Me magazine october 2013 (low res )

Issue 4 • October 2013

100% women only FASHION

RACE-DAY GLAMOUR JEANS GENIUS SCHOOL FORMALS

Profiles

Compassionate, dedicated and inspiring women

CAREERS Diversity at work

PLUS Health, beauty, fitness and more

Pink n o b b i R y D4a -PAGE 1 AL SPECI

AGE OF REASON Insightful generations

OCTOBER 2013 |

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| OCTOBER 2013

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Cover: Alex Phillips and Emily Guthrie.

Age of reason page 46.

Photograph: Simon Bingham

Pink Ribbon Day

25 Beating breast cancer — personal journeys and breast awareness advice

Editor Corinna Boldiston 5820 3183 corinna.boldiston@sheppnews.com.au

Contents Sewing social justice

Writers Jenna Bishop Kerri Thomson Laura Griffin Rhiannon Gavalakis Chloe Warburton Contributor Hilary Holmes Sub-editors Wendy Russell Lisa Anderson Sandy Lloyd Kylie Garrett

12 Robyn Smith in profile

Graphic designer Teresa Lagozzino Photographers Shepparton News photography department 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

14 Career women

www.mmg.com.au

46 Age of reason | OCTOBER 2013

Group offers friendship and support for mums

10

Driven to encourage others

12

Career women

14

Fashion blooms for Spring Racing Carnival

19

Pink Ribbon feature

25

Bonding experience takes a new direction

39

The hunt is on for the perfect dress

40

Jeans genius

42

Science makes way for beauty passion

44

Age of reason

46

Help your health

48

Over 50s fitness

50

Arts project aims to draw people to Dookie

52

In-laws part of happy family life

54

Shark experience terrifyingly good 56 Tragedy spurs mother’s efforts to help others 58

magazines@sheppnews.com.au

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6

When your crush turns serious

61

Reviews

62

Welcome The journey of life does not always follow a perfect script.

While ideally we’d prefer good health, happy families and exciting opportunities, sometimes we are thrown unexpected curve balls.

19 Spring racing

58 Teresa

Carlson’s inspiring journey

This issue of ME shares stories of women who have hit life’s challenges head on. For some the road hasn’t been easy but the way they have coped with their challenges is inspiring.

In the lead-up to the Shepparton News Pink Ribbon brunch on Sunday, October 27, we meet breast cancer survivors, a breast care nurse and women taking a proactive approach to breast health and cancer research.

Once again, the fundraising brunch sold out on the first day of sale. More than 700 people, mostly women, will create a sea of pink at Shepparton’s Eastbank Centre for a fun morning which supports a serious cause.

We also feature other women in our community who are dedicated, compassionate and intriguing.

Former Family Care employee Zoe Ekberg has left Shepparton to empower vulnerable young women in Cambodia who have been drawn into the sex trade.

Through ministry organisation Sak Saum, Zoe is helping women — mostly from poor backgrounds — to develop

40 Dressing up for the high school formal

52 Arts in Dookie

new life and employment skills. Back home in the Goulburn Valley, Zoe is supported by a number of individuals and organisations including the Shepparton Encounter Church where she was a member of the congregation.

In other profiles, we meet Robyn Smith and Teresa Carlson, whose compassion and dedication in the face of grief is equally inspiring.

There’s also a lot of fun and colour in this issue — check out our gorgeous Spring Racing Carnival feature where we meet fashionistas Ashleigh Barri and Lisa Kerr.

Thankyou to Hazel Park and Morley Park Horse Stud for helping us provide a vibrant picture spread. Also congratulations to Ashleigh who has since won Fashions on the Field at the Benalla Races in the outfit pictured on page 19.

With high school formal season in full swing, we give you a glimpse of styles our senior students are choosing this year. We hope all our fresh-faced young women enjoy dressing up for a magical night. Ah, to be young again!

— Corinna Boldiston Editor

View all your favourite local magazines online Simply go to www.sheppnews.com.au and look for the magazines link and start reading today.

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Story: Jenna Bishop

Sewing

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Above: Zoe and Sak Saum’s national director Theavy Kang in the organisation’s Phnom Penh shop.

Left: Poverty, especially in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, leaves many at risk of exploitation.

Far left: Zoe has designed a range of nightgowns for her Awaken project, which will eventually be made by girls from Sak Saum.

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Story: Jenna Bishop

Cambodia is a lush tropical paradise teeming with ancient temples, beautiful vistas, friendly people and a booming tourism industry.

Simmering beneath the surface of this beautiful country, however, is something far more sinister – fully fledged prostitution and human trafficking industries.

These flourishing industries have put the country on numerous international watch lists and made it the subject of many reports by the United Nations and various human rights campaigners.

However, social justice organisations are rising to meet the challenge and are helping women, children and men escape the prostitution industry and the vicious poverty cycle.

Zoe Ekberg, who worked with Shepparton’s FamilyCare and the Refugee Minor Program, has spent the past two years working with care organisations in Cambodia, to develop opportunities for women and girls to empower themselves and improve living conditions.

For Zoe Ekberg, Cambodia is no tropical paradise.

States’ Department of State Trafficking in Persons 2013 report.

It’s a country with a seedy underbelly, rife with illegal human trafficking and prostitution, hidden by a beautiful facade.

“With the corrupt system, sadly, many times that just means those in authority can hold power over women in prostitution and use their services without paying,” Zoe said.

However, unsustainable growth in a short time and the switch from communism to an open, democratic society has left many mired in poverty.

“Poverty and a lack of access to quality education and training have left many people vulnerable,” Zoe, 32, said.

Zoe said although there was a visible and accessible club and bar industry, it was Cambodia’s reputation for sex tourism, its hidden local industry, that was creating most demand.

“Many (young women) are homeless and experience stigmatisation and victimisation by their own clients and others within the community,” she said.

“Physical, sexual and verbal abuse is commonly experienced and many girls struggle to earn enough to survive.”

Despite prostitution being illegal in Cambodia, authorities struggle to enforce the laws and the number of people prosecuted and convicted for sex trafficking crimes has fallen, according to the United

“

Poverty and a lack of access to quality education and training have left many people vulnerable.

“

Devastated by the Vietnam War, a subsequent civil war and the barbaric Khmer Rouge regime, Cambodia is slowly rebuilding thanks to a thriving tourism industry and a relatively stable government.

Young Cambodian and ethnic Vietnamese girls are taken from their rural homes to Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Poipet, Koh Konga and Sihanoukville, where they are subjected to sex trafficking in brothels and increasingly other venues such as beer gardens, massage parlours, karaoke bars and salons, according to the UN report.

“Young women, men and children are required to work to support their families, but without education or skills, they often become easy prey to traffickers,” Zoe said.

Ironically, in Cambodia prostitution is regarded as a wealthy industry, but many women still struggle to afford food and their 7000 riel (about $1.75) a day for rent.

There are no confirmed figures for the number of Cambodians — women, children and men — forced into prostitution, but estimates vary between 50 000 and 100 000 people, with about 30 000 in Phnom Penh alone.

exploiting young children in the sex trade, continues to operate on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, despite numerous police attempts to close it down, according to the Trafficking in Persons report.

For the past two years, Zoe has been working in outreach programs in Cambodia, and this year began working with Sak Saum, a ministry organisation dedicated to the rescue, restoration, transformation and rehabilitation of vulnerable and exploited women.

Sak Saum provides employment and training opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them vocational and leadership skills in the handicraft and sewing trades.

Support from a number of individuals and organisations including Shepparton’s Encounter Church, has allowed Zoe to fully immerse herself in creating opportunities and developing programs for the women supported by Sak Saum.

Zoe said she had always had an interest in different cultures and had felt drawn to work in Asia for a long time.

“What really prompted me to come here was learning the extent to which trafficking and exploitation take place in lower income countries such as Cambodia,” she said.

Zoe said Sak Saum also had a large focus on community development and works within slum areas as part of its outreach programs

>>>

The Svay Pak brothel, renowned for OCTOBER 2013 |

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Look your best everyday this summer…

Top: Sak Saum helps at-risk women develop life skills and create products such as these handbags to be sold in Sak Saum stores.

Above: One of the Sak Saum community houses in Saang. Many of the girls and women who have been supported through Sak Saum programs live in such houses. to provide opportunities for employment and development.

Zoe is aware the task she faces will not be easy.

Weekly visits to the outreach areas allow Sak Saum employees to develop relationships and spend time with girls in at-risk communities.

“Many of the girls have had very traumatic histories,” she said.

“The girls enjoy our visits and having people spend time with them,” Zoe said.

“With this type of outreach, it’s common for the girls to share stories about their backgrounds which are often painful and extremely saddening.

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“Many of the girls are exposed to frequent and violent assaults from customers and a large number have experienced abusive relationships in their personal lives.”

For the past couple of months, Zoe has been helping to design a new program called Awaken, in which employees will help to create a line of sleep wear.

Zoe said her Awaken project would be the first in Sak Saum to solely target women in prostitution and would provide opportunities for women who wanted to leave prostitution.

“Our hope is to empower women with willing hearts by providing the necessary resources that lead to a transformed life.”

“They have had to adapt to an environment where they are living to survive day-to-day.

“Yet, the way that I see it, achieving anything of value in life requires time and perseverance so it’s well worth it.”

Despite working with women in such disheartening situations and the heat, Zoe said Cambodia was a beautiful country to live in.

“Once you get past that though, there’s just so much to love about the country,” Zoe said.

“I really love the people, they’ve just won me over — I love the value they place on community and how people live together and work together to support each other.

“For the most part, Cambodians are quiet and gracious in the way they talk to each other and very respectful towards one another.”

You can follow Zoe’s Cambodian journey or donate to Sak Saum on her website, http://zoeekberg.wix.com/ water4myspirit n

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Group offers friendship and

SUPPORT FOR MUMS Despite their various ages and backgrounds, motherhood has connected a group of women from north Shepparton.

Interestingly, the nine first-time mothers all have baby girls. The women, aged 22 to 36, agree they have been “so lucky to meet”.

How has joining this new friendship group with other first-time mums and mostly strangers supported you?

Rebecca McAllister: The support of the new mums/parents group is invaluable; it’s a fantastic support network giving new mums the opportunity to discuss and share every aspect of parenthood, and the opportunity to make new friends. I would highly recommend for new parents to join their local new parents’ group, and if you get a great group of mums like ours — even better.

Rebecca McAllister and Tammy Edwards.

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Tammy Edwards: It’s been great to have a group of mums to talk to that are going through the same thing with their babies. This lovely group continued to see each other after the initial seven weeks of mothers’ group, catching up for weekly coffees, walks, swimming lessons and more.

Kristin Beggs and Michelle Sung.

Is childcare on your radar?

Kristin Beggs: I will enjoy returning to work but it will be a sad day when we drop our daughter off at childcare — not being there to share in new experiences and missing many firsts. Hopefully our choice will allow her to grow and learn and provide the opportunity to play with other children. The positives will outweigh the negatives, leading to a balanced life/work family.

Michelle Sung: Not returning to work isn’t an option for many mothers with today’s living expenses piling up at our back doorstep. Childcare provides safe, reliable care and the opportunity for mums to contribute to the household income.

Fortunately, unlike those mums, my choice to send my daughter to childcare would be to allow her opportunities to develop socially and emotionally and to participate in various learning experiences that I am unable to provide at home.

Taren Kirby, Imogen Radevski and Rachael Weber.

With celebrities flaunting amazing post-baby bodies days after giving birth, what are your thoughts on the pressure of body image and being a healthy mum?

Taren Kirby: I think it is important to be a healthy mother and wife with healthy eating and generally looking after yourself after giving birth. But I do think some celebs set unrealistic expectations after they have given birth because I believe they go to any length such as crazy diets and exercise within days of giving birth.

Imogen Radevski: Healthy is the operative word. In getting your body back (and why shouldn’t you?) you should maintain healthy eating, sleeping (as much as you can with a newborn) and exercise patterns.

Your baby, your husband and you need to enjoy life, which requires energy. Some people are lucky and snap back into shape with little effort; if you are fortunate to be one such person you should be proud of that, hardly flaunting — just inspiring.

Rachael Weber: Some mums put too much pressure on themselves to lose their baby weight quickly. Feeling healthy and happy and enjoying time with your baby is the most important thing. Give yourself time ... it takes nine months to gain baby weight so it should take at least the same time to lose it.

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Connie Austen: The proposed increase in paid maternity leave seems generous and would be a great boost to the household income for a first-time mum. However, I don’t believe this scheme is beneficial to the families that need it the most: low-income workers or those having subsequent children before returning back to fulltime work will be at a disadvantage. While I would like to have my children close together, I will now be carefully considering going back to work in between children. n

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There are days in Robyn Smith’s life when she has to draw strength from somewhere, just to keep moving forward. Following the loss of her husband Mick Rodger to Motor Neurone Disease in March 2010, her children, friends, work and community have been her life supports. Robyn wears many hats locally and internationally, to help those who need an unwavering voice.

Driven to

ENCOURAGE OTHERS Robyn thought Mick was charming. He was a country boy from Cobram and they met while teaching. They married and set up life together in Melbourne.

Robyn, a state league netball coach, sports administrator for Ausrapid — an organisation that seeks to make sport available to the intellectually handicapped — and a mum, was an established identity.

But Mick wanted to shift back to the country to spend time with his young family.

Robyn, 53, said the news had been alarming for her.

“I’m a city girl . . . what was I going to do in the country?”

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| OCTOBER 2013

But Robyn concedes that Mick’s plan was premeditated, and in 1995 they settled into life in Benalla.

