december 21 - 27 | 2016
regional extra >>> 25,000 readers every week
north east
north east jobs www.wangarattachronicle.com.au
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circulating in wangaratta, myrtleford, bright, mt beauty, beechworth, yackandandah, rutherglen, chiltern and districts
Sharing festive cheer By KYLIE WILSON
READY TO HELP:
Pauline Middleton from the Salvation Army in the shipping container that has become a hub for people in need throughout the region. PHOTO: Wendy Stephens
GARDENING WITH
DEBBI
RSPCA
FILM
SMOOCH
MOANA
WITH
WINE TALK
Pay with your WAW Visa Debit card using Apple Pay The easy, secure and private way to pay. Find out more at www.wawcu.com.au
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WITH
ANITA
BEHIND the doors of a humble converted shipping container tucked away in a quiet corner of Beechworth, people across the region are accessing much needed relief during the festive season. Salvation Army Beechworth Captain Pauline Middleton is among those helping to distribute items - from pantry essentials to toys and supermarket vouchers - to those in need. This is the first year the newly expanded Community Support Service (Emergency Relief ) program has been operating out of the shipping container, located in Phillips Lane in Beechworth behind the Salvation Army’s citadel and Thrift Shop (Op Shop), which face Ford Street. Captain Middleton said her strong personal Christian faith is one of the main reasons behind her drive to help others. “I see the gift of Jesus as being a gift of humanity,” she said, explaining that her faith has helped her cope with many difficulties in her own life. “Having that relationship with Jesus makes a difference.” Captain Middleton said being able to help others “gives an extra uplift to people”. “I think it’s really good community spirit,” she enthused. “There’s no one we would turn away. “And sometimes people just might need someone to talk to.” She said the new spot for the service had helped give more privacy to people wanting discrete access, as well as create more storage space and an inviting community area. The program has been supported by a range of community organisations and businesses, and was also well supported by the Prisoners on the Run program. continued page |
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december 21 - 27 | 2016
MONEY MATTERS
GARDEN HINTS
The changing landscape of automotive finance THE latest automotive industry research reveals how digital channels are changing the automotive finance customer journey. With interest rates at historically low levels, car ownership is more affordable than ever before and total automotive lending commitments in the 2015-2016 financial year reached more than $15.5 billion. It is in this market context that the latest edition of Automotive Finance Insight (AFI) has been released by ACA Research. This is the 5th edition of this unique and extensive survey of the finance journey undertaken by new and used car buyers throughout Australia. The customer journey continues to decrease The 2016 Automotive Finance Insight report clearly shows that the length of the customer journey is decreasing, with the length of time from developing a shopping list of vehicles through to making a final choice down to a median of just four weeks. It is clear that the effort required to compile and refine a shortlist of desirable brands and models has decreased as the depth of information that is accessible online increases exponentially. Consumer power enabled through technology Two thirds (66 per cent) of consumers are spending more than six hours researching vehicles online, using a range of manufacturer, dealer and other automotive websites. Accordingly, by the time the consumer reaches the dealership, they are very well informed and often ready to buy. Consumers are also commencing the finance journey much earlier, with more
than half choosing their lender prior to entering a dealership, including 46 per cent who obtain pre-approval from at least one lender. This presents a considerable challenge for dealerships that rely on finance as a key revenue stream for their business. Currently, 34 per cent of consumers are securing their finance through the dealership, but this has decreased from 40 per cent in 2013. The rise of the online broker The research indicates that nearly a third of car buyers browsed an online finance broker website during the search process and 16 per cent used a broker to secure their finance. Again, the growth of the broker channel, particularly online brokers, will place more pressure on the current OEM finance model as disruption continues. The online application process is inefficient While digital channels are changing the way consumers search for vehicles and finance, the proportion completing their finance application online has plateaued at 18 per cent. Generally, the customer experience when completing an online application is poor and implies a higher level of effort than should be necessary in the application process. In summary, the ACA Research Automotive Finance Insights report clearly demonstrates that in a highly competitive automotive finance market, traditional lenders will need to evolve their distribution, technology and marketing strategies to ensure they remain relevant in a sector rife with disruption.
WITH DEBBI GIBSON, HORTICULTURALIST
Mistletoe and Christmas CHRISTMAS is associated with many traditions. These range from Christmas trees and decorations, presents, Santa and reindeer, candy canes and plum pudding to poinsettia and kissing under the Mistletoe. Why do we kiss under Mistletoe and how is it related to Christmas? From a horticultural point of view, mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches and trunks of trees, (including Eucalyptus). The seeds are spread by bird droppings which fall onto the trees. The Anglo Saxon name for mistletoe was misteltan; mistal meaning dung and tan meaning twig. Translation: Poo stick. Unfortunate name, but mistletoe is deep in its origins. In ancient mythology, the goddess Frigga was the mother of Balder, who was slain by evil trickster Loki with a poisonous arrow made from Mistletoe. Frigga wept tears of sorrow which turned into berries and magically bought her son back to life. In her happiness she blessed the Mistletoe plant and kissed everyone who walked beneath the tree where it grew. The Norsemen considered it a plant of
Christmas
peace, a sign of love and affection. When their enemies met under mistletoe, in the forests, they were obliged to lay down their arms and declare a truce. The ancient druids believed mistletoe had mystical powers and hung it over doorways for good luck and protection. According to ancient Babylonian legends, single women looking for a partner would stand outside the temple of the goddess of love where mistletoe was hung over the doorway. Any man interested would approach the woman under the mistletoe and the two would bond. By the 18th century in Britain, it became popular to create a ball of mistletoe that would be hung as a Christmas decoration. If a couple was found standing under the mistletoe, they were then obliged to kiss. Any young lady standing under the mistletoe could not refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. So trim the tree, wrap the presents, deck the halls with boughs of holly and hang the mistletoe above the front door. Merry Christmas to all and have a safe and happy New Year.
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december 21 - 27 | 2016
VETS CORNER
FEATURE STORY
from page |
1
Responsibility for pets CHRISTMAS is the time of giving, and what better gift is there then a new pet for the family. But before you rush out and get something furry, scaly or feathered, it is good to make sure the person receiving the pet is prepared for what is in store. Pets are an important part of the family and are extremely rewarding, but with pet ownership comes big responsibility. Your pet is relying on you to provide food and water, exercise, housing, grooming and routine or emergency veterinary care. Research into the type of pet, but also the different breeds, is important before committing to a pet, as their requirements vary greatly. Take an active, energetic kelpie versus a lazier lapdog like a bulldog or a long haired, moulting ragdoll compared to a short haired domestic cat. They are all lovable, but you need to know what you are committing to.
Never buy a pet on an impulse, as a poorly thought through decision can lead to another pet abandoned and unwanted in a rescue shelter. Before you go for a kitten or puppy, consider local shelters for animals in need of a loving home like yours. The big questions to ask before you purchase your new family member are: t "N * QSFQBSFE UP DBSF GPS B QFU its whole life, with some animals living in excess of 15 years? t $BO * Bò PSE B QFU $PTUT include food, vaccination, microchipping, desexing, emergency veterinary bills, worming, boarding, toys, bedding. t %P * VOEFSTUBOE IPX UP DBSF for a pet? Remember to use all resources like veterinary clinics, breeders, reputable websites and organisations to find this information. t %P * IBWF UJNF UP DBSF GPS B pet? You have to make time for walking, socialising, grooming,
feeding, training, play time and love and attention. t 8JMM UIJT QFU Ü U NZ MJGFTUZMF %P ZPV HP BXBZ FWFSZ XFFLFOE PS work long hours? What pet is best for you? t %P * IBWF TVJUBCMF accommodation with enough space? Consider if you have a secure yard, rental houses allowing pets, where will you house it when you are not home? Animals bring a tremendous amount of joy to our lives, it is important that we make sure we do the same for them. Enjoy the holiday period and don’t forget to put something under the tree for your animal friends. Felicity Miller, Veterinarian
PETS CORNER SMOOCH, a four year old desexed female domestic shorthair cat, who is tabby and tortoiseshell in colour, is this week’s pet of the week at Wangaratta RSPCA. To see more animals up for adoption at the Wangaratta RSPCA, visit the shelter in Connell Street or phone (03) 5722 2874.
DONATED: The Salvation Army’s (back, from left) Jim Kenney, Pauline Middleton, (front, from left) Anita Browne and Debbie Rollins with a range of items that have been donated to give to those in need. PHOTO: Mark Stephens
Volunteer Community Support Service manager at Beechworth Salvation Army, Jim Kenney, said he found a lot of fulfilment in being able to help people when they are struggling. “We call it Christmas Cheer,� he said. Jim said people access the Community Support Service from a wide area of the North East - from Beechworth and surrounds, to towns as far away as Mt Beauty, Tarrawingee, Yackandandah, Bright, Myrtleford and beyond. He explained that personal pride often means people are initially reluctant to access the service, but when they do come in – often encouraged by friends or loved ones to do so – they are often speechless when they receive help. “Some people cry with gratitude,� he said. “They tell you a few years later that you really changed their lives. “It’s good to be able to help people
that are at a low ebb.� Jim said people’s personal situations and the economy drives continuing demand for the Community Support Service, adding that “it seems to be increasing every year�. However, he said the service is grateful to have the support of the general public, as well as several generous anonymous donors. But he said there is always space for people to help the service. “We can always do with more volunteers and donations,� Jim said. People seeking help can call 0408 860 231 (Beechworth, Woragee, and Stanley Only) from Tuesday-Thursday or The Salvation Army (03) 5728 3245 0427 503 948 from Friday-Monday. More information on the services available in Beechworth via the Salvation Army is also available on www.salvationarmy.org.au/ beechworth.
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december 21 - 27 | 2016
FISHING FOCUS
CATCH OF THE WEEK
Name:
Dallas Wall (age 12), Wangaratta
Catch:
Murray cod
Size FIRST FISH: Liam Wolstenholme travelled all the way up from Melbourne to fish with me on the weekend. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule Liam, and congratulations on catching your first ever fish…all by yourself at the North Beaches swimming hole at Wangaratta.
Location:
Plenty of festive fishing
SUDOKU HARD
THIS is my final fishing report for 2016. I have a couple of weeks of R&R from running this column and will be back on January 11. Over the Christmas/New year period, the Ovens River should fish well for Murray cod anywhere between Myrtleford and Bundalong. There’s cod under every snag. The big cod are a fish of a thousand casts though, so expect small ones. The King, Broken, Kiewa, Buffalo and Mitta Mitta rivers have all been fishing well for Murray cod and should continue to do so during the festive period. If you’re after trout, try the Buckland River, Upper King River (above Lake William Hovell), Ovens River upstream of Bright, Kiewa River upstream of Dederang, Mitta Mitta River upstream of Eskdale, Snowy Creek upstream of Mitta Mitta township or the Delatite River.
BY ROB ALEXANDER, WANGARATTA
I have had good reports from all of these streams recently. If you want to catch a feed of yellowbelly, head to Lake Nillahcootie where plenty of nice edible size yellowbelly have been caught. Yellowbelly over 50cm taste like horse manure and are better off returned to the water. For redfin, try Lake William Hovell and Lake Hume. Both lakes have been producing redfin recently, and they both have an abundance of smaller redfin, with a few very large redfin in the mix too. If you just want to take the kids to wet
57cm Murray River at Corowa (the fish was caught and released).
3 8 1
a line for an afternoon, head to Allan’s Flat waterhole near Yackandandah and you can’t go wrong. It is one of the best mixed fisheries stocked with fish for the kids to enjoy. Or if you’re in Wangaratta, head to the North Beaches swimming hole… there’s heaps of small cod in that hole. I would like to say an enormous thankyou to the many people who have pulled me up in the street and given me positive feedback over the last 12 months. Thanks for the support. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Christmas and happy new year. Please everybody, play it safe on the roads. There have been far too many road fatalities lately. If you can’t resist the temptation to pick up your phone while driving, put the bloody thing in the boot.
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december 21 - 27 | 2016
ENTERTAINMENT
YOUR HEALTH MOVIE
Christmas cheer
Moana (PG) MOANA, the feisty teenage daughter of a chief, sails off across the open Pacific ocean on an epic adventure to save her people. Joined by the energetic, less-than-humble, once-powerful demigod Maui, Moana discovers her own identity on the mission, which also pits her against impossible odds and enormous monsters.
HOLIDAYS, warm weather, entertaining, festivities, and everyone having fun with a drink in their hand at the Christmas get togethers. This is what December and the festive season is all about. From now until Christmas, or realistically New Year’s Day, there is going to be a whole lot of feasting, socialising and drinking going on, and let’s face it, a party is just not a party without enjoying a good drink. It seems however, that those looking for a nonalcoholic beverage are often at a loss. The champagne cocktails look much more elegant and grown up than a glass of lemonade and a cold beer much more tempting than a glass of water or soda water. If you do not offer some kind of exciting looking and tasting non–alcoholic version at your parties, you end up creating a divide between those guests who are partaking in festive drinking and those who are not. Think about your guests who are designated drivers, pregnant women, children and those who don’t really like alcohol. You can easily create a relaxed, more inclusive party atmosphere that
DVD
Storks (G) ONCE deliverers of babies, now storks deliver packages for global internet giant Cornerstore.com. Junior, the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorised baby girl.
CD
Simply Christmas by Leslie Odom, Jr FEATURING the velvety voice of Leslie Odom, Jr, who starred in the musical TV drama Smash and has also stunned Broadway as one of the stars of hit musical Hamilton, this album features many seasonal standards. Highlights include his cover of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and his reverent version of Ave Maria.
BOOK
The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis DANIEL Kahneman and Amos Tversky met in 1960s Israel: Kahneman a rootless son of holocaust survivors who saw the world as a problem to be solved; Tversky a voluble, instinctual blur of energy. In this breathtaking book, Michael Lewis tells the extraordinary story of a relationship that became a shared mind: one which created the field of behavioural economics, revolutionising society. Published by Penguin Australia
BY NATUROPATHS SOPHIE LORBACK AND BELINDA MCPHERSON (BHSCI. NATUROPATHY)
CHEERS: Create non-alcoholic drinks to make your holiday get togethers healthier and more inclusive. allows everyone to celebrate with or without the alcohol. Punches and mocktails are a great way to show off your creativity. Adapt clever garnishes from a cocktail book or look up some ideas online. Experiment with different juices, flavoured mineral waters, and tropical fruits. Use these easy cocktail substitutes as a guide: t #FFS XIJUF HSBQF KVJDF ginger ale
t $PHOBD 1FBDI QFBS PS apricot nectar or juice t 4BLF 3JDF WJOFHBS t 5FRVJMB "HBWF OFDUBS t 7PELB 8IJUF HSBQF juice mixed with lime Garnishing is important to create an element of excitement and fun for the nonalcholic drinks. Dress up drinks with: t TQSJHT PG NJOU t GSVJU TLFXFST TUJSSFST t XFEHFT PG MFNPO t MJNF PS HSBQFGSVJU
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december 21 - 27 | 2016
WINE TALK
IN MY KITCHEN
Piano Piano
2016 Rose Around $25 WITH LIVELIGHTER.COM.AU
Rainbow pasta salad
WITH ANITA McPHERSON varieties, Tempranillo and Touriga, which are sourced from the lower end of the King Valley. It has a stunning, jewel pink colour and a gentle aroma of strawberry and bubble gum with just the barest hint of spice. But there is nothing lollyish about the flavour; this is a light, dry “pink” with a little cherry fruit which is much more savoury than sweet and has a whisper of tobacco. That means it won’t dominate, but instead will complement, a wide range of cuisines. And it will decorate the table better than any bauble. Available from local outlets or find out more at www. pianopiano.com.au
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
North Wangaratta Pony Club, 1929 THE first race meeting of the North Wangaratta Pony Club was held on December 21, 1929. The club, which had been formed at a meeting at the end of the preceding month with Mr EC Luckie as president, had allocated stake money of £60 for races for ponies and trotters, with proceeds going to the Wangaratta Hospital.
