The Canvas is Waiting Kerrie Speirs is the owner of Yamba Art Space Gallery. Yamba Art Space Gallery is a place for creative education, exhibitions and events. It is on the beautiful beach side town of Yamba NSW. Artist educator Kerrie started it in 2017 as a creative small business that has grown steadily over the years. Currently, because of the flooding of the Clarence River, her art gallery has been affected and has had to close. Yamba Art Space Gallery is a contemporary gallery dedicated to original art works by Northern Rivers artists. Kerrie has more than 15 permanent artists on exhibition as well as casual and group exhibitions throughout the year. Her gallery features original paintings, quality artist prints, digital photography, sculpture and ceramics, bespoke furniture design, recycled or upcycled creations as well as antiques. For the art lover, this is Disneyland as Kerrie's gallery also stocks a selection of art materials such as artist papers, charcoal, graphite and drawing sets. For Kerrie, educating is as important as showcasing art. That is why a big part of her art space is kept for educational facilitation. She has a workshop or studio space that is fully equipped for that purpose. This is where local artists can facilitate regular educational sessions that are open to all ages and abilities. Art on Hold Art has been thriving in the community with Yamba Art Space and Original Sound Lounge collaborating in a new event bringing art, music and culture together every fourth Sunday of the month. The first 'Sunday Art Session' was planned for Sunday 28th March. Kerrie has been at home in Woombah instead of her art gallery because of the floods. Yamba Road was closed and she could not get to work. Her family has also had school and work commitments affected. She runs private art lessons and art classes for primary children and these unfortunately have also been affected by the floods and road closures. There were also other works in the pipeline that are now on hold. She was in the process of receiving new artworks by ten Clarence Valley artists to put up in her current exhibitions in the gallery. All the preparations for Sunday workshops, exhibitions and all events have come to a standstill. It is not just the loss of income that is disconcerting. It is also the feeling of having a lot of work waiting to be done and not being able to do them or get to them. Putting the Colours into Life Again "Creativity feeds the soul and is fundamental to healthy development and growth in life" - Kerrie Speirs When the waters subside, Kerrie is eager to get back to work in Yamba to begin working extra hours to catch up on everything. Her Sunday Art Session with Original Sound Lounge may have been postponed, but Kerrie's passion for her art and education does not cease. An artist does not suddenly stop being artistic or creative. If anything, she is keen to bring life back into her gallery again, and get local artists´ works up for the community to enjoy. Meanwhile, her canvases and brushes sit quietly waiting in the gallery for her return. To find out more: w/ yambaartspace.com e/ info@yambaartspace.com f/ www.facebook.com/yambaartspacegallery/ l/ 44a Wooli ST Yamba, NSW, Australia 2464 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.

Former international student featured in museum project An award-winning former international student has been featured in the Australian National Maritime Museum’s inaugural migration stories project - A Mile in My Shoes, a partnership initiative with the Empathy Museum UK to celebrate the voices of migrants and refugees who have made this country their home – people who have changed the face of the nation and have been changed by it. Thomson Ch’ng joined by representatives from ISANA International Education Association, NSWACT branch Originally from Penang, Malaysia, Thomson Ch’ng arrived in Australia in 2009 when he first embarked on his international education journey at Curtin College in Sydney, a Navitas partnership with Curtin University. He was President of Curtin Sydney Student Guild before becoming a founding delegate and the 4th National President of the Council of International Students Australia (CISA) - the national peak student organisation for all international students in Australia. Sue Walker, Hon Advisor of the Duke Of Edinburgh International Awards Foundation, with Thomson Ch’ng and friends Thomson was awarded the 2013 NSW International Student of the Year (Higher Education) for his active contribution to the international student and wider multicultural community. After graduation, he continued to pursue his passion in youth advocacy and empowerment at the global level through the United Nations Youth platform. In October 2020, he was awarded the prestigious International Alumni of the Year - PIEoneer Award, the global awards program that celebrates innovation and achievement across the whole of the international education sector. “We welcome the inclusion of Thomson’s story in the Australian National Maritime Museum’s A Mile in their Shoes exhibition. It embodies the potential of international education to transform individual lives and enhance Australian communities, and as such it deserves to be told and celebrated,” said Scott Jones, CEO Navitas. “Thomson is just one of thousands of international students who have been able to reach their potential in Australia and have gone on to make positive contributions to their local community and wider society. We are very proud that he began his journey at one of our colleges.” Kevin Sumption, Director and CEO of the Australian National Maritime Museum said, “There has never been a better time for us, as Australians, to focus on what connects us rather than divides us – our common humanity. We want to shine the light on the experiences of a wide range of Australians from diverse backgrounds, to build understanding and contribute to an inclusive and harmonious society. “Australians are very curious about the world. When we ask someone where they are from, it is to understand them, rather than separate ourselves from them. By listening to another’s stories, we can better understand where they have come from and what has shaped them. We can share their journey, and empathise with them”. A Mile in My Shoes is one-of-a-kind pop-up store, housed in a giant shoebox at the Australian National Maritime Museum which allows the public to understand another person by literally walking a mile in their shoes. Visitors are invited to enter the store and try on a pair of shoes that belong to someone else and to listen to their story. It might be a tale of loss and sadness, hope and love, of odds overcome. About the Australian National Maritime Museum - A Mile in My Shoes The Australian National Maritime Museum, through the Migration Heritage Fund, partnered with Empathy Museum (UK) to bring the award-winning exhibition A Mile in My Shoes to Sydney. Originally created by artist Clare Patey and produced by Artsadmin, A Mile in My Shoes has been experienced in London, Sao Paulo, New York, Riga, Denver, Perth and Melbourne., among others. This new iteration, created with the Australian National Maritime Museum, celebrates the voices of migrants and refugees who have made this country their home – people who have changed the face of the nation and have been changed by it. https://www.sea.museum/ info@sea.museum 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour 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.

