The Blue Mountains is a rugged region west of Sydney in Australia’s New South Wales. Known for dramatic scenery, it encompasses steep cliffs, eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and villages dotted with guesthouses, galleries and gardens. Some of my favourite activities in the Blue Mountains Chasing Snow Be awed by the still beauty of the Jenolan Caves Ride the Scenic Railway through 310 metres of the ancient rainforest. This is the world's steepest passenger railway in the world with a 52 degree (128%) incline. Try the Six Foot Track 45 km hike from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves. Check the website for which sections of the tracks are still opened as parts of the tracks were affected by the 2020 bushfires. Indulge in a unique stay for the hopeless romantics in the Enchanted Cave And a 4-day drive through the Greater Blue Mountains (see video below) Lisa Willows and her perfect family getaway to the Blue Mountains A recount from Lisa Willows When planning a week away, the Blue Mountains is a perfect choice as it offers a world heritage wilderness that is a short drive west of Sydney. My family had not been away for two years and we're excited to have some fun, adventure, and new cultural experiences. We collectively decided on the picturesque village of Leura and rented a little Airbnb there as a base, spending a week discovering and exploring the area. There is something magical about the Blue Mountains which were formed over 50 million years ago. You can feel the energy of the area and looking at those impressive rock formations and the vast, epic wilderness that covers thousands of kilometres, is completely mesmerising. The four of us arrived to a pre-lit, cosy fire, at our Airbnb in Leura which was a split level, open plan, Strawbale Cottage with beautiful views of natural bushland, out of every window. The accommodation was so special, that we would have been happy staying in for a week! The self-contained cottage had been constructed by hand and featured stained glass French doors, reading loft nooks, claw foot bath, books, games, DVDs and more. Leura is a picturesque and charming village with a mall that was only a five-minute drive away from our accommodation, so we spent the first two days discovering and shopping in Leura and found some fantastic retail outlets. One in particular called Teddy Sinclair really captured our hearts and imaginations. Owned by an artist, the store was a piece of art in itself. We love browsing in retro and antique shops, and Katoomba really delivered with several emporiums full of vendors, sprucing their goods. 15 minutes further North, we visited the town of Blackheath. The town had an extremely relaxed atmosphere. The eclectic shopping scene is all about local and retro. While there, we visited the Victory Theatre which has been transformed into a spectacular antique centre, the Hat Hill Gallery, a local record shop and more boutique shops. We ventured out to the Gordon’s Falls, The Three Sisters and stood on the edge of the lookout situated at the grand white edifice of the Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath, taking in some mind-blowing views. If you are the outdoors type, it is easy to immerse yourself in nature by climbing down to the valley floor and up along rugged escarpments, to discover waterfalls and breathtaking views. Another day we took a drive down to the Norman Lindsay Gallery which is in Faulconbridge. We wandered through the gardens and were lucky enough to catch an exhibition “Between Friends” that featured Norman and his muse Margaret Coen. We loved the warm fires, the comfort food offered at local cafes, the friendly locals, and the cold was not as bad as we had anticipated with most places being well heated. This is a highly recommended family holiday. We will have memories that will last a lifetime. With blue horizons, stretching as far as the eye could see, we learned that the Blue Mountains get their name from the oil in the eucalyptus trees, which when dispersed in the air, gives off a blue hue. We will see you again! Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Mental Health 2021 with Ashley Whittington What is ´The Butterfly Effect´? 'The Butterfly Effect' began for me in early 2017. I was spending my day walking through a town in Mudgee. I came across a man and after engaging in the niceties of casual conversation he revealed to me that he was experiencing a challenging time in his life. We spoke for a while and then went our separate ways. I wished that there was more I could do for him. I walked to the park, picked a flower and folded an origami butterfly from a stack of sticky notes in my bag. Then I went back to where I had met the man and I gave them to him, wishing him better days to come. Observing the positive shift in his demeanour felt like an important moment for me. For me, it is the subtle details that hold the most meaning. It was then that I decided to try to replicate that moment throughout the Mudgee community. That was how 'The Butterfly Effect' was born. - Ashley Whittington, Young Volunteer of the Year 2020 'The Butterfly Effect' is a project aimed at promoting mindfulness for positive mental health and was created by Ashley, through her own experience of mental health. With every loving fold, a simple piece of paper is transformed into a beautiful butterfly, while at the same time, positive conversations about mental health, resilience building, strength and connection gently unfold. Why is folding butterflies important? Every butterfly a person makes and gives away is a way to create an opportunity for connection. The value is in the heart and thought put into every fold and tuck. The butterfly project brings individuals together to connect with each other. It also represents the local mental health organisations which these people may be able to access. The hope is to bring people out of the dark, if only for a moment. 