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Autumn is here! AFTER an unseasonably cool summer, we have to admit we’re looking forward to watching the leave change colour and the crunch of leaves under foot. There is something so magical about taking the kids for a walk through local parks with the autumn chill in the air as the sun warms your soul. It’s the perfect weather to mix and match the kids’ wardrobes, too – it’s not just their ‘summer’ wardrobe to choose from anymore, it’s cute leggings with T-shirts and slacks and tops.
Autumn is also the perfect time to go exploring. There’s nothing like falling leaves, dropping gumnuts and pine cones all around and the chance to see more wildlife, out foraging for food before the winter. So sit back, relax and read about a local mum who left a big gap between her two kids, and a Victorian MP who struggled to fall pregnant and won an election with a newborn.
We’ve also got the wonderful and insightful Steve Biddulph pondering the question “What if kids could vote?” and another yummy recipe from Lucy’s kitchen. We have so many wonderful stories to share with you this edition, so grab a warm drink, sit by the sunny window and enjoy.
Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication. Geelong Coast Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays. Geelong Coast Kids 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West Phone: 5249 6700 Group Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: (03) 5945 0608
We also speak to a mum whose daughter needed delicate skull surgery but has been kicking goals ever since.
Editorial Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan@starnewsgroup.com.au
Contents
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IT’S YOUR LIFE
EDUCATION
ENTERTAINMENT
Calming emergency care for kids
Parents and experts align on early-years policy
What’s on at Geelong Arts Centre
PAGE 4 Family life on the road
PAGE 13
PAGE 20
New autism guidelines welcomed
BOOKS
PAGE 14
Teaching kids to tackle bullies
Play is crucial for kids
PAGE 21
PAGE 15
Discover new children’s books
PAGE 6
REALITY BITES
PAGE 21
Angie’s Catchup with lawyer Sarah Galbally
Susie’s still smiling
CALENDAR
PAGES 16-17
What’s on this autumn
MP juggles Parliament and parenthood
PAGE 22
PAGES 4-5 Epworth closing maternity ward PAGE 6 What if kids could vote?
PAGES 8-10 Youth mental health centre PAGE 12
PAGES 18-19
Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.
AUTUMN 2023
with
Sarah Galbally MP reveals
path to parenthood Steve Biddulph
on kids voting
COVER: Molly, 2, dives into autumn. Picture: Casey Neill
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