We have 6 double passes to giveaway send us an email to info @ hdinews. com. au with CIRCUS OF ILLUSION in the subject line and tell us why you would love to see Circus Of Illusion to go in the draw to win. Please leave your name, address and phone number. Winners will be notified by email / phone.
And now for a little me time
MONTHLY CHALLENGE
Embrace the uncomfortable by Lorna Gordon
It’ s easy to cruise through life doing the things you enjoy or that are familiar, it’ s human nature to stick to the easy things because doing the things that make you uncomfortable is hard, takes effort and in some cases, courage. What feels uncomfortable is different for everyone, for some it could be a dreaded trip to the dentist, for others it could be applying for a new job, talking to new people or doing an activity on your own. Whatever the challenge is it can be all to easy to say I’ ll leave for another day until eventually you never try to do it because it seems so intimidating.
But choosing to challenge yourself, especially when something feels difficult, is the chance for you to grow as a person and it one of the best ways to build resilience and increase your confidence in your own abilities.
When you are faced with a tough situation one thing to remember is that you have done hard things before and made it through, and you are capable of doing more than you think you are.
Every challenge you face helps you to achieve something you weren’ t sure you could manage, and most of the discomfort comes from fear. Fear of failure, fear of embarrassment or fear of letting yourself or other people down. If you push through that fear, you learn to handle discomfort, overcome what was stopping you and this is what builds real confidence and belief in yourself.
Trying something new or difficult means you might not get it right the first time, which can be hard when you are used to being good at the things you normally do. We get so used to living in our comfort zone that we forget that failure isn’ t a bad thing, it helps us to improve our skills and do better, it’ s not a slight on our personality, it’ s accepting you can learn, even as an adult.
Trying something new can bring a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. Completing something difficult feels far more rewarding than doing something easy. Whether it’ s learning a new skill, having a tough conversation, or committing to a personal goal, the sense of achievement that comes from pushing through is powerful and motivating.
Challenge yourself means choosing growth over comfort, progress over fear, and effort over avoidance. Each difficult thing you try, no matter how small, takes you one step closer to becoming a more confident, capable and adventurous person than you were before. What have you been putting off that makes you uncomfortable? Maybe it’ s time to make the first step and get out of your comfort zone, you might surprise yourself.
PODCASTS |
STRANGE ANIMALS |
by Lorna Gordon |
2025. You can learn about extinct |
animals like the Tasmanian |
If you or your kids |
tiger or animals which are |
are fascinated by the |
more myth than reality |
amazing animals which |
when Kate looks at |
live on our planet |
Mermaids and sea |
then Strange Animals |
serpents. |
Podcast should be on |
One of the things |
your radar. Hosted by |
I like about Strange |
Kate Shaw, this podcast |
Animals is how it makes |
dives deep into different |
science accessible and |
animals, using science and |
entertaining. Rather than |
storytelling. |
boring facts which might |
Each episode focuses on a different |
put younger listeners off, it provides |
topic, ranging from real species like |
explanations about how animals live, |
bats and parrots to extinct animals |
adapt and interact with the world. |
and mythical creatures like the Loch |
From information about a deep-sea |
Ness Monster. The episodes often |
sponge discovered only recently or the |
include suggestions and questions |
behaviour of a common insect, each |
from listeners, which Kate explores and |
topic makes you want to find out more. |
investigates to get to the bottom of |
For anyone who loves nature, |
fact versus fiction. |
science or strange facts, the Strange |
Recent episodes have looked at |
Animals Podcast is a show you and |
axolotls, dragon birds and brand new |
your kids will enjoy and learn from, one |
animals which were discovered in |
strange animal at a time. |
GIVEAWAY
CIRCUS, MAGIC AND MAYHEM COLLIDE THIS EASTER
WHEN MICHAEL BOYD BRINGS
CIRCUS OF ILLUSION TO SYDNEY’ S STATE THEATRE
“ CUTTING-EDGE ILLUSIONS AND SPECTACULAR MAGIC.” SCENESTR
“ THE MAGIC IS TOP SHELF … TRULY REMARKABLE ILLUSIONS.” THE BLURB
Celebrate the Easter weekend with acclaimed illusionist and Australia’ s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd as he returns with his spectacular show to Sydney’ s State Theatre for two shows only on Saturday 4 April 2026. Audiences are invited to escape into a dazzling world where sawdust and sequins meet cutting-edge illusions and jawdropping magic in Circus of Illusion – a high-octane theatrical experience that blends death-defying escapes, mind-blowing illusions, mime and magic, breathtaking costumes and an international cast of world class performers.
“ A glittering spectacle packed with magic, mystery and razzle-dazzle … Old-school circus spectacle with a modern twist” The Scoop
“ Slick, sophisticated and filled with wonder. Every act leaves the audience enthralled and guessing to the very end.” Canberra Critics Circle
Taking centre ring, Boyd’ s
charismatic ringmaster leads audiences on a mesmerising journey through a modern circus dreamscape, seamlessly weaving spectacular magic with elite circus artistry. Highlights include highrisk rola bola sensation Sascha Williams, whose gravity-defying balance act leaves audiences holding their breath, alongside an extraordinary ensemble of performers from across the globe.
Prepare to be amazed as glamorous showgirls levitate, vanish and soar high above the stage, while elaborate illusions and larger-than-life set pieces unfold in rapid succession. Every moment is designed to astonish, surprise and delight – keeping audiences on the edge of their seats from the first flourish to the final reveal.
State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney Saturday 4 April 2pm & 6.30pm $ 59- $ 79 plus handling charges BOOKINGS: https:// www. ticketmaster. com. au / artist / 2767004
We have 6 double passes to giveaway send us an email to info @ hdinews. com. au with CIRCUS OF ILLUSION in the subject line and tell us why you would love to see Circus Of Illusion to go in the draw to win. Please leave your name, address and phone number. Winners will be notified by email / phone.
12 ISSUE 60 // MARCH 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT