It was once said of accountants: “They know the cost of everything; but the value of nothing.” This pithy saying reinforced a generic view of accountants as robotic bean-counters with no appreciation of the finer, more intangible qualities of life. Although that may very well have been true in some cases, pigeonholing an entire profession is obviously problematic. And this particular view of accountants – although somewhat amusing – assumes their approach to work and life precludes them from appreciating values other than those on a balance sheet. But we all know that’s not the case. Moral Compass Values are an essential and individual part of everyone’s lives – even accountants. They’re the principles or beliefs by which we all organise and process how we live and interact with others. Like most things in life, our values can change and adapt over time, or in response to altered circumstances. But despite this innate capability to evolve, in essence our values remain as the guiding light of our lives, making up what has become fashionably known as our “Moral Compass.” That’s why they’re also often referred to as core values – principles or beliefs that you hold dear and are central to the way you live your life. Business Directions Personal values have an overarching presence in all of our lives and their influence also extends to the way we handle ourselves in our working lives. And playing this principle forward, values are necessary components of a business and the way it operates. These organisational values – just like personal values – should be rooted in the DNA of a company to shape attitude and behaviour, both externally to the marketplace of customers, suppliers and community, and internally to employees. Central to the ethos and character of a company, they’re the go-to resource that guides how decisions are made. A word from Brilliant's CEO As an organisation, it is so important for us to have our values where employees understand the company's purpose and how we should behave. Our values also attract like-minded people and clients that we want to work with. Our values are part of our value proposition that differentiates us from the competition. Our Brilliant Values The purpose of Brilliant is to Push for a Better World in a Digital Era Our goals are to: Help Gig Businesses around the world sell without selling Help the business community reach new audiences or engage with existing stakeholders to get their stories heard Enable our clients to use Brilliant Magazine and online multi-dimensional advertorial platform for business growth Fill a gap in the global marketplace for a new type of publication We do this by bringing to you a revolutionary online, multi-dimensional, interactive magazine in the likes of Harry Potter's Daily Prophet Newspaper. And evolving from these goals are our Brilliant Values, which guide what we believe in and how we behave as an organisation: We believe in AUDACITY, being passionate and bold in setting modern pathways We believe in IMPACT, making a positive difference to those who come in contact with us We believe in ACCOUNTABILITY and own every action We believe in KINDNESS and treat everyone and everything with respect List the Ways So, how does a person or a company identify values, compose them into a systematic format and apply them as guiding principles across life and all associated activities Australian counselling service Smooth Sailing Counselling has compiled a handy checklist that enables both individuals to do just that and can be easily adapted for organisations. Devised by Smooth Sailing’s Linda Mitten, the checklist is a step-by-step downloadable guide that takes singling out values that are felt to be important as its starting point. “When you define your personal values, you discover what's truly important to you,” says Linda. “Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work.” “Some of life’s decisions are really about determining what you value most. When many options seem reasonable, it’s helpful and comforting to rely on your values and use them as a strong guiding force to point you in the right direction.” The checklist encourages looking back at periods of life and career to identify times that were enjoyed, when good decisions were being made and dreams were fulfilled. A list is created by selecting up to five of the most important values and how they apply to different areas of life, such as business, health, relationships and leisure. The entire process raises awareness of the most important factors in life or business that can be used to guide and make the best choice or decision in any given circumstance. It’s a straightforward, analytical approach with a logical precision that will even inspire accountants to embrace values. See the Values Checklist on Smooth Sailing’s website: www.smoothsailingcounselling.com.au/values 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.

An Education Partnership A new era for hospitality industries in Australia and the Malaysian island of Penang has been cooked up - with the signing of an education partnership agreement between The Hotel School and the Penang-based Golden Chef College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality. The agreement, facilitated by an Australia and Asia-based corporate advisory and consulting firm ASEAN Focus Group, will create new international educational opportunities for students in Penang and across Malaysia with interests in culinary, hospitality and tourism sectors. The Hotel School is a unique partnership between Southern Cross University and Malaysian-listed Mulpha Group, a major investor in the hotel industry with properties in Sydney, Brisbane, Hayman Island, London and Auckland. Virtual Signing Ceremony The agreement - made online in a virtual signing ceremony - aims to boost established Australia-Malaysia education partnerships to enhance the quality of employees and staff in the hospitality and tourism industries of Australia, Malaysia and beyond. It’ll enable students who’ve completed the Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Principles of Hospitality Management and Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Culinary and Supervision at Golden Chef College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality to pursue The Hotel School’s Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management. Marc Lee, General Manager of Mulpha International Bhd., said: “We’re excited and committed to enabling current and future Golden Chef College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality students to achieve their educational and career goals. “Besides the excellent programmes offered in partnership with Southern Cross University Australia, The Hotel School’s association with our Australian subsidiary, Mulpha Australia Limited, provides strategic access to coveted internship opportunities both at our own properties as well as with our external partners.” Vincent Lee, Principal and Executive Director of Golden Chef College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, added: “This partnership aligns with our core objective of providing the best vocational education experience to our students, making their dreams of becoming successful entrepreneurs and leaders in the global culinary and hospitality industry become realities.” Top State Penang is a top Malaysian destination for domestic and international travellers. According to Tourism Malaysia, it’s one of the country’s top five states in number of total hotel guests received between January – June 2019 and has hosted the second largest share of the nation’s international guests after Kuala Lumpur. The tourism and hospitality sector is also one of the key economic drivers and services sectors for Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage site of Georgetown. A word from Brilliant's CEO Think out of the box The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed thinking to new levels. Now local students in Malaysia can still take advantage of Australia's education capabilities with partnerships like above. Signing ceremonies and media events can still occur virtually. Face-to-face interactions are always better but in this situation, we are not allowing the pandemic to limit what we can do! Have a Brilliant Story to Tell? Send your press releases to editor@brilliant-online.com.

New Hope for Brands Emerging into the Light As we emerge dazed and confused from the darkened remnants of 2020, it’s only natural to look forward and blink with barely-disguised optimism into the dazzling dawn of a new year. Surely – after all we’ve been through - things can only get better? They certainly can’t get any worse! But if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to always expect the unexpected. And also to be skilled enough to swiftly adapt to all the changes and opportunities wrought by such an unprecedented event. The COVID-19 pandemic was – and is – absolutely extraordinary in its potency to profoundly impact all our lives with impunity, cutting great swathes of devastation across business and social communities. But out of darkness, cometh light. Humanity has an in-built resilience to confront apparently overwhelming odds. Amidst the glowering COVID-19 maelstrom there’s been encouraging sparks of light from people all over the world adapting the way they work and live, to prosper in what has been dubbed the “New World Order.” 2020’s Backdrop of Instability If COVID-19 managed to bring any benefits at all to 2020, it was to bring into sharp relief all the instabilities of the world’s endless political issues and power struggles. The pandemic became a malevolent backdrop to the cycle of events that played out on the world stage, highlighting their sway and effect on all of our lives. Domestically, the US residential election exposed deep societal fault lines, and Hong Kong was subjected to civil unrest as China began to impose its will on the territory. Internationally, China also attracted criticism with its economic influence continuing to grow and become more worryingly predominant. Other worries about climate change grew apace, with increased numbers of environmental calamities and the attempts to stop them appearing to be ineffective. Across societies worldwide, the rise of the Black Lives Matter phenomenon brought clear focus to decades of brooding anger over perceived injustices – and sharpened the long-held belief that, despite everything, all lives should matter. Alone, but Never Alone Paradoxically, despite all the principles of isolation mandated to stop the spread of COVID-19, the pandemic has done much to push people together and keep them more closely connected than before. Social media initiatives such as #AloneTogether have been instrumental in building networks of supportive online international communities. Zoom conferences became a routine component of business life and visits to the doctor also went digital. Technology has even embraced the spiritual life, with churches and their congregations brought together to worship in virtual services. COVID-19 may have put a temporary hold on international travel, but technology lets us all continue to connect. All these initiatives – forged in the despair of the pandemic to re-set our business and social interactions – give bright optimism for the future as we move forward into 2021. Technology is the key that brings people together, even if they’re alone. Turn and Face the Change So, what does this freshened and radically-different communications environment mean for businesses, their brands and their development as 2021 unfolds? Technology allows businesses to grow, and already the pandemic environment has seen many modify their business models into hybrids of old and new - to take advantage of opportunities available in new digital environment. Confronted by all the different digital scenarios in our “New World Order,” businesses can either panic and fade away – or engage, pivot and grow. A fundamental principle of business – Adapt or Die – is still acutely relevant, as it has been during all the world’s previous technological upheavals down through the centuries. Businesses who sit around and ride the waves, hoping to pick up a few crumbs, will inevitably be left behind as the world moves on. But others who actively seek out new spaces where they can make a difference, sense the market’s needs and respond to them, will become part of the "New World Order" and prosper with it. Unveiling a Brilliant Concept Another fundamental principle of business is that here’s always an opportunity in a crisis – no more so than when the market is subject to radical change and businesses strive to adapt and be relevant in the "New World Order." Hence the concept and launch of Brilliant magazine, a fresh, exciting online resource for businesses living and operating in the worldwide Gig Economy. Brilliant is targeted to all the members of that particular community with curated information geared specifically for them, so they can recognise and take advantage of what people and other businesses need – now and in the future. It aims to grow and support a community of happy businesses in the happy Gig Economy businesses - run by individuals pursuing second careers fuelled by their passions, or simply aiming to build a better world with their creations. Brilliant is a natural progression from initiatives launched during the early, dark days of the pandemic, when educational webinars brought the Gig Community together by providing resources and tools enabling them to re-adjust for new challenges. Instead of a generic magazine shoehorning new technologies into coverage of traditional processes, Brilliant is conceived and crafted purposely for Gig Economy businesses, in a format they can easily identify with. With a blend of business, art, science, psychology and technology, Brilliant is a multi-faceted source of information providing depth, insights and objective thinking for experienced Gig Economy businesses, taking them to tomorrow where the future is digital. The Future’s Bright It’s all very well having a new and more accessible digital world in which to market and sell your brand, but what changes have to be made for a brand to be relevant, desired and bought by the consumers of this new environment? Recent research shows that companies will need show they’re more transparent, sustainable and purpose-driven if they’re to satisfy the demands of post-Millennial generations over the coming decade. These consumers’ top consideration in choosing a brand is predicted to be environmental consideration, as concerns over climate change and global warming grow. Brands that can demonstrate sound environmental credentials will be in preferred categories. On the technology spectrum, a primary factor in the future marketplace is said to be AI, with the prediction that consumers will increasingly depend on machines to make buying decisions, based on their stored brand preferences. In the same futuristic realm is biometric data, deemed to become a key part of customer identification over the coming years, which will make it a necessary focus of marketing strategies. Advertising per se is seen as unlikely to disappear, but more subtle forms of advertising such as sponsorships and product placement, are likely to become increasingly prominent. And as all these innovations develop their presences and no doubt become indispensable in the marketing mix, it’s predicted they’ll all be underpinned by a global collaboration among companies to standardise them across transactions, identity and security. An Ironic Legacy of Hope As all these marketing opportunities take hold and evolve, it’s fair to say that there’s probably never been a more exciting time to be creating and building a brand with all the tools and resources of the New World Order at your disposal. It’s an odd circumstance that the scourge of COVID-19 can be viewed as the catalyst for the formation, growth and acceptance of this optimistic new digital marketplace. Despite its horrendous ravaging of populations across the world, as the pandemic’s influence inevitably recedes in 2021 it’s also likely – somewhat ironically - to leave behind a legacy of new hope for brands. Let us know if you have a story to tell: editor@brilliant-online.com Robin Wilson Editor-at-large 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.

By Robyn Flanagan of Wauchope Travel Happy New Year!!! Domestic Travel is becoming highly sought after, with many wonderful options for travel locally and interstate plus Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands. We would LOVE to help you plan your Aussie Getaway! What a ride! Who thought travel would be so changed in these challenging times. The big winner is … Australia! So many hidden gems, so much to discover. Drag out the old road trip memories and get on board. While many of us hold credits for international travel which we cannot use at the moment, most of the companies have created holidays within Australia using their contracts and knowledge so always ask the question; is there something in Australia that I can apply this credit to? We have stunning beaches, fabulous hinterlands, and many quirky inland destinations just waiting to be explored. Even if you are nervous of border restrictions, within your own state you will find the Hidden gems, hideaways, farm stays and B & B’s that will renew, rejuvenate, and re-inspire you. Internet research is great; Local knowledge is greater. Ask your local travel agent to help you find that special something that will give you some time out of the routine. They have amazing research skills and are brilliant at matching your specific needs to their products. Travelling with Pets? Taking the children? No problem. Want some sporting facilities? Easy. Our systems and our local knowledge cannot be beaten when it comes to researching travel options. It's not just international travel that needs our skills, Australia has a vast array of travel product just waiting to be explored. To feed that travel lust have you considered; Day flights to Antarctica? Direct flights to cities outside the hotspots? Or just driving to those leisurely spaces where someone else gets to make the bed and cook the meals! Heaven! Our sparkling jewels, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, are eager for travellers to return. Island economies survive on tourism and both provide fantastic holiday memories with every type of accommodation and activity imaginable. Pristine waters, lush landscapes, did anyone mention natural perfection? And if you cannot tell one from the other, call your travel agent! We are the experts! Contact Wauchope Travel p: +61 26 585 2288 e: robyn@wauchopetravel.com.au e: info@wauchopetravel.com.au w: wauchopetravel.com.au Follow us on our socials Instagram: @wauchopetravel Facebook: @wauchopetravel 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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.

Billabong Zoo, Koala and Wildlife Park Australia’s iconic but endangered koala bear population, hit by a triple-whammy of drought, bushfires and floods, is being helped along the road to recovery by Port Macquarie’s Billabong Zoo, Koala & Wildlife Park in New South Wales. These treasured animals are a highlight for visitors to the internationally-recognised 10-acre wildlife park and zoo, and the focus of its Koala Breeding Centre that aims to build sustainable communities of both wild and captive koalas. The zoo and its Koala Breeding Centre were badly hit by effects of the recent extreme weather conditions, followed by Covid-19 restrictions. But having weathered threats of water shortages fire and flood, it’s successfully adapted to meet COVID-19 precautions. The renowned zoo continues to offer families up-close-and-personal encounters with the koalas and some of its exotic residents that include snow leopards, red pandas, meerkats, cheetahs and a variety of reptiles. It all comes down to the bear necessities of modifying to maintain safe spaces for visitors, who can experience thrilling encounters with 80 species of more than 200 animals, while sustaining a successful koala breeding programme. Educational, Fun-Filled Family Day Out Visitors to Billabong Zoo, Koala & Wildlife Park - a friendly educational resource that’s been operating for more than 30 years - will find its beguiling animal encounters still on-going, albeit with slight tweaks to meet COVID restrictions. Personal encounters with the animals are all still available and can be booked at times throughout the day via the website. Zoo talks are currently unavailable, but are compensated for by a series of Zoo Keeper Presentation Videos accessed via QR Codes at some of the exhibits. And knowledgeable keepers around the zoo are always on hand to answer impromptu questions about the animals. Sanitisation stations are scattered around the zoo at key points, and COVID-19 marshalling is in place. Of course, a day out isn’t complete without somewhere to kick-back and eat, so families can take delight in the zoo’s playground and picnic areas, set amid lush gardens and tranquil koi ponds. The newly-extended Zoo Cafe is a focal point of this setting, with its wide range of mouth-watering hot food, snacks, ice cream, coffee and drinks – plus souvenirs and retail therapy in the Zoo Shop. With ample free parking for cars, caravans, coaches, taxis, motorbikes and bikes for visitors - every day of the year, rain or shine except Christmas Day - there’s plenty of room to park up and take a walk on the wild side. Billabong Zoo, Koala, and Wildlife Park entry tickets can be booked online, or at the front desk on arrival. Owner Mark Stone says: “We have an open-minded approach to 2021, and know we need to be adaptive to changes that may be thrown at us. “With our new Zoo Café extension completed, our chefs will be able to cater for locals and travellers looking to meet somewhere unique for breakfast or lunch. “Our brand-new Function Facility with licensed bar is due for completion in early 2021 and will be a new string to our bow. “Coupling all this with the hopeful launch of night “Zoofari Dinners” and our regular day zoo experience, 2021 may be a very exciting year for Billabong Zoo and our region.” Conserving a Much-Loved Resident When Mark and Danena Stone bought Billabong Zoo, their vision was to increase, enhance and expand it as a unique and internationally-recognised centre. They also had a mission to educate and stimulate public knowledge about the plight and status of the wild koala population; to support and drive conservation through education, and boost awareness of local wild koala colonies. The zoo’s Koala Breeding Centre was launched to fulfil this mission, but after the recent drought and bushfires that caused the tragic loss of many koalas in the wild, its mission of koala conservation and increasing the koala population is more important and urgent than ever. However, some restrictions to the Centre’s work require careful consideration: Because koalas in a captive breeding programme can’t be legally released into the wild - and likewise wild koalas can’t be used in captive programmes – the zoo needs to raise funds for a new isolated area for wild koalas away from the general public. This will support a wild population breed and a release programme of local Mid North Coast genetic-based koalas, overseen by the zoo’s owners who have many years of experience in koala breeding, and their highly qualified and trained staff. And for the captive koalas, the aim is to formulate a genetically strong breeding programme to support other zoos – both nationally and internationally – with their koala breeding programmes. This requires to grow and produce a large, sustainable koala tree plantation to feed the zoo’s captive koalas. 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. We are open daily from 9am to 5pm. Come and discover what's new at Billabong Zoo this year! To find out more, visit our website or get in touch. p: +61 265 851 060 e: admin@billabongkoala.com.au w: www.billabongzoo.com.au a: 61 Billabong Dr, 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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 Great Awakening Written in the Stars The start of a new year is always a time for shaking off the debris of the past and looking forward with optimism for hopes of a better year to come. Traditionally, this has usually meant using astrology as a way of finding forecasts of good fortune. And after everything we experienced during 2020, anyone would be excused for casting their eyes to the heavens for signs of improvements in the year ahead. It’s useful to put all this in perspective by balancing the astral signs with previous patterns and what we know of current activities. So, with that in mind, an astrologer, Jenny Ashton, is telling us we can expect throughout 2021, predicted to be a year of hope and social change. Planets on the move - Jenny Ashton We ended 2020 with Jupiter and Saturn leaving Capricorn and starting their journey through Aquarius. Leaving behind the heavy energy we have all felt in 2020, 2021 will herald a time of originality, scientific advancements and progressive reforms led by group awareness, education and knowledge. Humanity will demand freedom from old and irrelevant concepts. A time of new social reforms will be challenging for many people to understand. There will still be great periods of global stress with the possibility of violent conflict against authority during January. It will be hard to plan realistic goals for 2021 as the year will be in flux, being flexible and making alternative plans will be challenging. A creative approach could ease any tensions. Landmark astrological events in 2021 will be the first Eclipse on 26th May, a total Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius; and on 10th June there is a Solar Eclipse in Gemini. This will shift our method of communication and interest in learning new ways of living. On 19th November a Lunar Eclipse in Taurus will question values and resources; while on 4th December, a Total Solar Eclipse in Sagittarius could bring a quest for truth highlighting legal issues. The Sagittarius energy highlighted during this Eclipse period from 26th May to 4th December could involve legal issues. Turmoil of Governments Where to Start? With unprecedented scenes of disorder already in Washington DC, Brexit turbulence in Britain and Europe, and all the trials and tribulations of a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, governments have become confused, panicked and forced – it seems – to think on their feet. This sense of confusion has trickled down and spread among their peoples, leading to what many see as a vicious circle of uncertainty. It all brings to mind the celebrated quote by author John Steinbeck: “I know now why confusion in government is not only tolerated but encouraged. I have learned. A confused people can make no clear demands.” But it’s not all bewilderment in the astrological outlook, which says although Aquarius energy can be unpredictable, both personally and on a world stage, it can also be rebellious, eccentric, humanitarian, inventive, and independent. Personal freedom and independence will have a major influence on political change so the many political and social changes predicted for the first quarter of 2021 will need to be carefully balanced between the importance of humanitarian welfare and radical change, to avoid creating a sense of distrust with government and big businesses. There will be a great awakening within various groups that have felt the limitations from big organisations and governments, and many groups will demand equality and the freedom to choose and create their independence. A time of optimism is forecast with Jupiter in Aquarius until December 2021. Humanity can look forward to a time of a great awakening to the potential of what can be achieved when we work together for a common goal and the common good. With Saturn also in Aquarius right through until March 2023, humanity will be rewarded for hard work. There will be many scientific advances throughout 2021, in agriculture, medicine, and technology. This heightened energy could also lead to ideals that can be revolutionary and possibly rebellious - combined with a strong sense of justice this could give rise to protests. Jupiter in Aquarius energy will shine a light on inequalities, and great change in human consciousness will create opportunities to expand human understanding. Creativity Leads the Way The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic early last year, while unexpected and profound, contained the benefit of forcing businesses to take creative action to stay open, ready and available in the New Normal. This creativity looks to continue as an important element of 2021, with businesses staying the course of pivoting and adapting to take advantage of new opportunities arising. This may indeed be a long-standing New Normal. The astrology forecast says 2021 will be a time of working towards realistic objectives, of understanding there will be limitations to what can be achieved and that because nothing will happen quickly, being persistent is the key to success. Throughout these delays and limitations humanity will have the time to learn patience, humility, wisdom, and compassion. From February to August there will possibly be countries that experience limited food production and distribution. Uneconomical and outdated methods of production will be replaced with methods that are environmentally sustainable and provide employment within communities, but it will take time to establish new structures, so patience is required. This could be a time where