Queensland women show true grit
A unique Queensland beauty product is helping a family stay on the land and aiding development of the world's first biomedical limb.
Former Miss Queensland and champion campdrafter Kelly Shann (pictured below) loves the land so much, she is determined to stay there. So, as an insurance against drought, disease or anything else that might force her, husband Berry and their two children off their central Queensland property, Kelly set up a farm-based business believed to be the first of its type in the world. Together with her sister, make-up artist Sandi Twohill, Kelly has created the first affordable skin care product made especially for use by Queenslanders who work outside.
"The dry winter winds were playing havoc with our skin but we just couldn't find anything heavy duty and affordable enough to use liberally, so Sandi and I experimented with lots of different formulations," Kelly said.
The result is True Grit Hand and Body Scrub, an exfoliant based on finely ground salt mixed with moisturiser and essential oils to combat the harshest Queensland conditions.
The products have been so well received that the company is establishing the True Grit Foundation to assist rural families who have to travel to support relatives injured in accidents.
The idea for the Foundation came about in horrific circumstances. In 2002, Kelly's sister-in-law Gayle Shann lost her right arm and the use of her left arm in a post-hole digger accident on a property 180km west of Mackay.
Inspired by Gayle's situation, True Grit is also supporting the development of the world's first fully mobile electronic arm.
Created over a 10-year period by Dr David Gow and the Prosthetics Research and Development Team at Princess Margaret Rose Orthopedic Hospital in Edinburgh, the arm is the first to have a fully powered electrical shoulder.
"If we can stay on the land, if we can help people care for their skin, if we can assist rural families in crisis and if we can help someone, somewhere get a bionic arm, then our humble salt scrub will have more than earned its keep!" Kelly said.
Information: www.truegrit.com.au
Last reviewed 19 January 2006