel Sports Bar manager, Matthew Rowley – affectionately known by patrons as just Rowley - knows the feeling of the sports bar in full swing better than anyone.

“If it’s hopscotch, we don’t care; if we can find a channel we’ll get it on the TV,” Rowley said.

“The atmosphere in here is incredible when there’s sport going. Everyone gets behind it and the games so far have all been close, which has made it awesome. If everyone’s going off and having a good time, you can’t help but get invested, even if you don’t know the sport.”

Rowley said with the finals kicking into gear already, the atmosphere would be at fever pitch.

“There’s no comparison to being at the pub with a few beers. You can sit at home and watch it on a very small TV, and it’s no fun whatsoever. You come here, we’ll get you happy and you’ll love it,” he said.

“There’s always something new behind the bar, whether on tap or a new spirit, you can come here and have a good time with good people. We’ll always accommodate for whatever the sport.”

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Airlie Beach Hotel’s Sports Bar manager Mathew Rowley said the atmosphere during big games was “unmatched”

When The Pub’s Sports Bar is in full swing, there’s few venues in town that can match its gameday vibe

It’s the third session of school holidays starting this weekend, and parents across the region are eager to keep the kids active throughout their two-week break.

From the lagoon to the playground, there’s plenty to do across the region – especially with Whitsunday Regional Council’s Get Active Family Fun Day to kick the holidays into gear.

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Hit The Swimming-pool

No school holidays are complete without taking a dip in the nearest watering hole. Make your way to the Airlie Beach Lagoon, Proserpine swimming pool and water park or, if you’re in Bowen head to the public swimming-pool or the waterpark at Front Beach.

Pack your swimmers, your hat and your reef safe sunscreen and relax; you're on holidays after all. These locations are all free to enter and a perfect place to park your picnic blanket and cool off.

Pop under the shade sails and enjoy your afternoon while the kids tire themselves out.

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Take A Hike

There are plenty of scenic walks around, and although it might not be the kid’s favourite idea, they’ll make their own fun of it. It gets them out of the house, off their screens, and into the beautiful experience of the outdoors.

Head into the Conway Ranges – whether that be the 27-kilometre-long Great Whitsunday Walk, or Honeyeater, the renowned Airlie Beach walk. Alternatively, explore the more kid-friendly Mother Beddock walk in Bowen or the Airlie Creek Trail which are a lot shorter and can be completed within an hour.

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Head To The Beach

Whether you’re in Airlie Beach, Proserpine, or Bowen, there’s beaches aplenty to choose from. Head to Dingo Beach and catch some rays, travel to Horseshoe Bay and grab lunch after a swim, or shoot to Boathaven Beach, take a ball, and have a kick with the kids. And if you can get there on your own boat, make a day of it on Whitehaven – one of Australia’s best.

Once you’ve tired from all the beach and water activities (how could you in the beautiful Whitsundays!), there’s no better place than the local libraries for activities aside from the familiar favourites.

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The whole community is invited to head outside, come together, connect and get active this Sunday at the Airlie Beach Foreshore for the inaugural Get Active Family Fun Day.

With a program of free events starting at 2pm and rounding off with a screening of Scooby Doo on the outdoor cinema, the event promises to be both action-packed and relaxing for local families.

From Boogie Bounce to Vibe Yoga, kite-making to arts and crafts, meditation to fire twirling, there are many activities to do, see and watch.

Jump high on the bouncy castle, choo choo on the train rides, become a wild animal with some face-painting or make a new inflatable friend with Mr Poppas Balloons.

This event also gives you an opportunity to meet local sporting groups such as the Running Club, basketball group, cricket and more.

Other informative stalls include R U OK? and Headspace.

While you are there, grab a feed from the variety of food stalls – support Fauna Rescue by grabbing a snag from their charity BBQ or for the more sweet tastes, enjoy some fairy floss, ice-cream or fudge.

There is plenty to see and do, but most importantly there are plenty of friends to meet and a community of people looking to connect.

The Get Active Family Fun Day is an initiative funded by the Queensland Government, Mental Health and Wellbeing Community Package under Queensland's Economic Recovery Strategy.

WHAT: Get Active Fun Day

WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore

WHEN: Sunday, September 18

TIME: 2pm – 7.30pm

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In two weeks’ time the third annual Whitsundays Arts Festival will be invigorating our region with a flash of colourful culture as we celebrate our creative community and inspiring environment.

Everyone is invited to experience fun, interactive, and vibrant arts events over the two-week long festival.

From arts workshops to multicultural performances, the popular hand-made markets, impressive art installations and live original music shows, there will be entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

This year, for the first time the festival has spread its wings further afield, screening two movies at the new Proserpine Entertainment Centre, in partnership with Film and Arts Mackay and the Whitsunday Regional Council.

In addition, the inaugural Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and Residency will invite six of Queensland’s finest musicians to mentor emerging artists who will then perform at The Belvedere, Toscana Village Resort.

Saturday, September 24

The opening ceremony will take place on the Airlie Beach Foreshore, officially opened by Mayor Julie Hall.

Uncle Harry Bowen, owner of the main strip’s only First Nation’s art gallery will also play his original music.

This is followed by storytelling through song by the Namarca Corowa band, playing original reggae, blue and funk style music.

The ceremony culminates when the art installation Scarewood, which won the People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Townsville Ephemera, comes alive through projections and recordings.

Sunday, September 25

Come on down to the Airlie Beach foreshore for the ever-popular Handmade Art Markets with over 50 stalls. Meet the makers and peruse artisanal homewares, handmade gifts, treats, and try your hand at some of their crafts.

The full day of festivities also includes mandala-making on the beach, Aboriginal art exhibitions and storytelling, African drumming, Torres Strait Island dancers, ukulele workshops and performances, Fijian performers, and a dance performance by Tchundal Malar Aboriginal Dance Troupe with fire demonstrations and didgeridoo performances.

There’s also a dedicated marquee for the kids to join artists Sofia Fortunato and Lisa Ashcroft for free art workshops.

For more information about the workshops leading up to the festival from September 17 and other event details head to whitsundaysartsfestival.org

WHAT: Whitsunday Arts Festival

WHEN: 17 – 30 September

WHERE: Airlie Beach and Proserpine

Fun and frivolity at the 2021 Whitsundays Arts Festival

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Announcing a special VIP experience for one lucky winner, the Airlie Beach Festival of Music (ABFoM) is giving one lucky ticket holder the rockstar experience at this years’ 10th annual festival.

Anyone who purchases a three-day pass before 5pm on Monday, October 3, or already has a ticket, will be placed in the draw to win a prize that will transform your festival weekend from spectacular to jaw-droppingly amazing!

The winner will get to meet the Superjesus frontwoman, Sarah McLeod, receive a signed 2022 festival T-shirt, have themselves and their ‘plus one’ upgraded to VIP’s, and win a trip for two on the SeaLink Big Island Day Tour, taking in the Whitsunday islands and including a stop at world-famous Whitehaven Beach.

Festival founder, Gavin Butlin, said this was the “ultimate package”, worth as much in the memories it would create than its actual financial value.

“This by itself is a way to experience the festival like a rockstar,” he said.

“But to also have the chance to visit the globally iconic Whitsunday islands and walk away with memorabilia signed by one of Australia’s top performers is the cherry on top.”

Three-day passes cost $300 and include access to the Grand Final of the national talent search ‘Passport to Airlie’ on Thursday, November 3, and official festival After Party on Monday, November 7 – both headlined by Sarah McLeod.

Top acts include The Animals, Eskimo Joe, Ben Lee, Jon Stevens, Rogue Traders, Rick Price, Masters of Pop, Dallas Frasca and Mi-Sex.

WHAT: Airlie Beach Festival of Music

WHEN: November 4-6.

WHERE: Whitsunday Sailing Club

Meet Sarah McLeod and see the Whitsundays for free with your lucky ticket!

One of the world’s most thriving women’s groups that actively helps and stands up for the rights of other women is currently looking for new members for its Airlie Beach contingent.

A fun and empowering community organisation, Zonta has over 31,000 members worldwide, spread over 65 countries.

The driving force behind many social change initiatives for women, this group of spunky ladies do their small part for a big organisation that makes huge differences in the everyday lives of locals here in the Whitsundays.

From supporting girls at secondary college with scholarships and bursaries to working to protect women through Whitsunday Counselling and Support, they raise money and give it directly to important causes.

Meeting on the third Thursday of every month at the VMR in Cannonvale, the Zontarians share lively conversation and a group dinner while planning events and opportunities to help the women in our community.

These include Bunnings BBQ’s, Christmas gift wrapping and annual functions such as annual International Women’s Day breakfast and Derby Day lunch.

More broadly, they also help to bring about change and promote human rights and freedoms both locally and internationally with specific projects such as global initiatives working to close the gender gap in education, saying no to violence against women and providing birthing kits to assist safe birthing in some countries.

If you would like to be part of this powerful and important conversation by joining forces with other women and becoming a member of your local Zonta Club – reach out to them now!