market and community gardens provide food on a local level, where wisdom and knowledge are shared. Climate Change Climate change – its causes and effects – has become a worldwide issue in recent years, attracting everyone from celebrities and politicians to its banner. In fact, many would argue that climate change is nothing new and has been ebbing and flowing for many centuries, just as the astrological planets and constellations whirl in the skies above us. But with this issue so much in the forefront of people’s minds, it’s hardly surprising that it looms large in the astrological outlook for 2021. It’s forecast that organisations that continue to harm the environment and their employees will be the target of social campaigns. Water resources will be brought to world attention in August and September in the form of either floods or water restrictions, highlighting the effect of climate change. With Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all in retrograde motion, this will be a time of reflecting on the changes that have occurred since the beginning of the year. In October and November, we could experience limitations and restrictions that will be sudden and unexpected because of misunderstandings or a breakdown in communications, while November’s Eclipse will bring positive changes humanity has been working towards – valuing our natural resources. Past Lessons for Future Change The popular modern notion of ignoring the past and future to live for the present is one that’s taken strong root with successive recent generations. But if these people are so fixated on the present, then it’s unlikely they’ve taken notice of the Edmund Burke quote: “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” This reminds me of a poem, "Said Hanrahan", written by John O'Brien and published possibly in July 1919, that describes the recurrent natural cycle of droughts, floods and bushfires in rural Australia as seen by "Hanrahan", a pessimistic man of Irish descent, referencing to the drought and banking crisis of the early 1890s. The full poem is published below this blog. So is this climate change or the recurrent natural cycle of weather? And what of a concern for what may happen in their futures? Astrology may be perceived by some as frippery, but it can be a useful tool for plotting and effecting change in both personal and business lives. Right from the start, 2021 is forecast to have a strong Aquarian presence, and with Uranus the traditional ruler of Aquarius and from February to early August, this will influence the heavy Saturnian energy. The impact of this influence will be felt in difficulty to accept change, especially when old attitudes must succumb to the process of change, leading to questioning of morality and ethics. This fear of change could see communities react in a negative way, as the fear of the unfamiliar can cause panic. It may be difficult for some people to break from the past, as self-examination of their beliefs would be painful and confronting, giving rise to feelings of alienation from groups, communities etc. It’s likely we’ll see organisations unexpectedly giving way to the stubbornness of the past and working with science to create a new humanitarian society. In the end, 2021 closes with the focus on social and political change, continuing to evolve and humanity learning lessons from the past. Jenny Ashton Jenny lives in Taree, New South Wales, Australia. For astrology and horoscope readings, please contact Jenny below. Email Jenny t: +614 0960 5414 Poem - Said Hanrahan "We'll all be rooned," said Hanrahan, In accents most forlorn, Outside the church, ere Mass began, One frosty Sunday morn. The congregation stood about, Coat-collars to the ears, And talked of stock, and crops, and drought, As it had done for years. "It's lookin' crook," said Daniel Croke; "Bedad, it's cruke, me lad, For never since the banks went broke Has seasons been so bad." "It's dry, all right," said young O'Neil, With which astute remark He squatted down upon his heel And chewed a piece of bark. And so around the chorus ran "It's keepin' dry, no doubt." "We'll all be rooned," said Hanrahan, "Before the year is out. "The crops are done; ye'll have your work To save one bag of grain; From here way out to Back-o'-Bourke They're singin' out for rain. "They're singin' out for rain," he said, "And all the tanks are dry." The congregation scratched its head, And gazed around the sky. "There won't be grass, in any case, Enough to feed an ass; There's not a blade on Casey's place As I came down to Mass." "If rain don't come this month," said Dan, And cleared his throat to speak-- "We'll all be rooned," said Hanrahan, "If rain don't come this week." A heavy silence seemed to steal On all at this remark; And each man squatted on his heel, And chewed a piece of bark. "We want a inch of rain, we do," O'Neil observed at last; But Croke "maintained" we wanted two To put the danger past. "If we don't get three inches, man, Or four to break this drought, We'll all be rooned," said Hanrahan, "Before the year is out." In God's good time down came the rain; And all the afternoon On iron roof and window-pane It drummed a homely tune. And through the night it pattered still, And lightsome, gladsome elves On dripping spout and window-sill Kept talking to themselves. It pelted, pelted all day long, A-singing at its work, Till every heart took up the song Way out to Back-o'Bourke. And every creek a banker ran, And dams filled overtop; "We'll all be rooned," said Hanrahan, "If this rain doesn't stop." And stop it did, in God's good time; And spring came in to fold A mantle o'er the hills sublime Of green and pink and gold. And days went by on dancing feet, With harvest-hopes immense, And laughing eyes beheld the wheat Nid-nodding o'er the fence. And, oh, the smiles on every face, As happy lad and lass Through grass knee-deep on Casey's place Went riding down to Mass. While round the church in clothes genteel Discoursed the men of mark, And each man squatted on his heel, And chewed his piece of bark. "There'll be bush-fires for sure, me man, There will, without a doubt; We'll all be rooned," said Hanrahan, "Before the year is out." - John O'Brien #astrology #SaidHanrahan #JennyAshton #climatechange #2021predictions 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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 Sustainable Blue Heaven It’s an ecological blue heaven for Australia’s boutique My Blue Tea online store, supplying the world with unique superfoods rooted in sustainable farming practices that bring real benefits to farmers and their communities. The store’s heavenly remedies such as Blue Butterfly Pea