✦ Go Irish wherever you are with this stout and hearty Irish Beef and Guinness Pie! Irish Beef and Guinness Pie is a beautiful combination of light flaky pastry wrapped around a thick, rich gravy with tender beef and vegetable chunks. Every family has their own unique way of making this pie. The filling can be made with anything you can find in the garden, be it potatoes, carrots, onions, parsnips or turnips. It is traditionally served with a side dish of potatoes (perfect for sopping up the gravy!). Ingredients Beef – Any type of marbled beef will work well, appx 2 lb. Butter & Flour – Just a bit. They help to make a nice, thick gravy with the stout. Smoked Bacon – Go for the thick cut, or any type of smoked bacon will do. Onion & Carrots – Go for whichever type of onion you prefer. Sweet Things – You can use plain sugar to counter the bitterness of the stout but you can also play around with brown sugar and craisins. Raisins would also do the trick. Guinness Stout – This makes a rich, velvety gravy with the beef juices. Egg & Pastry – You can use a store-bought puff pastry or a flaky biscuit would work well too. You can also use short crust pastry, the type used for apple pie. The egg is to make the pastry shiny. Note: Eggs, Bacon and Beef are available from Grazed and Grown Farm Organic beef is available from Grazed & Grown Farm Method Cut meat and veggies into bite-sized pieces. In a large dutch oven, cook your meat, butter and flour. Set aside while your onions and carrots cook. Cook your veggies in the same pot. A secret tip is to actually scrape the flavorful brown bits on the bottom! They give the dish a special yumminess! Add remaining ingredients and simmer for a few hours on low heat, covered. Simmer for at least three hours to help tenderise the beef and allow the gravy to thicken. When the meat is tender, the veggies cooked and the gravy has a nice thick consistency, place the filling in ramekins and cover with pastry. Crimp the edges with the tines of a fork. Brush a beaten egg over the top of the pastry for a nice golden and shiny top. When you put it in the oven, make sure you keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn´t burn. Bake to a beautiful golden finish and enjoy! Tip: If you find you have too much filling, you can save the filling in the fridge and bake in the ramekins with the pastry only when you are ready to serve. That way you won´t end up with tons of pastries which just become soggy from all the waiting. Anyone for a piping hot, fresh pie with perhaps a pint? Learn More about St Patrick's Day Source: https://www.fusioncraftiness.com/irish-beef-and-guinness-pie-recipe/ Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ We all know how important a good night’s sleep is and how critical the right levels of rest are to our overall health and day-to-day functionality We also know how not getting a good night of shut eye can leave us feeling tired, unfocused, lethargic, irritated and frustrated. It’s something that sufferers of sleep apnoea, unfortunately, know all too well. Sleep apnoea is one of the most common sleep disorders on the planet, with the latest estimates stating that close to a billion people globally suffer from the condition. So what exactly is sleep apnoea and should one be concerned if they suspect they may be suffering from it? Explained simply, sleep apnoea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes frequent pauses in breathing during sleep which prevents the body from getting enough oxygen. If you are known to snore loudly, frequently gasp during sleep or just typically feel in a dreamlike state while awake due to poor quality of sleep then the chances are you suffer from sleep apnoea. Children who suffer from the condition typically will exhibit overly active behaviour while awake and may have issues with concentration and paying attention. Sleep Apnoea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes frequent pauses in breathing during sleep There are two types of sleep apnoea Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) is when the person’s brain fails to send the correct signals to the muscles that control breathing, and the more common Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) , where the person’s throat muscles relax and thus the airway is narrowed which blocks the flow of air into the lungs. Several factors can impact the latter condition such as obesity, large tonsils, changes in hormone levels, lack of exercise, an over consumption of alcohol and smoking. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can lead to far more potentially serious health issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. If you believe you are suffering from the condition it is strongly advised to consult a doctor or a qualified expert who can run a detailed professional sleep test to determine the situation. ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ remium, auto-adjusting (APAP) sleep apnoea machine One such team of experts can be found at Sleep Apnoea Clinic , who bring exceptional service and compassionate care to those seeking restorative sleep. Their top quality and highly personalised services are designed to target each individual’s needs in order to accurately diagnose and effectively treat obstructive sleep apnoea. One such team of experts can be found at Sleep Apnoea Clinic It's about empowering clients to achieve an overall sense of well-being and bring ease and confidence into sleep. The clinic offers two main services - home-based sleep studies and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Clinic and Sales. A home-based sleep study is conducted in the comfort of the client’s home with a Level 2 sleep study approved by Medicare and which meets the Australian Sleep Association standard. Clients must be 18 and above, have a referral from their medical practitioner and meet pre-screening criteria. At the end of the study, clients are advised if treatment is necessary and the options available, and referred back to the Sleep Apnoea Clinic for CPAP therapy or to a sleep or respiratory specialist as required. The full-service CPAP Clinic and Sales department offers personalised support, education and equipment for successful sleep apnoea treatment. Clients are well taken care of by highly trained and compassionate staff to help with a smooth and comfortable transition into CPAP therapy. Ongoing aftercare service and assistance are also available to ensure the best possible outcomes from the CPAP therapy. With better quality sleep, clients experience a turnaround in the quality of their everyday lives. The Sleep Apnoea Experts are committed to helping clients gain an improved sense of wellbeing with long lasting effects of being able to ease gently and easily into healthy sleep patterns. Experience the happy life you deserve with the soothing consequences of the support provided by Sleep Apnoea Clinic . Contact our sleep technician for personalised diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea: GP referral required Sleep Apnoea Clinic E: info@sleepapnoeaclinic.com.au P : 0408-855-734 FB : Sleep Apnoea Clinic IG : sleepapnoeaclinic A : 2/31-33 Horton Street Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 (Level 1 above TAB) Sleep Apnoea Clinic at 2/31-33 Horton Street Port Macquarie, NSW 2444 (Level 1 above TAB) Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ In these tumultuous times of difference and division there’s one thing it’s safe to say we can all agree on – there’s nothing quite like a good sleep! The benefits and importance of getting enough sleep cannot be understated, both duration and quality wise. Many of us lead stressful, hectic lifestyles which can take its toll on our well-being. Demands at work, at home and in our personal lives can leave us feeling mentally and physically exhausted at the end of each day. It is therefore imperative that we give our bodies the requisite rest required in order for us to function efficiently and, most importantly, healthily – getting a good night’s sleep is as crucial to our well-being as a balanced, nutritious diet and a regular exercise regime. Conversely, sleep deprivation can cause a range of serious health risks including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack and stroke. Getting sufficient sleep is important for your health The amount of recommended sleep we require differs, of course, based on age and a myriad of factors, although the National Sleep Foundation guidelines stipulate between 7-9 hours a night for adults over the age of 18. In Australia, whereas over 50% of adults claim they get the recommended amount per night, there are still over 30% that don’t, a study by YouGov found. Worryingly, 2% of those polled stated they