WHAT: Zonta Club of the Whitsundays

WHEN: 6pm – 9pm every second Thursday

WHERE: The VMR, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale

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Join the Zonta Group of the Whitsundays

Promising big crowds, excellent vibes and world-class skating, FMS Group Rumble on the Reef is just around the corner bringing some of skateboarding’s best talent to the region.

Last year’s Rumble on the Reef Skateboarding Champion, Tommy Fynn, is making his way to the competition for the third time and is excited to bring his energy to the people of Mackay.

“I feel like the people in Mackay are super supportive of skateboarding and that happening up there brings everybody out to watch,” he said.

“It’s always good energy, good vibe.”

Growing up in South Africa and New Zealand, Tommy started skateboarding when he was 12 years old, borrowing his cousin’s board until his parents bought him his own.

Tommy continued to skate and has gone on to kick goal after goal, currently skating on the Plan B Skateboards team, competing in competitions all over the world and vying for a spot on the Olympic team.

“I’m pretty close already, they had an Olympic qualifying event for Paris two months ago in Italy,” he said.

“I was up there in the top 25 in the world, so I’m planning on going to Paris.”

He said he never expected skateboarding to grow to an Olympic-level sport, but it only means good things for the industry.

“More kids are going to get into it and skating’s going to get more structure from a high-performance level, which is great for skateboarders in general,” he said.

“You get fitter, you have more support, there’s more opportunities to make money and a solid career that you can live off.”

The Brisbane-based skateboarder is involved firsthand in developing the next generation in preparation for Brisbane 2032.

“I do a bit of coaching as well, coaching our next generation, and seeing these 12- to 16-year-old kids doing crazy, crazy tricks at such a young age, it’s awesome,” he said.

“I kind of give everything I’ve learnt and share my expertise where I can and help these kids with their careers heading towards the Olympics, it just feels cool to be a part of that.

Not only do regional competitions like Rumble on the Reef bring world-class skaters like Tommy, Dennis Durant, Canada’s Matt Berger and Aidan Campbell from the US to smaller centres, they also shine a light on the talent in the region.

“It’s a way of finding and nurturing talent,” Tommy said.

“These kids skate against each other, they skate against other skateboarders from around the country who might be better than them so they can push themselves.

“I love how they do Rumble and these national events because it means all these skaters from all over the country can compete and get inspired and go harder.”

Rumble on the Reef is happening from September 20-24 at the Sugar Bowl Skatepark.

“That skatepark is actually up there as one of the best skateparks, so it makes the event super fun,” Tommy said.

“Going up there and competing is always fun because you get good obstacles, you get a good skate park and you can progress there.”

WHAT: FMS Group Rumble Skateboarding Championships 2022

WHERE: Sugar Bowl Skatepark Mackay

WHEN: September 20-24, 2022

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Last year’s Rumble on the Reef Skateboarding Champion, Tommy Fynn, is making his way back to Mackay and hopes to inspire the next generation of skateboarders. Photos supplied: Rumble on the Reef

Australia’s much-loved pop-up mini-golf phenomenon, Pixar Putt, will arrive in Mackay in time for the school holidays when it opens at Civic Lawn Art Space MECC from 16 September through to 9 October 2022.

This open air, pop-up mini-golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films including Toy Story, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Turning Red, Soul, The Incredibles, Onward, Finding Nemo, A Bug’s Life, Wall-E, Inside Out, Luca and more. This premiere Mackay season also features a hole from Disney and Pixar’s latest movie Lightyear, now streaming on Disney+.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Pixar Putt

WHERE: Civic Lawn Art Space MECC

WHEN: Friday 16 September 2022 – Sunday 9 October 2022

HOURS: Opens Friday 16 September, 3:00pm – 10:00pm (last entry 8.45pm)

Season Opening Times Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00am - 8:00pm (last entry 6.45pm) Thursday to Saturday: 10:00am - 10:00pm (last entry 8.45pm)

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The elves have been busy collecting the goodies for this Sunday’s mega cent sale in Sarina on September 18.

More than 200 prizes, a major raffle of a wheelbarrow of goodies and other prizes, and 40 multi-draw prizes are among the day’s offerings.

The sale is a joint undertaking of the Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre, which operates Sarina’s Craft Centre at the Field of Dreams parkland, and the children’s charity the Variety Club.

Arts and Crafts Centre manager Jenny Costello said it was the third joint cent sale by the two organisations, and she expects it to be the biggest.

“We’ll have doors open at 10am, and the sale starts at noon at the Bob Wood Hall, Sarina.”

