RUBY by Chris Downey

ruby editor

NOT IN OUR NAME If the last few months have proved anything to me, it is that ordinary voting Australians have a deeply entrenched sense of fairness. This is never more evident than when the issue of asylum seekers comes up. We know we live privileged lives here in Australia in so many ways. We want to help and, more importantly, we know we should help people who have lived the horrors of watching their country, their community and their families being ripped apart by violence and hatred. There are no easy answers when it comes to asylum seekers, but as we have seen so spectacularly from both sides of politics, it is very easy to get it wrong... so, so wrong. The frustration of watching a series of terrible policies unfold and knowing that successive governments, in our name, are creating a saga every bit as cruel and heartrending as the Stolen Generation is intense. I feel helplessly enraged; as I know so many of others do as well. But these feelings of frustration, anger and acute embarrassment aren’t doing people in detention, or waiting in refugee camps, or waiting for a visa any good. By adding our voices to GetUp campaigns, to joining the conversations of the likes of Julian Burnside on Twitter (@JulianBurnside) or following The Hot Potato (thehotpotato.com.au, #thehotpotato), we can be part of a bigger voice that tells the policy makers loud and clear that we don’t want these actions done in our name. Now that I’ve had my hissy fit for this issue, please feel free to breathe out, relax, snuggle up and take a journey through the fun, the fabulous and the feel good bits and pieces we’ve bundled together in this winter edition of Ruby. Hmmm, wonder if I could get away with a Snuggie in the office...

‘Like’ us at MagazineRuby words davina montgomery 02 Ruby Winter

contents

Ruby Psychology

Ruby Fashion

Ruby Tuesday

Ruby Women

Ruby Spotlight

Ruby Food

Ruby Arts

Ruby Health

Ruby Living

Ruby Beauty

Ruby Travel

Ruby Book Club

RUBY is an Adcell Group publication. We try to get out as many free copies as we can, but we know that they disappear faster than fairy bread at a 4th birthday party. So if you can’t get your hands on a copy, why not subscribe for a guaranteed copy of your very own.

Visit rubymagazine.com.au Today! PUBLISHER Maureen Tayler ISSN: 1838-1456 MANAGER Caroline Tayler EDITOR Davina Montgomery davina@adcellgroup.com.au DESIGN & ART DIRECTION Chris Downey ADVERTISE IN RUBY MAGAZINE Abbey Sherwell M 0418 991 203 abbey@adcellgroup.com.au --Tanya Carroll M 0418 302 869 tanya@adcellgroup.com.au Adcell Group Geelong - Head Office T (03) 5221 4408 / F (03) 5221 3322 203 Malop Street, PO Box 491, Geelong, VIC 3220

rubymagazine.com.au

ruby team

Judy Baulch Living the daily juggle, Judy is an experienced journalist and editor. When she’s not running around after her two young kids, or busy with any number of work projects, she brings us her warmth, her humour and her insight into the ups and downs of life as a working mum.

INTRODUCING...

Charmaine Morse As a highly regarded local psychologist, when it comes to relationships, Charmaine has heard it all. While we are very grateful for her professional experience, what we love about her is her life experience and insight into just how funny basic human nature can be.

Annah Stretton A wildly successful New Zealand entrepreneur, author and speaker with an online following of over 210,000, over 30 retail stores and 3 books. Discussing everything from entrepreneurialism, living fearlessly, females in the work force, to helping inspire millions o of people to commit mit to a healthier lifestyle. life

Abbey Sherwell With her vibrant smile and cheeky sense of humour, Abbey has already become part of the Ruby team here at Adcell Group. Sure, we knew she was an experienced account manager who knew her way around the whacky world of media before she started with us, but she completely failed to mention that she was a qualified Chef by trade. So guess who’s going to get the title of official snack provider on deadline... Hmmm, perhaps that’s why she never mentioned it... When she’s not cooking up a storm, or roaming around the region’s weekend markets, tasting local wines, shopping and trying to keep fit so she can continue to indulge in her love of food that still lingers from her days spent in a hot sweaty kitchen (Editor: ahem, that’s why we mentioned the snack thing Abbey) she can be found with her head stuck in a magazine or behind her PC. We will forgive her for the snack thing though, because she saw all the madness of Ruby deadline in her first week and didn’t run away crying, screaming or swearing. Welcome to the team Abbey!

Elisha Lindsay With a passion for capturing special moments, Elisha Lindsay is a Geelong-based photographer who is fine-tuned to seeing life through the lens. When she’s not peeking out from behind a camera, she juggles the many and varied demands of a family ranging from teen to toddler.

Alexandra McManus

Anna-Marie Hughes

Ally is on the home stretch of her journalism degree at RMIT. She does yoga, goes running, adores reading and writing and is attempting to broaden her baking skills in the kitchen as a domesticated goddess. When she’s not in Melbourne there’s every chance she’s down on the surf y coast with her boyfriend.

A wise, warm and wonderful woman of a certain age, Anna-Marie has been writing for more years than she cares to remember. Like many of you, she knows that when the kids move out, a woman’s work is still not done... especially if the hubbyy is still at home!

Olivia Mackinnon Olivia Mackinnon has been working as a beauty journalist since 2007. She has worked across all facets of beauty media and won numerous journalistic awards in that time. She is currently the Hair, Body and Perfume Editor of beautyheaven.com.au, Australia’s number one social beauty network.

Bianca White With photography so delicious it makes you hungry, Bianca is a talented young photographer from the Geelong region. Her textural, evocative work is in demand across regional Victoria, and her beautiful food photography is on show in each edition of Ruby.

photos elisha lindsay, elphotography.com.au 03 Ruby Winter

04 Ruby Winter

ruby psychology

BOREDOM? So, what were you doing before picking up our Ruby mag and systematically perusing the content? Were you bored? Now there’s a question to contemplate. Boredom can be loosely defined as the emotional state we experience when left without anything in particular to do. Our attention is not engaged with anything inside or outside our heads. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. I’d bet you never bothered to think about boredom before this point though? You were probably too bored. Evidently, being bored is not all that unhealthy. Who would have thought? It appears you need to embrace your boredom. This can be a time when good stuff happens. Dorothy Parker (1893-1967) the American writer and poet known for her acerbic wit wrote: The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. Boredom is the emotion that signals your present goals are becoming somewhat stagnant. In other words, your brain is a bit over the same old, same old stuff, and

probably all too easy to utalise boredomaverting technology than to arouse the creative brain into action. Perhaps I wouldn’t be quite so critical if was sitting at the next table. But that’s the way of the world now, satiating boredom with techno devices. Maybe stifling creativity is not so important for us folks who are well and truly through those formative years, and we’re probably viewed as boring anyway! Looks like I’ve just segued from the noun to the adjective - boredom to boring. See what happens? When we are bored we think about what we are thinking about. Now that’s got to be a good thing. I’ve just Goggled the definition of boring, and I’m not talking about using a drilling device to create a hole. But you knew that. So, how do you know if you are boring? Is anyone really going to tell you? No, probably not. Although, the first signs you

“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity. Boredom is the emotion that signals your present goals are becoming somewhat stagnant. In other words, your brain is a bit over the same old, same old stuff, and is on the search for something new-fangled and rousing.’ is on the search for something new-fangled and rousing. But hey, your parents knew this didn’t they? When you dared to speak the knowingly provocative words, ‘I’m bored’ you knew full well the explosive tirade that would follow: ‘Well, don’t just sit there - go outside and find something to do! When I was your age... yada, yada...’ Yeah, yeah, b-o-ri-n-g you’d mumble, but nonetheless your hibernating imagination would get a reboot. I’m not sure what parents say to their kids nowadays. Is it: ‘Well don’t just sit there - go and download the new version of Angry Birds or something! When I was your age we had to go outside and find something to do’! You only need to have a quick scan around your favourite family eatery to see silent little folk, heads down, and fingers swiping endlessly across mesmeric screens, to recognise boredom had more than likely been the precipitating factor. It’s

might look for are folk regularly falling asleep in the middle of your not so engaging tête-à-tête. We all have our favourite subjects, those that we consider to be absolutely riveting and enthralling to all and sundry... well, yes, maybe, and I mean, just maybe. The first time we inflict our repertoire upon the ensnared listener we can probably get away with it. I’m talking about content here: the most amazing offspring ever; having the best job in the world; the exasperating boss who just doesn’t get me; my most amazing and unbelievably fantastic holiday; how very sick I’ve been with the flu and maybe should have got that flu shot; and on and on it goes, ad nauseam. However, here’s the downside. After only one initiation, the listener will spot you at two hundred paces and instantly engage the 180-degree heel spin. And you thought they desperately needed to find the bathroom and felt such empathy. Well no, they’d be heading

off to any refuge - even the broom closet would have more appeal. So, what are the other signs you should be on the look out for when you think you are utterly fascinating, when actually, you’re not? Well, let’s see: there’s the recipient fidget, which can involve the twitching of one or more body parts; being confronted with that vacant glazed-over look; the long-suffering listener resorting to one-word answers that comprise mostly of, uh-ha and/or umm, punctuated with the occasional nod or sigh; when you feel obliged to undertake 99.99% of the verbal interaction because you astutely detect that your listener is conversationally challenged; when you are shocked to find yourself inexplicitly talking to the back of the listener’s head; the individual is picking at their cuticles or worse still, their nose (threw that one in to hold your attention - wouldn’t want you get bored); the person not so politely requests the abbreviated version; and let’s not forget the clincher, the recipient of your attention resorts to checking their phone! Ah yes, it’s an extraordinary attribute indeed to appear totally engaged when stifling a yawn. I’m thinking we have all been the borer or the boree on innumerable occasions - times, I’d wager, that we selectively choose to forget. Back to boring you, opps, I mean back to our exhilarating discussion about boredom. Hopefully I have alerted you to the necessity of activating your brain when that fidgety restlessness kicks in and time appears to slow down. After much introspection, while I was utterly bored out of my brain, I have concluded that we all need to sit with this feeling of psychological discomfort. That is, the discomfort that you and I now recognise as boredom. We need to give boredom a chance and allow creativity and curiosity to spontaneously emerge. Well, at least for 30 to 40 seconds before snatching the iPad from the kids (whilst telling them to go outside and play), checking emails, Facebook and launching into Candy Crush level 149! Oh, and don’t forget to bore everyone you meet with your amazing prowess, particularly if they’re only at level 1. Now that your boredom has completely dissipated with this captivating discussion, my job is done and you may turn the page...

words charmaine morse,name psychologist words author’s 05 Ruby Winter

ruby tuesday

I TALK TO STRANGERS!

06 Ruby Winter

ruby tuesday IT WAS A LINE IN A BOOK I OTHERWISE CAN BARELY REMEMBER THAT DID IT. IT WENT SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF ‘AS IF I WAS THE KIND OF PERSON THAT WORE MY UNDERPANTS ON THE OUTSIDE, OR TALKED TO STRANGERS...’

ait a minute - I talk to strangers, all the time! If someone asks a random question in an elevator and I know the answer, I have to offer it. It’s the same in a café, waiting for a walk signal at the lights, at the supermarket. It’s a compulsion, like raising your hand in class even when you know you are probably pissing off the rest of class by doing so, again. As for wearing my underpants on the outside of my clothes... that I can neither confirm nor deny. But the compulsion for uninvited conversation wasn’t a pleasant realization. Was I really a big-haired loud mouth who talks to strangers? No wonder my dearly beloved rolls his eyes and finds a patch of wall to stare at whenever I engage without an invitation. I always thought he was just being a bit precious. Surely this overt friendliness didn’t even rate on the (sadly, quite long) list of embarrassing things about me?

shoppers, but with mortgages, kids and husbands all dragging on the weekly budget, we’d both long ago traded our affordable designers for bargain buys at Kmart and Target. But the whole point of a girls’ day out is to revel in long-forgotten pleasures, and the Bobbi Brown counter was beckoning. As the tram jolted to a halt outside the GPO we were gob smacked to see there was no queue at H&M. The backstory to this is that my gorgeous friend spent a good part of her 20s living overseas, including years in Holland, where she became addicted to H&M. So the news that her go-to store was opening in Bourke Street had her seriously excited, but not excited enough to queue to get in... such behaviour being beyond the pale. An hour later, we were loaded with oversize bags of super bargains, all tried on amongst the racks because while there wasn’t a queue at the door, there was a big one for

“I’M 45 PER CENT SURE THIS GUY WAS JUST TRYING TO BE NICE, BUT

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SCREAMING TO BACK AWAY, BUT THERE WAS NOWHERE TO GO.” Then again, perhaps that line, whatever it was, in that book, whatever it was called, wouldn’t have registered if I hadn’t very recently been on the receiving end of some alarming uninvited engagement. It had, up to that point, been such a glorious day. A gorgeous friend and I were escaping the bonds of domesticity for a city escape - or escapade, given our past form. With theatre tickets for that night and a room booked at Crown, we dumped our kids at school and hit the road early. We wondered in to the hotel to drop off our bags only to be greeted with the news that we could check in 3 hours early, into a room on the top floor. We couldn’t believe our luck. After a quick unpack and scan of the in room toiletries and we were off for some long-awaited retail therapy. Both of us were, in our youth, power

the change room and that was a whole lot of quality shopping time wasted in our view. You can really work up an appetite trying to look elegant and stylish while piling on tops surrounded by 300 of your closest, as in trying to push past you to get those awesome pants, non-friends. So we ducked into Gekkazan @GPO for sushi because we wanted to get in some healthy lunch knowing there were several bars out there with our credit card numbers all over them. It was elbow-to-elbow at the tables, but only a hop, skip and a toddle into Myer and the joys of letting the ladies at Bobbi Brown find our perfect lip colour. While the discount pharmacy and supermarket beauty aisle supplies all my usual cosmetic needs, there is something deliciously hedonistic about little luxuries - it feels like sneaking chocolate for breakfast when you’ve just served up Weetbix to the kids.

After much frowning, chin turning and comparing of colours, the GF walked out with a new go-to foundation and a smoky rose nude lipstick, and while I thought I would be handed my perfect nude lip shade as well, I somehow walked out with red, really, really red lips, and loving it. What neither of us loved was that we both took up the casual ‘Do you need a brush’ offer only to find the foundation/lip brush was worth just as much as the foundation/lipstick. What? What? Why? Sucked in! Before we could do any more damage, we squeezed ourselves onto the next tram and into an empty standing space that was just about big enough to cater for Kate Moss comfortably. It became increasingly clear that neither of us shared Kate’s proportions as more and more passengers piled in. As we quietly deflated, a very tall gent with a very long black coat, rakish hat and American accent decided to regale us with stories of why he loved his inner city apartment. Not only was this uninvited engagement, it came with a healthy side order of close talking. At first I put the uncomfortable warmth down to so many closely packed people all rugged up against the cold. Then the panic set in. I’m 45 per cent sure this guy was just trying to be nice, but his unsettling resemblance to an off-balance Nicholas Cage character had my inner alarm system screaming to back away, but there was nowhere to go. We scrambled out at the next step, which by luck was our hotel stop. It took a cup of tea Hello magazine to calm me down again. I didn’t get it. I’d travelled on packed trams for years, I had an Arts degree, I’d worked in the music industry and in media; damn it, I had kids - surrounded by weirdness was a daily state of being. Had I... No, it couldn’t be true. Had I been too busy to notice that I’d gone suburban? There was only one thing for it. We glammed up, headed out and returned around 5am after hours and hours and freaking awesome hours of, that’s right, talking to strangers.

words tuesday jones 07 Ruby Winter

e r ’ e W in k c Ba ness! i s Bu If you’ve encountered those pesky technical diﬀ iculties with the Ruby website, you’re not alone! It’s been bugging us too. Just like your disposable income at a half price shoe sale, those troubles are now all gone. So come on back and say hi! You can read Ruby online, send us a message, follow the facebook feed and pretend it’s all important research for work.

Visit rubymagazine.com.au Today!

ruby fashion

EYE SPYA VISIT TO THE OPTOMETRIST Since we have a bit of a focus on women’s health in this edition of Ruby, I thought I’ d touch on the topic of eye care and eye health. We all know men are from Mars and women are from Venus. But you may be surprised to learn there are gender differences when it comes to eye health as well. Did you know that nearly two-thirds of all visually impaired and blind people in the world are women. Why is that? I hear you ask. Well, it’s a fact that more women than men have eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and the rates are increasing. One of the reasons is that women are statistically living longer than men. Research has also shown there are gender specific symptoms, conditions and risks associated with vision loss. For instance, dry eye syndrome, which is believed to be linked to hormones, is two to three times more common in women than men. Hormonal changes across a woman’s life, from pregnancy to postmenopause, can influence vision changes. Women also have higher rates of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, which can have serious effects on the eyes, causing vision loss. What can we do about it? Get educated, of course. 1. Get a comprehensive eye exam at age 40 and continue these exams every two years, especially after age 40. If you experience any vision changes, eye pain, signs of infection, or eye injuries, see your optometrist right away. 2. Quit smoking! Smoking increases your risk of blindness. Talk to your doctor about ways to “kick the habit”. 3. Maintain a healthy body weight. A healthy body weight lowers your risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which can all cause loss of vision. Be sure to include daily activity - it can be as little as 30 minutes of walking at least three times a week. 4. Eat a healthy diet, rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. Foods containing carotenoids and antioxidants such as green leafy vegetables, and fruits high in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries and melons, may protect eye health. Also include foods rich in omega 3s such as nuts, salmon and egg yolks in your diet. 5. Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. Invest in good quality sunglasses that have full UV protection. In beach and snow conditions, darker tints are needed to filter out the harmful rays. Wear hats with a wide brim for additional protection. Avoid prolonged periods in the sun without eye protection. 6. Use cosmetics and contact lenses safely. Wash your hands and face thoroughly before applying contacts and cosmetics. Keep makeup brushes and applicators clean. Throw away eye shadows, eyeliners and mascaras after three months to prevent a build up of bacteria. We all live busy lives, juggling the demands of jobs, kids, households and aging parents etc. We often play the caregiver role, but sometimes neglect our own self-care. You may take your child for eye screenings or an aging parent to the optometrist, but when did you last have an eye exam yourself? Your sight is precious - save it! Go and see the crew at Eyewear On Pako today and treat yourself to an eye exam today.

Find us on facebook @eyewearonpako

words tanya carroll 09 Ruby Winter

a special piece of paradise

ruby spotlight

islandproject.com.au 10 Ruby Winter

ali-island-project

ruby spotlight

urrounded by the blue waters of the Bismarck Sea, a half hour trip by banana boat from Aitape in the Saundaun Province of Papua New Guinea, sits Ali Island.

With its soft white sand, swaying palm trees, rolling surf and thick tropical jungle. Ali Island is a small piece of paradise. But for the island’s small community, life can be far from idyllic. Child mortality rates are high, food sources are limited, health and education, while available, is far from ideal and opportunities for employment are scarce to non-existent. Photographer Pam Hutchinson became part of the Ali Island Project after hearing about it from friend and physiotherapist, Travis McCombe. Born in PNG, Travis went back with his wife Kelli for a holiday in 2009. Travis had visited Ali Island on holidays when he was kid, and even after 30 years, the locals remembered him when he went back.

Blown away by the famous Papuan hospitality, the couple learned about a planned sustainable development project proposed for the region, to build an ecotourism backpackers resort that would be operated by the locals. They had plans and land, but no money. Travis and Kelli came back with a mission. After hearing Travis talk about the project, Pam said she couldn’t not go and be part of it. Rod Smith, owner of Smith Constructions, also got on board and took the lead on the design of the cabins and the construction project. The journey to Ali Island that first time wasn’t an easy one. The group flew into Port Moresby, and then to Wewak on the northern coast. From Wewak they could either travel to Aitape over water by banana boat or through the jungle by truck. While a truck was booked, it turned up full of locals and sacks of rice - so boat it was! “The journey took around six hours across open seas by banana boat, and it was

11 Ruby Winter

ruby spotlight

challenging. It was very hot, the seas were quite high and I was really seasick,” Pam recalled. “But when we got there, all the islanders were waiting to greet us, all dressed up in their sing sing outfits and all I could see was people and colour. I bounded out of the boat and started firing my camera. It was just amazing.” The island is extraordinarily beautiful, offering fishing, diving and surfing, and a 20 minute boat trip to the mainland offers up hiking in the jungle, where guides will take you to wrecks of World War II planes hidden amongst the unbelievably lush and dense walls of green. It is obvious why Papuans have holidayed there for generations - and why backpackers, eco tourists and surfers would want to experience the pristine serenity and cultural authenticity of the place. Government plans include building an airstrip near to Aitape. For Pam, it was the chance to help the island’s children that really drew her to the project, but once there, she found she had a special connection with the local mothers,

12 Ruby Winter

and that connection strengthened each time she returned. “One lady had a young girl who had cerebral malaria. Sarah was in pain all the time; you could see it, and she couldn’t walk properly or speak. This lady was a really beautiful mum and I took some photos of her walking Sarah around the island. This last trip, I found out that Sarah had passed away and that her mother was now living on the mainland. “When I talked to the women about what their biggest problem was the story that really came through was how important food for their children was and how difficult it was to secure,” Pam said. Education is now free in Papua New Guinea, and the government is matching all money donated to the local school. But access to school supplies remains very limited. Basic things like paper, pencils and paint would make an enormous difference to the island’s children and their parents who so desperately want to provide education and opportunities for their kids.

ruby spotlight

The PNG government is working to create new opportunities for the country, including sustainable development projects like the one underway on the island and in the surrounding province. Pam told the story of one young mum, around the age of 16, who had told her that she needed to fish to feed her children, but that meant leaving her young children along. The project is now looking to establish some sort of child-minding group. “Pam said she asked one of the children at the school what they ate for breakfast. It was fish and sago. It was the same for lunch and dinner. The fishing season only lasts six months, and when there is no fish there is just sago to eat.” As with all development in a third-world country, progress comes through small steps. The Ali Island eco resort will be officially opened in April 2015, but that won’t be the end of the project. There are many smaller projects underway around health, education

and parenting. But like everything else that has happened on the island since Travis and Kelli’s visit in 2009, the community directs all of these projects, with a village council managing the project. There is a conscious effort being made to help the people of Ali Island develop sustainable solutions for themselves, rather than simply providing handouts or doing things without their involvement. After all, this is their home, their island and their lives. “It’s lovely watching people on their first trip to the island. You see them engaging with the people and that wow factor as they see that this island is really magical,” Pam said. From helping the islanders build a backpacker resort to now helping them build long-term sustainability and selfsufficiency, everyone who has been involved in the Ali Island Project has an infectious excitement and passion for the work that is being done. For them, the rewards are obvious - it can be seen all over the faces of the island’s people.

Ali-Island-Project If you would like to support the Ali Island Project, to get involved, to donate money or supplies, or just to find out more, visit islandproject.com.au words davina montgomery photos pam hutchinson, pamhutchinsonphotography.com.au 13 Ruby Winter

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15 Ruby Winter

ruby money • ATO compliance: Businesses should be aware of any ATO changes that have occurred throughout the year as penalties can apply for those who fail to be compliant. Property Investors 1. Renovations by previous owner: Individuals may be eligible for a deduction for depreciation on the cost of improvement by a previous owner, provided items are identifiable and itemized in a depreciation schedule. 2. Repairs at time of purchase: Expenses for repairs to the property are deductible provided that they relate to wear and tear or any other damage as a result of earning rental income. 3. Prepay property expenses: Individuals may be able to prepay property expenses up to 12 months in advance. Prepaid expenses are not automatically deductible. A review of eligible payments should be carried out.

TAX tips for EOFY & Property Investors As we deal with all the usual end of financial year paperwork, it is an ideal time for individuals and businesses to review their investment situation and take the opportunity to minimise their tax obligations going forward. • Bad debts: Bad debts are taxable sales that have been overdue for 12 months or more and have no chance of being recovered - it must be bad, not merely doubtful. • Self education: To claim a deduction for self-education expenses individuals must show that the course maintained or improved a skill required for their current work activities, or that it was likely to lead to an increased income. • ATO benchmarking: Benchmarks have been developed to identify taxpayers who

report income or expenses different to similar businesses. It allows the ATO to identify businesses that are not fulfilling their tax obligations. • Capital expenditure vs. repairs: Review all spending during the year to determine if all items are deductible or it they are capital by nature and need to be depreciated. • Review unpaid expenses: Business who are falling behind in their rent and other expenses that work on an accruals basis may claim the arrears amount as a tax deduction.

4. Depreciation schedule: A depreciation schedule prepared by a qualified quantity surveyor outlines the deductions available on an investment property. This can help to add a significant tax deduction for depreciation and also maximise an individual’s cash return. The cost of a depreciation schedule is tax deductible. 5. Travel expenses: Travelling to a property to inspect, carry out maintenance or collect rent may be able to be claimed as a tax deduction. 6. Keep receipts: It is important to keep all receipts to be able to prove deductions and show why the expense was incurred to derive assessable income. 7. Property data matching: The ATO uses data matching techniques, including monitoring property transaction details to target property investors, ensuring the correct amount of tax is paid.

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.

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16 Ruby Winter

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WOULD-BE

BURGLAR.”

Prevention is better than a cure With the onset of winter it’s time to rug up, keep yourself safe and warm, maybe get a flu shot and stock up on tasty soups. All these measures are designed to reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu. So, what can you do around home to reduce your risk of having to make an insurance claim? With strong winds and storms across the winter months, make sure to secure garden furniture and trampolines. A flying tramp can do a whole lot of damage. Is your roof in the best shape it can be, to stave off the heavy rains, and keep you dry inside? Are the gutters clear of fallen leaves? Make sure you have adequate space around heaters and open fires, and never leave them running while unattended. Have you got a fire extinguisher in the house and garage and a fire blanket? Your local hardware store has a great range in stock. Look out for ways to reduce the chances of a burglary, added lighting, security doors, an alarm system, a safe, a couple of yappy fluffy dogs, or even a couple of burly security guards can make your home less appealing to a would-be burglar. When braving the elements and heading out

in the car, remember to remove all your items from inside the car and place them in the boot or out of sight. Theft from cars is huge in Geelong right now, and even though you think the car is a secure place because it is locked, a window only takes a few moments to smash in. All jokes aside, what would you do if you came home to find an upturned house and your kids haven’t been home, so you cannot blame them for the mess? You realise you have been burgled! How do you know what you had? How can you prove it to your insurance company? A great tip is to take photos in each of your rooms, and especially of the big expensive or rare items, and keep them somewhere safe. Remember to capture the serial and model numbers, and anything that identifies the item. So, now that you’ve done all of the things above, you can actually relax in front of the fire, safe warm and secure. Your only worry now is whether to have red or white...

words melissa vella, allsure insurance

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TRANSFORM YOUR HOME & STAY WARM THIS WINTER At Brax we have a range of options for covering your windows - from elegant and timeless timber shutters, to blinds and curtains, including the very latest in automation - many of which are manufactured here in Geelong. We invite you to visit our showroom or call today to arrange your free in-home consultation where one of our experienced team can advise you on the best options for transforming your home.

18 Ruby Winter

YEARS C ELEBR

G ATIN

More than just blinds...

Brax Window Treatments Pty. Ltd

Showroom: 332 Pakington Street, Newtown, Vic. 3220

(03) 5221 5533 www.braxwt.com.au

NEED SOME INSPIRATION?

words by Cal Stewart

ne of my favourite things about my job is having the privilege of going into the homes of our clients and seeing each of their individual styles. I recently commented on this to a friend who is considering building a new home. She asked me where I got the inspiration for my own home design - and when I thought about it, this was where much of it came from. Being able to get inside some of the best homes in our region gave me an opportunity to think about the things I did and didn’t like about their designs, the colours that were being used and all of the different elements that were available. Good design is about focusing on the overall effect of the different materials and colours, rather than becoming obsessed by individual elements. Our homes are not just personal spaces where we eat, sleep and unwind - they are a public display of our individual tastes and interests and one of the pleasures of creating a beautiful home - is seeing people’s reactions. With so much choice available in everything these days, it really is easy to become overwhelmed. I visit homewares shops and think - I like that, but where would I put it. I really admire people who can decorate a space well, with seemingly little effort. (It’s up there with my envy for those who can pull an outfit together easily!). When it comes to helping our customers choose colours or fabrics for blinds and curtains - I don’t seem to have any trouble at all. To me it’s usually a simple process - I can quickly eliminate the ones I don’t think work or aren’t suitable, and help them make a choice rather simply. Maybe because its for someone else, that the decision process is simpler. It’s not because I don’t have to live with it - because I can honestly say I’ve never recommended something that I didn’t like just to get a sale. When it comes to choosing blinds or curtains, I usually do recommend you keep it simple. Blinds and curtains are not things that get changed frequently - so stick to neutral colours - and accessorise with cushions, throws or doona covers. If you need inspiration, I suggest visiting display homes, as they can be great to see how to accessorise well - although sometimes they may be a little over styled for some peoples tastes. Although I still love to flick through magazines, recently I’ve started to follow a few design blogs - my current favourites are the design files.net and the interiors addict.com. If you do seek the services of a professional, its helpful to have some pictures of things you do like - so that they can get a sense of what your style is. And remember not to let them push you into anything you’re unsure of - after all you’re the one who has to live in the space!

19 Ruby Winter

ruby arts Local Artist Casey Nicholls-Bull.

THE BIG PICTURE AS SEEN THROUGH LITTLE PICTURES

peachykeenzine.blogspot.com 20 Ruby Winter

SCROLLING THROUGH A LOCAL ARTIST’S BLOG, I’M TAKEN A BACK AT THE DEPTH AND VARIETY OF STYLES IN HER WORK.

ruby arts

ere is the back of a slender nude in delicate lines, an angry harlequin making no secret of her feelings, an up close portrait of a small child with depthless eyes. There is a twist in every drawing that keeps the viewer looking to see what may have been missed at first glance and when you find it, it’s always something unexpected. If I didn’t already know how old the artist is, I would be very surprised to discover she’s still at secondary school.

But Casey Nicholls-Bull has been drawing since she could put a pencil to paper: pictures of her family, what’s in her mind, her favourite singers, a happening of the day. She counts fellow talented teen, Lorde, among her Instagram followers, she’s in demand for commissions, juggling Year 11 schoolwork with a part time job and volunteering projects. When she’s not drawing, she’s watching movies, reading books, taking photos, “trying to make sounds with various instruments,” filming things, listening to music, procrastinating, just being a teenager. Sometimes she sleeps, too. Now, in the midst of a 365 day drawing project to be completed next year, she is also preparing for her first solo exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre in October. At the moment, she says, details of the works to be exhibited are “constantly evolving, but there will most definitely be drawings, probably some video work, and maybe installation pieces - it’s all a work in progress. The whole process has been a little stressful so far, it’s really difficult to decide on a

concept and stick with it. I have a lot of little ideas though, so I’m looking forward to putting them together somehow and to be able to present them in a public format.” After the Courthouse exhibition, Casey hopes to then exhibit the works from her 365 day project, which involves completing a drawing each day for a year and posting it to Instagram. Originally inspired by artist Julia Walch, who followed a similar concept with different themes each month, Casey first tried the idea about three years ago but gave up after a short time. “Still,” she says, “it got me drawing really regularly and I improved so much through just doing a little drawing every day. Once that stopped, I spent some time producing bigger and more detailed works that took a lot more time and then went through a phase of not drawing much at all. I really hated how little work I was producing, and I felt so uninspired. Toward the end of last year, a friend reminded me of the drawing every day project, so I decided to start doing it again to push myself, and also to give myself a goal artistically. The beginning of the year seemed like the perfect first day, kind of like a fresh start. “Now it’s become almost like a diary, which I love. I can look at the earlier drawings and remember what happened that day, who I saw, where I drew the picture. They’re all nine by nine centimetres - sometimes the square seems too small, but other times I struggle to fill it. At times it’s frustrating and I just want to go to bed too, but I like the

challenge of making something new every day. It also forces me not to think too hard about it, or overwork the drawings. “Inspiration comes from everything. I take photos during the day a lot and draw from them, or I’ll draw whatever is around me, or just doodle. It also depends on the materials I have available... I really like the constant link between my everyday life and my art, and I think I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can, even when the year is over. But you never know - I could just get totally sick of it after all that time.” That seems unlikely for someone who sees creating art as an intrinsic part of herself. “I draw because it’s the one thing I know will never be a waste of time,” she says. “Even if the drawing turns out utterly terrible, the process of doing it is always a lesson in itself. I like the freedom of drawing, too. I can change and create things to be whatever I want them to be. It’s liberating knowing every mark isn’t limited or controlled by anyone else, and knowing each drawing will be unique. It’s also generally a good way to relax, to think about and process things.” Casey’s exhibition at the Courthouse Arts Centre will be held from 24 October to 10 November. The most regularly updated catalogue of her work is on Instagram (instagram.com/caseyseven) but she also has a website displaying some pieces at peachykeenzine.blogspot.com. For more information about pricing or commissions contact Casey at caseynb@gmail.com.

words judy baulch 21 Ruby Winter

ruby living PAU L I N A B I R D, INTERIOR DESIGNER AT G E E L O N G WEST’S TILE AND STO N E S H OWRO O M , SUREGRIP CER AMIC S , PROVIDES AN IN S I G HT INTO TH E I M P O R TA N C E O F A D E S I G N B R I E F.

22 Ruby Winter

ruby living

an industry that beckons design to be incorporated within the sales consultant role, often the reality is far removed from the ideal.

More and more we are becoming aware of the benefits of stylish design choices and professional help. Having a qualified Designer in-house is a very available asset and needs to be recognised for its enormous benefits. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, Tiles are a very permanent feature, once chosen they define the style, value and age of the home. Even the final value can be altered by having a Designer contribute to your final tile choices. Tiles are seldom replaced for many years and are an expensive part of the build. They can literally add thousands of dollars of value to your home or quickly devalue it. Visiting a tile store is not an everyday occurrence. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, when was the

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I

SEE

CAN

DESIGN

DEFINE

THE

BRIEF JOB

last time you just walked into a tile store to just browse? If you do visit a store, it is generally for a specific task. Knowing staff are professionally trained is an enormous plus and this leads us to ask the question â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why use a Design Briefâ&#x20AC;?? A Design Brief is generally used within a professional perimeter. It defines what the client requires on the project. I am fortunate enough to work with a company that not only values my professional attributes but also excels at raising the bar to accommodate the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision. Asking the correct questions in the initial consultation leads to trust and clarity of the projects requirements. This does not have to be an entire house full of tiles, just a kitchen splashback demands a Brief. I see a Design Brief as a two way street. It can define the job perimeters but is useless unless the person decoding the

TWO

PERIMETERS

W AY BUT

S T R E E T. IS

USELESS

UNLES S THE PERSON DECODING THE BRIEF HAS THE E X P E R T I S E T O N O T O N LY M E E T T H E R E Q U I R E M E N T S , BUT

INTERPRET

INCH

ITS

L I FE.â&#x20AC;?

Brief has the expertise to not only meet the requirements, but interpret it to an inch of its life. Tough call? Not really when you are spending thousands of dollars to make a permanent impression in your most valuable asset, your home. My favourite quote to my clients is â&#x20AC;&#x153;You only tile once, so make sure you get it right the first time.â&#x20AC;? What could you want more as a client than to have a professional designer climb into your head, see your vision (Design Brief) and then comb their expertise in the Industry and lay their finger on your dream? And the cost you ask? Suregrip Ceramics are so dedicated to meeting your Brief that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t charge for this service. I can go one further. How about extending that vision to a greater outcome that not only interprets your vision but implements it on to another level? Tiles that make this Industry stand to attention are available and we aim to have a continuous supply of amazing tile choices. We have access to world class designs that showcase style that is not about being noticed but being remembered. So keep that in mind with your next project. Clarify your Design Brief and climb that step of making a wise choice that you will benefit from for years to come.

words paulina bird, resident senior interior designer, suregrip ceramics

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23 Ruby Winter

ruby travel

lisa at elephant whispers.

sabi sabi sunset - russell ryan (tour leader).

Touchdown in Cape Town: Here we were. South Africa. While we had been warned about the regular cloud cover obscuring the view from Table Mountain, we were lucky to be greeted with clear blue skies. So up we went in a cable car and the view was absolutely spectacular! Wine and dine in luxury:

MY SOUTH AFRICAN ADVENTURE It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. Lisa Scholﬁeld recently jetted off to sunny South Africa to ﬁnd out (with the help of African Travel Specialists) just some of what one of the jewels of Africa has to offer Aussie tourists.

We then travelled through the winery area of Stellenbosch to arrive at Franschhoek, where we stayed for one night at a beautiful property, the Franschhoek Country House and Villas. My first impression was amazing and I would highly recommend this as a South African experience that’s just that little bit different. For me, it wasn’t just the beauty of the place, but the extra little touches that really made it special, like coming back from dinner to find a hot water bottle at the end of the bed. Really in Africa now: We then travelled north to Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve where we stayed for two nights at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, which was incredible. This was the moment I really felt as if I was in Africa. A plunge pool overlooked the reserve, where we could see animals come for a drink while we were swimming. Amazing. Staying in the private reserves gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the Big Five animals when on Safari, as you can go off road and stop within meters while watching these wild animals in their natural environment. Watching those animals was truly an amazing experience and something I will never forget. Elephant Whispering:

lisa at sabi sands reserve.

We also visited Elephant Whispers, a centre set up for Elephants who have been rescued from game reserves and words lisa scholfield, consultant, helloworld.com.au

24 Ruby Winter

then trained to have people up close and personal to them. We were able to feed and have photos taken with the Elephants, you can also do an Elephant ride. The only way to camp: We then stayed at Simbavati River Lodge for a night in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, experiencing the Luxury Tents where you can hear all the animals at night making noises, the hardest part was working out which animals were making what noises. I thought I’d be a bit nervous, knowing that animals could scratch on the tent during the night. But just lying in bed and listening to the noises, taking it all in, really was an experience you don’t get every day. African life in the fast lane: Also visited Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre seeing African wild dogs, rhinos, cheetahs and lions, all who had been rescued. The highlight was watching the cheetah run at full speed. Our next stop was a one-night stay at Camp Jabulani in Kapama Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit. Camp Jabulani offers you the option of doing an Elephant back safari through the game reserve. This is a unique way of seeing animals and really does offer a different perspective. Being nearly at eye level with Giraffes was definitely a highlight of the Safari. Last night in Joburg: We flew to Johannesburg for our last night in South Africa staying at Garden Court Sandton City. No trip to South Africa would be complete without a visit to the Apartheid Museum and Soweto - these places take visitors into the legend of Nelson Mandela and the history of this country.

the elephant march.

ruby travel

apartheid museum - annette kurylo.

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25 Ruby Winter

ruby voices “OF COURSE THE OPINIONS OF OTHERS ARE IMPORTANT, BUT HOLDING ON TO YOUR OWN BELIEF IS PARAMOUNT. YOU MUST CONTINUE TO TRUST YOUR OWN INTUITION - YES, LISTEN TO ADVICE THAT IS OFFERED, BUT FILTER IT AGAINST YOUR OWN SET OF VALUES, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE. “ was so proud of its professional design, but she decided to take advantage of the many ‘advisors’ wanting to give her advice and had the card reviewed. The culmination of their feedback meant she now distrusted her original design to take her branding statement out to her market and felt she needed to start again, but was also extremely unsure of what a new business card should look like. I see this happen so many times, where a startup business simply over thinks the simple stuff; let’s face it, it’s only a business card: as long as all the information is correct and it says what the business is easily and clearly (for $100 you can have 200 printed) then any amendments can be made in the next run, and these edits should be driven by your market not your friends and family. I have to say, I am not surprised by this moment as I am regularly approached by women in business to help them review their current business plans and help them to identify a new pathway forward.

LEARN TO TRUST YOURSELF Just because I asked for your opinion, it doesn’t mean I no longer have one of my own! Lately I have watched with growing amusement as a young woman that I am mentoring into her first business has stalled in her progress to begin her personal journey as a successful entrepreneur. Her business idea is a great one and she will be working in an area where she is extremely passionate and capable and, given her thoughtful nature, she has taken time to research the market, devise a sound financial plan and locate the perfect space to make the dream happen. Although she was hesitant when making the final step to sign on the dotted line and lease the space she requires, I have managed to guide her through this moment and together

26 Ruby Winter

we negotiated a strong deal that has resulted in the ideal space for her to realise her dream. Checking in on her recently as she heads closer to her official opening date, she shared with me a sudden raft of insecurities. I stopped her in her tracks and asked her, “What happened to the happy, confident and fearless entrepreneur I spoke to last week?” She revealed how she had been talking with a number of friends and family, some of whom had raised a number of concerns and questions that made her feel less confident. At this point she shared how she had asked for feedback on her business card. She

Each time this happens I first ask them to share with me their own thoughts on how they can improve their business. Almost always I discover they already have many strong ideas, but that they have simply failed to apply these because they lacked self-belief and had too many people in the background offering well intended but what I call ‘handbrake advice’. Consider the woman that hates to shop. She has to buy a great frock for a cousin’s wedding and takes a couple of girlfriends with her for the excursion. Disaster! No one can agree, even styles that look good on her are rejected and she comes away feeling overweight and unworthy and is probably thinking of forgetting that special dress she wanted and making do with a dress she already owns. The better pathway would have been to find a clothing brand she loved, or a store owner she connected with, make some time in her day and quietly work through some options - knowing and trusting that the mirror in the changing room will let her know when she has it right. It is so important that we start to trust

ruby arts

ourselves to make our own decisions in business and in life. Sure, they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always be right; but when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not, these are the growing and learning platforms that are so important. Making mistakes is healthy; taking risks is healthy - and vital to growing a great business.

Not every new business idea will be a good one, BUT any business that chooses not to grow through regular review, improvements and change is already doomed! Failure has been the absolute foundation stone of my success.

Women are regularly negatively influenced not only by the opinions of others but also by their own self-doubt. Of course the opinions of others are important, but holding on to your own belief is paramount. You must continue to trust your own intuition - yes, listen to advice that is offered, but filter it against your own set of values, skills and knowledge. Just this week I gathered the opinions of a number of very successful entrepreneurs on a business matter that had become a real challenge for me. After just one conversation I could have made significant changes to my business however my instinct told me to keep talking and keep listening and, sure enough, every advisor challenged my thinking with a wide range of quite conflicting solutions. Thankfully, experience has taught me not to waste time deciding which set of advice is correct, but instead I am now filtering the options against my current business model, my own style of leadership and gut instinct.

mid-century modern: australian furniture design 30 MAY - 19 OCT 2014 The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square This dynamic exhibition presents a rare chance to enjoy the art of mid-century Australian furniture design and is part of our renewed focus on modern and contemporary design at the NGV. 5 5.

We are all influenced to some degree by new knowledge and experiences, but these moments are new points of reference only, not pieces of total enlightenment that you can only use if you forget everything you already know. My article has a happy ending, with this young businesswoman back on track. She came around to catch up just this week and, as she sat with me sharing her plans and checking each one off her to do list, I could only reflect on how happy, focused and excited she looked... and she should be, this is a great time for her. She has sought good advice, planned well and pushed herself, and the model we are executing now is well in advance of her original intentions. Never let comparison be the thief of joy.

1. Red Obo chair (1974), Grant Featherston (designer); Uniroyal PTY LTD, Geelong, 2. Coffee table (1958-1959), Clement Meadmore (designer); Meadmore Originals, Melbourne, 3. E2 Elastic Suspension chair (1954), Grant Featherston (designer); Uniroyal PTY LTD, Geelong, 4. Tripod standard lamp (1955), RiteLite, Melbourne. 5. Dining suite (1952), Clement Meadmore (designer); Meadmore Originals, Melbourne, 6. Snelling Line armchair (1946), Douglas Snelling (designer); Functional Products PTY LTD, Sydney. 6. 6.

words annah stretton

ngv.vic.gov.au 27 Ruby Winter

ruby spotlight

Happy Pants author, Heather Gallagher.

What happened to Mummy’s happy pants? When Mummy wears her happy pants, life for her son is a whirl of babyccinos, building sandcastles and cuddles. But when she comes home from hospital with baby Darcy, her happy pants stay in the wardrobe and Mummy seems like a different person... So begins Happy Pants, an achingly beautiful story told by Ocean Grove author Heather Gallagher to explain post natal depression (PND) to children. Colourfully illustrated by Barwon Heads artist Liz McGrath, the unsentimental prose of Happy Pants poignantly conveys the experiences of an older child living with his mother’s PND, the support, love and sadness of his father and the hope of recovery. As a mother who suffered post natal depression after the births of both her daughters, now aged 10 and 12, Heather has brought to life the questions and emotions of children wondering why their mother is so changed, as well as skilfully portraying the experiences of a father supporting his sons and his wife. “While I was ill, one thing that really worried me was the possible impact I was having on my children,” Heather says. “I guess I wrote Happy Pants to reassure kids and their parents that it’s no one’s ‘fault’, it just is. I actually wrote the story as I was recovering from another bout of depression. “I sometimes talk about ‘putting on my happy pants to face the world,’” she adds. “Then

one day it dawned on me that this was a great metaphor for explaining depression to children. We can all relate to the idea of putting on our ‘happy pants,’ but what happens when we can’t?” For Heather, her depression became a catalyst to act. Then living in Melbourne, she facilitated a playgroup for mothers with post natal depression, Parents Overcoming Depression with Support (PODS) as an offshoot of a support group she attended. With one in seven women and one in ten men in Australia suffering from PND, Happy Pants covers a topic close to the experiences of many families and is endorsed by the Post and Antenatal Depression Association (PANDA) and the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE). “The most important thing with PND is finding someone you can talk to about how you’re feeling,” Heather says. “There is something so comforting about knowing you’re not the only one. Through promoting the book, I’ve found out about various supports around Geelong. There’s an Emotional Wellbeing and Support Group run through The Birth House and there’s also support at The Raphael Centre. PANDA words judy baulch

28 Ruby Winter

(which has a database with details of support groups and psychiatrists in different locations) and COPE are also great sources of information.” Already a published children’s author (Ferret on the Loose, her first book, a funny mystery about a girl and her pet ferret, is listed on this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge), Heather says once she’d thought up the concept of ‘happy pants’ the actual writing of the story came quite easily. An old friend from Melbourne, Liz McGrath, was keen to illustrate her first picture book and the women are thrilled with the result. “With Happy Pants I wanted to let kids know that while they can’t make Mummy better, things will improve with time and love,” Heather says. “There will come a day when Mum can put on her happy pants again!” Happy Pants (Wombat Books 2014) written by Heather Gallagher and illustrated by Liz McGrath is available now at all good bookstores or wombatbooks.com.au PANDA: www.panda.org.au COPE: www.cope.org.au St John of God Raphael Centre: 5221 7333 The Birth House Geelong: 0412 763 033

NEW THIS WINTER

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GHANDA - 1. Leggins (black) $29.95, 2. ‘Down Town’ jacket (denim/ leather) $49.95, 3. Shirt (blue leopard print) $24.95, KEVIN PAISLEY FASHION EYEWEAR - 4. John Varvatos ‘V348’ (brown; frame only) $340, LIFESTYLE BAGS & LUGGAGE - 5. Kardashian Kollection ladies wallet NOW $34.95 (30% off RRP), 6. Ricardo crossbody handbag (assorted) $59.95, SPENDLESS SHOES - 7. Vybe ‘Angry’ lace up boots (red pt) $49.95, TONIK - 8. Rip Curl ‘The Futurist’ acetate watch (tortoise) $299.99. DISCLAIMER: Price and product availability for all items on the following pages, accurate at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

“Warm up your winter wardrobe this July at the new Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.” 29 Ruby Winter

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FEMME CONNECTION - 1. Handbag (blue/gold) $49.99.

GHANDA - 9. Boyfriend jean (light denim) $39.95, 10. Daisy knit (black)

OPSM - 2. Ralph Lauren ‘#RA7044’ (tortoiseshell/yellow;frame only)

$49.95. NOVO SHOES - 11. ‘Carlene’ lace up ankle boot (black) $79.95,

349668002 $249. TONIK - 3. Element ‘Amelia’ beanie (aubergine)

12. ‘Azalea’ tote with gold zip & clasp detail (black) $79.95.

$25.99, 4. Element ‘Olenna’ jacket (terracotta) $169.99, 5. Mavi ‘Alexa’

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mid rise skinny jean (deep sateen) $129.95, 6. Volcom ‘Chaser’ l/s knit $59.99, 7. Rip Curl ‘Horizon’ automatic watch (gold) $449.99, 8. EMU ‘Platinum Stinger Mini’ (chestnut) $144.95.

30 Ruby Winter

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NOVO SHOES - 21. ‘Caitley’ (cherry with gold buckle) $59.95.

(black) $69.99, 16. Caroline Morgan snake print leggins (black/white)

ON STAGE - 22. Filo scarf (assorted) $30, 23. Teaberry l/s top (white) $29,

$19.99. LIFESTYLE BAGS & LUGGAGE - 17. Star Wars ‘Darth Vader’

24. Viola sleeveless tunic (assorted) $35, 25. Filo cowl neck tunic

luggage 24” $149.95. NOVO SHOES - 18. ‘Hanley’ platform sneaker (black) $59.95, 19. ‘Azelyn’ quilted handbag (black) $79.95

(assorted) $55. DISCLAIMER: Price and product availability for all items on the following pages, accurate at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

31 Ruby Winter

ruby fashion

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12. 1. 7.

FEMME CONNECTION - 1. Caroline Morgan faux fur vest (multi black) $59.99, 2. Caroline Morgan lace heart knit (coral) $39.99, 3. Caroline Morgan lace front knit (black) $39.99. NOVO SHOES - 4. ‘Vanessa’ ankle boot with side zip (taupe) $79.95, 5. ‘Hanley’ platform sneaker (white) $59.95, 6. ‘Lexus’ lace up ankle boot (taupe) $69.95, 7. ‘Vesuki’ ankle boot with 2 buckles (sand) 8. $79.95, ‘Alate’ handbag with gold zip detail (nude) $69.95. TONIK - 9. Rip Curl ‘Eclipse’ acetate SSS watch (white) $299.99,

10. Billabong ‘Nomadic’ wallet (latte) $35.99, 11. Element ‘Infinity’ scarf (haze) $39.99. DYMOCKS - 12. ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green $19.99.

Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre 173-199 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds Tel: (03) 5244 2580 www.waurnpondssc.com.au WaurnPondsSC

32 Ruby Winter

rubyy arts 1. 2.

6. 3.

MELBOURNE WINTER MASTERPIECES: ITALIAN MASTERPIECES FROM SPAIN’S ROYAL, COURT MUSEO DEL PRADO 17 MAY - 28 JUN 2014 The finest collection of Italian masterpieces ever to come to Australia will be unveiled at the National Gallery of Victoria. Featuring important works by masters such as Raphael, Titian and Tiepolo, the exhibition represents an unprecedented opportunity in Australia to see extraordinary Italian works of art produced during the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. 1. Guido Reni, Saint Sebastian (San Sebastiano) 1615-20, 2. Corrado Giaquinto, The birth of the Sun and the Triumph of Bacchus (La nascita del Sole e il Trionfo di Bacco) 1761, 3. Anton Raphael Mengs, Study for the dead Christ (Studio per Cristo morto) 1768, 4. Annibale Carracci, The Assumption of the Virgin (L’Assunzione della Vergine) c.1587, 5. Bartolomeo Passarotti, Head of a figure (Testa di una figura) 1560-70, 6. Giambattista Tiepolo, The Immaculate Conception (L’Immacolata Concezione) 1767-69, 7. Raphael,Holy Family with Saint John or Madonna of the Rose (Sacra Famiglia con san Giovannino o Madonna della Rosa) c.1517.

ngv.vic.gov.au 33 Ruby Winter

ruby women

First Lady Michelle Obama, “#bringbackourgirls” in support of the 2014 Chibok kidnapping.

United States President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughter Malia meet with Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012, in the Oval Office on 11 October 2013.

Not Just A Girl Malala Yousafzai - ‘One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world. Photo: Rick Bajornas.

was in the car and the shock and sadness was such a tangible wave of feeling that it left me tingling for hours afterwards. Even now, just thinking about it is enough to produce the same feeling. Like so many others, I followed the story of Malala’s flight to England and the fight to save her. And I was just one a countless collective to feel that burn of triumph that this remarkable girl would live. But on July 12, 2013 when Malala Yousafzai stood up and addressed the UN General Assembly on her 16th birthday, I was one of countless millions who couldn’t hold back the tears, who were so inspired and so proud of this girl that we had never met, but who radiated such strength and such hope. The day was enshrined as Malala Day, and July 12 marks the anniversary of that day and of that speech. If you haven’t heard Malala’s speech, you can find it on YouTube. It is, like the young woman herself, extraordinary.

I still remember hearing the news bulletin that described the shooting of a Pakistani schoolgirl. The Taliban tried to kill her because she spoke up for the right of girls in Pakistan to gain an education. was Pakistan’s first female prime minister, was assassinated in 2007. From aspiring to become a doctor, Malala has declared that she will continue her fight by entering politics in Pakistan. The Taliban have declared they will kill her if she returns. If Malala’s story inspired us, the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in northern Nigeria in April enraged us. An estimated 219 girls remain in the clutches of their kidnappers, their fate horrifyingly uncertain. The mass kidnapping was just one of many attacks carried out by Boko Haram, the radical Islamist terrorist group, in Nigeria’s north, but the sheer scale of the attack drew the world’s attention. The girls were targeted because they were female and being educated.

Of the 57 million children in the world who aren’t in school, 10 million are in Nigeria, and the vast majority are girls. This push against female education isn’t just an issue in Nigeria, or in Pakistan, Iran or Afghanistan. It is an issue for us all. It is a direct attack against equality and progress. At a speech at a school in Hanoi earlier this year, UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said, “Education is the single biggest transformative factor for the individual, the nation and society.” The catch cries of “I Am Malala” and #bringbackourgirls have reverberated around the world, but if we are ever to bring about real equality and education for all, then every day must be Malala Day.

“DEAR FRIENDS, ON THE 9TH OF OCTOBER 2012, THE TALIBAN SHOT ME ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY FOREHEAD. THEY SHOT MY FRIENDS, TOO.

The power of Malala’s story is that it isn’t just about Malala – she speaks for every girl and boy who can not speak for themselves; she speaks of their right to be valued and to be educated so that she can reach her full potential.

THEY THOUGHT THAT THE BULLETS WOULD SILENCE US. BUT THEY

During her UN address, Malala famously wore a white shawl that had belonged to her hero, Benazir Bhutto. Bhutto, who

ARE THE SAME. MY HOPES ARE THE SAME. MY DREAMS ARE THE SAME.”

FAILED. WEAKNESS, FEAR AND HOPELESSNESS DIED. STRENGTH, POWER, AND COURAGE WERE BORN. I AM THE SAME MALALA. MY AMBITIONS

words davina montgomery 34 Ruby Winter

ruby musings

IF THE HAT FITS... A friend recently confessed that her career direction had always been influenced by the hat she would get to wear on the job. I laughed, but when I thought about it, I realised all my hobbies have required some pretty spectacular apparel... As a writer and proofreader, sitting here in my garret in chilly Geelong, the imminence of my deadlines is inversely proportional to the, ahem, casualness of my attire. Translated: if I am chasing a deadline, it’s highly likely that I’m typing this in the middle of the afternoon while wearing my red, fleecy dressing gown and my leopard print uggie boots. My friend, Debbie Scott, is a Research Fellow at the Australian Institute of Family Studies. She is also Team Coordinator at Geelong Harmony Chorus. Like all of us who have joined Geelong’s only women’s barbershop singing group, she is there to learn all she can about a cappella harmony singing, to travel nationally and even internationally to perform, but most of all she is there because it gives her an excuse to wear sequins and false eyelashes and enough makeup to make the Sydney Mardi Gras drag queens appear a tad wan. Talking of Sydney, I was there with the chorus last month to compete in the Sweet Adelines national championships. In a latenight chat-fest, Debbie really surprised me when she told us about how much she loves hats. ‘I went into nursing and got the cap,’ she said. ‘Then when I did my Masters I got the mortar board, but I saw the PhDs in their beautiful artists’ hats and that did me in... so I did a doctorate...’ I saw a photo of her resplendent in her academic regalia and agreed that it was a darned good reason to do a PhD. Plus she gets the bonus of having us call her

‘Dr Deb.’ It got me to thinking about my own choices... In the ’70s, when I was 11, Mum convinced me to play tennis for St Mary’s Juniors with the promise of frilly tennis knickers and pompoms on my socks, which were de rigueur for all junior girl tennis players back then. Knowing I had the frilliest knickers and pompom socks helped overcome any feelings of inadequacy I might have had on court, and it wasn’t long after that Reebok, Nike and Adidas cottoned on to that little concept too and took tennis attire away from the courts and turned it into bravado on the streets. There must be a big ‘I wanna look like them’ factor for countless jobs. How many kids want to be a firefighter or police officer or an astronaut because of the outfit they get to wear? I really understand that because I ended up wearing the ‘yellows’ for the CFA purely by accident and mostly because I wanted to wear a helmet and squirt things. Initially, I had been personally involved in a bushfire community recovery program and soon after led a bushfire safety education program, and then someone at the local brigade realised that I was our local tennis club secretary (knickers weren’t so frilly by then!) and thought I might come in handy as a replacement for their departing secretary. It soon became obvious that CFA brigade secretaries need to have a thorough knowledge of what goes on in a truck and on the fire-ground, and everywhere in

between, so it was suggested I do the basic firefighter training. Ha! Don’t need to ask me twice! Now, I’m not what you’d call nimble, but I was very competitive so I got to don the yellows (even if they did call me Big Bird!). Sheer willpower got me clambering up on those high, high fire trucks. I learned to wear a CFA helmet correctly (i.e. proudly) and to squirt things with some kind of accuracy and ended up a wiser, stronger, yellower person, but eventually decided that fires were scary things and I was much happier doing radio in incident control centres and the like. When I left that part of the world, it was back to ordinary clothes... in an office... in Geelong. These winter Sunday mornings, I get to wear a puce-coloured robe in St Mary’s Basilica Choir. They’re very warm in winter - even more so in summer, unfortunately. But I remember Mum and Dad wearing them when I was little, and I love their quasi-regal look and I’m sure they help us to sing better. Dr Deb has a soaring ambition to compete in the big, scary international quartet competition. For the winner of the world’s premier women’s barbershop quartet competition, held in the US each year, the winners receive, not trophies, not mere medals, but... wait for it... a tiara! With her eye on that for a prize, my money’s on Dr Deb to end up with that bling on her noggin. And if she doesn’t, I’ll eat my hat!

words anna-marie hughes 35 Ruby Winter

ruby recruitment

Recruitment: Making the Right Decision The recent high profile termination of a Myer Senior Executive on his first day at work for misleading representations at interviews and in his CV, has heightened the importance of making the right recruitment decision. As happened in the Myer case, within days of the appointment being announced the gaps in the Executive’s CV and representations became known. News reports started circulating of former bankruptcy and more details of what appears to be a spectacular ruse are still coming to light.

• Lying at the interviews and on the CV

The important point to note is that the confidentially around the recruitment process is one reason that people such as Jeffrey Flanagan can obtain appointments.

If not detected early, the final two reasons can go undetected for extended periods.

The reality of the recruitment process is that an inappropriate appointment can be made for many reasons that include: • Misreading of the employer and candidate ethos • Making exaggerated representations of achievements and experience • Not declaring information that would adversely affect a decision • Falsifying credentials such as membership of professional bodies or qualifications

The first three tend to be discovered quickly through your networks or persons that have had prior experience with the candidate. The phone calls from your network asking “Why did you appoint so and so, they don’t fit your culture or business?” can send off alarm bells.

The reality is that the risk of an inappropriate appointment exists and should be treated in the same way as any other risk. The company HR policies and procedures need to be in place and regularly reviewed, ideally independently to identify the obvious. • The Application Process: simple things such as the questions asked on the application form can help. In this electronic world, do we still ask for the candidate’s signature on a formal document? • The Interview Process and selection

criteria: does it provide for engagement in a structured, friendly, professional and inquisitive manner? • The Qualification Certification Process: this should include all relevant checks, including simple ones such as driver’s license verification that notation of any demerit points or disqualification. • The Reference Checking Process: confirming many of the informal comments made during an interview. A common practise is to have an administrative person conduct the reference checks rather than someone involved in the recruitment process, but do they know the right questions to ask and will they pick up the warning signs that all may not be as it was represented? • The Probationary Period process and expectations: these should be in place for longer-term casual appointments. • The Induction and Notification Process: this should include social media especially LinkedIn.

words adam charleston, director, sj personnel

Generations of experience tailoring recruitment to your needs. We take the time to understand your business to ensure we present you with candidates that have the skills, behaviours and attributes you need for a productive workplace. We provide recruitment services to industries including: Sales s Finance s Marketing s Retailing Engineering s Facilities Management Mining s Transport Business Services s Construction industries Recruitment Services Geelong and Ballarat CALL US: Sarah 0487 591 660 | Adam 0439 000 292 | www.sjpersonnel.com.au

36 Ruby Winter

ruby food

There is nothing better on these cold, cold winter days than being indoors with a delicious feast, something delightful in a glass, and some heart warming company, while the weather rages outside. Bring some zest to a stay at home food fest with these fabulous recipes from Darius.

photos biancawhitephotography.com.au

Are you a part of our wine dinner series?

4 course degustation â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

matching wines Cunningham Pier (03) 5222 6377 | baveras.com.au reservations@baveras.com.au Baveras

@BaverasBrasserie

Check the website for trading hours

Visit the events section of our website for more details.

Relaxed Dining | Out Over The Water | Have you tried our range of share plates?

37 Ruby Winter

ruby food

Japanese Pop Corn Chicken with Shiso & Sesame Spice Blend

5 shiso leaves (Mint can be used instead)

2 tbs whole black pepper corns

2 tbs sesame seeds

1 tbs dried orange peel

Sauce

1 tbs ground red chilli

60g soy sauce

2 tsp flaked nori sheet

60g rice wine vinegar

2 tsp black sesame seeds

15g sugar

2 tsp poppy seeds

1tbs spice mix

2 tsp minced garlic

15ml liquid from pickled ginger

100g plain flour

1tbs pickled ginger

Salt and pepper

1 red chilli finely sliced

2 large eggs

Method

200g Panko Bread crumbs

Get three bowls the same size and in the first bowl mix 15g of the spice mix with plain flour, in the second bowl whisk eggs and in the third bowl put in your panko bread crumbs.

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 2cm dice 3 spring onions sliced

38 Ruby Winter

Lightly coat your chicken pieces in the flour and shake off any excess flour. Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, take out and coat with the panko bread crumbs. Place to the side. For the sauce, mix all ingredients except for the chilli, ginger and sesame seeds. Stir ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved. Add the sesame seeds, ginger and sliced chilli. Heat a deep fryer to 180Ë&#x161;c and fry the chicken in small batches until golden brown and cooked through. Place chicken in a bowl and add enough sauce to coat the chicken pieces, tear the shiso and toss all together.

ruby food

Asian Scallop Cerviche with pickled vegetables & herbs 1/2 bunch Thai Basil

1 Tbs light soy sauce

¼ Bunch Vietnamese mint

5 Dutch carrots (Purple and Orange)

Scallop Cerviche

1 Continental cucumber

400g large Japanese scallops with the roe removed

1 small Daikon radish

50g pickled ginger 1 long red chilli 2 Tbs sesame oil 3 limes juiced 1 Tbs soy sauce 2 Tbs olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Pickled Vegetables ½ cup rice wine vinegar ¼ cup caster sugar

Salt to taste Method For the cerviche: Finely slice chilli and pickled ginger and combine with the lime juice, olive oil, sesame oil and soy sauce. Turn the scallops onto their sides and with a sharp knife carefully slice the scallop into 5 even slices, repeat with the rest of the scallops. Place the scallops into the liquid and ensure each piece is coated. Cover with cling film and place in the fridge. Allow at least ½ hr before serving (the longer you leave the scallops the more they will cook).

Pickled vegetables: Peel the carrots and daikon and then continue to peel your vegetables so you get nice long ribbons, do the same with the cucumber until you get to the seeds. In a large bowl combine the rice wine vinegar, sugar and light soy and whisk together. Add your peeled vegetables and toss well so they are covered with you liquid. Allow at least 20-30min for you the vegetables to lightly pickle. To serve strain off the liquid from the vegetables and the scallops, place a nice mound of the vegetables on the base of your plate, place some scallops over the veg and then add some more vegetables. Scatter remaining scallops over the top and finish by garnishing with your picked herbs.

words darius sarkis, baveras 39 Ruby Winter

ruby wine

spectacular Shiraz It is our national wine - grown across Australia’s wine growing regions, and loved by red drinkers here and around the world - it’s the Aussie Shiraz. The peppery warmth of Shiraz is the perfect foil to the winter chill and it’s versatility means it’s every bit as enjoyable as a quiet glass or two (or three) at home, over good conversation on a lunch out on the town, or as a special wine for a special occasion. Pair it with succulent, herb - crusted roast lamb, chargrilled steak, just about anything barbecued and, of course, those glorious slow - cooked winter dishes. But it doesn’t just sit well with heavy, cold weather classics. A quinoa salad with roasted pumpkin, capsicum and feta, or crusty bread, green salad and tapas are all great with Shiraz even pizza, as long as it’s not heavy on the heat, can sit very nicely alongside a peppery Shiraz on a cosy night in. And our local Shiraz is nothing short of spectacular. With its cool climate, salty breezes and rich soils, the Geelong region has a fast - growing reputation for superb quality Shiraz, and the 2012 Oakdene ‘William’ Shiraz is continuing to build the local reputation. Included in James Hallidays’ Top Cellaring Selections in June/July, with the wine guru giving it a 96 rating. Described as “Deeply coloured, it has exceptional black cherry and blackberry fruit laced with spice and pepper; perfectly

ripened tannins and quality French oak complete a very classy wine,” the William Shiraz is scooping wine show awards. Oakdene have already collected a Gold Medal from the Sydney Royal Wine Show 2014, a Trophy for Best Regional Shiraz at the Ballarat Wine Show 2013, a Trophy for Best Regional Red Wine at the Ballarat Wine Show 2013, and a Gold Medal at the Geelong Wine Show. Shiraz leads the charge of Australian wine sales and international reputation. Are you raising your eyebrows? Perhaps you think we’re exaggerating? Just consider the powerhouse that is Penfold’s Grange. And while South Australia and the Barossa are home to the world’s oldest Shiraz vines, producing big, punchy wines, it is the cool climate regions such as ours that are producing fresh, medium weighted, spicy Shiraz that sit closer to the French origins of the style. Shiraz is unique to Australia, but in name only. The rest of the world knows the same style of wine as Syrah. Interestingly, Shiraz was also popularly known as Hermitage (as in ‘Grange Hermitage’) until the late 1980s. As was the case with Champagne, the name Hermitage is a French protected designation of origin, named for the hill above the town Tain - l’Hermitage in OakdeneVineyards

40 Ruby Winter

@Oakdenewines

northern Rhône, and has been dropped from all but the wines of that region. (Thanks Wikipedia for that little nugget). Regardless of what you call it, Shiraz has a long and proud history in Australia, being brought over in 1831 by Scottish vigneron James Busby. Known as the Father of Australian viticulture, Busby travelled back to Europe to bring back cuttings from vines from France and Spain (again, many thanks Wikipedia). First planted in the Sydney Botanical Gardens and in the Hunter, the vines were taken to South Australia. Even in the early days, the Australian Shiraz gained considerable international attention. Roderick Phillips in his book “A Short History of Wine” highlighted the quality of 19th century Victorian Shiraz, recounting how French judges at the 1873 Vienna Exhibition praised some Victorian wines in blind tastings, then withdrew from judging in protest on the grounds that any Syrah of that quality must be French. Despite this, other French wine judges in other competitions gave high praise to Victorian Syrahs. So, we have always produced high quality Shiraz, and there is no better time of year to enjoy its warm richness than in winter.

ruby wine

<< OAKDENE WILLIAM SINGLE VINEYARD BELLARINE PENINSULA SHIRAZ 2012

Full-red purple. Highly perfumed red and dark plum notes and spicy bouquet, lifted by the inclusion of some whole bunches in the ferment. Medium to full-bodied palate, with savoury red fruit characters, spice and pepper notes. Firm but fine tannins and well integrated French oak with balanced acidity, and a long savoury finish. Highly enjoyable now, but will improve over the next 4 to 12 years.

oakdene.com.au

cellar door - restaurant - accommodation Oakdene Cellar Door: Open 7 days, 10am to 4pm | Oakdene Restaurant: Open Lunch Wed - Sun, Dinner Wed - Sat 255 Grubb Road, Wallington, Victoria 3222 | P 5256 3886 | E info@oakdene.com.au | www.oakdene.com.au

41 Ruby Winter

ruby real estate

MAINTENANCE AROUND THE HOME Another season over, where does the time go? It’s that time of year when we need to consider some maintenance and servicing of appliances around the home. The days and nights are cooler and it’s time to put the heaters on again. Before you do that, you might want to consider a bit of a check-up for your appliances. When was the last time you serviced your heater? Maybe it smells a bit on the dusty/musty side. A reputable plumber can service your gas heater and check the carbon monoxide level. Did you know that a smoke detector may only have a life span of 10 years? Smoke detectors should be checked and serviced on a regular basis. Most of us have had ‘change your clock, change your smoke detector battery’ drummed into us for years now. Many of us think that if we change the battery twice a year and push the button to check if the alarm sounds, then we are secure knowing the alarm will sound in the case of smoke/fire. There are smoke detector companies who will service, check and change your smoke detectors. Autumn has come and gone, the leaves have fallen - into your gutters, and sometimes a tree has even sprouted. Cleaning gutters of debris may save you money. In many instances, a ceiling leak inside your home is a result of blocked gutters, a cracked roof tile or hole in the iron roof. It would be prudent to have your gutters cleaned annually. And what about the gardens? Do the roses need a prune? If you are one of the lucky ones who is an ace gardener, you will know what to do, but if you are anything like me, (who can’t even grow mint), you may wish to hire the services of a local gardener to prune your trees and roses. A few tips for thought. Remember, if you hire a tradesperson to complete maintenance around the home; don’t be afraid to ask for his/her credentials, including insurance cover. A reputable tradie shouldn’t have a problem providing this information. Stay safe, stay warm, and see you in the spring. words gina tobolov, westendrealestate.com.au 42 Ruby Winter

ruby entertainment

From the award-winning studio that brought you the animated classics Shrek, Madagascar and the awesome Kung Fu Panda comes the biggest exhibition in ACMI’s history a world-first behind the scenes celebration of 20 years of DreamWorks Animation! Featuring over 400 items including rare and never-before-seen concept drawings, models and original artworks, interviews and interactive displays from DreamWorks much-loved and favourite animated classics. Take a fascinating and exciting journey from original sketches through to grumpy ogres and friendly dragons, and experience the extraordinary characters, stories and worlds created by DreamWorks’ award-winning artists.