get less than 2 hours a night. So why is it so important that medical experts recommend we spend roughly a third of each day asleep? First and foremost, getting the right amount of sleep per night helps our learning and memory functions, boosting our focus and concentration levels to enable us to be more alert and therefore more efficient in our day-to-day lives. Our whirring brains are constantly on the go, processing a deluge of thoughts and information in a continual blur. Of course, the brain still operates while we are asleep but ‘switching off’ allows it sufficient time to rest and re-group, ready for the day ahead. We can then make better decisions and solve problems in a more coherent manner, be it at home, work or elsewhere. Similarly, sufficient sleep helps promote a more up-beat mood which will improve our relations and interactions with others. We all know what it’s like when we haven’t had enough sleep as we crawl in a zombie like state through the day in a cranky mood where the slightest thing can set us off and lead to emotional outbursts. Widespread studies have shown that a chronic lack of sleep is more likely to develop depression and increase the odds of anxiety or panic disorders. While we are sleeping our brain has chance to process, recognise and react to our emotions. We all agree that a good mood trumps a bad mood hands down and a good old slumber can help ensure this. Watch your weight Whereas it has always been accepted as fact that a nutritious and balanced diet and robust exercise regime are the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy weight, sleep also plays a key part. A 2020 analysis published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that adults who slept fewer than 7 hours per night had a whopping 41% increased risk of developing obesity. Put simply, when you’re well rested you’re less hungry. The hormones in our brain that control our appetite are known as leptin (which makes us feel full) and ghrelin (which makes us feel hungry). When we suffer insufficient sleep, ghrelin levels increase and leptin decreases. It doesn’t take a neuro-surgeon to figure out the consequences of that! Similarly, for those amongst us of an athletic persuasion, sleep is imperative in assisting with muscle repair and boosting energy levels to ensure we can perform at our optimal best. Lack of sleep, and thus an absence of energy, will often leave us feeling demotivated and unlikely to hit the gym or pursue whichever exercise we prefer. Likewise, it can also contribute to injury as our muscles haven’t had sufficient time or opportunity to repair and regenerate. Just as an unhealthy diet undermines any potential benefits of exercise, so does a a lack of sleep and as such it should be considered as an equally important pillar in any fitness regime. When you have enough sleep, hunger will go away on its own. The benefits of a good sleep on our hearts cannot be underestimated. It may be stating the obvious but when we are resting in a sleeping state, our levels of exertion decrease dramatically. As a result our blood pressure goes down which affords our heart and blood vessels a time out. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that people who slept fewer than 5 hours per night had a 61% higher risk of developing high blood pressure than those who slept 7 hours. We all know how the stresses of everyday life can lead to higher blood pressure levels which in turn leads to all manner of health risks including heart disease and stroke. The benefits of a good night’s sleep in this regard are, therefore, obvious for all to see. Likewise, sleep plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and a lack of can lead to increased glucose intolerance which heightens the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The relationship between sleep and blood sugar is a complex one, detailed well in a report by the Sleep Foundation , but it is clear that getting enough zzz’s helps manage the potentially dangerous health condition. Get comfortable So, we now know the principal benefits of getting enough sleep. However, it can be easier said than done and switching off at the end of a busy day often isn’t as straight forward as it seems. Thankfully there are numerous resources and websites providing tips on how best to get a good night’s rest, which are easy to access and adapt; ensuring your room is dark at night, absent of any form of intrusive light while set at the right temperature is a key factor, as is investing in a comfortable bed, mattress and pillows – you need to be comfortable to be relaxed to achieve a good rest, after all! Invest for a comfortable resting place Try not to drink caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime, both of which can deter a good night’s rest. Likewise, whereas exercise is of course good and encouraged, try not to do so too late at night or prior to your bedtime. Detach from technology by shutting down your work emails and limiting your time on your phone or tablet, especially before bed, as such devices emit blue light which stimulates your brain and fools it into thinking it’s daytime – not great as you’re attempting to settle down for a good sleep! Limit electronic devices before you are going to sleep Take a nice hot bath or shower, maybe indulge in a spot of meditation or a similar pursuit to calm and clear the mind. Reading a book (NOT a phone, iPad or similar device!) is a great way to distract and calm your mind before sleep, as is snoozing off to relaxing music or white noise, available nowadays through a wide range of apps. If all else fails, you could turn to the tried and tested measure of counting sheep to help take you into slumberland! However, as the age-old saying goes, ‘too much of a good thing’ is a logic that also applies to sleep whereby an over-indulgence can prove counterproductive - medical studies have shown people that slept too much endured calcium buildups in heart arteries and less flexibility in leg arteries. So, like everything, it’s about striking a balance and aiming for 7-9 hours a night should place you on the right track to reaping the benefits of a good night’s shut-eye. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Alison Carroll, widely known as The Turmeric Lady from AC Healthy Solutions brings insights into the power of the humble turmeric and how it can be beneficial to women. Did you know turmeric is also known as "The Golden Goddess"? What a beautiful and apt name for a spice that can help each and every goddess move into their Golden Years. The medicinal prowess of turmeric goes back a long way and has been helping women achieve the glow of health especially during the menopausal phase of their journeys. It has been used in cooking as a culinary spice and dates back nearly 4000 years to the Ayurvedic culture in India. Turmeric - a quiet, natural healer A natural healer through history Turmeric is a natural healer. Our modern living conditions and lifestyles mean our bodies take quite a beating. Many have found turmeric to be an incredible support to improving their health because of its anti-inflammatory and immune-strengthening properties. With over 300 active constituents, turmeric is a powerhouse of modes of actions - it is a phytoestrogen, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihistamine, anti-atherogenic, analgesic, antimicrobial, cardioprotective, digestive, hepatoprotective, Immune modulating, vulnerary (wound healing), nephroprotective (kidney), neuroprotective, cardioprotective and more. Who would have thought a simple golden powder could do so many wonders! A woman's best friend Turmeric has properties which can help with hormone balance and even enhancing fertility. Antioxidants help with hormone balance and protecting our bodies. It can also prevent aging at a cellular level i.e. it can prevent damage to our egg health and improve fertility. Turmeric is said to improve our biological age and help keep our bodies younger, and therefore prepare our bodies to get pregnant even at a later chronological age. Turmeric helps the liver to detox hormones i.e. it removes unneeded hormones and other toxins from the body. In fact, in traditional Eastern medicine, turmeric is considered to be a warming herb or spice that is used to increase warmth and blood flow to the pelvic area. This helps bring essential nutrients to the lower body to create a healthy womb environment. Turmeric can help support your body for pregnancy There is ongoing research in this miraculous spice and with all that has been discovered so far, one can say this golden powder is a woman's best friend, a must-have in one's pantry and medicinal shelf. Moving from fertility to the menopausal phase, women who are going through menopause can also benefit from turmeric. It's your best friend for life! Including turmeric in one's diet can bring about these benefits during the menopausal phase: reduce hot flushes help with hives, migraines and severe sweating help improve weight loss improve bone, heart and brain health boost the immune system reduce pain and improve joint mobility regulate blood sugar and diabetes improve digestive issues improve liver function protect the kidneys The Turmeric Lady Alison Carroll of AC Healthy Solutions suffered chronic pain from her arthritic knees for ages before finally discovering a much-needed pain relief in turmeric. It not only helped her get rid of the pain, it even brought her an overall sense of wellbeing. When you discover something good, you simply want to share it, and Alison has been helping women transit into their menopausal years with the help of turmeric to lessen the effects of the change in this phase of life. The big plus point here is turmeric is a natural remedy, which is gentle and healing for the body. Turmeric for health and wellbeing Through her research and helping clients on their healing journeys, Alison has compiled these main health benefits from turmeric. Turmeric Gradually Increases Antioxidants in Your Body Turmeric Can Help Control Diabetes Turmeric Helps Lower Cholesterol Turmeric Can Help Reduce the Effects of Alzheimer's Disease Turmeric Can Help with Some Skin Conditions Turmeric May Benefit People with Depression Turmeric Can Help with Gastrointestinal Conditions Turmeric Can Help Relieve Arthritic Pain Turmeric Can Help Control Weight Turmeric is also known as The Golden Goddess Turmeric products Alison has turmeric products ranging from a beautiful CurQone™ Organic Turmeric Chai blend for your afternoon (and body's) delight to a Turmeric Elixir which is rich in probiotics and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Hemp is the next popular powerhouse plant in Alison's collection. Another quiet natural healer, hemp seed oil is rich in healthy fats and can help reduce risk of heart problems. Check out hemp products for external use here: Did you know that black pepper can help give your turmeric a mega boost in power? A compound in black pepper enhances absorption of curcumin by up to an incredible 2,000% ! Increasingly, people are looking to natural solutions to enhance their health. Many swear by the wonderful effects of turmeric. What is your wellbeing success story? Share with us! Alison is always happy to talk to people either on the phone or pop into one of her markets where they can have a taste of the Turmeric Elixir, and Alison is there to talk about the many benefits of taking turmeric. As with all supplements, if you are on any medication, it is important to talk to your health provider before you start taking turmeric. Contact AC Healthy Solutions p/ +61 406 036 845 e/ achealthysolutions@gmail.com achealthysolutions.com https://www.facebook.com/achealthysolutions https://www.linkedin.com/in/achealthysolutions Pick up location: 18 Morton Street, Wauchope Buy from me at the markets: https://achealthysolutions.com/#markets Note: When consuming any health products, please consult your doctor or GP first, especially if you are pregnant, are taking anti-platelet medications or blood thinners, have gallstones or a bile duct issue, suffer from stomach ulcers or excessive stomach acid. References: https://www.menopausenaturalsolutions.com/blog/turmeric-the-golden-goddess https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20turmeric%20dates,and%20had%20some%20religious%20significance. https://www.wildnutrition.com/blogs/womens-health/nurturing-female-health-with-turmeric#:~:text=Through%20its%20rich%20and%20varied https://www.drlaurieterzo.com/dr-laurie-terzo-blog/2019/6/19/turmeric-the-powerful-spice-for-your-hormones Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Jessica Gardner is soft spoken yet her story is one of loud courage. Her choice of religion brought back her life and gave her the quiet strength to build a new future. As a child, I was often teased because of my wild red hair, freckles, and chubby cheeks. My pale skin would sunburn easily, and so my face was permanently pink, prompting insults like “matchstick” and “tomato” that made me ashamed of my appearance. As I grew older, people would comment on my weight, the clothes I wore, the way I styled my hair, how my makeup looked, who I associated with… to the point I felt scared to leave my home because of the criticism I received on an almost daily basis. I became hyper-aware of how other people reacted to the way I looked and acted, and it created an unhealthy obsession within me to be “perfect”. I developed anxiety, an eating disorder, and my self-esteem was so low that I often found myself in situations where I allowed people to treat me badly and take advantage of me because I didn’t think I deserved any better. I struggled with this for many years before being introduced to Islam, and now that I have the spiritual support that I do, along with a community of people who love and respect me for who I am, my life has changed completely. Jessica Gardner reverted to Islam Learning about Islam Funnily enough, I was introduced to Islam through a Hindu Indian friend of mine, named Anuradha. I got to know the Indian and Pakistani Muslims in the area through her, as the majority of South Asians tend to stick together when living in foreign countries, and they all know one another. While I do see myself as being very open-minded and accepting, the opinion I had of Muslims growing up wasn’t very good, largely because of how the media portrayed them. I remember watching so many documentaries and news stories on TV labelling Muslims as terrorists and wife-beaters, and for young and impressionable minds like mine, this type of content can be very damaging. Not only is it incredibly inaccurate and biased, but it creates fear and hatred in people that can manifest as violence and discrimination, which, in turn, could potentially lead to an innocent person’s life being lost. Just because something is unfamiliar does not mean it's bad, and I’m a firm believer in educating yourself on controversial subjects like this, which is why I chose to set aside my personal prejudices and open myself up to learning about Islam through my new friends, and I am eternally grateful that I did. From chaos to peace I came from a very dysfunctional family – my father was a violent alcoholic and ended up leaving us at quite an early age, so my mother was forced to raise my siblings and I by herself. While she wasn’t perfect, I can appreciate now how hard she tried to provide for and take care of us. There was a time when our relationship was very toxic, and there was a lot of sadness and resentment in our home, but nowadays we are getting along a lot better, and I’m very grateful for her presence in my life. Before meeting my husband, I had been involved with an abusive paedophile who’s impact on my life has left me with several trauma-related disorders that I still struggle with today. I was hospitalised many times for my mental health, and by the age of 16, I had already tried attempting suicide. I had this constant, overwhelming feeling of inadequacy, like I didn’t belong on this earth, like I didn’t have a purpose, like I deserved all the bad things that were happening in my life. And then I lost something very important to me, a loss I will never wish on anyone, and it absolutely devastated me. For a brief moment, I felt hope, and then it was gone again. I felt like the world was closing in on me, and all I could do was watch and hope that it didn’t hurt too much. My friend Anuradha noticed the state I was in and let me come and stay with her for a few days so she could keep an eye on me. During this time, she invited me to go out with her to meet some of her friends, to have fun and try to distract myself from everything that had been happening. It was then that I was introduced to a few of her Muslim friends in Port Macquarie, and after learning about my situation, they opened their arms to me and cared for me like I was their sister. It was eye-opening for me - I was blown away by their kindness, generosity, and optimism that things would get better. They weren’t the violent, oppressive, religious maniacs that I had once been made to believe; they were actually the complete opposite. Their complete and utter faith in God, along with the love, respect and acceptance they offered to everyone they came across, absolutely fascinated me, and that is when I started learning and reading about Islam myself. I began implementing certain things into my lifestyle and daily life, like wearing the hijab, eating halal certified meat, and eventually praying multiple times a day. I developed a strong faith in God, and as someone who was previously an atheist, this was a huge change for me. I found that the more I prayed and researched about Islam, the better I felt. Every day, the grief and pain got a little easier, a little lesser, and I found myself resting in the support of not just my friends, but also God. Whenever I started praying, I felt this wave of peace, calmness, and contentment wash over me. It was unlike anything I had ever felt before, and I can only describe it as being akin to a warm embrace from someone you love. My experience is not uncommon in that many people have turned to religion because of grief or other traumatic experiences, however I don’t feel like that fact makes my journey to Islam any less special or meaningful. Since then, I have come to terms with my loss, and by praying and learning about Islam, I have escaped from the abyss that I had spent many years suffering in. I am sure that if I hadn't found this spiritual support when I did, I probably wouldn’t be here today, and that is both a terrifying and comforting thought. I undoubtedly feel much happier since finding Islam, and while I still get sad and struggle with my mental health, I feel more like myself now, and I am slowly becoming the person I had aspired to be when I was younger. I would have never imagined that I, born and raised as a Catholic, would end up reverting to Islam, but I believe that everything that happened was a part of God’s plan, and that where I am now is exactly where I need to be. I feel so much love and gratitude for the people I befriended, those who stood by me and helped me to overcome my struggles. I became close to these people, who are mostly foreigners from different cultures and backgrounds, who helped to open the doors to Islam for me and gave me the warmth, sense of belonging, support, and faith that I desperately needed. Jessica and her husband, Bilal Khan I've since come to accept that there will be many people who won’t support my decision, who will make insulting, uneducated remarks that are full of prejudice and bias, but I am choosing not to associate with these people. I have had to cut ties with many of my friends, and even some of my extended family because of their blatant Islamophobia. For me, any kind of discrimination is bad, whether it's religion or race, or simply making negative comments about something one does not know enough about. Did you know that racism in Australia is illegal? I'm happy to talk to people and share my experiences with anyone who is curious and willing to listen. I can respect the opinion of each person, and I can only hope that, in the future, they, like me, can have an experience where they come to understand things a little better. And I mean this not just specifically for my religion, but really for any issue in the world. Perhaps if we could simply stop to listen for a bit, or do some digging for ourselves, we would come to see things, and people, in a much better light. Jessica’s story is one we're not ever going to forget, and a powerful reminder to keep our hearts open. It's easy to claim inclusivity and diversity, but living it, and walking the talk is something else. Brilliant-Online ́s theme for July is precisely about friendship, diversity and inclusivity. At the end of the day, as humans we all want and need connections...to people, perhaps to something greater than us out there. For Jessica, this was how she found a way to connect to life again. If you ever come across a quiet young lady with a now beautiful smile, radiant green eyes and a lovely hijab, say hi to Jessica and you'll know she'll be happy to share with you her experience if you are open to learning. It takes so little to make someone feel like they are seen, they matter and that they belong. Now you'll know the power of your smile and how a friendly hello can make all the difference in a person's day. Thank you Jessica, for your gentleness and wisdom, and for giving us so many insights to your religion. * كل اركش *Shukran lak - Thank you. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦While many of us will certainly be familiar with the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan and be aware of the fact that this entails a period of restraint, including abstaining from food and drink for a specified period of time, many people only know the very basics if they’re honest. Considering it is a religious festival that impacts over 1.6 billion people worldwide each year, it’s safe to say it is a very big deal, so we thought we would take a deeper dive to uncover some of the historical and interesting facts surrounding the annual occasion. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. The dates of the festival change every year due to the religion of Islam adhering to a calendar based on the cycles of the Moon. As the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian version, Ramadan always begins 10–12 days earlier each year and always begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community Ramadan honours the month when the Muslim Holy Book of the Qur’ān was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by God, who declared the Qur’ān as a means of guidance for the people. The night that the Holy Book was revealed is known as Lailut ul-Qadr (‘The Night of Power’). Reverting to Islam - Jessica Gardner's story of grace Fasting, or swam as it is referred to in Arabic, is a critical component of Ramadan whereby practising Muslims will refrain from consuming both food and drink between dusk and dawn. There are exceptions, however, as pregnant women, elderly, sick and infirm people and children do not have to fast. Likewise anyone who is travelling at the time, although usually such people will make up the days missed in lieu, even if it is after the specified period of Ramadan itself. Fasting is the personification of self-restraint to Muslims during the period of Ramadan although it is not only food and drink that are prohibited during daylight hours as any sexual activity and immoral behaviour, including impure or unkind thoughts, are also forbidden and are considered as damaging as not refraining from consuming food and drink. Fasting, or swam as it is referred to in Arabic Typically during the Ramadan festival, practitioners will consume one meal immediately prior to sunrise and one after sunset, known as ‘suḥūr’ and ‘ifṭār’ respectively. The latter is usually a shared, communal experience with friends and family where often fruits such as apricots and dates are washed down with water or sweetened milk to start the meal. Abiding by instruction from the Qur’ān itself, the period of being permitted to eat and drink is marked by when the “white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn.” The conclusion of the month-long observance of Ramadan is embraced with a huge celebration known as ‘Eid ul-Fitr’, or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, where Muslims not only welcome the end of their fasting but also pay thanks to Allah for providing them the strength and self-discipline that carried them through the previous month. Friends, family and loved ones gather to celebrate by attending special, elaborate services conducted at Mosques, where the first daytime meal permitted in a month is enjoyed. It is also a period where charitable deeds are performed such as donating money, clothes and items to foundations and individuals less fortunate. The conclusion of the month-long observance of Ramadan is embraced with a huge celebration known as ‘Eid ul-Fitr’ We spoke with Adan , our own superstar graphic designer at Brilliant-Online who, as a practising Muslim, is perfectly placed to offer a more intimate perspective into the Ramadan festival. “I have mixed feelings towards Ramadan in many ways,” Adan says. “On one hand it is a time where we can devote more time to worship and to reflecting on what we have done and accomplished in the past year. But on the other hand, there may be people that we shared the experience with last year that are no longer with us, which leaves me reflecting on many things with more than a tinge of sadness. “However, Ramadan also brings back many fond childhood and teenage memories of gathering at the mosque before tarawih prayers. It reminds me of playing with firecrackers and fireworks, being scolded by girls and waking everyone up in the village in the middle of the night by banging drums,” he adds. “Now I have grown older and have a family of my own, there is something that distinctly touches me about the occasion when I reflect on it. I am reminded of my mother and all the good times we had when she was alive. I am reminded how, as a child, I often felt rituals like fasting were obstacles whereas now I understand their true worth. These are lessons I have learnt that I want to pass on to my own children.” Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Guess who the real inspiration behind the name of Samso is? It's a friendly labradoodle called, you guessed it, SAMSO! Samso is a familiar name to our Brilliant readers. Our Brilliant Investments section is our partnership with Samso in bringing the latest and most intriguing ASX stories to readers worldwide. Noel Ong, CEO of Samso, otherwise known as The Man in the Hat, is the one inviting thought leaders to share compelling ASX stories that intrigue investors, and keeps them following ASX companies that pique their interest. Now what really intrigues and piques our interest is where the name Samso comes from and what it means. Samso is actually the name of Noel's beloved pet dog! Samso is a gorgeous labradoodle who is Noel's trusty sidekick and is with him through thick and thin. We wonder who the real Samso would invite for a canine version of Coffee with Samso! We turn the tables on Noel today and invite him for a Coffee with the Real Samso and interview Noel instead! Samso proudly posing for his photo with Noel Ong, CEO of Samso Hello Noel, welcome to another Brilliant Story. Today we're going to deep dive into the story of The Real Samso, so welcome Noel! Let's start with some basics. How did you come up with the name Samso for your dog? I'm a dog person, and have had dogs all my life. I wanted to find a suitable name for a dog, and when I put all my children's names together i.e. Silver Aiden Megan Sarah Ong = SAMSO, I thought it sounded perfect for a dog. Silver is my first child here in Australia. When did Samso first start living with you, and how did that come about? We got Samso from a breeder in September 2012, and he's now 11 years old. Did you do a lot of DYOR before getting Samso? A little, we wanted a pet that did not shed hair, and is smart so it is easy to train. The labradoodles, in many parts the "noodle" dogs do not smell and because of the wool, it does not keep dirt. I must say that the breeding of the poodle (smartest dog) and the labrador (5th smartest) is a good mix. *DYOR - Do Your Own Research (a catch phrase often heard on Coffee with Samso, to tell investors to research, learn and listen to the stories of ASX companies they are keen on) How would you describe Samso's personality? As I mentioned before, I've had dogs all my life, and I remember when we were in Malaysia, we had six dogs as the main family, two of them were a pair and they had puppies. As much as I loved all of them, and if you're a dog lover you'll know how hard it is to pick favourites, I have to say that Samso has been the most affectionate and has the most 'human' characteristics. He is like my shadow and is always looking for affection. He loves snuggling up and he'll let you cuddle him to sleep. I think he's the pet that every child wants their soft toy to be. What made you decide to name your company after your dog? I wanted a catchy name and what better than Samso! I am also a very sentimental person in wanting to create a legacy for the future. Family is a big part of my DNA and I want everything I do to be meaningful. What's his favourite thing to do? He loves going on walks and just being with people. And he loves his car rides too! He's easygoing and he's just as comfortable sitting beside you on the couch and being close to people. I guess he's a people dog! He does play with other dogs too but he seems to have little attention span for his four-legged friends! Oh, and he loves food. ALL kinds of food! What's the best thing about Samso the dog? He is super loyal, he is affectionate and he has the best temperament. He seeks your attention and wants to be with you. Any interesting anecdotes about Samso? He's really quite photogenic! I think he loves posing for photos! Not long ago someone mentioned that Samso looks like he really enjoys being the model for photos! Samso looking as dapper as Tony Goode and Peter Harold of Poseidon Nickel Limited Peter Harold is pictured here with the delicious coffee given away at Coffee with Samso interviews, thanks to Florence Drummond , who recommended KIK, an indigenous business supporting Coffee with Samso with their brew. Now on to more serious business. What would Samso say about your business? Samso the dog is all about people and being close to them. He does not like conflicts and treats everyone the same. The business of Samso is all about telling the story. It's not about having a happy or a sad ending. Every story has a need to be told. I don't chase people for payment, and I don't hold any clients to a contract. If clients like what the Samso platform is doing, then great. If they no longer find it suitable, I don't force them to stay contractually. How has Samso inspired or supported your business? From a personal point of view, Samso's character is my inspiration, and that may be a trait he and I share i.e. we enjoy what we do, and that is why we do it. What milestones has Samso witnessed and celebrated with you in your business? Samso has been there from the start. We have celebrated all our milestones together. Every development, expansion, exploration... he's always been there. You often say mineral exploration takes time and investors have to be patient with companies as they explore and develop their ASX stories. Does that hold true for owning a pet too? Absolutely. Patience and the ability to train and make your pet yours is important. All pets are similar to the human spirit. They want security, they want affection and they want to enjoy the fruits of life. Treat them like you would your child and the enjoyment of the pet experience is forever. There is a reason why there is a saying, " If you want a friend, get a dog". Just another day out exploring! Can you spot Samso the Dog? Who would Samso invite for a canine-version of Coffee with Samso? Samso is everyone's friend. I honestly think he would welcome anyone that pats him and offers him food! Does Samso follow you along to your coffee interviews? Not really, but as we have expanded to having more venues, whenever we do a Coffee with Samso or a Rooster Talk in our home office, Samso does make an appearance. We have thought about including him into our coffee conversations, but I let the clients decide if they are comfortable with his presence. He's a friendly chap and he made his first official appearance just recently! What makes Samso the dog Brilliant? He is smart looking, he has that cuteness that melts every emotion, and he's extremely loyal. I love dogs that just somehow become 'your' dog. Because he always shadows me around, it makes me feel like he's always looking out for me. Samso is my comfort. When I'm stressed, all I need is to see his eagerness for my attention and a hug from him and the stress disappears. He is always my friend, and will always be my best friend no matter what. And of course, the big question - does Samso like wearing hats too? He has no choice in the matter! :-) Thank you for your time with us today, Noel, and we look forward to following the journey of Samso, both your dog and your business for many more years to come! Here's looking at you, Samso! (if you can spot the dog, that is!) Contact Samso Samso helps executives tell ASX stories that pique interest. t/ +61 490 092 814 e/ noel.ong@samso.com.au w/ https://www.samso.com.au Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Marketing are not as unlikely bedfellows as you may think. They may just be the best Batman-Robin combination that could make a difference to your business! Veronica Lind , Business and Marketing Strategist of Vermilion Pinstripes , and CEO of our very Brilliant-Online , has been working in the field of technology since she was 18. For her, technological advancements are not something to be feared, but to be harnessed and used for a better cause. Today she shares some insights into why businesses can consider making friends with AI and get to know it better. Whether it's AI-driven tools to ace data analysis or craft spot-on content, AI can help businesses to level up their marketing. AI can help you get to know your customers, and even help curate unique experiences they will enjoy. AI can help your message reach the right people at the right timing. But where do I start? Businesses can start with trying out ChatGPT , which is a text-based AI developed by OpenAI and Microsoft. You can find a free version 3.5 ChatGPT and a paid version 4 which is faster with more features and advancements for $20/month. Do take note though, that the free version is on a server with information up to 2021. What is AI in marketing? AI in marketing refers to the use of