Described as “One of the most important surf movies of our times” and YOU have the opportunity to come along and see it on the big screen. “Somewhere Near Tapachula” is a truly inspiring story of love, life and hope. Set in Tapachula, Mexico, this film follows the stories of 54 children from lives of poverty, trauma and abuse, and their journey to Mission Mexico, a children’s refuge founded by Australian couple Pam and Alan Skuse.

It also focuses on the unique surf community that they have pioneered in Tapachula, a coastal city with no other wave riders. The surfing experience has had a phenomenal impact on the children, creating an escape from their unimaginable pasts.

“Somewhere Near Tapachula” will challenge you with the important things in life and open your eyes to the power of riding waves, wether you are a surfer or not.

The film recently won the People’s choice award at Yallingup Surfilm Festival in W.A. It has also featured in the latest edition of Surfing World Australia and this week’s copy of Grazia Magazine. “Somewhere Near Tapachula” has also been nominated for the “Heart of Gold Award” in the International Film Festival held in Gympie this month.

You can check out the teaser trailer on www.somewhereneartapachula.com

This is going to be a fantastic night with live entertainment, art show, prizes and giveaways, Q&A with the director and producer and one of the stars from the film. 100% of profits go to Mission Mexico Children’s Refuge.

Maryborough Town Hall, Friday 19^th March.

Adults $ 15
Concession $ 10
 Family $ 40 (2 Adults, 2 Children).

Doors open: 6:45 pm
Tickets available by calling the numbers below or online at www.moshtix.com

For further information please contact:
Rachel 0424 190 494
Ana 0431 227 324
Lupita 0403 797 723

Please click here to sign the e-petition to try and save our Fraser Island Dingoes!!

The petition has been organised by Hervey Bay resident Karin Kilpatrick and sponsored by MP Ted Sorensen and will be on the Queensland Government website until Tuesday, July 22 2009.

Fraser Island Dingoes Face Extinction
Locals, animal experts and some politicians fear that heavy-handed culling under the Queensland Government’s current dingo management plan will be the final nail in the wild dogs’ coffin ……. learn more here!

[Some Info via the Courier Mail]

The Hervey Bay Public Library was the result of community demand and positive input by the Hervey Bay Cultural and Library Council and a City Librarian, Mrs Sandra Maynes (my Mother) was appointed and commenced work in May 1977. Her role was to assist in the establishment of the Hervey Bay Public Library which opened on the 6th July 1978. Therefore my family relocated from Townsville to beautiful Hervey Bay.

Mrs Sandra Maynes was appointed Librarian and the Council is very fortunate in having such a capable and experience Librarian as Mrs Maynes to establish the library, encouraged by the town clerk and his staff with the full support of the Council.

Mrs Maynes commenced duties on the 2^nd May 1978 after all the alterations were done and proceeded with due haste to obtain shelving, books carpets and furnishing and it does credit to her what has been achieved in two months.
[Info via the Commemorative Brochure from the Opening of the Hervey Bay Public Library - 6^th July 1978]

1978 [Population 11,000] – The first Public Library was located in three rooms upstairs in the Council Chambers in Bideford St Torquay.

1979 – The Public Library moved to three leased shops in Turo Street, Torquay. Two extra shops were acquired and the corridor enclosed during the next three years.

1985 [Population 18,800] – The Public Library relocated to the Pialba business area in Main St. where it continued to grow.

1996 the Hervey Bay City Council commenced a partnership with the University of Southern Queensland and on the 1^st of March 1997 the Hervey Bay Public Library opened its doors at 161 Old Maryborough Rd in a spacious facility of 1306m2 which housed the first joint use Community / University Library Collection in Australia. The library staff assisted in establishing the first Regional Public Art Gallery in the Wide Bay area which is also located in the library facility.

2003 [Population 45,959] – 51% of Hervey Bays Population are enrolled at the library.

Mrs Sandra Maynes was the Chief Librarian from 1978 – 1996. She has worked at both the Hervey Bay & Maryborough Libraries and currently still works part time …. (Good Stuff Mum, Very Proud of You!)

I have now finished reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle, the 6 million copy worldwide best seller book that I hope will sell over 100 million copies!
(That would be nice for Eckhart!)

What an intuitive, perceptive and enlightening book on how the masses think in an unconscious way creating their own depression based on their own ego. Living their life in a negative manner by constantly complaining, stressing, hurting  / demeaning others and seeking drama in their own lives as they believe this brings them attention / acceptance, makes them feel important  which they need to fuel on their ego. These people are blind not realising they are creating for themselves and those around them more negativity, drama, unhappiness and depression and continue to live a mundane existence being that of a repetitive self destructive cycle.

This book helps you realise how to live your life with true openness and freedom, find out who you really are, by being present through living you life in the now. Stop searching for happiness in the future and material objects, or in recognition / approval from others; true happiness is already within YOU and can be found every day by being conscious in your thoughts, actions and precious timeless moments.

This book is a must read, it’s time to become more awakened!!!

Building on the astonishing success of The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle presents readers with an honest look at the current state of humanity: He implores us to see and accept that this state, which is based on an erroneous identification with the egoic mind, is one of dangerous insanity.

Tolle tells us there is good news, however. There is an alternative to this potentially dire situation. Humanity now, perhaps more than in any previous time, has an opportunity to create a new, saner, more loving world. This will involve a radical inner leap from the current egoic consciousness to an entirely new one.

[Images & Information via Eckhart Teachings]

Here are a couple of tips I have learnt along the way on my personal Get Fit campaign. If you are seriously motivated and do this absolutely correctly weight loss / weight management is FOOL PROOF!!!! It is working for me!!    

•1.    Make an appointment to see a nutritionist to have an assessment to find out how many calories your body requires to function on a daily basis. Whether you wish to lose weight or maintain your weight have your nutritionist break these calories down into how many calories per meal per day.
eg. My Goal: consume between 1150 – 1350 calories per day
Breakfast: <200 calories Lunch: <200 calories Dinner: <400 calories Snacks x 3: <100 calories

I would recommend Health Divine in Hervey Bay for a thorough assessment. 

Health Divine Dietitian for Fraser Coast: Peter St Henry    
An APD (accredited practising dietitian) provides expert nutrition advice for a range of medical conditions.  Peter is an APD and has the skills to transform your eating habits to improve your health, lifestyle and budget.   

Your initial appoitment will include a thorough lifestyle, medical and diet assessment.  You will then receive an individualised meal plan and specific recommendations to improve your condition and feel great about yourself. 

•2.    Keep an accurate food diary / meal planner. To do that you will need to record the calories in every meal and beverage you consume and add them up to meet your nutritionist’s daily recommendations. FOOL PROOF!

A must have book to be able to do this and is available in most newsagencies for around $10 is:

Allan Borushek’s Pocket Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter

Whether you are watching your weight or just want to eat healthier, “Allan Borushek’s Pocket Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter” is a must have! Learn how to make better food with this invaluable resource.

“Allan Borushek’s Pocket Calorie, Fat and Carbohydrate Counter” is a national best seller and the most recommended book of its type by health professionals. It’s easy to see why!

The book is compiled by Allan Borushek, dietitian and health educator with over 30 years of clinical experience. With his vast knowledge and experience, he’s the Calorie King! His motto is: “Fat Matters, Carbs Count, but, Calories Are King!”

It’s a fact that most of us drastically underestimate how much food we eat. One of the main reasons is that we really don’t know what’s in the food we eat day-in and day-out. Now you can end the guesswork. You will find the calorie, fat and carbohydrate counts for your favourite foods in this convenient, pocket-sized, and colourful book.

This book is also sensational; around $50:

This = That (a life-size photo guide to food serves) by Trudy Williams

More than 300 life-size full colour photos clearly illustrate serve sizes. Simply place your food on the photos to reveal any differences in serve size. You can easily see which foods to have more or less of for better health and body shape. The result is a quick no-fuss approach to great nutrition by enjoying everyday foods.

Winner of the President’s Award for Innovation in 2005. Updated in 2008. Featured on TV, in magazines and newspapers.

Everyday foods. Your choice. Your health. We photographed real foods without any packaging or branding. The images in this book are timeless.

GOOD LUCK!!!
Oh and don’t forget to add in some regular exercise for maximum results…!

[Information & images via Health Divine, Calorie King, & Food Talk)

Yesterday I graduated with more than 130 former students of the Fraser Coast University of Southern Queensland at the 2009 graduation ceremony held at the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough. This was the largest number of graduands in the 11 year history of the Campus.

I was in the first group of students to ever graduate for the Masters of Professional Studies in Australia. This work place based post graduate degree was established on the Fraser Coast.

A big thank you to Graham Young (Campus Coordinator Faculty of Business) my tutor / mentor, I couldn’t have done it without you. Your guidance, knowledge and support was inspirational. Thanks for turning my light bulb on!!!

I would also like to thank Chris Foley (State Member for Maryborough) for taking the time to see me and explain some issues I had with my study more clearly to me. That was really appreciated, a big help and got me back on track!