A Light in The Darkness Original Sound Lounge (OSL) is the home for live original and independent artists. OSL is all about creating and supporting the local original and independent artist community. And this is not restricted to supporting in terms of music. OSL goes beyond and has been with artists through fire, through a pandemic and now through water. They together with the Mid North Coast Blues and Musicians Club raised A$27,000 at the start of the fire season. This was at Tele Point Sports Club which ironically is now underwater. COVID-19 saw OSL keeping hundreds in their jobs and coming up with innovative solutions for venues. What they give back ultimately returns to them and these same artists OSL had been supporting have stepped in post pandemic to support OSL. Having each other's backs is what is keeping the music industry afloat. For OSL, they know everyone is in the same industry for years and it is by standing shoulder to shoulder that they can help each other rebuild. Come Hell or High Water, the Music Goes On Does it ever end? Fires, a world pandemic and now floods. How can a working musician make it to a gig without having to battle the forces of Nature? It has been a long, taxing year for everyone and musicians have been on a roller coaster with no end in sight. Just when musicians managed to pick up the pace and started bringing their music to the public again, torrential rain flooded the Mid North Coast. Raining on one's parade is really not what we need right now. With the floods, in the midst of rescues and evacuations, working musicians lost gigs while their supporting venues lost business as well. Last year, the pandemic saw pubs, venues and hospitality places close and together with it, live music lost its voice. With this neverending cascade of challenges, all one needs is one single light as a reminder to keep going. And that light came from the Original Sound Lounge. It was founded by local indie singer-songwriter Pam Hata, and it was Pam who stepped up to help musicians out with paid gigs through the creation of The Virtual Pub with a virtual tip jar. She got another lightbulb moment to raise money through an auction together with her partner Kane VanChaos to raise money to help out venues that have previously supported Original Sound Lounge. "To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist." - Robert Schumann The artists that make up the community that is the Original Sound Lounge are always ready to step up when the community needs help. Whatever Nature throws our way, be it droughts, fires, viruses, floods, the music will go on. Let the Music Play The public is as much a part of the music as the musician is and in challenging and trying times, music is what brings people together to remind each other of their interconnectedness and shared humanity. As they say, music soothes the savage beast - music is what we use to soothe our babies, celebrate life's special moments and grief for what we have lost. This is a time for the community to come together - there is something each person can do, whether it is going to gigs, buying music or merchandise, spreading the word to friends and family, sharing the music or simply, letting the music play and grooving to the beat. Jasmine OBrien Music is one of the artists who were supposed to be playing live at The Brew Box but unfortunately had to cancel her gig. Watch her performing. Playing what Words Can't Express It is difficult to express the extent of the grief the neverending round of crises has caused. Some artists have been so mentally and emotionally affected by everything that has happened that they cannot take to the stage to play. They have lost everything and are still reeling from what has happened. To see one's home get swallowed up, picking through soggy memories that are going to turn into mould and grasping at precious belongings that are simply drifting away...and the empty terror of wondering what is left of one's home or what used to be home. The very place we think we are safe in where we build our lives with our families has been taken away. Very often, this is the place where creations grow, where experiences bring about inspiration. Home is what gives musicians the reason to keep playing music. When that disappears, one is left with a gaping emptiness. It takes mammoth strength to still get up and play, and bring joy and hope to others who also need it. And this is not the first time musicians have been hard hit. Through drought, through fire, they have rolled up their sleeves, tuned their instruments, and got on stage to belt it out and lift people up. The music industry has had a rough number of years, and this year they still get no relief. For OSL, the next best thing they can do is to be as brave as they can be, be kind, do their duty. Making music, supporting artists and bringing music to people is what they do and why they do it. Two hands, six strings and the ability to articulate what words cannot. By simply being there for people, even if it is for just one song. One song at a time is what helps us wade through deep waters. Let the show go on. Lifting Each Other Up OSL has not wasted a single moment through the crises. They have been supporting KVC Creations with their online auctions and lucky dips for Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers venues. Musicians have also been donating merch packages to auction for these causes. OSL is supporting the Brew Boxes muffin drive for Mid North Coast venues affected by floods. In April OSL will also be supporting the Northern Rivers women in business charity auction for their Northern Rivers venues that are currently in strife. Contact Original Sound Lounge e/ originalsoundlounge@gmail.com t/ +61 434 379 282 Follow us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OriginalSoundLounge, follow the artists that play on our stages, and support the venues that support live and local music. 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.

