Issuu

October 2019

Spring

CARNIVAL FEVER

CONTENTS

Welcome be my favourite season. Winter makes it easy to curl up under a blanket in front of a wood fire, while summer means you can take a trip to the beach to feel the sand and salt water between your toes. But spring gives you the best of both worlds. There’s nothing that will make you smile more than a warm day, the sun on your face, a cool breeze running through your hair and the potential to make the perfect backdrop for you and your friends to share a nice cold beverage in the sunshine. As well as being beautiful and warm with gorgeous flowers and plants in bloom, it’s a three-month period that brings with it important issues we need to reflect upon. October is Cancer Awareness Month. And although we should be talking about cancer each and every day, this month gives patients and their families the chance to tell their stories as well as raise awareness for the cause. And that’s what we’re aiming to do in this month’s issue of bella+beau. Inside we showcase Glenn Percy, a brave man who has battled breast cancer for nine years. Men battling breast cancer is not a story that is told often, but Glenn is ready to share his experience and fight to prove if you’re going through a similar struggle, you’re not alone. We would also like to introduce to you Dr Cara Tucker, an Echuca psychologist who will be writing a monthly column in hopes of helping you with your mental health. We encourage anyone who has a question for Dr Cara to write into the email address below or directly to her to get yourself the help you’re seeking. We also have the colourful Kathryn Mackenzie fitting perfectly into the spring spirit as she does her part to keep the flourishing twin towns on the map. But we haven’t forgotten a big time of the year on the sporting calendar. We’ve got you covered for this year’s Spring Racing Carnival, with tips to help you survive your day at the track, delicious recipes for your marquee or backyard barbecue and some ideas for your perfect outfit (and don’t worry guys, we have you covered too). So with bella+beau, you’ll be under control to set yourself up in the sun with our feature and have everything you need for this delightful season. And with that, I’ll leave you to it.

sPring has to

Alex Gretgrix Editor

CONTENTS The 1 per centers ...........................................................................................4 Unlabelled ...........................................................................................................8 Suddenly awesome......................................................................................8 Tips for surviving a day at the races .........................................10 Spring into spring fashion .....................................................................11 OK, don’t talk about it. Just do it ..................................................16 Kathryn sings the praises of a tourist hot spot ..................19 The attack of the Barre ..........................................................................20 Recipes ...................................................................................................................22

COVER Rhiannon Charmers and Courtney Hillier at Echuca Racecourse. Photo: Cath Grey

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HEALTH

THE 1 PER CENTERS When it comes to breast Cancer these victims are the rarest Men with breast cancer could be a new punk rock band. But as IVY JENSEN discovered, the strain that attacks men is the most virulent of them all nine years ago, Glenn Percy was just starting to enjoy retirement after 42 years teaching in Echuca. But fate stepped in with a shock diagnosis. Cancer. And not just any cancer. Glenn joined the 1 per cent of men diagnosed with breast cancer. That’s the bad news, even the shock news. The good news is most men survive breast cancer. In Australia, 85 per cent of men diagnosed are alive five years later. But Glenn wants to make it to 10. Which is 12 months away. “I will get there. I have to,” he said. After all, the 73-year-old has everything to live for — a wife, two children and

two grandchildren. The retired Echuca Technical School teacher was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in July 2010 when his wife Karen noticed a small, black circular mole which appeared suddenly near his right nipple. “I really owe my life to my very observant wife,” Glenn said. A doctor removed the mole but when the pathology report came back a few days later, he was sent to a Bendigo surgeon who initially removed a larger margin of flesh under local anaesthetic before taking the whole nipple off because ”it was bordering on breast cancer”. Not feeling overly worried, Glenn and Karen drove up to Queensland the next day to visit

their daughter but a phone call from the surgeon had him back in Bendigo in September for a full mastectomy. Tests found cancer in 14 of the 20 lymph nodes removed. “I guess it was a shock,” he said. “I thought I’m a man. It’s not going to happen to me. By this point, I was made very aware of the situation.” Glenn’s oncologist told him while male breast cancer is rare, it is considerably more aggressive than female. “They wanted to knock it on the head, so my treatment was pretty intense,” he said. Glenn started on six cycles of chemotherapy every three weeks. The first three went well, >>>

HEALTH

I FELT AS THOUGH I HAD BEEN HIT BY A MACK TRUCK AND THEN THE MONGREL HAD BACKED OVER ME. IT TOTALLY WIPED ME OUT.

I didn't know who I was for a couple of days

>>> but then he was given the drug Taxotere. “I felt as though I had been hit by a Mack truck and then the mongrel had backed over me,” he said. “It totally wiped me out. I didn’t know who I was for a couple of days. I was a school teacher so for me to feel like that was very frightening and uncomfortable because I wasn’t in control.” Aching limbs and extreme fatigue led him to wonder if he was reacting normally, but the team at Bendigo’s Peter McCallum cancer centre assured him he was. After a month, Glenn started on 25 days of daily radiotherapy, which burnt his skin and left him with a large water blister, which burst. The chemo also left him with numbness in his toes and soles of his feet. “I’ve learnt to grin and bear it,” he said. Glenn also developed deep vein thrombosis in his right leg as a result of the chemotherapy, so he had to inject himself twice a day with an anti-clotting drug.

Nine years later and Glenn is still going strong. “I’m feeling really good,” he said. “The secret is to stay positive. “My oncologist told me at the start, ‘There’s two ways this can go. You can give up and you won’t make Christmas or stay positive and talk to positive people and you’ll have a positive outcome.’ “I believe that positivity is the key to overcoming my cancer. We just don’t give enough credit to the power of the brain.” As well as listening to this piece of medical advice, Glenn has also taken his health more seriously. “I’m more aware of my health and have a lot more compassion for women who are going through breast cancer,” he said. Glenn highlighted his story as the face of the Echuca-Moama Relay For Life in 2011 and he will do the same as part of his involvement with the Echuca-Moama Pink Up Your Town

committee. He is one of the volunteers who formed it to raise $20,000 for McGrath breast care nurses and create a visual show of support for local families experiencing breast cancer. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the committee has planned several activities, including a pink colour run/walk, turning shops pink and a family fun day at Echuca Workers on October 18. “On the night, Australian cricketer Rodney Hogg will be the MC and I will give a five to 10-minute speech about myself and tell men to look at and listen to their bodies and their wives to go home and check their husbands,” he said. “I’ve been given a second chance at life, so I need to pass on what I’ve learnt.” And what then when he hits the 10-year cancer free mark next year? “Have a bit of a celebration and get on with the rest of my life,” he said.

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OH, THE

UNLABELLED BY DR CARA

mental dilemmas

Mental health is something that often isn't spoken about. Something that can be considered confusing or daunting or anything in between. We've enlisted the help of Dr Cara Tucker, an Echuca psychologist who will be bringing her monthly column in hopes of helping you through the highs and lows of life. oh, what a dream it would be for you to walk into a doctor’s office to get a mental health check, just like people get a dental or medical check. Did you say we get a bikkie for donating blood? Because we definitely don’t get a bikkie for donating our thoughts. Frankly, if others knew what we thought they would really think we were crazy. Why? Well we all have brains (as do I, even though it is occasionally an absent minded one) but what I have come to know in the past 20-plus years of this work is depression has a story that lives in the past; anxiety has stories that live in the future. Who am I? Well I happen to know thoughts, feelings, relationships, and ways to communicate (with ourselves and others). Of course, I am still a student of the brain because while we have come a long way in understanding the brain there will always be more to know. I will embark on answers to questions pertaining to emotions, feelings, relationships and better ways to communicate in your relationships. Ask yourself if your thoughts are future tripping or making pathways of worry that don’t exist yet? First, acknowledge the actual feeling and go to the basics: are you happy, scared, sad, or angry? Then fill in the blank of what you can control

right now. For example, if a mother sits there and worries about all the actions their child could possibly do or not do … these are possibilities that don’t actually exist yet. So just state what you feel in the moment, and what is actually making you feel this way. Then let the feeling live, rather than overthinking it, which increases your breath, leading to a state of hypervigilance. If you do this over and over the brain takes on this way of thinking as if it has been conditioned to, which then indirectly creates the label anxiety. The alternative is letting feelings breathe, that actually allows someone to have more control (hint: we cannot control others). We can only control ourselves, our emotions and our own thoughts and actions. Reminder, no amount of cleaning in the world can take away thoughts or feelings. Rather than just answer the thought, if your brain is acknowledging a question again, just answer it but in a way that creates a positive outcome, not one driven by outrageous behaviours but just acknowledgement of thought/s. Acknowledging the basic emotion is a direct tool to assist and change the state of mind. Our brain recycles thoughts, day in and day out, so always remember happiness is an experience that can change moment to moment and is not some foreign destination.

I turned down application to the FBI to define a personal path, and not have one dictated to me. I have discovered a path to unveiling labels in the industry and what sits underneath all the labels, such as depression, anxiety, autism, grief, identity, purpose, mother, father, marriage or divorce just to name a few. I do know labels provide a sense of comfort and can also be relied on. I am the voice of this new column called ‘Unlabelled with Dr Cara’ and I will be a consultant in the journey. So just think of me as a silent partner for many to assist in transitions and better mental health for an alternate perception. Hopefully we are off to a good start and I am looking forward to connecting with you. Until then, you are seconds away from changing your thoughts to a better mental shift and possibly less future tripping. Any questions, or to address any areas you may be going through, please send enquiries to the following email: thrivewithdrcara@gmail.com. In future columns we can answer, or simply discuss, identity, self-esteem, relationships, how to speak to your partner, finding out ways to do things better in the areas of performance or motivation. I am here and you are the voice. Let’s get started to your unlabelled mental health check.

what works for you. I get swimming, riding and running hundreds of endless kilometres day in day out might not be for everyone, but it was the thing that worked the best for me. At the start it was just about being tired enough to sleep at night but then it became a whole lot more. I remember the first triathlon I lined up for, I was so nervous I thought my heart was going to explode but I also remember the feeling when I crossed that finish line — that sense of pride that I achieved something on my own was indescribable, and even though I have now competed in lots of events, that feeling never goes away. Every time I cross that line, I say to myself ‘you are a strong, bad arse mama AND you can do whatever you put your mind to’. Or maybe it’s just that I am just a stubborn old goat. Either way it doesn’t really matter if it works. Forgiveness is another personal thing, and some people just can’t do it. I get that, but for me it was something I needed to do for me and no-one else. Carrying around anger and bad emotion only makes you miserable and your body sick and it

doesn’t change what happened either. You see my ex and I are still the parents of two beautiful girls who we both still love and once upon a time we were happy together. We will never be the family we once were but there is nothing stopping us finding happiness again in a different way, and that is something very important to me. I never want my girls to feel like we can’t be in the same room together because one of us might kill the other and at the end of the day, they have a part of each of us in them and that can’t be changed. My littlest bubba actually did a 10 km run with her dad recently and I was so happy for them both (they also have got a bit to go before they beat my PB so I am still the fastest and that also made me happy). Anyway, my point is life goes on. Yes, shit happens, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. I only have one life and I don’t want to spend it angry and upset about something that happened four years ago. Hence goodbye suddenly single and hello suddenly awesome.

SUDDENLY AWESOME

LET THE

sunshine in

it has been four years since I became ‘suddenly single’. And what a ride those years have been. There were the days when I cried and cried; when I thought my world had ended. Then there were the days I was so angry I contemplated a felony. But like that saying goes, you have to get through the shit to see the sunshine and now I have to say my life is so bright I need sunglasses. I mean I am seriously one happy middle aged mama, but it did take a fair bit of self-care, a good counsellor and hard work to get to this point. The breakdown of my marriage was something I had to grieve in my own time — it is very personal and there is no right or wrong way to do that. For those of you reading this in the same position I once was, just know it will get better one day, if you let it. There is no manual and you just have to find

od c s s re

K N I P Y L T is C g I n i t R na d

! or dondatory ma

Gala Night

Friday October 18th 2019 at Echuca Workers

Celebrate after the raffles $20 p.p. (no seating) or $35 p.p. (seating) - book at reception Finger food provided Entertainment by THINKING OUT LOUD

FOR THE KIDS THE KAZOOS & PROFESSOR SILLY $5.00 per child 4:00pm - 5:30pm Dormanâ€™s Electrical Contractors Pty Ltd

SPRING RACING

TIPS FOR SURVIVING for Many, a

day at the races means a day out with the boys, putting on a bet and having a good time. For the ladies it can be a day to catch up and look good doing it. But what price do you pay for beauty these days? With it can come a whole world of pain but we’re here to help you avoid any faux-pas. Here we have compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you survive in one piece and with your dignity intact.

1. FEET FIRST With a fancy dress day comes a good excuse to dig out a striking pair of heels. The ones that go perfectly with that fabulous dress. But just because they look good doesn’t mean they will help keep you on your feet all day. With heels, your toes and the balls of your feet can be hit hard. If you channel your inner ballerina try taping your third and fourth toes together, it takes the pressure off your sore spots making endurance a breeze. Bonus tip: Gel pads for the balls of your feet and back of your heels are another good way to strut the pain away. These can be purchased for next to nothing at your local pharmacy.

a day at the races

2. EATING ISN’T CHEATING

Race day includes a drinking culture many aim to keep up with throughout the day. Having a beer or champagne — or more — is an easy hole into which you can fall. While the bar is easy to find at any race track, so are the food trucks or stands. It’s important to keep up the solids as well as fluids when you’re trying to make it through the day. Bonus tip: Keeping hydrated is important in keeping you from thinking tackling a police officer outside the gates is the perfect way to end the day. So keep your water bottle filled if you need/ want it.

3. STAY SAFE IN THE SUN Although we’re sure the strapless or backless dress was a great idea in the shop, it could turn into a disaster without the right precautions. Sunscreen will be your best friend on a beautiful or even overcast day (don’t let the clouds fool you). A little help from a friend can go a long way to cover those hard-to-reach places. Bonus tip: Spring is the perfect time for hats and they never go out of fashion during race season. Hats can be easy to pair with your outfit and protect you from those rays.

4. ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR THE DAY — AND NIGHT

If you’re turning your race day into a road trip, it pays to plan BEFORE the drinks start flowing. Such as making sure you have a place to lay your head for the night, so book your hotel in advance. Bonus tip: If you’re on your way to the bigtime, the Caulfield Cup or Melbourne Cup, finding somewhere to stay nearby could be a nightmare. Two solutions here: book way, way, WAY in advance or make sure you have the taxi number saved in your phone.

5. KEEP A BUDGET Keeping your food intake and outfit in check is one thing, but what about the money you’re spending when you get to the track? If you give yourself a budget, this can make things a whole lot easier and cheaper. Work out how much you need for entry, food, drinks, betting (if you’re feeling lucky) and the taxi home and you’re good to go. Bonus tip: Most country race days will allow you to bring in your own snacks and nibbles for your marquee to enjoy. If you have a table of a few people, it might be an idea to band together and each bring a plate or platter to share (and save).

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FASHION

o t n i g Sprin

SPRING FASHION

With warmer weather comes new fashion and style for you to try this season. We have teamed up with a few businesses around Echuca Moama to bring you a wide range of styles from colourful to comfortable, from sexy to stylish and everything in between. With this set of outfits we have on display, you'll have every part of your spring covered and then some.

World of Discovery Outﬁt 1: Urban luxury skirt — $90, Urban luxury top — $60, Italian Star jacket — $130, Full grain bag — $108, Lifeless common glasses — $135, M. Moustache shoes — $259. Outﬁt 2: Urban luxury jumpsuit — $120, Urban luxury top — $70, Lifeless common glasses — $135, Full grain bag — $141, Gaimo shoes — $165.

FASHION

Worklocker Outﬁt 1: New England mickey jacket — $250, New England stirling L/S shirt — $89.95, New England code navy pant — $99.95, Buckle braces — $39.95, Cufflinks — $49.95, Buckle reversible belt — $49.95, Platinum Jonas shoe — 159.95. Outﬁt 2: New England Penn black Slimfit Suit — $250, Jimmy Fox L/S shirt — $129, Daniel Diaz black skinny tie — $39.95, Flower pin — $49.95, Tie bar — $49.95, Platinum Jimmy black shoe — $159.95.

Lily & Pearl Outﬁt 1: Jockey Parisienne Cami — $39.95, Jockey Parisienne full brief — $18.95. Outﬁt 2: Simone Perele — black Eden (chic) bodysuit — $149.95.

FASHION

Annabella Outﬁt 1: 365 Days natural and white embroidered top — $149, Italian Linen by Imagine Fashion white pants — $149, Humidity Lifestyle linen sneaker — $109, Cindy g collection necklace silver and pink — $39, Silver dangled earrings — $39, Kompanero handbag — $229.95. Outﬁt 2: KLoTH green top — $129, Senape pants — $139, Chyka and Walnut shoes — $149.95, Cindy g collection necklace — $49, Kompanero handbag — $199.95.

I Want I Need Outﬁt 1: UR Hair scarf — $14.95, Frankie’s Melbourne skirt green — $229, Little Keeper limited edition palm earrings — $29.95, Frankie’s Melbourne lurex pale pink tee — $129, Rollie sidecut woven show pink shoe — $179.95. Outﬁt 2: Frankie’s Melbourne blue tee — $129, Frankie’s Melbourne rainbow skirt — $229, Bridie & I silver drop earrings — $35, Cute as a Button triangle earrings — $24.95, Rollie Derby Midsole cork circle punch white shoes — $159.95.

ADVERTORIAL

THE VIBE

tribe

It doesn’t take much to convince The Vibe Tribe to pack our bags and hit the road for a girl’s road trip — we love winding country roads, delicious wine, great food, fresh air, sunshine and spending time together, away from the noise of the city. And when the destination is Echuca Moama and the Heathcote wine region, we couldn’t load up the cars fast enough! 2.5 hours from Melbourne was a dream in the new Holden Acadia and Equinox. The Acadia could have fit us all easily, given the seven seats and spacious interior, but we treated ourselves with two vehicles; and packed both to the brim with two ladies in the Equinox, three in the Acadia, 10 bags and numerous suitcases, photography equipment, fully loaded roadtrip playlists and enough excitement to last the entire weekend in this stunning pocket of regional Victoria. First stop on our itinerary was the pristine Silver Spoon Estate — a family owned and operated boutique cellar door, nestled within the rolling green hills of the Heathcote winery region. We met Peter and Tracie Young, the energetic owners of this estate. Ever heard the old adage, ‘do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’? Peter and Tracie know this more than most. Currently ‘retired’, Peter and Tracie are working harder than ever before, but spend five minutes on their property, and it’s obvious this isn’t ‘work’ to them — they are living their dream, curating an exceptional range of wines, all lovingly made on-site. We were spoiled with a tour of their 250 acre property, which boasts the highest point in the area, and is home to several certified Aboriginal sacred sites, 400-year-old trees and stone quarries — Tracie was quick to point out how proud they are to be the current custodians of the land, and they demonstrate that respect for the environment by being completely off the grid — running their establishment by solar and battery power alone. We set ourselves up on their sunny deck, and tucked into a tasting of their wines — from their

driving the easy

easy drinking Cambrian White Viognier, and light summery Quartz Rose, through to their bold and hearty ‘Monster’ Shiraz, there was a drop to suit everyone’s tastes and occasion. Peter showed off his flair for puns with his humorous naming of the labels and when asked what his favourite wine was, he winced with a wry smile, and replied ‘that’s like choosing a favourite child’. We couldn’t agree more! We had such a hard time picking our favourites too, we made sure to stock up with several bottles to take with us to enjoy over the weekend. Early morning on Saturday and we were up, ready and keen to get on the road and rip up a few dirt tracks in the Holdens on our way out to our next destination — Restdown Wines and Walking Trail. What a genuinely special experience this was — owners Don and Jo Hearn were the loveliest pair, and the set up of their cellar door was gorgeously rustic and inviting. Their 1100 acre property sits along the Backroads Trail, across the border into New South Wales — roughly 45 minutes out of Echuca. To whet our appetites for the wines, we first took a guided bushwalk around the property — learning from Don about the wetlands and the history of the land. Their property is steeped in Aboriginal history, and is the natural habitat to a wide range of plants, animals, birds and insects. Don and Jo firmly believe in environmental sustainability and it’s so clear to see how much they love and respect their land. Their wines are certified organic (no hangovers!) and are absolutely delightful to drink. We sipped on Wild Chardonnay, Verjus, Semillon, Shiraz and Merlot and it paired perfectly with lunch — an

antipasto platter full of local products, meats, cheeses, and speciality produce handpicked from their own gardens. So fresh, so healthy — we literally couldn’t get enough of everything on offer. Their warmth, hospitality and passion was lovely to experience for a few hours — we felt so at home at Restdown, we honestly didn’t want to leave. They regularly take on backpackers to work the farm, and we are seriously considering coming back in the harvesting months to help out and experience a small part of their process. We can only imagine sitting on their jetty over the wetlands, watching the sunset after a satisfying day’s work, bottle of their chardy on ice, bliss! Heading back into town, we were struck by the thought that this was the second time we have visited this special region of Victoria as a group, and we have found something new and exciting each time. This Echuca Moama region just keeps getting better! It’s gorgeous, vibrant, historic, and so unbelievably hospitable and welcoming — business owners here seriously know how to entertain and provide a unique experience. We cannot recommend enough. Perfect for families, girls weekends, boys trips — whatever the occasion — Echuca Moama has something for everyone.

The Vibe Tribe @thevibetribegroup Travel Partner @echuca_moama Travel Partner @holdenaustralia Silver Spoon Estate @silverspoonestate Restdown @restdown_wineandbeef

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HEALTH

OK, DON’T TALK ABOUT IT. Just do it It’s nobody’s favourite conversation but increasingly it is one that must be had. If not with friends or family then certainly with your doctor. Screening for bowel and cervical cancer is a lifesaver; pure and simple. But getting people to go through testing is a different matter altogether.

it’s tiMe to

talk about something a little awkward. But also a matter of life and death. That’s right — it’s time to talk about bowel cancer and cervical cancer screenings. And while Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice’s Dr Claire Goodman admits they can be a little embarrassing, they can also be lifesaving. “Yes, both these screenings can be a bit uncomfortable,” she said. “But they are far less uncomfortable than having to go through treatment for an advanced cancer. “And that’s the most important thing to remember.” Which is why she — along with scores of other local doctors — is urging locals to get these allimportant screens. Because when cancer is picked up early, there’s a much higher chance it’ll be curable. When it comes to bowel cancer, screening is recommended from 50 years of age, with another test due two years after that. In fact, when you reach five decades, you’ll receive a little birthday present in the mail — a test kit for some stool samples from the government. “These test kits are quite easy to use at home. They’re looking for microscopic blood in the stool,” Dr Goodman said. “There are some guidelines around when you take them to make sure you’re not on iron supplements or that you haven’t just had a rare steak or anything else that might make a false positive. “You then send your sample off and if that returns that there is no blood in the stool, your chances of having bowel cancer are miniscule.” While cervical cancer screenings used to be recommended from the age of 18, that’s now been bumped up to 25 due to low risks at an earlier age. Screenings will also be required less frequently thanks to new research.

“We know that in order to get cervical cancer, there needs to be active human papillomavirus of some particular high-risk strains,” Dr Goodman said. “The new testing we do is looking for that active virus. And if that active virus is not present, then our screening has become less frequent because the chance of developing cancer is so low. “If low, the screening only needs to be repeated every five years.” If, however, the virus is present, doctors will keep an eagle eye on these high-risk patients. “Because they’re the ones who have the highest chance of developing a cancer which, again, can be treated very easily and cured very easily if picked up in its early stages,” Dr Goodman said. “But it can be devastating if missed.” Dr Goodman admitted women can struggle to take the cervical test screenings, which are quite intimate. “People do get a little embarrassed. They’ll say, ‘oh, I’m going to see them down the street’,” she said. “But as a doctor, we could not care less. It is just part and parcel of the job. “We see all sorts of private things about people whether it be different parts of their body or different parts of their thoughts. “So this is just another personal thing people tell their doctors about.” She admitted the awkwardness of bowel screenings could also dissuade people. “Collecting a poo sample can also be a bit of a

HEALTH

mental hurdle for some people,” she said. “But when you look at having a small procedure to treat something early compared with having half your bowel out, having a colostomy bag and ongoing chemotherapy, doing a poo sample seems fairly easy.” Dr Goodman said all the screens were for people with no symptoms and no background family history. And added if symptoms — such as blood in the stool, rapid weight loss or bleeding after sex — show up, people should see their doctor immediately, even if they’ve had a recent normal screening. As for people with a strong family history of cancer, she urged them to chat to their doctor. “There are some people I start screening for bowel cancer earlier than 50, depending on the age of a relative’s cancer and so on,” she said.

“So if you do have that in your family history it’s important to have a conversation with your GP about what’s appropriate for you. Because it can vary person to person.” While Dr Goodman said there weren’t any dazzling success stories as a result of the screenings — things are picked up early and treatment is easy — it’s the sad stories that drive the message home. “You do see the reverse, which is the sad stories where people didn’t do their screening and were picked up with something very late,” she said. “That’s the flipside of the coin.”

PEOPLE DO GET A LITTLE EMBARRASSED. BUT AS A DOCTOR, WE COULD NOT CARE LESS. IT IS JUST PART AND PARCEL OF THE JOB. WE SEE ALL SORTS OF PRIVATE THINGS ABOUT PEOPLE WHETHER IT BE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THEIR BODY OR

When it comes to our health, prevention is much better than cure. Doctors at the clinic: Dr BK Pillai Dr Peter Nesbitt Dr Clare Bottcher Dr Claire Goodman Dr Suzanne Harrison Dr Samuel Kennedy

Dr Jessica Hetherington Dr Cameron Taverna Dr Nyree O’Connor Dr Deborah Martin Dr Dominic Karunanayake Dr Christopher Leow

Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice, providing quality primary healthcare for over 45 years to the rural community in a professional, caring and compassionate manner.

179–183 Annesley St, Echuca (03) 5480 6001 1 Martin St, Moama (03) 5480 2933

Dr Jerry Wong Dr Lara Mucha Dr Vindana Gamage Dr Erwin Wong Dr Shammi Akther Dr Rahul Verma

OWNE

45 YEARS

D R

LY AL

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

different parts of their thoughts

More than

45 YEARS of awesome service is a great reason to celebrate, right?!

PROFILE

KATHRYN SINGS THE PRAISES OF a tourist hot spot

Kathryn Mackenzie has always adapted to her situation, whether it be helping students in the classroom or promoting the region in her role as Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive. DAVID RAK caught up with her for a chat. the Echuca-Moama tourism industry to a choir. And her role as Echuca Moama Tourism chief executive is that of its conductor. It is Kathryn’s role to get more than 300 tourism operators to sing in tune (and off the same hymn sheet) to promote the area as a premier tourist destination. To attract visitors from around the globe, Kathryn believes the tourism industry on both sides of the river must work together and not be competing for business. Only then can the beauty of the area be showcased to an international audience. And it’s that beauty that Kathryn observed growing up in the area that stokes her passion to promote Echuca-Moama. Raised in Kyabram and Cohuna, Kathryn had no idea she would play a leading role in making the region a global destination. She began her career as a teacher in the Wimmera Mallee region. In her 18 years as an educator, Kathryn discovered the effectiveness of hands-on learning. Many students in her classes struggled with the traditional textbook method of learning. “A lot of kids were missing vital education because they were being taught the wrong way,” Kathryn said. “When I used hands-on methods to teach, the whole dynamic of the classroom changed. “Kids who felt left out by the traditional system came to the fore and began to embrace the lessons.” Kathryn loved the challenge of finding a way to connect with students who had lost interest in

Kathryn MaCKenZie LiKens

education and didn’t see any value in it. At one school, she helped students identify and write about soldiers from a World War I photo which was then published in the local newspaper. “Some of these students struggled with English but learnt well through researching and writing about something they were interested in,” Kathryn said. “Instead of just learning the rules of language by memory, I gave them a constructive task and learning the rules of language was a consequence of that. “It was rewarding to see these students’ skills improve, allowing them to gain employment.” Kathryn’s teaching role eventually led to a position as head of education at the Australian War Memorial. Reluctant to take the position initially, she was persuaded by a friend to fill a six-month stint in the role. “I had a lot on my plate at the time with the work I was doing and didn’t think I could fit any more in,” Kathryn said. “But I loved it and stayed in the role for 10 years.” Upon realising children weren’t learning as much from the AWM as they could, Kathryn drew on her teaching experience and created a hands-on discovery room. The interactive space allowed children to experience what was being taught rather than just being told about it. “The exhibit was only supposed to run for a month but it’s still going today,” Kathryn said. “It was during my time there I realised I wanted to do something in tourism.

“I loved attracting people to something and showcasing the quality to people who have never seen it before. “So I went back to university to learn about tourism and took on a job with the City of Greater Bendigo.” Kathryn worked to develop Bendigo as a tourist destination for 22 years before she felt the call of home. She started her role with Echuca-Moama Tourism in June last year and immediately felt she had made the right move. Her philosophy is simple — you’re in the wrong career if you don’t love what you do. “That’s so important in tourism. You can’t promote a destination if you don’t love it,” she said. “A lot of people think tourism is a bit soft and fluffy but it’s about building the bottom line of business. “People want to come to a community that makes them feel good. If the community is thriving, tourists will get that feel good vibe from everyone they meet.” Kathryn said Echuca-Moama functions as a drawcard and a hub for local tourism. If people come to the twin towns, they will likely visit smaller towns as well. “I’m very proud of the little towns around Echuca-Moama and all they do to promote our area as a tourist destination,” she said “Our region is a mecca for visitors who want to wind down and relax. “Echuca-Moama can be an international tourist destination with the help and support of everyone in the community.”

FITNESS

THE ATTACK

of the Barre

Exercise is as much about evolution as it is energising. And IVY JENSEN caught up with the latest incarnation winning devotees across the twin towns. A combination of Pilates and ballet, with a focus on fitness, Barre Attack is realigning the outlook of everyone who gives it a try with four daughters, a part-time job and a business on the side, Kristy Serpell doesn't get much time to herself. But when her physiotherapist recommended she try clinical Pilates to help with her core strength after having a baby last year, Kristy started to think of it as her “me time”. Soon, however, it was much more than that, as she swapped the exercise class for Barre Attack; a dynamic fusion of Pilates, ballet and fitness. “It's an hour I get to myself which I enjoy and while I'm having a great time doing it, I'm also improving my fitness,” she said. Kristy started the adult class earlier this year after seeing it advertised by Suzanne's School of Ballet, where her daughters attend dance lessons. “It seemed like it would give me an all-over body workout and I have watched the girls gain strength and flexibility from their ballet classes. I thought that's what I need,” she said. Suzanne's School of Ballet principal Jodie Ritchie had been helping Kristy regain her pelvic and core strength after Kristy gave birth to her youngest daughter Edeline a year ago. “I had an abdominal tear, that's when the physio recommended the Pilates, back in October,” Kristy said.

“I have just recently stopped that as I have built enough strength to continue on my journey with the barre classes.” Barre Attack and adult classes have been running consistently at the school since the start of the year. Jodie said Barre Attack was a low impact, high intensity workout combining the best of standing Pilates work, short cardio intervals and simple ballet dance moves. Developed by a former professional dancer working with physiotherapists, it is designed to help everyone move and function better in a fun and safe manner. “The class is accessible for everybody and all levels of fitness,” Jodie said. “No dance experience is required, and it is suitable for all ages, so you can go at your own pace and increase it as your fitness and strength increases.” Which is perfect for Kristy. “I did very little ballet as a child. My sister was the ballet dancer. I enjoyed jazz more,” she said. “I'm trying to build strength to get back to running, so it's been great to build my core and glute strength as well as cardio. “I can now plank on my toes for a short time

and my push-ups are improving, as well as my posture to help support my pelvis. “I still need to gain more hip flexibility and lower core strength, but Jodie is helping me with the next options to build that strength so I can get back running.” Jodie said Pilates and ballet were extremely popular among women when it came to fitness. “We need to focus on core muscles and pelvic floor, both before and after having children, and the classes are perfect for strengthening in a safe and practical manner,” she said. “With Barre Attack's sequences you will feel like your body is realigned, balanced and centered. “Best of all, you will feel more connected to your body, giving you a sense of self and confidence which can be only be ignited through the joy of movement.” Research has shown dancing can improve your mental health by boosting your overall happiness. “Our Barre Attack and dance classes are a great cardio workout,” Jodie said. “The classes can improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, strengthen bones and muscles and stave off illnesses. “With a focus on correct posture and recruiting correct muscles we can focus on creating long

FITNESS

and lean muscles and practical strength.” Jodie said Barre Attack was a great class for women as it was designed to get you longer, leaner muscles in a fun and safe way. “In particular, our Barre Attack for mums class is a great way for mums who may have trouble making the time for themselves to exercise to be able to participate in the class while their children are looked after and entertained,” she said. Something Kristy will look at doing when the time comes. For now, her daughter is happy enough to sleep through the class in her pram. “I highly recommend Barre Attack to others,” she said. “It is a great all over body workout by using resistance bands, body weight and deep core exercises. “Jodie really knows her stuff and makes sure technique is mastered, but we also have a really good laugh and chat.”

WE NEED TO FOCUS ON CORE MUSCLES AND PELVIC FLOOR, BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER HAVING CHILDREN, AND THE CLASSES ARE PERFECT FOR STRENGTHENING

in a safe and practical manner

The Banquet is in the first bite Traditional Banquet •

House made dips with charred pita • Pan fried kefalograviera cheese served with lemon • Seafood platter (grilled fish, prawn skewers, natural oysters, kalamari, scallop skewer) greek salad • Meat platter (slow roasted lamb, marinated chicken, chicken skewers, keftede) greek potatoes • Baklava, seasonal fruit *minimum of 2 people

$55 per person*

505–507 High St, Echuca (03) 5480 1900 www.sunago.com.au

RECIPES

POTATO ROSTI WITH SOUR CREAM

and lemon myrtle lamb Crisp rosti served with lemon myrtle lamb makes an impressive starter for a special occasion

INGREDIENTS • 1 (10 g) fresh rosemary sprig • olive oil • 375 g waxy potatoes, peeled • 50 g butter, melted • salt and freshly ground black pepper • extra olive oil, for frying • 2 teaspoons lemon myrtle • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 300 g lamb fillet • ⅓ cup sour cream • chives, for serving

METHOD 1. Place rosemary sprig on a baking tray and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Roast at 180°C for 10–15 minutes until crisp. Cool and then crumble the leaves. 2. Grate potatoes coarsely into a bowl of cold water, rinse then drain and dry the potatoes well. Place potatoes into a large bowl, stir through melted butter, crumbled rosemary and seasoning. Heat extra olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drop heaped teaspoonfuls of the potato mixture into the pan, flatten slightly and fry for 3–4 minutes on each side until deep golden and crisp, drain on absorbent paper and keep warm. 3. Combine lemon myrtle, oil and seasonings. Toss lamb fillets in mixture to coat. Cook on a pre-heated grill plate for approximately 2 minutes on each side, until medium rare. Remove and rest the lamb for 5 minutes before slicing.

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 25 MINUTES | MAKES: 12

BAHARAT PRAWN SKEWERS Spoon generous amounts of this sensational mango yoghurt over the piping hot prawn skewers for a scrumptious starter INGREDIENTS • 1 cup natural yoghurt • ½ cup finely diced mango cheek • 2 teaspoons finely sliced mint leaves • ½ teaspoon finely zested lime rind • 12 whole green prawns, shelled and deveined leaving tail intact • ¼ cup baharat spice mix (is a combination of oregano, bell pepper, sumac, coriander, cumin, cloves, cardamom and sea salt) • lime wedges and mint leaves for serving

METHOD 1. Combine yoghurt, mango, mint and lime rind. Spoon into a serving bowl and set aside until required. 2. Thread prawn tails onto 15cm wooden skewers and coat with the baharat. Cook on a pre-heated grill plate each side until cooked through. Drizzle with a little lime juice and serve on a platter accompanied with flavoured yoghurt, extra lime wedges and mint leaves.

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 15 MINUTES | MAKES: 12

4. Dollop each warm rosti with sour cream, top with a slice of warm lamb fillet and finish with chives.

with mango mint and lime yoghurt

RECIPES

SPANAKOPITA ROLL Embrace the flavours of Greece with this traditional pastry filled with cheese and spinach INGREDIENTS • 1 bunch English spinach • 250 g ricotta cheese, crumbled • 250 g feta cheese, crumbled • 8 spring onions, finely chopped • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 6 sheets filo pastry • 40 g butter, melted • sesame seeds, for sprinkling • ½ cup natural yoghurt, for serving • green salad, to serve

METHOD 1. Wash spinach well and discard stems (you should have approximately 200 g of spinach leaves). Strain off excess water and place in a saucepan. Heat, covered, until just wilted and soft. Roughly chop and set aside to cool. Squeeze out excess moisture. Combine ricotta and feta cheese and stir in spring onions, spinach, and egg. 2. Layer 6 sheets of filo pastry, brushing between each sheet with melted butter. Spoon mixture along the longest side of pastry. Fold in sides and roll to enclose filling.

PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 30 MINUTES | SERVES: 4

3. Place spanakopita on a baking paper lined tray and brush with melted butter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 200°C for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm or cold accompanied with natural yoghurt and a green salad.

PINEAPPLE, BANANA AND CARROT LOAF

with ricotta frosting

Sometimes the joy of making a cake is that they don’t require beaters, and this easy mix cake is the ticket. The ricotta frosting is topped with crunchy nuts and ginger INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups self-raising flour • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • ¼ teaspoon allspice • ¼ teaspoon baking powder • ½ cup caster sugar • ½ cup vanilla yoghurt • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 2 eggs • 1 ripe banana, mashed

• 225 g can pineapple pieces in juice, drained • 1 small carrot, grated • ¾ cup reduced fat smooth ricotta cheese • ¼ cup chopped toasted pecan nuts • 1 tablespoon finely chopped glacé ginger

METHOD 1. Sift flour, spices and baking powder into a large bowl and stir in sugar. 2. Whisk yoghurt, oil and eggs together and stir into the dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix. Fold through the fruit and carrot. 3. Spoon the mixture into a baking paper lined 20 cm loaf tin and bake at 170°C for 60–65 minutes, or until cooked through when tested with a skewer. Cool in tin for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely. 4. Just prior to serving spread the loaf with ricotta and sprinkle with pecans and glacé ginger. PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES | COOK TIME: 60 MINUTES | SERVES: 12

Recipes supplied by Dairy Australia.

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130 Hare Street, Echuca 5482 1822 | echuca@worklocker.com.au