Editor
Best of days or end of days? Davina Montgomery
T
he days are long and the sun is back and the holidays are achingly close. But, of course, the longer days also makes it harder to get kids into bed and off to sleep, which can be particularly hard to take when you feel you could fall asleep standing up. But I know I’m not alone in feeling like this, with the emails coming thick and fast in the quiet night hours, as working mothers across the nation sit down with a cuppa and tackle that pile of work that has been beckoning throughout dinner time, bath time, story time and bed time. I recently spoke to one mum who managed to squeeze in two hours of work in between 6am and 8am. I can barely hit the snooze button at 6am, let alone get up and work. Why is the snooze button going off at 6am? To remind me that for the past couple of months I’ve been threatening to go for an early morning jog a couple of times a week… yeah, that hasn’t happened! But as the this edition’s fitness articles winged their way on to my laptop, I’ve felt the stirrings of resolve (or it could just be a tummy upset from too much caffeine). Either way, once I’ve waived goodbye to this edition as it makes its way out of the office door, I’m going to make an exercise plan and stick to it. No to late night work-a-thons, yes to yoga (on the Wii) and invigoration early morning
runs (more like early morning walks, but you have to start somewhere). But on the subject of late night work-a-thons; I like to have a bit of background noise, to distract me from the fact that I’m the only person within five streets that’s still awake, which means late night television. I used to love late night television, when it was the domain of off beat drama and comedy, and catching the best of the late-night US talk shows. But now all the off-beat stuff has become mainstream, the late night shows can be seen any old time of the day and night owl viewing has been overrun with home shopping networks and doomsday shows. Home shopping shows make me angry, so doomsday shows it is. They are everywhere, to the point that even cynical little me is getting f lutters of uneasiness every time I f lick on the TV guide only to be confronted with the latest doomsday drama. Do you care about the Mayan Calendar or whether the world as we know it may or may not end four days before Christmas? According to the doomsday predictors, some sort of apocalypse will occur on December 21, and apparently many of them are prepared to face it armed to the teeth and ready to take on, well, anything other than life as we know it.
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If you have no idea what a doomsday prepper is, type it into You Tube and have a look – apparently there are countless thousands of people who are stockpiling vital resources and training themselves and their families for the end of the world. But what these shows never tell me, and what I really want to know, is whether all those doomsday preppers have bothered to buy Christmas presents? It would be a mark of how seriously they take the EOW if they didn’t - only to then find themselves a few days out from Christmas and facing the very real likelihood of some seriously peed off kids, which is presumably where the need for their well-honed survival skills will arise. Of course, for many, many more, the world is already a very dangerous place, and one full of fear, hardship and worst of all, hopelessness. So if you are at a loss when it comes to gifts this Christmas, or searching for a meaningful New Year’s resolution, give a thought to those who would never dream of asking for a present when it is hard enough to get food, clean water, health care and education; to those who make no resolutions because they have so little to look forward to. Wishing you all a very merry and safe Christmas, unless of course the EOW hits first...
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Ruby Summer
CONTENTS /////////////////////////////////// / Ruby Tuesday
4
/ Psycholog y 6 / Money 8 / Spotlight 10 / Ruby Reading
16
/ Hope Child Africa
18
/ UN Women
24
/ Ruby Beauty
26
/ Christmas at Waurn Ponds
27
/ Ruby Shoes
31
/ The Simple Life
32
/ Sit & Sip - Ruby’s Cof fee Guide
34
/ Food 37 / Ruby Travel
See us online at www.rubymagazine.com.au
42
/ Health & Fitness
45
/ This, That & More...
54
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Ruby Tuesday
The toilet strikes back! Tuesday Jones
W
hen you have young children, you start to sweat a little when the house goes quiet during the day. It’s like that eerie moment before a big storm hits when the stillness feels like an indrawn breath been drawn, because we know, absolutely, that a house with young children is not meant to be quiet. When the noise stops, it means something has gone terribly wrong.
Well, that was blatantly untrue, I definitely wanted to know, and put all my years of interviewing practice to no use whatsoever, instead opting for the classic technique of:
It was going to be such a nice afternoon. Hubby and I had both finished work early. He was going to do a few things around the house while I picked up the kids and then we were all going to head off for a bit of long-overdue family time. For once I was early to school pick up and scored that magic park near the gate that went some way to answering the question of why some parents turn up an hour early each day. This was something that had been bothering those of us who would be firing off mass text messages hoping someone else was marginally more organised to actually be there when the kids came out, parking way down the road and desperately trying not to break a heel (because the footpath is reserved for the early parents!) as you do the shuffle of shame past all those parents whose punctuality is only enhanced
“Come on, tell me.”
“Tell me.” “No.” “Tell me.” “No.” “Fine.” (Works every time!) Apparently our toilet had backed up and overflowed, all over our spanking new ensuite… Well, that explained the scrubbing. Hubby had arrived home early and was just about to get to work when he made what was supposed to be a quick pit stop first. Unfortunately, the kids had really taken to the novelty of a house with two toilets and decided that Mum and Dad’s loo was so much more exciting that theirs for the first toilet call of the day. As every parent knows, young children don’t use just a bit of toilet paper, they can easily go through half a roll in a single sitting. And there was our problem – or hubby’s problem anyway. While I was piling joy on top of joy with
What I found was more like a scene from a bad movie, with hubby furiously scrubbing himself and shuddering. by their good sense in wearing thongs or runners as they crunch along the unpaved paths. But this was my day to shine. Not only was I glammed up in work wear, but having also arrived early meant I could proudly click my heels around the longer, but blessedly smoothly paved path. There were no last minute dashes back to the classroom for jumpers or reader bags – oh no, not on this day. And at day care there was no half hour tug of war over shoes, there was just a happy wave goodbye then out the door. At this point the clouds had parted, the sun was pouring down on us and I’m sure if I had listened hard enough there would have been a distant chorus of ‘Hallelujah’. Then we arrived home. The weeds that were due to be tackled were still waving gently in the breeze and the garage was as overloaded as the day we moved in. The usual detritus of a busy morning was still on the bench when we opened the door and the shower was running. I wandered in to say hi, figuring hubby had fallen asleep and just woken up. What I found was more like a scene from a bad movie, with hubby furiously scrubbing himself and shuddering. “Don’t ask. Just don’t. Trust me, you don’t want to know,” he said as he looked at me briefly, still scrubbin.
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choice car parks and delightfully amenable children, he was up to his elbows scooping out a blocked toilet with a garbage bag as the only thing between him and the after effects of last night’s lasagne. I did the only thing I could think of at the time, I collapsed into hysterics then made him a cup of tea. Later I sat down with the kids and suggested they start going to their own toilet from now on. A few weeks later, as I was once again to be found hunched over the computer instead of cooking dinner, there was a telltale ‘Uh oh’ from the pantry. When hubby went to investigate he found our six year-old surrounded by the crushed and scattered remains of a muffin that fell to its doom in the process of being pilfered. “It was an accident,” the little guy quickly got in before being told off. To his credit, hubby kept his cool (what was a few cake crumbs to a man who had taken up DIY plumbing at its most pungent?) and calmly explained why the muffin nabbing was a problem. “Imagine that you were a daddy and you had to keep cleaning up after your kids. You wouldn’t like it, would you?” After thinking carefully about that for 30 seconds or so, our son then looked at his father and said, “Dad, I don’t think I want kids.” You have to laugh!
Ruby Business
Mission with passion Sarah Valentine, Bellarine Business Women
R
ecently I found myself caught up with the busyness of life, has that happened to you? Especially as business owners it can start to consume us, that dream that was there in the beginning seems like a distant speck on the horizon. How do we lose our way, disconnect from our dreams we had when we first started our business?
What happens between opening a business we love and are passionate about and that sense of frustration, feeling time poor and in many cases financially poor?
I don’t know what happens, or even why it happens, what I do know is the negative impact on not only us and our business, but on everyone around us, is enormous and sometimes catastrophic.
Enough was enough; he had to do something to keep his dream alive. Taking a few simple steps he dared to reconnect with his dreams and start living his passion for delivering not just food, but a complete South American experience to his clientele – an experience where they felt like they had just been in a small South American village laughing, eating, drinking and dancing with neighbours, friends and family.
A brilliant chef I have been working with has travelled the world, worked with some of the top chefs in Australia and was responsible for feeding some of the world’s richest people on an exclusive South American retreat - quite the life, quite the experience and quite the credibility.
Firstly, he became clear on his mission and was ignited with the passion and energy when he realised that it was about the gift he gave to his customers. Secondly, that drive and passion transferred to his staff, because they saw for the first time why they were there.
Returning home brimming over with enthusiasm and passion, his dream was to bring a piece of that South American life to Melbourne and create something special for his clients, himself and his family. Fast forward 18 months and his marriage has broken down and he’s on the brink of bankruptcy, working 17-hour days and all his passion for his business and life has gone missing.
We all want to be part of something that is bigger than us and truly successful businesses are completely aligned with their mission. It is never just words on paper – it is the lifeblood of the business. One of the most important ingredients of any business is its mission and every part of the business does what it does to take a step closer to achieving the mission.
Can this chef deliver a breathtaking, memorable and extraordinary South American experience to everyone who comes in to his restaurant? Maybe. Will people know why he is there and feel like they are part of something unique, different and intriguing? Absolutely! We are all here to give, to grow and to love. Our mission is the first place to start. What do we give to others? Why do we do what we do? What is the gift we bring to this world and are we aligned to it in every part of our business? Sarah Valentine, nominated for the Telstra Business Women’s Awards, is a business development specialist and owner of Bellarine Business Women. Sarah assists business owners to reconnect with why they are in business and works with them to create positive change not only in their business life, but also their personal life. Challenging business owners to rethink their approach to business and move from technician to entrepreneur, clients have clear direction on where they are going, the steps to get there and the support needed to create an outstanding business and life. As a gift to Ruby Readers, Sarah is offering a FREE Create Your Mission with Passion Pack including Mp3 and Workbook Valued at $147, visit sarahvalentine.com.au/rubyreadergift
laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support “The meetings a friendship connection care energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care are community • Networking passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile trust smile welcoming environment Events enjoy support friendship connection care community passion energy•hope excitement success laugh enjoy smile support friendship connection care to share experiences and community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh•enjoy smile commitment support friendship connectionchallenges care community passion Promotion in business.” energy hope excitement reliance success laugh friendship connection care community passion success laugh friendship support friendship connection - Kylie, Bookkeeper care community passion friendship excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support connection care community passion energy hope • Growth & Development excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement success laugh enjoy smile commitment support Connect with us at laugh reliance “An absolute must for friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection women in business!”passion care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care community www.bellarinebusinesswomen.com.au Helen, excitement Principal WHK reliance energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care passion energy -hope to keepcare up to date passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh care success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection community community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement success laugh enjoy smile support friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendship connection care community passion energy hope excitement reliance success laugh friendship connection Web: success www.bellarinebusinesswomen.com.au info@bellarinebusinesswomen.com.au care community passion laugh enjoy smile commitment support friendshipEmail: connection care community passion energy hope excitement reliance
Ruby | 5
Psychology
Ruby | 6
Psychology
Stop shoulding all over yourself Charmaine Morse, Psychologist
T
is’ the season to be panicked and elated and desperately in need of chocolate and a glass of wine… Fa la la la la, la la la… urgh! Every year we write ourselves impossibly long lists of things we must do before Christmas, and worry endlessly about what the day should be like, rather than what it inevitably will be like. Isn’t it time we stopped all that mustobating, not to mention shoulding all over ourselves? Well, we are back here again - it’s Christmas time. I must admit I do look forward to the joyous part of the season; however, to actually arrive at that destination means navigating the emotional stress that comes along with it. Where do you sit on the continuum between the joy of Christmas and the dread of Christmas? Experience tells me that you can expect to move up and down the Christmas continuum like a yoyo. You’ve been there before, remember? There is so much to do: shopping and more shopping so many people to buy for; cards to send to every man, woman and dog; parties to attend; the end of year school concert; and the Christmas feast to plan. Whose turn is it to have Christmas this year anyway? OMG its mine! I’m sure this is sounding all too familiar. Oh dear, and this is all before the big day itself actually eventuates. So are you feeling the stress? Negative stress lessens our ability to cope. Did you know that our Christmas stress is fuelled by hormonally driven behaviour and that this in turn creates irrational thoughts and behaviours? It’s that potent festival season cocktail of: serotonin - I feel so happy and I love Christmas; cortisol - I feel so stressed and I detest Christmas; and dopamine - I need pleasure, please, please, give me chocolate. This explains why we find ourselves desperately lacking in logical thought and reason when we assume that this year it will be different: Uncle Bruce won’t overindulge in the Christmas spirit, usually gin, and pass out during dessert; the bickering between Aunty Betty’s daughter and the ex-husband’s new wife won’t dissolve into a shouting match; and the precious pooch, Puddles, won’t lift his leg on the Christmas tree. Well, hopefully not while the pressies are still under it this year… Maybe Santa Claus has the right idea - visit people once a year. All things considered, it seems to me that Christmas is reminiscent of childbirth; we forget what it’s really like and keep coming back for more. Another thing to consider around stress reduction in the silliest of seasons is the shoulds and the musts. The shoulds and the musts, I hear you ask? Now this will ring true for you, just as true as that jingle in Jingle Bells. Do you say to yourself - I should be happy at Christmas, it should be a perfect day, I should be able tolerate the in-laws, I must make everyone happy - I should… I should… and I must… I must? Of course you do, almost all everyone does, yet this language, whether internal or external, will set you up for failure every single time.
It’s all about placing unrealistic demands on yourself that things should/must be different from what they actually are. It implies that there is a right way and a wrong way to do these things, that if I’m not gleefully overjoyed at the prospect of Christmas, yep, I must be doing it the wrong way - I’ve failed again. The should and musts present a no-win situation to you on a silver Christmas platter. It’s about time to stop shoulding all over yourself. And while you are at it, don’t forget the musts and stop that mustabating. It’s standard regulation of being human to have a mixture of good, bad and neutral feelings about everything and anything and Christmas is no different. There really is no right or wrong way - that would be a bit black and white wouldn’t it? Us psychologist types don’t like the black and white stuff, so lets move you into the grey area. These are your feelings, idiosyncratic as they may be, but hey, they are your feelings and you are entitled to them. But enough with the semantics and psychobabble, have you ever stopped to think that Santa Claus might actually be a woman - a Ms/Mrs/MissClaus? Sorry to debunk the myth, but think about it. Christmas takes a huge amount of organisation and women do this very well, as you know. How many women do you know who are out doing the pressie shopping half an hour before closing time on Christmas Eve? Further evidence suggests that Christmas is this warm, fuzzy, nurturing ritual need I say more? Besides, would your man be agreeable to wearing a red velvet suit and have his physique being described as a bowl full of jelly? I think not. And then there is the stocking thing. It seems to me that a he-Santa would only be interested in stockings based on who is wearing them. Further, men don’t answer their mail unless it’s email and not many kids email their Santa lists (yet). Last point is that being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment - Ho Ho Ho! Remember, if the overload of exasperating good folk, scrumptious food, tempting liquor, overexcited children and panic over credit card debt elevate your stress to never before reached levels, then you can be assured it’s Christmas! You are the grown-up now, so no wonderful wide-eyed Christmas anticipation for you. That dreaded Advent calendar that the children rush to every morning only serves to remind you how quickly time is running out. My advice for you on the big day is as follows: There are breathalyser-equipped police out there but no food police, so eat what you want and as much as you can fit in! There is always the New Year resolution to fall back on. Try not to selfmedicate with litres of eggnog and, if all else fails, grit your teeth, grin and bare it. There are no epidurals for protracted Christmas pain. All jokes aside, I wish you all, my dear readers, a very happy time over Christmas and a special New Year ahead in 2013.
Ruby | 7
Competition Money
Make more of the festive season Renée Jovic, Jovic Bantacs Accountants
U
nusually long operating hours, public holidays and demanding customers can be a recipe for disaster. The best way to avoid the holiday period chaos is to have a well thought-out operating plan. Making sure staff are well prepared, having extra cash on hand, work closely with suppliers and making safety a priority will help to ensure a merry Christmas trade period and a happy start to the New Year. The end of year trading period is hectic, at times chaotic, but for many businesses, it is also crucially important to bolster the year-round figures. While business owners and managers can’t predict how much business they will do, they can be prepared to manage that business well. Be prepared. Make sure not only yourself, but also your staff are well prepared for the rush periods, train them as much as possible, use the best performers for the busiest periods and always have a backup plan. Be cash savvy. Look at the cash flow issues from the previous year and learn from past mistakes. Have extra cash on-hand, especially small change. Watch your stock. Work alongside suppliers to ensure there are adequate amounts of stock available, and have a warning system in place if stock levels suddenly drop.
4. Entertainment costs for clients are not subject to FBT. As a result, they not tax deductible.
Stay on top of your accounts. Issue invoices for this period as early as possible, as suppliers everywhere generally demand payment at this time of year, it may be a case of first in first paid.
5. Gifts provided to suppliers and clients are not subject to FBT and a tax deduction can be claimed. That is provided the gifts are not excessive, frequent or overly expensive.
FBT & Christmas - The Top Ten
6. If the above seems too complicated, businesses can simplify their FBT paperwork, by electing to pay FBT on 50 per cent of all meal entertainment benefits provided in an FBT year, regardless of whether it was provided to an employee, associate or client.
As the festive season approaches, many businesses may be starting to plan Christmas functions and thinking about offering their staff, clients and suppliers Christmas gifts. Something that is often forgotten at this time is the tax implications these bring. Here are 6 things about providing such benefits to employees that might help make things a little clearer: 1. The costs of a Christmas Party are exempt from FBT only if it is provided to current employees on a working day on your business’ premises. 2. Christmas parties that are provided off business premises will be subject to FBT, unless they satisfy the minor benefits exemption. 3. This exemption allows for an FBT exemption to be claimed for benefits provided, where each benefit (on a benefit by benefit basis) is less than $300 (including GST), regardless of whether it is
Specialised Services
Renée Jovic
• Property Investment • Accounting • Taxation • Business Solutions
provided to an employee or an employee’s associate (i.e. spouse or family member).
Put safety first. For those operating longer hours than usual, take as many safety precautions as possible. Always have two staff members lock up together at the end of the day.
80 Pakington Street, Geelong West E: admin@jovicaccounting.com.au P: 03 5222 6962
And when it comes to those end of year work celebrations, ensuring all risks are managed will give employers the peace of mind they need. The most important part of Christmas parties is for everyone to enjoy themselves and create lasting memories and a stronger team that can be brought into the new year. DISCLAIMER: This article is for guidance only, and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. Neither the writer, publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this article. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
“Providing Solutions to Businesses, Individuals and Property Investors. With a Personal Approach”
Web: www.jovicaccounting.com.au and www.bantacs.com.au
Ruby | 8
Money
Car Insurance is simple… right? Melissa Vella, Allsure Insurance
I
t’s that sickening lurch and crunch of crumpled metal. You’ve been in a bingle. After checking if you or anyone is hurt, your mind turns to your car insurance. There are many varieties of car insurance; do you know what type of cover you have? Comprehensive, third party fire & theft, third party only, agreed value or market value cover, private use, commercial / business / farm, low kilometre, nominated driver, no under 30s, no under 25s, protected rating, windscreen cover, increased excess, car rental following theft or accident, cover for accessories or modifications to your car… Confused yet? Here are some things to consider when next renewing, or taking out that simple car insurance: Does your policy cover those learner drivers while they are at the wheel for 120 hours? Do you know what excesses would apply if they were to have an accident in your pride and joy? If you are lucky enough not to have any grey hair enhancing, white knuckle inducing younger drivers, do you get a discount? Have you got protection so your rating won’t change if you have an at fault claim? Do you know what rating you are? What does 60% mean? Is your car covered for an agreed or market value, if deemed a total loss? Which one is better for you? Do you drive only a few thousand kilometres a
year? Are you getting a discount? Did you know where do you park your car at night or during the day affects your premium? Have you told your insurance company your car is under finance, if it isn’t your policy might be cheaper? Do you know if you can choose your repairer? Do they guarantee their repairs for the lifetime of the car, or just while you own it, or not at all?
It’s that sickening lurch and crunch of crumpled metal. You’ve been in a bingle. After checking if you or anyone is hurt, your mind turns to your car insurance. Is your window glass covered, so if any of the windows break [think of a smash and grab] you can get them repaired without affecting your rating or paying an excess? When you set up your insurance, did you tell them about the little bingle you had? Have you had a speeding fine, lost points, or had your license suspended? Have you failed a drug or alcohol test? Did you notify your insurer if you did?
ALLSURE insurance
Having the right insurance, is no accident.
Did you know this also applies to anyone who drives your car? Have you told your insurer you had the car lowered, raised or modified in any way? Did the kids pump up the stereo for their wonderful “Doof Doof” music? Did you tell your insurer that you couldn’t resist those pimpin’ Chrome 20 inch rims? Do they know the car is actually for business use? What about the tinted windows, sun roof or spoiler - did you remember to tell them about those features? Do you get a new car, if you write yours off? Do they cover any of your personal belongings if they were damaged in an accident? Can your new car be covered as soon as you pick it up, because it is replacing the old one? Do you think buying car insurance on a budget is better when you have a bingle? There are plenty of questions when it comes to insuring your car - if you need some answers, make sure you talk to an insurance professional. Remember, having the right insurance is no accident! DISCLAIMER: This article is for guidance only, and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. Neither the writer, publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this article. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
www.allsure.com.au like us on follow us on
InsureAllsure @InsureAllsure
P: 5278 6808 Ruby | 9
Spotlight
Ruby | 10
Spotlight
The transparent people Clint Jennings
T
he frenetic pace of change in our world has become an everyday part of life. The useful lifespan of just about everything is shrinking, and the more we are bombarded with new, transformative technologies and ideas, the shorter our attention spans seem to become in our ravenous search for change, change, change. But is all this flare and fade of interest actually happening to people as well? Are we discarding people that fail to adapt to the pace of chance as so much detritus? Are we building scrap heaps of transparent people? It started with Rosemary, who is an accomplished artist who can capture a photo-realistic image of a rare bird. She is like few other artists in that when you see her portfolio and turn the first page you are transfixed and immersed into a natural world. Her art was as beautiful as she. Rosemary was perhaps in that phase in life where it is irrelevant to ask her age - mature enough to see most of the important things in the world, yet young enough to have a fervent desire to see more, and at the peak of her professional power, or so I thought. I was shocked when she said that she was quitting art. She thought that the time for detailed and painstaking artistic renditions was at an end. Her main market was as a book illustrator and so many people don’t buy books anymore. There are a so few people left that prefer their information written on dead trees, and most have moved on to Wikipedia and YouTube or cable TV or electronic implants in their personalities. At the peak of her career she was able to get thousands for her paintings, but now she was not even able to make a decent wage. She was slumped in the office seat, with a look of despair that I hadn’t seen for years. Only twice before had I experienced someone in a similar state; a few years back a dear friend changed from being the motivated and up beat person that I knew and had relied on, to an almost unresponsive automaton. At the time I had used the typical male levels of sympathy - as in ‘ignore it and it will pass’; it had no effect and even the subtle and caring question about ‘who died’ elicited no response. It was end game in the amateur psychology stakes, so I had little recourse but to accept her behaviour as just one of those things. It was weeks down the track that through my gifted detective work (coupled with the fact that she hit me upside the head and told me what was going on) that I began to understand. You see, my friend had five lovely children and the last one had left home just recently – I jumped to the conclusion that it was empty nest syndrome, but the dilemma was even more pernicious, because my friend had a real crisis of identity. She explained that she had been a very dedicated mum for over thirty years. Indeed, she had left the young fun loving person behind, as the need to look after the kids became the main role in her life. But now, as the last child left home, the old identity was so far out of date as to be irrelevant and the mum role was no longer
needed. She was effectively abandoned by life – or so it seemed to her. The other time I saw this depth of despair was when a neighbour told me about her work situation. She had been young and upwardly mobile, working long hours because she knew that sometime in the future she would like to take time out and have a family. When she temporarily stepped out of work to have a family she had the assurance that her job was to be retained for her. The kids were a joy and an ever-present inspiration to keep her skills updated with appropriate training programs, so that when the boys went to school she could re-join her previous employment stream. At the point she returned to work the plan crumbled because the place where she had worked had changed. It was once a collegial and inclusive professional office, but now the senior staff, without exception, was all male. That in itself may not have been a problem, but it was a boys club, with all the accompanying in jokes and pissing contests. For three years she preserved hoping to be treated as the professional that she was, but it was not to be. We often hear of the glass ceiling, but this was much worse as she was transparent. The senior staff would look right through her; would walk past her desk and ignore her. She explained that she had tried all the negotiating tricks that she knew and even assertively went to the managers and complained of her treatment, but as you would expect, the boys closed ranks and told her that it was all in her imagination. The despair in this case came from being put in the biggest naughty corner she could imagine without having done anything wrong. She was anonymous. Back to Rosemary; the world has moved on and her fantastic skills are no longer desired. She is displaced – we could both acknowledge that and we can see that she is faced with the harshest of binomial choices. She either changes or is treated as detritus. However, as that great thinker, Edward de Bono proposes, the enemy of change is when in your heart of hearts you believe that you are doing the right thing. It was a painful process for Rosemary to let go her prized possession – her very talent that was so enmeshed in her sense of self, but now viewed by the world around her as useless. You can see the same principle playing out as you drive around any town in Australia; you can see the waves of economic bounty and prosperity that are interspersed with poverty. We can see the evidence of changing purpose of a town or city. Yet this presents a puzzle to me in that our community spends lots of money refurbishing buildings but zero on capturing our talented or restoring a precious career. We hear from many quarters that our people resource is the most valuable, yet in evidence it is untrue. It is a huge scrap heap of transparent people. The saving grace for Rosemary is that she has the energy and personal drive to dive into some new career, but can you appreciate the cost? I was left questioning how many times can we re-make ourselves to suit the world?
Ruby | 11
Spotlight
Heroes at home Courtney Buchanan-Huhn
S
ometimes the best gifts come without wrapping paper, without a gift tag and have nothing to do with overweight men attempting covert break-ins on a global scale. Sometimes the best gifts are time, compassion and hope and, if we take the time to look, they can be found all around us. I started this story trying to find out how the Fight Cancer Foundation Recycle Shop at 203 Pakington Street have reduced their waste by up to 75 per cent. I thought I could write about how op shopping has become cool and about the retro bargains you could find these days hidden amongst other treasures in pre-loved stores. However, as I spoke to the volunteers working for the Foundation, what I found were incredible stories of compassion, community, and bringing hope and comfort to cancer patients and their families during the toughest fight of their lives. The Fight Cancer Foundation was formed in 1989 as the Bone Marrow Donor Institute with the mission of giving hope and saving lives of cancer patients. The Foundation developed the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, which is a registry of people willing to donate their bone
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marrow or stem cells for patients with a type of blood cancer requiring a transplant. Prior to the Australian registry, patients had no option but to search for a match overseas, at a great cost both financially and emotionally.
“There were families from Western district and similar areas… they didn’t have accommodation and I don’t know how they got on,” said Barb.
In 1992, Hugh Jackman opened the Fight Cancer Foundation Recycle Shop at 203 Pakington Street, Geelong, to help raise much-needed funds and continue their vital work. Despite rising to fame, Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-lee Furness have remained patrons of the Fight Cancer Foundation.
The BMDI Rotary House was opened in 2003, and prior to this there were many people who would have been doing it tough, needing to travel back and forth or fork out large amounts of money for accommodation in the city.
Today the Recycle Shop on Pakington Street is managed by Barb Speldewinde, who started volunteering to show her gratitude to the Fight Cancer Foundation after her son-in-law needed a bone marrow transplant to help save his life. When Barb’s son-in-law was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and needed treatment, they were lucky enough that they had family in Melbourne to stay with. They found, however, too many people battling blood cancers and requiring a bone marrow transplant that didn’t have a place to stay in the city that was close to the major treating hospitals.
When you’re diagnosed with cancer, your world may stop, but everyday expenses keep coming.
The BMDI Rotary House is run by a handful of volunteers who work hard to make sure the patients and their families have a home away from home, where they can live their lives quietly and as comfortably as possible. Kylie Mahoney stayed at the BMDI Rotary House with her husband, Jason, who was battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2010. Kylie said their experience at the house was fantastic. “It took a weight off our shoulders that we knew we had somewhere to go. I still wanted the children to have a stable environment at home, but wanted somewhere that they could come and stay with him. So it was fantastic for all of us.”
Spotlight Barb Speldewinde and Geelong Mayor Keith Fagg.
Sometimes the best gifts come without wrapping paper, without a gift tag... Sometimes the best gifts are time, compassion and hope and, if we take the time to look, they can be found all around us.
Like many things, Kylie thought the accommodation would be funded by the government, but is saddened that it’s not. “I just thought they would get funding from the government like everything else, but they don’t and that’s the sad thing. They rely on a lot of donations.” The manager of the house, Michele Rossiter, said there was an incredible need to have accommodation close to the treatment centers due to the intensity of having a bone marrow transplant and the follow up appointments that require constant hospital visits. “The treatment is nothing you would ever experience in any other form of medical treatment, at all. It’s a four month minimum round of treatment. That’s if it goes well. We’ve had people stay here for two years.” Michele manages the 13 apartments, 12 of which are suitable for long-term living, and one that is reserved for emergency overnight stays. There is no limit on how many family members can stay with the patient, or for how long. There is a small out-of-pocket cost to the patient per night of just $20, taking the burden out of further financial stress for those needing to stay near the major hospitals. Since the accommodation was opened, it has been home to many regional Victorian families, saving them from constant travel to Melbourne. Michele described their current live-in caretaker,
Vicki, as ‘an amazing woman’, who will do anything to help out the families living there. “She’s often made soup and put food in the fridge for them. She picks people up from the airport who are visiting… She’ll babysit for parents who have been here a long time with sick kids.” Vicki has been volunteering as caretaker at the Rotary House for well over 18 months, with only short breaks home to visit her own family in Mildura. It is with the support of people like Vicki that makes running the house possible. While Michele manages the house with utmost capability, there are constant expenses for the upkeep of the apartments. “When you look at anything that needs replacing, you’re looking at about four or five (thousand dollars) as a ball park figure to begin with,” said Michele. Barb and her team at the Recycle Shop work purely for fundraising, and are buying a new air conditioner for one of the apartments before summer. While Michele and Vicki work tirelessly in Melbourne to support the patients and families living at the house, Barb works tirelessly to raise funds for the Foundation at her shop, and also to better the community in which we live. The Recycle Shop truly is unique in the way they have reduced their waste by up to 75 per cent by re-donating goods on to other charities, both at home and overseas. Rather than dumping items that aren’t up to standard to sell in the shop,
which then raise funds for the Fight Cancer Foundation, these otherwise unwanted items are used by the Geelong Disabled People’s Industries as rags, or sent to Africa to be used by those living in poverty. “I don’t see why the other op shops aren’t doing it actually. Our rubbish here are things they want in Africa because they’re lacking in lots of things that we throw out,” said Barb. Barb manages 36 volunteers at the Pakington Street Recycle Shop, and informed me that it’s not just ‘old ladies’ who work there, with a number of migrants volunteering their time until they can get a job. Barb also takes on university students who have finished their qualifications but couldn’t find a position immediately, so she gives them shop experience. After a few months volunteering at the shop they have been able to find jobs. “Because we’re in a community, and I think a community is made up of lots of different people, therefore the shop should have different people. And if we can help in other ways then that’s good.’ Barb, we hear you. If you would like more information about donating goods or volunteering at the Pakington Street Fight Cancer Foundation Recycle Shop, contact Barb on: 5229 2971 To make a donation to the Fight Cancer Foundation, or for more information visit: fightcancer.org.au
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Geelong City Motors. If you are considering purchasing a New, Demonstrator or Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz, Passenger Car or Van then visit the friendly team at Geelong City Motors. Our stunning showroom display features New vehicles, a Pre-Owned vehicle display and offers a team committed to providing you with the highest level of customer care. Geelong City Motors is your first choice for prestige vehicles in Geelong. www.mbgeelong.com.au
Geelong City Motors
1 Settlement Road, Belmont (03) 5249 8200
LMCT 10391
Ruby Motors
Main - Geelong City Motors Dealership. Insert - The new Mercedes Benz M-Class and B-class series.
The smart woman’s guide to buying Geelong City Motors
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alking into a car dealership can be daunting if you are a female. It is often assumed that a male should be present to assist with all the technical jargon. However, according to recent studies, women are more informed and level-headed than men in the vehicle showroom. Women do more research and are not afraid to ask questions; alternatively men often allow their pride to get in the way. Research suggests that 70% of all household spending decisions are made by women,* therefore it makes sense that women are catered for when shopping for a new vehicle. At Geelong City Motors, women are warmly welcomed, from the showroom floor, to the service & parts department, women are on hand to answer all your questions. Geelong City Motors recognises the importance of treating female customers with respect and making the car buying experience straightforward whilst delivering excellent customer service. Louise Dobbins has been employed at Geelong City Motors for 9 years in the capacity of sales consultant, she says, “Purchasing a car is a huge investment for anyone. I always attempt to put the customer at ease and ensure that they feel comfortable. Emotions can play a large part in the purchase process but I like to make certain that the decision is well considered.
“The impending arrival of the all new A-Class in March will further diversify the MercedesBenz range of vehicles and guarantee that there really is something to suit everyone and all budgets. I think people are genuinely surprised at the price of our vehicles and the value they offer. “Our Mercedes-Benz B-Class & M-Class AWD vehicles both have Active Parking Assist, which means they will parallel park themselves, this is something which was definitely invented with the convenience of the driver in mind. They also have PARKTRONIC, which can warn drivers if there are hidden obstacles in front of or behind the car, with a reversing camera, a must for parents” says Louise. Geelong City Motors has finance and insurance options available on site to make the purchase process simpler. It is easy to arrange through the dealership, via their financial service provider, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. They offer a variety of loan options with flexibility, with key features such as:
/ Convenient and flexible payment options - that means you can make extra payments, saving you money by reducing the total interest payable / Exclusive manufacturer-backed finance promotions and packages Tips for women car shopping: / Plan ahead - understand the type of car you are looking for / Budget - know how much you are prepared to spend & how you plan to pay for it / Test drive a car for a minimum of 20 minutes, travel a familiar route to avoid any surprises in terrain, check it out in both light & heavy traffic conditions / Quality of the dealership - by buying locally you are guaranteed after sales support
/ Individually tailored terms with a choice of 1-5 years.
Geelong City Motors is situated at 1 Settlement Road, Belmont and is open from 8am - 6pm Monday - Friday and from 9am - 4pm on Saturdays or visit www.mbgeelong.com.au.
/ Fixed payments at a competitive interest rate giving you peace of mind and protection against the changing interest rates
*According to a study from the Boston Consulting Group, women in the U.S. reported “controlling” 72.8% of household spending.
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Ruby Reading
Deranged Marriage Sushi Das
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rom the age of fourteen, I was aware my parents expected me to have an arranged marriage, a big Bollywood wedding. There was just one hitch: nobody asked me. Sushi Das grew up in 1970s London - a culturally messed-up time. Feminists were telling women they could be whatever they wanted, skinheads were yelling at foreigners to go home and punk music was urging revolt. Amid the social upheaval, Sushi was trapped by Indian tradition - and a looming arranged marriage she would do almost anything to avoid. But how do you turn your back on centuries of tradition without trashing your family’s honour?
How do you escape your parents’ stranglehold without casting off their embrace? And how do you explain to your strict dad why there’s a boy smoking in his living room and another one lurking in the garden? Breaking free meant migrating to the other side of the world, only to find life in Australia was just as culturally confusing. This insightful, often hilarious memoir lifts the curtain on one of the oldest traditions of Eastern culture – a custom that aims to join two families in economic prosperity, though the reality is not always so blissful. Read it where you won’t alarm others with your laughter.
EDITORS PICK
RUBY BOOK CLUB
Mrs Queen Takes the Train
Unnatural Habits
Iris
William Kuhn
Kerry Greenwood
Jean Marsh
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er Majesty the Queen, is growing increasingly disenchanted. One day, the Queen takes things into her own hands and, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, leaves the palace alone and incognito. It is left to a group of six Palace insiders to find her and bring her back to the palace before MI6 turn her Scottish sojourn into a national crisis. While the world asks if the British monarchy has become outmoded, in a truly charming, deft, warm and witty way, Kuhn turns the question on its head, asking if the Monarch herself has considered throwing it all in.
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ejoice, Greenwood fans, because Phryne is back on the shelves in a thrilling mystery that takes her into dark convents and dank cellars in a frantic search for missing girls. The year is 1929 and pretty, poor and pregnant girls are going missing in Melbourne. People are getting nervous. You don’t have to think about liking Phryne Fisher, or even loving her, it will happen without any effort above reading about her. She is simply the best version of a very modern woman living in extraordinary modish times. Hoorah!
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veryone who was anyone wanted to be in London in the 1950s and early 60s, but the swinging city had its seedy side and a girl had to know how to look after herself. This is Iris’ world, but one that isn’t all lovely gifts, champagne and glamorous restaurants for a girl who would never take money for a certain kind of favour. This was a city where glamour was often little more than gilded grubbiness, where a girl who got on the wrong side of gangsters and corrupt politicians could find herself in an awful lot of trouble.
Ruby Reading
Jane Eyre Laid Bare
Angels at the Table
Grace: A Memoir
Eve Sinclair
Debbie Macomber
Vogue
A
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It was the story that captured the imagination of readers around the globe. But what if Charlotte Bronte had been able to throw off the cloak of anonymity and to delve into the passion between Jane and Rochester? Perhaps the results would have read something like Jane Eyre Laid Bare, a classic twist on modern erotic fiction.
It is New Year’s Eve in New York, the crowds are braving the freezing cold to gather in Times Square, all are waiting for midnight. A wondering angel spies two lonely strangers the scene is set for a Christmas miracle. But it seems that even for those with divine powers, the path of romance never runs smooth.
n enigmatic older man, an innocent young woman and a house steeped in mystery and secrets.
nternational bestselling novelist Debbie Macomber rings in the season with a charming story of love ... and a little angelic intervention.
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or decades, Grace Coddington’s personal touch has steered wildly imaginative fashion spreads in Vogue magazine. Witty and forthright, and illustrated throughout with vintage photographs and exclusive line-drawings, Grace shares the excitement and vision that go into producing so many unforgettable fashion images. Grace has created her ‘stories in pictures’ whether it be Jerry Hall conquering the USSR or Tom Ford falling down a rabbit hole in Annie Leibovitz’s version of Alice in Wonderland.
So loosen the corset strings ladies, because the innocent girl who arrives at Thornfield House will leave a much more worldly woman.
If romantic and wistful is what you need this summer, then pop this book in your beach bag and indulge.
Back to Blood
The Secret Keeper
A Year of Victorian Puddings
Tom Wolfe
Kate Morton
Georgiana Hill
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rom the writer of Bonfire of the Vanities and A Man In Full comes another highenergy, funny and piercing reckoning of our times. Unforgettable characters are Wolfe’s hallmark, and into the sizzling Miami heat he introduces the Cuban mayor, the black police chief, an ambitious young journalist and his Yalemarinated editor; a psychiatrist who specializes in sex addiction and his Latina nurse by day, mistress by night; a billionaire porn addict, crack dealers in the ‘hoods, ‘de-skilled’ conceptual artists at the Miami Art Basel Fair and a nest of shady Russians. Great stuff from a masterful writer.
K
ate Morton understands about lazy day reading, and writes accordingly. So find a comfy spot in the shade, have a cool drink and some light snacks handy and prepare to while away the day. On a sweltering summer’s day in 1961, sixteenyear-old Laurel hides out in her childhood tree house dreaming of a boy called Billy, a move to London, and the bright future she can’t wait to seize. But before the idyllic afternoon is over, Laurel will have witnessed a shocking crime that changes everything. Now a much-loved actress in 2011, Laurel finds herself overwhelmed by shades of the past and begins to piece together a secret history.
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f you are hankering for some old-fashioned simplicity, then indulge yourself (and your table) with some old-fashioned desserts. Originally published in 1862 as Everybody’s Pudding Book, this delightful period cookbook offers delicious seasonal pudding recipes accompanied by dollops of no-nonsense and amusing advice. The recipes, organised by month, include tarts, fools, fritters, pies and, of course, steamed puddings of every kind. A heart and stomach warming reminder a few basic principals and plate of good food cures most ills.
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Hope Child Africa
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Hope Child Africa
The gift of hope Davina Montgomery
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met Belinda Buchanan at a mutual friend’s hen’s night. There was a group of women there, sharing wine, food and conversation, and among those conversations I heard an extraordinary tale of bombs exploding around buses in Africa, starting a children’s home and school and executing a daring raid to take the children and all donated possessions back when the man running the operation turned out to be less than trustworthy. I should start by pointing at that Belinda is 33 years-old, a petite woman with a straight forward way of talking and a direct stare. Like many other women at the party, including my friend, she was a legal assistant, but while they were swapping office stories she was describing the challenges of trying to do some good in a country that has an open trade in taking advantage of good deeds. In 2009, Belinda was working and living in London when she decided to escape the cold over the Christmas/New Year break to volunteer in Kenya. She picked Mombasa because it was on the coast and had a gorgeous beach. “I went over there by myself, not knowing what to expect. I set myself for a depressing month, because I was going by myself, but I basically wanted to give back. Plus, I thought that if I got really down and depressed by giving all my time up for people that I had no expectation of even wanting me there, then at least there was a nice beach.” Belinda worked in the Grandsons of Abraham rescue centre with boys that had been found on the streets, who had been abandoned or had run away and more often than not spent their days sniffing glue. She spent Christmas with them, taught them, played games and hung out with them and read them bedtime stories. “It was really full on. You can imagine just the average runaway street kid and how troubled they are, and there was a hundred of them. So yeah, it was one troubled place, but really we all just need love, some cuddles and care.” During that first trip, Belinda met a group of 20 or so other volunteers and kept many of those friendships when she went back to London. At the end of 2010, Belinda returned to Mombasa and to the Grandsons of Abraham orphanage. “It’s amazing to see what difference we can make, because in the space of that one year, that orphanage had grown so much and they had so much funding from the awareness that we as volunteers had created, that they didn’t need volunteers any more. They were sustainable. They had money to build up their own schools and they had hired their own teachers, rather than disrupting the children’s education with volunteers coming and going. That was a real positive.” While Grandsons of Abraham itself didn’t need any volunteer assistance, there was still plenty of help needed in getting street kids sorted out enough to enter the kind of education-based environment provided at the orphanage school. It
was in this transition area, in a halfway house, that Belinda next volunteered. “There was only about six kids in there living with me and a friend that I’d brought with me. These kids were just amazing. I taught them school every day, doing English and Maths, we played games with them and at night we would cook the kids different things, so one night we would cook Italian food, then next night might be Indian and just try to give them new experiences and do things they loved to do.” During that trip, Belinda was approached by a man looking for support to set up a new orphanage. Naturally sceptical of any request for money, Belinda listened, albeit reluctantly at first. “I spent the next three days walking through the slums with him and meeting children who needed help. They might have had parents who had passed away from HIV and an old grandmother who couldn’t afford to look after them. Some of them didn’t have any carers and the next door neighbour was looking after them. “If you can picture a hilly landscape, with no electricity, no running water, covered in tents or muddy huts that get washed out when it rains, that’s what the slums are like. It’s really filthy and all the kids are just running around because there’s no education for them. It’s not pleasant.” Pastor Robert Mueke was the man who approached Belinda seeking help, telling her he had a Godly mission to help abandoned and underprivileged children. Being a Christian girl at heart, Belinda said the appeal resonated with her, but being due to return to London in three days’ time, and maintaining a healthy level of scepticism, she offered to buy basic staple items rather than simply giving money. She bought toothbrushes and toothpaste, washing powder, and other basic toiletries and household goods. The first children arrived almost immediately. “I had a girlfriend, Stella, who was living in Mombasa at the time and I asked her to pop in every so often, just to check up on how the home was being run before I decided to give him money to grow this orphanage. I also wanted to test his communication whilst I was in London. Everything checked out just beautifully. The children were being looked after and [Stella] suggested getting in a house mother to help care for them.” Belinda provided up to $500 a month, out of her pay, to support what became the Faith Children’s Home. Belinda doesn’t come from a wealthy family and she doesn’t have a high paying job, but this was something she wanted to do. “When I went back to London, as well as my regular job, I set up a little side business called Fashion for Charity. A former boyfriend of mine suggested that I would be good at personal styling and he started referring people to me. The money that I made from that all went to the orphanage. We ended up with ten kids living in the home and about 40 extra children during the day to attend the school. These were kids from the local villages
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Hope Child Africa
whose families couldn’t afford an education for them. “In 2011 I decided to leave London and head back to Australia. I couldn’t continue with My Fashion for Charity venture, and my vision had become a lot bigger than what I could achieve alone. So I thought that when I came back to Australia, I would set up a charity.” Belinda went back to doing temp work at her old law firm and while she was there she talked to one of the tax lawyers about setting up a charity and how to go about gaining Deductible Gift Recipient Tax Status. Gaining that status takes around two years, and would need around $15,000 worth of specialist time to work through the process, which was money Belinda didn’t have. Luckily, her old firm agreed to do the work pro-bono. The charity, Hope Child Africa, was registered in April 2012. While she is yet to gain tax deductible status, Belinda wasn’t willing to waste any time chasing donations to support the children at the orphanage. She held a charity ball in July, raising around $18,000 then set off to Kenya straight away. “It had been over a year since I’d been there and I wanted actually witness the growth that I’d been hearing about at Faith Children’s Home. I needed to see it with my own eyes so that I could back up the charity and make sure that every dollar that I was receiving for the charity was going where I thought it was going. “As soon as I got to Kenya, I went straight to the children’s home and while it was a very chaotic operation, it was definitely an operation. There were some staffing concerns and I was told that
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the house mother had just left. But there were things happening. I spent two solid months setting up policies and procedures, restaffing and resourcing the home, and basically guiding it into the kind of operation that would fit in with how I needed it to be run and to satisfy anyone who was giving funds towards the organisation. “The types of things that I brought in were things for the children themselves. They were wearing things that I would consider rags and I didn’t want to support them to wear rags, so I bought them all new uniforms. So they had a school uniform,
I needed to see it with my own eyes so that I could back up the charity and make sure that every dollar... was going where I thought it was going. school books, a school bag, sporting goods and lots of things like the house, like new beds, a fridge because they’d never had a fridge and a gas stove to replace the old paraffin one, and a big kitchen table that was big enough for them all to sit around.” Having set up the house and made sure the kids had somewhere that felt like a home, she then turned her attention to the nursery school that had been set up adjacent to the Faith Children’s Home orphanage and school. The nursery school had children ranging from three year old to seven or
eight years old, running what we would recognise as kindergarten classes for children who have never been to school. AusAid, the government authority that assesses charitable tax deductible status, requires an overseas charity to prove that they are helping not just a few people – in this instance the children in an orphanage – you need to prove you are helping a community. Belinda formed an incomegenerating plan for Faith Children’s Home that would then fund community development programs. She hired a new house for the nursery school, where Robert would reside, while the house mother and teacher would reside at the children’s home. She also hired a security guard for the children’s home, to protect both the children and the assets. Belinda explained that nursery schools in Kenya are not government funded, that families pay around 600 shillings per month (around AU$8) to attend nursery school. The idea was that Hope Child Africa would fully resource the nursery school, including providing computer equipment that would make it the best resourced school in the area, and fund the running of it nine months, after which the charity would hand over the management of the school to Robert. The plan went ahead, the nursery school site was established and building went ahead on a second storey to the building that would house Robert’s church. As the school was established however, Robert began to change or perhaps Belinda’s perception of him changed. “I began to see a different side of him. He started wanting a lot more and I think he was getting a bit
Hope Child Africa
uncomfortable because I was very much in his face. From my perspective, I was going to be in the face of wherever Hope Child Africa’s money was going. “We had a new school, a new teacher and a new housemother. Then, one weekend Robert went to Nairobi and had asked the housemother, Elizabeth, to run the church while he was gone. “I tended to take the weekends off, and Sundays especially, but when I turned up on Monday, Elizabeth approached me and told me she had some concerns about Robert apparently using donated funding to force people to attend the church. “Then the teacher approached me with concerns, that Robert had been having sex with the teachers and the housemothers, and firing them if they spoke up or spoke against him.” “I was shocked, I had flagged some issues with him but had no idea any of this was going on. They only felt free to tell me this because Robert was away.” “The housemother then told me that Robert had teamed up the security guard, supporting the guard who was physically threatening and verbally abusing the housemother. I’m very protective of the children and I would never have a man, any man, in there – especially if there’s little girls in there. Little did I know that the second that I stepped away from the compound he was inside, laying on the couch sleeping and demanding that the housemother cook him meals. “This was all at the same time that Robert was getting quite demanding about what was going to happen with the nursery school.”
Overwhelmed and worried about how she was going to be able stop supporting Robert without seriously impacting on the children in the home and the school, as well as what it would mean for her fledgling charity, Belinda needed a break. She jumped on a bus, heading towards the central city apartment she was living in. But Mombasa was not a safe city on August 27. A radical Muslim leader, Aboud Rogo Mohamed, who was allegedly recruiting and raising funds for militant Somali group al-Shabab, had been assassinated in central Mombasa. Violent protests
All of a sudden, I saw blasts going off all around me. The bus jammed on its brakes and turned around really quickly... I thought my life was over. erupted across the city centre, with rioters clashing with police and churches were torched. “I asked the guys on the bus if there was any danger, but they said everything was cool and the bus took us right into the city. All of a sudden, I saw blasts going off all around me. The bus jammed on its brakes and turned around really quickly, but the blasts were following us. I thought my life was over. I couldn’t talk and they kept telling me that I had to get off the bus. Fear just took over and I froze. But they got me off, and I jumped into a Tuk Tuk and took a few
back streets, watching the blasts going off all over the place, and got back to my apartment, which was on Level 8 and safe, and that’s where I stayed the night. “The next morning I just wanted to get out of there. The coast looked clear, so I went to the coffee shop next door where I had a bit of a Skype chat with my Mum. Outside, the riots started again and the shop’s staff members got up and starting yelling to get down. I had to go down to the basement of this coffee shop while the riots were going crazy outside, meanwhile I’m still on Skype with my Mum who wanted to know what was going on. I just put the lid down and told her I was going downstairs.” Belinda spent the rest of the weekend in selfenforced house arrest back in her apartment with a few friends. Once the immediate danger had passed, she went back to worrying about what she now knew was happening at the orphanage and the school and worrying about the future for the children. “The Australian Embassy sent out warnings for Australians to get out of Mombasa. The timing was shattering, because if everything had been going well at the orphanage I could have just gone home. But everything was in a bit of a shambles, so I caught a plane to Nairobi.” Belinda had a laugh over the thought to flying to Nairobi – one of, if not the most dangerous capital city in Africa – for safety. She gathered her thoughts for a few days until the tensions dissipated in Mombasa, before flying back. “I made the decision that I needed to get the children out of that house and get back
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Hope Child Africa
everything that Hope Child Africa had worked so hard for, spending thousands of dollars, to resource that home. I met with the children’s officers, who I knew from working with to make sure everything was running legally in the home, and explained that Hope Child Africa would be pulling its funds and gave them my concerns. I told them that I wasn’t leaving the work that I’d done behind, but was asking for their support in finding me a home that needs resources and where my kids could move to. I was prepared to give them witnesses and anything else they needed. “In a lucky coincidence, the children’s officer that had authority over the town of Mikindani, where the home was located, was actually in the Mombasa town office that day. His name is Moasi, and when I explained what was happening, he got the head children’s officer involved. Like a lot of other government workers there, they both had good hearts and really cared about what I trying to do to help the children. They were actually pleased because these were the types of operations that they were trying to combat, because there are just so many of them out there using the children to get funding for themselves. They were grateful, if anything.” Belinda brought in the teacher and the housemother as witnesses, who had been fired while Belinda was away. They gave their statements and within the next few hours a new home for the children had been found. “They called in Mama Ann, who at 62 is an old woman, and she had really been doing it hard. She is a woman that runs in arrears, so she’s six months in arrears all the time. She doesn’t live at
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the home, she has a housemother there, but it really keeps her alive, remembering that 62 is old for a Kenyan lady, given that their life expectation is about 65. These boys are her purpose in life in her old age. “Without knowing that we were going to give her anything or support her in any way, she straight away said that she would take on our children. At that point I only had four children that we legally had – the other five had lost parents to AIDS or had parents on drugs or in jail, but still had families that were legally responsible for them, and we had
At 62, Mama Ann is old for a Kenyan lady, given that their life expectation is about 65. These boys are her purpose in life in her old age. to take them back to those families. They had homes, but we were sending them back to poverty.” Belinda and the children’s officers then set up an ambush to take out the children and all the possessions donated by Hope Child Africa before Robert got wind of what was happening. The next morning, she was at the children’s services local chief’s office in Mikindani and had brought along an Irish friend who works in tackling corruption. “It was great that he was there, because not only
did he understand what was going on, because of his work, but he also spoke Swahili. I also had a Kenyan friend, which made five of us along with the children’s officers, and I had a pick up truck ready to take the furniture. Robert got a call to come down the office. “I had to be careful to protect the women who had told me what was going on, because they had to live there, but I told Robert that I had heard some disturbing reports and that I was withdrawing my funding. He said, ‘OK’. Then the chief children’s officer told him that they were going to take the children out of the home, and he said, ‘OK’. He was told that Faith Children’s Home, which was pending registration, was never going to be registered. I then told him that every single item that had been donated by Hope Child Africa would be taken out as well. That’s when his attitude changed.” The children could go, the future could go, but Robert was prepared to fight for the furniture. After the meeting, Belinda went back to the home with her supporters and a children’s officer, took a photographic inventory of everything that had been donated by Hope Child Africa, all while Robert was claiming, in Swahili, that the furniture and household goods were his and that he had some connections through the court that he believed would let him get it all back. “I was just very lucky that my friend was there to translate all of this for me. I had been making so many purchases in Kenya for the charity and I had recorded everything on a daily basis. It wasn’t a big deal for me to bring up my spreadsheet to prove where everything had come
Hope Child Africa
from. I gathered up all my receipts and buttered up the children’s officers with fake Rolexes, books and perfumes – all the things they love – and I gave them copies of all my information. “The next morning I got a call from the chief to come in with my original receipts, again arranged the delivery truck then bolted in. The chief children’s officer approved everything, and told me I was fine to take it all, then she called Robert to come in. He said he was busy and I was told I was going to have to come back in again tomorrow. I couldn’t believe it; I was going to have to arrange for everything to happen all over again. “At this point I’m sitting with the Chief of Police, the Chief Children’s Officer and another children’s officer – so three men and me. I just said, ‘Guys, I’m just shocked at Robert. I’m sitting here with some of the most powerful men in Kenya and you’ve got Robert telling you that he doesn’t have the time, that he’ll get back to you tomorrow when you said you need him now.’ The Chief of Police stood up and went out to make a phone call. He came back in and said that Robert would be in the office in ten minutes. I really wished I had a friend there to share that moment with.” Before Robert arrived, one of the children’s officers assured Belinda that she had their support, but wanted to know what was in it for them. She already knew that this was the way things were done in Kenya, so asked them what they wanted. The four officers wanted 5,000 shillings each (a total of around AU$220 between the four) – not a lot of money in Australia but a serious amount in Kenya. She negotiated them
down to half that amount and the siege was set. In a last ditch effort, Robert tried claiming that Hope Child Africa was his charity, but he had nothing to back up his claims. All the furniture was collected by the children’s home and the nursery school and by the end of the day, a truckload of goods arrived at Mama Ann’s house. Over the next four days the house was set up and Belinda stayed to help settle the kids into their new home. Mama Ann also introduced Belinda to a friend of hers who ran Mighty Redeemer Children’s
In one case, the mother is in jail because she abused her children so badly that she was put in jail for it. But for a lot of the children, their parents were victims of AIDS. Home – a much larger, more established operation with 25 children. “Josephine, who runs Mighty Redeemer, is a woman with a big vision. She is very hands on and I immediately loved her. Her kids range from newborn babies to age 14 and she gets a lot of the babies who are dumped and kids who are orphaned, and there are others who have been abandoned or whose parents are in jail. In one case, the mother is in jail because she abused her children so badly that she was put in jail for it. But for a lot of the children, their parents were victims of AIDS.
“Having worked with both of the homes, admiring their operations and having fallen in love with many more kids – they are just so easy to fall in love with – that I’d support both of the homes. This was different to working with Robert. There I had been running the show, I was responsible and I realised, after a lot of hard work, that it’s impossible to run an operation living abroad and when you’re not Kenyan. What I decided to do was the support those operations that were already established and that I admired. That way it’s running in a Kenyan way and I’m not interfering with their culture and their way of doing things. “Now I have a sponsorship program and Hope Child Africa has eleven children that have been sponsored, and we have six waiting to be sponsored. I’ve set a cap on how many children we can seek sponsors for at one time to ensure that we are operating sustainably. With every child that we get sponsored, at a cost of $45 per month, then we will bring another one in until there are no children within our homes yet to be sponsored. All the money we raise is going towards a project, which will be block of land with a home and a school for them to farm. That’s the big plan and we’re still in the very early stages.”
To find out more about Hope Child Africa, you can log on to hopechildafrica.org.au, or facebook Hope Child Africa or Twitter @HopeChildAfrica
Ruby | 23
UN Women Ruby Travel
Photo - Albert Gonzalez Farran.
Donate to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women via www.unwomen.org.au
Ruby | 24
UN Women Ruby Travel
International Women’s Day 2013 Julie McKay, UN Women
E
xecutive Director of UN Women Australia, Julie McKay said donating to the Critical Services Initiative will enable women to access quality critical services, equipped to meet the diverse needs of women and their children experiencing violence. “Immediate, free and universal access to quality, critical services is essential to support women experiencing violence through a time of crisis, empowering them to move forward with their lives and live a life free from the fear of violence. “Women in the Pacific, in countries such as Papua New Guinea, experience some of the highest levels of violence in the world. Assisting women and girls who are experiencing violence by providing funds to improve and implement critical services is a dire necessity, crucial to changing patterns of violence and empowering violence-free communities. “In Australia also, too many women fall between the gaps in our services. Violence doesn’t discriminate, and affects women from all backgrounds, however some women will experience more difficulty in accessing services than others. Mapping existing services and discovering which women are missing out on critical services designed to meet their needs, and why, is crucial in combatting violence against women. Governments at Federal, State and Territory levels will not be able to adequately meet the urgent needs of women and girls without an extensive and coordinated mapping of services. “Supporting the UN Women Critical Services Initiative will assist countries such as Papua New Guinea to implement the critical services that women experiencing violence so desperately need. The Initiative will also urge nations such as Australia to uphold their existing obligations and address the gaps in services so that no woman goes without assistance.” Photos: UN Photo/UN Women Photos.
UN Women Australia and International Women’s Day 2013 - I n the lead up to International Women’s Day, UN Women Australia is encouraging everyone to support women experiencing violence. - You can show your support by donating to the Critical Services Initiative, to ensure that women have access to the services which will protect and support women and their children. - Violence against women is a human rights violation which denies women their most basic rights and freedoms, such as freedom of opinion, mobility and participation in society. - U N Women Australia is raising funds throughout summer and into International Women’s Day 2013 for the Critical Services Initiative, launched in 2011 by UN Women. - T he Initiative’s aim is to achieve universal access for all women and girls who have experienced gender-based violence to a core set of critical services in countries across the globe. - Money raised by the Initiative will assist nations in improving the quality of, and access to, critical services. Funds raised by the Initiative will enable nations to respond to violence against women by providing: • Immediate, free and universal access to key services • Education ensuring women know where and how to access services; and • Documentation of cases and regional mapping of key services - Specific challenges to accessing services include: • Absence of services, particularly in remote and rural areas • Discriminatory attitudes of those responding to violence (police, medical/legal professionals) • Financial constraints • L ack of interpreter services • Distance and lack of transportation for remote and rural women
Statistics Violence against women in Papua New Guinea occurs at almost pandemic levels. - 67% of women had been beaten by their husbands, including close to 100% in the Highlands. - Half of married women had been forced into sex by their husbands. - Women are six times more likely than men to suffer torture and killing as a response to sorcery and witchcraft allegations. Critical services available to women experiencing violence in the Pacific are often underfunded, inadequate or non-existent. • Services for survivors and enforcement measures remain insufficient. • Women have reported being forced to perform sexual favours in return for assistance by police, and have been gang raped in police custody. • Traditional apologies by village courts to victims often occurs instead of effective legal punishment for perpetrators. While women from all backgrounds experience violence in Australia, some groups of women are at higher risk of violence and experience more challenges accessing the services they need. • One in three Australian women will experience violence at some point in their lives. • Aboriginal women experience rates of family violence up to 45 times higher than nonAboriginal women. • I n 2009-2010, almost half of women with children seeking assistance from homelessness services cited escaping family violence as their main reason for seeking assistance. • 61% of female respondents who had been patients of acute mental health units said they had been abused while under institutional care. Nationwide, comprehensive evidence and data is desperately needed on violence against women so that adequate services can be provided.
Ruby | 25
Ruby Beauty
Summer skin fixes Courtney Buchanan-Huhn
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et your summer skin ready in a flash, and enjoy those sunny days and balmy nights with shimmering confidence. Along with makeup, coffee, and my boyfriend (not exactly in that order…) I truly love summer. It’s a time for beach holidays, lounging in hammocks (preferably slung between two palm trees), music festivals, soaking in copious amounts of vitamin D (hopefully whilst slathered in SPF), and not needing ten layers of clothing to go for a morning walk. However, summer can also be a time when your worst beauty concerns are realised. The thought of exposing pasty pins, rough heels, and dry winter skin can be too much to bear, or bare.
So enjoy the longer days and balmy nights, and please don’t forget to send me a postcard! / Face
Be a glow-getter with the delightful ModelCo LUMINOSITY Shimmer Whip, a gorgeous multipurpose highlighter for the face, $36.00. The only makeup you’ll need this summer. Soothe dry lips with this 100% natural lip balm, Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Tin, $7.95. Gives a cooling effect from the peppermint oil. You’ll be needing this wonderfully light and fastabsorbing facial sunscreen, perfect to wear alone or under makeup daily, NIVEA SUN Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF30, $10.99 (50ml).
Suddenly, the thought of lying on a tropical beach showing off that new swimsuit loses its appeal.
The Thursday Plantation Aloe Vera Gel, $11.95 (100g), is great for sunburn, insect bites, and pimples. Keep a tube in the fridge for extra relief.
Fear not, summer needn’t burn a hole in your pocket, nor send your cortisol levels soaring. I’ve already sorted through the minefield of greasy sunscreens and blotchy tanning products to help get your summer skin ready in a flash.
Too much sun, salt water, and chlorine can dry out hair. Restore its silkiness with this light treatment oil, Macadamia Natural Oil Healing Oil Treatment, $39.00 (4.2oz).
/ Hair
/ Body
This ultra-fine mist develops into the most believable tan, and fades evenly, just like a real tan, INVISIBLE ZINC® JET SET TAN, $24.95 (150g). Slather this shimmering dry oil onto limbs for added glamour day or night, The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil, $39.95 (100ml). Slough away dead skin and prep for tanning products with this delicious vanilla-scented scrub, Sportsgirl Scrub Up body exfoliator, $9.95 (300g). / Hands and feet
Achieve a salon quality mani or pedi at home with Sally Hansen Gem Crush™ nail polishes, $9.95 each. Gem Crush™ is available in eight knock-out shades: Lady Luck, Be-Jeweled, Glitz Gal, Cha-Ching!, Big Money, Razzle Dazzler, Bling-Tastic, and Showgirl Chic. Want a cheap fix for dry heels? Try QV Feet Heel Balm, $10.95 (50g). Slather on nightly for smooth feet.
/ Stockists ModelCo LUMINOSITY Shimmer Whip available at selected independents and www.modelco.com.au, (02) 8354 6700; Burt’s Bees products are available at David Jones, Myer, Priceline, and selected pharmacies nationally, 1300 855 478; NIVEA 1800 103 023; Thursday Plantation is available at pharmacies, health food stores and grocery (Coles and Woolworths); Macadamia Natural Oil available at fine salons, spas and beauty supply stores, 1800 807 3950; INVISIBLE ZINC® is available from Woolworths and selected pharmacies, 1800 630 056; The Body Shop is in Westfield Geelong, visit www.thebodyshop.com.au, 1800 065 232; Sportsgirl visit www.sportsgirl.com.au; Sally Hansen is available at Target, Kmart, Priceline, Priceline Pharmacy and selected pharmacies nationally, selected shades in Coles and Woolworths, 1800 812 663; QV is available in pharmacies and Priceline stores nationally, 1800 033 706.
Ruby | 26
Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre has gifts galore for the whole family plus a range of fashion, footwear and accessory stores to make YOU sparkle this summer! And for the third year in a row, Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre kids can have professional Santa photos taken for FREE! Just spend $25 or more in one transaction at ANY store in Centre, take your receipt to the Santa photo site located outside of Target and you’ll receive two FREE photos. And this year photos are being printed at the Santa site with same day pick-up! Terms & conditions apply so be sure to visit the Santa site or www.waurnpondssc.com.au for full details. 19.
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Update your look this summer with bright, bold accessories! 17.
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C&T MOBILE ACCESSORIES: 1. iPhone 5 diamante case (assorted) $25, 2. iPhone 5 flip case (assorted) $29, 3. iPhone 4 DK phone wallet (gold) $29. DYMOCKS: 4. The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton $24.99, 5. Counting Ones Blessings ‘The selected letters of Queen Elizabeth – The Queen Mother’ edited by William Shawcross $44.99, 6. French Essence ‘Ambience, Beauty & Style in Provence’ by Vicki Archer $59.95. FEMME CONNECTION: 7. Clutch (cream multi) $14.99. LIFESTYLE BAGS & LUGGAGE: 8. IT Luggage hard shell case ‘Paris City’ (medium) $149.95, 9. Fashion bag (pink, black, white) $49.95. NOVO: 10. ‘Walter’ wedges (assorted) $69.95, 11. ‘Future’ platform peep toe heel (fuchsia) $59.95, 12. ‘Macy’ platform peep toe sling back (aqua, magenta, black) $69.95, 13. ‘Macy’ platform peep toe sling back (magenta, aqua, orange) $69.95, 14. ‘Ritz’ sandal (navy blue, aqua, black) $59.95, 15. ‘Navajo’ heel (orange, blue, pink) $79.95, 16. Novo tablet cover (assorted) $34.95, 17. Shopper tote (yellow multi) $69.95. TARGET: 18. Modern Living A6 Notebook (jersey yellow dots) $7, 19. Modern Living A5 Notebook (jersey pink dots) $10. THE REJECT SHOP: 20. Casa Living ‘Occasional table’ (white) from $20.
Ruby | 27
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AUSSIE SOX: 1. Fashion scarf (assorted) $10. GLAM GIRL: 2. Nerine bracelet $19.95 each. FEMME CONNECTION: 3. Shirt dress (jade) $39.99, Heart belt $12.99, 4. Polkadot bag (assorted) $14.99, 5. Summer sandal (silver) $29.99. PROUDS: 6. 9ct 2.5x10mm hoop earrings $49.95, 7. 9ct diamond & created ruby ring $399.
DISCLAIMER: Price and product availability accurate at time of printing and subject to change without notice.
Ruby | 28
C&T MOBILE ACCESSORIES: 8. Samsung Galaxy III hard case (metallic assorted) $20. GLAM GIRL: 9. Fashion magnifiers (assorted) $14.95 each. LIFESTYLE BAGS & LUGGAGE: 10. Serenade ‘fresh vision’ hand bag (white/orange/green) $189.95. SPENDLESS SHOES: 11. ‘Harmony’ sandal (white) $39.95. ON STAGE: 12. Teaberry summer dress (multi) $79. PROUDS: 13. Diamond 2 tone dress ring TDW=.50ct $599, 14. 9ct 19cm Belcher Padlock Bracelet $299, 15. 9ct Creole Earrings $64.50.
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AUSSIE SOX: 16. Brooch (assorted) $15. BURDINES: 17. IQ jacket stretch chino zip front (flame) $89, 18. IQ tee shirt (rugby stripe) $59, 19. IQ pant 7/8 stretch chino (white) $69. C&T MOBILE ACCESSORIES: 20. iPhone 5 flip case (assorted) $29. GLAM GIRL: 21. Sassy Duck Handbag $59.95. NOVO: 22. Novo tablet cover (assorted) $34.95. PROUDS: 23. Silver large fancy CZ stud earrings $35, 24. Silver CZ ring set $45. TONIK: 25. Rip Curl ‘Alana’ watch $129.99. SPENDLESS SHOES: 26. ‘Thistle’ heel (ice) $39.95.
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PROUDS: 27. Elite ladies watch with crystals $69.50. FEMME CONNECTION: 28. Maxi dress (assorted) $29.99, 29. Summer sandal (apricot) $29.99. LIFESTYLE BAGS & LUGGAGE: 30. Hand painted leather bag ‘fairyland’ (assorted colours & sizes available) $139.95, 31. Galian fashion wallet (green) $19.90, 32. Samsung Galaxy III flip case (assorted) $29.
Ruby | 29
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5. C&T MOBILE ACCESSORIES: 1. Samsung 15.
Galaxy III flip case (snakeskin assorted) $29. DYMOCKS: 2. The Great Barrier Reef (BBC Earth) by Len Zell $59.99. GLAM GIRL: 3. Watch (colour plastic, assorted) $24.95. LIFESTYLE BAGS & LUGGAGE: 4. Miss Co 1.
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beach bag (assorted) $19.95, 5. Disney roller case from $99.95, 6. Disney beauty case $59.95. TONIK: 7. Roxy metal bottle $12.99, 8. Electric ‘tonette’ sunglasses (grey/purple/
2.
chrome $149.95, 9. Roxy ‘curacao fedora’ ladies hat $29.99, 10. Billabong ‘high seas’ tee (blue star) $39.99, 11. Billabong ‘goddess TT/SP’ bikini (indigo) $79.99, 12. Mavi ‘tiara turquoise’ denim short (white edge) $79.95, 13. Rusty thongs ‘flippin’ (assorted) $19.99, 14. Roxy ‘Sabrina’ clutch (assorted) $29.99. SPENDLESS SHOES: 15. ‘Jesse’ ladies 4.
14.
sneaker (yellow) $19.95.
Christmas Trading Hours
Thurs
20 Dec 9:00am - 9:00pm
Fri
28 Dec 9:00am - 9:00pm
Thurs
13 Dec 9:00am - 9:00pm
Fri
21 Dec 9:00am - 9:00pm
Sat
29 Dec 9:00am - 5:00pm
Fri
14 Dec 9:00am - 9:00pm
Sat
22 Dec 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sun
30 Dec 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sat
15 Dec 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sun
23 Dec 9:00am - 5:00pm
Mon
31 Dec 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sun
16 Dec 10:00am - 5:00pm
Mon
24 Dec 9:00am - 5:30pm
/ 2013
Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre
Mon
17 Dec 9:00am - 9:00pm
Tues
25 Dec CLOSED
Tues
1 Jan
10:00am - 5:00pm
173-199 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds
Tues
18 Dec 9:00am - 9:00pm
Wed
26 Dec 10:00am - 5:00pm
Wed
2 Jan
9:00am - 5:30pm
Tel: (03) 5244 2580
Wed
19 Dec 9:00am - 9:00pm
Thurs
27 Dec 9:00am - 7:00pm
Thurs
3 Jan
9:00am - 7:00pm
www.waurnpondssc.com.au
DISCLAIMER: Price and product availability accurate at time of printing and subject to change without notice.
Ruby | 30
Ruby Shoes
Slip into summer style Bridget Connor, Footique
A
h…the home stretch to Christmas and holidays.
celebrations/friend’s Christmas BBQ. Some are formal, others more relaxed. So where to start??
As we edge closer to the end of the year, life usually gets a little more crazy as we strive to get everything done before Christmas. Work wraps up, school finishes, presents must be purchased, holidays (if we’re lucky) need to get booked and Christmas lunch needs to be organised and/or prepared.
If you’re off to a formal affair, it’s time to think about what type of event you’re attending. If you know you’ll be standing for the night then you’ll need to decide what a friendly heel height is going to be for you and your feet.
Our calendars also seem to end up brimming with get togethers. We have work and school break ups amongst long overdue catch ups with friends far and wide as well as making plans to see in the new year. My husband often laughs at my endeavours to cram in as many catch ups with our different groups of friends all before Christmas. He seems to think there would be no harm done if we saved a few until a week or two after the big day. But it HAS to be before Christmas I tell him! It just has to be! So without fail every year our December days and nights are filled with a flurry of wonderful get togethers and celebrations. And I know I’m not alone! It’s a lovely time of year but also a very busy one. I have many ladies visiting me in the shop looking for some shoes for their upcoming work party/NYE
I have many ladies visiting me in the shop looking for some shoes for their upcoming work party/NYE celebrations/friend’s Christmas BBQ. If you’re not used to wearing heels, steer away from a skyscraper stilettos and look for something a little lower. Even better (and if you’re fond of some extra height) seek out a shoe with a platform. Ladies can get a little nervous at the sight of a platform because it makes a shoe seem so much taller but I promise you, on the whole, they
make for a much more comfortable wear by taking a bit of sting out of the heel height itself. Definitely worth a try!! If a relaxed BBQ get together is calling, look for an embellished f lat or low wedge. This style will show you’ve made an effort for the occasion but without being overdressed. This season we’re spoilt for choice with the metallic trend in particular making for some very glam sandals and wedges. Hits of gold, silver and copper automatically dress a f lat up making them the perfect option for a festive celebration. Best of all, they’re beautifully comfortable so you’ll have no dramas being on your feet and dancing the night away (if you so wish). Team them with a lovely summer frock on a beautiful balmy night and you’ll look oh so chic. If you’re extra clever, that lovely pair of f lats or low wedges you’ve found will also be perfect after the craziness of Christmas is behind us. Pop them on with your bathers and a kaftan or dress and off to the beach with you. Oh summer, how we love you.
Celebrate Summer at Footique Vincenza Spot Heel
Miz Moon ‘Yona’ Navy Wedge
Nude ‘Rebellion’ Tan Wedge
Ruby | 31
Simple Life
Ruby | 32
Simple Life
Stuffed Tuesday Jones
T
here was panic at the kinder, as the word was passed around, it was Teddy Bear’s picnic day and we’d forgotten the sodding teddies. As we were silently downgraded in the parenting scores, the kinder helper raised a condemning eyebrow and sternly pointed out that there had been a note in the newsletter. “Just another piece of paper I don’t have time to read,” I blurted out before thinking. There was an audible gasp of horror from Organic Mum. Yep, I’d slid down a few more spots and was now teetering above the chain-smoking mums wheeling around their perpetually grizzling three year-olds who alternate sucking on a dummy and a baby bottle filled with their cola-flavoured soft drink of choice. Organic Mum, with her freshly scrubbed face, her polar fleece jumpers and badly fitting jeans that sit awkwardly above the ankle as she jollies along her plump, freshly scrubbed children, and I, with my skittering heels and serial lateness were never going to get along. I could see her shaking her head sadly at my progeny’s favourite foods listed as Twisties and Mini M&Ms (processed sugars, preservatives, food colouring, Oh the shame!) as her little dumpling munched steadily through a homemade organic vegetable muffin. How could anyone be so irresponsible as to ignore their own child’s preschool education? The silent condemnation spread through the waiting parents like a garlic-fuelled fart in a boutique changing room… no one was spared. In between listing the lengthy and time-consuming extra-curricular activities she dragged, whoops gave her children the opportunity to participate in we are regaled with points from her thesis (yep, studying early childhood development) and loud boasts of her offspring’s accomplishments. If all true, those poor children are being trained with the same rigour as Olympic hopefuls, and have been prepared to succeed in standardised tests from birth. They probably received perfect 10s in their AGPARs and sat smack on the 50th percentile in their baby growth charts. Poor little buggers. Those of us who had forgotten about the apparently incredibly important early educational opportunity that was a make believe meal accompanied by an anthropomorphised stuffed bear (that’s right Organic Mum, some of us went to university too!) scurried for the gate with muttered promises of being back in five with our little darlings’ bears. When did kindergarten become such a pressure cooker of parental judgement? All I can remember is finger painting, fighting over whose turn it was on the swing and the kids who used to eat snails (wonder how his mum felt?) But even the simplest things seem to have become pressurised – like Christmas. I can’t help wondering at what point the celebration was surpassed in the
importance by the stress of trying to please everyone else? I love Christmas. I love the magic of it. I love the thought of spending time with my dearly beloveds and cherished old friends. I love the anticipation, the excitement and the way that magic almost becomes a reality. What I don’t love are the protracted and infuriatingly repetitive negotiations that comes with Christmas – particularly with a select few of my dearly beloveds. My Dad called me only a few days ago, moaning that my mother (his ex-wife) was hounding him over the phone about his Christmas plans. Could he sort this out for himself like the adult he purports to be? No. He calls me instead. The problem, I eventually found out, was that my Mum had organised to have her sister, brother-in-law along with my cousin and his young family over for Christmas lunch. My Dad really likes my Aunty, Uncle and family, so I knew that wasn’t the problem. The problem was the lunch bit, and while there was no way I was going to say it, I understood the problem. The last time I can
Yep, I’d slid down a few more spots and was now teetering above the chain-smoking mums wheeling around their perpetually grizzling three yearolds who alternate sucking on a dummy and a baby bottle filled with their cola-flavoured soft drink of choice. remember my Mum organising Christmas lunch she managed to do the shopping and peeled a few veggies before getting drunk and passing out on the bed before lunch was served (in her defence, she was heavily medicated at the time, and a few pre-lunch wines were enough to bring an early end to her day). Hmm, well, we have a reasonably big house that is blessedly free of the kind of delicate hand-painted porcelain collectables that are right at breaking height throughout Mum’s house. I offered to shift the lunch to our house, where I could cook a roast. “That would be so much better,” my Dad said. “I’m not having bloody barbecue chicken for Christmas lunch.” Did I mention that was the proposed menu? But hang on a minute, what’s wrong with barbecued chook and a couple of salads? I remember plenty of occasions where that was exactly the celebration menu, occasionally supplemented by a barbecue.
“It’s just not Christmas!” Dad retorted. Hmm, and yet he doesn’t believe in male menopause… It all looked like it would be sorted out easily enough. But oh no, not with my family. Mum didn’t want to change the plans, and I couldn’t blame her really, especially after hubby jumped to my aid and pointed out that we were already having a full house for Boxing Day for another side of the family, even though I pointed out that cooking a roast is hardly a big deal, we do it all the time. But no, this is a Christmas roast, not just any roast! So now we are mired in more protracted negotiations about who will be where and at which times on Christmas Day and Dad is sulking, again. It made me think back to the first time we hosted Christmas. It wasn’t long after we bought our first house and after years of trekking across the state to see the four sets of parents and three sets of grandparents, we declared that we would have everyone over to our place – lunch and dinner would be served and all were welcome. We were staying put. We planned the meal for ages, right down the roast pork, the potato gratin, salads, the obligatory ham and seafood for dinner. Everything was marinaded, prepped and ready to go. We tidied and scrubbed for weeks and when almost burst with pride when we could tell people who asked, “Don’t bring anything but yourselves and whatever you want to drink.” From the outside, that’s what Christmas used to look like as kids. We had completely glossed over the memories of our parents frantically cleaning for days, fighting over who was actually cooking the Weber and who was just getting in the way, stressing over who was late, stressing over who was early, stressing that someone had done something nasty in the toilet, stressing, stressing, stressing and all the while just trying to make everyone happy. And there it was. In one foul move, we had become our parents, but this time we had their example not to follow. We could have stressed out over the extra people that turned up, but why worry, one of the in-laws had ignored us and brought barbecue chickens. We could have stressed that a group of people disappeared for hours right when we were serving up (where they went is a story for another day), but hey, they knew where we lived. We could have stressed that a few people totally hogged the basil and chilli prawns, but again, there was extra chicken! We laughed it all off and swore that next time it would be paper plates, barbecue, a couple of salads and plenty of beers, just like an Aussie Christmas should be. It is a wisdom we are now trying to instil in our children, in the great game of competitive living, you can outclass yourself to the point of ridiculousness, but more often than not, you’ll just end up stuffed!
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Ruby Coffee
moorabool valley chocolate
Moorabool Valley Chocolate If you are in the Geelong region, call in and visit our chocolaterie and tea rooms. We have great coffee, hot chocolate and cold drinks, cakes and slices and, of course, our wonderful chocolates.
Ruby’s guide to Geelong’s great coffee spots.
cartel speciality tea
The Cartel Specialty Tea Room Located inside award winning Cartel Roasters not only do you find freshly roasted coffee, but also a serene specialty tea house with over 120 teas and 50 farm direct teas along with its own Certified Tea Master.
The chocolaterie is located in the middle of a horse agistment farm. You can relax and take in the tranquillity of the area, while watching the day-to-day activities. We also conduct regular chocolate-making demonstrations. Our goal is also to indulge you with our selection of specialty chocolates, cakes and cookies. Need that special gift? We have lovely ideas ready for you, or we also make to order (just contact our resident chocolatier Lynne Meek). 320 Ballarat Rd, Batesford VIC 3221 P: (03) 5276 1422 Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Sunday, 11am to 5.30pm.
Darriwill Farm Come and enjoy breakfast or lunch at Darriwill Farm Cafe in Highton.
You can sit and sip a range of exotic black, green, white teas, chais and an exciting range of in house blended organic herbals which you can also purchase to take home. There is an extensive range of teapots and accessories and high teas are a specialty as well as a great range of iced teas.
Take in the ambience of the Highton Village. On a beautiful day, sitting out the front with one of our tasting plates, a glass of wine or a lovely cup of coffee prepared by one of our Baristas. We offer a quality menu prepared for your enjoyment by our qualified Chefs. All our slices are made on sight with fresh produce arriving daily in our kitchen. Come and enjoy the Darriwill Experience.
6/21 Leather St, Breakwater VIC P: (03) 5222 6115 coffeecartel.com.au
65-71 Barrabool Rd, Highton VIC 3216 P: (03) 5241 2933 Open 7 days, Monday to Sunday, 7.30am - 5pm.
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Ruby Coffee
R u by
S pec Men ial ti Coffe on the Ru * e G ui b de w y o r de h r d r i n i ng a ny h e n kt o fr e e o r e c e i ve t ha a b i s c u nd - mad e it o r s lic e .
Prendergast and Grace Bakery Cafe Prendergast and Grace is a delightful bakery cafe with a relaxed atmosphere and full menu including house specialties with superb Barista made coffee. The cafe has an excellent coffee loyalty program and is based in central Geelong. They hand make pies, biscuits, cupcakes, cakes, slices and tarts as well as all the menu offerings. Their delicious range can be viewed in store and online. They are committed to re-energizing you with the best cafe experience possible. Stop by and see what all the fuss is about! 20 Bellerine St, Geelong VIC 3220 P: (03) 5229 0029 / W: prendergastandgrace.com.au Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. *This deal is valid at Prendergast and Grace Bakery Cafe until 01/03/2013.
Hahndorf’s Fine Chocolates Discerning coffee lovers have discovered the quiet, relaxed atmosphere that awaits them at Hahndorf’s Fine Chocolates, located at the Newtown end of Pako. It’s the ideal place to catch up with friends or grab some time to yourself. We offer delicious drinks – tasteful, well-prepared coffee, the best hot chocolate in town, refreshing tea, or thirst quenching cold drinks such as milk shakes and iced drinks. Our goal is also to indulge you with our selection of specialty chocolates, cakes and cookies. Need that special gift? We have lovely ideas ready for you, or we also make to order. 354 Pakington St, Newtown VIC 3220 P: (03) 5229 7405 Open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
steampocket
Steampocket - Pizzeria & Cafe
Sandstone Cafe
We’re all about artisan food – fresh, wholesome, house-made fare. All created with love. Think: brilliant breakfasts, lip-smacking lunches and pizzas worth dying for.
In the recent Geelong Otway Golden Plate Awards, Sandstone Cafe won the highly commended award ‘Best Value for Money Licenced Cafe.’
Dining takes on a new meaning in our laid-back courtyard. Friends mingle. Conversation flows (as does the barista coffee). Find a cosy corner or get amongst the action – either way you’ll love our no-fuss service. We punch well above our size, with divine catering and sublime take-home meal options that spread our foodie love far beyond Steampocket into special occasions and family homes. 313 Pakington St, Newtown VIC 3220 P: (03) 5222 8969 / Catering P: (03) 5221 0677 Open Tuesday to Saturday.
At Sandstone Cafe we have created something new and exciting in Grovedale to give people a great food, wine or function experience at very reasonable prices. Our food can be enjoyed in our airy and bright cafe or in the outdoor courtyard. We are fully licenced and our wine list has a large selection of local wine from our award winning wine regions. We choose to serve the award winning Dimattina coffee. 284 Torquay Rd, Grovedale VIC 3216 P: (03) 5244 2343 Open 7 days from 9am for breakfast and lunch. Also open for dinner Friday and Saturday night.
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Ruby Coffee
Everything coffee and more Judy Baulch
C
apra Coffee’s core business is roasting coffee from around the world and selling all the accessories you need to make the perfect coffee at home, like coffee machines and coffee glasses and things to clean your coffee machine with. They’ll also sell you a take-away coffee that you can preorder and pay for with a handy phone app so there’s no waiting when you’re in a hurry.
porcelain wall tiles and the odd fur coat.
But that’s not all. Capra Coffee, at 112 Fyans Street Geelong and the newly opened store at 300 Old Geelong Road Hoppers Crossing, offers a surprising range of completely non-coffee related giftware, scarves, handbags, jewellery, old world
“We had a tradie in here one day picking up his coffee and when he saw all the things on display he remembered he had to buy his girlfriend’s birthday present. He walked out with his coffee and a handbag for his girlfriend.”
“Eclectic, girly stuff,” is how co-owner Steve Maddern describes the wares his wife Debbie sources from all over the world. He says it’s also a great place for men who wouldn’t normally be caught dead in such an environment to pick up a present for their loved one while using the excuse of waiting for their coffee.
In this store with something for everyone, there is also something for the customer who is too busy to browse – the NoQ app that allows them to preorder and pay via credit card for their coffee, chai tea, hot chocolate, coffee beans or even a top of the range coffee machine. “Customers using the app can let us know what time they want to collect their order and then when they come in their coffee is ready and they can be on their way,” Steve says. “It’s great for people who come in at the same time every day and order the same thing and when you just want to get in and out as quickly as possible.”
Capra Coffee has turned a simple discovery into “The Fine Art of Coffee.” Geelong’s Award Winning Coffee. Roasting speciality blends and single origin coffee. 16 types of coffee available, coffee machines, pods and so much more. Everything for the coffee lover. 112 Fyans St, South Geelong P: 5222 2845 | 300 Old Geelong Rd, Hoppers Crossing P: 8360 8837
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RubyTravel Food Ruby
4 large Duck Legs ¼ cup Oyster Sauce ¼ cup Golden Syrup 40g Caster Sugar 3 Garlic cloves finely chopped 3 lemongrass stalks, white part only very finely chopped 2tbs Sea Salt To make the marinade, combine the oyster sauce, golden syrup, caster sugar, garlic, lemon grass and sea salt into a large mixing bowl. Place duck legs in marinade and coat well, cover with cling wrap and allow to marinate overnight in the fridge. Preheat oven to 160˚c. Remove duck legs from marinade and place on a cake rack in a deep baking dish. Fill bottom of the dish with water so its just below the rack, cover the tray with foil and roast the ducks for 1 hour then remove foil and roast for a further ½ hour until tender. You might need to check on water and top it up if required.
Slow roasted lemongrass duck legs Darius Sarkis - Head Chef, Baveras Brasserie
Chilli Caramel 500g Caster Sugar 500ml Water 3 Small red chillies chopped 12 Star anise 200ml Fish sauce 75 ml Light soy sauce Combine sugar and water in a large saucepan and bring to boil. Continue to boil until reaches light caramel colour then add chillies, star anise, fish sauce and soy sauce. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes then turn off and allow to stand for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse. Strain mixture and allow to cool.
Coconut and Spring Onion Crepes 1 Cup plain Flour 1 Egg 500 ml Coconut Milk 2 Spring onions finely sliced Extra water if needed Sift flour into a large bowl, add the egg and coconut milk. Whisk until you have a smooth paste. Pour mixture through a strainer to ensure you don’t have any lumps and then mix through the spring onions. Lightly oil a medium size pan and heat. Pour in crepe mixture (make sure it is not to thick) and cook on one side until cooked through. Flip your crepe and cook on the other side until you get a little bit of colour on it.
Asian Coleslaw ¼ Chinese Cabbage finely sliced 4 Spring Onions finely slice 1 Carrot cut into julienne ¼ cup Coriander leaves ¼ cup Thai basil leaves ¼ cup Vietnamese mint leaves 1 Long Red Chilli deseeded and finely sliced Lightly tear all your herbs and combine with the rest of the ingredients. Lightly dress with chilli caramel and put to side. When everything is ready to go, slightly heat your crepes and place some of your asian coleslaw across the crepe and roll up. Put 2 filled crepes on your plate, place a duck leg on top and drizzle some chilli caramel over. Finish you plate with a couple of nice sprigs of coriander.
Photos - Bianca White, biancawhitephotography.com
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Ruby Food Travel
Seafood and coconut lemongrass skewers 300g skinless and boneless snapper or flathead coarsely chopped 300g medium size uncooked prawns 80g desiccated coconut 60ml coconut milk 5 kaffir lime leaves finely sliced
Mould heaped spoonfuls of mixture onto the end of the lemongrass and set aside. Heat a large pan and grill the skewers, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. This should take around 5-6 min each side.
1 tbs palm sugar
Serve the skewers with some peanut sauce and lime wedges.
10 lemongrass stalks cut into 20cm lengths to use for skewers
Peanut Sauce
In a food processor place the fish and prawns and process until just blended. It can be a little bit lumpy as this will just add to the texture.
1 cup coconut milk
Remove mixture and place in a bowl, add the coconut, lime leaves and palm sugar. Season mixture with a little salt and white pepper. Fry off a small amount of mixture in a pan to check your seasoning and if required add a little more to your taste.
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Roast peanuts in a dry wok constantly stirring on a low heat until they are golden brown. Remove from heat and cool. Place the peanuts in a blender and and process until peanuts resemble coarse crumbs. In a medium size pan add coconut milk and bring to the boil. Add the curry paste and stir until it is mixed through and you get a fragrant aroma.
1 cup peanuts
Turn the heat down to a simmer then add the rest of the ingredients and cook for around 10min stirring occasionally.
1 tbs palm sugar
The sauce will be ready when it thickens.
1 tbs tamarind paste
Ensure you don’t over cook the sauce as it will thicken even more once it is cool.
1 tbs penang curry paste
1 tbs chicken stock powder 1 tsp salt
RubyTravel Food Ruby
White chocolate and raspberry tarts 40g Fresh raspberries 180g White chocolate chopped into small pieces 20g Unsalted butter 90ml Double cream 6 Tbs Raspberry jam 6 Pre baked tart shells In a small bowl crush the fresh raspberries with a fork and then pass them through a fine sieve to remove all the seeds. Place smooth coulis in bowl in fridge until needed. Get your baked tart shells and place a small amount of raspberry jam in the bottom of each shell.
chocolate and butter and gently stir with a rubber spatula until chocolate and butter have melted completely and you are left with a smooth and glossy ganache. Before the ganache starts to set, pour the mixture into the tart shells. Spoon a tiny amount of the coulis into the centre of each tart and with a skewer or the tip of a knife gently swirl around. Place the tarts in the fridge until they are set.
Sweet pastry 330g Plain flour 100g Icing sugar
Place the white chocolate and butter in a heat proof bowl and set aside. Heat the cream in a small saucepan and bring to the boil.
