✦ Move over Paris and Tokyo—Dubai is now firmly on the global gastronomy map! For the first time ever, the city’s culinary stars aligned to mark a historic milestone at the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2025 ceremony, held at the stunning Address Sky View. This glittering event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a statement. Two restaurants were awarded the ultimate honour of Three MICHELIN Stars, cementing Dubai’s status as a world-class food destination. Photo: Michelin AIM FZCO A First for India—and for the World The spotlight shone brightly on Trèsind Studio , which made history by becoming the first Indian restaurant in the world to earn Three MICHELIN Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Led by the inventive Chef Himanshu Saini, Trèsind Studio invites diners on a mind-blowing, sensory journey across the many regions of India, reimagined through an avant-garde tasting menu that is equal parts flavour, art, and emotion. Scandinavian Sophistication Lands in the Middle East Equally thrilling was the debut of FZN by Björn Frantzén , which earned Three MICHELIN Stars in its very first year of operation—a rare and bold feat. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Frantzén, already a global heavyweight with restaurants in Stockholm and Singapore, brings his signature mix of Scandinavian precision and Asian flair to the table. With an ensemble of world-class chefs and stunning presentation, FZN is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience worth a special journey, as the MICHELIN Guide puts it. Rising Stars and Street Eats Shine Bright The 2025 edition wasn’t just about high-end fine dining. Dubai's vibrant food landscape was celebrated across 119 establishments, from luxury experiences to hidden gems. Two new One MICHELIN Star restaurants were announced: Jamavar Dubai, offering elegant Indian cuisine in the Opera District. Manāo, a contemporary Thai concept led by the dynamic Chef Abhiraj Khatwani, who also won the Young Chef Award. Five new Bib Gourmand restaurants joined the ranks, proving you don’t need silver service for five-star flavour. DUO Gastrobar-Creek Harbour with an appealing, well-priced menu with an array of unfussy, refined comfort food. Harummanis , a Malay grill eatery that takes influences from numerous neighbouring countries and boasts perfectly spiced and balanced flavours. Hawkerboi is a relaxed restaurant highlighting the subtleties of the street foods of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar. Khadak is a contemporary and vibrant Indian brasserie where you can get a taste of India’s street food. Sufret Maryam is Chef Salam Dakkak’s second venture offering a selection of refined Levantine dishes. These recognitions celebrate great food at great value, making gourmet experiences more accessible to food lovers from all walks of life. More Than Stars: A Tribute to Talent and Passion Beyond the stars, the MICHELIN Guide shone a light on the people behind the plates with Special Awards, including: Service Award: The heartfelt team at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Sommelier Award: Shiv Menon of BOCA for his passion and sustainability-driven wine curation Opening of the Year: Ronin, a breathtaking new Japanese destination "Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global culinary hub is testament to its diversity and excellence... With the city now home to 119 MICHELIN-recommended establishments, it stands as a beacon for food lovers, drawing them to experience the very best of the world’s culinary traditions, all within one dynamic destination." - Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide Photo: Michelin AIM FZCO A City That Inspires the World As His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Tourism, noted, this moment goes beyond food. Dubai’s culinary rise is a reflection of its people—nearly 200 nationalities, all bringing their culture, creativity, and ambition to the table. Restaurants here are more than places to eat. They’re expressions of identity, dreams, and hospitality at its finest. "Just as Three MICHELIN Stars signify a restaurant that is ‘worth a special journey’, so the same applies to Dubai as a destination; from celebrated homegrown eateries to globally renowned names, this vibrant gastronomic landscape truly reflects the diversity and dynamism of a city that always aims to inspire the world." - His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) Explore the full MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2025 selection on the official website  or via the MICHELIN Guide app. Whether you're planning your next foodie trip or simply love following the world’s most exciting culinary journeys—Dubai is now serving inspiration, one plate at a time. ❋ The MICHELIN Guide Worldwide app for  iOS and  Android devices. A re play of The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony and other highlights are available on the official MICHELIN Guide Middle East Facebook page and the MICHELIN Guide Global YouTube channel .  About Michelin Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people. ( www.michelin.com ) 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 .

✦ Port Macquarie is bursting with talent, stories, and incredible events—and now, you can catch them all in one place! Introducing Talking Entertainment , a brand-new playlist featuring exclusive interviews conducted by David & Elsa from Port AdVenture Cruises on 2 Way FM. A Passion for Entertainment & Community Every Monday, while most are easing into the week, David and Elsa take to the airwaves on 2WayFM  to chat with the incredible people shaping our local scene. Their show, Talking Entertainment, is more than just a radio segment — it’s a celebration of Port Macquarie’s vibrant community. From local musicians and entertainers to entrepreneurs, event organisers, and community champions, David and Elsa bring listeners behind the scenes of what makes our region so dynamic. Now, with the Talking Entertainment playlist, you can catch up on these exciting interviews anytime! Tune in now to this inspiring chat with Patrick Dale, the incredible 14-year-old business owner of Sweet Tooth Marshmallows: What to Expect? Be the first to get exclusive interviews with local artists, performers, and business owners as well as behind-the-scenes stories from Port Macquarie’s most exciting events. Don't miss out on updates on what’s happening in the community. Good laughs, great music, and inspiring conversations! Those who know David & Elsa will know they are a dynamic duo who can really make the airwaves sparkle with life! David and Elsa aren’t just about creating fun experiences on the water — they’re passionate about bringing people together  and giving local voices a platform. Their interviews are insightful, entertaining, and full of surprises! Tune In & Stay Connected with Talking Entertainment! Catch them live every Monday evening on 2WayFM, Wauchope . Listen to the Talking Entertainment playlist anytime, anywhere! Want to be featured on Talking Entertainment? Get in touch with David & Elsa and share your story! ❋ 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 .