'The Butterfly Effect' is built on the ripple effect simple acts can bring to our community. It takes very little to spark a smile in another. More than a project or an event, the goal is for kindness to spread its butterfly wings. Why did you choose butterflies for this project? The origami butterfly was chosen for this project because of its simplicity. Though some folds can be a challenge and it can take a few tries to master, the butterfly is a quick and effective origami piece. That means many people can be involved. The butterfly also represents hope, change, and transformation which we all deserve to experience in our lives. For every butterfly folded and every kind word shared, there is a little more hope and transformation in our community. 'The Butterfly Effect' in 2021 Last year, Ashley Whittington was named Young Volunteer of the Year for her Butterflies for Mental Health Campaign. And she has not stopped flitting through the community to bring hope and transformation. 2020 saw the world go through challenging times and it has brought to the forefront the importance of mental health. This year, Ashley is back with 'The Butterfly Effect', bringing together services from the Port Macquarie region to fold 10,000 origami butterflies for mental health . The butterflies will be collated by 8 local artists to form part of a rainbow artwork for Artwalk 2021 . Over 1000 butterflies were folded in 2020 by mental health services and the public at a series of folding events at Port Central, Port Macquarie. The butterflies were formed into artworks and displayed at a special gallery night at Charles Sturt University. The project is being supported by Lifeline Mid Coast , Endeavour Clubhouse , Mid North Coast Local Health District , Headspace , Werin , Neami , New Horizons , Liberty and CSU who meet each month to plan for 'The Butterfly Effect'. The project occurs during September, which is Mental Health Month and is in its third year now and has been kindly supported by The Westport Club for this year. Over the last few years, Ashley has proven that being creative can be an effective conversation-starter for people wanting to share their own personal stories. “When people are enjoying doing something creative, they are more likely to talk and to listen," Ashley said. "I wanted to provide an opportunity for people to come together and engage in a mindful activity in a social setting.” "The activity gets people talking about mental health. We bring into the conversation that origami is a mindful activity, which means that while doing it, people focus on the moment. That is a really good way to start talking about the positive impacts of mindfulness on mental health." This year, each service that is involved will be folding 1000 butterflies. Each service will be creating an “Instagram Wall” that can be visited by members of the public, bringing awareness to mental health services in the area. “The Endeavour Wellness Walk” will feature a map that will be made available to the public, so community members can ‘trail’ through the services, ticking off one photo at a time. A large artwork will be constructed by local artists and form part of Artwalk 2021 and provide a talking point about mental health. Members of the public will have the opportunity to do some origami and talk about mental health during the month of September. This will take place at several locations around Port Macquarie, which are to be announced in the coming month. Butterflies represent transformation, endurance, change, hope and life. Some people associate their recovery with butterflies - emerging from cocoons after a period of rest and finally changing into the glorious creature that everyone is and can be. Everyone in the community is a part of this ripple effect of kindness. We can generate it and we can also receive it. Passing it on is how we move forward together as a community, and nobody gets left behind. If you feel inspired to experience what is like to create a tiny butterfly in your hands, why not sit down for a little conversation with others who are also gently transforming a piece of paper into their own butterflies? You may be surprised what a little butterfly and a simple conversation with someone next to you could lead to. About Ashley Whittington Ashley Whittington is an inspirational and creative Young Volunteer of The Year and a Charles Sturt Bachelor of Social Science student. She is also the founder of the Butterflies for Mental Health Month Project inspiring conversations and the creation of thousands of miniature origami butterflies to create awareness around Mental Health. For more, follow the Butterflies for Mental Health Port Macquarie Facebook page. Raising Mental Health Awareness POWERFUL ART EXHIBIT LAUNCHES TO RAISE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here .