3. 2.

1. CROODS (2013), artist Margaret Wuller, 2. KUNGFUPANDA (2008), ‘Main Square,’ artist Richie Sacilioc 3. KUNGFUPANDA (2008) ‘Kung Fu Panda,’ artist Nicolas Marlet, 4. MADAGASCAR (2005) ‘Monkey,’ artist Craig aig Kellman, 5. MADAGASCAR (2005) ‘Baobab Sunset,’ artist Yoriko Ito, 6. HOW TO TRAIN A DRAGON (2010) ’The One,’ artist Pierre-Olivier Vincent, 7. SHREK 2 (2004) ‘Donkeys,’ artist James Wood Wilson.

/For bookings or further information please visit acmi.com.au au 43 Ruby Winter

Werribee has one of the largest gorilla exhibits in the Southern Hemisphere with Silverback Motaba and his two sons Yakini and Ganyeka. Photo - Greg Henderson.

44 Ruby Winter

ruby entertainment

Ranger Kids is also a big hit – open daily. On Safari – mixed herds of giraffe, southern white rhino, zebra, eland and ostrich.

Photos - Julie Renouf.

Photo - Greg Henderson.

here is no such thing as too old or too young for a day, or night, at the zoo. Spectacular renovations and constant new editions have transformed Werribee Open Range Zoo into an incredibly interactive and fascinating place to see some of the world’s great animal species. But best of all, it is so much fun! From Wild Nights during the school holidays, to the safari tour (which is free with your entry), to some very special animal encounters, there is always something exciting to see and do. And new to the zoo is Creatures of the Night. Explore the new Bandicoot Hideout exhibit, and get up close to the critically endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot. This special nocturnal native is now extinct in the wild of mainland Australia and you can learn what Zoos Victoria is doing to save them. And if your little people need a bit of time out from the excitement of it all, the interactive Ranger Kids indoor play space is perfect for them (and you) to wind down in. There are dress ups for kids to transform themselves into wildlife rangers, vets and even a Leopard Tortoise. There are three play areas in Ranger Kids: an African village, where kids can learn how children in Africa tend to their farms, plant crops and look after their animals; the savannah, where they can play at going on patrol and includes a very cool wooden helicopter; and the field hospital, where little vets can care for injured plush animals. And don’t forget, kids are free all Victorian school holidays, public holidays and every weekend, and you can avoid the queue by booking your tickets online, or even better, becoming a Zoo Member.

45 Ruby Winter

ruby spotlight

SALVATION FOUND IN A NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE

46 Ruby Winter

ruby spotlight

ABOUT NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES

background has been in disability for the last 25 years.

to a counsellor at her community centre in Rosewall that put her into an award-winning program called Making Tracks, where things began to really improve.

Neighbourhood Houses began in Victoria during the early 1970s under the Kirner Government, with a local community development focus on women.

“There is a strong focus on women being involved in NHs. In a way, it’s women that drive that passion, community pride and community development,” Christine tells me. She also says each NH is quite diverse and unique, in response to the different needs of each community.

They offer many different opportunities such as peer support, recreation and leisure activities and childcare, as well as youth and senior programs. Their vision is to bring people together, while enhancing their opportunities for the future in a nonthreatening and nurturing environment.

Christine tells me she began working for NHs because of the “strong commitment to community development, capacity building and wanting to be part of that. I find myself very lucky to be involved in the NH sector, especially in the Barwon Region, because we do great things.”

State wide, there are 400 Neighbourhood Houses and 25 within the Barwon Region alone. The Barwon Network of NHs includes house in the Colac Otway Shire, the Surf Coast Shire, the Borough of Queenscliff and, of course, the City of Greater Geelong.

She reiterates how NHs wouldn’t be around without strong support from the town. “They’re not only focused on their community, but their driven by their community - the community is behind them.”

“Being introduced to the Neighbourhood Centre made me see all the good people in the area and it just made me feel good. I walk around with my head up high now, and I say hello to everyone. I love the area now, I do have a good view on it,” Rachelle says.

Christine believes her job is incredibly

“I suffered from a lot of depression and

“When I was first in Rosewall, I didn’t have a very good outlook on the area, and I had no friends at all,” Rachelle adds. But it did get easier for her once she became a part of her local community. Rachelle was even nominated in the Making Tracks program herself later on, showing her success and improvements through all her hard work. “For the manager of my centre to nominate me for that, it gave me such pride,” she says.

IMAGINE YOU’RE A MOTHER OF THREE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY. YOU DON’T HAVE AN OUNCE OF CONFIDENCE IN YOUR BODY, NOR DO YOU HAVE MANY FRIENDS. IF YOU’RE IN THIS BOAT, IT CAN BE INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT TO SIMPLY GET OUT OF BED EACH MORNING. LUCKILY THERE’S BEEN A SAVIOUR FOR SOME IN THIS SITUATION - AND IT’S CALLED NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES (NHS). THIS INITIATIVE HAS NOT ONLY HELPED THOSE IN NEED, BUT IT IS ALSO AN INCREDIBLY REWARDING JOB FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN THE NH SECTOR OR AT LOCAL COMMUNITY CENTRES.

Neighbourhood Houses can provide pathways to employment, volunteering, community engagement, improved community connection, social and economic opportunities, enhanced mental health and wellbeing, greater harmony and appreciation of diversity, and a stronger sense of pride and belonging in the respective local areas. The Victorian State Government Program Funding helps run each Neighbourhood House, but most of the houses are still independent incorporated community associations, therefore not a government service.

WORK INVOLVED Christine Brooks is the Networker for the Barwon Region’s NHs and has had this role for the last 18 months. When I meet Christine, I can see how her kind nature would make such a difference to many of those struggling in the region. This was further reiterated when I find out that her

rewarding, and sees this in so many ways. “It’s great to be involved in something where you see a difference, and make a difference.”

A LIFE-CHANGING STORY FROM NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES When I meet 41-year-old Rachelle Collett in Geelong I can sense her nerves. Despite this, the second the mother of three opens her mouth I can already tell that she’s come a long way since her earlier struggles. Her life went from despair to hopeful after she walked into her local Neighbourhood Centre in Rosewall. Five years ago, Rachelle was experiencing some difficulties; she was at a point in her life where her depression and anxiety were getting the better of her, where she barely engaged with anyone. She was referred

anxiety from past problems, I had some horrific things happen to me and my children when we were younger, but now I love life. I’m happy and my children are happy. That’s what the Neighbourhood Centre has done for me.” Rachelle went from avoiding contact with people to waking up in the morning with something to do, a purpose for each day. “We’ve had our problems in the area, we really have, but there’s a lot of good people in the area and I don’t want that misunderstood.” One of the things that Rachelle gained from visiting the Rosewall Community Centre is volunteering. Her work at Rosewall has had a dramatic effect on her mental wellbeing, and she has helped out with local festivals, programs for new refugees and their children, and she also works in the centre’s café. She absolutely loves working at the café and really values the customer interaction -

47 Ruby Winter

Rachelle Collett (right) is a Neighbourhood House success story and an advocate to the importance of the program.

something that she would have struggled with in the past. Her newfound confidence and support from the Neighbourhood Centre has dramatically changed the way she looks at life. Her volunteering is a heart-felt job, and something she is truly grateful for.

AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM Lou Brazier has managed the Norlane Community Centre for the last 20 years and is also the Executive Officer of Northern Futures, a collaborative partnership designed to improve the economy, employment and education in Geelong’s Northern Suburbs. Despite a different approach to the community than that of Rosewall’s Neighbourhood Hose, it still has NH qualities

in terms of community development, when you can mix ethnic groups, older people, young people, young adults together, it’s just a really good feel and people get to know each other and the community, and it’s very supportive,” Lou says. Earlier on, she tells me it was difficult to get younger people to come to the centre, as they didn’t feel they were welcome. But now - the results are incredible. There is an ESL (English as a second language) class located in the building, a garden for various activities, such as Thai Chi, a Jobs Services Australia provider, a New Horizon provider, a Medicare counsellor and various courses and programs, including the Northern Futures program.

follow these people through their job for a year or two, to ensure that it’s a job they’re comfortable in and enjoying.

Northern Futures involves members of the community, adhering to the NH philosophy of

Lou adores her job and how it can improve the lives of so many. “It doesn’t feel like a

“...NHS WOULDN’T BE AROUND WITHOUT STRONG SUPPORT FROM THE TOWN. “THEY’RE NOT ONLY FOCUSED ON THEIR COMMUNITY, BUT THEIR DRIVEN BY THEIR COMMUNITY - THE COMMUNITY IS BEHIND THEM... IT’S GREAT TO BE INVOLVED IN SOMETHING WHERE YOU SEE A DIFFERENCE, AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”

and a similar feel to the place. “We still keep that NH feel, it’s still a part of what we do.” Lou understands how important the community’s input is to driving successful improvements in the area. You can see this by the fact that volunteers primarily run the centre. “You put services in that centre that the community identifies as a need,” she says, adding that each NH is different. This is very much the same attitude as Christine’s, “it’s really a lovely place to be.” The Norlane Community Centre acts like a hub and is open to anyone. Their innovative style is a result of finding the most adequate solution to provide services for everyone. “People can just walk in off the street, have a seat, make a coffee, and have a chat because it’s their centre.” On average, 100 people come to the centre every day. “I think

bringing together the locality. The partnership is between the government, businesses, schools and other community groups, aiming to regenerate the area to promote growth and prosperity through movements like their Work Placement Program. Their success rates with finding sustainable employment for people in the community is incredibly high and much above the average. Lou tells me they work closely with the Gordon TAFE to deliver local courses in the community, so those visiting the community centre can access training and experience to enter into some parts of the workforce. “The programs we offer actually take people on a journey, and help them with some career choices to help them map out how to get from A-Z, and ultimately, they end up in employment.” Lou tells me they also words alexandra mcmanus

48 Ruby Winter

job, and I love getting up for work each day, interacting with the community, surrounded by lovely colleagues all day - I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Whether you’re working for a Neighbourhood House or community centre, or are in need of one to visit, salvation can be found from both experiences. With Rachelle, it’s a sense of achievement found by working in Rosewall’s Neighbourhood Centre Café. For Christine, it’s the satisfaction of helping manage each Neighbourhood House in her sector successfully. For Lou, it’s seeing all the changes happen through their one Community Centre in Norlane. Through each very different and personal experience, we see promising results from this Victorian state initiate, helping to bring locals together as a group.

ruby health

Let’s take steps together to create a future without type 1 diabetes Register at jdrf.org.au/walk

Harvey back in action on the court after his diagonis.

Type 1D our journey so far Please don’t stop reading just yet - this is not an article about the infamous boy band. Up until a month or so ago I thought Type 1D was a term used to describe the band’s legion of young female fans. Boy was I in for a big shock! May 13th, 2014 will be etched on my family’s calendar of monumental life events forever. It was a Tuesday and the day that Type 1 diabetes came crashing into our lives. The day started normally enough, with the usual chaos and busyness that’s involved with getting kids organised for school and me rushing to get to work on time. I’d made a doctor’s appointment for my 8 year-old son after school for a check up. He’d had a bit of a sore throat and had started having a few accidents during the night, which was very out of character for him. He’d also been extremely thirsty - a lot more so than usual. His Dad mentioned that extreme thirst was a symptom of diabetes and we should get him checked out. He’d always been a healthy child and with me being a glass half full type of girl - I was certain the doctor would say he had a virus and it would pass or, worst case, that he’d need some antibiotics. How wrong I was! The Doctor asked me some questions, examined him, did a blood glucose test and took a urine sample. Within minutes of getting the results she told me she was 99% certain that my son had Type 1 Diabetes which meant he was Insulin dependant and would need insulin injections, every day, for the rest of his life. WHAM!