✦ When a natural disaster strikes, nature needs a leg up too. Accomplished Tree Management sheds light on what trees need after a traumatic event. Australia has experienced many natural disasters. Communities have learnt to be vigilant with hazards. There is much to do in the aftermath of a serious natural event, and there are trusted professionals in our communities who can help with managing difficult situations. The "mini cyclone" that hit Port Macquarie on 3rd February 2023. Photo Credit: Councillor Danielle Maltman Accomplished Tree Management is the friendly local arborist people call when their trees are doing poorly, or when they need a tree removed. The professionals know the legal requirements and the steps they need to take to ensure a proper treatment of the tree without damaging its surroundings and infrastructure. After the severe rain and hail hit Port Macquarie, they got a call from a client who needed help. Rhys and his team visited the property and performed a thorough hazard assessment. The final verdict was the tree had to be removed. This was because the tree's root plate showed evidence of movement, and as it was located in a residential area, that had to be taken into consideration as well as the safety of the people in the area. It was a beautiful tree and it was a shame it had to be removed. In situations like this where the inevitable happens, Accomplished Tree Management does their best to give the tree its due respect by performing a proper, clean and dignified removal. Video shows time lapse of tree removal What should house or property owners do about the trees on their land after a natural catastrophe like the recent cyclone? Do not fix anything Storm-affected trees are weak and could be hazardous. You're likely to notice broken and dangling limbs, or debris piled around. There may be electrical wires or cables that have gotten entangled with the trees. No matter what, do not attempt to clear up the area on your own. No chainsaws, no ladders. There are hidden hazards and one action could trigger off a dangerous domino effect. Remember, after a storm, the soil may have gotten soft beneath even if it doesn't look so on the surface. This means trees don't have a strong anchor and may shift. Try to cordon off the area and keep people away from it until the professional arborists can come by to assess the situation. The mechanics of tree hazards is a whole science on its own. Read more about it here: Call a professional You can observe the area and the trees and share the information with your arborist. What is the state or condition of the trees? You may have to be mentally prepared that if some of your trees are looking rather battered, they may have to be removed. Professional arborists have the proper tools, equipment and most importantly, skills and experience to know what is the best course of action for every situation. They can safely and efficiently fix mildly damaged trees or remove the ones that are more severely damaged. That's why it's important to get the help of the professionals and not go DIY. A professional arborist can even help save a tree because problems have been detected early by their sharp eyes. Accomplished Tree Management uses the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment Method which is a decision-making framework to help them consider the balance between the benefits provided by trees, levels of risk they pose, and costs of risk management. Be Prepared If you have trees on your property, it is a good idea to research and check out a reliable tree services company in your area if you haven't got one yet. Speak to them, and get to know them so you can contact them immediately should an emergency occur. You don't want to contact the first name on the list in a panic when a catastrophe occurs without verifying if they are properly licensed or not. Accomplished Tree Management is Proudly Australian , and they have seen the community thrive again in spite of the elements. They have been faithfully supporting their clients and their trees all this time through challenging catastrophes. Learn more about their Hazard Assessment services. Speak to Accomplished Tree Management to find out more. Contact Accomplished Tree Management t/ +61 411 443 535 w/ https://www.atreem.com.au/ e/ sales@atreem.com.au Tree Services Tree Removal, Palm Tree Defronding, Stump Grinding, Council Regulations Maintenance Services Hedging, Deadwooding, Pruning, Palm Tree Maintenance Consultancy Arboricultural Reports, Hazard Assessments 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 .

✦ Vermilion Pinstripes is adding the much needed human touch to customer engagements in our age of increasing digitization. What if you could have a clear framework to apply across your marketing strategies that could guide you clearly from one step to the next? Perhaps Modern Marketing would not feel so impossible after all! That's why the unique Modern Marketing Framework™ (MMF™) created by Veronica Lind , Business and Marketing Strategist of Vermilion Pinstripes, is helping so many businesses reduce complexity and uncertainty. These key words are certainly representative of our times, and businesses can take heart that there is a way to navigate this. Vermilion Pinstripes is helping business thrive with confidence. Book a Free Call. What is the Modern Marketing Framework™ ? It is a unique modern marketing resource for our digital age that enables startups, traditional and modern businesses across industries reduce complexity and reframe their business models. It creates exceptional brand experiences, combining the best of what technology has to offer and without sacrificing the necessary human touch that makes good marketing excellent. It is a modular resource to help businesses build confidence through the simple and effective integration of sales, marketing and communications. The Modern Marketing Framework™ is the first of its kind to be trademarked by the Australian government's intellectual property agency, IP Australia . Note: MMF™ is registered with IP Australia under Trade Mark Number 1956365 for the following services: Advice relating to marketing management; Business advice relating to marketing; Business consultancy services relating to marketing; Consultancy relating to marketing; Direct marketing; Marketing; Marketing advisory services; Marketing agency services; Marketing consultancy; Marketing information; Marketing management advice; Planning of marketing strategies; Preparation of marketing plans; Product marketing; Provision of information relating to marketing; Search engine optimisation services (marketing services); Targeted marketing. “We’re delighted IP Australia has trademarked MMF™ to recognise our framework as a solid, timeless resource that empowers businesses of all types to thrive with business confidence.” - Veronica Lind How does it work? It leverages technology that makes marketing stand out with its human engagement. What this means is, it enables customers to experience consistent engagements built on trust, personalisation and efficiency. What makes it powerful and sustainable is it continues to grow and develop with their needs. Adaptability to ever-changing conditions and customer preferences is vital for modern marketing to work. This makes the framework solid and timeless and can be used over and over again. “MMF™ integrates sales, marketing, communications and customer service for businesses to ‘sell without selling’ confidently.” - Veronica Lind The MMF™ uses Targeting, Enablement and Demand (TED) generation processes. It eliminates silos of corporate functions, enabling strong integration for more focused and successful marketing. It is guided by core brand messages forming a holistic approach to customer engagement in both online and offline experiences and interactions. It has a unique structure, vision and capability that blends together creativity, science and technology for clear and effective Sales, Marketing, Communications and Customer Service. Don't forget the human touch in your marketing efforts! Its framework is applicable in all areas of marketing - social media, websites, email marketing, public relations, events and even mobile apps. It allows businesses to focus on their brand message and use the relevant marketing and communications efforts to Sell (more) Without Selling. You'd be surprised at the range of industries the MMF™ can be applied. Even companies in the ASX can stand to benefit from applying the framework. Yes, even ASX companies need branding too! Since its creation, the team of experienced business, technology, marketing, communications and editorial professionals at Vermilion Pinstripes have been using it as a model to help local companies in Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan achieve their business goals. With offices in Australia, Singapore and Canada, the MMF™ has been fully utilised to service clients across various industries. About the creator Veronica has truly extracted the most vital essence from her career in global technology and market development over the decades to create the MMF™. From conception to finally being trademarked, she has been adapting and refining the framework to make it scalable for startups and local businesses to large enterprises. Her dexterity with technology and vast experience in sales, business development and marketing have been highly valued by clients in regional and global markets. Sell Without Selling is a key virtue she stands by and which has helped businesses go from merely surviving to thriving. Business owners have seen their own motivation increase to the point where they are passionate about marketing their brand, where previously they had felt lost, overwhelmed and frustrated. Sell Without Selling is a key part of the MMF™, and it is how businesses can efficiently generate benefits, promote effective marketing strategies, consolidate customer loyalty and enable long-lasting, meaningful engagements with customers. “Businesses embarking on growth face challenges of how to harness the right opportunities and strengthen their brand. We harness art, maths, science and psychology to empower clients with the right strategies and initiatives to achieve their business vision quickly and within budget.” - Veronica Lind And did we tell you Veronica is also CEO of this very Brilliant-Online magazine you are reading this very minute? It's no surprise that if it's anyone who can dream of making Harry Potter's Daily Prophet newspaper a reality, it would be Veronica Lind. Making magic real is sometimes how clients feel when they see what the MMF™ has done for their business. If you're a business that is using the Modern Marketing Framework™ to grow your business, you'd be feeling even prouder now knowing it's a unique trademarked framework that is 100% Made in Australia! Contact Vermilion Pinstripes to find out how their Modern Marketing Framework™ can help make a difference to your business. 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 .