Homelessness Week is only a month away! Last year we collected toiletries. This year we will be collecting gift cards. These cards will be distributed to rough sleepers, people living without a home, and vulnerable people in our community. The gift cards will be distributed during Homelessness Awareness Week August 1st to 7th on a travelling roadshow that will visit Wauchope, Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie and Laurieton. If you would like to purchase a gift card for someone less fortunate than you, we will ensure it gets to someone who needs it. If you would like to leave a positive note with your card, that would be even better. Examples: $10 iTunes Card, $10 Coles Card, etc. (Please refrain from making any judgement on how it will be spent, people become homeless for a wide variety of reasons). Cards can be dropped to the following services. We thank them so much for their participation. Port Macquarie Lifeline Shop Gordon Street Port Macquarie Central Road Lifeline Shop Wauchope Lifeline Shop Port Macquarie Neighbourhood Centre New Horizons, Gordon Street Port Macquarie Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Gordo Gamsby graces the cover of June 2021 Brilliant-Online Magazine As a young boy, GoЯdo spent hours in the school library, fascinated by the Guinness Book of World Records. He poured over every page and gaped at every stupefying feat ever done by real humans all over the world. He thought how amazing it would be if young people like himself could be out there doing the same. And that was exactly what this little boy did. He set his own records. And GoЯdo has been breaking records ever since. All thanks to the power of a single book, and the talent and endurance of all the amazing people in the book that inspired GoЯdo. Photo: GoЯdo Gamsby was already famous when he was born. Featured in Port News as Baby of the Week. The Port Macquarie Daredevil This little boy grew up to be the Port Macquarie Daredevil, GoЯdo Gamsby, and he is the world’s strangest strong man. A country boy who did not quite fit into the “normal” mode, GoЯdo has an amazing range of astounding abilities. You may want to hold your jaw up as we take you through his career. We are talking about someone who enjoys doing outrageous things like swallowing swords. Yes, swords. Not a cherry stone or cod liver oil. Cold, hard, sharp, nasty swords. From the big stage of the London National Theatre and the Sydney Opera House to little sideshow tents and TV shows, GoЯdo has been thrilling audiences around the world. To date, he has 12 Guinness world records under his belt (someone please give him another belt!), and anyone who has seen him perform never forgets him. Who is GoЯdo Gamsby? Believe it or not, GoЯdo is a simple family man. He has a loving partner Lucy Frost and a little bouncing toddler Spike. GoЯdo’s family is proud and supportive of his work, though sometimes they are not sure about the full extent of what he does. The GoЯdo that people see on stage is simply a more confident and exuberant version of the GoЯdo at home who is a loving husband and doting father. On stage, GoЯdo is an extreme visceral entertainer. His acts shock and amaze and leave people gasping. Most do not know which question to ask first - why on earth would anyone do that or how in the world did he do that?! GoЯdo is a sword swallower and a neon tube sword swallower … and the list goes on! Swords, apples and even bar stool legs, GoЯdo has had a taste of them. On top of that he is also a cigar box manipulator, juggler, fire performer and suspension artist. Shocking the World The little boy hunched over the Guinness book in the library would probably never have thought that one day, he would be travelling to and performing in 30 countries around the world. GoЯdo has met amazing people and seen incredible places on his travels throughout his career. Now he is content to call Port Macquarie home. The first time GoЯdo travelled away from the Hastings Valley, he was exposed to an incredible perspective of people. He learnt to find comfort in surprising similarities across cultures and appreciate the differences that make people unique. GoЯdo had been travelling for a solid 15 years performing at all imaginable places - London National Theatre, squats in Berlin, open air festivals in the street, private rooftop parties, cruise ships and he has even graced the odd birthday party and threw in some dazzling feats there. Travelling and performing can be gruelling but GoЯdo has loved every minute of it. He is not quite done with travelling yet, but he is certainly ready to slow down a little. GoЯdo is keeping his performances a little more local now, much to the delight of the community! Can’t Get Enough of GoЯdo GoЯdo’s performances have a mystical thrill to them that keeps people spellbound and wanting more. His most memorable performance was in a show at the Imaginarium Festival in France. The stage was in an old boomed pool house. The audience liked the show so much they scaled the walls trying to see! And that was not the end of the excitement! After the show was over, the riot police had to be called in to clear the crowd! And all this because of one single man - GoЯdo Gamsby! GoЯdo thrives on the reaction he gets from people when they are watching his shows. You get truly honest reactions, be they fear or pure excitement. This is the power of extreme visceral theatre. Breaking Records The Great GoЯdo Gamsby is famous worldwide and a Guinness World Record Holder. He has a reputation for high impact stunts and has been at the forefront of sideshows and circuses as well as a vaudeville performer. To date, GoЯdo holds 12 Guinness world records - from sword swallowing and feats of strength to manipulation. GoЯdo’s feats of strength, skill and dexterity have brought him some of the following Guinness World Records: 2007 - Four men swallowed the four steel legs of the same bar stool. The record was established in front of a live audience during a show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, UK, on 21 August 2007. Chayne and GoЯdo currently hold the record for the farthest distance to throw and catch a running chainsaw - 4 metres (13 ft 1 in), which took place at London Wonderground, UK, on 14 September 2012. GoЯdo is our current record holder for the heaviest weight pulled with the tongue - 132 kg (291 lb) by The Great GoЯdo Gamsby at London Wonderground, UK, on 16 September 2012. GoЯdo used a hook through his tongue to pull his assistant Daniella D'Ville as she sat on a low-loading trolley. In 2014 pulling a 1,056kg car with a hook in his tongue. Most apples held in own mouth and cut by chainsaw in one minute. (Now this title is held by WANG LEI of DeZhou China on 30 Nov 2020) 2017 - The Sword of Swords He also broke his earlier world record of smashing the most number of concrete slabs on his stomach while lying on a bed of nails. Most cigar box end to ends in 30 seconds. Most fire clubs juggled whilst swallowing a sword. Most throws and catches of juggling clubs whilst 2 people swallow swords. GoЯdo was told recently that his apple record has been broken and he is now itching to write to Wang Lei from China and ask if he would be up for a head to head! When asked which of his Guinness records he found most memorable, GoЯdo without a doubt chose his first - the most sword swallowers swallowing the same object at the same time. It certainly got him started on collecting more and more Guinness records through his career! So is there anything that GoЯdo Gamsby has not done in his life? He is musing on it and perhaps he would work on some new records ... or perhaps it could be a good time to start working on having a travelling family circus! One thing is sure though - GoЯdo Gambsy will still be stunning audiences with his eye popping feats, so if you are lucky, you may catch him at the next event near you. Be sure to get your seat so you do not have to scale walls just to watch GoЯdo’s amazing acts! Here are some of GoЯdo’s performances Contact GoЯdo Gamsby www.gordogamsby.com/contact.html Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Proudly sponsored by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the Dark Alley Sessions features up and coming Port Macquarie singer, songwriter, EMIR. Recorded after dark by Brad Collins and Josh Thompson, in local record shop Dark Alley Collectables, providing the perfect backdrop to feature local and national acoustic music performances. This month, we have EMIR playing three original tracks and a deep cutting version of Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black". Sit back and let the delicate guitar lure you in, while EMIR's vocals cast that soulful spell on your inevitably grooving body. About EMIR EMIR casts a soulful spell in her live performance. She is fast becoming known for her deep, expressive vocals with an undeniable sonic fierceness, that when matched with her melancholy, brings tapping foot and aching heart together. Singer-Songwriter, EMIR is an independent artist residing on the Mid North Coast. She uses music to illustrate her world through her unique lyrics and sound. Her music infuses rich R'n'B vocals coupled with intricate Jazz melodies that tell stories of life, loss and love. Playing as a solo artist as well as with her trio band, EMIR's performances highlight her powerful vocals and cutting song writing style. She is currently working on her next music project, her first solo EP, that is set to be released next year. Being a part of multiple line ups, her latest stage appearances include supporting the master blues guitarist, Kevin Borich and upcoming shows seeing her support the powerhouse duo Hussy Hicks, at the Wauchope Arts Hall on Friday, 25th June 2021. Sorry, tickets have been sold out! Let's listen to more of EMIR here Contact Dark Alley Sessions www.darkalleysessions.com​​ www.facebook.com/darkalleysessions www.instagram.com/darkalleysessions Dark Alley bookings and interviews, please contact: darkalleysessions@gmail.com EMIR www.facebook.com/emir.music.page www.instagram.com/emir_music Dark Alley Collectables www.facebook.com/darkalleycollectables Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

Veronica Lind, CEO A COVID curiosity - more men were setting up their own businesses during the pandemic. That got me digging for numbers. I wanted to see if there were marked differences between a businessman and a business woman. Two things stood out. Women entrepreneurs are open to asking for help. They see it as a strength. Men, however, are more reluctant. They’d rather get lost than ask for directions. So when Israel Smith started his Well-Being and Emotional Resilience Coach for Men in Business, my first question to him was “How do you get men to open up and come to you in the first place?” Israel’s story of getting help when he finally recognised “I’m not coping” is a very powerful one. Secondly, men start their own companies in order to “be their own boss”. Women generally do so with the goal of integrating work and family. However, I am seeing more young men placing family and work-life-balance as priorities. Read about Sean Byfield who became his own boss and cleverly leveraged the big muscles of Oxbridge. I have met entrepreneurs who are multipotentialites with many interests and creative pursuits. They found a way to combine all these