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Edition 17 — December 2018

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Contents

Edition 17, December 2018

On the cover

8 That rarest of things — a living legend Helen Coulson artwork cover by Stella Farrell from Echuca

Inside

7 Welcome 12

The evolution of Chloe

Forget the men's shed, Leisa has your measure

Busy, then a baby, now a business, whatever next

Suddenly Single

Being, at its most basic, is a matter of choice

An over achiever on her own terms

Manager, mother, mourner and her little miracle

It's a tough job but someone has to do it

X marked the spot, from XXX and XX to I can wear anything

If you want to have your cake — and eat it too

Thirty Something

Women’s fashion

18 Contact us

bella editor Tyla Harrington tyla.harrington@riverineherald.com.au 5482 1111

bella advertising Stuart Addicott stuart.addicott@riverineherald.com.au 5482 1111

Want more bella? facebook.com/bellamagazineechuca Instagram — @bellamagazineechuca riverineherald.com.au/@bella

26 32

Photography: Luke Hemer, Stuart Walmsley Editorial design: Jacqui Maskell, Brendan Cain Advertising design: Bella Considine, Brendan Cain, Tanya Main Words: Sophie Baldwin, Andrew Mole, Tyla Harrington, Ivy Jensen, Charmayne Allison, Kimberley Price

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HRISTMAS HAS BEEN, and always will be, the most wonderful time of the year for me.

of possibility because my advent calendar and I will count down the days until Santa arrives every year without fail.

I'm not sure what or who (probably Santa) sparked my festive spirit back when I was no bigger than your average size elf, but I am most likely the world's biggest fan of Christmas.

It's a tradition.

Ok, so, maybe it had something to do with the presents including all those cuddly toy dogs (I'm still waiting on the real one Santa) I was gifted year after year. Or maybe it was the food or the fact family always came together/comes together. It might have even been Rudolph and his cute little red nose or the excitement I had when it was time for my grandparents to take me and my brother to look at the Christmas lights around Echuca-Moama. Whatever it was, for as long as I can remember, December 25 has been marked with a big red marker on my annual calendar.

I love carols, I love family, I love giving gifts and receiving them and I love food. I love that time of year when the tree comes out, the decorations get hung and everyone (mostly me) starts walking with that extra bounce. Of course there will be people you come across while you're skipping down the street or singing around the office who absolutely hate the word that starts with Christ and ends in mas (no Vivienne Duck, I didn't mention you) but not even the Grinch himself could steal it from me. The only thing I can say I struggle with is buying gifts earlier than December 24, give or take December 23 and 22.

It's not to be missed.

I am an organised person but in the hype of Christmas I sometimes leave the gifts until the last minute.

Not that that could even be in the realms

All but guaranteeing I shop local — and that I

must modestly applaud and encourage. Shopping local is paramount and there are so many businesses in our region there is no reason why the stocking can't be filled right here at home. So instead of leaving town this Christmas to buy the perfect gift for a loved one, get it on your own doorstep. You never know what you might find. And you never know what that support could mean for a local business. After all, Santa sees you when you're sleeping and he knows when you're awake. He knows if you're shopping local (or not), so be good for goodness sake. Merry Christmas to all our Bella and Beau readers and a Happy New Year (also another favourite of mine but that's a story for another day and another magazine). And don't forget to check out the latest deals at businesses near you in the pages of this month's Bella and Beau. 

That rarest of things –

a living legend For nigh on 60 years Helen Coulson has walked tall in Echuca-Moama. She has given most of her life in service to the twin towns and their community, championed its causes, rescued its history and helped put it on the map. Now she has turned 100 and she is genuinely bemused people think all that is worth celebrating

ISTORIAN AND AUTHOR; teacher, educator and mentor; wife and mother; honoured Australian citizen and matriarch of the twin towns. Or simply put, living legend. In 2016 Helen Carlyle Coulson (nee Duncan) received a Medal of the Order of Australia and a letter of congratulations from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. On December 8 in 2018 she qualified for a second letter from Buckingham Palace. In recognition of her 100th birthday.

the historical society and for generations of locals is without parallel. Not that she would ever suggest she did much at all. Last month in her kitchen she admitted to some maudlin thoughts about another centenary — the end of World War I. The Great War. About which Helen can find nothing great. Just as she was appalled a second world war followed, and there have been so many other wars since.

A birthday, and day, Helen insists are noth- “I had a great uncle in the first war, a brother ing, and certainly nothing she had anything in the second,” Helen recalled. to do with. “I remember my mother telling me her As is the right of such a senior citizen she is mother always used to say 'what is the entitled to get a little despairing of all the world coming to?' attention — she neither invited it nor enjoys “I think the question is as relevant today as it it. was back then.” But there is still a sparkle in her eyes when But she quickly shook off those thoughts she concedes it is very humbling to have so and focused on what she said she could many people interested in what she is doing. only describe as “not a bad life thus far”. “In that context I suppose I am quite chuffed, Clearly Helen loves an understatement. but really, I would be happy to just consider A graduate from the exclusive Fintona Girls it another day,” Helen said. Grammar in Camberwell Helen was born “There was a morning tea organised at less than a month after World War I ended Echuca library and it was quite something and married less than a year after World to know people would give up their time, go War II finished. out of their way, just to say happy birthday She would work in local government and for to me,” she said. politicians before moving to Echuca in 1959 Helen doesn't get around as well as she little realising she would become pivotal in used to; relying on her walking frame to its history. move from room to room, but she still lives And as far as history goes she wasted no in her home and maintains her privacy and time in making her mark — the very next independence. year she was a founding member of Echuca Although for most of the past 100 years she Historical Society and was its first secretary. has been the least private of people. For the next 20 years. Rather she has been a community rallying In partnership with others she was instrucry, one of those salt-of-the-earth doers. mental in getting the PS Adelaide as they Where Helen Coulson truly stands apart key to the Echuca fleet. in the twin towns is what she was able to achieve here for the tourism industry, for That the wharf is still standing is in no small

way thanks to Helen. And while she could only manage 20 years as EHS secretary she dedicated 50 years in its service and has been made a life member. The author of numerous books, about the Dandenongs, Horsham and a swag of Echuca/Murray River stories. Helen was co-opted as a teacher at Echuca Technical College, imparting her vast local knowledge to students for 11 years and then in 1971 found herself back in the foundation business, this time the Port of Echuca Restoration Advisory Committee. Longtime friend and admirer Dot Hammond, current president of Echuca Historical Society, said the veteran campaigner had an incredible list of firsts next to her name. “Just look at the things she has done,” Dot said. “Inaugural member of the Friends of Echuca Library, inaugural committee member and secretary of the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney; inaugural member of the Friends of Old Moama (a role in which her work was fundamental in saving the old telegraph station, Maiden's Punt crossing and Chanter St); inaugural member of the Long Paddock Touring Route project,” she said. “It got to the point where if you could not get Helen as a founder or inaugural member you were in trouble.” But Helen really came into her own in 1982 when, in her role as Port of Echuca manager, she shone the light of her countenance upon Crawford Productions, helping them with the hit series All The Rivers Run, which would spark an amazing tourism revival in the twin towns. “Find me another Helen Coulson and I will go he,” Dot added. Teasing a few words from Helen about that staggering track record is about as easy as

getting her to throw her own birthday party.

“It's a very difficult thing to get right. I think radio and the newspaper. the Discovery Centre might have been bad She is particularly proud of all the books “Looking back it seemed a much simpler timing, a static display right when the digishe has written, some going into second world.” tal, interactive age took over,” she said. and third prints. When pressed about the mark she had “I am quite impressed with what Swan Hill “I know it will sound funny but I am rightly left on her town Helen said she would be is doing, and of course Ballarat is spectacproud of the book I did on the Dandenongs delighted if people considered her a “true ular — and I think has been very good at but new books are a bit beyond me now,” believer”. accessing funding and grants.” Helen conceded. “We do,” she said, “need more of them.” Helen had also promised to be on her best “I think to a large degree the digital age has There is no question Helen Coulson's legacy behaviour at her birthday morning tea. put the kybosh on curiosity, and that's sad,” is already set in concrete. she said. “I have had a very fulfilling life; I think I have Not only has she been a true believer, she been exceptionally fortunate. When it comes to the port she agreed it was has been a guiding light in whom people perhaps the most noteworthy thing with “I have seen so much change, I remember believed. which she has been involved in her 59 when we were young we didn't have TVs, years in town. computers, anything digital. We had the Does it get any better than that? 

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As the warmer weather and holiday period begins for many families the lure of water activities rises. Whether it’s open waterways, pools or rivers the increase in water activity also increases the risk of drowning — 800 people have been involved in drowning incidents and 249 have lost their lives. The time now is to focus on the vision of the Royal Life Saving Club to reduce our drowning rates by 50 per cent over the next five years.

WIMMING IN RIVERS, creeks and streams was the largest location category contributing to 61 drowning deaths in a year. Below there are a few hints and tips to stay safe in our local waterways.

RIVER SAFETY TIPS 1. Never swim alone It is important to take care when walking on slippery or uneven surfaces around or in water. Conditions should be checked before entering the water slowly, feet first. Avoid submerged obstacles, such as tree branches and rocks.

2. Avoid alcohol around water Alcohol often contributes to drownings. It impairs judgement, encourages greater risk taking behaviour, reduces co-ordination, impairs reaction time and reduces the effectiveness of CPR, should someone require it. On average, about 25 per cent of adult drowning deaths each year involve alcohol, with 44 per cent of these occurring near rivers, creeks and streams. A further 9 per cent of these occur in lakes, dams and lagoons. 3. Wear a lifejacket Watercraft related drownings can occur if people do not wear lifejackets, consume alcohol and fall overboard, are not prepared for changing weather

conditions, collisions occur or their vessels are not seaworthy. On average, 51 people a year drown while using watercraft. After oceans and harbours, rivers, creeks and streams are the second most common location for watercraft related drownings to occur with an average of 11 drownings per year. 4. Learning lifesaving skills Gain the knowledge and skills to administer first aid until medical help arrives. Anyone at any time may need to give urgent assistance and a Royal Life Saving First Aid and/or Resuscitation Course will equip you with the necessary skills.

References: ROYAL LIFE SAVING NATIONAL DROWNING REPORT 2018 www.royallifesaving.com.au/programs/respecttheriver/rivertips

The

EVOLUTION of Chloe

Drawing on an almost spiritual connection with the river has helped Chloe Sheldon become someone working at the cutting edge of the holistic, using yoga as a teaching tool to help people better balance their lives and their outlook. KIMBERLEY PRICE reports

MINDFULNESS SEEMS TO be the latest bandwagon everyone is jumping on.

“Everyone has their own thing that feels like a moment of bliss.

The art of awareness, particularly self-aware- “The key for practicing mindfulness is to take ness, is incredibly detrimental to overall a second, wherever you are, and stop whatcalmness and health and wellbeing. ever you're doing, to truly appreciate the moment and its bliss.” While there are a number of ways to achieve this — with no-one having identical needs means, for Echuca born and bred Chloe Sheldon, the river is hers. “The river is home,” she beamed. “I've always travelled a lot, but there's something calming about the natural flow of the river. “It has this innate ability to consistently make me feel at home.” Chloe is passionate about people discovering their own Zen. For her it's anything on the Murray, whether it's skiing, boarding or simply stretching along the banks.

Having grown up skiing alongside her two younger brothers and father, Chloe discovered a love and a talent for slalom.

love with it,” she said. “My training started at the Bridgewater Ski Club and led me to be coached by world champions such as Nick Adams, April Cobler and Ryan Dodd. “I began competing for the Victorian squad and then I was presented with the opportunity to coach, train and compete in the US, at North Carolina.

The intense water sport requires whole body “I went on to represent Australia and I came strength to pull yourself into an almost hori- back and did tournaments for a few years zontal plane, parallel with the water — and as part of the national team.” then comes the hard part, manoeuvring the After suffering chronic back pain from ski around the track of six buoys at speeds competitive skiing, Chloe turned to yoga for of 55 km/h for women and 58 km/h for men. therapy and to maintain her fitness. Soon, Without a course in Echuca, Chloe travelled the bubbly 26-year-old discovered a whole nationally and internationally to take up her new passion in life. sport competitively. “I started with Vinyasa + Yin in Melbourne,” “I went to Bridgewater where I really fell in >>> she said.

>>> “I simply fell in love with it. “With yoga, there's a physical side and a mindfulness side. “I could just chill out with it.” The self-confessed hyper spirit found yoga provided her with a sense of tranquillity. It wasn't long before she made her yoga practice one of her main forms of exercise. After three years of consistent practice she made the transition from student to teacher. “I feel like yoga needs to be a part of my everyday life for balance,” she said. “When we stretch deeply into our body, a shift occurs not only physically, but mentally and spiritually. “I love that through yoga people get the opportunity to find time and space for themselves.

This summer, on top of her personal workload with her business Yoga with Chloe, Chloe joined forces with the Stand Up Paddle Boarding team and delivered yoga, not next to the river, but on it. If yoga wasn't physically challenging already, the added contest of keeping balance on a paddle board is certainly demanding for the entire body. Surprisingly, once you're out on the boards, the flow of the river which Chloe avidly raves about and the constant encouragement from the instructor, are enough to keep your concern about an unplanned dip at bay. “It's been amazing to see the community gravitate towards it and a lot of people just love it,” she said. “I practice yoga outdoors because I love the natural energy that brings.

“People can forget or dive deeper into what's going on in their lives.”

“It's a way to unwind, be in the moment and be present.”

The Yogi prefers to take her classes outside on her parent's Wharparilla Drive property for a truly serene experience, next to the river.

Chloe's lively aura allows yoga students, new and experienced, young and old to find the perfect balance in strengthening their body and mind.

Filling her classes with her positive vibes and radiance, Chloe thrives on helping others find their Zen through yoga and seeing them reap the incredible benefits the spiritual discipline teaches you.

Having accepted a position as a yoga instructor in Burleigh Heads, Chloe left her hometown in February for her next venture. But the Murray lover will always call the twin towns home. 

>>>

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Forget the men's shed, Leisa has your measure Few things in this world are more blokey than the shed. Whether it's on a work site or in a backyard, the shed is, by and large, secret bloke's business. And then along came Leisa Evans and it was a whole new ballgame for the blokes — and her — writes KIMBERLEY PRICE

EISA EVANS IS not just a one-woman dynamo; she may well be the only woman in her industry.

And admitted none of that was how she saw her life unfolding. As owner and manager of REM Sheds and Garages in Rochester and servicing the Echuca-Moama and wider community as a distributer of Fair Dinkum sheds, Leisa's life is hectic. On top of this, she's also a wife, mother to three boys and has played an integral role in junior footy at Rochester and in the Goulburn league. But she's definitely the woman holding the reins and she wouldn't have it any other way. She's paved her own way in the industry and has managed to learn the tricks of the trade to build a successful and reliable business. “It is a very male oriented industry and work place; but it doesn't faze me as I've got three boys of my own — so my world is already male dominated,” she said. “Between the two businesses we have all male employees except for one girl who is the office manager for Paul Evans Welding and she does a few jobs for me. “Most of my customers are male but I have had some fantastic female customers too. “All the customers I have worked with have been welcoming and supportive and terrific to deal with. “I've had great customers and I even received surprise flowers after one particular job.” Leisa transformed her life to work alongside her husband Paul as co-owners of REM

Sheds and Garages and Paul Evans Welding. While Paul looks after the general engineering side, the shed and garage side is all Leisa's. “Paul wanted to expand the general engineering business and looked into having a little shed franchise,” she said. “We already fabricated hay, machinery and farm sheds but we could see a need for good quality Australian-made residential sheds and carports — and an alternative option for farm sheds. “Eventually this opportunity came up and we took it.” What was supposed to be an additional sideline to the current business, turned out to be a whole new business in its own right. When Paul Evans Welding opened 15 years ago, Leisa worked fulltime in the office. After “I had no real choice but to jump on board spending eight years in each other's pockand make it work.” ets — living, working, eating, sleeping, playLeisa is a very determined woman. ing, and raising three boys together — Leisa decided it was time she went back to teach- She crosses all the “T's” and dots all the “I's” ing, a career she'd always loved. to ensure every job is perfect for her loyal customers. “I loved teaching,” she said. “I cut my days back in the office and worked after hours for the business so if I needed to I could go back to teaching. “I was working as a casual relief teacher across almost every discipline and eventually was working most days at Rochester Secondary College. “But when we began REM Sheds and Garages I realised how demanding it was going to be — and not the side project we'd originally thought.

From the outset she was clearly into the head-on approach for any challenge although insists in the early days of her business she was far from the woman she is today. Suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar environment and an industry difficult to comprehend, her life was turned upside-down. “It was very full on in the beginning,” she agreed. “In the beginning I was so far out of my

depth and thought if I made a mistake I might hurt someone. “You may as well have told me to perform brain surgery after two days of training. “It wasn't a feeling I was used to at all. “I only had two days of training in Sydney to learn the software. Paul came with me and took two pages of notes and I took 15. “I was so stressed as I thought I was going to do something wrong. “On more than one occasion I thought I just couldn't do this — I was so far out of my comfort zone it was ridiculous. “It would take me eight hours to do one quote, because I would overanalyse it so much. I was very anal.”

and became much more efficient and There simply were not enough hours in relaxed — and even started to welcome the the day for Leisa. She would be working new challenges of her role. up to 16 hours a day, juggling her role as a mother by running the boys to where they “I don't like to take the easy option if it's not needed to be and maintained her commu- the best option,” she said. nity involvements by being secretary of the Rochester Junior Football Club and treas- “I want every job to be high quality both in functionality and aesthetically. If I'm not urer of Goulburn Campaspe Junior Football happy with it I can't expect the customer League. to be happy. “It was still so important to fit in family time though because if you can't enjoy things “I'd encourage everyone to try things outside their comfort zone and explore new things with your family — what is the point?” she no matter how daunting it may seem. said. “Even my boys could feel my stress and they would tell me to go for a run — exercise and sport were my saviours.”

“Or if you are chucked in at the deep end like I was — embrace it and give it your best.

Over time, Leisa learnt to manage the fear the new business brought to her

“Most likely somewhere where you never thought you would be.” 

“You never know where you will end up.

Busy, then a baby, now a business, whatever next Tessa Perri all but ran away to sea, just as they do in those old romantic sagas. Where the young heroine meets the man of her dreams as they sail the world’s oceans. Hang on, isn’t that exactly what happened here? CHARMAYNE ALLISON reports

started me early,” she laughed, a twinkle in her eye.

But at the still tender age of 18, somehow found herself on the high seas with the Royal Australian Navy.

After climbing through the grades at Girgarre Primary School and Kyabram Secondary College, Tessa faced the tough task of deciding what to do with her future.

S A LITTLE GIRL, Echuca's Tessa Perri wanted to be a hairdresser just like her mum.

It took a curious twist of fate and a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears to get her there. But it was the beginning of an almost 10-year love affair which would see her sail to five different countries on six different ships, enduring physical and mental challenges most of us can only imagine. And forging friendships that would last a lifetime. This year, Tessa made the tough decision to leave her Navy family and return home, where she and husband Richard now run Echuca's popular Roma Pizza and Pasta Restaurant. And she's channeling all her energy into her newest (perhaps biggest) challenge yet: being a mum to two-month-old Leonardo. Born in Kyabram in 1990, Tessa could never have imagined the whirlwind journey that would lead her to where she is today. Growing up on the dairy farm with three older brothers, it wasn't unusual to find her swimming in channels, skinning her knees riding motorbikes or helping out on the farm. “Yeah, it was a bit of childhood labour, they

“I always wanted to be a hairdresser like mum, so I completed my certificate one and two and worked at several salons in Ky,” she said. “But I soon realised it was too indoors.” Feeling a little lost, she decided to take a gap year. Initially planning to work in Canada, her parents replied with a flat-out no — there was no way they were letting her go overseas at 18. So she decided to try something a little tamer — the Navy. “At that time, I kept seeing it advertised in the newspaper and on the news, so I thought I'd apply,” she said. “I didn't know much about it at the time.” Just 17-years-old, Tessa gritted her teeth and threw herself into the rigorous application process. This included a fitness test in Shepparton, IQ tests, an aptitude test and an interview in Albury. The family was just about to break out

>>>

>>> the cake and presents at her 18th birthday party when she received the phone call she'd been waiting for. She'd made it in. From there, Tessa was whisked off to the HMAS Cerberus for recruit school. The subsequent months were a blur of 4.30 am starts, fitness classes and training sessions — many, many training sessions. “There was a toxic hazard gas room where we had to walk in without our masks on and hold our breath for 30 seconds,” she said. “We then had to put on the mask, do a canister change to change the air filter, then complete five push-ups so we could learn to deal with heavy breathing.” Then there was the flood unit. A claustrophobe's nightmare (really, everyone's nightmare), this was a scene straight out of Titanic. “We'd be placed in a two-storey unit and water would flow in and fill the unit so there was only a foot of air left at the top,” Tessa said. “We had to assemble all the right tools and plugs and fix all the holes and shore the doors closed.” There was also training for first aid, survival at sea, firearms (Tessa's handy with an F88 Austeyr), drill and seamanship. And all this in just three months. While Tessa never felt like giving up, she admits the first few weeks pushed her to her limits. “One morning we had to do continuous push-ups,” she recalled.

This was exacerbated further by the fact Tessa wasn't allowed her mobile for the whole three months, except on weekends off. “I only got a weekend off after one month as well, so we had basically no contact with the outside world,” she said. “I missed talking to my family.” Once she'd finished recruit school, Tessa took a 'gap year', joining HMAS Sirius and sailing throughout South-East Asia. The gap year allowed her to get a feel for different jobs on the ship — from working on the bridge with the boatswains to training as a marine or electronic technician. But Tessa soon found where her heart truly lay — in the kitchen. “After a bit of time with the chef, I decided I loved it,” she said. “I did TAFE for five months then a three-year apprenticeship.” Little did she know she was honing skills that would one day serve her (and Echuca diners) well at Roma Pizza. During that time, Tessa also trained for the medical emergency response team. Where she experienced her first casualty.

And while Tessa treasured her time there, she doesn't regret her decision to leave. “Richard and I weren't allowed to work on a ship together, so in the past three years we only had about six months together each year,” she said. “We got a bit over being apart.” Plus the couple had other, big dreams for their future. The first, to have their little bundle of joy, Leonardo. And the second — which came true much sooner than expected — to run a business. “We always wanted to have a pizza shop and were hoping to start one in the next three or four years at least,” Tessa said. “So when we found out the owners of Roma were selling, we decided to give it a go.” And while it may not be the Navy, Tessa said life still moves at a dizzying pace. “Life's still busy, with a baby and a business,” she said. “But I wouldn't have it any other way.” 

“A man died from a gunshot wound. He put his gun back in his holster but forgot to put the safety on,” she said. “We were 20 hours from the nearest shore, so we did everything we could but unfortunately lost him. “It was alarming, I was in a bit of shock after it happened.”

“There were 100 people and if you dropped, everyone else would have to hold their position until you got off the ground.

Whenever the ship docked at the main galley in Perth, Tessa and her friends left the chaos of the seas behind them, relishing a little downtime together.

“So if you gave up, they all suffered. It was all about teamwork.

Richard — a chef from ship — was among them.

“I remember crying at one point and saying, 'I can't do this'.”

Married in 2016, the couple moved to Cairns before finally deciding to leave the Navy and move to Echuca.

another

“We were friends for three years, then we started dating,” Tessa said.

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Looking after yourself over the Christmas Period. Well it’s that time of year again!! Christmas. We all know the struggles over this time. It can be very stressful! Simple tips: • Make a plan for the month and into the new year. • Use a calendar or monthly planner and write in important dates. • Make a list of things to do but don’t make it too big. • Factor in your shopping and don’t leave it to the last minute. Aim to have all of your shopping finished at least 2 days before your event so that you have a day to prepare and rest. If working, cooking in advance and freeze so you just need to pull it out. Frittatas and zucchini type slices freeze well. • Consider buying loved one’s vouchers for Christmas to avoid going over budget or getting them something that doesn’t suit. You can get vouchers for most things these days even towards a nutrition consultation. • If you need medications or to see a doctor, plan ahead as MOST clinics and pharmacies will be closed on the allocated public holidays. The upcoming public holidays • Tuesday 25th December 2018 • Wednesday 26th December 2018 • Tuesday 1st December 2019.

From a Health Perspective, it is Christmas. • If you drink alcohol or sugary drinks, consider a glass of soda water or water in between glasses, cans or stubbies. Have control over intake, most cases of Family disruption occur over this period and often associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Try not to put yourself in a position where you may say or do something you regret later. • Ensure you have a fruit platter and natural/Greek yogurt as a desert option. If you choose to have other deserts be mindful of the size of the

slice. I am certainly not saying to not have it, but when you do, enjoy in moderation. • You may want to look at alternative desert recipes for the festive session. It is important for us all to limit sugar intake to avoid the accumulative effects. • A piece of lemon in a glass of soda water makes a nice refreshing drink. • Don’t forget to get some fresh air, even a 10-minute walk to start the day is better than nothing and if your travelling, make sure you stop for a break, stretch your legs and go for a little walk.

I hope you have a magnificent and safe Festive Season. New Year, New Beginnings, make 2019 a year for health Time for change, visit a practitioner who genuinely cares for you holistically. Online bookings via the website, book an appointment to suit you or contact via webpage, Facebook or mobile 0438 700 296

Call for your appointment today. Cindy Williams Health Coach/Registered Nurse/Nutritionist 0438 700 296 | www.liberationholistichealth.com.au | Monday & Wednesday | 177 Annesley St, Echuca

Open 7 days from 10 am â€¢ 572 High Street, Echuca â€¢ 0447 339 455

Suddenly Single

OK, so I have multi-personality disorder Some people simply run out of steam. Some never got going. But Suddenly Single Sophie had been powered by a volatile cocktail of anger and over achievement for several years. Until now. Now we all have to wait and see what really comes next

FFT.

But am I sad?

AND JUST like that it was gone.

Honestly, I have to say no.

The anger that powered me through an ironman, two half ironmans, numerous Olympic and sprint distance triathlons and way too many half marathons and trail runs to count, has finally left the building. It's gone. Disappeared. It was while I was running the Melbourne half marathon back in October that it hit me. I was 2 km in and I remember thinking 'holy shit, I have got another 19 km to go — that's a bloody long way to run'. And bang, just like that I thought 'where are you, angry Sophie?' She was kind enough to reply 'I have got you this far, I have served my purpose but you are now on your own' before she gave me the finger and sprinted off into the distance — taking any chance of a PB with her. While the real Sophie was left far behind; dying of heat exhaustion and despairingly contemplating the next 19 km. And might I add that particular race was my slowest half marathon in five years of running, my 2:10 was 20 minutes slower than my fastest ever at 1.50.

During my life I have been many Sophies. There was the little netball crazy Sophie, the straight-A student Sophie (shame that was only in primary school), teenager Sophie (sorry mum), the crazy in love Sophie, farmer Sophie, wife Sophie, mumma Sophie (the greatest gift), sad Sophie and then the crazy, angry Sophie. Angry Sophie powered me for three years so she was around for a while. She was the one who would take no prisoners. She would be telling me to move my butt — run faster, lift heavier. But she has gone now, vanished into the ether. In her place is the extremely content, can't break me Sophie. She's still tough, but I would like to think she is a little nicer, a lot less psycho, more understanding, less judgemental and definitely happier with her lot in life. It has only taken me 44 years to meet this incarnation, but I sure hope she sticks around the longest.

from adversity and refused to let it fill her with bitterness — sometimes life might be a little like a cactus but if you hang in there long enough it can turn into tequila (minus the hangover). As I write this I am a couple of weeks away from competing in a half ironman at Sydney and already have grave concerns about a PB, but that's ok. The main reason I decided to compete in this one was because my gorgeous eightyear-old nephew lives there and I really want him to see his old auntie drag her butt around the course. He cried when I crossed the finish line of my ironman back in June and I thought how great would it be for him to see me do that in real life — he has even been cutting a few laps himself just to get into peak running form to cross the line with me. My family are awesome. They have got me through so much — a quiet phone call, a few words of encouragement and of course the obligatory 'pull your head out of your arse Sophie' when needed. They have witnessed all the different Sophie's and have helped mould me into the one I am today.

I like her, I think she is honest and she is real.

I will be especially grateful as I look around my Christmas table this year.

She has learnt from life, grown stronger

Happy 2019 everyone. 

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Being, at its most basic, is a matter of choice No-one has the answers for everything but Ellen McNeil believes she has the answers for some of the most important things. Her solutions might not make you better but they will help you be better at life she told KIMBERLEY PRICE

T'S THE STRANGEST thing but the minute you step into Well Soul Studio you start to feel a sense of calm.

And that's before you even meet the woman at the heart of it all.

float sessions, every day must seem like a challenge. But over the years Ellen has started to become aware of her self — her whole self.

Ellen McNeil is incredibly disarming, so gentle and welcoming it's easy to understand where the vibes are coming from.

While this may sound simple, and probably a quality we all possess, it is a feat for anyone to master as we are always changing and evolving.

She is so immediately soothing it is hard to believe she can maintain that aura given her decidedly hectic schedule.

But by becoming aware of ourselves, as Ellen will attest, the impracticalities of life become simpler.

With yoga classes starting as early as 6 am — and running until as late as 7 pm — and fitting in chiropractic clients of all ages, and managing others through

And while she'll say she still has learning to do, becoming aware of her is one of the most important lessons she's learnt — and one she hopes others can incorporate into

the day to day life of her clients. “I do all the things I tell others to do,” she said. “I float, I do yoga, I get fresh air, sunshine, I drink plenty of water, I move around, I get adjusted and have massage and I use essential oils. “I also have great people around me and I do simpler things like just spending time with my husband. “But I'm still the same as everyone, I have my bad days.” Growing up in Albury, Ellen lost her father when she was just 15.

Well Soul Studio

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Guided throughout the majority of her teenage and adult years by her mother, and with her younger brother, with whom she shares a very close relationship, Ellen left school and threw herself into tertiary studies. Starting off in a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Charles Sturt University in her home town, Ellen soon sought advice about chiropractic and then jumped ship to a Bachelor of Science at RMIT; followed by a Masters in Clinical Practice of Chiropractic. She completed eight years study, which saw her branch out into niche areas of study including a Diplomate of Chiropractic Neuro-Developmental Paediatrics and training in yoga. “Chiropractic school was full on,” she said. “It's five years of study and I'd done a year of OT before so I'd been at university for six years when I'd finished. “And then I did the diplomate, which was another two years. “That was all neurology and why we do what we do in our first two years of life. “I've always asked why? Why do we do this or why does this happen? “Our brains are phenomenal.” Ellen came to Echuca in 2012 for work. After juggling a job and travel for her studies, Ellen's career direction shifted. Wanting a large dedicated space to combine yoga, chiropractic, floating and other aspects of health, Ellen's Well Soul Studio was born. Today Ellen doesn't just practice everything she preaches, she lives it.

and only see my skin. I'd think, your skin's bad or you're flaking and gross and that was all I'd see. “People wouldn't recognise me now. “But essential oils do more; they provide awareness and are really important emotional wise. “The oils relate directly to our limbic system which connects directly to our emotional health. “So you can smell oil and it can bring up a memory or a feeling for you and you are then aware of that to work through the issue or with an area. “In my job I feel a lot of other people's emotions and I have to process and differentiate my own and the oils really help me with that.” Throughout her life, Ellen's fascination with discovering how and why humans work and has led her to focus on the development of babies and children. Through incorporating adjustments and yoga for young ones, Ellen has been able to see a massive change in some children. “Bubs are the future,” she said. “Kids go through a lot of trauma — they go to school, they learn, there's a lot of change. “We don't make any new brain connections after those first few years of life so development is really crucial — although our neuroplasticity (ability to rewire our pathways) can change. “I see a skewed variation of kids — the ones who are fortunate to come in.

She promotes the regular use of essential oils, yoga classes and chiropractic appointments to combat prevalent issues in areas such as stress, concentration and relaxing.

“But I still see kids who are anxious, overwhelmed, who don't know how to express themselves, how to cope within themselves as well as kids who have learning/developmental troubles.

“It's the chronic stresses, like lifestyle, pollution in the environment, toxic relationships and other high intensity areas of our lives that have such an impact on us,” she said.

“But if their nervous systems are functioning well, they can cope better with every-

“Unpacking that with a person helps a lot. “For me yoga brings out the issue, chiropractic allows you to cope better with the situations, with the nervous system in alignment and brings awareness and the oils allow us to process.

day life. “It's not necessarily that they're better but they can do life better.” While there are so many different components that make up Ellen — where from the outside she appears to be a superwoman who somehow manages to run and continue to grow her popular business while remaining cool, calm and collected — she simply puts her balanced life down to being self-aware. An essential life-lesson she'll pass onto anyone who wants to hear. “In our society today, I see it all the time — we don't know how we work anymore,” she said. “We've actually lost how to track our emotions, our cycles and our being-ness. “Half of us go and smash ourselves at the gym because it makes us 'feel better' but then we lose ourselves in food because we don't know what's actually good for ourselves. “We're losing our sense of self and who we are. “People always say 'I don't have time, I'm too busy, I'm this, and I'm that' — but all I hear is that they're saying 'I'm not a priority' and saying that to yourself is pretty harsh. “Yet that's what people are doing to themselves every day. “If we're not health conscious and we're not aware, everything becomes harder. “Self-care doesn't have to be materialistic or hard, it should be just what you need and we should be congratulating each other on the small wins just as much as the larger ones. “We need to focus on ourselves. “There are a lot of things we don't know why they are. “But it's how we are wired and you can choose how you respond to things. “And it's really i n te re s t i n g how we choose to be.” 

“I have a lot of trust in the doTerra essential oils — they're 100 per cent pure. “I first discovered essential oils as a youngster because I had terrible allergies. “I used to look in the mirror

AN OVER ACHIEVER on her own terms Treating stereotypes with disdain, beauty therapist Briah Chapman is carving a career out of an industry she loves and with a success that has already taken her overseas. KIMBERLEY PRICE writes as much fun as that has been, Briah is much more serious about her future as a specialist who doesn’t plan to stop learning any time soon

“Every day is different at Elly Lukas because you have different subjects.

And she is well and truly on her way.

“There's six subjects a semester and there's three semesters.

RIAH CHAPMAN IS a confident young woman who is determined to be the best in her industry.

The Vibe Skin & Beauty therapist graduated with a diploma of beauty from Elly Lukas in December 2015 with outstanding results. But her path to achievement hasn't been an easy one. After graduating from Echuca College in 2013, Briah started studying occupational therapy at La Trobe Bendigo “I hated it,” she said. “I never wanted to go but everyone says you have to go to uni. “I just didn't care about it.”

“There's only two subjects a day but it's quite full-on because you have both theory and practical components in each subject every day and then there are tests on top of that. “You have to have a 95 per cent attendance rate and if you missed more than one class, even with a medical certificate, you have to sit in on other classes to make your time up. “You have to get a minimum of 70 per cent in every single test to pass. “I think my first test I got 75 per cent because I was so terrified.

After finishing a semester at university Briah “But after that I never got below 85 and that considered studying beauty. After an interwas on a bad day.” view and tour of Elly Lukas Beauty School in Flinders Lane, in the heart of Melbourne, Briah's determination to do well at her course paid off on graduation night in she started the rigorous course. August 2016 where she picked up two “After the first six months, the people who awards. aren't serious about studying usually drop out,” the 23-year-old said. “Through my whole course I was determined

to be recognised at graduation,” she said. “When they first started reading out the awards I was devastated because I didn't get the award I thought I might have. “Then I received the spray tanning award and the ITEC award. “There were three ITEC awards given out and it was for the highest results in the international exams. “Which is ironic because I didn't actually want to do the ITEC — I wanted to come home,” Briah laughed. Briah completed two international exams and by passing them she can now work anywhere in the world where the qualification is recognised. Her achievements at Elly Lukas are all the more commendable given that on a Friday, in order to attend class, she had to leave Echuca at 3.30 am. “For the majority of the time I was studying, I was living in Echuca,” she said. “At the time it was my only option because I had my family and my partner Dylan (they

are planning a February wedding) here and I didn't want to move.

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“I would work at Beauty Lodge Monday morning then catch the train to Melbourne in the afternoon. “I had class on Tuesday and Wednesday, would come home Wednesday night and I'd work on Thursday. “On the Friday I would make a round trip where I got up at 3.30 am to make it to Bendigo for the 6 am train. “Class started at 9:30 and would finish at 4:30 and then I'd be back home at 8:00. “Then I'd get up and go to work on Saturday.” Briah's fierce determination saw her receive Elly Lukas' sought after scholarship to London to represent the beauty school and attend the World Spa Beauty Expo. In February 2017, Briah and another recipient of the scholarship, touched down in London for the 10 day trip. “The first few days were touristy, where we went on the London Eye, saw Big Ben and had treatments at the House of ELEMIS,” she said. “Then we went to the two day World Spa Beauty Expo where we got to sit in all the conferences and meetings and meet all the spa directors and people who make spa equipment. “On the last night it was the World Spa and Wellness awards night where another girl and I got to present the trophies to all the world-wide spa winners. “Then we went to Paris where we did more touristy things like dinner on the Eiffel Tower and going to the Palace of Versailles.” Many people mistakenly assume beauty therapy is an easy profession for those who didn't like, or didn't do well at, school. But Briah is breaking down those stereotypes and letting her work speak for itself. “When I was 12 in my Year 6 graduation video it says when I'm older I want to be a beauty therapist',” Briah recalled. “Everyone told me not to do beauty because it was a dead end career. “I think beauty's got a name where people only do it because they've got nothing else to do or they drop out of school.

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“I think it's got a bit of a reputation of being a drop out career. “People think it's easy when actually it's a lot of hard work. “If you want to do beauty and you're serious about it — Elly Lukas is pretty amazing. “But it's something you have to be serious about. “You have to put in the effort to get the results and get the opportunities.” Briah's passion for the beauty industry reflects in her work. With a list of loyal customers, her bright and positive attitude is welcoming to everyone. “I just like being able to help people and make them feel better about themselves,” she said. “I really want to further my knowledge and advance the skills I already have in skin care through the advanced facials which includes using electrical equipment. “I really like helping people with their skin to get the results because there's nothing worse than feeling self-conscious about yourself. “I just think everyone's beautiful in their own way.” 

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Manager, mother, mourner and her little miracle Bonita Koch didn't give a damn for the statistics; she had not let a tough life on the land beat her down, she moved countries in time to be caught in the Millennium Drought, she survived a dairy industry self-imploding. But told IVY JENSEN it all paled to insignificance when her miracle baby Aiden arrived

HEN BONITA KOCH was told her newborn son Aiden had only months to live, probably four, no more than nine, she knew better.

And she was right. Not only did she prove the doctors wrong her little Aiden would defy all odds, living until he was just four months shy of his ninth birthday. A mother's love knows no bounds. It's this never give up attitude that has seen Bonita tackle any challenges in her life head on. That fierce determination; against all odds. Whether it be raising her severely disabled son or running a dairy farm in Tongala through years of drought and plunging milk prices. There were a lot of things Bonita was told she couldn't do. She would never be able to bring Aiden home from hospital. And she definitely couldn't live in the country, let alone run a dairy farm if she was caring for a child with special needs. The fact Aiden was blind for the last four years of his life, and would never be able to walk or talk, or live to an old age, never stopped Bonita doing what she wanted to. And most of all that was simply to love her child — all any mother would want. And she believes it was this love that saw Aiden live as long as he did.

Aiden was Bonita and husband Merv's 'mira- “The thing we've learnt being here in cle boy' after many years of trying. Australia is that not one season is the same,” Bonita said. Both growing up on dairy farms in New Zealand, they married in 1992 and started “You've really got to be able to change direcshare farming together on a 300-head dairy tion and change focus. And make a new farm in Waikato, then moved on to lease a plan and have a few plans up your sleeve. 400-head farm in Northland. “You've constantly got to be looking at the Dairy farm ownership in New Zealand was weather, looking at the payout and what's achieved in 1998, purchasing a 240-cow happening overseas with milk prices and property, leasing half of the farm. juggling a few issues, as well as managing what's happening on the farm day to day. Their aim was full ownership within five years, but payout was down and things “The drought threw lots of challenges and were tight in dairying. one thing we did in the first drought was we heard you could purchase straw and put liquid urea on it and that would make it more palatable and digestible for the cows to eat and we were able to continue milking DON’T GIVE UP, LEARN ALL even though hay just disappeared.

“

YOU CAN. CHERISH EVERY OPPORTUNITY AND LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST. DON’T PUT THINGS OFF, MAKE THINGS HAPPEN AND JUST APPRECIATE IT ALL.

”

So when a share milking position came up on a 1000-head dairy farm in Deniliquin, they jumped at the chance, moving to Australia in 2001. “We quite enjoyed farming, the environment and the dryness, until the drought hit in 2002,” she said.

“He was loved by his parents and those who “That was a real eye-opener.” met him, and that was a really significant But rather than giving up, they learnt to part of Aiden and who he was able to be,” adapt. she said.

“So you've really got to think of innovative ways and be open to what other people are doing and what's working. “So that was challenging, the things we had to do to get through.” Within three years, Bonita fell pregnant with Aiden, but by 20 weeks it was discovered his brain wasn't forming properly and doctors recommended an abortion. “It was life altering. It was pretty much 'plan a funeral',” she said. But, again, Bonita never gave up hope. “Because I could feel Aiden moving and there was a precious little life inside of me, I wanted to do the right thing, what's right for me and what's right for my unborn baby,” she said. Aiden survived birth — arriving on November 12, 2004, which was his first miracle. But

his

condition — Walker

Warburg

Syndrome (WWS) — was so rare Bonita said “no-one has seen it before in Australia or New Zealand”. WWS is the most severe of a group of genetic conditions known as congenital muscular dystrophies, which cause muscle weakness and wasting (atrophy) beginning very early in life.

“The doctors reasoned with themselves that Aiden could go home and said 'take him and love him because he's not going to last very long',” she said. “They said 'we don't think he'll last four to nine months and he won't make his first birthday', but we put that aside and went home and got on with life.”

Most affected individuals do not survive past age three.

And that they did — celebrating not one but eight birthdays.

“When he came out, he was very weak but he was breathing by himself and his heart was beating,” Bonita said.

Which Bonita puts down to one human need.

Three days later Aiden underwent a shunt operation to relieve pressure on his brain caused by fluid accumulation. “The surgery was basically a flip of a coin. It was 50/50 as to whether it would work. But he was going to die if we did nothing,” she said. “It was pretty hectic and awful. Here's this little boy who you instantly fall in love with and you want to do everything you can and you don't want to do any harm and these are your options. “So we went with what we thought was the best at the time.” During surgery Aiden went into shock and almost died, with doctors having to revive him. From then on — knowing Aiden was living on borrowed time — Bonita knew she had to cherish every moment with her son. “Part of our philosophy with Aiden was just to live as normal a life as possible and we would do things as a family,” she said. Once again proving doctors wrong, Bonita and Merv brought their son home when he was two months old.

“We loved him. We were prepared to do what needed to be done to help him in his everyday life. He was on a lot of medication for seizures, eye drops, reflux, all sorts of things,” she said. The couple began learning everything they needed to know to keep Aiden alive. They became experts in using medical equipment so they could insert tubes into Aiden's nose and operate a suction machine to rid his airways of mucus. Being dairy farmers and working with cows came in particularly handy; drawing on their practical experience learnt when having to handle sick animals. “But it is quite different when it comes to doing some of those similar things to your own child,” Bonita said. Of course there were challenges along the way — nine surgeries, countless illnesses, losing his sight and a near-death experience. Six weeks after buying their 700-cow dairy farm in Tongala in 2006, Aiden was rushed to the Royal Children's Hospital and put on life support. And while they were doing everything in their power to keep Aiden alive, they still had to run their farms in Tongala and New Zealand. “On a dairy farm the overall end result is having the milk in the vat,” Bonita said. “So we had a saying if the milk is in the vat we're doing well. We're going to get paid. So sometimes we had to step back and turn a blind eye to what was going on, on the farm. “We like things at a high level and for everything to be right, but there were certain times when we knew we had to pull back a step.” Because in the end time with their son was more important. Knowing it would be quality time over quantity, they enjoyed every minute of it. Not letting Aiden's limitations restrict them, the family holidayed in New Zealand, took trips to the snow, caravanned around Western Australia and the Northern Territory. They even swam with dolphins.

And by 2010, Aiden welcomed a baby sister, Amber, who was born healthy despite a one in four chance of having the same condition. By this stage, Aiden was six and becoming weaker. “On reflection and looking back on Aiden's life, we liken it to an 88-year-old man because he was eight years and eight months,” Bonita said. “You start off and you hit your peak and up until he was four or five years old, he was smiling and quite verbal, making noises, and then he gradually grew weaker and weaker.” Sadly, inevitably, after a bout of pneumonia and respiratory infection, Aiden died on July 18, 2013, at the RCH. Bonita always knew this day would eventually come, but that did nothing to lessen the shock. “He passed away on the Thursday and I'll be honest if you'd told me on the Monday he was going to be dead on the Thursday, I just wouldn't have believed you,” Bonita said, finally breaking into tears. “He had pulled through so many times, so I just thought he would pull through again. “We turned everything off because he was going downhill and I had a cuddle and took his mask off and he took one breath and passed away very peacefully.” Amber was a month from her third birthday. “It's amazing what she does remember. I honestly didn't think she would have much memory but she comes out with things and she's spot on,” Bonita said. “She wants to remember and she likes to share about Aiden with everyone. We've tried to explain sometimes it's best to keep it for your special friends to give her that validation that she does have a brother even though he's in heaven. “I tell her how strong he was; that he had a wonderful life despite his limitations, he knew mum and dad loved him, and that's all that really mattered to him. “He didn't know he was handicapped, which I think is a bit of a blessing and we just made the most out of his life that we could and did what we could for him to make his life happy so he could have an enjoyable life with us.” And while there is nothing worse than losing a child, Bonita's journey has been bittersweet. Because being Aiden's mother was a gift. It has made her into the strong, independent and empowered woman she is today and changed her perspective on life. “Don't give up, learn all you can,” she said. “Cherish every opportunity and live life to the fullest. Don't put things off, make things happen and just appreciate it all.” 

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It's a tough job but someone has to do it S

IPPING FROM A German stein, gaping at snow-capped Swiss alps and lounging near the sparkling Eiffel Tower.

Not to mention white-water rafting in Austria and gelato by the Colosseum. Turns out you can do a lot in just 12 days. In Echuca Travel agent Claudia Turvey's case, she ticked nine countries off her Europe bucket list. Claudia was at a Helloworld Travel conference earlier this year when she won a European Discovery tour with Contiki for May. Before she knew it, she and her partner were whisked to the other side of the world for a 12-day whirlwind. “We started in London — it was the weekend of the royal wedding, so it was super busy,” she said. “We were there the day before, so we didn't get to see Harry and Meghan.” After a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, a ferry took the group north via Belgium to Amsterdam. A town of winding canals, history-rich architecture and, of course, the notorious Red Light District. From there, Claudia and her fellow travelers enjoyed a scenic tour of fairytale castles and vineyards to the Rhine Valley where they enjoyed a glass (or three) of wine. And then to Munich, where they swapped vino for beer and later took a bike tour through the frenzied streets of the German city. Next stop, Austria.

“The highlight was white water rafting,” Claudia said. “The water in the river came from melting snow off the alps, so it was freezing. “Still, we each took turns jumping in for a swim in the calmer section.” After getting her daredevil fix, Claudia's tour continued to Italy where a gondola ride in Venice, tour of Rome and Vatican City and fleeting stop in Florence were on the cards. And the only concern was enough stomach space as they devoured endless pizza, pasta and antipasto platters along the way. From there the team stopped for a day in the Swiss city of Lucerne, then headed to their final stop — the city of lights. “Paris was amazing. The Eiffel Tower was a such a highlight of course, as was Notre Dame,” Claudia said. Looking back, Claudia said the tour was the perfect tastetest of Europe. “I'll probably spend longer over there next time, especially in Germany and France,” she said. “But I would definitely recommend it for people going to Europe for the first time.” 

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from XXX and XX to I can wear anything There’s dieting, there’s weight loss and then, in the rare cases, there’s life changing. Enter Kim Sinclair, who told TYLA HARRINGTON that losing 40 kg is just the beginning as she >>> continues her remarkable transformation

>>>

“I started walking to work (Vivid, formerly known as Murray Human Services).

Just as it once did on her mind.

“It started with 6 km a day. I got up to 14 km and that didn't include the kilometres I did at work."

CHUCA'S KIM SINCLAIR is staring at a before photo — and it weighs pretty heavily in her hands.

It pictures the Kim of 14 months ago. The Kim who was a significant 40 kg more than she is today.

In six months Kim lost 22.3 kg. Then in April she joined the gym.

A frightening comparison that is still powerful enough to make her breakdown and cry for the woman she was.

It was her first challenge there, as one of 60 in an eight-week program, Kim was the winner.

The tears are for a woman who weighed 125 kg and who was a lot less happy, although still incredibly bubbly and charismatic.

Meaning she not only lost even more weight she won a $500 travel voucher, which took her to Palm Cove.

Her look is fierce, unwavering, determined and happy because the weight of the world has since been lifted from her — physically and mentally.

“You win it by the number of classes you go to and the weight loss body fat percentage,” she said.

Kim admits she does not like to be emotional in front of others but in this case she can't help it because few people at 40 can say they have lost more than 40 kg. And of the small portion who can, none would dare suggest it had been an easy road.

“The first four weeks I was going to five classes a week. At week five I started doing five double classes a week. “You can see the change in your body, your clothes start to fall down, which makes you work harder to see even more results.” It only took the first free seven days for Kim to know she was doing the right thing.

Kim knows how she battled her way along that road, the scales she stood on, the muscles that hurt (really hurt) and all the sweat and tears along the way did not make for a cruisy Sunday drive.

“I felt the atmosphere, the friendliness and the intensity of the place and now it's a really big addiction,” she said.

She's been shedding the weight along the way, but for much of that journey lifting the weight from her mind was even tougher because she was determined to be rid of it for good.

The program Kim is using is considered to be a revolutionary training system. It was born in Australia and has changed lives around the globe.

It has been the most rewarding experience for the mother-of-four who now realises putting herself first was the best thing she could have done. “You don’t realise how bad you look until you change,” she said. “I know that doesn't sound nice but that's just me being honest. It's been a big, big change and I feel amazing.

“I've completed three challenges.”

“Trainers basically take you through a circuit and depending on what class you do it could be 40 seconds on, 20 seconds off with a resistance class,” Kim said. “With a more intense cardio class you can do 60 seconds on, 30 seconds off and then it will go to 40 seconds on 20 seconds off and so on … until you've literally got five seconds in between.

“So it's super intense but the trainers keep “It's been a hard road — I have been over- it motivated, they are amazing. By the third weight for 21 years — and I am really proud visit they all know your name. of myself. It hasn't been an easy fitness jour“As you come in and see your progress and ney, it can be very emotional and tiring, but they celebrate with you.” it just feels so good.” But Kim says her weight loss is not all due Today Kim is addicted to chasing that to exercise — a lot of it is diet. euphoric feeling many athletes experience after exercising. And for Kim she finds it “One of my other big changes was food,” she said. mostly at the gym.

“It's changed my skin. I got told last week, that I don't look like I am at the age to have a 21-year-old.

“After being in food for 23 years of my life and four children (Dylan, Kristi, Liam and Chelsea), doing lots of split shifts, it was more I thought I didn't have the time and found it was easier to get takeaway.

Kim's favourite workout is firestorm — a very high intensity class, 30 seconds on and 10 seconds off.

Before she can talk about the woman she is today she must go back 14 months when something in her “just clicked”. “I just started walking, I thought it was time to start worrying about me,” she said. “I started walking my daughter to school and found I had more energy. I would walk along the Campaspe track and then I would walk home.

“You feel the difference and the cleansing in your body. “Everything has changed but my face has changed so much.”

“But I'm even busier now.

“You can burn 800 calories in 45 minutes,” she said.

“I just eat healthy and what I tell people is I eat real food — lots of protein, red meat, vegetables and lots of really good stuff.

“What you do in here for 45 minutes is not what you would do in a normal gym for two hours.”

In her spare time Kim is now also a football trainer at Echuca United Football Netball Club. “Literally in between work I do classes,” she said. “I used to think I didn't have the time but now that I have taken the time out for myself I feel like I've got all the time in the world to appreciate me.” From the start, Kim's goal has always been to be happy and healthy and at 83.5 kg (as of October) she can safely say she's achieved that.

can psychologically have my 50 kg loss. “At the end of the day, having good feedback and seeing the changes in yourself, is what is rewarding. “It feels like a quick change but I can still go into a clothing shop and can buy an extralarge or 2XL. Then I get home and think, why did I do that? But it's just the old me.” Kim recognises herself when she looks in the mirror but has had close friends see her in the street and need time to realise who she is.

me going. I have always been happy but I recently saw this girl who hadn't seen me in 12 months and she said 'Oh, my God, you are kidding me'? “She said, 'You were always happy and bubbly and had a great personality when you were at your biggest but you just seem like you have this light. You're still you but you're more the you always wanted to be'. “My key message would be just believe in yourself, because you can do it.”

“I feel more energetic," she said.

“They say, 'Oh, my God, I didn't recognise you'," she said.

And it would be hard to argue that point

“I would like to get down to 75 kg so then I

“It's been awesome and that's what keeps

with her. 

If you want to have your cake — and eat it too Power suits, corporate power, working weeks of 70 hours and more or life in a regional hub where you get to deliver the same results with the same skillset and professional power — and have a life. The choice wasn't too hard for Michelle Johns. SOPHIE BALDWIN reports

OLLINS ST, IN Melbourne's CBD, is a long way from Nish St in the retail hub of downtown Echuca.

And it might be a world ago when Michelle Johns sat in a boardroom atop that most stately of streets as a state manager for St George Bank financial planning. Financial planning is, and always has been, the domain of the opposite sex. But a domain in which Michelle has always done better than most, carving out a highly successful career. At its pinnacle, she sat at the corporate table lost in a sea of 40 men in dark suits. Success didn't come easily either — she was working upwards of 70 hours a week to prove herself. “I always felt like I had to work harder than anyone else to validate myself and gain respect — and I don't think that environment has changed today, as much as we would like to think it has,” Michelle said. In 2013 she left the corporate world behind and moved to Echuca to become a partner in Stubberfield Group. Moving back to the country (she is originally from Mildura) has been a huge change for Michelle but it certainly has been a welcome one.

I would have had to move to Sydney and I would have not had a life at all. My life would have just been one big long cycle of work, work and more work. “I am now out of the banking system and even though all of my business partners are male, the team at Stubberfield has really supported me. I just love helping my clients in a much more relaxed and personal environment.” She laughs as her corporate bag has been replaced by a nappy bag and she has become another mum, trying to balance a career, family and her personal life. Can women have it all? That's a tough question, according to Michelle. “I find it difficult that I am not at work five days a week as a business owner and employee. But I am also a mum and a wife and it becomes hard when you have to balance it all. I only work three days a week at the moment — my boys are two-year-old ratbags,” she laughed. Michelle loves every minute of being a mum but she also loves her job and helping people achieve their goal of financial security.

shouldn't be a competition and if women pull together and support each other, we can achieve anything.” Michelle said there was a wealth of untapped knowledge right here in EchucaMoama and many successful women in their own right. And she has found most of them are more than happy to pass on their experiences to others. “Some women are under the impression they need to move away from rural areas to further their careers, but there is so much knowledge right here in Echuca. “In my line of work I have met many amazing women with many different skill sets and I really wanted to find and create a networking group to connect these local women.” Get Connected Echuca meets in an informal setting once a month. There are no membership fees and the group is open to women of any age and occupation. “We usually have some sort of guest speaker each month and the meetings are all about getting together, sharing information, knowledge and having some fun.”

Michelle has been surprised by how the Balancing the two has proved to be someconcept has kicked off. It has provided Michelle with the opportu- what of a struggle and a definite juggling “Women have a lot to offer but sometimes act. nity to become the second female to be an we are pulled in a million different direcequity partner in The Stubberfield Group It was this struggle that became a catalyst tions,” she said. and allowed her to continue her love of for Michelle to create a networking group of financial planning. local woman called Get Connected Echuca. “It's nice to take some time out and spend it with other women going through similar It has also given her husband and twin boys “I had spoken to other women in similar experiences. a true sense of belonging. situations who were struggling too and I “I think every corporate career has a break- thought why don't we pull together to help “We always enjoy each other's company and ing point and a lifespan and I had hit mine. each other and better our situations — life it was a great thing to be involved in.” 

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Thirty Something

There's nothing to be gained in dwelling I

'M NOT GOING to dwell.

My very brief lapse recently (of consciousness) is a thing of the past. I have moved on.

And I am back in form. My work has been dazzling and left the new clique of sweat hogs in the office choking in my Clive Christian No. 1 Imperial Majesty Perfume scented wake (if you need to look that one up turn the page now, you will never make the A list with me). Because one thing I have observed — and I am a keen observer — is the more my erstwhile colleagues indulge in these ghastly spandex wrapped habits the duller they become. Not just socially, it would seem the constant jolting of their small brains in some excessively inflated heads is dumbing them down. But no, I am not going to dwell. Several of the newly initiated A listers (it was truly cute, and a little pathetic at the same time, the way some of those bumped up from the casual/occasional category to frontline duties were so grateful) have decided to put together a bit of a do for me. A pick me up, of sorts. Not that some of the new 'it' crowd overly pick me up but it is a whole, brave new world out there and I am still adjusting.

And adjusting is my key word right now because the fiancé is also getting just a little ahead of my schedule.

So while I am not dwelling, while I am moving on, you can see my quandary and how it is unfairly holding me back.

Saying yes is not exactly a carte blanche opportunity.

Yes, I was a little (even surprisingly) quick with the 'yes' and yes, maybe it didn't give me a chance to draw breath and realise like most men, I had hooked something of a Jekyll and Hyde.

As gorgeous as he is, he must surely realise he is still on probation — and trying to store a used razor in my bathroom cupboards is his first serious black mark. Men certainly have their attractions but so much baggage seems to roll in the door right behind them. I mean he is an adult, fast-tracking his way to 40 something so why does he, and so many of his ilk, not see a problem with a sweaty running shirt flipped onto the bathroom floor — and forgotten. Not just any bathroom floor. My bathroom floor. And I certainly have not forgotten. A sheen of perspiration beading on the golden curls of his chest, his face slightly flushed, has that certain je ne sais quoi — but we won't dwell on that image either. A hideous creature from the black swamp, unshaved for the weekend, tatty old clothes and sweat literally running from head to toe is hardly the thing you want lurching towards you across the kitchen. I'm happy to be a bit of an animal at times, aren't we all? Just not with an animal.

That doesn't mean he can't be trained but right now I have to be all about me while I confront the changes which are reshaping my life in ways with which I am not overly enamoured. I do appreciate your emails of support, even those atrociously abbreviated 'thoughts' on social media, but today I mostly appreciate my mirror. Not the full length one in my bedroom; no, I find myself staring into my makeup mirror; wondering how one's world can shift so frighteningly in such a short time. Until that introspection was interrupted by the arrival of Jekyll, all scrubbed clean and dressed to the standards I expect. We were going out, but I was sitting in my ensuite, he was in the doorway, arms against the door frame above his head. He looked positively edible. Now you'll have to excuse me, I am going to do a little dwelling. 

Summer

fashion

World of Discovery Shoes: Betty Basics Seeker Espadrille Slides $29.95 Dress: Gysette $208

Annabella Shirt: Totem $139 Shoes: Totem $169 Shoes: Valeria Grossi $199

Models: Grace Gallagher, Djaran Corrie Grace: Hair — Blush Hair Room. Makeup — Beauty by B Djaran: Hair — Blush Hair Room — Men’s night Wednesday’s from 4pm Props: Wake, Ski & Surf. I Want I Need Photographer: Luke Hemer

World of Discovery Shoes: Betty Basics Voyager Espadrille Sneaker $59.95 Sunnies: Life Less Common $135.00 Pants: Italian Star $129.00 Shirt: Bagira The Label $70

Wake Ski & Surf Dress; Hadley $79.99 Hat: Free n Wild $60 Sunnies: Le Specs $79.95 Bag: Rip Curl $39.99 Shoes: Reef $49.95

Wake Ski & Surf Grace: Vest: Jet Pilot $209.95 Shorts: Jet Pilot Allure $59.95 Djaran: Vest: Rip Curl — Flashbomb $259.95 Shorts: Rip Curl Mirage Conner $79.99

Lords Fashion Dress: Vivid $115

Lords Fashion Shirt: Tarocash Geo Berry $79.95 Shorts: Conner Darwin Chino $49.95

Wake, Ski & Surf Hat: Rusty $29.99 Singlet: Oakley Shred $39.95 Shorts: Quiksilver Shibori Volley $49.95

Lords Fashion Dress: Ajoy Floral Wrap Dress $59.95