✦ The beautiful Rhythmboat has become an affectionately familiar sight on the Hastings River. Mention the Rhythmboat, the dolphins or Tom "Cruise Director" (our favourite David Lazarus) and everyone in the community will have been on one of their famous cruises or know someone who has been on it or who is planning to book a cruise. Sailing into the community The beautiful vessel of Port AdVenture Cruises has become a way to contribute to the community. Licensed for 160 passengers, owner David Lazarus says they actually avoid maximising this capacity simply because it would affect the quality of service they offer. From the very first contact to the time the passenger leaves the boat, David ensures they get friendly, prompt and FUN treatment. They clearly take pride in their customer service and since sailing for 4.5 years, they have been warmly welcomed by the community. What makes Port AdVenture Cruises stand out is how passengers do not simply sail once on the Rhythmboat. They return again and again, bringing family, friends and visitors. It's a great place for special celebrations! The special bond Port AdVenture Cruises has with customers can be seen in how they are quick and generous in offering something more. Those who wish to hire the vessel for a private event are invited to first be a guest on one of their 2-hour dolphin spotting cruises. What a great way to get to know a business even before you've signed up! It's a clear sign of confidence that Port AdVenture Cruises will deliver and the trust that you don't lose anything by being generous. Brilliant-Online celebrated our 2nd birthday on the Rhythmboat! Read about it here: That classic warm Australian nature And their generosity doesn't stop there. If you have ever met the owners of Port AdVenture Cruises David Lazarus and Elsa Barbosa, you won't be surprised at their warm, friendly and welcoming nature that is so beautifully, classically Australian. Elsa is a good listener and she surrounds herself with positive people who inspire her to do better. She is also constantly pushing herself to go further and grow in her professional development. She nominated herself to be on the Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association Board and was accepted! “Being in business you must be prepared for 100% commitment and you must love your job. To be cruising the Hastings River every day, almost always seeing dolphins and getting warm feedback from our customers is very special for me.” In spite of all the challenges when the business first started, she was determined to be successful and do her best so their business could prosper. “While it is important that our business succeeds, it is vital that the Port Macquarie region continues to thrive.” - Elsa Barbosa For David, Port AdVenture Cruises has a very simple mission statement. "Customer service! It is important that every passenger on board has a good experience with us, with comfort, good catering, and a relaxed atmosphere.” David clearly loves his job. One could say he has a dream job! Imagine going to work and seeing families, friends, visitors enjoying a 2-hr river cruise, or being at someone's birthday party, a retirement celebration, a wedding, a group of seniors who are wild about having fun... you are constantly surrounded by joy and laughter. If the Rhythmboat could speak, it would have volumes to say about all the events it has witnessed during its cruises. Elsa and David love what they do! FUN-raising with Port AdVenture Cruises Port AdVenture Cruises is also very much about engaging with the community and being a part of its identity. Every Australia Day, they donate their vessel to Sailability to raise funds for people with disabilities. They have a charity tin for staff to put in tips, and David can often be heard on cruises encouraging people to put in some loose change. They also collect used cans and bottles from their licensed bar to be given to Sailability so they can get a 20c refund for each. Every bit goes a long way and Port AdVenture Cruises is doing its part to help with fund-raising for Sailability. Another occasion was the Mayors Sporting Fund, where Mayor Peta Pinson asked if they could use their vessel for the annual fund-raising event. Feeling deeply honoured and proud to have been asked, Port AdVenture Cruises even donated as part of the prize pool, one of their cruises! They have never said no to charities or fundraisers who have approached them and with such positive energy surrounding the business and the vessel, it is no wonder dolphins are constantly attracted to it and come by to wave to the passengers! And in classic David Lazarus mode (who is a born entertainer), fundraising is always treated as FUN-raising because they want community events to be FUN! It's for everyone in the community Port AdVenture Cruises is much more than just a business. For them, everyone is welcome and nobody is left out. Their Seniors Big Day Out for the elderly is a mega event, with a 3 course lunch, singalong entertainment, Bingo, trivia and lots and lots of fun and laughter. All of that with prices kept as minimal as possible. We have all experienced the challenges of bushfires, floods, COVID-19 and it is clear that when we stand together as a community, we can get through it, and emerge stronger. Port AdVenture Cruises is always paying it forward and they continue to be a familiar sight on the Hastings River day and night. Work Health and Safety is key Even with all the fun and merrymaking, Port AdVenture Cruises is strict when it comes to Work Health and Safety (WHS). They are proud of their business and what they are giving to the community, and a big part of this is keeping staff and passengers safe. The Rhythmboat itself is not just a vehicle. It has its own personality and people have grown accustomed to seeing this huge white creature sailing peacefully down the river (often with quite a lot of laughter and lively conversation spilling out of it). It is given the utmost care to make sure it stays healthy and well. The vessel is inspected every year with strict compliance orders including plant and equipment maintenance, rigid SMS (Safety Management System) where they employ a consultant to keep them up to date. The vessel must be slipped every 3 years for an out of water survey. The staff have regular drill safety programmes and David and Elsa have their own safety diary to record all activities. Being hands-on owners, and given their warm-hearted natures, it is no surprise that there is a very low turnover of staff. Social events for staff are common and it's a way for David and Elsa to acknowledge and show appreciation for their commitment and hard work. Port AdVenture Cruises continues to sail strong into the sunset, appearing at sunrise. The Rhythmboat is a space for people to come together, celebrate or simply just get together to enjoy the beautiful surroundings where we live in. Ready to get onboard yet? Contact: David Lazarus & Elsa Barbosa Port AdVenture Cruises Website: https://cruiseportmacquarie.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Portadventurecruises t/ 0417 681 031 or 0434 393 199 Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ Families love and trust TG's Child Care and they have been well-loved by their communities for more than two decades. Find out why and how they work their TG's Magic! We take you on a little tour of what it's like to be with TG's Child Care as a child and family. You'll see why communities are delighted whenever they know a new TG's campus is coming to their area! TG's Child Care is a big part of our communities celebrating the Lasiandra Festival! Why choose TG's Child Care? From settling a child in to ensuring their meals are healthy to having FUN, TG's Child Care has it all covered. Families often say TG's is their extended family, a second home they feel safe leaving their children with. For the modern day parent, TG's has brought an immense amount of relief and joy in giving the children a loving, nurturing and kind environment where Playing is Learning for Life. TG's Child Care has been consistently winning awards, which is a testament to the trust the communities have in them. In 2023, TG's won not one but three awards - Employer of Choice, Excellence in Professional Services and was Highly Commended for Excellence in Large Business at the Wauchope & Hinterland Business Awards. See TG's full list of awards here . What makes TG's even more outstanding is it's not just families that are choosing TG's over and over again. It is also the Educators who are choosing to stay at TG's. TG's stability as a leadership in their industry is clearly seen here, and their Family First philosophy helps Educators feel appreciated and supported. Read about why TG's Educators stay more than ten years here . Smooth Transition Period In the early days of settling in at TG's, TG's focuses on building strong bonds with the children. TG's dedicated team of Educators spends time listening and engaging with each child, carefully planning activities that resonate with them. This approach allows them to gradually get used to their new playspaces and routine, fostering connections with both other children and Educators. TG's experienced Educators excel at easing new children into their loving community , ensuring they feel excited about making new friends. Creating beautiful friendships at TG's Child Care Comprehensive Care Package TG's offers a comprehensive care package tailored to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. TG's services extend beyond basic childcare to include year-round support, nutritious meals, essential sun protection like hats and sunscreen, nappies, and, of course, plenty of smiles! All provided within a nurturing and enjoyable environment that encourages growth and development. This also includes wellbeing , mindfulness and meditation, which are powerful mental health tools TG's children learn to use. They always have A Little MEG in their pockets, so they know a bit of Mindfulness, Empathy and Gratitude can make a world of difference to how they feel. There is a mindfulness area where children can go to and rest with their feelings and know they have loving support through big feelings. Play-Based Learning for Sustainable Futures At TG's, play is the cornerstone of learning for life . Their innovative curriculum empowers children and Educators to explore environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Through engaging activities like mud play, growing fruit and vegetables, gardening, recycling, worm farm and chook projects, children develop eco-intelligence from the very beginning, laying the foundation for a more sustainable future. Children learn to reduce waste, save water and energy. TG's educational programmes focus on: Eco-intelligence: Teaching children and educators about responsible resource use to positively impact the environment . Societal Understanding: Exploring Australian society and culture , including aspects such as cultural diversity , gender equality, and democracy, to promote social harmony. Economic Sustainability: Instilling long-term community economic support to foster sustainable business practices in our local communities. Giving back to the community  is part of TG's business sustainability  model. TG's supports local suppliers wherever possible. As TG's grows, local communities also benefit. TG's is not just about growing as a business. It's also about using TG's growth to boost the growth of communities. TG's children learn there is so much they can do for the future of the world, and every step can be done in love and FUN! Nutrition Education Through Experience TG's Meals are recognised by “Munch and Move” and “Good for Kids” . Through hands-on experiences like growing their own food in TG's gardens, children gain a deeper understanding of where food comes from and the importance of healthy eating. This practical knowledge fosters a sense of appreciation and responsibility, nurturing not just their bodies, but also their souls. 👩🏻‍🍳 Check out TG's Child Care's healthy recipes: Wattle Seed Damper Recipe Blueberry Yoghurt Cake Recipe Chicken Burgers with Lemon Myrtle Recipe Celebrating Milestones Together At TG's celebrates every step of each child's journey. At the end of each year, families receive a portfolio documenting their child's growth and achievements, from their earliest milestones to confident strides. Each accomplishment is worthy of celebration, and families delight in hearing their children share stories of their experiences and achievements. Growing towards our full potential, one step at a time! Award-Winning Gardens for Fun Play TG's outdoor play spaces are designed with a child's development in mind. Through initiatives like the Panda Test, they ensure that TG's environments support learning, play, and social interaction. Whether indoors or outdoors, TG's playspaces provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive, knowing that at TG's, playing truly is learning for life. TG's amazing Educators TG's embraces the National Quality Framework (NQF) and a key part is the NQF Element 5.1.1: Positive Educator to Child Interaction. This element underscores the significance of nurturing positive and meaningful interactions between TG's Educators and the children. TG's Educators provide a warm and supportive environment where every child feels valued and respected. They engage with each child in meaningful ways, encouraging their curiosity, creativity, and individuality. TG's Educators build strong and trusting relationships with the children, fostering a sense of security and belonging. Experience the joy of being a child, of exploring, experimenting and having adventures in a natural, loving environment. That is why children love going to TG's every day (and so do the Educators!). Experience TG's Magic today! ❋ No dream is too big at TG's where children are supported to grow to their fullest potential! Contact TG’S Child Care TG's Child Care locations and contact details (below) Urangan QLD +61 (07) 4184 2282 | urangan@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/urangan 61 Miller St, Urangan, QLD 4655 Armidale - Samuelson Crescent NSW +61 (02) 6772 7810 | armidale@tgschildcare.com.au   | tgschildcare.com.au/armidale   11 Samuelson Crescent, Armidale NSW 2350 Armidale - Kirkwood St NSW +61 2 6788 2101 | kirkwoodsteet@tgschildcare.com.au  | tgschildcare.com.au/armidale   53 Kirkwood St, Armidale, NSW 2350 Uralla NSW +61 (02) 6778 3369 | uralla@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/uralla 23B John St, Uralla NSW 2358 Wauchope - Hastings St NSW +61 (02) 6585 1033 | HastingsStreet@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-hastings-st 33B Hastings St, Wauchope NSW 2446 Wauchope - High St NSW +61 (02) 6585 3331 | HighStreet@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-high-st 223A High St, Wauchope NSW 2446 Wauchope - Riverbreeze NSW +61 (02) 6585 2981 | riverbreeze@tgschildcare.com.au | tgschildcare.com.au/wauchope-riverbreeze 3 Riverbreeze Drive, Wauchope NSW 2446 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 .

✦ CEO of Brilliant-Online Veronica Lind is a true-blue foodie who is always on the hunt for the best of familiar home favourites. Ramen was on her hunting list during her recent travels. An iconic comfort food from Japan, the word ' ramen ' simply warms the cockles of one's stomach. It is simply a generous bowl of noodles with soup and a variety of ingredients. The key to good ramen is really in the broth, which can be made from chicken or pork and is known as 'dashi'. Then there are the ramen noodles which have a unique flavour and are nice and springy. It is made from wheat flour, salt, water and a special alkaline water called 'kansui'. When it comes to the rest of the ingredients, the possibilities are endless. The best Ramen in Luxembourg Luxembourg I got my Asian fix when I was in Luxembourg at MANZOKU Ramen Bar , reputed to be the best ramen restaurant there. It was expensive (what isn't in Luxembourg!), with a cold can of tea for AUD10 and a bowl of ramen for AUD40. I admit it was delicious, and the place was packed, with queues starting at 11:30am. I got there early because I was determined to get my ramen that day! It turned out to be a pretty satisfying meal with creamy chicken broth, golden egg yolks, tender roast chicken and thinly sliced pork pieces. In fact it was so good, I went back a second time! Because of the crowd, I was shoved into a corner seat both times and had to be hurried to place my orders. I understand they want as many customers as possible but I was hoping to have time to savour the delicious ramen. Both times the taste were good. Consistent good food is key to success in any restaurant. Sydney Have you tried this famous lobster ramen at Sydney's Michelin-rated restaurant Mensho Ramen Sydney ? If I thought the queue in Luxembourg was bad enough, wait till you hear about the queues at this place! People wait over 1.5h and fork out AUD54 on a single bowl of lobster ramen! Photo Credit: Raysa Astari Wibisono and Grace Paragon I simply had to try it for myself and when Nixon the owner of Mensho Ramen Sydney at York Street invited me to try their Michelin-star ramen I was all ready to go! It certainly lived up to the hype, with springy noodles, creamy chicken broth, hard-boiled eggs with the perfect golden yolk. I hope to try the lobster ramen the next time. You may be disappointed to know that the restaurant does not take bookings, so you will have to queue up if you want to get your ramen fix! I would have much preferred it if we could have placed our order at a table instead. I am really eager to explore the various items on the menu and would enjoy being introduced to them in person. I totally get the appeal of using an ordering app, though! Photos: Veronica with owner of Mensho Ramen Sydney, Nixon, trying out the restaurant's Michelin-star Signature Toripaitan ramen at lunch. Are you hungry yet? Then get an early start with your pre-lunch exercise i.e., queueing outside either restaurant in anticipation of a heartwarming bowl of ramen! If you have tried out other amazing ramen places, do share with us! ❋ Mensho Sydney Website: https://www.mensho.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menshosydney/ Phone: 1300 339 603 Address: Shop 2 Temperance Lane, Sydney NSW 2000 TUES - SUN: LUNCH 12-2:30PM // DINNER 5-9:30PM Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

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

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

✦ Bernie Ginnane wishes All Mothers a Very Happy Mother’s Day for the whole of the month of May. This includes those in Mothering roles – the grandmothers, the aunts, the sisters, the friends and neighbours. Bernie is a mother of three wonderful children and a grandmother to four beautiful and amazing little grandchildren. “Motherhood is the most precious gift I have received, but it is a role of great responsibility,” she said proudly. The mothering role is about offering: · Always Unconditional Love and Acceptance! · Care and Support! · Encouragement, Guidance and Motivation! · Time for Play, Creativity and Some Silliness! · Time to be Heard and Seen! · Safe Shelter, Food and Health Support! · And very importantly, providing a Sense of Belonging and Connection!” But whether a woman is in a mothering role of others or not, the mothering role for herself is always a priority because the mental health for a woman should always be her priority. Bernie’s Top Eight Power Tools for Women to Maintain Positive Mental Health: 1. BREATHE – Choose to take 5 mini-breath breaks throughout your day. A little time out each day to focus on just breathing. Try bringing yourself into stillness, either standing or sitting. For example, it could be in your car, before you get out to head to a meeting or to pick the children up, or before you sip your tea or feed the cat. Choose to Inhale Deeply for a Count of 6. Hold for a Count of 2. Exhale for a Count of 6. Notice where you might feel tension whilst on your mini-break, and relax the area of tension whilst you breathe your 6 rounds of breath. Power Tools for Women to Maintain Positive Mental Health 2. MEDITATE – Even if just for 3 minutes before you start your day and 3 minutes to close your day. Meditation is essentially bringing focus to your breathing, relaxing the nervous system, calming the mind and bringing you back to the 'Present Moment' rather than living in the past or worrying about the future. Choose to Adjust how you are thinking and feeling during these 3 minutes in order to put you back into a more balanced position to move into the next moment. For Free Meditations and Tips on Mindfulness, please click on my YouTube video link below for an array of Meditations, including ‘Press the Pause Button & Choose to Feel Good Meditation’ And ‘ Loving the Whole of You as Spirit Loves You Meditation ’ 3. JOURNALING IS POWERFUL – TRY just 3 minutes at the end of your day! Journaling helps to unload the overwhelm by getting your thoughts out of your head and onto the paper. Journaling helps you to express pent up emotions, see the bigger picture, gain clarity, perspective and helps to connect you to your intuition for insight. 4. CREATE YOUR DAILY SELF-CARE ROUTINE And have Your List Visible for You! This includes; meditation, diet, exercise, taking time out for a long soothing bath or even a foot soak, getting enough sleep, and scheduling time for Just You. 5. CONNECT - TO NATURE & OTHERS FOR SUPPORT Connecting to nature can help you return to the 'Present Moment' and release tension as well as being a wonderful opportunity for expressing gratitude and connecting to something that is much bigger than the worries of life. Nature helps us to Connect to Spirit -Source- the Divine. Connecting to others i s so Important: To Ask For Help To Ask for Support To be Surrounded by People, and to have Relationships that Support You, Care for Your Well-Being, and uplift You! 6. MOVE – IN A WAY THAT FEELS GOOD FOR YOU Make exercise a priority – move daily – whether that be a pilates class or following a class online - dance, walk, kayak, yoga, swim… 7. FIND THE POSITIVE - LEARN THE LESSON IN THE CHALLENGE To help shift your mindset from negative to a healthier, more positive and confident mindset. 8. THINK WELL OF YOURSELF! SPEAK WELL OF YOURSELF! This includes being honest about your expectations and responsibilities. Watch Negative Self-Talk! Are your expectations ones that you have placed on yourself? Are they achievable? Are your expectations based on what you think others are expecting of you? Are they Fair? Are they reasonable? Are they balanced? Do those expectations feel right for you? Happy Mother’s Day & Women’s Health Offer If you are interested in having a FREE 30 MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL with Bernie to discuss your mental or emotional health challenges or, to gain insight on steps to move forward to a stronger feeling place click here . Click for a 30-minute discovery call with Bernie Ginnane Contact : Bernie Ginnane Qualified Counsellor, Qualified Spiritual Life Coach & Stress Management Life Coach, Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator, Intuitive Guide. Bernie offers one-on-one sessions, couple’s sessions and group sessions in her local area, as well as sessions via Zoom, both within Australia and internationally. m/ +61 491 015 566 e/ bernie224@gmail.com w/ bernieginnane-thewillowroom.com.au f/ facebook.com/thewillowroom.bernieginnane 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 .