Powder and Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea - conjured up from the age-old magic of Butterfly Blue Pea flowers (scientifically known as Clitoria Ternatea) – are rightly renowned as powerful steps on the ancient ayurvedic path to health and overall wellness. This deep philosophy of healthfulness also embraces the farming communities across the Australasian tropical belt that cultivate its flowers, where My Blue Tea works closely to implement sustainable practices to ensure year-round supplies for its superfoods. It’s a practice of sustainable community agriculture that encourages bringing the indigenous Blue Butterfly back from the brink of extinction. These plantations are free of pesticides and chemicals, and by working alongside farmers My Blue Tea has helped develop natural ways of growing and intercropping for better and more sustainable yields. All this ensures the farmers and their communities have steady incomes and produce top-quality crops to maintain the high quality of My Blue Tea’s superfoods. The entire process is neatly expressed in My Blue Tea’s Farm to Consumer and Soil to Plate initiatives that encourage buyers of its products to explore all the ethical practices inherent in the agriculture and production processes. Its Blue Tea is harvested daily to provide fresh Blue Butterfly flowers that undergo an evolutionary freeze-dry process to give the strongest natural concentration while keeping the flowers’ cellular and molecular structures intact for a high level of bioactivity. And aqueous ozone antimicrobial treatment reduces plate counts and kills microbes without damaging the healthy ingredients. The ecological benefits extend to My Blue Tea’s customers too – because infusing and drinking the tea means consuming all of the edible flowers, with zero waste generated. To find out more about My Blue Tea, its products and much more, visit: www.mybluetea.com.au 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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.

TG’s Childcare opens new long day care centre and Kindergarten at Urangan, Queensland on Wednesday 27th January 2021. Arrange for a play date. The team at TG’s Child Care, Australia’s leading early learning-preschool and long day care provider, has kicked-off the New Year in exciting style with the opening of its new Preschool and Long Day Care service in Urangan, Queensland. The new all-day childcare service, catering to families in Urangan and surrounding communities of Hervey Bay, is the latest addition to the TG’s Child Care network which has five other services across New South Wales - three in Wauchope, one in Armidale and another in Uralla. It’s the latest embodiment of a vision to create a nature-based early childhood environment established more than 22 years ago by owners Gayle and Trevor Kee, when they opened their first TG’s Child Care in Wauchope. Their vision – with a philosophy of learning through play at its heart - aligns with a forthcoming federal government review of Australia’s early learning framework that’s expected to endorse curriculums of play-based learning for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, instead of rote-based learning. A Dedicated Mission where Playing is Learning for Life Over the years they’ve remained true to the TG’s Child Care mission statement – “Playing is Learning for Life” – with a purpose to create, develop and encourage independent young minds to embrace collective thinking with their peers, in a fun, loving and nurturing place. Gayle Kee, an experienced early childhood teacher and husband Trevor, a qualified landscape designer, have developed a proven method of offering natural, safe, secure and nurturing spaces where children play, live and learn in a well-designed and engaging learning environment. For TG’s Child Care’s natural outdoor environments have been carefully designed by Trevor and Gayle as exciting and dynamic places for children. Here children can explore and develop in a way that challenges and supports motor skills, builds curiosity, social and emotional intelligence, encourages active and passive play and caters to their varying moods and needs. This is where “Playing is Learning for Life” - children naturally become curious and begin creative exploring in a natural environment that is safe and supported. Gayle has created a culture of fun that also invites critical thinking, reflection and inquiry. TG’s Child Care’s unique and inspirational curriculums support children to be involved in an inclusive play and enquiry-based learning environment that promotes competence, independence and exploration. Children attending TG’s Child Care are encouraged to experience a love and joy of learning throughout their time there, and are equipped with skills and tools to continue their personal growth long after they’ve left, cultivating a life-long love of learning to take them through primary, high school and beyond. All-Year Round Service TG’s Child Care’s new Urungan service, licensed with 73 places for children aged six weeks to six years, will provide professional child care and Kindergarten services all day from 06.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday all year round, giving parents peace of mind their children are being well looked-after throughout the day while they’re at work. Staffed by qualified and enthusiastic educators in a carefully designed learning environment, the service will also serve children nutritious meals throughout the day, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea approved by Munch & Move and Good for Kids. The launch of this new community resource is in line with the drive by Queensland Government’s Early Childhood Education and Care for interaction between families, carers, early childhood education, care services and schools - a key role in a child’s early development. It also aligns with the Australian Childcare Alliance - Queensland’s focus on government support for early childhood services and its Queensland Kindergarten Funding Scheme that provides subsidies to reduce expenses for eligible families. TG’s Child Care Urangan is currently rated “Exceeding” in assessments by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), the independent national authority that assists governments in administering the National Quality Framework (NQF) for children’s education and care. Please register online to arrange for a Play Date at TG’s Child Care Urangan. TG's Child Care and Kindergarten 61 Miller St, Urangan, QLD 4655 t: (07) 4184 2282 w: https://www.tgschildcare.com.au/ 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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.