“In retrospect, the best thing of all was moving to Benalla,” Robyn said.

Modern technology and travel enabled Robyn to continue her role at Ausrapid, an organisation she has been with for 21 years.

Her passion for social justice has been proven by her longevity in the job, and has been inspired by a determination for equity and a fair go for all.

“The message is about the person first – respect someone for who they are and what they can do,” Robyn said.

Story: Kerri Thomson Photography: Jayme Lowndes Somebody with Robyn’s netball credentials doesn’t slip under the radar, especially in a country town.

Robyn said she was “fiercely competitive” and had successfully coached Benalla A-grade to six premierships.

Watching from the sideline it is obvious she loves the game.

“I am passionate about netball and especially to be successful in a regional town and to encourage females in the community,” Robyn said.

“For them to do something they love, to want to improve, to make a contribution to their club — and if they work hard enough, they could be prime minister,” Robyn said.

“Sow the seed and make them think it’s their idea, and they will take ownership.”

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Mick encouraged Robyn to start her own netball coaching clinics 10 years ago.

“

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The message is about the person first – respect someone for who they are and what they can do.

“It’s a family enterprise and the kids help,” Robyn said.

Robyn said it was Mick who had pushed her out of her comfort zone and gave her a belief in her own ability.

“I felt like his best friend, never felt like his wife — I felt like his partner,” Robyn said.

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Mick’s diagnosis was devastating.

“We didn’t tell anyone for 18 months – didn’t tell a soul. He was a selfless, good man,” Robyn said.

Between the people of Benalla, who have supported six Mick Rodger Walk to D-Feet Motor Neurone Disease days, and his mates from Monash Uni Football Club, who organise an annual MND Ball, the two events have raised $500 000 for research into the illness.

We have done it well, and there is a sense of positive with the walk,” Robyn said.

For Robyn and her family, when confronted with the devastation of MND the reality hit that life is a privilege.

“Just living your life for material gain, if your head’s down, you may miss your life,” she said.

Robyn said her job, the Benalla Saints Club community and friends had been a godsend.

“I miss the sounding board Mick was but I have some great friends and Mick’s mates,” Robyn said.

Acknowledging the grief she still feels, Robyn said “sometimes you don’t know how you are”.

“It’s moment by moment and I look back now and there were times when I wasn’t so good . . .”

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For now, she just wants to do things with children Dene, Georgia and Martine and “live life as full as we can”.

And with her many social justice hats, Robyn will continue to be a busy campaigner.

She was elected vice-president of INAS, the international sporting organisation for para-athletes with an intellectual disability, in Rio de Janeiro in April.

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career WOMEN

While a career is often carefully planned, sometimes it evolves through life’s journey and may hold an intriguing surprise.

Four Greater Shepparton women with diverse careers shared their stories with ME.

Jan Pearce Funeral director and marriage celebrant Shepparton Age: 55 I never thought I would have this type of job. My friend worked for a funeral director and sometimes I would pop in and see her. When she was leaving, I was surprised to get a phone call offering me a job.

I originally thought this wasn’t for me, but agreed to a one-month trial and that was more than 15 years ago.

Sadly my first viewing was an 18-month-old child, and I thought if I could get through the situation and make a difference, I would give the job my best shot.

There is no formal training — everything you learn is on the job — and when on call, getting up at 3 am to go to a car fatality is part of the job.

As the manager, I arrange and conduct funerals and viewings, preparation of the deceased in the mortuary and primarily I am there for the family. I completed a general counselling course to help me relate to people in grief — it is important not to be overpowering

or intrusive. A lot of people are lost in this circumstance and need compassion and guidance.

I lost my mum suddenly when I was 18 and back then we didn’t have any input regarding the funeral arrangements, we were just told what was happening. I felt isolated; it was horrendous.

I also wanted to do something happy for a balance and five years ago qualified as a wedding celebrant. I researched the role by watching different celebrants and formed my own style. I get to meet many lovely couples and share their day. It’s important to add a personal touch to the ceremony for the couple and add a bit of humour — laughter is good for the soul.

When I have time I volunteer at Banksia, GV Health and GV Hospice care — I love to help people.

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Lynne Weir

Orthotics and Prosthetics specialist Shepparton Age: 43 In Year 12 I wanted to do something medical which would probably be nursing. A chemistry teacher mentioned a friend who made limbs, which sparked an interest for me.

I have a Bachelor in Applied Science (prosthetics and orthotics) from La Trobe University in Melbourne, the only place in the Southern Hemisphere to offer this course.

acute injury management and neurological conditions such as a stroke or cerebral palsy, arthritic conditions or specialist footwear.

I enjoy spending time with people and can make a difference by providing an othosis that will help them.

I have been seeing some children with cerebral palsy for years and as they grow I need to update their orthoses.

It can be an expensive course because of the extra study components required. After graduation, to find a job you may have to move to another region or interstate — I moved to Adelaide to work at Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Sometimes they don’t want to wear their prostheses anymore because other children laugh at them — that’s heartbreaking.

I really enjoyed it and had a fantastic boss who was interested and supportive and gave me the confidence to speak up.

The paperwork drives me insane!

If I could just get on and do my job, that would be terrific.

I assist people with the treatment of injury and disabilities, providing/making orthoses which are applied to the body to align, support, or correct deformities, or to improve the movement of joints, spine, or limbs. This includes orthopaedic rehabilitation, post-operative,

I spend time working with them and helping them to find solutions — like, when does it work for you to wear it?

I met my partner Noel Mitchell at uni studying the same course but as a mature-age student. He also worked at Royal Adelaide.

We have worked in Melbourne and Malaysia, volunteered teaching prosthetic and orthotics in Cambodia and set up a private practice in Shepparton. It is an obscure business, however after all this time I still enjoy it.

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career WOMEN

Bianca Berzani Refugee Community Project Officer Shepparton Age: 50 I arrived in Australia on Boxing Day 1995 from Albania.

The transition in Albania from a communist to democratic society was not pleasant. I was granted Australian citizenship because my mother was an Australian citizen living in Shepparton and I travelled on an Australian passport which was a luxury. The alternative was illegally going to Greece or Italy over the mountains and maybe getting shot by soldiers.

My life has been interesting and challenging since arriving as a single mother with a two-year-old child.

In Albania I was at the top of my career as personal assistant for the Minister for Cultural Youth and Sport and I have a Master’s degree in social science.

When I arrived I couldn’t speak English and wasn’t prepared for the difficulties I experienced. First I went to TAFE to learn English and the teaching method was different and difficult. I was crying with low self-esteem, dependant on my mother to look after my son and I felt bad receiving Centrelink benefits because I knew I could work.

After a few months I left TAFE to work six days a week in a factory where I experienced racist bullying and swearing — they didn’t know I was a skilled woman and I found it embarrassing.

One evening, two workers from TAFE came to the factory and said I had to come back to school. They told me I was one of few migrants with skills and I could support my community. This was a turning point in my life.

I placed my son into day care and went to TAFE every day, studying to be an interpreter. I did any course available to improve my English and communication skills.

I have since worked as an accredited level two interpreter, a teacher’s aide and for the Department of Immigration, working with refugees from Kosovo at a camp in Puckapunyal. It was traumatic, supporting and guiding these people to settle in Shepparton — migrants decide to come whereas immigrants don’t have a choice.

I also worked at the cannery one season to supplement my income.

I saved money from working at the factory and brought my own car and have also brought my own home.

My current role provides cultural awareness and the link between community groups and service providers.

I love being around people and seeing them determined to settle successfully in Australia and make the most of their opportunities, it is very rewarding.

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Colleen Wright Truck driver Tatura Age: 48

I’ve only been driving milk tankers for four years. Before that, I worked at Yakka for 11 years and at the Marketplace for 10, with some work at the cannery in between. I absolutely love driving a truck, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. Never in a million years did I ever think I would end up as a truck driver.

Everybody has been lovely — all the other drivers, the ones that I work with plus drivers from other companies. They’re terrific; I have not had one negative or sexist remark. They’re all encouraging. Even people I meet who ask what I do — they’ve all been really encouraging too. I had thought it would be a bit of a blokey world, but it is not at all.

A typical day for me is like a box of chocolates — you’ve got no idea what you are going to get. I start at 6 am or 6.30 am most days — today I went up to Koondrook, which is the other side of Cohuna, and then I went over to a factory in Bendigo.

Some days I could be up to Perricoota and farms up that way, other

days I could be up to Berrigan, or have to take a load over to a factory in Albury. Every day is different, which is good, I don’t get bored. I’m not stuck inside — I love being outside and I’m meeting new people every day.

I’m really lucky. However, getting bogged is not fun. In four years, I’ve been bogged twice, so that’s not too bad.

I only had a car licence, and I’d never reversed even a little trailer.

I had to do the different stages of the licences — I had to get my heavy rigid licence and then I had to wait six months before I got my heavy combination licence. All up, it probably took me about 18 months, doing it in between my other jobs. Once I got my licence, I started more or less straight away.

As long as my body holds up, I’ll keep doing it. I really enjoy it; I have no regrets at all. n

SPRING/SUMMER

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OCTOBER 2013 |

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| OCTOBER 2013

Fashion blooms

for Spring Racing Carnival

Ashleigh wears: Dress: Elie Tahari Fascinator: Christie Millinery Designs Heels: Vince Camuto Belt: John Van Gastel International Costumes Earrings: Lovisa

Lisa wears: Dress: Bardot Heels: Candy Fascinator: Jendi Bangle: Adorne

From floral prints to feathered fascinators, haute couture hats and tantalising turbans — spring is in full swing and so are the fashions on the field.

It’s certainly the season to be stylish! Shepparton racegoers Ashleigh Barri (left) and Lisa Kerr (right) share with ME how to create that winning look for a day at the races.

Stories: Rhiannon Gavalakis Photography: Bianca Mibus

OCTOBER 2013 |

19

Race-day fashion a year-round obsession The style stakes get higher each year during the Spring Racing Carnival as the hemlines and headwear reach new levels of elegance and extravagance — and this year will be no exception.

For 27-year-old Ashleigh Barri, the races are always a fabulous reason to frock up, and her preparations begin long before spring blooms.

“I set my mind to competing at (this year’s) Melbourne Cup Carnival for the first time last year,” she said.

“It’s been an intense time of planning and budgeting for most of the year.”

Her look takes a modern twist on classic silhouettes and she has used her own style intuition while working with designers to create outfits that are on-trend and original.

20

case of trial and error to find the perfect match.

“It’s hard to get the balance right; the headwear itself is often a bit of a statement. I found it difficult to accessorise with jewellery without overpowering the headwear,” she said.

“The minor details such as the earrings, clutch or the strap on a shoe — they can change the whole look.”

At the heart of all the hard work that goes into planning a race day look is a love of all things fashion.

“A day at the races is such a wonderful excuse to get dressed up,” Ashleigh said.

“It’s about bringing runway trends into something that’s wearable for you, but that also screams ‘racing fashion’,” Ashleigh said.

“Where else can you don a hat and your finest while enjoying the sunshine, the horses, and the effort others have gone to with their outfits?

“I’m always on the look-out for that ‘wow’ item that can be the centrepiece of the next outfit.”

“So many people have their own unique style and it’s great to see others challenging fashion trends.”

Striking the right balance and not going over the top with an ensemble could be a challenge, and Ashleigh said it was a

Ashleigh looks set to continue a head-turning season trackside, after recently winning Fashions on the Field at Benalla Races.

| OCTOBER 2013

Race-day tips and tricks STAY POLISHED You’re going to be out in the elements, so beware of wind and water.

Nothing spoils a great hair-do like Mother Nature, so go for a manageable look and keep bobby pins on hand just in case things get unruly.

SKIN There is nothing worse than frocking up to a race day primped to perfection and leaving the colour of a lobster. So don’t forget to slip, slop, slap before you leave the house.

SHOES Save the stilettos for the dance floor. If you can’t keep them on your feet all day, then you’re better off wearing a lower style that will stand the test of time. Luckily this season’s trends are seeing block heels coming back in a big way, so take advantage and gallop your way to the track in comfort.

HYDRATION Sunshine and alcohol is the perfect recipe for sunstroke — so make sure you stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Remember, by the time you feel thirsty you’re already at risk of becoming dehydrated, so drink up.

This page Lisa wears — Dress: Cue; Fascinator: Jendi, Clutch: Jendi; Heels: Candy.

Ashleigh wears — Skirt: Peter Pilotto; Fascinator: Custom made by Christie Millinery Designs; Blouse and bracelet: Custom made by John Van Gastel International Costumes; Clutch: Shag; Earrings: Target; Heels: Verali Opposite page Lisa wears — Top and skirt: Cue; Clutch: Jendi; Fascinator: Morgan and Taylor; Bangle: Adorne; Heels: Candy.

Ashleigh wears — Dress: By Johnny; Gloves: Dent; Fascinator: Jendi; Clutch: Vintage; Shoes: Verali

OCTOBER 2013 |

21

This page Lisa wears — Dress: Seduce; Fascinator: Jendi; Bangle: Adorne; Heels: from London.

Happy to stand out from the crowd For GoTafe retail and beauty trainer Lisa Kerr, 27, a day at the races is a chance to experiment with a kaleidoscope of colour.

This season’s sensuous sorbets mixed with garden-inspired hues are set to be part of a stand-out trackside colour palette.

good quality, so you’ll have them for a while,” Lisa said.

“I normally love anything that has a bit of colour in it, I try to go for bright shades almost every year,” Lisa said.

