Betty magazine October 2019. Issue 5

OCTOBER 2019 / ISSUE 6

pink ribbon EDITION

FASHION & BEAUTY

REAL WOMEN

LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS

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OctoberINDEPENDENT is Breast Cancer MEMBER FOR SHEPPARTON DISTRICT ON DISTRICT Awareness Month Sadly, 1 in 8 women in Victoria will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

“Early detection offers the best chance of effective Tel:Tel: (03) Tel: (03) 5831 (03) 5831 6944 5831 6944 www.suzannasheed.com.au www.suzannasheed.com.au www.suzannasheed.com.au @SheedSuzanna @SheedSuzanna Suzanna Suzanna Suzann Shee S treatment, so6944 I urge women of all ages to be @SheedSuzanna Funded Funded fromFunded Parliamentary from Parliamentary from Parliamentary Budget.

Budget.

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Authorised by: Authorised Suzanna by: Suzanna by: Sheed, Suzanna Sheed, 5 Vaughan Sheed, 5 Vaughan Street, 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton Street, Shepparton Shepparton VIC 3630.

VIC 3630.

VIC 3630. vigilant in maintaining their breast health.”

Tel: (03) 5831 6944 www.suzannasheed.com.au @SheedSuzanna from Budget. Authorised by: Suzanna om.au Funded Suzanna SheedSheed, 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton VIC 3630.

Tel:@SheedSuzanna (03)Parliamentary 5831 6944 www.suzannasheed.com.au @SheedSuzanna

eet, SheppartonFunded VIC 3630. from Parliamentary Budget. Authorised by: Suzanna Sheed, 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton VIC 3630.

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FROM THE EDITOR WITHIN THESE PAGES BETTY LAYS BARE HER INSECURITIES. Struggles with body image, self-confidence, mummy-shaming and isolation are universal experiences and the women of Betty openly tell their stories.

As a teen I was perpetually self-conscious of my dark and unruly ‘bush-man’ brows; or at least that’s how I saw them.

I’d pluck, pluck and pluck in the hope of looking like the other girls at school.

Eventually, in an attempt to get me to put the tweezers down and not inflict irreparable damage, my mum agreed to let me get them regularly waxed by a professional.

Thank you, Mum, for saving my eyebrows.

While eyebrows might seem like two insignificant lines of hair, when you’re anxious about them they are all you see looking back at you in the mirror.

Helen Greening has experienced a similar, yet different, angst.

Read all about the impact a new set of brows can have on a woman’s self-esteem from page 16.

To mark the 13th instalment of the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch, we talk to brave women about their experiences with breast cancer from page 23.

But even in their most challenging chapters there have been moments of happiness.

Leanne Coote talks about the difference a makeover can have and tattoo artist Cristen Brunner explains how the gift of nipple tattoos can help women reclaim their femininity post-surgery.

Then there’s Violet Town’s Ella Hooper of Killing Heidi fame who bared her breasts to the world with the aim of raising awareness in the midst of her mum Helen’s ongoing treatment.

Even I stripped down for a story, albeit not quite as publicly or as dramatically as Ella.

Head to page 91 to read ‘Me, my family and melanoma’, a personal tale of skin checks.

Betty also shines the spotlight on miscarriage from page 77.

While one in five Australian women will experience the loss of a pregnancy, it is often an experience surrounded by silence.

A mother of eight, Ana Williams, talks about the toll four miscarriages have had on her family in hopes of empowering others and stripping away the stigma.

Jessica Ball Editor

COVER Page: 51

Photographer: Chloe Jones Photography

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73 FEATURES Get to know Jen Butler

11

A day in the life of a paramedic

19

Pink Ribbon: Supporting Shepparton’s women

23

Meal prep 101

39

Shepparton’s silver shooter

67

The Boomerang Bag boom

73

In the spotlight: Miscarriage

77

Well planned career

86

11

24 EDITOR Jessica Ball

5820 3194 | jessica.ball@sheppnews.com.au ADVERTISING

FASHION & BEAUTY The secret to beautiful brows

16

Photoshoot: The summer wardrobe update

Aaron Brown, Leesa Haeusler, Lisa Ryan, Leonie Limosani, Simone Dunne

51

5820 3188 | advertise@sheppnews.com.au

Shopping: Get the look

63

WRITERS

Make-up for ageing skin

65

Confidence-boosting swimwear

93

A guide to sunglasses

95

Shopping: The summer wish-list

97

Jessica Ball, Sharon Wright, Pat Patt, Liam Nash, Madeleine Caccianiga SUB-EDITORS Sandy Llyod, Wendy Russell DESIGN Alysha Bathman

LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS Cheeky cocktails

13

Eat your greens

44

Keep calm and carry on

47

Shopping: Treat yourself

48

Travel destinations

88

Get (sun) smart

91

39

ADVERTISING DESIGN Alysha Bathman, Bella Considine, Brendan Cain, Jacqui Maskell, Prutha Kulkarni IMAGE EDITOR Lance Simpson PHOTOGRAPHY Rodney Braithwaite, Megan Fisher, Ray Sizer, Samantha Coles, Lisa Nardella Photography PUBLISHED BY Shepparton News

PO Box 204, Shepparton, Victoria, 3632.

5820 183.

magazines@sheppnews.com.au

betty magazine is published by Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd (ABN: 044-406-946) at the registered office, Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla, 3631

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betty October 2019

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A CAREER IN HEALTH COULD BE YOURS GV Health is currently undergoing a $172 million redevelopment delivering much-needed expanded facilities for our community.

As a result we need to increase our staff numbers and specialised positions. We are seeking doctors, midwives, nurses, medical officers including consultants and junior medical officers, allied health staff, medical imaging staff and support staff.

A career at GV Health offers a challenging and rewarding experience in a regional setting with low commute times, affordable house prices, fantastic events, sporting facilities and booming infrastructure.

To register your interest in future roles visit gvhealth.org.au

WE ARE CURRENTLY HIRING • Nurses • Emergency nurses and ICU Crit Care Trained Nurses • Registered Midwives • Theatre / Perioperative Nurses • Mental Health Nurses / Clinicians • Medical Staff • Physiotherapists • Occupational Therapists • New positions • (Nursing Vacancies for our new Dialysis Unit coming soon) • And more! Check out our Careers Page to see all of our vacancies!

Graham Street, Shepparton, VIC 3630 Australia P 03 5832 2322 | E enquiry@gvhealth.org.au

WELLNESS

Photography: Lisa Nardella Photography

Betty: How can women support other women during the often-exhausting early parenting years?

Jen: I saw an amazing quote on Instagram recently that read, “be the friend you wish you had when you had a baby”. To me, this would mean a home-cooked meal brought to a new mum.

It would be respecting that while I can’t wait for you to meet my baby, I also need a chance to sleep. And better yet, come over and cuddle my baby and entertain my toddler so I can catch up on some sleep.

Betty: Will your parenting journey be gentler if you realise there will be highs and lows?

Q&A WITH JEN BUTLER JEN BUTLER IS A REGISTERED NURSE AND MIDWIFE, MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH NURSE, REGISTERED LACTATION CONSULTANT, INFANT AND CHILD SLEEP SPECIALIST AND DEVOTED MUM TO MAX AND TED. HER BUSINESS JEN BUTLER EARLY PARENTING SUPPORT EMPOWERS NEW PARENTS TO BE CONFIDENT, HAPPY AND REMAIN CONNECTED AS THEY EMBARK ON THE EXHILARATING, BUT SOMETIMES DAUNTING, JOURNEY THAT IS PARENTHOOD. Betty: How relevant is the old saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ in today’s world?

Jen: Having a village to support a mum should be as relevant as the old saying goes; however, sadly, in today’s society calling on support is a perceived sign of weakness, or a sign that mum isn’t coping. Creating a support network is key to enjoying motherhood, and should be viewed as a positive step to take rather than a sign of weakness. We don’t have to do it all!

Jen: Yes! There is joy to be found in both the highs and the lows of parenting. Just like it’s your baby or toddler’s first experience in this world, it’s your first experience in their world. While you get to know your baby and toddler, you will experience some amazing moments and some very tough moments. Understanding that this is normal and to enjoy the ride will help to bring joy to the journey.

Betty: How important is self-care when you’re in the trenches and raising a family?

Jen: This is something I feel very passionately about and I talk about often. I often tell families that “you can’t fill from an empty cup”. Our little people require us to fill up their emotional cup many times a day. When our cup is empty, there is nothing left to fill our children’s cup! Self-care actually benefits a family, and in particular your child, because that time to recharge allows you to be more patient and present with your children.

Betty: How do you practise self-care?

Jen: My daily self-care practice is getting the boys to bed by 7 pm, getting in my PJs and binging on reality TV. Beyond this, I schedule in catch-ups with friends and I also play netball as another outlet.

Betty: Do you have a go-to app, what is it and how does it help you?

Jen: My go-to app at the moment is JS Health, which is a clean eating app. This is a part of self-care for me as well, eating well and trying to choose foods that give me sustained energy.

My favourite parenting app is The Wonder Weeks. I am a big believer in understanding the impact of development on baby and toddler behaviour (even around sleep, eating and more) so I encourage parents to have the app to refer to if they notice a sudden change in their baby or toddler’s behaviour.

betty October 2019

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COCKTAILS

A CHEEKY COCKTAIL THERE’S NOTHING QUITE AS A REFRESHING AS A CIDER ON A HOT SUMMER’S DAY … UNTIL YOU TRY A CIDER COCKTAIL. Adding sweetness or bitterness, cider is a great but often forgotten cocktail ingredient.

So why not up your mixology game with a little bit of help from locally produced cider from The Cheeky Grog Co.?

Test out the chilled, creamy hazelnut Nutty Pear or the Cheeky Paradise, a sweet and sour concoction with a dash of coconut.

NUTTY PEAR Ice topped with The Cheeky Grog Co. Flip Pear, a scoop of ice-cream with shot of Frangelico drizzled over the top.

CHEEKY PARADISE Mix together ice, The Cheeky Grog Co. Cheeky Cider, a shot of mojito mix and Malibu.

Hair: VAB Hairdressing, Shepparton.

Make-up: Esaje Makeup & Beauty, Shepparton.

Photography: Chloe Jones Photography.

Venue: The Cheeky Grog Co., Bunbartha.

Sally: Pasduchas pink dress, $299; Arcade Fashions, Shepparton. Model’s own shoes.

Anna: Elle Zeitoune blue dress, $289.95; Arcade Fashions, Shepparton. Model’s own shoes.

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KEEP COOL

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BEAUTY Model Microblading’s Melanie Henderson at work. Photography: Rodney Braithwaite

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BEAUTY

STORY: PAT PATT

BEFORE

LOVING THOSE EYEBROWS FOR YEARS HELEN GREENING HAD PLUCKED HER EYEBROWS IN AN EFFORT TO OBTAIN THE PERFECT SHAPE — UNTIL THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT. Then the Undera woman started drawing on her brows, but as her eyesight deteriorated and she needed glasses it became increasingly difficult to draw a nicely shaped brow.

“As a woman you want to look nice,” Helen said.

“There is nothing more attractive than a lovely set of eyebrows.”

AFTER

For Helen her eyebrows have been part of a transformation that has seen her grow in confidence.

“I was a very heavy person and so I had surgery to help with that, and I lacked a lot of confidence,” she said.

When someone mentioned microblading — a form of semipermanent tattooing using natural pigments — Helen thought it sounded like a good idea, so she began to look into it.

After extensive research she decided to book in at Model Microblading for an appointment with Melanie Henderson.

The microblade artist used a numbing cream and Helen found the process painless.

Melanie said aftercare is crucial to ensure that the finished result is good.

“If someone doesn’t follow the aftercare procedure correctly it can ruin their brows,” Melanie said.

“There is a strict guideline you need to follow.”

Helen was delighted with the end results.

WHAT IS MICROBLADING? Microblading is a form of semipermanent tattooing using natural pigments.

It is used predominantly on eyebrows but can also be used for hairline restoration to create a soft, natural look.

According to Model Microblading’s Melanie Henderson correct aftercare for the first 10 days is important.

Over those first 10 days the colour darkens, then lightens, disappears then comes back.

“The eyebrows do it for me — I don’t have to worry,” she said.

At the second appointment, the shape can be corrected if necessary or the brows can be thickened or darkened if the client wishes.

“Even if you’re at home on the weekend and somebody turns up, you don’t care because your eyebrows are on.

Melanie recommended regular brow waxing to keep the shape tidy.

“You can go without make-up and everything but if your eyebrows are looking nice, you look perfect.

“As women, we don’t appreciate ourselves as much as we should appreciate ourselves and I think we put everyone else first and ourselves last —and I think I got to a point and I said ‘that’s enough, I’ve done everybody else, it’s my turn now’.”

However microblading cannot be performed on pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Although Helen has started doing things for herself, it doesn’t mean she has stopped caring for others; she has two foster children and works as a personal carer and support worker.

Helen’s newfound confidence means she is doing things she would not have done before, such as joining a gym.

“It’s enabled me to push through some barriers I’d put up,” Helen said.

“I walk around and I’m as confident as all get out.”

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In Australia, 1 in 6 women will be diagnosed with a women’s cancer (breast or gynecological) before the age of 85.

Prevention and early detection are the best lines of defence against any cancer.

For more information visit: www.canceraustralia.gov.au

Damian DRUM MP

or talk to your healthcare professional

FEDERAL MEMBER FOR NICHOLLS

426 Wyndham Street, Shepparton VIC 3630 damian.drum.mp@aph.gov.au

damiandrum.com.au

(03) 5821 5371 DamianDrumMP

Authorised by D. Drum, National Party of Australia, Shepparton.

PROFILE

STORY: LIAM NASH • PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

ON CALL TO HELP COMMUNITY MEMBERS ON A PARTICULARLY BALMY THURSDAY AFTERNOON IN NAGAMBIE, NORIEUL KINROSS HAD ONE FOOT OUT OF HER CAR DOOR, PREPPED AND READY TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ON A KEY COMPONENT IN THE CHAIN OF SURVIVAL — UNTIL HER PHONE STARTED RINGING. THE FOOT WENT BACK INSIDE THE CAR, ONTO THE ACCELERATOR, AND IN A FLASH SHE WAS GONE.

The people in the waiting crowd weren’t disgruntled, they simply continued exchanging small talk over their instant coffee.

It was clear Norieul had places to be.

As one of 16 paramedic community support co-ordinators across Victoria, Norieul is stationed in a small rural area to best prepare the community on how to save a life as well as building resilience in the area.

Whether it be working with other local health services in the provision of primary care, holding instructive sessions for the locals or even writing informative articles — you name it, she does it.

But the split nature of her role means she must be ready to drop everything and go when that phone rings — there are no missed calls on Norieul’s phone.

Before relocating to Strathbogie Shire from Melbourne, Norieul was a member of St John Ambulance Australia throughout secondary school and felt the medical profession was the end goal.

Once graduated, she moved to nursing, and with Ambulance Victoria the next stepping stone, she was off.

Six-and-a-half years in the back of an ambulance followed, until her dream role popped up where she utilises her knowledge as a professional to influence the Nagambie community.

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PROFILE

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PROFILE

With no week the same, Norieul’s day ranges anywhere from mentoring and training the new paramedics to hosting sessions for the community — but when duty calls, she still has to go out to those horrific scenes and do what most simply can’t.

And with such a job comes certain baggage.

Sadly, the traumatic nature of saving lives can often become overbearing, resulting in paramedics having the highest suicide rates behind veterinarians.

But with a strong staff backbone behind her within the profession, Norieul says Ambulance Victoria is instrumental in keeping staff healthy and happy.

“The best support is our peers, we always debrief after a job whether it be good, bad, or indifferent,” Norieul said.

“We have some amazing support networks as well within Ambulance Victoria psychology services, and we also have peer dogs (support dogs which provide comfort to paramedics coping with difficult situations) which is absolutely brilliant.

“I know Ambulance Victoria do whatever they possibly can; staff welfare is first and foremost for the organisation.”

Outside of the navy uniform, Norieul has had a few heartstopping moments of her own in a different shade of blue, playing for AFLW side Western Bulldogs.

Having risen through the ranks playing in the big smoke, Norieul’s talent with the Sherrin was picked up by the club and she was given the chance to play against Melbourne, Brisbane Lions and Western Australia in exhibition matches.

“Ambulance Victoria were absolutely fantastic in supporting my goals to aspire to play AFLW football; I went on a flexible work arrangement where I still worked full-time but for set days so I could still get to trainings and games,” she said.

“I was involved in footy for about 18 years, I had lot of experiences and developed a lot of close friendships over that time, so I try and do whatever I can to give back to the up-andcoming female footballers.”

Her other methods of blowing off steam include hitting the trails for some mountain biking and rolling around in the company of her three dogs — but when it all boils down to it, her commitment to her career is what remains important to Norieul, and her message is clear.

“Everyone has an important role to play within the community in the chain of survival,” she said.

“Recognising that someone needs help, calling triple zero, making sure they’ve started CPR, getting the defib going so that the ambulance can arrive and take them to definitive care.”

“THE BEST SUPPORT IS OUR PEERS, WE ALWAYS DEBRIEF AFTER A JOB WHETHER IT BE GOOD, BAD, OR INDIFFERENT.” NORIEUL KINROSS

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VISITING SPECIALISTS Dr A Locke (Periodontist) Dr K Morris Surgeon (Periodontist)) Mr K Spencer (Oral Dr A Locke (Periodontist) Dr M Filei (Endodontist)

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Wendy is proud to support Pink Ribbon Day

Pink Ribbon Day is dedicated to fighting this disease, by raising awareness of the importance of breast health checks as well as the need for continued funding and research into breast cancer.

“

“

Every week at least one woman in the Goulburn Valley area is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Wendy Lovell MP Member for Northern Victoria Region

222 Wyndham Street, Shepparton (03) 5821 6668 wendy.lovell@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by Wendy Lovell MP, 222 Wyndham Street Shepparton 3630.

Funded from Parliamentary Budget.

STORIES: SHARON WRIGHT

COUNTDOWN TO ZERO NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION’S AMBITIOUS GOAL TO RECORD ZERO DEATHS FROM BREAST CANCER BY 2030 WILL ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY ONGOING COMMUNITY SUPPORT, FUNDRAISING AND RESEARCH. The target is welcome news as the disease impacts one in seven women in Australia and claims the life of eight women every day.

That’s why it’s vital that women continue to be brave enough to share their stories, to raise awareness and encourage others to take charge of their health, and for all walks of life to unite to raise valuable research funding.

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SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

FIGHTING FIT TO FACE 50 AMIDST THE CONFUSION AND COMPLEX MEDICAL JARGON DURING DIANE EDDY’S FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH HER SURGEON, ONE PHRASE COMMANDED HER ATTENTION AND WAS EXACTLY WHAT SHE NEEDED TO HEAR — “YOUR BREAST CANCER IS CURABLE’’.

Those words dispelled a fraction of the fear that comes with such a diagnosis, especially after losing her husband Noel’s mother to the disease 13 years ago.

Now cancer-free, Diane’s experience is one she is keen to share with other women, in the hope they will listen to their bodies and always seek a second opinion.

“I found a mass and went to a GP, who wasn’t my normal GP; she said it was just fatty tissue and as I wasn’t 50 and had no family history not to worry about it,” Diane said.

“About four months later I was lying in bed with my arms behind my head when Noel poked me under my arm, the pain was so intense.”

A day later she saw her usual GP, was referred for a mammogram and underwent a biopsy and the next day was delivered the devastating news.

“The lump was 66 mm x 44 mm and it was an early, but aggressive, stage-three breast cancer,” Diane said.

and daily radiation for five weeks in Melbourne, the tumour had shrunk enough for a simultaneous mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery.

“The bonus of all this is I’ve had a tummy tuck; they used the tissue from my tummy to rebuild my breast. I’ve never had such a flat tummy in my life,” Diane said.

Another positive was the availability of the Think Pink Foundation’s accommodation for regional patients undergoing cancer treatment in Melbourne, which allowed Noel to stay with Diane during the radiotherapy.

While there Diane participated in The Yarra’s Edge Progressive Marathon, a major fundraiser for the foundation that encourages entrants to walk 42.2 km at their own pace from May 4 to 18.

“I had taken up running at Shepparton Park Run before all this happened and when I was having radiotherapy in Melbourne we were living across the road from the botanical gardens so I started walking again,” Diane said.

Referred to a surgeon in Melbourne, subsequent scans revealed the cancer had only spread as far as two nearby lymph nodes.

“The marathon was a good way to raise money for the organisation and it kept me going; it felt like I was getting back to my old life.

After six months of chemotherapy at the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre at Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton,

“I’m so much more positive. Life is too short — you have to enjoy what you’ve got while you can.”

“Another month and it may have been a different story,” Noel said. “I remained very positive in myself, but don’t get me wrong, The oncology team’s plan was to attack the cancer with there were moments when I sat there and cried and questioned chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by surgery. ‘why me?’

“My surgeon was concerned that due to the size of the tumour if “My life has completely changed and for the better. Before all of she operated first she may not get it all so she went the other way this happened, I would have been in denial about turning 50 in around,” Diane said.

December but now I say bring it on.

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SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

“BEFORE ALL OF THIS HAPPENED, I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN DENIAL ABOUT TURNING 50 IN DECEMBER BUT NOW I SAY BRING IT ON.” DIANE EDDY

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SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

Emcee Claire Hooper will entertain.

FUN WITH A SIDE OF SERIOUS GATHER MORE THAN 730 WOMEN (AND A FEW MEN) IN THE ONE PLACE AND THERE’S GUARANTEED TO BE PLENTY OF CHAT, LAUGHTER AND FUN. And that’s exactly the atmosphere created at the annual Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch, which is being held for the 13th instalment at Riverlinks Eastbank on Sunday, October 27.

But amidst the lively vibe the event imparts a serious message — to encourage women to remain vigilant about breast care and to continue to seek a cure.

Brunch co-ordinator Caitlin McAuliffe said the event started with a 60-strong gathering at a local café, and in its history has outgrown several venues and raised upwards of $560 000.

Guests will hear from Nathalia’s Trudy Scadden, who had her last radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer on September 27.

Diagnosed in April, after a routine BreastScreen mammogram, Trudy underwent a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and is looking forward to telling her story.

“When I was first diagnosed, I just wanted it (the cancer) out of my body.

I had the attitude that the sooner I started treatment, the sooner I would be done,” Trudy said.

“I just wanted to hide away, and I didn’t want anyone to know, but I’ve got a bit passionate about breast cancer now and speaking at the brunch will be good for me and help me acknowledge it.”

Funds raised this year will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in particular a research project undertaken by Dr Delphine Merino who will outline the progress her team plans to make.

Guest speaker Trudy Scadden is looking forward to telling her story.

Keeping the fun and informative morning moving will be emcee Claire Hooper, with her sharp wit, engaging storytelling and comedic prowess promising to generate plenty of laughter.

Live music from local artist Bentley Gratton, a take-home goody-bag, a welcoming glass of bubbly, a delicious brunch and more than 60 raffle prizes will all add to the day.

Upon arrival you can have your photo taken in front of the photo wall, donated by Simply Stems Florist, or make a purchase from the various stalls including Stephens Jewellers, Zoodles Handmade Jewellery, NBCF merchandise and donuts donated

by Donut a GoGo. One Sweet Baker’s Jenaya Bell will have a sweet grazing board for guests to sample in the foyer, and at its centre will be one of

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three delectable cakes that will be among the raffle prizes.

Dr Delphine Merino’s research project will benefit from funds raised at the brunch.

Once again pre-brunch raffle tickets have been sold with the first prize a spectacular ring with white and pink diamonds valued at $3499, supplied by Stephens Jewellers.

At the brunch’s conclusion the fun will continue at Shepparton’s Aussie Hotel with the annual after-party — just show your ticket for a complimentary glass of bubbles and enjoy an afternoon of music and dancing.

SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

PATRONS PLAY VITAL ROLE GOULBURN VALLEY BUSINESSES HAVE TAKEN THE LEAD IN THE CONTINUING FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER. As patrons of the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch these organisations contribute to the financial success of the event, and ultimately the pursuit of a cure for a disease that impacts one in seven Australian women.

Joining The News as platinum partners in 2019 are Pental, Goulburn Valley Dental Group, Goulburn Valley Imaging, Stephens Jewellers and Peter Copulos and family.

Betty magazine caught up with several patrons, all of whom reiterated their commitment to such an important cause.

“WE ARE HONOURING OUR STAFF, MOST OF WHOM ARE WOMEN, BY SUPPORTING SUCH A GOOD ORGANISATION AND CAUSE.” SATH SARANATHAN Director, Goulburn Valley Dental Group

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SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

“THE BRUNCH IS A MUCHANTICIPATED EVENT, IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN TO GET TOGETHER AND SHARE A LAUGH WHILE AT THE SAME TIME REMINDING EVERYONE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR OWN HEALTH AND CONTINUE WORKING TOWARDS A CURE.” CAITLIN MCAULIFFE Co-ordinator, Pink Ribbon Brunch

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“WE’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE BRUNCH EVERY YEAR APART FROM THE FIRST. SHEPPARTON IS SUCH A GENEROUS COMMUNITY WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING PEOPLE IN NEED AND I’M SO PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH AN EVENT THAT RAISES SO MUCH MONEY FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT CAUSE.” STEPHEN SCHNEIDER Owner, Stephens Jewellers

SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

“EVENTS SUCH AS THE BRUNCH RAISE AWARENESS OF BREAST CANCER, THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION AND FOR THE RESEARCH THAT IS GOING INTO FINDING A CURE.” KIRA GATTUSO Mammographer, Goulburn Valley Imaging Group

“PENTAL IS INVOLVED IN THE BRUNCH BECAUSE OF MY EXPERIENCE. FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT I GOT, AND GOING FORWARD FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO GET THAT SAME SUPPORT, IT’S IMPORTANT TO RAISE AS MUCH MONEY AS POSSIBLE. THE WHOLE MORNING IS VERY UPLIFTING.” BETH SMITH Customer service and warehouse manager at Pental, and breast cancer survivor

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FACTORY OUTLET OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY

19.95

$

Factory Sales 45 Drummond Rd, Shepparton pentalfactorysales.com.au Phone: 5821 4398

$

1.50 PER BAR

Stephens Jewellers is proud to be celebrating our 12th year as a patron of this amazing Shepparton Pink Ribbon fundraising event.

We congratulate Shepparton News and all who have attended the event in past years for your combined fundraising efforts.

Together with our support partner PANDORA, we thank you the women of the region, for your ongoing custom and we look forward to continuing this important partnership in funding research to find a cure for breast cancer.

STEPHEN SCHNEIDER Owner of Stephens Jewellers

Stephens Jewellers Shepparton and Echuca www.stephensjewellers.com.au

SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

Dr Delphine Merino’s research project will benefit from funds raised at this year’s Pink Ribbon Brunch.

RESEARCHING FOR A CURE RESEARCH CONTINUES TO BE THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL IN IDENTIFYING THE CAUSES OF BREAST CANCER, EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS AND ULTIMATELY FINDING A CURE. Funds raised at this year’s Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch will be directed, through National Breast Cancer Foundation, to a research project headed by Dr Delphine Merino studying the genetic make-up of metastatic disease.

Dr Merino came to Australia for post-doctoral studies in 2008 and in 2017 was appointed laboratory head at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, within the Translational Breast Cancer Program focusing on finding new therapies for the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer.

Dedicated to cancer research for the past 14 years, Dr Merino shares NBCF’s goal of zero deaths from breast cancer by 2030.

“A few people in my family have been affected by cancer, including breast cancer. I am aware of the challenges that patients and their families are facing, in terms of family history, detection, monitoring and treatment,” Dr Merino said.

“I want to understand why cancer occurs and how we can prevent the relapse of the disease.

“I am fascinated by the biology of cancer cells — and I always wanted my work to benefit patients with cancer,” she said.

Dr Merino’s research project stemmed from a discussion with a consumer advocate seven years ago who told her that all patients who had experienced breast cancer lived with the fear of recurrence.

“Metastasis is the main cause of mortality for patients with breast cancer. When the disease comes back, fewer options are available.

“This outcome depends on the type of breast cancer, but also on the unique nature of the tumour. Some subpopulations of cells, present in a patient’s tumours, may have the ability to spread to other organs, such as bone, or brain.

“We need to understand the biology of disseminated cells, to detect, prevent and treat advanced disease.”

Dr Merino’s laboratory is studying the genetic make-up of metastatic disease with the objective to track and target the seeds of metastasis in triple negative breast cancer.

“Our work is working towards answering many questions: Why are some cells leaving the breast to go to different organs?

How do they travel in the vasculature? Can we detect them in the blood? Why are some of these cells escaping standard therapy? How can we kill these cells without harming normal tissues?” Dr Merino said.

“We recently developed cutting-edge technologies to answer these questions, and we are planning to apply these techniques to three models derived from patient samples, thanks to the support of NBCF.”

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SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

FINDING JOY IN LOOKING GOOD JOINING A GROUP OF WOMEN FOR A GIRLS’ DAY FILLED WITH MAKE-UP, STYLING AND LAUGHS WAS A HIGH POINT FOR LEANNE COOTE AS SHE WAS GOING THROUGH ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING PERIODS OF HER LIFE.

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SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

That’s how mother-of-two Leanne Coote describes the Look Good Feel Better program, which helps people manage the appearance-related side-effects of cancer treatment.

“It was one of the perks of having cancer,” Leanne said.

Run by volunteers, the program teaches participants to care for their skin, apply make-up, draw on eyebrows that are lost as a result of chemotherapy and experiment with wigs and head scarves.

“All the volunteers were so happy; they made everyone feel so comfortable,” Leanne said.

“It was a fun day and we tried on a few wigs. I tried on a grey granny wig, just so I could see what I would look like in the future.”

Leanne’s options included having the lump removed or the one breast removed but that would have required follow-up radiotherapy in Albury, Bendigo or Melbourne.

“That just wasn’t practical for me and it would have always been in the back of my mind that it would come back, so for peace of mind I had both breasts removed,” Leanne said.

Two sentinel nodes were removed at the same time as the bilateral mastectomy and were found to also be cancerous, so further surgery was needed to take out all lymph nodes on her right side.

After four rounds of chemotherapy three weeks apart, a fullbody bone scan and CT scan revealed Leanne’s organs and bones were clear of cancer.

The long-term foster carer, who turned 50 in August, said she initially found a lump prior to Christmas 2018 but with the busyness of the season, promptly forgot about it.

“My last chemo session was on August 19 and now I will start five years of hormone blocking medication to combat the oestrogen and progesterone positive form of the cancer I had,” Leanne said.

“A few months later I was in the shower, I wasn’t feeling for lumps but I had lost a bit of weight and I found it again,” Leanne said.

She went straight to her GP, and the situation escalated quickly with a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and back to the GP’s office to hear she had a gradethree aggressive form of breast cancer.

GOTAFE hairdressing trainer Sue Egan has volunteered at the Look Good Feel Better program for many years and encouraged her friend Leanne Coote to attend.

“I actually look at that as a positive, it was so aggressive I was booked in for surgery the next week, it was crazy fast,” Leanne said.

“For the last five years I felt I was going to get breast cancer, I suppose I had a premonition. I had friends diagnosed with breast cancer and for some reason I felt such a strong connection to them, so I wasn’t surprised.

“In a way it made it easier to make the decision to have a double mastectomy. My surgeon told me to take my time to think about it but I’d already thought about it.”

Aside from mild lymphoedema (swelling) in her right arm, Leanne said the biggest side-effect had been her declining fitness levels due to the lengthy period of inactivity while she was receiving treatment.

She is now gently trying to build up her fitness levels so she can return to work as an integration aide at McGuire College.

“My message to other women is to be vigilant and don’t delay if you find something. I never felt sick, so I was just lucky that it was found at a time when the doctors were still able to deal with it,” Leanne said.

For more information about the Look Good Feel Better program go to www.lgfb.org.au

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Female and over 40?

Is it time for a breast screen?

Goulburn Valley Imaging would like to remind all women over 40 of the importance of having regular breast screen.

Breast screening is free and takes about 10 minutes. You do not need a doctor’s referral for a standard screening and it is performed by a female radiographer.

You can book in for a screen at Goulburn Valley Imaging. As the only clinic in the region that performs this service, we’re staffed by specialist doctors, breast care nurses and fully accredited female radiographers.

Diagnostic screenings are also available. If you have found a lump or had a suspicious clinical finding, check in with your GP first as these scans require a referral.

Women aged over 40 who would like a free breast screen with Goulburn Valley Imaging should book at breastscreen.org.au or call 13 20 50.

Appointments for diagnostic breast imaging referred by your GP can be made with Goulburn Valley Imaging on 03 5821 6566.

Goulburn Valley Imaging 104 Nixon Street, Shepparton Ph: 5821 6566

SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

Pictures: Channel Seven.

WOMEN BARE SOULS AND BOOBS FOR CANCER AWARENESS IN A FLURRY OF PINK SEQUINS AND FEATHERS A GROUP OF WELL-KNOWN AUSTRALIAN WOMEN SHED THEIR CLOTHING IN FRONT OF A PACKED THEATRE AUDIENCE TO RAISE AWARENESS OF BREAST CANCER. Among the cast of Channel Seven’s The All New Monty: Ladies’ Night, which screened in late September, was former Violet Town resident Ella Hooper.

Best known for fronting rock band Killing Heidi, the awardwinning singer/songwriter is used to taking centre stage, albeit fully clothed.

Ella revealed her mother Helen was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, and with her blessing didn’t hesitate to say yes to the one-night-only television performance.

A show-stopping routine choreographed by dance-extraordinaire Todd McKenney brought together women from diverse backgrounds and varying ages, all with the same objective.

“If one person goes and gets checked because of the show, I’m happy,” Ella said during filming.

“It’s a warm, positive action in the face of something scary and confronting.”

Overcoming their own fears and insecurities, each cast member revealed their own personal reason for agreeing to bare their breasts to a room full of people, their journeys being as individual as they are.

Their different stories, Ella said, and the diversity of the women involved was reflective of the nature of breast cancer.

“It doesn’t discriminate,” she said.

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SHEPPARTON NEWS PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

PHOTOGRAPHY: SAMANTHA COLES

TATTS MARK NEW BEGINNING A SHEPPARTON TATTOO ARTIST IS PROVIDING A UNIQUE AND PERSONAL SERVICE TO WOMEN WHO ARE CLOSING THE DOOR ON A DIFFICULT CHAPTER IN THEIR LIVES.

Shepparton tattooist Cristen Brunner feels humbled to help women during their breast cancer journey.

Cristen Brunner, who co-owns Uncut Diamond Store with her sister Jenna, completes nipple tattoos for women who have undergone mastectomies and breast reconstruction surgery.

Highly-regarded for her realismstyle of tattooing, Cristen feels humbled to work with these women at a time that, for many, signifies the end of their breast cancer journey.

“For a lot of people this is a very sensitive and emotional topic,” Cristen said.

“These women have been through so much already, so it takes more for them to trust someone enough to do this and hopefully have an outcome that they’re happy with.”

Cristen takes note of the client’s skin tone to recreate a realistic looking nipple and uses shading to give a three-dimensional effect.

“These women place a huge amount of trust in me; often they

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tell me their story so it can be a real release for them,” Cristen said.

“Some have had massive battles, often for decades of their life, and for them to feel this might be the end of that journey is very emotional.

“It’s very satisfying to feel like I’m helping someone to move forward with their life after everything they’ve been through.”

Cristen completes the nipple tattoos after-hours and sections off an area of the studio so her clients have complete privacy, and she has no distractions while she works.

“People get tattoos for so many different reasons so we’ve created this environment with that in mind. Especially for someone who comes in here for that reason (nipple tattoo) we want them to feel safe,” Cristen said.

“I think the tattoos can help make them feel whole again.”

SCREENING IS THE BEST FORM OF PREVENTION Proudly supporting

Pink Ribbon Day Treatment for breast cancer is available locally at GV Health. However, early detection is key to help ensure a better outcome.

Remember to have a free screening mammogram every two years, if you are 40 or over. Contact your GP or Breastscreen Victoria on Ph: 13 20 50 to make an appointment today.

GV Health has a dedicated team of surgeons, medical oncologists, visiting radiation oncologists, breast care nurses and allied health professionals to care for patients affected by breast cancer.

For more information about Breast Care Services at GV Health contact the Oncology department on (03) 58 323 777 and ask for: Michelle Parish, GV Health McGrath Breast Care Nurse Melissa Gilmour, GV Health Breast Care Nurse

Graham Street, Shepparton P (03) 5832 3777 E breastcareservices@gvhealth.org.au

Helping you SAVE on your weekly shopping bill Birthday sale coming in November

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REAL WOMEN

STORY: SHARON WRIGHT • PHOTOGRAPHY: SAMANTHA COLES

PLAN FOR GOOD NUTRITION FOR BUSY BUSINESS OWNER AND MUM-OF-TWO LOUISE MORRIS, MEAL PLANNING IS A VITAL PART OF HER WEEKLY ROUTINE.

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REAL WOMEN

Sunday afternoons are dedicated to devising which meals the family will prepare and enjoy for lunch and dinner during the week and Thursday is shopping day to replenish the pantry, fridge and freezer with wholesome ingredients.

“I absolutely feel like I’m behind all week if I don’t meal plan,” Louise said.

“If I didn’t plan, who knows what we would be eating. I don’t feel we would get adequate nutrition.”

A long-held interest in health and fitness has translated into a career as a personal and group fitness trainer, and additional study in integrative nutrition benefits her clients as well as her family.

“The bulk of our diet at home is fruits and vegetables, lean meat, fish, dairy and good carbs, it’s very basic,” Louise said.

“For example, Monday night we had honey chicken and vegetables and Tuesday was steak and vegetables.

“I teach my kids and clients that if you go back to basics, there are no bad foods, and this new diet or that new superfood is not the answer.”

Involving her children Eva, 7, and Aviana, 4, in the meal planning and food preparation reinforces those lessons and reduces mealtime stress around fussy eating.

“It’s great to get the kids to help and establish those good principles early on. Educating them is so important, even though it would be quicker for me to just do it myself,” Louise said.

“Health is so important, there is so much focus on what we look like but it’s not about that, it’s about teaching kids to be heathy, fit and strong.

“When we’re cooking together it’s also a really good chance to talk to them about their day, to interact with the kids and find out what is going on.”

To manage her workload and her daughters’ busy after-school programs Louise prepares vegetables for the evening meal while she’s making school lunches in the morning, cooks in bulk and chooses meals the whole family will eat, so she’s not cooking a variety of dishes.

“It makes sense for financial reasons to meal plan, there is much less wastage and if it’s written down, you’re more likely to follow it.”

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REAL WOMEN

Meal planning helps Shepparton’s Louise Morris maintain healthy nutrition for her children Aviana and Eva. betty October 2019

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REAL WOMEN

LOU’S ALL-TIME FAVOURITE PROTEIN BALLS

(DF GF V)

Serves: 20 | Prep time: 8 hours | Prep notes: Soak almonds in purified water overnight Ingredients:

Method:

½ cup sultanas

2. Place almonds in a blender and blend on high speed for 30 seconds.

½ cup almonds 15 dates, Medjool 2 tbsp coconut oil

1 cup shredded coconut

3 scoops pea protein powder (optional) ½ heaped tbsp raw cacao

1. Melt coconut oil.

3. Add all other ingredients and blend on high speed for another 30 seconds.

4. Roll into balls and place in freezer (once frozen they take no time at all to defrost).

QUINOA AND ZUCCHINI SLICE Serves: 8 | Prep time: 50 minutes

Method:

Ingredients:

1. Pre-heat oven to 180ºC.

½ cup quinoa, cooked

3. Add all other ingredients and mix well.

1 broccoli head, chopped

5. Serve on spinach leaves and season with black pepper and spices.

1 brown onion, chopped

2. Whisk eggs and oil well in a bowl with spices.

8 medium eggs

4. Pour into greased dish and bake for 40 minutes.

2 zucchinis, grated

½ cup spring onions, chopped

1 cup nutritional yeast (or could use cheese) ½ cup olive oil

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional: turmeric, curry powder, paprika, any of your favourite spices

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• Roast sweet potato and capsicum in bulk, it will store in the fridge for a few days, and is a quick option for the vegetable component of an evening meal.

Photography: Chloe Jones Photography.

LOUISE’S TIPS

• Zucchini slice freezes well and can be quickly thawed for lunch or dinner, as well as banana muffins, which are a popular lunchbox item.

• Have boiled eggs on hand in the fridge. In between meal times a boiled egg and handful of nuts is a quick, nutritious snack that will keep you going until the next meal.

Feature your business in

To secure a position for the Mother’s Day edition contact your Betty representative or call 03 5820 3187.

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Saturday mornings 8.30am October through to March 2020 REGISTER and PAY! online at lavic.com.au • Keep fruit and vegetables within easy reach of children, so they can grab an apple for a snack.

Cut up bulk carrot and cucumber sticks and have hummus readily available for another healthy snack alternative.

• Avoid cooking a variety of meals to accommodate fussy eaters. Instead, plan plain meals which can be altered with seasonings and spices to suit all tastes.

• Maximise nutrition by adding extra vegetables into meals, or chia seeds, flax seeds and even spinach into an after-school banana smoothie.

• Don’t forget about the sweet tooth in the family.

Home-made protein balls are a treat which can be kept in the freezer.

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WELLNESS

STORY: LIAM NASH

GIVE VEGIES THE GREEN LIGHT “EAT YOUR GREENS.” IT’S A UNIVERSAL INCANTATION BELTED ACROSS THE DINNER TABLE BY PARENTS AND CARE-GIVERS ALIKE, USUALLY MET WITH GROANS AND EYE-ROLLING FROM THE RECIPIENT. When it comes to a well-rounded diet, meat and potatoes just don’t cut the mustard anymore; no longer is it acceptable to slide the vegies off the plate to save room for dessert.

As a dietician, Rebecca Monk from Ripe Health knows the ins and outs when it comes to nourishment and notes the integration of green vegetables into meals every day as the key to a healthy diet.

“All fruits and vegetables are really important; we talk about having a rainbow on our plate, in particular with vegetables,” she said.

Brimming with micronutrients, the benefits of greens are almost endless according to Rebecca.

“They can be beneficial in terms of weight loss because they are low calorie, the fibre component makes you feel fuller for longer and can help improve satiety levels,” she said.

Consuming green vegetables was once seen as a chore-like duty, with “they’re gross” used as the rationalisation for segregating them to the ‘not for consumption’ section of the dinner plate.

But with fancy new recipes emerging daily that use vegies in ways previously unimaginable, that excuse needs be tossed in the bin next to all the processed rubbish stopping you from leading a healthier lifestyle.

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SUPER FOODS Dark, leafy greens such as silver beet, kale and cabbage have been branded with the ‘superfood’ label in recent years.

Some may call it a marketing ploy, but it is no myth; greens are crammed with nutrients which can help keep away various illnesses and diseases.

“Vegetables are very important … for lowering the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, strokes and some types of cancers,” Rebecca said.

“They are high in folate, high in iron and high in phytochemicals, which are anti-cancer properties.”

A diet rich in greens can also assist in lowering blood pressure, eliminating risk of digestive problems and keeping your appetite in check.

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? As a nation, it has become crystal clear that we aren’t up to scratch when it comes to meeting our dietary requirements.

A recent national survey showed 90 per cent of women were not consuming enough vegetables, with most hovering around 50 per cent of the recommended level.

Rebecca recommended having five serves of vegetables a day to meet that daily quota and keep you feeling full of beans.

“A serve of vegetables is equivalent to a half cup of cooked vegies like broccoli, or a cup of salad vegies such as capsicum, lettuce, cucumber, etc,” she said.

DRESS ‘EM UP Greens are widely regarded as belonging to the dinner plate’s domain, but there is nothing stopping you from supercharging a run-of-the-mill breakfast or lunch with a handful of fresh produce.

Rather than isolating your vegies, Rebecca advises to look for ways to incorporate greens into all daily meals and snacks such as adding them to salads, stir-fries and curries.

“You can blanch them, steam them, add flavour to them, even adding extra virgin olive oil can improve the nutrient quality,” she said.

And if flavour is a barrier, Rebecca talked about ways to mask the taste such as putting frozen spinach through a bolognese sauce or tossing several silver beet leaves into soup.

“It is just overcoming and putting some flavour in, whether it be adding herbs and spices or olive oil, things like that can really improve them.”

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WELLNESS STORY: SHARON WRIGHT

EMBRACE YOUR FEELINGS AND

stay calm THE FAST PACE OF THE MODERN WORLD THROWS UP MANY CHALLENGES AND CAN LEAD TO OUTBURSTS OF ANGER AND FRUSTRATION IN OUR HOMES, WORKPLACES, ON THE ROAD AND IN SOCIAL SETTINGS.

But by accepting, understanding and acknowledging that we are human, imperfect and flawed, we can then be kind, caring and compassionate to ourselves and to others.

Clinical social worker and ACT Curious director Michelle Trudgen leads a team of professionals who help people increase their psychological flexibility with evidenced-based behavioural strategies to overcome challenges and enhance their personal and work life.

“Women can get angry and frustrated because they may be worried, feeling stressed, are sleep deprived, not making healthy food choices or even persistently feeling sad and stuck in an unhappy relationship be it intimate or work,” Michelle said.

“It is okay to feel angry and frustrated and then practice mindfulness to make room for these difficult feelings and be curious about why we are feeling this way and still move towards the people who are important to us.”

Factors such as relationship issues, children, caring for elderly parents, financial worries and employment concerns can all lead to anger and frustration but Michelle said a lack of sleep was also a major contributor.

“Sleep is the elephant in the room and the foundation of our health,” Michelle said.

“When we only want positivity and don’t accept the normality of difficult thoughts and feelings, we are more likely to avoid or control them by less healthy measures.

“We are more likely to overeat, or eat less, be irritable, blame others, sleep more, stop doing the activities that normally bring us joy and generally live our life in our mind and hit the pause button on our life.”

STRATEGIES • Maintaining regular contact and social connections with family and friends who are important to you is paramount to coping with the inevitable challenges we face in life.

• Get enough sleep. A 2017 book by neuroscience professor Matthew Walker, titled Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams, said adults 45 years or older who sleep fewer than six hours a night are 200 per cent more likely to have a heart attack or stroke in their lifetime, compared to those sleeping seven or eight hours a night.

• Be kind and accepting of yourself by noticing and naming your feelings of anger and frustration. Notice when you are feeling this in your body and lean into it, don’t try and avoid, distract or control these difficult feelings, instead act on your values by responding (not knee-jerk reacting) and being the person you want to stand for/be in this moment.

• If you’re experiencing anger or frustration, persistent low mood, feeling suicidal or your relationships and functioning at work, home or leisure is impacted, seek professional help.

• Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness teaches us that all our feelings are okay, they are not right or good or bad, and just because we have a feeling, we don’t have to act on it.

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SHOPPING

TREAT YOURSELF INDULGE IN A LITTLE BIT OF ME TIME OR SPLURGE ON A GIFT FOR YOU; YOU DESERVE IT

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2

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1. Tallis Dookie Hills Rose, $22, Tallis Wine; 2. Walnut Melbourne rose slide, $79.95, Boutique on Binney; 3. Najo onyx necklace, $159, Purdeys Jewellers; 4. Ted Baker Luchie rose gold watch, $359, Purdeys Jewellers; 5. Waffle bathrobe, $79.95, Pillow Talk Shepparton; 6. Oroton Seafaring sunglasses, $185, Graham Hill Eyecare; 7. Dyson Supersonic 23.75 Karat Gold hair dryer, $599, Harvey Norman Shepparton; 8. Cheeky Cider 24 pack, $75, Cheeky Grog Co.; 9. Najo rose pearl earrings, $149, Purdeys Jewellers; 10. Extendable bath caddy, $99.95, Pillow Talk Shepparton; 11. Seafolly bag, $19.95, Fit & Folly.

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Life’s about more than banking!

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RACES

ready

Stunning collections in store now

Your award-winning fashion store Cnr Maude & Fryers St, Shepparton • (03) 5821 4980

Proudly supporting Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch

Fashion for all ages. Womens sizes 8-24

185 Maude St Mall, Shepparton. Ph: (03) 5821 2161

Proudly supporting Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch

JUMP INTO SUMMER FROM THE MUST HAVE JUMPSUIT TO EARTHY HUES, IT’S SIMPLE TO SUPPORT LOCAL WHEN UPDATING YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE.

Clothing and accessories: Arcade Fashions, Shepparton; Boutique on Binney, Shepparton; Pampens Boutique, Mooroopna; Shop 221, Shepparton; Traffik Boutique, Shepparton.

Hair: VAB Hairdressing, Shepparton. Footwear: Boutique on Binney, Shepparton and models’ own. Make-up: Esaje Makeup & Beauty, Shepparton. Models: Anna Tinsley and Sally Beale.

Sunglasses: Graham Hill Eyecare, Shepparton.

Photography: Chloe Jones Photography. Venue: The Cheeky Grog Co., Bunbartha.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Anna: The Ark Clothing Co. top, $229; The Ark Clothing Co. gingham pants, $189; Status Collections necklace, $21, all Pampens Boutique.

Model’s own shoes.

Sally: Gordon Smith shirt, $99.95; Jump rust pants, $154.95; both Shop 221.

Model’s own shoes.

Anna: Ping Pong print dress, $169; Pampens Boutique.

Morgan & Taylor straw hat, $49.95, Traffik Boutique.

Model’s own shoes.

Sally: Elk print pants, $155; Elk print top, $135; Elk Vikran white sneakers, $199; Boutique on Binney.

Anna: Jump linen shirt, $129.95; Jump floral skirt, $164.95; Shop 221. Model’s own shoes. Sally: Veronika Maine culotte, $249; Veronika Maine top, $199; Adorne print scarf, $34.95; all Traffik Boutique. Model’s own shoes.

THIS PAGE: Anna: Madison white tank top, $49.95; Foxwood mustard skirt, $89.95; Walnut Colette sandal, $149.95; all Boutique on Binney. Zac Posen sunglasses, $341; Graham Hill Eyecare. Sally: Fresh Sole jumpsuit, $149.95; Arcade Fashions.

Oroton Henley sunglasses, $185; Graham Hill Eyecare. Model’s own shoes.

NEXT PAGE: Sally: Jump white tee, $59.95; Ping Pong khaki pant, $139.95; LS Collection necklace, $59.95; all Shop 221.

Maui Jim sunglasses, $399; Graham Hill Eyecare. Elk Vikran white sneakers, $199; Boutique on Binney. Anna: All About Eve overall, $99.95; Elm striped tee, $64.95; both Boutique on Binney. Gucci sunglasses, $385; Graham Hill Eyecare. Model’s own shoes.

Anna: Cue print dress, $365; Morgan & Taylor black hat, $89.95; Morgan & Taylor black square bag, $99.95; all Traffik Boutique.

Model’s own shoes.

Sally: Teaberry polkadot dress, $59.95; Shop 221; Morgan & Taylor fascinator, $109.95; Olga Berg white bag $89.95; both Traffik Boutique.

Model’s own shoes.

THIS PAGE: Sally: Veronika Maine print dress, $389; Traffik Boutique. Model’s own shoes. Anna: Fresh Soul Clothing jumpsuit, $169.95; Arcade Fashions. Model’s own shoes.

NEXT PAGE: Anna: Fate + Becker jumpsuit, $149.95; Walnut Havana Block heel, $179.95; both Boutique on Binney.

Sally: Joseph Ribkoff jumpsuit, $345; Pampens Boutique. Model’s own shoes.

Anna: Cue cream culotte, $245; Cue cream blazer, $360; Cue yellow knit top, $140; all Traffik Boutique. Model’s own shoes.

Sally: Curate embroidered dress, $264; Pampens Boutique. Model’s own shoes.

Award winning ciders, scrumptious food, cheeky times!

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Find us at: 5160 Barmah-Shepparton Rd, Bunbartha VIC 3634 (Only 10kms from Shepparton)

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EUROA 88 Binney St 03 5795 1992

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SHOPPING

THE SUMMER WARDROBE UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE WITH BREEZY LINENS, A POP OF YELLOW AND TIMELESS ACCESSORIES

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1. Elk linen jumpsuit, $225, Boutique on Binney; 2. Walnut Melbourne espadrille, $129.95, Boutique on Binney; 3. Seafolly button front dress, $149.95, Fit & Folly; 4. Elk rose gold earrings, $42, Boutique on Binney; 5. Ted Baker Phylpie tortoiseshell watch, $339, Purdeys Jewellers; 6. Elwood Clothing Georgie playsuit, $99.95, Arcade Fashions; 7. Curate dress, $275, Pampens Boutique; 8. Oroton Wanderlust sunglasses, $215, Graham Hill Eyecare; 9. Seafolly Spirit Animal shorts, $99.95, Fit & Folly; 10. Seafolly headband, $29.95, Fit & Folly; 11. Seafolly crochet bag, $59.95, Fit & Folly.

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SOCIAL FUNCTIONS AT RIVERLINKS EASTBANK Riverlinks Eastbank is a spacious, flexible, “one-stop” venue for your next social function. From the courtyard to the main auditorium and function rooms, there is a space for all your needs.

CABARET AT RIVERLINKS EASTBANK Come along as Eastbank is transformed into a stylish cabaret venue with couches and tables. Enjoy an evening out with friends, great food and fabulous entertainment!

For a full list of what’s on at Riverlinks visit riverlinksvenues.com.au/whats-on

Riverlinks Eastbank 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton 03 5832 9511 boxoffice@riverlinksvenues.com.au riverlinksvenues.com.au

BEAUTY Make-up artist Sarah Borman works her magic on model Trish Flanagan.

STORY: PAT PATT • PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

LOOKING GOOD AT ANY AGE WE ARE ALL AWARE THAT OUR SKIN CHANGES WITH AGE, BUT HOW SHOULD WE CHANGE OUR MAKE-UP ROUTINE? Sarah Borrman from Esaje Makeup and Beauty in Shepparton shares some tips to ensure our make-up flatters rather than highlights the effects of ageing.

4. When applying cheek colour, keep the face relaxed.

“Skin won’t look as natural if you haven’t given it any love,” Sarah said.

5. Stick to matte finishes for cheek colour, eye-shadow and lipstick.

2. “Evening out your skin tone correctly is one of the biggest tricks you can do to take a few years off your age.”

If you desperately want a bit of shimmer, apply on smooth areas such as the inner part of the eyelid.

1. The first step is to take good care of your skin.

“Moisturise daily and exfoliate weekly to keep dry skin cells at bay.”

Choosing a heavier product but only applying one coat gives a better result than applying several layers. “It sits in the smile lines better.”

3. Use a lipliner and then fill in with a rich matte lipstick to avoid the lipstick bleeding into fine lines around the lips.

If you apply the colour while you are smiling, when your face relaxes the colour sits lower on your cheeks giving an impression of droop.

“Shimmering products accentuate and draw attention to fine lines,” Sarah said.

6. When shaping and colouring eyebrows, don’t make the tail of the eyebrow long as it can accentuate any tendency to a hooded look and create an appearance of droop.

GET THE BASICS RIGHT

1

Hydrate as much as you like — moisturise, drink plenty of water, use a humidifier in the house.

2

Always remember to remove your make-up at the end of the day.

3

Check out the look of your favourite celebrities on the red carpet and see how they are made to look beautiful. Jane Fonda and Helen Mirren are good examples.

Avoid metallic lipstick, as it can create a fish-scale look.

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PROFILE

STORY: LIAM NASH • PHOTOGRAPHY: HOLLY DANIEL

NOT ONE FOR GIRLY TRAPPINGS VOGUE, NEW IDEA, WOMEN’S WEEKLY — THESE ARE THE TITLES THAT USUALLY SPRING TO MIND FOR MOST WOMEN WHEN THINKING OF A MAGAZINE. HOWEVER, THE SAME CAN’T BE SAID FOR EMMA COX, WHO DESCRIBES HERSELF AS “NOT YOUR TYPICAL GIRLY GIRL”.

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“I ENJOY COMPETING AGAINST THE MEN AND I THINK IT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY I HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THE SPORT.” EMMA COX 68

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A clay target shooter of the highest calibre, the primary school teacher left the confines of her classroom last year to compete in the double trap event in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, emerging from Brisbane’s Belmont Shooting Centre with a silver medal around her neck.

Her sterling success did not come without tribulation however, according to Emma.

“Unfortunately, during selection I had my foot run over by a buggy and was in a moonboot for most of the selection, and I also came down with pneumonia for the last half of it,” Emma said.

“In the actual event I was a few targets in front, then the conditions changed to flash targets where they wound up the traps quicker, and it was just a lack of experience which cost me as they don’t have those out in the country.

“I was really stoked to come away with the silver with my dad as coach, seeing as I sort of winged it for most of the way — it was a big family achievement.”

Emma first took a shot at the sport on a family outing, discovering that a natural talent for gripping the stock was somewhat hereditary.

“Most of Dad’s side of the family are hunters, so when I turned 12 he took me out to shoot clay targets, and we found out that I was pretty good,” she said.

“He is a good shot. He never went as far as I did, but he is a good all-round shooter and he has supported me from when I was a junior up until where I am now.”

Having since put her nose to the grindstone with her father by her side, the Mooroopna local has made a name for herself as a fierce competitor in a largely male-dominated sport.

And while many women could easily be intimidated by the lack of feminine influence out on the shooting range, Emma feels just as comfortable grasping the 12-gauge in the presence of men.

In fact, she thrives on it.

“Even though it is a male-dominated sport, what is really good about shooting at a domestic level is that women get to compete in their grades with the men,” she said.

“I was actually the first woman to ever captain the Australian Glenn Cup team that competed against New Zealand. It was a five-person team, me and four men.

“I enjoy competing against the men and I think it is one of the reasons why I have been successful in the sport.”

Away from the shooting range, Emma’s other passion involves helping young students hit targets of their own at Undera Primary School.

“I bring up my experiences when teaching kids about resilience; in my first world cup I came fourth and missed a few targets at the end and let a few people down,” she said.

“I ask the kids if I should have given up, and then I show them the video of me winning gold at the next world cup.

“The school is incredibly supportive of my sporting career; I didn’t study a bachelor at university — I always knew I wanted to be a primary or secondary school teacher.”

And when she isn’t leading the next generation or exercising her trigger finger, Emma likes to unwind with a different sort of crash-bang by performing in Rushworth Concert Band.

“I am not your typical girly girl,” she said with a laugh.

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GOOD PEOPLE GREAT RESULTS THE GSRE TEAM HAVE HAD A HOT START TO SPRING

Shepparton’s #1 selling team for all your residential, commercial & rural properties www.gagliardiscott.com.au

182 High St, Shepparton | 0358 31 1800

ED & DAVID

Over 40 years in the real estate industry Ed has 35 years of experience in the Real Estate industry, servicing the Shepparton area. Ed’s knowledge of all facets of Real Estate extends to residential, rural and commercial and he has ongoing relationships with his clients. Ed specialises in auctioneering, with a large successful portfolio and is highly regarded by his peers as one of the finest auctioneers in the Goulburn Valley.

David has been a fully licensed agent and auctioneer, and has been specialising in residential real estate in the Shepparton district for a generation, having an extensive knowledge of the market and its values. David shows determination with a friendly and accommodating approach, to achieve results for his vendors, resulting in a successful career with an extensive client base.

GSRE have experienced a really strong 12 months lead by Directors Rocky & Gerald who have one of the highest median sold price ($345k & $320k) compared to the industry average of $280k and boast the lowest days on the market (31 days & 14 days) respectively within the Shepparton area compared to average of 75 days.

Both agents agree the high selling price and low days on the market come down to a combination of quality marketing campaigns, presentation and photography and our strong personal relationships with buyers within our data base.

Along with our expert knowledge of the current market trends we utilise this information to help our Vendors achieve asking price or higher.

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 Sold Price  Days on the Market

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT What do you look for in a Property Management team?

An agency with proven Property Managers.

An agency with a reputation that precedes them.

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Our objective, always, is to lease your property promptly, to high calibre tenants, and maximise your rental return.

Property management is about people; those who manage your valuable investment, and those who live in it.

We get that.

www.gagliardiscott.com.au

70 Melville St, Numurkah | 0358 31 1800

Celebrating 30 YEARS

This year the GV health Foundation celebrates its 30th Anniversary.

During this time the Foundation has provided significant funding to enable to enable the Health service to purchase much needed vital medical equipment to enhance and deliver quality patient care.

This achievement would not have been possible without the support our local generous Goulburn Valley Community.

With the ever increasing demand for Hospital and Health care services, and the rapid advancement of modern medical technology, realising this goal is a never ending task.

Each year many individuals, organisations and patients give generously to the Foundation with donations, dedicated bequests and grants.

One hundred percent of donations received by the Foundation are allocated to the particular areas nominated by our generous donors.

Can’t bear to be without a book?

Download FREE eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines with your library membership.

Read watch listen learn enjoy – we have it all! gvlibraries.com.au 1300 374 765

Your libraries are located in Mooroopna, Shepparton, Tatura, Cobram, Numurkah, Nathalia, Yarrawonga, Euroa, Nagambie, Violet Town and a Mobile Library service.

If you would like to support the Foundation please contact:

GV Health, Graham Street, Shepparton Phone (03) 5832 3071 or 0408 579 199 Email carmel.johnson@gvhealth.org.au

REAL WOMEN

STORY: SHARON WRIGHT • PHOTOGRAPHY: RAY SIZER

PROJECT KEEPS WOMEN COMING BACK A GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT IS QUIETLY GATHERING MOMENTUM IN NUMURKAH.

Each month, a small group of women meet to fashion remnants of fabric into reusable bags, and in turn save tonnes of waste finding its way into landfill.

But for this dedicated bunch, the positive environmental impact is just one benefit of the Boomerang Bags project.

The other — and perhaps more important — by-product is the strengthening of community ties.

Amidst the gentle hum of the sewing machines and sharp snip of the scissors there’s constant chatter, as the participants talk about

all manner of topics from family life to parenting and health.

Boomerang Bags Numurkah’s co-ordinator Nicole Wells took on the role soon after the program was started in the town by Jenna Simpson about 12 months ago.

“The main thing is getting people connected, in a purposeful and meaningful way,” Nicole said.

“I’ve seen it happen a lot where people meet others within the community that might be going through the same things they are.

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REAL WOMEN

“If people’s hands are busy they tend to talk, it’s not as confronting to do that when you’re focusing on something else.”

Nicole said those who attended ranged from excellent sewers to beginners and those who could not sew at all.

“There’s a role for everyone. You can even learn to sew if you choose, otherwise there’s always fabric cutting, pinning pieces together or ironing to do.”

Volunteer Bek Happy moved to the area with her family about 18 months ago and said the program had given her a valuable outlet to meet like-minded people.

“When you move into a rural area it can be hard to break the ice, but something like this allows you to meet new people, and become part of the community,” Bek said.

“There is always a lot of chatting; it’s more about that than the sewing. It’s good therapy.

“They say it takes a tribe to raise a child and that’s true here, we come together to help create solutions.”

Nicole estimates “a few hundred” individual bags have been handcrafted from donated materials, which are sold for $2 each through the Numurkah Community Learning Centre and Numurkah Community House.

“There is a misconception that you have to bring the bags back, and I think that’s stopped some people from taking them because they think they’ve been used and will be dirty. But once you take them, they’re yours,” Nicole said.

Branded with a distinct fabric pocket screen-printed with the Boomerang Bags logo by students at Numurkah Secondary College, the bags are made from repurposed pillow cases, sheets, curtains or upholstery fabric.

“Virtually anything that can go through the washing machine is suitable. Lace and mosquito netting is great for making produce bags,” Nicole said.

“I wrap presents in them because they are unique and different, and we’re starting to see a few of them being used by shoppers around town.”

Boomerang Bags Numurkah meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month (not in school holidays) from 10 am to 2 pm. Phone Numurkah Community Learning Centre on 5862 2249 for venue details.

BOOMERANG BAG BOOM Started by two women in Queensland in 2013, Boomerang Bags has a growing international presence and its website reveals the following statistics: More than 800 groups are now operating worldwide.

An estimated 222 462 bags have been made.

Fabric waste diverted from landfill measures 77 862 kg.

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a little something for everyone

167–171 HIGH STREET, SHEPPARTON (03) 5831 2500 INFO@SABAC.COM.AU WWW.SABAC.COM.AU /sabaconhigh

Summer READY Fit & Folly proud stockists of swimwear from Seafolly, Milea, Miraclesuit and Sea Level.

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Swimwear available in size 6–20 and up to an F Cup. Let us help you find your fit this Summer.

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SPOTLIGHT ON MISCARRIAGE

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON

e g a i r r a c s i M EACH DAY 282 AUSTRALIAN WOMEN EXPERIENCE MISCARRIAGE. THAT’S ABOUT 103 000 A YEAR. YET PREGNANCY LOSS IS SHROUDED IN SECRECY. LADIES, IT’S TIME TO TALK, SHARE STORIES AND END THE STIGMA.

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SPOTLIGHT ON MISCARRIAGE

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY: MADELEINE CACCIANIGA

LIVING WITH LOSS THE HEARTBREAK OF LOSING FOUR BABIES HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL ON NAGAMBIE WOMAN ANA WILLIAMS. OPENING UP ABOUT HER STRUGGLES WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND HER LIFE AFTER LOSSES, THE MOTHER OF EIGHT IS DETERMINED TO COMPLETE HER FAMILY. When Ana Williams became pregnant with her fourth child in October 2017, she had no reason to fear after carrying out three healthy pregnancies bringing Amber, 13, Brooke, 9, and Cerise, 6 into the world.

The family of six included step-daughter Annika, 20, and Ana’s husband Blair Williams, who were hoping to complete their family with a baby boy.

For Ana the first hint of concern came at her 20-week scan, when the couple was told her fluid levels were low and Ana was referred to a Melbourne doctor.

“I remember thinking as I went in for the scan that they were going to keep me in and monitor me for a few days,” she said.

“But instead we were told there was no heartbeat.”

Although it is something every pregnant woman thinks about, Ana never thought she would become a statistic.

The couple decided to give birth to the baby, who they named Dylan Rhys Williams.

“It was a really tough thing to go through, especially going through the labour knowing what the outcome would be,” Ana said.

Ana said she would never forget the two days they spent in hospital with their son close by in a Cuddle Cot.

A Cuddle Cot is a cooling system that has been designed to fit within a small cot, allowing for babies who have died to remain with their families and not require cooling in a mortuary environment.

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“The experience after birth, as horrible as it was, it was so amazing to have the couple of days with him in hospital because of the Cuddle Cot,” Ana said.

As the sun continued to rise and fall each day, the Williams family continued on with everyday life.

However, the running joke of “family of all girls, you’ll have to try for a boy next” began to haunt them.

It was only a few weeks after the loss of Dylan that the family attended a friend’s birthday party.

“We were introduced to some people we hadn’t met before and it was just thrown out in conversation — would we try for a boy,” Ana said.

“My heart just sunk, and I ended up in the toilet bawling my eyes out.”

Since then, Ana said the whole family had a greater consideration for respecting the unknown when speaking to people.

When it came time for the couple to try again in July 2018, fear clouded the experience.

“Finding out I was pregnant again was exciting but scary at the same — I was petrified of losing another baby,” Ana said.

“Every day just worrying — I’m going to lose this baby, I’m going to lose this baby.”

Feeling some relief from her morning sickness this time, Ana thought it was a positive sign.

“I’d had it (morning sickness) quite bad with the first four but this

SPOTLIGHT ON MISCARRIAGE

time around not as bad and I thought, well, maybe this is the one pregnancy that’s finally going to ease off and we’ve been through enough,” she said.

But a week later a severe migraine caused her concerns to re-emerge.

“Once again, off to the doctor to get another scan and we were told there was no heartbeat,” Ana said.

After being booked in for a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure in Melbourne, Ana went into labour before surgery.

Evan David Garry Williams was born sleeping on September 28, 2018.

“They gave me some medication that’s meant to help with the surgery, and it sent me into labour,” Ana said.

“It was such a scary experience — it was happening fast and there was a lot of blood.”

With the loss of another baby, the couple began to feel frustrated by the lack of answers.

“They wouldn’t do genetic testing because we had to be 13 weeks or over, or your third consecutive loss — we were 12 weeks and five days,” Ana said.

“We were shocked.

We never thought it would happen again and for a while we were just left a bit dumbfounded and just left to carry on with our lives.”

Determined to beat the odds this time, the couple conceived again in March this year.

“I said to my husband, surely it can’t happen again,” Ana said.

“Part of me felt that with Evan it was the constant worrying that worried the pregnancy away, so I decided this time I would go into it positively and it wouldn’t happen again.”

Eight weeks on, the couple heard those dreaded words: “I’m so sorry, there’s no heartbeat.”

Going back to Melbourne for the D&C, Ana said they were faced with an unpleasant experience.

“I don’t know if it was because I was under 12 weeks this time,

but we sat in a room with other pregnant women going in for surgery,” she said.

“I couldn’t stay in there, I ended up sitting out the front of the waiting room away from everyone and my husband had to wait for my name to be called.”

Finley Alex Williams was born on May 9, 2019, the couple’s third consecutive loss.

“Finley had trisomy 9 which is a chromosomal abnormality and the cause of 2.5 per cent of pregnancy losses that occur before the 20th week of pregnancy,” Ana said.

“We found out Finley was also a girl.”

Learning from past experiences, Ana knew something was wrong when they went in for their next scan in August.

“We had received a positive response and gone in for a seven-week scan; this time there was a black hole with a small sac inside,” she said.

“We were diagnosed with a condition called blighted ovum, which is when a gestational sac develops without an embryo.”

The couple named the baby Baby G. Adding up her experiences, Ana has spent a total of 52 weeks pregnant but has yet to experience the life of a newborn baby since the birth of her daughter Cerise.

“It’s tough, it’s frustrating and it’s mentally draining,” she said.

Now waiting on results from Baby G, Ana and Blair are still hoping to complete their family.

“Some days that’s all I think about, is how much I want another baby, and it’s not to say I love my girls any less,” Ana said.

“It doesn’t matter how many people tell you, you haven’t done anything wrong; it’s hard to believe it and those questions are always there: what have we done to deserve this, why does this keep happening?” she said.

“If we’ve learned anything in life, it’s that nothing is guaranteed; but if I knew that we would finally get our baby I would go through the loss a million times.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON MISCARRIAGE

“THE GRIEF AND THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT ON THE MOTHER WHO HAS LOST A BABY AS A MISCARRIAGE AT LESS THAN 12 WEEKS IS QUITE THE SAME AS SOMEONE WHO LOST AS A STILLBIRTH AT 38 WEEKS.” LANG LANG YII

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SPOTLIGHT ON MISCARRIAGE

STORY: JESSICA BALL PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

EMOTIONAL JOURNEY “NOW THAT YOU’RE MARRIED, WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE KIDS?” “SO WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO TRY FOR A SECOND?” “DON’T YOU WANT A GIRL TO GO WITH YOUR BAND OF BOYS?” THESE QUESTIONS ARE NOT UNCOMMON; AND WHILE ON THE SURFACE THEY SEEM HARMLESS (ALBEIT NOSY), THEY CAN BE HAUNTING FOR MANY WOMEN. THE TRUTH IS YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. MISCARRIAGE IS NOT SOMETHING MANY CHOOSE TO TALK ABOUT, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN THEY HAVEN’T EXPERIENCED IT. Sitting in Dr Lang Lang Yii’s Shepparton Women’s Health Centre office there was a sense of normality.

It was just two women talking about miscarriage.

“If there were three other women in the room, one of us would have experienced miscarriage,” she said.

So why is this not a conversation we often hear during coffee catch-ups and girls’ nights?

“People don’t know that miscarriage is quite common,” Lang said.

About one in five women in Australia will lose a pregnancy.

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>> But this does not account for chemical pregnancies where a woman miscarries before she even knows she is pregnant.

Miscarriage is defined as a loss before the 20-week mark of a pregnancy, whereas after 20 weeks — the point at which the developing baby is considered a full foetus and can possibly be delivered — the loss is known as a stillbirth.

The first 12 weeks are the most risky.

Lang said 90 per cent of losses occurred in the first trimester.

While this is in line with society’s unwritten 12-week rule, she said there was no such thing as the ‘safe zone’.

So, why does miscarriage happen?

Lang said chromosomal abnormalities were the leading cause, with age, lifestyle choices and other medical conditions also contributing factors.

And little can be done to prevent miscarriage or stillbirth.

“One miscarriage is common and, unfortunately, it really is bad luck,” Lang said.

“We’ve found that 90 per cent of the reasons are because of the chromosomal abnormality and there’s nothing to do with the mums.

“Even the healthiest women can experience miscarriage.”

But that does not soften the loss.

Feelings of guilt and a flood of thoughts like ‘I’ve failed as a woman’ are not rare.

“Women think it’s more about what they have done, but having a miscarriage is not their fault,” Lang said.

“Unfortunately the chromosomes just go haywire and there’s nothing much we could really do to avoid it.”

This guilt is part of the grief process.

Lang said it was normal to struggle emotionally but talking about it could help.

“Generally people don’t talk about it so much at 12 weeks, but people talk a lot about it at 38 weeks,” she said.

“The grief and the emotional impact on the mother who has lost a baby as a miscarriage at less than 12 weeks is quite the same as someone who lost as a stillbirth at 38 weeks.

“Thirty per cent of women have been commonly diagnosed to have perinatal anxiety or depression or postnatal depression, even after they have another baby.

“A lot of times people forget about the father.

“If it is possible, we get the partner and patient together and acknowledge their problems and concerns and talk about the grief so that they don’t keep it in and then carry it to have anxiety later on.”

For most women a single miscarriage or stillbirth does not affect

LIFE AFTER LOSS A single miscarriage or stillbirth is followed by check-up but Lang said there often was no need for extensive further investigation, with more than 70 per cent of women going on to have a healthy baby.

“We do consider further testing after they have consecutive three miscarriages with the same partner,’’ Lang said.

The body will take its time to come back with a cycle and Lang said it was important for a woman to wait until she was physically and mentally ready to try for another pregnancy.

Lang also recommended pre-conception counselling and adjusting lifestyle choices.

“We always say (wait) one or two cycles afterwards and see how you feel, because some people may have to handle their emotions first.’’

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THE STATS The chance of miscarriage and stillbirth increases with age.

One in four women under the age of 30 will experience pregnancy loss.

This increases to one in three for women between the ages of 31 and 39.

For women 40 and above, the chance of miscarriage and stillbirth is one in every two.

their ability to give birth to a healthy child in the future.

But hearing the words ‘you’re pregnant’ after a loss can be met with both joy and fear.

Lang said it was natural to worry about losing another pregnancy.

“It’s common to feel that because you’ve lost one, but we reassure them there’s a good chance to have a normal and healthy pregnancy,” she said.

Announcing a pregnancy is a personal choice and Lang said it was not a doctor’s duty to tell a woman who she should tell or when but building a support network was crucial.

SUPPORT After a miscarriage or stillbirth, support is crucial for the mother and father.

Lang said maternal nurses and your GP were the first point of call while Goulburn Valley Health also offered a perinatal emotional help program under the mental health triage.

There is also a plethora of support online.

Lang recommended SANDS, Pink Elephants Support Network and PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia).

“We find that it is worthwhile to talk to your family about pregnancy in the first 12 weeks because sometimes you may need some help and support,” she said.

Then, if you are one of the one in five women who experiences pregnancy loss, the people closest to you will be there to support you through the grief.

And the more women talk about their experiences, the more they understand they are not alone.

“Sometimes I think (peer support) is the best because then you know that actually there are other people that have had miscarriages too, not just you,” Lang said.

THE CAUSE The overwhelming majority of miscarriages and stillbirths are caused by chromosomal abnormalities.

Lang said the other 10 per cent of miscarriages and stillbirths occurred due to medical conditions while there were also lifestyle factors that could increase the chances, including: • Smoking five or more cigarettes a day, • Drinking more than three standard drinks a day, • Consuming more than 500 milligrams of caffeine — three to five cups of coffee — a day, • Obesity.

“They can contribute to that but it doesn’t mean that they are the main cause, the main cause is still chromosomal abnormalities,” Lang said.

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PROFILE

PHOTOGRAPHY: RODNEY BRAITHWAITE

PERFECT CAREER PLANNED WELL TOWN PLANNING IS A CAREER WHICH CAME NATURALLY FOR JANE MACEY. Launched while she studied in Melbourne, it combined her love of geography with her desire to help others.

But, living in the city, Jane felt something was missing, and deep down she knew her passion was regional Victoria.

“I always been drawn to regional areas, I love fresh air and community connections so a regional lifestyle felt more natural to me,” Jane said.

Over her 25-year career Jane has been involved in projects in Bendigo, Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne and internationally in Dublin before settling in the Goulburn Valley where she has had an enormous influence on many lives.

“I spent some time in the Goulburn Valley and really enjoyed it,” she said.

“It’s bursting with activity, there’s always something happening. The foodie scene is amazing. It really felt like home. So I took the plunge; I moved here and I haven’t looked back.”

Following the move, Jane transferred from the Melbourne Spiire office and joined the team at Spiire in Shepparton, a property and infrastructure consultancy where she has thrived for almost 20 years.

Her colleagues attribute her down-to-earth nature and understanding approach to community needs as being fundamental to her success.

Three years ago Jane was appointed principal town planner at Spiire and is the practice area leader for planning and urban design across the business.

It is well-deserved recognition for her contribution to the team, but it’s an accomplishment she remains humble about.

“It’s not always been easy and there have been a lot of learning curves in my journey,” she said.

“I’ve learned early to trust in my vision and instinct, but remain open to ideas from colleagues or other members of the community.”

In this role, Jane serves as a bank of information for

clients and team members in the region.

As a member of the local community Jane has developed an intimate knowledge and understanding of local planning issues, a key factor to finding beneficial planning solutions.

Having built a wealth of experience in her field, Jane’s wide range of expertise has come from delving into various community issues and absorbing the vital aspects of how a town functions.

“Interacting with a wide variety of clients, projects, community and gaining experience is a key benefit of working in a regional area,” she said.

Having her voice heard as a female in a maledominated industry is another big factor to her success and she credits Spiire for its impartiality.

“For the females in our workplace, Spiire empowers our voice which is equally considered and sought for advice, problem solving in a project and communications,” Jane said.

“Spiire has a real focus on equal opportunity for everybody and we celebrate diversity.”

Jane has become a fully engaged member of the Goulburn Valley region. She sits on the board for the Committee for Greater Shepparton, where she influences and shapes the future.

“I have been helping out with community advocacy, providing advice around economic development in planning, population, growth, settlement patterns and other related matters,” Jane said.

For Jane, it’s seeing her ideas come to life which brings her the most joy, and knowing she’s had a hand in shaping Shepparton and the region which she now calls home.

And there’s no slowing down.

“It’s a real buzz when you get a permit, regardless of the type of project,” she said.

“Whether it’s a two-lot subdivision or a bigger project or a strategy plan that’s been accepted by the community: solving people’s problems and getting outcomes — that is the real highlight.”

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TRAVEL

STORY: PAT PATT

SHARE THE ADVENTURE TRAVELLING CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR NEAREST AND DEAREST OR BESTIES, BUT HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A DESTINATION YOU WILL ALL LOVE? LYN MCNAUGHT FROM LYN MCNAUGHT TRAVEL HAS BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR A GOOD FEW YEARS, SO WE ASKED HER FOR SOME SUGGESTIONS OF WHERE TO GO WITH NO MATTER WHO YOUR COMPANION IS.

CRUISING WITH A PARTNER Make the most of 24-hour daylight on a visit to Greenland and experience drifting icebergs, Inuit culture and arctic wildlife.

Peregrine Arctic Express offers visitors the opportunity to land via zodiac and hike across the tundra, cruise through the world’s longest fjord system looking out for the arctic fox and musk ox, see Brogetdal’s coloured mountains and experience the grandeur of Waltershausen Glacier.

If that sounds a little wild for your taste, APT Best of the Baltics Cruise offers 13 days of history and culture.

From medieval towns with cobbled lanes to trendy Nordic capitals, Viking history to a private ballet performance in St Petersburg, soak up centuries of culture while enjoying the convenience of cruising.

FAMILY TRIPS Resorts are often a good option for families with children of any age.

If your family likes the idea of a jungle adventure, Club Med Cherating Beach in Malaysia offers treetop exploration, wildlife encounters and a turtle sanctuary, as well as the usual sports and activities.

There is also gourmet cuisine, an adult-only zen pool and children’s club for the littlies.

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La in Penang is a four-star resort on Batu Feringgi Beach with child-friendly facilities and lots of options for recreation, leisure and dining.

Offering great value, this family-oriented resort has something to keep guests of all ages happily occupied.

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TRAVEL

MOTHER-DAUGHTER TIME Enjoy some one-on-one time with your mother or daughter on a trip away from all the responsibilities of home.

If a few days is all the time you can spare, a visit to Adelaide or Sydney offers lots to see and do.

Enjoy wine-tasting in the Barossa Valley or visit historic Hahndorf from Adelaide, or enjoy a three-course lunch and wine cruise on the harbour and a day trip to the stunning Blue

Mountains from Sydney.

If you have a longer trip in mind, why not visit the magical ‘City of Lights’?

See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre, take a cruise down the Seine and enjoy local food and wine.

Within an easy day trip of Paris, enjoy the grandeur of Versailles or the vibrant colours of Monet’s garden.

FUN WITH THE GIRLS P&O Cruises has a range of cruises where you can relax in the company of your girlfriends while seeing or doing something different.

From three nights enjoying the local delicacies of the Sapphire Coast Food Festival to a Pacific Island Hopper Cruise, boot-scooting on a three-night Country Cruise, to experiencing top comedy acts on a Comedy Cruise, there is an option to suit any group of friends.

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SKINCARE

STORY: JESSICA BALL

ME, MY FAMILY AND MELANOMA “ARE YOU WEARING SUNSCREEN?” MY MUM DEMANDS THE MOMENT I TELL HER I’M OUT ON A WALK WHILE WE CATCH UP OVER THE PHONE. Every. Single. Time.

He circled eight spots with a marker.

But it’s not just her motherly nature coming out.

A tiny imperfect circle with a speck of white in it on my forearm.

My grandfather — known to all as Leo — was a hard-working farmer in the days long before ‘no hat, no play’ rules.

Two on my upper back that I can’t see for myself.

Mum was only 30 when she had her first suspicious mole removed and in her 40s when her father died from melanoma.

Mum remembers him carting hay in the middle of the day, shirtless with the sun belting down and a large spot on his chest.

By the time Leo went to the doctor it was too late and in the end he refused treatment that might have given him more time but couldn’t cure his cancer.

Every single time, I say, “of course I’m wearing sunscreen Mum!”.

It’s a lie.

Two — one large and brown, the other skin colour and raised — hiding under my thick hair.

The multicoloured birth mark I’ve had all my life (myth busting my belief that birthmarks that grow hair are not at risk).

One just under my bum that had only appeared recently.

And one on my stomach.

One I know is larger than it used to be but I’m unsure if it’s grown at the same pace as my belly or faster.

Dr Hook described its multiple shades of brown, oddly shaped appearance as a textbook example of melanoma.

Despite my family history I never thought to slip, slop, slap for a 30-minute walk around the lake.

Those aren’t the words you want to hear on a Monday morning.

Just as I’ve neglected adding sunscreen to my beauty routine, I’d been putting off getting a skin check for years.

To help with this, a nurse took photos of each of the eight spots Dr Hook had circled and put them on a CD for me to take home and refer back to.

Sure, I’ll smother my pale white skin in sunscreen on the rare occasion I’m headed to the beach or on a hike, but not for a quick peek outside on an overcast day.

A few weeks ago I pitched this story in a ploy to make myself accountable and booked an appointment at Shepparton Skin Clinic.

Walking into Dr Stephen Hook’s office I was a little nervous, but a friendly chat about my family history and my skin put me at ease.

Then it was down to business.

I stripped down to my bra and underwear (not the full monty I had expected) before Dr Hook examined my skin while teaching me what signs to look for.

He assured me it was not a melanoma but I needed to keep an eye on it and its seven friends.

I left trying to remember why I had avoided a skin check for so long.

I thought it would be expensive; it wasn’t. A skin check cost me around $60 without private health cover.

I thought I was young enough not to be too worried; I’m not.

A skin check reminded me that I’m not invincible.

I thought it would be uncomfortable; it wasn’t. A skin check is certainly less intrusive than a Brazilian wax.

Then I called my mum and told her that mother knows best.

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FASHION

A GUIDE TO SWIMWEAR STEP ONE TO ACHIEVING A BIKINI BODY, IS PUTTING ON A BIKINI. But in reality, standing next-to-naked in a changing room trying on swimwear can be an experience riddled with insecurity.

If this description sounds familiar, business owner Nicole VercoeByrne says you’re not alone; most women who walk into Fit & Folly in search of swimwear are body-conscious.

She doesn’t expect women to fling open the change room curtains with confidence, but said while it could be daunting, the easiest way to find a well-fitting swimsuit was with a little help from an expert.

“When they’re in there, if we can actually see them and help them

fit, we can find what’s not working,” Nicole said.

It is all about feeling comfortable.

“It’s not about body shape but it’s the way people like things to fit,” Nicole said.

“It’s really a personal thing.

“Lots of women are one size top and a different size bottom, and not everybody wants the exact same set, some people want high-waisted and some do want revealing bathers.”

Here, she shares her advice for finding the swimsuit that’s ‘the one’.

FULL FIGURE

RECTANGLE One-piece, tankini or high-waisted cuts with prints or details like waistline cutouts can help enhance your curves.

A tankini is a great option when you want full coverage but need different sized tops and bottoms for a comfortable fit, while wide shoulder straps add extra support.

PETITE

PEAR

HOURGLASS

Try high-cut bottoms to elongate the legs, details like ruffles and tie sides for volume and plunging or deep-V necklines.

A printed or detailed top will help create balance and draw the eye away from areas you might feel self-conscious of.

Halter-neck bikini tops, frill-free bottoms and classic one-pieces will take advantage of a defined waist and accentuate curves.

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FASHION

SHAPE UP TO THE SUN SUNGLASSES PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROTECTING OUR EYES FROM HARMFUL UV RAYS, EVEN ON DULL DAYS, BUT OPTING FOR PRACTICALITY DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO SACRIFICE STYLE. The team at Graham Hill Eyecare has become skilled at assisting clients to choose sunglasses that not only reflect their style and personality, but also flatter the shape of their face.

Optical dispenser Jill Maude said the Shepparton business stocked a range of on-trend styles for prescription and non-prescription lenses, but the variety of choice could sometimes be daunting and create confusion when a customer was updating their summer eyewear.

That’s where the training and experience of the three-member

optical dispensing team comes to the fore, to ensure the all-important summer accessory you choose is right for you.

“We are able to assess the face shape of a client and look at the face, not only from front-on but at a 3D level,” Jill said.

“For example if someone has high cheekbones that will impact on how certain frames will sit comfortably on their face.

“By talking to clients we can find out about them and what their needs are, in terms of sunglasses.”

OVAL

ROUND

Almost any style of sunglasses will suit an oval face, as the face is well balanced.

People with round faces should avoid oval or round styles as they will make the face look fuller.

Make sure the sunglasses are as wide as the broadest part of the cheeks.

Upswept corners on glasses emphasise cheekbones and make the jaw seem more angular.

Fairly narrow, rectangular frames will flatter, and straight or angular glasses add definition to the cheekbones and minimise curves.

HEART-SHAPED

SQUARE

Cat’s eye-shaped glasses and semi-rimless styles suit heartshaped faces, as they balance the jaw area and bring focus to the eyes.

A square face is flattered by curvy styles of glasses, such as round, oval or cat’s eye shapes.

Sunglasses that are top-heavy or sit high on the face should be avoided as they will draw attention to the forehead.

Such shapes will give the face more definition and downplay a strong jawline.

Avoid square frames.

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BUILT WITH

ELEGANCE

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Your headspace headspace isvisit here tonearest help why across we provide information, support and services across centre is head That’s why we provide information, andThat’s services That’s why support we provide information, support and services across To learn more headspace.org.au/shepparton four key areas that canhealth, affect your wellbeing: mental health, sexual health, alcohol four key areas that can affect yourareas wellbeing: mental health, sexual alcohol To learn more visit headspace.org four key that can affect your wellbeing: mental health, sexual health, alcohol young people (12-25 years) and other drugs and work and study support. and other drugs and work and study support. and other drugs and work and study support.

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support and services across four key areas that can affect your wellbeing: mental health, sexual health, alcohol and other drugs and work and study support.

Your nearest headspace centre is headspace Shepparton.

To learn more visit headspace.org.au/shepparton

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SHOPPING

HERE COMES THE SUN MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER IN THE HOTTEST SWIMWEAR AND ACCESSORIES

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1. Miraclesuit tankini top, $199, Fit & Folly; 2. Aspect Sun Hydrating Face SPF50+, $65, Shepparton Skin Aesthetics; 3. Kooringal hat, $29, Pampens Boutique; 4. Walnut Melbourne leopard slide, $79.95, Boutique on Binney; 5. Beach towel, $39.95, Pillow Talk Shepparton; 6. Braun Silk Expert Pro hair removal system, $599, Harvey Norman Shepparton; 7. Seafolly Wild Tropics pants, $129.95, Fit & Folly; 8. Najo turquoise earrings, $119, Purdeys Jewellers; 9. Sea Level bralette, $79.95; Sea Level high waist pant, $54.95, Folly & Folly; 10. Oroton Voyage sunglasses, $215, Graham Hill Eyecare; 11. Oroton Revolve sunglasses, $185, Graham Hill Eyecare; 12. Assorted goggles, $POA, Aquamoves; 13. Seafolly stripe tote, $59.95, Fit & Folly.

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