Desirable Property Features 28 Pipers Bay Drive, Forster, NSW 2428, Australia Stunning property with three bedrooms, builder’s own home - an absolute credit to its design and construction by local builder Daniel Warren of Danbilt Pty Ltd. From the letterbox to the back fence and every aspect in between this property’s combination and flow of juxtaposition creates a contemporary and modern eclectic style whilst offering a warm, familiar feel. Natural timber, rustic brick and earthy tones are complimented perfectly by a serene and tranquil vista, appreciated from the main living spaces and front undercover, entertaining deck area. A spacious three-car garage and office, with ensuite and private entry, provides a versatile space, the perfect setup for a work-from-home prospect or separate accommodation option. This unique property and its opposite waterfront reserve location, presents an attractive offering in today’s market and certainly a must to inspect. Location Features Opposite waterfront reserve in a desirable Forster location, only a little over three hours drive north of Sydney. Welcome to Forster Keys and its warm, friendly community. A favourable position with its own group of convenience shops and local neighbourhood groups. Enjoy a peaceful and tranquil lifestyle, surrounded by nearby reserves and beautiful Wallis Lake; swim, fish, paddleboard or canoe right from your front door. Just a short drive or stroll from the pristine waterways, beaches and national parks of Forster/Tuncurry. To find out more about this property visit: https://www.domain.com.au/forster-nsw-2428-2016435833 Forster Keys Real Estate We are currently looking for listings. With a recent spike in buyer enquiry, we’ve just about sold all our stock. Not sure if now’s the right time to sell – It’ll cost you nothing to find out. Call Sharon Chambers on 0401 605 722 To find out more about Forster Keys Real Estate and much more, visit: www.forsterkeysrealestate.com.au Appointing Forster Keys Real Estate and Sharon to manage the sale of your property ensures that you not only have the owner working solely with you, but also someone who listens carefully, is highly motivated, knowledgeable within the local market and who cares about you and your needs. 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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.

Australia’s leading eyewear manufacturer has a clear vision of sustainability in its passion for creating fashionable frame styles that put smiles on faces. For Optex, which produces distinctive spectacle frames for optical and fashion houses across Australia and New Zealand, maintains a strict policy of using only ethically-sourced, recyclable raw materials. The frames are made of recyclable cellulose acetate, conforming to the Optex principle of maintaining environmental sustainability and diverting waste from landfills. Optex is also committed to maintaining sustainable, ethical manufacturing processes and partnering with like-minded businesses in its supply chain – this is highlighted by its partnership with Mazzucchelli, a world leader in acetate sheet manufacture, to use its Becycle material for Optex frames. Located in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Optex has its own purpose-built production facility equipped with the latest sustainable manufacturing technologies enabling it to create stylish, environmentally-friendly eyewear that’s also fun and exciting, reflecting the radiance of Australia’s blue skies, open spaces and sunshine. Optex works closely with optometrists and fashion houses to design original, inspirational eyewear to suit current trends, market demands and purpose, for both medical and fashion needs. The eyewear is hand-crafted in an intricate manufacturing process of more than 50 stages, with a unique blend of timeless professionalism, environmental awareness and contemporary aesthetics. This all results in finished frames with an appealing authenticity that radiates happiness and inspires smiles. Optex Australia 29 Jindalee Rd, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 To find out more about Optex, its products and much more, visit: www.optextaust.com.au 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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. Editorials If you have a brilliant story to tell, send your press release to editor@brilliant-online.com

Keeping new year's resolutions is tough According to UAB Medicine News, less than 8% of people actually stick to their resolutions each year, yet millions continue to set goals with high hopes of a better year ahead. So this year, Helen Zhang, Founder of My Body My Pilates is helping people make a real change. Shaping up 2021 20 years ago, Helen suffered a knee injury and Pilates helped her recover, become stronger and happier. Helen has all the right reasons then to keep her new year's resolution. Now she wants to help others through Pilates but she wants to encourage people to take up Pilates not because they have a pain to nurse but to incorporate Pilates as a way of life. Pilates as a way of life Pilates, the popular low-impact workout system, now has improved potential to help re-shape bodies for healthier lifestyles with two innovations offered by Japanese Pilates specialist My Body My Pilates. The Tokyo-based Pilates practitioner is dedicated to building its clients’ levels of health and fitness for happy lives by making Pilates a natural way of life, not just a system for managing pain. It’s committed to bringing world-class Pilates programmes to Tokyo where it serves the vast city’s local communities and international visitors with Pilates classes comprised of the Pilates system of core exercises that help flatten and tone the mid-section, while stabilising and supporting the spine. And now My Body My Pilates has upped its game - as the leading Pilates practitioner in Tokyo to offer the significant benefits of both Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel and Oov® Pilates. Reform Yourself Pilates is usually offered in classes on mats, but a different kind of Pilates performed on a Reformer machine has gained popularity the world over. Invented by Pilates guru Joseph Pilates himself, the Reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform that rolls back and forth on wheels, used as part of Pilates sessions under the direction of a qualified instructor. Equipped with springs for both assistance and resistance, it helps achieve proper muscle length and strength by enabling a full range of motion to increase flexibility, in a complete body workout that’s different from regular Pilates exercises performed on a mat. Reformer Pilates is great for people looking to hone in on precise core movements to isolate more muscles than in regular Pilates, and it’s also a good option for low-impact recovery and injury rehabilitation. Stretching Out The other innovation offered by My Body My Pilates is Oov® Pilates, a tool designed to stretch the core of the body for spinal health, rehabilitation and relaxation. Made of durable foam, the Oov® complement the curves of the spine and is designed to lengthen and stabilise the body – putting it in a position where it’s never at rest. In doing so, it forces users to control movement by challenging their balance and stability. The Oov® activates core stabilising muscles while also gently extending the spine to stimulate healthy intervertebral disc lubrication. No excuse, even if you're locked down by COVID COVID shouldn't stop anyone from getting fit. In fact, it is more important now than ever as we do not know how long we need to stay indoors to be safe. Don't let diseases creep in. My Body My Pilates offers Zoom Pilates Classes and will soon launch a series of video classes. So no excuse for not signing up, wherever in the world you are. Offer To find out more about Reformer Pilates and Oov® Pilates visit My Body My Pilates at: www.mybodymypilates.com New members of My Body My Pilates receive a ¥1000 coupon to use in an in-studio class! Just use code 1000OFF at checkout! Getting to My Body My Pilates 〒106-0046 Tōkyō-to, Minato-ku, Motoazabu, Tokyo, Japan 3 Chome−5−11 , 1/F Pilates Studio, Block C Majes Motoazbu Gardens, Tokyo, Japan t: 080-7718-2544 e: booking@mybodymypilates.com w: www.mybodymypilates.com #PilatesHappyLife #BrilliantPilates #OnlinePilates Like this advertorial? Then 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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.

In these confusing times, it’s difficult for businesses to decipher the benefits of all the modern marketing and technology tools on offer, to decide on the right fit for them. Thankfully, the multi-talented, brilliant team at Vermilion Pinstripes is on hand to make sense of it all and tailor individual strategies for businesses to achieve more efficiency and success. Vermilion Pinstripes is an international full-service modern sales and marketing communications agency driven by a singular mission: To help businesses thrive with confidence. To achieve this purpose of creating happy businesses, it draws on a wealth of experience, expertise, and a well-honed armoury of modern marketing techniques. Proven technology know-how combined with its flagship propriety Modern Marketing Framework™ resource is helping businesses across Australia, Asia Pacific – and now North America – re-set their brand presences, build confidence and increase profitability. Empowering Customer Engagement to Make Buying Easier In particular, Vermilion Pinstripes’ Modern Marketing Framework™ empowers business owners to grow their brands and deliver definite business outcomes. It’s a modular resource designed to help start-ups, traditional and modern businesses build confidence through simple and effective integration of sales, marketing and communications. By leveraging technology that makes marketing humanly engaged it enables customers to experience consistent engagements built on trust, personalisation and efficiency that continue to grow and develop with their needs. The framework helps businesses through targeting, enablement and demand-generation processes – guided by core brand messages – forming a holistic approach to customer engagement in both online and offline experiences and interactions. That means instead of just pushing products and services to customers' faces (like in traditional advertising), you actually pull them into your business. It's a new kind of lead generation that works if you have an omnichannel strategy driven by your brand purpose. "Algorithms can be powerful. Codes and cookies track behaviours of customers, so businesses can personalise the entire customer engagements along different stages of customer's buying cycle and through to after-sales services. The trick is making buying easy for your customers. When you advertise online, these codes help spot similar customers who want to buy from you and pull them in.", says Veronica Lind, Business and Marketing Strategist with Vermilion Pinstripes. Global Presence This approach enables Vermilion Pinstripes’ team of marketing and communications consultants to help local companies in Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan achieve their business goals. And now, with its recently-launched office close to Toronto, businesses in North America can benefit from Vermilion Pinstripes’ professional expertise. New office premises in Port Macquarie, New South Wales also provides enhanced facilities to serve Australian customers. Building Your Business Confidence Do you want to have a happy business? An engaging website with content that clearly tells your brand messages, with a Call to Action that engages your most attractive customers? A personalised SEO to get you quickly and easily found on the World Wide Web? Vermilion Pinstripes can do all this, and more! They’ll register your domain and email address; set up Google Analytics and Google My Business; optimise your business Facebook page and other online channels; and design your website launch plan. Then they’ll brainstorm to map out how you can bring your products and services to the right markets – and be more profitable. They can tell your brand story in words, providing brand messaging, content writing and/or editing. They can work with you to get you noticed, be it a press release, an ad on your online channels – or show you everything you need to know about blogging, a great way to get you found and showcase your expertise, products and services. They can tell your story visually, in images aligned to your brand that combine creativity and psychology to attract the right customers and encourage an action – logos, design work, photography and videos. Making Big Waves with Technology Technology now has a huge impact on business and shapes the way businesses buy, sell, hire and manage. This is not new news. Some businesses who didn’t embrace technology now find themselves displaced by new entrants – not just by those in their locality, but also in other countries. Because on the internet anyone can do business with practically anyone around the world. Vermilion Pinstripes has enthusiastically embraced all aspects of technology and uses its expertise to apply various technologies to automate and improve business systems, including: Online booking systems for gyms, clinics, travel and leisure companies Setting-up online ordering via the web, Facebook and apps for retailers, restaurants and cafes CRM and digital marketing for businesses via Hubspot, Mailchimp, Wix, and social media Something else is brewing - AR (augmented reality) Vermilion Pinstripes can show you how modern marketing can work for your business - book here for a free 30-minute consultation with a consultant. Contact Vermilion Pinstripes Australia: 29 Jindalee Rd, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 Singapore: 253 Sunrise Av, Unit 02-05, Singapore 806746 North America: 5855 Cornell Crescent, Mississauga, ON, L5M 5R6, Canada t: +6140 777 9828 e: admin@vermilionpinstripes.com w: vermilionpinstripes.com #ModernMarketing #BuildBrandConfidence #SellWithoutSelling #VermilionPinstripes 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, businesses and people. - LUXE, latest trends and products 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.