aspects to present new ideas, products and services to the world, and make a difference. Mark Ennor is an example of a multipotentialite. Read about his journey in starting BookItDoIt. I was one of those kids who didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be everything and still do! I was thrilled to be introduced to Emilie Wapnick and after listening to her TED Talk about multipotentialites , I’m so proud to just be me! Perhaps that’s one reason why I wanted the Brilliant-Online Magazine to be interactive, making Harry Potter’s Daily Prophet a reality. I have done just about everything in my career, so why not bring in a bit of magic to the digital world? Enjoy Brilliant and write to me at editor@brilliant-online.com Veronica Lind CEO Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. We specialise in interactive advertorials that let your brand sparkle and help you sell without selling. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here .

The Ontario Lockdown – the End of an Era? Ontarians reflect on life after a 14-month lockdown Ontarians are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as the province unveiled its reopening plan to start this month. This has got many people starting to remember what their lives were like pre-pandemic, and in many cases wondering if they ever will be able to go back to things how they used to. But as it doesn’t seem that there will be a hard reset back to February 2020, it looks like they won’t have to! Parts of Ontario have been under one of the world’s longest lockdowns, becoming a joke of sorts on multiple social media platforms. And after over a year of social and physical restrictions, many are taking stock of the last year, how things have changed for them and what changes they expect to make once they are set loose in the “real world” (vs the “reel world” of zoom meetings). The impact of the pandemic has been different on women and men, as a study by the Cleveland Clinic shows. According to the research, 77 percent of men report their stress level has increased as a result of COVID-19, 59% of men have felt isolated during the pandemic and nearly half (45%) of men say their emotional/mental health has worsened during the pandemic. Three-in-five men (59%) feel COVID-19 has had a greater negative impact on their mental health than the 2008 recession. Brilliant-Online spoke to two men in Ontario and asked them for a self-assessment of the impact COVID-19 has had on their mental health, the changes they’re planning to keep and the ones to ditch once the province opens up again. Darren Bardsley, Senior Graphic Designer When the stay-at-home order was issued, Darren had to juggle work, housework, AND the online schooling of his two young children alone for a large part of the day, while his partner, an essential worker, had to go into work. And you guessed it, “Yes, most definitely, my stress levels have increased significantly. I feel more tired physically and mentally, and less motivated. Despite this, I have not started drinking, smoking or doing drugs to manage my stress which I am happy about.” “A source of much frustration is having to work from home because the schools have been shut. All other activities are relatively unaffected.” But what were the counter measures he took (it has after all, as stated earlier, been 14 months!). “I am trying to go to bed earlier, to get better sleep and I take high doses of vitamins B12 and vitamin C and D. I have also made sure to make time for my hobbies, such as reading and playing the guitar, as they help with stress relief.” And there are positives to take away from this ordeal. “I think I have become more aware of my stress levels and how to manage that stress in a healthy way. I also find myself being more comfortable talking to friends and family about how I'm feeling. I think it is really important to communicate.” Arsalan Rashid, AVP, Capital Markets Operations Having just made a major career move in March 2020, the shift to work from home two weeks into a new job was yet another significant change for Arsalan. “The biggest change has been a by-product of working from home,” he reflects. “I was spending 2 hours a day on commute which I do not have to now, and that has brought a lot more flexibility to my morning and evenings.” The lockdown lifestyle has been a mixed bag of emotions for Arsalan. “On one hand I am spending a lot more time with my kids, family and completing the long pending house projects. On the other hand, working remotely has some inherent downsides like the inability to build social capital through casual encounters, not being able to crowd around a computer to solve an issue and most importantly not having a mental separation between work and personal time. All of this adds to the daily anxiety.” “Physically, the detrimental impact from the lack of passive movement that came from going to the office and the additional time spent sitting in front of the computer was quite immediate to notice. I have made it a point to add a workout routine during my lunch hour. This is giving me a built-in break from the “office” chair physically and helps me recharge for the rest of the day. I also schedule an activity at the end of the workday to help mentally transition into “home mode”. So, what are the plans for when he starts going back into the office? “The additional time at home has done wonders in putting into perspective what is truly important to me, and what is not (some of my house projects were not nearly as dear to me as I had imagined them to be during the long working hours pre-COVID). I have loved being heavily involved in my children’s life over the last year and I aim to maintain