Although she loves the colours of spring, there is one race-day

From yellow to lime and citrusy shades of orange, she said vibrant colours played a key part in her race-day attire.

— monochrome.

“I start with the dress — everything works around the dress, for me — and then accessories and shoes follow from that,” she said.

“I normally have something in mind in terms of colour, and I go from there.”

22

“Their pieces are structured and classic, and you know they’re

contender Lisa is willing to place a bet on at this year’s carnival

One of the biggest trends of the year is standing its ground and is gearing up to create a stir among the fashions gracing the field.

The black and white elegance normally reserved for the

Instead of tracking the trends, Lisa said she searched for eyecatching and unique pieces.

prestigious Derby Day has been tipped to make a splash

“I like to go with something different and one-off most of the time,” she said.

“This year I might even go black and white,” Lisa said.

Cue — which Lisa buys from Traffik Boutique where she works part-time — is one of her favourite labels.

However, she said pops of colour would still have their place in

| OCTOBER 2013

across the racing calendar.

the details of her outfit — such as bright hued nails. n

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24

| OCTOBER 2013

Pink Ribbon Day 2013 While these three women barely know each other, they share a common life experience — beating breast cancer.

Carol Brisbane, Michele Smith and Carol Norman have all fought different but important battles against breast cancer.

The trio have shared their stories with ME magazine’s Pink Ribbon feature in the hope of raising awareness of the disease and its impact on women across Australia.

In 2013, an estimated 14 940 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, with about 40 women diagnosed each day.

One in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time they turn 85, although the five-year survival rate had increased to more than 89 per cent in 2010.

Photograph: Bianca Mibus

Pink Ribbon Brunch

OCTOBER 2013 |

25

Pink Ribbon Day

2013

Pink Ribbon Brunch a sell-out again This year’s seventh annual Shepparton News Pink Ribbon Brunch promises to be a morning of fun and laughter. It is an opportunity to spend a special morning with women, many of whom have been touched by breast cancer.

Shepparton News marketing co-ordinator Lisa Kubeil said the brunch would build on the success of the previous six events, that together had raised more than $153 000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

All 732 tickets available sold out in one day.

Television star, comedian and writer Corinne Grant will delight guests with her natural, down-to-earth charm and her quick wit as the event’s MC. Mooroopna mother Kim Neal will share her personal journey with breast cancer. Kim’s remarkable story includes discovering she had cancer in an unexpected way. She endured breast removal surgery, radiation

“

and chemotherapy. Her husband Danny will be at the brunch to support her, as he did throughout her treatment.

Shepparton singer-songwriter Briana Lee will perform at the fundraiser. Briana released her debut album A Part of You, some of which was recorded in the country music mecca of Nashville in the United States, in February.

She has shared the stage with some of Australia’s biggest country stars including Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole.

Local flute quartet Champagne Flutes will enchant with sweet music while guests sip champagne before the other performers and speakers.

Sadly cancer touches many lives. Pink Ribbon Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the need for breast screening and the importance of raising funds.

“

Jeanette Powell MP

Member for Shepparton District 5 Vaughan Street, Shepparton, 3630 Phone: (03) 5831 6944 Fax: (03) 5831 6836 Email: jeanette.powell@parliament.vic.gov.au 26

| OCTOBER 2013

Shepparton’s Cindy Abbey, Mooroopna’s Rachel Keen, Kialla’s Lea D’Augello and Congupna’s Vicki Prewett formed the group earlier this year and have developed a repertoire that includes a mix of classical, folk and ragtime music.

The Pink Ribbon Brunch will be held at Eastbank on Sunday, October 27 from 10 am to 1 pm.

Guests will receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and will be able to take home champagne flutes, generously donated

by Shepparton Showcase Jewellers and Maxwell and Williams. Guests will also receive goodie bags, including a bag supplied

by Pental Soaps that will include some of its well-known products.

Guests will be able to jump into the Happy Snaps Photobooth and savour home-made delights from the Soroptomist women.

Attendees will also be able to buy fashionable and functional Pink Ribbon Brunch sports armbands at the event for $5. People can use them to hold their phone or music device while they exercise.

They will also be able to buy raffle tickets to win an original Pink Ribbon cake by Shepparton’s Di Davey.

The event’s main patrons include Shepparton News, Coles (donating all food and non-alcoholic beverages), Pental Soaps, Shepparton Showcase Jewellers and Pandora, Goulburn Valley Imaging Group, Blizzards Fine Jewellery, Eastbank Food and the Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation.

People can also buy Pink Ribbon Brunch sports armbands and make donations at the Shepparton News offices on Melbourne Rd.

Run steps-up fundraising Shepparton News marketing co-ordinator Lisa Kubeil said the Pink Ribbon Brunch’s sell-out success had pushed the Shepparton News to run another Pink Ribbon fundraiser this year – the Pink Ribbon Run. The inaugural event was a collaboration between the annual Pink Ribbon Brunch and Shepparton Runners Club. About 150 people took part in the Pink Ribbon Run and half of their registration fee was donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“The Pink Ribbon Brunch sells out, so we thought it was an exciting opportunity to hold another event to let other people get involved,” Lisa said.

“Men, women and children of all fitness levels took part in the Pink Ribbon Run.” Solar City Office Equipment’s Pink Ribbon car was launched at the August 25 event. The bright pink car has travelled across Shepparton raising awareness about breast cancer and promoting charity events. n

Maxwell & Williams is proudly supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research program as a Platinum Partner, with a commitment to donate over $100,000 per annum to this worthy cause.

ind us on facebook! www.maxwellandwilliams.com.au

OCTOBER 2013 |

27

Pink Ribbon Day

2013

Cause close to workers’ hearts Pental Products decided to be a patron of this year’s Pink Ribbon Brunch because one of its employees suffered from breast cancer, group operations manager Cosi Papallo said.

“She’s back working, but it was a very difficult time for her,” Mr Papallo said.

“The company is more than happy to support the local community and sponsor this fantastic event.”

Mr Papallo said Pental Products wanted to help raise awareness of breast cancer because his colleague’s diagnosis had made many team members realise they had been taking their health for granted.

Pental Products has been part of Pink Ribbon events in New Zealand, and this year the company has generously donated a $2500 print sponsorship and a product sponsorship of 750 sample bags valued at $10 that includes Country Life and Sorbelene soaps and hand cream for the Shepparton News’ Pink Ribbon Brunch.

The new Hyundai i20 is one of Solar City Office Equipment’s company cars and it has been wrapped in the distinctive hue to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote charity events happening in Shepparton, including the Pink Ribbon Brunch.

It has been used to make deliveries and has been parked at markets and other high-profile positions across town since August. Solar City Office Equipment spokesperson Isa Graham said it turned heads and got people talking.

supporting the Pink Ribbon brunch on many different levels, partnering with the Breast Cancer Network Australia, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Pandora to raise money for breast cancer research and support.

Ms Graham said John King Signs — which donated the car wrap below cost — did a fantastic job. She also thanked Shepparton’s Aussie Hotel for its sponsorship for the Pink Ribbon car.

The store will donate a glass champagne flute as well as Pandora goodies for the guest gift bags.

At last year’s Pink Ribbon Brunch, Ms Graham organised a table of 18 people — three of whom had suffered from breast cancer. She said when she looked around the room, she thought, ‘How many other people have it and how many other people has it affected?’

Contribution drives awareness

Solar City Office Equipment is proud to be part of an event that is helping improve and save lives.

This year, Solar City Office Equipment’s contribution to the Pink Ribbon Brunch has taken another form — a bright pink car!

Jeweller supports brunch Shepparton Showcase Jewellers will be

Fifteen per cent of the retail price from Pandora’s Pink Ribbon collection will also be donated to the foundation.

The Showcase Jewellers franchise has also partnered with the Breast Cancer Network Australia to launch a range of quality jewellery pieces, with percentages of the price going directly to the group.

Shepparton Showcase Jewellers proprietor Stephen Schneider said the Pink Ribbon brunch was “an opportunity for me to give something back to the community and recognise a terrific cause.” n

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| OCTOBER 2013

Open 7 days

Host a Girls’ Night In Girls, hang up your heels and slip into something a little more comfortable this October and host a fun night in to raise money for cancer.

The Girls’ Night In campaign encourages women to gather their friends for a night in and donate the money they would normally spend on a night out, to cancer research.

Tatura Absolute Training’s Lisa Niglia hosted her third Girls’ Night In event on September 24 with a special spin class.

Cancer Council Victoria spokeswoman Deb Stringer said 41 Girls’ Night In events hosted in Greater Shepparton helped raise $20 475 last year.

“That’s an incredible effort and we’d love for even more women to get involved this year. We’re hoping to raise $1.5 million across the state,” she said.

The women donated their class fee towards breast cancer research and cycled to 20 girlsthemed tracks during the hourlong session, including Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Good Girls Go Bad.

Last year, more than 3000 Girls’ Night In events were held across Victoria, raising almost $1.3 million.

Lisa said hosting health and fitness-based fundraising events for the community had always appealed to her, and were even more important this year after her sister-in-law’s wishes were carried out that her possessions be donated to cancer research after she died.

“So many women have been touched by cancer in some way, and supporting this event means you’ll be making a difference to the thousands of mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters and friends affected by cancer each year,” she said.

“The quicker we can find a cure, the more people we can save from this hideous disease,” Lisa said.

A girls’ night in can be as simple as a casual dinner party or movie night through to something more extravagant such as a pamper night, clothes swap or karaoke.

Money raised from Girls’ Night In events will help make a difference to more than 4600 women who will face breast or gynaecological cancer this year.

Exclusive to Purdeys

Ms Stringer said a Girls’ Night In raised cancer awareness as well as funds for women’s cancers.

& Soul

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AUTUMN/WINTER 2013 collection now in store

With research funded from events such as the Girls’ Night In, cancer survival rates are increasing.

TS_MAI_HW13_Bären_DINLang.indd 1

About 89 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive five years after their diagnosis, followed by 84 per cent of women diagnosed with uterine cancer, 74 per cent of those with cervical cancers and 41 per cent with ovarian cancer.

A Girls’ Night In can be held until the end of October. For more information or to register, visit www.girlsnightin.com.au n

23.07.13 14

Shepparton Ph: (03) 5821 4679 Benalla Ph: (03) 5762 6150

Proudly supporting Pink Ribbon Day

• Qualified Gemmologists and registered valuers • Advanced H.R.D. Antwerp International Diamond Graders OCTOBER 2013 |

29

Pink Ribbon Day

2013

Knowledge helps journey Michele Smith has withstood three turbulent cancer experiences; first there was the tragic loss of her daughter’s friend Josie, then Michele’s own two breast cancer diagnoses.

The words “Educate yourself as knowledge is best, it is your body, your life” have guided Michele, who believes life is a journey that must be met head-on.

When Josie passed away aged 29 after a five-year battle with cancer, the experience prepared Michele and gave her knowledge to help her cope with her own twist of fate.

know what she was facing.

“Josie was keen on survival,” Michele said.

“So it was heads down ‘What can we do to fix this, to make it go away?’ “ Michele did a lot of research about cancer and different remedies in an effort to help Josie.

The twist came for Michele when her own cancer suspicions were confirmed and she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ in 2008.

“If I had come into this as a newbie I would probably be on panic street,” Michele said.

Ductal carcinoma in situ isn’t the most serious form of cancer but Michele still wanted to

“I came home, got on the computer and started researching both my cancer and remedies,” Michele said. “I believed knowledge was going to help me cope, because doctors only have minimal time to consult. I would have liked a bit more time to ask questions, discuss my process and know exactly what I was in for.’’

Michele chose not to have the recommended radiotherapy treatment, because during her research for Josie she had read that “you only get one go at radiation,” and opted to hold on to that card — just in case.

Not immune to the concerns of friends, Michele recalled “people taking little tugs at me, questioning my path”.

“I didn’t choose the easy path,” she said. “It

was five years of constant vitamins like B17 (apricot kernels ), Essiac tea, trying to keep my body alkalised, and meditations — it takes thought and work, day in, day out.

“It gave me a terrific boost because I was proactive; I didn’t think I was at the whim of doctors and cancer.

“After Josie’s journey, the way I chose to take it was the right one for me,” Michele said.

Recovery was slow following Michele’s first operation. There was the internal damage and scarring from the operation to cope with, then the follow-up procedure where a nuclear traveller was injected into the area to see if the cancer had spread to the lymph glands; thankfully, it had not.

Then, in May last year, Michele was caught off guard at a six-monthly mammogram

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 after age 50. Contact your GP or Breast Screen Victoria to make an appointment today.

GV Health has a dedicated team of Breast Care Nurses as well as diagnostic, clinical and support services to collaboratively support those with cancer and their families.

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 Dunne 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

Working Together to Achieve Healthier Communities 30

| OCTOBER 2013

Story: Kerri Thomson Photograph: Simon Bingham check. The same type of cancer was back, in almost the same spot.

Michele remembers thinking, “Oh damn, so close to five years.”

Her options were a lumpectomy or mastectomy — and radiation.

“I didn’t think I needed to take the sledgehammer approach when a feather duster approach could do,” Michele said.

Although she has a buoyant personality, a sense of vulnerability had crept in and this time Michele wasn’t in quite the same head space as before.

“

“

I didn’t think I needed to take the sledgehammer approach when a feather duster approach could do.

“I decided on the lumpectomy and to have the radiation treatment,” Michele said.

The arrangements were made and for Michele life continued, and she went on a pre-arranged holiday to the United States.

Michele tried to maintain a strong and positive attitude, even though she said she “had to pretend some days”.

There were setbacks this time, too.

Between May and December 2012, during

recovery after the operation, Michele developed a haematoma and had to go back into surgery. Then her radiation was interrupted by side effects, an infection, then an abscess.

“Looking back, the first time was a breeze,” Michele said.

On a lighter note, Michele said an Ahh Bra was a great asset — it was easy to put on and take off and was soft and comfy.

Since March this year, Michele has found solace in the freedom of not being tied down to medical appointments. She said the staff at the Breast Care Clinic in Shepparton had been terrific. “Somebody cared about me,” she said.

Although Michele has a positive attitude, she said inside she was still “a bit wobbly”.

Her GP admired her strength throughout but suggested she debrief and referred Michele to a psychologist.

“I thought I would give it a go and didn’t know what I was going to say to this lady, because I’m OK,” Michele said.

But she has been surprised to find the interaction helpful to her healing process.

She also is grateful for the insight she gained before her cancer journey began.

Remembering her friend Josie, Michele said, “I owe her.” n

Shepparton Showcase Jewellers and PANDORA are pleased to support the NBCF and women of the Goulburn Valley through the sales of the limited edition Pink Ribbon Collection.

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OCTOBER 2013 |

31

Pink Ribbon Day

2013

Story: Jenna Bishop Photography: Simon Bingham

CHECK-UP PROVES A LIFE-SAVER “In September, I had a mammogram and I just had a funny feeling,” she said.

Her instinct proved to be correct: Carol was diagnosed with stage 1-2 breast cancer on October 5, 2011, at just 45 years old.

She was diagnosed with oestrogen-positive cancer and human epidermal growth factor (HER) 2-positive breast cancer, an aggressive protein-based cancer which promotes the growth of cancer cells.

The cancer was in three different tumours — two in her left breast and one in her left armpit.

Carol said the cancer had also spread to her lymph nodes and into one of her nerves, meaning the nerve had to be severed.

Doctors also discovered she had ductal carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive cancer situated in the milk ducts.

“I asked my oncologist Dr Burns if we caught it in time ... he said if I’d waited a couple of months, it would have been a different story,” she said.

Carol was immediately scheduled for a lumpectomy on October 18, and started her first round of chemotherapy on November 9.

As Carol’s HER2-positive cancer was not receptive to hormone therapy, she began a special 18-dose course of the drug herceptin every three weeks.

“It’s been a lifesaver. It’s increased survival rates by 70 per cent,” she said.

On December 11, 2012 Carol opted to have a double mastectomy and is partially through the reconstruction process.

Unfortunately, the cancer in her lymph nodes left her with lymphoedema, which can cause fluid build-up, after damage to the lymphatic system.

Carol said with careful management, the lymphoedema was under control and she was booked in for an innovative new procedure to connect lymph nodes to nerve endings.

32

| OCTOBER 2013

“It’s another surgery and it has a 50-50 chance of it working, but if it does, it will be great,” she said.

For now Carol is cautiously optimistic after receiving the good news her check-ups have been scaled back to every six months, but said the threat was always in the back of her mind.

Carol said it was only by chance she booked in for a mammogram — after her sister Christi was diagnosed with breast cancer, she decided to book in for a breast screen.

“I never thought I’d have breast cancer — it never seemed to be in our family — and then for two of us to be diagnosed within a year of each other,” Carol said.

The coincidence of both Carol and her sister being diagnosed with breast cancer was too unusual to ignore, and they both decided to undergo genetic testing.

“I didn’t test positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2, but I did have a variant,” Carol said.

Carol credits her husband and four children for helping her to maintain a positive attitude.

Family and friends have also been important in Carol’s recovery — her mother and sister flew out from America to support her during treatment.

“My family have been absolutely wonderful, I couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.

“You’ve got to keep a positive attitude for yourself and your family, because your kids need you.

“You take life for granted before something like this happens.”

When Christi arrived in Australia to support Carol through her treatment, the sisters got matching tattoos, combining a pink ribbon

“

You take life for granted before something like this happens.

“

A chance mammogram gave Kialla’s Carol Norman the news no woman ever wants to face — the presence of breast cancer.

and their names in a design done by Carol’s daughter.

In addition to family and friends, support from the Goulburn Valley breast cancer support group has been invaluable for Carol.

“They are beautiful women — I adore the support I’ve gotten from the group,” she said.

“It’s important to have someone to talk to that’s been through the same thing. It helps you realise you’re not the only one out there.”

If there’s one thing Carol’s experience has taught her, it’s to never be complacent about health and to ensure you regularly check your breasts thoroughly.

“I never felt the lumps, even when I knew they were there — they were like hard jelly,” she said.

“If you find something, you should push the issue and get it checked out.” n

Story: Jenna Bishop Photography: Bianca Mibus

REGULAR CHECKS LEAD

to early cancer detection There’s no doubt that vigilance saved Carol Brisbane’s life.

encouraging women to be breast aware.

A careful habit of regular self-checking led Carol to discover a small lump in her left breast in 2006 at just 47 years old.

Doctors weren’t completely convinced, but Carol followed her instinct and insisted on further testing.

The couple now tries to spend several months each year working across Australia and have travelled to Western Australia’s Carnarvon, Queensland and NSW, using the Goulburn Valley as their base.

She was immediately sent for a mammogram and biopsy, which confirmed the presence of early stage cancer under her left nipple.

“It was something I would never have done if I hadn’t been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said.

“I just had a feeling,” she said.

“It changes your outlook on life.”

“If you feel something’s not right, get it checked out.”

She now aims to spend as much time with her five children and three grandchildren — twin 18-month-old boys and another 10-month-old boy — as possible.

Days later, she was scheduled for a leftbreast mastectomy.

The surgery also included stripping the lymph nodes in Carol’s left arm, which has left her susceptible to lymphoedema, a condition caused by damage to the lymphatic system.

“I look after my left arm like it’s my best friend,” she said.

Carol said the diagnosis came as a complete surprise — as a nurse, she had actively tried to minimise her risk of developing cancer and had maintained healthy habits.

There was no history of breast cancer in Carol’s family, although several other family members have been diagnosed with cancer.

Since then, Carol’s mother has also been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I never thought it would happen to me ... I was quite dumbfounded,” she said.

“

“

I never thought it would happen to me ... I was quite dumbfounded.

Carol’s diagnosis was a moment of epiphany — she quit her job and decided to travel around Australia with her husband.

She spent two years working in Indigenous health in Western Australia’s Kununurra,

“It’s something that makes you look at the priorities in life,” she said.

Carol’s surgeon Dr Mark Eastmann encouraged her to consider her reconstructive options from the outset, and she chose to have an expander placed under her skin.

Exactly a year after her mastectomy, Carol had reconstructive surgery.

“It was the light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.

After four months of chemotherapy and five years of radiotherapy, Carol was given the all-clear and is now focused on living her life as much as she can.

While she’s well aware of the possibility her cancer may return, Carol is not letting fear overshadow her life.

“It stays in the back of your mind that it could come back, but you can’t live your life thinking it will,” she said.

“The first night I was diagnosed, I told my kids and we cried,” she said.

“I said, give me one night to cry and then we’ll be strong.”

Carol also credits her family, friends and the close-knit Dhurringile community for their unwavering support during her diagnosis and treatment.

“It’s not a death sentence.”

However, she’s adamant that awareness saved her life and is hoping her story will inspire others to keep a close eye on their breasts.

Carol, now 54, credits a positive attitude with giving her the fortitude to face her cancer with a smile.

“If I hadn’t had it checked out early, it might have been too late and I probably wouldn’t be here,” she said. n

OCTOBER 2013 |

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Pink Ribbon Day

2013

Story: Jenna Bishop Photography: Ray Sizer

Helping with BREAST CANCER JOURNEY Michelle Dunne is a friend, a confidante, a sympathetic ear, a decipherer of medical jargon and most importantly, a breast care nurse.

She divides her time between Shepparton, Cobram, Nathalia and Euroa on a fortnightly basis and helps provide information, support and counselling to those affected by breast cancer.

“We support women from diagnosis and throughout treatment — pre-surgery and post-surgery — through constant care ... for example, when they’re going through chemotherapy or radiotherapy,” Michelle said.

Breast care nurses can actively support women during doctors’ appointments and help them maintain a normal lifestyle with their family during and after treatment.

“When I can, I check to see if people have been admitted. If people have been in surgery, I’ll go visit them on the wards,” she said.

“We attend special consulting suites and check on patients in oncology.”

Support can be face-to-face, over the phone, through support groups and is about guiding people through the process so they have some idea of what to expect at certain stages of their treatment.

“Everyone should have access to a breast care nurse, no matter their location or financial status,” Michelle said.

34

| OCTOBER 2013

“It’s so they don’t feel so isolated.”

Michelle said breast care nurses weren’t just involved for certain parts of breast cancer diagnosis or treatment.

“We’re there for the whole journey,” she said.

Michelle said one of the hardest aspects of her work was not having all the answers, especially for things that couldn’t be predicted.

“You want to take away all their emotional distress,” she said.

Despite working in an industry which can be filled with heartache, there are plenty of positives for Michelle.

“

“

Funded by breast cancer organisation the McGrath Foundation, Michelle is part of a two-nurse team — including GV Heath breast care co-ordinator Allison Hartley — dedicated to helping women face the challenges of breast cancer.

We’re there for the whole journey.

“Patients give you lots of hugs!” she said.

Michelle said a big part of her role was reassuring women, helping them address their reoccurrence fears and helping them develop body confidence.

Michelle trained as an enrolled nurse, and spent many years in the intensive care department.

“I was always going to be a nurse, ever since I was eight,” she said.

She then enrolled in a graduate course at La Trobe University specialising in breast care, followed by breast care practical training at Westmead Hospital in Sydney.

She also plans to undertake a metastatic breast practicum in November.

BE BREAST AWARE October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — is a timely reminder for women to become breast aware and schedule a routine mammogram.

GV Health McGrath Foundation breast care nurse Michelle Dunne said awareness was about getting to know your breasts.

“Each time in the morning when you get out of bed or the shower, check your breasts for any changes,” she said.

Changes could include puckering of the skin, inverted nipples, discharge or lumps that are different from how the breast usually looks or feels.

Free mammograms through BreastScreen Victoria are available to women from 40 years of age and are highly encouraged for women aged 50 to 69.

BreastScreen Victoria health promotion manager Nikki McGrath said breast cancer remained the most common cancer among Australian women. Survival rates continue to improve in Australia, with 89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now surviving five or

more years beyond diagnosis.

BreastScreen Victoria participation rates for Shepparton show that 56 per cent of women aged between 50 and 69 living in the area took advantage of the free service in 2010-12, which is lower than the 70 per cent target.

Nikki said breast screening was the most reliable way of detecting breast cancer and could detect cancers less than 15 mm in size.

“Regular mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early before any symptoms are noticed and when treatment is likely to be most successful,” she said.

To raise awareness for breast cancer, GV Health will hold a mini Pink Field of Women at Victoria Park Lake on Thursday, October 31 at 11 am.

For more information on breast care services at GV Health, phone Allison Hartney on 0408 322 455 or Michelle Dunne on 0400 569 828.

To book a mammogram, phone BreastScreen Victoria on 13 20 50.

Three steps to being breast aware: 1. Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts.

2. See a doctor if you notice any unusual breast changes.

3. If you’re aged 50 to 74, have a mammogram every 2 years.

Become familiar with your breasts Women of all ages are encouraged to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts at different times of the month.

Looking in the mirror regularly is a good way to learn the normal shape of your breasts.

There’s no right or wrong way to feel your breasts; some women might find it easier in the shower or bath, laying in bed or while they’re getting dressed. Remember to check all of the breast tissue and to feel near the surface and deeper into the breast.

Breast changes to look out for include: a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast a change in the shape or size of your breast a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulceration, redness or recent inversion • a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing • a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling • an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

Nine out of 10 breast changes aren’t due to cancer, but it’s important to see a doctor to be sure. If you find a breast change that’s unusual for you, see your doctor without delay. n

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OCTOBER 2013 |

35

Pink Ribbon Day

2013

Interview: Jenna Bishop Photography: Jayme Lowndes

More support than a bra Move over booze bus – the Benalla Boob Bus is definitely the quirkiest bus in the Goulburn Valley.

Although mammograms can be a daunting prospect, there is no valid excuse to skip breast screening.

Women aged between 50 and 69 are encouraged to make routine breast screens a priority, with women in their 40s or 70 years or older also encouraged to make regular appointments.

GV Imaging head of mammography Barbara O’Carroll said breast screening appointments took 10 minutes, with each X-ray taking a couple of seconds.

Two views of each breast are taken, with the breast compressed between two flat plates.

Nurse Deb Smith, Jackie Houghton, Lorraine Lee and Pat Hamilton.

The Boob Bus initiative began nine years ago and is designed to encourage women from outside Shepparton to book in for mammograms in a supportive, friendly environment.

The bus, which has the motto ‘More support than a bra’, brings groups of women from Benalla to Shepparton six times a year to attend a breast screen and a celebratory afternoon tea.

ME caught up with three Benalla women who had ventured onto the Boob Bus. Pat Hamilton has been on the Boob Bus twice, and has had several mammograms previously.

Jackie Houghton was on her first Boob Bus trip, while Lorraine Lee was also on her second trip.

Why did you get on the bus today?

Pat: We go on it every two years.

Every two years they suggest you have a breast screen, and you get sent a notification when it’s due.

Then you ring up your local health service and that’s how we found 36

| OCTOBER 2013

out about the Boob Bus.

all there for the same thing.

As far as I’m concerned, it’s wonderful. It’s got a social aspect to it – you’re not the only one on the bus.

Lorraine: It was really great. I was a little nervous the first time but was fine once I got through it.

What’s the best thing about the bus?

Jackie: Everyone was absolutely lovely and there was no waiting.

Lorraine: You meet lots of different people.

Would you encourage other women to have regular mammograms?

Pat: It’s very social.

Jackie: You’re all there for a common cause.

How important are having regular breast checks to you?

Pat: Very important. I lost both my mum and daughter to breast cancer.

My daughter was only 31.

Jackie: Very important.

What was the mammogram process like? Was it uncomfortable?

Jackie: No, it was very comfortable.

Pat: It’s wonderful being with Deb (community health nurse and bus co-ordinator), because she’s a nurse she makes you feel at ease.

Jackie: It’s a common cause; we’re

Pat: It takes an hour at the most.

Jackie: Absolutely, especially if there’s a history (of cancer). It’s so important to be aware of our health and wellbeing, but if you have a history it’s even more important.

Pat: It’s something you should definitely have.

Jackie: It’s something we should treat like a pap smear. The Boob Bus is so convenient — it takes all the effort out of it. If it didn’t run, I probably would have put it off until I was 60. The Boob Bus makes it all so easy, especially for people who don’t drive.

For more information or to register your interest for the next bus trip, phone Benalla Health on 5761 4500. n

Some women may experience minor discomfort during a mammogram and BreastScreen Victoria advises to let the radiographer know if any pain occurs.

Radiographers can also work with women to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible.

BreastScreen Victoria has a short video which shows a firsthand perspective of the mammogram process. The video is available at http:// www.breastscreen. org.au/BreastScreening/WhatHappens To book a breast screen, phone 132 050.

Story: Jenna Bishop

A difficult choice, but a proactive one In an opinion piece in the New York Times on May 14, titled ‘My Medical Choice’, Angelina Jolie wrote about her decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy.

After losing her mother to breast cancer, Jolie discovered she had an 87 per cent risk of developing breast cancer and 50 per cent risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Genetic testing revealed Jolie carried a faulty BRCA1 gene, causing an inherited predisposition to breast cancer.

The BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes appear to protect against the development of breast cancer, and mutations or changes to the gene results in a higher risk of cancer.

Only five to 10 per cent of breast cancer is explained by mutations in these genes, and genetic testing is generally only recommended for women with a potentially high risk — such as those with a number of relatives diagnosed or cancers diagnosed at a young age.

After her double mastectomy, her doctor estimates her risk of breast cancer has decreased to just five per cent.

“I wanted to write this to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy. But it is one I’m very happy I made ... I can tell my children they don’t need to fear they’ll lose me to breast cancer,” Jolie wrote in her column.

In response to Jolie’s revelation, calls to the Cancer Council Victoria’s helpline increased by 1033 per cent.

The increased interest in genetic breast cancer prompted an online webinar in June, when more than 500 women across regional Victoria registered to listen to the discussion seminar.

The Cancer Council generally recommends people for genetic testing if they have three or more blood relatives on one side of the family who have breast or ovarian cancer, or two or more blood relatives on one side of the family with breast or ovarian cancer in the same person or if they have breast cancer under the age of 40.

“

I wanted to write this to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy.

But is one I’m very happy I made ...

an enormous burden for people to be carrying,” Carole said.

She said women faced quite a number of issues when diagnosed with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, including facing ovary removal, which could affect family planning and result in early menopause, and body image issues if they decided to have mastectomies, plus general uncertainty.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty for people — just because you carry the gene, it doesn’t mean that you will necessarily get breast cancer,” Carole said.

Krystal Barter founded Pink Hope — a national organisation for women at risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer — after discovering she carried a faulty BRCA1 gene and undergoing a preventative double mastectomy aged 25.

“

With three simple words, actress Angelina Jolie sparked a revolution in breast cancer awareness.

Cancer Council’s helpline senior cancer nurse Carole Arbuckle said at-risk people would be referred to a family cancer centre, where a genetic counsellor or medical genetic expert would discuss their family history in detail.

“They’ll also discuss the implications of testing, which is really important, because there are an awful lot of psychological implications in deciding to be tested,” Carole said.

If tests return positive for faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, genetic counsellors will discuss treatment options and help the patient talk to their family.

“As you can imagine, emotionally that would be

Krystal’s great-grandmother was 68 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, her grandmother was just 44 and her mother was only 36.

“I grew up knowing that this would be my destiny; it had a pretty negative impact,” she said.

Since Jolie’s announcement, inquiries to Pink Hope have increased by almost 800 per cent and Krystal said it was encouraging to see so many women being proactive and investigating their health.

“It’s made people realise it’s a complicated issue,” she said. n

“We share your passion” The indiscriminate impact of breast cancer across our community touches every one of us as a loved one goes through their own very personal journey to beat this life threatening disease.

As individuals and as a company every member of our team admires their courage and determination and hopes that our groups significant support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation helps in funding the important research to eradicate breast cancer.

mcnamara thompson reister

251 Wyndham Street, Shepparton. Phone 5822 2235

OCTOBER 2013 |

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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.

1300 797 484 38

| OCTOBER 2013

Story: Kerri Thomson Photograph: Simon Bingham

BONDING EXPERIENCE TAKES A NEW

Katie Thomson and Holly Lott are looking forward to seeing One Direction.

DIRECTION Before One Direction exploded onto the global rock scene, my first music concert was AC/DC: it was December 1976, and the venue Shepparton’s Civic Centre with one massive mosh pit and a sea of fist-pumping fans.

Fast-forward decades, and now there is a new band, a new concert — and, last October, an idea was floated: to see a concert as a mother and daughter outing. On went my “I can’t wait!’’ happy face as I parted with $120 for a ticket to see a group I had zero interest in – One Direction. “Save me,’’ I thought.

My perception of One Direction was five random jigsaw pieces joined together to form a boy band that was constantly being mobbed by teenage girls. They could not possibly match such music icons as Coldplay and U2.

Psyching myself to embrace the occasion, I struggled to get past the thought of an onslaught of deafening high-pitched screaming emanating from thousands of hysterical girls, all convinced they were in love with Harry or Niall or one of their band mates.

Courtesy of my daughter, I have undergone a crash course on the world’s most popular boy band. I have recited the band members’ names, learned who is who, been tested to see if I can identify which member sings the words of which songs, and been encouraged to sing their lyrics. In the spirit of the bonding experience, I have halftried to get these important facts correct.

My daughter has my level of interest accurately measured and finds my situation amusing, but she hasn’t given up.

Recently, she dealt me a get-out-of-jail-free card.

Her friend Holly, also a One Direction fan, wanted my ticket and my daughter wanted to go with her instead of me.

I could not believe my luck.

However, I stepped into guilty mode and suggested to my daughter

that we went to see One Direction’s new movie together — you know, continuing the bonding experience.

The outcome was surprising. I really enjoyed the movie and I like them all -- Harry, Niall, Louis, Zayn and Liam. They can all sing, are entertaining and are just five larrikin lads living their dream. This Is Us follows the boy band on tour and, although it’s a controlled insight, it’s hard not to like them.

These five teenage boys left home to audition for X Factor, became a phenomenon, and never went home — and tears were shed by their parents.

My daughter and I now have a genuine One Direction bond, and I love that.

In Myer recently we sought out and sampled the 1D fragrance Our Moment, and it was fun.

Twelve months is a long time for teenage girls to be obsessed by a boy band — and today, now she’s more mature, the collage of photos resembling wallpaper has disappeared from my daughter’s bedroom wall — but the 1D admiration remains.

I understand why our daughters love them; they are cute, cheeky, and sing edgy/pop songs as if they are singing only to them “because you’re beautiful.’’

If I had paid attention to my daughter earlier, I would have realised I never needed saving from One Direction at all. n

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39

THE HUNT IS ON for the perfect dress Sweetheart necklines and floor-skimming gowns in pastel hues can only mean one thing.

Yes, it’s school formal season again and fashion-forward teenagers are going to great lengths to step out in the season’s hottest trends.

For Mikayla Maxted, finding the perfect dress was a labour of love.

The Wanganui Park Secondary College student, 16, said she began shopping in August with an idea of what she was looking for: simple elegance.

She found that in a lilac Jadore dress, infused with red-carpet-worthy glamour. ‘‘I tried on a bright turquoise dress as well, but I decided on this one because I loved the colour,’’ Mikayla said. ‘‘I found the floor-length style looked more formal than shorter dresses.’’

Gone are the days of fashion faux pas such as heavy satin, taffeta and tiaras.

The modern-day formal is a blend of elegance, floaty chiffon dresses and a minimalist approach to accessories. Diamond studs were the one piece of jewellery Mikayla chose to accessorise with, aside from sparkly silver stilettos. ‘‘The earrings are rather significant because they’re on loan from Nan for the occasion,’’ Mikayla’s mother Narelle Maxted said.

This ‘less is more’ approach to bling and beading has been taken on board across school formals, and statements are being left to the dresses.

The styles of the season share another common thread in rainbow hues.

From soft shades of citrus to gelato-inspired blends — every light-hearted colour under the sun has found its way onto the dance floor.

Glamour tips and tricks

40

ALL ABOUT THE HAIR

NATURAL MAKE-UP

Gloss Hair and Beauty Boutique owner Jess Wright chatted with ME about the hottest hair trends for right now.

Beauty therapist Jacci Kay said a natural look was the key to flawless skin this season.

From braids to buns, bohemian waves and old Hollywood glamour, the hairstyles of spring and summer won’t fail to impress.

Fresh and dewy bases, soft pink tones and smoky eyes are the top requested looks at the salon.

‘‘Braids are big this year and so are messier and softer unstructured styles — we’re seeing this for school formals, debutantes and brides,’’ Jess said.

‘‘For formals, girls don’t want anything too out there with their make-up,’’ she said.

‘‘I would say every second girl has requested a variation of the loose and messy bun for this formal season.’’

‘‘Lash extensions have been really popular and they add definition to eyes — lashes are big this year.’’

Hair extensions for volume and length, jewelled hair clips and pins are also ontrend.

If you want to look like a glistening goddess, a spray tan might be the way to

| OCTOBER 2013

A strong contender in the beauty stakes this season is eyelash extensions.

THE GOLDEN RULE

go, but there’s a few simple tips to follow to make sure you get the best result.

You need to exfoliate prior to your tan to remove any dead skin cells so the solution goes on to the skin evenly.

At the salon, ask the beauty therapist how long you need to wait before showering; it is normally recommended that you don’t get wet for at least eight hours afterwards.

Remember also that any exercise that may cause sweat, or chores such as doing the dishes, could cause streaks, so wait until after you’ve had your first shower.

Once you’ve showered, remember to moisturise to keep your skin hydrated so your tan fades evenly like a natural tan would.

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Taking their cues from

social media

Turn your man into the perfect accessory

Students Ebony Scott, Shae Thompson, Jolie Milner and Amy Palma spoke to ME about their formal looks.

Ebony Scott The world of fashion can be at your fingertips with social media, and Ebony said that was how she found her dress.

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‘‘I saw this dress on Instagram and I fell in love with it,’’ Ebony said.

She paired her glamorous two-toned embellished design with multicoloured heels from Rubi Shoes, a bracelet from Diva and earrings.

Shae Thompson For Shae, the formal was a light-hearted affair with her Forever New dress and accessories all in soft shades of cream. ‘‘I just came across the dress and I loved the detail at the top and the sheer floor-length layer,’’ she said. ‘‘The shoes were by Lipstick and I just matched the pearl necklace and bracelet set with a sparkly gold clutch from Equip.’’

Jolie Milner It was a star-studded frock worn by Selena Gomez on the red carpet that inspired Jolie’s dress.

She found the design in a magazine and had a made-to-measure replica made in a beautiful lilac hue.

A fine silver pendant necklace, and an Equip bracelet and ring, tied in well with the bling on the sweetheart neckline.

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Amy Palma Sticking with the season’s trend of bright hues, Amy chose her dress because of its unique colour. ‘‘All of the girls wanted to wear different colour dresses and no-one had yellow yet,’’ she said.

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‘‘This caught my eye, I just liked it straightaway.’’

Amy had her dress altered to the perfect length, so she left the stilettos at home and opted for easy-to-wear flats.

Taking on the minimalist approach, she chose not to accessorise — allowing the embellishment on her dress to be the stand-out feature. n

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41

The first question to consider when buying jeans is “what do you want from a pair of jeans?” — and the most common response from local women is, without hesitation, comfort.

The perfect pair of jeans is a comfortable pair that fits.

But the effort of finding a pair that flatters, and not batters, has wounded many.

JEANS GENIUS So, how do we know the best jeans style for our body?

According to fashion duo Trinny and Susannah there are 12 body shapes that cover most women. Knowing your shape and what suits it can help you find the perfect style of jeans that will accentuate your assets and increase your comfort.

into jeans, they’re too tight for me.”

Find the right fit

But she encourages women to try on different styles. “You can’t lose by trying them on,” Vienna said.

You want a pair of jeans with a bit of stretch (in the form of Spandex), but not too much stretch. You don’t want to wind up with a baggy butt because your jeans stretched too much over the course of the day. This factor accounts for why shop assistants often recommend the next size down from your usual pants size.

The best advice is, don’t force yourself into the latest fashion in jeans if they’re not right for your shape.

Often, advertising mesmerises us into believing that a certain design of jeans will be perfect for us — because they look fantastic on the model. When we try them on, we take a big nosedive and swear never again to venture into another pair of denim pants.

Many women are haunted by their efforts to squeeze into jeans that are unflattering, too tight or uncomfortable — or all three. After all, we need to bend down, run around or sit down without our jeans pinching at the waistline or crotch.

Hence, the easy-to-wear and oh-so-comfy leggings gain popularity.

Jeans are clothing you should feel comfortable in, and it’s becoming easier to find a pair that fits now there are more leg and waist options from which to choose.

The know-your-shape theory works like this: A skinny-leg jeans design (for example) may be a faux pas for an apple-shaped body — by definition, a round-ish person with a big tummy — whereas a wider leg would be more flattering.

Vienna Betts from Warwick Jones encounters countless women who declare “I can’t get 42

| OCTOBER 2013

“Stretch jeans have a bit of give, which moulds the body,” Donna Mehmit from Witchery said.

Donna says the rise of the jean is important.

“A nice rise, not too high, not too low, depending on the body shape,” Donna said.

Plan a jeans shopping expedition and have fun — try them on and find the style that suits you.

Try on the jeans and make sure they fit perfectly in the waist with no muffin top, and that they don’t slip down over your hips.

Practise bending over, kneeling down and twisting at the waist to ensure the jeans retain their shape and stay comfy.

Regardless of your age, a comfortable pair of jeans can be a girl’s best friend in the fashion stakes.

When it comes to caring for your new jeans, don’t use fabric softener on stretch jeans — it breaks down their elasticity.

Story: Kerri Thomson Photography: Julie Mercer

Sienna Mehmet in skinnyleg black denim with a shine from Witchery teenage line, Shepparton. “They are my new jeans and are comfortable and I can wear them for anything — dressy or casual.’’

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Kelli Robinson in crop and roll distressed denim from Suzanne Grae, Shepparton.

“These jeans provide two lengths to love: crop or rolled down, and the higher waist holds my tummy in — which is great for the muffin top!’’

Vienna Betts in NYJD (Not Your Daughter’s Jeans) dark denim with lift tuck technology from Warwick Jones, Shepparton. “I have four pairs of these jeans. They support the thighs, lift the bottom and tuck the tummy in.’’

Marina DeMaio in distressed three-quarter length boyfriend denim from Sussan, Shepparton. “I brought these about six weeks ago and they are great, easy wearing jeans that don’t lose their shape and are comfortable.’’

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Call today for an appointment Nekije Shemshedin in Bardot distressed skinny leg jeans from Traffik, Shepparton.

“They are a pair of jeans that fit nicely and are comfortable and I like the shape of the pockets on the back.’’

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43

Story: Jenna Bishop Photograph: Simon Bingham

Science makes way for

BEAUTY PASSION There aren’t many women in the world who can claim to be a make-up artist for international pop sensation the Spice Girls – but Dookie’s Hilary Holmes is one of the few.

While Hilary was living in London, Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) was a regular client and Hilary was asked to do Geri Halliwell’s (Ginger Spice) make-up for a photo shoot in Glamour magazine.

Hilary said the girls were lovely to chat to and she had the opportunity to talk to Emma about music (Emma’s partner is a music producer) and her young son.

She said doing the make-up for celebrities was easier than it might seem, because they knew what style they were after.

“Celebrities, nine times out of 10, are really lovely,” she said.

Hilary followed an unusual pathway to her current career — after finishing high school, she studied a Bachelor of Science focusing on agricultural science at University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus before finishing her degree at the university’s Dookie campus.

However, make-up and beauty was always at the back of her mind.

“It was a known fact on campus that I would spend more time doing people’s make-up than studying, even the dean knew it,” she said.

After meeting her partner Ben O’Connor, the couple moved to Geelong for a couple of years, before moving to London for Hilary to follow her passion for make-up.

The self-taught make-up artist landed a job with global cosmetics giant MAC while also developing skills as a freelance artist.

In September, Hilary was responsible for the make-up of three girls for the Brownlow medal event at Melbourne’s Crown Casino, with each make-up 44

| OCTOBER 2013

application taking about an hour.

Natural summer make-up

“It’s nice to see all your hard work on the red carpet,” she said.

The Dookie-based artist travels across the state for freelance assignments, but one of her passions is bringing highquality make-up artistry to the country.

“When I was in the country, I found it really hard to source high quality beauty,” she said.

Hilary has also signed on to be a Viva Glam ambassador and as part of her role as a MAC freelance artist, has done the make-up for several books including for dress company Bariano, headshots for modelling agencies, plus classes and wedding make-up.

Glowing skin and natural make-up with a slight hint of colour is prefect for summer months.

“It’s a really busy lifestyle, but I’m a bubbly person, so I like to be on the go,” she said.

She said one of her favourite things about the job was creating stunning looks for bridal parties and making women feel beautiful.

“My biggest thing is when someone has never felt confidence in their looks, is walking away feeling beautiful,” she said.

Pops of bright colour on lips — such as neon pink and orange are popular this season.

Hilary described her make-up style as versatile, from beautiful natural makeup to the glam styles she discovered in London.

She said working with clients from different backgrounds gave her an opportunity to experiment, and working with Arabic, Jewish, traditional African, Indian and Chinese styles had been great opportunities.

“I really love make-up, I could talk about it all the time,” she said. n

Dewy, glowing skin is a key trend for summer along with natural-toned eye shadow.

Make-up by Hilary Holmes.

Modelled by Shepparton’s Inga Ringdal, 15.

Above photography: Bianca Mibus

Above: Bronzer will give a luminescent summer glow. Photograph: Tre Koch Photography Left: Fresh, dewy make-up is perfect for spring and summer brides. Photograph: Photos by Tina.

Both photographs make-up by Hilary Holmes.

Keep your make-up fresh With summer sunshine just weeks away, make-up artist Hilary Holmes shares some of her top tips for achieving perfect summer make-up.

The excitement for summer is building, so as we dust off our bathers and start to incorporate some squats into daily life, we also need to look into our make-up bag and get it ready too.

Our skin may be feeling dry and flaky, but the good news is summer’s dewy, fresh make-up trends will most definitely change that. We can look forward to simplifying our routines, replacing well-structured eyes with softly diffused eye shadow.

How to achieve pretty, glowing skin in our hot summer?

It’s actually really easy. For beautiful skin, be sure to use an illuminating moisturiser and then a primer, which is crucial in helping your make-up last longer.

When using a foundation this summer, try to use a sheerer coverage and add a concealer in areas where you need more coverage. Not only will it look healthier and more natural but it will hold better. Set with a powder to ensure it lasts and remember to keep this in your handbag for touch-ups.

Now it’s time for the fun part – colour. On the face, sweep a matte bronzer under your cheekbones and across your hairline to define the face, then add blush by sweeping it along the cheek bone. After blush, apply a highlight to the highest plane of your cheek to give a glow. If you are concerned about texturising your skin, use a cream highlighter instead.

Eyes this summer are easy. Use one natural-toned eye shadow, one to two shades darker than your skin, all over the lid and in the lashes underneath the eye, then apply a highlight to the inner corners and under the brow to give the eye some pop.

Simply add some mascara to complete the look. To take this look into the evening, smudge a chocolate brown eyeliner along the lash line.

For beautiful lush lips, go for a pretty natural pink or go all out with a bold lip. If you decide to go for the bold lip, remember the importance of a lip liner, which will ensure your lip is balanced; and, once you run the pencil all over the lip, it’ll last a lot longer.

It’s an exciting summer for make-up. It’s all about looking stunning, naturally, while still having a bit of fun.

— Hilary Holmes

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45

AGE

OF REASON A mix across different generations — a Year 12 student in the midst of study, a Critical Care nurse who is a fanatical Melbourne Football Club supporter, an educated mother of two young children, a childcare worker fulfilling an important role, and a retiree making the most of life — share their thoughts with ME.

EMILY GUTHRIE, 35 Generation X 1965 – 1981

ALEX PHILLIPS, 18 Generation Z 1990 – now I like to wind down doing pretty much anything that involves forgetting about schoolwork for an hour or so.

I love wrestling with my kids and cuddling up with them on the couch to watch a movie on a Saturday night.

A fond childhood memory of mine is after it had rained lots, my brother, neighbours and I would put on our gumboots and ride through the drains on our pushbikes to see who could get the most water in their boots.

A fond childhood memory of mine is playing with my little sister in our backyard. Running under the sprinkler for hours on summer afternoons and playing in our cubby house, affectionately named “Possum Hollow” because of all the possum activity in the tree above at night. My sister and I are still incredibly close, even though we now live far apart.

A topic I am interested in at the moment is job opportunities for young people, because it’s the time when Year 12 students have to decide on university preferences. I am curious and concerned about where the employment opportunities will be when we are looking at moving into the workforce, and whether or not the opportunities will be there for the courses we have studied.

Technology is becoming increasingly widespread in our society, mostly for the better. There are many daily technologies that we take for granted and I wonder how reliant we will be on these technologies in, say, 20 years, and what side effects will we start seeing.

46

| OCTOBER 2013

A topic I am interested in at the moment is the issues facing people who come to Australia seeking asylum and how many of these people are re-victimised by our inhumane border protection policies. I wish as a country we could be more compassionate towards people who struggle every day for the rights we take for granted.

Technology is a very topic. It can be good and bad. I really admire some of the developments in medical technology. I love how current communication technology is so intuitive that people who have never used computers (or even my three-year-old) can just pick up an iPhone or iPad and use it.

ABBY BELL, 24 Generation Y 1981 – 1989

JUDY I‘ANSON, 60 Baby Boomers 1946 – 1964

I like to wind down by spending time with my two dachshunds, Arnold and Wilson.

A fond childhood memory of mine: I grew up in Melbourne and we would spend the summer holidays with my family and grandparents in Tocumwal. I recall bushwalks with Nan, going to work with my Pop at Tocumwal Cordials, and hanging out on their big jacaranda tree.

A topic I am interested in at the moment is Paul Roos being announced as the Melbourne Demons coach for 2014. This is the most exciting thing that has happened to us in a long time. I can’t stop talking about it to anyone that will listen.

Technology is handy. We wouldn’t be where we are today without it. It makes our lives easier in so many ways and I wouldn’t have gotten through university without my laptop and the internet. But there needs to be a balance, especially with kids because this is where health-related issues such as childhood obesity can become, and is, an epidemic.

FAYE GOODMAN, 76 The silent generation 1925 – 1945

I like to wind down by taking long walks with the dog, reading, coffee and a glass of wine with friends. I have a weekly tradition of meeting a girlfriend for a coffee and wine every Friday or Saturday, which started about 15 years ago.

A fond childhood memory of mine is beach holidays at Rosebud with family and friends. The “long drive” to get there, fish and chips on the beach, and sand everywhere!

A topic I am interested in at the moment: bring on the summer . . . planning outdoor jobs, barbecues, Christmas and a holiday visiting family at the Gold Coast.

Technology is a must for our future but hard to keep up with at times. It can be a constant source of frustration — great when it is all working well, but terrible when it is not.

I like to wind down at our holiday house in Jamieson with my husband.

A fond childhood memory of mine: there was a creek which ran through our property and I remember swimming in the creek with school friends and neighbours. Dad made a swinging rope with a steel triangle that we jumped from. It was so much fun; we would duck everybody under the water, but there were also leeches. It didn’t cost anything at all, it was simple fun.

A topic I am interested in at the moment: what has been happening with our country’s politics. No matter who you have voted for, we now need stability and to sort things out. My husband and I travel quite a bit and I have organised a trip to France and Switzerland for next April.

Technology is many things and I wish I knew more about how to fix things on the computer. Technology, like internet banking, is convenient for me because I can do things in my own time and, oh, my word, I keep in touch with my friends via email — I enjoy the connection. I am concerned about children using Twitter and Facebook, it worries me because what they post is there forever.

OCTOBER 2013 |

47

Story: Laura Griffin

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DNE4547 Dr Sneyd helps patients improve their diets, address any nutritional deficiencies, exercise more and avoid stress to improve their health.

“As I’ve gained more experience, Instagram a lot of people’s health Youtube Pinterest Facebook Twitter issues are not a specific disease, but a whole range of social, psychological and other issues,” Dr Sneyd said.

He has moved to treat the cause — not just the symptoms — of many health problems including nutritional deficiencies, poor digestive function and hormonal imbalances.

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“A lot of people want a quick fix for health issues, but there are no quick fixes,” he said.

“Instead we have to change behaviour patterns — so people want to do exercise, want to eat the right types of food and want to control calorie intake to control weight.”

Such an approach not only improves well-being, but also ensures results are long lasting.

He said most chronic diseases, including diabetes, vascular disease and cancers, were caused by low-grade inflammation called metaflammation whose root cause was modern lifestyle and diet.

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A lot of people want a quick fix for health issues, but there are no quick fixes.

His experience and research has uncovered the fact that many younger women are experiencing hormonal imbalances due to an excess of oestrogen. Dr Sneyd said this was because there was oestrogen in today’s diet and oestrogen-like substances in plastics, cosmetics and other chemicals.

“People, particularly women, should try to decrease exposure to these materials by using them less often or substituting natural products.”

Melbourne Rd, South Shepparton • Ph: 5823 5877 48

| OCTOBER 2013

Dr Sneyd said many of the changes women experienced during menopause could be managed by improving diet, taking targeted nutritional supplements and herbs, reducing stress and exercising.

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To improve health outcomes, Dr Sneyd recommends: •

Eat lots of vegetables, fruits and high quality protein.

•

Reduce fats, sugars, trans fats, alcohol and processed foods: “Processed foods are full of chemicals and do not have the nutritional value fresh foods do.”

•

Increase exercise and aim ultimately to be active at least 30 minutes most days a week: “Make it pleasurable and incorporate exercise into your routine.”

•

Decrease exposure to stress. Try yoga and meditation.

•

Decrease exposure to toxins, including in beauty, cleaning and industrial products, by swapping them with natural products.

“If needed, hormonal management using natural oestrogen and progesterone can be added,” he said.

According to Dr Sneyd, international studies using bio-identical oestradiol and progesterone delivered by creams or gels do not increase the risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease like conventional oral, synthetic hormone replacement therapies do.

“Other interventions such as yoga and meditation practice have been shown to enhance the menopausal transition, reducing symptoms and improving mental health,” he said.

Studies have also shown aromatherapy can lift menopausal women’s moods and mental clarity.

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“Physical symptoms can be a message that diet and environment may be adversely affecting both the body and the brain. The mind body connection is vital to good health.”

Research shows diets high in processed fatty and sugary foods, a lack of exercise and stress also decrease male fertility.

“The most important thing is people are assessed as individuals and management is targeted accordingly,” he said.

He said conventional medicine often relied too much on translating population data to the individual so everyone got the same treatment.

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“I am aiming to change this approach.” n OCTOBER 2013 |

49

Story: Kerri Thomson Photography: Bianca Mibus

OVER 50s

FITNESS The over 50s are a class act in more ways than one.

On Wednesday mornings, Aquamoves’ Verve Café and Juice Bar is pumping. The café is bursting and it’s not with the yummy mummies — it’s the over 50s troupe.

There is the walking group who pre-ordered their morning tea, and this morning 19 sit down. Then the pumpers and water aerobics crew appear and the café is humming with chatter and the coffee machine is in overdrive.

What is happening is priceless — and there is an abundance of smiling faces.

From all walks of life, people in the over 50s age group are brought together through fitness and, some cheekily admit, for social reasons.

It doesn’t take long to understand that for

some, their gym time is a lifeline — and it comes first. Appointments are scheduled around class.

It’s not just a coffee after class; the companionship extends to lunch once a month, a Christmas gathering, a trip to Melbourne or a movie and a chance to dress up.

Aquamoves instructor Lyn Davidson, who organises the older exercise program, has a bond with her members and knows most well.

“These smiling people are here and have made an effort, some battling numerous health conditions,” Lyn said.

Weekly classes cover various land, water and gymnasium options and Lyn encourages people to work at their own level.

“These people are extremely fit,” Lyn said.

Pump women in their class and having a cuppa.

Most class members say they don’t feel like a number and agree that it only needs someone to be nice for them to connect with people — and rest assured, there will be someone.

Dell Brown “I’ve been coming for 15 years, four classes a week. We look out for each other and if we haven’t seen someone for a couple of classes, we check.”

Lyn Jones “I joined the gym and found friendships, laughter, acceptance and support that I will cherish always.”

Julie Huddleston “If you keep the exercise up, fitness can help get over the illness quicker”.

kate murphy.

Probable Portraits An exhibition of video art sharing stories of love, loss, family and migration.

now showing until 24 nov. ph. (03) 5832 9861. free entry. sheppartonartmuseum.com.au.

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| OCTOBER 2013

Kate Murphy Cry me a future (Dublin) 2006 digital video still (detail) Image courtesy of the artist and BREENSPACE, Sydney © Kate Murphy 2010

New lease on life

Trudy Murgatroyd, 69

Taking the first step to achieve a new lease on life can take courage.

Uprooting her life and stepping into the foreign world of the gym has transformed Trudy Murgatroyd’s life in more ways than one.

On Wednesdays the Shire of Strathbogie provides a community bus to Aquamoves to support exercise activities.

“My word it took courage,” Trudy said.

Trudy and her husband moved from Broken Hill to Shepparton seven years ago to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren and there were sceptics who said “You are mad moving at your age, you’ll have to start all over again.”

When Trudy’s daughter suggested she try the gym, a whole new world unfolded.

When the day came, Trudy remembers being nervous and initially overwhelmed by the facility as she had never seen anything like it before.

The whole idea rocked her with self-doubt and she wondered, “What am I doing here?”

“The first class I stood in the second-last row which is the same spot I go every time,” Trudy said.

On the fitness bus

50s class were nothing like she had known before.

“I was determined to make friends,” Trudy said.

“I’ve just made it my business to get up in the mornings, come to the gym, see friends and . . . the coffee.

‘I have made special friends which I’ve never had in my life before.”

Trudy encourages others not to be frightened about attending a gym.

“You have to keep coming to get the fitness.

“When new people come I go over to encourage them because I know how it feels,” Trudy said.

Trudy laughed remembering how her legs felt like jelly at the end of her first pump class.

Trudy explored the unknown and she said there had also been another upside.

The friendships and camaraderie Trudy discovered within the over

“My husband said I now have a spring in my step!”

Volunteer driver On the road to fitness (back) Roberta Moser steers Merv Shepherd, (Middle) the bus from Euroa to Joan Mainwaring, Pam Baker, and (front) Roberta Moser.

Nagambie, and Merv Shepherd — a veteran volunteer for 17 years — jumps in the seat and drives the final leg to Aquamoves.

The passengers on this trip are headed for the pool and the Aqua arthritic class — exercise that would elude them if transport to the indoor/heated pool facility wasn’t available.

“They get to exercise to build themselves up,” Merv said.

This week’s volunteer driver Leanne Russell-Jones from Violet Town said: “The beauty of the bus is that if people are less mobile there is a lifter at the back to help them access the bus.”

Pam Baker, a regular, said: “I wouldn’t come by myself because it’s expensive.”

“I have a lung problem and the exercise helps,” Pam said.

Joan Mainwaring said: “I have been coming since 1998 when I broke my pelvis.”

Gloria Higgins is on her debut trip and heard of the bus through “word of mouth around the town”.

“I thought about it and about 12 months ago I had a back operation and thought the swimming would help, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ ” Gloria said.

“I found today helpful and I feel good at the moment.“ There is also the social side, with the bus trip and a quick cuppa afterward but Leanne lets on “They are a lot quieter on the way home”. n

Complete healthcare for the whole family At Wyndham House Clinic we look after your family’s health.

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Female and male doctors Bulk billing for under 16’s Women’s health including pap smears, fertility assistance and hormonal treatments General practice services including a holistic approach to health and wellbeing Men’s health Children’s health Minor surgery

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Dookie women Alice Tallis, Serana Hunt, Leiticia Harmer and Janie Christophersen have big dreams for their little town.

ARTS PROJECT

aims to draw people to Dookie Dookie is a small town with a big heart — and a big future, thanks to a group of people committed to shining the national spotlight on their beautiful corner of the world.

The quartet is passionate about their picturesque corner of the world, and thanks to their hard work as part of the Dookie Arts group, the world is starting to notice.

The idea for Dookie Arts was coined after a promotional visit from Regional Arts Victoria, which encourages smaller, regional towns to apply for transformative grants.

With just a little more than a week to get a funding proposal organised, the team jumped straight into the task — and a couple of very late nights later had sent off a proposal, despite having no experience putting together grant applications.

“It was a very new experience for all of us,” Serana said.

“We jumped in boots and all,” Leiticia said.

In June 2013, Dookie was announced as one of five recipients of a Regional Arts Victoria Small Town Transformation Grant, worth $350 000.

52

| OCTOBER 2013

“When we got the grant you probably could have heard us in Tasmania, we were that excited,” Alice said.

The grant will fund ongoing arts projects in the Dookie community and will also provide a major portion of funding for the ‘Dusk Till Dawn’ art event at the Dookie Quarry in October 2014.

The group has also just appointed renowned festival organiser and former Dookie College resident Helen Kelly as its artistic director.

“The vision is very much about the arts in all its forms,” Janie said.

Despite juggling families, farms and businesses, the four are dedicated to creating a vibrant arts community in Dookie and establishing the town as a regional arts epicentre.

“We’re trying to give our town life into the future. We want it to be regenerative, evolving and ongoing,’’ Leiticia said.

“We all appreciate art and what it can bring to the town,’’ Serana said.

“We want people to fall in love with Dookie as much as we do.”

The quartet has known each other ranging from two to 12 years, depending on when they arrived in Dookie, but it was applying for the grant which really changed the dynamics of the group.

“

“

Leiticia Harmer, Janie Christophersen, Serana Hunt and Alice Tallis are all part of the driving force behind Dookie’s artistic revitalisation.

The vision is very much about the arts in all its forms.

Janie Christophersen

“It brought us together and really cemented our friendship,” Leiticia said.

“Everyone supports each other and it’s a beautiful feeling,” Janie said.

The group said the announcement of the Small Town Transformation Grant had already had a positive impact on Dookie’s residents and had given them a sense of pride in their town.

“They can see the passion behind it,” Janie said.

Serana agrees.

“We all love Dookie, we’re passionate about it and we want to show it.” n

A light projection on the Dookie Quarry’s walls, which will be the location of Dookie Arts’ launch event ‘Dusk Till Dawn’ in 2014.

Story: Jenna Bishop Main photograph: Julie Mercer Photographs this page: Serana Hunt

Dookie Arts held a community information night in June to discuss the grant.

Top: Dookie Quarry owner Paul Trickey, Sean Bowen, Carrie Donaldson, Deborah Clemson, Gaye Sutherland, Janie Christophersen, Alice Tallis, Leiticia Harmer and Serana Hunt Above: Victorian Arts Minister Heidi Victoria presents Alice Tallis with the grant.

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189A Corio Street • 5822 1755 OCTOBER 2013 |

53

In-laws part of HAPPY FAMILY LIFE

Tania Hallahan with mother Brenda Kittlety (left) and mother-in-law Elaine Hallahan.

Photograph: Ray Sizer When it comes to female family ties, Tania Hallahan feels doubly blessed.

are happier than those in contact with just one or the other.

and other times it’s just nice being in their company, not even having to talk.”

The Kialla mother of three relishes the close bond and regular contact with her mother Brenda Kittlety and mother-in-law Elaine Hallahan.

Report co-author Melissa Weinberg of Deakin University’s Australian Centre on Quality of Life said the more regular the contact with a person’s mother and motherin-law, the greater their sense of wellbeing.

An added bonus was the care both extended families had for each other, Tania said.

“It varies from week to week but I probably see them once or twice a week,” Tania, 44, said.

“Mum and I call in on each other for a cuppa, and sometimes I go walking with her.’’

Whether visiting Elaine and father-in-law Kevin’s house with the family, or alone after school drop-off, Tania says “I make sure I have extra time to sit and talk with them.”

She is not surprised by the latest Australian Unity Wellbeing report which reveals married people who have regular contact with their mother and mother-in-law have greater wellbeing than the average Australian.

“

“

It varies from week to week but I probably see them once or twice a week.

The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index report reveals that people who see their mother and mother-in-law at least once a week are happier than other married people.

“You would have good support and that would just make life easier,” Tania said of the report.

In an interesting twist, the Wellbeing report finds that people who see neither their mother nor mother-in-law on a regular basis 54

| OCTOBER 2013

“Whatever their reputation, mothers-in-law are evidently an important resource in a person’s life,” Dr Weinberg said.

“The reasons could be that the extra support she provides is seen as a sort of bonus beyond the expected assistance of a mother.’’

She said people with a balanced family life were likely to have greater wellbeing than those who were seeing more of one side of the family than the other.

“Seeing neither mother nor mother-in-law on a regular basis is better than just seeing one. This shows that being free of maternal influence from one or other side of the family allows it to develop its own equilibrium, and with it increased wellbeing,’’ Dr Weinberg said.

Throughout her 27-year relationship with husband Mark, Tania said her relationships with Brenda and Elaine had evolved on their own merit.

“While Mum and Elaine are wonderful support with our kids, that’s just a bonus to our relationship.

“I enjoy their company. We’ve laughed together in good times and cried together during illness.

“It’s good to have a conversation with them

Some years Tania’s parents and parentsin-law have shared Christmas gatherings and Tania enjoys inviting both parties for impromptu morning or afternoon teas.

“It’s nice to be invited around to catch-up with them and I like to make scones to share,” Brenda, 68, said.

“It’s really lovely,” Elaine, 74, agreed. “It’s a really healthy set-up.”

Both mums are the word The Australian Unity Wellbeing Index report — the nation’s pre-eminent study of subjective wellbeing — found those in frequent contact (defined as at least once a week) with both their mother and mother-in-law scored an average Personal Wellbeing Index score of 78.7, well above the normal range for all Australians of between 73.7 and 76.7.

Those in frequent contact with their mother only scored 74.0 and with their mother-in-law only scored 73.1. Those not in frequent contact with either scored 75.4, the report found. The scores were statistically similar for men and women.

The report is based on a telephone survey of 2000 people earlier this year.

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So come in and visit us today and discover the quality of a Sessions home for yourself.

www.sessionsbuilders.com.au NEW HOME INFORMATION CENTRE: Shop 1, 228–234 High Street, Shepparton. Phone: 5831 5226 SHEPPARTON DISPlAy CENTRE: Cnr Canterbury Avenue and Bonbeach Street, Shepparton. Phone: 5831 8808 OCTOBER 2013 |

55

Story and photographs: Bianca Mibus

SHARK EXPERIENCE

TERRIFYINGLY GOOD I wanted to do something special during my recent June holidays. Somewhere in the depths of my jovial bravado I thought: ‘Why not swim with sharks?’ But this sort of madness was totally out of my comfort zone.

My adventure, a one-day shark cage diving charter off Port Lincoln in South Australia — the great white shark capital — turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with no diving qualifications or previous experience required.

I originally intended to fly to SA, but my mum said, “Why don’t we go for a drive?”

We travelled from Horsham, where I grew up, and put Mum’s Peugeot onto a ferry and travelled across to Lucky Bay, then drove three hours to Port Lincoln. We wearily arrived at the Hilton Hotel for a sleep-over on the Sunday night.

An early start saw me up at 5.30 am for a 6.15 am pick-up by the Calypso Star Charter crew. It was pitch black and absolutely freezing. I dressed in skins, tracksuit, longsleeved top, hoodie, sports jacket and ugg boots and I was still cold!

Shepparton News photographer Bianca Mibus.

Transport for the day was a double-decked boat with all the comforts of home.

There were 28 enthusiastic shark swimmers on board and the atmosphere was fantastic.

As a rule I don’t get seasick but, just in case, I took two motion sickness tablets because I didn’t want the possibility of it ruining my day.

It was a two-and-a-half-hour journey to the diving spot off the Neptune Islands, and with a rough 3 m swell it wasn’t long before people started vomiting over the side of the boat.

Excitement started to creep in at this stage and I was really looking forward to the dive.

I received amusing text messages from friends, the most memorable being a picture

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of Bruce the shark from the movie Finding Nemo declaring “Gee you look tasty.” I started to get nervous, and thought: `What am I doing?’ I’m only 20!’

There were eight groups and my group was the fourth to be launched into the depths of the shark-infested water at 1.30 pm.

Once I climbed into the wetsuit the adrenalin kicked in and it was awesome. I could barely walk with the heaviness of the weight belt as I endeavoured to become

familiar with the mouth respirator that was connected to an air tank on the deck of the boat.

As I stepped down into the huge cage the crystal-clear water crept over me and all I could concentrate on was deep, slow breaths. The cage really rocked about and I clung for dear life to the side rail to prevent being thrown around.

At the moment the crew released the bait

to lure the sharks to the cage, my adrenalin went crazy. In all, I saw 12 great white sharks including “Big Mumma” the 5.4 m monster. Sometimes the sharks would thump the cage, which was pretty scary, and when they launched at the cage I stopped breathing because I didn’t want the bubbles to scare them.

my whole body felt like jelly and I needed to be pulled onto the deck.

I couldn’t have asked for a better day faceto-face with great white sharks, and the experience was so worth the effort and expense. n WATCH VIDEO www.sheppnews.com.au/TV

The time underwater went so quick. At the end of the dive, as I climbed up the ladder

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Driven by her heartache, Teresa Carlson makes things happen — and the world needs more powerhouses just like her.

TRAGEDY spurs mother’s efforts to help others Teresa’s daughter Michelle died of cystic fibrosis 20 years ago, just two days short of her 17th birthday.

Before Michelle, Teresa gave birth to a baby boy, Michael, who appeared healthy.

But Teresa didn’t see Michael again after his birth; he passed away 24 hours later.

“We never found out why,” Teresa said.

Still harbouring disbelief, Teresa said, “I wasn’t told anything was wrong until informed of his death.”

She wonders if it was related to cystic fibrosis.

For the Carlsons, many questions remain unanswered — but that’s how it often was, back then.

Understandably, when Michelle was born the Carlsons had a paediatrician check her.

Michelle Carlson

“She was fine,” Teresa said.

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It wasn’t until Michelle was 18 months old that a diagnosis was delivered matter-of-factly by a doctor — Michelle had cystic fibrosis, and there was no cure.

“Your whole world crumbles,” Teresa said.

“We had some pretty horrid times.’’

For Teresa, those years were consumed by “super-high maintenance’’.

“Your whole day can be taken with treatments,” she said. “I really put my whole life into Michelle, and everything went on the backburner — my husband Richard and our daughter Sharon, five years older than Michelle, included.”

Then, the average age expectancy for cystic fibrosis sufferers was 17 — “End of story,” Teresa said.

“She did so much in her short life, we never discussed her life expectancy — but she was very aware,” Teresa said.

Story: Kerri Thomson Photography: Bianca Mibus

Did you know...

“I remember when the professor called me in and said, “Teresa, we have three months.”

“I walked back into her hospital room and acted as though I hadn’t been told,” Teresa said.

Burdened with the ultimate heartache, at times Teresa would sit in the corner of her bedroom unable to function.

“I was lucky; she was perfect and was taken before anything bad happened to her,” is how Teresa describes how she dealt with the end of Michelle’s life.

“

“

She did so much in her short life, we never discussed her life expectancy . . .

Teresa has always organised money for charities but now focuses on cystic fibrosis and is an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Australia.

“Organ donation is their best chance, but no guarantee, and the drug Kalydeco suits only eight per cent of sufferers,” Teresa said.

The opportunity wasn’t available to Michelle for a lung transplant.

“To donate your child’s organs, it’s almost incomprehensible,” Teresa says of the reason why there’s a lack of donor organs available.

“The biggest problem we have with organ donations is that families don’t talk about it; that’s where we are coming unstuck,” Teresa said.

“You may register as an organ

donor but the family has the last say.

“I can appreciate both ends of the deal; it’s hard.”

Only 34% of Australian adults would report to the police if they were aware that a child was being sexually abused.

What would you do?

Stopping child sexual abuse relies on adults taking action if they believe a child is being abused.

A founding member of the Cystic Fibrosis Great Escape car rally in 2002, Teresa’s efforts alone have raised $750 000 to date. Her flamboyant purple rally car is the collaboration of generous supporters.

For support and information ring GV CASA.

“Cystic fibrosis is not government funded and it’s not in your face,’’ Teresa said.

1800 112 343

03 58 312 343 www.gvcasa.com.au

After Hours:

“I talk at functions to get the actual facts across.

“Every four days a child is born with cystic fibrosis. We have over one million carriers alone in Australia and it attacks the lungs, digestive system and life itself.”

Teresa pitches to the movers and shakers and has even received a message from then prime minister Julia Gillard when she was unable to attend a cystic fibrosis fundraising event at Cruden Farm.

“Cystic fibrosis is the most common genetic, lifethreatening disease affecting children today, a condition that robs us of precious young lives like Michelle Carlson, leaving a void that can never be filled,” Ms Gillard said.

Teresa crusades for cystic fibrosis awareness and fundraising. She is always thinking of her next move, but the passing of time hasn’t slowed this mother’s commitment to her daughter.

“Michelle is the driving force behind everything I do.” n

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Story: Jenna Bishop

When your crush

TURNS SERIOUS

It’s a serious affliction which is consuming the lives of thousands of innocent and unsuspecting people across the world.

No, it’s not world hunger or poverty — it’s a crippling addiction to the Candy Crush Saga game.

With some strategic skills, players can create special candy ‘bombs’, which have the effect of wiping out select groups of candies, earning the player more points.

Countless hours are wasted across each day with players desperately trying to crack the next troublesome level — and often dipping into their wallets to do so.

The feeling of devastation when you realise you’ve run out of lives can be immense, leading to questions about how you’ll occupy yourself for the next 30 minutes while you anxiously wait for a life to regenerate.

The international addiction has become so bad, it has spawned craft spin-offs on website Etsy, a fake movie trailer, online support groups and numerous websites dedicated to Candy Crush cheats.

Earlier this year, addiction treatment provider UK Rehab launched a dedicated residential rehab program specifically for Candy Crush addicts, costing a minimum of $5000.

According to a spokesperson, the centre receives 100 inquiries each month and three to five people check in for Candy Crush rehab each month.

Launched on mobiles in September 2012, the game notches about 600 million active game sessions each day over a growing number of platforms – players can get their fix on Facebook, iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

The app preys on the

competitive nature of its legion of fans — not many can resist the urge to sweep past friends on higher levels, nor give in before finishing every single level.

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Bunbartha Candy Crush addict Eliza Jashar understands the frustration the game can create — she’s been stuck on some levels for more than a month at a time.

Eliza downloaded the game about five or six months ago at the suggestion of her partner and is currently sitting on level 285.

She admits to spending money to unlock episodes and avoid lengthy delays to get to the next level, but has found a way to avoid waiting for lives to regenerate.

“If I run out of lives, I’ll change the time on my phone forward to trick it into giving me more lives,” she said.

The game has also redefined how people utilise their leisure time, with many sneaking in a quick Candy Crush fix while on public transport, relaxing at home, waiting for appointments and during lunch breaks.

“If I’m sitting on the couch, I’ll play it while I’m watching TV,” Eliza said.

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Eliza said she had no current plans to stop playing the game, until she became bored with it or encountered an unpassable level.

There are currently more than 450 levels of Candy Crush, and Alex Dale, chief marketing officer for King — the company responsible for the game — has admitted there is no end, with developers churning out new levels each fortnight. n

ZO331246

The game involves ‘swiping’ candies across the screen to create matches and earn enough points to clear the level.

Hair & Beauty

OCTOBER 2013 |

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Reviews

Book

Review: Laura Griffin

Drink, Smoke, Pass Out

by Judith Lucy, Penguin Australia, RRP $29.99

Movie – DVD Review: Chloe Warburton

The Great Gatsby

Australian comedian Judith Lucy’s latest book Drink, Smoke, Pass Out made me smile, laugh and think about how I could be calmer, happier and more appreciative.

Judith’s wry sense of humour and her outrageously funny metaphors and stories contrast to the sincerity of Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestseller Eat Pray Love.

But both women are looking for happiness.

Judith writes that she has looked everywhere for happiness. Growing up a Catholic, she thought about becoming a nun, and later threw herself into work, finding a partner and getting off her face.

Somehow, none of that worked.

She doesn’t shy away from the amount or the ill-effects of the alcohol and drugs she consumed. And just when you want to start yelling at her to get her life together, she starts taking small steps.

She starts asking the big questions about the meaning of life and whether there is a god. No-one could have been more surprised than Judith when she started to find solace and meaning in yoga and meditation, and a newfound appreciation for what others get from their religion.

In her first memoir, the bestselling The Lucy Family Alphabet, Judith dealt with her eccentric parents. In Drink, Smoke, Pass Out, she tries to find out if there’s more to life than wanting to suck tequila out of Ryan Gosling’s navel. With disarming frankness and classic dry wit, she reviews the major paths of her life and, alarmingly, finds herself on an unlikely spiritual journey.

Book

Review: Jenna Bishop

The Rosie Project

by Graeme Simsion, Text Publishing, RRP $29.99 Don Tillman is on a mission: he is going to find himself a wife. She’s going to be perfect, so naturally Don has put together a questionnaire to find someone who meets his exacting standards. He’s dubbed this The Wife Project. There’s just one problem — Don is completely socially inept, awkward, and his actions are invariably cringe-worthy.

In the middle of The Wife Project, Don meets Rosie Jarman — the antithesis of his questionnaire. Convinced she’s ruled out, he embarks on the Father Project in an attempt to help Rosie find her biological father. Rosie’s carefree nature turns Don’s methodically planned-to-the-last-second life upsidedown and slowly he begins to realises rules don’t always make a happy life.

Simsion’s debut novel is fantastically witty and has surprising underlying warmth. The novel does tend to follow the stockstandard romance formula: boy meets girl, boy screws up, boy discovers he likes girl, boy sets out to win girl back. Thankfully, Simsion manages to inject a refreshingly different voice into the equation, which makes it that little less clichéd. Simsion has written a fantastic character in the geekily charismatic and endearing Don — literature’s equivalent of The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper, and in Rosie — a fiery and intelligent girl who has some serious daddy issues. A perfect casual summer read with enough intellect to balance the humour.

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The girls, the parties, the money. New York in the 1920s was a decadent place.

And in the middle of it all was the mysterious Gatsby.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby has been put on stage and film countless times since it was published in 1925 but never so ambitiously as Australian director Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 effort.

Luhrmann is known for his groundbreaking adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, as well as Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom. He divided critics with Australia, and The Great Gatsby has done the same.

The Great Gatsby is narrated by Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), a disillusioned alcoholic being treated in a sanitarium. His doctor encourages him to write the experiences that brought him to this point and he begins to tell the story of his best friend Gatsby.

Back in 1922, Carraway gives up on being a writer and settles for working as a salesman.

He moves to Long Island, next to a lavish mansion where Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) throws extravagant parties.

Carraway’s cousin Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her filthy-rich and philandering husband Tom (Joel Edgerton) live nearby and the naive Carraway is soon drawn into Tom’s debauchery.

Carraway is invited to one of Gatsby’s parties, where it seems no-one really knows Gatsby.

But soon Carraway and the reckless, charming and mysterious millionaire become friends. As Carraway tries to find out more about Gatsby, he discovers his motive — Daisy is a long-lost love and Gatsby is determined to woo her back.

As Gatsby’s plan begins to unravel, it pulls apart the world of the core players.

In Great Gatsby, Luhrmann creates dizzying highs, although these sometimes highlight the frustrating lows.

Gatsby is long and complex. Subtle stories weave through the first half of the film and crash together at the end. There is also a lot of downtime during which it’s difficult for viewers to see how everything fits together.

At times, the characters feel empty, but the calibre of the actors involved means this does not crop up too often.

DiCaprio perfectly plays the affable but unsure Gatsby. Maguire portrays naive innocence, and Mulligan’s Daisy is a beautifully romantic airhead.

But it’s Australian actor Edgerton who really steals the show as the brutish Tom. There are also some great moments with fellow Australian actors Elizabeth Debicki and Isla Fisher.

The Great Gatsby is spectacle, but it needed more heart to become a beloved classic.

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