The staff at USQ did a wonderful job of organising the event and making sure we all were in order and our correct positions throughout the ceremony.

Hats off to USQ graduates (News; Fraser Coast Chronicle)…… click here to read more.

Master of Professional Studies

Program focus

The Master of Professional Studies is designed to enable professionals to engage in the highest form of authentic learning: to study as they engage in real world, real time activity; and to combine their work and study in ways that lead to benefits for both the individual and the organisation.

Accordingly, the program aims to provide opportunities for professionals with the appropriate entry qualifications to gain post-graduate qualifications and enable them to critically review literature to address theoretical and practical questions and issues in their workplace field, and to design and implement projects to further investigate these questions and issues.

New Enterprise Incentive Scheme – providing new opportunities for growing business

When Hervey Bay’s Jeanette Maynes was made redundant in 2004 as marketing manager of a hospitality establishment, she had no idea it would be the best thing that had ever happened to her.

Forced to consider a new career path, Jeanette decided it was the right time to start her own business.

Now a 2008 Telstra Business Young Business Woman of the Year Finalist, Jeanette owes a part of her success to the team at Mission Australia’s New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) …….. click here to read more.

Thanks to Mission Employment Toowoomba especially David Rozynski!

[Image & info via Mission Australia]

My latest read; ‘The Power of Now‘ by Eckhart Tolle. 

What an extraordinary book by an inspiring, exceptionally wise and intelligent author!

This is a truly amazing book and has been recommended to me at the perfect stage of my journey, thanks Jamie. This book clarifies what I have been experiencing in my mind for the last three and a half years, an awakened consciousness. Repetitive thought, negativity, one’s conditioning and sense of self derived from the past no longer controls my life, emotions or actions, I do.

I have just started reading A new Earth and have also bought Stillness Speaks and Practicing the Power of Now. All these books are essential reading for spirituality and living your best life! There is always so much more to learn, grasp and put into practice… especially to live in the Now!

The Power of Now has been widely recognized as one of the most influential spiritual books of our time. A #1 New York Times bestseller, it has been translated into over 30 languages. The book has helped countless people around the globe awaken to the spiritual dimension in their lives, find inner peace, increased joy and more harmonious relationships.

To make the journey into The Power of Now we will need to leave our analytical mind and its false created self, the ego, behind….

ARE YOU READY TO BE AWAKENED?

When you are present in this moment, you break the continuity of your story, of past and future.
Then true intelligence arises, and also love.
The only way love can come into your life is not through form, but through that inner spaciousness that is Presence.
Love has no form. 

Please click here to read Oprah’s interview with Eckhart Tolle. 

[Images & Information via Eckhart Teachings]

Anzac Day makes me so proud to be an Aussie. 

Thousands came down to Freedom Park in Pialba to watch the main march that I participated in this year wearing my late grandfather’s medals. 

His name was Stan McCarthy and he was in the army transport corp. during WWII 1942-1946 and served in Moratai, Cape York, Darwin & Borneo. 

Corporal Norman Saunders (pictured with me here) was also in WWII and served 1940-1945. I was chatting to 87 year old Norman after the ANZAC Day march. He served in Darwin, Moratai, Borneo & New Guinea.

The medals on his right belong to his brother Earald Nilsen who lost his life in the Vietnam war.

He was in M Special Forces and 2^nd 4^th AGH (Australian General Hospital).
He was in the army in Darwin in the artillery section but when the Japanese started bombing he was retrained in a town outside of Melbourne and then sent to New Guinea where he was a nurse. He said he always wanted to be a doctor and pretty much performed the role of one during the war just didn’t have the title on paper.

 It was an honor to chat with Norman and a very proud day in Hervey Bay.

ANZAC was the name given to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps soldiers who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey early on the morning of 25 April 1915 during the First World War (1914-1918).

As a result, one day in the year has involved the whole of Australia in solemn ceremonies of remembrance, gratitude and national pride for all our men and women who have fought and died in all wars. That day is ANZAC Day – 25 April.

Every nation must, sooner or later, come for the first time to a supreme test of quality; and the result of that test will hearten or dishearten those who come afterwards. For the fledgling nation of Australia that first supreme test was at Gallipoli.  

Anzac Day Services in Hervey Bay 

Dawn Service
5am – Meet at the Torquay Road side of the RSL
5.15am - March to Freedom Park, Main St
5.30am - Service Starts

Main Service
9am – Meet at Woolworths Carpark, Torquay Road
9.30am - March to Freedom Park, Main St
9.45am - Service Starts 

Participants in the March that have served for Australia wear their own medals on the left, if you are wearing the medals of a loved one they are worn on the right.