artificial intelligence techniques and technologies to enhance different aspects of marketing strategies and activities. With AI, marketers can analyse large amounts of data, automate tasks, and gain valuable insights to optimise marketing campaigns, improve customer experiences, and achieve better business outcomes. AI can be applied in various ways: personalised recommendations chatbots predictive analytics customer segmentation sentiment analysis content generation automate repetitive marketing tasks e.g. data analysis, campaign management, A/B testing, and email marketing This not only saves time and improves efficiency but also allows marketers to focus on strategic decision-making and unleash their creativity. By harnessing the power of AI, marketers can gain a deeper understanding of their target audience, make data-driven decisions, and deliver more relevant and impactful marketing messages. AI empowers marketers to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and create meaningful HUMAN connections with their customers. CAUTION: Before you start That sounds great, and you're raring to go! But... before you start any marketing automation or AI, please ensure that you have a cookie and privacy policy on your website. In fact, your web designer should include these as part of their scope. When we create websites, we incorporate code that allows us to analyse the actions and behaviours of visitors to our site. This process is commonly referred to as placing cookies. It is important for us to collect information from visitors, and we want to ensure that they are aware of and understand our website's privacy policy. It is recommended to include the privacy policy on your Facebook business page profile as well. AI can analyse data to predict customer behaviour for effective data-driven decisions So what can AI do for your marketing? Learn more about your customers by analysing data from customer interactions and get insights that can help shape your marketing strategies. AI can interact with potential customers on your website, guide them through their buyer journey and give you unlimited touch points to get your clients to convert. AI can be your personal assistant to help with routine housekeeping tasks, scheduling appointments, reminders and managing your calendar. Analyse data using algorithms to predict customer behaviour so you can make data-driven decisions that are more effective. Give you insights about brand perception by analysing social media conversations, online reviews and customer feedback. Provide your clients with personalised product recommendations to improve cross-selling and upselling opportunities. Chatbots and virtual assistants like Conversica can provide automated customer support, answer FAQs, and engage with website visitors. For a more detailed explanation, check out this blog from Vermilion Pinstripes - https://www.vermilionpinstripes.com/marketing/ai-can-be-your-superpower-to-boost-your-marketing Mindy is a Vermilion Pinstripes chatbot. Book a meeting with Mindy's help. Human Reminders When used well, AI can be your superpower to help your marketing take flight. Make sure you maintain the human in you with these simple reminders: Use output as suggestion not gospel Always personalise your content Add the human personal touch Be vigilant about data privacy and security Combine AI with your expertise to up your game Focus on building relationships with your customers, understanding their problems and providing solutions which AI can't do Onboarding AI Are you doing marketing right with AI? Speak to Veronica Lind about how you can harness the superpower of AI to boost your business. And yes, we promise it's the real Veronica in the flesh to speak to you! Interested in technology? Read our other blogs Cyber Security in Marketing Using technology innovation to enhance humanity Technology is changing how we consume and participate in sport Creative Drone Services combines intuition and technology to protect the environment Contact Vermilion Pinstripes a/ P.O. Box 9339, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444, Australia Australia: +6140-777-9828‬ Singapore: +65-9681-7045 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VermilionPinstripes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vermilionpinstripes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vermilion-marketing/ Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ “Cause the sweetest kiss I ever got is the one I’ve never tasted” - Sixto Rodriguez The name Sixto Rodriguez might be familiar with certain folks, while others may never of heard of him. Typically going by just his surname, the singer-songwriter’s quasi-mythical story is an amazing one that celebrates talent, adversity, humility and ultimately genuine admiration, recognition, acceptance and love. Largely unknown in his home country, he became a superhero in another where his music became the soundtrack during an era of extreme political upheaval and struggle for human rights equality. Later, his story was made into an Oscar-winning documentary. Sadly, he passed away on August 8 this year so, in tribute, here is his remarkable tale... Born on July 10, 1942 in Detroit in the United States to working-class Mexican immigrant parents, Rodriguez had a natural musical ear and aptitude from an early age, yet due to his Spanish-speaking upbringing, always felt like the outsider. Honing his talent, he recorded his first album ‘Cold Fact’ in 1970 and his second, ‘Coming from Reality’, a year later. Expectations were high for both yet, surprisingly, sales were slow and the record label Sussex dropped him. Disallusioned, Rodriguez quit the music scene and, by all accounts, drifted into a life of obscurity, working on construction sites in his home town. Singer-songwriter Rodriguez's quasi-mythical story is a truly fascinating one Looking back many years later, the producers of ‘Cold Fact’ were completely bemused. “The only writer I had heard of during that time period that was writing that well was Bob Dylan,” commented Dennis Coffey, who knew a thing or two about quality music, having worked with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, Gladys Knight, Ringo Starr, Wilson Pickett, and The Four Tops. “He was this mysterious, inner-city poet who used his words to describe what he saw on the streets of the hard, gritty impoverished streets of Detroit and added music to it.” Fellow producer Mike Theodore was equally stumped: “Why didn’t he make it? Did he promote enough, do enough performances, was he too political? I don’t understand.” 'The only writer I had heard of during that time period that was writing so well was Bob Dylan,' said record producer Dennis Coffey Steve Rowland, who worked with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, The Cure, Peter Frampton, Gloria Gaynor, and Boney M, produced ‘Coming From Reality’ and was also at a loss to explain why Rodriguez and his music didn’t catch on. “I produced a lot of great artists but he is my most memorable – not just a talent – like a wise man, a prophet, way beyond just being a musical artist,” he recalled. “This guy deserves recognition. Nobody in America had even heard of him or was interested in him. How can that be, from a guy that writes like this,” Rowland reflected. He also explains how Rodriguez was dropped by the label just two weeks before Christmas, something the artist had almost implausibly foreseen and written about on the final song of the album ‘Cause’. Shrouded in myth However, even though Rodriguez and many others believed his story had already ended, it was actually only just beginning. The exact details as to how Rodriguez’s music found its way to South Africa are shrouded in myth, although the most plausible seems to be that a young lady brought a copy of ‘Cold Fact’ to Cape Town when she visited her boyfriend in the mid 1970s. Bootleg copies were made on cassette and the music spread far and wide throughout a conservative country that, at the time, was ruled by a hard-line government pushing their apartheid agenda. People knew full well of the unjust conditions being enforced in their country, particularly on the black population, yet were unable to speak out or protest for fear of serious recriminations, including hard jail time. The government controlled the media, records were purposefully scratched so they could not be played on the airwaves and even televisions were banned. Disillusion and unrest was widespread. Rodriguez fast became regarded as a rebel icon in South Africa during a tumultuous time in the country's history. Most record collections in privileged, white middle class homes at the time consisted of the standard fare such as The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Elvis