There it was - in the blink of an eye my whole world felt like it was collapsing - I couldn’t breathe. Both kids were with me and it took everything I had to hold it together. The doctor told us that everything would be ok, but that we needed to go home, pack a bag and head straight into the Emergency Dept. where a team would be waiting for us. She then asked the kids to wait outside for a minute. “Are you ok?” she asked. All I could muster was a “F _ _ _ K!!” Pardon the French, but that was the first thing that came out of my mouth. I made the call to my other half to break the news to him. I couldn’t speak the words over the phone and I had a lump in my throat the size of a tennis ball - I just remember staying unusually calm and saying “You need to come straight home now!” It only took him 10 minutes to get home - although it seemed like an eternity. As soon as he walked in the door but before I had a chance to speak, our son ran up to him. “Hey Dad, guess what - I’ve got Diabetes - how cool this is the best day ever!” Bless him. We spent the next 5 days in the Children’s Ward at Geelong Hospital learning all about Type 1 Diabetes from paediatricians, dietitians and diabetes educators, who were all amazing. I cannot speak highly enough of the care and attention we received while we

Harvey with big sister Sadie in hospital during his initial treatment.

were there. Our son will now have continuing on going care from the Diabetes team for the rest of his life. We’ve been told Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease and has strong genetic links to both Coeliac and Thyroid disease, both of which we have on either side of the family. Does that mean I now have someone to blame or an answer to the question of why? Why now, why him, why our family? Of course it doesn’t. What it does mean is most of the time there is no explanation for why bad things happen to good people. If you spent your life worrying about the ‘what ifs’ and ‘whys’ you’d go around the twist. I refuse to waste my energy on it. My first priority now is to keep my boy healthy and happy. My son has taken it all in his stride and is coping extremely well. He’s back playing footy and basketball. I’m constantly amazed at his resilience, courage and positive attitude. He’s doing his own insulin injections and has kind of made it his thing - he owns it. Although he did ask me the other day if he still had to make his bed and empty the dishwasher now that he has diabetes - my reply was ‘you betcha buddy!’

If you’d like to donate to Diabetes Research or learn more about Type 1 Diabetes please visit www.jdrf.org.au

words tanya carroll / Want to share you story? Go loud and proud on our Facebook page at MagazineRuby or send us an email. 49 Ruby Winter

Skin Check List

ruby health

Become familiar with your skin. Regularly look for changes in shape, colour or size of existing freckles and moles. Be aware of any new spots that appear. Have a complete body check by a doctor trained in skin checks.

Checking the skin you’re in Sun damaged skin is a fact of life in Australia, and just because it’s cold and nasty outdoors doesn’t mean your skin is safe. Sun damage that causes skin cancers, including Australia’s national disease, melanoma, is progressive, occurring over years. With two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70, the health of our body’s largest organ is something we should all be conscious of. But a simple 20-minute skin check, once a year, can give you peace of mind. There was a certain look of shock that took over the features of pretty much everyone I told I was going in for a skin check. ‘Why? What’s wrong?’ they would ask, in hushed tones with brows furrowed. When I replied, ‘Nothing, I just want to experience it so I can write about it. Besides, it’s one of those things we should all do, right ...’ they would invariably look a little disappointed. Honestly, I’m surrounded by drama queens! For anyone who hasn’t had a full-body skin check but are just a wee bit curious about it, here are a few things you should know: • It’s performed by a GP that has specialised in Skin Cancer diagnosis & treatment, so nothing you have going on under your clothes is going to scare them.

50 Ruby Winter

• Geelong’s Australian Skin Face Body clinic, you are only out of pocket $30 $30 which could save your life! • It takes around 20 minutes, i.e. we’ve all got time to have it done. • It totally non-invasive and completely comfortable. • You don’t have to be naked. Down to your bra and knickers, while wearing a gown is the usual. I had a particular interest in having a skin check done, not only so that I could write about it and share what it’s all about with our fabulous Ruby readers, but also because I’m a pale-skinned red head with a shameful past of willful skin damage also known as tanning. As a kid, I lived outside in all but the wettest and wildest weather, and still get a shock when I see how brown I was when I was little - as I’m more of a turn red and peel type than a tanner. In fact, as a kid was one of the few times in my life when I’ve had a genuine, non-bottle tan. The other was when I used to go to a solarium. Yes, I too used to bask in a dreaded cancer bed. That was back before it became well known how dangerous tanning beds were, and because I wasn’t

getting burnt, I really thought it was safer than lying in the sun. Plus, it was so warm and I could have a nap...And also yes, I was absolutely horrified when I found out about the heightened risk of melanoma. I’ve also had a few serious sunburns over the years. The very kind and friendly nurse had given me a rundown on the check before the doctor came in, including the instruction to take off my makeup, strip down to my underwear and pop on a gown. The makeup was fine, I’d come prepared with makeup remover wipes, and the bra and gown was no problem. But even though I was layered up for the cold the one layer I had missed was, you guessed it, the knickers... Never mind, I already knew the GP’s that do the skin checks are highly trained professionals, having done extra specialised courses to know what they are looking for, including diagnosing the differering types of skin cancer and choosing a correct method of treatment - surgical, topical, PDT, and doing the surgery if needed Besides, I parted company all of those inhibitions years ago. And as the doctor pointed out, it really is better anyway, because melanoma don’t always appear in the expected places, with some appearing on the buttocks, the

ruby health labia and even the soles of the feet. ‘Soles of the feet? Really?’ Indeed! Apparently, for people with non-white skin, and therefore higher levels of melatonin and lower skin cancer risk, the soles of the feet is one of the most prevalent places melanoma appear. Skin cancers can also develop between fingers and toes, under the nails and in the eyes (which is just another reason to invest in uber-fab sunglasses). I also didn’t know that those flat brown spots we all put down to age can be, although in most cases aren’t, melanoma.

CHECKS

DECADES TO

THE

ARE SKIN

NOT

Skin checks are not just for older people with decades of skin damage to worry about. According to the Department of Health, melanoma is the most common cancer for the 15 - 24 year old age group so keep an eye on your kids too, or better yet, let them know why it’s important to keep on eye on their own skin, particularly if they spend lots of time in the sun.

So get outdoors over winter, and let your skin soak up at least 2 to 3 hours of direct sun every week. And because the UV levels are so low in winter, you don’t have to use sun protection. You’ll feel better for it, you really will.

JUST

DAMAGE

DEPARTMENT

including skin cancer, as well as breast, bowel and prostate cancers.

Not that it’s bad to spend lots of time in the sun - we need all that goodness that comes from time in the great outdoors. It’s

From tradies finding that despite feeling

“SKIN

Over 95 per cent of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early.

FOR

OLDER

WORRY

HEALTH,

PEOPLE

ABOUT.

MELANOMA

WITH

ACCORDING THE

MOST

COMMON CANCER FOR THE 15 - 24 YEAR OLD AGE GROUP...” fine that they have stage 4 metastatic melanoma, to women with a suspicious lump on their back only to find they too have stage 4 cancer, to all those seemingly harmless lumps and bumps that are burnt off, cut out or send patients off to full cancer treatment, including surgery and/ or chemotherapy, skin cancer is something none of us can afford to mess around with or ignore in the hope that it will go away. The good news is that while skin cancers are the most common cancers in Australia, they are also very treatable if caught early.

not just the exercise, but time outside with the wind in our hair and the sun on our skin is vital for our mental and emotional wellbeing, and, of course, for boosting our Vitamin D levels. Hyper-vigilance against sun exposure means that many of us, particularly in cold old Victoria, are running low on Vitamin D. Low levels of Vitamin D not only magnify the risk of osteoporosis, but can also lower your immunity, making you more susceptible to all those winter lurgies and has even been linked to a heightened risk of some cancers

This wasn’t a road test session for me; it was an education session. Before I stepped in to have my skin test, I thought I was very well informed about skin cancer risk factors and the importance of Vitamin D, having written a number of stories about both health issues. When I left, I knew a lot of things I hadn’t known before, and any one of them could be a life saving piece of information for me or for someone I love. I also learned that a few of those medical grade beauty treatments I had undergone - including chemical peels - and particularly one I haven’t yet road tested yet but have on the list to try out - Photodynamic Therapy, or PDT - are used as treatments for pre-cancerous skin lesions and preventative treatments for sun damaged skin. Basically, they burn off the little nasties before they really turn nasty. And leave you with glowing, smooth, beautiful skin (well, once the redness, scabbing and peeling subsides, which can take a while - but no pain, no gain ladies, and that red, peeling skin is a sign the treatment has worked and is sloughing off the dead and damaged skin cells). I left with the strong sense that not only was I really pleased I had had a skin check, but that I would be back, regularly. Although next time, just for the sake of niceness, I think I’ll pop on some knickers...

words davina montgomery

• Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery • Hand Surgery • Laser Hair Removal • Tattoo Removal • Fillers & Injectables • INFINI Skin Tightening • Skin Cancer & Mole Checks (No Referral Necessary)

Australian Skin Face Body 50 Western Beach Road, Geelong Telephone 5221 8444 www.asfb.com.au AusSkinFaceBody

We also offer treatments for: facial pigmentation, ﬁne lines & wrinkles, acne & acne scarring and specialised skin conditions. 51 Ruby Winter

ruby health

Contraceptive choices - old & new At Kardinia Health, we run a sexual health clinic on Thursday evenings from 4pm to 7pm. This clinic is staffed by a sexual health nurse, Nurse Amy, and by male and female doctors. This clinic offers specialized care in the areas of contraception and fertility, sexually transmitted infections and sexual health issues. Women are very individual in their choice of contraceptive, and ideally a couple will discuss and choose the best method of contraception for them. At Kardinia Health we can offer expertise in some of the older methods of contraception, which may suit women who do not wish to use any form of hormonal contraception, to the newer devices such as the contraceptive ring, the contraceptive implant and the intra uterine device (IUD). Did you know there is such a thing as a female condom? The female condom is like a baggy condom, which fits inside the vagina

52 Ruby Winter

and covers part of the labia, or lips of the vagina. Using the female condom offers additional protection from sexually transmitted infections as it covers more of the skin, it gives a woman control of contraception and it is good if the male partner cannot use condoms. It is slightly more expensive than the male condom and is not as readily available and it is about as effective as the male condom; that is, if 100 couples use this as their method of contraception for a year, 10 will fall pregnant. Ask us if you are interested in obtaining the female condom. Are diaphragms still in use? This is a flexible dome that covers the cervix. It has to be fitted to suit a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s size, and women need to learn to insert it to ensure that it does cover the cervix. It can be inserted before sex, and needs

to remain in place for 6 hours following sex. The failure rate is about 10%, like condoms. Doctors at Kardinia Health are able to fit and instruct on the use of the diaphragm as a contraceptive method. This is a good method of contraception for a highly motivated couple, particularly if they wish to avoid hormones or chemicals in the body. Rhythm Method? Before contraceptive devices were available, women had to understand their menstrual cycles to avoid pregnancy. We can advise on the menstrual cycle and fertile periods for both avoiding pregnancy and trying to fall pregnant. When are women most fertile? Women are most fertile they are young and under 30 years of age. So this is the time

ruby health in life when the most effective and reliable methods of contraception should be used. The pill, the rod (implant), the ring and the IUD have very low failure rates, less than 1% with ideal use. There are many pills available now, formulated to suit different women and often to help with other conditions such as acne or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Some pills are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and some have to be paid for privately. The more expensive pills are useful for women with acne or polycystic ovarian syndrome, however they do have a higher incidence of some side effects than the cheaper pills. The cheaper pills can be adjusted and chosen to suit many women and are often the first choice. The contraceptive ring is just like the pill, but it is a ring, which is put inside the vagina like a tampon and remains there for 21 days and then removed for 7 days for menstruation. The hormones are absorbed through the vaginal walls; the good thing about this method is that it does not have to be remembered every day, just remembering to take it out after 3 weeks and put a new one in again a week later! It is more expensive however, costing about $25 per month. Long acting methods of contraception are ideal for young women who know they do not wish to have children for some years (they can, however, be removed at any time) and they are cheap: one prescription can provide 3, 5, or even 10 years contraception. Long acting methods

Same Day Appointments “WOMEN ARE VERY INDIVIDUAL IN THEIR CHOICE OF CONTRACEPTIVE, AND IDEALLY A COUPLE WILL DISCUSS AND CHOOSE THE BEST METHOD OF CONTRACEPTION FOR THEM. AT KARDINIA HEALTH WE CAN OFFER EXPERTISE IN SOME OF THE OLDER METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION... TO THE NEWER DEVICES...”

such as the rod and the IUD are used extensively in younger women in the rest of the world and they are available on the PBS in Australia, making the cost that of a standard prescription.

Bulk Billing Available

• SERVICE

•

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS PHYSIOTHERAPISTS CLINICAL PILATES PODIATRY EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY REMEDIAL MASSAGE DIETITIAN DIABETES EDUCATOR PSYCHOLOGY ENDOCRINOLOGIST AUDIOLOGY

BLE

Finally, the IUD is now available with hormones in it, which are released locally in the uterus and tends to make the periods a lot lighter and more than 50% of women with this IUD will have no periods at all. The IUD is inserted into the uterus by a doctor specially trained in this technique and can often be done without anaesthetic. The IUD has been proven to be safe in young women and those who have not had children.

On Site Pharmacy & Pathology

LA AI

The rod or implant is inserted under local anaesthetic under the skin in the upper arm. It is very convenient if this method works for you, however about 1 in 5 women will choose to have the implant removed due to unacceptable irregular bleeding.

New Patients Welcome

There are IUDs available that do not have hormones in them; some women may prefer these. The main disadvantage is that they are more expensive and can cause heavier bleeding. The Kardinia Health Sexual Health clinic staff can help you to choose your ideal method of contraception and trained staff can explain and provide a wide variety of methods of contraception. If the sexual health clinic hours do not suit you, doctors are also available at other times to provide sexual health consultations. kardiniahealth.com.au 53 Ruby Winter

ruby money

FEMINSUR E

Money can’t buy me love, but it can buy me a house cleaner...

You have a choice

Income Protection Business Expenses

We all know that it’s impossible to put a value on love, but it is becoming increasingly evident that we can put a price on care, and by care, we mean care of children, care of the home, care of the family finances and all the other countless things stay-athome parents do to ‘take care of things’ on the domestic front.

Trauma Cover Child Cover Total & Permanent Disability Cover Life Cover Superannuation Retirement Planning

Would you be surprised to know that the commercial value of all those little jobs equates to around $75,000 per annum? A BT insights review of the value of a stay-at-home Australian mum in 2013 looked at what it would cost if you had to pay someone to do the babysitting, housekeeping and general running around, and came up with the $75k figure that most of us would consider a pretty good salary. It is this dollar-value appreciation of the role of domestic managers that has seen the increase in mum insurance - and given there are something like 1.2 million Aussies taking care of business at home on a full-time basis (http://insights.bt.com.au/whats-a-stay-at-home-mum-worth-in-2013) it is an increasingly important safety net. In America, Salary.com’s annual Mom Salary Survey put the value of home duties even higher - estimating that stay-at-home mums work 94 hours a week, performing duties that would earn a whopping US$113,568 (AUD$120,498) in the work market. Income protection isn’t just about covering the gap that would be left if the household breadwinner couldn’t work for a period of time, although that’s important too. But what happens when the person who takes care of things is out of action - either through illness or injury? Who’s going to do the housework, the shopping, drop off and pick up the kids from school, take care of young children or elderly relatives? Mum insurance provides back up for all those things, meaning you could pay someone to take care of things if you can’t. And it’s not prohibitively expensive, with cover available at just over a dollar a day. But what about all that extra time put in by working mums? According to the same Salary.com report, all the after hours running around after the kids/ hubby/relatives and trying to maintain some semblance of control over the housework adds up to an average of 58 hours on top of their paid work. Imagine the overtime bill! And while we’re talking home duties, we shouldn’t forget all the time both stay-at-home mums and dads who share parental duties put in.

Contact Shane Matthews E: shane@feminsure.com.au P: 1300 FEMINSURE (1300 336 467)

www.feminsure.com.au

With more women than ever before taking up the role of main breadwinner in Australian homes (the 2013 AMP.NATSEM Income and Wealth Report (Modern Family) found around 25 per cent of Australian two-income families have a woman as the higher income earner) there are more and more men taking on the domestic duties and the role of stay-at-home parent. Regardless of who’s bringing in the bikkies, unless you have a very healthy bank surplus, most families would struggle if either parent were put out of action for an extended period of time. That applies doubly to single parent families. Putting insurance in place just in case we couldn’t do those things for a while is another little thing we can do to take care of those that depend on us.

Feminsure and Investinsure Private are registered trading names owned by Investinsure Group Pty Ltd ABN 56 762 085 493 Investinsure Group Pty Ltd and Shane Matthews are authorised representatives of The FinancialLink Group Pty Ltd ABN 12 055 622 967 AFSL No. 240938

54 Ruby Winter

But putting a price on a parent? That’s easy - they’re priceless. feminsure.com.au

ruby thoughts

Mid-Winter Reflection Beth King, Kings Funerals.

On the night of the Winter Solstice I went to see the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra concert “In Praise of Darkness,” part of Hobart’s acclaimed Dark Mofo festival. The staging, with candles behind the string section, smoke effects, and choral singing from the lofts was the perfect complement to the absorbing music of Arvo Pärt conducted by Anu Tali.

with a committee is a chance to improve my organisation, my local community and myself.

A few months ago, I reached a point where I had overcommitted to work, education and business events. I was out most evenings, followed by breakfast events the next day, was frequently travelling to Melbourne (and beyond) and had not left enough time in my diary to sleep, let alone for social activities.

What I was forced to recognise is that our ability to give of ourselves is diminished when we don’t leave time to rest. When we have every moment of our life planned and scheduled, we are more vulnerable when unexpected events occur, like changes with our relationships, in our workplaces, to our health or the death of a relative or friend - and all of those things that will inevitably occur to remind us that any perception we have of control over our lives is an illusion.

My problem was that there was nothing I was doing that was ‘a waste of time’. Every opportunity for education, meeting people, hearing a speaker and working

So, now I am building time for myself into my life. It has been difficult at first, there are times when it feels lazy to not be filling every moment of every day, or selfish to decline to

attend an event in favour of sitting at home reading a book. But doing so is making me healthier and able to be more fully present when I do come out to see a show at GPAC’s Deakin Theatre season, attend a planning meeting for Open House Geelong (less than four months away on Saturday 25 October!) or catch up with fellow alumni from the Leaders from Geelong program. Winter is a wonderful time for stopping and reflecting on our lives and our priorities and working out what’s next. I am hoping that the changes I am making now will lead to sustained improvement for the people I work with in my business and in the community, and for myself. What things can you do today to make your life better? And how will you get the support you need to continue to meet your nonnegotiable commitments? I don’t have all the answers, but will keep trying to ask myself the right questions.

words beth king, bking@kingsfunerals.com.au

55 Ruby Winter

/ Orange-reds

ruby beautyy

A little red and a little orange, the fiery twist on a classic lip colour fi lls the wearer with the c confi dence to stand out from the crowd. It’s also t perfect lip colour to pull you out of a slump the o a dull and dreary day and jazz up a dark on oout ut t in a nanosecond. outfi

Fair airyy floss pink p / Fairy pink ssoo ligh A pink light that it resembles a woman’ wom w an’ss frosty an’ frosty winter lips that are woman’s cold, just a hint of her natural soo cold, pin inkne knesss kne ss remains rema on her lips. Th is pinkness real re ally helps all help to lift the wearer’s hue really fea eatur ea tures tur es and provides p features an innocent gir irly ly edg edge, especially esp girly if you choose tea m iitt with a sophisticated too team smo moky mo ky eeye. ye. smoky recom rec ommend Revlon Colorburst™ om We recommend: Balm Stain Stai Sta ta n In Lovesick, $17.95, Balm 180 8000 025 025 488 and MAC 02 1800 Cremes Cre meshheen Lip mes Cremesheen Lipstick in Raspberry Swirl, $36, $3 1800 18 613 828 Swirl,

WINTER LIPS DONE DIFFERENTLY The unconventional winter lip shades that pack a punch in the hydration stakes... If you almost skipped past this page because you thought you were going to be told to buy another plum or blood red lipstick for winter, think again. While we love a trend as much as we love a chip-proof polish, we’re all for doing things a little bit differently, too. Winter doesn’t automatically have to mean grey coats, black opaques and the same old berry lip; in fact, it’s the perfect time to add a pop of colour to your winter attire in a way that won’t make you feel too over the top. It’s time to let your lips do the talking with these unconventional winter lip p colours...

/ Pinkle The perfect mix of pink and purple, ‘pinkle’ is the winter be berry replacement shade, giving the wearer the very best bi bits of both lip colours. The purple tinge taps loosely into th the berry trend that is just so suited to the chilly months an and the pink colour adds a girly touch to the hue and al allows the wearer to maintain a lighter touch of summer. W We recommend: Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Orchid, $29, 02 9663 4277 and Innoxa Couleurs D’ete Summer Matte C Collection in Baby Doll, $14.95, 1300 650 981 / Roasted rose Fo For the slightly more demure among us, the roasted rose hue is no not quite a party pink, but not quite the antique rose colour that w we’ve come to rely on in the chillier months. Instead, roasted ro rose provides an intensity that a regular pink - even if it’s a br bright magenta - just can’t offer. Do yourself a favour on a really co cold day and apply a little to the apples of your cheeks and blend th thoroughly to lift your complexion and look instantly chic. W We recommend: L’Oreal Paris Glam Shine 6Hours Volumizer in Fu Fuchsia Obsession, $26.45, 1300 659 359 and Rimmel London M Moisture Renew Lipstick in Piccadilly Pink, $13.95, 1800 812 663.

words olivia mackinnon 56 Ruby Winter

W recommend: Rimmel London We Apoc Ap Apocalips Lip Lacquer in 501 SSte Stellar, $15.95, 1800 812 663 a Bobbi Brown Art Stick and in SSunset Orange, $44, in 1880 304 283. 1800

ruby beauty

SHED THAT WINTER COAT! It’s chilly out there, but while we are busy rugging up in our layers, we also relax because it’s that time of year to let ourselves ‘run to pasture’ and have a break from worrying about our hairy bits, right? Wrong! Want to know the best time to start a hair removal plan? Right now, according to Helen Hochreiter of Geelong Laser and Electrolysis Clinic. ‘Winter is absolutely the best time to do laser hair removal,’ she states emphatically. She explains that this is because people’s skin is usually paler in winter; suntans have faded and we’re all covered up. Those who start their treatments at this time of year typically are rewarded with a faster, better result due to the contrast of paler skin and the darker hairs, which can make for a more effective result. And because the laser is seeking out colour rather than the hair itself, the paler skin attracts fewer ‘ouches’ compared to darker, suntanned skin. ‘Anyone who tends to feel the pain or discomfort of a laser will find it’s much less of an issue in winter,’ explains Helen. Post-laser care is much less complicated in winter too. ‘Keeping the sun off newly lasered skin is crucial,’ says Helen, ‘so the fact that we don’t have to worry so much about keeping the sun off means that people can focus particularly on having their faces and arms attended to at this time of year.’

Geelong’s specialists in laser hair removal and electrolysis

Why is covering up so important? Pigmentation is the problem when newly lasered skin is unprotected in the sun or UV rays. ‘Not everybody will have the problem,’ says Helen, ‘but when they do, it can look like brown stains on the skin. This is why I don’t like doing arms in summer because of the incidental exposure that, even in the car, you don’t realise is happening.’ Geelong Laser and Electrolysis Clinic is not a beauty salon and does not offer waxing or facials, and definitely no upselling or pushing of other products. ‘It’s purely laser and/or electrolysis hair removal, because I’m offering my clients long-term and permanent solutions,’ says Helen. The Soprano 4B laser that Helen uses is not an IPL - and that’s a good thing! ‘IPL was not designed for hair removal; it was designed solely for skin rejuvenation,’ she says. ‘The Soprano, however, is engineered purely for hair removal and sends a collimated beam that stops at a depth of 810 nanometers. The IPL is a broad spectrum light with no specific wavelength and it can be picked up by freckles and pigmentation; in comparison, the Soprano offers much better, more effective outcomes than an IPL.’ There are some great specials on the website, and Helen also wants to give a shout-out to any men who want to strip off their shirts this coming summer. ‘Those hairy backs can be dealt with right now. Start your laser hair removal plans in winter - and shed that winter coat today!’

Helen Hochreiter & Lyn Waugh

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49 Thomson St, Belmont 3216 P (03) 5243 0431 geelonglaserelectrolysis.com.au 57 Ruby Winter

ruby loves

ave you ever gone back to default beige or neutral paint when you couldn’t decide what to put on the walls?

Don’t get me wrong, neutral is nice, and when blended with varying shades and textures, a neutral palette can be spectacular. Ever seen the work of Britain’s Queen of Taupe, Kelly Hoppen? But flat neutral walls leave you feeling, well, flat… and neutral… sort of, mweh… Injecting a bit of style and personality onto your walls has never been easier. Forget trawling over samples for hours or flicking through websites, squinting to find that perfect something on those tiny little thumbnail pics. If you missed it on The Block (as if you did!) you can design your own wallpaper and canvases to add instant and unique wow factor. From your favourite pics, to that perfect colour, to a heartbreakingly beautiful design, the Eagle Creative team right here in Geelong can put it on wallpaper or on canvas.

Have aan Have n idea but don’t know ho ow to m ake it work? Eagle Eagle how make have a tteam eam of creative design ners to h e p you turn kinda el d designers help into WOW. WOW OW. OW And just look how pretty our Ruby covers look as wall art!

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ruby book club

WINTER READING

COURTING TROUBLES

HAPPY ARE THE HAPPY

PINK SARI REVOLUTION

THE SCHOOL OF REAL LIVING: THE GOLDEN RULES OF DECORATING

Kathy Lette

Yasmina Reza

Amana Fontanella-Khan

Real Living Magazine

Tilly is having a bad day: after being sacked, she goes home to find her husband in bed with her former best friend. She escapes to her mother, Roxy - a sassy solicitor whose outrageous take on men, work and family life is the despair of her more conventional daughter. Roxy comes up with a plan to set up an allfemale law firm, which will only champion women who have been cheated, put upon, attacked, ripped off or ruined by the men in their lives.

For Robert and Odile, the weekly shop has become yet another battleground. A fight over the wrong cheese and junk food for the kids is petty, cruel, hilarious and embarrassingly familiar. Robert wonders why they can’t be more like their friends, the openly loving Hutners.

Sampat Pal was married at twelve, and essentially illiterate. Today she leads a vibrant vigilante campaign that’s securing women’s rights across India: the Pink Gang.

Do you sit and stare at that bare corner, wondering what you should put there? Do you spend hours getting more and more confused over fabric samples? Do you just want a beautifully decorated home, but just can’t seem to get it right?

In court, Tilly finds herself up against Jack Cassidy, the smooth-talking, politically incorrect, legal love god who broke her heart at law school. When a case lands on the doorstep that threatens to change all their lives, Tilly finds herself dangerously close to taking the law into her own hands. Will Jack’s cunning ways and expertise in emotional break and enter derail her quest for justice? Or will the women take on the boys and win?

But the Hutners have their own issues. For years they have been pretending that their only son is on an internship abroad. In fact he’s in a mental institution convinced of being CÄline Dion. Then there’s Marguerite who remembers a spinster from her childhood and fears she is becoming her, Vincent who witnesses his impossible mother flirting in an oncologist’s waiting room. This is a brilliantly caustic, laugh-out-loud chronicle of marital passive aggression, shameful secrets, adultery, friendship and parenthood: the struggles of being a couple and the pain of being alone.

When Sheelu was arrested for stealing from a powerful politician in the badlands of India, she was sure that she would be forced to accept a prison sentence, not least because she alleged that a man in the politician’s household had abused her. But then Sampat Pal heard word of the charges, and the formidable commander of the pink sari wearing, pink baton wielding, 20,000-strong Gulabi Gang, a.k.a. the ‘Pink’ Gang, decided to shake things up. In the story of Sampat Pal and the Pink Gang’s fight for Sheelu, Amana FontanellaKhan delivers a riveting, inspiring portrait of women grabbing fate with their own hands - and winning back their lives.

Never fear, simple practical advice is a trip to the bookstore of your choice away. From the everyday style gurus at Real Living comes this stylish decorating book packed with advice, tips and tricks. A throw-in-your-handbag workbook that’ll solve all your decorating dilemmas, this 128-page book is packed full of the real living team’s favourite rooms, expert advice, insiders’ secrets and how-to information from interior designers and decorators. This little book is not only packed with advice, tips and tricks but also contains practical projects to help you put what you learn here into practise. Nice!

59 Ruby Winter

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