¼ tsp Salt
As soon as it has boiled pour the cream over the
2 Tbs cold water
180g Cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes 1 Egg yolk
Sift the flour, icing sugar and salt into a bowl and then add the butter. Rub it together until your mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water and continue to mix until the pastry just comes together. Remove the dough from the bowl and knead lightly into a disc about 5 cm thick. Wrap in cling film and allow to rest in the fridge for about ½ hour. Once the pastry has rested place some flour on a bench and roll out the pastry carefully until it is about 3mm thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out rounds. Get a medium size muffin tray and line the tin with baking paper. Press in the cut out pastry rounds into each mould and return to fridge for 10min. Preheat your oven to 180˚c and bake the shells for 10-15 min until they are golden brown. Set aside and allow to cool completely before serving.
$19.90* • 1 course & a glass
of beer, wine or soft • In & out in the hour
Catch up over the water with an Express Lunch Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch & dinner (except Sun evening). Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Beach Foreshore Rd, Geelong. (03) 5222 6377 reservations@baveras.com.au www.baveras.com.au
(*Available Mon-Fri, 12pm-3pm)
Baveras
@BaverasThePier
Beat the heat this summer! Order early before summer hits and we will help you beat the heat with our innovative range of external awnings and screens, manufactured in Geelong. Keep your home cooler and save on your energy costs by investing in a quality awning from Brax. Simple to operate and available in a range of styles and colours they’re not only functional - they look great as well. We invite you to visit our showroom to view our range, or ask about our obligation free home consultation, where our experienced staff can advise on the best options to enhance your home and lifestyle.
CELEBRATING
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roller blinds roman shades venetians blinds vertical drapes curtains/rodding plantation shutters plus the entire -VYBnFYÂŽ range
Ruby Living
Keep your cool this summer… Brax Windows Treatment
W
ith the days starting to heat up, it’s definitely time to think about what you can do to keep your home and office cooler. External awnings are the most effective way of preventing solar heat gain –stopping the sun before it hits the glass, and therefore reducing your cooling costs, as well as protecting your valued furnishings from harmful UV damage. Retractable awnings offer flexibility and control over the amount of sun coming in. During the summer, extend your awnings to protect your home from the sun, and then in winter the
awnings can be retracted to allow the sun in. When we think of awnings, we often think of the old style canvas, but there are so many options available today – more contemporary style awnings to suit modern homes and coastal conditions, and they’re not only functional, they look great as well. Sunscreen awnings cut up to 90% of the sun’s rays without cutting the light or losing your view. You don’t have to sit in the dark to stay cool. Because you don’t lose your view or natural light, we find that people are using their
awnings more, maximizing their insulation benefits. Folding arm awnings have also become very popular – creating a shady outdoor area and extending your living space – while at the same time offering sun protection to your windows. Many awnings are available with motorisation options, allowing ease of use and again, maximum insulation benefits. Research has shown that external awnings can prevent up to 80% of heat entering through windows, so cover up and stay cool this summer.
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Ruby Travel
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Camel Trek, Morocco.
Ruby Travel
The new adventure seekers Judy Baulch
Y
ou’re never too old to seek out adventure… That’s what these two Victorian women of a certain age found when they decided to chase down their lifelong travel dreams. No kids, no husbands, no worries! At 56, Jackie Stott packed her bags and took her first overseas trip, the fulfilment of a long-held dream to see New Zealand. She had plans to go alone but when her daughter and son-in-law invited her to travel with them around the South Island in a camper van she happily went along, returning alone in 2006 to take a couch tour around the North Island. New Zealand out of the way, Jackie, who was still working full-time as sales representative at the time, was content. “I didn’t have an urge to travel anywhere else,” she says. “I’d always wanted to do New Zealand and I had, so that was that.” Until 2008, that is, when some friends who travel extensively invited her to Europe. After seven weeks of exploring London and Paris, river cruising from Amsterdam to Budapest and another cruise from Venice to Barcelona that took in Croatia and the Greek Islands, Jackie found herself well and truly bitten by the travel bug. Canada, Alaska, America, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales,
Whilst overlanding attracts a broad range of people, it’s our experience that the more mature the traveller, the more adventurous the route or destination they choose. Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Portugal and the Canary Islands – Jackie has now seen them all by cruise and coach, with friends and alone, and will next year add Iceland and Scandinavia to the list. For Margaret Byron, a family daycare operator, New Zealand was also the beginning of the bug when she joined a cruise around the Land of the Long White Cloud with three women from her ballroom dancing club. “I thought travelling with people I had something in common with would be a nice way to have a holiday,” she says, as we scroll through the 700 plus photos of her recent trip to South Africa and Mauritius. This time she travelled with her friend of 30 years, Alice. “Alice had been to South Africa already and said she was going back, so I asked if I could go with her. Africa wasn’t particularly on my list of things to do, it was more about wanting to travel,” Margaret says. “I’m thinking I have to do things or time will run out! And I’m free to do things now, I haven’t got debt, I haven’t got children to look after – well, not my own anyway. So I feel free to put my life in danger a
little bit now. You know, when you have little kids you need to be there for them, but now – I hear of planes going down and I think what will be, will be.” Although the usual picture of the Aussie overseas traveller is a 20-something backpacker hitting the world’s adventure spots or combining culture and partying on a Contiki tour, Jackie and Margaret are by no means unusual in seeking out foreign horizons as older women. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for 2011 reveal the 60+ age group as the fastest growing segment for overseas travel, tripling since 2001. When LifeChoices.com.au, a website for seniors looking for independent advice about a range of issues, conducted their own survey of over 2,500 Australians aged between 50 and 75, they discovered that 47 per cent of respondents travel overseas at least once a year, listing New Zealand, America, England, Canada and Italy as their top five destinations. In the UK the story is the same, with the The Frequent Flying and Globe Trekking Older Travellers Report undertaken by Travelsphere and Mintel Consultancy finding that the 65+ age group were, ‘the most prolific travellers of the 45+ market, with 28 per cent indulging in two foreign holidays a year, compared to 19 per cent of all British holidaymakers’. And the ‘seniors’ are not just settling for ‘safe’ destinations or seeing the world from the comfort of an air-conditioned coach, although plenty do that as well. Worldwide overland tour operators Dragoman, who conduct what they describe as “genuinely off-the-beaten track” activity holidays across the Americas, Asia and Africa, report the number of mature travellers joining their tours each year is increasing by 20 per cent year on year. “Whilst overlanding attracts a broad range of people, it’s our experience that the more mature the traveller, the more adventurous the route or destination they choose,” says Dragoman Managing Director, Charlie Hopkinson. “The majority of passengers on our Central Asia (Silk Route) or West Africa trips are over 55, for example. South America and India are also more popular with older travellers.” What may be surprising to the younger generations is how much the older generation rely on the internet to research destinations and book their trips. The LifeChoices survey found 63 per cent of older travellers begin their holiday planning online. They also take advantage of numerous forums, such as Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree, where older travellers swap tips and travel experiences and seek advice on planning their next adventure. Some of the advice on these forums is super practical, concerning the best type of luggage to take, travel insurance pitfalls and health concerns, but there is also encouragement from the more experienced travellers for those just starting out: “By the time you are retired you know enough to shut up and listen. You shouldn’t have a problem travelling alone or with friends, just relax and take
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Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Ruby Travel
Margaret in the Phinda game reserve, Zululand.
it easy and don’t let little stupid things bug you so much your blood pressure goes up.” To this Margaret adds wryly “and take a spare camera battery.” For her, Africa was the beginning of a love affair with landscape and animals, so much so that she and Alice are already planning next year’s trip to Kenya and Tanzania, but this time with a camera equipped with a proper zoom lens. “Being able to see all those animals in the wild and learn so much about them was great,” she says of her stay in Phinda, a private game reserve in Zululand. “Each morning and evening we would go out in open trucks for game viewing – we saw elephants, lions, cheetahs, baboons, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hyenas, buffalo and rhinos – now I know the difference between black and white rhinos! I was sorry to leave Phinda; it was my favourite part of the trip.” Her photos show just how up close the game viewing experience was, with lions and elephants wandering across the road just metres in front of the vehicle and cheetahs staring them down from the middle of the track. Margaret and Alice also spent time in Mauritius, where they walked with lions and got to pat them. “I don’t think the lions were really wild,” Margaret laughs. “They were pretty distracted by the meat one of the men was feeding them on the end of a stick while we were walking around. So I wasn’t afraid, not then or in Phinda either. If anything was scary, it was the elephants because they just push through anything in their way and knock it over.” Curiously, she says, the only tales she heard of animals hurting people on safari was of spooked giraffes that tried to jump over the trucks and got tangled with the people inside, although she does
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say that security around the lodge was tight because of all the animals. “They didn’t know what was out there, especially at night time, so we always had to be escorted to our rooms.” It’s all the different experiences that Jackie loves most about travelling – the language, the food, the history, the people, and the scenery – and the each country she visits provides something of its own. “Europe is all about the history and the beautiful old buildings,” she says. “I love that you can stand in front a building and it’s thousands of years old.
Each morning and evening we would go out in open trucks for game viewing – we saw elephants, lions, cheetahs, baboons, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, hyenas, buffalo and rhino... New Zealand is more scenic and natural and that’s what I love about it, and what I loved about Canada and Alaska as well – every corner you turn around it’s just all beautiful nature.” Human nature also provides a variety of travel experiences. “My friends won’t go on couch tours,” she confides, “they prefer to cruise, but I think you see so much more on a coach tour.” However, she acknowledges that cruising is a nice way to have a holiday if you’re on your own and admitted she
would never have gone to Egypt, Turkey or Morocco without being on a cruise itinerary. But when she gets to each new place, she likes to get out and walk, although it horrifies her friends when she goes off walking alone. “It’s the only way to get a feel for each place and you meet people, so you don’t end up on your own anyway. And I only do it in places where I feel safe.” That means she didn’t do it in Egypt, which was on the brink of revolution when she visited in early January 2011. “There had been a bombing a few days earlier and the cruise ship company wasn’t sure if we would even dock,” she says. After the three hour bus trip to Cairo, accompanied by armed guards, Jackie got off and wandered alone to look at something as she normally does, only for a guard to usher her back to the safety of the group. “When I travel on the couch tours I take a single supplement so I can have my own room, but during the day on the bus you swap around seats so you’re always sitting next to someone different – I’ll talk to anyone,” she laughs. She thinks that might be an Aussie trait. “Some people from other countries won’t talk to waiters and the staff on the cruise ships, but Aussies will always have a conversation with them about where they’re from and their families. “I always try to learn at least hello, goodbye, please, thankyou – the basics in the language of whatever country I’m in. I think, ‘I’m in their country I should be trying to learn their language’. And it’s good fun, especially the expressions on their faces sometimes. They give me a little smile and I think, ‘Well I obviously didn’t say that quite right’, but they like it when you try.”
Health & Fitness
Naturally good tea Virgin Garden
T
here is nothing quite like a good cup of tea on a cold day, rich in antioxidants, tea can bring a welcome winter boost to our immune system. All teas are not equal, with more and more tea drinkers turning to organic teas, grown and picked under fair conditions, on environmentally sustainable plantations. High in the mountains of Sri Lanka, home to the world’s finest Ceylon tea plantations, there is a quiet revolution taking place. Old plantations that had been run down and left to stand fallow for over a decade have been replanted as organic plantations – free from chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Organic certifications for tea are not easy to qualify for, so that buyers know that a fully certified organic tea really is organically grown. Workers on these plantations are also work under fair conditions, and the quality of the tea being produced in uncompromising. Virgin Garden is a local Geelong family company, importing and distributing these teas Australia-wide. Ian Murray, who owns and
operates Virgin Garden with his son, Nathan Murray said the plantations are spectacularly beautiful, with the tea bushes interspersed with larger f lowering trees, planted to attract insects (not that you get a lot of pests at 3,600 feet above
There is nothing quite like a good cup of tea on a cold day, rich in antioxidants, tea can bring a welcome winter boost to our immune system. sea level). There is very little machinery on the plantations, and so stringent are the plantation operators about their organic certifications that even the cattle the produce the ‘natural fertiliser’ are fed organic feed.
The range of teas are sold online, through the Ryrie Street office and available at Coles supermarkets and various other outlets throughout Australia, have developed a cult following. The strict organic growing conditions mean the teas are naturally 98 per cent caffeine free – which is a boon for those of us that like a late night cuppa, but don’t enjoy the insomnia that can come with it. But Ian says what has really won people over is the f lavour. Tea is a culture all of its own. Unfortunately, the global appetite for tea has seen mass production bring pesticides, chemicals and deteriorating working conditions on many of the world’s plantations. Virgin Garden, and others that pride themselves on environmental sustainability and social responsibility, are helping to change that. Find out more about Virgin Garden black and green teas at virgingarden.com.au “Taste the Bliss”
VIRGIN GARDEN ORGANIC TEA
Tea grown for the mind, body and spirit... Taste the Bliss • Virgin Garden Biodynamic Organic Tea. • Produced without the use of chemicals & insecticides • Available in: Pure organic Black Tea, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Green Tea and Loose Leaf Black Tea. • Sold at Coles and a variety of other Organic Health Stores Australia wide. For further enquiries: Phone: 03 5223 3453 Email: info@virgingarden.com.au Direct purchases can be made via our website: www.virgingarden.com.au
Ruby | 46
Health & Fitness
Setting sustainable fitness goals Scott Dumbell, Jetts Geelong West, Jetts Torquay, Jetts Belmont
O
ne of the most common questions I get asked about health and fitness is ‘How many times a week do I need to train and for how long?’ It’s a very interesting question and one that I usually answer with another question: How long is a piece of string?’ There are lot of things to consider when answering this question and the truth is that it’s different for every single person. I have found over the journey that the real answer should be, ‘However many times and for whatever length of time, as long as you can sustain it for the rest of your life!’ And here is the thing that no magazine or book will tell you (until now), and that most personal trainers are too scared to tell you, is that the fact is there is no quick fix and you can never stop. That’s right, if you really want to change your life, change your body, increase your fitness, get stronger, get faster, get heavier, get lighter, decrease your blood pressure, simply feel better about yourself, whatever the case may be, it is an ongoing process that once you stop you will slowly regress to where you started.
So, knowing that the real answer is, ‘However many times and for whatever length of time as long as you can sustain it for the rest of your life!’ it’s really not up to me or anyone other than yourself to answer that question. It’s up to you! One of the most common reasons for failure when it comes to maintaining an exercise routine is that people usually get to a tipping point when, for whatever reason, they don’t fit into their jeans, they are out of breath doing day to day things, they can’t stand to look in the mirror. They get to this tipping point and they say, ‘Right, enough is enough; I’m going to do something about this.’ They join a gym or they and see a Personal Trainer or they go and do yoga or they start going for rides, walks, jogs or swims. These are all great things to do, mind you, and all will greatly improve your health and fitness BUT and it’s a big BUT (pardon the pun) they go flat out. They go every single day, they go for three hours a day, they do spin classes and pump classes and run three times a week and they last for about two months, after which they are absolutely
buggered and they quit! Another two months down the track they find they are right back where they started. I’ve seen it happen time and time again. So, my advice to you when you are deciding on how long and how many times a week you should workout, ask yourself the questions below. They will determine what and how often you need to be exercising so that you can make it a part of your weekly routine for the REST OF YOUR LIFE! What’s my goal? What type of exercise do I enjoy doing? What time of day can I get it done? How will it fit in to my everyday life? Can I see myself doing this in 2 years time? Remember you don’t have to do the same thing week in week out and that anything is better than nothing. Who knows, you may find out that you do end up spinning and pumping and walking and swimming, then again you might not and that is okay too, as long as you’re sustaining something!
THE GYM THAT WORKS
OUT BETTER
No contracts. Low fees. Open 24/7. Jetts Torquay Geelong West T. 5261 5380 T. 5222 8945
1300 JETTS 247 | jetts.com.au
Ruby | 47
Health & Fitness
Fit for work Judy Baulch
S
teve Lewry, the force behind Geelong’s Stoofa’s Fitness, is a man with seemingly endless energy and enthusiasm and the rare gift of being able to motivate others to achieve things they think are beyond their ability, whether they’re participants in the training groups he runs from his home studio with wife Darlene, students at the numerous schools he works with across the Geelong region or elite athletes and AFL footballers. In recent years, Steve has taken this passion and energy into workplaces, specialising in motivation and leadership in the corporate world. “A lot of people have a very sedentary lifestyle and take part in very little, if any physical activity,” Steve says. “Office based jobs contribute to this level of inactivity and unhealthy habits but Australian employers are recognising the effects poor health can have in workplaces, from high levels of absenteeism to low productivity, and are beginning to invest in the health and wellbeing of their employees.” Stoofa’s Fitness ‘Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds’ is a workplace health and wellbeing program that aims to improve employee productivity and performance while strengthening workplace teams. “The program can be tailored to suit any workplace and its goals, whether it’s training for a specific
event, development of leadership skills, motivation, goal setting or team building,” Steve explains. He says his long-time involvement in elite level sport has exposed him to many positive, inspirational leaders and enabled him to build a vast knowledge base of how and why individuals and teams become successful.
My philosophy is that getting the most out of life lies with the ability to confront and embrace change and that’s what enables individuals, teams and businesses to perform at their best. “My philosophy is that getting the most out of life lies with the ability to confront and embrace change and that’s what enables individuals, teams and businesses to perform at their best. Sometimes making the smallest changes can be all it takes for someone to reach their true potential.” It’s this approach to corporate motivation that has
led to his recent involvement in delivering a mentoring and development program at Morris Finance Ltd, a Geelong-based company specialising in commercial finance and leasing Australia-wide. “Steve has been an excellent resource for our company,” says Managing Director Nathan Murray. “His life experiences and the challenges he has faced, and continues to face, have inspired our staff. He is a great motivator with a very good approach to people that enables him to bring out any concerns they have and put in place plans to resolve them.” Morris Finance Ltd and Stoofa’s Fitness have a similar approach to the benefits physical activity can bring to workplaces and the community, with Morris Finance sponsoring five sports ambassadors (Geelong AFL footballer Billie Smedts, National Adventure Racer Grant Suckling, International Marathon Runner Lee Troop, International Netball Player Madison Browne and V8 Supercar Driver Nick Percat) who are involved in various community events. “Sport is an important part of supporting the community, as it brings people together,” Nathan says. “Through our sporting ambassadors, we’re sharing the message of excellence, health and fitness and with Steve on board to mentor our staff we’re sharing that message with them as well.”
Ruby | 49
What does YOUR Summer look like?
Call Ingrid NOW for your FREE body diagnostics on 0424 180 093 or go to bodyconquest.com.au
*All photos are of real Body Conquest Clients
Health & Fitness
The fat loss experts Body Conquest
H
ow we look at ourselves, how in control of our body fat we are and how we feel about our health and our bodies are all deeply personal questions, which perhaps explains why generalised weight loss and fitness programs so often fail to deliver the hoped-for results.
The jewel in the Body Conquest crown is the 12-week fat loss program. This highly structured program provides practical, hand on advice and help on healthy eating and training to achieve your fat loss goals.
So, how do you find a program that will work for you and one that will be worth the money and time you put into it? You go the experts. Ingrid Barclay is recognised nationally as a leader in the fitness industry and has provided expert comment for health and fitness magazines over the past two decades. And all staff at Body Conquest have a minimum of a double degree qualification in human movement studies.
- Kitchen makeovers
Finding out what has worked for others with similar aims to you can be very reassuring. Ingrid has spent over two decades developing individual training programs. As a body transformation specialist she transforms bodies into their best shape in the shortest amount of time possible. But the real success of her business is based on her understanding that every body, that every person, is different, and to help them to change their lifestyle you have to take an individual approach. When it comes to dropping unwanted kilos and body fat and becoming leaner, the approach is simple: empower people with the knowledge of how to exercise effectively, motivate them constantly and provide them with the understanding of what to eat, when to eat it, how to eat and why they eat it, in order to achieve their goals.
- Slide shows - Shopping trips - Sports psychology sessions, targeting emotional eating This informative program aims to address persistent issues encountered by clients wishing to overcome nutritional difficulties that impede their physical development and fitness, including troubleshooting peer group pressure and dining out. But does it work? It did for these women: Leanne: Housewife and mother of 3 young children “It’s by no coincidence that I found you Ingrid Barclay. Of course I was sick of the varied and conf licting advice. So I endlessly searched the internet looking for the best trainer I could find. I wanted my advice to come from the ‘highest branch in the tallest tree in all the land’. That is why I handpicked you Ingrid. I love the gym and I just wanted someone to make the most of my body’s strengths and weaknesses and to encourage and believe in me. Not even I could have expected to be feeling so good, all thanks to you and Team BC. Things I thought would be
easy were hard and things I thought would be hard were easy. The best thing I did was join BC.” J: Geelong As a woman in her 50’s, I have seen a multitude of empty promises in the weight /fitness arena and I guess the older we become the more sceptical we also become. I took a chance with you and you delivered in every possible way and more! Thank you for making me accountable, thank you for encouraging me to strive and persist, thank you for educating me and liberating me from the habit of bad eating and thank you for taking my body from its sleep state to now one of being alive and confident! KB: Tasmania Ingrid has been my online personal trainer for over 2 years now. I could not be happier with the results I have achieved due to Ingrid’s extensive knowledge, continual support, encouragement, perseverance and belief in me. Ingrid has got to know me well and is able to understand when I need a gentle shove or rather large push in the right direction or when to help me ‘chill out’ or go a bit easier on myself… I really enjoy working with Ingrid and look forward to her emails, phone calls and text messages. Zoe N- Ivanhoe 22 kgs of fat in 16 weeks! When Ingrid told me my final weight I cried…Ingrid changed my whole life. James J- Preston “40 pounds in 9 weeks.” I had trained for 4 years and got better results in the 9 weeks under Ingrid’s program than in those four years. Thanks Ingrid.”
Ruby | 51
FEBRUARY
January
Health & Fitness
01 Jan - No Tan Jan
No Tan Jan is all about ditching the solarium, breaking up with sunbaking and embracing fake tan for the month of January. At the same time you will raise much needed funds for all young adults with cancer.
20 Jan - Australia’s Healthy Weight Week
Australia’s Healthy Weight Week (AHWW) raises awareness of the importance of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle.
01 Feb - Ovarian Cancer Month
Each year in February Ovarian Cancer Australia runs a national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month campaign to highlight the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to raise funds for our programs.
24 Feb - Donate Life Week
DonateLife Week is Australia’s national awareness week to promote organ and tissue donation to increase organ and tissue donation rates.
MARCH
08 Mar - International Women’s Day
A global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. It is a day when women are recognised for their achievements, regardless of divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
21 Mar - National Close The Gap Day
National Close the Gap Day is an annual event held to raise awareness of the Indigenous health crisis.
APRIL
01 Apr - Lymphoedema Awareness Month
Lymphoedema Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of this condition.
02 Apr - World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention.
MAY
06 May - International No Diet Day
International No Diet Day (INDD) is an annual celebration of body acceptance and diversity.
23 May - Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is one of Cancer Council’s leading fundraising events and the largest, most successful event of its kind in Australia.
JUNE
14 Jun - World Blood Donor Day
World Blood Donor Day recognises the millions of people who save lives and improve the health of others by donating blood. The Day highlights the need to regularly give blood to prevent shortages in hospitals and clinics.
28 Jun - Red Nose Day
Red Nose Day is the major fundraiser for SIDS and Kids. Funds raised assist SIDS and Kids in providing vital services and programs in the Australian community.
Fiona Trotter
Megan Clarke
Abby Davis
Motor Vehicle Finance • Tradesman & Commercial Finance • Ruby | 52
Health & Fitness
DECEMBER
NOVEMBER
OCTOBER
SEPTEMBER
AUGUST
JULY
01 Jul - Dry July
Dry July is an online social community where an individual or team can sign up to the challenge of a month long sponsored abstinence from alcohol.
26 Jul - Stress Down Day
Stress Down Day is Lifeline’s annual fundraising campaign held in July. People are encouraged to participate in stress reducing, fun activities such as wearing slippers to work or school, or dressing up or down, and then making a donation to Lifeline.
02 Aug - Jeans 4 Genes Day
Jeans for Genes is a major national fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Research Institute.
26 Aug - Hearing Awareness Week
Hearing Awareness Week is Australia’s annual event to raise community awareness of hearing impairment and ways to protect your hearing.
12 Sep - R U OK? Day
The second Thursday of September is R U OK?Day. It’s a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.
29 Sep - World Heart Day
Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s largest killers, claiming 17.3 million lives a year. Risk factors include raised blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, smoking, overweight, obesity and physical inactivity.
01 Oct - International Day Of Older Persons
The Day is an opportunity to recognise the contributions older Australians make to their families and communities, and to encourage participation by older people in community activities.
20 Oct - World Osteoporosis Day
On World Osteoporosis Day, October 20, all Australians are encouraged to Love Your Bones....embrace an active lifestyle, calcium rich foods, and vitamin D.
11 Nov - National Adoption Awareness Week
National Adoption Awareness Week (NAAW) creates opportunities for open dialogue with all Australians, particularly those who have been touched by adoption.
25 Nov - White Ribbon Day
White Ribbon is an organisation that is working to prevent the most common and pervasive form of male violence – that towards women. All forms of violence are unacceptable. White Ribbon believes the prevention of violence against women will change society for the better.
01 Dec - World Aids Day
World AIDS Day on 1 December brings together people from around the world to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.
03 Dec - International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
Around 15% of the world’s population, or one billion people, live with disabilities. People are often unaware of the great number of persons living with disabilities around the world and the challenges they face.
Are you looking for finance? Morris Finance is an independent and Australian-owned company operating in the lending sector, providing lending facilities for both new and old vehicles, agricultural equipment, specialised vehicles and commercial equipment. Our team is committed to giving you the best service and terms available. Morris Finance has been actively involved in the lending sector for over a decade. Our New Business Specialist’s offer superior customer service and are dedicated to going above and beyond expectations to ensure that you understand your options and make the right choice for your business.
• Heavy Equipment & Machinery Finance • Online Applications Ruby | 53
This, That & More
The Pickle Gallery creates some of the region’s finest jams, relishes and preserves. Traditional recipes and cooking methods are used with the added bonus of no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives and totally gluten free!
Whether you are looking for the perfect gift, beautiful things for your home or just a bit of pampering, you can find this, that & more just around the corner.
As a Social Enterprise of St Laurence Community Services, The Pickle Gallery predominantly employs people with disability. The perfect label to keep in your cupboard. M: 0417 357 964 E: contactus@picklegallery.com.au www.thepicklegallery.com.au
see and be seen.
Lots of beautiful “Thierry Lasry” French sunglasses can be made with clear prescription eyeglasses too. AZZARO GIVENCHY MICHAEL KORS TED BAKER GLOBAL FENDI NINA RICCI JUST CAVALLI VERA WANG CK TOM FORD
MOSHINO HUGO BOSS SERENGETI MANDARINA DUCK MARC JACOBS ESCADA TRUSSARDI JHANE BARNES JAG MEMOFLEX
KENZO LACOSTE OXYDO GUCCI SONIA RYKIEL MENIZZI DAVID LAWRENCE PAUL TAYLOR
87 Barrabool Rd, Highton (Next to 63 Degrees). P: (03) 5243 5600 E: info@eyegallery.net.au www.eyegallery.com.au
Ruby | 54
With outdoor spaces now just as important as indoor spaces, people are wanting to create individual, interesting zones for eating and entertaining outdoors. Great value 3 piece out door setting. Available in 5 colours: Black, Aqua, Hot Pink, White, Yellow. Sturdy powder coated frame with strong colour strapping. Perfect for a modern, sharp indoor/outdoor look. 20 Pakington St, Unit 2, Geelong West. P: (03) 5222 8035 M: 0439 562 203 Open Mon to Sat, Extended opening hours over December www.lifestyle4ufurniture.com.au
This, That & More
Moorcroft Pottery is unique, totally individual and has been famed and prized throughout the world for over 100 years. These wonderful, decorative and unique pieces of art will surely be the heirlooms of tomorrow.
Whether it is creating childhood memories, or finding that special something that makes someone smile, Highbury Gifts specialises in pieces to treasure. From gorgeous cushions and homewares to classic, quality children’s gifts, and the most beautiful Christmas decorations. •Gifts •Specialty Cards
Australian Moorcroft Foundation Retailer Fyans Cottage Collectable Giftware 170 Moorabool St, Geelong. P: (03) 5229 7006 www.fyanscottage.com.au
•Books •Quality Toys Shop 1/329 Pakington St, Newtown P: 5221 1536 E: highbury@ncable.net.au
Dymocks is passionate about books in everything it does. As a family owned business and the oldest Australian-owned bookstore, Dymocks prides itself on meeting the leisure, learning and gift needs of all booklovers by offering superior customer service and an enhanced book buying experience.
This quaint store situated in the busy Newtown strip of Pakington Street is worth a visit. Full of eye catching items for your every wish... Quality floral arrangements at affordable prices. Orders over $30 are delivered FREE to suburbs close to Newtown. Liv has the perfect gift for every occasion. Fresh flowers • Home wares • Bags • Scarves • Jewelry Watches • Gift vouchers • Lay-bys welcome Shop 6, 321 Pakington St, Newtown. P: (03) 5221 5330 Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5:30pm | Sat: 10am - 3pm Closed 24th December - 7th January 2013
The Book Seat $39.95
DISCLAIMER: Price and product availability accurate at time of printing and subject to change without notice.
Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre 173-199 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds P: (03) 5244 2580 www.waurnpondssc.com.au
Ruby | 55
FREE PHOTOS CHRiSTMAS TRADiNG HOuRS
Thu 13 - Fri 14 Dec 9am - 9pm Sat 15 Dec 9am - 5pm Sun 16 Dec 10am - 5pm Mon 17- Fri 21 Dec 9am -9pm Sat 22 Dec 9am - 5pm Sun 23 Dec 9am - 5pm Mon 24 Dec 9am - 5.30pm Tuesday 25 Dec ClOSED Wed 26 Dec 10am - 5pm Thu 27 Dec 9am - 7pm Fri 28 Dec 9am - 9pm Sat 29 Dec 9am - 5pm Sun 30 Dec 9am - 5pm Mon 31 Dec 9am - 5.30pm Tue 1 Jan 2013 10am - 5pm Wed 2 Jan 2013 9am - 5.30pm Thu 3 Jan 2013 9am - 7pm
FREE SANTA PHOTOS* Spend $25 or more in one transaction at ANY specialty store in-centre (excludes supermarkets), present your receipt to Santa’s helpers at the Santa set located outside Target and receive two FREE 4” x 6” professional Santa Photos valued at $20!* Santa will be in-centre Sun 2 to Sat 24 Dec 10am to 5pm daily. * See the Santa site or visit www.waurnpondssc.com.au/news/whats-on/
RElAy FOR liFE GiFT WRAPPiNG Daily Sat 15 - Mon 24 Dec 11am – 4pm, outside Target Visit the Relay For Life gift wrapping station and for a gold coin donation per gift they will wrap your presents for you!
*Terms & conditions apply. See Santa site or www.waurnpondssc.com.au for details.