There are little oases of joy and love that are sprouting up across our communities. Step into any of the six TG's Child Care and you will wish you were a child again and could stay there. Well-known for its award-winning gardens and philosophy of Playing is Learning for Life, what TG's is doing every day is nurturing growth in the children, the communities and the environment. For the past 22 years, TG's has been well-loved and recognised by their communities for their high quality of care, education and community engagements. There is clearly magic in the air when you step into TG's and everything you see is a consequence of a conscious dedication to sustainability and growth. Committed to Sustainability TG’s business model of sustainability looks at how they impact the environmental, social and economical aspects of each of their six locations. From the moment a child steps into TG’s, they experience the values, attitudes, skills and behaviours that can support them to become environmentally responsible from Day One to beyond. By building the consciousness that every little thing each person does can impact the environment, children learn that they too can make a difference. TG's builds eco-intelligence in children when they learn how to care for their environment thus ensuring its sustainability and long term future. The environment also includes the communities. Children expand their consciousness of their world and learn to appreciate their communities as a valuable source of sustainable business and economic support. So what does sustainability look like at TG's? Gardens of Joy It looks like…FUN! Children use herbs, fruits and vegetables straight from their gardens to cook lunch. This is a miniature farm-to-fork process at TG's, with children helming the caretaking of the gardens! And after meals, food scraps are given to the chooks and worm farms to make compost. No food is wasted from start to end. Educators also discuss with children the use and impact of plastic and how they can initiate litter-less lunches. Children are certainly capable of doing a lot for the environment, starting with right where they are. At TG's, everyone really works at sustainability and it is a value that is very much embedded in their culture and flows through all that they do. It is a part of how they live, work and play. This is the TG's Way. It is how children learn respect for each other and cultivate a love of learning that will take them through the school years and beyond as valuable and reliable members of their communities. The word 'gardens' takes on a whole new meaning and feeling at TG's. The outdoor learning environment is like a ¨Universe in Miniature¨ and it is where educators foster values, attitudes, skills and behaviours that support sustainable development. Children are encouraged to explore nature as part of TG's sustainability practices. TG's gardens and outdoor learning spaces become a safe and secure place for independent and creative young minds to be developed, and where they are encouraged to participate in collective thinking with their peers. TG's gardens are not a random collection of plants, trees and rocks. They have been specially designed by Trevor Kee, co-founder of TG's Child Care who put in his extensive landscaping and design experience to create these beautiful dynamic environments where children can learn and thrive with joy. TG's gardens also go through the Panda Test which is TG's way to ensure that their landscape design of the outdoor environment, gardens, creative play spaces, pathways and transition areas use natural materials and resources, making them beautiful and suitable for young children's learning and discovery and also support children's development of eco-intelligence and sustainability. This puts it in line with NQS (National Quality Standard) standards. TG's actively participates in sustainability by having environmental sustainability practices in the centres (NQS standard 3.3). Educators and children also work together to learn about the environment and this knowledge is practiced through sustainable use of resources as well as developing and implementing sustainable practices (Element 3.3.1-NQS). Children and educators embody eco-intelligent actions such as the wise use of resources. Everyone has the responsibility to reduce waste, water, energy and toxins. At TG's, taking care of the environment is done through fun, adventure and laughter as they become eco-intelligent through mud play, growing fruit and vegetables, gardening, recycling, worm farm and chook projects. Read more here about TG's award-winning gardens. Mealtime is Fun Time At TG's, a meal goes beyond something healthy you put into a body. Children see food in a different way at TG's. They learn where food comes from and how it ends up on their plate. They actually experience growing their own food in TG's gardens. They are entrusted with the responsibility to look after the plants and learn about what they need and how to care for them. They learn that when well taken care of, these plants in return give back to them in the form of delicious fruits and vegetables that are good for their bodies. This helps children to cultivate a sense of appreciation and responsibility for what they eat. This combination of practical knowledge and humble appreciation become food for the soul. Meal time then becomes a fun time at TG's. Children get to be involved hands-on right from the moment they plant a seed to enjoying the vegetables on their plates. Curiosity is nurtured every day in the gardens and this continues through to their food preferences. Educators listen to the children talking about their experiences and adventures in the gardens and what they learnt about the food sitting on their plates. This encourages children to make daily achievements with their food preferences. The children are always excited to go home and share these delicious milestones with their family. The TG's Way does not just stop within the vicinity of TG's. It flows into the lives of the educators and the families. TG's shares healthy delicious recipes in their newsletters along with suggestions for food challenges children can do at home. They can help to wash, sort, and chop vegetables as well. TG's children are very nifty helpers in the kitchen and they are proud of what they have been taught and are trusted to do. This makes mealtimes and cooking moments of fun and joy. Building awareness of eating well and healthily takes place at TG's and at home. And all with sprinkles of fun, curiosity and laughter thrown in! Sustainability Built on a Firm Foundation TG's sustainability values rest on their 3 Foundation Stones - Building Relationships, Understanding Our Gifts and Encouraging Collective Thinking. TG's understands that sustainability and building a better world for the future of our children does not rest on one single person's shoulders. By having a natural collaborative base of interactions among TG's educators, children, families and communities, TG's is building You, Me and Us Together conversations. Children experience meaningful relationships with the people around them in interactions that involve care, kindness and respect. TG's doors are open and welcoming to families of different backgrounds and cultures. It is an extended home for many where their gifts are welcomed, nurtured and recognised. A rich mix of backgrounds and cultures enables TG's to foster strong ties with each local community and allows children to expand their vision of culture and society. The children are encouraged to understand Australia society and culture including cultural diversity, gender equality and democracy for social harmony. From aboriginal festivals to each town's unique festival such as the Lasiandra Festival, TG's is ever ready to be curious, open and take part in the joy and fun of these different cultures. There is a reason why children and educators see going to TG's as going to their second home. This is their TG's Family. There is a culture of openness and respect where everyone has a voice and is listened to. This is an environment based on Collective Thinking to achieve excellence. Part of this Collective Thinking is also engaging with partners in their communities to provide purposeful learning experiences for the children. Children learn life skills through TG's strong community engagements and socially responsible corporate actions with partners in their communities. Photo shows TG's participating in Uralla's Thunderbolt Festival. To learn more about TG's partnership with families and communities, read here. Playing it Forward, Sustainably Making a difference for a better world starts today. And TG's is also focused on savings and long term community economic support for sustainable business where they are located. When TG's sixth centre was set up in Urangan, they had the help and support of local businesses to get their centre ready for the children to engage in Playing is Learning for Life. Sustainability practices at TG's are done through play, enquiry, curiosity and always with fun. Every day, children learn about something they can do to protect their environment and they become intellectually and socially eco-intelligent. Children are empowered at TG's to participate and engage with sustainability and the wider world around them through a carefully designed curriculum that acknowledges and values children as citizens of the world and leaders of our future. A better future starts now and nobody does this better than the children who have the support of their families, communities and educators so they are seen as capable and competent. They can be problem-solvers, conflict resolvers, inventors, artists, designers, construction workers, welfare workers and future architects, politicians and leaders of the world. Every single child at TG's is encouraged and supported to form meaningful connections with their world through belonging, being and becoming. This is how they reach their fullest potential - when they build meaningful engagements and partnerships with their families and community. At TG’s, the children are making a positive and significant difference every single day and Playing it Forward into their Future. TG's sustainability starts today. With every single child. By showering each child with love, care and respect and letting them bloom with their own gifts to share with the world. TG's Child Care locations and contact details: Urangan QLD +61 (07) 4184 2282 | urangan@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/urangan 61 Miller St, Urangan, QLD 4655 Armidale NSW +61 (02) 6772 7810 | armidale@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/armidale 11 Samuelson Crescent, Armidale NSW 2350 Uralla NSW +61 (02) 6778 3369 | uralla@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/uralla 23B John St, Uralla NSW 2358 Wauchope - Hastings St NSW +61 (02) 6585 1033 | HastingsStreet@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-hastings-st 33B Hastings St, Wauchope NSW 2446 Wauchope - High St NSW +61 (02) 6585 3331 | HighStreet@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-high-st 223A High St, Wauchope NSW 2446 Wauchope - Riverbreeze NSW +61 (02) 6585 2981 | riverbreeze@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-riverbreeze 3 Riverbreeze Drive, Wauchope NSW 2446 Enrolments https://www.tgschildcare.com.au/enrolment 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.

The Hastings District Flying Club reveals newly furbished hangar as part of Port Macquarie's bicentenary 2021 celebrations The Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) is opening its clubhouse and hangar doors to the public on Sunday 18th April from 9 am to 3 pm at Oliver Drive, Port Macquarie Airport. The HDFC Open Day is a Port Macquarie-Hastings Council bicentenary satellite event. HDFC’s newly furbished hangar will be revealed and members will show off their aircraft and people are welcome to talk with the owners and for selected aircraft, with the person who built it. The public can also sign up for flights on HDFC’s Sling2 aircraft. 30-minutes discovery flights will be available on this day. Flight vouchers can be purchased now or on the day itself. Many thanks to the New South Wales Government who contributed $27,000 as part of a Community Building Partnership grant to rebuild the hangar. That helps with subsidising part of the cost for HDFC's hangar refurbishment. HDFC boosts a 63-year aviation history and visitors can view historical presentations, radio control models, plastic aircraft models and flying training information in the clubhouse and hangar house. There will be prizes to be won on Open Day and raffle tickets can be purchased now from the HDFC clubhouse or during Open Day. First prize is a $500 Flight Certificate, 2nd prize a $250 Flight Certificate and 3rd prize is a $150 Discovery Flight. HDFC Open Day Program Special talks and entertainment will commence at 10 am. All-day Discovery Flights. You may purchase discovery flight vouchers in advance. 9.00-15.00 Aircraft, Hangar and Club House Displays 10.30 Official Opening of Hangar Reconstruction - Leslie Williams MP 11.00 Musical Entertainment - Z-Chords 11.30 Hangar Talk - Learning to Fly – Ray Lind CFI 12.00 Hangar Talk - Drones- All you need to know - Tim Hitchins 12.00-14.00 Musical Entertainment by singer-songwriter Pam Hata with her new music release WILD. 12.30 Hangar Talk - Build your own plane - Doug Toppazzini 13.00 Roulettes - Pilot signings and merchandise 16.00 Guessing Competition Draw FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE ALL DAY 17.00 Gather on the Town Green to view the Roulettes Aerial Display For more information and program for the day: https://www.hdfc.com.au/open-day CONTACT HDFC TO LEARN TO FLY The Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) is a leader in Recreational Flying Training specialising in professional pilot development. Their enthusiastic team of instructors draws on experience from many facets of aviation and will ensure that your flying training is conducted thoroughly, professionally, and to the highest standards. Flying training is conducted at Port Macquarie Airport (YPMQ) in a friendly atmosphere. Whether you're starting out in flying as a new student pilot or you are an experienced pilot wanting to add an endorsement or need a BFR, HDFC can help. All training is conducted in their SLING 2 aircraft. Ray Lind, Chief Flying Instructor, HDFC e: lindflight@gmail.com m: +61 428 820 698 w/ hdfc.com.au Flying training in Port Macquarie: www.hdfc.com.au/flying-training-in-port-macquarie 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.

Spring 2021 eyewear fashion statement Our trends point towards designs that are bolder, edgy or confidently oversized. Retro aviators and cat-eye frames will still stay and are given the contemporary make-over with either translucent metallics or multi-coloured frames. We asked Optex about their Spring 2021 eyewear colours. Optex eyewear is lovingly handcrafted in Australia, and always with a quality professional touch. Their Spring colours radiate excitement and adventure under our homeland Australia’s exhilarating blue skies, oceans, open spaces and generous sunshine. This year Optex Australia works with renowned manufacturers to bring private labels a stunning range of uniquely handcrafted bio-acetates. "We have developed an exciting range of pearl colours in partnership with our international artisans. These colours are being released as a limited edition range that includes Marble Rain, Nordic Champagne, Sandy Rise, Pacific Earth and Vera Rose.", says Greg French at Optex Australia. Striking Silvers Optex's 2021 bio-acetate colours have a striking silvers range with a space-age feel. Marble Rain has exciting specks of gold with a creamy earth tone. Finished with a hypnotic marble effect, it makes one's gaze linger ... Book this Marble Rain coloured bio-acetate Nordic Champagne stands out with its ability to exude different qualities - modern, elegant, quirky or even retro. Book this Nordic Champagne coloured bio-acetate Beaches and Oceans of Australia Optex wants its 2021 acetate colours to reflect the sandy beaches and vast blue oceans of Australia. Wear the feel of Sandy Rise and Pacific Earth. Sandy Rise will remind you of the warm, beautiful beaches of Port Macquarie where our factory is. The different tones of the sand are rich and give the design quite a body. Book Sandy Rise coloured bio-acetate Pacific Earth is a mix of the mysterious opal and the mesmerising colours of the ocean. Book Pacific Earth coloured bio-acetate Red, Red Rose Another special highlight to round off the range is their intoxicating Vera Rose. Vera Rose like the others is made of high-quality, handcrafted bio- acetates. If you need that extra punch, add Vera Rose to your bold collection. Book Vera Rose coloured bio-acetate. What are Bio-Acetates? Optex has sustainability practices that are valuable to our physical environment. Their eyewear frames are made with bio-acetates also know as cellulose acetates, which are plant-based materials. Acetate is made up of a (bio) polymer derived from wood (tree) pulp and/or natural cotton fibers. For fashionable spectacles, Optex prefers bio-acetates because the material: does not harm the environment is made from renewable materials is hypoallergenic come in all colours of the rainbow can be made beautifully transparent are high-grade, highly unique versions that are fit adjustable by opticians are known for their lightweight thin constructions and strength remain flexible with glass-like clarity. boast the widest range of finishes—from high luster polish, matte, or brushed. If you're a private label planning to launch your own branded sunglasses or eyewear, reach out to Optex early in the game because: Producing a frame is actually a long, intricate assembly process of over 60 steps that require precision, professionalism and patience at every point; Optex’s custom made bio-acetate range is a premium material that has been carefully chosen for its hardness and quality. Formed and layered from traditional block processes, the material is of exceptional quality. Worked through our finishing processes, the material offers, stunning finishes, enhanced effects and brilliant colour finishes. Production deadline for interested labels is 31st May 2021 Private Label Enquiry https://www.optexaust.com.au/private-labels Optex Australia Pty Ltd t: +61 2 6584 8907 e: info@optexaust.com.au a: 29 Jindalee Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 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.

A Community Comes Together in Celebration Prince would have belted out Purple Rain if he had been there on 11th March for the 37th Annual Lasiandra Festival to celebrate Purple People Day in Wauchope. Yes it was a rainy day, but it hardly dampened any festive spirits and it was a day for the community and businesses to come together to share a day of joy in the spirit of purple! Purple People Prizes These delighted people walked away with some happy prizes that day: The Best Dressed Staff Member - Dylan Thompson Dylan Thompson Dressed to Win with his colleagues from The Village Preschool and LDC in Wauchope Best Dressed Staff - TG’s Childcare Riverbreeze Congratulations to the team at TG's Childcare Riverbreeze for taking home the Best Dressed Staff Prize Here are our other prize winners... Best Large Window Display - NRMA office Best Small Window Display - Timbertown Pharmacy Best Premises Display - Bugden Accountants (for the 3rd year running!) Best Charity - St Vincent de Paul The Lasiandra Festival traditionally takes place from the second Saturday in March. That is when the Lasiandra flowers are bursting into life and you can see their beautiful blooms across the town. The Lasiandra Festival celebrates flowers, nature and growth. This is the time when people get busy with plantings around town. It is, very simply, a beautiful celebration of life! The Wauchope Lasiandra Festival aims to promote the town and the Lasiandra as Wauchope´s floral emblem. This is a time to encourage the plantings and maintenance of Lasiandras in the community. With everyone in the community coming together to celebrate, it is a way to support the various groups, organisations and businesses in the community. The Lasiandra Festival was actually the brain child of three Wauchope men - Gordon Rogers, Jack Dwyer and Noel Dunn. Thanks to them and their envisioning's, we now have an annual floral festival to promote the Wauchope area and ensure plantings take place every year. The community in Wauchope always looks forward to this festival as there is so much happening to bring people together. There is the Purple People Shopping and Market Day, and it is a time to see people get really creative dressing up in purple! So, have you planted any Lasiandras in your garden this year? To find out more about the Lasiandra Festival, please contact: Chrissy Jones +61 412 137 621 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.

#ChooseToChallenge without being combative, that has been the motto for one woman. She took up technology when her cohorts were choosing more traditional routes and found herself on a career path that took her around the world. On this journey, she stressed that change, no matter how distressing, could pave the way for a more rewarding future. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, Choose To Challenge, speaks volumes to Susan Jain, a former chief marketing officer in a global technology company. “The thing that I appreciate about ‘Choose to Change’ is the intentionality of it, because not only you choose, you choose to challenge and commit to the unpredictability and potential risk as well as reward, of change.” “Yes, challenge happens naturally in life, no matter what you're doing. But choosing to challenge is different than just happening upon challenges, which we all do in life. It is purposeful and international, and that’s very important and certainly relevant in today's day and age.” Susan goes on to elaborate using one of her life’s experiences. While some other women in her cohort saw no option other than going to secretarial school after college, Susan chose to attend graduate school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “Back then, MIT was heavily male, to the extent where I remember that they had to put in more bathrooms for the female students. There were so many reasons why I chose MIT -- technology, in general, was an interesting environment, and it was the best, and the hardest to enrol into. Also, it was one of the last bastions for women and so I really took it as an explicit challenge for myself.” Today, having worked around the world, Susan has settled back in the United States. “Women have made huge progress, but it varies by industry, by profession and by location in the world, and there's always more to do.” If she had to give a word of advice to her soon-to-be-born granddaughter, what would it be? “Don't settle for less than you deserve. And, very importantly, don’t wait it out past the point where you can tell that it's never going to change.” “The average person is probably going to have five careers before they're done. For each tenure, they give it their best shots but, well, sometimes we do reach a point where we see diminishing returns. But do we leave the job? Not always --at least in my generation.” “Sometimes, it’s much easier to throw yourself into a risk than it is to remove yourself from a risk that you've gotten very used to. By choosing to challenge that status quo, and to instigate change, I found new doors being open. In the end, it can be the most rewarding.” For Susan, that piece of advice came in handy in 1998 when she put a deteriorating situation behind and found a new career with the global technology giant, IBM. For 21 years, Susan led and drove marketing for the technology giant in a variety of worldwide and regional capacities, living and working in China, Singapore, India and the Middle East. “I’m an eternal optimist, and that’s a positive aspect of my character that I cherish. In any given situation, if you listen to yourself and others around you, you can usually figure out what you should do. The hardest part is the timing -- but just taking the first step out, that is when you choose to challenge.” Connect with Susan: www.linkedin.com/in/susanjain/ 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.

Sight and Vision are not the same Seeing clearly depends on eye shape and health but this doesn’t always mean the two eyes work well as a team or the brain processes visual information appropriately. Good vision is an active process. Two sets of muscles control whether you see a single, clear image or a double, blurry one. Every minute your eyes are open, your brain is deciding how much attention to give to central detail compared to peripheral movement. This is task-specific and if it takes too much effort, the brain has no attention left over for more complicated processing. Good vision needed for playing sport is very different to good vision needed for reading. Children with good sight but untreated vision problems can have trouble with their co-ordination playing sport or with their learning abilities in a classroom. Difficulties reading and having a short attention span may also be misconstrued as misbehaviour. "I'm Natasha Barnard-French. As a Developmental and Behavioural Optometrist, I solve eye coordination function problems, treat a child’s developing skills of vision perception. For adults, I assess and manage visual issues associated with health, and neurological conditions, such as stroke and head injury, Parkinson’s disease, concussion and whiplash. These skills and treatment options mean that even if a patient doesn’t have a complex vision problem, I can provide the very best visual treatment for them. I often get told that I have solved a problem the patient didn’t even realise was related to their vision!" Natasha's job is to analyse visual systems and design a plan to help people make changes that can lead to improved visual performance or help adapt the visual system to what each person needs. Training to See Deeply After completing her Optometry Degree with Honours from UNSW in 1993, Natasha went on to complete a research Masters in the neuroscience of vision development and specific learning disorders including dyslexia. In 2000 she was awarded a Fellowship from ACBO (Australasian College of Behavioural Optometry), the highest award offered by the organisation. She was also a founding member of a well-established aid organisation called Equal Health, and has travelled to India and Zimbabwe providing vision care to remote communities. Having a special interest in children’s vision, Natasha made a trip across the Nullabor to Perth where she worked in specialty behavioural optometry and vision therapy practices for 10 years. She is passionate about ensuring that appropriate vision solutions, including vision therapy, are available to children. This can help address any vision related learning difficulties they may have. Sometimes, a child's inability to concentrate for a sustained period or a lack of interest in something can be misunderstood as ´bad behaviour´. Some children exhibit difficulty in keeping up with their peers in school and if given the wrong diagnosis, not only does the issue not get resolved, the children also receive the added stress of an inappropriate solution. Their difficulties could be related to a problem with their vision system and when children´s problems are diagnosed correctly, they can receive the appropriate solution and be free to enjoy their lives. A Change of Scenery In 2009, Natasha moved from Perth, Western Australia to Laurieton in New South Wales. She had gone there on a visit to her parents who had made the Camden Haven home. This led to an unexpected decision which ended in a happy move to the area. She decided to take the bold step to establish vision therapy services in Laurieton and Lighthouse Plaza. 2015 was when Natasha established her very own Optometry practice at the Lake Cathie Health Complex where she offers the full range of optometry services for all ages. Looking Back to the Past Wagga was where Natasha grew up and she often looks back to her childhood days of long trips up the Hume Highway to Camden Haven during summer. She has joyful memories of spending time at a real beach and feeling the sun above and the sand below her and the blue of the water all around. Looking Ahead into the Future Behavioural optometry is infinite in what it can offer and Natasha never stops being curious about the study of vision development. She is now looking at researching the specific visual/auditory processes behind learning to read English and learning to read music. Engaging all the Senses Prior to Covid, Natasha had been very involved with the regional music community. She is an accomplished pianist and flautist. Natasha enjoys playing flute with Sinfonia MNC, as well as engagements with the Players Theatre Productions and Glasshouse lunchtime concerts. Musicality runs in the family, and her daughter Abi is a violinist! Natasha is happy to be kept busy accompanying her daughter on the piano and ferrying her to and from her violin lessons! Seeing the Big Picture Our eyes are precious orbs that affect many areas of our lives. Panoptic Vision, set up since 2015, is proud to be independent and locally owned, providing highly skilled, good quality optometry services to the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Looking at the root of the word, "panoptic" in Greek means "seeing the whole". Panoptic Vision does precisely that. We assist in understanding and attaining the best holistic vision outcomes for whatever patients consider important for quality of life. Panoptic Vision is committed to providing vision solutions that go beyond. It is not just about solving a vision problem. It goes beyond - the focus is also to enhance visual performance and/or provide preventive options. Looking into the future also means continually investing in and making available state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to discover early signs of disease and provide the highest quality of eye care to the community. What many may not know is that there is not just one vision system. And people have different vision needs. What makes Panoptic Vision stand out is their thorough examinations and personalised vision solutions to cater to different patient expectations and attend to all aspects of vision needs. Patients are given time to understand their condition and the potential range of options. This allows patients to choose what works best for them and their budget. It is actually critically important to spend time understanding how patients use their vision system to identify accurately the right optical solution. Testing a patient's sight is not only for optical correction. The process is far more complex and includes exploring the whole vision system. It is Panoptic Vision's commitment to excellence in delivering quality patient care that brings about trust from patients. When one is leaving one´s precious pair of eyes in the care of a qualified professional, Panoptic Vision wants to make sure that patients feel confident in what they have to offer. Panoptic Vision’s treatment options include: Ocular health management including referral to medical care as required Spectacles and vision therapy Full scope Behavioural Optometry Vision Therapy programs to assist children’s vision development (turned/lazy eyes and/or vision processing for learning) Vision Therapy for adults requiring visual neuro-rehabilitation (most commonly after stroke or after head injury) All optometry appointments attract a Medicare rebate and Panoptic Vision can process maximum rebates from all health funds for spectacles and contact lenses. CONTACT Panoptic Vision is located within the Lake Cathie Medical Centre (approximately 15 minutes drive from Port Macquarie Central). Natasha Barnard-French Behavioural Optometrist B.Optom ( Hons) MSc (optom) FACBO w/ panopticvision.com.au t/ +61 2 6584 8900 e/ info@panopticvision.com.au a/ Lake Cathie Health Complex, 1459 Ocean Drive, Lake Cathie, NSW 2445 Operating Hours: Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700; Sat - by appointment 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 Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves This latest edition of Brilliant online takes its cue from the recent annual International Women’s Day, with a sparkling showcase of inspired women who’re all taking it to the max in their chosen fields. From ingenious accountants to a ground-breaking musician; from an innovative fashion designer to a meticulous vinyl wrapping specialist who transforms cars into colourful works of art, they’re all empowered women making tangible differences. It’s interesting to note that today’s social environment encourages and celebrates women making these kind of achievements is not a product of our recent, more enlightened times. Historic Context In fact, the first International Women’s Day was held more than a century ago, in 1911, to celebrate – as it still does – the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and mark a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine what societies were like in such a distant time, three years before the outbreak of World War One when everything was, without question, a Man’s World. With the traditional mantra of a Woman’s Place is in the Home echoing around them, it’s no wonder that women of the time felt resigned to enduring pedestrian, unchallenging lives of home-making and child-rearing. So, the advent of International Women’s Day in 1911 must have come to them as a refreshing revolutionary wind of change and a harbinger of change for women’s rights and equality. For those of us who mistakenly believe that the fight for women’s equality only began in the enlightened times of the late 1960s when Women’s Lib was the watchword, this is an eye-opener. Don’t forget that back in 1911 women everywhere were marginalised from decision-making in society, however a measure of change had already been introduced in some countries. Eighteen years previously in 1893 New Zealand had become the first country in the world to give women the vote in parliamentary elections – although they were still barred from standing for elections themselves until 1919. And a year later in 1894 South Australia extended universal suffrage to all women, the first colony in Australia to do so. From these small steps began the path for women to become politicians and eventually take leadership roles as prime ministers and presidents. Stepping Up to the Plate In the workplace, professional careers were more or less out-of-bounds to women in those far-off times, except for menial jobs. And even women who held down good professional jobs were expected to abandon them and retreat into a life of domesticity upon marrying. But two world wars put an end to that, with women stepping up to the plate to more than effectively fill the gaps in workforces caused by men leaving for military service. Both these wartime periods were instrumental in proving women’s worth in the traditionally male-dominated workplace. Against this historic backdrop, the progress of women in society and professionally – as articulated by International Women’s Day – is really something to celebrate. This year’s International Women’s Day banner is #ChooseToChallenge, a fitting narrative for the outstanding women of achievement presented in this latest Brilliant online. Last week, I spoke with Susan Jain, a former chief marketing officer in a global technology company whom I’ve worked with before. “The thing that I really appreciate about ‘Choose to Change’ is the intentionality of it, because not only do you choose, you choose to challenge,” Says Susan. “Yes, challenge happens naturally in life, no matter what you’re doing. But choosing to challenge is different than just happening upon challenges which we all do in life. It is purposeful and international, and that’s very important and certainly relevant in today’s day and age.” As the CEO of Brilliant, I put my marketing and technology skills into this Brilliant Magazine and challenge the boundaries of interactive advertising. Therefore it is also fitting that we’re able to do all women’s achievements justice by telling their stories in full and absorbing detail - with our array of links to associated websites, blogs, videos and podcasts. Enjoy this inspiring multimedia read! 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.

Choosing the right tyre for your vehicle is an important decision that affects you and your family's safety on the road. Specialising in tyres, wheels, car servicing and automotive repairs, we asked Leicht's Tyre & Auto about the different types of tyres for different uses. Leicht´s Tyre & Auto has workshops in Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. Staffed by a highly trained team of professionals and as an authorised retailer of Cooper Tyres and Mickey Thompson, Leicht´s Tyre & Auto provides quality that is keeping people safe on the roads. They share with us why the act of choosing the right tyre is so important. Passenger Car Tyres from Leicht's The right tyre for your vehicle affects you and your family's safety on the road. Every single part of a car goes into keeping the vehicle working smoothly and ensuring safety for the driver and passengers. Tyre tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevents your car from slipping and sliding. This is especially important when the road is icy or wet. Drivers can feel it when there is little grip and control over the car. The tyres play their part in doing that. Some of the world's best tyre manufacturers include: Sumitomo Federal Lassa Hi Fly Starfire Falken Dunlop Goodyear Continental 4WD & SUV Tyres at Leicht's Different lifestyles and needs require specific tyres. Whether you use your 4x4 or SUV for the school run, towing the boat on weekends or are planning that off-road adventure around Australia, Leicht's staff will explain to you what works best and help you make the right choice for your individual on or off-road driving needs. You may well be bowled over by their fantastic range of RWD & SUV tyres. It is not "just" a tyre. There is a whole wealth of knowledge about tyres. Tyres need to be fitted and balanced. Fitting and balancing are essential for proper tyre maintenance to get the best wear pattern on your tread. What is even more interesting is, you can even benefit from optimised petrol consumption. It pays to take really good care of your tyres. They may look tough but without maintenance, you can experience serious issues that can lead to pulling and poor handling. Commercial Tyres from Leicht's Leicht's stocks a great range of light commercial tyres for the professional delivery driver or tyres for the campervan. The range of light commercial tyres includes: Mickey Thomson Maxxis Continental Federal Roadstone Truck & Agricultural Tyres from Leicht's Moving beyond cars on the road, we also must not forget about the vehicles in the countryside and fields such as trucks and tractors. They too need their own range of special tyres to do their work. Leicht's also supplies and fitt trucks and agricultural machinery across the Mid North Coast and the New England area of NSW. Choosing the right tyre for a truck or agricultural vehicle affects business productivity and safety. Leicht's experts help customers make the best choice for their business needs by listening to what they do. Purchasing a tyre is not something one can do in the Express Lane. When it comes to safety, it is essential to spend the necessary time and go to the professionals for guidance. Car, SUV, Truck, Bike & Boat Batteries Leicht's range of industry knowledge is vast and they are also the local battery expert. They have been getting people in the community up and running whenever their customers have had their car throw a battery tantrum. Leicht's battery replacement service offers the best value car battery prices and legendary service. Whether it is a battery for a motorcycle, boat or truck, Leicht's has the full range and they make it easy for customers to go to them for help. They also come with a full warranty which helps give their customers further peace of mind. Car Service and Regular Maintenance are important for safety At Leicht's Tyre & Auto, they go beyond selling tyres. Leicht´s range of services ensure their customers´ vehicles run smoothly on the road. That is something they take pride in. Selling tyres for them requires expertise and responsibility. They offer logbook servicing on all vehicles with a dedicated mechanic specialising in European cars to ensure vehicles run efficiently. Leicht's can service or repair your suspension, brakes or exhaust, as well as organise a rego check. Making things easy and convenient for their customers is something Leicht's does. It is part of their dedication to what they do. They actually go the extra mile in offering a free drop off and pick up service for the customer’s convenience. Community Involvement Leicht's Tyre and Auto are a big part of their local community. They are part of the engine that makes the community run. Leicht's actively supports a variety of community programs and supports people in their communities. Leicht's has participated in programs such as sponsoring sports people and sporting events to local schools and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. The teams at all three branches are proud to be involved and be a part of their communities. Leicht's 4 Locations With branches in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Kempsey and Tamworth, Leicht´s is not far away if you are in need of a set of new tyres, wheels or a battery. Port Macquarie 97 Hastings River Drive. t/ 02 65 83 6611 Wauchope Tyre & Mower 60 Randall Street t/ 02 6585 2053. Kempsey 23 Lachlan Street. t/ 02 65 62 2886 Tamworth 19-21 Barnes Street. t/ 02 67 62 7824 www.leichtstyres.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. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Kelsie has just made the move from the Gold Coast, QLD to take up the role of Team Leader for Koalas and Primates at Port Macquarie’s World-Renowned Billabong Zoo. Working as a Head Wildlife Keeper at Dreamworld she was responsible for managing the overall care of a koala population of between 60 to 70 koalas. Despite loving her job, she was looking for career opportunities that would enable her to move closer to her family who resides North of Newcastle. Along came the Billabong Zoo opportunity, it provides a closeness to family and also some exciting new challenges working with exotic animals. Her experience at Dreamworld will be carried on with Kelsie looking after the daily cleaning, feeding and health checks of Billabong Zoo’s koalas and she will also help manage the breeding program. Having gained experience caring for various other Native Australian animals including Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos, Tassie Devils and Bilbies, she will be a fantastic asset. The Journey Growing up surrounded by animals she was set to forge ahead with a career working with animals. As a child at home with the family’s dog or cat, chooks, and miniature pony, or out on her Pops farm amongst the horses, cows, and sheep, love and respect of animals was instilled at a young age. Kelsie studied Animal Science at University and did research work in the wetlands surveying birds and frogs and completed work experience at a few wildlife parks. This time sealed it for her and she decided to work with wildlife was what she was most interested in doing. When asked what she enjoys most about working with animals after now being in the industry, in different positions for some time she says “Every day is different and there’s always new challenges or ways to change and improve. I also love educating people, especially about our native animals and how they are important in the large scheme of things, and how they can help protect them.” The Animal Lover We also ask Kelsie what her favourite animal was, she says “It is so hard to pick an absolute favourite as I’m a big lover of Koalas and also Tassie Devils, but my other favourite animal is our Aussie Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo. They are 1 of 2 native Australian Tree Roos found up in Northern Qld from around Ingham up to the Daintree River.” Asked for a couple of her fun facts for the species she says “When comparing them to our other species of kangaroo that live on the ground, is that tree roos can hop on 2 feet just like other roos but they can also move their feet independently which helps them walk both forwards and backward through the canopy of the trees!“ Quite obvious that the Aussie Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo is definitely Kelsie’s favourite she adds, “They can also jump from 4 stories high and land without injury. What helps with this is their long tail, which is the longest in the whole kangaroo family. Some other cool differences are their big muscley arms (a bit like a koala) that help them with climbing in the trees, their cute little button ears like a possum, and they eat rainforest leaves, flowers and berries rather than grass.” Work-Life Balance Outside of work she loves sport and has played soccer since the age of 5. Kelsie enjoys playing the guitar and any outdoor adventures involving animals, bushwalking and horse riding is top of the list. And she has a rough-scaled python called Lola as her pet snake that she cares for at home. People’s general response when hearing what she does for work is “you’ve got the best job”, which she thinks she does. But she is quick to tell us that a lot of people think Zookeepers get to just play with animals all day, but the job is mostly a lot of cleaning and preparing food with a little bit of fun stuff on the side. When asked what she is enjoying so far about working with the Billabong Zoo team Kelsie’s response was, “Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. It’s been great to meet new people who are passionate about their job and learn about their experiences and knowledge working with various animals at different wildlife parks and zoos.” Raising Awareness Kelsie is an animal conservation advocate and feels the best way to convey the importance to the younger generation is to try to keep things simple and explain the important roles that various animals play in the environment and why it is important to protect them. An example being fruit bats. While being noisy and a little annoying they are important pollinators for eucalyptus trees which in turn is important for the survival of koalas who eat those leaves. She also loves giving kids information on how their actions can improve the lives of the wildlife in their neighbourhood, like planting native plants and flowers that they might eat, or picking up rubbish, and keeping their cats inside and dogs on a leash when out for walks. Adopt A Koala For just AUD$90, you can play your part in this worthy initiative to protect and conserve a national icon by adopting one of the lovable marsupials at Billabong Zoo, Koala and Wildlife Park. The zoo’s website has details of all the koalas up for adoption, and their adoption procedures. Visit Billabong Zoo w/ https://www.billabongzoo.com.au/ a/ 61 Billabong Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 t/ +612 6585 1060 e/ admin@billabongkoala.com.au Tickets: https://www.billabongzoo.com.au/book-now Open daily from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day). Directions: Turn off the Pacific Highway at the Wauchope exit and head to Wauchope. Billabong Drive is the first turning on the right (Western side of the Highway) and turn right at the sign at the end of the Drive. Billabong Zoo is just 10 minutes form Port Macquarie CBD. 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.