✦ When it comes to authentic connection across cultures, not even language can get in the way! We are proud to say that Harmony Day, celebrated worldwide now on 21st March, actually originated in Australia in 1999 to celebrate unity and diversity. It coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination , an urgent reminder of the need to eliminate racism and racial discrimination. A land of diversity Australia stands out as a nation made up of a rich diversity of cultures. The world's oldest continuing culture is right here, where our First Nations people have been caring for the country for more than 60,000 years and contributing to our sense of national identity. It is their cultures and histories that are the foundation of multiculturalism in Australia. "50 years ago, multiculturalism became official Australian government policy, with the goal of making this a land of equal opportunity for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, race, or national or ethnic origin." - Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs in his Harmony Day 2024 message Australia's multiculturalism policy continues to build toward this ideal today. It is worth mentioning that this year is when Australia celebrates 75 years of Australian citizenship. Since 1949, Australia has welcomed more than six million new citizens , and now more than half of all Australians were born overseas or have a parent who was. Harmony Day in Port Macquarie According to Britannica , the population of Australia consists of more than 270 ethnic groups. In Port Macquarie, we celebrated Harmony Day with a Harmony Lunch where each person brought food from their country. Gastronomy is a universal love language and speaks to one of our most basic and essential needs. The sharing of meals has always been one of the most powerful ways to connect with one another, and it's amazing how people from different walks of life come together through food. We're so proud of all the cultures we've brought together in Port Macquarie! At Brilliant-Online's 3rd birthday bash this year on board Port AdVenture Cruises ' the Rhythmboat, we brought together businesses, friends and family from all walks of life to celebrate! Read about it here . Lost in translation... or not! Ray is an 85-year-old Australian who has a beautiful story to share. He met Michiko, a 61-year-old Japanese lady through her daughter Erica, who was working on a farm next to where Ray lives. Neither could speak each other's language and while there's Google Translate to help with the conversation, it also brought about some unexpected misunderstandings! Perhaps this is where gestures and body language help to smooth out the bumps in the road. Michiko hopes to be able to obtain a visa to stay in Australia for a longer period, because despite being lost in translation, both Ray and Michiko have found happiness through their friendship. Michiko and Ray have found a beautiful friendship in spite of language differences That is just one story out of so many others that have proven that authentic connections can triumph over barriers. With over 55,000 Harmony Day events to date since the beginning of Harmony Day, one could say that more than ever, given the challenges the world has been facing all this time, people are even more aware of the need for harmony, respect and appreciation of the diversity around us. Harmony Day, in essence, is a consciousness we carry with us every day and always. It is in finding comfort in our similarities and inspiring curiosity and appreciation in our differences that allow us all to continue to evolve and lead the way for future generations towards a more peaceful and harmonious environment. Do you have a Brilliant Harmony Day experience to share? Tell us about it! Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ As nature settles quietly into winter, the Rhythmboat continues to sail majestically on the Hastings River, bringing you a different experience of their popular cruises. Winter may be a time for hibernation for some animals and plants, but it's also when others come out to play. Port AdVenture Cruises is all geared up for their winter cruises, so you can enjoy a ride on the Hastings River any time of the year! Port AdVenture Cruises brings you five reasons to enjoy cruising, even in winter! 1) David Lazarus knows how to bring life to any party! Tom "Cruise Director", David Lazarus, is simply the warmest and cheeriest person you could hope to meet. Hop on board and you'll experience his warm welcome that would make you wonder if you're in summer, and he's always ready to help everyone on board to settle in, get cosy and have an incredible time! 2) Warm and cosy inside the Rhythmboat The Rhythmboat is fully enclosed, so you'll be all warm and toasty inside. Though we suspect many will be drawn to go out on deck on sunny winter afternoons just to have a closer experience of the nature all around! Find out how the Rhythmboat got to Port Macquarie all the way from Sydney! 3) Celebrate Xmas in July What if you could celebrate Christmas twice a year? That's what we do in Australia! Christmas in July is a well-loved tradition, where we get to experience the winter wonderland of Christmas and when December comes around we are just as happy to have a Christmas barbecue at the beach! Jump on board the Rhythmboat this July and celebrate Christmas in July sailing on the Hastings River! Book your Xmas in July lunch cruise here . Find out why the Rhythmboat is such a beloved element in our community! Experience the beauty of the Hastings River in all its winter glory and enjoy the breathtaking views. 4) The dolphins don't go on holiday in winter! One of the highlights of our cruises is clearly the dolphins. They are an absolute delight when our guests spot them swimming alongside the Rhythmboat. And the dolphins have made the Hastings River part of their home so they don't disappear just because it's winter! Just imagine the fresh smell of the water, the crispiness of winter air on your face, the gorgeous kaleidoscopic colours of the sunset that change every second, mouthwatering delights to tickle your tastebuds and seeing a school of dolphins come by to say hi! What could be more delightful? The dolphins still love to play in winter! 5) There's a cruise for everyone There is something for everyone at Port AdVenture Cruises. For the young at heart who really know how to live it up, book a Seniors and Retirees Big Day Out, and those who love live music will enjoy the Live Music Sessions on Sundays! Check out the cruises here . Make some magical memories this winter and sail with Port AdVenture Cruises. Contact: David Lazarus & Elsa Barbosa Port AdVenture Cruises Website: https://cruiseportmacquarie.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Portadventurecruises t/ 0417 681 031 or 0434 393 199 Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Barbara Smith, a cornerstone of the Port Macquarie community and a proud committee member of the Micro Business Forum , has recently been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her tireless contributions to volunteering and her unwavering support for small businesses. Barbara Smith's impact as a mentor, trainer, and advocate has transformed countless lives and strengthened not just the region’s business ecosystem, but also beyond to many countries she has volunteered in. A Lifetime of Community Service Barbara’s volunteering journey spans decades, during which she has devoted her energy to numerous initiatives. Her efforts have ranged from mentoring micro-business owners to empowering community groups and volunteering at the Olympic Games . She started in 1970 by coaching under-8s and under-14s netball teams for Wentworthville Leagues Club and Wentworth RSL. Barbara even umpired matches as a teenager. Having grown up in a family where volunteering was in their DNA, it is no wonder that Barbara lives and breathes volunteer work wherever she goes! "I've been involved in sport all my life. When I was younger, it was netball. My family always volunteered, and it just grew from there." In 1979, Barbara became a Justice of the Peace to help Leichhardt residents mainly from Italian backgrounds with government forms and documentation. It's not just people that Barbara is helping. She even successfully petitioned Leichhardt Council for tree planting in Foster Street! At the workplace, Barbara founded an initiative "Cabin Crew for a Non-Smoking Work Environment" to encourage smoke-free spaces. During her career as Qantas cabin crew, she visited orphanages in Thailand and Zimbabwe, offering support to children in challenging situations. She became a founding member of Qantas Peer Support assisting crew members impacted by disasters. "I think you get back what you give out. Many people don't understand that, but you do. You're around positive people, and you learn skills in areas you might never have thought about." Barbara has fostered children through the Wesley Aunties and Uncles program , as well as volunteered at Port Macquarie's Ironman events where she assisted athletes, coordinated volunteers, and even got to photograph the exciting action! Making a Difference on the Olympic Stage Barbara and her husband Laurie are both pioneer volunteers leading up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. This was the start of years of connection to the Olympic movement. Both have since volunteered in the Olympic Village at five Games where they assisted countries including Australia, Brazil, Kenya and Ethiopia. They assisted the Swedish Paralympic team during Sydney 2000, and also supported the Brazilian swim team at the World Championships in Perth. Barbara and Laurie watched the Tokyo Games from home during the pandemic, but they attended the Paris Olympics as spectators and have no plans yet to 'retire' from their love for supporting the Olympic Games either as volunteers or spectators. Barbara Diane Smith seen here with the book written by her husband, Laurie Smith A Pillar of the Micro Business Forum Closer to our community in Port Macquarie, Barbara is a well-known figure in the small business community because of her role as President for 7 years in the Micro Business Forum . Now she's a mentor for small businesses and supports them in overcoming challenges and building sustainable enterprises. Barbara’s role within the Micro Business Forum cannot be overstated. As a committee member, she has helped create a welcoming and empowering environment where small business owners can network, share insights, and grow together. Her personal touch, combined with her vast experience, has encouraged many to embrace opportunities they might have otherwise overlooked. Barbara’s vision for the forum is rooted in the belief that collaboration and shared knowledge are essential for business success. She has been a driving force behind numerous workshops and events, always ensuring that participants leave with actionable insights and renewed confidence. She is also involved with the Hastings Business Women's Network  as a Tall Poppy Life Member where she is a strong voice for women entrepreneurs. For Barbara, seeing so many small businesses owned by women is highly rewarding. Recognition on Australia Day 2025 Barbara’s incredible dedication was celebrated during this year’s Australia Day Honours, where she was awarded the OAM. This national recognition highlights not only her years of selfless service but also the significant impact she has had on countless lives. Her innovative approach to problem-solving and her heartfelt compassion have been the foundation of her success as a volunteer and leader. Barbara Smith being congratulated by Mayor Adam Roberts of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion Barbara Smith’s OAM is a well-deserved testament to her legacy of leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to service. Her story is a reminder of the extraordinary impact that one individual can have on a community through consistent effort, empathy, and an unrelenting drive to uplift others. At Brilliant-Online, we are honoured to share Barbara’s story and celebrate her achievements. We applaud her for inspiring so many and for setting a Brilliant example of what it means to lead with heart. ❋ Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

As an entrepreneur, technologist and international marketer, Veronica has been helping businesses thrive by empowering them with the tools and strategies to turn their business around, grow and most importantly, help them stay Personable, Relevant and Admirable. She adapts technology to the business needs of clients and the natural next step was the development of an interactive, multi-media magazine that gives a whole new meaning to what magazines and newspapers have traditionally been.  Veronica Lind ✦ CEO, Brilliant-Online ✦ Bringing Harry Potter Daily Prophet Magic into Brilliant ✦ Veronica's favourite stories Creator of Brilliant-Online As an entrepreneur, technologist and international marketer, Veronica has been helping businesses thrive by empowering them with the tools and strategies to turn their business around, grow and most importantly, help them stay Personable, Relevant and Admirable. She has long been adapting technology to the business needs of clients and the natural next step was the development of an interactive, multi-media magazine that gives a whole new meaning to what magazines and newspapers have traditionally been. Brilliant-Online was born in the midst of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and it is testament to its ability to bring worthy businesses' stories far and wide in spite of challenging times. Veronica's decades of experience in technology and modern marketing strategies, sales and business development in regional and global markets led her to create this magazine unlike any other. Brilliant has built-in digital portals that allow the interweaving of layers of interaction to create a captivating new multi-dimensional communications medium that has been compared to the magical Daily Prophet newspaper of the Harry Potter books and films. What Veronica has done is to actually make magic real. Aimed at progressive individuals and businesses of the digital era, Brilliant’s pages are embedded with an array of QR codes, links to websites and videos, pop-up files, animations, audio files and podcasts. As a multipotentialite, Veronica has a number of roles under her belt. She is co-founder and Business & Marketing Strategist at Vermilion Pinstripes , a sales marketing and communications agency helping local, regional and global executives build business confidence and thrive. Veronica is frequently invited to speak on Modern Marketing and contributes articles to various magazines including the Singapore Marketer, a magazine by the Singapore Institute of Marketing. The fact that there are only 24 hours a day clearly does not apply to Veronica as she is also the President of Micro Business Forum in Port Macquarie, a professional business network that provides education, networking and support to start-ups and established small business owners in Port Macquarie-Hastings and the Communications Executive at the Hastings District Flying Club where she produces the members' aviation magazine Propwash . Through all her work, sell without selling is a key virtue she promotes and it has helped many businesses that needed that boost of confidence. It is the key to efficiently generating benefits, promoting effective marketing strategies, consolidating customer loyalty and enabling long-lasting, meaningful engagements with customers. Veronica lives in Port Macquarie with her absolute best friend and life partner Ray Lind, who is a flying instructor at Hastings District Flying Club, and Max who is against rainy days when he cannot go out for a walk. Veronica enjoys her time off from work pottering about in the kitchen cooking up a meal to share with friends. She is famous for her chilli sauce and if you do get invited over for a meal, you need to ask for a bottle of it to take home with you. Veronica recently became a grandmother to beautiful little Victoria - a joy Veronica is celebrating every single day as she watches her grow. Contact Us To Advertise Veronica's favourite stories favourite Yann Tyng Kooi Feb 17 2 min read Talking Entertainment: Your Front-Row Seat to Local Stories and Events! Introducing Talking Entertainment, a brand-new playlist featuring exclusive interviews conducted by David & Elsa, Port AdVenture Cruises! Yann Tyng Kooi Feb 17 4 min read Revolutionising Real Estate Education: The Realty Pro Academy's Fast Track System Realty PRO Academy launches Fast Track System to revolutionise the real estate industry and education! Starts 1 March 2025! Brilliant Writer Jan 27 4 min read Predictions, Tips, and Fun Insights for the Year of the Wood Snake! 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake! Get ready for a new you, and lots of creativity and connections! Here's some fun insights, predictions. Veronica Lind Dec 23, 2024 4 min read Marmin Technologies Propels Malaysia’s E-Invoicing Transformation Marmin Technologies launches their e-invoicing platform in Malaysia, driving digital transformation for compliance and efficiency. 1 2 3 4 5

As a writer, Yann Tyng gets to inform, inspire, entertain, comfort or intrigue people, evoke emotions and ultimately, help people find common grounds for understanding and empathy. She tells stories that make an emotional connection with someone one may not even know. As humans, we all need and crave connection and language is a way to nurture that connection. She thrives on the value that communities bring and the many opportunities that are available to celebrate every person's unique wins.  Yann Tyng Kooi ✦ Content Expert, Brilliant-Online ✦ Written thousands of B2B and B2C stories ✦ Yann Tyng's favourite stories We have clients who cry when they read their own stories Yann Tyng Kooi is one of Brilliant-Online magazine's writers delighting in bringing inspiring stories to its global readership. A graduate from the National University of Singapore with an Honours Degree in English Literature, Yann Tyng is currently based in Spain as an EFL teacher and Content Writer for Vermilion Pinstripes . TEFL and CELTA certified, she has been teaching Young Learners and In-Company classes as well as preparing students for official exams. You will often find Yann Tyng Zoom-ing online helping her students trust and value their own language skills. As a writer, Yann Tyng gets to inform, inspire, entertain, comfort or intrigue people, evoke emotions and ultimately, help people find common grounds for understanding and empathy. Telling stories is a way of making an emotional connection with someone one may not even know. As humans, we all need and crave connection and language is a way to nurture that connection. She thrives on the value that communities bring and the many opportunities that are available to celebrate every person's unique wins. Yann Tyng finds value in learning and staying curious - she enjoys being an eternal student. She is currently learning Hungarian and getting therapeutic stress-release sessions at her ballet classes. She is also a very willing slave to a magical black cat she lives with and whom she considers to be her