✦ TG's Child Care have a superpower they want to share, and that is the power of Little MEG - Mindfulness, Empathy and Gratitude. Every day, TG's Child Care is cultivating Little Heroes, all with the help of a superpower called Little MEG. TG's children are highly appreciative of our real life superheroes like the paramedics and firemen! And guess what... Spiderman came by to visit! He's one well-loved superhero who has tons of empathy! M indfulness , E mpathy and G ratitude affectionately known as Little MEG at TG's, are deeply ingrained in the DNA of everyone in the TG's Family. These values are not just a way of life for the children and Educators, but they also have a positive influence on their families and communities. Whenever people step into TG's, they always notice what a joyful, loving space it is. That's the magic of Little MEG at play. Little MEG is essential in helping TG's children discover their Inner Zen, and there are plenty of enjoyable ways to incorporate it into their daily routines. As everyone at TG's often says, "Put Little MEG in your pocket!" Mindfulness, Empathy and Gratitude are powerful tools you can take with you wherever you go! *As you may recall from our Brilliant Stories, TG's Child Care also has another beloved MEG, Meg Barnden-Hyde, who is lovingly referred to as the Mother Hen of TG's! Meg Barnden-Hyde, State Manager TG's Child Care Meg herself is a walking example of how one can use mindfulness, empathy and gratitude in both her personal and professional life. As the State Manager looking after all six of TG's campuses, Meg uses these skills to help her fully expand her leadership role at TG's. For Meg, being a Mindful Leader means nurturing connections with her team based on love, respect, compassion and honesty. "By providing an environment where people feel welcomed, supported, trusted and respected, we then provide the right environment to nurture, guide and support others to reach their fullest potential. This has helped create a robust level of trust and respect, which is paramount in any business but especially important in early childhood education." "Within the business, we regard the TG’s Educators, the children we teach and their families as one big happy family and as a cornerstone of the community, something that we believe has contributed whole-heartedly to our excellent reputation." - Meg Barnden-Hyde, NSW State Manager, TG´s Child Care Why MEG? When children regularly practice mindfulness, empathy, and gratitude (MEG), they develop increased consideration and kindness. The practice of MEG helps children acquire the skills to understand and manage their own emotions, regulate their stress levels, and recognise when others are experiencing similar emotions. Additionally, children learn to value and respect diverse individuals and cultures, as well as appreciate the blessings provided by their surroundings. Today, TG's children are sharing their amazing superpower and offering suggestions on how we can all incorporate a little MEG into our lives. These tools are invaluable for promoting mental health, so let's explore some ideas from TG's children! Even adults can benefit from these tips, so why not give it a go, and unleash your own hidden superpowers? 1. Mindfulness : The Superpower Within Imagine a child sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, taking deep breaths. It's not just a dream; it's mindfulness in action! At TG's, children are not only familiar with this practice, but they also go home and share it with their families. Mindfulness helps children develop awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, fostering focus and emotional well-being. But how do TG's children acquire this superpower? TG's little heroes hard at work cultivating their superpower of mindfulness Right here, right now, I am safe and all is well. a) Practising Presence : TG's Educators promote activities that foster focused attention, such as painting or delicately transplanting seedlings in the garden. TG's children fully embrace the present moment, unburdened by distractions, and most importantly, they thoroughly enjoy themselves! Remember, there are lots of Play Experts at TG's where Playing is Learning for Life! b) Mindful Breathing : TG's children are taught the importance of taking slow, deep breaths when they experience intense emotions. This simple yet impactful technique enables them to find inner peace even in the midst of chaos. TG's children are introduced to various engaging breathing exercises that resonate with them, such as blowing bubbles, tracing their five fingers, practicing bunny breaths, and unleashing their inner dragon with fire breaths. By equipping children with these uncomplicated techniques, we empower them to regain control and calmness when they are feeling upset. 2. Empathy : The Heartfelt Connection Empathy is a powerful tool that allows children to comprehend, empathise, and forge connections with the emotions of others. It cultivates qualities such as kindness, compassion, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. At TG's, the essence of love, care, and respect permeates every playspace. Both educators and children at TG's embrace and embody nurturing, kind, and loving behaviour. As a result, children who experience this environment at TG's carry these values back to their families and communities, naturally spreading empathy to others. Empathy has a beautiful domino effect. When we receive it from someone, we benefit from this healing power and we naturally want to pay it forward to someone else. When we receive empathy, we feel heard, understood and accepted. What a powerful loving gift to give to someone! Cultivating beautiful relationships at TG's Child Care a) Storytelling : TG's children absolutely love stories, and TG's dedicated Educators are always ready to read with them books that promote diversity, compassion, and empathy. As TG's children engage in these captivating tales and thrilling adventures, they develop the ability to empathise with others and wholeheartedly embrace their distinct journeys. At TG's everyone's unique learning journey is respected, and everyone's gifts are celebrated. b) Role-Playing : TG's Educators also promote children's participation in role-playing scenarios, allowing them to imagine themselves as someone else. TG's playspaces offer numerous opportunities for such activities. One day they can pretend to be a veterinarian, taking care of all the sick animals in the room, and the next day, they can become treasure hunters in the garden, embarking on thrilling adventures. This playful engagement aids in the development of TG's children's empathy and their ability to comprehend others' perspectives and emotions. Seeing all points of view when running a business! Let's be kind! 3. Gratitude : An Attitude of Gratitude Gratitude is akin to sunshine for the soul, radiating warmth and cultivating positivity. When we teach children gratitude, it not only brings them joy and happiness, but also nurtures their ability to appreciate the small wonders of life. With that in mind, how does TG's sow the seeds of gratitude in children? a) Gratitude Journal : Very young children can express their gratitude by drawing or sharing verbally the things they are thankful for. You can try this activity with your family, friends, and children. Encourage them to think of three things they are grateful for. By emphasising the positive aspects, they will cultivate an attitude of gratitude. TG's Educators understand the importance of active listening and are always ready to engage in conversations with children about their sources of happiness and well-being. Why not have a go right now? Think of three things you are grateful for today. Share it with us here! I'm growing strong and healthy! I love being with my friend! What a beautiful place the Hervey Bay Botanical Gardens is! b) Thank You Notes : At TG's, the children are familiar with the concept of a Gift Tree. It is a place where they can leave notes expressing their appreciation for the Educators. These notes are highly valued, and the Educators find them heartwarming to receive and read. Make someone smile everyday! You can also create your own Gift Tree at home! Encourage your child to draw pictures and write thank-you notes, or they can pick a flower to show their appreciation to family, friends, teachers, or even someone in the community whose service they appreciate, such as the local grocer, fireman, nurse, etc. This simple act of gratitude helps teach children the importance of recognising and acknowledging kindness. Who would you write a thank you note to today? As Educators, parents, and caregivers, we have the honour and duty to provide our children with the necessary life skills to navigate the world with grace and resilience. By incorporating mindfulness, empathy, and gratitude into their daily lives, we not only support their emotional well-being but also guide them towards becoming compassionate, grateful individuals, and empathetic future leaders of our world. The next time you go for a nature walk, why not try practicing a Little MEG? TG's Urangan offers fortnightly beach and bush kindys that both children and educators eagerly anticipate. These regular beach and bush kindys provide numerous opportunities for children to experience mindfulness by smelling the fresh grass or noticing the ticklish feeling of water lapping on their feet. They also encourage empathy towards a sick turtle they may encounter on the beach and gratitude for the beauty of nature and the companionship of their friends and educators. The sick turtle is sad and maybe a bit scared. Let's stay quietly with it. TG's is embarking on a wonderful adventure with families, guiding little heroes towards a life of mindfulness, empathy, and gratitude. It's a journey filled with the joy of learning and empowering our little heroes to make a positive impact in the world. Let's encourage them to shine brightly and make a difference! Are you ready to be a superhero and use your new Little MEG superpowers? 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 .

✦ It’s that time of the year to don your best green outfit, head to the pub for a nice cold pint of the black stuff and attempt your best efforts at an Irish accent as St Patrick’s Day once again rolls around! St Patrick’s Day is one of the most celebrated and popular dates on the calendar all around the world on March 17. Over the years it has gained in popularity and nowadays has a significant following, celebrated by extensive parades in cities all across the United States, as well as themed events all the way from Dublin to Tokyo, London to Sydney and Egypt to Rio! However, it may come as a bit of a surprise to learn that Ireland’s patron saint, who lived during the fifth century, was not in fact Irish nor was he originally called Patrick. He was actually born as Maewyn Succat in Roman Britain and was thus effectively a Roman citizen, later changing his name to Patricius (or Patrick), which derives from the Latin term for “father figure”. Painting illustration of St. Patrick, patron Saint of Ireland At the age of 16 he was captured by Irish raiders and sent as a slave to present-day Northern Ireland where he became a shepherd. A strong believer in the Christian faith during these challenging times, he eventually escaped or was released (the exact facts are unknown) before becoming a priest and going on to spread the religion throughout Ireland through baptism and confirmation. However, it took 12 centuries until the Church established a Feast Day in 1631 honouring St Patrick, and it wasn’t until the 18th century that many of the traditional celebrations we witness today came into effect. The first St Patrick’s Day parade took place in New York City in 1762 (14 years before the US was an independent country!) and it wasn’t until the Irish Rebellion in 1798 that the colour green was officially associated with the day. Given how we associate St Patrick’s Day with celebrations, pubs and beer, it will no doubt come as a surprise to learn that, until the late 20th century, there was a law in place that prevented establishments opening on the day, including pubs and bars! This was repealed by the Irish eventually, meaning raucous celebrations could be enjoyed in public houses after all. St Patrick’s Day celebrations regularly involve pubs, beer and lots of cheer! These days St Patrick’s Day is a truly global phenomena. As previously alluded to, there are a series of huge parades in many of the USA’s major cities, especially New York, Boston and Chicago, which have collectively embraced millions of Irish immigrants over the years. In the latter, over half a million people gather at the edges of the Chicago River where the water is turned green with a special dye, before embarking on a lengthy parade through the streets of the Windy City. The Big Apple embraces the green theme on an even grander scale with over 2 million revellers joining the parade from Fifth Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street, while the world-famous Empire State Building is lit green. Whereas pubs and bars all across Australia honour the day, the biggest celebrations are seen in Sydney Harbour where the famed Opera House is lit green for the occasion and the many historical bars and pubs in the popular Rocks area all stage parties, with bbqs and games for the children. Sydney Harbour fully embraces St Patrick's Day celebrations every year Munich closes down the usually bustling Leopoldstrasse in the heart of the city to make way for an array of green coloured floats and performers, while the up-market shopping district of Omotesando in central Tokyo hosts a huge parade and the nearby Yoyogi Park hosts an “I Love Ireland” festival, with stalls, live entertainment and, of course, beer! Representing Latin America is the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, which truly comes alive on March 17 with a huge parade and outdoor festival – not surprising given the city is home to one of the largest Irish populations in the world (which in itself will be a surprise to many!) March 17 sees huge parades and outdoor festivals all over the world Last but not least, and maintaining consistency with the surprises, is the Caribbean island of Montserrat, fondly known as “the other Emerald Isle”. In the 17th century an Irish Catholic settlement was formed, laying down deep cultural roots that are still very much prevalent today. In fact, it is the only other place outside of Ireland itself where the day is designated as an official public holiday, and where a staggering 10-day festival honours the occasion (while also commemorating the country’s first slave rebellion). Wherever you are and however you celebrate this St Patrick’s Day, may the luck of the Irish be with you and a great time had by all! Check out this recipe Discover the Magic of Digital PR with Brilliant-Online Welcome to Brilliant-Online, where your stories take centre stage and your brand shines in the spotlight! We’ve transformed into a cutting-edge digital PR powerhouse, designed to help businesses like yours amplify your message and captivate audiences across the globe. Here’s what makes Brilliant-Online extraordinary: ✨ Storytelling that Sells: Share your business journey with the world through authentic, creative narratives that inspire trust and build connections. ✨ Tailored Digital PR Strategies: We craft campaigns that resonate with your audience and generate buzz where it matters most. ✨ Maximum Exposure: Tap into a network of blogs, social media, email campaigns, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ The 2026 Year of the Fire Horse (Feb 17, 2026 – Feb 5, 2027) promises a, intense, fast-paced, and transformative period defined by "double fire" energy . Adapted from David Jones . The Fire Horse is expected to bring significant, bold, and rapid changes globally and personally, fostering innovation in technology and energy sectors. While highly energetic, it may increase volatility, impulsiveness, and conflict, demanding, balanced, and strategic, action.  Fire Horse Key Themes and Predictions for 2026: Global Impact: The year is associated with high-speed, dynamic energy that could see major shifts in AI, technology, and the economy. It is predicted to be a year of great innovation but also potential instability and high-energy events. Personality and Socialising: Passion, romance, and strong emotions, are heightened. People may feel more confident and independent, but also more impulsive and volatile. Industries to Watch: Sectors related to fire—such as technology, energy, AI, media, and culture—are likely to experience significant growth and acceleration. Challenges: The high amount of fire can lead to burnouts intense tempers and conflict. It is important to maintain balance and not rush into decisions. Advice and Remedies: Balance Energy: If you feel the year is too intense, incorporate calming elements like earth tones (browns), water elements (black, navy blue), or white. Self-Care: Prioritise rest, mindfulness and steady routines to manage the fast pace and avoid burnout. Stay Grounded: The fast-paced nature of the year requires careful planning and avoiding impulsive actions.  Recommendations for Specific Signs: Dragons: Excellent for career, with opportunities for advancement and growth. Dogs: A good year for strengthening foundations and taking bold action. Monkeys: Expect a relatively stable and balanced year, with potential for improved personal relationships. Pigs: Focus on letting go of control and managing finances wisely.  ❋ The Port Macquarie community gathered to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, welcoming its energy, prosperity, courage and abundance at our Lunar New Year Dinner on Saturday, 28 February 2026. 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, 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 .

✦ Almost 50 members of the Port Macquarie community gathered on Saturday, 28 February 2026 — the 12th day of the Lunar New Year, to celebrate the arrival of the 2026 Year of the Fire Horse. The evening was a vibrant celebration of prosperity, courage, energy and abundance — the defining qualities of the Fire Horse year. A Fire Horse Year: Bold Energy and Forward Momentum The Horse symbolises strength, independence and progress. When combined with the Fire element, 2026 is predicted to favour bold decision-makers, innovators and those ready to act with confidence. Fire Horse years are traditionally associated with: Fast momentum and decisive change Entrepreneurial breakthroughs Courageous leadership Personal growth and reinvention Big ideas taking flight It was the perfect theme for a community dinner centred around optimism and forward movement. Read our full 2026 Fire Horse predictions here : brilliant-online.com/post/2026-fire-horse-predictions A Fun Start: The Chopstick Peanut Challenge The evening kicked off with laughter and friendly competition. Every guest participated in a 30-second chopstick challenge, attempting to pick up as many peanuts as possible and transfer them into a bowl. Each table counted their results and announced their table champion. The grand prize winner, who took home an unforgettable experience, was Jean Heng , who picked up an impressive 38 peanuts . Jean won a scenic flight around Port Macquarie in a Diamond Aircraft, generously sponsored by the Australian International Aviation College (AIAC) . Australian International Aviation College (AIAC) Diamond Aircraft About AIAC The Australian International Aviation College (AIAC) is a leading aviation training institution based in Port Macquarie, offering pilot training programs for both domestic and international students. Equipped with modern Diamond Aircraft and professional aviation instructors, AIAC prepares future pilots with world-class training standards while contributing strongly to the local aviation and education community. We extend our sincere thanks to AIAC for their generosity and support of this community event. Top table prize winners included: Jane Mellor Henry Williams Adrian Quach A Traditional Cantonese Banquet to Welcome Prosperity Guests then enjoyed a specially curated Lunar New Year banquet prepared by the Cantonese chefs of 27 Palace . Many thanks to Ruby Liao who co-ordinated with the chefs to curate this menu. 🧧 Fire Horse Lunar New Year Banquet Menu 🐟 年年有余 — Abundance Every Year Steamed Barramundi with Ginger and Spring Onion 🦆 鸿运当头 — Great Fortune Arrives Crispy Cantonese-Style Deep-Fried Duck 🍚 满堂金银 — A Hall Filled with Gold and Silver Egg Fried Rice with Dried Scallops 🥒 清爽平安 — Freshness and Peace Fresh Cucumbers with Garlic and Chilli 🦐 富贵满堂 — Prosperity Fills the House Soy Sauce Fried Shell-On King Prawns 🥬 步步高升 — Rising Higher with Every Step Stir-Fried Kai Lan with Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce 🍗 金翼纳福 — Golden Wings Bring Blessings Cantonese-Style BBQ Chicken Wings 🫛 财源滚滚 — Wealth Flows Abundantly Fried Green Beans with Pork Mince 🐟 吉祥如意 — Auspicious Fortune and Harmony Sliced Fish with Pickled Mustard Greens 🥟 招财进宝 — Welcoming Wealth and Treasure Steamed Dim Sim 🍗 福泽绵长 — Blessings That Endure Steamed Chicken with Winter Mushrooms & Lotus Leaves 🥬 五福临门 — Five Blessings Arrive at Your Door Buddha’s Delight (Vegetarian Medley of Wood Ear, Dutch Beans, Water Chestnuts, Carrots, and Corn) The dishes symbolised abundance, harmony, prosperity and forward progress, perfectly aligned with the spirit of the Fire Horse. At one joyful moment, the entire room stood together and loudly wished one another: GONG XI FA CAI! The meals were generous, the atmosphere was lively, and the evening was filled with connection, laughter and celebration. Each guest went home with a traditional red packet containing a gold chocolate coin — a sweet symbol of wealth and good fortune for the year ahead. What’s Next: Aviation Expo If the Fire Horse represents bold movement and big dreams, our next community event certainly fits the theme. Mark your calendar for the upcoming Aviation Expo , where you can explore aviation training pathways, meet industry professionals and learn more about opportunities in the aviation sector — including insights from AIAC , the Hastings District Flying Club and other aviation leaders. More details coming soon. Proudly Brought to You by Vermilion Pinstripes and Brilliant-Online This Lunar New Year Dinner was proudly organised by Vermilion Pinstripes and Brilliant-Online . Vermilion Pinstripes builds modern marketing growth engines that help businesses scale with clarity and confidence. Brilliant-Online is our community storytelling platform, sharing the people, events and initiatives shaping Port Macquarie and beyond. Because great communities grow when we connect, celebrate and build together. ❋ 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, 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 .

✦ For decades, dual citizenship has felt like a privilege. Two passports. Two homes. Two identities. But in 2026, many Australians are discovering that holding two citizenships also means navigating two sets of travel rules, and increasingly complex digital entry systems. Recent headlines have focused on travel to the UK. However, the broader issue is not about one country. It is about a global shift in how governments manage borders, identity verification, and digital travel authorisations. Many Australians are discovering that holding two citizenships also means navigating two sets of travel rules (Photo: Wix) Here is what this means more generally for Australians with dual citizenship. Your Passport Choice Now Matters More Than Ever If you hold Australian citizenship and another nationality, the passport you use can significantly affect: Visa requirements Eligibility for digital travel authorisations (ETAs, eVisas, etc.) Entry and exit rules Length of stay Consular protection rights Many countries require you to enter and leave using their passport if you are a citizen of that country. Others may treat you differently depending on which passport you present. In practical terms, that means dual citizens must: Understand which passport is legally required for entry Ensure both passports are valid Check entry rules before every trip, even if you have travelled before What worked two years ago may no longer apply. Your Passport Choice Now Matters More Than Ever (Photo: Museums Victoria, Unsplash) Digital Travel Authorisations Are Expanding Globally Around the world, governments are moving toward pre-travel digital screening systems. These include: Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) eVisas Advance Passenger Information requirements Automated border checks These systems are not traditional visas. They are digital permissions linked to a specific passport. This creates confusion for dual citizens because: You may not need an ETA with one passport but may require one with another. You may be ineligible to apply for an ETA if you are already considered a citizen. You may need to travel on a specific passport to avoid delays. Airlines will not let you board if the documentation does not match the destination country’s requirements. Renewals Are Becoming a Pressure Point One emerging challenge is passport renewal timing. If you rely on a foreign passport to enter a country where you hold citizenship, and that passport expires or is delayed in renewal, you may find yourself: Unable to apply for certain digital travel schemes Ineligible to travel on your Australian passport alone Facing extended processing times Dual citizenship adds flexibility, but it also doubles the administrative responsibility. Identity Matching and Border Technology Modern border systems increasingly use biometric data and automated identity checks. If your travel history shows entry under one passport and exit under another, or if your records do not align, this can trigger: Delays Secondary questioning Boarding complications This does not mean dual citizenship is a problem. It means consistency and clarity matter more than before. Dual citizenship adds flexibility, but it also doubles the administrative responsibility . Photo: Hoi An and Da Nang Photographer, Unsplash The Emotional Layer: Identity Meets Regulation For many Australians, dual citizenship is deeply personal. It reflects family heritage , migration stories, and generational ties. The new travel environment can feel confronting because: It challenges assumptions about ease of movement It forces people to make technical decisions about identity It highlights that citizenship is both emotional and administrative The world is not closing its doors. It is formalising them. What Dual Citizens Should Do Now Rather than react to headlines, Australians with dual citizenship can take a proactive approach: ✔ Check passport validity well in advance of travel ✔ Confirm entry rules using official government sources before booking ✔ Understand which passport you are legally required to use for entry and exit ✔ Keep documentation consistent across bookings and airline records ✔ Allow extra processing time during transitional policy periods Travel remains possible. It simply requires more precision. A Broader Shift in Global Mobility The key insight is this: This is not about one country introducing new rules. It is part of a broader global trend toward digitised border control and pre-clearance systems. Dual citizenship remains a powerful asset. But in the digital era, it also requires informed navigation. For Australians who hold two passports, the message is not alarm — it is awareness. The freedom to move between nations still exists. It just comes with more structure than before. ❋ 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, 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 .

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of a month of dawn to dusk fasting of Ramadan. The lead up to the celebration is looked forward to by Muslims around the world as they decorate their houses, prepare their outfits and of course, plan their menus! It goes without saying that a lot of the festive food is not usually light on the stomach, with deep frying being a prominent recipe step, and the generosity of the holiday also extending to the amount of sugar poured into desserts. But that’s not to say it’s impossible to have a healthy Eid! Below are 2 recipes to give you that satisfying flavourful meal, and to end the day with something warm and comforting as you relive the fun events of the day. Chicken Seekh Kebab Chicken Seekh Kebab Tender, juicy, tasty, and doesn’t weigh you down! These kebabs are very moreish, so make sure you make extra! Ingredients: ½ kg. finely ground mince chicken ½ tsp salt (or according to taste) 1 tsp chili powder 2 small onion – finely chopped 1/3 cup breadcrumbs 1 tbsp chickpea (besan) flour 4 green chillies, finely chopped 1 bunch fresh coriander, finely chopped ½ tsp garam masala 1 egg, beaten 1 tbs lemon juice ½ tsp ginger paste For serving: naan, chutney, raita, sliced onions Method: If using bamboo skewers, soak in water Mix all spices/ingredients together (except chicken) Add the mix to the minced chicken. Mix well, cover and leave in fridge to marinate for 3-4 hours. It’s time to make the seekh kebab! Take a small ball of the mince, and pressing it around a skewer to form a long sausage shape (around 4 inches in length) Bake in 200C/390F preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until done Serve with naan, sliced onion, coriander chutney and raita (a yoghurt dip)! Tip: these can also be pan fried, cooked in an airfryer, or are also perfect for your next barbeque! Haldi Doodh / Turmeric Latte Haldi Doodh / Turmeric Latte Not just good for your Instagram page, Haldi Doodh (literally: turmeric milk), is proof that good things come in small packages. This lightly sweetened, comforting and all around good-for-you beverage is perfect to help you recover from a day (or two) of feasting, and is jam packed with ingredients to help boost your immune system! Ingredients: ½ tsp grated fresh turmeric OR ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric ¼ tsp ground cardamom 1/8 tsp ground black pepper ¼ tsp grated fresh ginger OR 1/8 tsp ground ginger 1/8 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp honey (or to taste) 1 cup milk of your choice Method: Heat milk in saucepan over medium heat until warm (not boiling!) While milk is heating, mix all your spices in a small bowl Add the spice mix to the warmed milk, whisking to break up clumps Lower heat and let the flavours meld and intensify, around 5-10 minutes. This is also a great time to change into your pjs and pick out a book or tv show to unwind with! Strain milk into your favourite mug. Sweeten with honey to your liking. Get comfy and enjoy! These recipes are contributed by our Marketing Technologist, Mehreen Hasan 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, 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 .

✦ Leadership is about growing together, using TG’s foundation stones of building relationships, understanding our gifts and encouraging collective thinking. TG's Foundation Stones are practised at work, within the communities and even at home. It has become a way of life where Love, Trust, Respect, Compassion and FUN shine through TG's Educators, Children and their Families. This is Playing It Forward and TG's Educators have the responsibility of leading the children towards a bright future. A child's learning journey is where Playing is Learning for Life. And the same applies to the Educators too. They also grow when given the same nurturing conditions as the children. Belonging to a team that cares "We spend the majority of our week at work, so it is important that we all feel trust and love while having fun playing! Trust can only happen when there is respect and team work. My goal is to create an environment that is like a second home to our children, families and Educators", said Linda Hutchison, Centre Manager for TG's at High St, Wauchope. She further explained, "During my time in a leadership role at TG's Child Care I have learnt that leadership is about collaboration and inspiring others to do their best. That there are two ways to listen. There is hearing the spoken words, and there is active listening which shows my team that I actually care." Nik Frost, Centre Manager at TG's Armidale Nikala (Nik) Frost, Centre Manager for TG's Armidale can't agree more. "I thrive on providing a positive, fun and supportive environment here at TG’s Armidale for my educators. To be able to excel in any job, you need to feel trusted and respected. I love that I have been given the opportunity to continue to share my positive leadership skills with my team and continue to grow their knowledge and their leadership skills. Every day has its challenges, by having such a strong and supportive team, like I have, really helps to overcome these challenges as a team. We lean on each other and really come together as a whole team when it is needed, with everyone giving the right amount of support." Check out TG's Child Care at Armidale For Toni-Lee Paine, Centre Manager for TG's at Hastings St, Wauchope, "TG's is a place where the children and families feel a sense of belonging, where they feel safe and have the opportunity to grow and reach their fullest potential. My goal for the centre is for it to be an environment full of Love, Trust, Respect, Compassion and FUN!" Check out TG's Child Care at Hastings St, Wauchope "The management structure at TG’s promotes positive, supportive relationships with everyone paddling the canoe together. That's how team work happens. The goals that I have for my centre at Riverbreeze is to create an inclusive, supportive environment for Educators, families and the extended community. I want to build a cohesive team that advocates for all children, living by TG’s core values of love, trust, respect, compassion and fun. I live and breathe the TG’s Way every day, building relationships with the Educators, children and families, playing and learning for life.", said Faye O'Neill, Centre Manager for TG's at Riverbreeze, Wauchope. Check out TG's Child Care at Riverbreeze, Wauchope Linda Hutchison, Toni-Lee Paine and Faye O'Neill. Photo: Lucy Humphries Why should anyone join TG’s as an Educator or ECT? Toni-Lee knows well why she has made the best decision ever in joining TG's, but she thought she'd get right to the heart of TG's and ask her team of Educators at TG's Hastings Street why they love working for TG's! “We support one another.” “We work together as a team.” “We feel respected as Educators.” “We come to work and have fun!” “We get to play a part in the development of the children, watching them grow and learn new skills. It is rewarding to know that we have contributed to the development of each child.” And we think their answers speak for themselves! Gracie Reeves, Centre Manager TG's Urangan, QLD Gracie Reeves, Centre Manager at TG's Urangan, QLD adds that Educators are acknowledged and recognised for all their continuous hard work and dedication. TG’s provides amazing support in all areas and are always looking for ways to help Educators improve their skills and knowledge. At TG's, anything is possible if you want it enough. You can start as a trainee and if being a centre manager is in your career plans, you'll get the support and training to do that. Check out TG's Child Care at Urangan Queensland At TG's Uralla, it’s all about the perspective that you see situations in. It’s not about the obstacles in the way it’s about how you respond to them and view them. It’s about focusing on what you can do to move forward and the opportunities you can create and the ones that are in your circle. It’s your perspective that builds you up or tears you down. Check out TG's Child Care at Uralla Women leaders who help others to shine just as brilliantly At TG's, there isn't just one 'leader'. Leadership is for everyone and all the Educators are encouraged to grow with TG's. Educators support and motivate each other. They paddle the canoe together and have got each other's backs. Those who are highly experienced in leadership are firmly dedicated and committed to lifting others up. Check out Careers at TG's Child Care Meg Barnden-Hyde Meg Barnden-Hyde, Outstanding Leader of the Year Meg Barnden-Hyde is the Mother Hen who is leading by example, and her win last year for Outstanding Business Leader is a deserving recognition of an amazing leader. She is, in turn, nurturing her team to boost their skills a step further, take on responsibilities and develop their career in Early Childhood Education. Passionate about mentoring As manager, Meg does a lot of mentoring, supporting and guiding and it's something she's passionate about. It's a special gift to be able to witness how her team members are growing and developing into beautiful Educators. What is most rewarding for her is to see a shift in their mindset and see them develop a sense of pride in what they are contributing to the children's learning journeys. Every one of them is making an impact on the children and their future. Nik appreciates her mentors. "I was lucky enough to have amazing mentors. The owner of TG’s Child Care; Gayle, NSW Manager and Meg. Both have taught me life long skills, which I am now sharing and guiding with more of our TG’s educators here in TG’s Armidale. My goal for 2023, is to continue building my team up and providing them with the right amount of training and guidance to further their leadership skills. Anyone has the potential to be a leader. It takes a time and a great mentor to make this happen." TG's family values TG’s is a family with values of love, trust, respect, compassion and fun. Here, Educators can ask questions, receive feedback and be appreciated for being themselves and the amazing gifts they bring to TG’s. TG's Way at work and at home Meg brings the values and foundations of TG’s in all areas of her life, at work and at home. It aligns with her own personal values and beliefs. The TG’s way is a tool kit tool she can use in any situation at any time. Gayle Kee, General Manager, TG's Child Care Gayle Kee Meg herself would be more than quick to point to Gayle Kee, owner of TG's Child Care as the defining person who lifted her up when she was growing through her journey as a TG's Educator. Gayle is not just the one who conceptualised and grew TG's to what it is today (we're talking about going from a 2 person team to one of over 160 now). She is also first and foremost, someone who truly cares about what she does and is convinced the TG's Way is what families in our communities need to keep Playing it Forward into the future. Those who know Gayle will attest to her passion and drive. Educators need love and care too Whether it is children or Educators, Gayle knows we all share the same basic needs - to be encouraged, nurtured and respected, be given the time and space to learn and grow, to be supported, guided and mentored and to feel loved. We all need a sense of belonging and connection and that we are valued and trusted as team players. Collective thinking is key Gayle is the first one to admit that she doesn't always know the answers to everything. She supports and encourages her team to develop their gifts and superpowers, talents and skills. It is through collective thinking that they can come up with the most incredibly creative solutions and outcomes together. A safe space to be honest TG's Child Care has a culture of creative thinking and growth mind-sets where everyone is open to learning, growth, development and continued improvement through the use of Edward DeBono’s – 6 Hat thinking styles and framework for including all perspectives and parallel thinking. Gayle isn't afraid to have difficult or challenging conversations about things that need to be addressed. TG's is a safe space where Educators are encouraged to ask the right questions and have brave, daring, open, honest and constructive conversations. This is how TG's builds quality teams. Empowering leaders of the future Educators are empowered to take on new challenges and leadership roles. Every one of them is a leader of the future. That is why Gayle nurtures an environment of safety, courage and support at TG's. She loves her teams, values them, encourages and validates contribution and praise and appreciates them daily. They each make a significant difference in the lives of young children, families and their communities every single day. When a child is nurtured in an environment like TG's, where leaders grow leaders through the generations with love, care and respect, one cannot be surprised that they are well-prepared to be future leaders to create a better environment and society for tomorrow. TG's is the stewardship of the children's future, thanks to the amazing women leaders who are there day after day, sharing their gifts and making a difference. Happy International Women's Day to TG's brilliant women leaders! 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 235 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 .

