Bella magazine (Issue 14) 2018

Edition 14 — April 2018

I COULD HAVE

danced

night

ALL

Riverine

Herald

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Contents

Issue 14, April 2018

9

On the cover 45

Jamieson Horne — Enchanted evening for a débutante

14

Inside 9

This church is not a building, it’s Judy’s home

14

Mum’s the word throughout the generations

18

Expo to shout lucky couple a wedding in winter

22

Don’t let anything get under your skin

25

A love of horses drives this cowgirl

30

The women bringing singing to the Port since 1993

33

EMTC women look certain to make it a noteworthy show

38

The little red dress that could

25

40

A salad superfood cooked with love

42

Pick up sticks … as pets

49

Landscape design studio opens in Echuca

50

Capturing our town and talent

52

A healthy lifestyle from helping others

54

Celebrate a bella Mother’s Day

57

Diabetes requires multi-faceted approach

58

Empowering students to bolster a community

60

Thirty Something

61

Suddenly Single

62

Horoscopes

Contact us

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

30

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

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

50

Photography: Luke Hemer, Stuart Walmsley Editorial design: Bella Considine Advertising design: Bella Considine, Tanya Main, Teresa Crifo Words: Sophie Baldwin, Andrew Mole, Tyla Harrington, David Rak, David Chapman, Ivy Jensen, Fraser Walker-Pearce, Charmayne Allison

5

HOW WELL IS YOUR ASTHMA MANAGED? WHEN WELL THIS MEANS: • You have no night-time wheezing, coughing or chest tightness • You only occasionally have wheezing, coughing or chest tightness during the day • You need reliever medication only occasionally or before exercise • You can do your usual activities without getting asthma symptoms

WHEN NOT WELL

IF SYMPTOMS GET WORSE

DANGER SIGNS

THIS MEANS:

THIS MEANS:

THIS MEANS:

• You have night-time wheezing, coughing or chest tightness

• You have increasing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath

• Your symptoms get worse very quickly

• You have morning asthma symptoms when you wake up • You need to take your reliever more than usual • Your asthma is interfering with your usual activities

THIS IS AN ASTHMA FLARE-UP

• You are waking often at night with asthma symptoms • You need to use your reliever again within 3 hours

THIS IS A SEVERE ASTHMA ATTACK (SEVERE FLARE-UP)

• You have severe shortness of breath, can’t speak comfortably or lips look blue • You get little or no relief from your reliever inhaler

CALL AN AMBULANCE IMMEDIATELY: DIAL 000 SAY THIS IS AN ASTHMA EMERGENCY

DO YOU HAVE AN ASTHMA ACTION PLAN? Make an appointment with our Asthma Educators, Margie Berryman and Kathy Cosgriff today.

Phone 5480 6700 to make an appointment today Visit www.rrhg.com.au and click on the link to make your appointment now.

Dr J Quayle

Dr S Gough

Dr G Hay

Dr J Teh

Dr J Azzopardi

Dr A Waldron

Dr R Rifat

Dr C Hunt

Dr D Ong

Dr H Rhode

Dr O Ajiboye

Dr Carolyn Siddel

Dr S Rahman

Dr P Fielding

Dr A Mohan

W

HEN I WAS a little girl, I thought I had big dreams.

I wanted to live on a property and breed dogs.

One for every letter of the alphabet because when I was seven I had enough dog books that I could name 26 different breeds for the 26 different letters.

Although, to this day I’m not exactly sure what a Zuchon is.

But I knew I would have one when I grew up.

Money? Who needs it, I said. I’ll just write stories about dogs and pet them when I have writer’s block.

Who and what could step in my way?

Apparently not my mother.

While there were a few cat people who tried to block my path, she pulled me aside one day and said: ‘Whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve’.

And I truly, with all my little heart, believed it.

After all, shouldn’t every seven-year-old be able to dream?

The 26 dogs (ok, maybe I can’t remember them all now) popped into my head when I started thinking about Mother’s Day recently.

My mum let me be extravagant in all my

strangeness when I was a child. I wore a dog tag with my dog’s name around my neck and every inch of my bedroom wall was covered in posters of dogs. I even had a dog paw print as a signature next to anywhere I signed my name.

And my best friend — bless her — was forced to crawl around with me and play dogs whenever playtime was allowed.

I was strange. But my mum (and my dad) didn’t stand in my way.

They celebrated me and they told me my ‘pie in the sky’ ideas could become a reality.

To this day my mum still tells me I can achieve anything if I want it enough.

Of course, I am not naive enough to think that’s true. I can’t write a novel overnight, play the saxophone with my eyes closed, multiply any number by any number or come up with an algorithm for the news of the future.

But I can bloody well try.

And isn’t that what being a mother is all about? Bringing up children who try their best? Who dream bigger than their abilities might allow?

I think so.

And I certainly think these women deserve to be celebrated.

Editor Tyla Harrington.

So happy Mother’s Day on May 6 mum, and to all the mums just like you.

I’d be lost without you.

And did I mention I bought a new puppy?

You probably should tell dad because it’s going to have to live at our/your house for a while.

At least until I have enough money to buy that farm.

– Turn to page 54 for the Mother’s Day feature and page 14 for the story on four generations. 

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7

Spray, spray don’t go away T

HE DAYS ARE getting shorter but that doesn’t mean you have to get any paler.

Today’s spray tans can be extended by following a few simple steps to ensure you finish up as brown as a berry.

Wax & Massage Gallery Echuca has got you covered with tips to get the best out of your spray tan.

Do: • Exfoliate before your spray tan. Either use a body scrub or loofah on your entire body in the shower or try dry-brushing.

• Wax prior to your spray tan. This is essentially another form of exfoliation as it takes the top layer of your skin with it.

• Apply a body butter to areas that are prone to grab more solution like knees, backs of ankles, elbows and definitely your hands and feet. I say body butter rather than lotion because it creates more of a barrier.

• Moisturize before a spray tan. If your skin is dry, your tan will flake off with it.

• Moisturize in the days following. This will retain your tan and keep it looking fresh longer.

• Pat yourself dry; don’t rub after showering.

Don’t: • Exercise, bathe or swim sooner than eight hours after your spray tan. It will result in streaks.

• Mistake a sunless tan for sunscreen. There is no UV protection in sunless tanning solution.

• Bother with the instant bronze solution they may offer you.

• Wear light-coloured clothing or your prettiest lingerie. The self-tanning solution can stain your clothing, so choose loose, dark clothing instead.

• Wear any jewellery or hair ties on your wrist. You’ll have a white line just as you would with regular tanning.

• Apply deodorant before your spray tan.

• Hang out in a chlorinated pool or hot tub.

You’ll exfoliate that tan right away.  Model: Kelli Stevens

8

Before After

This church is not a building, it’s Judy’s home

Judy Magdziarz has lived an incredible life, writes DAVID CHAPMAN. Since being adopted out as a baby in Tasmania, she has raised a family, been divorced and remarried, travelled the world and has either built or renovated 13 properties. That includes a derelict church in Echuca which she transformed into the two-storey four-bedroom home that it is today.

E

CHUCA’S JUDY MAGDZIARZ has done some interesting things in her life — not the least of which is turning an almost 150-year-old derelict church into her home.

The feat forms part of an incredible life story. Since being adopted out as a baby in Tasmania in 1951, Judy has worked in supermarkets and hotels, raised a family, been divorced and remarried, travelled the world and has either built or renovated 13 properties.

She also paints in her spare time, recreating the works of old masters such as Courbet and Vermeer.

“I love creating beautiful things,” she said.

One of those “beautiful things” is the old Wesley Church in Percy St, Echuca, just behind the Aldi supermarket.

It sits on the site of the first building erected for public worship in town in 1864.

The brick chapel became run-down and was replaced with a new building in 1869.

The building was last used as a church in 1993. It was later used as a classroom by St Mary’s Primary School and at one stage faced demolition until the community rallied in 1998 to preserve the historical building.

Now it has been transformed under Judy’s guiding hand into a two-storey four-bedroom home complete with a swimming pool.

Judy bought the church on a whim after she and her husband Murray were walking past it one night in 2011.

“My husband looked at it and said to me ‘Is there something you could do with this?’ and I said ‘I sure could’,” Judy said.

She bought the church the next day from Aldi. It was a brave move considering the state of the church.

“There was plaster hanging off the walls, the floor was in bits and pieces, it had a false ceiling,” Judy recalled.

“It was all one huge room and was just derelict.”

Judy was unable to alter the exterior of the church due to a heritage overlay but she had grand designs for the interior.

The church now has an open living area with a fireplace (and a bar in one corner), a walk-in pantry, sectioned off laundry and a spiral staircase winding its way up to a second level.

All bedrooms have their own ensuites and there is also a fireplace upstairs.

Walking on to the second level can be a bit unnerving as you step on to a glass floor.

“I copied that idea from the Guinness factory in Dublin,” Judy said.

“I got the builders in and told them what I wanted done. I designed everything but I got an architect in to get a bit of perspective.”

A tour of the home also reveals other personal touches.

Upstairs, she said the architect wanted to put in a low ceiling.

“But I love the beams so I wanted it plastered right to the top (of the church’s roof),” Judy said.

She demolished the old tea rooms that adjoined the church out the back and put in a swimming pool.

“The old tea rooms had water running through it and were built in the 1940s so there weren’t any heritage issues knocking them down.”

It took a year to draw up the architectural plans and another year to complete the build.

“People thought I was off my head,” Judy said when friends found out she had bought the church. >>>

9

>>> “They said she’s really lost the plot now.”

The house is filled with old furniture she has done up and every item in the house collected along life’s journey seems to have its own unique story.

“These urns,” she says pointing to two huge pot plants, “are from Bangkok. My husband haggled with the trader to get the price down.

“My husband was a real wheeler and dealer.

He was tough but fair.”

She created the garden outside from nothing and filled it with arches and statues and fountains.

There is a plaque on the side of the church in honour of her son Shannon Sargent, who committed suicide at the age of 41 in 2013.

“There’s a lot of bad in the world but there are lots of good things too and he left gorgeous children behind and that’s a blessing,” Judy said.

It’s a positive attitude that has filled what has been a wonderful life.

Having moved to Victoria when she was about 10 years old, she attended school at Sacred Heart in St Kilda before going to Loretta Commercial College in South Melbourne — until she was expelled.

“We wagged a day off school to go ice skating with the boys from St Kilda Tech,” she recalls.

It was as a teenager when she found out she was adopted.

