Australian expert to feature at Wellington Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show

Finding foods that made her wake up happy changed Australian gluten and grain free cookbook author Tania Hubbard’s life, so she is sharing her experience at a special presentation at the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show in Wellington on 25 – 26 August.

Tania Hubbard, author of cookbook gluten free grain free – food we love said the Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show was a great opportunity for thousands of New Zealanders with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance to come together and discover what’s ‘out there’.

The show will offer a wide variety of hypoallergenic and gluten free products and foods as well as featuring a number of free seminars and expert talks from some of New Zealand’s most notable industry professionals.

Tania Hubbard will be among the special guests, performing a cooking demonstration called ‘Seeds of Change’, which will focus on how seeds and nuts can be an easy, healthy and delicious feature in a gluten and grain free lifestyle.

“My presentation will look at the benefits of foods like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and raw cacao nibs and how to prepare and integrate these ingredients info foods,” Tania said.

“I will also whip up my amazing chia, pumpkin, sunflower seed, cinnamon, fruit and almond muesli, using some of New Zealand’s finest local produce,” Tania said.

The Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show will be held from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, 25th and Sunday, 26th August at the TSB Bank Area in Wellington. Tickets to the event are $10 or $35 for a family pass; children under the age of ten are free.

Tania’s journey began several years ago when after suffering migraines, chronic fatigue and repeated bouts of pneumonia; she was diagnosed intolerant to the protein found in cereal grains.

“Since I was diagnosed, my life changed dramatically. I eliminated grains from my diet and all my symptoms disappeared,” Tania said.

“I was determined to continue enjoying food, despite my illness and restrictive diet, so I set to developing my own gluten and grain free recipes,” Tania said.

Tania’s condition turned out to be a blessing in disguise, helping her realise her talent and passion for food, which saw her go on to co-found the award-winning Husk & Honey Cafe with husband and business partner Eric, develop her own gluten and grain free bake@home range and write her own cookbook.

Tania’s cookbook, gluten free grain free – food we love, is packed with over 150 pages of mouth-watering recipes, information about stocking a gluten and grain free pantry, label reading and much more.

Tania said her cookbook aimed to provide delicious and easy recipes and also help people understand and enjoy gluten and grain free living.

“My food isn’t just for coeliacs and those with grain and gluten intolerance, it’s for everyone and anyone that wants to enjoy nutritious and wholesome cooking that tastes great,” Tania said.

“Food has turned my life around and I thoroughly enjoy helping others on their path to healthy eating,” Tania said.

For a complete list of stockists of gluten free grain free – food we love  and the bake@home range, or to purchase online, visit www.glutenfreegrainfree.com.au.

For more information about the Gluten Free Food & Allergy expo, visit www.glutenallergy.co.nz.

Bloomhill celebrates grand opening of new Therapy Centre

Bloomhill Cancer Help entered an exciting new phase on Thursday, 2 August, celebrating the official grand opening of its new Therapy Centre.

To mark the special event, Bloomhill hosted a high tea at the new Centre, 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim at 2pm with special guest, The Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP who played an important role in securing the grant money for the extension.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the new Therapy Centre includes five new therapy rooms, state-of the art kitchen, additional office space and a beautiful, big recreation room.

“The new space is absolutely amazing. Our staff and clients are truly lucky to have access to such an amazing facility,” Jenny said.

“The opening event was a great opportunity to thank all those who helped Bloomhill through the grant and renovation process.” Jenny said.

In June 2011, Bloomhill received a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Australia to support the health needs of regional communities thanks to the support received from the Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the new Therapy Centre means people diagnosed with cancer and their families from across the Sunshine Coast region will have better access to services and support.

“Bloomhill services more than 900 clients and we are constantly growing in numbers,” Jenny said.

“It is a truly unique service, focusing on the quality of life and walking clients through every stage of the disease,” Jenny said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity that provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated professional staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

Image (left to right): Queensland Senator Claire Moore; Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll; Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP; Bloomhill Patron, Raelene Boyle and Bloomhill’s General Manager, Mervat Thompson.

Go the distance for cancer support on the Coast

The annual Bloomhill Cancer Help Support Walk is on again in an effort to raise much-needed funds for cancer support on the Sunshine Coast.

For the third consecutive year, Bloomhill is calling for all Sunshine Coast residents to get involved in the 5km journey and to dress in Bloomhill blue.

This year, the walk will be held on Sunday, 5 August and starts at the Kawana Surf Lifesaving Club, winding its way to LaBalsa Park on Harbour Parade and back to the Surf Club, where a free sausage sizzle will await to revive participants.

Bloomhill President, Jenny Carroll said the walk was a fun and healthy way to spend your Sunday morning whilst supporting a worthy cause at the same time.

“This year we want to encourage a little friendly competition by getting teams involved, whether it be a sporting team, family group or even a bunch of work colleagues,” Jenny said.

There will be prizes for the best-dressed individual and team and all the money received from registrations, donations or sponsorship of walk participants will help Bloomhill to continue providing valuable services to those living with cancer and their families throughout the Sunshine Coast region.

“Bloomhill is truly unique and we are so lucky to have a service like this on the Sunshine Coast,” Jenny said.

“Every family has been touched by cancer in some way, and the Walk is a great way for people to help others with cancer on the Coast who need our support,” Jenny said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity and provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

Registrations and donations begin from 8.30am with the walk starting promptly at 9am. A donation of $10 per person or $25 for a family of four is requested to participate in the walk.

Registration forms are available at any Bloomhill Op Shop, the Bloomhill Centre in Buderim, National Australia Bank (NAB) Kawana Branch or at the event.

“No matter what fitness level you are, come walking, running or jogging, anyone or everyone can join in,” Jenny said.

For more information or to participate in the walk, please call 07 5445 5794 or visit the Bloomhill Cancer Help at 58 Ballinger Road.

Successful local author to share writing experience at SCLA Discussion Evening

The Sunshine Coast Literary Association will host its next quarterly discussion and presentation evening on Tuesday, 17 July with local author and guest speaker, Richard Marman.

The evening will be held at the Buderim Mountain State School Conference Room, 8-42 Main Street, Buderim (opposite St Marks Church) at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start.

The evening will feature an author talk from local author and artist, Richard Marman about his writing and illustrating journey, leaving his career as an Air Force pilot behind to pursue his passion for art and literature. With degrees in visual art, creative writing and design, Richard has gone on to publish a number of books including Escape from Fort McCain, The Wealth and A Tale of Two Turtles.

Richard said he was keen to share his knowledge and experience with budding writers, along with his journey into the world of writing and illustration.

SCLA President, Bryan Ward said the discussion and presentation evening, as always, would be a stimulating and interesting night with great and inspiring company.

“The session is held in a relaxed environment and invites community members to join the SCLA for a cuppa, light refreshments and a chat,” Bryan said.

Formed in 2005, the SCLA provides a pathway for the Sunshine Coast’s aspiring writers and enthusiasts to explore their interests, develop skills and showcase their work. It allows like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and seek advice to develop their abilities.

The association offers regular literary workshops, seminars and events, awards programs and monthly Front Write Up literary performance evenings that provide an opportunity to showcase the talent of its members. The SCLA also promotes other state and national writing competitions that offer successful applicants great prizes and recognition.

The night will begin with nibbles at 6.15pm followed by the discussion/2013 brainstorming and presentation from 6.30pm. Entry is free for members and $5 for non-members, payable on the night.

Members and guests are welcome to attend for the opportunity to talk and network with other writers and participate in discussions on the Association program.

The SCLA requests guests to RSVP due to catering purposes via email info@scliterary.org or phone 07 5450 2690. For more information on beginning your journey as a writer or to become a member of the SCLA, please visit www.scliterary.org.

Supplier puts up cash to support Bloomhill

One of the major suppliers of the new Bloomhill Centre extension has furthered their contribution, donating $5,000 to the Buderim-based charity.

Sunshine Coast Mitre 10 was responsible for the supply of timber, fixings, cladding and doors for the new extension and was eager to show its ongoing support for the worthwhile charity organisation.

Mitre 10 Group Trade Manager, Adrian McCormick said Mitre 10 Sunshine Coast were large supporters of new constructions and had a strong community orientation and commitment.

Bloomhill’s new General Manager, Mervat Thompson accepted the donation on behalf of Bloomhill and said the charity was really appreciative of support.

“Bloomhill relies on the support we receive from local businesses and the community and we hope to continue out relationship with Mitre 10 and Accord Homes,” Mervat said.

“In fact, we have plans to work together again to renovate the older section of the Centre in the near future,” Mervat said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a local charity that provides support and assistance to those affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated professional staff and hundreds of volunteers, Bloomhill offers counselling, transport to appointments, respite care and a range of complementary therapies and other practical help.

Accord Homes, builders of the extension and long-time supporters of Bloomhill, coordinated the donation with Mitre 10, having worked with the company for many years, including on other charity projects.

Foundation challenges neighbours to have fun with fundraising

To launch the Buderim Foundation’s Street by Street Challenge to the Buderim community, a Street by Street Fundraising Showcase will be held at the Buderim War Memorial Hall on Saturday, 19 May.

The Street by Street Fundraising Showcase will provide Buderim street communities with fun and easy fundraising ideas they can use to make their own contribution to the B150 Community Challenge.

Buderim Foundation Chair Professor Paul Clark said with all donations over $2000 to be acknowledged on a commemorative plaque, the Foundation’s new Street by Street Challenge encouraged street communities to work together and collectively make a donation and be acknowledged as a street.

“The Street by Street Fundraising Showcase is a great opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other and inspire them to pool their resources and have some fun while fundraising,” Prof. Clark said.

The event will run from 10am to 1pm with live music, delicious baked goodies, homemade lemonade stand, car wash, sausage sizzle, rummage sale, kids activities and more.

Those attending on the day will be able to join in the fun and help fundraise or they can choose to do more and become a street coordinator. Coordinators will be provided with fundraising kits and resources to assist them in their fundraising efforts.

Professor Clark said while the Street by Street Challenge was an effort to meet fundraising targets, the Foundation wanted to encourage community spirit amongst neighbours.

“Whether its holding a movie night, collecting old clothes and books to sell at a rummage sale, or even just donating to a door knock appeal, everyone in the street can make a contribution,” Prof. Clark said.

The Buderim Foundation’s B150 Community Challenge is part of Buderim’s 150th birthday celebrations and aims to raise money to make its investment fund, which is held in trust, from $450 000 to $1million in just one year.

To help with fundraising efforts, a raffle is also being held at the event with a number of exciting prizes donated by local business. Tickets can be purchased on the day for two dollars each or three for five dollars.

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