spiritual guru. Contact Us To Advertise favourite Yann Tyng's favourite stories Brilliant Writer Oct 10, 2024 2 min read Halloween Recipe: Blueberry Rickety Eyeball Punch This easy-to-make drink will both tickle and cool your guests down at your Halloween party! Try this Halloween Recipe today! Brilliant Writer Jul 10, 2024 3 min read Gingerbread carrot cupcakes recipe for Christmas in July! Make this gingerbread carrot cupcake recipe for your Christmas in July celebrations! Yann Tyng Kooi May 17, 2024 4 min read Recipe for Nonya Dumpling for the Dragon Boat Festival Recipe for Nonya Dumpling for the Dragon Boat Festival from My Blue Tea Brilliant Writer May 1, 2024 3 min read Dark Chocolate Chestnut Truffles Recipe: a sweet, disease-fighting dessert Dark Chocolate Chestnut Truffles: a sweet, disease-fighting dessert from Dr. William Li. Get this recipe to boost your health! 1 2 3 4 5

Noel Ong, CEO of Samso leads this Brilliant Investment column where top business executives are interviewed for their market view points and insights. Contact Brilliant-Online for investment interactive advertorials. Brilliant Investments ✦ A special investment column led by Noel Ong, CEO of Samso who interviews top business executives on their view points of the market and what to look out for. Have a Brilliant Story to tell? Send your press release HERE ADVERTORIALS Disclaimer: ASX companies engage Samso and Brilliant-Online to share their commentary on the progress of their companies and projects. The author, owners of Samso, Brilliant-Online and associated entities may or may not hold shares of these companies. The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints. Noel Ong, Samso Apr 13, 2024 Venture Minerals Limited (ASX: VMS) brings an update on their Jupiter REE Deposit Andrew Radonjic and Mel Ashton from Venture Minerals go on-site to share updates on the Jupiter REE Deposit Yann Tyng Kooi Apr 9, 2024 Venture Minerals Limited (ASX:VMS) is bringing value to stakeholders with successful exploration results Venture Minerals Limited (ASX:VMS) is bringing value to stakeholders with successful exploration results in East Coast Research Report Yann Tyng Kooi Apr 3, 2024 Luna, 499 Botany Road, Zetland, NSW 2017 - Apartments for Sale Luna, 499 Botany Road, Zetland, NSW 2017 - Apartments for Sale. Contact Veronica Lind if you are interested in our Brilliant Properties. Yann Tyng Kooi Apr 3, 2024 The Belmont Collection, 328 – 338 McKimmies Road, Mill Park - Townhouses for Sale Brilliant Properties features The Belmont Collection at Mill Park, future-proof your home and lifestyle. Contact Veronica if interested. Yann Tyng Kooi Mar 5, 2024 Samso launches Samso Insights on Patreon for a bold investment journey Samso launches Samso Insights on Patreon for a bold investment journey. Get insights from key leaders from important ASX companies! Veronica Lind Mar 1, 2024 Treehouse, 1 Ivanhoe Place, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 - Apartments for Sale Treehouse, 1 Ivanhoe Place, Macquarie Park NSW 2113 - Apartments for Sale recommended by Veronica Lind. Enquire here. Veronica Lind Jan 25, 2024 Natura, 55 Baileys Mountain Road, Upper Coomera QLD 4209 - House and Land Package for Sale Natura, 55 Baileys Mountain Road, Upper Coomera QLD 4209 - House and Land Package for Sale Noel Ong, Samso Jan 17, 2024 Taiton Resources Limited (ASX: T88) on the Kingsgate Project, a historical mine High-Grade Molybdenum Acquisition: The Kingsgate Project, a historical mine ASX Announcement from Taiton Resources Limited (ASX:T88) 1 2 3 4 5 Brilliant CEO's Favourite Stories Talking Entertainment: Your Front-Row Seat to Local Stories and Events! Revolutionising Real Estate Education: The Realty Pro Academy's Fast Track System Predictions, Tips, and Fun Insights for the Year of the Wood Snake! Marmin Technologies Propels Malaysia’s E-Invoicing Transformation Fostering Traditions Through Food and Storytelling: A Bridge Between Generations Helping koalas adapt to a changing world EaTs Soul Savour Festival sparks conversations to ask 'R U OK?' Bob Downe makes sure you laugh until you don't! An Exclusive Interview with Ellen Crepaz – The Heart Behind the EaTs Soul Savour Festival Brilliant-Online and Vermilion Pinstripes help Port AdVenture Cruises go full steam ahead! Up close and personal with Andrew Morello The Magic of Animal-Assisted Interaction Embracing the magic of the Olympic Games 1/17 investments Subscribe to Brilliant Stories Investments insights direct from the business executives. Don't miss another beat. Join 10,000 other subscribers and stay tuned with topics, people and businesses that matter to you. Subscribe ➹ Advertise Brilliantly Get in touch to tell your investment stories. Request Ad Package ➹ ✦ Download eBook - How understanding Geological Models can add value to your share portfolio