Food and drinks are available.

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Sarina Arts and Crafts Centre “elves”, Di Proctor, Jenny Price, Rosemary Rowles, Marg Hinrichs, Jenny Costello and Margaret Schwarzrock with some of the prizes for this Sunday’s mega cent sale. Photo credit: Charlie Payne

In less than 48 hours (about 2 days) I may not be here.

That sounds a little dramatic but it's real life.

On Sunday I will be running the Sydney Marathon with thousands of other people who want to push their bodies to the limit. This may go well, or it may go pear shaped. We will have to wait and see.

For those who do not know, a marathon length is 42.195km long. That's equivalent in distance to running to Homebush and running home again. That is just dumb as there are plenty of taxi's around that do that same job.

It's also the same distance of running to Bucasia, turning around, and running home, then running back out there again and falling over exhausted. Simple right? Nope. Not by a long shot.

Why is that I hear you say? Well to put it in an uncomplicated way, I am lazy.

I refuse to do the arduous work for the four months leading into the event so I can do a suitable time and not feel like 'death warmed up' so I expect what I get at the end. My own fault really.

This will not be my first rodeo though. This will be my 5th run in my 54 years on this earth and each time I have done one, I say I will never do another, and here I am. Ready to go.

I've run two Gold Coast marathons, one Melbourne and one virtual here in Mackay two years ago when COVID put the hand brakes on, so this will be number five and a special one too as I'll be running it with my sister Katriona.

She was the one who I can blame for this run. I made the comment years ago that ‘wouldn't it be fun if we ran the Sydney Marathon together’ as she has never done one, all in the hope that she would never say yes. Well guess what? She did say yes, so I had to follow through with the event with her.

I'll be running the whole 42km with her so we can push each other along.

Come 10am Sunday I'll know if I have failed or mastered the run. I'll let you know on the socials.

To everyone else from Mackay who is running, I will see you there. I wish you all well.

Now, where did I put that tube of Voltaren again?

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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A Mackay local’s dilemma.

Susan from Rural View has written in asking Style Central Home;

“We have been in our existing home for 10 years now, it’s in a street surrounded by high quality newer homes and ours looks tired and dated. We have seen another beautiful home online which is much more expensive, it ticks boxes although not all of them and we are confused what to do?”

At Style Central Home we treat your situation as individual as you. This is your hard-earned money, and we want you to get the best value with it. An unbiased professional opinion can be a game changer as there are many things to take into consideration.

If you love the area you live in there are many benefits in staying in your existing home. Some questions you need to think about are why do you want to move? Have you outgrown the space and feel restricted? When you walk in the door do you feel relaxed and calm or stressed and disorganised? What renovations could be done that will not only increase its value but to make it more liveable.? If you do decide to renovate, should you renovate to stay or sell?

If you decide to stay in your existing home, consider what areas are looking tired and what costs would be involved to make a substantial difference. Consider a budget you are prepared to spend whether it be from savings, home equity or pay as you go. An in-home consultation with an interior designer could not only give you great ideas and inspiration, it could also save you a lot of money because we are looking at it from an unbiased professional and practical perspective.  

Style Central Home will provide you with advice on the home and land with suggestions from the street appeal all the way through to the backyard. You will not have to remember everything as we will put it all in a follow up email report with everything that was discussed with links to all suggestions and inspiration. There will also be a strategy on the priorities to work in with your lifestyle and budget then it’s up to you how you proceed, we are there right beside you. We have additional services available to take the stress out of any transitions, including assistance in getting trades quotes, conveying your ideas and involving you in the discussion and decisions with the upmost respect and transparency. We also provide full project management if you’re too busy or live away from the property, to selling unwanted goods on various platforms to put the money back into other areas. Sourcing items from reputable businesses and liaising with them on your behalf to negotiate better pricing which helps with delivery costs which as we know are more expensive to regional areas.

Other benefits of doing home improvements are that once completed you may love it so much you will want to stay, or you will get an updated real estate appraisal and see the property has increased significantly to a point where you many decide to sell. If doing this though keep in mind the out-of-pocket costs involved like stamp duty, legal and agent fees, removals costs and the stress of moving.

If you decide to take the plunge and move, we are also able to do an inspection on your behalf, with you in person or virtually to give you and idea of what things would need to be done so you would be happy with it and to the costs and effort involved so you can make an informed decision. If you then want to get your existing property ready for sale, we have services and solutions unique to Style Central home to suit all budgets where we work with what you currently have so whilst selling you can have some familiarity around you. This is a more cost-effective way to present your home where certain items can be removed, stored, other items stay and can even be used in other areas you would not have considered. Additional cost-effective items can then be added to enhance your property so the potential client will find it irresistible. When the property sells you can either take them with you or resell them.