✦ Mother’s Day is a truly special occasion where we all get the chance to show our genuine love and thanks to that one very special person in our lives. Mum’s the word! It goes without saying that it’s not only one solitary day each year where we do this, but Mother’s Day affords the opportunity for Mum’s all over to rightfully stand front and centre, take a day off and be lavished with attention! Mother's Day is widely celebrated around the world Let’s face it, mothers are bona fide superstars! Not only do they carry and nurture us for a whole nine months before we are born but they raise us with an unconditional love and support that only a mother can, through our infant and petulant teenage years all the way up to and beyond our own adult lives. They help us make sense of the world, installing our emotional fibre and establishing our moral compass and are always there to turn to for invaluable advice and direction. We love our Mums, that’s for sure! But what about a little history and insight into how the occasion originated and how it is celebrated across the world? Festivals Ancient Greeks Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world and has been for centuries. The ancient Greeks worshipped Rhea as the ‘Mother of Gods,’ celebrating via an annual spring festival to honour the goddess of nature and fertility. Ancient Rome Similarly, the spring festival of Hilaria was celebrated in ancient Rome on the Ides of March (March 15) some 250 years before Christ was born to honor of mother goddess Cybele where festivities including games, parades and masquerades would last for three days. Medieval During Medieval times, apprentices and servants were allowed leave on Mothering Sunday in order to travel home and visit their mothers. The popular custom was to take a special Mother’s Day cake known as a Simnel cake, a rich fruit mixture with layers of almond paste in the middle and on top, decorated with 11 marzipan balls to represent the apostles of Jesus (minus Judas Iscariot). Simnel cake for Mother's Day during Medieval times UK Mother’s Day was adopted in the 16th century by Christians in the lead up to Easter as part of their Lenten traditions each year to honour the Virgin Mary. This is why Mother’s Day is celebrated in the UK on a different date to most other places in the world, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday (it was celebrated on March 27 in the UK this year). It was also during this period that the tradition of giving gifts became popular as families would reunite for a Mothering Sunday service at church and often children would pick flowers en route which they would then present to their mothers as gift bouquets, hence why the giving of flowers is still such a popular one. Present day origins USA Elsewhere, Mother’s Day tends to follow the traditional American date of the second Sunday in the month of May. This was established on May 12, 1907 by Philadelphia resident Anna Jarvis who wished to not only hold a memorial service for her late mother, who had died two years prior, but to mark a day when all mothers and the sacrificies they make could be honoured by their children. The practice gained popularity as commemorative church services spread throughout America, leading to then President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 officially proclaiming the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day, describing the day “as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” Nowadays, Mother’s Day is, of course, a major celebration. According to statistics from the U.S. National Retail Federation published by Fox Business , an estimated US$31.7 billion was forcecast to be spent on Mother’s Day in the U.S. alone this year. Approximately 23 million flowers are sold on Mother’s Day each year, and about 122 million phone calls are made. Big numbers and big business. Japan In Japan Mother’s Day gained popularity after World War II as a way of comforting mothers who had lost sons to the war. Celebrated on the same date nowadays as in the U.S., ‘Haha No Hi’ is an extremely popular date in the Land of the Rising Sun where red carnations are typically given to symbolise a mother’s purity, sweetness and endurance. Haha No Hi - Japanese Mother's Day France The celebration falls slightly later in France, on the last Sunday of May, where the traditional gift of a flower-shaped cake is given to mothers across the country. Interestingly, for a period after World War I mothers of large families were given medals by the government as recognition and thanks for helping rebuild the population after so many lives had been lost during conflict. Ethiopia In Ethiopia, families celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May in the form of the Antrosht festival. Typically signifying the end of the rainy season, families convene and celebrate over a large meal while engaging in song and dance performances that honour their mothers and other family heroes. India India always loves a good festival and Mother’s Day is no different! Taking place in October and dating all the way back to the 16th century, the country honours the goddess of mothers known as Durga where a 10-day festival is held and families spend weeks preparing food, decorating their homes and gathering gifts. Thailand Finally, we turn to Thailand. The Royal family is highly revered in the Land of Smiles which explains why Mother’s Day there takes place on the set date of August 12 each year to coincide with the birthday of the much loved and respected Queen Sirikit. Families gather to eat and share memories and elaborate parades and ceremonies take place to honour the dual intentions of the holiday. Wherever, whenever and however you celebrate your Mother’s Day, the one thing in common is it is an occasion to honour and respect the family matriarch, to show her how much you love her and how grateful you are for everything she has done and continues to do. Some of our Brilliant Mothers HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all Mums out there! 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 .

✦ When one decides to be a mother in our modern times, one takes on juggling skills that no acrobat in the Cirque du Soleil has ever been able to outdo. A brilliant feature for Mother's Day celebrated in Australia on 14th May about Modern Parenting Look into the head of the Modern Mum and you might just get dizzy. She has a million agendas all superimposed on one another and she can cross reference them in all directions. There's one for each kid, one for the husband, one for her family, one for the in-laws, one for work, one for friends. Her headspace is not one for the faint-hearted. So what does it take to be a Modern Mum in our time and age? Can a woman have her cake and eat it i.e. have a family AND have a career AND feel fulfilled in both AND still retain her sense of self without getting lost in 'roles'? Is work life balance even real and achievable? Many mothers lament and feel torn that they have to go to work to earn money so they can pay someone to look after their kids while they're at work. At the end of the day they sprint home and may just squeeze in an hour's quality time with their child before bedtime at 8pm. As a society, surely there is something really off that we're not able to have our professional development and build a family without sacrificing one or the other. Modern Mothers are very much left on their own. We no longer have 'a village to raise a child' and if companies continue to be rigid with timetables, it forces parents to seek help elsewhere to look after their children for long hours at a stretch. Deciding to start a family can feel overwhelming and stressful for young women. An Anguished Scream "How in the world do I find time to go to work (full time), prepare (healthy) meals at home, spend (quality) time with my husband, not neglect my parents or my in-laws, remember I have brothers as well, and oh wait I need to meet up with my friends, and did I mention I really need to go to the gym so I exercise and keep healthy, and I mustn't forget about the groceries, and I know it's healthy to have a hobby also, and I really want to go further in my career so I should probably do that training my boss has offered me but it's three evenings a week, and we need a break from work so we really want to travel too, and oh man there's the housework that's piling up...and.... HOW DO I FIND TIME TO HAVE A BABY AND TAKE CARE OF IT on top of all of these things?!" This is an anguished scream from many young women nowadays who are finding it next to impossible to imagine getting the support they need to become mothers. And we've not even touched on the financial aspect yet. Surviving on one income is just not an option for many families, which means mothers have to keep their jobs. With inflation and the increasing costs of housing and medical care, a new baby is going to require some financial gymnastics. Let's face it. Having a baby is not the toughest bit. Many women DO want to be mothers. It's how to manage after having the baby that is the catch. Being a Modern Mum requires nerves of steel. If you are a Modern Mum reading this, then what we have to say here is something you'll resonate with. And we just want you to know you are Simply Brilliant. Bits of Wisdom from Modern Mums We've put together little bits of wisdom from all the amazing Modern Mums around us who have experienced what it's like to balance both Career and Family. They have survived not just to tell the tale, but to thrive in spite of the struggles! For those who are contemplating starting a family and are facing the dilemma of family vs career, know that you are not alone and these experiences from Modern Mums may help bring you a bit of relief. You can admit it's tough being a parent and there are (many) days you just want to scream and throw in the towel. We've all met that Perfect Mum who seemingly has it all sorted out and her life is simply perfect. That's what we see on the surface. If you could see their actual lives you may well be shocked that they are not that different to you. They struggle too. They've just given themselves the added burden of appearing like they've got it all figured out. You don't have to. As mums we are simply all really trying our very best, and often, many things out of our control go wonky. It's just not possible to keep everything in place. Remember, you are a Mum, you're not Ice Cream. It's not your job to keep everyone happy. Motherhood has its frustrating manic side too. It's part of the package. And if you're experiencing it, it simply means you are a mother. It doesn't mean you're not being a good mum. And let's be fair, we don't have a Manual of How to be a Mum, we didn't have to go to university for 6 years and do an internship for 6 months before we became 'licensed' to be mothers. No number of books and podcasts can prepare us to be one. It's really 100% learning on the job. And it's tough. It means mistakes will happen, we will mess up, and that's all part of the process. At the end of the day, you will always be the best mum for your kids. You are not Lesser Than, or Not Enough or Too Much. You are Just Goldilocks Right for your kids. "My kids sometimes tell me 'Mum! You're so beautiful!' when they come to my bed early in the morning and I'm looking a mess and I always wonder what they see. It is very touching though, and I have to remember sometimes to look at myself through their eyes instead." - Azu, 40, HR consultant and mother of two. You have found your tribe who get you. New mums, choose your tribe wisely. You do not want to surround yourself with 'Shamers' who insidiously patronise or pity your situation as a struggling mum. Modern Mums get shamed for just about everything. Not putting in extra hours at work. Not attending your kid's ballet recital. Not being the right weight. Not making homemade cookies for your kid's fundraising at school. Not doing enough self-care. Not giving your kids organic food etc. etc. etc. It's a huge relief when you can be raw and vulnerable with close friends who get it. There are days when you do feel more than just upset and fed-up with kids and husbands and work. You just want to run away, escape and fantasise about being on a quiet island where you can just sleep for 10 hours straight and have someone bring you good food and you can do whatever you want with no agenda to manipulate and no deadlines to rush to. It doesn't not mean you don't love your kids, husband or work. It just means you are tired, stressed, overwhelmed and could really need a break and some help. You are going to have dark days, and it's important to find a safe space with supportive people you can express your feelings to and seek refuge in. And who don't mind that you're going to have crazy hair, messy clothes and have a good solid wail peppered with quite a bit of swearing. In fact, they'll just sit next to you while you have a go. And there'll be Kleenex, tea and your favourite cookies after. They'll think no lesser of you for being like this. You can make decisions based on what's right for your family rather than what the media or trends recommend or what other people think. We don't all have the same husband, same kids, same job, same families, same background, same experience. We're not in the same boat. More accurately, same sea, very different boats. We are all so different, and yet we seem to think there's some magic golden manual out there for How to be the Perfect Mum and if we were to just follow it everything will be peaches and cream. There is no magic manual. And that magic manual can definitely NOT be found in social media or trends. We all want to look like Marie Kondo with the immaculate house and kids. Even the great Marie Kondo herself has admitted that she has had to change her priorities because of her kids. Someone commented, "It's the fall of a mythical figure!" when news of Marie Kondo giving up on her perfect tidying came out. Rather than see it as a fall or admitting defeat, why not see it as getting real? The image of perfection is more damaging than kind to mothers. So Marie Kondo has decided for herself what is truly important to her now, and she's taking the step to not follow even her own trends of keeping the perfect house. Because each of us has such a mix of situations and conditions, we all have to choose for ourselves what is best for our families. New