“It was at my adopted father’s funeral but I always knew,” she said.

“I was so different to everyone else.”

Maintaining a positive attitude throughout the years, Judy discovered five years ago she had a biological sister.

“I was in Tasmania with a girlfriend of mine and just for a laugh thought I’d go into the registrar of births, deaths and marriages and put my name down,” Judy said.

“I struck up a great rapport with the lady there and she rang me two weeks later to say they had found my older sister Deidre who was still living in Tasmania.

“So it’s great. I now have this new family I never knew I had.”

Judy has had such a variety of jobs in her life she struggles to recount them all.

Her first job was at the Coles supermarket in Bourke St, Melbourne.

“I always wanted to be a window dresser,” Judy said. “Now I dress houses instead.”

She has worked in aged care nursing, hotels and had a book binding job in South Yarra.

“I worked in a laundry in Brighton which was the worst job of my life,” she said.

“It was such hard work. It was shocking.”

She married her first husband when she was just 18.

10

“I had my son at 20, my daughter at 24 and I was divorced at 28,” Judy said.

She then met her second husband Murray, who was her ex-husband’s boss.

“I went straight to the top,” she quipped.

It was a great match with the couple spending 36 years together before Murray’s death from cancer in January this year.

“We had a wonderful life. We did some amazing things, went overseas and brought up lovely kids,” she said.

Judy said her husband was a well-respected businessman in the meat game.

“He had a boning room for sheep in Braeside,” she said.

“We had to employ a full-time roo shooter because the kangaroos were in plague proportions up there,” she said.

It was in Broome, Western Australia during a round Australia trip in 2016 that Judy’s husband first fell sick.

“He was one of the biggest mutton boners in Australia.”

“He woke up and couldn’t breathe,” she said.

The couple also owned the Urisino Station, 200 km west of Burke on 137,000 acres.

“I thought it was the return of pleurisy which he had the year before.

“The homestead was once owned by Sidney Kidman, one of Australia’s biggest cattle barons. Urisino was one of his stations on the cattle drives,” she said.

“The X-rays showed a lung had filled with fluid so they had to drain the lung in Broome until they could stabilise him and then airlift him to the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth.

Judy said the station was filled with sheep, wild cattle, camels and kangaroos.

“He was diagnosed with stage four lung

standing at 3 am.”

Summar and her husband Dave Hollamby run the CocknBull Boutique Hotel in Echuca, another of Judy’s renovation projects.

Judy’s love of renovating and creating began shortly after her relationship with Murray started.

“He had three kids and I had two so we were like The Brady Bunch,” Judy said.

“When my husband went away on a business trip I went down to Dingley to mind his children and when he came back his house had all been renovated.

“He thought he was in the wrong house.”

A camping trip and then a houseboat led the couple to buying a property at Torrumbarry where they built a sandstone house on the river and a vineyard.

The CocknBull came next and then the church — and her husband was more than happy to indulge his wife’s creative side.

cancer which had metastasised to his stomach.

“There had been no warning whatsoever.”

Murray hadn’t smoked in decades but the fact he had at one stage in his life and his work in the sheep industry which brought him into contact with dilapidated sheds filled with asbestos may have played its part.

“

I SAID TO THE PRIEST, I’M PAVING MY WAY TO HEAVEN. I’M HALFWAY THERE, I’M LIVING IN A CHURCH.

”

He was flown back to Melbourne where he was treated at the Epworth Hospital.

“When his mother came out to Australia she couldn’t read or write English.

“We were very lucky because we have a flat in St Kilda which I had renovated,” Judy said.

“Murray was selling newspapers as a 10-yearold and the money he saved he was going to use to buy a bike.

Unfortunately, Murray lost his battle with cancer on January 24 this year, some 20 months after being diagnosed.

“Normally a person wouldn’t last that long but I pushed the barriers, got the best doctors and the palliative care people in Echuca were amazing,” Judy said.

“They were fabulous.”

“He would hide the money under his bed but his brothers would find it and take it.

“But he kept going and he bought the bike.

Then one day he went to the Footscray baths where he liked to go swimming and when he came out someone had knocked his bike off.

Judy remembers her husband as a man who built himself up from humble beginnings.

“But that just made him more determined to be successful. It was the making of him.”

He was born in a German labour camp to Polish parents.

Judy was Murray’s fourth wife but their union lasted longer than any of his previous marriages.

“His father was with the underground, the Polish resistance, and the Germans found out and had him lined up against the wall ready to shoot him,” Judy said.

“I asked him ‘Why did you get married so many times?’ and he said ‘I guess I like wedding cake’.”

“His mother was there and she had eight At this point, Judy points to a pair of giant kids and said ‘If you’re going to shoot him, metal wings hanging on the wall of her you are going to have to shoot all of us too’. home.

They were lucky they found a compassion“I bought them for his birthday,” she said. ate German and his life was spared.”

“He’s probably up there wearing them now.”

Unfortunately not long after arriving in About 400 people attended Murray’s Australia, Murray’s father fell off the back of funeral and more than 100 back at the a truck and was killed. house for “the party”.

“His mother got compensation and with the “The funeral was a celebration of his life and money she bought a farm with chickens and it was a great service,” Judy said. eggs and was able to grow her own food for the family,” Judy said.

“My daughter Summar was the last one

“Instead of diamonds he bought me properties to shut me up and keep me busy,” Judy said.

“We made a really good team — I renovated and he paid for it.”

Her hobby of painting has her now working on a copy of Pierre Mignard’s ‘The Virgin of the Grapes’ for the Catholic Church.

“I said to the priest, I’m paving my way to heaven. I’m halfway there, I’m living in a church.”

And what did she say to the priest about her painting of nudes hanging on the wall?

“Well, we’re all God’s children,” she said.

“I just do it because I love it,” Judy said of her artwork.

“I can’t draw to save myself but I start painting and the magic happens. I don’t know how.”

With her art keeping her busy, Judy is content to put her renovation days behind her.

“I’m not doing any more,” she said.

“My daughter bought a house in Pakenham St and she did that up so she’s a chip off the old block.”

In a touching tribute, Judy’s daughter named the house ‘Murray’s Place’ in honour of the man who left such an indelible mark on their lives.

Living in a church is something Judy is obviously comfortable with as well as being surrounded by memories of her wonderful life with Murray.

“I really love it. I wouldn’t move,” she said.

“It’s so close to everything here and it’s such a beautiful place we’ve created.

“Everything you see in here is our life and everything has a story.” 

11

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Mum’s the word throughout the generations With Mother’s Day just around the corner, IVY JENSEN talks to a mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother about the special bond they have with their children.

L

ITTLE OCHRE PASCOE is surrounded by motherly love.

Three times the love — from her mother Kiralee, grandmother Karen Pascoe and great-grandmother Yvonne Plunkett.

Four generations of women, who will this year celebrate an extra special Mother’s Day. For Kiralee, it will be her first Mother’s Day, while for her mum Karen, it will be her first as a grandmother.

And although five-month-old Ochre is Yvonne’s second great-grandchild, Kiralee was her first grandchild.

“I just love being a great-grandmother. It’s very special,” Yvonne said.

14

And Kiralee is aware of how lucky Ochre becoming a cashier in a supermarket. is to have a relationship with her 80-year“It was a bit tough raising a family in those old great-grandmother and 53-year-old times but we got through it,” she said. grandmother.

“The kids didn’t always have the brands “She will grow up hearing their stories,” they wanted or the best toys, but there was Kiralee said. always a lot of love.

Born in Melbourne in 1938, Yvonne grew up “We did a lot of things together as a family.” in Sunshine before meeting her husband Karen, who has three daughters of her own, Barry at 16 and marrying him four years said her childhood was filled with fun and later. adventure.

They had four children, the second of whom “Where we lived, it was a continual street was Karen who was born in 1965. party for kids,” she said.

Yvonne completed a four-year tailoress apprenticeship and spent a few years “There were paddocks and we would go dressmaking and working for Avon before exploring for the whole day.

Four generations: Yvonne Plunkett with daughter Karen Pascoe, granddaughter Kiralee Pascoe and great-granddaughter Ochre Pascoe.

“I think we were lucky. My parents and I grew up in the best generation. It was carefree. It was hard but we didn’t miss out on anything. We would ride bicycles and catch crickets and cook them up.

“So much has changed now, especially with technology. Kids don’t know how to go out and have fun. Go climb a tree and fall down, go and make mud pies.

“I know Kiralee will teach that to Ochre.”

But as a first-time grandmother, Karen is looking forward to passing on her own stories and spending quality time with Ochre.

“Wednesday is my day with Ochre and I bathe her and feed her,” she said.

“It’s mind-blowing. I love it. It’s our special time together.”

Not only has Karen found a new sense of love for her granddaughter, but also for her own daughter.

“I look at Kiralee differently now,” Karen said.

“She was my daughter and friend but now she is a mother and I have so much respect for her and how she’s grown. That’s special to watch.”

And that newfound respect goes both ways.

“Becoming a mother made me realise what she sacrificed to be a mum,” Kiralee said.

“Yes, you love and respect your mum but it’s not until you are a mum that you understand better. It’s deeper.”

Since Ochre came into the world on November 14, 2017, life has certainly changed for primary school teacher Kiralee.

“Not that I was selfish, but you become more selfless when you’re a mother,” she said.

“Life instantly changes. It’s awesome. It’s so hard, but it’s so rewarding.

“You feel so content. I feel like every day I wake up and wing it, but it just works out.

“It helps when their cheeks are chubby though.”

“

NOT THAT I WAS SELFISH, BUT YOU BECOME MORE SELFLESS WHEN YOU’RE A MOTHER. LIFE INSTANTLY CHANGES. IT’S AWESOME. IT’S SO HARD, BUT IT’S SO REWARDING.

”

Teaching prep and grade 1 students has also helped the new mum with motherhood.

The 27-year-old studied teaching in Ballarat after she finished school and worked for four years at Pyramid Hill College.

“I’ve always had a passion for teaching and learning with children and my job has allowed me to have so many experiences and opportunities with my classroom children,” she said.

“We were our own little family and it made me so driven to have my own family and create a loving environment at home as I had done in the past in my classroom.

“I had many colleagues say to me ‘one day you will make a fantastic mother’ from how they observed me with the children.

“Now, I get to mould my own little human being. That was the greatest thing about

being a teacher. I was helping to shape our future generations, to truly be the best person they could be and now I get to share that all with my daughter.

“For my baby shower I had my friends and family bring a book instead of a card. I know the importance of early literacy, no matter how little, and we read to Ochre most days already.”

Kiralee married husband Blair in 2015, who amazingly took her surname.

“He’s a great man,” she said.

“Blair doesn’t know his dad, so the surname he was given was from his mum’s first husband, so he thought ‘I’m not a Corbett so why would we have that name?’

“He asked my pop if he could take Pascoe.

I’m very lucky. Not many men would do that.”

Things have certainly changed over the years when it comes to equality of the sexes and no-one knows that more than Yvonne.

“Things are definitely more equal now than when I was younger,” she said.

Karen agreed.

“Men used to be brought up to be the man of the house. These days everything is so different,” Karen said.

“The man and the woman can work. Women have a lot more opportunities.”

Karen has been a bookkeeper at the same business for 19 years, while husband Kevin operated his panel beating business from home for many years, which she said was great when they had a young family.

And that’s what Kiralee hopes to give to her own children.

“As a teacher, I can take family leave if I need to,” she said.

And it looks like maternity leave will be on the horizon again soon.

“We definitely want more children,” she said.

“Blair and I are in the mind-frame where we just want to smash it out and enjoy life with them. Make sacrifices while they’re young.”

But this year, she is looking forward to her first Mother’s Day with her little “earth girl”.

“I can’t wait. I’m excited, it’s going to be special,” Kiralee said.

“I adore being a mother. I feel so content with my new role and life now has another meaning.

“Learning each day from each other is beyond special and the love you have for your children is actually beyond measure.”

As well as spending the day having some mother-daughter time with Ochre, Kiralee plans to take her mum out somewhere nice.

And hopefully Yvonne will join them, if she makes it up to Echuca for the weekend.

If not “she might get breakfast in bed if she’s lucky”, according to Barry. 

15

When it seems like there is

no time to fit it in Finding time to exercise is a challenge for most people, and that challenge is only exacerbated by having a little one. Every parent knows that your time is rarely your own and the ability to choose what to do and where to do it is complicated by the needs and wants of family.

Newborn – 2 years old • Make time for you

Easier said than done right? Making a regular appointment is great as it gives you a routine to work with and allows you to plan for yourself. If you know that you are out and about, you can walk to and from your appointment, a great way to get 20 minutes of aerobic exercise.

Just pack the stroller and off you go!

The bonus is that a stroller adds to the intensity of your walk.

• Little ones love routine Build in a regular routine that includes getting outside to the park, a walk round the neighbourhood or a trip to the river.

Sights, smells and sounds are all great stimulation for little kids and all the exercise you need starts with just getting out into nature for 30 minutes • Mums and bubs There are a number of programs that promote exercise to include your baby.

If you can’t get to them, then make one at home. A baby carrier (with baby in it) adds to your body weight and a simple circuit of step ups, squats and lunges

will get your heart rate up, your legs working and keep your little one close.

Add in some push ups where your nose touches their belly (on your knees when getting started), abdominal curls with your baby on your belly, (the challenge is to stop them from rolling off), and squat reaches (pick up your baby and give them a cuddle, then lift them to the sky). If you run through the circuit twice, doing 10 of each exercise, you have yourself a workout at home!

Ages 2 – 5 years old • Play

Go to the park to let them play, but join in. Even better is to take some things that will encourage activity. Take a ball to kick or throw and you’ll be running and working up a sweat in no time. Find a park with exercise equipment and you can get a complete workout by using all the equipment, not just the swings and slides • Swim Lessons are great for kids to learn a new skill but may also save their life. You made the effort to

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ECHUCA WAR MEMORIAL AND AQUATIC CENTRE (03) 5480 2994 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

get to the pool, so don’t just sit there and watch, get in as well. Most programs start with you in the water with your baby, but you don’t have to stop getting in once you’re not expected to. Add some time either side of the class to swim with your little one. You can reinforce what they’ve learned in their lesson or just chase them round the pool. Once they are old enough, you can do laps while they have their lessons.

• Coach Getting your kids to play sport and be active can not only teach them good lifelong habits about there bodies, it can help you. Volunteer to help at their sport. No club can afford to turn away volunteers, but this doesn’t mean you have to be the next coach. You can help them set up and pack up at training.

Kick, pass, pick up balls and run around encouraging all the kids. You might find yourself with a new habit of being more active.

Above all, exercising with your kids gives you quality time that you will appreciate and make memories that your kids will never forget.

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Echuca-Moama Wedding Expo.

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Expo to shout lucky couple a wedding in winter Echuca-Moama is one of the most popular wedding destinations in regional Victoria so it is fitting it has an expo to complement that reputation.

W

ITH EVERYTHING COVERED for your big day, the Echuca-Moama Wedding Expo will be the place to be on Sunday, May 27.

Planning your wedding can be expensive but this year the committee is offering one lucky couple in attendance the chance to win their very own wedding through the “Win a Winter Wedding” promotion.

Valued at $15,000, the package includes the venue for the ceremony, reception and accommodation courtesy of the major sponsor Tindarra Resort.

The prize includes a basic beverage package

while Two Tarts catering will provide a food package for 40 guests to be used in the winter of 2019 (June, July or August — exact dates subject to availability).

Other businesses including Etain Celebrant and Tracy’s Cakes will supply services to complete the package, but the winner must be present at the expo to claim the prize, which will be drawn immediately after the fashion parade.

For full terms and conditions please refer to the website.

The expo is home to about 75 exhibitors and there isn’t a detail that is missed from

gowns and suits to cake makers and event stylists, from hairdressers and makeup artists to entertainment and florists, from photographers and videographers to venues and wedding transport.

The event also includes the ever popular fashion parade which gets underway at 1.30 pm.

Doors open from 10 am and the event runs until 3.30 pm. Entry is $15 for adults and children under 14 are free.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or can be pre-purchased online at echucamoamaweddingexpo.com.au 

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BLUSH HAIR ROOM Bookings by appointment

83A NISH STREET ECHUCA (03) 5480 1918

Don’t let anything get under your skin Y

OUR SKIN’S MANAGEMENT and care is, quite rightly, a big issue. After all, the skin is the biggest organ of the human body.

adds aesthetic treatments such as medical grade microdermabrasion, IPL hair reduction, pigment control, redness reduction, peels and micro needling.

So you need an expert to help you get it right.

Micro needling helps fight the ravages of age by stimulating collagen growth to tighten the skin.

Enter Samantha Wilson, her degree in health science (dermal therapy) and her 28 years of experience in the beauty industry.

“It involves three treatments six weeks apart but can take from 3–18 months to see the results,” Samantha said.

She said not many people fully comprehend how crucial our skin is to our overall wellbe- “It takes us many years to age so it can ing — from helping regulate our body temper- take a little time to reverse some of that ature and delivering our senses of touch, heat, process — we can’t stop ageing but we can and cold to protecting us from the elements, slow the process down.” microbes and infection.

Bellus Studio stocks a large range of skincare products to deal with a variety of skin Samantha has Bellus Studio in Rochester and conditions. if it wasn’t for the passion she has for her work she is more than qualified to be working “We have many serums from different compaalongside dermatologists, plastic and recon- nies to help maintain good skin or treat structive surgeons. people with troubled skin,” she said.

Samantha decided to go to university because she found her clients were asking skincare questions she couldn’t answer.

“It was a hard course to complete but it has been so rewarding,” she said.

“To be able to offer my clients an extensive beauty service has always been a goal of mine and I am a firm believer in striving to improve my knowledge and the treatments my business can offer.

“Treatments are always changing, and it is important to keep up with the latest technologies.”

And she is always learning.

“My passion is skin and it is important in business to always evolve and keep up to date with the latest treatment and information, especially when it comes to the ever-changing world of beauty,” Samantha said.

“We have retinols for ageing, pigmentation serums with tyrosinase inhibitors to slow down pigment transfer, and vitamin B or C serums to help with the skin barrier function, collagen production and to protect against free radical damage.”

And Bellus Studio is the only local skin clinic that offers a visiting doctor to administer injectables, including anti wrinkle and filler injections.

From a skin point of view, Samantha said the most important thing we could do to look after our own, was to apply a good quality sunscreen.

“We sell a fantastic range and I would highly recommend following the Sun Smart recommendations of wearing a hat, keeping an eye on the UV index and staying out of the sun during the peak times.”

Where her extensive knowledge of skin is what sets her apart from the rest.

Bellus Studio is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am and late by appointment Tuesday and Thursday.

She offers all the standard beauty treatments, including spray tans, waxing and nails, but

Clients seeking particular treatments can book online at bellusstudio.com.au 

22

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A love of horses drives this cowgirl Horses are expensive but Cherie O’Donoghue wouldn’t be without them. The animals are a huge part of her life — both on the farm and on the rodeo circuit. FRASER WALKERPEARCE found out how she manages to fit everything in to her busy lifestyle. >>>

25

>>>

C

HERIE O’DONOGHUE HAS been on horseback for as long as she can remember.

There are no two days alike for Cherie because there’s no typical day for a cowgirl.

Cherie’s partner Lee is also involved in the rodeo and has been for many years.

It is an obsession, but a healthy one for the “A modern day cowgirl does a lot of things young family.

The champion cowgirl has built a reputa- really,” she said. tion for being one of the best in the busi- “They might work on a station, break horses “For us, from Christmas to Easter, we spend ness following a series of successful rodeos in, along with also spending time fine-tun- most weekends on the road competing at around the country over a number of years. rodeos,” Cherie said. ing their roping skills in their spare time.

The Lockington woman is a self-proclaimed horse nut, who picked up the sport from her father as a child.

“We grew up pretty much on horseback, sometimes not having cars around us within a 50 km radius, so it was important for us to learn how to ride,” Cherie said.

“I always kind of figured when I grew up I’d continue on with horses.”

26

“But, realistically, in terms of myself, it has been a 9–5 job.

“We spend a lot of time on the road and we could be away for four to six weeks at a time.

“I also have a little boy at home now so I spend a lot of time at home, as well as help- “It can be a 9–5 job and you don’t really get a lot back in terms of money. ing on the farm with irrigating and keeping it running.

“Horses are expensive so you’ve really got to love what you do to keep doing it,” she “Some days might be entirely consumed laughed. with housework and some might be all on the horse. There’s no real definition I guess.” With all the other things happening in her

life, Cherie still ensures the farm remains up and running throughout the year.

“You’ve got to have a good base really to do it,” Cherie said.

“At the moment we have a few people staying at our house as farmhands, so a typical day for me could include making lunch for them, driving round doing some farm work, and horse riding, as well as getting my seven-year-old to and from school.

“We can have quite a few people staying with us here throughout the year as well, doing some farm work for us, so that depends on what I’m doing that day too.”

Fitting in horse riding in her busy days can be tricky, and meal times can sometimes be affected.

“Usually in the evening we’ll work in the arena with the horses, so tea time can be anywhere from 7 pm all the way up to 10.30 at night,” Cherie said.

“

Cherie said a competitor tends to become

WE GREW UP PRETTY MUCH ON HORSEBACK, SOMETIMES NOT HAVING CARS AROUND US WITHIN A 50 KM RADIUS, SO IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR US TO LEARN HOW TO RIDE.

”

a target when they reach the top — but that isn’t always a bad thing.

“The horses keep getting better and so do the competitors too,” she said.

“Being persistent is a huge part of it. There are always going to be very young and enthusiastic people who want your spot, and I don’t mean that in a negative way at all.

“Unfortunately it still is an obsession,” she said.

“That just means the sport is doing well and

“You have your highs and lows, but it is something I really love for sure.

Cherie said Lee was not an audience

“I wouldn’t say I’m particularly talented at any of it really. I just work really hard at the small things. It’s not easy at all. It’s a lot of hard work and persistence.

in three events in his own right.

“Tea is a bit of a nightmare, and getting our wee boy into bed can be as well.”

“The hardest thing is when things aren’t going well to keep going, but when you’re winning it can be even harder to stay at the top.

And with her rodeos, that hard work clearly pays off, with a successful history going back over a decade.

“You could work for a year to basically try and knock one-tenth of a second off your time.”

people are keen to get to the top.” member at the rodeos either — he competes “He’s involved with the rodeos as well, doing three events and he’s our driver to and from the events,” Cherie said.

“He’s been very successful in his own right.

It’s good to have someone to bounce ideas off.

“People who can have positive feedback and positive criticism to point you in the right direction are always welcome.” 

2 for 1 Cake Lunch 12pm – 3pm Dinner 6pm – Late Coffee 12pm – 9pm 505–507 High St, Echuca (03) 5480 1900 www.sunago.com.au 27

Escape

Share your snaps with be�a HAVE YOU TRAVELLED recently?

Maybe it was for your honeymoon or a quick getaway.

Or maybe it was for something more, a trip planned for months certain to alleviate all that built up stress.

Whatever the reason, we’d love to see your pics and feature them in the next magazine. Email them to editorial@riverineherald.com.au

John Palmer and Karen Pearce at Totaranui

28

r travelled with he Georgia Burns ce en or Fl in Egan to husband Benjam

Lockington’ s Jen, Kate and Ian Johnson at Hoi An Vietn am

Neil Ingram at Paris, France

lissa Cooke during Ryan Patten and Me hike at Honolulu the Diamond Head

Cherish and Ryan

Todd on their ho

neymoon in Rye

Vivienne Duck and Dylan Jones at Halong Bay, Vietnam

Want your snaps to be featured in the next edition of bella?

Send your snaps to editorial@riverineherald.com.au

29

The women bringing singing to the Port since 1993 When CHARMAYNE ALLISON caught up with Echuca’s Bella A’Cappella group she realised she might never get a word in. The women can talk as much as they can sing. But as she listened she discovered being a part of this group provides a connection on a much deeper level than any voice can reach.

30

W

ALK DOWN MURRAY Esplanade on a Monday at dusk and you might just hear something magical.

The members travel from far and wide (Echuca, Moama, Mathoura, Gunbower and Kyabram, to name a few).

A chorus of softly blended voices filters from the Foundry Arts Space.

The group is a real patchwork — age, life stage, background, personality, level of singing experience — each member vastly different to the next.

There’s something angelic about it.

reverent

and

almost

And for just a minute, it’s like you’ve stepped into the past, to some music-filled cloister tucked in a European chalet.

But then you snap back to reality — it’s really 2018, you’re really in Echuca — and Bella A’Cappella are just having their weekly practice.

Formed 25 years ago, Bella A’Cappella has since had five different leaders and more than 100 members from across the region.

And while we can confirm they’re not time travellers, their singing has an uncanny ability to transport you back in time.

It’s no wonder, given the genre’s ancient origins.

A’cappella’s beginnings have been traced back to the Gregorian chants of the Renaissance.

It’s an intricate musical texture that has captivated listeners through the ages — layer upon layer of voices forming a goose-bump-inducing symphonic whole.

But take the Bella A’Cappella members out of their practice space and sit them around a table for a chat — and it’s a bit more like a scene from the Breakfast Club.

It’s hard to get a word in, to be honest.

There are a lot of voices, even more laughter — the occasional response to a question sung in lyric form.

Some members call answers across the table, while others offer gentle remarks in muted voices.

It’s an ebullient jostling of personalities. And it’s completely infectious.

“There can be times where it’s tough to get everyone to stop talking and just sing,” group leader Chris Wakefield said.

“That’s when you just need to start doing breathing exercises, that usually shuts them up,” member Marilyn Jacksch chimed in.

Initially formed in 1993, the group was given the name Bella — meaning ‘beautiful’ — two years later.

Since then, the four-part harmony a’cappella group has had a fair few incarnations — but right now, it has 16 members and is led by Chris Wakefield and Lynne Gillard.

But when they sing together, it’s like these differences fall away, and it’s just a group of beautiful people singing beautiful music.

“All personalities are required,” Chris said.

“And we are an all-age, all-ability group, we encourage diversity.

“We have members with disability who come.

We have one member from Vivid (formerly Murray Human Services). She sings ABBA like you wouldn’t believe.”

“

SINGING IS AMAZINGLY THERAPEUTIC. IT’S GREAT FOR MENTAL HEALTH. COMING FROM DEPRESSION, I CAN SAY THIS IS TRUE.

”

Annette Cowan experienced this inclusive kinship the moment she first nervously walked through the Foundry doors several years ago.

“I always believed I would never sing,” she said.

“When I was a kid I had a teacher point to me during a singing lesson and say, ‘Just mouth the words’.

“And I know there are a lot of people who have had a similar experience.”

Decades passed before Annette had her next singing experience.

She was at the Port Fairy Folk Festival when she spontaneously attended a singing workshop.

Unlike the negative experiences of her early childhood, Annette had a ball — and her love of singing was instantly reignited.

So when a friend recommended a group in Echuca called ‘Bella A’Cappella’, she jumped at the chance to sing again.

“It’s not daunting any more. And I listen to the others twice as much as I sing. Listening is a core part of singing, well in an a’cappella group anyway,” Annette said.

Marilyn Jacksch joined the group after a

traumatic experience of her own.

A trained opera singer, she had just moved from Melbourne to Echuca to make a new home when the unthinkable happened.

A month after moving, her house was tragically destroyed in a fire.

With most of her precious possessions reduced to ashes, Marilyn still had two things left — her voice, and the support of a very special singing group.

“Bella A’Cappella was key in helping me get over the trauma of the fire,” she said.

“I went from knowing nobody in town to being immediately connected to the group and feeling like I was part of a community.”

As Marilyn said, “everyone in the group has a story”.

For some, Bella A’Cappella was just a pleasant way to make friends and pursue a passion for singing. For others, it was truly lifesaving.

When Annie Hadley joined the group, she was fighting a lengthy battle with depression.

Arriving in a tough place, the mother-of-two quickly found joy through singing.

“Singing is amazingly therapeutic. It’s great for mental health. Coming from depression, I can say this is true,” she said.

“I used to sing in high school, but life had just got in the way.

“When I discovered Bella on Facebook, I decided to wander along and try it out.”

“And we didn’t let her go,” Lynne adds warmly.

Bella A’Cappella doesn’t restrict itself to the Foundry Arts Space.

The group can often be heard around town, caroling at Christmas time or singing with other a’cappella groups under the wharf.

And not just singing.

“We use shakers, sticks, we clap and stomp for percussion,” Chris said.

“We sing anything and everything — African music, Celtic, Georgian, Jewish, French and German. Basically whatever members suggest.”

While Bella A’Cappella is dominated by female members, the group encourages men and children to join as well.

“Some men can be put off by the name ‘Bella’ — and the current estrogen levels,” Chris said.

“But everyone is welcome.

“We are family. We’re mates. We’re best friends.” 

31

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EMTC women l��k certain to make it a noteworthy show In Echuca-Moama Theatre Group’s latest production, females outnumber men almost three to one. And they all share the same vision — to blow audiences away when that curtain raises next month. >>>

Sophie Miller, who stars as Christine Daae, pictured with the Phantom Leigh Hindle.

33

Ivy Jensen, who plays ballet mistress Madame Giry, with her ballerinas.

Tamara Cadd as prima donna Carlotta Giudicelli.

Charlotte Goode plays Meg Giry. >>>

W

HO RUN THE world? Girls.

Christine had been a dream come true.

Well, they seem to be in Echuca- “The music is very close to my heart and I’ve Moama Theatre Company’s latest produc- been singing Phantom since I was a kid, so being involved in the show means absotion of The Phantom of the Opera. lutely everything to me,” she said.

In a cast of 47, females outnumber the men “I’m just looking forward to working with almost three to one. everyone and creating a show that will blow And four of them are the leading ladies. the audience away.”

Sophie Miller stars as Christine Daae, Although the former Moama Anglican the female protagonist in Andrew Lloyd Grammar student has played the Blue Webber’s epic musical, while Tamara Cadd Fairy in Pinocchio, Wendy in Peter Pan and plays prima donna Carlotta Giudicelli.

Louisa in The Sound of Music, Christine is Ivy Jensen stars as the stern ballet mistress her biggest role by far.

Madame Giry, while ballerina daughter Meg “I love her innocence, the love she has for her Giry will be played by Charlotte Goode. father and her strength as a young woman,” Four very different women, with the same she said. goal — to blow audiences away when the “I hope to learn as much as I can and truly show opens at the end of May. bring Christine to life.”

At just 19, Sophie has the voice of an angel, Local photographer Tamara Cadd is the despite never having singing lessons. perfect choice as Carlotta, with her diva The Echuca starlet said Phantom was her attitude matched only by a stunning favourite musical and landing the part of soprano voice.

34

“Carlotta is so much fun to play. She knows she’s the best at what she does and she says what she thinks when she thinks it,” she said.

“She believes in herself and isn’t afraid to fight for herself within the company, something that is often frowned upon, but really they aren’t bad qualities.

“She’s a woman ahead of her time in that respect really.”

Tamara became involved with EMTC in 2009 and Phantom is her sixth show with the company.

“Phantom was one of the shows that I just had to be a part of, no matter what role,” she said.

“It’s so iconic and I knew I’d kick myself if I didn’t try out for it and get involved, even though it’s so much hard work.

“Carlotta is an opera singer and has to hit some crazy high notes, so I’m really hoping I can pull that off.”

really has everything.”

Ivy Jensen stars as the stern ballet mistress Madame Giry, while ballerina daughter Meg Giry will be played by Charlotte Goode.

“I’ve been doing ballet for a while now and that’s what drew me to the role, Meg’s the lead ballet dancer,” she said.

Phantom will be Ivy Jensen’s fourth show with EMTC, having starred in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Anything Goes and Spamalot.

“I like that Meg is a lot braver and more clever than people give her credit for and she’s very supportive to people around her and And you don’t want to miss it. generally wants to please everyone. Overall “The chance to see shows of this calibre in she’s just a really beautiful character to play.” regional Victoria don’t come along often The Moama Anglican Grammar student said and without the support of the locals it it meant a lot to her to be involved in a show wouldn’t be possible for us to put these like Phantom. type of shows on,” Tamara said.

The Riverine Herald journalist has been dancing and acting since she was young and said she was honoured to be part of such a high calibre production.

“It’s quite overwhelming when you think of it because there are such high expectations riding on this,” she said.

“But I love a challenge and I really hope to do the role justice.

“Madame Giry is very strict with her ballerinas as she demands perfection. And she gets to bang her cane a lot which I love.

“She is a complex character as she wants what’s best for the opera company, but at the same time is quite protective of the Phantom.

“I really like her as she is a strong woman who knows what she wants and although she appears cold, she is anything but.”

“

FOUR VERY DIFFERENT WOMEN, WITH THE SAME GOAL — TO BLOW AUDIENCES AWAY WHEN THE SHOW OPENS AT THE END OF MAY.

”

“I think it’s such a beautiful, iconic and classic show that everyone knows of and has heard of, so I feel very privileged to be involved While Charlotte Goode is one of the young- and to be a supporting lead,” she said. est in the cast, she makes up for it with “I hope to just gain more musical theatre experience and tons of confidence. experience and to also incorporate some At just 16 years old, the Kyabram teen- pointe ballet dancing which is another thing I really like doing and I wouldn’t normally ager has already had numerous roles in have the opportunity to do that in other Shepparton shows with Initial Stages, but shows, but Phantom being the show it is, it this will be her first show with EMTC.

The foursome joins an incredible cast of 35 females, 12 males and 13 ballerinas who will take to the stage at the Paramount from May 25 to June 9.

“Everybody, no matter what their role is in the cast or crew, is putting in 100 per cent and that is going to be so obvious in the final production. It’s going to be spectacular.”

And audiences will be really surprised what this local theatre company can do, according to Charlotte.

“Pulling off a show like Phantom is no easy feat and we need your support to keep doing big things like this,” she said.

And with 13 performances, instead of the usual eight, there really are no excuses not to go.

“I hope people come to see the show for the simple fact that it’s one of the most visually stunning, note soaring musicals of all time,” Sophie said.

“And let’s face it, everyone wants to come and see if Christine can hit that note.”

Tickets are available at the Paramount. 

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38

The little red dress that could T

HE LITTLE RED dress has been around for as long as the black one but when Tyler Sullivan dragged it out of her cupboard, she had no idea what it might achieve.

And achieve it did.

Last month, Tyler and her boyfriend Harrison Salm (pictured left) won a Tindarra Resort weekend getaway valued at $830 as part of the bella magazine fashions competition at Echuca Racing Club’s Echuca Cup.

“We went to Echuca for a family weekend and thought the races sounded like a great day out so we got a marquee,” Tyler said.

“I didn’t know about the competition but when I heard it over the microphone I grabbed Harrison and dragged him along.”

Harrison, though not quite as excited as Tyler, followed.

“He just dawdled along,” Tyler laughed.

As part of the competition, those best dressed at the event were photographed by bella photographer Luke Hemer and a

selection of those photos went on Facebook.

Every “like” on a photo counted as one vote.

And though Tyler was laughing at the races, on game day, when there were only hours left to vote, things got serious.

“I was spamming all my friends and asking them to vote for us so we could win,” she said.

And it seemed to work.

Tyler and Harrison’s photo received 866 likes and their photo was shared 65 times.

Fellow entrant Cas Floyd-Harris took home 710 likes and her photo was shared 47 times.

Another strong competitor was Jemima Draper. Her photo received 220 likes.

Tyler said she was over the moon with the win despite the stiff competition.

“Thank you so much to everyone who supported us,” she said.

“We can’t believe we won and we’re really excited about the weekend away.”

Tyler also has her red dress from Princess

Polly, an online clothing store, to thank for the win.

“But the whole thing was last minute,” she confessed.

Tyler said Harrison’s outfit had been slapped together too.

“I tagged all my friends on Facebook and asked them to tag theirs and I think that’s what got us over the line,” she said.

As for the four friends Tyler and Harrison will be taking on their weekend getaway, well, that’s yet to be decided.

“We’ve got no idea at this stage,” Tyler said.

Tyler and Harrison are from Sunbury and hope to return to next year’s cup and possibly even enter the competition once again.

“I think my friends are tired of me spamming them for support so I’m not sure if I should or not,” Tyler said.

“We will see how it goes,” she laughed.

Only time will tell whether Tyler’s little red dress makes another appearance. 

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CATERING MADE EASY FOR YOU! MICHELLE BOYD 0400 131 129 For all inquiries and menus please email michelle@hmval.com.au 40

A salad superf��d c��ked with love M

ICHELLE THEODORE IS known as the salad queen.

“It’s good for health conscious people as it’s gluten free and it’s a superfood,” Michelle said.

“I love doing salads with seasonal ingredients,” she said.

She said cooking quinoa was similar to cook-

And her latest dish uses the increasingly popular and power-packed superfood quinoa.

pouring it in as you go, rather than in one go.

Quinoa is one of the most delicious, glutenfree, high protein seeds available today.

With its nice neutral flavour and earthy undertones, quinoa makes a perfect canvas for a tasty and healthy salad.

ing rice but the trick was using less water and “The food I like to cook is what I want others to feel confident in making at home,” she said.

“Wholesome ingredients cooked with love.”

Michelle’s salads can be found at BYL, Gravity Shack and The Sweet Meadow.

Roasted pumpkin quinoa salad Ingredients: • 1 packet of organic quinoa • 1 red onion or white part of leek • 1–2 cloves of garlic • Half large Kent pumpkin cut into cubes or 1 medium jap • Sunflower or pumpkin seeds • Chopped kale and the bulb of 1 fennel thinly sliced • Olive oil to roast the pumpkin in with sea salt • Chicken or vegetable stock or water to boil quinoa • Lemon juice Tip: quinoa will absorb flavour so I always use a stock to give it even more depth Spices: • Cumin • Paprika • Coriander seeds • Turmeric (dry) • Salt and pepper • Brown sugar

Method: Boil quinoa in vegetable or chicken stock for extra flavour. Once you see all the water absorbed and holes appear in the pot (like rice), turn off heat and place lid on pot and let stand for 10 minutes.

Add to pan chopped onion, garlic, cumin powder, coriander seeds, paprika, turmeric, one tablespoon of brown sugar and salt to taste. Stir together and once the aroma of the spices start to smell, toss through the quinoa and fluff up with a fork.

Toast pumpkin or sunflower seeds to mix for crunch.

Once pumpkin cubes are roasted mix together, use olive oil and lemon juice for tang or drizzle with balsamic reduction for some sweetness.

You can always add some sliced fennel, kale or spinach for greens.

When cooking quinoa (pronounced kin-waa), treat it similarly to rice, with less water.

Tip: Always try and buy organic quinoa.

Treat quinoa as a side dish with braised meats, cold meats or roasted vegetables.

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Pick up sticks … as pets TYLA HARRINGTON delves into the fascinating world of stick insects and finds the creatures do make the perfect pet.

A

STICK INSECT might not be every woman’s first pick for a friend.

But for Moama’s Vanessa Arnold, when it comes to pets at least, she’ll give them the tick of approval every time.

“I am surprised she’s lived this long because “I pretty much give a gum leaf a test by snapthey don’t have a long lifespan, generally,” ping it in half and if it smells like eucalyptus, then I keep it. she said.

Depending on what you read, stick insects don’t live for very long. At most about 12–14 months, according to Vanessa.

“The babies like the fresh new leaves that are soft.

“I water the leaves once a day and twice in the warmer months.”

In fact, on any given week, Vanessa will pick 50 sticks of all shapes and sizes out of one cage and transfer them to another, just so she can clean their home.

“Lena’s partner Leggy (who lost a leg early on only for it to grow back) only lasted about eight months,” she said.

But she admits having upwards of 50 insects can be a bit much sometimes.

The most sticks Vanessa has had is 70 and that was in March.

“A lot of the comments I get are ‘they’re creepy’,” she said.

But that’s when sticks start to turn up in some bizarre places.

“Most of my friends can’t believe I have them.

I don’t like bugs. I don’t like snakes or creepy crawlies but I find stick insects very fascinating and they’re very low maintenance.”

“The other week I was cleaning out the cage and had finished. A little while later I noticed there was a baby on the roof, he had obviously escaped,” Vanessa said.

“I have never spotted them in the wild but since collecting leaves I tend to find a lot that have the same sort of markings (a half circle).”

Vanessa moved to Moama five years ago but said she stumbled across stick insects by accident.

“If you didn’t know what they were you would just think it’s an ant but usually you see them running out.

As for holding the insects, Vanessa does do it but only holds the babies when she’s cleaning the cage as they are incredibly fragile.

“I didn’t deliberately set out to have that many.

“You do need to be very gentle with them and they are really quick when they are little,” she said.

“It wasn’t deliberate,” she said.

“I used to work at Echuca South kinder and when I got back from maternity leave they had a set there. On the days that I was there I took over looking after them.

“I had heard about them but I didn’t know much about them. A couple of girls from work kept some and I decided to keep some too.”

From the originals, Vanessa only has one left.

Her name is Lena and she’s about 17 months old which is ancient in stick insect years.

“A lot of them are still currently looking for homes. I have more than enough so I am happy to give away a few.”

Vanessa thinks more people should let stick insects into their home, especially because they are so easy to look after.

The scientific name for stick insects is Phasmatodea but even Vanessa admits she can’t pronounce it.

“There are quite a few different types and each have names I can’t pronounce,” she said.

“Mine are called the spiny leaf insect.

“As they grow they get a lot heavier and slower and don’t tend to move much.”

Vanessa admits she doesn’t like other insects and her three children — Rhyce (18), Lilly (13), Liam (3) — have become accustomed to her pets.

“I probably change their leaves about once a week in the cooler months and twice in the “Liam is fascinated by them and he has had a summer because they dry out more quickly,” try at holding them but it doesn’t last long,” Vanessa said. >>> she said.

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“There are some really interesting ones.

“I would definitely encourage people to get a stick insect, especially those people who don’t want the high maintenance of something like a dog or cat.

“They are so easy to take care of — there’s no mess whatsoever.

“They are different and they’re cool.”

Vanessa said her favourite thing about stick insects was their appearance.

“I like the differences between the males and females too,” she said.

“Males tend to be a bit jumpier than females.”

Vanessa said cages should be at least five times the size of an adult stick.

>>> “And she pretty much lays from a few months

“They don’t hurt at all.

“There’s just something fascinating about these. They’re pretty interesting to look at.”

for the rest of her life.”

Plus there’s lots of interesting facts about them.

months, Vanessa said.

Eggs will start hatching from about six “The baby insects look like little ants,” she said.

“Both the males and females have wings but only males fly. The females are too heavy and their wings are too small,” Vanessa said.

“The female doesn’t need a male to drop eggs but if she doesn’t have the male partner she will only drop eggs that will hatch to be females.

Vanessa said she was attached to Lena but had chosen not to name the rest of her friends because it was difficult to tell them apart.

“Providing I can find homes for the ones I’ve got, after Lena goes I would like to try a different type (of stick insect),” she said.

“They like to hang upside down and, in order for them to shed properly, they need that space,” she said.

“You shouldn’t have them in direct sunlight for long periods at a time. It shouldn’t be overly cool or overly hot. The comfortable temperature for you is generally good for them too.

“I have also noticed on 25°C days more eggs will hatch.”

People who are interested in stick insects, and think they might like one for themselves, should phone Vanessa on 0488 144 081.

You never know, they might become your first pick for a pet too. 

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44

Enchanted evening for a dĂŠbutante Jamieson Horne made her debut on Friday, April 27 and it was everything she hoped it would be. >>>

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>>>

S

HE WORE A beautiful white dress and long white gloves, her hair pulled back with loose curls shaping her face.

Her nails were French, her skin tanned and her makeup looked like it had been lifted from a magazine.

Anyone would have thought she was about to be married, if she were many years older.

But on Friday, April 27 Echuca’s Jamieson Horne stepped out onto the Rich River Golf Club’s floor in Moama as part of RivADance’s débutante ball.

“Ben (my son) was way easier. He just needed a suit.

“It was a beautiful night, especially when Jamieson and her dad danced. There were some tears of laughter too.”

Jamieson said her dress was slightly altered.

“I had it hemmed because I’m a lot shorter,” she said.

There were 15 other débutantes on the same night Jamieson made her debut, many of whom were Jamieson’s friends.

And because there’s no limit to how many people can celebrate with you, Jamieson invited 20 of her closest family and friends.

“It’s so much fun looking for dresses. I really enjoyed it,” she said.

“I had a look online (for a dress) but it was just too hard.”

RivADance has trained and hosted almost 50 community debutante balls since its inception in 2011.

The dress was the first thing Jamieson ticked off the list and that was in January.

Today’s balls are decorated and themed at the Tatalia Room at Rich River Golf Club.

Any student from any school can be involved in the program which has well “Then I booked my hair and makeup and got and truly embedded itself into the Echuca- my shoes,” Jamieson said.

Moama community with students from as Blush Hair Room did Jamieson’s hair and far as Bendigo and Swan Hill travelling to Courtney Edgar her makeup. take part.

“They were both able to do exactly what I “It was such a great night,” Jamieson said. was after,” Jamieson said.

“Everything was perfect.”

Training with RivADance started in February The 17-year-old student from St Joseph’s and went for eight weeks.

College, Echuca said she found her dress at “The sessions were an hour and a half,” Sunset Bridal in Frankston.

Jamieson said.

“My mum (Tanya) came with me and I tried “The last few sessions we had an extra on at least 15 dresses,” Jamieson said. couple and then our dad, or whoever your “The first one I tried on was the one I went special dancer was, came to practice too.” with.

Jamieson said her dad, Sam, wasn’t a very “I had no idea what I wanted. I went in with good dancer. my options wide open.”

But her partner, Curtis Hayes from Echuca That’s why Tanya thought she would spend College, produced the goods. a lot more than just one day before she “I asked him to do it (RivADance) at my found her daughter’s perfect dress. brother’s deb,” Jamieson said.

“I thought it was going to be harder and a lot more stressful than it has been. It’s actually “We’ve known each other for ages so it just been quite nice,” Tanya said. worked out. He was great.”

Girls and their partners train for eight weeks before they are showcased to their family and friends.

The traditional ballroom dances now have a modern twist to the chorography incorporating today’s popular songs.

The formal night includes a two-course dinner, a DJ to entertain and a professional photographer to capture the highlights of the evening.

RivADance principals Collette May and Robyn Hayes have taught jazz, theatrical, ballet and tap dance in Echuca and surrounding districts.

Gone are the days when young women need to be introduced to society, as well as to potential husbands, but Collette and Robyn saw a need to include all girls of the community in making their debut. They also train the One & All Inclusion deb ball, hosted

by Vivid and Elmore Catholic Church ball.

Anyone interested in doing their deb should call RivADance on 0428 303 075. 

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5482 6177 254 Hare Street, Echuca /

@tracioriannishairandbeauty /

facebook.com/tracioriannishairandbeauty

Landscape design studio opens in Echuca W

HETHER YOU’RE NEW to gardening, or a seasoned expert, you’ll find plenty of inspiration at the new landscape design studio in Echuca.

After running The Garden Planners from multiple locations across Australia for the past 20 years, the business recently settled down in Heygarth St. “In three years, we’ve had a lot of fun and success, including winning best homebased business at the GMCU Allianz Campaspe Murray Business Awards last year,” landscape design and co-director of The Garden Planners Craig Turner said.

“Now it’s time to remove the computers, desks, piles of magazines and paperwork from our lounge room (not to mention the semi-load of plants and trees from our poor little back yard) and step it up.

“We’re excited to announce that we’ve moved our business into a new, purposebuilt professional design studio in the historic port of Echuca.”

Craig said the new studio was a place to meet with his team face-to-face, plan a new garden and see all the latest in landscaping products under the one roof.

“In our new friendly environment set on the banks of the beautiful Campaspe River,

you’ll be able to walk through and see all the latest products from other local suppliers on display,” he said.

“Everything from mulches and gravels to lawn, pavers and even living walls. We’ll also have our wholesale plant range on show.

“We can organise a quote if you’re planning to DIY, or put you in touch with some great local tradies to do it for you.

“Match this with our free onsite consultation service and you’ll be well on your way to creating your dream garden and being the envy of your neighbours.

“With plenty of space for plants, trees and landscape accessories, visiting us will become a whole new experience.”

The landscape design studio is located at 52 Heygarth Street, Echuca (open by appointment only). Phone 1300 599 989. 

Plant of the month Acacia ‘Scarlet Blaze’ PBR

Have you ever seen a weeping red wattle?

Scarlet Blaze is unique for its brilliant display of blood-red flowers over a long period (from August to October).

It is an ornamental, small evergreen tree with a weeping habit and is frost tolerant and hardy.

Scarlet crushed leaves in warm weather releases a cinnamon-like fragrance. It is also low maintenance and looks great in native gardens.

Select a position in full sun to dappled shade in a well-drained, moist soil. Cultivate soil before planting.

Water requirements are low. Will tolerate periods of dryness, however occasional deep watering is recommended through extended periods of drought.

WE DESIGN GARDENS...YOU BRING THEM TO LIFE At The Garden Planners we are passionate about beautiful and affordable landscape design.

CRAIG TURNER craig@thegardenplanners.com.au

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Capturing our town and talent

I

T WAS A simple vision; to photograph Echuca-Moama’s history with a twist.

So that’s what Stuart Walmsley did when he arrived as bella’s interim photographer.

Filling in for our award-winning photographer Luke Hemer, Stuart had some big shoes to fill. But his hard work and creative vision paid off.

Stuart photographed local women at the Port of Echuca, Echuca’s loco shed and train scene, as well as a private tennis court in Rochester. 

51

A healthy lifestyle from helping others A diagnosis of lupus was not going to stop former nurse Kelly Robson from putting a smile on other people’s faces, as DAVID RAK found out.

W

HEN forced to leave her job as a nurse, Echuca’s Kelly Robson wasn’t sure what her next move was.

The mother of three left her job at Echuca Regional Health after suffering from the chronic, disabling and progressive auto immune disease lupus for more than a decade.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body.

Kelly wasn’t diagnosed until 2003, when she was 33 weeks pregnant with her third child.

Harrison was born May 6, 1997, two weeks early.

With her sons growing up and becoming independent, she needed to care for something.

Kelly became unwell after Jack was born and grew steadily worse over the years.

So Kelly opened an animal rescue centre on 20 acres just outside Echuca.

But she kept battling on, mothering and working, at times seven days a week.

“It started when I took in some horses for a local girl whose family couldn’t afford to keep them,” Kelly said.

She had five miscarriages between Harrison and William and while all her pregnancies “Then it escalated and I became known as the go to for lost or injured animals. were complicated, with William’s her problems were major, effecting her heart, liver and “I love caring for animals just as much as kidneys, with blood clots threatening a stroke. people so it was an obvious next step for me.”

William Patrick Brian Dullard was greeted as a “little miracle boy” when he was born three weeks premature at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne on May 6, 2003.

Kelly was the first to hit on lupus as the cause of her health problems, but a specialist gave her the official diagnosis, promoting appropriate medical treatment.

His birth date continued a pattern set by his two big brothers. Jack was born on May 6, 1993, one week before his due date, and

When she began the long road to recovery, Kelly felt a void in her life that nursing had always filled.

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But the problem with caring for and rehoming animals is the never-ending pile of bills that must be paid.

Kelly quickly discovered the high cost of running the centre and realised she needed another income.

She remembered the years as a child spent

SUNDAY MAY 13TH

“

I LOVE CARING FOR ANIMALS JUST AS MUCH AS PEOPLE SO IT WAS AN OBVIOUS NEXT STEP FOR ME.

”

working in her mother’s clothing store in Echuca. Time after school and weekends was spent learning about women’s fashion.

And after failing to find a store in Echuca that she felt sold high-quality clothing for women of all ages, Kelly bought the old Murray Provender building in High St late last year and turned it into Annabella Clothing.

She transformed the old café into a clothing store in 10 days with no electricity — finishing at 2 am on a Saturday and opening the store at 9 am the same day.

“It was a big effort but nothing a camping lantern, a step ladder and a crow bar couldn’t handle,” Kelly said.

“It would be a chore to some people but I love renovating. I loved stripping the old building back to its original look.

“I was probably a noisy neighbour for a while there but I got it done with minimal fuss.”

When the speedy renovation was complete, Kelly’s love of caring for all things great and small flowed straight into the fashion industry.

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“I love making people feel special and seeing the smile on their faces when they look in the mirror,” Kelly said.

“I cater for women of all ages with classic styles that don’t date. The focus is mainly on linen, cotton and silks.

“We have outfits from top to toe and we also have bags and accessories. The items we sell aren’t mass produced, you won’t see other people in Echuca wearing what we sell.

“There is more to this job than making a sale.

I have lots of patience with people and I want them to look and feel special.

“I’m a people person so seeing the smile on someone’s face when they’re happy with an outfit is awesome.” 

5481 3333

Twenty Four Ln, Moama www.richriver.com.au

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7

CELEBRATE A BELLA

1

Mother’s day

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3 4

1. Nextra (Echuca Newsagency), European cushions, $52.99. 2. I Want I Need, Prene XBag, $129.95, Pixie Bag $59.95.

3. I Want I Need, Rollie Shoes, Off the Apple Tree, $199.95. 4. Willowtree Beauty Lounge, Ecococo Body Oil, Coconut and Lavender (relax and rejuvenate), $22.95, Ecococo Face Mask, Coconut and Sea Salt (clarify and hydrate), $22.95, Ecococo Body Scrub, Coconut Guava (hydrate and radiate), $22.95, Ecococo Body Butter, Cocolime, $34.95.

5. I Want I Need, Robert Gorden Melt Organic Mugs, from $41.95. 6. Nextra (Echuca Newsagency), Bird Print, $285.

7. Annabella Clothing, Woodenships, woollen cashmere jumpers.

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8. The Nook on High, Quality homewares collection from Ashdene, Ebony Rose Collection, from $19.95.

9. Nextra (Echuca Newsagency), Modern Country style shelving, $150. 10. Whistle Stop Art Gallery, Purple Roses Painting ink on paper 85 cm x 95 cm framed under glass, $800. 11. Blush Hair Room, Unite haircare Mother’s Day gift set, $59.90. 12. Annabella Clothing, Walnut, leather slides, varied pricing. 13. Annabella Clothing, Kompanero, handmade leather limited designs, varied prices.

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CELEBRATE A BELLA

Mother’s day

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21

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17 16

14. I Want I Need, MOE MOE Jewellery Collection, varied pricing. 15. I Want I Need, Rollie Shoes, Derby Punch Rose Gold, $179.95. 16. The Nook on High, Cheese board, $79.95, Ceramic Mugs, $11.95. 17. Blush Hair Room, Scents of Earth Sweet Dreams Candle, $29. 18. Annabella Clothing, Imagine Linen silk range, Made in Italy. 19. Whistle Stop Art Gallery, Scarlet Robin Acrylic and resin on stretched canvas 76 cm x 76 cm, $650. 20. Dollar Curtains and Blinds, Kiora White Ceramic w/ wood Vase, small 20 cm $59.95, medium 26 cm $69.95, Harlow Bird 10 cm, $7 each, 3x Chile vases, $35 set, Island Bay Side Table 50 x 60 x 55 cm, $429. 21. Blush Hair Room, GHD v gold styler and air professional hairdryer gift set, $299.

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Diabetes requires multi-faceted a�roach M

OST PEOPLE THINK of type two diabetes as purely a blood sugar problem, driven by too much sugar and closely associated with obesity.

regularly — don’t skip any meals, just make them smarter meals and eat smaller regular meals during the day”.

“There is no magic pill for obesity but, in most cases, obesity can be prevented or supported with lifestyle modifications and natural medicine.”

While this is true in many cases, there is more to the story.

“Treatment in the past has always revolved around avoiding sugar, taking more exercise and decreasing calories” naturopath Kelly Fenton said.

“Despite this, the rates of diabetes are rising, In 2015, 4.4 per cent of Australians had type II diabetes, up from 3.8 per cent in 2012.

“So what are we missing?”

Kelly said diabetes was multi-faceted and therefore required a multi-faceted approach.

“Diet plays a huge role, and must be addressed. Overall sugar consumption must be decreased, however it is not just sugar we need to consider,” she said.

“We also need to look at carbohydrate foods in the form of grains and grain-based products such as breads and pasta which break down into sugar molecules upon digestion in the gut and spark an insulin response.

“We need to look at over-consumption of protein foods such as red meat and the types of fat we consume, in particular trans fats derived from fried foods and heated vegetable oils.

“We need to consider our overall sedentary lifestyles, stress levels and exposure to environmental pollutants which disrupt hormonal signalling in the body.”

A common thread between all of these factors is inflammation.

“Chronic low grade inflammation is recognised as a major driver of the complications associated with diabetes,” Kelly said.

To help support balancing blood sugar and weight loss, Echuca Family Acupuncture has self-administered ear seeds available.

Kelly Fenton and Suzy McCleary.

“This is evidenced in India where diabetes rates are high but complications are low, thought to be partly due to a high intake of anti-inflammatory spices.”

“We could all take a lesson from this and start adding small amounts of spices into our daily diet.

“The right herbs and supplements can help with cravings, overall blood sugar control and weight loss as well.

“Known as auricular therapy it uses painless, pressure seeds applied to the external ear,” Suzy said.

“This helps to relieve cravings and reduce hunger, thus encourage weight loss”.

Some people are able to lose weight with portion control and increased exercise but find the cravings for certain foods cause an eventual backflip in their progress. The stimulation of the nervous system through auricular therapy can remedy this toxic cycle and get a person on the track to a healthy weight.

“Modulating diet and moving more are not negotiable. All of this, as well as finding your individual cause(s) for diabetes, is a great start to an overall management plan.”

“Try to get in a daily walk, swim or yoga class,” Suzy said.

Echuca Family Acupuncture Doctor of Chinese medicine Suzy McCleary suggests as part of the plan, people should add the following foods to their diet: artichokes, black beans, bran, celery, chicken, coconut oil, fish, flaxseed oil, garbanzo beans, lentils, nuts, oats, peas, pumpkin, quinoa and seeds.

“Don’t forget to maintain a positive attitude.

Stress and anxiety can affect your physiological function and emotional upset will raise your blood sugar levels.”

“Sipping green tea throughout the day is also great,” Suzy said.

“Remember to make gradual changes to your diet”.

“Abrupt diet changes can affect you emotionally and affect mood-altering chemicals. Eat

“Tai Chi and Chi Gong are also wonderful to add to your daily routine.

Join the team at Echuca Family Acupuncture for a consultation — transform stress, alleviate anxiety and rejuvenate your mind and body with a treatment.

Call the clinic to schedule your appointment with Kelly our Naturopath or one of our Acupuncturists Suzy or Yoo Sun on (03) 5480 2095. 

Natural Medicine Providers Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture - Naturopathy Dr Suzy McCleary (TCM), Dr Yoo Sun Hwang (TCM), Kelly Fenton (Naturopath) • Fertility • Energy Support • Digestive Health • Stress Support • Immune Disorders • Children’s Health

337 High Street Echuca Phone 5480 2095 echucafamilyacupuncture.com.au

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Empowering students to bolster a community M

OAMA ANGLICAN GRAMMAR might be in the business of education but the focus is very much on empowering their students for life after schooling.

Every student from kinder through to Year 12 is taught the school’s core values of compassion, honesty, respect, integrity, tolerance and kindness.

Carmel Spry moved to Echuca this year to take up her first role as principal on the back of 27 years in the education system.

She is excited about Moama Anglican Grammar’s commitment to life-long learning

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which is evident in the breadth of the educational program and in the co-curricular opportunities the school provides the students.

out — that connection to community is very important.”

Moama Anglican Grammar has 718 students representing 440 families.

“It is my commitment to see every student leave Moama Anglican Grammar with options, whether that be for continual learning or life in the workforce,” Carmel said.

“I think it is a great advantage for students to complete all their formal education in one place,” Carmel said.

“Young people need to be empowered to make choices so they are not trapped in a particular pathway.

“I really believe it helps foster strong relationships and it is an honour to be entrusted with the education of a child.”

“Students need to be well rounded and involved in the community, whether their passion lies in sport, art culture or helping

This year is the first time Moama Anglican Grammar’s foundation primary students will reach secondary education.

Foundation primary student Logan Warde woodwork and metalwork facilities, a garden described Moama Anglican Grammar as and home for livestock. a “comfortable, confident and challenging” “The Design and Technology building will give education environment. us the ability to offer state-of-the-art agriculWhile speaking about her transitional expe- tural studies for our students and I know the rience from primary to secondary, Marli students are just as excited as we are,” Carmel McKenna took it all in her stride. said.

“It wasn’t a hard transition, everyone made everyone feel very comfortable,” Marli said.

Another milestone for the school this year will be the opening of the new Design and Technology building scheduled for term three.

The building will contain a full ag science lab,

Carmel grew up on a farm in Tamworth, NSW and has spent the majority of her career working in rural towns.

She is excited by her appointment and looking forward to what lies ahead for her and the school community.

Carmel is passionate about English and while she will be fulfilling her principal role, she will also be helping teach the Year 12 standard English class.

“It is a great way to meet the students and I am more than happy to offer my support to the Year 12 cohort,” she said.

To find out more about what sets Moama Anglican Grammar apart, please join us for a regular Friday tour with Carmel during term times from 11 am or contact the registrar on (03) 5480 5900. 

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Thirty Something

In a crisis it’s every girl for herself There are few words more capable of unhinging the thoroughly modern me than engagement. Said in the same sentence as marriage it could very nearly tip you over the edge. Share with me the horror of the unexpected, which always comes when you least suspect it.

