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APRIL 2018 / ISSUE 3

Mother’s Day SPECIAL

Memories + musings + gifts

GROWING UP QUICKLY

Early life of mayor Kim O’Keeffe

A NEW START

Tales from a World War II migrant

Winter style: ON-TREND LOOKS FOR ALL AGES

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LESSONS IN RESILIENCE

WWII MIGRANT TALES

BREAKING BARRIERS

STYLE WITH SUBSTANCE

WINTER SKIN CARE

FINDING FITNESS

MOTHERHOOD MUSINGS

SILENT SURGERIES

BEHIND THE BATON

win

MILLION PAWS WALK 6

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April 2018

WARM THE SOUL

BOOKS TO WIN

Cover shot Photographer: Ray Sizer

Advertising Leesa Haeusler 5820 3188 leesa.haeusler@sheppnews.com.au

Writers Jessica Ball Alana Christensen Sharon Wright

Sub-editors Sandy Lloyd

Design Alysha Bathman

Advertising Design Alysha Bathman Jacqui Maskell Bella Considine Stacey Taylor

Published by Shepparton News PO Box 204, Shepparton, Victoria, 3632 (03) 5820 3183

magazines@sheppnews.com.au betty magazine is published by Shepparton Newspapers Pty Ltd (ABN 044-406-946) at the registered office, Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla, 3631

welcome A few years ago my mother gifted me her collection of cut-crystal trays and bowls to use for displaying my growing collection of jewellery, many pieces of which are also heirlooms handed down to me from her. More than just a beautiful display to adorn the top of my ornate antique dresser, these trays, bowls and jewels represent the bond between us, the sharing of our most treasured possessions and the family stories that come with them. For my mother and I, clothing and jewellery have always been inextricably linked with some of our greatest memories — as every important experience shared has been done so while wearing a particular outfit to reflect the tone of the occasion, and these form part of the memories as we look back on them.

My mother remembers the red satin dress I wore on my 21st birthday, a vivid shade to represent a young woman entering a new phase of her life with great confidence and energy. I remember the exquisite, burgundy lace dress my mother wore on my wedding day, a colour steeped in equal parts opulence and romance to suit the day. We both recall the most special memories of when we have worn my mother’s pearls, which now lie in my safe and careful care, cherished as some of the most precious possessions I own. When it came to creating the Mother’s Day special in Betty magazine, and the opportunity to explore the universally cherished mother-daughter bond, I felt it was only natural to do so through the lens of style. We have featured four local mother-daughter groups from page 17 styled by our finest local clothing boutiques in flattering and on-trend ensembles ideal for a Mother’s Day lunch or decadent dinner out. In the stories that follow on pages 27 and 29 these women provide their own musings on motherhood. Motherhood is also explored through the lens of fitness and health, with three local mums sharing their stories of the pursuit of greater wellbeing — inspired by their children — from page 57. Happy reading of this jam-packed edition, which not only explores motherhood but so much more! Damita Lamont Editor betty April 2018

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’s teach lifelessons resilience

STory: AlAnA cHriSTEnSEn PhoTograPhy: JuliE MErcEr

at 18, Kim o’Keeﬀe was working three jobs, caring for her 15-year-old sister and saving money to become a hairdresser. Now, the businesswoman and mother of two is experiencing the ups and downs of life as greater Shepparton City Council mayor. betty April 2018

profile

Kim O'Keeﬀe presen ts Faye Alexander with the Senior Citize n of the Year Award in January.

After stepping into the role of mayor late last year, Kim has experienced her fair share of challenges, with work starting on the Shepparton Art Museum and a pitch to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Having lived in Shepparton since she was three years old, Kim said she has a lot of love for the community and a progression to council felt like a natural fit. However, although many Shepparton locals would recognise Kim in the street, not many would know her story.

Her childhood was not always the easiest of times — she moved out of the family home when she was just 14 — and she said it had provided her with plenty of resilience and life lessons along the way.

“I moved in with a family (after moving out of home) and I was actually cooking, cleaning and working and that was my free rent to help me along,” she said. “When I look back I don’t ever regret anything, however I do question, you know, perhaps I did have to grow up a bit too young. “There were some things in my life that I probably had to carry on my shoulders, but I’ve always had a positive optimistic outlook.” Having set her sights on hairdressing, Kim began working at age 15 to save up money for a course. By 18 she was working as many as three jobs, working full-time at a card shop, waitressing at the Park Lake and running night-time grooming courses for teenagers.

It was a different experience to many other young people her age. 10

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April 2018

profile

ise Kim O'Keeﬀe with Lyn Trez at the (left) and Robyn Fennell ober. women's breakfast in Oct

Kim O'Keeﬀ e

While many teenagers were revelling in their freedom, Kim was taking on a parenting role, acting as the carer for her 15-year-old sister.

“We lived in a little unit together and we worked and we paid our rent and paid our bills,” she said.

“I think it teaches you responsibility and thinking of someone other than yourself and I had very good people around me.” Although wanting to follow her dream and move to Melbourne to undertake a hairdressing course, Kim was incredibly reluctant to leave her sister behind.

After seeing a job as the Estee Lauder counter manager open up at a local pharmacy, Kim applied for and got the job, ensuring she would stay in Shepparton.

“That sort of changed my path. It’s funny how one incident can change everything. Had I not got that position, I would have gone to Melbourne.” It was a decision that paid dividends for

'' pictured in 1998.

Kim, who has remained a Shepparton local ever since and ultimately started her own beauty and cosmetics business.

Having run a business for almost three decades, Kim said the transition into the mayoral role and her work with council felt like the next step in her life.

“I worked in Shepparton almost 40 years, I’ve worked from the age of 15 right in the CBD here so I feel it was perhaps the next stage for me, and an opportunity for me to go to work with the community, but also in a different career for myself,” she said.

When I look back I don’t ever regret anything, however I do question, you know, perhaps I did have to grow up a bit too young. – Kim O’Keeffe

“They are not decisions made at a meeting in five minutes, it’s been months of briefings and negotiations and consultations,” Kim said. “It’s going to give us a landmark and be the gateway to Shepparton. It’s an amazing building and we’re going to be able to offer some incredible things.

“So much in-depth consideration does go into decisions … you’ve always got to stop and think about what is the long-term gain.”

One of those initiatives with long-term gain, according to Kim, is the bid to have the 2030 Commonwealth Games held across 11 regional cities including Shepparton, an idea strongly driven and supported by her mayoral predecessor Dinny Adem.

However, the job is not without its problems, and Kim said it could be frustrating when council was criticised for ideas and initiatives that it had spent months working “We want to be different; we wanted on. to generate different opportunities in The upgrade of the Shepparton Art Museum Shepparton. If you are doing the same thing has been a particularly contentious issue for to other local governments you can end up the community, with many opposed to the sitting in the same corner with everybody else,” she said. idea. betty April 2018

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rose

shopping

by any other name...

Sweet and delicate, this elegant shade is understated and subtle.

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1. Modapelle Charcoal hobo leather handbag $220, Bag City, High St 2. Morgan & Taylor burgundy hat, $49.95, Shop 221, Maude St Mall 3. Jendi black and white check gloves, $49.95, Shop 221, Maude St Mall 4. Blank Deluxe shell pink overcoat, $193, Pampens Boutique, McLennan St 5. The Scarf Company Piper print scarf, $79.95, Shop 221, Maude St Mall 6. Elk tribal necklace in dusty pink, $53, Sel’s Gifts and Décor, Fraser St 7. Wood and chrome fashion necklace, $59.95, Shop 221, Maude St Mall 8. pingpong overcoat in dusty pink, $279.95, Shop 221, Maude St Mall 9. Burgundy gloves, $22.95, Sel’s Gifts and Décor, Fraser St 10. Giannotti dusty pink handbag with faux snakeskin detail, $145, Bag City, High St 11. Grey felt military inspired cap, $29.95, Arcade Fashions, Maude St Mall betty April 2018

be bold shopping

Swap out traditional black with bursts of colour to brighten the greyest of winter days.

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1. Boo Radley Reversible black and white print trench, $209, Pampens Boutique, McLennan St 2. Rose gold and blue pendant, $34.95, Sel’s Gifts and Décor, Fraser St 3. Directions International Orange Crush scarf, $65, Pampens Boutique, McLennan St 4. Directions International Colour Me Happy scarf, $65, Pampens Boutique, McLennan St 5. The Ark Colescott jacket in Bluestone, $489, Pampens Boutique, McLennan St 6. Vera May The Faith handbag in green, $175, Bag City, High St 7. Orange and Beige leather handbag, $110, Sabac on High, High St 8. Black and gold circle pendant, $52, Pampens Boutique, McLennan St 9. Indus silk scarf with black peacock print, $79.95, Sel’s Gifts and Décor, Fraser St 10. Angels Whisper mustard scarf with tassle detail, $29.95, Arcade Fashions, Maude St Mall 11. Olgaberg clutch in orange, $69.95, Bag City, High St 14

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April 2018

shopping

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undertones

Wine with earthy 5

We love this colour and not just in our glass! Wine and burgundy are this season’s go-to colours. Perfectly matched with winter staples; black, tan and khaki. 9 7

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1. Geometric Olgaberg clutch in burgundy, $89.95, Shop 221, Maude St Mall 2. Black wool beret, $69.95, Traffik, Fryers St 3. Eb & Ive Aden cardigan, $105, Sel’s Gifts and Décor, Fraser St 4. Geometric patterned scarf with wine coloured detail, $39.95, Sel’s Gifts and Décor, Fraser St 5. Jendi Black chunky knit scarf with pom pom detail, $49.95, Traffik, Fryers St 6. Maxim leather look biker jacket in tan, $89.95, Traffik, Fryers St 7. Vera May Aladia Leopard handbag, $120, Bag City, High St 8. Jendi floral print scarf in latte, $29.95, Traffik, Fryers St 9. Saints + Secrets bomber jacket in khaki, $79.95, Arcade Fashions, Maude St Mall 10. Angels Whisper black tote, $69.95, Arcade Fashions, Maude St Mall 11. Vera May Gigi oversized clutch, $59.95, Bag City, High St 12. Jendi olive beanie with pom pom detail, $59.95, Traffik, Fryers St betty April 2018

New styles for autumn

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Style and

substance

adorned in sartorial splendour during some of our most important moments in life, the clothes that we wear and the lives that we live become inextricably linked. With Mother’s Day coming up on May 13, Betty magazine is featuring four motherdaughter groups who have been styled by local fashion boutiques. Boasting ﬂattering ensembles and on-trend ﬂair, the pages ahead provide inspiration for your next big event — whether a casual lunch or a decadent dinner with mum.

Jo breen with her daughters (from left) Molly, Abbey and Grace. Photograph: ray Sizer

fashion

Jo, Abbey, Grace and Molly Breen Photograph: Ray Sizer

Warm up your look this winter with luxe textured fabrics like velvet, cord, faux fur and leather. This season’s other must haves are floral prints and checks. Burgundy and greens are trending, while timeless navy and black can take you from day to night. – Noreen Sali, Traffik store manager Jo: Shop 221

Valia Olia Dress in steel blue, $229.95

Crystal Rivers Collection abstract wooden beads, $59.95 Model’s own shoes AbbEy: Arcade Fashions

Fresh Soul Clothes blue velvet dress, $139.95 Model’s own shoes Grace: Traffik

Veronika Maine long-sleeved dress, made in Australia, $239.00 Model’s own shoes Molly: Traffik

Cue double-breasted cape, made in Australia, $385 Cue long-sleeved blouse in white, $165 Cue City pants, $190 Model’s own shoes

betty April 2018

fashion

Kaye Bathman, Teigan Morris and baby Leari Morris, four months Photography: Ray Sizer

Merlot and charcoal grey are the colours of the season, and textured fabrics such as knits and faux fur add interest to your outfit. Autumn and winter is all about layering; you can add or remove a layer to take you from the chilly outdoors to the warmth of inside. – Sel Shemshedin, Sel’s Gifts & Decor owner Kaye: Italian Star jeans in charcoal, $139.95 Eb & Ive shirt, $79.95

Ms Divine dark red scarf, $39.95

365 Days long-line knit vest, $149.95 Model’s own boots Teigan: Eb & Ive faux fur vest, $105 365 Days shirt, $149.95

Italian Star jeans in merlot, $139.95

Super Amazing rose-gold hoop earrings, $26.95 Model’s own boots

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April 2018

betty April 2018

fashion

Tania Orchard and Lyn Ford Photography: Julie Mercer

Autumnal tones of rust, mustard and muted green were the inspiration for the styling of these two outfits. A stylish black pant teamed with a flowing shirt will take you from day to night, and a crisp white shirt is a must in any wardrobe to lift dark clothing and give you a soft fresh look. – Margie Warnett, Pampen’s Boutique owner Lyn: Hammock & Vine black pants, $130 Lemon Tree shirt, $167 Model’s own shoes Tania: Lisette slim-fit print pant, $230 pingpong white shirt, $119 pingpong rust knit, $119

Blue Shimmer harmony ball necklace, $49 Model’s own boots

fashion

Nikisha Haass and baby Heidi Mae Green, three months

fashion

PhoTograPhy: JuliE MErcEr

THIS PAGE

This casual winter look can take the wearer from meeting friends for coﬀee on a chilly winter day to supporting a favourite sporting team on the weekend. Create the layered look with a long-line cami over skinny jeans, cosy knit and sleeveless puﬀer vest, and throw on a beanie or scarf for added warmth. – Noreen Sali, Traffik store manager niKiSHA: Jump silk cami, $109.95

Jump two-tone knit, $179.95

pingpong puffer vest, $159.95 Jump black jean, $139.95

Morgan and Taylor beanie, $39.95 Model’s own boots LEFT PAGE

Contemporary check pieces will be the staple for the stylish woman this season. Here black skinny jeans are matched with a cream top and a long-line vest in ontrend check-fabric for a classic look. These three key items of clothing can form the basis of a fashionable winter wardrobe. – Noreen Sali, Traffik store manager niKiSHA: Jump black jean, $139.95

Veronika Maine top, $139

Veronika Maine long-line vest, $279 Model’s own boots

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April 2018

215 Maude St Mall Shepparton 5821 0037 Shop online now www.arcadefashions.com.au

motherhood

Musings on

motherhood

amid the glamour and frivolities of the fashion photo shoot, our four mother-daughter groups stopped to share their thoughts on one of life’s greatest adventures.

Sharing baby joy STory: SHAron WriGHT PhoTograPh: rAy SizEr

The arrival of baby Leari Morris, in late December 2017, further strengthened the bond between first-time mum Teigan Morris and her own mother Kaye Bathman.

“It’s lovely for me to see one of my own children have a baby of their own,” Kaye said.

Mother to two daughters — Alysha, 27 and Teigan, 26 — Kaye is thoroughly enjoying her role as “grandma” and is looking forward to babysitting as Leari grows up.

“Teigan can call me any time and I’ll come running. I’ll always offer advice but it’s up to her whether or not she takes it,” Kaye said. And as Teigan and husband James get to know their little girl, they are appreciative that their parents all live close by to offer support and share in baby Leari’s life.

“At the moment we just take each day as it comes, learning what Leari likes, what she doesn’t like and when she likes it,” Teigan said.

“I feel very lucky to be a mum. I’ve always appreciated my mum but I definitely appreciate her so much more since becoming a mum myself.”

An evolving journey STory: DAMiTA lAMonT PhoTograPh: rAy SizEr

There has been one common theme throughout Jo Breen’s motherhood journey to date; that of worrying about her children. “There is always a degree of worry or concern — that’s just me, I think I inherited that from my father,” Jo said. “I worried when I was pregnant, when they were babies, toddlers, teenagers and even now they are adults, I still worry.

“Mostly about their happiness and whether we (my husband Rod and I) have given them all the tools they need in life to be good people.”

Jo and Rod are proud of their three girls who are all very different, all good people and all very comfortable in their own skin. “They all have a sense of justice and compassion which I love, and a developing sense of community

which is important to me,” Jo said.

“Sure, I also want success for them — I’m sure success is defined differently for each of them, but whatever it is, success and happiness in their relationships, their work, their community and their families is key.”

As their relationships shift and evolve, while each daughter goes through new and exciting experiences, Jo relishes every moment with her daughters.

“We share experiences and conversations, and lots of laughs, with our adult children,” she said. “We are a pretty strong family unit; the girls have each other’s backs and I’ve enjoyed watching their relationships with each other grow and develop outside of parental influences. “I reckon as a mum, I’m pretty blessed.”

betty April 2018

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Suzanna Sheed Independent Member for Shepparton District

Happy Mother’s Day The influence of a mother is unlike any other — it can comfort, inspire and embolden.

INSTORE NOW

On this Mother’s Day, and every day, I would like to pay tribute to our mums, and to all the women in our lives who support and nurture us in our endeavours.

Electorate Office:  5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton ' (03) 5831 6944 7 (03) 5831 6836  suzanna.sheed@parliament.vic.gov.au

Fashion for all ages. Womens sizes 8-24 185 Maude St Mall, Shepparton. Ph: (03) 5821 2161 28

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April 2018

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Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications budget. Authorised by: Suzanna Sheed, 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton VIC 3630.

motherhood

Family ties STory: SHAron WriGHT PhoTograPh: JuliE MErcEr

Nurturing a close-knit family that supports one another and communicates well is one of Lyn Ford’s proudest achievements.

It’s a case of ‘girls rule’ for Lyn and husband Max, who have three daughters, eight granddaughters and three great-granddaughters.

“They all come home every Sunday night for tea, even the grandkids unless they’re away at uni. I don’t force them to, they just come,” Lyn said. Affectionately known as G-nan by her great-granddaughters, Lyn has embraced technology and joined the family messaging chat group so she can keep updated on events and news.

“It’s very handy, you send one message and saves people having to repeat themselves,” Lyn said.

Daughter Tania Orchard, herself the mother of two daughters, said the weekly family gatherings were often “very loud” and were an opportunity to catch up with whatever was going on in people’s lives.

“The best thing about having a large family that is close, is having so much support — there’s always someone to talk to if you need help,” Tania said. An annual family holiday, a tradition started by Lyn and Max when their girls were young, continues today, but has expanded to include their daughters’ and granddaughters’ partners and now embraces four generations of the family.

New mum finds her feet STory: SHAron WriGHT PhoTograPh: JuliE MErcEr

Support from family, friends and partner Connor Green has helped Nikisha Haass adapt to her new role as a first-time mum. Gorgeous Heidi Mae Green was born on Australia Day and now, at three months of age, is delighting those around her with smiles and reaching new developmental milestones each week. Nikisha, 21, works in childcare and said while that gave her some general knowledge, the reality of caring for her own baby 24-hours-a-day was quite different.

hungry or has a dirty nappy,” Nikisha said.

“Sometimes she just wants a cuddle but I’m not complaining about that.”

Nikisha said being a mum had made her a more motivated person and she was learning to manage the lifestyle changes that come with caring for a baby.

“I can’t just do things at the last minute now, if I’m going out it takes an hour to get ready, by the time I pack a bag with everything I need for Heidi, get her ready, get myself ready.

“Motherhood is rewarding, especially now “I’m feeling more confident in myself now. that she’s making eye contact with me, Sometimes it’s hard to work out what she and smiling. As Heidi grows there will be more and more interaction, and I’m wants when she’s crying, so you try a few different things until you work out if she’s excited for that.”

betty April 2018

shopping 3 2 1

Gifts

to love

Ditch the usual flowers and chocolates and give Mum a gift that she’ll really want.

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1. Ted Baker rose gold/floral watch, $219, Purdeys Jewellers, Wyndham St 2. NAJO Sleeping Beauty earrings, $199, Purdeys Jewellers, Wyndham St 3. Annabel Trends fabric shower cap $26.95, heat pack $34.95, Pinch of Salt, Fryers St 4. Woodwick Pluswick Flame scented candle — Redcurrant, $42.95, Focus Cards and Gifts, Maude St Mall 5. Equilibrium beaded tassle necklace in rose quartz, $42.95, Focus Cards and Gifts, Maude St Mall 6. Annabel Trends Mother’s Day edition ‘gift box’ pink knitted socks, $14.95, Pinch of Salt, Fryers St 7. Ted Baker rose gold/pink watch, $229, Purdeys Jewellers, Wyndham St 8. Huxter ‘Amanda Brooks art series’ soaps – assorted messages, $12.95 each, Pinch of Salt, Fryers St 30

betty

April 2018

shopping 10

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9. Glasshouse Frangrances ‘Casablanca’ velvet musk & bergamot triple scented candle 350 g, $46.95, Pinch of Salt, Fryers St 10. Dub & Drino fashion tights, $75, Pampens Boutique, McLennan St 11. Alisa Pollock vintage blue coffee cup, $19.95, Focus Cards and Gifts, Maude St Mall 12. Alisa Pollock light up paper lantern, $17.95, wings of love magnets, $5.50 each, Focus Cards and Gifts, Maude St Mall 13. Crabtree & Evelyn, Goatmilk & Oat Trilogy Tote — hand therapy, body lotion, shower milk & hand towel, $80, Pinch of Salt, Fryers St 14. L’occitane Cherry Blossom Shimmering Lotion 250 ml, $42, The Beauty Parlour, Shepparton Plaza, Benalla Rd 15. Salus Tuberose & Grapefruit Hydrating Hand Wash, $35, Charcoal Purifying Facial Mask, $39, Pampens Boutique, McLennan St 16. The Art of Giving photo frame, $26.95, Focus Cards and Gifts, Maude St Mall 17. Kelly Lane sentimental plaque — assorted messages, $9.95, Focus Cards and Gifts, Maude St Mall betty April 2018

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MOTHER’S DAY MADE EASY

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They aim to raise $100,000 for the Goulburn Valley Centre Against Sexual Assault (GVCASA) and to raise awareness to prevent sexual assault against children in our community To show your support for this worthy cause, donation details are below: BSB: 663 000 Account: 143 139 863 Reference: 12in12

113 Fryers St, Shepparton | 58 315 315

GV Health Graham Street, Shepparton PH 03 58 322192 Email carmel.johnson@gvhealth.org.au Find us on Facebook for the latest news and fundraising events

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April 2018

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Freda (centre), her sister Gaisma (left) and her mother Hilda Meiers at benalla Migrant camp in front of their nissen Hut.

Right: The Meiers family (from left) Freda, Ausma, Hilda, Gaisma and Teodors (Ted).

Making a

new life STory: JESSicA bAll

PhoTograPhy: bEnAllA MiGrAnT cAMP PHoToGrAPHic EXHibiTion

Born into a Europe engulfed by World War II, Freda Meiers may not remember the horrors that unfolded around her but they have shaped her path. betty April 2018

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Celebrating International Midwives Day and International Nurses Day GV Health has a dedicated team of nurses and midwives who provide outstanding care to families in our local community every day. On International Midwives Day (5 May 2018) and International Nurses Day (12 May 2018), we say ‘thank you’ for your care and compassion.

Graham Street, Shepparton E enquiry@gvhealth.org.au 34

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April 2018

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As far as I can remember I had a happy childhood in Benalla as there were lots of kids to play with.” – Freda Meiers

After the defeat of Nazi Germany, Freda Meiers’ father Karlis returned home and told his wife Hilda to flee Latvia with their three children.

They never saw each other again.

Karlis was captured and tortured to death for defending his homeland against the invading Russian Red Army.

It was only after her mother, sisters Gaisma and Ausma and brother Teodors (Ted) arrived in Germany as refugees that Freda was born in a displaced persons camp.

Camp, just outside Albury, the family settled at the Benalla Migrant Camp under the Displaced Persons Resettlement Scheme.

The family was given two small rooms among the lines of huts, communal showers and mess (dining hall).

“We have much to thank the Australian Government and its people for — all they did in opening their doors to us,” Freda said.

“We had to start afresh, learn a new language, acclimatise and manage to cope as best we could.

“I have no memory of these horrible war years in war-torn Germany and I can only imagine the incredible hardships that my mother, who was now without a husband, would have had to endure to care for four young children and keep them all safely together,” Freda said.

“We were all foreigners, we were all in the learning process and we all struggled the same way.”

After a short stay at the Bonegilla Migrant

“I enjoyed the country life and much spare time

Freda was four years old when the family set sail for Australia in hope of a better life.

As the youngest, Freda was sheltered from the harsh realities of the camp and spent her days at school and making her own fun.

“As far as I can remember I had a happy childhood in Benalla as there were lots of kids to play with,” she said.

was spent at a popular swimming spot by the Broken River and although I spent time in the water I never did learn how to swim.

“One fun thing to do after heavy rain was to float our little paper boats in the small drain.” But Freda said it was not always easy.

“Us kids would run from school and line up at the food serving counter and save a space for our mother so not to end up at the back of the queue,” she said.

“We all had our own dishes that had to be brought to the mess and after our meal we washed them in large troughs filled with soapy water. “If you were last at washing up you can imagine what the water would be like by then.

“One day some kid wiped their greasy hands on my jumper and I was too scared to go home because I thought I would be in big trouble from mum because we had nothing, we were so poor.” › betty April 2018

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Freda and her brother Teodors (Ted) return to what remains of the Benalla Migrant Camp..

Under the resettlement scheme immigrants of working age had to work for two years wherever directed by the government.

Freda’s mother went to work as a machinist at the Latoof and Cahill clothing factory in Benalla, and it took the widow six years to save enough money to leave the camp.

“My mum worked so hard,” Freda said.

“They worked piecework — the more you could produce the more bonuses you got, and my mum ended up having a nervous breakdown when we moved to Melbourne.

“She just wanted to be able to pay for a home and support us.” It was 1956 when the family moved to South Melbourne, renting two upstairs rooms in a large boarding house.

“I loved looking out the window at shops and their neon lights, the Maples store lights were the biggest and brightest, it was like being in a dream world after coming from the dry, dusty migrant camp of Benalla,” Freda said. 36

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April 2018

“Mum worked extremely hard and saved enough for a deposit on a very old, weatherboard house. This was the first real house I had ever lived in and I loved it.” At 19 Freda became an Australian citizen.

“I swore allegiance to the Queen and to faithfully observe the laws of this great country of Australia — that was a proud moment,” she said.

“It was a privilege to live and work here, to vote and to even pay my taxes. We had a place, we belonged.”

It was not until her 30s that Freda, a devoted Christian and passionate table tennis player, moved to Shepparton, making a life for herself just down the road from her first taste of Australia.

The Benalla Migrant Camp Photographic Exhibition is open on the fourth Sunday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm.

Entry is $5 and $2 concession with all proceeds towards a permanent exhibition on the site. Location is Hut 11, Samaria Rd, Benalla Airport.

Mum worked extremely hard and saved enough for a deposit on a very old, weatherboard house. This was the ﬁrst real house I had ever lived in and I loved it.” – Freda Meiers

beauty

Top tips for beautiful winter skin: 1. Hydrate and moisturise to prevent dehydrated and tired skin.

2. Take the time to repair summer damage and start afresh.

3. Replenish vitamins and minerals for fresh, more youthful looking skin.

Nourish

winter skin

As temperatures fall, and crisp air and balmy heated homes become common, the change in weather can take its toll on your skin. Dehydrated skin is a common issue, according to Shepparton Skin and Body Clinic salon manager and owner Chelsea Harbor, who says taking care of skin in winter will help to ensure you look healthier and younger in the long run. Keeping a special eye on the moisture levels of your skin and seeking out ultra-hydrating skin care alternatives will ensure that your skin continues to glow despite the harsh

contrast between temperatures.

“Winter is also a really good time to help repair what happened in summer so it doesn’t carry on through winter,” Chelsea said.

Whether you’ve been out in the sun all day every day through the warmer months, or simply need a winter freshen up, seeking out a skin care routine to replenish and renew

your skin and taking vital vitamins and minerals will make a world of difference.

“It ensures your skin is at its optimal level because that’s when you start to see results,” Chelsea said. “It also means you don’t start to see the premature signs of ageing … using masks and boosters will help to maximise those benefits.” betty April 2018

It’s your daughter’s big night

Have her looking fabulous for her Deb Ball with professionally applied makeup.

Her makeover is FREE if you spend $90 or more on Napoleon Perdis products.

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(SHEPPARTON PLAZA, CORNER OF HIGH AND ARCHER ST)

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April 2018

beauty To nourish the body and soul

shopping

essentials 1

8 7

1. Germaine De Capuccini – SRNS Pro 60+ Extra Nourishing cream 50ml, $195, Shepparton Skin & Body Spa, Fryers St St 2. Remington Keratin & Argan Oil Nourish hair dryer, $79, Harvey Norman, Riverside Plaza 3. Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon night cream, $120, The Beauty Parlour, Shepparton Plaza, Benalla Rd 4. Lipsense Starter Collection three pack, $74, FabYouLipsByCarla 5. Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant, $86.50, The Beauty Parlour, Shepparton Plaza, Benalla Rd 6. Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Ultra Moisturising Hand Therapy 100g, $29.95,, Pinch of Salt, Fryers St St 7. Inika Organic – Certified Organic Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid 30ml, $65, Shepparton Skin & Body Spa, Fryers St 8. Vera May cosmetic bag, $24.95, Bag City, High St 9. Crabtree & Evelyn shower exfoliating brush, $24.95, Pinch of Salt, Fryers St 10. Beurer Pureo Deep Facial cleansing brush FC95, $138, Harvey Norman, Riverside Plaza 11. Germaine De Capuccini – 1st Essence Defence Booster 15ml , $139.00, Shepparton Skin & Body Spa, Fryers St 12. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery, $104, The Beauty Parlour, Shepparton Plaza, Benalla Rd 13. VS Sassoon Ultimate Goddess straightener, $119, Harvey Norman, Riverside Plaza betty April 2018

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April 2018

Sabac

167-171 High Street, Shepparton Phone: (03) 5831 2500 Email: info@sabac.com.au

health

Out of the

shadows

STorIES: JESSicA bAll PhoTograPhy: Holly DAniEl

With a general lack of awareness or easy discussion around the topic of breast surgery, australians seem to have many ideas and misconceptions about it. Surgeries like breast augmentation or reconstruction transcend the cosmetic and frivolous, and instead have roots mostly in medical and wellbeing reasons. The following articles with local women shine a light on some of these reasons, and oﬀer a medical perspective on this unspoken, but frequently undertaken, form of surgery.

Taylah Burrows shares her story

›

betty April 2018

Taking control of her

body

before As a teenager, unwanted glances made Taylah Burrows hide her body, but now the empowered 23-year-old is a beacon of confidence. Verging on 16, the daily mental and physical struggle was weighing her down and Taylah knew she wanted a breast reduction.

While too young for surgery, her doctor started documenting her development.

“I would go on family holidays and there would be men that were old enough to be my dad who would ogle me,” Taylah said.

“It was enough to make you want to hide yourself and at 15 or 16 no-one should be made to feel like that.”

As Taylah got older her breasts continued to grow, and so did her pain and body-image issues.

“I was wearing size 10 clothes but I was in an 8JJ bra, it was just so uncomfortable and embarrassing,” she said.

“Most of it was psychological, it’s a selfimage thing and people looking, people touching, people asking questions when it’s really none of their business.

“I had really bad back and shoulder issues, neck issues, my neck wasn’t very strong, I also had dents in my shoulders and in my sides (from bras) and then there was just the heaviness of having 3 kg on your chest.”

Just shy of her 19th birthday, Taylah was mature enough to consider surgery and a few weeks later she had a consult with a

health

after longer there and it was just pure happy tears.”

While she did face issues with an infection, after three weeks Taylah was back to normal — but it took six months for full recovery for the scar tissue.

“They aren’t perfect, but no-one’s body is,” she said.

“I range depending on the shape of the bra, but I’m anywhere between a 10DD to a 10E which compared to an 8JJ is amazing. “I just feel that this is the body I was meant to have.”

surgeon with the support of her family.

“It’s something I wanted to do now because you should be able to enjoy your body when you’re young, you should be able to wear the clothes you want to wear,” she said.

“I took a list of reasons why I wanted it and it was something like 15 to 25 points long. “He said usually with someone so young I would let them go away and think about whether they wanted it done but for you I can see it’s the right thing and you haven’t just decided on a whim that you want it done.”

Three weeks later, Taylah went under the knife but not before she considered the risks.

“In the pre-op we talked about how low I could go because nerve damage is a really big consideration, there is the fact that I may not be able to breastfeed — that’s something that I just won’t know until that comes up,” she said.

“They did say to me if the nerves (to the nipples) don’t reconnect they could turn black and fall off and then I would be left with a scar and consider getting nipple tattoos, which was a really scary thing for a 19-year-old to hear, but for me it was worth it.”

When Taylah woke up from surgery the first thing she remembers is asking if her nipples had reattached; and from that moment on she was beaming.

“For me the first time I realised the dramatic difference was getting out of bed the day of the surgery,” she said.

“I knew I wasn’t wearing an underwire bra so because I didn’t have that support I went to physically grab my boobs at my chest and as my hands approached my boobs they just kept going and going and going.

For Taylah her new breasts have given her a new lease on life.

“I’m really confident now,” she said.

“I was always confident in myself after the operation, not once did I question whether they suit me or anything like that but it was working up the nerve to even wear spaghetti straps or a low-cut top that my friends had been wearing for years but I would not dare to.”

It’s something I wanted to do now because you should be able to enjoy your body when you’re young.” – Taylah Burrows

“I just remember looking at my mum and starting to cry because my boobs were no

betty April 2018

health

It’s really hard to explain how much it affects somebody. When you don’t have them, you don’t feel feminine.” – Kirsty Glynn

Embracing a

new life

When she looked in the mirror Kirsty Glynn saw a body marred by the sacrifices of motherhood. An internal struggle with self-image was clouding her daily life and for years she considered having a breast augmentation.

“I was basically born with very little breast anyway and then breastfeeding two babies, there was nothing really left other than empty skin,” Kirsty said.

“It was really starting to affect my self-esteem. “My attitude changed, I didn’t want to go out, my marriage was getting affected by it because I didn’t want (my husband) to see me with no clothes on.

“If you feel yuck your whole life dominoes.” Before her eyes, breastfeeding had eroded the skerrick of femininity Kirsty had, and she said it was a battle to find clothes that made her feel like a woman.

“It’s really hard to explain how much it affects somebody,” she said.

“When you don’t have them, you don’t feel feminine.”

It was the horror stories about breast surgery and a crippling feeling of selfishness that held Kirsty back. “I wanted to get it done when I turned 30 and I didn’t because the kids were just too little,” she said.

“What if something goes wrong, I’m being selfish and all that panic in play so I didn’t.” Two years ago, the support of her husband 44

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April 2018

and then 14- and 17-year-old sons gave Kirsty the push she needed.

“When I turned 40 I thought ‘you know what, I’m doing this now’ and I did it for me,” she said.

“They knew from the start what I was doing and why I was doing it and when you have your family supporting you, I think that’s really important.

“I knew the kids could look after themselves at that age and that made a huge difference.”

“The reason we chose to go under the muscle was because you can’t feel them from the front and I wanted to feel normal,” she said. “The round gives you more the fullness from the back and because I was so small I really need what I had pushed to the front.” Now Kirsty beams with confidence.

“I felt selfish at the start but as they grew into me and I grew into them things started to look better and I was able to wear dresses that I’d never been able to wear.

It took two years of research but Kirsty said she was fortunate to find the right surgeon through word of mouth.

“It was absolutely worth it and I wish I had done it sooner.

“Basically I had empty socks, I wanted the cavity filled and to look as I should and that’s what he did,” Kirsty said.

Post-surgery Kirsty’s attitude has transformed; she no longer feels selfish and has embraced her new body.

Under her surgeon’s guidance she decided on an implant size that would give her a proportionate, womanly shape.

“If you didn’t know me you wouldn’t know necessarily that I had (the surgery). But people who know me could see the difference.

“I had the most positive experience with it; some don’t, but I think that comes down to who you choose.”

For Kirsty it was important to look and feel natural, opting for round implants under the muscle.

“I think that ‘boob greed’ always sets in and for me it was probably six months after I had it done I thought ‘I should have gone bigger, I could have gone bigger’ but I’m really happy with what I have.”

“Once I got it done I wanted to go to the gym more because I wanted to look after the rest of me and make everything look nice,” she said.

“I think as a mother, your body goes through a hell of a lot having kids and I think women put themselves on the backburner a lot. “It was probably the first thing I had really done for me.”

health

Women empowered by surgery The whispers of a rumoured nip and tuck were once met with disapproving looks, but in a modern world women are openly embracing their bodies and their choices. GV Specialist Centre plastic and reconstructive surgeon Sophie Ricketts said while breast reduction numbers remained steady, breast augmentations were becoming increasingly popular.

“There isn’t the stigma there once was. It’s become more commonplace and accepted,” she said.

Consulting and operating in Shepparton two days each month, Dr Ricketts said increased competition had also made surgery more accessible in terms of cost, even in regional towns.

With its empowering effects, Dr Ricketts said a breast augmentation could be a big boost to a woman’s self-esteem and confidence.

“Often it’s that they are under-developed and feel self-conscious,” she said.

“They don’t feel feminine in clothing or they don’t think they look like a woman. It’s just as important as back pain for some people.”

For women struggling under the weight of large breasts, Dr Ricketts said a breast reduction had few cons — but the procedure was often shrouded by misconceptions.

“People can feel ashamed because they think it’s a cosmetic thing,” she said. “A breast reduction is not typically done for cosmetic reasons, it’s more of a reconstructive surgery — it’s more often done for medical reasons.”

But there is much to consider before going under the knife.

With any surgery there are risks and recovery time — typically one week for augmentation and three weeks for reduction — is crucial.

With augmentations, Dr Ricketts said patients need to be prepared that their first surgery might not be their last, particularly for young women.

“There is a potential need for further surgery to replace the implants or reshape the breast as their body changes.” Deciding on size and placement of the implant are an in-depth part of the consultation process and Dr Ricketts said by using a 3D camera she could simulate what a person will look like post-operation. “It’s quite a hard decision and depends on

what result the patient is after — a fake look or a natural look,” she said.

“With placement over or under the muscle, there are pros and cons to both.”

While augmentations are not covered by Medicare unless the patient has had breast cancer or suffers from asymmetry, reductions and mastopexy, commonly known as a breast lift, can be. Dr Ricketts said with all breast surgeries a woman should still be able to breastfeed.

“With a breast reduction you are taking away part of the milk producing breast tissue but you should still be able to breastfeed but you might have to supplement,” she said. “You will still produce milk it’s just a matter of how much.” Dr Ricketts also said it was uncommon to remove the nipples during surgery.

Always start with your GP Trawling the internet for information on breast surgery is the quickest way to become misinformed or even end up in the hands of a dodgy surgeon. Shepparton Medical Centre general practitioner Elizabeth Kennedy said a visit to the doctor should always be the first port of call for medical advice.

“I worry about patients who go on the internet and go along to someone who perhaps isn’t properly trained,” Dr Kennedy said.

“Although we don’t recommend any surgeons we can point them in the direction of the Australian College of Plastic Surgeons. “They have a very good pedigree and are excellently trained.”

Dr Kennedy also warned against the risky trend of holiday procedures.

With a limited part of the recovery time spent in the country, a lack of advice and

potentially a lack of qualifications, women often do not know what to do if something goes wrong once they return home.

“It may seem a huge saving at the time but can really add up and it’s not just monetary it’s mental health as well,” Dr Kennedy said.

While it was rare to seek plastic surgery when Dr Kennedy began her career as a GP 35 years ago, she said in the past decade people had become more aware of their appearance and their options. For women wanting a breast reduction she said there was often an underlying reason.

“They have secondary symptoms from the heavy breast that they have to carry and it’s usually back pain, while some people feel that because their breasts are so big they can’t reach and carry things,” she said.

“In younger women I’ve had patients who are interested in sports and they just find that doing a lot of sport with very large breasts is uncomfortable.” But there are options to avoid going under the knife.

As the breasts store a lot of fatty tissue, Dr Kennedy suggested weight loss can help avoid surgery, and if the patient still wants to go ahead with surgery, this weight loss can make the operation easier and reduce recovery time. With a breast augmentation, she said the “main purpose” was to increase their selfworth and self-confidence, especially after breastfeeding.

“After two or maybe three breastfed children the breasts just don’t hold as much fat, they aren’t as firm as they were,” Dr Kennedy said. “A lot of women say their breasts have deflated.”

After a breast augmentation women often report increased confidence, but Dr Kennedy warns that it is not a quick fix. “Just because the breasts are bigger it doesn’t mean to say life will be better, easier or more fantastic,” she said.

Regardless of what procedure a patient is considering, Dr Kennedy said it was important to have counselling, with some surgeons having counsellors associated with them. betty April 2018

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Sunday, June 3 | 10 am – 3pm Fashion Show at 1pm

Spend a day planning your wedding with the Goulburn Valley’s leading bridal specialists McIntosh Centre — Shepparton Showgrounds $10 Entry fee with $5 to be donated to Shepparton Rotary Club

Event co-ordinated by Pelle’s Events

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All enquiries contact Josie M: 0407 850 180 E: pelles4@bigpond.com

Bringing together the very best bridal and wedding suppliers from across the Goulburn Valley to inspire, inform and excite you about planning your special wedding day. With a large number of suppliers showcasing their work including Bridal and Formal Wear, Beauty, Venues, Photography, Honeymoon Destinations, Florists, Wedding Decorators and 101 ideas for your perfect wedding.

profile

Breaking down

barriers STory: JESSicA bAll PhoTograPhy: Holly DAniEl

Madi Whyte is making a name for herself in a manâ€™s world.

betty April 2018

profile

As Powercor Shepparton’s first-ever female apprentice, 22-year-old Madi Whyte is bucking the trend, training to become an electrical linesperson.

Madi’s path into the male-dominated industry is a tale of like father, like daughter.

Her father Peter Whyte has worked for the company twice, for a total of 25 years, and she said it was his passion for the job that inspired her.

“I remember when he came back he was that excited to get the job again,” Madi said. “He always comes home happy and not stressed out after a big day at work. “He pushed me to get the job because he knew how much he enjoyed it and I’m pretty much the same as dad —

I love everything he does.”

Straight out of secondary school, the Shepparton woman started a career in signwriting but after a few years knew she was ready to learn something new.

It took two shots, but Madi landed the job working alongside her dad.

She is only a couple of months into her training but said she enjoyed the hands-on nature of the job, working outdoors and the mateship.

“All the boys are very welcoming,” she said. “Working within a big team is something that I love doing.

“Going up in the buckets, that’s my favourite so far — there are good views.” ›

Going up in the buckets, that’s my favourite so far — there are good views.” – Madi Whyte betty April 2018

profile

When she finishes the four-year apprenticeship Madi will be qualified to work with overhead and underground powerlines, doing maintenance and in emergency situations.

She said working with electricity it was crucial to know what you are doing and, with her dad showing her the ropes outside of work, she knows she is in safe hands.

It may be a high-risk job, but Madi hopes to see more women join the ranks.

“It’s not a job you should be afraid of,” she said.

“If it’s a job they want to do, get in and go for it. These days there’s nothing really stopping females any more, it’s all equal.” Following in her father’s footsteps, Madi has no doubt she will be a linesperson for many years to come and in the future she hopes to become a mentor.

“Everyone gets a mentor and they help their apprentice through the four years of schooling (and with) questions, and hopefully I can teach someone else everything that I’ve learnt.” 52

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April 2018

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April 2018

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14 13 8. Ballerina doona, $123, Wyndham Décor, Goulburn Valley Hwy 9. Succulents, $49.95, Sabac on High, High St 10. Love N Care cot/junior bed, $749, single bed converter kit, $139, Belly to Baby, Lorraine St 11. Lavender print water jug, $23, Sabac on High, High St 12. Lamp with rattan shade, $198, Sel’s Gifts and Décor, Fraser St 13. Wildflower arrangement, $150, Sabac on High, High St 14. Woodwick Hearthwick Flame scented candle — Fern, $69.95, Focus Cards and Gifts, Maude St Mall 15. Rustic timber picture frame in green, $22.80, Sabac on High, High St betty April 2018

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April 2018

fitness

Motherhood proves motivating The road to a fitter and healthier body can be inspired by so many different moments in life, but for three local women motherhood has paved the path to fitness. From a business that grew from a passion to help close friends, to a mother who used exercise to cope with a second pregnancy, to the pursuit of better mental wellbeing, the personal fitness stories that follow are all linked by the binding experience that is motherhood.

louise Morris (centre) with daughters Aviana, two, and Eva, six.

Photograph: Holly Daniel

fitness

Family focus for fitness leader STory: SHAron WriGHT PhoTograPhy: Holly DAniEl

Growing up in a country town with plenty of space and freedom to run, play and be physically active was the foundation for Louise Morris’ love of exercise.

Despite a childhood spent exercising, it wasn’t until the birth of Louise’s first child Eva, now aged six, that the then 30-year-old made the decision to turn that passion into a business. Everfit by Louise was born when friends, inspired by Louise’s health and fitness levels post-pregnancy, asked her to train them.

“I started with training a few women in a small group setting and it just grew from there,” Louise said.

“My main focus when I started was to be able to work around my kids. I’m just really grateful I can do that while also doing something that I love.” Now a single mother of two — daughter Aviana was born two years ago — Louise juggles raising her girls with conducting group training sessions at her home gym, Aquamoves and Fernwood, one-on-one personal training sessions with clients and mind and body classes with inmates at Dhurringile Prison.

Motherhood is the key motivator for Louise to maintain that busy schedule.

“Having children has certainly changed me for the better. It’s made me grateful and more appreciative of things and it opens your eyes to the fact life is not all about you,” she said. “Being a mother makes me want to succeed, to create a good life for my children.” That nurturing spirit has spilled over into her professional life as Louise encourages

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April 2018

her clients to push themselves to achieve their goals and to support one another in their endeavours.

“When people start with me I talk with them, and really listen and try and understand what they’re going through,” Louise said. “It’s when people are struggling emotionally, stressed at work or within the family that they start reaching for those bad foods.” Louise said her clients had many different reasons for starting their fitness journeys but all benefited from improved health and self-confidence.

“I get so much out of seeing confidence grow, whether it’s the confidence to wear a new outfit or take charge of some aspect of their life.”

Louise takes a holistic approach to her work, imparting her knowledge gained from study in the areas of fitness, integrative nutrition and post-natal care to encourage people to make small, but sustainable, changes to their lifestyle. Her personalised training sessions continue to evolve and Louise is building her online brand with a 12-week program targeting upper and lower body, core and cardio workouts using resistance bands. Designed as 16-minute work-outs, they are proving popular with time-poor people.

“I feel really lucky to do something that I love. When I look back at my own goals I had hoped to achieve, I never thought I would have my own business.”

fitness

betty April 2018

fitness

Exercising injury away STory: SHAron WriGHT PhoTograPh: JuliE MErcEr

Niggling back pain early in her second pregnancy prompted Gracie Shephard to revisit her love of exercise. Rather than take it easy, the 36-year-old Kialla mum increased her physical activity to help manage her health and keep up with her toddler son Jack, now two.

“I was always active as a child; I played sport, rode bikes and was always outside,” Gracie said.

“I was probably the fittest I ever was before I had Jack; I’d worked-out in the lead-up to my wedding and just kept going afterwards. “When Jack was born I didn’t have the time, or the motivation. I tried a program at home but that was hopeless and then I started going to a gym but organising childcare to fit in with the class schedule became too hard.” ›

betty April 2018

GOOD PEOPLE | GREAT RESULTS

182 High St. Shepparton | 70 Melville St. Numurkah 03 5831 1800 | E: info@gagliardiscott.com.au

fitness

Photograph: Holly Daniel

Early in the pregnancy with her second son Lachlan, now five months, Gracie said her back pain made it diﬃcult to even pick Jack up.

“That was hard for me, as a mum. (My husband) Kane said I needed time to exercise, to strengthen my core to manage day to day.

“I knew Lou (Louise Morris from Everfit by Louise) had childfriendly classes so once-a-week, for 45 minutes, I trained with Lou and the other girls. “It made a positive difference. Instead of getting more diﬃcult to move around towards the end of pregnancy, it actually got easier.” Gracie did modified versions of all exercises in the classes, building strength and improving cardiovascular fitness.

“I felt like I was working just as hard as the other women. That’s the best thing about Lou’s classes, everyone is at different fitness levels and Lou is so in tune with where everyone is at.” Gracie Shephard manages exe rcising while caring for her sons Lachlan , five months, and Jack, 2.

Returning to exercise soon after Lachlan’s birth, Gracie now attends two sessions a week, a foundation she hopes to build on as her children get older.

“When I’ve exercised in the past it’s become a bit of a chore after a while, but now, on those two mornings a week I’m excited and bounding out the door. betty April 2018

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Our libraries have comfortable spaces for you to meet, connect to our Wi-Fi, do business and catch up with friends. Need a quiet space? Try the Skype booth at Shepparton or meeting rooms.

Wealth Advisory Educate - Create - Protect • Do you need help budgeting? • Want to learn about investing? • Want to pay off your home loan more quickly? Talk to us now about your options!

Share your favourite books as part of our Book Chat groups, or join one of our book clubs. Join the Friends of the Library, or volunteer with our Home Library Service.

1300 374 765 www.gvlibraries.com.au

betty

April 2018

119 Wyndham St, Shepparton Ph: (03) 5831 6699 www.brokerhouse.com.au Australian Credit Licence 388807

Finance – it’s what we do

fitness

Staying happy and healthy STory: SHAron WriGHT PhoTograPh: JuliE MErcEr

For Sarah Bovalino, exercise is as much about maintaining a healthy mind as it is a healthy body.

The mother-of-five factors regular work-out sessions into her busy week to support her own mental health, which she believes is crucial to creating a happy and healthy household.

Sarah, 36, said after the birth of her fifth child Vance, now 10 months, she struggled emotionally and, although she didn’t have post-natal depression, the low-point forced her to reassess her life.

“I was at a stage where I was giving, giving, giving to everyone else and not giving to myself,” she said. Enter Louise Morris, owner of Everfit by Louise, a business that offers several child-friendly, group training sessions.

“I stumbled across Lou’s website when I was looking for something else and as we had gone to school together, it sparked something in me,” Sarah said. ›

betty April 2018

We owe it all to you. Audi Centre Shepparton has been recognised for excellence; being awarded 3rd Place in Audi Australia’s Dealer of the Year, 2017.

We are extremely proud of the efforts of our Audi Centre Shepparton team and the support of our fantastic Audi owners, both here in Shepparton and across the Greater Goulburn Valley region, for making this accolade possible. Our love for the Audi brand and the passion inspired by Audi’s philosophy of ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ – ‘progress through technology’, is second to none. Our belief in Audi, including our investment in an Audi dealership in Shepparton, sees our amazing team deliver an unrivalled Audi purchase and ownership experience to all of our Audi family. We would like to thank our Audi Centre Shepparton team and you, our Audi owners, for your collective support throughout the last 12 months. We look forward to welcoming past, current and future Audi owners to Audi Centre Shepparton during 2018 to experience all that we and this truly amazing brand have to offer. Jason Sherlock, Dealer Principal.

Visit Audi Centre Shepparton to find out more. 325-329 Midland Hwy, Shepparton | Tel. 5822 5811 | audicentreshepparton.com.au Audi Vorsprung durch Technik

fitness

Photograph: Holly Daniel

“When I went to my first training session I knew I was in the right place — when I’m training I’m no-one’s mum, no-one’s partner, not worrying about the house; my mind is cleared.” Active as a child and young adult, Sarah said she had never really struggled with excess weight.

“For me becoming active again was not about losing weight, or having a bikini body or a six-pack. “My physical strength has increased enormously since I first started training with Lou. I had severe abdominal separation after my first pregnancy and when I started back I couldn’t even hold a plank or do a single sit-up. “Now I can do unassisted chin-ups and deadlift 40 kg. You think you’re strong but it’s not until someone really pushes you that you realise what you can do.”

Mother to daughters Bailey, 17, and Tea, 10, and sons Clayton, 14, and Jett, 4, as well as baby Vance, Sarah said the support of her partner Aymon Rozena — along with strict meal planning, meal prepping and organisation — was vital to fitting exercise into her busy schedule.

“Our main focus is maintaining an all-over healthy household and honing in on making ourselves feel good inside and out,” she said.

“My journey started to get my mental health back on track, and exercise is a big part of that. When we exercise we release endorphins that tend to make you handle stressful situations better.”

Sarah Bovalino aims to be a positive role model for her children Clayton, 14, Bail ey, 17, holding Vance, 10 months, Tea, 10 and Jett, 4.

For me becoming active again was not about losing weight, or having a bikini body or a six-pack." – Sarah Bovalino betty April 2018

Estate planning for life Losing a loved one is always difficult but it is made even harder when a grieving partner is faced with dealing with the finances for the very first time.

When a client of Metzke + Allen passed away, his wife was lost. Her husband had always taken care of the money and insurances, and she simply didn’t know what to do, where to start or even where to find important documents. Metzke + Allen was able to help. Her story is not dissimilar to the situation many other women find themselves in after the death of their other half. This experience triggered Metzke + Allen to establish estate planning educational workshops designed to educate people on the four-stage process. The initial workshop covers the

potential issues and considerations when creating an estate plan. Stage two is an online questionnaire that determines your priorities with regard to children, assets, super, and money (for example) — all the things that make up your estate. Information matters and, although it’s time-consuming, step three involves the creation of a document recording all crucial information. This includes personal details, professional advisers, organisations, insurance details, details of assets and debts, structures, those responsible for actioning the plan and where all

PROTECT YOUR FAMILY WITH

THE RIGHT ESTATE PLAN

documents are located. The final and most important step is creating a crisis management plan which is then stored with Metzke + Allen. The plan sets out to your family members who they need to contact, what they need to know, questions they need to ask, details of assets and debts and responsibilities. Estate planning educational workshops are run monthly on a Thursday morning for two hours at the Metzke + Allen offices. For more information phone Helen Moutafis on 5822 8900 or email hmoutafis@metzkeallen.com.au

You’ve raised your children and watched them grow. You’ve also built a business, set up trusts for your family and created your own self-managed super fund for you and your family. You’ve worked hard to provide everything possible for your family.

Have you ever thought though, what will happen when you are no longer here? Who is going to protect them and the ﬁnancial structure you’ve put in place? Ensure that your family and your assets are well protected.

38-40 Welsford Street, Shepparton | 5822 8900 www.metzkeallen.com.au

Contact Us for Details: Enquiries & bookings: Contact Helen on 5822 8900 or email hmoutafis@metzkeallen.com.au Cost: $220 per family (includes gst) | www.metzkeallen.com.au

Do you need a financial adviser? Step one Before you consider if you need a financial adviser, you need to first understand what they can do for you. A financial adviser can assist you to: 1. Set and achieve your financial goals; 2. Become financially secure; 3. Protect your assets, income and family; 4. Become debt-free; 5. Get a better work-life balance;

6. Make the most of your self-managed super fund; 7. Invest in your children’s future; 8. Retire in comfort; 9. Plan for aged care.

Step two Understand why you should get advice. It’s never too early or too late to seek financial advice. No matter what your stage of life is, there are ways a financial adviser can help you to get closer to your goals.

YOU MAY BE:

A FINANCIAL ADVISER CAN HELP WITH:

30s

Getting married; Starting a family; Buying a house; Starting a business.

Short-term and long-term ﬁnancial goals; Managing debt; Making the most of pay increases and bonuses; Saving for education or holidays; Life and income protection insurance; Strategies to grow your super and investments; Drawing up wills and estate planning.

40s

Paying off a home loan; Paying for your children’s education; Buying an investment property; Receiving an inheritance.

Managing debt; Maximising your super; Tax-effective strategies to make the most of your income; Building your existing investment portfolio; Life and income protection insurance; Creating a plan to support your children and family; Drawing up wills and estate planning.

50s

Planning for retirement; Working less; Paying off your home loan; Travelling; Renovating.

Transitioning from work to retirement; Reducing and managing debt; Maximising your super; Building and adjusting your investment portfolio; Accessing available government beneﬁts; Saving for children or grandchildren; Drawing up wills and estate planning.

60s

Travelling more; Getting ready for retirement; Downsizing your home.

Maximising your super; Transitioning into retirement; Accessing available government beneﬁts; Sharing money with your children or grandchildren; Drawing up wills and estate planning.

70s

Starting new hobbies; Travelling; Preparing an inheritance for your children; Moving into a retirement home.

Maximising income in retirement; Accessing pensions and social security; Investing in strategies to provide you with retirement income; Providing aged-care advice; Drawing up wills and estate planning.

Step three Book a free initial consultation with a Metzke + Allen financial adviser to go over your situation and to start working towards your financial goals.

entertainment

Let us entertain you at Riverlinks Riverlinks is the home of performing arts and entertainment in Greater Shepparton. With an extensive calendar of performance programmed for both Eastbank in Shepparton and WestSide in Mooroopna, Riverlinks has the reputation for delivering one of the best arts and entertainment programs in regional Australia. May is set to be side-splittingly funny, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow rolling into town on Tuesday, May 22. Featuring some of the best acts from the Festival, you’ll be crying with laughter as five comedians take the stage! ILBIJERRI Theatre Company returns to Greater Shepparton with Which Way Home — a road trip comedy 80 000 years in the making. Drawing on writer Katie Beckett’s memories of growing up with her single father, Which Way Home is infused with humour and heart, taking place at WestSide on Wednesday, May 30. After something a little more serious? Hotel Sorrento is a play about family, the importance of blood ties, and collective memory, true or false. Hannie Rayson’s play inspired the film of the same name, and will be presented at WestSide on Tuesday, June 19. Bell Shakespeare is bringing Julius Caesar to WestSide on Thursday, August 2. Experience the tension between aspiration 70

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and ambition, the triumphal entrances and brutal exits, as it is all laid on the line for Rome.

We’ve got music galore, with the Goulburn Valley Concert Orchestra presenting their Annual Concert on Saturday, June 23 at Eastbank. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Waltz of the Flowers, highlights from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, and a medley of Broadway hits, this will be a fantastic evening showcasing some of the great musical talent in our community. The Australian National Piano Award will be returning to Eastbank in September — a world-class competition like no other. Come along and see some of Australia’s most talented classical pianists compete for this prestigious award. After a girls night out? We have just the shows for you! La Petite Mort (Friday, July 20) is a genre-bending comedy cabaret, transporting music by artists like Nick Cave,

Amy Winehouse and Taylor Swift to the steamy streets of jazz land. Join the gals from Ginger and Tonic as they take you on a journey through their ambitions, from humble food dreams to embryo-freezing empires in For Love or Money (Thursday, September 27). Both at Eastbank, these shows will be presented in a cabaret setting, with food and drink available.

And for the family, Monkey Baa present Josephine Wants to Dance — based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. A story about dreams, believing in yourself … And a dancing kangaroo! Bring the whole family along on Saturday, July 7 at Eastbank. Comedy, dance, music, theatre and family entertainment — whatever you are interested in, you are sure to find something exciting at Riverlinks in the coming months! Drop in, grab a coffee or a light meal and discover a world of entertainment in the heart of the Shepparton CBD.

EXPERIENCE THE BEST IN LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Riverlinks Box Office: 03 5832 9511 | riverlinksvenues.com.au

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONALCOMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW

WHICH WAY HOME

HOTEL SORRENTO

TUE 22 MAY

WED 30 MAY

TUE 19 JUN

GV CONCERT ORCHESTRA’S ANNUAL CONCERT

JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE

LA PETITE MORT

SAT 23 JUN

SAT 7 JUL

FRI 20 JUL

JULIUS CAESAR

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PIANO AWARD

FOR LOVE OR MONEY

THU 2 AUG

MON 3 - SAT 8 SEP

THU 27 SEP

Eastbank

WestSide

Eastbank

WestSide

Eastbank

Want discounted tickets and exclusive offers?

BECOME A RIVERLINKS MEMBER TODAY! Live entertainment, socialising and discounts… Riverlinks has something for everyone and we have just the ticket for you! A Silver Membership focuses on ticket pricing for individuals, whilst a Gold Membership will offer additional benefits for couples, families and groups. In addition to price reductions on tickets, you will receive a range of benefits that make Riverlinks Membership the best offer around! The full list of benefits is available at riverlinksvenues.com.au/get-involved.

The Riverlinks Season ason is proudly presented by Greater Shepparton City Council, with support from Creative Victoria’s Regional Partnerships program.

Your child’s learning is our passion

We are a family owned and operated early childhood education centre with an open and inspiring outdoor environment, that the children are free to explore creatively to further their curiosity. Our Educators provide high quality care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years in each of our six dedicated children’s rooms.

Now taking Kinder enrolments for 2019

We invite you to drop by and let us show you around.

We offer a variety of flexible care options including occasional care and half-days.

Our programs include Environment and Sustainability, Children’s Health and Wellbeing, Dance, Movement and Music, Literacy and Numeracy and IT Education.

Our rooms are light filled and spacious with natural resources in abundance. Our outdoor play space has been designed to include a dry river bed, tunnel and hill to climb, free form sandpits and a large open space with grass and a dedicated vegetable garden, chook shed and rabbit hutch.

Phone: (03) 5822 2372 617 Wyndham St, Shepparton www.wyndhamearlylearning.com

DEAR

Betty

Welcome to our new Q & A page! These questions have been sent in by concerned readers and answered by the team at the Shepparton Medical Centre. If you would like your questions answered in our next issue in October, please keep an eye out in the Shepparton News, closer to the time.

Dear Betty, I am a mother of three children, two boys and one girl who are between the ages of 8 and 13. Lately, there seems to be lots of requests to sleepover at a friend’s house. Thus far I have been saying no because I’m concerned about putting them into vulnerable positions. At what age should I allow sleepovers and how do I know they will be safe?

Signed

Parental party pooper It is important to realise that the ability to develop well rounded social skills is an important part of childhood development. Your children’s social skills are going to be just as important in their ability to navigate their life as attending maths class or reading and writing. There is no such thing as knowing they will be completely safe in any environment, but as a parent your role is to help them develop the skills to navigate their situation and how to use them. Their skills are far more important than their age. Why don’t you start by having a discussion with the other parents about your concerns, ideally in person?

Dear Betty, I’ve recently noticed a change in behaviour of my pre-teen daughter. She has become withdrawn and emotional at the slightest thing.

University of Melbourne, 3rd year Medical Students, Andrew Nolen and Priya Sunder and Dr Robert Campbell & Dr Elizabeth Kennedy.

I keep being told I’m the worst mum and that I don’t understand, even when it comes to what to eat for breakfast! Is this a stage or something to be worried about?

Debunking urban myths which are often spread by social media is important in addressing what ‘safer sex’ actually is.

Signed, Pre-teen jitters Mum

Dear Betty,

Any dramatic change in your daughter’s behaviour is of concern. Explore factors which may be contributing to her behaviour such as home, school, friends and even social activities that she partakes in. This could be causing her stress and talking about it is the first step in helping your daughter. If she is uncomfortable in communicating with you, encourage her to have a chat with a close family friend or your local doctor.

My biggest concern about parenting is my children taking drugs. As a parent how do I communicate the “do not take drugs” message, without being over the top, and risking pushing them towards drugs if they hit a rebellious stage in their teenage years?

Dear Betty, My teenage daughter has recently got her first boyfriend. She is 14. Is it too early to talk contraception and how do I approach this with her?

Signed,

Concerned Mum. Thank you for writing in. It is absolutely not early at all - in fact, it can even be considered as being late! Try asking your daughter what she already knows, and what her friends have told her about contraception.

Signed Anxious parent An ideal place to start is to think about the behaviour being role modelled at home. Do Mum and Dad smoke? Drink alcohol? How about siblings? What kind of message would you like to send with your own behaviour? The most important factor in navigating this situation is to never lose sight of the end goal - which is most importantly to minimise harm. Be open to discussing drugs and alcohol with your children. They will hear it somewhere else if not from you, but present the facts and in a rational manner. It is better to try to foster a relationship of openness with your children than one of secrecy. Avoid shock and scare tactics, they do nothing to help minimise harm.

Shepparton Medical Centre

Over 140 years of veterinary experience, with 100 of those years serving within the Goulburn Valley, the team at SheppVets can help plan and maintain good health for your best friend. Offering two great locations with purpose built buildings that include off street parking and state of the art equipment, you will find a wealth of knowledge and experience, from farm herds to pocket pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs. They can provide you with the knowledge of years of experience and support covering all aspects of animal care, including native wildlife care. Committed to caring and excellence, SheppVets offers appointments 7 days per week including emergency after hours service, with a fantastic nursing and reception team. For all enquiries, please contact the team on 5821 3188

2 Wanganui Road, Shepparton | 5821 3188 7966 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla | 5823 1202

queen’s baton relay

Behind the baton PhoTograPhy: rAy SizEr

The Commonwealth games Queen’s Baton relay is a time-honoured tradition, and the people who are fortunate enough to carry the baton all have equally impressive stories. Betty magazine spoke with some of the goulburn Valley women who participated in the relay, which came through Shepparton on February 14. Their varied personal stories provide insight into the diverse array of good work women are doing in the local community.

Three-time olympian rhonda cator (left) and marathon runner Kathy Fuller with the Queen’s baton.

queenâ€™s baton relay

Alana baldi carries the Queenâ€™s baton through Shepparton. 76

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queen’s baton relay

Building a level playing field STory: JESSicA bAll

It was the endless opportunities she was aﬀorded as a cricketer and track and field athlete that made Alana Baldi determined to make a diﬀerence for those who are not as lucky. In recognition of her volunteer work with disabled athletes, the sportswoman was honoured to carry the Queen’s Baton through Shepparton.

Alana admits it was confronting at first but said she quickly saw the disparity between opportunities for disabled athletes and their mainstream counterparts, and knew this was the space to dedicate her time.

“Knowing how many opportunities I’ve had with my athletics, in particular to travel around Australia and win medals at national and international levels, I wanted to give back to the sport and help someone else achieve the same thing,” Alana said.

“I’ve found there is such a lack of understanding around disability.

“I was one of those people who didn’t understand and I wanted to work really hard to change the perception of people with a disability.”

Now Alana gives back as a Special Olympics track and field coach and carer, Cricket Australia Cricket For All ambassador and winter sports co-ordinator for Special Olympics Victoria. She is much more than a coach, stepping up as her athletes’ full-time carer during competition, helping with everything from showering to medications.

As assistant coach of the Victorian Vikings during the National Inclusion Championships, Alana said it was inspiring to help the team compete on a level playing field and reach their full potential.

“To see guys make their first 50 ever in cricket, to get wickets, to make hundreds — to know that you’ve assisted in some small way is really rewarding,” she said. This month, Alana heads to Adelaide for the Special Olympics Australia National Games — where her athletics team has the chance to qualify for the 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games. betty April 2018

queen’s baton relay

Coach is scoring goals STory: JESSicA bAll

Ever since her primary school days, netball has been a huge part of Jacinta Todd’s life and as a coach she has used this passion to inspire young women to be their best. Her dedication to the sport is unmistakable and the Notre Dame College teacher could not wipe the smile off her face when she was given the opportunity to carry the Queen’s Baton as it journeyed through Shepparton.

First picking up a netball in 1990, Jacinta has had a decorated playing career, taking the court in the Championship Victoria Netball League, as an import player for the Canberra Darters and representing Australia and Victoria in mixed netball. It was not until towards the end of her state league netball career that she took up coaching.

Now she coaches the 17-and-under state team and 17-and-under Shepparton Bears team, and is also involved in Netball Victoria Academy and Goulburn Valley interleague programs.

Her career highlight was winning back-to-back premierships with the City West Falcons. But Jacinta said she was happiest on the sidelines.

“The more that I’m involved the more I love it,” Jacinta said.

“The premierships are fantastic to have but it’s more about their development and getting girls into the sport that I absolutely love.

“It’s definitely rewarding, especially when you see from start to finish the improvement because you’ve played a big role in that.” To date Jacinta’s biggest achievement was coaching the state team to the gold medal match last year.

“Unfortunately we did lose by one goal, but that’s still a massive achievement,” she said.

As a coach she may be tough but Jacinta is empowering young girls to believe in themselves.

Jacinta Todd hopes to help the Shepparton Bears claim its first A-grade premiership.

“Being a shorter player myself and being told when I was younger that I probably wouldn’t go to high places because of my height, I try to pass on my knowledge. “I think anyone is capable of playing at the top level — it doesn’t matter if you’re six feet or you’re four feet, it’s about learning the game and improving your skills.”

And while she dreams of watching someone she has coached play for the Melbourne Vixens, for now her focus is on helping the Shepparton Bears to their first ever A-grade grand final win. 78

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queen’s baton relay

Kathy Fuller carries the Queen’s Baton through Shepparton. Local mums Kathy Fuller and Narelle Pell fundraise through marathons.

Each step inspires change STory: AlAnA cHriSTEnSEn

With each pounding step on the pavement, Shepparton’s Kathy Fuller runs one step closer to the finish line and raises more money for the prevention of child sexual assault. Having recently carried the Queen’s Baton through Shepparton as part of its journey to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Kathy said it was an honour to be recognised for her work.

It was a humbling moment for the mother of two, who has spent the past several years bringing together a love for running with her passion for driving social change.

After years of running together socially, Kathy and her friend Narelle Pell tackled the first of a number of challenges in 2016, running seven marathons in seven days across seven states, raising more than $60 000. And now they are a third of the way through their next test — running 12 marathons in 12 months across 12 locations in the hopes of raising a

further $100 000 to prevent child sexual assault.

“Almost everybody has someone they know or that knows someone that’s been assaulted as a child,” Kathy said.

“We really want to drive this message and raise awareness about preventing sexual assault.

her charitable endeavours.

After a close friend lost her battle with breast cancer in 2014, Kathy decided to take part in the Mothers’ Day Classic to help raise funds to find a cure.

Each following year she has run at the Mothers’ Day Classic she said another friend has been affected by the disease.

“Because of that it made the running seven marathons in seven days easier, having something like that in the back of your mind really keeps you going.”

Above all, Kathy said she loves the sense of community she feels in Shepparton and that she experienced during the baton relay.

For every event, kilometre and marathon run, Kathy focuses on the people involved — a theme that’s become common among

“Shepparton really has a loving community and everyone wanting to help in some small way adds up. We all can’t do everything ourselves, there’s so much.”

Each week consists of 100 km of running to keep fitness up, scheduled around her full-time role working on the Connections project with Goulburn-Murray Water.

“It was amazing to see people come out and support everyone and the local community,” she said.

betty April 2018

queen’s baton relay

Jennifer Savage works to incr ease vital services and to combat isola tion.

Building a better community STory aND PhoTo: JESSicA bAll

Jennifer Savage is committed to improving the lives of Kyabram people. It was her work as Kyabram Community and Learning Centre chief executive oﬃcer that saw her nominated by an anonymous community member to carry the Queen’s Baton during its visit to Shepparton. For Jennifer the once-in-a-lifetime experience was a privilege she will never forget.

“It’s nice to be recognised when you don’t necessarily expect to be, and the impact that you’re potentially having in the community — it’s wonderful to know that’s been seen,” Jennifer said.

Over the past two years she has helped bring vital support services to the town through the Kyabram Community and Learning Centre.

town; one was support for transferring onto the NDIS scheme.”

The community now has access to two psychologists, job networks and Haven Housing.

“Sometimes it’s a one-off and sometimes it starts a relationship between us and the service provider,” Jennifer said.

“Once they came for just one or two clients — they then realised the need and are here on a long-term basis.”

Jennifer said it was crucial to create a culture that encouraged people to seek help to overcome the barriers they faced.

Through the centre, Jennifer is also working to combat isolation and create opportunities to engage youth in the small community.

As a co-founder of the Campaspe Family Violence Action Group she has helped bring together the region’s services, assisting those in need to navigate the system more effectively.

“There are a lot of different services working hard to improve how we support women and children when they experience violence and that group was important to bring together people within the Campaspe region. “All of our services are linked back to Bendigo but there is quite a gap between Bendigo and here so it was really important to see what services and improvements we could make on a local level.

“We’ve noticed that the more we reduce that stigma and increase acceptance of people, whether it is needing help with mental “We’re often the first place that people go illness or food, or whatever people need, the “Supporting women and children safely leave when they are not sure where to go,” she said. more that you build that trust they start to the situation can be very challenging and ask for more things that they require as well,” there is obviously a lot more work to be “We’ve had quite a few people come in and done — it’s a very complicated issue.” the service that they require isn’t delivered in she said. 80

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queen’s baton relay

Taking pride in achievements STory aND PhoTo: JESSicA bAll MaIN PICTUrE: rAy SizEr

17 year old Zahra Al Hindawi was the youngest woman to carry the Queen’s Baton through Shepparton.

Verney Road School student Zahra Al Hindawi is proving to the world she can do anything she puts her mind to. Overcoming adversity, the Year 12 student and peer-voted school vice-captain was proud to represent her family, school and faith carrying the Queen’s Baton as part of the relay’s pit stop in Shepparton.

With all her senior school classmates cheering her on, Zahra said it was a special experience.

“It was amazing; I didn’t even really believe that I got chosen,” she said.

With her mum born in Iran and her father in Iraq, Zahra is bilingual, speaking Arabic at home with her parents and three brothers. Her culture and religion is an

important part of who she is.

“Sometimes we go to the mosque when there are special occasions,” she said.

“In June we have Ramadan and we do fasting and it finishes at the end of July and we have a big celebration called Eid where we have a big feast and sit around. I look forward to it.” A dedicated volunteer, Zahra is always willing to lend a hand.

As a part of the Verney Road School Advance Program, she enjoys volunteering her time to Meals on Wheels and visiting Mercy Place and Rumbalara.

Zahra said it was important to help the community whenever you can.

“We deliver food to the elderly and we chat to them,” she said. “They enjoy us delivering their food every Friday.”

The 17-year-old is excited to graduate at the end of the year and said she knew her family would be proudly watching on.

In the future she hopes to follow her passion for beauty and fashion design.

“I might go to GOTAFE to study for beauty or might research places in Melbourne for design,” she said. betty April 2018

Join the team at

GOULBURN VALLEY HEALTH! GV Health is the largest employer in the Goulburn Valley Region and offers unique and rewarding career opportunities in healthcare. Embark on a career with us and you’ll be a part of an exceptional team that delivers outstanding public healthcare in a regional setting. As a large health service provider, GV Health offers exciting careers in a variety of areas such as: • Nursing • Allied Health • Medical • Mental Health • Research • Aged Care • Finance • Governance and Communications • Human Resources • Information Technology • Support Services (Cleaning, Kitchen, Patient Services Assistant, Orderlies) • Graduate Programs • Registrar Programs • And more! Our people thrive in a challenging and professional environment and our team prides itself on delivering patient-centred care. If you would like to join our team, take a look at our vacancies or register to receive job alerts by visiting www.gvhealth.org.au/careers/current-vacancies/ Our Values Compassion | Respect | Excellence | Accountability | Teamwork | Ethical Behaviour

Together we CREATE our future. Graham Street, Shepparton, VIC 3630 Australia P 03 5832 2322 | E enquiry@gvhealth.org.au Like us on Facebook

Healthy Communities

pets

Shepparton Veterinary Clinic receptionist Jenny Durling and practice manager Katrina Kim-Worley with patient Meg the dog.

Keeping those paws walking STory: SHAron WriGHT PhoTograPh: JuliE MErcEr

Supporting animal owners to care for their furry friends is part of the Shepparton Veterinary Clinic’s charter, so when the business was asked to co-ordinate the annual Million Paws Walk it seemed a natural fit.

Practice manager Katrina Kim-Worley heads a small committee to plan the smooth running of the Shepparton leg of the RSPCA’s major fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday, May 20.

Each year about 200 people take their pets for a leisurely stroll around Victoria Park Lake, meeting new people, reacquainting with old friends and raising much-needed funds to support RSPCA programs.

“It’s a beautiful, positive day, the puppies all talk to one another when they first get together, and then they settle down and it’s a really social day for everyone,” Katrina said.

The Connection

home of Yurri Catering Set against a beautiful bushland backdrop, it is the perfect venue for weddings, engagement parties, conferences and other functions. Now serving all day breakfast and lunch on weekends.

Open to all creatures great and small the walk has attracted goats, sheep, camels, ponies and even a pet snake, along with many breeds of dogs in the past.

Walkers and their pets are welcome to dress up, and a selection of stalls offering animal services including feed, clothing and therapy, along with People Supporting People cooking for the human crowd, add to the fun and vibrant atmosphere. Katrina said Australia had one of the highest household rates of pet ownership in the world, and she was delighted to see an increasing community awareness of people actively caring for their four-legged friends.

Shepparton Veterinary Clinic has 34 staff across two sites, at Wanganui Rd and GV Hwy, Kialla, and is seeking support from animal-related suppliers or volunteers, who can be involved on the day.

The Million Paws Walk will start at 10 am on Sunday, May 20 at Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton. To register go to www.millionpawswalk.com.au

(03) 5821 0600 theconnectionshepparton.com info@theconnectionshepparton.com betty April 2018

wines

Within one hour If you ever want to do a day trip but not drive too far I have three fantastic wineries to go to, each within one hour’s drive. Each has received awards at the Dookie Wine Show which is testament to their quality and style. At Murchison there is Longleat Winery. Here you can have an antipasto lunch with winemaker Guido and Sandra Vassoler at Cellar Door. Guido can walk

you through all of his reds, whites and sparkling wines, while Sandra looks after the food and is always happy to discuss the menu.

At Anzac Avenue in the township of Seymour, in the recently fitted out “stateof-the-art” winery, is Wine By Sam. Sam Plunkett is a well known name in the Goulburn Valley wine industry. Often Sam is at the Cellar Door and is more

than happy to give you a tour, tasting an array of his red and white wines as you go.

In Old Longwood, nestled in the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges, is Maygars Hill Cellar Door, managed by Jenny Houghton. Taste her Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Rose. These are all fantastic wines. With a glass of wine in hand Jenny can walk you through the vineyard. Enjoy!

WINE X SAM

MAYGARS HILL

The Victorian Primitivo 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Price: $29

Price: $20

A rich, ripe Cabernet with dark red blackberry notes and hints of the Maygar mint. Careful use of hand selected oak barrels has combined with rich fruit to produce lingering tannins that give a wonderful mouth feel. These characteristics will continue to mature. Drink now or cellar for 8 to 10 years.

Primitivo (pronounced prim-e-tee-vo) has its home in the heel of Italy- Apulia, but is probably more famously grown in California where it is known as Zinfandel. 2017 was a cool growing season which has given this vintage a particularly perfumed almost violet example of Primitivo. On the palate it has a freshness and crunch. Give this versatile wine a try today!

www.maygarshill.com.au

www.winebysam. com.au

MAYGARS HILL Shiraz 2016 Price: $28 Another wonderful season for Shiraz in the foothills of the Strathbogie Ranges. Intense deep colour in the berries is reflected in the lustre of the wine. Blackberry and dark fruit flavours combine with beautifully matched oak to produce a wine of complexity and true Shiraz characters. A remarkable year. Drink now or cellar for 8 to 10 years. www.maygarshill.com.au

betty

April 2018

wines

WINE X SAM

BY PAUL PHILLIPS, SHEPPARTON’S WINE GURU

The Halo Effect 2017

from Phillips Cellars and Regional Wine Centre, Corio St

Price: $28 This Late Harvest Viognier is a serious dessert wine. Aged in new French oak barrels for 10 months, the result is a wine with a lovely soft gold colour and an aroma of sweet spices and summer fruits including apricots. On the palate the wine is deliciously sweet, but with talcy tannins from the new oak giving a drying sensation and balancing the sugar. It has the capacity to age for decades.

LONGLEAT Zingari Garganega 2017 Price: $20 Garganega (pronouned Gar-garknee-gah) is a new, rather obscure variety of white wine, with its traditional home in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. It shows ripe tree fruits, floral notes and mineral-like texture on the palate.

www.winebysam.com.au

Try this wine with seafood, risotto and white meat. Enjoy it as a young wine or with a few years bottle age. www.murchisonwines.com.au

LONGLEAT Ragazzone 2015 Price: $46 Ragazzone (pronounced Rah-gah-zone-knee) or ‘big boy’ in Italian is what comes to mind when pondering this wine. It’s not subtle. The palate is generous, rich and full with flavours and textures having been intensified by the winemaking process. This is a dry wine, which at bottling, shows chocolate, brambleberries and canned cherry characteristics. murchisonwines.com.au

win To go in the draw to win this fabulous 6 pack of wine, please email your full name, address and daytime telephone number to bettymagazine@sheppnews.com.au Entries close Monday, May 14. For terms and conditions please refer to page 90

betty April 2018

recipes

Just because the summer sun has set doesn’t mean you have to farewell salads for another year. With the help of some tasty autumn vegetables you can take your warm salad game to the next level and create healthy side dishes packed with ﬂavour. betty April 2018

recipes

Whole roasted cauliﬂower and tahini and tomato salsa Serves 4 to 6

Tomato salsa

inGrEDiEnTS 1 large cauliflower head 1 tbsp saffron threads 1 tbsp sumac

1 tsp ground turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander ½ tsp ground chilli

90 ml olive oil, plus extra if needed 1 tsp salt

540 g (or 2 cups) tahini dip, to serve

80 g (or ½ cup) slivered pistachios, to garnish 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds, to garnish 2 tbsp chilli hair, to garnish

¼ red onion, finely diced

5 tomatoes, deseeded and finely diced 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves 2 tsp olive oil

2 tsp lemon juice sea salt, to taste METHoD 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Place the cauliflower head on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

3. Combine the saffron threads with 500 ml (or 2 cups) boiling water and set aside to steep for 15 to 20 minutes. 4. In a bowl, combine the saffron liquid with the sumac, ground spices, oil and salt. Pour the mixture over the cauliflower, making

sure it is evenly coated.

5. Cover the tray with foil and roast the cauliflower in the oven for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the saffron liquid. Add more oil if needed to keep the cauliflower moist.

6. Remove the foil and roast for a further 10 minutes to brown the cauliflower a little. 7. While the cauliflower is browning, make the tomato salsa. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Season to taste with salt.

8. To serve, spread the tahini dip on a large platter and place the cauliflower on top. Cut out a generous wedge of cauliflower and pile the tomato salsa inside and around the edge of the cauliflower. Garnish with slivered pistachios, pomegranate seeds and chilli hair.

This is an edited extract from Feasting by Amanda Ruben, published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $49.99 and available in stores nationally. Photographer: ©Elisa Watson. 88

betty

April 2018

recipes

roasted molasses pumpkin salad with pomegranate and chicken Cover recipe. Serves 2 inGrEDiEnTS

METHoD

600 g Japanese pumpkin, skin on, chopped into cubes

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

3 tbsp molasses 3 tbsp olive oil

200 g mixed salad greens

250 g chicken breast, cooked and chopped

1 pomegranate, seeds removed and reserved 4 tbsp pine nuts, roasted

1 handful of flat-leaf parsley leaves

2. Place the pumpkin cubes onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Mix molasses and olive oil in a bowl then brush the pumpkin pieces with the mixture. Bake for 30 minutes or until tender. 3. Place the salad greens on two plates and top with the pumpkin, chicken, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and parsley. Serve immediately. nuTriTion noTE

Energy: 2300kJ Protein: 27g

Carbohydrates: 57g Sugar: 44g

Fat: 23g

Fibre: 14g This is an edited extract from 7 Minutes to Better Health by Sam Wood, published by Hardie Grant Books RRP $39.99 and available in stores nationally. Photographer: ©Caitlin Mills.

Mother’s Day Breast Screening Reminder With Mother’s Day around the corner, the team at Goulburn Valley Imaging would like to remind local women to look after themselves and make an appointment for a breast screen.

Breast screening is free and takes about 10 minutes. You do not need a doctor’s referral for a standard screening and it is performed by a female radiographer. You can book in for a screen at Goulburn Valley Imaging. As the only clinic in the region that performs this service, we’re staffed by specialist doctors, breast care nurses and fully accredited female radiographers. Diagnostic screenings are also available. If you have found a lump or had a suspicious clinical finding, check in with your GP first as these scans require a referral. Women aged over 40 who would like a free breast screen with Goulburn Valley Imaging should book at breastscreen.org.au or call 13 20 50. Appointments for diagnostic breast imaging referred by your GP can be made with Goulburn Valley Imaging on (03) 5821 6566.

Goulburn Valley Imaging 104 Nixon Street, Shepparton Ph: (03) 5821 6566 betty April 2018

s y a w a e giv giveaway

7 MinuTES To bETTEr HEAlTH by Sam Wood, published by hardie grant Books, rrP $39.99 Developed with nutritionist and dietitian Leanne Wood, 7 Minutes to Better Health includes 30 tempting smoothies and 30 easy-to-make salads, making eating well simpler than ever.

These are quick, healthy recipes that save time, meet your nutritional needs and make you feel fuller for longer. Alongside satisfying recipes for every time of day are Sam Wood’s seven-minute quick-fire home work-outs that will get you off the couch, embracing fitness and feeling great.

FEASTinG by amanda ruben, published by hardie grant Books, rrP $49.99 In Feasting, Amanda Ruben brings together her fresh takes on classic recipes, along with popular favourites from her contemporary cafe and deli, and her own busy family home.

Carrot salad with miso tahini, Middle Eastern fruit salad with cashew cream, and the best pastrami you may ever taste — these are simple, delicious and (surprisingly) healthy dishes for any lunch, dinner party or holiday celebration. When Jewish heritage meets global culinary influences, every meal is sure to be a true feast.

HOW TO WIN For your chance to win 7 Minutes to Better Health, answer the question: What is your motivation to eat healthily?

Send your entry to: Betty Magazine, 7 Minutes to Better Health Competition, Shepparton News, PO Box 8000, Shepparton, 3632 or email bettymagazine@sheppnews.com.au with the subject line ‘7 Minutes to Better Health Competition’. Entries close Monday, May 28. For your chance to win Feasting, answer the question: Who would you like to throw a dinner party for, and why?

Send your entry to: Betty Magazine, Feasting Competition, Shepparton News, PO Box 8000, Shepparton, 3632 or email bettymagazine@sheppnews.com.au with the subject line ‘Feasting Competition’. Entries close Monday, May 28. For Terms and Conditions please visit https://bit.ly/2vcVgzM 90

betty

April 2018

Local banking

Banking

You’re not born into this world as a number. So why do most banks see you as one?

Saving

At GMCU we see you as a person, and give you products and services in your best interest. That’s the value of GMCU.

Home Loans Whether you are buying or building, we can help you make a house your dream home. GMCU offers a range of Home Loan choices - you can choose a Fixed or Variable rate or even an Equity Access Line of Credit.

Investments Insurance Loans

If you are building or renovating we can help by advancing parts of your loan as your build proceeds. If you are eligible, we can even help you claim the Government’s First Home Owners Grant. When you borrow from GMCU you deal with one lender from start to finish simple, isn’t it!

Ask at your local branch today!

Goulburn Murray Credit Union customer owned banking Goulburn Murray Credit Union Cooperative Ltd ABN 87 087 651 509 AFSL/ Australian Credit Licence No. 241364. Terms & conditions, fees & charges and eligibility criteria apply.

connect at gmcu.com.au

From Lockets $145 Charms $29

FINE JEWELLERS BLIZZARDS FINE JEWELLERS

Shop 112 Harris Scarfe Plaza, Maude St Mall, Shepparton (03) 5831 4677