mums often get bombarded with unsolicited advice and opinions. Try to keep your ear canals as clean as possible so you can let these things pass right through you. Trust yourself to do what is right for your family. Even if it looks different to the norm, and even if others have a lot to say about it. It's YOUR family and you're the one paying for the consequences of every action, not them. You recognise you are 100% ecological, organic, natural HUMAN i.e. you are Perfectly Imperfect. Our society has a strange obsession with Perfection, which is one of the biggest myths ever generated. There is no perfection. Yet as Modern Mums we feel that is our goal. We're expected to deliver a baby one day and boing-boing-boing our way back into a svelte figure in a week. Because that's what we see famous mothers do on Instagram. Unless your baby gets delivered by Amazon Prime otherwise any human mother will tell you with some deliveries it's like through hell and back. Your body has been all mashed up and it takes time to put it all back together again. Perfection is actually rigid, unforgiving and restrictive. Being Imperfect allows for flexibility and adaptability, another two superpowers Modern Mums have. It's not about forcing the perfect family holiday. It's about still having a good time in spite of hiccups and changed plans. Adaptability allows you to salvage a challenging situation instead of letting tempers fly and wanting things one's way. Like those tests on the Internet that want to know you are not a robot if you can identify all the pictures with traffic lights, if you are imperfect it's just a great litmus test to prove you are 100% human and not alien. You can play to your strengths. What are you good at? This is a really important thing to do regularly - check in on yourself, what are your wins? No matter how small, they matter and are worth celebrating. Perhaps you're really good at organising whether it's schedules or housework. Perhaps you're the one people at work turn to when they've got a nasty problem with a client and need your perspective. Some are just a whiz at calming the children down. Whatever it is, give yourself credit. Every day. Especially on the days when it feels like others do not see your efforts or strengths and have not been able to show appreciation. Be your best cheerleader. Celebrate YOU, because your kids do! You don't feel guilty for taking Time Off for Me. Modern Mums are not machines. You cannot run on empty, and you're not expected to do it all 24/7. Since the pandemic, many have noticed an increase in the amount of work, and in the speed of work. Meetings have increased and seem neverending. Deadlines get tighter. Everyone wants things faster (or yesterday). There are 200 emails in the Inbox with their big bold letters screaming " Look at us! We are all urgent!" (and don't forget the incessant beeps of Whatsapp messages on your work phone and your personal phone). Many Zoom from one meeting to the next from breakfast till lunch and have not had time to do any work yet, and still feel they have to squeeze in an hour at the gym between work and then run back again for a work presentation. If we used to talk about the proverbial hamster wheel keeping us in a loop, nowadays that same hamster wheel has a F1 motor attached to it and is spinning at 100 miles per hour. And that's just at work. When Modern Mums get home there's another whole new arena to manage. Being a Modern Mum you need the stamina of a long distance runner. It's for the long haul and runners will tell you there are times when they need to just walk and not run. Heck, if you're going to be running for 4 hours straight there'll come a time when perhaps you need to stop and pee or hydrate! Taking time off for yourself is simply necessary, practical and wise. Sometimes the demand comes from ourselves, and not from our bosses or children. We tell ourselves that to be a good worker or a good mum we must be available all the time. We're not Siri or Alexa. They don't have to change diapers, clean up vomit or prepare a mega presentation to win a new client or risk losing their jobs. Time Off for Me is a tough one, so start small. Perhaps just 5 minutes only to breathe and do nothing. Guilt is a creepy and sneaky foe, and it will tell you that precious 5 minutes should be spent playing Lego with your kids or answering that email that's been stewing in your Inbox for 3 days. When guilt speaks, tell it "Okay, I hear you. Now let me get back to my 5 minutes of doing nothing." Eventually you'll be enjoying a weekend away with girlfriends on a spa retreat, or going for your art classes every Wednesday evening. Guilt-free. And really, your kids want a Happy Mum. Not a Super Mum. Companies nowadays are so big on mental health and wellbeing, they also know a Happy Worker is far more productive than one who is sick and stressed out. Fathers are given more equal conditions in paternity leave, and there is more flexibility in working hours and working from home to allow parents to have the support they need. You know better than to Compare and Despair. Office and neighbourhood gossip can be toxic. So-and-so went to New York with her husband... and we can only afford domestic travel. So-and-so's kids won some national maths competition... and ours are struggling to keep up at school. So-and-so just bought their second house by the beach... and we're feeling the weight of our mortgage of our small apartment. So-and-so is only 30 and has already been promoted... and we're stuck with pesky clients in a routine position. So-and-so went on a cruise with her parents for their anniversary... and we're so tied up with kids and housework we haven't visited ours in a while. The funny thing is, whenever we compare we only compare with those who seemingly have more or are better. And it always triggers a bitter, sour feeling that makes us squirm on the inside, but we put on a sunny front and say how wonderful, how delightful it is others have such amazing fortune. So perhaps it would be kinder to ourselves to stop the comparison. We can logically conclude that yes, it's great others are enjoying themselves, well done, (after all, we don't want others to suffer either!) and it is not an indictment of how we are and most certainly not an indication of our 'success' as mothers, workers, wives, daughters, sisters, friends. We can always step away from a conversation that is unhealthy and simply not engage. You have the confidence to ask for help. Asking for help is a strength not a weakness. It's simply a logical thing to do. It is respecting what you can and cannot humanly do. When you take care of yourself, you are actually taking care of your family. You have your oxygen mask on so you can help others. An important part of asking for help is also letting others see it. Men also suffer from having to be Macho Man all the time and children feel frustrated and helpless when they don't know they can ask for help. Let your family see you asking for help. It gives them permission to do the same. It generates a healthy reciprocity and empathy too. Join the global community of women Brilliant-Online wants to salute all the amazing women around us who are taking brave steps every day to make a change in their own lives, and to make a difference to the next generation. Modern Mums are breaking old patterns so the new generation can have a better life. Photo above: Elizabeth Regin with son Henry Modern Mums are not just working towards a more balanced, equal and fair life for themselves. Their children are witnessing this transformation in the roles of women - as mothers, workers, daughters, sisters, wives and they are seeing a new, healthier and happier way of being. It's a precious gift Modern Mums are giving their children. To see that things can be different, and they are a living example of this. Your children may be too young as yet to be aware, but they are so proud of YOU for breaking old patterns, and daring to change. Modern Mums, you rock, and there is a beautiful Divine Goddess in each one of you, so keep sparkling brilliantly! References: https://metro.co.uk/2016/01/26/the-39-steps-to-being-a-modern-mother-5636125/ https://www.thebump.com/a/asking-for-help-tips 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. 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