IT can be easy to overindulge on all manner of tempting food at this time of year. If you’re looking for a tasty but lighter option to serve at, or bring to, your next Christmas or New Year party or barbecue, this recipe from Live Lighter is ideal. A range of healthy and nutritious summer recipes are available by following the links at livelighter.com. au. Method Bring a medium-sized saucepan of water to the boil. Add beans and simmer for two minutes until they are bright green. Remove beans with a slotted spoon and refresh under cold water. Alternatively, cook beans in the microwave on high (100 per cent) for two minutes with a tablespoon of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to packet directions until just tender. Drain well and add to a large serving bowl with drained beans and remaining salad ingredients. In a small jug, mix together dressing ingredients, then pour over salad. Toss until well combined. Serve immediately or enjoy cold the next day. Variation Replace tinned corn with kernels
removed from one fresh cob which has been steamed or microwaved on high (100 per cent power) for three minutes. Add a small chopped avocado just before serving.
INGREDIENTS
THE way we celebrate Christmas is different for every family and is often influenced by our heritage and cultural background. These days it can also be an exciting blend of cultures as we borrow traditions from our parents and grandparents, introduce something new and add our own unique twist. It means the Christmas celebration can be enjoyed any time from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, and include everything from glazed ham and roast turkey, to whole fish, rich pasta, spicy curry or tapas. While a wise host will have everything from a mid-morning Prosecco to a late night Port on hand, another good idea is to have plenty of Rosé in stock. Some are quite fruity and a little sweet while others have a spritz, but a nice choice with food is something light, still and more savoury, like Piano Piano’s latest release. It’s a blend of two Iberian
> 300gm green beans, ends trimmed, cut into 3cm pieces ta > 200gm spiral or bowtie pas ) ked (3 cups coo > 1x 420gm can no-added-salt corn kernels, drained > 1x 420gm can no-added-salt four bean mix, drained > 250gm punnet cherry tomatoes, halved > 1 medium red capsicum, seeded and cut into thin 3cm strips > ½ red onion, peeled and finely chopped > ½ cup drained fat-free semisundried tomatoes, chopped > ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped > ½ cup basil leaves, shredded Dressing > 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard > ½ tablespoon honey > ½ tablespoon white vinegar or white wine vinegar > ½ tablespoon water
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december 21 - 27 | 2016
NorthEast JOBS
Circulating in Wangaratta, Myrtleford, Bright, Mt Beauty, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Rutherglen, Chiltern and districts
To place an ad, phone 5723 0101 or email classifieds@nemedia.com.au
Transport woes a roadblock for young jobless: new report
Y
oung unemployed Australians confront serious transport challenges as they try to conduct their job search with 41 per cent of 18 to 24 year-old jobseekers not having a driver’s licence, according to a new report from the Brotherhood of St Laurence. As youth unemployment approaches 13 per cent, the national welfare group’s data analysis found a quarter of young jobseekers aged 15 to 24 say transport issues are a key barrier for not being able to find employment. Strikingly, the research found that overall 61 per cent of unemployed people aged 15 to 24 lack a driver’s licence. In its ongoing campaign to spotlight the generational challenge of youth unemployment, the Brotherhood of St Laurence regularly publishes a Youth
Unemployment Monitor. Meanwhile, analysing the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the Brotherhood said the underlying national trend rate for youth unemployment among 15 to 24 yearolds was 12.8 per cent in October 2016. This means 268,000 youth in the labour market were unable to find work. The current youth unemployment rate is well in excess of rates in 2008 before the global financial crisis, which were below nine per cent. Analysis of this data by the Brotherhood also reveals that 15 to 24 yearolds in the labour market are three times as likely to be unemployed as those aged 25 and over, for whom the unemployment rate is 4.2 per cent. The Brotherhood compiled the new report on
Mechanic
Full time position available Applicants need * Trade qualification (preferred) * Current skills in various repairs that would be undertaken in this role * Well-presented and enjoy communicating with people * Current driver’s license To apply, please contact Jane with your resume via email wacenquiry@bigpond.com
Note: Our workshop will close from 23rd December reopen Tuesday 3rd January, suitable applications submitted during this time will still be contacted.
youth unemployment by drawing on data from the Household Labour Income and Family Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey for 2014, and for 2012 when respondents were asked about holding a driver’s licence. “Youth unemployment in Australia is concentrated in fast-growing outer suburbs of our major cities and in regional areas where public transport options are notoriously limited,� said Brotherhood Executive Director Tony Nicholson. “Our data analysis points to what young people living in these youth unemployment hotspots on the outskirts of our cities and in regions repeatedly tell us: lack of accessible transport to connect them to the available jobs and job interviews poses a worrying impediment to their job search.’’
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Finding the right job for you matters to us Check out the North East Jobs section inside the Regional Extra every Wednesday, or online anytime at
www.northeastjobs.com.au
Gapsted Wines is a well-established leading producer of premium wines based near Myrtleford, in North East Victoria.
Front of House / Wait Staff Gapsted Wines has several casual positions available for the summer period within our busy Cellar Door Restaurant. The suitable candidates must be available to work weekends, Friday and Saturday evenings and Public Holidays, have an outgoing cheerful personality and a passion for a high standard of customer service. Experience in the hospitality industry is desirable. A current RSA is essential. Please forward you resume to: Robyn McLennan PO Box 425 MYRTLEFORD VIC 3737 robyn@gapstedwines.com.au
RECEPTIONIST/ ADMINISTRATION
FULL TIME/PART TIME (30 HOURS WEEK) A local Accounting firm in Myrtleford currently has a vacancy available for a receptionist/ administration role with a commencement date of February 2017. The firm has been established for 50 years and services an expanding and diverse range of clients located both locally and nationally. They are looking for a highly motivated team player with a positive attitude. The successful candidate will have: ‡ H[FHOOHQW FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH VNLOOV ‡ VWURQJ FRPSXWHU OLWHUDF\ ‡ H[WHQVLYH 06 2IILFH H[SHULHQFH ‡ ERRNNHHSLQJ DQG H[SHULHQFH ZLWK 0<2% 4XLFNHQ %DQNOLQN ;HUR ZRXOG EH DQ DGYDQWDJH ‡ SULRU $FFRXQWLQJ )LUP KLVWRU\ ZRXOG DOVR EH an advantage Remuneration will be award based. Please forward applications to: Private & Confidential 6WDII 3DUWQHU 32 %R[ Myrtleford Vic 3737 Applications close 30th December 2016.
CATHEDRAL COLLEGE WANGARATTA A school of The Anglican Schools Commission (Inc.)
VCE Accounting and Mathematics VCE Physical Education (One year position with possibility of ongoing.) Any successful candidate will join a dedicated and committed team of staff, SOD\LQJ D VLJQLĂ€FDQW UROH LQ SODQQLQJ GHOLYHULQJ DQG UHĂ HFWLQJ RQ WKH OHDUQLQJ experiences at the College. Please refer to our website for more information. Applications should be forwarded to The Principal, Mr Adrian Farrer, principal@cathedralcollege.vic.edu.au by Friday January 6. Cathedral College Wangaratta is an equal opportunity employer and a Child Safe School discover
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Important Notice
Discrimination in Advertising is Unlawful The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or activity, industrial activity, parental or career status, physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/ sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception or granted an exception under the Act. As we could be legally liable if we print an unlawful advertisement we will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisor, the Equal Opportunities Commission on 1800 134 142.
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december 21 - 27 | 2016
TECH AND SCIENCE
You’re just a big, old scaredy cat WITH CHRIS FEBVRE,
NEM CREATIVE DESIGNER cfebvre@nemedia.com.au
BE afraid. Be very afraid. I am about to take you on a journey through your deepest fears. Are you scared of spiders? You might suffer from arachnophobia. Do you hate snakes like Indiana Jones? Then you could be an ophidiophobe. Perhaps you’re terrified of heights or tight spaces? That’s called acrophobia and claustrophobia. Do you start to sweat and shake if you have to make public speeches? You could be a glossophobe. Or perhaps your fear is a bit less common, like mottephobia (a fear of moths) or omphalophobia (a fear of belly buttons). A phobia is defined as an irrational fear response disproportionate to the danger that an object or situation presents, and can range in severity from a slight nuisance to completely debilitating depending upon the subject of fear and the intensity of the emotional response of a given sufferer. So why do people suffer from phobias? Interestingly, it’s a combination of environment, learned behaviour, and perhaps even genetics. On a basic level, most animals including humans - possess a ‘fight or flight’ mechanism in our brains that is triggered when we are presented with what we perceive as a dangerous situation.
HE JUST WANTS TO HUG YOU: Do you have a strong fear of our eight-legged friends? If so, you aren’t alone, approximately 55 per cent of women and 18 per cent of men suffer from some degree of arachnophobia - a fear of spiders. Throughout the evolution of species, this mechanism has been fined-tuned to give an animal a better chance of survival if their life is in danger. Often times, we learn what constitutes a dangerous situation through life experience, or from our parents and peers. Additionally, according to genetic research in recent years, fears may also be passed down to us from generation to generation via chemical changes in our DNA. But, like most systems in our bodies, the fight or flight mechanism has it’s flaws from time to time. Sometimes we fight when it would
be better to run, sometimes our brains can’t decide what to do and we are ‘frozen in fear’, and sometimes our fight or flight mechanism is triggered when the situation isn’t dangerous enough to warrant it, or isn’t really dangerous at all. This last scenario is what we call a phobia. When someone suffers from a phobia the symptoms can range from sweating, trembling and nausea, and, if the condition is severe enough, can even cause anxiety and depression. Fortunately, and despite the fact that it’s not always easy to ascertain the root cause, a phobia can often be treated by trained medical
professionals via exposure therapy - a series of sessions in which the sufferer is gradually and repeatedly exposed to their fear in a safe environment. And for those sufferers who find that even controlled exposure therapy is too traumatic, there are new techniques and experiments under development involving functional MRI brain scanners - scanners that can detect and decode what a person is seeing or visualising in their visual cortex. Using the scanners, scientists can map the brain activity of a phobia sufferer when they experience the subject of their phobia. Then, when a person thinks of the
subject of their phobia subconsciously while performing an unrelated task (stacking blocks, for example), they are given positive reinforcement in the form of a reward. This eliminates the need for the patient to be directly exposed to their phobia, instead allowing their subconscious mind to be trained. Preliminary results show a decrease in a person’s fear response symptoms when exposed to their given phobia after this treatment, and the results have been presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference in San Diego last month - news that the mottephobes and omphalophobes out there will rejoice, no doubt.
EVASSUNDAY now open 83 Ford Street Beechworth
evassunday.com.au v/15d13937/5216