this level of engagement. I have also noted the importance mid-day workout break in staying healthy and maintaining a high level of focus through out the day, this is also something I hope to make into a lifelong habit.” With 71% of the participants in the Cleveland Clinic study still optimistic about the future as the world continues to battle COVID-19, it looks like Darren and Arsalan are in good company as they join their peers in the outside world. Need help? Who you can call Linda Mitten provides counselling services - https://www.smoothsailingcounselling.com.au/ Israel Smith, well being and resilience coach - https://israelsmith.com/brilliant/ Uzma Fatmi Hasan, life coach - https://www.brilliant-online.com/post/win-at-life-with-a-coach-in-your-corner-uzma-fatmi-hasan-authentic-vision Munir Hasan, executive coach - https://www.brilliant-online.com/post/munir-hasan-shares-his-tips-on-successful-life-work-integration Lifeline - https://www.brilliant-online.com/post/conversations-with-kelly-and-lisa-from-lifeline-mid-coast Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.

See Australia with New Eyes With restrictions still in place on international travel, people are starting to look inwards at other opportunities for travelling. Australia beckons with its vast lands rich with possibilities for exploration, adventures or simply to relax. It has been a taxing time on everyone all over the world because of the pandemic, and with the situation easing up in different parts of the world, the human spirit that has been cooped up for so long, yearns and needs to stretch its legs, free its mind and breathe again. Read our article: The Future of Air Travel . People's eyes are hungry to see something new and expand their sights. Robyn is ready to help people move beyond their backyard to explore Australia Robyn Flanagan is the owner of Wauchope Travel and has been helping locals and visitors make every travel experience a rich and satisfying one for more than 25 years. She has been sending people places and their joy of experiencing something new and different has been her driving force in her profession all this time. The pandemic has left its heavy mark on Robyn and many others in her industry. There is light appearing on the horizon again and Robyn is eager to get the travel bug biting and helping people experience travelling in a way they never have before. Now, being able to move from one’s home to beyond and see a different town, city and hopefully soon to other countries, is a huge luxury and definitely not to be taken for granted. Travelling now feels wonderfully freeing, delicious and exciting. And Robyn is all ready to help people move beyond their backyard to explore Australia. Supporting Australia Many are now looking right into Australia for their holidays and the truth is there are so many beautiful places to see on Australia's Bucket List. Some may have had plans way back to fly over to the other side of the globe or maybe even visit family living abroad. The reality right now is Australia needs a boost. The hospitality industry has taken a beating with COVID-19 forcing so many doors to close or reduce business. Now that it is safer to travel, this industry needs an injection of economic support. Why Australia? There are actually lots of upsides to travelling within Australia. No worries about losing one’s passport. You can travel free and easy and not worry about keeping your passport safe, or ensuring you have enough evidence on you to prove your identity, and definitely no messing around with visas and hair-tearing bureaucratic applications that take weeks to process. No fuss with currency exchange. You do not have to find the best rates at a money exchange or worry about where to keep your cash and you do not have to desperately pretend to ponder over prices when you are actually struggling to work out the currency conversion in your head before you decide if the price that is in a 4-digit number is insanely expensive or a decent price. No barriers when it comes to communicating. You get to meet new people and see new places without struggling to decipher strange characters or symbols or dread having to do the point-and-order tactic when ordering a Happy Meal at McDonald's. No confusion about culture shock or wondering if an innocuous gesture on your part is going to offend someone. In one's own country, one can really sit back and relax, or kick back, if you are even more adamant on absolutely making the most of a chill time. There is a safe familiarity and at the same time, one can gain new experiences and feast on new sights, flavours and smells. Australia is interesting. The people who live in Australia come from somewhere which makes it interesting to hear their stories. From desert, sea, beaches, mountains, cities to farms, tropics to snow, you get to experience it all. You can do it on a budget, backpacking across Australia, camp under the stars on the glam way and be spoiled in total luxury. Let’s look at its wow factor. Australia’s Wow Factor As the saying goes, the grass is not greener on the other side, it is greener where you water it. And Australia right now is lush with opportunities and so much to do! For free spirited people who just need to be outdoors to experience the vastness of the land, glamping in the outback is an exciting option. Camping made glamorous is a happy medium for those who want to experience being in nature and not have to give up on creature comforts either. Many love cruising the Kimberly wilderness and soaking up the gorges, waterfalls and swimming holes and just the smell of clean, fresh water in the air can help to rejuvenate one's spirit. For the romantics and those who swing more towards the classics, experiencing the iconic train journeys is an elegant way to traverse the huge spaces of Australia. Agatha Christie had her Orient Express, and Australia has its Indian Pacific and the Ghan. These rail travels are a unique treasure of Australia, and they allow people to enjoy the rich tapestry of Australia’s landscapes. With highly trained staff and excellent amenities, these iconic trains traverse the outback of Australia and take visitors to out of the way towns and attractions. Ultimately, the train journey is the protagonist here - this is where people meet fellow travellers who come with their own unique backpack of stories, life experiences and travel memories they share and allow to unfold in the intimacy of a train journey. Some are thinking about having that dip over winter, in which case, the Queensland islands are the place to be. There is also the upmarket Hayman Island, the recently renovated Daydream and ever popular Hamilton Island (direct flights available) all waiting to be explored. There is a range of activities to do so there will be something to cater to everyone, be it swimming, sailing, snorkeling, or simply catching up on your year's worth of reading over a cocktail. In our current climate, to be able to feel the sun on our skin and to dip ourselves into warm water, that is a royal treat after being house-bound last year. Norfolk and Lord Howe also delight visitors with their individual characteristics and holiday activities. Norfolk is undergoing its own unique metamorphosis and it is wonderful to see the old world charm and ways before they completely disappear. Lord Howe is devilishly popular and visitors need to book well ahead for this gem of an island. Walkers and bird lovers are ecstatic about this place. This is a real treat everyone should experience once in their lifetime. Travel as we know it is changing. With more people being vaccinated daily, we are looking at a new way forward and possibilities are opening up. Australia has been waiting patiently through all this time and it is more than ready to reward those who choose to get to know it better. Are you ready to discover Australia? Contact: t: 20 6585 2288 wauchopetravel.com.au info@wauchopetravel.com.au Shop 1, 31 High Street, WAUCHOPE, NSW 2446, Australia Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here .

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

Beverly McCulloch, Yoga Health Coach & Therapist, Healing Heart Yoga I’m Beverly McCulloch, the founder of Healing Heart Yoga , a Yoga centre based in Taree. My life is teaching, sharing and embracing the ancient teachings and wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda, both thousands of years old and now being validated by modern science as some of the most effective ways to regain our full health and wellness. I have a clear life purpose – in yoga we refer to it as dharma . Supporting and guiding motivated people on their journey to reduce stress, live a life in alignment with rhythm of the days and seasons as well as their values and form a long-lasting healthy relationship with food for easeful and graceful living and aging. Body. Mind. Spirit. I’m a Certified Yoga Health Coach, Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist. My training is based in tradition with most of my study done in India, investing in my own wellness with a goal of being able to share the teachings to help others in their own healing. I’ve been teaching Yoga for over 13 years, have run teacher training, practice Yoga Therapy (personalised Yoga working on a multi-dimensional basis), I teach local Yoga classes and pre-COVID I was taking groups annually to India. My main focus now is an online program “Harvest Your Health: Change your habits, change your life” that introduces members to simple daily self-care and eating habits that help them regain their natural state of health and stay vibrant and healthy while realising their full human potential. I coach members on identifying their limiting habits and replacing them with ones that will support achieving their personal goals, whatever that may be for each individual. For members who are local, we have monthly face to face gatherings in my studio to maintain the connection and community of the group. It’s the group connection that truly empowers the women where they all support each other. After 18 months of running this program, the results speak for themselves. It’s not a quick fix – it’s a lifestyle for life long change. Whether it’s losing weight (and keeping it off), sleeping better, reducing anxiety, finding flow in your life – getting back the joy – it’s all there for us, we just need to have the skills to unearth it. I’m currently offering a special 6 month membership for the seasons of Winter and Spring this year as a taster for the full program of 12 months. Subject to many passing fads, that offer 30 day challenges (or less), it does take a lot longer to change habits. We repeat the daily routines every season – to adapt to the change in season and also to go deeper each time. It then becomes an automated habit. No more decision fatigue. It’s a truly transformative journey for everyone in the program. You take charge and responsibility of your own health, relationships so you can live your best life. Healing Heart Yoga Certified Yoga Health Coach IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist Certified & Registered Level 2 Yoga Teacher Yoga Australia Member No. 1811 0414 499 438 healingheartyoga.c http://healingheartyoga.com.au/ om.au facebook.com/HealingHeartYoga Instagram: @healingheartyoga Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here .

