Bella magazine

Riverine

Herald

facebook.com/BellaMagazineEchuca

Edition 6 — December 2016

The 1.3 billion dollar holiday the whole family will love Forget everything you know about life at sea. Australia’s first brand new cruise ship, the Ovation of the Seas has redefined cruising down under.

SUPER CRUISING HAS ARRIVED. The world’s fourth largest cruise ship has landed in Australia and it is here to stay.

Weighing 168,666 tonnes, measuring 347 metres in length and holding over 4,100 guests, the Ovation of the Seas has blown every other ship out of the Sydney Harbour.

But size isn’t everything — it’s what you can do with it that counts.

Well the Ovation of the Seas has that covered too.

With 18 dining options, on-board activities including bumper cars, aerial viewing capsule, simulated skydiving, kids’ water park, roller skating, surf simulators, a rock climbing wall, 8 indoor and outdoor swimming pools and spas, adults-only area, casino, kids’ club, Broadway-style theatre, live music, live comedy, poolside movies, Dreamworks characters, trivia, dance classes, sports tournaments and more, you’ll have a difficult choice at hand — where to start?

The team at Echuca Travel Centre will help guide you through the booking process to ensure you don’t miss out on any on-board activities and find the right cabin to suit you.

Itineraries start from $150 per person per day.

Give the team at Echuca Travel Centre a call and get on-board.

Justine Apps

Allison Yeates

Alex Smith

Rebecca Healy

Molly Leech

Claudia Turvey

Jake Morris

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

D

SOL

Thank you to all of my amazing clients who have supported me throughout 2016.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

MELINDA DULLARD. REAL ESTATE SALES CONSULTANT. Moama’s most recommended agent on Rate My Agent 0419 529 015 melinda.dullard@century21.com.au

Melinda Dullard Century 21 128 Hare St, Echuca. www.century21.com.au/echuca

RICH RIVER REAL ESTATE

Contents

Issue 6, December 2016

20

On the cover

40

Retro is proving all the rage around the twin towns and now high-profile photographer Tamara Cadd and Eva Baker Hair have joined forces to deliver Vintage Makeovers and Photoshoots à la Olivia Brownfield on this issue’s cover.

For more details turn to page 15.

Inside 10

She might not have freedom to leave the house but she hasn’t been killed yet

16

It’s not easy, playing the eternal optimist

20

When being in business is beautiful

24

The message that must be Embraced

27

If you are low on iron

30

The joy of joeys masks a deeper pain

36

Christmas Gift Ideas

40

Four nuns, a lot of faith and an amazing legacy

46

Big business out the back of beyond

52

Every right to wax lyrical

56

Where the grass is always greener

62

The ratbag who has become a revolutionary

66

Get Summer ready — beauty products

68

Peta proves a lifesaver in London

72

Yes Amy, dreams do come true

76

Shooting for a better image

80

Women’s public enemy number one

84

A fantastic fusion of flavour

86

Mirror, mirror on the wall …

Contact us

Bella editor Tyla Harrington tyla.harrington@riverineherald.com.au 5483 0509

46

56

76 Bella advertising executive Carly Richardson carly.richardson@riverineherald.com.au 5483 0535

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

84

Photography: Sitthixay Ditthavong Editorial design: Brendan Cain Advertising design: Bella Considine, Brendan Cain, Jacqui Maskell and Adele Dhillon COVER: Model: Olivia Brownfield ; Makeup by Eva Baker Hair.

Photography Tamara Cadd Photography

5

Everything

HAIR and BEAUTY

WE SPECIALISE IN EVERYTHING HAIR AND BEAUTY FOR LADIES AND MEN • Waxing • Tinting • Manicures • Pedicures • SNS Nails • Gel Nails • Shellac Nails • Facials • Spray Tanning • Makeup • Massage • Hot Stone Massage

• Cut and Colour • Foiling • Balayage • Perm • Hair Styling • Hair Treatments • Specialising in Hair Extensions • Vintage Styling

• Hair and Makeup Packages • Couples Treatments • Wedding Packages upon request • Freelance Hair and Makeup Available

Danni, Gem, Kate and Kellie

282 Hare Street, Echuca • P. 5482 2220

Beauty Secrets Echuca

Welcome to Bella T

HIS MONTH’S BELLA magazine is our last for the year.

December marks the sixth issue since we launched in February and it seems incredible our first year has gone so quickly.

With summer officially here, and Christmas just around the corner spending time with family and friends enjoying the beautiful Echuca-Moama weather, in the pool or in/on the river is a great way to celebrate another great year.

And to take a little time to reflect on what a year it has been, a long way from when the Bella team sat at a table with a vision for a magazine tailored for the women of the twin towns.

At the time we were full of excitement and a bit daunted by the enormity of the challenge we were about to face.

We were about to start something the twin towns had not seen before.

Our big question was how to achieve that — well fortunately we had such a marvellous talent pool on which to draw.

The over-achieving girls and women who make up Echuca-Moama and who have spread out to conquer the world.

brilliant Christmas styling ideas for you, with items sourced locally of course.

Check it out on page 36.

And of course with summer here we have some great hints and tips from Sam at Willow Tree Beauty and Jess at O’Salon, as well as a range of beautiful beauty and hair products you can buy locally to help you get summer ready.

This month we are also excited to have Endota Spa join Bella and wish them all the very best with their new business.

As a team we are proud of what we have accomplished, but are working to make sure each Bella is better than the previous one, and now better than the previous year’s.

We’re pretty sure there are more stairs to climb; more people to meet, stories to be told and more photos to be taken.

That, perhaps, is the most exciting bit of all.

But that’s enough from us.

We’ve got another issue to get to the printers and a lot more stairs to climb.

We’ll see you again in February.

Hopefully — once again — leaps and bounds ahead of where we are now.

Their diverse and amazing skills were on show from issue number one and still shining in this issue and the ones we already have in planning for 2017.

On behalf of us all have a happy Christmas, healthy New Year and we look forward to seeing you again in 2017.

But in the here and now we have some

Tyla Harrington and Carly Richardson

Carly Richardson and Tyla Harrington.

7

LAKEVIEW MOAMA’S

MASSIVE SUMMER SALE $10,000 off Lots in Stages 1B, 2 and 3*

NEW LAKE AND FACILITIES COMING TO LAKEVIEW ESTATE A new lake is about to be created at the rear of Stage 4 in our Lakeview Estate. An absolute asset to the estate with picnic and barbecue areas, children’s playground, scattered seating to enjoy those sunny Moama mornings and Villawood’s signature Folko Cooper sculptures. The lake will be approx. 1 km in diameter and will make a great addition to the existing walking trail along Perricoota Road.

Construction of the lake will commence in September 2016 with the completion date scheduled for March 2017. Like our FB page to stay up-to-date with the Lake’s progress. www.facebook.com/VillawoodPropertiesBendigo/

HERMI TAGE DR

RIESLING DR

FUTURE LAKE PICNIC AREA PLAYGROUND AND BBQ

DU

RIF

*Offer Excludes Stage 4 Limited Time Only

CCT

MARSANNE DR

AY

DR

99

810m2

APERA AVE

102

100 98

972m2

810m2

RA

101

800m

2

97

APE

797m2

A VE

762m2

DU

96

RIF

751m2

DR

95

852m2

105

94

103

104

810m2

810m2

802m2

769m2

106

93

822m2

1127m2

107

800m2

92

63

840m

2

41

977m2

62 61

800m

2

39

36

60

1000m2

38

80

67

750m2

900m2

800m2

81

79

800m

1000m2

1001m

66

900m2

2

40

1300m2

900m2 9

1106m2

SOLD OUT 37

65

64

2

42

1001m2

68

750m2

69

750m2

900m2

78 77

900m2

750m2

1300m2

MARSANNE DR

33

876m2

35

1395m2

LAKEVIEW DR

CABERNET DR

HERMI TAGE DRIVE

1337m2

82

1300m2

83

794m2

BU

RG

UN

DY

1300m2

49

DR

2

47

800m2

46

800m2

59

742m2

70

74

743m2

800m2

75

776m2

76

752m2

84

1695m2

1300m2

BURGUNDY DR

MARSANNE DR

LAKE

85

2091m2

MERLOT B LVD

50

1836m2

51

1172m2

52

1155m2

53

1155m2

54

1155m2

55

1206m2

58

1334m2

89

71

1370m2

1288m2

88

1288m2

87

1288m2

86

1288m2

WINBI AVE

PERRICOOTA ROAD

Stage 1A

Stage 1B

Future Residential Walking Track

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Existing Residential Cycling Track

Playground & Picnic Area

Wetland

FIRST DISPLAY HOME FOR ECHUCA-MOAMA REGION AND THE FIRST SPEC HOME FOR THE LAKEVIEW ESTATE!

Visit the website today for more information

lakeview.villawoodproperties.com.au

Perricoota Road, Moama

Villawood in the Community On Wednesday 2nd November over 120 lady bowlers attended the day, held at Rich River Bowling Club and enjoyed a perfect day for the competition.

Deniliquin were the winners and the event included teams from Moama, Echuca, Deniliquin, Tongala, Bendigo, Mathoura, Lockington.

Julian Perez, Regional Victoria General Manager, presented the awards.

Judith Vise is in the centre position in the photo and organised the event.

Sponsored by Villawood Properties and the Lakeview Estate, Moama.

Selling Agent

Charles L. King & Co

(03) 5482 2111 172 Hare Street, Echuca

She might not have freedom to leave the house but she hasn't been killed yet Echuca has become Victoria's capital of domestic violence — and it's getting worse IVY WISE gets in the trenches with the women at the frontline of Echuca-Moama's soaring domestic violence figures and discovers how truly isolated and abandoned its local victims are.

N

ATALIE WALKER IS on a mission, making up for not just her years of existing in a vile deception but for all the other women who are, or will be, victims of the same lie.

Only in Echuca-Moama for less than a year, Natalie has already launched an action group to create a family violence service for our abused women.

She has also managed to convince high-profile domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty to come here next year to help raise money for a local service.

As the founder of PartnerSPEAK, a support group for partners of those accessing online child pornography, Natalie started studying family violence to investigate links between online child sex offenders and domestic violence and, in turn, better support the partners through PartnerSPEAK. While doing that, she was appointed co-ordinator of Crossenvale Community House so with two young children and a partner in tow, Natalie moved from Melbourne to the Murray in April.

lot of ringing around eventually I realised there wasn't one.”

individuals and agencies and people are jumping on board.”

The closest is the Centre for Non-Violence in Bendigo, which Ms Walker says “does as great a job in the towns of Echuca and Kyabram as it can do for a service based in Bendigo”.

The group had its first executive level meeting on November 24 and will call for the operational action group in the New Year.

“As a Neighbourhood House co-ordinator, my job is to involve the community, find out what their needs are and respond to those needs,” she said.

“When I realised domestic violence rates were so high and there was no local service, it became pretty obvious that was an area to work in.”

Along with Kyabram Community Learning Centre manager Jennifer Savage, the pair launched Echuca-Kyabram Family Violence Action Group, which they hope will become a credible domestic violence stakeholder for the towns.

And despite being in the early stages, word has travelled fast.

“People are coming forward who are experiencing domestic violence just because we're talking about it, not because we're offering a service yet,” Natalie said.

“In my first week on the job I started researching the community and the region and I found it had the highest police call“People in the community who wanted to out rates for domestic violence in the state,” do something but didn't know what to do she said. and were willing and ready and eager are glad we've said we're going to do this and “Then I was trying to figure out where the so there is lots of community support from domestic violence service was and after a

10

Rosie Batty has also confirmed she will visit Echuca and Kyabram on June 2.

As part of her visit, the 2015 Australian of the Year will discuss issues at a panel forum and workshops and be keynote speaker at a fundraising dinner hosted by EchucaMoama Rotary Club.

Kyabram Rotary Club has also come on board, with expressions of interest sought from local businesses, community groups and individuals to support the organising of the event.

The aim of the action group is to get an accessible service, lobby for state funds and be the key stakeholder and voice for domestic violence across Echuca and Kyabram.

But that's a long-term goal.

In the short-term, the group is campaigning and fundraising to launch an EchucaKyabram online peer support forum for domestic violence victims.

“We've got a model ready to launch for 12 months and what it will mean is that it's online but it will still be local, so resources, information and referrals will all be local,” she said. >>>

“

IT MIGHT NOT LOOK SAFE TO YOU AND ME, SHE MIGHT BE PHYSICALLY HURT, SHE MIGHT NOT HAVE FREEDOM TO LEAVE THE HOUSE BUT SHE HASN’T BEEN KILLED YET.

”

11

>>> “It will be facilitated by a community worker, hopefully a survivor, and all posts will be moderated.

“What's happened with PartnerSPEAK, as people have felt safe and developed relationships online, they've asked for a face-toface peer support group and that's where Neighbourhood Houses have really come to the party … so if out of those groups, survivors say they want face-to-face confidential peer support, then Neighbourhood House is perfectly placed with decades of experience to offer that.”

Awareness of family violence has certainly come a long way.

After decades of ignoring it, people have learnt to condemn it — and victims are reporting more frequently.

However, the rate of domestic violence is increasing and, according to police, is still hugely under-reported.

Drugs and alcohol may aggravate the violence, but they don't cause it.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2012, 87 per cent of domestic violence victims were women.

Governments are now recognising gender inequality as the cause of domestic violence and Natalie agrees education is the key to change.

“Condoning violence, and especially condoning violence against women, creates an environment where domestic violence thrives and is accepted,” Natalie said.

“We all think we do not condone violence but when we say things like, 'he just lost control' or 'he couldn't help it' or 'she was antagonising him; what did she expect?' all condones violence.

“As does telling a little girl that a boy from school hit her or tripped her up because he likes her.

“It's the culture of sexism and 'it's just a joke' and 'it doesn't matter'.

“The belief that men should control and hold power over women causes violence.”

Domestic violence statistics paint a disturbing picture.

In Australia one woman is murdered and another three are hospitalised with a traumatic brain injury every week.

So why is it that women stuck in a violent relationship don't just leave?

“

CHALLENGE THE NORMALISATION OF VIOLENCE, ESPECIALLY CHALLENGE THE NOTION THAT VIOLENCE IS A NORMAL MALE EXPRESSION WHICH JUST CAN’T BE HELPED.

”

“Leaving is the most dangerous time in a relationship where violence is used,” Natalie said.

“And then there's the structural things, she

to court because the courts may label her

probably earns less and she's been out of

an unfriendly parent and that she's not

the workforce since having the kids, where

supporting the child to have a relationship

“She knows how she's been keeping herself safe until this point. It might not look safe to you and me, she might be physically hurt, she might not have freedom to leave the house but she hasn't been killed yet,” she said.

does she go, how much does housing cost,

with their father and then she may be at risk

can she leave?”

of losing the children and the man who uses

“And even if she doesn't know that statistic, believe me, she knows the dynamic.

12

And then there's the problem of child custody.

violence gets the children,” Natalie said.

“That's why she doesn't leave.

“Family lawyers are advising women who

“I know someone closely who is not leaving

experience violence who have children

right now because she doesn't want her

not to disclose the violence when they go

partner to have 50 per cent custody and her

Natalie Walker and Kyabram’s Jennifer Savage.

children be with him, without her there, so she's staying to protect her children.

“Instead of asking, 'why doesn't she leave?' ask, 'why doesn't he stop being violent?”

especially challenge the notion that violence is a normal male expression which just can't be helped.

“Call out sexism; it's not 'just a joke'.

So what can we do now to help stop the cycle of family violence?

“It's about educating magistrates and every

“Challenge gender inequality and rigid gender roles for both men and women, girls and boys,” she said.

family violence cases to be acutely aware

“Challenge the normalisation of violence;

professional involved in responding to inside out of the dynamics of domestic violence.

“Why on earth are women who have been

subjected to coercion and fear possibly for decades, then going to court and the person who uses violence is representing himself and she has to face him in court?

“It's knowing there's no class, no bounds, it's not that block of houses over there, it's our neighbours and it's nothing that the woman does.”

• To contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service, call 1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732. 

13

NOW AVAILABLE

in Echuca!

OUR HIGHLY QUALIFIED PRACTICE NURSE AND COSMETIC INJECTOR KELLY SPITERI IS CONSULTING TOGETHER WITH MR BROUGHTON SNELL, PLASTIC SURGEON. Offering cosmetic injectables, muscle relaxants and dermal fillers along with consultations for the highly sought after Coolsculpting!

For an appointment call Sandhurst Plastic Surgery on 03 5443 0294

All provided by our specialist Plastic Surgeon Mr. Broughton Snell (FRACS) Suite 2, 1 Chum Street, Bendigo, 3550

www.sandhurstplasticsurgery.com.au

e g a t n i V

Makeovers & Photoshoots with Eva Baker Hair and Tamara Cadd Photography

Each session includes • pampering with Eva • your choice of a range of vintage outfits to wear • Tapas at The Mill while you prepare • a photoshoot with Tamara, including 10 images on USB and 10 5 x 7 prints.

Indulge yourself or make a day of it with friends or family.

For enquiries

email tamcadd@yahoo.com or call 0448 745 824

Eva Baker Hair

Tamara Cadd Photography

/EvaBakerWeddingHair @evabakerweddinghairstylist M: 0468 721 980 www.evabaker.com.au

/tamcadd E: tamcadd@yahoo.com @tamcadd M: 0448 745 824 www.tamaracaddphotography.com.au

It’s not easy, playing the eternal optimist On paper Trish Deakin led a life that could have spiralled out of control, anywhere and anytime.

That it didn’t is a tribute to her endlessly enthusiastic outlook on life, and a few other bits she revealed to fellow thespian IVY WISE.

F

OR SOMEONE WHO has done it pretty tough — by choice as much as anything — Trish Deakin remains the quintessential optimist.

Trish was the girl who quit school at 13 — then later became a teacher.

Before that, as a 16-year-old, Trish moved out of the family home.

And wasted no time becoming a teen mother within two years.

But then there was the inner girl, the one who had a brother with a disability — and became a young carer.

Many people today know Trish as one of the faces of the musical movement, not just in the twin towns but right around the region.

Today Trish is a member of five theatre groups — Echuca-Moama Theatre Company, Kyabram Theatre Group, Numurkah Singers, Dillmac and Shepparton Theatre Arts Group.

But if you love something, you find the time, In the past 12 months she has been involved she said. with seven shows at once — Chitty Chitty “It’s about doing what makes you feel Bang Bang (Echuca), Legally Blonde great — now,” she said.

(Kyabram), Grease (Numurkah), 10 in 10, Sweet Charity and 40 and Fab (Shepparton) “I’m enjoying working for myself (running my shoe business Little Goody New Shoes) and and Anything Goes (Echuca).

I always enjoy learning new things. Working Clearly here is a woman who has overcome for myself allows me the time to follow my many challenges in her life. other passions with theatre and the arts.”

But she has done it all with a smile.

Because of that, Trish doesn’t like to think And it may have taken her more than 30 too far ahead into the future. years to finish her education and follow her “Life changes so quickly,” she said. passions, but Trish today is finally doing She should know. something for herself.

“Life’s tough so you’ve got to do stuff you really love because that’s what keeps you going,” she said.

For Trish, that’s community theatre.

“It’s the connections with people. I love being around talented people and people who can express that side of themselves.

It’s a bit of an escape,” she said.

Escape? Into seven shows in a year? That’s more like being captured alive.

16

At the age of 13 Trish moved from her South Australian hometown of Berri to Kyabram when her father got a transfer.

However, the move proved difficult for her.

But Trish knew something was not quite right with her daughter.

“I was telling doctors and whoever would listen that there’s something going on here and she’s not meeting her milestones like the other babies and young kids around her,” she said.

“It was incredibly hard because nobody knew how to help me or they didn’t know what was going on with this child that I had that needed me so much. I couldn’t leave her with anyone but my mum.”

It wasn’t until Nicole was five that she was diagnosed with an intellectual disability and Asperger’s syndrome.

And by that time, Trish and Nicole’s father were no longer together.

“I quit school at 13. The move, I just didn’t cope. I found it really difficult at that age,” she said.

“There was not much known about the autism spectrum back then and for a girl to be diagnosed with Asperger’s, it was a new thing,” she said.

Then after moving out of home at the age of 16, Trish had her first child, Nicole, two years later.

Nicole, who turns 30 in February, now lives in a Community Living and Respite Services independent living unit. >>>

“

LIFE’S TOUGH SO YOU’VE GOT TO DO STUFF YOU REALLY LOVE BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING.

”

17

“

IT [THEATRE] HELPS TO CREATE A CONNECTED COMMUNITY, IT GIVES KIDS SOMETHING TO DO OTHER THAN SPORT, AND IT’S MEANINGFUL FOR THEM.

”

>>> It would be 10 years before Trish had her second child, Connor, with her now husband Don.

Soon after, she started working as a carer support worker and case manager at a community services organisation in Shepparton.

“It was pretty scary having one with a disability first and thinking what if that were to “My experience with Nicole, and also having happen again because you just don’t know,” a brother with a disability, meant I had that personal and lived experience of being a she said. carer,” she said.

Connor is now 20 and following in mum’s footsteps big into the local theatre and film “I guess it’s taught me that you don’t just look at that perspective that everybody’s scene. fine.

When Connor was 10, Trish suggested he “You have more empathy. You look beneath try out for a role in the musical Oliver. the surface when you’re talking to people.”

As well as being a natural actor, Connor scored the lead role — the first of many star- Perhaps that connection with people is what makes Trish such a good director. ring roles in shows across Echuca, Kyabram and Shepparton.

Her first time directing a show came in Although Trish has been interested in thea- 2007 when Kyabram Theatre Group put on Fawlty Towers. tre since she was a child, it wasn’t until she was an adult that she did something about “That was one of the most memorable productions. It was hilarious,” she said. it.

“It was a conscious effort to join a theatre company,” she said.

She first stepped onto the stage with Kyabram Theatre Group in 2004–05.

Soon after, she was assistant director on a high school production and co-organised several hugely popular ‘back-to concerts’, all the while working as the Neighbourhood House co-ordinator at Kyabram Community Centre and studying at Victoria University’s Echuca campus.

“You’ve got to give them time to do that. You build that into your rehearsal. They’re kids,” she said.

“You’ve got to let them have that time to have fun and to not concentrate because they can’t concentrate for the length of a rehearsal. It’s too long.

“And you’re learning lots of stuff. They need a break, so they can retain that information as well.”

Trish is also looking forward to co-directing next year’s EMTC production of British musical comedy Spamalot.

According to her, local theatre and the arts in general are so important to communities such as Echuca.

“It helps to create a connected community, it gives kids something to do other than sport, and it’s meaningful for them,” she said.

“It helps them to develop, and for adults too.

I didn’t come into it until adulthood and it Since then, she has gone on to co-dihelped me. It’s for all ages.” rect, with Lesley Summers, many producAlthough the digital age is making it harder tions, including Echuca-Moama Theatre to attract crowds than ever before, Trish Company’s Peter Pan, A Christmas Carol said people were becoming a lot more and last year’s popular Chitty Chitty Bang culturally aware.

Bang.

Dealing with a cast of 60 children in Peter Pan would be stressful to many, but Trish took it all in her stride.

“I just really love it,” she said.

“It’s harder to get people motivated and into a theatre, but on the other hand it’s becoming ‘more cool’ to watch theatre, and to be involved with theatre because of TV shows like Glee or Smash.

“I do a lot of work before we get into rehears“Musicals are much more acceptable to als. It’s all planned and I’ve thought about younger audiences.” it really hard so when people come to me For Trish, she prefers to be in the thick of with a question, I’ll know the answer. it, surrounded by the action and the people, “I guess my intention when I was study- “It is stressful but if I feel like I’ve planned rather than being a spectator. well, then there’s nothing to be worried ing to be a teacher was that it was more “The friendships you make through theatre about.” about student wellbeing and connections are just incredible,” she said. with people rather than being a classroom Not even loud, excitable children running “You become like a family.” ¾ around. teacher,” she said.

She graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Education, before doing some casual relief teaching for a couple of years.

18

When being in business is beautiful Jacinta Cannon sees EchucaMoama as the changing point of her life, and is now setting about helping change the lives of as many of its residents as she can.

E

NDOTA IS AN INDIGENOUS word which can translate as beautiful.

Endota is also a business which is all about the beautiful experience.

And there can be few more beautiful ways to spend an hour, or a day, than in a one-stop pampering spa which caters to your every need, from relaxation to rejuvenation.

20

Owner Jacinta Cannon is living the dream, and endota has given her the products, services and expertise to ensure EchucaMoama has access to the state-of-the-art in day spa facilities and treatments.

Offering relaxation and remedial massages, wraps, scrubs and the best in beauty care (including facials, waxing, and spray tanning along with the finest products) endota spa

offers an exciting choice of health, wellbeing and beauty needs.

The natural palette of wood and stone combined with cool colours — and flooded with natural light — helps calm the senses from the moment you step through the door.

The statement is clear; this is a beautiful place with a calm, and calming, environment,

pigmentation and acne issues.

Hydro-microdermabrasion is also available.

Jacinta said opening the spa with husband Mick has been a dream come true.

“The brand endota is all about empowering women — our motto is ‘helping women to be their best me’,” Jacinta said.

“It’s about down to earth natural and organic products, relaxation, health and vitality,” she added.

The family moved to Echuca-Moama (with sons Balin and Hunter) two years ago and they cannot believe how supportive and fantastic the community is and how much their lives have changed for the better.

Eldest son Balin, who has autism, Tourette’s, dyspraxia, Pierre Robin syndrome, 7Q deletion and hearing impairment, attends Echuca Specialist School.

“When we were in Melbourne specialist services for Balin’s care were cut, meaning we had to give up work to care for him ourselves,” Jacinta said.

“We couldn’t afford our mortgage and our life was pretty tough. We sold up and moved up to this perfect bubble called Echuca-Moama and we thank our lucky stars every single day.

“Support for Balin has made the biggest difference in our lives. The boys are doing well, our relationship is doing well, we have made beautiful friends and we have been able to open our own business, it has been a whole change of life for us.

“We are certainly looking to cement ourselves as part of the business culture and we will be supporting different community events as they arise. Personally I want to give back to the community that has given me and my family so much.”

Jacinta is in the process of organising dining and beauty packages with some of the town’s top restaurants — clients can have a beauty treatment and a five course meal with Junction Moama, including a chauffeur-driven car, for $200 per person.

cocooning you from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

There are six treatment rooms, including two doubles, which are available for group therapy treatments, bridal parties or a pampering girl’s day out.

Stocking some fantastic natural based products including endota organics, anti-ageing line New Age Elements (a collage peptide

“The spa is the future for my boys. Balin will need care for the rest of his life and hopefully the spa will be able to provide that for us as a family. Opening wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my parents Marisa and Greg and I will be forever grateful to them too.

based range), Dermalogica and Hydro Peptide, endota spa also is the opportunity to purchase a gift, or gift voucher, for some“Things are starting to finally come together one special. for us and I have no regrets, Echuca-Moama The spa also provides the latest technolcertainly feels like home to us now.”¾ ogy in LED facials, which increase collagen Endota Spa Echuca is located at production and reduce signs of ageing, 542-544 High Street, Echuca. including fine lines and wrinkles while regenerating skin cells, and helping with Refer advertisment on page 2.

21

Something for everyone at EWMAC FULLY EQUIPPED HEALTH CLUB

Extensive cardio and strength training equipment.

Qualified trainers to develop personalised programs, included with Membership. All shapes and sizes welcome!

A w a rd w in n in g c e n t

GROUP FITNESS

Over 35 diverse classes per week including: Les Mills Body Step, Body Pump, Body Balance and Body Attack.

WATER AEROBICS

Seven classes a week including Seniors, deep water, gentle and high intensity options.

SWIMMING

Fully heated pool facilities and steam room.

Learn-to-swim programs to suit all ages and abilities.

YOUTH GYM

Personalised exercise programs for secondary school students.

Includes health club, group fitness and pool access.

SENIORS

Gym, group fitness and water programs for people over 50. Get active in a welcoming and accessible social environment.

PERSONAL TRAINING

Individual and Partnered training sessions, available to help meet your potential.

Qualified and experienced instructors to push you further and keep you motivated.

SMALL GROUP TRAINING *NEW*

Qualified and experienced instructors take you outside, using both intervals and functional training methods, to take your training to a whole new level.

Don’t get lost in the crowd.

LEARN TO SWIM! Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre offers Learn-to-swim classes for children from 6 months of age.

All new Learn to Swim participants receive a free pool membership.

Enrol now for School Holiday and Term 1 lessons! For more information call: (03) 5480 2995 Or visit: Echuca War Memorial Aquatic Centre, Corner of High and Service Streets

Contact EWMAC or visit our website for more information: Corner of High and Service Streets, Echuca, 3564 Phone: (03) 5480 2994 Website: www.campaspeaquatics.com.au

#

re

OUTDOOR SPRING

FITNESS BENCH LUNGE Beginner Find a bench or step to place your front leg on and slowly lower your back knee towards the ground. Great for those with joint issues. The goal here is to increase your range of movement at the knee and hip.

Advanced

(Bulgarian Lunge)

Flip it around, place your back foot on the bench or step and lower your body towards the ground remembering to flex your back knee as you go.

To add more bring your opposite elbow towards your front knee.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS

Beginner Using a bench or raised platform, set up in the push up position. Lifting one leg at a time bring your knee in to your chest with control. Then swap legs.

Advanced Instead of the bench, take it to the ground. Add some difficulty by picking up the pace.

Beginner Sit on the bench with your heels on the ground and your back away from the bench slowly raise your legs off the ground towards your chest.

Advanced This time start with your legs high and in close to your chest. Extend your legs out in front keeping your feet high and your back away from the bench. Bring legs back in and repeat.

V-SIT

SINGLE ARM POWER PULL Beginner Holding on to the suspension trainer lift your left hand, stand with your feet together.

Your right arm should be straight and lined up with the straps. Keep your legs and back straight. (This is your starting position.)

Now tighten your abs and start to lower your body by extending your left arm.

Same time rotate your hips so that you can bring your right arm towards the ground. Repeat the move, then rest and switch hands.

Advanced Add the power part by bringing your left hand close to your body, keeping your elbow in and pull the elbow past your body as you move from the starting position.

Add further difficulty by bringing your left hand close to your neck and raise the elbow position.

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

23

The message that must be Embraced Australian women are in the grip of a pandemic — of eating disorders. Too little food, too much, not balanced, all dangerous. SOPHIE BALDWIN singlehandedly drove a campaign to bring Embrace to the twin towns — providing an alternative view on a healthy life — and convinced more than 900 people to watch the movie in just two days.

24

A

N ESTIMATED ONE million Australians are afflicted with an eating disorder.

And around 15 per cent of all women, regardless of age, will experience an eating disorder at least once.* More chilling is this number is not going down, or even plateauing, it is still increasing.

When I first caught Tarryn Brumfitt’s Embrace documentary on Facebook I immediately knew we must bring it to Echuca-Moama.

Tarryn’s message of positive body image should be compulsory viewing for the whole country.

So many women and teenagers, and even our young children, are spending their time obsessed with the belief they must have a certain body type to be happy and successful.

Yet in reality that elusive body type which they will never achieve has almost certainly been largely generated on a computer.

Women are striving for a perfect body that doesn’t even exist.

Advertisers and the fashion industry have a lot to answer for as the public is continually bombarded with these unrealistic images, I mean for God’s sake, some fashion models are eating cotton balls soaked in Gatorade to stay thin — and these poor girls are just sticks on legs.

The average female body size is 12, and that is considered a plus size.

What sort of message is that sending?

The Riverine Herald in conjunction with the Moama Bowling Club were privileged to get 900 women and students (and a few men) through the doors of the club to see this award-winning documentary and I hope it has inspired many of them to question the delusion they need to have a perfect body to be happy. >>>

25

I could spend my life wishing I looked like Elle McPherson, but in reality I don’t, and never will.

I am pretty sure my chest measurement, or lack thereof, has nothing to do with how successful I am in my career, do I have a thigh gap, I wouldn’t even know — we don’t even have a full-length mirror in our house and I threw the scales away months ago.

As I move through the decades and head into my fifth one (which, by the way, I can’t believe) the years are starting to slip away.

I have wrinkles and laugh lines, my skin is starting to sag and my days of a flat stomach are well and truly a thing of the past — I gave birth to my first beautiful baby 18 years ago, it has been gone for quite some time.

>>> The fact we were able to deliver the message to 500 secondary school age children is something of which I am very proud.

Joanne Mason attended the Thursday night screening at Moama Bowling Club and was blown away by the documentary.

“It is great for women of all ages and is a must see for everyone,” Joanne said.

“Embrace feels like a necessity to open the lines of communication. It was light-hearted and funny and Tarryn seems like such a nice person, you just want to be her friend,” she said.

“Beauty is only skin deep and society really needs to learn that is all it is.

“My philosophy has always been to love people and I have always valued personality over looks.”

Tarryn’s message is so simple and yet so powerful: ‘This body of mine is not an ornament it’s a vehicle, and as women we need to be kind to ourselves and be realistic”.

26

I know I am not young anymore but I can still do all the things I want to do and that has nothing to do with my appearance whatsoever, or, might I add my age, because if I set myself a goal I know I can achieve it with hard work and dedication.

In the scheme of things life is short why waste your time worrying about things out of your control.

In the words of Tarryn Brumfitt: “Darling girl don’t waste a single moment being at war with your body, just embrace it”.

A message we all need to heed. *Eating Disorders Victoria

FOOTNOTE: With the generous support of Moama Bowling Club, which provided the venue and covered the costs of hiring and screening the movie, all money raised from ticket sales to the evening shows was donated to The Butterfly Foundation, which supports people with eating disorders.

Entry was free for students who attended the two matinees. ¾

Sophie’s Single

If you are low on iron Suddenly single by default, emerging survivor by choice, mother, worker and weekend warrior SOPHIE BALDWIN finds a year down the track she is (slightly) less manic, less depressed and more about happily getting on with the business of life. Even if it means self-inflicted pain and suffering.

I

HAVE COME a long way in the past year.

I have learnt to rely on myself more, and while I can safely say my handyman skills haven’t improved at all (although I did change the battery on the rider mower and changed the oil, go me!) I am still standing, 12 months on from my separation.

most responsible parenting role of the year, I certainly had a great time.

country, I am pretty excited about where that little blue book is going to take me.

I didn’t think I could still bust a move at 3 am but apparently I can, although the drive home the next day was rather torturous — and certainly put the celebrating back into perspective.

Starting with my cycling holiday in New Zealand.

I won’t lie and say it has been a year of wine and roses — there have certainly been some times where I have struggled.

I got pulled over by the highway patrol for driving around in an unregistered car.

It was only a couple of days overdue mind you but lucky for me not five minutes earlier, I had just driven from the Vic Roads office after paying it.

There has been uncertainty and fear, lots of tears and sleepless nights, but now there is hope for the future — goals and dreams.

There have been days where I have been unsure which version of me was going to wake up in the morning and I am sure my work colleagues have had days where they have wondered which Sophie was going to walk through the door, but at the end of the day I have made it this far and for those of you out there struggling, it does get easier.

Fine averted, but boy, policemen are aggressive these days aren’t they, and the whole experience left me feeling like I had stolen my car and was an actual criminal.

As per usual I am still training my life away.

I have completed many long bike rides now and have survived my first half ironman (and woman), all helping push the selfdoubt away. That’s me in the hat crossing the finish line (left).

Life goes on and so do we.

I don’t even know what my future means for me but I have come to the conclusion that at this moment in time, that doesn’t even matter.

My butt and my bike still aren’t exactly best friends yet but the relationship is improving the longer I spend on my two-wheeled best friend.

I am taking things a day at a time and appreciating all the great things I do have.

As a mum my girls will always come first but I have learnt to also recognise how important it is to take some time out for myself.

I cannot stress the importance of this enough.

I had a weekend away with my girlfriend in Melbourne recently and while it wasn’t my

Little things are starting to happen and life is good, I even had some good luck the other day.

And no, I won’t be doing it again in a hurry.

My passport arrived the other day and despite the fact I look like a criminal who shouldn’t even be let out of jail, let alone the

Who would have thought three hours on a bike could be so pleasurable, especially when you have a head wind pushing you backward, your legs are burning and you are seriously questioning your sanity about why completing a half ironman was ever a good idea in the first place.

The things we do to prove a point. ¾

27

Gymnastics for all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities

Acrobatic Gymnastics Tumble Bubs Aerobic Gymnastics Inclusive Gymnastics Team Gym Cnr Echuca and Martin Streets, Moama NSW 2731 Contact: palmerstumbletots@gmail.com | Mobile: 0428 990 819 Website: palmersgym.com.au Palmer’s Gym and Tumble Tots Echuca Moama

Coburn & Reid

The gift of feeling better

177 Annesley Street, Echuca Phone: (03) 5480 6011

B

A R

A P L

T

H

N

-B

A S E D

AL H E

T

BREAKFAST | BRUNCH | JUICES | SMOOTHIES SWEETS | COFFEE | TAKEAWAY | GLUTEN FREE

OPEN THURSDAY TO MONDAY

640 High Street Echuca Ph: (03) 5482 4099 hello@thesweetmeadow.com www.thesweetmeadow.com

30

The joy of joeys masks a deeper pain Animal rescuers are non-denominational, if it breathes and can be rescued it deserves a fighting chance. Which is where carers such as Kym Stinton come in. With almost 40 years of selfless, and often heartbreaking, devotion she knows there is still a long road ahead.

K

YM STINTON RESCUED her pet dog from the Lost Dogs Home.

Her cat too was given a reprieve when she took it in.

She also feeds a neighbour’s friendly feline, which spends more time at her house than anywhere else in the street.

And that helps explain the gentle thump, thump, thump that could have been mistaken for a gentle knock at the door of her office in the heart of Echuca’s commercial precinct.

Until a couple of eight-month-old joeys hopped into the room — the mischievous Blair and his sidekick Red. These Eastern Grey joeys are, by any benchmark, adorable.

But Kym knows only too well the only reason they are now in her care is tragedy.

Their mothers have been hit by cars or trucks, shot, caught in fences, even traps, and died.

Kym’s charges, her two boys plus Pip and Andi, who are a month or so younger, are the collateral damage of large mobs of kangaroos trying to share land — and roads — with more houses, more vehicles and a lot more trouble. >>>

31

>>> She has been a rescuer/carer for the past 28 years, feeding joeys around the clock, and doing even more if she gets pinkies, joeys so small they haven’t yet got their distinctive grey fur.

They are the tough gig, needing as many as six feeds a day, every day.

It’s a serious commitment, and if you want some idea of how serious Kym really is — as if 28 years is not a fairly good indicator — she is already looking to buy a house with some acreage.

Maybe backing onto a state or national park.

So she can run even more joeys and then branch out into roos, before reintroducing them into the surrounding bush.

“I normally keep my joeys till they weigh around 6–8 kg and then pass them on to someone else in the rescue network,” Kym said.

“Her property borders a state park and she will keep the joeys in pens for two to three weeks as they transition from formula and baby food to grazing, which will happen over the next two months or so,” she said.

“The joeys are viable at 10 kg but bigger is always better, and that is about when they are given access to the park — some will go off almost straight away but others will come and go much longer.

“Some even come back for years with their own joeys.”

And that’s why Kym is planning on trading up from suburbia to space — she wants more involvement right along the rescue chain.

Kym said she got hooked into the rescue business while living in Apollo Bay, close to more national park land and particularly talking to people in the wildlife service.

But while Kym has helped rear more than 100 rescued kangaroos there have been emotionally devastating moments in the journey.

Such as when she had four joeys, which all contracted coccidiosis, and despite her best efforts, and the support of vets, they all died.

“It was heartbreaking, we lost one after the other, and one had to be put down — they were already big babies, around 8 kg,” Kym said.

“We work with a marvellous vet in Rochester and we tried it all but couldn’t save one of them.”

Many species of coccidia affect eastern grey kangaroos, but not all of these coccidia cause serious disease in them.

Some species may only cause a mild flu-like illness in the animals.

The immature stages cause massive cell destruction which may kill an animal before the mature forms of coccidia even develop.

Macropods are host to many coccidia

32

species, which can be easily identified, but little information is available on which particular coccidia species cause actual disease; or at what particular stage in their life cycle this occurs.

Poorly funded, the costs add up for carers — it can cost Kym around $180 a month for food then there are vet bills even though their vet partner goes very softly on the billing.

Joeys can come in with broken bones or skin conditions depending on where and when they were found and whether they were hit by the vehicle that killed their mother.

“

IT WAS HEARTBREAKING, WE LOST ONE AFTER THE OTHER, AND ONE HAD TO BE PUT DOWN … WE WORK WITH A MARVELLOUS VET IN ROCHESTER AND WE TRIED IT ALL BUT COULDN’T SAVE ONE OF THEM.

”

Fortunately the better season has meant fewer road kills as mobs do not have to move as far for good grazing.

But Kym admits that if she did not work for herself she would not be able to live her caring life on the scale she does.

It’s highly unlikely too many offices would settle for joeys bounding up and down the passages and in and out of offices — using the new carpet as their personal toilet and demanding feeding every few hours.

“If I get some bigger land I can apply for a one-off grant which will help make it all easier,” she said.

Easier depends on your definition.

car, back home and start it all over again.

Running four joeys of different ages means differing feeds, and just like human babies the mix keeps being changed.

Believe it or not Kym insists all her joeys have their own personalities — in her current mini-mob Blair has taken to her with a passion, tracking her around the office, stopping where she does and always looking for a pat or hug.

On the day Bella dropped in, Kym was managing four bottles in two hands, dashing around with paper towels cleaning floors, faxing documents to clients, taking calls, loading joeys into, and out of, quasi pouches and getting back to work.

Before starting it all over again in a few hours.

Then loading the ‘pouches’ and her babies back into their plastic tubs, back into the

“They get more independent as they get older, but it’s always a wrench when you move them on,” Kym admitted, as Blair nibbled at her cheek.

The saddest part of Kym’s story is that as soon as she moves on Blair, Pip, Andi and Red there will be more babies waiting. ¾

Congratulations Bella You are a superb celebration of the women who help shape our rural and regional communities.

We are reminded that when a woman is empowered the whole community benefits. 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.

33

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, cough, 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 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 C Cung

ha n d m a de w i t h l o v e | unique individual design s

A great selection of our range can now be found at SAGE 250 Pakenham Street, Echuca

The Perfect Christmas Gift! $100 Voucher for $80

Available online indigoisla.bigcartel.com

indigo isla designs indigoisla@gmail.com 0438 097 005

indigoisla

@indigoisladesigns

shop online: indigoisla.bigcartel.com

Photography: Memories Created By Mel Makeup: Michelle at Bodyline Beauty Floral Hair Wreath: Sarah at Riverport Florist Hair & Model: Perri McGill

2.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

1.

3.

Style your home this Christmas with help from local retailers.

4.

Lisa @ I Want I Need Christmas is a time for your home to reflect the family you are. Go all out, inject your personality. Create the space to suit your lifestyle.

5.

6.

There is no right or wrong at Christmas — freedom of style and colour is what will enlighten your festive season and make all those you love welcome.

Merry Christmas and happy decorating.

1. Holiday Trading Co Pearlescent Bowl $54.95. 2. Saison Homestead Hammered Cannister $55. 3. Talulah Stonewear Shape Shifter Platter $119.95, Nashi Classical Salad Servers $39.95. 4. Saison 100hr Christmas Ed. Candle $69.95. 5. Bullseye Marble Tray $65, Bullseye Copper Cutlery $9.95. 6. Holiday Trading Co Amrika Votive $16.

Available from BohoEssence

3.

1.

2.

4.

8.

5.

6.

7.

1. Angel Statue $93.50, Christmas Star Tree from $29.95. 2. Silver ball ornament $5.50, Silver bon bons 6pk $39.95. 3. Christmas wreath $149. 4. Christmas bon bons 6pk $39.95. 5. Reindeer $215. 6. Gold Christmas figures $49.50 ea. 7. Christmas tree $108. 8. Red candleholder or vase $53.95 ea.

Available from Complete Garden

Available at House. High St Echuca

1.

2.

4.

3.

9.

7.

8.

6.

5.

1. Santa & Reindeer Deco’s $18.95 ea. 2. Gold Deco’s $7.95 ea. 3. Wooden Xmas Star $7.95. 4. Woollen Red Reindeer $32.95. 5. Blue Acrylic Wine Glasses $7.95 ea.

6. Gold Reindeer $39.95. 7. Timber Decorative Tree $99.95. 8. Wooden reindeer $29.95. 9. Rose coloured Wine Glasses $7.95 ea.

Available from I Want I Need

STACEY LEE

PHOTOGRAPHY

CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY STACEYLEEHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | 0407 273 515

The ECOCOCO girl is free spirited, passionate and confident in her own skin. Always seeking adventure and forever chasing the sun, you will find her with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye.

r e m m u S

HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR SKIN THIS

1. To get rid of dull, dry looking skin exfoliate using our invigorating Body Scrubs available in LIME, VANILLA and COFFEE. 2. Keep your skin hydrated with our

newly released AROMA COCO Hydrating Body Oil! This Lavender-infused Coconut Oil is this Summer’s best kept hydration secret.

3. Get a safe Summer glow that makes you look and feel like you have spent a week at the beach with our Self Tan Cream or Foaming Mousse.

Summer Sensations

GET THE

PACKAGE

An ECOCOCO Pedicure with Shellac & receive a FREE ECOCOCO Body Scrub to take home!

#WECOCOCONUTDAILY @ECOCOCOAUSTRALIA WWW.ECOCOCO.COM.AU

189 HARE STREET, ECHUCA VIC 3564 (03) 5480 3932 WWW.WILLOWTREEBEAUTY.COM

MENTION BELLA MAGAZINE IN SALON & RECEIVE 10% OFF ALL ECOCOCO PRODUCTS

“ In-house Roasted Coffee All Day Breakfast Lunch from 11.30am Open 7 Days

Ph: 5480 3113 433 High St, Echuca 40

WHEN YOU’RE A YOUNG ADOLESCENT YOU HAVE HOPES YOUR LIFE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE BETTERMENT OF THE WORLD AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THE BRIGIDINE WOMEN INSPIRED ME.

”

Sr Cecilia

Four nuns, a lot of faith and an amazing legacy Fired by faith, driven by service and sacrifice and sailing to the ends of the known earth, four Irish nuns eventually pitched up in 1886 Echuca-Moama to found a proud tradition which DAVID CHAPMAN writes still flourishes today.

F

AITH IS PERHAPS the ultimate motivational force.

It can inspire feats of superhuman strength — both physically and mentally — in times of adversity.

Or empower the traveller, the pioneer, to blaze a trail where no-one has walked before in pursuit of a bold vision.

And in 1886 it was faith that carried four nuns from Ireland to Echuca to found a convent and establish a school.

Those sisters of poverty, chastity and obedience — Mother Borgia Hayden, Mother Benedict Moore, Sister Vincent Brennan and Sister Thomas Healy — were from the

Catholic order of the Brigidine Sisters, formed in Ireland in 1807.

The school they established was St Joseph’s College and the legacy of those pioneering nuns is in the face of every student passing through its doors today.

But 130 years down the track and the order is a shadow of its glory days along the Murray.

Yet while only one nun still actively works at the school, the Brigidine Sisters do remain active in Echuca-Moama society.

In 1896 Echuca was selected as the first Victorian Brigidine Novitiate and was the centre for training all women wanting to

>>>

41

>>> become sisters in the order.

“I was teaching pupils who I went to school with, who were only a few years younger than me,” Sr Cecilia said.

At its peak in the 1960s, around 25 nuns lived in the convent in Echuca teaching at St Mary’s Primary School and St “I was 21 and they were 15 and 16.”

Joseph’s — and caring for about 72 boarders. As well as teaching all day, the nuns of her day then supervised boarders from 6 am to In the late 1980s, the 12 remaining nuns in 9.30 pm. the convent moved into units in Charlotte

various fields, having just this year travelled widely delivering the Pope’s message to parishioners.

She is also an active member of the Rural Australians for Refugees group and has been involved in billeting refugees when they visit the region on bus trips.

St, which still provided a sense of commu- “A lot of the younger nuns were still studying nal living. and there was no time to think of self.”

Sr Cecilia also finds time to be a member of the horticultural society — “I love gardening”.

Today only three Brigidine Sisters remain — Sr Cecilia Merrigan, Sr Margaret Duffy and Sr Cletus Dullard — and their roles are vastly different to the order’s Australian founders.

For 30 years Sr Cletus was a teacher in many Victorian schools, including St Mary’s here before training to become a pastoral carer in 1984, providing spiritual and emotional support to people in hospitals and aged care facilities in Melbourne.

Sr Cecilia grew up on a farm at Undera and attended a local state school.

She boarded at St Joseph’s and entered the novitiate in 1961.

“I always wanted to be a teacher. When you’re a young adolescent you have hopes your life will contribute to the betterment of the world and make a difference,” she said.

“The Brigidine women inspired me.”

“There were 40 young women in my novitiate years.

“It was a moment in the church where there was great need for more teachers.”

She entered as an 18-year-old straight after completing Year 12, as did most other women who entered the order, and was soon teaching at the school where she was a student only a few years earlier.

42

Sister Cletus remembers life being “very structured”.

Until the 1970s the nuns wore the traditional heavy habit, designed for European conditions not Australia at the height of summer and in classrooms with no airconditioning.

“We had yard duty and sport in 40°C and the habit was impractical but it was part of life,” Sr Cecilia said.

The nuns said there was little free time with their strict timetable to be followed, well, religiously.

They received two weeks holiday a year and nuns came to Echuca for their time off using the boarding facilities during school holidays.

It is a role she still performs, albeit part time, in Echuca-Moama 32 years later.

Sr Margaret still works at St Joseph’s school library, and assists with distance education.

Sr Cecilia said the Brigidine Sisters do have a lot more freedom as to where to invest their energies.

“There is more versatility and individuality,” she said, reflecting the changing roles of nuns in contemporary society and their changing numbers.

But now there are more diverse opportu“There was always a choice to stay or not nities for the sisters to continue their selfto stay (in the order) — and a lot chose to less roles in engendering a love of learning, leave,” Sr Cecilia said. hope and a sense of purpose and working to further compassion and justice for “I always felt there was value in what I was humanity and the earth. doing.”

Sr Cecilia still works with adult faith in

Now there are only 80 Brigidines left in all

“

THERE WAS ALWAYS A CHOICE TO STAY OR NOT TO STAY (IN THE ORDER) — AND A LOT CHOSE TO LEAVE. I ALWAYS FELT THERE WAS VALUE IN WHAT I WAS DOING.

”

Sr Cecilia

Victoria — and their average age is at least 75, probably higher.

But Sr Cecilia is pragmatic as well as optimistic “The expectation of younger people to come through and join the order is not healthy,” Sr Cecilia said.

“But as one era dies out, and it’s been 200 years, something new comes along.”

When it comes to the transitional nature of following an ordered religious life Sr Cecilia is something of an authority — she was international leader of the Brigidine for six years, a role which saw her go wherever the nuns were to support them — Mexico, the US, New Zealand, the UK and across Australia.

In Mexico, she spent time at a Caritas Centre offering cancer treatment in conditions which could only be described as eye-opening.

They initially took up residence in Apsley House, former home of Echuca founder Henry Hopwood, and converted the parlour to their chapel.

The school was built in 1888, only two years after they arrived.

“People in town, Catholic and non-Catholic, really embraced them,” Sr Cecilia said.

“There was no money for non-government schools back then. Funded education had to be free, secular and compulsory.”

Their school was opened to boys and girls of any faith and quickly became a respected place of education.

The teaching nuns had been well educated in Europe, and along with the core subjects they offered music, drama, handcrafts and fine arts and the mysterious ‘use of globes’, which was world geography based on globes.

People were in bunks for 20 for men and 20 “Ones who went before us, their resilience for women in a room, the only trained medi- and preparedness to take on things, and their courage; was amazing,” Sr Margaret cal care from doctors and dentists working said. pro bono to help the underprivileged.

The Brigidine Sisters’ message to live with strength and kindliness is something that has prevailed since the order was established in Echuca.

Sisters Margaret and Cletus are still amazed at the foresight of those four pioneering nuns who travelled to the other end of the earth in 1886.

“They had no government funding so they taught music before and after school and a lot of pupils came who were not students of the school.”

Nevertheless, the generosity of the nuns in delivering an education to the community was phenomenal.

“The spirit was there from day one to waive

fees for boarders from bigger families,” Sr Cletus said.

“Before, during and after the war people lived frugally. Some parents remarked they would not be able to keep a student at home for the same amount of money as what they were being charged for board.

“The sisters’ symbols were solid. They built this beautiful facade at the school and it was meant to last.”

The nuns built the magnificent Gothic chapel in 1899 which is still used today — another vision for the future.

While the role of the Brigidine Sisters may be changing, the heritage is rich, immersed in sacrifice and service, and still alive.

Today’s St Joseph’s College principals and senior staff are routinely taken to Ireland to get up close and personal with their school’s history and an induction into the sense of the Brigidine tradition.

Obviously the school has gradually been transformed during its 130 years, such as 19th century servants’ quarters and stables becoming a state-of-the-art kitchen and meeting room complex.

But the one thing that hasn’t altered is the fountain at the front of the school.

It was donated to the Brigidine Sisters just four years after they arrived and still stands as both testament and monument to the brave women who founded this proud institution all those years ago. ¾

43

Healthy Eating this Christmas – avoid the weight gain.

When we consider Christmas one of the first things that we think of is food. This can include Christmas Lunch, Christmas Dinner, work functions, Christmas drinks and other Christmas get-togethers. Then when it comes to foods that we consume over the festive period I think of mince pies, chocolates, plum pudding, Pavlova, trifle, meat and veggies and the copious amount of leftovers you are eating for days to come.

Christmas can be a tough time for those trying to lose weight or maintain weight due to the range and quantity of food available.

Most Australians can relate to increasing the link on their belt buckle when the New Year rolls around. On average Australians gain 0.8–1.5 kg over the Christmas period.

One to two kilograms might not sound like much but researchers have identified that weight gained over the holiday period is rarely lost.

Tips

However, Christmas mustn’t be the end of your great progress. Some tips to prevent weight gain include: 1. Avoid going hungry to parties.

2. Eat a light meal before the party to reduce the chances of snacking on high calorie party foods.

3. Don’t try to lose weight over the Christmas season.

Instead, aim to maintain your current weight.

4. Watch your portion sizes.

• Vegetable sticks, pretzels, rice crackers • Hummus, beetroot, tzatziki, avocado dip • Sushi • Sandwiches, quiches • Fruit salad with yoghurt

Foods to Limit

• Creamy dips • Pies, sausage rolls, spinach triangles • Chips, corn chips • Lollies, candy canes, chocolates • Cakes and slices with cream

Alcohol

Drinking 1 or 2 standard drinks a day may add to the enjoyment of your festive events, but over-consuming alcohol can lead to weight gain.

Drinking no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion reduces the risk of alcohol-related injury arising from that occasion.

If you choose to drink:

1. Watch your serving size. Restaurants often serve wine in glasses that are three times the standard serve.

2. Be careful with top-ups. Topping up your glass can lead to you losing count of the amount you have been drinking. Finish one glass before accepting a top-up.

3. Alternate your drinks. Alternate one alcoholic drink with one non-alcoholic drink such as water.

Alcohol can be a significant source of calories and carbohydrates, but most types have very little sugar.

Keeping things in moderation is a major key to the Christmas overeating issue.

Tips to modify what you eat over Christmas:

Beer: while this beverage does contain a lot of sugar, it’s in the form of maltose (not fructose) which our bodies can metabolize just fine. Approximately 1 g in a standard stubby (375 ml).

1. Use a smaller plate — your mind will consider it a full plate regardless of its size!

2. Where there are choices, take a little of many things rather than lots of one thing. This ensures you are getting a balanced meal and not overloading on a fatty food.

Dry spirits like gin, vodka and whiskey are very low in fructose — no sugar.

Be aware what you add to these as mixers.

Wine: Believe it or not but wine contains very minimal amounts of fructose. The fructose in the grapes is what ferments to become alcohol, leaving the finished product low in sugar. If the wine has been fermented to “dry” (red or white) it contains very low levels of residual sugar (less than 1 g per litre).

Red wine is lower in fructose than white wine.

3. For every glass of alcohol or soft drink, have a glass of water.

Water fills you up, has no calories or side effects, is cheap and will help wash out the excesses.

4. Help clear the table as soon as everyone finishes eating rather than sitting and picking at leftovers.

5. Make your own mixed drinks with real fruit juice instead of canned drink.

6. Don’t be afraid to take things home for later — especially fruit cake as it will keep for ages!

7. Only put out some of the available food so people don’t over serve themselves.

More can always come out as required.

Champagne or “sparkling”: Though similar in the fermentation process of red and white wine (as mentioned above), champagne does tend to retain quite a lot of the fructose from the grapes. 12.5 g sugar per 750 ml bottle.

Dessert wine: A stack of sugar remains unfermented in these wines.

Echuca Moa ma Fa mily Medical Practice helping fa milies live healthy lives.

1 Martin St, Moama 179–183 Annesley St, Echuca

Foods to Enjoy

(03) 5480 2933 (03) 5480 6001

Keep an eye out for all our extended Christmas trading hours and in -store promotions over the holiday period!

Open Hours Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm Saturday 10 am – 2 pm

250 Pakenham St, Echuca

P : 5482 3726

E: sales@sageinspirations.com.au

Stocking Sizes 6–16

www.sageinspirations.com.au

46

Big business out the back of beyond Fleur Ferris is becoming a big name in the young adult book market — an overnight success about 20 years in the making. It’s one thing to talk about her books, but ANDREW MOLE talked to Fleur about what goes on before the book launches.

O

UT IN THE backblocks of Bunnaloo Fleur Ferris admits it took quite some time, time measured by years, before she realised she was not as normal as she simply assumed she was.

Because unlike you and me, Fleur, for much of her life, has been seeing visions.

Certainly not of biblical proportions; not even in the ballpark of Joan of Arc — but visions nonetheless.

Finally she wrote a book called Jolted and got two publishers to bite — one in Australia and one in England.

Fleur’s confidence — and credibility with publishers — was also helped by winning an online writing competition.

For a variety of reasons she ended up going with the Australian publisher who, despite being impressed by Jolted, was prompted to ask if Fleur had a synopsis of a future book (to make sure they mightn’t be stuck with a one-book bird from Bunnaloo).

“It got Jolted a professional critique, so I reworked it, sent it off and that got me to a pitch session.

“Working with an editor has been fascinating, eye-opening, educational and often so annoying because you think you know what you want to say but there is so much you have to consider, especially for young adults, where you can’t necessarily put out things you wouldn’t give a second thought with adults.

Fleur’s visions are like movie trailers — she walks around seeing scenes of stories in her imagination.

And in her naivety assumed everyone else spent large parts of their waking, and occasionally sleeping, day and night doing the exact same thing.

When she finally twigged they weren’t, she moved from vision to epiphany.

“You get taken through significant plot lines, credibility, background, behaviour, pacing, fact question and legality issues.

She would jot all those scenes down, turn them into something others could see and understand, share her visions if you will — she would become a writer.

“Then at the copy edit stage it comes back marking clunky sentences and you have to keep tightening, producing a much tighter version, often the words that come out are what make the ones left in so good.

Sounds simple and seems to have worked because Fleur Ferris circa December 2016 is fast becoming recognised as an important author in the young adult genre — not just here but around the world.

“Finally you have the proof read, and in my case that’s for a book around 60,000 words.”

If that all sounds as though it fell into place one fine day, with a clear blue sky and sun shining on Fleur’s desk on her Bunnaloo farm, it didn’t.

So successful she already has to work with four agents — her publishing agent in Australia, her publishing agent in the UK and her UK-based agent for her books being translated into other languages.

Her fourth agent is her booking agent, not book agent, who manages the demand for Fleur as a speaker, a demand growing exponentially with her profile as an author.

“From there I began writing — Risk took me 35 days, Black was four months and next release Wreck six weeks because I was up against a contractual deadline,” she said.

“I had just finished Risk, so I was able to send that back with my rework of the Jolted manuscript,” Fleur said.

But Fleur and her fanciful flights of imagination were hardly overnight successes.

“They liked Risk so much Jolted got put in a bottom drawer and Risk became my first book,” she said

She wrote four books no-one has ever seen, but all the time convincing herself she was learning her craft, becoming a better author.

“I am pretty sure it will also get published but after Risk I did Black and so there hasn’t been time yet I guess.”

Despite winning the competition Jolted kept getting knocked back but Fleur kept sending it out.

“When I started writing I was still doing other things (apart from wife and mother Fleur had also been a police officer and a paramedic), it took me years to learn how to write, I went to workshops, read everything I could, it all helped, and gives you background, but mostly I learnt to write by writing.” >>>

47

48

“

Fresh out of the box

THEY [EDITORS] MAKE CHANGES, BUT SO FAR I HAVE ALWAYS AGREED WITH THEM, THEY MAKE ME HEAPS BETTER.

”

>>> Right now Fleur is in the middle of a grade 5–6 age group book and also a contemporary thriller.

She also has a fantasy book up her sleeve but that seems to be creating a little issue with her publishers — Fleur is already strongly established in one genre and contracted into 2018.

“I have just got a new editor, my previous one, who was fantastic, has moved to a new publisher, obviously you like to stay with the same one if you can because you rely on them to get your work,” Fleur said.

“They make changes, but so far I have always agreed with them, they make me heaps better,” she said.

The side of the business Fleur really didn’t see coming was where she would have to talk about her writing.

Not just pitches to publishers, or even interviews with media, but to the previously unseen public.

Her readers.

And fans.

“I have done festivals — I was on a panel with Sisters in Crime at St Kilda Town Hall where we were on a stage and questioned by the audience, I speak, do readings, it’s all important,” Fleur said.

“Your publicists really like to know what they can do with you, if you are shy it costs you in terms of exposure and how much they can market you — I even do speeches and school visits,” she added.

When you are a global author and starting to gain some serious traction, you are constantly in demand.

Such as last month, when Fleur’s speaking agent booked her four sessions in the one spot.

A step up from Bunnaloo, she was doing four presentations in downtown Ouyen.

The glamour of the game. ¾

572 High Street, Echuca 49

HURRY

WHILE STOCKS LAST NOW $8.99 Introductory Offer

30%

AMBROSIA Be Merry Star Plate 18cm RRP $12.99

NOW $13.99

NOW $23.99 ALEX LIDDY Pavé Glass Drink Dispenser 3.8L RRP $39.99

Introductory Offer

AMBROSIA Be Merry Star Plate 24cm RRP $19.99

40%

Introductory Offer

40% 50% MARIE CLAIRE Cheese Set of 3 Steel or Wood RRP $39.99

Introductory Offer

under

MARIE CLAIRE Bon Appétit Bowls & Plates RRP $13.99ea

30

$

NOW $19.99

NOW $7.99ea

40%

Introductory Offer

NOW $11.99 AMBROSIA Be Merry Mugs Set of 2 RRP $19.99

40% Introductory Offer

NOW $17.99 MARIE CLAIRE Bon Appétit Rectangular Platter 30x15cm RRP $29.99

NOW $29.99

Introductory Offer

MARIE CLAIRE Bon Appétit Round Platter 30.5cm RRP $49.99

Introductory Offer

50%

NOW $19.99ea ALEX LIDDY Slate & Co. Cutlery Place Set RRP $39.99

NOW $29.99

Introductory Offer

ALEX LIDDY Spritz White Wine Glass Set of 4 RRP $59.99

Introductory Offer

30% Available in 3 colours

Offer ends 24 December 2016

Capturing natural memories, that speak with emotion Call Sherry today to book your next birth session

p: 0457 926 863 • w: shootingmemoriesphotography.blogspot.com.au • e: shootingmemoriesphotog@gmail.com

Every right to wax lyrical Since Joy Seymour moved from Deniliquin to Echuca-Moama and launched her own beauty business, her clients — women and men — have been the winners. LANA MURPHY catches up with the woman behind Wax On to find out what keeps her going.

B

EAUTY IS FOR everyone.

Whether you’re a working mum, a farmer or a grandparent, everyone deserves to take some personal time — and to feel their best.

That’s become Joy Seymour’s purpose in life, and is why she opened Wax On — a beauty and tanning studio at 5/210 Pakenham St in 2014.

“As a mum I know how hard it can be to look after yourself” Joy said.

“Sometimes you just need to be able to go somewhere and get what you need done well, and fast, for an affordable price.

“We’re passionate about providing the professional, affordable service everyone deserves.”

With her team of waxing and beauty therapists — Elise Boylan, April Thompson, Hannah Eels and Alison Murphy — there’s not much Wax On doesn’t do.

A full range of waxing is inherent with the name, and is certainly the studio’s specialty.

Whether it’s a half leg wax, a men’s full leg or a XXX wax, you can trust it will get done professionally and efficiently at Wax On. “But the aim is to make everything a specialty, isn’t it,” Joy added.

The nail work at the salon could make the cut on any Pinterest page.

Using OPI and Orly nail products, the team can give you polish, gel, shellac and acrylics.

Their Summer Tan, Bondi Sands and Tan Inc spray tans ensure you’ll look like you’ve

52

spent a week in Bali and not in the Echuca winter.

And their silk eyelash extensions, which will really highlight your eyes, are some of the softest, most natural extensions on the market.

“They really make the eyes pop, we find if you have an eyebrow shape and eyelash extension it can give a brand new, fresh

look,” Joy said.

“For me, eyebrows are what I love doing the most. The way it can change how a person looks — and sees themselves — is beautiful.”

“It can make a huge difference and I really enjoy being able to provide a full shaping and tinting service.”

She said the most rewarding part of her job was to give people what they needed.

After raising three children in Deniliquin with husband Shayne, Joy decided to follow her dream of working in the beauty industry 13 years ago.

She launched a salon in her hometown before relocating to Echuca five years ago.

And since then she’s made scores of close friends through her personable and caring nature.

“It’s quite an intimate and personal experience, we make everyone feel welcome,” Joy said.

“You get to know their families, you watch their kids grow and you become something that can lighten their day.

“I love making people feel good, and at Wax On people get to feel really good.” ¾

53

Murray River Paddlesteamers and Earth & Spirit Energies

Sit, Relax, Breathe and enjoy the tranquilities of inner healing on the mighty Murray with

Echuca’s Mind, Body & Spirit Wellness Retreat All aboard the P.S Emmylou for this unique two-night JOURNEY...sail away with us and enjoy the ultimate pamper and wellness retreat…

• Meditation

• Salt Cave Session

• Healing /Tarot Sessions

• Raw and Natural Foods

• Yoga

• AromaTouch Massage

Echuca’s only Mind Body & Spirit Wellness Centre

Relax and renew your health and vitality in Echuca-Moama’s only Salt Cave!

• Off-boat excursion

Great range of Christmas packs and gift vouchers in store Transference Healing® Crystal Healing Tarot Readings Mediumship Beauty Therapy Massage Workshops Feng Shui Meditation Yoga Pilates Salt Therapy Bowen Therapy Shiatsu Far Infrared Sauna

What is Salt Therapy?

Salt therapy is a medically proven natural and non-invasive therapy that helps relieve congestion, inflammation and allergies of the airways and skin.

How quickly does it work?

People are noticing benefits straight away. They have said they are breathing better and it has helped with their asthma, snoring and hayfever.

Book your session today and find out for yourself just how beneficial the Salt Cave can be for you.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER FOR NEW CLIENTS $45

3-MONTH MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

Buy one session and get one free

$300 for unlimited use of Salt Cave

www.facebook.com/EchucaSaltCave

• Guest speaker

*conditions apply

564–566 High St, Echuca | Ph 5480 0050 | ese564@yahoo.com.au www.facebook.com/EarthSpiritEnergies

CRYSTALS JEWELLERY BOOKS, CARDS SHAMANIC PRODUCTS SALT LAMPS JOJOBA SKINCARE

EARTH & SPIRIT

ENERGIES

y t u a e b d e t i r i p s e f re kivari Jaase Brave+True Talisman Sundays The Label Holiday Penny & Co Duke of London Auguste

205 Pakenham Street, Echuca (03) 5480 1317 BohoEssence

BohoEssence

Where the grass is always greener There’s no keeping up with Suzie Shearer once she gets going, but as ANDREW MOLE discovered the ride can still be a thriller as you bounce along in the wake of this business wonder woman.

56

W

OE BETIDE ANYONE who gets in Suzie Shearer’s way.

It won’t be ugly, but it will be all over in a heartbeat because Suzie is busy, and if you aren’t part of the solution you are clearly a problem, so bugger off.

Suzie is on a green space crusade.

The perfect world is out there, it just needs the right people to get the message and we might be able to get some things done.

Just ask Suzie — who would have to be the Echuca-Moama pinup girl for getting things done.

And when she is not getting them done herself she is working overtime to educate, enthuse and energise others to get things moving, because as fast as she goes there simply aren’t enough hours in the day, in any day, for her to get everything finished.

Suzie Shearer doesn’t arrive for an interview, she sweeps through the front office, knows everyone, and is handing out hellos left, right and centre.

Then she is incapable of entering the interview room, she literally bursts through the door, already talking and hoping you can keep up.

Of course you can’t, but you are saved from asking questions as this human dynamo launches into a far-ranging conversation, from the naissance of Coolabah Turf to the think tanks she has helped launch and her advice for everyone from local government to the family next door.

Covering everything from the right grass for your backyard — if it’s a backyard in Echuca-Moama and you don’t have Sir Walter planted give Suzie a bell and she will explain the error of your ways.

Suzie is terrific — and not in the colloquial sense of the word.

She is so wired you can’t help but feel like you could eat lightbulbs for lunch when you are around her.

With husband Brad (who she insists is the brains behind the business and the most amazing man she knows), the dynamic couple have founded an incredibly successful business (she promised him five years at his new venture — and that was 20 years ago).

She loves, she says, her job because she loves meeting people, just loves people, and if she can help make their lives better, well then she has had another good day.

On one hand she can discuss the best lawn for your dog to do its business and on the other run through the many strategies she has implemented, or is trying to implement, amongst movers and shakers — from local government to local business, and further up the food chain.

You get all this before our Suzie has taken her first breath, at which point you finally get her attention long enough to slip in a few questions before she gives you all the answers.

“Yes, we laugh about it now, trying to launch a turf farm in the middle of a drought, I

think I spent the next decade simply talking water,” Suzie laughed.

“Now we produce about 170 ha of drought tolerant, water-smart turf grass varieties — but still never seem to have enough,” she said.

On top of the commercial orders, local government trade and developers, Coolabah also supplies farm direct to domestic customers and every Bunnings store in Victoria (as well as 12 other independent distributors outside of the Bunnings’ network).

“So much drought, so little water, at its worst I remember places like Lake Boga looking like ghost towns — at that point I cut Brad back to 12 months.

“But we’re still going, and looking back the drought made us so much better, we learnt so much and that is paying dividends for us now — it just didn’t feel like it back then.”

Then before the next question forms in your mind Suzie is off and racing.

In no particular order she is throwing about her opinions, or venting, on the following: • Delighted we have a local chief executive at Campaspe Shire.

• Still heavily hooked into the Northern Victorian and Southern NSW Regional Council Discussion Group (which she helped set up).

• The potential disconnect of the digital era and her fear of losing the art of conversation.

• The disconnect between local government planners in relation to public open

>>>

57

58

>>> spaces and the people maintaining the parks on a daily basis — and the people using them.

• The controls the City of Greater Bendigo runs for developers — very strict.

• An idea about creating memorial parklands instead of building more cemeteries in our regional towns.

• A cycling track to link Echuca and Torrumbarry.

• The Living City Taskforce (yep, she’s on it).

Suzie also sits on a national turf industry advisery board, Lawn Solutions Australia.

“But it all began at the Echuca-Moama Triathlon Club,” she digressed.

“What started?”

And I thought I was asking the questions.

“Brad and me, Coolabah, everything, that’s where we met,” she said.

“It was in 1999 and we both shared a love of triathlon and it just kept going.”

Well it all kind of fits now.

She started off training to run and it’s really paid off for her.

Suddenly her eyes go all dreamy and she starts firing off about Hopwood Gardens and Sweat versus Steam.

Apparently there were people down there that day playing with Frisbees.

Lots of people.

And in the final analysis, Suzie said that was what she was all about.

“Simple pleasures and healthy communities”.

“People are craving nature-based playgrounds. Whether that is a luscious lawn in your backyard, at your local park or walking tracks through the bush or beside the river. We need to provide a platform in our communities for simple pleasures and to help people get back to basics. There’s even a craze at the moment called barefoot

running — people are eager to connect with nature and where our roots started,” she said.

“The pressure on our local parks teams to maintain open space and government local planners to create adequate pockets of green, is greater now than ever before,” she said.

“With houses getting bigger, and land blocks getting carved up smaller, the local park is in many instances replacing the great Aussie backyard. We need to think about the legacy we as a community want to leave to cater for future generations who will live in far greater housing density than we know now,” she said.

“It’s our children’s children and their grandchildren we need to be thinking about.

“It’s not just about lawn, we need the right tree species, shrubs, plants, even public seating and street lighting and play equipment. How cool would it be to stand back in 50 years and see the things we developed still here and say ‘hey, I built that, I planted that, I specified that?’”

The team at Coolabah works closely with the industry in research and development and are at the moment involved in a plant breeding program to help discover the best turf grass varieties for the future.

Out at Coolabah, which started all this, there is Brad, a team of 23 and a growing influence from robotics.

Talking about her regional council discussion group (see bullet points) Suzie said the enthusiasm and interest from local government parks teams had helped the group gather some real momentum since its inception nearly four years ago.

“There is something refreshing about listening to someone else disclose their issues.

Once we empathise with them, we start to feel human and normal — not isolated and frustrated,” Suzie told the meeting.

“The concept of the discussion group was based on our own experiences with networks created in turf industry groups we are involved with,” Suzie said.

“Our company wouldn’t be where it is today if it were not for the constant contacts and friendships we have formed with our fellow turf industry peers over many years,” she said.

“I am loving seeing the same mutual benefits gained by the many local government parks teams we work with in all of these councils just by having a conversation with people who share a common interest,” she said.

Suzie said one of the main themes the group was about was creating and maintaining public open space to enhance connectedness within our communities.

“I am probably the luckiest person you will ever meet,” she revealed.

“We have the most amazing family support and friendship groups, we love living in Echuca-Moama and love simple pleasures in our personal life with our three busy Such as the recent trip to Canberra to presyoung boys”. ent at a seminar — the Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture’s Living Cities “I can lay on the grass (of course she can) on a warm evening and look up to see I am Workshop. under a canopy of stars, yep, that’s pretty And she is busy interfacing landscape good isn’t it?” contractors with sustainable solutions to And that was Suzie’s last words — until she ensure our communities are ready for our stepped out of the room and started her next cycle of drought and to help them ensure their legacies are lasting. goodbyes. ¾ But not as much as Suzie, she is always on the go with her suite of roadshows.

59

P: 03 5482 3011

A: 80 Meninya St Moama

T H E G I F T O F GLOWI NG S K I N

E: dayspa@madisonspa.com.au

Merr y 157 Hare Street, Echuca Phone: 03 5482 3434 Email: info@hakkas.com.au Website: www.hakkas.com.au

60

fro m the team at Ha

kkas!

PERSONAL TRAINING Don’t limit your challenges‌ challenge your limits TGIF Fitness is changing lives physically, mentally and emotionally... one personal training session at a time Book in early for our Boot-camp sessions

For more information contact Natalie Smith Ph 0411 787 418

61

The ratbag who has become a revolutionary School principal Lyn Strachan isn’t just dealing with the three Rs. She told RUSTY WOODGER it was her job, and the job of all teachers, to help prepare students for the challenges they will face 10, 15, 20 years down the track.

A

S A YOUNGSTER Lyn Strachan saw herself as a genuine high flyer — mostly at the controls of a long-haul jumbo jet.

For the past eight years Lyn has been principal at Echuca East Primary School, although her teaching career stretches back 35 years.

Lyn’s motivation to be a teacher stemmed from her desire to help our children get the best possible start in life.

Except for some atmospheric issues that simply wouldn’t go away.

She admits she never had aspirations to reach the top job; at least not until a stint at Nanneella Estate Primary School in the 1990s saw her effectively serving as an assistant to the principal.

She knows kids here have it lucky.

“I didn’t think I’d cope in the thunderstorms up in the sky — as pathetic as that sounds,” she laughed.

So keeping her feet firmly on the ground and her head out of the clouds she focused on becoming a teacher.

She got the job easily — she was the only other teacher in the school.

Education is virtually accessible to everyone.

But that’s far from the case across the globe.

There are more than 72 million children of primary school age worldwide who are not in school, a statistic which leaves a bitter taste in Lyn’s mouth.

“I always thought I would be classroom-based because I always loved being “I think it’s their right. Education is the Another strange choice as her behaviour avenue children need to maximise their life with kids and working with kids,” she said. had descended from Miss Goody Two-shoes opportunities,” she said. in primary school to serious miss-manage- “Then I came to Echuca East and I was, in ment in her high school years. inverted brackets, ‘just’ a classroom teacher. “And, as much as that might sound a little I don’t want to underestimate what that is, ‘edu-speak’, it’s true. A child coming to “Probably the hormones were going a bit school can break the cycle of poverty. but I was frustrated because I was not part more rapidly and so I started being a bit of the leadership. sillier and a slightly naughty student,” Lyn “In Australia, for the most part, a child confessed. coming to school can do anything and be “And being such an opinionated person that I know I am, I needed to be part of the deci- anybody. It is such an important role — and “But I was still achieving solid results,” she sion making.” a privilege — that educators have.” added.

62

“I was a bit scared of it. I was watching my two-year-old putting discs in and out, and playing on the screen and all that sort of thing.

“I was thinking, ‘OK, I am a reasonably intelligent person, if my two-year-old can do it, I can do it as well’.

“From that point onwards I embraced technology.”

She completed a Graduate Diploma of Computers in Education and has gone on to spearhead a program which sees the compulsory use of iPads for grade three students at Echuca East.

Although the use of the iPads has been met with scorn from some parents who think they’re unnecessary for students at that age, Lyn said it was preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.

“It’s the future. You can’t keep the children in the now, you’ve got to be looking 10, 15, 20 years ahead of what we might be doing,” she said.

“It’s really important we engage the children in ways which are interesting to them.

“Although the platforms may change, the skills of problem solving and having a go; technology allows that so much.”

And overcoming outdated ways of thinking extends beyond the technological debate.

When something is wrong in society, Lyn feels the weight of expectation too often falls unevenly on schools.

“You only need to look at the media when something is not right in the world, and people go, OK, schools need to do that, why aren’t the schools doing that,” she said.

But being an effective teacher is about far more than just showing a child learning materials.

Lyn looks back with fondness on two of her favourite teachers — two people who were poles apart in their methods of teaching.

One was her “very straight and strict” grade 5/6 teacher; the other was her graphics teacher who was a surfer in his spare time and was generally “more fun-loving”.

Lyn said it was the pair’s ability to connect with their students which made them outstanding teachers.

“It’s relationships, relationships, relationships.

You can’t go past that,” she said.

“If you build a relationship with the child so they trust you, they feel like they can take risks with their learning.

“And if you can get the relationships not only with the child, but with the family as well, then we can work through the rollercoaster

of emotions and challenges the world puts out to all our kids.”

Since her teaching career began in 1981 at Iramoo Primary School near Werribee, Lyn has seen the classroom environment change dramatically.

“We’ll never step back from the fact we’re part of the solution, but the community, society, the world needs to embrace the absolutely magical things schools do and support them.

“Our world would be better if we’re all working together and wrapping around the needs of these kids.”

The biggest shift has come with the rise of technology, particularly the use of laptops and iPads for student learning.

But in spite of the challenges teachers face educating our future generations; Lyn wouldn’t change her job for anything.

It’s a world away from when Lyn was a student, a time when punch cards were the norm for completing tests.

“Every day is different, and some days are exceptionally tough,” she said.

“I hated it. It was just revolting,” she said.

“Society is so complex and you see all those complexities in the classrooms.

“I didn’t grow up with a lot of technology in my own world,” she said.

“But when we see we’ve made a difference with a particular child — whether it’s academically, socially or emotionally — at the end of the day, even if it’s been a tough day, you go: ‘You know what? We’ve made a change in somebody’s world’.

“But when I had children, I can remember we had an old Apple Mac of some kind.

“You can’t have a job that’s more important than that.” ¾

So making the transition to an increasingly technological environment was not always easy.

63

ECHUCA

HOME-MADE

Breakfast Lunch Dinner •

•

MEALS

Delivered to your door.

FRESH, QUALITY INGREDIENTS. Prepare yourself P you for a night of delicious food, atmo osph atmosphere and exciting entertainment that on nly Rich River Golf Club Resort can provide! only V View our Upcoming Events & Bistro Specialty Nights online at www.richriver.com.au Don’t forget to book the courtesy bus!

NO MORE COOKING.

1800 035 634

Twenty Four Lane, Moama, NSW

N EED A F EAST FO R YO U R N EX T EVEN T? We can cater for you!

Meal delivery & catering enquiries: Catriona Davie 0400 611 966 Judi Gillson 0409 801 847

www.feastechuca.com.au

64

imagine

a calm beginning to your baby’s life.

Calmbirth® is an inspirational childbirth education program designed to guide expectant parents through their labour and birth.

Calmbirth Educators in your area: Linda Corby Ph. 0488 211 056 | Robyn Moore Ph. 0437 742 142

For further information or to enrol in a class, For further information or to enrol in a class, please visit calmbirth.com.au For further informationplease or to enrol a class, please visit calmbirth.com.au visitincalmbirth.com.au

calmbirth.com.au calmbirth.com.au

Dreaming of your next holiday?

Meet our expert consultants and learn how you can save with our exclusive deals!

Specialising in • • • • •

Accommodation Airfares Cruises Tours Car hire

• • • •

Travel insurance Corporate travel Gift vouchers Personalised service

Boomerang Travel Centre is locally owned and operated.

We’re ATAS accredited so you can travel with confidence when you book with us!

BOOMERANG TRAVEL CENTRE 210 Allan Street, Kyabram 3620 | 03 5852 3433 boomer@bigpond.com | www.boomerangtravel.com.au ATAS Accreditation No. A10383

65

Get summer ready

Endota Spa

Locally sourced hair and body products.

Handy hair care tip Jess @ OSalon

OSalon

Without a doubt, the biggest hero in summer haircare would have to be the UNITE Texturiza!

Madison Spa

Loved by celebrities worldwide, this incredible product creates volume, texture and shine whilst absorbing any oil from the scalp.

A mixture of dry shampoo, hairspray and shine spray — this is one handy can… talk about multitasking!

Willow Tree

Summer has arrived Sam @ Willow Tree Beauty Is your skin ready for it? Our top tips for summer are: WEAR SUNSCREEN Use a minimum of SPF 30 DESCALE Ensure that you are exfoliating your body and face weekly.

STAY HYDRATED Drink plenty of water and moisturise FAKE IT DON'T BAKE IT Don’t like fake tanning? Try a bronzer

Beauty Secrets Hakkas

Beauty Secrets La Clinica for Skin & Body Pack $163. Endota Spa Hydrating Skin Care Starter Pack $40. Hakkas Luxe Collection Platinum Styler Gift Set in Copper $355, Matrix Biolage Hair Products from $31. Madison Spa uspa coffee & sea kelp contour scrub $46, Oztan Self Tan Moisturiser $34.95. OSalon Unite Blonda Conditioner $31, Olaplex $42.50, Unite Texturiza $32. Willow Tree Cacao Coco Sun Tanning Oil $18.95, Coco Coffee Body Scrub $18.95, Tanning Foaming Mousse $29.95, Eco Coco Tan $29.95.

New 31 days of Soul Nurturing and Loving Guidance available now!

Order yours here www.soulnurturer.com.au

I TRU S

T MY

SOUL

IT K N OWS THE W AY A N D IS

ALWAY MY TR UT

Gift Vouchers available

Oracle Card Reader Reiki Healing Chakra Balancing www.soulnurturer.com.au Mobile : 0417 503 655

H

S

Sally Williams

Soul Nurturer

Arouse your imagination . . .

Decor, furniture and window appointments to compliment all styles and designs.

ECHUCA

With over 15 years’ local experience.

286 Hare Street, Echuca Phone 5482 4163

67

Peta proves a lifesaver in London Echuca paramedic Peta Clark talks to TYLA HARRINGTON about the excitement, the drama and the danger of saving lives in the heart of the UK’s poorest streets.

H

AVE YOU EVER turned to a complete stranger and tried to explain to them someone they love is dead?

As a Borough of Newham paramedic in London that’s exactly what Echuca’s Peta Clark has had to do.

“They will then send us down a job which will be categorised as either a red or amber call, with red being the most serious and life threatening and amber being still emergent but less time critical and not life threatening.

been there Peta hasn’t had an allocated meal break.

“We just have constant calls,” Peta said.

“I love being busy though and it makes the day go very quickly. It’s been a great expe“Throughout the day we could be called to rience as a young paramedic because I’ve anything from a cardiac arrest, life threathad a huge amount of exposure to many The 25-year-old daughter of Judy and Rod ening asthma, anaphylaxis to intoxicated different illnesses and injuries, I have been Clark loves her job but is the first to admit it people on the street and blocked urinary able to use and learn many skills.” does have its days. catheters.”

Peta said there was a big difference “I find it hard to tell family members when At the start Peta said call-outs made her between working in Australia as a paratheir relative has passed away and that heart drop. medic as opposed to London. there is nothing more we can do for them,” “I was constantly stressing and nervous,” she Peta said.

“At home in Ambulance Victoria you work said. with another paramedic as your crewmate “When we are working on someone, I always try to keep them informed the best I can, but in London you are always the clinibut it comes with a lot of emotion and it is cal lead in your crew and you are crewed hard to turn that off sometimes,” she said. with either an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), TEAC (Trainee Emergency “You can’t help thinking imagine if that was Ambulance Crew) or an EAC (Emergency my family member.

Ambulance Crew).

“Something I have learned from my dad, “This was a huge challenge as after three who was a police officer for 35 years, and months of mentoring by another paramedic, is diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic I was thrown in the deep end and made the Stress Disorder), is to always talk about how clinical lead. It was scary as a brand new you are feeling. inexperienced paramedic but it forced me “You are only human and sometimes situto learn very quickly and become confident ations and emotions can get to you, it’s and more assertive with my practice.” important to look after yourself and support Peta said she stumbled across paramedics your colleagues.” when she was in Year 12.

Peta moved to London in March last year At the time she didn’t know what she and lives in Bromley by Bow in the city’s wanted to do with a career. And admits she east.

YOU ARE ONLY HUMAN AND still doesn’t.

But works in one of the most ethnically SOMETIMES SITUATIONS “When I was in Year 12 I was so unsure what diverse and poorest boroughs in the UK AND EMOTIONS CAN GET I wanted to do. I felt like there was so much although her ambulance station is based in pressure to choose something that I wanted East Ham. TO YOU, IT’S IMPORTANT TO to do for the rest of my life. Which I still LOOK AFTER YOURSELF AND “It is a really difficult area to work with a high think is a ridiculous amount of pressure for presence of the issues that come with low an 18 year old to deal with,” she said.

SUPPORT YOUR COLLEAGUES. socioeconomic areas,” Peta said.

“My younger sister Liv had thought at the “Another hard part of the job is being called time that a paramedic or a nurse was someto aggressive and abusive patients; this is thing she might like to do and I thought it typically associated with alcohol and drug “But now that I have a little bit more expe- sounded like a good idea too. use. It’s not uncommon at all to be verbally rience, I have learnt to trust that I am “Australian Catholic University offers an and physically abused while at work.” equipped with the knowledge and skills to early achiever’s program which provides Taking us through a typical day Peta gets to deal with most things I come across. And early entry into certain courses if you have work about 30 minutes early to complete a if I am unsure I can always ask for help by been involved in the community and volundaily vehicle inspection. calling the clinical support desk which is on teering, which was also something that was hand for us 24/7 while on a job.” encouraged by my high school.

She said it cannot be completed once your shift starts because when it does you’ve got Peta works on a nine-week rotation, mostly “I’m so glad I was accepted into that course. a job to get to. made up of 12 hours shifts, 50 per cent of I absolutely love working in both paramedwhich are night shifts. icine and nursing, and I can’t wait to come “On shift starting time, we call control on our radios to let them know we are green and back to Australia and continue my nursing She said London was an extremely busy available to take a call,” she said. place to work — in the past 21 months she’s and hopefully study a postgraduate course

“ ”

68

Peta and her friend Clara Davies graduated in 2014.

as I’m really interested in cardiology.

“Even though I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I was 18, I have realised that I still don’t. But with the degrees I have acquired, there are so many career options and further study I can pursue in the future.”

She might not have a certain career path but Peta said she does love her job.

“I enjoy watching people improve after the treatment I have given them,” she said.

“I love the feeling that you get when you can actually see that you have made a difference in someone’s life and that you have actually helped them.

countries together in our days off. I have made some lifelong friends and am loving and making the most of this opportunity while I can.

“Moving by myself to a different country was a truly daunting experience, I was lucky enough to meet Jack, my boyfriend, who is also a paramedic. I think without him it would have been a lot harder.

It’s nice to be able to share this experience with him.

“In the future I see myself coming back to Australia and continuing study in nursing and paramedicine.”

When asked who she thanks for where she is today, her answer is simple.

“My parents — they are the “I think paramedicine has tradi- best in the world,” she said. tionally been a male domi“I could never have done any nated profession. However, I of these things without their think this is fast changing as incredible support.

They I trained with mostly females always sacrificed doing things at university and many of my for themselves to support my colleagues are female.” sisters and I to put us through Peta lived in Echuca, complet- school and university. I learnt ing her schooling at 208 and how to work hard through then St Joseph’s College, them. I miss them so much.” until she was 18.

Peta visited Echuca in An active, outdoors type, she February but unfortunately studied a Bachelor of Nursing/ doesn’t plan to return again Bachelor of Paramedicine any time soon. at the Australian Catholic University in Ballarat, before “I didn’t realise how much I missed home, my family and completing her graduate year my friends, until I had to leave at Royal Melbourne Hospital. again,” she said.

“Once I finished my graduate year, I gained employment “Flights are very expensive and it is hard to get enough with London Ambulance annual leave to make the long Service and moved to East trip back home. In the longLondon,” Peta said. term I expect to stay living in “Living in London and working London for at least another 18 for the LAS has been a great months.” opportunity. I have been lucky Because right now, in London, enough to meet Jack and she is needed to save lives. ¾ to travel to many different

69

Massage is not just a luxury…it’s a way to a happy healthier life Mention this ad to get $10 off your first visit with Michelle at her new location

Michelle Anderson Remedial Massage is now working out of a new location, Rich River Physiotherapy & Acupuncture Clinic at 342 High St Echuca. Michelle is a fully qualified Massage Therapist, registered with AMT and most major health funds.

She has worked as a Massage Therapist for the past seventeen years and enjoys working with her clients. She treats a variety of musculoskeletal conditions such as neck, shoulder, back

pain, headaches, migraines, TMJ and sciatica.

To help treat these conditions she uses a variety of techniques such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, cupping and stretching to help ease pain and increase mobility.

She also specialises in pregnancy massage to give welcomed relief from all back and pregnancy related aches and pains.

You can book your appointment with Michelle by calling 5480 1655

Our passion for what we do shines through in our food

Come in and see for yourself!

• Great friendly table service • Licensed cafe and catering • Local delivery • All-day breakfast • Great food and coffee • Home-made cakes, slices, muffins and biscuits • Private functions available 129 Hare St Echuca | Ph 5482 6344

70

*Shake toppings may change

Christmas and Back-to-School catalogue SALE ON NOW! Echuca Newsagency gift vouchers available and lay-by always welcome!

Christmas is on our doorstep and we have loads to offer.

Come in and have a look at our wonderful Christmas selection.

We have everything from gift wrap/gift bags, bows, Christmas cards single and boxed, bon-bons, gift tags, ribbon, baubles and Christmas décor to get us all in the spirit and that’s just for starters.

What do you buy the person who has everything? Come and look at our great range of 2017 diaries and calendars or we can organise magazine subscriptions, newspaper delivery, tatts scratchy packs, i-tunes vouchers and much much more.

We know the pressures of school holidays and trying to get everything organised before the kids go back to school.

Why not drop in your book-list and we can fill it for you and have it all ready in time — ONE less worry!

We are open 7 days a week for all your needs.

Pop in and see us we are always happy to help!

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – staff & management

161 Hare St, Echuca | Phone 5482 1337 Se ran e us ge for of a gif larg t id e ea s

A working studio with paintings, sculptures, ceramics, cards, jewellery, felting and much, much more. . .

COMMISSIONS TAKEN

— phone Glenda 0428 662 882

Glenda Cornell

Christmas specials, 10% discount on all Glenda Cornell’s paintings and sculptures for the month of December.

20% off limited-edition prints. Packs of 5 cards for $15

Trading hours over Christmas: Closed Christmas day and Boxing day, open Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th December (normally closed on a Tuesday and Wednesday) lots of new gift ideas

Murray Esplanade in the heart of the Historical Port of Echuca.

10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily, closed Tuesday and Wednesday

71

Yes Amy, dreams do come true The Garryowen is the holy grail of the equestrian fraternity and while everyone dreams of competing only a few actually make it. SOPHIE BALDWIN caught up with a Kyabram girl whose childhood fairy tales turned into a real-life story.

W

HEN BRITTANY JAMES was a tiny girl her dad used to amaze her with a story about a little Kyabram girl who had a dream to take her horse to Melbourne and ride against all the other amazing riders in the biggest event in Australia.

That little girl is now a 27-year-old hairdresser and educator living in Echuca but who has never lost sight of the dream.

After years of commitment and dedication Britt finally made the Garryowen Equestrienne Turnout, the most prestigious event on the horse riding calendar.

To ride in the Garryowen you must be at least 18 years and in 2016 Britt was one of 29 competitors who contested the gruelling three-hour event.

Shrouded in tradition, it honours 29-yearold Violet Murrell who died in 1935 trying to save her horse Garryowen from a stable fire.

Riders are judged on conformation, soundness, manners, saddlery, costume, riding ability and general appearance — for Britt it has been a dream 10 years in the making.

Britt has spent countless hours training and competing with Chance, her Arabian warm blood.

“To compete at this level takes a lot of hard work, blood, sweat and tears and it’s not always glamorous when you are shovelling dung, cleaning out a stall or riding your horse at 6 am every day — including winter — rain, hail or shine,” she laughed.

Not that Britt minds, she has loved horses for as long as she can remember, a passion she shared with her adored Nan, who sadly died before she got the opportunity to see her Britt ride in the Garryowen.

“I have always been fascinated by the Garryowen. The attention to detail is so perfect and to get to ride against the best riders in Australia is really a dream come true.

“I had a team of three people helping me

72

to get my horse ready on the day and one person to get me ready. You have to ride in certain gear, everything has to be handmade and handstitched, including my jacket and boots.

“I rode in a jacket that was 42 years old, which I bought from a lady in Kyabram who had also ridden in the Garryowen. You have to wear a gardenia on your lapel, carry a plain white hanky with a coin in it and ride with the last button on your vest undone.”

The Garryowen celebrates the bond between horse and rider and with Britt and Chance it is as strong as any riding partnership.

“I found Chance not long after nan passed away. It was love at first sight and it wouldn’t have mattered if he looked like a donkey he

was always going to be mine.”

Not that Chance started out as the beautiful, groomed horse he is today.

When he was dropped off for her to look at his mane was tangled, he had whiskers and was suffering from greasy heel; he was loved but certainly not groomed.

“Chance is a fun horse who is gentle, cheeky and so quiet. He is like my best friend and if I have a busy or tiring day at work I know he will be waiting for me when I get home. I have always loved horses — it is something I can’t explain, it is just in my blood.”

“I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today with my riding without the support of my mum, my mother-in-law and my riding instructor and coach.

“I am not a professional rider but I have worked hard to achieve what I have, sometimes you just have to believe you are good enough and you can achieve anything. The Garryowen is the dream of many young riders and I am proof if you work hard enough you can achieve it.”

With the Garryowen ticked off her bucket list, Britt is going to take a break and relax.

“I will compete again in a few years, but to While the dream of riding in such a prestig- do it properly takes a lot of time. ious event may seem out of reach for many, “It has been hard work to balance my career Britt maintains with dedication and passion and personal life and I am a perfectionist any dream is possible. too, so a break and refocus will be good.” ¾

73

A reason to smile Introducing… Shara Wall BOHSc (La Trobe) Oral Health Therapist (Hygienist/Therapist) Shara grew up in Rushworth, Victoria. She has been working/volunteering in the dental field since 2005.

After graduating from La Trobe University in 2013, Shara relocated to Perth for work. She returned to Victoria in early 2016 and joined the Campaspe Dental Care team.

Shara is passionate about improving all aspects of her patients’ oral health and overall well-being.

She remains up to date with the latest techniques and endeavours to build upon her knowledge by attending continuing education courses. Her attention to detail, focus on preventative dentistry and knowledge base allows her to provide the highest standard of dental care to patients.

Our range of services include:

• General exams • Fillings • Implants • Crowns & bridges • Whitening • Hygiene • Dentures • Root canal treatments • Children’s dentistry Contact the clinic on 5482 1217 to make an appointment. www.campaspedentalcare.com.au 525 High Street, Echuca

Get Ready for Summer!

1 Hour Massage $40 Shellac Nails $30 Full Body Spray Tan $25 1 Callander Crt, Moama Ph. 0438 897 820

74

Everything Gluten Free

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo and Vegan products

Riverine Gluten Free Open Tuesday and Wednesday 10 am – 5 pm or by appointment 116 Strathallan Rd, Strathallan 3622 M. 0428 629 391 | E. riverinegf@bigpond.com

75

Shooting for a better image Catherine Skinner focused national attention on young women with guns when she shot her way to an Olympic gold medal in Rio. JESS GLEDHILL catches up with a local shooter doing her best to boost the sport in her own backyard.

A

PRIL THOMPSON WAS determined to outdo the boys whenever she got the chance.

And if she helped break down a few barriers along the way she was more than happy to give it her best shot.

So she did.

Perfectly, as it turned out during a recent competition in Mathoura; where the enthusiastic shooter hit a perfect 10 from 10 targets.

Shooting might not be every parent’s dream sport for their daughter, but the Thompson family is a little bit different because all the women have a gun and everyone shoots — mum, sister, even mum’s best friend.

what she’s doing.

“It’s a high power weapon and I think some women are intimidated by that fact, but it’s all a matter of being taught the right way,” she said.

April is hoping to get more women and young people involved in the sport by organising a come and try day at the club for those who don’t have a licence and want to give the sport a go.

She believes the need to be licenced, along with the gun image, is what stops a lot of people getting involved.

“It’s a new concept, these come and try days,” April said.

“It’s a hard sport to get into unless you know someone already in it, mainly because it’s not very common,” April said.

“I think people need to understand it’s a family friendly environment and you don’t necessarily need a reason to shoot, we just do it for fun and enjoy it.

“But I’ve always done it with family so it was never something you should or shouldn’t do, it was just instinct to go ahead and do it.

“I can only hope it gets more popular and people become more educated on the sport.”

“Shooting is just as normal to me as netball is to most other girls.

“My mum and older sister shot so to me it was just another thing.”

And something April has made her own with that perfect 10.

Our answer to Annie Oakley is now treasurer of Echuca-Moama Field & Game and hopes to end some of the stigma still surrounding women in the sport.

“There are a lot of young and upcoming girls from our club,” she said. “But there is still that perception it’s a male dominated sport.”

Which is exactly what motivated April to succeed in the shooting arena.

She wanted to beat the boys — and that’s

76

The success of female shooters such as Catherine Skinner at this year’s Rio Olympics has provided a role model for young girls in the sport.

“It just proves girls can shoot too — and can be good at it,” April said, and hoped it would encourage more women to participate in the sport.

April would love to see herself on the world stage one day, but knows it would take a lot to get there.

For now, she’s just hoping to make a difference at her club.

On a local level, women’s days have become more popular in shooting, with a ‘shoot to save our boobs’ event recently held in Shepparton. >>>

“

IT’S A HIGH POWER WEAPON AND I THINK SOME WOMEN ARE INTIMIDATED BY THAT FACT, BUT IT’S ALL A MATTER OF BEING TAUGHT THE RIGHT WAY.

”

77

>>> It was organised by Maryanne Barnes and began as a female-only shoot, which then expanded to include men, with one condition — they had to wear pink.

Proceeds went to the Pink Ribbon Foundation with three levels available to entrants so any shooter could participate.

This has been the motivation for April to hold a come and try day at her club to continue the growth of the sport and encourage more female involvement.

“I think the stigma is changing,” she said.

“There are women’s competitions; which means you don’t have to compete against men unless you choose to.”

Breaking down barriers is what we women do best, with April strongly leading the charge on the shooting front. ¾

78

Your conveyancing and property law professionals

“We can help you with all aspects of conveyancing and property law in both Victoria and NSW”

Dianne Williams Director

Karen Hales

Settlement Clerk

Linda Pearl

Accounting and Settlement Clerk

Anita Heard

Legal Secretary

Dianne Williams | Dianne Williams Pty Solicitors

At Dianne Williams Pty, we can assist you with all types of property law matters including residential and commercial conveyancing, farm and water transfers, leasing, wills, powers of attorney, deceased estates.

As buying or selling a home is likely to be one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make, it is important that you use an experienced professional that you can trust. Our focus on property helps us provide you with cost-effective quality solicitor conveyancing services.

Our clients appreciate our professional, personalised and value-for-money legal services.

Contact us today and experience the difference.

Dianne Williams Pty

19 Nish Street, Echuca | P: (03) 5480 1665 | F: (03) 5480 1677 www.dwpty.com.au

Property & Business Conveyancing – Commercial & Residential – Leasing – Farm & Water Transfers – Subdivisions – Wills & Estates

Great stocking filler and Teacher’s Gift Ideas!

Bulb jars $18 ea or 2 for $34 60+ hours approx.

$34 or 2 for s $18 ea pprox. r ja m a J urs a 120+ ho Small glass $6 ea or 3 for $15 30+ hours approx.

Moama Market Dates We are located near the Council building at the top end of the Market 13th Nov 27th Nov 11th Dec 1st Jan

8th Jan 15th Jan 29th Jan 19th Feb

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/richrivercandles richrivercandles@gmail.com

79

Women’s public enemy number one

Latest Michelle Hill Quilt – William & May Range of: • Dress Fabrics • Zips • Buttons • Motifs • Haberdashery • Kwiksew • Butterick • Burda Patterns • Threads • DMC Threads • Gumnut Yarns • Wool Blanketing • Perle Cotton Threads We also sell new Janome sewing machines and overlockers, and we service all brands of sewing machines and overlockers.

We have over 4000 bolts of 100% patchwork material and accessories including patterns, kits, large range of jelly rolls, layers cakes, promo packs.

256 Anstruther St, Echuca.

80

Ph/Fax: 5482 2655

Cervical cancer is in the same class as breast cancer — it kills too many and your best defence is early detection through regular testing. SOPHIE BALDWIN talks with one Echuca-Moama survivor who won the first battle but is now fighting a lifelong war.

C

“I had a cone biopsy to ascertain I had adeno-carcinoma,” she said.

More than 800 Australian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year — thousands more are affected by cervical abnormalities.

“There are two types of cervical cancer and I had the one you don’t want — the best case scenario is surgery followed by a treatment plan.

And in a staggering statistic, 43 per cent of Australian women are still not having their recommended two-yearly Pap test.

“My husband Alan and I thought ‘OK, we have to do this’ and in our own way we did.”

ERVICAL CANCER IS the leading cancer killer of women worldwide.

When Amy Barnes suprisingly fell pregnant in 2014 with her third daughter she knew something wasn’t quite right — starting with the fact her birth control had failed, she had a threatened miscarriage at 11 weeks and ended up delivering her beautiful daughter Bridie at 36 weeks.

But throughout her pregnancy Amy couldn’t shake the feeling something was amiss.

Amy had surgery and was home a week later when she again started to feel unwell.

Like all mothers and wives she still managed to hang out the washing, fed the lambs, organised the school uniforms and lunches — all while feeling a bit off.

Alan needed just one look at Amy and took her straight to hospital — by this time she had started to haemorrhage and was losing a lot of blood.

“After Bridie was born I didn’t heal very well and I still had the feeling that something wasn’t quite right. At my six week check-up they decided to do a pap smear as a precaution and thank God they did,” Amy said.

It was pouring out of her as fast as they could put it in and the doctors were having trouble stopping the bleeding.

When the results came back as abnormal, Amy was referred to a specialist in Bendigo for a ‘thin prep’ procedure, and that’s when Amy said “the wheels fell off”.

“They told Alan to say goodbye to me because they weren’t quite sure what was going to happen and that still upsets me today, to think of what he must have been going through at the time,” she said.

Last year, aged just 36, the wife, and mother of three girls under six, was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

“I was with my neighbour Annie in the car and we had just been to a pre-school meeting. She asked me what I was doing the next day and I told her I had to go back to Bendigo to work out my ‘plan’ because I had been diagnosed with cervical cancer,” Amy said.

“Poor Annie, I dropped the weight of my world on her shoulders and suddenly for the first time it all became too real.”

What followed was a whirlwind.

Emergency surgery was Amy’s only option.

Amy woke up in ICU, the surgery was successful and she was stabilised and sent to Bendigo. It turned out Amy had a tumour high up in her cervix that had haemorrhaged.

Only luck, and skilled surgeons; had kept Amy alive.

Her treatment moving forward included a complete hysterectomy, followed by chemotherapy in Bendigo.

Amy spent the following six months in oblivion, receiving treatment and just making it through each day was a triumph.

She struggled to get out of bed and the

Fashion is what you buy…

Style is what you do with it…

Book your appointment with Sari today for all the latest fashion from the comfort of her beautiful home based boutique.

Sari Batson p: 0429 856 841 e: sari.batson@hotmail.com f: www.facebook.com/pinkzebraboutiqueechuca

81

>>>

>>> medication she was on made concentration impossible.

In the end Amy simply ‘lost’ six months of her life, of her family’s life, including eldest daughter Megan’s first award at school, a loss that still haunts her today.

But she is grateful for all the help she received during that tough time, including her mother-in-law who Amy says went above and beyond in caring for her and her family.

Initially the couple did try to keep the burden of Amy’s diagnosis private.

“One of the hardest things I found was telling people I was sick because once I did things became out of my control and my cancer became way too real.

“It was such a horrible time — and character building to say the least — but it has made me defiant and more aware of my surroundings and more importantly what my limitations are.

“I now know not to run myself into the ground, but these have been hard lessons for me to learn.

“

THEY TOLD ALAN TO SAY GOODBYE TO ME BECAUSE THEY WEREN’T QUITE SURE WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AND THAT STILL UPSETS ME TODAY, TO THINK OF WHAT HE MUST HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH AT THE TIME.

”

she survived her diagnosis but it has still changed her.

“There was one lady who was having treatment the same time as me but hers had progressed a lot further and she didn’t make it; that still makes me sad when I think about her.”

Amy might have recovered from her cancer but that has just been the first battle.

She has since been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and she now suffers from anxiety and panic attacks — especially if her girls get sick.

“I value my life and I certainly value the little things that happen in it now. When I think back about that period it does upset me and it is only now that I can talk about it without getting upset.”

She can live with the fact she will have to have scans, blood monitoring and regular check-ups for the rest of her life.

Amy knows she is one of the lucky ones,

That part doesn’t worry her — but that

82

feeling of being totally out of control of her own destiny still plagues her.

The difficult decision to go public has only been made in the hope she might not only be able to help others in a similar situation but also encourage women to look after their health.

“I have had three close girlfriends who have since had minor surgeries and that was only because I shared my story with them,” Amy said.

“We all get busy in our lives but it is important to not put off having a pap smear.”

Looking back on her journey Amy can now see there were definitely some warning signs and she wonders if the fertility problems she has experienced were related to cervical cancer.

She has had several miscarriages and had fertility treatment to conceive her first daughter and was also diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in 2003.

“In hindsight I did have the usual symptoms for cervical cancer, including some pain, but other things do mask it and I would urge every woman out there to never put off having their smear. It’s a little bit of discomfort but it can save your life.”

And most importantly she would urge any women who feel something isn’t right to back themselves and push for, even demand, answers. ¾

Can you hear but not understand?

It is very common for people with hearing problems to notice that they can hear but that they can’t always understand.

There are solutions to help you and it doesn’t always mean you need to use hearing aids. If you are finding you are having hearing difficulties you should call Murray Hearing Services as we offer you the following services: • Free hearing assessments, we will discuss your results and options. If required a report can be forwarded to your family doctor at no cost to you.

• We are accredited providers of free hearing services to eligible pensioners, D.V.A. recipients, N.S.W. and Victorian WorkCover claimants.

• We also offer free no-obligation 60-day hearing aid trials for private and self-funded retirees.

If you do not receive the benefits you require then you simply return the hearing aid at no cost to you.

Bowtech Bowen Holistic body work... using gentle techniques

.

Listening with our hands and our hearts..

Bowtech Bowen & Remedial Massage Lester Cox’s Technique

+

Now in one Location!

1/285 High St Echuca A room within Echuca Osteopathy

Book your appointment with Vicki Zegelin today, phone 0429 400 104 BAA #9827 AAMT #20207

Murray Hearing Services is a local family owned business and our hearing care clinician is the business owner with over 20 years’ experience in the hearing care industry.

Servicing Echuca, Moama, Deniliquin, Kyabram and Rochester Murray Hearing Services 14 Meninya St, Moama 2731 Free call: 1800 242 700 or 03 5482 6600 Email: nathear@bigpond.com

~ Back pain and sciatica ~ Digestive and bowel problems ~ Earache and TMJ problems ~ Migraines and other types of headaches ~ Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome ~ Hip, knee, ankle and foot problems ~ Menstrual and hormonal Irregularities ~ Neck and shoulder problems (including ‘frozen shoulder’) ~ Groin pain, pelvic tilt and uneven leg length ~ Respiratory problems and hay fever ~ RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow ~ Sports and other traumatic injuries

Zyacklin Therapies 83

A fantastic fusion of flavour F

UZION CAFÉ ECHUCA specialises in bringing a range of ingredients together,

creating an individual taste which makes it stand out in the crowd — and on the palate.

Which shouldn’t come as a surprise — the name is a dead giveaway after all.

The café has been owned by Veronica and Darren Berg for the past three years but cemented its place in Echuca a long time before that.

customers at this time of year.

“We’ve always been passionate about food.

Veronica said this month’s recipe for Bella readers, Gluten-free zucchini and carrot fitters, was always a popular choice for

“This dish takes about 30 minutes to serve

Darren loves to cook and I love coffee,” she said. from start to finish.”

GLUTEN-FREE ZUCCHINI AND CARROT FRITTERS Ingredients: • 500 g zucchini • 300 g carrots • 2 x 400 g tins chick peas • 6 cloves garlic • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper • ½ teaspoon ginger • ½ teaspoon cumin • ½ teaspoon coriander • ½ teaspoon cracked pepper • ½ teaspoon cracked rock salt • 2 tablespoons chia seeds • ¾ cup gluten free flour

Method: • Pre heat oven to 180°C. • Grate zucchini and carrots, pat excess moisture with paper towel.

• Blend chick peas until chunky, not fine.

• Mix zucchini, carrots and chickpeas together.

• Add garlic and ginger mix well.

• Mix dry ingredients together, add to mix.

Mix well.

• Form mixture to intended size patties.

• Bake patties at 180°C for 20 minutes.

• Brown patties off in pan.

• Serve on a bed of spinach and topped with sautéed mushrooms and tomatoes.

Fuzion chef Tash Wilson.

The Complete Christmas….

Gift ideas Décor Table settings Centre pieces Vouchers

TRADING Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.30pm

84

Saturday 9.00am – 4.00pm Sunday & public holidays 10.00am – 4.00pm

ECHUCA 258 Pakenham Street, Echuca.

Phone 5480 7797

@thecompletegardenechuca

Merry Christmas from Chick FIT BOOK NOW! A health and wellbeing gift to you after enjoying holiday festivities.

Post Xmas/NY Fitness Fling!

9th to 27th of January.

Mon/Wed/Fri: 6.15 am sessions Tue/Thur 5.30 pm sessions 3 classes for 3 weeks $90 5 classes for 3 weeks $150 Outdoor/indoor sessions

A WOMAN is the full circle.

Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.

A Ladies/Girls only studio. * Kids’ gloves is unisex.

Chick Fit timetable. PRICES Casual $10: 10-visit pass, $90: 8-week unlimited pass $220.

MADE BY HAND Make Mum smile a REFINED BYwith LIGHT beautiful unique S P Rand ING/SU M M E R 2 0 1gift 6 COEUR DE LION Handmade German Jewellery ECHUCA TREASURE HOUSE 230 Hare St, Echuca Ph: 5480 6334 230 Hare St, Echuca Like us on facebook for special offers

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

9.15am Tabata 50 min

9.15am Circuit HEAT 50 min

9.15am Modern Yoga 50 min

9.15am Mystery Fit 50 min

9.15am Boxercise 50 min

9.15am Trainers choice!

45 min

10.30am Mums & Bubs 5x sessions for $50, casual $12

NEW

5.45pm Tabata 45 min

4.30pm TeenZ

5.45pm Boxercise 45 min

5.45pm Bag IGNITE! 45 min

5.00pm Kids’ gloves 8x sessions $80, casual $12 7.00pm Modern Yoga

4.30pm Youth Acropole 8x sessions, $100, casual $15

CHICK FIT embraces those who feel like fitness misfits. We want YOU to fit! /chicksfitnesskicks Phone Emma 0400 152 394 41 Mundarra Rd, Echuca

We are a child and baby friendly studio

Order your Christmas Flowers Now! Creative designs to inspire!

203 Darling Street, Echuca, VIC 3564 Ph: 03 5482 2615 info@riverportflorist.com.au www.riverportflorist.com.au

85

Thirty Something

Mirror, mirror on the wall …

S

O TWO OF my more insecure, occasional friends, you’ll recognise the type, I am sure (doyens of diets, fans of all things fitness and, by and large, pains in the proverbial posterior), insisted I accompany them to the recent screening of Embrace in the twin towns.

It was packed with sisters of all shapes and sizes, a phenomenal range of fashion sense and insensibility, but a genuine air of enthusiasm and interest.

Now I was happy to go and see how the other half live, but by the same token cannot be held responsible for what genetics have done to me.

I stand 178 cm and on a bad day am forced to try on a 12 — depending on brand.

I did have a good day recently after that gastro that seemed to go through town and slid ever so sensually into an old size 8 I just can’t part with.

Then went out for dinner and actually ate something, which almost cut off my blood flow as the fit tightened alarmingly.

Embrace, as it turned out, was actually entertaining, well made and delivered its message with some real punch.

It particularly pointed its poison pen at certain sections of the media — the women’s mags et al — for their misuse and abuse of Photoshop to present a perception of what its fashion writers believe women should look like.

Even if they don’t really look anything like the women whose faces, also artfully enhanced, appear on bodies produced either by their own graphics departments or those of the particular magazines.

So you can imagine my horror, mostly real, partly feigned, I’ll admit, when I saw a recent issue of body+soul in the Sunday Herald Sun labelled ‘Love the skin you’re in’.

That gorgeous little outfit has since been moved to the rear of the wardrobe until my next debilitating condition — with the lesson learnt about eating, even sipping water, until I get home.

It even used the word ‘embrace’ in its subheading.

But getting back to the movie and my two less genetically-blessed friends, off we all happily went to Moama Bowling Club and truly, you needed to be a US size 6 to squeeze into the room.

Hello, I thought, the message is getting across, because even though they were by and large healthy young women, it had a spread of four body shapes right across the cover.

So then I quickly turned to page four, where it again insisted I love the skin I am in this summer.

Whereupon it went all pear-shaped (like one of my previously mentioned mates) because from page five on it had tips in case I was worried about my butt, or belly, or arms, or thighs, big boobs, no boobs — you get the picture.

So I can love the skin I am in, provided I love the idea of changing it around to make it more acceptable.

It’s one thing to drop a few kilograms, by and large that’s better for your general health and wellbeing.

It’s the ongoing mangling of people’s mental wellbeing, especially young people; that this very coverage perpetuates.

I know I am blessed, everything is in the right place, right proportion and pointing in the right direction.

That’s me, so obviously I am happy in my own skin.

But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t unhappy to see this garbage served up within a week of seeing the movie and seeing how it impacted so many locals.

If I had a friend called Jan I would certainly be telling her I’m not happy. ¾

Oh, Hello Summer!

Call in and check our large range of bras, lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear.

Qualified bra and prosthesis fitters.

125 Hare Street, Echuca | (03) 5480 6731

86

ECHUCA’S PREMIUM HAIR SALON

ECHUCA’S

OFFICIAL

OLAPLEX SALON

CALL OR TEXT FOR APPOINTMENTS ON 0434 221 984 | 33 MURRAY ESPLANADE ECHUCA

LADIES’ WAXING

Eyebrow Wax ................. $15 Lip Wax............................ $15 Chin Wax ........................ $15 Sides of Face .................. $14 Underarm ......................... $16 Top 1/2 Leg ................... $24 1/2 Leg .............................. $21 3/4 Leg .............................. $24 Full Leg.............................. $28 Tummy ............................... $13 Standard Bikini .............. $17 Extended Bikini ............. $24 Brazilian (Strip Left)...... $35 XXX ..................................... $37 1/2 Arm ............................. $18 3/4 Arm ............................. $23 Full Arm ............................ $25

TINTING

Eyelash Tint ..................... $17 Eyebrow Tint .................. $14

LASH EXTENSIONS

100% Silk Lash Extensions.................... $120 Refills start from ............ $70

HAND AND FEET

Pedicure with Polish.... $60 Pedicure with Shellac . $70 Manicures ......................... $50 Acrylic Nails (full set)... $80 Shellac Nails ................... $40 Gel Nails with Extensions........................ $70

SPRAY TANS

Full Body .......................... $30 1/2 Body ........................... $17

MEN’S WAXING

Unibrow................................$9 Eyebrow ............................ $15 Full Arm ............................ $30 Full Leg.............................. $50 Chest & Tummy............. $50 Shoulders & Back ......... $50

COMBO DEALS

Eyebrow, Lip & Chin ... $40 Eyebrow Tint & Eyebrow Wax ................. $28 1/2 Leg & Eyebrow ..... $30

TRADING HOURS Monday 9–3 pm Tuesday 9–5 pm Wednesday 9–7 pm Thursday 9–7 pm Friday 9–5 pm Saturday 9–12 noon

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK

Salon 5/210 Pakenham St, Echuca

Ph 5480 0700

waxonechuca@gmail.com