Presley and Simon and Garfunkel but Rodriguez was soon added to the pile and he fast became regarded as a rebel icon. Anti-establishment wasn’t something even considered at the time yet his lyrics hinted at exactly this – even one of his songs was titled ‘Establishment Blues’. He showed that it was ok to question the order, to show dissatisfaction with an unjust society, to express anger and protest in an effort to help push for equality. The lyrics to ‘I Wonder’, Rodriguez’s most popular song in South Africa at the time, encapsulate this perfectly: “I wonder how many times you’ve been had/ And I wonder how many plans have gone bad/ I wonder about the tears in children’s eyes/ And I wonder about the soldier that dies/ I wonder will this hatred ever end… do you wonder?” Modest and elusive His music stirred a generation, his lyrics set many people’s minds free and influenced countless emerging bands who used their music to protest against the government and, specifically, apartheid. His music showed there was an alternative to prejudice, injustice and suppression and a way to achieving it - in many ways serving as a remedy to the situation. However, due to sanctions, South Africa was cut off from the rest of the world. No musical artists were allowed to tour and therefore Rodriguez remained a total mystery to his legion of passionate fans. Also, due to the fact he had effectively vanished from the scene, no information at all was accessible on him. People could cross check The Rolling Stones or Miles Davis but not Rodriguez. He was widely believed to have died, with several reports he had committed suicide and thus, in essence, was a ghost. A total enigma. But if anything, this made Rodriguez even more of a national treasure to South Africans. He was their star who helped reshape a generation and was the musical backdrop during a time of so much societal change. He was bigger than Elvis Presley, bigger than The Beatles. He was their superhero, and not just for his musical output. Rodriguez's music stirred a generation, his lyrics set many people’s minds free and influenced countless emerging bands Two such obsessive South Africans, record shop owner Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman and music journalist Craig Bartholomew, set out to track down the mythical musician, to clarify the cold facts surrounding his life and possible death. They discovered that he had a similarly huge cult following in Australia and New Zealand, where he had toured in 1979 and 1981 although his footprint outside of these countries and South Africa seemed non-existent. In 1998 Segerman and Bartholomew were rewarded for their efforts when they discovered Rodriguez in his hometown of Detroit, still working in construction and living in the same house he had done since the 1970s, modest and elusive. Shortly after, Rodriguez toured South Africa and was left gob-smacked and genuinely humbled at the reception he received and his popularity which, of course, was unbeknown to him for decades. I was personally fortunate enough to be introduced to his music by the brilliant DJ, producer and soundtrack composer David Holmes in 2002 and managed to see Rodriguez play live in London in 2005, a truly magical moment and a wonderful memory. Some years later Swedish documentarist Malik Bendjelloul met Segerman and Bartholomew and ‘Searching For Sugarman’ was made. It went on to achieve mass critical acclaim, most notably winning a BAFTA and an Oscar. The subject himself, displaying typical humility, refused to take to the stage to accept the award in Los Angeles as he did not want to overshadow the filmmakers’ achievement, something that producer Simon Chinn said summed the man up perfectly. Subsequent interest in the life and work of Sixto Rodriguez sky-rocketed and brought him the recognition, respect and rewards that he so richly deserved and that had so alluded him for so long. An estimated 500,000 of his records were sold in South Africa prior to 1998 yet he never saw a cent in royalties. The man himself though displayed a typical humble take on a life story that many others would be bitter about: “All my life, I never gave up on music and though there was a lot of disappointment for some that the commercial thing never happened, it has never been a disappointment for me.” An estimated 500,000 of Rodriguez's records were sold in South Africa prior to 1998 yet he never saw a cent in royalties. It seems remiss to try and relay details or attempt a review of ‘Searching For Sugarman’ here as it is something truly special that deserves viewing in its own right. It is a story of a genuine superhero that is completely fascinating, at times dumbfounding and tragic, yet ultimately heart-warming in a way that only a tale as unique as this could be. By the end you are almost certain to have a tear running down your cheek, or at least a lump in your throat! If you haven’t already seen it then you could do far worse than invest in a viewing – and even if you have, it is a tale so fantastic that it deserves a repeat experience. Rodriguez Performs "Crucify Your Mind" on the David Letterman Late Show Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ A world record-holding sideshow, street and freak show performer, Chayne is a superhero in his own right - he is known as 'Australia's most prolific record breaker'. The Space Cowboy will perform at the Tortuga Festival Some of his records include: 'Most chainsaw juggling catches on a unicycle'; 'Most weight dragged with hooks in the eye sockets'; 'Most targets hit with throwing knives in one minute'; and 'Most swords swallowed underwater'. Australia's most prolific record breaker | Photo: Chayne Hultgren He performs a number of acts, including juggling a sickle, machete and fire torch, or a battle axe, jungle machete and a butcher knife, whilst blindfolded on a 10-foot unicycle to catching flaming arrows blindfolded shot from a crossbow. Another is suspension (the art of dangling from hooks in the flesh), plus seven ball juggling, spoon bending, levitation of himself and other objects, sword swallowing and knife throwing. His theatrics have included swallowing a 60-centimetre (24 in) 2000-volt neon glass tube with a microphone on the end, with his heartbeat audible as the light shines through his skin from the inside. Chayne will be performing at the 2023 Tortuga Festival - if you want to be enthralled, scared and amazed all at the same time, don’t miss this show! Brilliant-online had the privilege to find out how the death defying feats started "My journey into the extraordinary was ignited by my childhood fascination with the eccentric characters I read about in the Guinness World Records and Ripley's books," Chayne told us. "The desire to see my own name in those pages propelled me into a life of relentless research and training. I poured my heart into breaking records and honing my performance skills, driven by the goal to not only make it into those books but to be the very best performer I could possibly become." He has hosted his own Guinness World Records show and appeared on the Discovery Channel's 'Outrageous Acts of Science'. "It has been an incredible ride. The world of stunts led me to these platforms. Being recognized as Australia's most prolific Guinness World Record holder opened many doors. The more I performed my unusual acts the more attention I gained," Chayne said. Performances with celebrities Having shared the stage with world famous celebrities such as Peter Dinklage, Oprah Winfrey and Sylvester Stallone, we asked what it's like to perform in front of such iconic figures? "It's surreal and humbling," he replied. "Seeing their amazement and enthusiasm is a reminder that awe transcends fame. It's an honour to share my passion with those who have achieved so much themselves." Record Attempt Break Chayne has confirmed he will attempt to break his own records at the upcoming Tortuga Festival, which has generated great excitement. He gave us a little teaser about what we can anticipate from this daring feat: "While I can't reveal all the details just yet, I can promise that the Tortuga Festival will be the stage for me to push my limits and attempt to break one of my own Guinness World Records. It's an electrifying opportunity to witness firsthand what can be achieved with unyielding determination and a touch of audacity." Chayne is thrilled to be performing at the Tortuga Festival. "This will be my first time performing at the Tortuga Festival," he explained. "I heard great reports about the success of the festival last year, so I was thrilled to be invited to perform this time. I'm bringing my A-game, and I can't wait to see the reactions of the audience." Chayne's name carries not only his celebrity status but also a legacy of unwavering dedication, relentless resilience and an audacious embrace of the impossible. Mark your calendars for an evening that promises to celebrate the extraordinary and gift you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. For over 20 years the Space Cowboy has wowed crowds around the world Get ready for an experience that transcends the ordinary at the Tortuga Festival with The Space Cowboy’s upcoming performance. This isn't just a show, it's an invitation to witness a living legend! Contact Full Festival Program here Visit http://www.tortugafestival.com.au/shows for tickets and information. Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Positive strides being made to ensure more inclusivity for the hearing impaired community. Let’s be honest, how many times do we take things for granted on a daily basis? Be it where we live, our job, our friends and family, even our health. We’ve all heard the saying “don’t take things for granted” on numerous occasions throughout our lives and, whereas we no doubt try our best, we all fall into the same trap of being guilty of just that. Imagine then not having the ability to hear or being seriously hearing impaired? It’s pretty scary when you actually stop to think about it. Something that so many of us have had the luxury of for all of our lives that we arguably take for granted on a daily basis. Imagine not being able to hear the early morning birdsong from your garden, the laughter of your children, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore or your favourite music? Well over 70 million people throughout the world cannot hear, which is why campaigns such as International Week Of The Deaf and International Day of Sign Languages are so crucial, and the more attention that is brought their way the better. Positive strides being made to ensure more inclusivity for the hearing impaired community. International Week of the Deaf was started in Rome, Italy in 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf and is celebrated globally by the deaf community during the final week of September each year. This year it runs from September 19-25 based on the theme ‘Building Inclusive Communities for All’. A whole host of events will take place globally to not only promote a more inclusive society by raising awareness throughout the non-deaf world as to the typical challenges faced by deaf people but to simultaneously celebrate the unique vibrancy of those living with hearing impairments. Fundraisers, charity events, the learning of sign language and a broader engagement with the deaf community are all cornerstones of the campaign. Fully fledged languages Running concurrently is the International Day of Sign Languages, a United Nations (UN) driven initiative that takes place this year on September 23. As the UN website states, the day “is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.” The first International Day of Sign Languages was celebrated in 2018 as part of the annual International Week Of The Deaf, and while structurally distinct from spoken languages, sign languages are fully fledged languages of their own, with over 300 different variations used globally. One popular way of supporting the cause is by learning some degree of sign language so as to be able to engage with the deaf community more effectively. Aside from the notion of alienation and exclusion deafness can bring, it can also have a significantly detrimental impact on job opportunities, relationships and mental health. Deaf people are often very unfairly classed as rude for either not responding or becoming confused when they try. Worse still are examples of ridicule and mockery which can devastate the self-confidence and worth of someone with hearing issues, especially during formative and teenage years when the frustrations of being deaf are often more acutely felt. International Day of Sign Languages, a United Nations (UN) driven initiative However, progress has been made and continues to. Technology is opening up new doors for opportunity and engagement for the hearing impaired community, be it via enhanced and much more discreet hearing aid devices or social media platforms. Fan engagement at major sporting events is slowly but surely starting to improve, with English Premier League giants Arsenal leading the way with their implementation of British Sign Language into everything that happens on the big screens at their Emirates Stadium. This includes an interpreter relaying all the information and content from pre- and post-match interviews, half-time entertainment and any contentious decisions under review during the game itself. “It makes me feel included, and it’s so positive and so happy. I feel like part of the team and part of the family,” one lifelong fan told the Guardian in March. It is surely only inevitable that other teams and others sports will follow suite. Last but not least, recall the 2021 movie ‘CODA’, a coming-of-age story of a girl living in a family who are all deaf. Maintaining the highest levels of respect and sensitivity at all times, the film beautifully explores the challenging dynamic and brought the topic to a far broader audience. It won three Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor for Troy Kotsur, who became the first deaf man to win the award. The only other deaf actor to win an Academy award was Marlee Matlin (who won Best Actress for her film debut in the 1986 film ‘Children Of A Lesser God’) and she also starred in CODA. Technology is opening up new doors for opportunity and engagement for the hearing impaired community So, progress is being made but there is still a long way to go. A robust and equal society should be founded on the core principles of inclusivity and that is why International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages are so crucial to ensure those who are hearing impaired are not ostracised or left behind. And that is why we at Brilliant Online champion both campaigns as we drive towards a brighter future for all. For more information on International Week of the Deaf click here and for International Day of Sign Languages click here . Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ The 'The Lost Plot" Community Garden Spring Fair is happening in Port Macquarie on Saturday, 16 September, 2023 at their headquarters on Central Rd. The Fair is an annual fundraising event that brings the community together in a day of family fun to celebrate the garden. The goal is to educate and grow community with a focus on attracting all members of the region, aligned with the Port Macquarie Hastings Council Inclusion Plan. It’s an opportunity to learn about the garden and become involved in food production and sustainability. With a large crowd of over 500 people last year, the organisers are excited to be doing it again this year. They regularly receive feedback from visitors about how delighted they are after a tour of the garden and are looking forward to opening their garden gates to all. Lots to see and do at The Lost Plot! Entry is free and wheelchair friendly, including wheelchair accessible amenities. The day includes workshops, market stalls, fun kids activities, music, plants for sale and world famous wood fired pizza. It's not to be missed! The event is possible thanks to a grant from Port Macquarie Hasting Council, and generous contributions from local businesses including Laing & Simmons, Newcastle Permanent, Greenpatch Organic Seeds, Bunnings, and many others who have donated items for raffles. Educational opportunities include mini-workshops on composting, kombucha making, organic fruit fly control and how to build a native bee hotel in your own garden. Plus loads for the kids to do with rock painting, crafts and facepainting, and a variety of musical acts to entertain throughout the day, Many people enjoyed the 2019 Spring Fair bee workshop - join in this year! Market stalls will include a range of items such as plants and seedlings, local organic produce, crafts, kids clothing and homemade treats and cold drinks available at our pop-up cafe, with cash preferred on the day. You are invited to change the location of your morning coffee to the Lost Plot on the day! Many volunteer groups in attendance Not For Profit friends of the garden, The Nature School, Steiner School, The Native Bee Association, The Craft Association and the Make A Difference coffee truck will join in the fun of the day. Go ahead and add it to your calendar and we look forward to seeing you there! In the meantime, new members and visitors are welcome to attend the Thursday and Saturday working bees. Contact Ph : Kim Wiseman 0414 393 163 Website: https://thelostplot.org.au Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .