Bike Life Blog Category: community

Ride the Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer

Last year the Mater’s Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer attracted over 5000 riders, taking on a variety of cycling challenges and raising awareness of the essential work that the event supports. Rowan Foster from The Mater had been on course much of the day, and Bicycle Queensland caught up with Rowan soon after midday last year at Southport, when the majority of riders had made it to the finish.

‘The Mater is really delighted with the event this year. With over 5000 riders we raised more than $550 000 to support cancer research. While it started as a wet day the spirits were high amongst the riders, with many smiles and the appreciation of taking on a good challenge by tackling 100km. Of course, it was great to see some blue skies at the finish here in Southport.’

The Brisbane to Gold Coast has had a long history, and now under the direction of The Mater, the event’s legacy is not lost on Rowan – for both the community impact and driving awareness and support of cancer research.

‘This event has really established itself thanks to a long history and the stewardship from Bicycle Queensland. The Mater is really proud to take on the challenge of continuing that success. With over 5000 riders, this event is one of the most popular events in all of Queensland from a mass participation point of view. We’ll continue to provide that opportunity for those who want to take on the cycling challenge but who also want to have a positive community impact as well.’

Those who were part of the ride, or who donated to the fund-raising effort may be asking – just what sort of difference does half a million dollars make for either cancer research or treatment support?

sign up for the b2gc


‘The Mater has a really interesting place around this, not only with world-leading cancer research, but also how that transfer works from the bench side to the bedside with our clinical elements in a hospital setting,’ Rowan confirmed. ‘The impact from the fund-raising is really around providing improved treatments for those facing a cancer diagnosis. Chemotherapy can be really brutal and the outcomes can fail. We aim to provide greater hope and the best chance of long term remission for those fighting cancer.’

Here at Bicycle Queensland, the Brisbane to Gold Coast event always offered a way to encourage more people to get out on a bike, to challenge themselves and share that experience with friends. Over the years the impact that made is truly incredible. And the new life with The Mater as the event became the Cycle for Cancer means the impact is even wider.

‘We want to honour the history of the event that Bicycle Queensland have stewarded for so long,’ said Rowan. ‘We’re keen to continue our collaboration with Bicycle Queensland and its members and the wider cycling community to go from strength-to-strength with this event.’

‘The Brisbane to Gold Coast has become a must-do ride for so many people in Queensland,’ stated Bicycle Queensland’s CEO Alton Twine. ‘The popularity of the event is evident right here, as we are surrounded by thousands of people who have taken up the challenge today.’

‘The Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer has really expanded the appeal of the event, as not only do keen bike riders take part, but those who have family and friends impacted by cancer. I am certain that not just the popularity, but the effectiveness of the event as a change for good will grow under The Mater.’

Get your diary out and and lock in October 12 for the 2025 Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer – don’t miss it!

Volunteering with Bicycle Queensland

Just like any not for profit organisation, Bicycle Queensland gets a lot of support from our volunteers. Some volunteers have been able to assist year in, year out, helping BIcycle Queensland deliver events or programs around the state. Some volunteers are able to help for a specific event or role in their region or area of interest. Every single one is valuable to our organisation, as we strive to make Queensland a safer and more connected place to ride.

Hans Willemsin lives in Brisbane and has volunteered with Bicycle Queensland in a number of roles, and recently helped out at our Orientation Day stalls that we held at a few universities this year.

  • Why did you sign up to volunteer with BQ? 
    Hans: Volunteering is a chance to contribute to our community. For BQ, I am rather passionate about cycling (even though I know I should do more).
  • What events have you volunteered at – what was it like on the day? 
    Hans: I have volunteered at a couple of uni O-week events. Previously I have helped run e-bike awareness sessions and have helped at a BQ stand next to City Hall for Bike Week.
  • Do you volunteer anywhere else? If so – where abouts and why? 
    Hans: I volunteer for Red Cross, Australian Conservation Foundation and with a local revegetation group. Once again to help our community (Red Cross) and another passion, this time for our environment.
  • Would you encourage other people to volunteer with BQ, and if so, why is that? 
    Hans: Yes, it is a worthwhile activity.

If you would like to volunteer with Bicycle Queensland, head to our Volunteers page to sign up.

All about MS Queensland’s Brissie to the Bay

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibres, causing inflammation and scarring (sclerosis). This disrupts nerve signals, leading to a wide range of symptoms that vary in severity, including fatigue, muscle weakness, vision problems, numbness, coordination difficulties, and cognitive impairment. MS is unpredictable, with symptoms fluctuating over time and potentially leading to disability. While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression, improving the quality of life for those affected.

MS Queensland have operated for over 65 years, and exists to connect Queenslanders living with neurological conditions to new possibilities and better lives through community, services, support, events, research and neuro wellness initiatives. We recently caught up with Courtney Allen from MS Queensland, to find out more about the charity, their fundraising and of course MS Brissie to the Bay, which celebrates 35 years on Sunday 15 June.

‘The heart of what we do at MS Queensland is providing support and services for people living with MS. We also provide support and services for people with other neurological conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, dementia and more.’

‘We work with the community to provide a range of services, including the Neuro Assist help line that people can call at any stage of their journey; from when they are first diagnosed or if they are going through a new phase of their diagnosis. This is a help line that their friends, family or carers can use for information or referrals.’

MS Queensland also provides an MS Nurse Advisory service whichprovides one-on-one advice, referrals and information to help with diagnosis, treatment options and concerns.  They even provide individualised housing options and daily living supports for safety, peace of mind and independence.

Like Bicycle Queensland, MS Queensland are involved in advocacy work as well, to spread awareness and understanding of neurological conditions, leading to improvements on how they are diagnosed, treated and supported.

‘We know now that 1 in 4 Queenslanders are living with a neurological condition that causes disconnection from their families and communities, so it is a pretty widespread area of interest – a lot of people are impacted by it. However many services provided by MS Queensland are only possible because of fundraising events like the MS Brissie to the Bay.

The MS Brissie to the Bay is a very popular charity ride, with around 6000 riders taking part each year across the different event distances. Like most charity events, it is not a race and is designed to be suited to a wide variety of riders. Whether that is people wanting to support MS Queensland, or those riding in support of friends or families with neuro conditions.

 ‘It is our flagship event and our largest event that runs in Queensland. Last year we raised almost $1million which was absolutely incredible. It is a great event to be part of.’

MS Queensland have a wide range of other fundraising events, like the MS Moonlight Walk held at Roma St Parklands in October, and of course the MS Readathon, which countless people across the whole of Australia would have taken part in.

So, what does fundraising from the MS Brissie to the Bay support?

‘The fundraising specifically funds the support for people living with MS and neuro conditions that isn’t available by other means. We do have some great services that are thankfully funded by other areas, but some crucial services aren’t. This includes helping people to navigate systems that are confusing to use and helping people with neurological conditions apply for access to the NDIS. The Neuro Assist helpline is also fully funded by the crucial fundraising from the event.’

Besides taking part and fundraising in the MS Brissie to the Bay, there are other ways you can help MS Queensland, as Courtney told us.

‘For anyone wanting to help, sharing awareness and information around the MS Brissie to the Bay ride makes a big difference and highlights the need around why we host this event. For those who can’t ride, they can also come along to the event as part of our Cheer Club. We have a beautiful group of supporters at the end of the ride to cheer all the riders who come across the finish line after completing some epic challenges.

Of course, the other great option is to donate your time as a volunteer. Like any not for profit or charity group, MS Queensland relies on the generous donations of time from volunteers.

‘We have volunteering options from March right through until June, where people can help us in the lead up to the event getting things ready – or they can join us on event day as well, both at the Event Village or out on the course as a marshal.’

‘It is really rewarding being at the finish line at Musgrave Park and seeing so many incredible people there for one goal, to support people living neuro conditions . It is a really special day to be a part of, and there is a lot that you can help with as a volunteer.’


Do you want to volunteer? Click here.

BQ Member Profile: Chris and Cheryl

Bicycle Queensland members Chris and Cheryl have seen the world by bike. From long tours on their bikes or even on a folding tandem. Living in Innisfail, the two Queenslanders don’t neglect adventures right in their backyard either. During Bicycle Queensland’s 2024 Regional Tour, we caught up with them in Innisfail and even got out early for a ride – on some bikes that Chris graciously lent us.

Our ride took us through the back roads of Innisfail, through cane fields and across cane train tracks, as a mix of other riders joined us either on the ride, or for coffee and breakfast afterwards. 

‘For me, bikes are about coffee, cake, a bit of exercise and fun,’ Cheryl told us as we waited for our coffees post-ride, ‘Nothing too dramatic.’ Her partner Chris has a slightly different stance around bikes however. 

‘It’s about getting out, getting outside and seeing the country at your own pace, and just exploring. That’s why I prefer fat tyres. So I’ll get out and explore dirt roads, tracks and forestry roads. If there is a road that I can ride on I’ll see how far I can get and then turn around and come back. Having that freedom to get out and explore is important.’ 

You only need to look at the bike Chris is riding to see that he doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk. Or rides the bike? His custom Titanium frame uses a belt drive and a Rohloff hub gear, two systems known for their ultra-long service life and reliability. The handlebars are adorned with accessories, serving a mix of safety, convenience, and the ability to get out – and stay out.

Riding with BQ Members is always a great part of regional visits.

‘When mountain bikes got invented I thought “this is it, this is really cool”. So in 1988 we both got mountain bikes and we rode anywhere we could get on a push bike around Rockhampton.’ 

If you haven’t been to Rockhampton, you may not appreciate how rugged the surrounding countryside is. Ruggedly beautiful, but not short of hills and valleys – with countless backroads and trails to explore from farming and timber getters. However both Chris and Cheryl explore far and wide – well beyond their own expansive backyard in Far North Queensland.

‘We’ve ridden in a fair few countries now which is a lot of fun,’ added Cheryl. ‘We normally take our own bikes which can be a bit of a challenge. It is great to have that freedom to go where you want, when you want.’  This includes pedalling a tandem half way up the Rheine, and down the Danube to Vienna. Hearing about their tandem, with a suitcase that becomes a trailer,

‘We have also taken our mountain bikes to the UK, and ridden around the bottom end of Devon and Somerset, along with taking the tandem to New Zealand’ Chris explains. ‘It is a great way to see the world, and slightly cheaper while doing it at your own pace as well.’ 

‘I’ve been a member for years, my BQ membership number was one hundred and twenty something. I joined when I was a young man and I have been riding bikes since then.’ 

‘Seeing Bicycle Queensland do this outreach to regional Queensland means a lot to me as a member. It’s all fine getting the emails, but it makes a difference when you see people visiting – the outreach is important’ Cheryl told us. ‘We are heartened after discussing opportunities for improved cycling conditions in Far North Queensland with BQ, having advocacy from an organisation like BQ boosts our local efforts and having that support is very positive.’ 

‘As Bicycle Queensland builds, that builds a greater impetus for the government to listen to a big group of people, which helps the smaller places to get more momentum to get more people riding.’ 

Bicycle Queensland membership supports our advocacy work to make Queensland a safer, more connected place to ride. It also provides peace of mind via insurance, and allows access to discounted events and services.

Get more details on BQ Membership

Getting to know Ground Effect

In 2024, Ground Effect Cycling Clothing celebrated their 30th anniversary. That’s 30 years of making quality bike clothing and equipment in New Zealand, and 30 years of enabling adventures by bike. In the current world of online retail, Ground Effect have a longer history than most. Many of you will remember receiving the mail order catalogue in their letterbox, spruiking gear built for riding, made right in New Zealand.

We recently spoke to Guy Wynn-Williams, one of the founders of Ground Effect, about where the company started and where it is now.

‘We started in 1994 and as the French say, the more that changes, the more they stay the same. We always sold direct, and that’s not because we had any aversion to the retail industry. Back then we all liked when we could talk as close to the source as possible. So instead of getting filtered information, we’d get direct feedback from our customers. And that’s still the case now. They can talk to an office where the designer is right there, and the people who are responsible for choosing and sourcing the materials.’

If you try to think of brands where you can get on the phone or email them and speak to the very people who design and refine the products we buy – we’d imagine there aren’t a huge amount of brands that come to mind, beyond boutique frame builders and bikepacking luggage manufacturers. And remember that Ground Effect make their clothing and equipment in New Zealand. We know of a couple of brands who make select clothing items in Australia – but never a complete range. This is a commitment Ground Effect have stuck to, for a number of reasons.

‘It still works for us as we do small runs. When we started it really was the best option for us as we would never have had the volume to go off shore. But now, to start making products in New Zealand you’d likely need a bit of momentum behind you.’

Of course, the internet in 1994 wasn’t like it is now, and Ground Effect didn’t even have a website until 1997.

‘We sold via a catalogue,’ says Guy. ‘We worked out how to avoid the need for envelopes, we were young and idealistic! We printed those until 2015, and I think we printed about 80 different catalogues.’

‘We started selling to Australia early on. And putting trans-Tasman rivalry aside, I feel like Australians adopted us as surrogate locals. We often hear from riders that buying something locally made in Australia is hard, but made in New Zealand is just as good.’

The internet is a competitive market place, but Ground Effect are still a very unique company – if you’ve owned any of their products, you’ll know they really work. Experienced design is a key driver for Ground Effect.

‘We don’t manufacture in a cheap labour environment so you have to get the design right. This potentially creates a simpler garment that is often better because you only add what you need, with less weight and less bulk. Due to needing to be frugal, you often end up with a better solution.’

The Ground Effect Flare and Solaris offer UPF50 protection. We have been impressed with their fit and comfort.

Items that last longer and do more come to a core part of Ground Effect – being sustainable. They use minimal packaging, their staff all ride to work, and they expect the kit to last forever – they even have solar panels covering the roof of their factory.

New Zealand is a stunning place to ride, but interestingly Guy says they look towards Australia in terms of growth in urban cycling.

‘Australia has always been ahead of New Zealand in urban cycling, for both advocacy and infrastructure as well. And more people are riding because of that. Here in New Zealand we’ve seen the increase in the National Cycle Trail network has created a dramatic increase in riders – including Australians visiting.’

The 23 Great Rides have probably tempted a lot of us to New Zealand – or perhaps the long distance mountain bike routes as well, which Ground Effect have played a role in.

‘We were part of a 15 year lobbying battle to get the Heaphy Track open – it’s a great multi-day mountain bike ride. And now we have the Old Ghost Road too, which is fantastic.’

Ground Effect are involved with a lot of grass roots advocacy via their slush fund. Guy explains that they could get people to a trail build day, but they could also donate money for some materials, like a couple of grand for a bridge to be built, or to buy some tools.

‘We’ve donated over 300 grand, at one or two grand a time, and that’s a lot of projects.’ Despite the boom in riding and investment in major off road projects, the call for Ground Effect’s input hasn’t diminished. ‘We’re still donating similar sums now to 15-20 years ago.’

Ground Effect have previously supported Bicycle Queensland’s major events – and Guy and his colleagues often attended to ride, as much as sell their gear. Even though that did include forgetting that it’s not always hot in Australia, and it does still rain! We have recently been testing the Ground Effect Solaris and Flare sun shirts, although sun safety isn’t new for Ground Effect.

‘The Solaris and Flare have been very popular. We all make our own choices but in our view – long sleeves make a lot of sense, and having a collar to protect your neck. It just makes sense to us. The Rock Lobster is our best-selling top, and that’s what we’d see the most on previous BQ rides.’

We hope to see Guy or some of the Ground Effect team at one of our events in 2025. If you’re a Bicycle Queensland member, you’ll receive a free pair of their Foot Soldier socks with any order – just follow the directions in your BQ Portal.

Try the e-cargo bike revolution with Lug+Carrie

You would be hard pressed to miss the increase in e-cargo bikes on the streets in many Australian capitals – and Queensland is no different to other states. Early mornings and afternoons see bike paths and back roads become essential links as parents tote one, two or even three kids to and from daycare or school drop offs.

The longer wheelbases and higher cargo carrying capacity of an electric cargo bike isn’t just handy for navigating the school run. You can do a full shop, carry your partner to Friday drinks, or even load up with tools to head to a friend’s house, to rescue them from their DIY project.

While electric cargo bikes have been available for a while, their recent explosion has been assisted by more manufacturers developing their own e-cargo line, and some stores specialising in e-bikes, like Electric Bikes Brisbane or Lug+Carrie. What has made a really big difference is the hire, or subscription service that Lug+Carrie also offer for the Brisbane area, alongside Melbourne and Sydney.

Via Lug+Carrie, you can rent your e-bike, or e-cargo bike, on a month-by-month basis, And as long as you’re in their 20km operational zone, this includes on-site servicing, free delivery and pick up at the start and finish of your subscription, and free delivery and pick up if your bike needs to go into their workshop for repair or parts. This covers from Wynnum to Camp Mountain, or Brendale to Calamvale.

Lug+Carrie stock a variety of Tern bicycles, including the popular GSD, which can be equipped with two seats on the back, along with a rack on the front. In-fact, many of the bikes have a range of accessories that Lug+Carrie supply, and you can swap them out as your needs change. As well as offering the monthly subscription, Lug+Carrie have lease to buy options as well as both new and refurbished e-bikes for sale. You can check them all out and test ride them in their Woolloongabba store. 

On a recent Lug+Carrie Community Ride, we caught up with Sophie – who has been a Lug+Carrie subscriber for two years with her blue Tern GSD.

‘I already had an e-cargo bike that I had bought, but it just wasn’t as functional and kept falling apart. I wanted something that could be a bit more reliable.’

Sophie visited Lug+Carrie in Woolloongabba, near where she lives, to look at at Tern models they had – she ended up their 15th customer, right as their Brisbane store opened. ‘Their targeted demographics Instagram ads got me: women with kids, who hate their car!’

‘Since then, I have been doing school drop offs then into the city for work – and then back again.’

There are e-cargo bikes on the market from as low as around $3000, but for a quality model like the Tern GSD Sophie has, with the accessories and 200kg load limit, could run over $9000 – which can be off-putting for someone trying to see if an e-cargo bike is for them. And that’s why Lug+Carrie’s subscription model is such a great fit, and it worked for Sophie.

‘The subscription is a more affordable way to get an amazing bike. I wouldn’t have been able to buy it outright and I wasn’t sure if I would love it. But within two weeks I knew “this is me for life,” and I love it.’

While we all often focus on the bike – for Sophie the real benefit has come from being able to customise the accessories in her subscription as her needs change – or as her daughter grows.

‘I had the Storm Shield when my daughter was younger, and as she got a bit older I switched it out to the Captain’s Chair. I called Lug+Carrie, went in and they swapped it over and re-priced it. It was even a little bit cheaper. It also means I can fit adults on the back now too.’

Just like leasing the bike reduces the upfront cost, given these accessories cost around $5 a week to hire, it’s far less than the several hundred they cost to buy outright.

Perhaps one of the best changes that Sophie told us about was her changed perceptions of what she can use her e-cargo bike for. She already uses it every day to get around, do the shopping, get to work and to get her daughter to and from school – but that’s not the limit.

‘I do partake in the e-cargo bike Olympics, for what I can fit on it. I haven’t taken it to Bunnings yet, but I am keen… I have taken a very large plant on it and I do all my grocery shopping on it as well.’

We often hear that riders getting around on an e-cargo bike, in regular clothes doing regular things, can change the perception of bike riders on the road and on paths. And Sophie has said she is often asked about her bike, with men, women and families stopping to ask her where she got it from.

With a powerful Bosch e-bike system, the Tern e-cargo bikes make light work of hauling kids, groceries, love interests – or large pot plants.

‘You don’t have to be a really good cyclist. I had cycled before but I hadn’t for a while. I found the Tern GSD far more comfortable and I feel way more secure. The last bike I had was too high . This is really nice as a step through and being so low. A lot of friends have said they aren’t a good enough cyclist to try one, but you really need to have a go – you’ll love it.

The subscription service means assistance with any issues like flat tyres, worn brakes or gear shifting issues. The Tern bikes are deisgned for use day in, day out, with robust tyres and equipment. But things break – which is why the on-road assistance exists, which Sophie has experienced.

‘Once we were pulling out of school and rode over some glass – so we got a flat. But Al came out and fixed it, it was great! He was there in 5 minutes.’ While this lead time may be longer depending where you are in the Operational Zone, it is part of the service that Lug+Carrie offer – and it removes a lot of perceived issues for some would-be riders.

Sophie was so enthusiastic about her time leasing the Tern GSD from Lug+Carrie – and she is currently contemplating buying out the bike she has been using. And she encourages everyone to try an e-cargo bike for themselves.

‘Just try it for a couple of weeks, you’ll notice the difference. I had to work somewhere that was about 50km away and needed to take a month off from cycling. I was noticeably depressed but when I went back to cycling again I was happy again. So give it a go.’

If you want to know more about Lug+Carrie, visit their website or call them on 1300 766 552. Bicycle Queensland members save 50% on an 8-week subscription through Lug+Carrie. Don’t forget to call your local bikeshop about e-cargo bikes as well – you can find Bicycle Queensland’s partner stores on our Store Finder.

Find out more about Bicycle Queensland membership: insurance, advocacy and member discounts

Requesting End-of-Trip Facilities From Your Employer

What are end of trip facilities?

End-of-trip facilities are amenities provided by employers to help their employees freshen up after riding, walking, or running to work. They typically include showers, change rooms, secure bike parking, and other amenities that encourage active travel.

How to ask for End-of-Trip Facilities from Your Employer?

As more people opt to actively commute to work, it’s become increasingly important for workplaces to provide end-of-trip facilities. They can make a significant difference in the daily commute of employees. If you actively commute and your workplace doesn’t have end-of-trip facilities, here are some suggestions on how to ask your employer.

  1. Do your research. Find out what other workplaces in your area offer end-of-trip facilities, and what the benefits are for both employees and the employer. This information can help make your case and demonstrate the importance of these facilities.
  2. Be clear about the benefits when approaching your employer. Not only do end-of-trip facilities make it easier for employees to actively commute to work, they also improve employee health and well-being, reduce carbon emissions, and even save money on parking and transportation costs.
  3. Choose the right time. Choose a time when your employer is likely to be receptive to your request, such as during a review or performance appraisal. Alternatively, you could schedule a meeting with your employer specifically to discuss this topic.
  4. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate the need for end-of-trip facilities is to explain your own experience as an active commuter. Share the challenges you face when arriving at work sweaty and in need of a shower, or when struggling to find a secure place to park your bike.
  5. Provide solutions when asking for end-of-trip facilities. For example, suggest specific facilities that would be most beneficial to you and your colleagues, or offer to help with the implementation of these facilities.
  6. Stay positive. Frame the discussion as an opportunity for your employer to improve the workplace and make it more accommodating for active commuters. Emphasize the benefits for everyone, rather than simply focusing on your own needs.
Benefits of active commuting:
  • Increased staff wellbeing
  • Higher productivity
  • Improved corporate image
  • Reduced demand for car parking

If your workplace doesn’t currently provide end-of-trip facilities, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for them. By doing your research, being clear about the benefits, choosing the right time, explaining your own experience, providing solutions, and staying positive, you can make a convincing case for why these facilities are important and why they should be implemented.

Coping with the Christmas countdown

Everyone thinks that Christmas Day is the time you can feel stressed, depressed or lonely, but for many people the lead up to Christmas can be just as overwhelming. 

For a lot of people that means sorting out your plans, who is coming and who isn’t, organise food, buy presents and put up the decorations.  These are just the basic, most common stressors.  We know that for many people, there is a raft of other, often more complex issues, at play. 

Now that the countdown to Christmas has officially begun, here are just a few tips for keeping your mental wellbeing in check: 

Stay healthy – eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can help you cope with Christmas stress.  Remember, overindulging in food and alcohol often adds to your stress and guilt. 

Plan – Make sure you do up a budget and stick to it.  Don’t overspend. Work out your shopping list and get it done early to avoid the crowds and the risk of making last-minute, over expensive purchases! 

Be creative – if your money is not stretching as far as you’d like with the rising cost of living, then look at how you can do things differently.  Consider a simpler version of Christmas lunch – perhaps a BBQ or picnic and ask guests to bring a plate.  Get crafty and make some presents or give the gift of your time – maybe a voucher to do some dog walking or gardening – there’s always something you can do that others need! 

Connect – If you’re separated from your family and friends by distance, make sure you stay in touch with them online or by phone.  If you are on your own, there are ways to connect with others such as volunteering or attending local community events such as Carols by Candlelight.    

Be realistic – Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect or the same as other years.  Situations and families change….children grow up, relatives pass away, some parents may divorce.  Nothing stays the same forever.  Just make sure that you acknowledge and appreciate any feelings of loss or disappointment you may have and realise that its normal to feel that way. 

Chill out – Amongst all the Christmas parties, planning and shopping, it is important that you stop and take some time for yourself.  Go for a walk, listen to some music, take a long bath or read a book.  Even if its just for 15 minutes at a time, it can make the world of difference. 

If you feel like it is all getting on top of you, remember its okay to reach out and get some help.  Talking to someone can be great to put things into perspective.

Our partner White Cloud (07 3155 3456) can help arm you with some good strategies to help you get back on track and cope with all the Christmas commotion. You don’t need a GP referral or Mental Health Plan, you can access it from wherever you live and, best of all, its free.