 Two Up
1pm - Hervey Bay RSL 

Last Night I went to the Urangan Community Centre to listen to Lama Choedak Rinpoche a Tibetan Meditation Master talk on “How to bring about Positive Change”.

What an absolutely enlightening evening, with plenty of laughs at how disillusioned we are from a very engaging, intelligent, wise, positive & amusing speaker.

I was even laughing pretty hard at myself about some of things I have let consume me!

I also had the pleasure of meeting Choeying Dolma a Buddhist nun living in Hervey Bay. Well I didn’t even know there were Buddhist nuns; I assumed only monks let alone one right here in town! (How disillusioned of me!)

The Lama really switched back on a light bulb for me reinforcing personal self growth traits and goals I had been working on for enlightenment. Some of the key notes I enjoyed and will reflect upon were…

•1.    We must accept changes that are happening, everything is IMPERMANENT!

•2.    We refuse to think different & change our own opinions creating our own difficulties & suffering!

•3.    People blame god or someone immediate in their lives, never themselves for their own views!

•4.     All suffering stems from selfishness!

•5.    People’s senses are deceived by their own afflictions!

•6.    People believe the perceptive truth as the ultimate truth!

•7.    People make themselves suffer without realising they are the cause!

•8.    People justify their wrong by blaming others!

•9.    Positive change is to examine what the 5 senses are bringing in with your 6^th sense.

•10. People magnify small issues that you can’t see the good things your loved ones do!

•11. We want to believe that our suffering is caused by someone else & we want others to believe that we are the victim.

•12.  Some people see poison as medicine and others medicine as poison!

•13.  Buddhists practice meditation to air deceptive truth.

•14.  We must have our senses to be sensible. Sensibility comes when you are focused.

•15.  Afflictions obscure your mind & make you see non existing things & make you believe they are real.

•16.  Whatever you attach to are causes of suffering even your success.

•17.  No success is ultimate cause of happiness.

•18.  Positive change has to have a beneficial outcome.

•19. Treasure time & energy while you have them.

•20. Don’t worry about what didn’t go well, it’s too late & you’re wasting time now.

•21. Our past is only a memory, why remember bad things not the fantastic things!

•22. Talk less about your delusions & more about the greatness others do for you!

•23. People have a lack of the present, accept where you are now!

•24.  Look with eyes of kindness, compassion & wisdom.

•25.  Are you getting what you want or getting what you need?

•26. If you let something go your hands are free to receive good!

•27. Your relationship with yourself is most important.

•28.  Buddha said, “Be your own master, not seek one from outside”.

•29.  Most importantly, everything is IMPERMANENT!

For more information on the Padma Buddhist Centre at Point Vernon in Hervey Bay, Please contact Peter: 07 4124 2980 pleney@smartchat.net.au  or Choeying Dolma: choeying.dolma@gmail.com

Find out more about the Lama here.

On Saturday 28th March 2009, I will take part in Earth Hour.

On that day, people in Australia and around the world will turn off their lights between 8:30 – 9:30 pm for one hour – Earth Hour – showing their support and sending a powerful global message that it’s possible to take action on climate change and succeed.

I’m glad it’s just lights, at least I can watch TV with a candle and a cold beer.

From the earliest white settlement at the end of the 18th century, Australians have striven to celebrate a national day, and in so doing, define what it means to be Australian. January 26 1788 has traditionally marked the landing of Captain Arthur Phillip at Port Jackson in present-day Sydney, thereby claiming Australia for the British Empire. Early settlers, perhaps naturally, marked the anniversary.

Australia Day has evolved from a small commemorative New South Wales holiday into a major national celebration. Though it has often been criticised, it remains the most inclusive celebration of a national day in Australia, expressing the national diversity which has become such an important part of the Australian national character.

Australia Day today celebrates diversity and tolerance in Australian society. Whereas once it celebrated the staunchly British nature of Australian society (or was disparaged for this approach), it now embraces multicultural Australia, including all ethnic backgrounds, racial differences and political viewpoints.

Yesterday at work I received a tip off that I may soon be receiving official news that I have finally completed my masters degree. For the past two years I have been studying a Masters of Professional Studies externally which is based on your place of employment, therefore I have been analysing the expansion of Design House. 

The Master of Professional Studies is designed to enable professionals to engage in the highest form of authentic learning: to study as they engage in real world, real time activity; and to combine their work and study in ways that lead to benefits for both the individual and the organisation….. 

I decided some preliminary celebratory drinks may be in order and hit the town. Everywhere was extremely quiet except the nightclub which was having their Official Opening! We had been informed they had renovated and the music would be suited to people of all ages so we decided to take a look.

The infamous Seven’s nightclub in Hervey Bay has been renamed to Rumaz and has new licensees, local couple Mark and Sarah from the newly formed business Coastal Security Services who have extensive experience in the security industry. I have noticed their new security officers at several venues around town and have been extremely impressed with how polite, professional and helpful they are in comparison to the norm.

 I decided to analyse my first ever Rumaz experience, based on my experience and others feedback;

Pro’s:

1. Locks on the ladies toilet doors (first time in about 10 years)
2. Larger dance floor!!!!
3. More seating and comfortable couches
4. Caught up with friends and had a nice chat with Mark & Sarah
5. Alcohol available 

Con’s:

1. $10 cover charge ($3 increase)
2. Music was absolutely crap (so bad my friend left within 20mins = loss of sales at the bar)
3. Didn’t get to dance (main reason for attending), as I don’t do drugs I’m not interested in jumping up and down on the spot to thumping music drinking only water
4. Man handled by security officer (waiting for person giving me a lift home, my drink was snatched from my hand, thrown in the bin and my upper arm grabbed and I was pulled off the chair, hhhmmmm inappropriate behaviour at any time to say the least) 

Conclusion;
If the music catered for all tastes and if I was given the option to finish or place my drink in the bin I think I would have had “an absolute ball”…… fixing the music issue would also attract larger crowds, if every patron knew they would enjoy their experience, every time, this would in turn create positive word of mouth referral……..more dancing = more drinking = more revenue……..it’s early days yet so let’s hope the perfect clubbing experience is fine tunned for Hervey Bay patrons and our tourists……!!! 

If anyone can develop a good reputation for the club and get it pumping, lets hope it will be Mark & Sarah!!!
I might wait for some positive feedback before returning…..

Ok ALL Ladies this course is A DEFINATE MUST!

Time to take back control, gain respect and improve your relationships whether they are with family, friends or partners!!! I completed this course in 2006 and it was the biggest eye opener and life changing experience!

If you haven’t had the A-hhhhaaaaaaa moment in your life yet this may definitely trigger it.
If you have had the A-hhhhaaaaaaa moment OMG you will be unstoppable!

This Effectiveness Training Course is based on the book by Linda Adams.

You will learn effective communication & conflict resolution skills and take control back, it’s never too late. No more being over powered or doing things that don’t suit you, control your circumstances, your destiny and start living your best life!

Take a friend and grow and learn together.

Next Course Starts 9^th of Oct 2008

(please call the number below to find out start dates following this date)

Cost: $28 for workbook

On completion of the course you may wish as I did to be assessed and TAFE certified in the following.

• AAA 102                 Communication Styles
• AAA 202A               Assertiveness
• AAA 302                 Conflict Resolution
• AAA 402A               Values and listening
• AAA 502AA             Personal Effectiveness

For more information:

Wide Bay Women’s Health Centre
07 4125 5788
8 Truro Street Torquay QLD 4655

www.wbwhc.org.au

‘In loving memory of my teacher Claire Beach, Thank You Claire for being a small but huge part of my life and assisting me on my journey to SEE!’

Jeanette Maynes

Today I attended the Star of the Sea, Catholic School in Hervey Bay’s, Silver Jubilee (1984-2008). A time capsule that was buried 25 years ago was dug up and the historic contents put on display. As I was a pioneer student of the school in Grade 4, I was pictured in the first ever school photo that was among the buried treasures.

This picture of me was taken in April 1984 and published in the local newspaper when the school was officially opened by his grace the Archbishop Francis Roberts Rush from Brisbane. My grandmother and father are pictured in the background of the photograph. 

The new child care centre an extension of the school was officially opened today and the local politicians were out in force with Andrew McNamara MP, Paul Neville MP and Fraser Coast Mayor Mick Kruger all present.

I enjoyed a delicious steak sandwich with my parents and purchased promotional stubbie coolers as a momentum of the occasion. My parents also brought a Recipe book that the Grade five students had put together that was really well done.

My father was employed as a groundsman at one stage for the school and was involved in several Saturday working bees when I was attending the school.

We stopped to get a photo next to one of the original targets Dad painted on the wall for the students, and by the chalk marks on it today,
it looks like it is still a hit at lunch times!

I also caught up with Andrew McNamara MP on the oval where there was a lot of activity and plenty of people.

The school is probably five times bigger than it was when I attended and it’s great to see all the new shade structures for the children.