Welcome to HOME Magazine

Editor's Note

Happy New Year! As this is often about making changes and reaffirming commitments to doing things different than the year before, we thought who better to have a chat to than Matthew Hayden (p. 6). Matthew has made a real lifestyle change and swapped the sporting life for the country life. He now grows his own food while spending valuable time with his wife and children.

Are your children fussy eaters? Trudy Williams has some fantastic tips for dealing with mealtime fuss (p. 10), while Jacob McLuskie helps you see if you are setting yourself up to fail with your fitness regime (p. 12). Anna Beresford-Smith has shared some of her favourite summer accessory finds (p. 14) and Anna Hartley looks at getting a pet (p. 21).

Just before your resolve to get fit and health kicks in too much, be sure to make the lychee and walnut nibbles from Carlo Lorenti’s What’s In Season column (p. 22). They are so delicious! Plus there is also Noel Whittaker’s helpful financial advice about home loans (p. 28), Joel Helmes’ latest motoring news (p. 26) and Helen Placanica’s garden tips (p. 20).

Enjoy the issue and the rest of your summer vacation.

Birri O'Dea

At the time of writing, our area has been battered by wild summer storms and I hope these do not prevent all readers of HOME Magazine from having a refreshing break during the Christmas and New Year period. I am looking forward to an exciting 2011 and helping to make our area a better place in which to live and work.

One of the highlights of the year comes early, on Australia Day, when together with the Hamilton Rotary Club, I will host the annual Hamilton Ward Citizenship Ceremony in the newly air-conditioned Hamilton Hall.

This year’s ceremony will see some 40 new citizens officially welcomed into our local community. This is a simple but moving ceremony so those who have chosen to call this beautiful country home will now be called Australians. The ceremony also provides the opportunity for existing citizens to stand and publicly acknowledge their commitment to our great country, as well as welcoming our new citizens.

Unfortunately, my Racecourse Rd office will be closed for the first two weeks of January as the building is having asbestos material removed. I will be operating offsite and will be contactable via my normal email address. I encourage residents to continue to report their Council matters during this time via Council’s 24-hour call centre on 3403 8888, visit our nearest customer service centres at Chermside (960 Gympie Road, Chermside) or Brisbane City (266 George Street, Brisbane).

I look forward to the year ahead and the delivery of some important projects in our area, as well as making sure resources are provided to the everyday services we expect from Council.