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

Voters will go to the polls in September 2021 to decide Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's elected representatives for the next four years. MAYOR Peta Pinson will lead a group ticket at the September local government elections. The group is the second to announce its intention to run at the local government elections with Lauren Edwards leading the charge for the Greens with Stuart Watson, Les Mitchell and Drusi Megget. Here are the candidates Danielle Maltman I have a background working with State and Federal Government Agencies as a community and industry representative and more recently, President of the Revive Lake Cathie volunteer community-driven initiative. I’m a wife, mother and currently work with my husband in his drafting business. Adam Roberts I represented the Port Macquarie-Hastings community from 2012-2016 as a Councillor and for a period as deputy mayor. I have owned and operated a number of small businesses in Port Macquarie over the last 15 years. I’m a husband, father and I currently consult the food sports industry through my own consulting business and General Manager of the Australasian Barbecue Alliance. Cr Sharon Griffiths I’m a long-term resident, mother of two daughters and recently a grandparent to two beautiful grandchildren. I bring a positive, cooperative and solutions focus as a councillor of the past nine years. I endeavour to support community and was more recently honoured with becoming a community ‘hidden treasure on the NSW Honour Roll. I have a depth of knowledge in finance and business and have worked in accountancy, education and as a small business owner over the last 30 years. Mayor Peta Pinson I have generational connections to Port Macquarie and have a strong background in small business. I’m a wife, mother and nanna to Jaxon and Spencer. I was elected as mayor in the 2017 mayoral by-election. In my four-year term so far, I have worked tirelessly for the community against a backdrop of drought, bushfires, a worldwide pandemic and more recently the major floods. My support for the community has not wavered in that time and I’m more excited than ever to be afforded another opportunity to lead the community in what can only be better times. Meet the candidates: Cr Sharon Griffiths, Mayor Peta Pinson, Adam Roberts and Danielle Maltman What is your vision and priorities for the Greater Port Macquarie-Hastings region? The focus of our team will be on making sure council is squarely focussed on expertly delivering its core services as a priority and to embark on an infrastructure, traffic management and broad-based beautification initiative that will enhance the quality of life for residents and the overall prosperity for the region. How will you achieve this? To achieve our plan for the region, we will ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to the critical areas of council operations and work with the Council CEO to ensure we have efficient, speedy and high-quality delivery of the priority projects. Why should we vote for you? We have committed to working efficiently and effectively with each other as a group. Our history and experience working for and on behalf of the community is well-proven and we are ready to lead from the front in aid of ensuring real outcomes, not excuses. What are your thoughts on Port Macquarie being declared a Regional City by 2036? Whilst we will (if elected) have seat at the discussion table on what the future looks like for our region, we would always keep in mind working with the State and Federal Government who have clearly identified our area as a future regional city. Our focus will be on ensuring our family-friendly and unique identity remains, whilst providing on the ground experience and advocacy on well-balancing infrastructure, traffic management, green space management, jobs and economic growth. Advertise with Brilliant-Online The purpose of Brilliant is to push for a better world in the digital era. Brilliant-Online is an empowering read for progressive individuals and dynamic businesses. - PERSPECTIVES of the world, environment and businesses. - LUXE, latest trends and products in fashion, motoring, grooming, watches, jewellery, design, technology, food and wine, property, architecture and interiors. - FACES, aspiring individuals. For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please contact us here.