J

UST BEFORE I SASHAYED into the office last week I stood at the door of the lift, knowing neither caffeine nor codeine had done the trick, and told myself to suck it up.

It’s sometimes hard being me.

Whenever I bounce into the office I become the focus of everyone’s attention so there was no reason, on a recent Monday, to expect anything less.

in the office.

You can see why I don’t have a single serious first-tier friend at work when you have to mix with such an odd assortment.

But I did my best to feign interest before feigning a phone call and scuttling through the office to the refuge of my desk and my headphones to zone out the mawkish moments at the opposite end of the room.

I just don’t get it.

From reception to the depths of the office I was about to be bombarded with attention and demands to know what (and who) I had indulged in (and with) for my weekend.

The particular young rose who had just been plucked from amongst the wallflowers was sitting there talking about a wedding — to be held sometime next year.

So I did suck it up (but kept my sunglasses on) and set about brightening the lives of those with little to be excited about.

Next year!

Not one person even turned their head.

Not until I drifted into the peripheral vision of the mob oohing and aahing around one of my second-tier professional associates.

Who was holding her left hand high above said mob (probably trying to get some light to catch the incredibly small diamond in her new engagement ring).

This was going to be a nightmare.

The lesser mortals, who hold the majority in my office (and, I am going to suggest, yours as well) would be milking this for all it was worth.

For months, almost for a year, we would be hearing about every little milestone — and then have to patiently await the arrival of the invitations.

Here we go again, I shuddered.

It was enough to make me give up the ghost and go home.

A lesser light who for 15 minutes, give or take, would have her moment of celebrity

I just cannot see myself at another hen’s party, at assorted showers and then there

Gymnastics for all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities 60

will be the engagement party — that too has been deferred to sometime in the future — and then the wedding.

If the young man in question is one I vaguely recall being introduced to I genuinely hope the happy couple will be relying on more than the rhythm method.

First things first.

I would have to start sowing the seeds of confusion; dropping hints I would not be able to readjust my hectic schedule — which is so believable because I am in such demand.

Especially as a bridesmaid, to add that certain je ne sais quoi to a wedding party, to counterbalance the other bridesmaids in the wedding photos.

But just as urgent on my list of things to do and messages to be blocked would be my mother. As always.

Every time she hears of someone else of my vintage surrendering their independence and identity she perks up and starts working on me yet again.

You’ll have to excuse me for a month or two; this type of crisis requires me to remain calm, to focus and to start detailed long term defensive planning.

I’ll keep you posted. 

M O A M A

Palmer’s Gym and Tumble Tots Echuca Moama Cnr Echuca and Martin Streets, Moama E: palmersgymoffice@gmail.com M: 0428 990 819 W: www.palmersgym.com.au

Suddenly Single

Moving on is a job for an ironwoman S

OMETIMES I HAVE just got to sit back and laugh at my life and the way it seems to roll.

I am the only person I know who would try and train for an ironman and at the same time sell their house and buy a new one.

I mean, it’s Murphy’s Law, isn’t it?

I decided to put my house on the market because, quite simply, it’s just too big.

My biggest bubba has sort of flown the nest — well, she has moved to Melbourne (but still seems to return home quite frequently) — and my littlest won’t be too far behind, so rocking around on an acre in a house with two lounge rooms and four bedrooms is probably a tad unnecessary.

I just didn’t think it would sell so quickly.

I put on my ‘hard ass’ business hat and refused to sell under my price which I thought would give me a bit of extra time, but that didn’t work either so now I find myself training, working, training again, trying to be a mum and packing.

I am tired, very disorganised and my stress level is hovering around the moon.

I have downsized to a suburban house block which is awesome.

It’s a brand new start and I am excited.

But, my god, I have some stuff to get rid of this time.

So far between the three of us, I have sent at least 15 full garbage bags of clothes to the Salvos, not to mention the stuff I have given away which includes two lounge suites, a garden shed full of farm stuff, a couple of book shelves, 25,000 books and my sanity.

(On a positive note, at least I am not trying to squeeze in two horses, two cats and three dogs like the last time I moved.)

I have never actually lived in town before so this is something entirely new for me and, to be honest, I don’t know whether I am going to like it.

It is closer to the pool and gym which is a bonus and I love the fact that I have a smaller house and a lot less stuff.

Stuff is suffocating and unnecessary.

Getting rid of it, like other things (including husbands) that don’t serve you well any more, is very cathartic.

I mean, seriously, why am I hanging on to photos of a dog I had 35 years ago and every single one of my children’s school journals from their entire 12 years of schooling?

I mean, there are the cute little things that no mum would ever part with, like the misspelt cards and photos of my bubbas with no teeth or no clothes — they are priceless. It’s just all about condensing them into a plastic tub — just one and not several.

Wedding photos have proven to be a bit more of a controversial item and I must confess I have burnt quite a few of them, but that was in anger a couple of years ago and I am proud to say I have come a long, long way since then.

I do still have a few pics left which have gone into a shoebox. Maybe someone will want them one day. I am grateful for the memories but that’s all they are now.

My wedding rings have been melted down and made into a ring for each of my bubbas and I am going to donate my wedding dress to a charity that makes gowns for stillborn babies.

It may have taken two-and-a-half years but here I am, a strong independent woman who is more than capable of doing whatever I put my mind too.

Unfortunately, that includes the rather ridiculous goal of now trying to complete an ironman event. What the hell was I thinking? 

Australia is made up of 50 percent women, 50 percent men.

An effective parliament should represent that. www.peterwalsh.org.au peterwalshmp peterwalshmp Peter Walsh MP 466 High St, Echuca Ph 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications Budget.

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Brought to you by

Cancer (June 22 – July 22) More than one planet stands ready to defy fate in your name, setting in motion an unusual chain of events. Call it a coincidence, but there’s a chance you’ll receive professional acclaim in May because you recognise opportunities that others miss. Around the new moon on the 15th, an estranged partner may be ready to return to your embrace.

Question is, will you be equally thrilled?

Leo (July 23 – August 23) The pace slows a little this month. While Leos love a break, they don’t enjoy disruption to their routine. Should the new moon halt plans around the 15th, don’t try to speed things up or you may jeopardise future opportunities.

While waiting for your own ventures to get back on track, offer to help friends or family. The favour will eventually be returned ten-fold.

Virgo (August 24 – September 22) Chances are you’ve just come through a challenging period. You now regain your usual ambition, Virgo. So dust off confusion and settle into a happier May. Once you regain a sense of balance, you’ll also regain control. Be proud that you’ve emerged as a triumphant, more self-reliant individual. You’d be amazed at what such confidence can do for your life. Love, a surprise gift or some extra cash, perhaps?

Libra (September 23 – October 23) Cosmic forces allow you to reclaim your destiny. There will still be the occasional hurdle. Romantically, make your move after the 9th - when there’s a better chance of success. Soon after, the planets instigate financial changes.

If you’re hoping to finalise negotiations, make sure any agreement is committed to ink. Not everyone is trustworthy this month - tread warily where tricksters may lie.

www.soulinspiredbeauty.com

Your April

HOROSCOPES

by Tanya Obreza

(February 19 – March 20)

April 21 to May 20 Last year was a long, hard slog. Too many broken promises, too much pressure.

No more. The planets push for no less that unbridled hope and happiness!

The sky’s the limit this year, you’re ready to step into the spotlight. As you race up the ladder of success, you won’t be lonely at the top. Friends, family, partners and colleagues all rally for you. Romance becomes more exciting.

Whether you’re exploring full time passion or simply flirting, Taureans are ready to take risks. But it’s not all fun and games; your ambitions also get a chance to shine. Towards winter, it’s all about knuckling down and getting the job done. A final note: if you’re forced to abandon a dream in June, don’t worry - it will soon be replaced by another.

You’re full of fighting spirit this month.

Emotions will swing between sassiness and rage, but life is about constant change. The week after the 15th holds the promise of success, with one dream finally receiving recognition. You’re never short of great ideas, Pisces - but many of them are just unworkable. Not so now. Late May brings a work-hard play-hard kind of time. Enjoy all that’s ahead.

Aquarius

Gemini

(January 21 – February 18)

May 21 to June 21 Geminis now choose to explore their inner psyche and professional ideals. Ambitions are challenged as you wonder how much effort they’re really worth. It’s not that life has lost its glow. Quite the opposite, as your spiritual integrity shines through. Loved ones also settle into a more contented mood, mostly because you’re more predictable. Romance looks equally sublime.

Scorpio

Sagittarius

(October 24 – November 22)

(November 23 – December 21) Don’t let life get to you, Sagittarius.

Sometimes things just go awry. Hot topics include intimacy and trust. Mars also introduces unwelcome rivals.

Add a suspicious Sun, and the result brings a feisty quality to relationships.

Perhaps a partnership has become one sided - with one doing all the giving.

If so, it’s time for new ground rules. In the meantime, keep yourself at a safe distance from known troublemakers.

Taurus

E U C A LY P T U S O I L Eucalyptus essential oil helps promote feelings of clear breathing and relaxation. When added to moisturiser it can have revitalising benefits for the skin.

Sammy Morgan www.soulinspiredbeauty.com

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(March 21 – April 20) The sun’s move into your money sector is a strong indicator of economic advances. But a mischievous cosmos may cause some delays. Best bet: reduce your debts and cut expenses.

There’s also a romantic detour perhaps you’ll be mixing business with pleasure. Singles could meet a sexy significant other, while couples enjoy stronger commitment.

Pisces

Taurus

Drop all duties and enjoy. If wondering where to focus your attentions, love seems the obvious answer as May holds enough romantic fireworks to light up the sky. Fun is the keyword here, especially if you offload your deeper inhibitions. Do this, and you’re well positioned to dedicate body and soul to relationships. But it’s not all about satisfying carnal desires this month - finances skyrocket too.

Aries

Someone is encouraging you to spread your wings and fly. Trouble is, Aquarians don’t like taking instruction from anyone, even if it’s for your own good. Perhaps a few days break would enable you to reflect from a distance. Still, getting away may not be easy. If asked to stay back, and tend to someone’s needs, don’t oblige out of guilt. Sainthood is a tiring road to follow.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 20) Life becomes more relaxed as your personal planets focus on fun. If single, friends become a great source of introductions. Intimacies take on a gentler tone for coupled Capricorns whose personal affairs have been tense lately. Thanks to Venus, activities increasingly relate to the arts and media. This cosmic influence isn’t just limited to social activities; you’re also more skilful at a corporate level.

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