And now for a little me time
MONTHLY CHALLENGE
Make it meat free!
GIVEAWAYS by Lorna Gordon
What if a small change on your plate could spark a ripple of benefits for your health, the planet, and even your wallet? Would you be surprised to find that going meat-free for just one meal a week can do exactly that? There are many cultures in the world where vegetarianism is the normal way of life, but here in Australia, lots of people want their meat and two veg every day, so this month I’ m setting you a different kind of challenge.
Meat Free Monday officially started in 2009 by Paul McCartney, the idea isn’ t to convert people to vegetarianism, but about being mindful about what you eat. Vegetarian meals are a fantastic inclusion as part of a balanced diet and research shows that reducing meat consumption, even slightly, can significantly improve health.
Plant-based meals are typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, and higher in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. This can help lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, meals centred around vegetables, legumes, grains, and nuts can be surprisingly satisfying and packed with flavour.
Environmental benefits are just as important. Meat production, particularly red meat, is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Choosing to skip meat even once a week helps conserve water, reduce carbon emissions, and decrease the demand for intensive farming. It’ s a small act that adds up, especially when done collectively.
We are all looking to make our weekly food shop more affordable, so using lentils, beans, tofu, and seasonal vegetables cost less than most meats and stretches your budget further. Cooking vegetarian food still means hearty and delicious dishes. Think spicy lentil curry, roasted vegetable pasta, mushroom tacos, veggie pizza and our Aussie favourite, pumpkin soup shows that flavour doesn’ t need to come from meat.
So here’ s your challenge: try one meat-free meal a week. Just one. Explore new recipes, rediscover the joy of cooking, or try a plant-based dish at your favourite café. Make it a family affair or a weekly tradition. You might be surprised at how easy and enjoyable it is. Most of your favourite meals that include meat can be made with a vegetarian alternative.
One meat-free meal a week might seem minor, but it’ s a powerful way to care for your body, your environment, and your budget. Ready to take the challenge? Your plate and the planet will thank you.
Vegetarian food is packed with flavour.
To celebrate the $ 49 Tasting Banquet Menu, CHU by China Doll
We are offering a giveaway of 3 x Dinner for Two experiences, showcasing a curated selection of its award-winning modern Asian dishes.
Located at West HQ, CHU brings the flair of its Woolloomooloo flagship to Western Sydney, combining vibrant flavours with an elevated dining experience. The $ 49 Tasting banquet menu is designed to offer exceptional value while highlighting signature dishes and crowd favourites.
To win one of the dinners for two, email info @ hdinews. com. au with Dinner for Two @ CHU in the subject line and tell us who you would like to take with you to the dinner for two and why? Please leave your name, address and phone number.
We also have 3 family passes to JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE
PODCASTS
Fools Gold
by Lorna Gordon
In 2015 two Welsh metal Detectorists allegedly found a Viking hoard of treasure which was estimated to be worth up to twelve million pounds. This could have made George Powel and Layton Davies very rich until they decided not to declare it and then one of them becomes one of Newport’ s most wanted.
How did two men go from being potential millionaires to being on every police man and woman’ s radar in south Wales? Fools Gold delves into the story behind the gold haul that could change the story of King Alfred’ s reign in Britain and find out why George and
Treasure and True Crime? Yes please!
Layton end up on trial.
I’ m not going to tell you the ins and outs of this short podcast series, because the interesting thing about it, is listening to all sides, not reading about it. Was the hoard they found as big as authorities think? Do George and Layton still have some of it hidden away for a rainy day, or is this whole thing a bit of a wild goose chase over a much smaller find altogether? You will have to listen to decide for yourself.
You can find Fools Gold on all the major streaming services, enjoy your treasure hunt!
Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley Coliseum Theatre Saturday 19 July – two shows only
Based on the classic picture book, this delightful musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and … a dancing kangaroo, is coming to the Coliseum Theatre in Western Sydney on Saturday 19 July.
Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, tells her kangaroos don’ t dance, they hop- but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air. When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully, Josephine desperately wants to dance like the ballerinas in pink tutus and silk ballet shoes. On the day of the first performance the Ballet Company is in trouble. The prima ballerina twists her ankle, and the understudy has a splinter in her toe. Who can dance the lead role? Josephine’ s talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she’ s a kangaroo?
VENUE: Coliseum Theatre, West HQ, 33 Railway Street, Rooty Hill WHEN: Saturday 19 July at 10.30am & 12.30pm PRICES: from $ 33.58 to $ 49.40 plus 4 ticket buy $ 140 BOOKINGS: premier. ticketek. com. au / shows / show. aspx? sh = JOSEPH25
To enter send us an email to info @ hdinews. com. au and put Josephine Loves to Dance in the subject line. Leave your name, address and phone number to enter.
14 ISSUE 120 // JUNE 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT