Me 23102015

Issue 8 • October 2015

PROFILES E: INSAILD T H,

HE Y, BEAUT AND N FASHIORE MO

>MIXING WITH ROYALTY >PARTNERSHIP OF TRUST >TEEN’S MOTOR SPORT PASSION

PHOTOGRAPHY BABY BUMPS ON THE RISE

PINK RIBBON DAY 18-PAGE FEATURE

>> EM RUSCIANO TO HOST BRUNCH >> “OUR BREAST CANCER FIGHT” — INSPIRATIONAL STORIES OCTOBER 2015 |

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SHEPPARTON

NEW CATALOGUE OUT NOW

F L E S R U O Y R E P PAM THIS SPRING

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Shop online or mobile: harveynorman.com.au

Pick up in store or have it delivered.

support...

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WITH PANDORA

*On selected Pink Ribbon items 790755EN24, 790928, 590725CZS 30% donation and 790314PCZ 15% donation.

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PINK RIBBON DAY 2015

18-PAGE FEATURE

Cover: Entertainer and writer Em Rusciano will host the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch.

Page 27 EDITOR Corinna Boldiston 5820 3183 corinna.boldiston@sheppnews.com.au WRITERS Sharon Wright Alana Rosenbaum Taylah Burrows Emma Carinci

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MEGAN ROBINSON BOUND FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

44

TEEN RALLY DRIVER BRIANNY NICKSON

SUB-EDITORS Wendy Russell Sandy Lloyd Lisa Anderson Monique Preston GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Teresa Lagozzino Corey Jinnette PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shepparton News photography department

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SPRING FASHION

DIGITAL EDITOR Lance Simpson SALES MANAGER Jamie Gilbert 5820 3184 jamie.gilbert@sheppnews.com.au PUBLISHED BY Shepparton News PO Box 204, Shepparton, Victoria 3632 (03) 5820 3183 magazines@sheppnews.com.au www.mmg.com.au

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BABY BUMPS ON THE RISE 4

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Picture: Lisa Nardella Photography

FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT Okay ladies — when was the last time you looked at your breasts?

Closely?

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With one in eight Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer and early detection giving the best chance of survival, it is vital to stay in tune with our breast health.

HEALTHY IDEAS FOR ENTERTAINING

7

LORRAINE CAIRNS’ CARRIAGE DRIVING ADVENTURES AND ROYAL ENCOUNTERS

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ISSUE 16. SPRING/SUMMER 2015

OUR

HOME

MISS UNIVERSE AUSTRALIA

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Glitz, glamour and nerves

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ISSUE 16. SPRING/SUMMER 2015. $4.95

ISSUE 19 SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Retro vibe

LOVE

Decorating Woman’s best friend

CONQUERS ALL

INTERIOR DESIGN AUTHOR JULIET LOVE’S TIPS

Romance blooms after tragedy

WHY DOGS ARE BETTER THAN DIAMONDS

Wedding

veils

DIFFERENT STYLES AND HOW TO WEAR THEM

Careers

In focus

> A WORLD OF DANCE > LIGHTING UP THE STARS

MENTORS MATTER

POWER

Garden

On-trend displays, colours and bouquets

“I lost 60 kilos” Homestead withPicture heart

RESTYLING THE FARMHOUSE AT SWETTENHAM STUD

perfect

Zoe O’Brien A RECYCLED LABOUR OF LOVE

ENERGY Life after EFFICIENT

GOULBURN AND MURRAY VALLEYS BRIDE & GROOM

>> Tips for builders and renovators >> Rural haven’s innovative design

TIPS TO MAKE THINGS “CLICK” FOR GREAT IMAGES

married!

The brunch has raised $256 000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation in the past eight years, swelling tenfold in attendance numbers from its original 70 people in a café.

Former News employee Mary Brunton instigated the event after she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Sadly, Mary lost her own battle with breast cancer in November 2014 — but her brainchild Pink Ribbon Brunch has become a lasting legacy in our region that may have already saved more lives than we will ever know.

Issue 7 • May 2015

A MODERN FAMILY’S NOD TO THE PAST

JUST

Women aged 50 to 74 are the primary target group for a free BreastScreen Victoria mammogram (see page 30).

Comedian, singer and writer Em Rusciano, who is pictured on our cover, will host the event at Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre which sold out in 32 minutes.

In addition, 110 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

View all your favourite local magazines online

Our HOME

Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch.

Early detection and improved treatments in Australia have led to an 89 per cent chance of survival five years after a breast cancer diagnosis but still, seven women die of this disease each day.

New mobile app FREE with Google Play and App Store

Simply go to www.sheppnews.com.au and look for the magazines link and start reading today.

We don’t need to be experts or use a special technique to check our breasts but we need to see a doctor immediately if we notice any changes. (For examples of changes, see page 42 in our Pink Ribbon Day feature.)

homes

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

On Sunday, October 25 more than 700 people (mostly women) will help raise awareness and funds for research to help beat this disease at the ninth

— Corinna Boldiston, Editor

The Bachelor

i RECIPES i HEALTH i BEAUTY iMAY FITNESS + MORE 2015 | 1

»1

dresses > BRIDE > BRIDESMAID > FLOWER GIRL

BRIDE & GROOM 1

Contents PROFILES:

FEATURE:

AGE OF REASON:

7 LORRAINE CAIRNS: Overseas adventures and mixing with royalty

25

Pink Ribbon Day 2015

47

27

Em Rusciano to host sell-out brunch

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» Brunch founder remembered

» “It does not define me”: Liz Ainsworth

» Patrons support fundraiser

10 MEGAN ROBINSON: A partnership of trust at ParaDuathlon World Championships 44 BRIANNY NICKSON: Teen rally driver’s motor sport ambition 64 MICHELLE NEWTEN: Following her inner guidance

PERSONAL STORIES: 33

IN FOCUS:

BETH SMITH: “In the two weeks between finding the lump and having surgery it had tripled in size.”

13 PHOTOGRAPHY TRENDS: Baby bumps on the rise

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LYNDA DELLAR: “I would never have found it without the mammogram…”

FASHION: SPRING TRENDS

37

AMBERLEE GOODALL: “I just had to keep going.”

40

ROBYN TRELOAR: From confidante to cancer survivor

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Metallic moments

17

Neutral numbers

19

Slices of the ’70s

42

» Breast awareness tips

20

Funky florals

» Pink paces to aid research

Five generations talk about their first wheels

CAR SHOPPING: 50

First car buying tips

BEAUTY: 52

Summer hair tips

54

Glowing skin: You are what you eat

HEALTH: 56 RECIPES: Healthy ideas for entertaining 60 MOCKTAILS: Fresh fruity and alcohol free BOOKS: 63 » Review and giveaway » Colouring books to help adults relax FINANCE: 66

Change spending habits and save OCTOBER 2015 |

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Profile

ROYALTY,

BLACK CAVIAR AND A HORSE CALLED VICTOR A LIFETIME LOVE OF HORSES LEADS TO UNFORGETTABLE OVERSEAS ADVENTURES FOR LORRAINE CAIRNS STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PICTURE: RAY SIZER

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Profile

L

orraine Cairns has vivid memories of the day celebrated Australian mare Black Caviar won her 22nd consecutive race, the Diamond Stakes Jubilee at Royal Ascot in 2012.

The retired primary school teacher from Invergordon was in the crowd at the historic English racetrack, dressed in her finery, having arrived in a horse-drawn coach.

That event is just one of many enviable occasions Lorraine has experienced since her love for horses opened up a world of overseas travel, chance meetings with royalty and the opportunity to represent her country.

Lorraine said she was typical of many young girls and yearned for a pony. Hers was no fleeting fancy though and her first horse, acquired at age 12, was the beginning of an enduring passion.

After years of competing at pony club and later at dressage events and adult horse trials, Lorraine took up carriage driving in 1997, eventually winning an Australian championship and ultimately competing in Europe.

Carriage driving has a relatively low profile in Australia compared to Europe, where regular events draw large numbers of competitors and huge crowds.

The sport was developed with input from the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, who as patron of the Australian Carriage Driving Society, always makes a point of 8

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singling out Australian competitors for a chat.

“I’ve met and spoken with Prince Philip several times, I’ve actually competed in an event where he was time keeping and that was pretty special,” Lorraine said.

In consecutive years from 2010, Lorraine travelled to Europe to help a friend with her overseas carriage driving campaign before being encouraged to compete herself in 2012.

Based in Leicester, United Kingdom and sharing the same horse yards as expatriate Australian and world carriage driving champion Boyd Exell, Lorraine was in the right place to secure a quality competition horse.

The horse, Victor, was a warmblood, bred in the Gelderland province of the Netherlands, renowned for producing carriage driving champions.

Together the duo, along with a groom, competed at Queen Elizabeth’s Sandringham Estate and qualified for the 2012 world championships, held in Portugal.

That year was the wettest English summer in more than a century, competitions were cancelled, horses ploughed through mud when training, and the wet conditions led to veterinary issues and a less than ideal preparation.

“Even though I had won an Australian championship I was never going to be in the hunt over there; the step up in the

I’ve met and spoken with Prince Philip several times . . .

“

“

standard is huge,” Lorraine said.

“But just being able to compete in the world championships, get through it and do the best I could was a thrill and something I consider a real achievement.”

Two years later, qualifying for the world championships in Hungary proved more challenging. Lorraine and Victor travelled to Scotland, back to Sandringham Estate, then France and finally Germany before securing their berth.

“Carriage driving is a spectacle. You have the elegance, precision and subtleness of dressage then the fast and furious, speed and accuracy required to get through the obstacles,” Lorraine said.

“It’s challenging; with any sport you have to work through what’s going on in your own head, but when you compete with a horse there’s another brain to look after.”

On deciding to retire from international competition it was expected Lorraine would sell Victor, but his wonderful nature and their shared adventures dictated otherwise.

So, after 60 days in isolation in the UK, Victor travelled by plane to Sydney where he spent a further three weeks in quarantine before taking up residence on the farm Lorraine shares with husband Paul.

“Deciding to keep Victor is probably up there with some of the sillier things I’ve done in my life but I’m so glad I did, he is just a delight,” Lorraine said. n

ROYAL HISTORY The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip helped develop the equestrian event of carriage driving.

The world championships are staged over three days and include dressage where skilled drivers lead their horses and carriages to perform a series of prescribed movements in an arena to showcase horse obedience and skill.

Day two is the marathon event — a 16 km road course with obstacles — and the final phase, the cones event, challenges the team of horse and human to negotiate a series of cones under time constraints.

Opposite page: Having retired from international competition Lorraine Cairns has relocated her horse Victor from Europe to Invergordon.

Top: A carriage driving dressage competition was held in the extensive grounds of Catton Hall in central England.

Above: The teamwork of horse and driver is put to the test during the cones event where a series of cones must be navigated under timed conditions.

Left: The marathon leg of carriage driving events takes teams through various obstacles including water challenges.

Pictures: Swingletree Photography OCTOBER 2015 |

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Profile

PARTNERSHIP OF TRUST A SHEPPARTON WOMAN HAS PARTNERED WITH A VISIONIMPAIRED ATHLETE TO COMPETE IN THE DUATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, STAGED IN ADELAIDE ON OCTOBER 18.

STORY: SHARON WRIGHT MAIN PICTURE: JULIE MERCER COMPETITION PICTURES: SHEPPARTON TRI CLUB

S

hepparton triathlete Megan Robinson has great admiration for Melbourne-based Casey Hyde, who hasn’t let vision impairment stop her from competing in gruelling duathlons at an international level.

Such is her admiration that Megan, 32, paired with Casey, 26, to guide her in the Para-Duathlon World Championships event in Adelaide on October 18 that involved a 20 km bike ride sandwiched between 5 km and 2.5 km run legs.

The duo is tethered together for the run elements and rides a tandem racing bike. They set a cracking pace and have completed similar events in around 90 minutes.

Shepparton residents may be familiar with the pair, having seen the women train here in the lead-up to the 10

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international event.

“Casey lives in Melbourne; she catches public transport with her guide dog Bridget and the tandem bike and travels to Shepparton. A lot of people have seen us on the bike and commented about it,” Megan said.

When work commitments keep the women apart, they train individually; Megan trains about 14 hours each week and Casey does spin classes and runs on a treadmill to maintain fitness.

“I actually have to stay a bit fitter than Casey, so I can talk to her while we’re running,” Megan said.

“I tell her everything I see, trees, other athletes, bollards, changes in the pavement from bitumen to gravel, slight veers in the course.”

During the bike leg Megan said the challenge was to pedal in unison while maintaining balance and each rider had to compensate for the other at the slightest shift in weight.

“It really worried me at the start how to keep her safe, riding a tandem bike is scary enough for people with sight,” Megan said.

“Casey has a great level of trust in me, which is so important.”

Megan, a colour consultant at KitchenWise in Shepparton, had a gradual progression into triathlons.

“I am a chef and when I first moved to Shepparton I was working in a cafe and used to see the cyclists and members of the swim squad come in.

“I thought there must be something good

“

“

Casey has a great level of trust in me, which is so important.

about it if people were prepared to be out there training at that hour of the morning.

“So I gave up smoking and bought my first pushbike, I just rode on my own. Then about 12 months later I learnt to swim, I had a few lessons with (Shepparton Tri Club sponsor) Sue Egan at Aquamoves.

“Then I took up running, at the start I couldn’t run 1 km without stopping.”

Megan’s first experience with a triathlon was the Shepparton Tri Club’s sunset series, eventually graduating to a halfironman event, firstly as a member of a three-person team and for the past two years as an individual competitor.

“The atmosphere at the events is amazing.

Although everyone is competitive they are so encouraging at the same time.” n Megan and Casey’s results at the Duathlon World Championships were not available at the time of printing.

Megan Robinson (top) in her Australian uniform, (inset) with competition partner Casey Hyde on their tandem race bike and (this picture) tethered together for the run leg.

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In Focus

Baby

BUMPS ON THE RISE SINCE THE DAYS OF DEMI MOORE’S CONTROVERSIAL VANITY FAIR COVER, CELEBRITIES HAVE LONG BEEN FLAUNTING THEIR PREGNANCY BODIES ON THE PAGES OF MAGAZINES. IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THE TREND CAUGHT ON AND NOWADAYS MORE AND MORE WOMEN ARE CAPTURING THE EVOLUTION OF THEIR BABY BUMPS IN PERSONALISED PHOTOSHOOTS.

I

n the social media age, taking your own growing baby bump photos for Instagram is standard, but professional photographers are reporting an interesting trend: the influx of bookings for pregnancy photo shoots.

Shepparton photographer Lisa Nardella said being part of the journey and capturing the pregnancy metamorphosis, and developing memories into still moments to be treasured for a lifetime was a special process.

“To capture that transformation, I personally think it is a pretty magical thing,” Lisa said. “(A woman’s body may only be like that) a couple of times (in life), so it is quite nice to capture that and I know a lot of women regret not getting it done and wish they had of later on.”

She said to get the best results, the photos should be taken toward the end of the pregnancy, around the 32-week mark, as the bump needs to be visible.

For Shepparton’s Imogen Radevski , Polly McQuinns in Strathbogie was the perfect location for her pictures.

“My dad is a photographer as well, he used to take us out to Polly McQuinns as kids to take his photos so I asked for it to be out there,” Imogen said.

“It was really nice and relaxed. We did the photos late in the afternoon. I was pretty close, I was actually at 37 weeks.

“I felt more comfortable being pregnant than I do in everyday life. Some women hate it, but I love it. It’ll be great to have the photos to show kids what I looked when I was pregnant with them.”

Picture: Lisa Nardella Photography

Imogen Radevski was 37 weeks pregnant with baby Kingston when she had this photo shoot with Lisa Nardella at Polly McQuinns in Strathbogie.

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Sofia Kalafatis’ motivation to have pregnancy photos taken was quite simple. “When my children grow up I want them to know how we looked before they were born. I have an album which I will give them when they are 18 that will show their lives up until then.”

Nick and Sofia, of Kialla, were living in Greece when their eldest daughter Anastasia, now three, was born, and had the most recent photos taken when Sofia was 33 weeks pregnant with their second daughter, baby Efsevia.

Pictures (this page): Leticia Lopes Photography

Capturing a happy time Leticia Lopes relocated to Australia nine years ago and in the 12 months that she has called Shepparton home has photographed a handful of pregnant women.

“In Brazil almost every woman has photos taken during pregnancy, here there’s more photos taken of the parents with the newborn baby,” Leticia said.

“Pregnancy is such a special time; most mums prefer to have their pregnancy photos taken outside, especially if they have other children.

“It’s so much more relaxed than in a studio and I can use a long camera lens and they forget that I’m there. That’s reflected in the photos, they’re so happy.”

FIVE TIPS FOR THE PERFECT BABY BUMP PHOTO SHOOT 1.

Size matters: Wait until your bump is big enough to be seen, but not so big that you will be uncomfortable. This will be different for everyone, so speak with your photographer.

4. Photographer: Find a great photographer that you feel at peace working with; this should be fun and relaxed, not stressful.

2. Location: Choose somewhere special to you, like the family farm, or a lake that you loved as a child.

5. Strike a pose: Before the big day, search online for different pregnancy photo shoot poses and speak to your photographer about whether these might work for your shoot.

3. Wardrobe: Stick to fitted styles that show off the bump, or floaty dresses that you can draw in with your hands to show shape.

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Tell the story naturally Shepparton photographer Liz Arcus enjoys documenting special times in people’s lives.

“My focus is to tell an authentic story in a natural setting,” Liz said.

“Nothing is planned, I photograph what is part of their normal day; whatever they do as a family.

“I capture what goes on in the home. We might wander into the room where the baby will sleep and see the clothes ready or the cot made up. There might be the bag for hospital packed and ready near the door.”

“I’m very sentimental and felt it important to catch the time right before the baby (Dempsey) was born,” Shepparton mother Jamie Lea said.

“The look of love and total joy on my husband’s (Allan Mitchell’s) face says it all.

“He gave me so much strength in those last few weeks and the photos remind me of that every time I look at them.”

Pictures (above and right): Liz Arcus Photography

Shepparton’s Val Atkinson and daughter Laila were photographed together when Val was 31 weeks pregnant with son Zeke, who was born on June 30.

“I just wanted to have some beautiful photos of Laila and I together so she could look back and have memories of just the two of us,” Val said.

Special memories Shepparton photographer Prue Peters has been photographing pregnant women for many years but is finding birth photography is becoming more popular.

“It’s part of the body’s survival mechanism to block out large parts of the birth experience and I think couples want to capture those memories on film so they can look back,” Prue said.

“Where pregnancy and birth were taboo generations ago, now it’s a different era, women are happy and proud to show how beautiful they look when they are pregnant.”

Picture: Photography With Prue

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Spring trends

COMPILED BY EMMA CARINCI

PUT A SPRING

IN YOUR

FASHION

STEP

Spring is a vibrant time on the fashion calendar and is all about versatility as it gives you the chance to get more creative with outfit creations — almost anything goes!

Different looks can be dressed up or down simply by adding or subtracting a pair of heels, and transseasonal items can add new elements and textures to existing outfits in the wardrobe.

Recent fashion shows all over the world have demonstrated trends being reborn or recurring in this spring/summer season.

If you want to be up-to-date with some of these trends, your local fashion stores in Shepparton have done the hard work for you.

Bracelet, Traffik Boutique – $39.95

Earrings, Traffik Boutique – $19.95

The metallic trend was flagged last year on international runways and has carried over into this year.

The main thing to remember when wearing those shiny, metallic numbers is that a little goes a long way.

With light bouncing off you, a subtle addition of metallic will be enough to give your outfit a lift.

Metallic tones create a point of difference against other colours.

Pair a metallic item with a darker shade to create a timeless evening look and don’t be afraid to mix it with different textures.

A touch of rose gold, very much the in thing this year, particularly with jewellery, adds a softer metallic element and gives a perfect mix of neutral and shine.

Clutch bag, Bag City – $69.95

Belt, Arcade Fashions – $29.95

Clutch bag, Bag City – $69.95

Dress, Shop 221 – $279.95

Large metallic bag, Evans Shoes – $139.95

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Shoes, Jeff Young Shoes – $149.95

Neutral numbers

Necklace, Traffik Boutique – $39.95

Spring fashion does not always focus on bold and bright colours.

In recent fashion weeks across the world, including New York and Milan, the neutral colour palette dominated the runway.

The rose gold trend in accessories complements neutral tones and adds that bit of shine to your outfit repertoire.

Neutral, also referred to as ‘nude’, denotes a broad spectrum of colours including beige tones, whites, light browns, pale pinks, champagne and rose gold, all of which are in full bloom this spring.

Suiting any skin tone, neutral tones are highly versatile and can be worn alone, with dark colours to create a strong contrast or paired with another shade of neutral.

Dress, Arcade Fashions – $69.95

Jumpsuit, Traffik Boutique – $59.95

Blazer, Traffik Boutique – $159.95 Top, A` la mode – $39.99

Top, Traffik Boutique – $39.95

Culottes, A` la mode – $49.99

Shoes, Evans Shoes – $159.95 Top, Traffik Boutique – $79.95

Dress, Arcade Fashions – $79.95

Skirt, A` la mode – $45 Heels, Jeff Young Shoes – $89.95

Heels, Jeff Young Shoes – $109.95

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Spring trends

Slices of the ’70s

Brown cardigan – $79.95 Cream top – $29.95 Traffik Boutique

A variety of words come to mind when thinking about ’70s fashion — bold, bright, ostentatious, hippies.

Elements of this colourful decade are hitting international runways and fashion boutiques this season with bold mixed prints and mixed patterns, fringed vests and bags, suede skirts, desert boots and loafers.

While the ’70s is often associated with bright coloured fabrics, designers started opting for more earthy tones, with lots of browns, greys and blacks in the latter part of the decade.

This season, the ’70s trend will not discriminate and shoppers will find both bright and earthy tones on the clothing racks.

If you’re keen to try on some ’70s style, fashion experts recommend sticking to one ‘throw-back piece’ per outfit to avoid looking a little kitschy.

Turtle neck, Arcade Fashions – $49.95

Shoes, Jeff Young Shoes – $79.95 Loafers, Evans Shoes – $169.95

Skirt, Arcade Fashions – $59.95

Yellow bag, AJ Footwear – $89.99

Shoes, AJ Footwear – $99.95

Dress, Lindy – $198 Orange top – $109.95 Coloured top – $99.95 Pants – $79.95 Get the look Shop 221

Jeans, Traffik Boutique – $59.95

Dress, Traffik Boutique – $329.95 Ankle boots, Jeff Young Shoes – $89.95

OCTOBER 2015 |

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Spring trends

Funky florals Florals for spring — okay, this may not be revolutionary in the spring, but floral is just one of those trends that never goes out of style and it’s in full bloom for the year ahead.

Versatility is an important weapon in any wardrobe and floral prints offer just this — after all, mother nature has given designers thousands of flowers from which to draw their inspiration.

This season, florals come with a bold twist, with some designs being interchangeable with ’70s style.

Other designs are being executed in a more traditional, feminine manner this year, as seen in Dolce and Gabbana’s bright display of vintage floral frocks at Milan Fashion Week.

The beauty of floral, apart from the way it looks, is that it can be worn in any season.

Floral tops can be teamed with plain skirts, pants, and blazers and vice versa, taking you from summer to autumn and winter to spring.

Essentially, a floral item or two is an economic wardrobe choice.

Traditional feminine pinks and reds are classic in spring and a popular choice for women of all ages heading into the racing season.

Dress, Traffik Boutique – $299.95

Clutch bag, Bag City – $34.95

Dress, Shop 221 – $319.95

Heels, Jeff Young Shoes – $109.95

Fascinator, Arcade Fashions – $39.95

Fascinator, Shop 221 – $89.95

Dress, Traffik Boutique – $289.95

Jumpsuit, Arcade Fashions – $69.95

Clutch bag, Shop 221 – $39.95

Bracelet, Shop 221 – $19.95

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Shoes, Jeff Young Shoes – $149.95

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Shine Bright

with

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» WOMENS PORTRAITURE

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Sonya Maree Kok Contemporary Women’s Personal and Business Branding Photographer M: 0408 331 212 hello@littlewhitelightphotography.com.au

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Much more at Gowns & More

Rest. Relax. Repair

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Bring your designs into the store and our team from Sew & Sew will make your dreams come true.

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Call to Book an Appointment - We can allocate a time to suit so you can relax and de-stress while we look after you!

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Waranga Natural Therapies

13-15 Fraser St, Shepparton | P: 5831 1957 24

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Book Now: Ph: 0432 045 622 www.waranganaturaltherapies.com.au Located at: 182 Harriman Road, Waranga Shores, 3612 70 New Dookie Road, Shepparton, 3630

PINK

RIBBON DAY 2015

LYNDA DELLAR IS ONE OF THE ONE IN EIGHT AUSTRALIAN WOMEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER. STILL, SHE CONSIDERS HERSELF LUCKY. WHILE SEVEN AUSTRALIAN WOMEN DIE FROM THE DISEASE EACH DAY, EARLY DETECTION AND IMPROVED TREATMENTS HAVE LED TO AN 89 PER CENT CHANCE OF SURVIVAL FIVE YEARS AFTER DIAGNOSIS. HAVING COMPLETED HER TREATMENT IN LATE SEPTEMBER, LYNDA IS LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING ON WITH HER LIFE.

Picture: Ray Sizer

“

“

SEE LYNDA’S STORY (PAGE 34) PLUS OTHER WOMEN’S JOURNEYS WITH BREAST CANCER IN THIS SPECIAL 18-PAGE FEATURE.

Going back to work will be getting back to normality for me.

It can take a team of highly trained professionals to evaluate something this small.

This is how small a breast abnormality can be - sometimes even smaller.

Fortunately the vast majority are harmless. But it’s critical to be able to identify breast abnormalities which are potentially fatal.

That’s where Goulburn Valley Imaging Group comes in.

With a team of dedicated professionals including radiologists, nurses, technicians and administrative staff, GV Imaging Group is Shepparton’s only fully accredited Breast Imaging facility.

The technology at their disposal represents the leading edge of medical science.

It includes ultrasound, CT scans, plain films, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine. And of course, Mammography.

GV Imaging Group have a MicroDose Mammography Unit which maximises the image quality, picking up abnormalities much earlier and uses only half the dose of radiation compared to other systems.

It is predicted 1 in 9 Australian women develop Breast Cancer at some stage of their lives so it is better to be proactive and Mammograms and Ultrasounds are simple tests. GV Imaging Group also recommends that every woman should conduct a monthly breast self examination.

If even the slightest lump or change (dimpling or discharge) is noticed, consult your doctor.

That’s because it’s often the small things that really matter.

Goulburn Valley Imaging 104 Nixon St, Shepparton, VIC 3630 Ph: 1300 797 484 Echuca Radiology Inside Echuca Regional Health, Francis St, Echuca, VIC 3564 enter via Service St Ph: 03 5485 5900

www.gvig.com.au

Pink Ribbon Day 2015

PINK RIBBON BRUNCH

A QUICK SELL-OUT

A

wave of women in pink will converge on Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre on Sunday, October 25 to attend the ninth Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch.

More than 700 women and a handful of men will gather for a morning of fun and entertainment while raising awareness and funds for cancer research.

Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch coordinator Karen Gill said the event had grown over time from a small breakfast of 60 to a brunch of more than 700 guests, with this year’s event selling out in about half an hour.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation has been the beneficiary, with the proceeds of the past eight years being more than $256 000 and last year’s fundraising totalling a record $65 150.

Comedian Em Rusciano will entertain

the women in pink with her bubbly personality and humour as this year’s MC and is proudly brought to the brunch

by Goulburn Valley Imaging Group.

This year’s guest speaker is local business woman Liz Ainsworth, the founder and director of LA Vision Advertising Agency.

Liz will share her experience of living with cancer.

Upon arrival the 732 brunch guests will be greeted with a glass of bubbles and pop-up displays from Fernwood gym, Stephens Jewellers, Shepparton Soroptimists, two Happy Snaps photo booths, a pink ribbon merchandise table, and more.

More than 60 raffle prizes have been contributed from local retail and services businesses, as well as three items up for grabs in a silent auction. Entertainment will be provided by Nigel Parsons.

The event’s patrons include Shepparton News, Stephens Jewellers and Pandora, Pental Products, Peter Copulos and family, Goulburn Valley Imaging Group, Coles, Jill and Bernard Hayes from Eastbank Food, and major sponsors Griffiths Goodall Insurance and Fernwood Shepparton.

Following the brunch the fun will continue at the Aussie Hotel with the public welcome to join in. Brunch guests may present their ticket to receive another glass of bubbles, with platters of nibbles available for purchase.

Those not attending the brunch who still wish to make a contribution can make donations to Pink Ribbon Brunch fundraising effort at the Shepparton News offices on Melbourne Rd.

EM TO ENTERTAIN A SEA OF PINK E

m Rusciano will entertain the women in pink as MC at this year’s Pink Ribbon Brunch.

Her appearance has been highly anticipated by brunch goers with tickets selling out in just over half an hour.

Em’s rise to fame began when she made it into Australian Idol’s top 10 during its second season in 2004.

After her elimination, Em was snapped up by Austereo where she began to host Perth’s 92.9 breakfast show.

Em was immensely popular during her time at Austereo, with her comedic charm driving the show to ratings success year after year.

After her time in radio, Em took her chance in television as presenter of Channel Ten’s The Project and eventually Network Nine’s The Circle.

In 2011 Em wrote and starred in her first comedy/cabaret show titled The Saintly Bitch Sings which spurred her to continue down a live performance path.

Four sold-out stage shows and two Green Room award nominations later, Em has become the voice and face for various campaigns and writes for a range of publications.

Em is sure to induce laughs at this year’s brunch with her trademark wit, charm and a little musical flair.

OCTOBER 2015 |

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Pink Ribbon Day 2015

BRUNCH FOUNDER

REMEMBERED

T

he instigator of the first Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch, Mary Brunton, sadly lost her battle with breast cancer in November 2014, aged 57.

“It was Mary’s idea that we have a breakfast and she made contact with the Pink Ribbon foundation,” Fiona said.

It was during Mary’s seven-year term as a member of the News’ classified advertising team that she was diagnosed with breast cancer, then aged in her midforties.

“Our classifieds manager at the time Tracey Bell then organised, with Mary’s assistance, what became the first-ever Shepparton News Pink Ribbon breakfast at Friar’s Cafe.”

Close friend and former News colleague Fiona Stuart recalled Mary’s wish to turn that initial bad news into something positive and raise funds for cancer research and support for survivors.

That event was attended by about 70 people and in subsequent years numbers have swelled 10-fold so that in 2015, more than 700 tickets were sold in 32 minutes for the October 25 brunch at Eastbank.

NEW NAME, SAME

SUPPORT

S

tephens Jewellers is celebrating its eighth year supporting the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch.

Stephens Jewellers proprietor Stephen Schneider said the brunch was a terrific way to show appreciation to women in the community who support the jewellers all year round.

“It’s a chance to give back and raise funds for this importance research cause,” Stephen said.

Stephens Jewellers’ partnerships with

the Breast Cancer Network Australia, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Pandora will continue this year, with four Pandora senior representatives attending the brunch.

“Pandora Australia look upon the relationship between Stephens Jewellers and the Pink Ribbon Brunch as a unique partnership in Australia,” Stephen said.

Stephens Jewellers will stock a limited edition pink ribbon bangle from October 1 until October 31, or until stock runs out.

“Mary was astounded by the continued success of the brunch and she was so proud of the amount of money that was raised over the years,” Fiona said.

“She was a very humble person though, you would never have heard her say that it was her idea to begin with.”

Pandora’s limited edition pink ribbon bangle, available at Stephens Jewellers during October.

Thirty per cent of profits from the limited edition sales will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Stephens Jewellers will donate pink champagne flutes for the brunch that attendees can take home, as well as jewellery for raffle prizes and a cash donation to the cause.

It does not define me

“So Liz, the lump in your left breast is fine, however the one in your right breast . . .”

A couple of days later: “Liz, it has metastasized to your liver.”

And so began my new reality.

Speaking at the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch I will share some of that reality.

I am not on a journey, I am not in a fight and I am certainly not battling: it’s just life and I am living it.

I determined immediately that this disease would not define me.

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I rarely mention the word or discuss my situation with anyone.

It’s not that I live in denial, far from it, it’s just I see no point in spending the rest of my life thinking about my death.

Now, determining this is one thing; applying it has been challenging, but I reckon I am about there.

Life, it’s a wild ride!

— Liz Ainsworth Pink Ribbon Brunch guest speaker

Thank you

FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF BREAST CANCER RESEARCH PANDORA and Stephens Jewellers are proud to be associated with such an important cause. Thank you for joining us today and helping us raise funds for Breast Cancer Research.

JEWELLERS

STEPHENS JEWELLERS SHEPPARTON 路 SHEPPARTON MARKETPLACE 路 ECHUCA WWW.STEPHENSJEWELLERS.COM.AU

w w w. s t e p h e n s j e w e l l e r s . c o m . a u 1 3 3 H a re S t re e t , Ec h uca VI C 3 5 6 4

PH: 03 5480 3660

E M AI L: s a les @s tep hen s j ewellers .com .au

Screening is the best form of prevention Proudly supporting

Pink Ribbon Day Treatment for breast cancer is available locally at GV Health. However, early detection is key to help ensure a better outcome.

Remember to have a free screening mammogram every two years, if you are 50 or over. Contact your GP or Breastscreen Victoria on Ph: 13 20 50 to make an appointment today.

GV Health has a dedicated team of surgeons, medical oncologists, visiting radiation oncologists, breast care nurses and allied health professionals to care for patients affected by breast cancer.

G oulburn Valley

For more information about Breast Care Services at GV Health, contact: Allison Hartney GV Health Breast Care Nurse 0408 322 455

Michelle Parish GV Health McGrath Breast Care Nurse 0400 569 828

H E A LT H Wo r k i n g To ge t h e r t o Ach i e v e

Health ier C ommunities Graham Street Shepparton Telephone: (03) 5832 2322 Email: enquiry@gvhealth.org.au

Healthy Communities OCTOBER 2015 |

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Pink Ribbon Day 2015

PROUD TO SUPPORT WOMEN’S BREAST HEALTH

G

oulburn Valley Imaging Group has been a patron of the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch since its inception nine years ago.

Human resources and administration manager Denise Frans said the group was proud of its long-standing history supporting women’s breast health in the Goulburn Valley.

While less than 70 per cent of women eligible for BreastScreen participate, Denise said the number of women booking breast cancer screenings was

always growing thanks to awareness campaigns such as the Pink Ribbon Brunch.

Denise said the event was a chance to get together to celebrate achievements made, remember those we’ve lost, and remind women that their health is important.

their breast health.”

Goulburn Valley Imaging Group is the only accredited mammography clinic in Shepparton, and is located at 104 Nixon St, Shepparton.

“Women tend to put their family first and themselves second,” Denise said.

Women aged 50 to 74 can book a free BreastScreen Victoria mammogram by phoning 13 20 50 or by visiting www.breastscreen.org.au/onlinebookings

“The brunch helps raise awareness that women have to think of themselves first every now and then, and remember

Women aged 40 to 49 and 75 and older should consult their GP regarding BreastScreen eligibility.

BRUNCH

MENU A HIGHLIGHT

T

he delicious menu served at the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch is one of the event’s highlights and the quality of the food is always remarked on by guests.

Coles’ Shepparton Riverside Plaza store and Jill and Bernard Hayes from Eastbank Food combine their resources and talents to cater for the 732 brunch attendees.

Most of the food and non-alcoholic beverages are supplied by Coles, which

is then prepared into such gastronomic delights as breakfast pastries, gourmet tarts, frittatas and fruit platters by the Hayeses and their staff.

Coles Riverside Plaza store manager Marc Spillman said many of his staff members had bought tickets to the brunch and were looking forward to the event.

“We have supplied the food for the brunch for several years, it’s great to think that Coles’ relatively small

contribution is part of an event that raises so much money for such a good cause,” Marc said.

Jill said about 30 people were involved in preparing and serving the food at the event, the atmosphere of which she described as “electric”.

“There are over 700 women in the room, all chatting at the same time; you can hardly hear yourself think. It’s exciting and we’re so pleased to be involved,” Jill said.

LONG-STANDING PATRON The Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation has been a patron and supporter of the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon brunch since the event’s inception.

Copulos Group founder and chairman Peter Copulos said the foundation was a strong supporter of events that promoted health awareness.

“The Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation support a number of local 30

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health services in the region as my wife and I firmly believe that the Greater Shepparton region should have better health care services for patients,” Mr Copulos said.

“The National Breast Cancer Foundation Pink Ribbon organisation does a wonderful job with research, prevention and support for women affected by breast cancer.

“I would not hesitate to increase my sponsorship support if there was a guarantee that all the funds from the Shepparton Pink Ribbon Brunch stayed in the area so that the local community benefited as much as possible.

“It is my great hope that residents of the Greater Shepparton region have access to all the services they need for treatment without having to travel to metropolitan areas,” he said.

SHEPPARTON

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CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION AVAILABLE

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA (BCNA) BCNA is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer and consists of a network of more than 70,000 individual members and 294 Member Groups. BCNA works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible. BCNA are represented by the Pink Lady silhouette, symbolic of our focus on the women diagnosed with breast cancer and all those around her.

Harvey Norman速, The Carpet & Flooring Specialists, are proud to be supporting this worthy cause by donating $1 for every roll of Dunlop Cloud 9 underlay sold.

If you or someone you know has been affected by breast cancer, connect with BCNA at www.bcna.org.au or call 1800 500 258.

SHEPPARTON SUPERSTORE Riverside Plaza 5820 2900 8025 Goulburn Valley Highway, Kialla Harvey Norman速 stores are operated by independent franchisees.

Shop online or mobile: harveynorman.com.au

Pick up in store or have it delivered.

Federal Member for Murray, the Hon. Dr Sharman Stone

Working for you in Murray If you have “any Federal

McDONALD’S® SHEPPARTON & MOOROOPNA PROUD SUPPORTERS OF PINK RIBBON DAY

Government issues that I could help with, give me a call

“

Ph: (03) 5821 5371 email: s.stone.mp@aph.gov.au web: www.sharmanstone.com

E st .

Celebrating 61 Years

Proud Patron of the Pink Ribbon Brunch 32

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1954

Pink Ribbon Day 2015

I AM BETH STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PICTURE: HOLLY CURTIS

A

simple everyday occurrence led to Beth Smith’s shock breast cancer diagnosis.

In 2007 and aged just 30, Beth — wife of Jason, mother of Josh, 9, and Claudia, 6, and staff member at Pental Limited in Shepparton — was given the news she had an aggressive stage three cancer in one breast.

“It was Australia Day, 2007 and I was out shopping.

I dropped something and when I went to pick it up my bag fell off my shoulder; when I lifted my bag up my hand brushed against my breast and I felt something,” Beth said.

“

“

About two years ago it (cancer) stopped consuming me . . .

She describes herself as “breast aware” and had only conducted her monthly self examination a fortnight before.

The following day Beth attended a Saturday morning GP clinic, was referred for a mammogram and ultrasound and on Valentine’s Day, February 14, had the cancerous breast removed, along with lymph nodes from under her arm.

“In the two weeks between finding the lump and

having surgery it had tripled in size. And two days before my 31st birthday I started chemo; six treatments over three months,” Beth said.

Beth has since had reconstructive surgery and undergone testing, which determined the cancer was not genetic.

During her treatment and recovery Beth said her family, friends, employers and medical team, including breast care nurse Kerry Patford, were supportive and reassuring.

“Kerry was always only a phone call away, even at one in the morning when I was having a moment.

Sometimes I just needed to talk to someone who wasn’t connected familywise,” Beth said.

“About two years ago it (cancer) stopped consuming me, I started playing netball again and I became Beth again, instead of Beth with breast cancer.

“It’s not at the front of my mind all the time anymore.

I was and continue to be surrounded by positive people and I haven’t looked back.”

CLOSE TO WORKERS’ HEARTS

U

nscented pink soap, manufactured

by Pental Limited especially for the Pink Ribbon Brunch, will be included in the gift bags given to those who attend the annual fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The soap was the brainchild of Pental Limited’s Shepparton site manager Gerard Segrave and is part of the company’s generous sponsorship of the brunch.

Pental Limited has been a patron of the Shepparton News brunch for several years and its involvement was prompted by the breast cancer diagnosis of order fulfilment team leader Beth Smith.

Beth said the decision to support the brunch came directly from the chief executive officer Charlie McLeish and she was overwhelmed when he told her he was supporting the cause, at a local level,

in recognition of her fight.

Pental Limited is also a platinum partner of NBCF and proceeds from the sale of selected products contributes to its $100 000 pledge to breast cancer research.

NBCF’s commitment to breast cancer research strongly aligns with the company’s vision to ‘help families live better’.

OCTOBER 2015 |

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Pink Ribbon Day 2015

Lynda Dellar completed treatment for breast cancer in September and bravely volunteered to be photographed without her wig.

“

“

This is cancer, this is what it looks like.

SPIRIT

NOT DENTED STORY: SHARON WRIGHT PICTURES: RAY SIZER

A

pril Fools’ Day, 2015 will forever be etched in Lynda Dellar’s mind.

couldn’t feel it; the cancer was so deep,” Lynda said.

It was the day the 62-year-old Tatura resident was told by staff at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne that she had a grade two cancer in a milk duct in her right breast.

Fiercely independent and always active, Lynda, a mother of three and grandmother of five, was unprepared for the overwhelming lethargy that came with her treatment.

Lynda was no stranger to cancer; five of her seven siblings have succumbed to various forms of the disease including one sister Pam, who lost her battle with breast cancer at age 65.

“I worked full-time and when I wasn’t working I was baking or doing something.

To go from that to struggling to get out of bed some days was hard,” Lynda said.

“Once Pam was diagnosed I started having mammograms every two years from the age of 40. This time I received a letter saying to come to Melbourne for a follow-up, they tell you nine out of 10 who get a call-back are fine,” Lynda said.

Unfortunately Lynda was “the one” and three weeks later underwent surgery to remove two areas of her breast and a lymph node from her underarm, followed by four rounds of chemotherapy over three months and five weeks of radiotherapy, concluding on Friday, September 18.

“I would never have found it without the mammogram, even the specialist who checked me the day before surgery

Husband Rodney took long service leave from work to care for her, and family and friends were an invaluable support.

“I had so many texts, phone calls and visits, one of the girls I worked with made me a beautiful book with photos of my grandchildren and room for dates and appointments. I couldn’t believe someone would do that for me, usually it’s me that fluffs around over others,” Lynda said.

That generous nature saw Lynda shave her head, only months before her own diagnosis to raise funds for the Nambour General Hospital oncology unit in Queensland, which cared for her sister Val, prior to her death from lung cancer.

Her cancer experience hasn’t dented her spirit or willingness to help others.

“I would love to be able to encourage workplaces to get their staff to put a dollar or two away each week so that when someone goes through, not just cancer but any serious illness, they can hand over $500 to pay a bill or buy a wig,” Lynda said.

“Now that I’ve been through it I would also like to look into ways of helping people get cheaper wigs, which is a practical way of helping people with cancer.”

With her treatment finished, Lynda will have regular scheduled appointments with her medical team and is looking forward to returning to work, as an accounts clerk with the Kyabram Free Press.

“I’ve been put through the hoops. It didn’t sink in when I first got the diagnosis and I’ve had days of tears when it just hits you but I consider myself so lucky.

“It has been quite a journey but now I’m feeling wonderful; you can’t imagine it’s so beautiful. I’m just enjoying every day and getting more enjoyment out of every day.

“Going back to work will be getting back to normality for me.”

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“Breast cancer is the most common new cancer in Victoria and has overtaken prostate cancer as of 2014” — Victorian Cancer Registry 2014

“We have all been touched by someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Outcomes for those diagnosed have improved markedly because of research. Pink Ribbon Day helps to raise awareness of breast cancer through prevention, support and research. I urge the community to get involved to help bring attention to this campaign. We must continue to fight for this cause with the ultimate goal of leading to a cure” Suzanna Sheed MP Member for Shepparton District

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Proudly supporting

Pink Ribbon Day

Pink Ribbon Day 2015

TAKE

EACH DAY AS IT COMES STORY: EMMA CARINCI PICTURE: JULIE MERCER

A

mberlee Goodall has spent most of the day at work but her house is spotless and she smiles as her daughter Ally, 7, jumps on her lap and smothers her with hugs.

Amberlee, now 39, has been back at work for two years after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2010.

“I did not feel strange and I didn’t feel any pain. I just remember thinking that my breast looked funny’,” Amberlee said.

“

“

… It’s the biggest fight of your life.

With no family history of cancer and feeling “fit as a fiddle”, the diagnosis came as a complete shock to Amberlee as she recalls leaving the doctor’s office and almost collapsing into a heap on the floor.

Two weeks after the diagnosis, Amberlee was sent to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for an operation.

Chemotherapy and radiation followed and although the chemotherapy “knocked her for six”, Amberlee did not let it get the better of her.

“I thought I would be a recluse after the operation and not want to talk to anyone, but surprisingly I was the opposite.

“I just had to keep going. I had my family and life goes on… you can’t just stop.”

Remaining active and proactive, Amberlee released some of the stress and emotion through jogging and decided to shave her hair off as soon as it started to fall out.

“I was thinking to myself ‘Gee, haven’t I gone through enough?’ And then you start to lose your hair!”

While she admits it was challenging to constantly stay positive and put on a ‘brave face’, giving up was simply not an option.

“The question you have to ask yourself is ‘Do you want to live?’ At the end of the day, you have a choice.”

Amberlee credits her husband Glenn, children Ally and Bailey, parents and friends for being her number one source of strength.

However, she also said that individual willpower and strength were essential tools for survival.

“No-one can physically or mentally help you prepare… others can support you but when it comes down to it, you have to be willing to fight for yourself because it’s the biggest fight of your life.”

With Facebook sending us reminders of how quickly time can pass and how much life can change, Amberlee laughs as she shows a photograph of the time when her hair was growing back.

“It’s true what they say — ‘Chemo curls’ are real!”

Amberlee Goodall was given the all-clear at her recent five-year check-up.

She said she felt awesome and was relieved.

Amberlee is looking forward to celebrating her good news with friends at the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch.

OCTOBER 2015 |

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Wendy is proud to support Pink Ribbon Day

“

Every week at least one woman in the Goulburn Valley area is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Pink Ribbon Day is dedicated to fighting this disease, by raising awareness of the importance of breast health checks as well as the need for continued funding and research into breast cancer.

“

Wendy Lovell MP Member for Northern Victoria Region

138 Welsford Street Shepparton (03) 5821 0055 wendy.lovell@parliament.vic.gov.au

Authorised by Wendy Lovell MP, 138 Welsford Street Shepparton VIC 3630.

Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office and Communications Budget

Proud supporters of the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch

EASTBANK CAFE IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK And when the weekend comes around, you know where you should be – The Connection, next to KidsTown 38

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| OCTOBER 2015

Contact Jill and Bernard Hayes P: (03) 58 329 529 | E: food@bigpond.net.au

Proudly supporting The Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch

Find your local Shepparton Coles store: • Riverside Plaza, Cnr Goulburn Valley Hwy & Riverview Dve, Kialla • Cnr Maude & Corio Sts • 107-123 Echuca Rd, Mooroopna

Riverside Plaza is a proud sponsor of the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch We hope you enjoy these coupons from Howards Storage World and Ollie’s Delights

2 HOT DOGS & 2 MILKSHAKES

Spend $50 and receive FREE White Magic Eco Bathroom or Kitchen Cloth

ONLY $995*

Valid until November 9th, 2015.

1 per coupon

*Plain Hot dog & small milkshake.

1 per coupon

Expires November 9th, 2015

Stop Paying Too Much!!

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Bright Eyes Hairdressing & Day Spa, Dollar Land, Five Star Meats, Game City, GV Bargains, JD’s Juice & Sandwich Bar, Kebab Boyz, Kialla Medical Centre, Kiddie Culture, Lorenz Eyewear, Ollie’s Delights, Peter Copulos Community Centre and Riverside NewsXpress Melbourne Rd, South Shepparton. Ph.5822 8800 OCTOBER 2015 |

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Pink Ribbon Day 2015

FROM CONFIDANTE TO CANCER

SURVIVOR STORY: ALANA ROSENBAUM PICTURE: RAY SIZER

E

ighteen years ago, Robyn Treloar purchased the Bowl Corset Salon, a lingerie shop in Shepparton that specialises in prosthetics for women with mastectomies, and over the course of her career there, she has gone from being a confidante to cancer survivors, to a cancer survivor herself.

In February 2014, a two-yearly mammogram detected a lump in her left breast.

Her working knowledge of the disease did not mitigate the shock of the diagnosis.

“To be told you’ve got cancer, it’s like walking around the corner and getting hit by a bloody Mack truck,” Robyn said.

Other fitters, she knew, were slapdash in their approach, but she took pride in her fittings, ensuring that women ended up with prosthetics that felt comfortable and looked right.

Many of her customers were deeply vulnerable.

One woman confided that no-one except her husband knew about her double mastectomy.

Another was so disturbed by her appearance that she would rush out of the store mid-fitting, buying a prosthetic only after her third visit.

Women would talk to Robyn about their loss and she would listen attentively.

After the death of her husband, Robyn moved to Shepparton in 1996 for a fresh start.

“People’s stories touch you, sometimes you go home and bawl your guts out,” Robyn said.

In Gippsland, she had owned a furniture shop and initially hunted around for a similar business that could use her expertise.

Robyn promised herself she would have a mastectomy if she ever contracted breast cancer.

When she heard about a lingerie store up for grabs, her initial thought was “I don’t think so.”

Within days of her diagnosis, her entire tumour was successfully removed.

She didn’t especially like lingerie, but there was little else on offer.

The previous owners of the Bowl Corset Salon stocked prosthetics and Robyn travelled to Melbourne to attend courses on fitting them.

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But in the end, she didn’t need one.

Among the hardest period of her cancer was the lead-up to her chemotherapy — the procedure frightened her even more than the surgery itself.

“I was petrified,” she said.

“I was dreading the sickness.”

Robyn lost her hair, but managed to avoid the racking nausea that can accompany chemotherapy.

“One day I had chemo and went home and mowed the lawns,” she said.

After a bout of radiotherapy, she received a clean bill of health, in September 2014.

Robyn, who is prone to colourful expression, speaks candidly about the embarrassing side-effects of her treatments.

Without prompting, she pulled at her collar and showed me the surgical scar on the upper quadrant of her breast.

I asked her if there was anything about her own cancer battle she wouldn’t share.

She paused for a moment, then said, confidently: “No.” She said her illness had made her a more empathetic saleswoman; surviving the disease has enlightened her to customers’ experience.

“Once you have been told you have cancer, the big-c always worries you,” she said.

“The big-c is always there. I couldn’t understand customers saying that before.

“I would think ‘They’re cured, what are they worried about?’ But you do worry.

Cancer is cancer and it’s in your head all the time,” she said.

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Pink Ribbon Brunch

A message from the Pink Ribbon Brunch committee The Pink Ribbon Brunch committee would like to say a huge Thank You to all our Patrons, Major Sponsors, Sponsors and Supporters for your incredible generosity.

And a special Thank You to all our guests who continue to support this event each year.

Once again we’ve had an overwhelming response to ticket sales this year.

Over the past eight years we have raised in excess of $256,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and they are greatly appreciative of our fundraising efforts.

Thank You all for your support of this, our Ninth Annual Pink Ribbon Brunch.

OCTOBER 2015 |

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Pink Ribbon Day 2015

BREAST CANCER

AWARENESS TIPS DID YOU KNOW? •• Increasing age is one of the strongest risk factors for developing breast cancer. More than two in three cases of breast cancer occur in women aged between 40 and 69 years.

•• Australian women diagnosed with breast cancer have an 89 per cent chance of surviving five years after diagnosis.

•• Improvements in survival are attributed to earlier detection of breast cancer through regular mammograms and improved treatment outcomes for breast cancer.

•• On average, seven women die from breast cancer every day in Australia.

Finding breast cancer early increases the chance of surviving the disease.

•• Although rare, breast cancer can

also affect men, accounting for about 1 per cent of cases. About 110 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year.

EARLY DETECTION — SIGNS TO LOOK FOR •• A lump, lumpiness or thickening of the breast.

•• A change in shape, crusting, a sore or ulcer, redness or inversion of the nipple.

•• Discharge from the nipple that is blood stained, clear or occurs without squeezing.

•• Changes in the skin of the breast, such as any puckering or dimpling of the skin, unusual redness or other colour change.

•• Changes in the size or shape of the breast.

PINK PACES T his year saw the Shepparton Running Festival hold its third 5 km Pink Ribbon Run fundraiser.

The running track was dotted with pink as race goers donned the bright colour to raise breast cancer awareness.

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•• Unusual or persistent pain that is not related to the normal monthly cycle and occurs only in one breast.

TIPS FOR CHECKING BREASTS •• Use a mirror to get to know the usual look and shape of your breasts.

•• Become familiar with the feel of your breasts at different times of the month. You might find this easiest in the shower or bath, lying in bed or getting dressed.

•• Feel all the breast tissue from the collarbone to below the bra line and under the armpit.

•• Use the pads of your fingers to feel near the surface and deeper in the breast.

— Source: All information accessed from National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Network Australia and BreastScreen Victoria.

registered for the event, with more than 80 participants registering on the day.

the community and that the Pink Ribbon Brunch was certainly a worthy cause.

The run raised $1500 from registration fees, to be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The $1500 will be added to the money raised at the Pink Ribbon Brunch and donated to the NBCF to aid in research for the prevention and cure for breast cancer.

Race director Natalie Carpenter said the not-for-profit group loved to give back to

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Profile

DRIVING

Picture: Holly Curtis

AMBITION A SHEPPARTON STUDENT IS HOPING HER PASSION FOR MOTOR SPORT MAY LEAD TO A CAREER IN THE CAR RACING INDUSTRY. STORY: SHARON WRIGHT

S

hepparton teenager Brianny Nickson has racked up hundreds of hours behind the wheel of a car even though she is not eligible to gain her learner’s permit until November.

“I love the adrenalin rush, the faster the better,” Brianny said.

Even with her experience behind the wheel, Brianny is in no great hurry to drive on the road.

As a result she’s had to learn to undertake car repairs and has done some minor panel beating, as well as servicing her 1991 Nissan Pintara; changing the oil and replacing spark plugs and filters.

During the week the 15-year-old is a Year 9 student at Notre Dame College, but on the weekend she drives a rally car around a dirt track at Mooroopna along with other members of Shepparton and District Car Club, challenging herself to improve her times and skills.

Instead her involvement with the car club has reinforced the importance of safety and the responsibility that comes with driving a car.

Brianny said she inherited her “speedgene” from her dad Gary, who has recently sold his drag car to spend more time helping her focus on driving.

“Racing is timed, but drivers are penalised for hitting obstacles; trees, tyres, posts, I’ve hit plenty,” Brianny said.

They spend hours together working on Brianny’s car, which has modified suspension and shock absorbers and drive

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Brianny Nickson drives her car at up to 80km/h, throwing up dust in her wake at the Shepparton and District Car Club’s Mooroopna circuit.

Picture: Craig Hansen

“

“

Even though the focus is on drivers as individuals, racing is a teamorientated sport . . .

Picture: Craig Hansen

lights for night meets, and scouring the internet looking at cars and parts.

Dancing and netball were Brianny’s earlier pursuits, but once she attended a car club meet at age 12 and watched cars whizzing around the track, her interest quickly shifted.

Now she is hoping her sport may eventually lead to a career in the motor racing industry, either as a competitor, support crew member or race circuit attendant.

Another dream is to compete in Targa events; endurance races where a driver and navigator pit their skills against challenging terrain, often over several days.

In July, Brianny was one of a handful of talented young drivers, and one of only three girls, invited to a Victorian Confederation of Motor Sport drive day,

patronised by formula one driver Daniel Ricciardo at the picturesque Haunted Hills track in Gippsland.

Two of her idols, racing car drivers Cameron McConville and Karl Reindler, put the young drivers through their paces offering practical and theoretical advice on car control, braking techniques and safe cornering.

She also learned that correct seat adjustment is not for comfort, instead safety, with maximum vision and car control paramount.

Picture: Holly Curtis

through her membership.

“Even though the focus is on drivers as individuals, racing is a team-orientated sport, it takes a whole team of people to maintain the cars and run the events,” Brianny said.

Mum Brooke and younger sister Shakaya, 11, are also part of ‘Team Brianny’, helping out at car club rallies and indulging Brianny and Gary’s passion for cars and competition, even when on family holidays.

One test, a handbrake start on a steep hill, was a challenge for the girl from the Goulburn Valley who has only ever raced on flat tracks.

“We can’t drive past a car for sale on the side of the road without stopping for a look. Even on holidays their competitive natures come out and they race each other around go-kart tracks,” Brooke said.

Winner of the car club’s President’s Award in 2014, Brianny said she had learned so much about teamwork and the importance of contributing to a club

“I do tend to worry when Brianny is racing but I see the grounding that she’s getting at the local car club is readying her for bigger things, if they come.” n OCTOBER 2015 |

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AGE OF

REASON

FROM BENCH SEATS TO AIRBAGS, CARS HAVE EVOLVED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE YEARS WITH MORE WOMEN CARING LESS ABOUT PRICE AND MORE ABOUT SAFETY. FIVE SHEPPARTON WOMEN SHARE THEIR STORIES ABOUT THEIR FIRST CAR. INTERVIEWS: TAYLAH BURROWS

KATIE RICHTER, 21 PROJECT OFFICER GENERATION Z: 1990 — NOW My first and current car is a Hyundai i20. My Pop told me when I was really young that if I didn’t drink or smoke until I was 18 he would buy me a brand new car. I was very lucky that I didn’t actually pay for my car. I never gave in to peer pressure; I didn’t have a sip of alcohol until my 18th birthday and I still haven’t smoked.

I’m not very creative when it comes to naming things, so I often refer to my car as “green car”. All I ever wanted was a green car. Nothing else about it mattered as long as it was green.

When I first got my car I was obsessed with cleaning it. I thought I was being really productive and so I tried to move it on my own. I reversed it into the house. I was devastated and I cried as if my life was over. The damage was only a couple of hundred dollars in paint repair.

My major concern when learning to drive was obtaining the compulsory 120 hours. I was eligible for an exemption from doing all the hours because I didn’t have parents to teach to me to drive. I was lucky enough to have a friend’s mum commit her time to teaching me how to drive and I got all the hours anyway. Together we did more than 120 hours of driving on my Ls. I still have my first car. I’ve done 15 000 in nearly four years. I don’t drive very much.

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SAMANTHA PETERSON, 29 TEACHER GENERATION Y: 1981 — 1989 My first car was a white Mitsubishi Magna. I found it in Canberra where I was living at the time. It was a bargain at $1000. It used to use up so much oil but I didn’t mind as it was so cheap and reliable.

My good friend recalls me once driving my car from Shepparton to Bendigo without oil and water in it. It was running on the smell of an oily rag, she says. This probably happened because I never checked those types of things in the beginning. I think I learnt my lesson that day though. It was a very good first car, I treated it so badly but it never gave up.

My car had to be able to store art work and supplies in it — that was a requirement.

I was studying art at uni at the time and there was never any room in the back for passengers. I was not very good at unloading and putting things away so inevitably things hung around on the back seat forever.

I ended up buying a newer car a few years back now, so I traded my Magna in. The funny thing was I got more for the trade-in than what I paid for it. My Dad was so proud of this fact and gloated to the car salesman after I had signed the papers.

SUSAN MARSHALL, 58 BUSINESS OWNER BABY BOOMER: 1946– 1964 ISA GRAHAM, 51 BOOKKEEPER GENERATION X: 1965–1980 My first car was a Datsun 1200.

I didn’t buy my first car, my Dad bought it and put speakers and lamb’s wool seat covers in it for me.

One time when I was driving my car I had 10 passengers. I was asking them while reversing if I was too close to the pole. No-one was answering so I kept reversing, then bang. When I drove home I reversed into the shed to hide the dint. Dad got up and said what have you done to your car? Why is it reversed into the shed? He was onto it.

I thought I had no issues when it came to driving, but I failed my licence the first time I went for it so there must have been some. I’d probably only had three or four lessons leading up to my test as we did not have to do the 120 hours like now.

My first car was updated to a Datsun 120Y, or should I say Dad updated it for me.

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My first car was a blue Honda Civic, I was 17 at the time and it cost me about $5000. I’d seen them running around at the time and I really liked them so I thought that I would buy one.

I saved up my money by working part-time during the school holidays and had almost enough money saved up but I had to borrow the last $500 from my parents.

I’d learnt to drive living on the farm so I had some experience. I drove my first car around on my learners’ for six months with one of my parents, and then when I turned 18 I was straight into VicRoads on Monday and got my licence on my first go.

I had that car for quite a long time and I really loved it. I didn’t want to sell it, but one day I was looking out the window and I just saw my car driving away. My husband had sold it to a friend so that’s how they got it away from me.

An Oldsmobile Tourer similar to Audrey Thorn’s first car.

Picture: Brendan Walsh, Goulburn Valley Motor Vehicle Drivers Club.

My first car My first and current car is a 2007 black Kia Rio hatchback.

I am very fortunate to say that my car was bought for me by my grandparents.

It was early 2013 and I had just moved to Melbourne for university.

AUDREY THORN, 86 RETIRED SILENT GENERATION: 1925– 1945 My first car was bought in 1950. It was a second-hand Oldsmobile Tourer and it cost us £20. A car was a car to me; as long as it got me from point A to B, it didn’t matter. I remember that the windows weren’t made of glass, when the frost got to them they would get brittle and break easy.

There were no indicators, you’d have to put your arms out, but at the time there were only three or four other cars on the road so it didn’t matter. It has two bench seats and the gears were on the floor. And if you wanted to turn the tail light on, you had to go outside, go around to the back and turn it on there.

My first car’s name was Emma, I’m not sure where it came from but that’s what we called it.

A funny story from driving my car was when Emma blew up on me.

I was driving along when all of a sudden smoke started billowing up; it must have been the radiator. The roads weren’t busy so I wasn’t holding anyone up. I wasn’t far from my husband’s parents’ house so he came in his truck and towed me away. But that wasn’t the end of Emma. We got her fixed.

I learnt to drive by driving myself in and out of town to get groceries. But getting my licence was a funny story. My husband was coaching the football and they were short a few players, so he told me to go pick up some men to fill in. A couple of men from the team came with me to direct me, they turned out to be local policemen and I was driving with no licence. They had no idea.

My husband thought we should do something about it so took me to the police station on Monday to get one. One of the men that had come with me was standing in the office and it turned out he was the constable. He gave me a quick eye test and said “Well we know you can drive” and handed me my licence.

We ended up trading Emma in when we bought our first new car.

I was struggling to get a job because I didn’t have a car yet. A lot of places that hire university students require them to work late nights due to night shopping and without a car I would have to rely on public transport.

My family weren’t too thrilled by the idea of me spending late nights on public transport, so a car was bought.

His name is Harry and I adore him to pieces.

We’ve been through a lot together, from weekend trips to and from Shepparton to see my family, to early morning and late night waitressing shifts.

We’ve had a couple of little bingles, but I think the damage gives him character.

He doesn’t have a lot of power, sometimes when I’m driving along the freeway and I’m going up a hill he slips from 110 km/h to 80 km/h in 10 seconds, but he’s perfect for me and the kind of driving I do.

Only recently was I driving into Shepparton from Melbourne when a rock hit my windscreen right in front of my face. I quickly pulled over to inspect the damage and was sad when I realised how bad it was. Harry would have to be fixed. Luckily for me I was insured for windscreen damage so it was free and I had Harry back within 24 hours.

A lot of emphasis is put on safety when buying cars now; it’s not just about the cheapest car you can get your hands on.

Having a reliable and sturdy car is what made my time at university an easier experience and I’m so grateful for the assistance I had when it came to purchasing my first car.

— Taylah Burrows, 20 Journalist OCTOBER 2015 |

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Car Shopping

FIRST CAR

BUYING TIPS

B

uying your first car is an important milestone and is considered a ‘rite of passage’ into adulthood for Australian teenagers.

But visiting used car yards and trawling through internet listings can be confusing and sway you from the ultimate goal — buying a safe, affordable and reliable first car.

Victoria’s peak motoring body, the RACV represents 2.1 m members and has some important suggestions to keep in mind when researching what type of car best suits your needs and the safety features you require.

The RACV advises to follow these simple, but important steps when buying your new car.

•• Always test-drive the vehicle. Head for an 80 km/h road to make sure the engine and transmission are functioning well and drive across a bumpy road or driveway to see how the suspension feels.

•• Ask to see the vehicle’s service history — a regularly serviced car is less likely to have mechanical problems.

•• Consider having the vehicle inspected by an independent qualified mechanic. RACV and VACC provide this service.

•• Never buy a car without a current Victorian Roadworthy Certificate as it means you run the risk of hidden problems that can be costly to repair.

•• Check the vehicle’s status online.

At www.vicroads.vic.gov.au you can check registration status, while the Personal Property Securities Register (www.ppsr.gov.au) allows you to make sure the car is not stolen, does not have money owing on it or is not on the written-offvehicles register.

•• Make sure your vehicle is registered and fully insured and consider taking out roadside emergency assistance membership for peace of mind.

For further tips and a complete check list, visit RACV’s website at www.racv.com.au

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Beauty

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lorious sunny days, outdoor activity, swimming, sand and sunscreen are the things we love about summer, but something that doesn’t cope well with all that moisturesapping activity is our hair.

Price Attack Shepparton owner Cherie Moore said summer hair care was quite simple... moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.

Humidity causes hair to frizz, too much sun exposure can cause colour fade and curling, blow drying or straightening hair can be extremely damaging.

Cherie said fortunately there were a range of products available that could prevent damage, contained UV properties to protect hair when outside and repair hair to a healthy condition.

Maintaining good nutrition, staying well hydrated and wearing a hat outside will also help protect hair.

Get the tousled ‘straig ht

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out of the water’ look by styling with Juuce Sea Air Mist textured volumiser. 230ml RRP $24.95

“People don’t realise that hair has a very high moisture content, which can quickly be lost when heat is applied,” Cherie said.

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Summer

L E

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JOHN ANDERSON PHARMACY 310 Wyndham St. Shepparton Phone: 5821 2596

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: GLOWING SKIN FROM WITHIN

Want healthy skin?

WE’VE ALL HEARD THE SAYING ‘YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT,’ BUT DID YOU KNOW THE OUTER LAYER OF YOUR SKIN REPLACES ITSELF EVERY 35 DAYS?

M

E asked Your Health Naturally nutritionist, naturopath and herbalist Wendy Gordon, about the impact of diet on how well your body can perform this regeneration process.

Healthy skin starts from within, but few of us are truly conscious to the effect our diet plays on our overall health, not just our waistline.

Wendy said diet played a fundamental role in the regular skin renewal process, based on a balanced variety of nutritional health — meaning we quite literally are what we eat.

Wendy said a diet high in the right nutrients could assist in avoiding skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and psoriasis, and could also aid in the treatment of such ailments. In difficult and stubborn skin condition cases, specialised care may be required.

Vitamin C — assists with skin healing, immunity, UV-induced damage and wrinkles, and is found in a wide variety of colourful plant food.

Vitamin E — a fat-soluble antioxidant that assists with prevention of free radical damage to the skin and prevention of chronic illness. Dietary sources are sesame seeds (oil and tahini), sunflower, coconut and olive oil, almonds, eggs, soy and olives.

Selenium — used for skin wound healing, acne, anti-ageing and its anti-cancer properties. Dietary sources include Brazil nuts, mushrooms, egg yolk, rice, wheat, rye, wholemeal, red meat, oat bran, oats, yeast spread, sesame seeds (tahini) and fish.

So, what should we be eating to ensure a healthy glow from the inside to the outside? Wendy recommends:

Zinc — an essential mineral that assists immune function, wound healing, is anti-inflammatory and protects against UV-radiation. Dietary sources are organs such as liver and kidney, red meat, seafood, shellfish and chicken. Pumpkin seeds and a variety of nuts, seeds and fresh parsley also contain zinc. In some cases, to obtain a high dose, a supplement may be required.

Vitamin A — Retinol. This is used for acne, psoriasis and dry skin conditions, and found in cod liver oil, kidney, cream, butter, eggs, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potato and carrots.

Omega 3 — Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and useful for conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

They can also assist with smoother, younger looking skin. Dietary sources

“Our skin, mind and body are all a reflection of our nutritional health,’’ she said.

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The trick could be in what you’re eating. Pomegranates are just one fruit that is filled with antioxidants to help skin stay smooth and supple.

are flaxseeds/oils, walnuts, and coldwater fatty fish.

Probiotics — Many people with skin conditions have poor digestive health, immune systems and an imbalance of gut bacteria. Dietary sources of probiotics are sauerkraut, yoghurt, kimchi and kefir.

Supplements — not all probiotic supplements are good for your skin so talk to your naturopath before purchasing them.

Wendy said it was also important to avoid foods that caused stomach/ gut inflammation including takeaway, sugar and sweeteners that might be well disguised with labels including the words ‘healthy’ or ‘low fat’.

“During the last few decades or more the global food industry has profoundly changed the way we eat. Big business has successfully developed and marketed food products that have changed our taste preference and have addictive properties,’’ she said.

“Highly processed snack and takeaway/ fast food products, rich fat, sugar and toxic fillers, have replaced our real wholefood options.

“As a result of this there has been a staggering increase in the proportion of obesity, chronic illness and premature death.’’

Come and experience what your local library has to offer…

It’s all free!

Join Now

Connect

Stay connected to the joy of reading and borrow from our range of eBooks, eMags and eAudiobooks. Access our ecollections from our website at gvlibraries.com.au.

It’s free and available 24/7.

Create

Get creative at your library. Come along to a craft and cuppa morning, discover your family history, play scrabble or get crafty at our children’s storytime.

Learn

Your library supports your lifelong learning. You can learn a new language, update your computer and online skills or learn English with International English Language Testing System (IELTS). We have free online resources and classes to help you learn and grow.

Meet

Our libraries have comfy spaces for you to meet, connect to our WiFi, do business and catch up with friends. Need a quiet space? Try our Skype booth or meeting room at Shepparton Library.

Share

Why not share a great read at a Bookchat or Book Club get together. If you have time to share, ask us about volunteering at your library, or joining a friends of the library group.

t: 1300 374 765 e: gvrlc@gvrlc.vic.gov.au www.gvlibraries.com.au

112B McLennan St, Mooroopna • Ph: 5825 1401 OCTOBER 2015 |

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Health

HealthyCHOICES FOR

ENTERTAINING

S

pring heralds the start of the party season but that doesn’t mean an invitation to over-indulge in unhealthy food and excess alcohol.

Numurkah District Health Service dietician Louisa Li said, with some careful planning, healthy and delicious options could be included on the menu.

Louisa said festive season social and family gatherings were important occasions and contributed to an individual’s sense of wellbeing, but consistent overeating of foods high in fat, salt and sugar could eventually impact on our health.

“It is easy to over-consume discretionary food during the festive season but offering healthy and delicious food for these special occasions is not as difficult as people think,” Louisa said.

“It really is all about portion size and balance and ensuring those healthy options are served in an attractive and appealing way.”

Ingredient substitution was one way of incorporating healthy options; Louisa said replacing biscuits traditionally high in sugar and fat with rice crackers, healthy dry biscuits, celery and carrot sticks and offering vegetablebased dips such as hummus, beetroot, spinach and capsicum or salsa instead of cream-laden dips, were good starts on share platters.

Other foods that could be included on platters were seasonal fresh fruit, dried fruit, olives, lowfat cheese and raw nuts instead of salted nuts.

Louisa said skewered cherry tomatoes, basil leaves and low-fat mozzarella balls were easy and nutritious finger foods and smoked salmon and avocado were delicious spreads for rice crackers.

TZATZIKI 2 Lebanese cucumbers, peeled and finely chopped 2 cups low-fat natural yoghurt 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tbsp mint (or 1 tbsp dried mint), chopped Gently squeeze excess moisture from cucumber in paper towel.

Combine yoghurt, garlic and mint in a small bowl.

Stir cucumber into yoghurt mixture.

Hint: Dip can be stored in the fridge for two days.

Source: Healthy Food Fast, State of Western Australia, 2012.

It is also important, when entertaining, to ensure you have enough healthy food for your guests if they are drinking alcohol and to have non-alcoholic alternatives available.

“Water is the best option; it can be served in tall glasses with ice, slices of lemon or lime and mint leaves and is fresh and appealing,” Louisa said.

“Diet soft drink or cordial and fruit juices with no added sugar could also be offered to encourage guests to drink non-alcoholic drinks in between their alcoholic drinks.”

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6 Telford Drive, Shepparton. Ph: (03) 5831 2077. www.kitchenwise.com.au OCTOBER 2015 | ME 57 • New Homes • Renovations • Kitchens • Vanities • Laundries • Entertainment Units • Studies • Office Fittings • Commercial

Health GRILLED CHICKEN AND NOODLE LETTUCE WRAPS 2 cloves garlic, peeled 2 coriander stalks and leaves, roots discarded 1/3 cup lime juice 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 8 chicken tenderloins 125g dried rice vermicelli or bean thread noodles 1 tbsp red curry paste 375ml coconut-flavoured evaporated skim milk olive or canola oil spray 8 iceberg lettuce leaves 2 carrots, peeled and cut into matchsticks 4 spring onions (including green tops), chopped 2 cups bean sprouts 1 cup coriander, chopped, extra Place garlic, coriander, lime juice and vinegar into a small food processor or blender and puree until smooth.

To make dipping sauce, remove 1/3 cup of mixture, stir in sweet chilli sauce and set aside.

Add remaining coriander mixture to chicken in a small bowl, stir to coat and set aside to marinate.

Place noodles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water.

Add curry paste to a small saucepan on medium heat. Cook, stirring, for two minutes until fragrant then turn to low heat and add evaporated milk. Stir until curry paste is mixed through, simmer for one minute then add drained noodles. Mix well and remove from heat.

Spray a grill pan with oil and place on high heat.

Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes each side.

To serve, place a chicken tenderloin in a lettuce leaf. Top with a spoonful of noodles, bean sprouts, carrots, spring onions and sprinkle with coriander.

Spoon over 1/2 tbsp of dipping sauce and roll up to eat.

PINE BERRY FRAPPE

2 cups ice 1/2 punnet strawberries, hulled 1/2 cup canned pineapple pieces in natural juice, undrained 1/2 cup no-added-sugar apple and cranberry juice, chilled 8 mint leaves, plus extra, to serve 1 cup crushed ice, extra, to serve Place ice, strawberries, pineapple, juices and mint into a blender jug; blend until smooth.

Divide extra crushed ice between two glasses, pour over juice.

Garnish with mint leaves and serve immediately.

Source: LiveLighter 58

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www.livelighter.com.au

An exciting new era is unfolding in re-establishing Mitchelton as one of Victoria’s premier winery visitation experiences.

The Muse restaurant at Mitchelton overlooking the Goulburn River has recently re-opened after an extensive renovation, featuring a rustic French themed menu using regionally sourced produce, designed to complement the estate grown Mitchelton wines.

In expanding the offer at Mitchelton, the chocolatiers Ministry of Chocolate are in the final stages of finishing the new chocolate factory located at Mitchelton and will be producing fine Belgium chocolates from mid November and the new Chocolate CafĂŠ will be opening shortly after.

For more information or to make a booking call 03 5736 2222 or email mitchelton@mitchelton.com.au

470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie Victoria 3608, Australia Telephone +61 (0)3 5736 2222 www.mitchelton.com.au

Health

Fresh

FRUITY AND ALCOHOLFREE

TANTALISE YOUR TASTEBUDS DURING THIS YEAR’S WARMER SEASONS WITH A DELICIOUS MOCKTAIL. WHETHER YOU’RE SITTING BY A POOL OR ENJOYING A MEAL WITH FRIENDS, YOU CAN ENJOY THE FRUITY FLAVOURS OF SUMMER.

CRANBERRY LIME MOCKTAIL Serves: 2 Time: 1 minute 1 ½ cups cranberry-raspberry juice 1 ½ cups lemon-lime flavoured soft drink In a jug, mix the cranberry-raspberry juice with the lemon-lime soft drink.

Pour over ice and serve.

WATERMELON FIZZ Serves: 1 1 cup coconut water ½ cup watermelon puree 1 tsp stevia ½ cup ice cubes, or as desired Blend coconut water, watermelon, and stevia together in a blender until smooth.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add the watermelon mixture.

Cover shaker and shake until chilled, then pour.

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GRAPEFRUIT LEMONADE MOCKTAIL

MINT JULEP

Serves: 4 Time: 2 hours

¼ cup water ¼ cup white sugar 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves 2 cups crushed ice ½ cup real lemonade (not fizzy drink) Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

120 ml water 120 ml soda water 300 ml lemonade 300 ml grapefruit juice 1–2 strawberries 4–5 mint leaves 1 ruby grapefruit 1 orange Fill one ice cube tray with lemonade and another with grapefruit juice.

Chop strawberries into small pieces and drop one piece into each lemonade cube and do the same with the mint leaves and the grapefruit juice. Leave trays in freezer until frozen.

Mix the remaining lemonade and grapefruit juice with the soda water and water in a jug.

Peel and remove the pith from the ruby grapefruit and orange and cut into small (1 cm) pieces and add to the jug.

Place three or four ice cubes of each flavour into individual glasses and top up with the mixture in the jug. Spoon out the fruit if necessary to distribute evenly.

Serves: 2

In a small saucepan combine the water, sugar and chopped mint. Stir and bring to a boil.

Cook until sugar has dissolved then remove from heat and set aside to cool.

After about an hour, strain out mint leaves.

Fill 2 cups or frozen glasses with crushed ice. Pour ½ of the lemonade into each glass and top with a splash of the prepared sugar syrup. Garnish each with a mint sprig and a straw.

Source: All Recipes www.allrecipes.com.au

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Books

By Taylah Burrows

Review

Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny

by Holly Madison, Harper Collins Publishers, RRP $29.99

The Girls Next Door television show was an international hit during its broadcast from 2005 to 2010.

Holly Madison was one of three women living with and dating Playboy magazine publisher Hugh Hefner.

Five years later, Madison has detailed the inner workings of the Playboy Mansion in her memoir Down the Rabbit Hole.

From humble beginning in Alaska, Madison decided to chase her dreams and move to Los Angeles in pursuit of

becoming the next Marilyn Monroe.

Eventually Madison was left jobless and homeless, which saw her eventual move into the Playboy Mansion.

The Girls Next Door television show provided the public with an all-access pass into the lavish lifestyle of the Playboy Mansion.

However as Madison writes, the luxuries of the mansion did not come without a price, with manipulation a key storyline throughout the novel.

Perhaps the most surprising shock in Down the Rabbit Hole is Hugh Hefner’s role as an emotionally abusive partner whose frequent outbursts left Madison in tears.

Eventually Madison left the mansion of her own accord, and has since starred in a high-profile stage show on the Las Vegas strip and is married with a daughter.

Madison’s book blows the door wide open on Hugh Hefner’s usually private world.

Unwind between the lines

Adults are getting their chance to colour between the lines thanks to the rising popularity of adult colouring books.

“It’s a mindfulness activity; it’s slowing down and being in the flow with the here and now, “ Rachael said.

Gone are the days of colouring books designed specifically for children.

Another benefit of colouring to relax is that the activity is seeing people unplug from their screens, which can be overstimulating.

Now, more intricate designs of gardens, mandalas and other stimulating images are available for adults to colour.

While colouring is an enjoyable pastime, not many people are aware of the resulting mental health benefits.

The process of drawing and colouring mandalas has been likened to meditation, with the intricate designs requiring 100 per cent concentration.

Shepparton clinical psychologist Rachael Willis said colouring as a relaxation tool was a passive form of relaxation that was distracting and non-pressurised.

Relaxation can be both passive and active, with active forms of relaxation including walking and running.

Rachael said it was important for everyone to ensure they were getting a balance of active and passive activities.

THREE INTRICATE COLOURING BOOKS TO HELP YOU RELAX:

Secret Garden

by Johanna Basford, Laurence King Publishing, RRP $19.99

Ten to 15 minutes of relaxation a day is recommended and should be taken even if you don’t think you’re stressed.

Colouring in a single page at the end of every day is an easy passive tool to relax in both a mindful and creative way.

Animal Kingdom

ME has two copies of colouring book The Magical City to give away.

Lizzie Mary Cullen’s The Magical City takes you on an adventure through the hidden wonders of urban landscapes across the world.

Take the time and unwind by colouring your way from London to Luxor with this intricate colouring book.

Send your entry to Me, The Magical City competition, Shepparton News, PO Box 8000, Shepparton 3632.

Remember to include your name, address and a daytime phone number on the back of the envelope.

Entries close on Thursday, November 5 and the winner will be notified by phone.

The Magical City

>> Win Win Win

by Millie Marotta, Batsford, RRP $19.99

by Lizzie Mary Cullen, Penguin, RRP $22.99

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Profile

FOLLOWING

INNER GUIDANCE MICHELLE NEWTEN, AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS “THE AUSSIE ANGEL LADY”, HAS OPENED THE ANGELS OF KINDNESS HEALING CENTRE AT EMERALD BANK, KIALLA. THE FORMER NURSE IS THE AUTHOR OF A SERIES OF INSPIRATIONAL ANGELIC TEACHINGS THAT ARE COLLECTIVELY KNOWN AS THE ANGELS TOOLBOX AND OPERATES AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST ONLINE ANGEL SHOP. STORY: ALANA ROSENBAUM PICTURE: RAY SIZER

O

n a winter morning in 2006, Michelle Newten awoke up with numbness on her right side and laboured breathing.

She suspected a stroke, but tests revealed mycoplasma pneumonia, a debilitating bacterial infection that attacks the respiratory tract.

A nurse at the emergency department of Kyabram Health, Michelle believed she picked up the infection on the job.

She had been considering a break from nursing to spend more time with her son in Year 12, and now she faced an enforced quarantine. Mycoplasma pneumonia would leave her bedridden for three months.

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Looking back, Michelle regards her illness as penance for ignoring spiritual guidance.

“I just knew I should have been home, and I was home all right, home sick. If you don’t listen, you end up doing it the hard way,” she says.

Michelle, 52, runs AOK (Angels of Kindness) Healing Centre. The business in Emerald Bank, Shepparton, is testament to her passion.

The pink-hued shop specialises in angel products — trading in everything from wall clocks and greeting cards, to plaster sculptures.

Off the main showroom, psychics,

I felt like I was a foreigner going into the natural area.

“

“

beauticians, and complementary therapists see private clients.

The business is a culmination of a journey that began when Michelle’s eldest son was diagnosed with autism.

“I cried for a day,” she said.

“And then I stopped crying and started to work with him.”

As a carer, Michelle was well qualified.

In the early 1980s, she studied nursing at Goulburn Valley Base Hospital (now Goulburn Valley Health).

She worked her way up the chain to afterhours co-ordinator at Kyabram District Memorial Hospital (now Kyabram Health) and completed a nursing degree at

La Trobe University, graduating at the top of her class.

antibiotics and immunisation and I didn’t share that view.

Michelle stood firm in her commitment to western medicine, but faced with her son’s autism diagnosis, she also explored complementary therapies, such as kinesiology, colour therapy and crystal healing.

“Once, a teacher in kinesiology said to me: ‘You’re a nurse, why would you be here?’ ”

Today, it is commonplace for medical practitioners to embrace Western and alternative techniques, but this was the early 1990s and Michelle’s dual commitment was challenged.

“I felt like I was a foreigner going into the natural area,” she said.

“I met people who were against

After Michelle’s recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia, she returned to work — and fell ill again within a fortnight.

Thus began a pattern of work stints followed by ill health that persisted until Michelle’s retirement from nursing four years ago.

She has since produced meditation CDs and written two books about her spiritual practices.

To promote its products, she hit the road with the Mind, Body, Spirit Festival, a national health, wellbeing and natural therapies expo, travelling to Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.

But packing and unpacking her wares proved labour intensive (typically, she would be the last delegate to leave) and she began to search for permanent premises.

“I was guided to Emerald Bank,” she said.

“And all of the pieces of the puzzle went click, click, click.” n

She launched AOK Angels in 2008, first as an online business.

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Finance

Change

SPENDING HABITS AND SAVE

B

udgeting is the most effective way of managing your money and ensuring that you spend less than you earn, but preparing a budget and sticking to it can be easier said than done.

Australian Securities and Investments Commission MoneySmart website offers practical tips, easy-to-follow advice and simple strategies to help you save money.

ASIC MoneySmart senior executive leader Miles Larber said setting savings goals could be exciting, and once a regular savings plan was started it could be surprising how much could be achieved.

Mr Larber said whatever the circumstances, it was never too early to start saving, no matter how small the amount that could be put aside.

He encouraged people to “pay themselves first” by having savings deducted from their pay or benefits, and to keep a separate savings account, preferably with a competitive interest rate and no ATM or EFTPOS access, to prevent them from dipping into it when they’re tempted by an impulse purchase.

“Add in your windfalls, try to save any pay rises, bonuses or tax refunds,” Mr Larber said.

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He said small changes could make a big difference to a person’s bank balance, and by changing one thing they did regularly, they could save money.

net close to $7050 over five years. If you usually drink two coffees a day, this figure will be closer to $14 120 — a substantial sum in anyone’s book.

Mr Larber suggested: •• Give up drinking coffee or cut down on alcohol — it might sound scary but it will save you money and can have health benefits; •• Make your lunch at home; •• Have people over for dinner rather than going out, and ask everyone to bring a plate of food to share; •• Borrow books and DVDs from the library; •• Lock-up your credit card for a month and only pay for things with cash; •• Set a limit for birthday and Christmas presents or give homemade gifts.

“Take the time to consider other seemingly small, frequent purchases such as chocolate, gum, or bottled water and you will soon realise this can lead to big savings in the long term.”

“Not many people consider how much small purchases can add up over the longterm. Take, for example, a cup of coffee; many people purchase one a day, and some buy two or more,” Mr Larber said.

Mr Larber encouraged parents to teach their children, from a young age, how to manage money and prepare them for the financial challenges of adulthood.

“In a time of credit cards, internet banking and online shopping, children don’t often see people buying products with physical money like notes and coins,” Mr Larber said.

“Not seeing money exchanged for purchases makes it harder for kids to get their heads around what things cost.

“If we assume the average price for a cup is around $3.50, this adds up to an annual cost of close to $1280 or an eye-watering $2560 if you choose to buy two.

“Giving kids pocket money is also a great opportunity to teach children the value of money and help them understand about saving, spending and donating.”

“A daily deposit of $3.50 with interest compounded monthly at 4 per cent will

For more tips go to www.moneysmart.gov.au

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