Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Autumn 2021

Meet the Coast’s ‘Makers and Creators’ Submit a free listing for your creations Love the Central Coast Connecting with the Coast’s ‘Makers and Creators’ is now easier than ever through a new dedicated digital directory on the Love Central Coast website. Breathtaking beaches and a beautiful hinterland are synonymous with the Coast but the region’s vibrant and diverse town centres and hidden pockets – shaped by a growing community of unique Makers and Creators – are adding to the magnetic appeal of the region. Central Coast Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said the exciting new digital resource showcases the growing creative enclaves of the Coast. “We are home to a community of talented and forward-thinking individuals and this fantastic new digital directory makes it easier for all of us to discover and engage with their work,” Ms Vaughan said. “A Maker and Creator is an individual or group who creates something unique to share with our community and visitors.“Connect with a truly diverse range of bespoke small business owners who call the Coast home – from painters and poets to beekeepers and craft beer distillers.” TheMakers and Creatorsmicrosite on the Love Central Coast websitewas proudly funded by the NSW Government through $50,000 from the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund. Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the digital microsite would boost the profile of local businesses.“This digital directory will not only help to promote the Central Coast and encourage more tourism for our region, but also make it easier for the community to discover unique and creative ventures taking place,” Mr Crouch said. Council Administrator Dick Persson AM said the Central Coast’s growing creative community contributes significantly to the vibrancy and diversity of the Coast. “Talented individuals are increasingly choosing the Central Coast as the destination to establish themselves and their business, which makes an invaluable contribution to the region,” Mr Persson said. “Makers and Creators put so much passion into what they do and Council is thrilled that this invaluable new digital directory will introduce more locals and visitors to their work.” How do I start a Maker & Creator listing? Raise your profile and promote your small Central Coast business to a broader audience – we invite you to create a free listing on lovecentralcoast.com using our newly launched ‘Maker & Creator’ category.

East Coast Surfboards Board Shapers Tuggerah

Stef Rusbourne Mowgli Studios Long Jetty

Nicole Berlach - Botanical Artist, Umina Beach

Explore the Makers and Creators of the Central Coast or submit a free listing at lovecentralcoast.com

Does your pet have a noise phobia?

attempts.

Dogs may develop an excessive fear or phobia towards virtually any noise but when our dogs hear certain sounds, the brain instantly processes them to determine whether they might signal danger. Often these sounds are dismissed as “safe” if the dog has experienced them many times before or if he is able to link them with a visual stimulus. Dogs are also likely to be tolerant of sounds from a predictable source. The TV often broadcasts unusual or even disturbing sounds but for most dogs this is acceptable: they have learnt to accept the noises from household audio equipment and whilst they may not enjoy the exposure, they are more accepting to this than randomsounds with no predictable source. Formildcasesofnoisephobia, itmaybeenough to “protect” your dog or cat from the noise by giving them a safe place to shelter. It’s generally best to keep them indoors during these times (with a familymember nearby), asmany pets get injured or lost when they make panicked escape

Calmly comfort your pet if they come to you for reassurance.

During loud

events, we suggest the following for any noise-phobic pet:

Never punish your pet for being afraid, destructive or for having toileting accidents during these times - punishing them will only worsen their fear. If your pet still seems scared despite these s u p p o r t i v e

Close your blinds or curtains, Try playing soft, soothing music or white noise like an exhaust fan or washing machine to help mask outside sounds.Create a safe hiding spot for your pet in a cupboard, behind a couch, or in their crate, with some blankets or a quilt for them to snuggle under. Apply a calming pheromone spray to your pet’s bedding. Spray brands include: Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs.Offer your pet some tasty chew treats or puzzle/food-based toys (e.g. a Kong filled with peanut butter), but don’t force it if your pet is too nervous to eat.

measures, or if they seem a n x i o u s

about other things too, we advise consulting your vet for advice.

Pets with moderate-to-severe noise phobia or anxiety benefit most from starting anti-anxiety medication and a program of behavioural modification to calm their excessive response to noise.

10 Home & Lifestyle Magazine | Autumn 2021