If you can't beat them …. change the rules, register a company, convince friends to join, ask them to work for free, spend an outrageous amount of time building an app, just so for once, I might be able to win something!!! Have you ever tried to win an activity-based competition against Mr. and Ms. Joe public, using one of the many mobile apps available for download? Perhaps it was a competition to do the most steps or maybe cycling from point A to point B in the fastest time. How did you get on? Did you win? Did you even come close to winning? Let me tell you; I've tried, I've tried many times. Everyday cycling to work, I tried to beat Sarah, John, Rajeev, Seref, Barbara, Rina, or any other seemingly super-human person deciding to get on their bike that day. Needless to say, I never won. I never came close to winning. On my cycle to work, there was a stretch of road that included a steep hill climb. The app I used had this as a timed segment. So, anyone else using the same app, who cycled the same 'segment,' would appear on a leader board. I planned my strategy and set the date. The following Monday morning would be my time to shine. I would start my ride to work very slowly to conserve as much energy as possible for the hill climb. I would give it everything I had. I would get to the top of the hill and then leisurely cycle the rest of my route to work. I decided to rest the Sunday before the big day. I did nothing other than clean my bike (that makes it go faster, right?). I pumped up the tyres and left out a banana ready to eat for the morning of my, sure to be, epic victory. 6 am Monday, and I'm wheeling my shiny clean bike out of the garage. I'm pumped; I've already eaten my banana, convinced it would have the same effect as spinach for Popeye. "Go easy," I tell myself as I jump on my bike, "you have 6 km to reach the hill." I'm now 6 km into my morning ride, and when I turn right at the end of this road, the timed segment begins. I can see that the traffic lights are green at the end of the road and will likely turn red before reaching them. I need all the help I can get, and beginning the segment from a standing start is less than ideal. I wait, I wait for the lights to stay red just for a little longer. I'm starting to peddle, I'm picking up speed, but the lights are still red. "Change, change to green!" I scream to myself as I get closer to the end of the road. I'm going fast now and starting to panic as the lights are still red. I must be only 10 metres away from the traffic lights that I now think are broken and stuck on red. I'm now going at what could only be considered by witnesses as an absurd speed. Shall I break? I don't know, shall I break?! They're green. They've changed to green with only a couple of metres to spare. I turn the corner at great speed. Now it's on, what a great start. I'm at the bottom of the hill and starting to climb. I stand on the pedals, giving it everything. The bike is flailing left to right and creaking under the strain. I refuse to look to the top of the hill; I'm just concentrating on applying as much pressure to each rotation of the pedals. I'm going so fast I can hardly believe it. I must be close to the top now, I'm starting to tire, but I'm still making up good ground. It can't be far to go now. Don't look up, "keep pedalling," I tell myself. A few more seconds pass, and my curiosity is starting to get the better of me. I lift my head to take a sneak peek. I'm nowhere near the top of the hill; I'm not even halfway there. Worst still, I'm starting to feel pretty bad. Both legs are beginning to hurt, I'm slowing down, but I'm still going faster than I would on any other given day. I finally make it to the top. I've done it. What an achievement. I gave it everything I had, but I'm now a broken man. I can barely catch my breath. I look down at my legs expecting to see actual flames to explain the violent burning sensation. I feel like I'm close to needing medical attention. I throw my bike onto the pavement and wait for my heart to explode in my chest. I had been telling myself that getting in the top 10 would be my target, but based on that last performance, I think I've won. I could not imagine anyone else putting in that amount of effort today. I have no choice but to crawl the rest of the 10 km to work as I have no energy to muster any respectable speed. I looked like a child who's just had their stabilisers removed, weaving from left to right, barely going fast enough to keep the bike upright. All I can think about is opening the app and seeing myself at the top of the leader board. After taking a shower, I finally sit down at my desk. I'm like a kid in a sweet shop as I open the app on my phone. I navigate to the leader board as my confidence begins to soar at the thought of seeing my name right at the top in bright lights. 11th, only 11th!!! Are you serious?! You must be kidding me! I nearly killed myself, and all I get is 11th. Look at Jane at the top of the leader board. Does she have a bike or a motorbike? David 2nd, Rajeev 3rd, Kathryn 4th, all those names on the leader board are laughing at me. So the problem with these activity-based competition apps is simple, It's just not fair competing with people who are better than you. And the solution, that's pretty simple too. Just change the rules, so it's not about the person who does the greatest number of steps or achieves the fastest time from point A to Point B. But instead, give points to users for beating their average. Let's take a simple steps competition as an example. Two players enter into a 7-day competition. Player 1 typically does around 3000 steps a day. With Player 2 doing about 10,000 a day. If the competition was only looking at who does the most steps over the 7-day competition, it's very likely to be Player 2 that wins. But if each player is awarded 100 points for beating their average (Player 1 does 3001 steps, and Player 2 does 10,001), we are now starting to level the playing field. We now have a simple solution to a simple problem, but I haven't yet mentioned the most significant issue. Three years ago, when I started looking, this app did not exist. So the obvious next step was to register a company, convince seven friends to join (who, unlike me, have the skills to make this app a reality), collectively spend thousands of hours working on the app. All of this, just so that I can join a competition and have a real chance of winning. So come and join me for a 7-day steps competition, because I'm feeling pretty confident now. It doesn't matter if you're an athlete or someone who barely moves. Because all I need to do is beat my average to beat you. Download the first version of ileadit on both the Apple and Play Stores and try your luck beating me. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ileadit.android Paul Mathews, Co-Founder of ileadit www.linkedin.com/company/ileadit Coming soon: w/ ileadit.app www.facebook.com/Ileadit www.instagram.com/ileadit.app twitter.com/ileadit_app Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

“I can’t believe we’re heading into another COVID-19 Ramadan!” was exclaimed more than once as Muslims started getting ready for the Islamic month of Ramadan, which began in many parts of the world on 13 April this year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and the observance of which is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. For 29-30 days (until the next new moon crescent is sighted), all eligible adult Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from all food and drink – yes, even water! The sacred month is a focused effort to step away from the day-to-day minutiae and double-down on the more spiritual side of Islam – many consider it as a spiritual reset for the rest of the year. A large part of Ramadan is also connecting with the community, be it by taking the time to eat together at suhoor and iftar – the dawn and dusk meals – to sharing meals with family, neighbours, and the less fortunate as well. It goes without saying that the latter part of the celebrations has been turned on its head due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Going Digital As Ramadan happened in relatively early into the COVID-19 pandemic last year, many people were left scrambling on how to observe the month in a way without the usual resources of mosques and family gatherings. This year, many Muslims anticipated another lockdown or restricted Ramadan, so they have had more time to think about how they want to celebrate. Already, social media feeds are filled with pictures of Ramadan-themed activities to do at home with the kids (because, where else these days?), many of them offered for free to take a load off parents, and of living rooms twinkling with lights and geometric prints. Zoom sessions have been set up by Islamic institutions as well as by families, to share relevant stories, or just to say “Ramadan Mubarak!” across the physical boundaries of your houses. Enterprising individuals have taken the forced time at home to launch small businesses catering to the unique needs for this year, offering festive home décor, Ramadan themed cookie kits in the shapes of camels and mosques, gift boxes featuring different varieties of dates (a staple for fast-breaking meal), or food platters with beautiful assortments of snacks for people share with their friends, in lieu of meeting up in person. CuterieCo is one such company, where three sisters were anticipating another Ramadan without the usual hubbub that comes with meetings friends and family, and decided to create an offering that could create that festive atmosphere. Thus, their iftar box was born, a fresh, fun, and healthy take on the meal, while incorporating traditional flavours into foods such as date rolls, pistachio rose biscotti, kebab and falafel. Mosques have usually been the spiritual epicentre for the month, hosting for adults and children, and arranging communal iftars for any who wish to join. Many religious programmes throughout the year are usually done for free, with the support of volunteers and donations, and Ramadan is one of their busiest times of the year. But with many local guidelines playing restrictions on the number of people at a gathering, they too, have needed to rethink their usual programmes. COVID-19 has led to mosques using social media to get their word out, dipping into the world of Google and Facebook ads to raise awareness of their causes and using digital platforms such as LaunchGood to help securely contribute their funding. Institutions such as Meadowvale Islamic Centre, who are currently in the midst of constructing their own permanent structure, have been hosting all their events via Facebook Live, and raising awareness of their programmes and services offered via digital ads, WhatsApp groups and emails, giving them an avenue they otherwise wouldn’t have. A Modern Ramadan Such initiatives have made it easy for Muslims to be able to help others, and while this may not have been the usual way of doing things, it is helping people stay connected, in a time when they need to stay apart. Muslims are heading into another COVID-19 Ramadan, but rather than lament what used to be, they have their creativity and resilience to fulfill all aspects of the holy month. In fact, many of them have been so successful that it looks as if that many these will stay even after we are able to put our arms around our loved ones to wish them “Ramadan Kareem!” Let’s get cooking! Looking to get in the spirit of Ramadan? Why not try Meethi Khajoor (literally, “sweet dates”) that many households in Pakistan bake and place on their iftar table besides real dates! Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, with a nuttiness and earthiness contributed by the semolina, this cookie is a welcome addition to any table. Meethi Khajoor Ingredients: 2 cups plain flour 1 cup semolina 2 cups sugar ½ cup butter, cold ¾ cup milk Method: 1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F 2. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl, rub in butter. 3. Add milk and mix, add more flour if required, so you can handle dough 4. Roll out into balls 5. Brush with milk and bake for 10-12 minutes until light golden brown 6. Exceptionally good when served with a cup of spiced chai! Makes 30 cookies Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Lisa McLeod, Pappinbarra Resident and Rural Fire Service Member, Pappinbarra and Hollisdale Rain events in Pappinbarra are a regular event. Living on the river and having to drive across it to get to your home is natural for me and many in the valley. This rain event was like no other though. Living on the land you listen to the forecast and then make your own mind up as to what may happen as it's never quite what you expect. You pack to stay out if it's going to rise too much or you shop to stay in. We packed to stay out as it could be a week or two and I needed to be able to get to work. No way did I think it was going to be this kind of disaster. It was unbelievable what happened and just how much the river changed and the damage it caused. For me personally our access road was destroyed. It's 2 klm long and will take months to repair. Our fences and paddocks are destroyed on our river flats and the trees along our creek and river have been ripped out. The whole community is reeling. I would estimate that 95% of residents have been affected. We had many houses wash away down the river and many homes inundated with water. Sheds, outbuildings, machinery, animals, farm equipment, pumps and irrigation have been damaged beyond repair or buried in the river. Personally I helped during the flood by opening the Hollisdale hall to the community as it is set up for a disaster of this kind and we have used it as a place of refuge for as long as I can remember. The 2017 and 2019 fires and now the 2021 floods. It has a 12.5kva generator which allows the community to shower, wash clothes, eat meals that we prepared and come together to talk and support each other. I manned this facility along with others for two weeks and also went out with my Hollisdale Fire Brigade crew and other locals to install zip-lines to several properties in the valley that were isolated across the river. We sent food and fuel across the river until they could walk across. I also delivered food to other properties as well. I went out with the Fire and Rescue team to show them all the properties to ensure they captured the damage. The Australian Defence Force also asked me to drive with them to view the worst affected roads. My colleague Heather Smith and I reinstated our Facebook page Rebuild Pappinbarra which we started to help people in the 2017 fires. This allowed us to connect with affected families and to provide information to them on the recovery process and for us to help them individually with their needs and concerns, “Just being able to talk to someone when you're in distress is important and we wanted to help people this way if we could.” A real generosity of spirit comes out in natural disasters. It brings out the best and worst in people. I have seen both traits. Luckily the generosity shines the brightest. It is a tough time for everyone and everyone that wanted to help really made a difference. People pitched in to make meals, man the hall, clean the hall, pick up supplies. The main bridge had a tree over it limiting access. This tree was felled and removed so all vehicles could pass. Many businesses both in Wauchope and Port Macquarie were very generous with supplies and food. Essential Energy supplied us with fuel to put across the zip lines so families could keep their generators going to have power. Many other acts of kindness come to mind also. As a member of the RFS I was involved in delivering food and fuel to households and doing welfare checks on families up and down the valley. My Captain and another member cleared the trees off the road from the first wild night of weather so the road was accessible to the valley residents. Never have I seen a flood like this. The river is mainly a beautiful part of our valley. This time though it unleashed a torrent of water never seen before. Also serene creeks were swollen and running so high that it destroyed everything in its path. Some residents of the valley are still without access in or out of their properties, funding should be allocated for access to properties. We have been declared a natural disaster area by State and Federal Governments. The river ways are an environmental issue that must be addressed, and soon. The rubbish in the rivers will keep coming down to the ocean and they need to be cleaned up. The contamination is enormous. The majority of properties in the valley draw their drinking water from this river. They can’t survive without this river being cleaned up. “What’s next? How do we Rebuild Pappinbarra?” Sheer hard work and determination. Support from the Local, State and Federal Government. The damage to properties is overwhelming and requires more manpower than any family can provide. The army came to some areas in the LGA and did great work. Unfortunately, they did not provide any assistance to Pappinbarra or many other rural communities, we were waiting for them and they did not arrive. We really need assistance and I will champion this cause for as long as it takes to get some assistance for my community. If you can volunteer your time in this community, Lisa can put you in contact with a family that would really love some help. Contact Lisa at rebuildpappinbarra@gmail.com Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. 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Standing Together Against the Tide March is one special month I look forward to every single year. This is the time when the gorgeous lasiandra trees burst out in exuberant purple flowers, signalling the start of the annual Wauchope Lasiandra Festival that is full of fun activities across town. There is that unmistakable warm fuzzy feeling of everyone getting together to organise and participate in the festivities. Wauchope is my hometown and I grew up with this festival that takes place without fail every year. This year has been very different. We are still not free of COVID-19 and restrictions have altered the festival greatly. Midway through the festival, the floods rained in on us and that changed everything. For many of my close friends, neighbours and fellow residents of the Greater Port Macquarie-Hastings region, we were all left horrified and helpless at the devastation. David Jones cleaning out Pappinbarra farm - Chrissy's residence Our beautiful hinterland communities and beachside towns were heavily hit. Numerous businesses suffered unimaginable loss and many individuals had their homes destroyed and others face many months of clean-up and repair. On a personal note, my husband David and myself purchased our farm west of Wauchope in the beautiful Pappinbarra Valley almost six years ago. It has been a challenge from the start to say the least. We had three years of drought and then 2020 saw bushfires blazing through the region. 2021 has not been much kinder, and the devastation caused by the recent floods has been heartbreaking on many levels. It is difficult not to be affected when you look out and all around are scenes of damaged or washed away infrastructure. Rainwater tanks, out buildings, sheds and kilometres of farm fencing can be replaced and rebuilt over time but the experience of fear and helplessness at the relentless rain and rising flood water is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Many have had to survive without power for 10 days and endure being stranded for two weeks totally cut off from the rest of the valley. Even as I am penning my thoughts right now, we still have neighbours who are cut off and have no access in or out of their property. Their only means of provisions is via Flying Foxes set up by the local RFS (NSW Rural Fire Services) or helicopter airdrops by the SES (NSW State Emergency Services). It is at such dire times that I feel so much gratitude and respect for the people in our midst who step up with so much humanity and solidarity. I must say special thanks to Chris Roelandts, the local Hollisdale Fire Captain who took it upon himself along with his small crew to set up the ropes across the flooded river to provide food and fuel. Our close friends in the valley, Bianca and Rob Costigan have lost their beautiful home and everything in it. Both were working in town and their kids were at school when the flood waters rose and locked them out. That night, as the waters kept rising, there was little else they could do except wait with increasing anxiety which finally ended in despair when they saw the total devastation of all that they had. They are a hardworking young couple who had worked hard to build a dream life with their two children. That night, they lost everything except for the clothes on their backs. It is heartbreaking to know this is one of many families who have endured the same devastation. Bianca and Rob have vowed to rebuild what they had. They love the Pappinbarra Valley and this is where they have called home for four years, and where they will continue to rebuild a new life. I could go on and tell you so many more experiences of others who have been affected by the floods. But I would like to end this by lauding the community spirit we have around us. People are banding together to pull up those in need. Our resilience, tenacity and hope is what makes us stand together against the tides. The storm is passing. And we are getting up and moving forward. Together. Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Painting a Life of Colour, Passion and Joy Art of Life is a place to heal one's heart through the arts, and Kim Staples is the Australian artist, art tutor and art therapist bringing this place to life with her passion. Imagination, intuition, creativity and self-discovery are the magic ingredients at play here. For Kim, artistic expression is the key to looking into one's soul. Her signature colourful art work bridges the inner and outer world and it is like journeying through the artist's eyes with every one of her art works. Kim is often in her studio with her paint-splattered blue apron, sitting amongst her tubes of paints and a spread of canvases portraying diverse subjects all around her. This is her happy place where she gets to explore her love of culture, nature, colour, texture and the unknown. Art for Everyone A key part of her artist life is sharing it with youth groups, Alzheimer's sufferers, people with special needs, disabilities and other challenging conditions. She loves teaching them as it gives them self worth. Art is a limitless world which they can all access and be free to express and feel. Circle of Joy It is no secret where Kim’s warm smile and bubbly laughter come from. She loves capturing subjects that are colourful which give joy and happiness to people in their lives. And what goes round, comes round. Kim also receives this joy and happiness in return. Not everyone is fortunate to be able to say about their profession - ¨I love doing it. I wouldn't give it up for the world.¨ What Do You See? What attracts people to Kim’s work is the emotion that is captured and felt behind the painting when they look at it. As an artist, that is what drives Kim to return to the studio and keep creating. As Kim says, ¨It's me on that canvas.¨ And people identify with that. Painting the Town Red and More Kim has been busy taking part in the Port Macquarie Bicentenary celebrations and her studio also opened recently where she sold a number of her beautiful works. If you have walked along the Koala Trail, you would have seen a series of colourfully exuberant and unique one-metre high koala sculptures all across the Port Macquarie district. Kim Staples is one of these talented artists who has breathed life and personality into these koalas with her paints and she is also repairing them when they have a bit of a bruise or scratch. One of her spunky koalas is Cowala the Koala. The 100-year-old Miss Nellie's cafe at Kendall got damaged by the recent floods. When the floodwaters smashed the windows and side wall out of the cafe, Cowala the Koala very cow-rageously threw herself upside down against the kitchen bench to hold up the fallen wall! Kim´s paints have certainly injected this little koala sculpture with a gutsy life of its own! It will not be long before Kim has patched up Cowala well and proper. We will be on the look out all around Port Macquarie to see where else Kim has been with her magic paintbrush, sharing her signature colours and joy! Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

We are seeing the best equity investment period since the 1980s 2020 has been one of major upheavals throughout the world. Amidst the chaos, we are now finally seeing the bright lights at the end of the tunnel. Noel Ong from Samso has been keeping a cool head on solid shoulders and he assures us that the lights are bright. He has been giving Brilliant-Online his classic insight into the mind boggling world of numbers and graphs. For investors or traders within the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX), they have experienced one of the greatest shows of the last thirty years. Get ready for the ASX show Bonus: Samso managed to secure 30 passes for our investor followers and friends so that you can attend this RIU Sydney Resources Round-Up conference on 4, 5 & 6 May for free. Each conference ticket is $1,375. Conference passes are given away while available and at the discretion of Samso, the event organiser, RIU Conferences and publication partner Brilliant-Online. APPLY FOR YOUR FREE CONFERENCE PASS NOW The recent GameStop squeeze in the US market is an example of how retail investors are swamping markets all over the world. Believe it or not, this has been the best time to take that punt in a stock. From an investment point of view. It is certainly not something anyone would have expected while in the midst of battling a pandemic. There may be that rare few who have had an inkling of what was to come. With all that was happening due to COVID-19, this certainly comes as a surprise to know that it is a fertile time for investments. Figure 2: Stock Exchange Index (source: www.igmarkets.com) The charts in Figure 2 show why the equity markets have been a spectacular place to grow some money. Be careful though, as the trend may still be going up but the gold sector has not performed too well in certain weeks. Noel explained to us about the charts in Figure 4, where one can see that the gold companies were almost at the same level as 12 months ago. And that was when the whole COVID-19 pandemic was starting to turn ugly. The gold equities have retreated and may be time for re-entry. Go for Gold … or Not? In the precious metals sector, there is a definite pullback for gold equities, but when we look at the physical gold price, it has not pulled back that much (Figure 3). Interestingly enough, the gold price in AUD may have dropped, but the producers are still making a lot of margins. At the most expensive AISC, we are still looking at a margin of around AUD$800 per ounce. Even at AUD$500, they are making good money. Figure 3: Price of spot gold since 2019. Noel's take on gold is that its movement is going to be dependent on how the market views all the stimulus that has been happening. It also pays to keep an open mind on what is in store in the coming years. Simply put, the pandemic has made free-flowing money seem like an everyday occurrence. For those of you who are more of a traditionalist, this is a sure sign of inflationary issues. In this case, you would hedge your bet that the gold price should rise. Figure 4: The share price journey of Mid-Tier Australian gold producers and a near-to-production company (ASX: CAI). Gold has been in the spotlight in the market for the last 12 months. Perhaps it is time for it to take a step back from the limelight. Noel remembers a golden nugget of wisdom from a technical trader who once told him that sometimes the markets need to take a breather before being able to break into a new high. Going by this piece of advice, perhaps this would be a great time to look for good positions. Do not fret if you had missed out on stocks that had taken a run previously. This is a great opportunity to position yourself for the next run. There are still many companies out there with real value and which have been neglected by the market. At the moment, Noel has spotted a few companies that have a great story with some exciting discoveries waiting to be revealed. It is the market that is keeping these companies in the shadows. If you listen to the experts, they always say, invest from the top down. That means betting on the bigger "safer" counters first, like the producers and work your way down. Figure 4a: The share price journey of Lefroy Exploration Limited (ASX: LEX). The precious metal may have taken a step back, but it is good to see that exploration successes are still being rewarded. Many companies that are explorers now and have discovered some great intercepts are being happily rewarded (See Figure 4a). One such company has been Lefroy Exploration Limited (ASX: LEX). They have recently announced, "Outstanding High-Grade Gold and Copper Mineralisation Intersected at Burns" and this has made their investors very happy. We are looking at a clear case of solid management and rewarding projects that have gained the trust of their investors. In one of Noel's Coffee with Samso episodes with Rick Rule in 2020, Markets and Commodities with Rick Rule, Rick made a keen observation - gold is sought after as insurance and when people start talking about silver, greed is in the air. Taking that as a basis for an investment, one cannot help but feel that the precious metal will continue to be in our favour. Commodities to Look Out For According to Noel, this one is actually very simple. Basically, what with the coming of the electric vehicles, it is clear that we are looking at the next industrial revolution. Noel calls this the "Green Evolution" i.e. to have all manufacturing and mining to be green, being aware of the effects on the environment. Take note of this - ¨green mining¨ is going to be the hottest catch phrase and you are going to be seeing this everywhere. What is needed with this EV Revolution is lithium, graphite, nickel, copper, tin, tungsten, and even uranium. Noel points out that this list is only the predominant ones in the spotlight. For Noel, the mining of these metals is the lowest form of the EV Revolution. He believes that the main players would be the ones with processes that make anything the EV Revolution requires. Here are some examples: Andromeda Metals Limited (ASX: ADN) with their Halloysite, Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX: ATC) with their HPA applications, EcoGraft Limited (ASX: EGR) with the graphite recycling, FYI Resources Limited (ASX: FYI) with their HPA applications There are still many others that have not been mentioned. And each point in time reveals more. We are looking at a very organic situation where new companies could come to mind. Figure 5: Share price chart of EGR and FYI. (source: commsec.com.au) Companies like EcoGraft and FYI Resources (Figure 5) have created a lot of attention, so much so that their share prices have taken a run. Whether this trend will continue depends on how well they execute their business plans. What is noteworthy is that they represent another part of this EV Revolution that does not involve assays, drilling and geologists. What about Nickel and Copper? We are looking at two metals, nickel and copper, that are showing strong signs of a serious supply shortage for many years. Read Noel's article "Is the Commodities Shortage a Mirage?" which highlighted this issue at a time when it had not happened yet. Noel followed it up with another article nine months later with "Shortages in Metals". Figure 6: Copper Price Chart. Noel thinks the recent run in copper and nickel will keep many companies like Hot Chili Limited (ASX: HCH), Blackstone Minerals Limited (ASX; BSX), Galileo Mining Limited (ASX: GAL), Cyprium Metals Limited (ASX: CYM) and even the likes of aspiring explorers such as Adavale Resources Limited (ASX: ADD) in the spotlight. Another thing to take note of is the introduction of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors. This is something that is going to drive the market. Having that ¨green¨ touch has become a major requirement for projects nowadays. What is going to happen is that this will create more work in order to achieve this aim, and as end-users demand for this, we are looking at an inevitable rise in CAPEX and OPEX. To facilitate all of these requirements, the metal price has to be at a level that is consistent with the demands of the users. Not Forgetting Zinc Noel has a soft spot for zinc. It is one of this favourite metals and he is seeing this slowly coming to fruition. Zinc is also looking to break new highs (Figure 7). Noel has kept his eye on zinc for the last 5 years and it has been touting a global shortage. The chart shows movement in zinc, even if it is not as impressive as the others mentioned. Prior to the break out, the pattern was not overly impressive. Perhaps this is why they call it a break-out. Figure 7: Tin and Zinc Price Chart. Let's Talk about Tin Tin is another metal you want to take note of. Noel's recent Coffee with Samso with Venture Minerals Limited (ASX; VMS) entitled "Time for Critical Metals - Tin and Tungsten: Venture Minerals Limited (ASX:VMS)" explains how this can become impactful for its shareholders if they are allowed to mine their Mount Lindsay Tin and Tungsten project in Tasmania, Australia. We need to look at how tin positions itself with the EV Revolution to determine how durable this price rise is going to be. For many in the industry, it is not rocket science to realise that something may be arising. A durable run like this will make a company like Venture Minerals re-rate easily by the markets. We may be looking at a double benefit for Venture Minerals because historically, tungsten prices have followed the rise in tin. Could this therefore be a dark horse in this sector? Final Thoughts Noel does not see the market slowing down. A near term correction may happen, but for the long term visionaries, Noel is seeing a good story. Even though the gold sector has slowed down, there are still many rewarding opportunities. The ASX growth is not restricted to commodities. Everything is flying and there is a lot of professional information out there that would support the buoyancy seen in world markets. Caution is key in investing in this market. The fund management concept of a balanced portfolio at this time could make a lot more sense to all levels of investors, especially the retail investor. Check out the Pros Noel follows the likes of Warren Buffett to further understand how to invest and what is the safest way to do things. Small retail players would do well to adopt this same policy for investing in the small-cap industry. Professional investors are looking for steady management, good business models and the rising sector, so we should also look for similar things in the small-cap sector. Warren Buffet has often said that if he does not understand what the business is and how they are generating the appreciation in capital he does not get into the stock. That is a gem of wisdom to keep in one's mind. This can prevent people from getting into too many "Casino Investments”, driven by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). This is essentially what drives all the bad investing decisions into "Hot Stocks". Many years ago, a very smart man, Geoff Donahue, held this same attitude. For Noel, this has been the game-changer in how he looks at this market. What is to Come? Noel believes this run over the last 12 months has more legs to come. The EV Revolution is going to bring in even more money into the sector, at least for the next 12 months. Another thing to note is the uncertainty in the supply of nickel and the EV metals. This will create concerns from producers and end-users of these metals. Scott Williamson in one of Noel's Coffees with Samso mentioned that his conversations with end-users revealed that they were uncertain about the supply equation. End-users were not sure if the upcoming demand was going to be slow, a run or skyrocket. If it skyrockets, there are going to be major problems. The feeling is swinging more towards skyrocketing. That may well be a likely scenario to come. The current rise in copper pricing seems to be pointing to a buoyant world economy. As this is an indicator of world economic growth, we are looking at exciting times for all industries that are here to stay. For Noel, the sudden tin price rise may be the clue that the so-called new economy is going to bring all metals back in fashion. The new world has to be more efficient and slimmer in costings. The pandemic has also made us realise that economies could become less dependent on human interaction. Robotics and AI are going to be the focus which will mean more innovative thinking on raw materials used. The isolation of China may bring down the monopoly on metals such as REE, tungsten, and tin. If this were to happen, there would be many companies that will benefit. And the effect of this? The sector will get a continued injection of cash which will continue the resurgence in the mineral resource sector. Conversations with Rick Rule, Senior Managing Director, Sprott Inc.; President & CEO, Sprott U.S. Holdings Listening well to Rick Rule pays off as he shares insightful advice on REE and Lithium and where to position yourself. He also points out the importance of understanding and believing the story of the company. I find it interesting that Rick is not jumping on the bandwagon in excitement at the recent news hot off the press on REE and Silver which the market is talking about. Tune in to understand why. Rick Rule is a leading resource investor specialising in mining, energy, water utilities, forest products and agriculture. He has originated and participated in hundreds of debt and equity transactions with private, pre-public and public companies. As a bonus, Rick offers to review your resource share portfolio here - https://sprottusa.com/brokerage-services/rankings/ Look out for the part where Rick offers to review your resource share portfolio. All you need to do is go to the link below and list your resource stocks and he will personally rank them from 1 to 10 (1 = best and 10 = worst). He will personally make comments on stocks that he knows as well. If you include charts in the question line, he will include Barron's gold mining chart which is a 50-year gold equities chart and a 100-year chart on commodities chart. Disclaimer This article is sponsored content. ASX companies engage Samso and Brilliant-Online to share their commentary on the progress of their companies and projects. The author, owners of Samso and 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. Read full Disclaimer. - Samso About the Author Noel Ong, CEO of Samso tells compelling stories by engaging business leaders to reveal insights beneficial to the investment community. Contact Samso Samso helps executives tell their stories to pique investor interest. t/ +61 490 092 814 e/ noel.ong@samso.com.au w/ https://www.samso.com.au Share to Grow Brilliant-Online will be hosting a number of Samso's investment viewpoints. If you find this article informative and useful, please share the information. These investment topics are meant to be interesting and have the potential to be of investment value. Download our eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Download this eBook. eBook by Samso: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Hi-Fi innovator Linn UK has applied almost five decades of digital technology learning and expertise to manufacture what’s claimed to be the ultimate streaming product and the closest you can get to streaming audio perfection. The next-generation Klimax DSM is a complete re-imagining of the legendary Scottish firm’s flagship streamer, designed from first principle and fully optimised for the very best musical performance. Recently launched via a global livecast from Linn’s Glasgow headquarters, it’s a stunning product that combines ground-breaking technical innovation and drop-dead good looks, that sets a new benchmark in audio excellence. Advanced Digital Technology An exquisite enclosure provides acoustic isolation with tactile luxury, while cradling the beating heart of Klimax DSM and its most critical component – Organik DAC, the cutting-edge, first-ever all-Linn digital to analogue converter. Here’s the technical lowdown - Organik combines FPGA (Field Programmable Gateway Array) processing with a discrete conversion stage, enabling Linn to precisely control and optimise every stage of the digital to analogue conversion process for the first time. This powerful FPGA processing stage uses custom-designed algorithms to provide increased upsampling, more precise volume control and distortion-free modulation. Its partnering discrete conversion stage renders the analogue signal with extremely low levels of distortion, thanks to a new ultra-low jitter oscillator and carefully-designed clock distribution network. They’re all cleverly combined within a unique double-sided design that reduces signal paths to an absolute minimum. All this means that Organik offers significantly lower noise and distortion, measuring better than Linn has ever achieved before. It expertly performs the digital to analogue conversion to achieve the most accurate re-creation of the original music signal – revealing more of the tiny details that provide closer emotional connection with the music. Extreme Engineering All this technological wizardry is entwined with engineering excellence - Klimax DSM’s casework has been precision-engineered to exceptionally unforgiving tolerances by Linn’s advanced new in-house manufacturing technology. Every aspect of the gorgeous custom-designed enclosure plays a crucial role in preserving original musical detail – and exudes a luxurious look and feel at the same time. Machined from solid, special-grade aluminium, the striking design takes on a fresh new Linn DSM family look, while retaining the distinguished and much-loved signature Klimax character. The sheer mass of the product, coupled with internal damping, isolates it from room vibration, while precision-cut pockets and partitions separate analogue, digital and power stages, fully protecting the electronics from any interior interference. Diamond-cut circles on the upper surface echo the grooves of a record, paying homage to Linn’s iconic Sondek LP12 turntable. The dial is rendered in the highest quality materials, from the turned brass bearing celebrating its provenance while creating the smooth handling of the precision-cut glass, to the photo-etched stainless steel surround that encases each of the 100 status lights. Connected for Best Possible Sound The exceptional audio performance of Klimax DSM with new Organik DAC, including support for up to 24-bit 384khz and DSD256 audio resolution, will give all streaming and connected digital, analogue and wireless sound sources a new lease of life. Connected analogue sources will also enjoy an extra benefit thanks to a brand new higher performance, lower distortion ADC design which has its own circuit board with dedicated power supply, while Exakt Link ports enable direct connection of an LP12 turntable with Urika II. A USB input enables direct connection to a computer for the ultimate performance stand-alone DAC. And built-in wireless connectivity enables convenient connection of sources via WiFi or Bluetooth. Additionally, the AV variant offers HDMI inputs and again uses Organik DAC to enhance the performance of all connected AV sources. It also provides eARC for Smart TV support. Find out more: https://www.linn.co.uk/ Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Standing Together for a Better View There is a new sight to behold, or rather, there is a new place from which to admire the beautiful sights of Port Macquarie. Mrs. York's Garden is a well-loved place in Port Macquarie. Locals and visitors know it affectionately as a little garden where you can stroll into, sit on a bench and just soak in the greenery amidst the gurgling sounds of a little man-made waterfall. A gem of a natural haven so near the centre of town. President Di Davison said "We always knew that we had to do something very special here and we certainly have. I am sure the NSW Government will be very proud that they have funded this viewing platform with its combination of stunning local timbers, amazing craftsmanship and with that view of the river, ocean and the Garden”. A New View A new viewing platform has been built recently that overlooks the picturesque grounds of Mrs. York's Garden. Where before you could experience the garden from the inside, now, visitors can have a completely different view of the garden, right from the very top. This viewing platform on the headland at the top of Clarence Street overlooks the garden. For one of the best views of the town, head up to this new area. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the viewing platform at Mrs York's Garden would allow visitors to better take in the view of the garden, and the magnificent surrounding landscape. "The NSW Government is investing record amounts to deliver the big picture infrastructure needed to stimulate economies and boost drought resilience, but we're also backing community projects that make a big positive difference to everyday life,", Mr Barilaro said. "The viewing platform at Mrs York's Garden is exactly the kind of project the Stronger Country Communities Fund was designed to deliver and the great news is the NSW Government will be delivering more community infrastructure with a fourth round this year.” The Governor of NSW Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beasley QC AC officiating the opening of the viewing platform at Mrs. York's Garden with Leslie Williams MP The official opening of the new viewing platform was led by NSW Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, together with Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams. The Governor of NSW Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beasley QC AC officiating the opening of the viewing platform at Mrs. York's Garden with Leslie Williams MP The new viewing platform was commissioned by the Friends of Mrs. York's Garden. A Stronger Country Communities grant of $90,000 was awarded to them in March 2020 and it helped make this new vision turn into a reality for the community. Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams led the groundbreaking ceremony in November 2020. The Friends of Mrs. York’s Garden are pleased to be commencing the project & acknowledging the funding by the State Government through the SCCF Grant The Lady Behind the Garden So who exactly is Mrs. York? Amy Bertha York was born in Hay in 1894 and her birthday falls right on 26th January, i.e. Australia Day. Coincidence? Or a sign of greater things to come? She certainly lived up to that special twist of fate being born on that day as she has done much for her country. She received the Queen’s Commendation Medal for her work in childcare and representing Australia as a delegate at the first United Nations First Meeting on the Rights of Women. During her retirement years, she did not stop and chose to spend her time creating her beautiful headland garden across the road from her house on Stewart Street. Now, her granddaughter Glenys is site supervisor for the FMYG volunteers. A Platform By and For the Community A community grows well when there is communal effort and communal thought to include everyone to share in the delights of the area. What many may not be aware of is the bevy of volunteers who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes for six years to restore and maintain the original gardens of Amy Bertha York. Dianne Davison is the President of Friends of Mrs. York's Garden. The Friends have done a lot of work to restore and maintain this iconic headland, making it a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy. Check out the stages they went through building this viewing platform. Mrs. York's Garden, Construction of Viewing Platform The new viewing platform overlooking Mrs. York's Garden includes a disability access and it is set to be a space to host functions and school visits. The viewing platform has been designed and created to feel like a continuation of the garden.replicates the boat themed timber structures found throughout the Garden. The 8 m curved timber rail was crafted by Ron Window, Glenys and the volunteers at the Hibbard slipways. For many who are conscious of respecting the environment, they will be pleased to know that reclaimed timber was used used courtesy of Forestry NSW and Boral industries, in the construction of the deck. Jim Tredinnick also contributed a stunning hand-crafted timber seat. When he first decided to put in his work, he called in to see the setting and area where he could place his work. There is something about every single person putting in their heart and dedication to creating something together that makes the final viewing platform such a delight to enjoy and be proud of. Pacific Coast Carpentry, local contractors, on behalf of Wagners CFT, whose composite fibre substructure was chosen for its long life in coastal conditions and low maintenance. They all brought the components together, with support from PMHC in planning and delivery of the project. Ultimately, this viewing platform was the result of a beautiful communal effort from everyone. It is for everyone to get on, take a breather and enjoy the peaceful views. Fun Info: The new viewing platform is located across from where the Soldiers Garrison was; with the original Tombstone Cemetery at Allman Hill and the Gaol at the far end of the Garden at Gaol Point. Heritage for the Future "What the Aboriginal people of our nation have taught us are many things about our land ... they have brought back this sense of land…If you give yourself time to stand, you feel the land and in many ways that's what this (project) is about." - NSW Governor Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC. In a lovely surprise Her Excellency calls all children under 14 to come forward to receive a medallion to remind them that they are the future generations to carry on our work. We are creating the future right in this very present, just as our ancestors in the past built and established a heritage then that we can appreciate now. The new viewing platform where Mrs. York's Garden is is a key location where the aboriginals used to live. Now from where we stand, we see the beautiful town beach. The heritage of a place is not just the buildings and concrete things around us. It is also in the people and their choices how to lead their lives that we inherit and continue into the future. Peta Pinson, Mayor for Port Macquarie-Hastings region giving her speech during the opening of the viewing platform at Mrs. York's Garden Mrs. York stood out with what she did in her time. When it was more accepted and safer for women then to conform to certain roles and responsibilities, Mrs. York was very much a doer and go-getter. She did not let society's definitions about her gender stand in her way. And she was a trailblazing true professional who made many amazing achievements. Mrs. York started a childcare centre, a real estate agency, a small bank and she was even part of the first United Nations delegation for women. Even for a woman of today in 2021 with many more opportunities than she had, to be able to have done all of that would still be a feat and highly admirable. As the Governor noted, for Mrs. York to have brought this to fruition for her community is something that will last for generations. That is a proud heritage the community of Port Macquarie has and it will still be here for our grandchildren and beyond. Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Veronica Lind, CEO Our on-going liaison with various business communities means that every day we speak with business leaders and entrepreneurs about their business ideas, their motivations and – crucially - what makes those business ideas succeed or fail. What I’ve learned from all this is that these brilliant businesses have a bigger purpose apart from achieving success in terms of profit on their bottom lines. They’re all investing in something much more fulfilling than money in the bank – a better and meaningful future. To take just one example, TG’s Child Care actively personifies its mission statement of Playing It Forward. Throughout their activities they care for and educate future generations, helping them develop responsibilities and form meaningful connections within their community and with the world beyond. Another example is The Hastings District Flying Club, where aspiring high-flyers reach for the sky to fulfil their dreams. In turning these dreams of the future into reality, this renowned flying school produces great and respected pilots. And for those interested in a future enhanced by returns on investment, we’ve introduced a new Investment column, where industry guru Noel Ong, CEO of Samso, interviews business executives of ASX companies and private businesses, to uncover their views on market trends and developments. Apply for a free pass worth $1375 to RIU Sydney Resources Round Up Conference 4, 5, 6 May. At Brilliant, we’re dedicated to playing our own part in creating a better world - leveraging technology that will empower progressive readers to push for an improved future in the digital era. Over time, our interactive magazine will improve further with more embedded videos, interactive call to actions, and built-in forms. Helping Hands In the meantime, the reality of our present world became up-close and personal recently when Port Macquarie-Hastings, New South Wales, Australia was hit by severe floods that destroyed many homes and businesses. The upside of all this was the resilience and generosity shown by local communities, who stepped up to help each other in their hours of need – a truly heartwarming display of care, generosity and support in the community. To play our part in this community effort, Brilliant donated A$7,000 of free advertorials to local businesses, enabling them to tell their stories and promote their business during this stressful time. Let us know if you have a story to tell - send your story to editor@brilliant-online.com Veronica Lind CEO Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. We specialise in interactive advertorials that let your brand sparkle and help you sell without selling. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Breathe Easy, Breathe Safe With all the air around us, perhaps it is something we have been taking for granted. After all, there is plenty of it on Earth and we do not have to do anything to really generate air. COVID-19 has brought a different way of thinking about the air we breathe. From being in lockdown in our homes and only being allowed to be outside for a certain period of time, to having to wear masks, breathing fresh clean air freely has taken on a whole new feeling. New Rules in Place Recently, the Hong Kong government announced that catering business premises are required to comply with specified requirements on air change or air purifier and obtain their certification by 30 April 2021. The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) had a working group compile a list of air purifiers that comply with the requirements under the Prevention & Control of Disease (Requirements & Directions) (Business & Premises) Regulation. This was carried out to protect the health of staff, customers and the public. By providing safe premises, it is hoped that the public would once again feel confident in patronising these places. Catering premises are required to have an air exchange rate of indoor ventilation systems that can achieve at least 6 times per hour, or install air purifiers such as C-type ultraviolet (UVC) air neutralizer on their premises. Bearing in mind the recent mandate and requirements, many restaurants and F&B groups have had to evaluate all the different UVC air purifier brands on the market and the final choice of many have been OXIRA. Making Safety Accessible What makes OXIRA their final choice is how they comply with FEHD's specifications and criteria. Catering establishments can trust OXIRA's systems to protect their customers and staff while meeting regulatory requirements. This ensures sustainability of their business. Catering establishments have been hard hit across many countries due to the pandemic. Business owners have had nonstop challenges trying to keep their businesses going and it is a rough road ahead to recovering from the economic setback. Now that businesses are allowed to operate again, business owners are trying their best to keep their doors open while also making sure their premises are compliant with the new regulations and also keeping their customers and employees safe. OXIRA is making this easier for business owners by providing a one-stop service of air purifier supply, installation and FEHD certification services by registered specialist contractor (ventilation category). Already, businesses such as Disneyland Hong Kong, W Hotel, Foreign Correspondents’ Club and many other private clubs, hotels and catering groups have chosen to use OXIRA products in meeting the FEHD mandate. Every single person's safety counts, and as businesses, different sectors are stepping up to help each other stay afloat by providing the best possible services they can offer. What Does it Look Like? Having an air purification system to ensure the safety of people in a premise may not be so common to many, and some may wonder how it works and what it even looks like. Is it some giant, noisy fan with huge propellers that we need to knock down some walls to fit in? OXIRA's system is surprisingly compact. It is the size of a 500ml mineral water bottle. Imagine that. This means it can be easily installed on a table or mounted on a wall or ceiling. This saves business owners from having to provide precious floor space just to incorporate this machine. This modest little machine is going to be hard at work to clean out the air while customers are on the premises. Besides its small size, another huge benefit for business owners is its durability and it is a low maintenance machine. It is designed to operate 24 hours a day all year round. For such a little machine, it is actually very powerful! The German-made UV tube can maintain more than 90% germicidal power for over 15,000 hours. Pull out your calculators or challenge your mental prowess - that works out to 24/7 continuous operation for more than 20 months, or double that if the machine is used just 12 hours a day. Other brands mostly last only 6,000-9,000 hours. OXIRA units have no filters and the only consumable is the UV tube making it a hassle-free solution in the long run. Breathe Easy Now OXIRA's system uses the world's best quartz German UV-C lamps. The Sentry and Nocturne models have a special reflector coating around the lamp that amplifies the UV intensity. Not all air purifiers on the market are lab tested for effectiveness in reducing airborne coronavirus - OXIRA's are some of the rare few that are. Their units have been tested and verified by various laboratories and institutions globally to reduce 99.99% of airborne coronavirus. If that is not enough to set your mind at ease, know that the system has been recently tested by a renowned university in Hong Kong to verify its germicidal effectiveness. Breathing easy can help customers enjoy again being on the premises and encourage businesses to grow. OXIRA makes sure they are compliant with relevant international safety standards. The UV-C lamp is housed in a sealed enclosure that ensures the human body is not subject to exposure. The system has been tested to check that no harmful UV-C light can be emitted from the machine. This makes it safe to use. It is a difficult road ahead for businesses as they pick themselves up after repeated lockdowns and having to adapt to new situations and regulations. A respite is what everyone needs, and bringing in safe, clean air is a big step in encouraging signs of life again on the economic front. Contact Oxira: w/ oxira.com.hk e/ info@oxira.com.hk t/ +852 2887 5889 WhatsApp/ +852 6038 0309 Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Taking on the Tax Burden Fear and distrust of tax authorities seems to transcend time and geographical locations. As far back as 1789, United States Founding Father Benjamin Franklin wrote: “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” As if this wasn’t enough, about 100 years later another American, author Mark Twain, rubbed it in by repeating the same sentiment: “The only two certainties in life are death and taxes.” Later on, The Beatles – even amid the flower power of Britain’s Swinging Sixties – were moved to write a bitter song, titularly-titled Taxman, after a bruising tussle with the tax authorities, that included this verse: “If you drive a car, I'll tax the street If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat If you get too cold, I'll tax the heat If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.” In Australia, where the federal tax system is generally considered onerous, overly complicated and confusing, the taxman tends to be perceived as a vindictive, data-driven bogeyman with all the compassion and empathy of Attila the Hun. No wonder many small business owners – overwhelmed by what can look like mountains of unintelligible taxation paperwork – are fearful of engaging with the taxman and coming to terms with their tax obligations. Take Heart But is all this just a convenient cliché and an excuse for taking a swerve on taxes in the fervent hope the taxman will somehow skip over you in his records system? Will avoiding your tax bills possibly mean that the taxman will avoid them too? Well, for the answer to that, refer to the quotes above by Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain. What they said hundreds of years ago still holds true today – and even more so. But small businesses dazed and confused by the enormity of their tax procedures - and the grim reality of dealing with them - can take heart that there are specialists out there ready and willing to take on the burden of leading them through the taxation maze. And they actually enjoy doing it – going with gusto into financial places where most small businesses fear to tread! Taking the Bull by the Horns Tax accountant Lyndall Ward is one such specialist who revels in wallowing in all the intricacies of tax compliance on behalf of small business clients. With her firm CATS4Tax, she’s devoted her professional career to following a passion for straightening out the tax affairs of small businesses - and taking the fear factor out of dealing with the taxman. A combination of genuine enthusiasm for a subject most people shy away from, experience and expertise in drilling down into a company’s financials and well-honed relationships with the Tax Office makes CATS4Tax a one-stop shop for any small businesses reluctant to take their tax bull by the horns. CATS4Tax is named after Lake Cathie, where Lyndall lives and works, just a 15-minute drive south of Port Macquarie, allowing easy access to the personal client visits she thrives on. With her status as a Registered Tax Agent, Lyndall enjoys direct phone access to the Tax Office – which means faster answers to questions instead of hanging on a call waiting system for hours on end. This personal touch at the Tax Office is also seen at the other end of the business spectrum in Lyndall’s client relationships, where she values providing painstaking commitment to build trust and reassurance that her tax compliance procedures are thorough and effective. Tax Compliance ‘When clients are overawed or dismayed by the looming tax liabilities it’s vitally important to reassure them by giving them the trust that their affairs are in professional, experienced hands,” says Lyndall. “Helping clients to meet their tax compliance can be a convoluted process, but it’s really nothing to be scared of and in fact it’s a responsibility that businesses have to meet in the corporate world. “Unfortunately, although taxation is part of the fabric of society, it’s not taught in school and some businesses start-up with no real idea of this responsibility or how to meet it. “Avoiding being tax compliant is the worst approach for a business to take. “I’ve had to work with some businesses when it’s all caught up with them a few years down the line - they always have a real ‘Deer in the Headlights’ look about them when they realise the situation they’ve got themselves into.” Keep Receipts When businesses side-step their tax liabilities over periods of time, Lyndall’s work in digging deep into their financials to get everything back on an even keel is a methodical, forensic process. A deep dive into company financial records can sometimes uncover missing details and blank areas that point to unfamiliarity with efficient bookkeeping – a wide-open invitation for the taxman. “Keeping detailed records is of prime importance and it’s something that some businesses fail to keep up,” she says. “I sometimes think I should have T-shirts made with a big ‘Keep Receipts’ image on them. “But I enjoy digging back into a company’s financials – I’m like a dog with a bone and I’m task-oriented to get the job done and get the client fully tax-compliant.” Refund Surprises But although the expectation of most errant businesses is they’ll face a tax bill once all their affairs are brought up-to-date and they’re tax compliant – there have been a number of occasions when Lyndall has been able to give them the good news that they’re actually owed a refund instead. Lyndall, with a background as a software consultant, is also able to train clients to be more hands-on and streamlined with their financials by training them in application of accounting software, such as XERO, which she’s certified in. It’s sometimes hard to keep pace with Australia’s ever-changing financial regulatory system – witness the recent confusion over changes to GST. So, a tax accountant like Lyndall with a finger on the country’s taxation pulse is a required asset for small businesses. This quality, coupled with a dedicated work ethic to build trust and confidence in getting the job done effectively is what makes CATS4Tax an essential component for any business wary of the taxman and unfamiliar with his requirements. Taxation may be an inevitable fact of life, but the services of CATS4Tax make it a more reassuring experience. Find out more: w/ cats4tax.com.au e/ lyndall@cats4tax.com.au p/ 0404 483 685 Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Carving Art Out of Life There is a gem hidden in the Clarence Valley. Kane VanChaos has been a local of the area for 31 years. He has a reclusive side to him but he is no stranger to the arts. He started at a young age as a musician with a band triple j unearthed and he was also signed on to Warner Brothers. Kane has been honing his craft in traditional stick and poke tattooing for more than twenty years. What makes Kane's art stand out is his life experiences. They imbue his art with his signature “VanChaos” charm. Post pandemic and unable to take to the stage, Kane is now working from his home studio on the banks of the mighty Clarence River in the cane fields, miles away from anyone or anything. This is actually where Kane draws inspiration from - absence, solidarity, and the simple natural life around him. Kane’s works are earthy, mysterious, authentic. And wonderfully chaotic. Just a man with his dogs and a boat. Currently Kane’s business KVC Creations services the east coast of Australia and his works are now in demand in America, Scotland and Canada. Kane's World in a Ring Kane has a series of canvases on forbidden symbology and the occult. It is a theme that he extends through his sculptured works. His most recent obsession is “world rings'' - these are individually carved from a selection of possibly 100-year-old hardwood from the fields abandoned long ago. These pieces of blue gum wood are treasures of nature and rich with history. First, Kane sets them in a giant resin block. He then wet and dry sands and polishes to finish. Each beautifully handcrafted piece cannot be replicated. That is how incredibly precious and unique they are. Each one shows a landscape that is created by chance (or simply, the beautiful mystical laws of nature). Kane gently and skillfully coaxes them out and makes each landscape visible to the outside world. These pieces are far from static. If you look closely, each one is alive with the raw materials from which they are formed. You will never tire of looking deeply at them because you discover new things each time you look. Each ring takes days to complete. All of Kane's works that are listed on this page are available to purchase. They are one of a kind handcrafted. Materials are provided by The Greenhouse Collective Maclean and supporting local businesses is in itself a beautiful art. Working with Nature - an Extreme Sport The studio is now an island, basically. The workshop is flooded but thankfully it is still functional in waivers at low tide. All roads are closed which means deliveries have become what Kane calls ¨a bit of an extreme sport¨. In true blue Kane philosophy, he sees this as a challenge. After all, he has been working with Nature all these years. The floods have become part of how he continues to work with his art. There is order even in chaos. Kane held an online auction to raise funds for flood-affected locally owned businesses that have supported his craft since opening. It is not about being in the same boat - everyone is in the same flood and it is about helping each other to paddle their way through it. The brew crew at the Brew Box in Port Macquarie have been highly supportive and Kane is grateful for these moments of humanity. Making the Sun Shine Again KVC Creations has an online auction and a lucky dip where all proceeds less costs of materials are being donated to locally affected stockists and venues who have supported the arts. Kane may have his solitary side when he is creating his art but he is very much connected to his community and all of human life. He is dedicating his online auction to relief for outdoor venues that have been affected by the floods and which have suffered damage. This is especially for industries such as hospitality, and musicians and artists on the Mid North Coast. A percentage of proceeds will go to the local venues who have supported KVC Creations. Nature is cyclical and it is in giving back that we grow again. Kane is putting in his bit to keep everyone doing. He hopes people will join the online auction and give generously. Kane knows ¨the sun will shine again.¨ As part of the online auction, Kane is offering a ring that is a magical brew of a single delicate dragonfly wing, soft green moss from the Clarence River, pieces of autumn leaves, and air bubble set in crystalline resin on ya old hardwood, blue gum. Taking the Next Step Kane has had retail interest in most major townships from Port Macquarie to Yamba. Kane would like to stock in locally owned community heart businesses exclusively in each major township. He is focused on building up towards the official launch in conjunction with exhibition work. Kane will be busy creating and meeting exclusive stockist demands while continuing to cater to his online customers and custom orders. Custom work has been picking up and now makes up just over half of the KVC Creations business. Unique Creations for Life Kane caters to custom orders from $80 with free local delivery (conditions apply). So if you have a personal inspiration, Kane is your man to make this a reality. Keepsake jewellery has a very special place in people's hearts. Kane creates death rings specifically for human remains. It is a way to celebrate life on its next stage. As is the cyclical way Nature works, he also makes birth rings containing the birth flowers of children as they come into season. How to order KVC handcrafted jewellery? KVC Creations are all handcrafted so no two jewellery pieces are alike. To order, refer to their Facebook page where they show off their jewellery pieces and comment or message them. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KVC-creations-103568931788871 Website: https://kvccreations.wixsite.com/my-site Phone: 0423 639 570 Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.