Contact Tracey at Style Central Home for a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your situation and how we could assist you.

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“Where happiness is homemade and coffee is always a good idea.” Meet the café where a smile is a side delivered with every order. Along Walkerston’s rustic main street is the Siding Café, where owner Sharna Crawford and her team Brooke, Sue and Mel, bring joy to locals and passers-by through coffee and conversation.

“The idea behind owning a café was to be able to make a difference to somebody’s day,” Sharna said.  

“For some, their daily cup of coffee is more than the beverage itself. For some, it’s their chance to get out of the house, an opportunity for a conversation or connection with another person or simply a break from the daily grind.”

The Crawford family purchased the café just over 6 months ago. It’s been a favourite in Walkerston for about 7 years. The family grew up within the region and decided to move to Walkerston with their two young children, aged 4 and 2.

Sharna says that the food can be summed up as hearty and humble.

“Our regulars love that they can grab-and-go when they need to, other times they’ll stay and enjoy a chat.”

The regulars who frequent The Siding agree that a drawcard is the daily freshly made sandwiches with the dedicated crew up at 3:30am to ensure fresh fare is available from 4:30am when they open.

The early open time coincides with the civil construction crews and Bowen Basin miners who are passing through on their way to shifts. The breakfast wrap is a crowd favourite and Sharna says it’s the café’s most popular item.

“It’s one of the items we changed when we bought the business. It’s jam-packed full of wholesome goodness, but don’t take our word for it, come and try it yourself!”

It’s not just the fact that the sandwiches are made daily, but also that the filling is plentiful. The thick sangas feature favourite fillings like home-cooked corned beef, chicken and salad, egg and lettuce, ham and other specialties.

Passers-by love the convenience of grabbing fresh food on the go to enjoy on the road or to have for a hearty lunch later. Most regulars are known by name by the Siding girls.  

“With some of them being from the South-East, the connections they form with us is knowing they will see a smiling face and enjoy some good banter through conversation. Being away from their families for two weeks at a time, sometimes they need that feeling of familiarity to feel more at home,” Sharna said.

“That’s always been a point of difference with our café, we get to know our regulars and know most of them by name.

“It’s like creating an extended family, it’s not just about knowing their coffee order, in many cases we’ve watched their young family grow, consoled them during a time of grief or chatted about daily life.”

In the café you’ll find this local business supporting other local businesses, with a selection of homemade sauces and preserves, peanut butter, jerky, almond bread and even sets of handmade earrings for sale from small business throughout the region.

Platters can be made featuring the famous sandwiches as well as assorted sweets. They are popular for business morning tea and lunch shouts.

The next time you’re passing through Walkerston, stop at the Siding Café and see what all the fuss is about. Sip on great Merlo coffee, treat yourself to something sweet or savour a big sandwich for later. If you have time to dine in, try a delicious burger.

And a tip from the Editor, grab the banana bread. You’ll go bananas for it.

(left to right) Brooke, Sue, Sharna & Mel

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We all know the importance of exercising but stretching always seems to take a back seat.

When you’re young and fit, you might not see the benefits – but then one day it all comes crashing (maybe pinging) down. You’re tight, you’re sore, or – worst of all – you’re injured.

You’ve torn your hamstring, you’ve got constant back pain, you can’t bend over without cramping up.

What happened? You’re a mess!

Here’s how it starts: your hamstrings are tight, your physio or chiro says, but to release that built up tension, you need to stretch your calves. Ok, you’ve stretched out your calves – but how flexible is the right kind of flexible? And now your hip flexor is the cause of that pesky hamstring trouble. Your whole lower body is a condensed mess of knotted dough.

It’s daunting and confusing, and it’s kind of a pain. You don’t do exercise so you can keep exercising after the exercise. I’ve just finished a run, I don’t have the energy to do a post-workout stretch!

But hold on: what does stretching even do?

You may think of stretching as something performed only by runners or gymnasts. But we all need to stretch to protect our mobility and independence; in fact, that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. It should be daily.

Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints. Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they’re weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.

It might seem overwhelming to perform a daily stretching routine; with a body full of muscles, the idea is a bit daunting. But you don't have to stretch every muscle you have.

The areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis and quadriceps in the front of the thigh.

Once you’ve given some of those a crack, you might even find you like it. Performing a daily stretching ritual, especially in the morning, can set you up for the day. It can centre you.

So this week of Movement Month, get down and stretch.

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