✦ Say Mardi Gras and a riot of colours, music, parties and parades come to mind. This is where fashion meets drag in high performance arts! Courtney Act and Stu Doherty: Stu designs their costumes for the 2014 Mardi Gras Parade Entry, the Love Train Mardi Gras in Australia, also known as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, is a LGBTQI+ not-for-profit member-based organisation that produces the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade and Festival and several other events and supportive initiatives throughout the year. Every year, Mardi Gras brings together LGBTQIA+ communities from all around the country where we gather in a colourful explosion of self-expression, celebration and protest. The glittering Parade and Festival are a demonstration of the amazing power of passion, creativity and community. Brilliant-Online speaks to Stu Doherty from Wauchope Creative Hub about his Mardi Gras experiences and he has quite a number of very colourful stories to share. What is Mardi Gras like in Australia? Dallas Dellaforce, where fashion meets drag We have the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras here, which is a festival attended by hundreds of thousands of people from around Australia and the world. It is held in March each year. As you can imagine, it is a huge event! In fact, Mardi Gras pumps more than 30 million dollars into the state economy each year. So I'd say we do take Mardi Gras rather seriously here - we want to have some serious fun and get the celebrations going! Mardi Gras today includes a variety of events such as the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade and Party, Bondi Beach Drag Races, Harbour Party, Academic discussion panel Queer Thinking, Mardi Gras Film Festival, Art exhibitions as well as a huge Fair Day. It feels like you simply do not have enough time to experience all of the events! How did Mardi Gras come about? We need to jump into a DeLorean and travel back to 24th June 1978 and set the time machine to exactly 10 pm. There was a night-time celebration following a morning protest march and commemoration of the Stonewall riots in the US organised by the Gay Solidarity Group. More than 500 people gathered on Oxford Street in Sydney in a planned street "festival" calling for an end to discrimination against homosexuals in employment and housing, an end to police harassment and the repeal of all anti-homosexual laws. Many voices were heard that day, and thanks to that, things have changed and in our present day we can celebrate together as one huge community without fear or prejudice. How involved have you been in Mardi Gras and which were your most memorable? Oh I've got some really great stories to share from my time then! I’ve been involved in Mardi Gras since the early 1990s in various creative roles. I played two major roles, one as their Costume Designer and the other as their Mardi Gras Party Director. As a costume designer, did you design outfits for anyone famous? I started out designing costumes for the big shows at the huge after parties. These were shows that had crowds of like 10,000 people watching my costumes. That was a huge thrill! I can't explain how that feels like for a creative artist to have this kind of exposure. In 2014, I was art directing and designing a huge parade entry called The Love Train. It was a spectacular walking parade entry starring Courtney Act. She's the winner of celebrity Big Brother UK. Courtney had just finished filming RuPaul's drag race USA and she came back to Sydney for the event.  I remember walking the parade route with Courtney carrying loads of safety pins, band aids, water and I had my trusty sewing kit as well. You never know what could go wrong on that 4km walk from Whitlam Square to the Showground! It pays to be prepared, especially when you have a costume of that size! I wish you could have seen the costume. It was mammoth. About 3 metres high and 3 metres wide and about 20 metres long. It was emblazoned with the words LOVE and EQUALITY. I think we really made quite an impact there! Tell us about your experiences as a Mardi Gras Party Director I was the Mardi Gras Party Director for 2 years running in 2011 and 2012. That was a whole new level and as party director I produced and directed huge production shows with international stars such as RuPaul and Alexis Jordan, along with hundreds of local dancers and drag queens.  The sheer scale of it, and just being with so many amazing artists who all brought so much energy to the events… it was an amazing (and highly exhausting!) experience. One that I'll never forget. 2011 Royal Hall of Industries (RHI) Mardi Gras party I was directing the 2011 Royal Hall of Industries (RHI) Mardi Gras party starring Dallas Dellaforce which traditionally starred a local drag performer accompanied by drag queens and community volunteer dancers. This show was a mash up of tracks from Madonna and Lady Gaga. That year, Dallas Dellaforce and her production team from the 2011 Mardi Gras Show were recognised for their big Diva Moment, so that was very special. Which were your most memorable Mardi Gras? I was asked to produce and direct the midnight show in the main hall of Mardi Gras 2012. This was a show that would have an audience of at least 10,000 people, and the biggest wow factor was RuPaul - the international star and creator of RuPaul’s Drag Race .  You can imagine how one would react on getting news like that. I was just speechless. It wasn't just because of the scale of the event, or because RuPaul was someone famous. Thing is, I’m a huge fan of RuPaul and it was just mind blowing to be asked to produce the show of the year. RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 4 (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images) Opportunities like that don't drop from the sky. So it was really a chance of a lifetime and when you get something like that, it totally drives your creative juices to the max. You feel pumped up and want to create the best show ever. I worked with the best choreographer I knew in Sydney. Minnie Cooper and I had a dozen or so back up dancers and drag queens. There was certainly a lot of creative brainstorming and sharing of ideas, and when you're working with artists of that calibre it really invigorates you. I designed and made all the costumes and that was many hours of intense work. I loved every minute of it. At the final rehearsal on the afternoon of the event, we had a crisis. RuPaul pulled a huge diva fit and refused to perform. Oh…my…god…Literally. OMG OMG OMG just went flying through my head. But we didn't have the luxury of time to sit there and be dumbstruck or star-stuck! It turned out to be a real test for everyone, and I'm not going to spill the whole story. Suffice to say that RuPaul finally did perform to a packed hall in a fabulous gold sequin catsuit. And the rest is history. Google it if you want to read the gossip, it was a huge scandal back then, but all that aside, personally for me and my team, I was proud to have navigated that crisis. I couldn't afford to lose it. I had my team looking to me to keep the ship running. Perth Now reported "There's one every year." As they say, the show must go on. And the challenge is to stay calm, get creative with possible solutions, focus on damage control and remain steady to doing the right thing. Oh and I'm still a fan of RuPaul! After all, it does little good to hold grudges, but perhaps I'd say I'm just a notch down the scale of being a huge fan! Even as I'm telling you these stories from the past it almost feels like my skin can still feel the electrical buzz of the energy of the events. I can hear the pounding of the music and the crowds, you feel the heat and spirit of all the colours and there was just so much going on, and all the festive spirit and such a huge community coming together to celebrate. What else do you have to say about Mardi Gras? I'd say that Mardi Gras has evolved and continues to change. It started from a political protest for equal rights through its golden age of the 1990s with all the mega parties and now it is actually struggling to find relevance in the 2020s. Young LGBTQAI+ youths don’t have the same struggles we did 30 or more years ago. So all the huge parades and parties aren't such a draw card for them. Both Brilliant-Online and Stu agree that our society has moved on to a place where there is more acceptance and in some places easier for youths to come out and express themselves with less fear of prejudice and discrimination. Of course every situation is different but we'd say in most situations the struggle for acceptance and equality is a lot easier today than it was last century. The recent marriage equality plebiscite is making it easier for today’s and tomorrow’s youth to live their most authentic lives. I think Mardi Gras has become more of a tourist attraction now and that's great for Sydney’s economy.  For me, I am thankful I had my crazy, wild, fun and creative days and some cool photos to remind me of the fun times! I’m happy now at Wauchope Creative Hub living my creative life in a much more relaxed way. Mardi Gras has evolved as an event over the years, and so have I! We may not have crazy loud music and mammoth costumes at Wauchope Creative Hub , but we do have an artistic community that are coming together to share and exchange skills and inspiration. This is something that has driven me all my life and I am so proud to have this beautiful space now to continue evolving in my artistic life together with so many other amazing artists! For Brilliant-Online , inclusivity means total acceptance of others in the way they experience life as we all take different paths to the same destination. 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 .

✦ Pets. What would we do without them? Companions, sources of comfort, of amusement, of total unabated love and loyalty, they are an integral part of millions of families and people’s lives all over the world. So, just as Mothers and Fathers have their special day and romantics get to express their warm glow of affection on February 14th each year, it seems fitting that our beloved dogs, cats, hamsters, snakes, fish, cows, pigs, iguanas and whatever else have their own special day each year! That’s right, February 20th is “National Love Your Pet Day”, a chance to show your pets some extra love and undivided attention. Maybe dish out some extra treats at dinner time, take them for an extra long walk, give them an extended brush or just give them some extra special love and affection. Its a day to make them realise just how much we love them and how important they are to us. Even if you don’t have pets you can still choose to demonstrate an act of kindness by making a donation to an animal shelter or charity, if you so choose. Chester takes a moment to reflect ahead of 'National Love Your Pet Day' on February 20th From a personal perspective I have always been surrounded by pets. From as far back as I remember, our family house always had dogs and cats scampering around to the extent they were exactly that: part of the family. Over the years, despite living and working in several different countries and continents, I have continued this trend of having a furry companion or two with me in most places I go. Cheeky Little Kitten The latest members of our pet family are two cats that my partner Lara and I rescued from the streets of Singapore, called Gus and Chester. However, there is more to the story than that and we need to go back a little further for the full context. My partner and I lived in the Lion City for many years and were made aware of a fine animal charity initiative called The Cat Museum, Muses and Mansion that rescues felines from the danger of the streets and provides not only the protection and safety of a temporary home but an opportunity for people to visit and adopt. It also places a significant focus on educating children by providing a safe, fun environment for them to learn about how to interact with and handle cats. We visited frequently and it wasn’t long before a cheeky little kitten called Gus caught our attention. A whirl of energy, he would charge around the room playing with the other kittens before crashing out for a much needed rest. It was during these times that we got chance to play with him, to cuddle him and to form what was clearly going to be an unpenetrable bond. We decided to adopt him almost immediately. Gus and Chester: from the streets of Singapore to two peas in a pod! However, there was also another fine specimen that caught our attention, a three-year-old of such elegance and grace that it was impossible not to fall in love with him straight away. Zorro was so named due to the black mask like colouring on his otherwise white face and was such a gentle, patient, calm soul that he was an obvious companion to counter-balance the younger, effervescent Gus. So, home they came with us where they immediately settled and enjoyed long lazy afternoons dozing in sunlit windows, hours of play and snuggly cuddles and lots of yummy treats such as tuna and boiled chicken! Being on the ninth floor of a condo in the densely populated island state, they obviously were not allowed outside but that suited them fine as they peered out of the ceiling to floor windows at the world below them. When Gus was around six months old we entered him into a “Cat of the Year” contest organised on Twitter by the popular English comedian Bob Mortimer. Much to our delight Gus won the “Kitten of the Year” category and received a host of wonderful comments of congratulations from all over the world, none more so than Bob himself who labelled “the young lad” as “superb!” It was a proud moment and Gus’ personalised, limited edition hand-crafted art picture signed by Bob now hangs in a place of prominence in our study! Gus, Bob Mortimer's 'Kitten of the Year' 2016 However, after a high often comes a fall and, tragically, after less than a year Zorro developed an illness. He was kept at the vets for over a week as they desperately tried to battle against his failing kidneys. We visited him everyday for hours on end, lying next to his cage and trying to offer as much comfort and love as we could. Despite his condition and surroundings he never complained and all the nurses fell in love with him. We were allowed to take him home for one final night where we set up a bed for us all in the lounge and slept together. Gus was overjoyed to see his older adopted brother after time apart. The next day we returned to the vet and had to take the heart-wrenching decision to have our beloved boy put to sleep. We both wept and held his paws as the vet administered the injection and we watched him go to sleep for a final time. The vet wept too, as did all the nurses, such was the impression brave little Zorro made on them. It was one of the saddest experiences I have ever encountered and we were both rocked to the core. Being home without him was a strange sensation and his absence was felt with huge lament. Gus was beside himself and took to standing by the front door meowing as if waiting and calling out for his brother. New addition It did not take us long to realise that we needed a new companion for Gus and within a week had adopted a cute little ginger, white and brown curiousity called Chester from a kind woman who fostered cats at her home. Initially very tentative, three-month old Chester soon came to settle in his new surroundings with his new family. He and Gus got along famously, grooming one another, sharing spaces and cuddling up to sleep together. While Zorro would not be forgotten, it was heart-warmingly reassuring to have a new addition who fast became Gus’ best friend. After a few years we decided to move to Phuket, Thailand. While initially concerned on how the relocation (specifically the plane journey) would have on the cats we realised there was no option of separation and therefore made the plunge. It was certainly an adventure for them as they were packed into their carry cases and loaded onto the aircraft before making the 90-minute flight. Admittedly a little rattled for the first day or so, they quickly settled into their new surroundings and life on the island. They are still kept inside as the array of resident wildlife in Phuket isn’t something we would trust two such innocent and curious creatures with! We’ve moved house on our island paradise several times and each one has been a new adventure for Gus and Chester, a new place with new smells and areas to investigate. They are part of our ongoing adventure and we wouldn’t have it any other way. They are key members of our family and provide countless hours of fun, humour and affection. After a particularly hectic day they both provide the perfect channel for release and decompression – they say stroking a cat can reduce stress and anxiety and we are both firm advocates of that theory. We honestly don’t know what we would do without them. While “National Love Your Pet Day” is an admirable initiative, we choose to express our love, respect and admiration for the entire 365 days of the year, something that is firmly reciprocated by our two little furry forever friends! So, whatever your pet may be, make sure you show just how much they mean to you on their special day of February 20th this year as they’re more than worth it! Read about Vera, Doctor-on-call 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, 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 .

And no, we do not mean a coin to determine your destiny. All you need, is simply, a salad. Tossing a salad takes on a whole level of meaning when Chinese New Year comes around each year. Let's Lo Hei During this time, families, and even friends, colleagues and businessmen gather round a table with a large dish containing a variety of colourful ingredients. They deftly grab their chopsticks and begin to enthusiastically toss their ´salad´ while yelling phrases that signify good fortune. From the outside, this is not going to make much sense to someone who does not know the tradition. What are these people doing, violently "playing" with their food and what is it with all the yelling? This exciting gastronomical acrobatics is what the Chinese call "yusheng" or "lo hei" and it is loosely translated as a kind of "prosperity toss". Together with the other quintessential Chinese New Year elements such as round, chubby mandarin oranges and fresh crisp dollar bills in exciting red packets, "yusheng" is a must-have element during Chinese New Year. The "yusheng" toss is done amidst lots of cheering and laughter. The aim is really to toss the ingredients as high as you can. The higher it is, the more prosperity and good fortune you are welcoming into your life this year. As children most of us went through the motions of tossing, or at least we tried to, once we mastered how to grasp chopsticks. And we knew it was part of tradition and something we just did and the pickier eaters among us would sample only certain colours from the dish and save room in the stomach for the rest of the delicious dishes coming up. That was really all we knew when it came to the ´yusheng´. We did not think very much about why we did it, and what it really meant. Roots The "yusheng" originated in China and was then brought to the surrounding Asian countries by Cantonese and Teochew migrants in the late 19th century. Now it is typical to find this practice in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong. This salad is a dish typically eaten on the 7th day of the Chinese New Year. That is when we celebrate Ren Ri (the day when the gods created humans in Chinese mythology). Over the years it has undergone a myriad of transformations, with people adding in their own ingredients and getting creative and innovative to spice up the ´yusheng´ tradition. The original ´yusheng´ was a rather humble salad with raw fish slices, some vegetables and a dash of seasoning, nothing more. This provided a simple base for chefs to work on and many experimented with textures, colours and flavours. It is typical to find ´yusheng´ with seven coloured ingredients, which is what makes it so pretty and celebratory. Symbolism This colourful and vibrant salad is like no other, and each ingredient even carries its own unique significance. This is one heavyweight dish when it comes to symbolism. Each of the ingredients in a "yusheng" dish is carefully chosen. Chefs would do that based on flavours that blend well or give an exciting contrast, but beyond pleasing the tastebuds, ingredients in "yusheng" are also royally appointed because of their symbolism. So there is nothing random here. No leftover bits of vegetables thrown in to recycle. Each ingredient has its unique, special place and very much respected. Here are a few ingredients to get you started if you are planning to design your own "yusheng" 1. Carrots These are for good luck. Carrots have a lovely fresh and sweet flavour and crunchy to boot. 2. White Radish If you are looking to upgrade your career or change career path, go ahead and prepare a big portion of white radish. They represent happy job opportunities. 3. Green Radish If you feel age is catching up, have more of your green radish. It symbolises eternal youth. 4. Raw Fish Typically salmon, wolf herring, grass carp. This is for abundance and prosperity. The sound of the word fish in Chinese is already similar to the word for surplus and abundance. 年年有余 (Nian Nian You Yu) - 余 (meaning surplus) sounds like 鱼 (fish). Add raw fish and you will have abundance throughout the year. 5. Sesame Seeds For a flourishing, thriving business, stock up on sesame seeds. Add this to your ´yusheng´ and your business will be given quite a boost. 6. Crushed Peanuts Those who are home proud would be having lots of this. It signifies filling the home with many valuable possessions. Probably not the favourite ingredient for minimalists. 7. Golden Crackers Children love these bits. When given a royal place in a ´yusheng´ dish, these humble crackers take on a whole different significance. They symbolise wealth. So while the other crisps and chips sit on shelves and feel neglected, these crackers are highly valued during this time. And no salad is whole without some seasoning. And yes, they too have their symbolism! Seasonings 1. Oil While the ingredient itself may not have a specific significance, the way you introduce this seasoning into the salad is important. Make sure you drizzle the oil in a circular motion and not just dump it into the salad. This is part of the beauty of gastronomy - it is not always about how delicious a food is or mindlessly consuming it. Pouring the oil in a circular motion signifies wealth coming in from all directions. Some may call it superstition. Or it can also be seen as a very respectful way to treat food. It is a little ritual that helps one to enjoy one´s food even more. 2. Plum Sauce Tangy and sweet, what is there not to like about plum sauce? It gives the salad body and kick and symbolically it represents the strong connections among family and friends. 3. Lime or pomelo juice The fish needs a bit of lime (you can also use pomelo to give it an exotic punch) to counter its fishy taste but more than that, lime represents smooth sailing through the year. 4. Pepper To usher in wealth, pepper can be generously sprinkled over the salad. Here is a simple basic recipe you can use as a base to build up your own special "yusheng" 1. Pick some colourful ingredients. Fish: raw salmon, smoked salmon, abalone, jellyfish Vegetables: carrots, white and green radish, cucumber, yam, bell peppers, capsicums, purple cabbage, beets, onions, leeks, Japanese seaweed Fruits: pomelo, papaya, grapefruit, mango Crackers: fried wonton skin, wheat crackers Nuts: crushed roasted peanuts, sesame seeds Dressing: oil, plum sauce, sesame oil, five-spice powder, pepper 2. Prepare the dressing the day before by mixing plum sauce with sesame oil and water. 3. Peel and shred the vegetables and fruits. (Tip: A spriralizer works magic here.) 4. Prepare the crushed peanuts. 5. On the day of the "yusheng", prepare and slice the raw fish. 6. You can arrange the ingredients on a large dish and serve ready to toss, or you can place them in separate dishes and add them onto a large plate when you are ready to start the tossing. Words Something to take note of. This is one dish not to be eaten quietly. Some say an auspicious phrase when adding each ingredient to the dish as they are building up the salad. When tossing the salad, everyone gathered around the table has to shout auspicious sayings. The original sayings included: 年年有余 (Nian Nian You Yu) - abundance every year 大吉大利 (Da Ji Da Li) - huge wealth and prosperity 黄金满地 (Huang Jin Man Di) - floor full of gold Most of these auspicious sayings consist of four Chinese characters and they are fun to shout out together. Have a go at some of these: 招财进宝 (Zhao Cai Jin Bao) - attract wealth and treasures 财源广进 (Cai Yuan Guang Jin) - many sources of wealth 鸿运当头 (Hong Yun Dang Tou) - good luck approaches 步步高升 (Bu Bu Gao Sheng) - reaching higher with every step 金银满屋 (Jin Yin Man Wu) - filling the house with gold and silver 生意兴隆 (Sheng Yi Xing Long) - prosperity for one´s business So now are you ready for some happy tossing this Chinese New Year? How would you innovate and get creative with your "yusheng"? Whatever auspicious sayings you are rehearsing to go with your "yusheng" we hope the new year will steadfastly bring you sturdy strength, health and wealth. Toss away and bring in the happy fortune! 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, and online search features to boost your brand visibility. ✨ Engaging Content Creation: From videos to articles, we produce content that informs, entertains, and converts. ✨ Trackable Success: With detailed performance analytics, you’ll see the impact of your campaign every step of the way. We’re here for progressive individuals and forward-thinking businesses ready to embrace the digital era and make a lasting impact. 💡 Let’s create something brilliant together. Visit Brilliant-Online to learn more about how we can elevate your brand! ✦ For all enquiries about advertising with Brilliant-Online, please email us .

✦ In a world saturated with content, ads, funnels, and noise, marketing has lost something essential: purpose. It’s not about shouting louder. It’s about saying something worth listening to. Welcome to Marketing with Purpose — the modern approach that’s changing the way businesses connect, build trust, and grow. And at the forefront of this movement? Veronica Lind, technologist, international marketer, and founder of the Sell Without Selling  philosophy. Marketing with Purpose — the modern approach that’s changing the way businesses connect, build trust, and grow. So, What Is  Marketing with Purpose? It’s more than a buzzword. It’s a mindset. Marketing with Purpose means: Leading with clarity, not cleverness Attracting clients by serving them first Showing up consistently — with values, not vanity Building systems that align with your mission Turning marketing into a meaningful brand experience Instead of asking, “How can I get more leads?” businesses ask: “How can I help more people  solve real problems, honestly and sustainably?” Why It Matters More Than Ever Consumers are tired. They’ve been sold to, followed, tracked, and retargeted. What they want now is authenticity. They want to know: Who are you? What do you stand for? Can I trust you? When businesses market with purpose, they stop chasing  attention and start earning  it. They become memorable, magnetic, and meaningful. And here’s the best part: Purpose-driven marketing doesn’t just feel g ood. It works. Veronica Lind: The Modern Marketing Strategist with Heart and Edge If “Marketing with Purpose” had a face, it would be Veronica Lind. Veronica is the Business & Marketing Strategist at Vermilion Pinstripes , CEO of Realty Pro Academy , Brilliant-Online  and Brilliant-Marketing.Co  — four powerful platforms she leads with one mission: “To help businesses become Personable, Relevant, and Admirable.” She’s the visionary behind the Modern Marketing Framework™ , a proven system that blends: Strategic branding Automation without the spam Funnels that feel human AI tools with human intention And she does it with warmth, wit, and the wisdom of someone who’s been in boardrooms, on stages, and in the trenches with startups and global brands alike. Veronica Lind with Andrew Morello (right) from the Entourage. Veronica’s Philosophy: Sell Without Selling This is the heartbeat of her approach. And no, it’s not soft. It’s smart. Instead of cold calls and hard sells, Veronica teaches businesses to: Educate rather than pitch Build trust before asking for anything Use content to serve, not self-promote Guide clients into making empowered decisions She proves that when your brand leads with value, sales become a natural byproduct of trust. How Businesses Can Start Marketing with Purpose Today Whether you’re a real estate agent, a digital startup, or a large multi-national corporation, this approach works, if you work it. Here’s how to start: Clarify Your Brand Values Ask: “What do we stand for, and how does that show up in every message?” Educate Before You Sell Share your knowledge freely. Be the go-to, not the push-through. Make Your Marketing Human Use stories, not scripts. Be personable, not perfect. Systemise What Matters Automate where it helps, but never at the cost of the relationship. Lead with Purpose. Always. If your marketing doesn’t reflect your mission, revise it. Ruthlessly. The Brilliant Advantage At Brilliant-Online, we don’t just publish content. We live and breathe marketing with purpose, in our format, our stories, and our commitment to spotlighting businesses that serve , not shout. That’s why we’re proud to feature Veronica Lind, a woman who’s redefining what it means to build a brand in a digital age. Final Word from Veronica “Marketing is how people experience your brand when you’re not in the room. Make it memorable. Make it helpful. Make it unmistakably you.” Ready to Market with Purpose? Explore Veronica’s work at vermilionpinstripes.com , and subscribe to more thought leadership at Brilliant-Online.com  . Because the future of marketing? It’s not about more noise. It’s about more meaning.   ❋ About Veronica Lind Veronica Lind  is a modern marketing strategist, technologist, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience helping businesses grow with confidence. She is the visionary behind the Modern Marketing Framework™  allowing businesses to Sell Without Selling.  This empowers business owners to connect authentically, market meaningfully, and scale sustainably. Veronica mentors professionals and business leaders to build magnetic brands with purpose, clarity, and courage. 👉 Connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/veronicalind 👉 Learn more: www.vermilionpinstripes.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, 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 .

✦ World Cancer Day calls for the creation of innovative strategies to address inequities and the allocation of resources towards a just and cancer-free world. World Cancer Day on February 4th is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to unite people in the fight against cancer by raising awareness, promoting education, and inspiring action. Imagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are avoided, and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all, regardless of their background or location. King Charles raising awareness Click to learn more about this book King Charles of England was diagnosed with cancer, and he chose to go public about the news because he had been a patron of several cancer-related charities when he was Prince of Wales. It has been the case when he went for his prostrate treatment, and being honest about it with the aim to encourage more men to get checks. The NHS website reported a surge in issues about prostrate conditions since then. "In this capacity, His Majesty has often spoken publicly in support of cancer patients, their loved ones and the wonderful health professionals who help care for them." (Source: bbc.com ) Close the Care Gap Many individuals still face obstacles when seeking cancer care. Factors such as income, education, geographical location, and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and lifestyle can hinder access to quality care. There is a need to close the 'care gap' and a demand for commitment from world leaders to prioritise cancer care and ensure that everyone has access to quality health services. It is important we create a strong network of care and support right where we are in our communities. We all have a role to play and can make a difference in a cancer patient's treatment journey. Australian Cancer Plan The Australian Government's Australian Cancer Plan is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing various aspects of cancer care nationwide. The plan encompasses prevention, screening, treatment, and management for all cancer types, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO of Cancer Australia, introduced the plan at the 50th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) in Melbourne. The Plan supports the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to enable Aboriginal and Torres Islander people and governments to work together to overcome the inequality experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and achieve life outcomes equal to all Australians. The plan addresses the entire spectrum of the cancer journey, spanning from prevention and early detection to treatment, recovery, and end-of-life care. How to offer support Here are some Do's and Don'ts that may guide you if you know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Emotional support from family and friends makes a big difference to the quality of life of cancer patients. It's okay to... Be honest and say you feel awkward. Acknowledging the reality of what's happening can be more relieving than pretending. Ask if they want a hug. Show them you are thinking of them with a call, a card, a text, a note etc. Offer to listen if they wish to talk, and make the effort to be available for them. Be consistent and supportive through the process from diagnosis through to treatment and after. Respect their choices if they need privacy. Try not to... Say you know how they feel. We cannot ever assume we can understand. Compare their situation to someone you know. Each person's experience with their illness is highly individual. Enforce toxic positivity and pressure them to be strong. It makes them feel like they have to behave a certain way and their genuine feelings will not be validated. Take what they say or do personally. They may not want you to be there or they may reject a hug, and it's okay. How to listen to someone with cancer Practical ways to support Patients do appreciate when friends or family can offer to do very specific things and take the initiative to ask. You can offer to drive them to the hospital for their medical appointments. If you wish to visit, ask first. They may not be feeling up to it and it's not because of you. Bringing a meal over for them or preparing meals they can freeze for the week can help relieve a burden. Help with errands such as gardening, grocery shopping, walking the dog etc. Ask if they would like any help with household chores. Help with dropping off the children at school or picking them up after. It is okay to have an honest conversation with cancer patients to know what they most need help with. If you are able to offer the help, make sure you commit to it and are prepared for any changes. Being diagnosed with cancer is a challenging situation for everyone, so patience, kindness and understanding are key. It is also important that carers and those offering support look after their own mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Be realistic about what you can and cannot help with or do. It may be a long journey to equity in providing medical care but we can all start where we are. Hearing the stories of cancer patients can help give you information about their condition and what they may be experiencing. Read personal stories here . References: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/family-friends-caregivers/how-support-someone-with-cancer https://www.worldcancerday.org/about-us https://www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-68208157 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 .