Yarra Ranges Kids Summer 2016

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

A GOOD dose of

laughs faci ng up to

bullies family-friendly

getaways SUMMER 2016

A Mail News Group Publication

about us . . .

welcome to yarra ranges kids IT’S HERE, it’s here! And we’re not just talking about summer (though we are loving the warmer weather).

We’re talking about the first edition of Yarra Ranges Kids magazine.

We hope you are as excited as we are.

This spectacular publication is brought to you by a team of enthusiastic journalists, passionate advertising representatives and creative geniuses, who co-incidentally also have their own offspring and know first-hand the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of parenting.

We know what is important to local families and that is why we have sought help from experts in a range of fields to deliver you important professional advice, health and safety tips, educational facts and entertainment news.

This issue is full to the brim of all of the above.

Turn to Page 4 for some great toilet training tips. Learn how to deal with school bullies on Pages 6 and 8. Don’t know a thing about horses, but your children want to ride? That’s okay – we’ve got you covered on Page 15.

We have road trip ideas on Pages 30 and 31 and an extensive calendar of events on Pages 34 and 35.

All this and so much more.

We are so proud of our new product, but your opinion matters most.

We want to know what you think of our magazine and welcome all feedback. If you have a great idea, an interesting story to tell, or simply want to get your mug in the next edition, make sure to email us at lia@yarrarangeskids.com.au or jade@yarrarangeskids.com.au with your information or photos.

advertised, email Rose at rose.dickson@ mailnewsgroup.com.au We hope you enjoy Yarra Ranges Kids magazine and don’t forget to check out our new website – yarrarangeskids. com.au which offers an abundance of entertainment and educational information, keeps you up-to-date with great events in and around the area and lists a whole heap of local services and things to do for families.

Also like our Facebook page, facebook.com/YarraRangesKids, which gives daily and weekly updates of what’s in your area.

If you’re lucky enough, you may even win one of our several competitions.

Have a great summer and happy reading.

Going a little potty Page 4 Facing up to bullies Page 6, 8

If you would like to see your business

Yarra Ranges Kids 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, Vic 3777 Phone: 5957 3700 Fax: 5957 3777 Editorial Lia Spencer lia@yarrarangeskids.com.au Jade Glen jade@yarrarangeskids.com.au Phone: 5945 0666 Advertising Rose Dickson rose.dickson@mailnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5957 3700 / 0428 269 897 Creative Creative Services Manager: Chris Beale

Published by Mail News Group Pty Ltd ACN 99 006 310 498. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Mail News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

Time for a pony ride Page 15 Parties should be fun Pages16-17

Reality Bites A labour of love Page 20 Maeve sure picked her moment Page 21

Crafty fun for kids Swimming is a life skill Page 9 Merry making ‘medicos’ are just the treat Page 11 Captain Koala colouring competition Page 13 Never to young to save a life Page 14 Fun and games at playgroup Page 14

Yarra Ranges Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Design Mark Dinnie Virginia Hester

contents It’s Your Life

Yarra Ranges Kids magazine is a Mail News Group publication.

Make your own ‘stained glass’ butterfly sun catcher Page 22

Entertainment Where young and old can strike it lucky Page 23 Fun for everyone to jump into Page 24

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

A GOOD dose of

Get set for an island adventure Page 27

laughs

Poke-hunt is virtually addictive Page 28 Interview with B1 and B2 Page 29

bullies

facing up to

Get-aways for an easy break Pages 30-31

Games and Gadgets

family-fri endly

getaways SUMMER 2016

These are a few of our favourite things Page 32 A gift of a lifetime Page 33

A little help on the home front Page 25

Calendar

Wild at heart Page 26

Sights and sounds of summer Pages 34-35

A Mail News Group Publication

COVER: Rylea Coster at Seville Water Park, 20-28 Monbulk-Seville Rd, Seville.

Picture: Rob Carew

It’s

your life Going a little potty

Going a little

potty

By Lia Spencer

child is ready to make the switch from nappies to knickers.

WHEN do I know they are ready?

Should I keep their nappy on at nighttime? Should I reward them?

“(Does your child have) bladder control. Does your child urinate a good deal at one time, rather than dribbling throughout the day? Does your child stay dry for long periods of time? And is she/he aware that they are about to urinate?” she said.

There are so many questions you may ask yourself when it comes to potty-training your child. It can be a crappy task, but Parenting Expert Margaret Saunders has some great advice to help the transition become a wee bit easier.

While some people say two is a good age and others say three, Ms Saunders said there was no ‘perfect’ age and parents shouldn’t feel pressured from peers or family. Instead, they should wait until their child is ready.

“Each child should be toilet trained when they are ready, not at a certain age, or because your friends have children who are already toilet trained and yours isn’t. Toilet training isn’t a competition,” she said.

“The best advice I was ever given as a parent was from a father of a toddler who said, ‘all I know is by the time they go to school, they talk, they do things for themselves and they are toilet trained!’”

Ms Saunders said there are signs parents can look for to determine if their 4 SUMMER 2016

“(Are they) physically ready? Does your child have enough finger and hand co-ordination to pick up objects easily? Does your child walk from room to room easily and without the need of assistance?”

Ms Saunders said children should also be able to follow instructions.

“To test if your child is ready for this, ask them to point to their nose, point to their eyes, point to their mouth, walk to another room and stand by a couch, bring an object such as a teddy bear to you from another room, and can they carry out a series of instructions such as, ‘put your teddy next to your boat.’”

Understanding (ahem) potty language is also important. Ms Saunders also said children should be able to say, and know the words ‘wet’, ‘dry’, ‘stand up’, ‘sit down,’ ‘empty’, ‘wee’ and ‘poo.’

The best advice I was ever given as a parent was from a fath er of a toddler who said, ' all I know i s by the ti m e they go to sch ool, th ey talk, they do th i ngs for themselves and they are toilet trai ned!

Once a parent has determined if their child is ready, there are several ways to teach the techniques.

Ms Saunders teaches a one-day, fun but intense method, but said it can be modified to take a few days longer.

The method involves the child teaching a doll or a teddy bear to go to the toilet and, in doing so, working out for themselves how to use the toilet when prompted by an adult. If the child uses the potty correctly, they are then rewarded.

“Your child would teach all the steps of going to the toilet to their doll or teddy, such as taking them to the toilet/ potty, pulling down their pants, doing

a wee into the toilet/potty, wiping, pulling up pants and washing hands,’ she said. “It’s also a lot of fun. It makes toilet training into a game.“ Ms Saunders said completing the potty-training process was a fabulous milestone for both child and parent.

“Toilet training is a fabulous milestone. It’s exciting to hear your little one say “Mummy, Daddy, I’ve been to the toilet” as you hear the flush of the toilet!”

Satisfaction all around!

Margaret Saunders can be contacted at www.BedtimeAndToiletTrainingSolutions. com.au www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

It’s

your life

facing up to b u l l i e s

By Lia Spencer FROM practical jokes to name-calling, classroom secrets to online taunts. When does seemingly harmless teasing cross the line to become bullying?

It’s a problem plaguing young people across the nation, and parents are often left with the difficult task of figuring out how to tackle the issue. What can they do if their child is the target? What should they do if they discover their child is the perpetrator? What role do teachers play? When should police get involved?

Oscar Yildiz, the Executive Director of Bully Zero Australia Foundation, said bullying was a multifaceted problem which came in several forms.

“Bullying is when an individual or group uses its power and strength to repeatedly, deliberately and intentionally use words or actions against another or a group that hurts, threatens, excludes, harasses, humiliates verbally, physically, psychologically or electronically making the victim feel oppressed, traumatized and powerless,” Mr Yildiz said.

“Hurtful teasing is the most common form of bullying followed by lies that occurs amongst young school children.

Often one off incidents are not considered bullying, however, if they are not nipped in the bud then things can escalate, get out of hand and lead to physical and/or other forms of bullying. As a former Primary and Secondary teacher I have personally seen mucking about or jokes that go too far and have caused the victim much emotional pain.

“Often children will resort to teasing, name calling and laugh at mistakes of others with the intention to damage one’s self esteem. Some use words to taunt, threaten, insult, embarrass, put down, swear, mock or intimidate the victim.”

The rise of Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat and more than one million other mobile apps has led to new forms of bullying over the past decade.

6 SUMMER 2016

Mr Yildiz said that social media in the wrong hands could be deadly.

According to statistics provided by Bully Zero Australia Foundation 65 per cent of teenagers have admitted to participating in online bullying. The impact of bullying on these forums could be significant because the size and reach of the audience could reach in the thousands, if not millions.

Besides bullying, children were also exposed to predators, stalking and intimidation and several other worrying behaviours on social media.

Australia’s leading Cyber Safety expert Susan McLean stressed the importance of parents monitoring their children’s internet use.

“Be aware of what your children are doing and be involved. Keep the lines of communication open and know the sites they are one. Make sure they don’t engage with people you don’t know.

Make sure they do not have accounts on age restricted sites and make sure they don’t have any internet activities in the bedroom (or in unsupervised areas),” she said.

“Don’t put your head in the sand and think it won’t happen to your child.

Even the best kids are at risk. You have to educate yourself and be willing to parent in digital space. Parenting in cyber space is parenting in the 21st century - it’s non-negotiable.”

Mr Yildiz said parents and children should read the Licence Agreement on the site or app they are using, ensure that privacy settings were updated and ensure default settings were set to safe mode.

While parents should monitor their children’s internet use, teachers and principals also play a role when the cyber bullying extends to the classroom.

“Cyber bullying often occurs outside school hours however if issues are brought into school then the Principal will take action,” Mr Yildiz said.

“The office of the Children’s ESafety Commissioner now has extensive powers to take down and prosecute those that behave inappropriately online.”

Parents should pay particular attention to their children’s behaviours if they think they may be getting bullied, online or elsewhere. Victims were often left scared or anxious, had low-self esteem, had problems at school or home, felt confused or guilty and were emotionally withdrawn. Other signs include children coming home with ripped clothing, children apprehensive to go to school, a lack of friends, a decline in results, a decreased appetite, nightmares or sleeping disorders and mood swings.

What is bullying?

• Teasing • Name calling • Spreading rumours or lies, misrepresenting someone (i.e. using their Facebook account to post messages as if it were them).

• Exclusion- keeping someone out of a group (online or offline) deliberately • Threatening or harming

Mr Yildez said there were also signs parents could watch out for if they thought that their child could be the bully. He said many perpetrators had been bullied in the past, acted out of jealousy, or wanted to feel a sense of power, control or popularity. They targeted students who were shy, performed poorly in sports or school work, were new, had noticeable differences or were minorities.

• Saying nasty things about others

“Bullies will often take out their own problems, issues and frustrations on others. Some come from low socio economic backgrounds while others are not provided with the freedom to develop as children and are ridiculed or subjected to emotional and physical violence in the home. Being exposed to aggressive behaviour or overly strict environment makes children more prone to bully at school. Popular and well-liked children can also have mean tendencies,” he said.

• Acting in an unpleasant way near or towards someone with the intention to hurt

“Bullies lack empathy and often underestimate their actions. No one is born a bully, there is no bullying DNA but rather it’s behaviour that is learned from home, social group, sporting club or community group. Often serious/ notorious bullies have other anti - social conditioning issues and or suffer from relationship issues.”

So how do we get it to stop it? Early intervention was key. Mr Yildiz said parents should also advise their children to ensure the behaviour fit the definition of ‘bullying’.

• Not talking to individual/s with the intention to cause isolation or hurt • Making someone feel uncomfortable or scared • Taking or damaging belongings • Touching or hitting • Making or forcing someone do things they don’t want to do.

• Giving constant nasty looks, making rude gestures, calling names, being rude, impolite and constantly negative teasing.

• Harassing someone based on their background, race, sex, religion, gender or disability • Intentionally stalking someone

What isn’t bullying?

• One-off incidents - (not repeated).

• Bad mood or disagreement • Apologising for behaviour immediately • Accidently bumping into someone • Expressions of unpleasant thoughts or feelings.

• Social rejection/dislike, not playing with someone, choosing different students or groups to play with.

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Fast facts • 160,000 school children don’t go to school every day because of bullying • Bullying is learned behaviour often from the home.

• In 2014, Australia was the third most searched country on the topic of cyber bullying.

• Children bullied consistently at school are three times likely to show depressive symptoms • One in four Grade 4 to Year 9 students report being bullied every few weeks • Bullying happens to around one in eight young people but it affects one in four • Bullying is most common in Grades 4 to 6. It peaks at Year 9 and 10 while declining at VCE level • Most Year 11 and 12 students prefer cyber and covert bullying • Those bullied consistently at school are three times more likely to show depressive symptoms • Bullying can seriously damage the victims’ self-esteem, confidence, health and well-being and leave permanent psychological scars • Bullying is intra and intergenerational i.e. those who bully at a young age often take that behaviour into their adulthood, workplace and marriage.

• Those that bully at a young age have been linked to violence, criminality and anti-social behaviour later in life

It’s

your life

They should then consider intervention based on the severity and history, address the problem early and approach the perpetrator if it is safe to do so using assertive “I“ messages to convey how they feel. Children should also be encouraged to talk to a parent, teacher or close friend they trust and keep a record of each incident.

If their children are being cyber bullied, they should be told not to blame themselves, get help from a parent or teacher, spend time offline, keep copies of the abuse, don’t reply and report the problem by contacting the host ot Internet Service Provider.

bystander becomes the upstander and does something about the bullying then it can stop in under 10 seconds most of the time,” Mr Yildez said.

“The bystander should help the victim, support the victim and tell the bully to stop.”

In severe cases, police can also get involved. They can assist through a variety of measures including search warrants, surveillance activity and monitoring computer or mobile use.

For further information about bullying, visit www.bzaf.org.au.

Another key way to stop bullying is through bystander intervention.

To find out more about Susan McLean, visit her website www. cybersafetysolutions.com.au

“The most powerful person in any bullying situation is the bystander. If the

The National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence is 18 March.

Bullying and girls • Girls bullied in primary years are likely to remain victims in secondary school • 64 per cent of girls in Grade 6 to Year 12 report being cyber bullied • Older girls are likely to engage in cyber bullying • Girls prefer covert, social and psychological bullying • Girl bullies like alienating and deliberately leaving other girls out of activities • They participate in mobbing – ganging up and prefer to spread rumours, isolate and exclude others.

• Eager for acceptance, don’t like exclusion, (going against a crowd) or associating with someone who is picked on • Girls like to be part of a clique (group) • Girls often take issues personally • Girls often don’t talk to parents or teachers and are afraid of losing access to social media.

Bullying and boys • Boys prefer physical or verbal bullying • They are more likely to participate in cyber bullying at an older age • Boys often don’t like going against a crowd or associating with someone who is picked on • They are also known to be selfish and it’s rare they will support the victim • Boys prefer to be a bystander • They are easily persuaded into bullying behaviour.

• Boys don’t talk about their bullying experience with teachers or family.

• Boys will hide any physical scars.

• Boys are more likely to harm themselves.

Where to seek help: • School, welfare co-ordinator, classroom teacher, deputy and or principal.

• Counsellors, youth/social workers.

• Role models, coach, teacher or mentor.

• ProtectaChild – 1800 828 540.

• Netbox Blue – 1300 737 060.

• Victoria Police – 000.

• AFP – 13 12 37.

• Security Hotline – 1800 123 400.

• Office of the Children’s ESafety Commissioner – 1800 880 176.

• Bully Zero Australia Foundation – 1800 0 BULLY (1800 028 559).

• Security Hotline – 1800 123 400.

• Translation service 13 14 50.

Be Cyber smart Many young people are facing the brunt of online bullying. Parents and guardians are encouraged to be Cyber smart and know what sites their children are on, apps their children are using, and the acronyms used in texting and online comments.

Apps commonly used by children and teenager

• • • • • • • • •

Snapchat Instagram Facebook What’s app Kik Messenger Twitter Skype Viber Face time

Acronyms used by children and teenagers: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

POS = Parent over shoulder.

OMG = Oh my god.

L8R = Later.

G8 = Great.

IBW = I’m being watched.

CU = See you.

NOYB = None of your business.

4GM = Forgive me.

ASLP = Age, sex, location, picture.

BCF = Becareful.

DTYM = Don’t tell your mum.

BRB = Be right back.

FOFL = Falling on the floor laughing.

LOL = Laugh out loud.

ML = Mums looking.

HIC = He is cute.

SIC = She is cute.

W8AM - Wait a minute.

H&K= Hugs & kisses.

2L8 = Too late.

CML = Call me later.

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at Lillydale Lake Family friendly paddling sessions and kids’ aciviies Fun, Supervised, Outdoors, Safe Drop in for a casual session: Every Sunday from 10am January - April Also, register now for the January Paddlepower School Holiday programs and Canoe Polo for kids 0430 312 252 paddlehub.canoe.org.au

8 SUMMER 2016

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

It’s

Swimming is a

life skill

By Jade Glen

months old in Kingswim’s Baby Play program.

WHEN summer heats up, most families head to the water to cool off.

“Parents hop in the water for half an hour with an instructor and get familiar with their baby in the water,” Ms Davidson said.

You might like to laze by the beach, enjoy dips in the dam, wading in creeks or rivers, fun in the pool or fishing on a lake.

Whatever your destination, time spent by the water is likely to be one of your favourite memories once summer ends.

But ensuring the littlest members of your family can swim and know basic water safety is not just a seasonal pursuit – it’s a year-round commitment.

Cathy Davidson, swim teacher at Kingswim Chirnside Park, said children could start from as young as three According to the Royal Lifesaving National Drowning Report, 32 Australian children aged 0-14 drowned in the year from 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016. Of those deaths, the majority occurred in swimming pools.

Kidsafe Victoria recommends that parents and carers take the following steps to stay safe by the water:

your life

“Then from six months to three years of age we have Parent-Child classes, where children follow a proper lesson plan, paddling, blowing bubbles, floating on their back, and crawling and then walking and running down the mat.”

Ms Davidson said safety was an integral part of Kingswim’s lesson plans.

“Right from the start they practice safety exits and entrances, and we teach them to climb out safely.

“We have a survival lesson plan we

Supervise ■ Never take your eyes off children around water; ■ Active supervision involves parents and carers keeping an eye on children at all times; ■ -Remain within arms reach, this will ensure that you can get to the child in time if something does go wrong; ■ Take children with you if you leave the water area.

follow; by the time they get to the advanced stroke classes they practice swimming in long tops and pants.”

Ms Davidson said many families had come to her and shared stories where their child had to put their knowledge to use.

“It’s so important for children to actually do lessons. A lot of people see swimming as an extra-curricular activity – we see it as a life skill.”

Astrid van Viersen, instructor and co-director of the family-owned Beaver Swim School in Boronia, said children benefitted from starting swimming lessons at an early age.

“It helps with fine motor skills, overall development and teaches them about water safety. You do find children that start early have more confidence.

R ed u ce the Hazard

“We are also educating the parents along the way as well, and they are aware of what we are teaching their children.”

Beaver Swim School participates in National Water Safety Awareness Week and practices different scenarios in the water, including safe rescue techniques.

“We live in Australia, we live around water and where do we go on holidays – to the water,” Ms van Viersen said.

“Swimming is a life skill. It does become a sport later on, but being safe around the water is just the most important thing.”

Both Kingswim and Beaver Swim School are offering intensive swim programs of daily lessons over the Summer School Holidays – contact centres for details.

Knowledge

■ Restrict children’s access to water through safety barriers such as pool fencing; ■ Remove hazards such as pot plants and chairs well away from pool fences; ■ Create a safe play area to separate your child from bodies of water such as swimming pools and dams. This is especially important on farms and larger properties.

■ Water familiarisation lessons can assist in teaching children to swim while also helping them understand water safety; ■ Enrol in a resuscitation course and update skills annually so you are able to respond in case of an emergency; ■ Resuscitation posters are a good reminder to keep around pools and spas.

the little things

...like caring teachers who know when a child needs a little extra attention and welcoming staff who are happy to help when a parent has their hands full of bags, toddlers and towels.

At Kingswim, we know it’s the little things that make all the difference.

Let us find the perfect time for your FREE introductory lesson

kingswim.com.au

Chirnside Park • Ferntree Gully • Wantirna

12332336-KC49-16

* T&Cs apply

It’s

your life

g n i k a m y Merr

s o c i ’ d e m t a e r t e h t t s are ju

By Lia Spencer IF LAUGHTER is really the best medicine, then The Humour Foundation have healed over a million hearts.

Inspired by Dr Patch Adams, as well as research findings on the benefits of humour, six people started the foundation in 1996. They now employ about 60 Clown Doctors who visit 23 Australian hospitals putting smiles across the faces of children and their parents who are facing some of the worst times in their lives.

For 16 years, professional performing artist Clare Bartholomew has been a light in the lives of those facing dark times.

Known as Dr Fairy Floss to her hospital friends, she visits four hospitals in Victoria – the Royal Children’s

Hospital in Parkville, the Northern Hospital in Epping, Monash Medical Centre in Clayton and Geelong Hospital.

There, the tomboy flying doctor who struggles to fly entertains sick children with her enthusiasm, competitive attitude and clumsy nature. If the kids aren’t up for a fun show, Dr Fairy Floss is happy to have a chat or lend an ear.

“Clown Doctors take their role very seriously,” Clare said. “They can’t just go into a room with a set routine. They need to understand how the kids are feeling that day. Some children on certain days may just need a gentle song, while others may be into something boisterous.”

Dr Fairy Floss, as well as other Clown Doctors, not only provide doses of fun, they also help children adapt to hospital life, work in partnership with health professionals, and help to divert

children during painful procedures, calm children in emergency and encourage children in physiotherapy.

They are there to make the bad times a little better for the sick children, and, inadvertently, help to ease the parent’s pain as well.

and they get to go home. It’s quite intimate to be part of someone’s journey for two or three years. To be by their bedside and get close to their family.

Then to watch them go home is incredible.”

“It’s tough on parents. Hearing the news that their child is sick is terrible, then they have to manage their home life and work life,” Clare said.

While Clown Doctors have helped a lot of families, Clare said she had gained a lot from the children she has met.

“Sometimes children haven’t laughed or smiled in a few days, so when we can make their child happy, it lightens the mood and lifts everyone’s spirits.”

“Children are so resilient. They don’t hold onto things like adults do. They are really strong, don’t give up, and just want to be happy,” she said.

There is no denying Clare has seen her share of tough times at the hospital, but she said the role had been extremely rewarding.

“It is one of the best things when you have quite a connection with a child,

“It’s hard not to be enthusiastic about that energy.”

To learn more about The Humour Foundation, visit humourfoundation. com.au

BEAVER SWIM SCHOOL Beaver Swim School has been operating for 21 Years and is a member of Swim Australia.

We are a small family run business who are dedicated to providing the best possible service to the parents and children of the swim school. The features that make Beaver Swim School one of the best in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne are:

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● Private Swim School dedicated to “Learn to Swim” (no public swimming) ● Fully trained and dedicated staff. ● Teaching staff in the water at all times during classes. ● A quality and proven teaching program. ● A warm and friendly atmosphere. ● Excellent water quality which is maintained to 32 Deg. ● Regular testing of students. ● Swim Safer Weeks (designated weeks devoted to swimming and rescue activities) ● Free tea and coffee making facilties for parents.

P: 9761 3966 www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

BEAVER SWIM SCHOOL

www.beaverswimschool.com.au 262 Boronia Road - Boronia SUMMER 2016 11

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A grassfire starts nearby today, but our family and property are prepared

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46 47 Getting better CAN I OR CAN’T I? prepared by packing a relocation kit Dad checks the ‘Can I, Can’t I’ brochure to see if we can use the BBQ today Updated August 2012

Total Fire Ban, when ires in the open air are legally restricted.

CFA declares Fire Danger Periods municipality by municipality at the onset of warmer weather. These restrictions are in place until 1 May unless revoked or varied. In State forests, National, State and Regional Parks and on protected public land, ire restrictions are in force all year round. Contact local DSE and Parks Victoria ofices for advice on ire restrictions for these areas.

Total Fire Bans are declared by CFA on days when ires are likely to spread rapidly and be dificult to control.

The penalties for lighting ires illegally during the Fire Danger Period and on Total Fire Ban Days include large ines and possible imprisonment.

light a campire or light a ire for warmth or

Kids are home alone on school holidays we talk about everyone’s plan

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the ire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish the ire The ire is completely extinguished before the person leaves.

Note that in accordance with the CFA Act, a “properly constructed ireplace” means a ireplace that is constructed of stone, metal, concrete or any other non-lammable material so as to contain the perimeter of the ire.

Barbecues that are ixed appliances: ired by gas or electricity, being permanently ixed structures built of stone, metal, concrete or another non-lammable material designed exclusively for meal preparation

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an adult is there at all times when the ire to extinguish the ire the ire is completely extinguished before the adult leaves.

Campires, ires for warmth or personal

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exclusively for meal preparation (including portable barbecues), and when alight are

considered a properly constructed ireplace.

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of lammable material

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The ire is lit in a ireplace

of lammable material The ire does not occupy an area in

Grass still growing = more fuel 38

54

15 10

The neighbours burn off their green waste without a permit GO BACK 4 SQUARESç

We download the FireReady App to our smart phones & tablets

Grass won’t stop growing = even more fuel ready to burn

0

More preparation by moving flammable liquids away from the house 41

Firefighters put out fires MOVE UP 2 SQUARESé

15 10

33

Mum checks the CFA Facebook page for updates and fire information 32

31

But only if you have a written permit issued

by CFA or MFB and you comply with the

business (eg. catering), The ire is lit in a ireplace or in a trench at least a ire to operate a (barbecue or spit) is clear of lammable The ire does not occupy an area of more

CODE RED

Never leave the cooking unattended

Dad cleans out the gutters to prepare for the fire season

21

22

24

Remember to get your fire extinguishers serviced

26 OH NO! Mum leaves a candle burning when she leaves the house

Replaced battery in the smoke alarm

3

HOUSE FIRE: Lucky no one was hurt 4

5

Left campfire unattended GO BACK 3 SQUARESç

You put emergency numbers on the fridge

It’s raining again!!

27

28 Hay shed on fire

29

30

CODE RED

Firefighters put out fires MOVE UP 3 SQUARES

Grass is starting to grow 16

Firefighters put out fires MOVE UP 4 SQUARESç 2

Start

25

17

18

You put out an oil fire on the stove with a fire blanket 1

Kids learn ‘Get Down Low & Go, Go, Go’ MOVE UP 2 SQUARESç

More rain 19

20

the ire is alight and has the capacity and means to extinguish the ire The ire is completely extinguished before the person leaves.

We learn about ‘Alerts & Warnings’ to make better decisions 23

ire to prepare meals for other people in the course of their business. These permits are issued by – and at the discretion of – local CFA District ofices, CFA Headquarters or MFB Zone ofices.

Municipal Fire Prevention Oficers cannot issue these permits.

14

15

13

MOVE UP 2 SQUARES

12

11

9

10

Go around to Grandma’s house and help her rake up leaves

Check the CFA website for information 6 Kids practice Stop, Drop and Roll

Fire danger period starts: check restrictions

7

8

Local firefighters visit our school

FIRE BLANKET

FIRE BLANKET

It’s raining

Place a fire blanket in the kitchen Based on game developed by Peter Farry and Julie Bartlett, NSW Rural Fire Service

Name: ______________________ Age: _________ Phone Number: ________________________ Colouring Competition, lots of prizes courtesy of CFA please drop off or post your entry to Mail News Group, 244 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville.

Competition closes 31st January 2017 winners will be notified by phone. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2016 13

It’s

your life

n e v e r t o o yo u n g

to save a life

By Lia Spencer

Children and MumLife Australia safety expert said.

CHILDREN as young as three are being taught the skills to to save a life.

Ani Tuna, founder of MumLife Australia, said the program not only empowered young children with the skills to save a life, but also helped develop their compassion, self-esteem, and sense of purpose.

Wonderwoman Children’s Toby the Teddy Does Buddy First Aid program was launched on World First Aid Day, 10 September.

Australia’s first early year First Aid program aims to create awareness and teach all Australian children from as young as three about triple-zero services and how to deliver first aid. The program will also create awareness about common childhood emergencies such as asthma and anaphylaxis.

“With the dramatic increase of anaphylaxis and the existence of asthma it is vital that all children have an understanding of each condition and how to alert a caregiver to help,” Nataly Tormey, founder of Wonderwoman

The fun and educational program was created within the Australian Early Learning Years framework and curriculum and is interactive, featuring book readings, work sheets and practice scenarios tailored to age groups.

The program may be implemented into pre-schools and run as an optional incursion for early learning centres with the vision of it being a compulsory addition to childhood learning.

For more information visit www.mumlifeaustralia.com or www.wonderwomanchildren.com.

Fun and games at

playgro up

By Jade Glen MY TODDLER and I attend a local playgroup once a week and I don’t know what I would do without it.

It’s a chance for my little one to play with some new toys and for us to get out of the house and interact with other local parents and children.

It’s a social outlet for both of us – I can have a coffee and exchange stories from the trenches with other mums, while my daughter can socialise with kids her age.

Through the playgroup we have learnt new songs, tried out new activities and my daughter has been able to try her tiny hand at some more messy craft activities that I probably would never have thought to set up at home.

With each weekly session costing just a few gold coins and a piece of fruit, I think it is worth its weight in gold.

And, according to Playgroups Victoria, attending a regular playgroup has long-term benefits for children and parents.

A 2016 Telethon Kids Institute study found that children who attend playgroups prior to school are half as likely to have developmental vulnerabilities when they start primary school.

14 SUMMER 2016

Playgroup Victoria CEO Danny Schwarz said more than 30,000 families attended about 1500 registered playgroups across the state.

“Parents benefit significantly through their participation and involvement in playgroup, particularly in building social and community connections,” he said.

“This strengthens the integration of communities’ early years services, enabling a smooth transition along the continuum from first-time parent groups to playgroup, kinder and school.”

Mr Schwarz said every playgroup was unique with activities ranging from storytime, singing, craft, drawing, active play, sensory play, music and dancing.

To find a nearby playgroup visit www.playgroup.org.au/ findaplaygroup and enter a suburb or postcode.

Playgroup Victoria recommends that parents and their children try out two or three groups before deciding which playgroup is best.

If there are no relevant playgroups in the area parents can start their own.

All they need are a few interested families, a place to meet, and some toys and equipment.

For more information and assistance starting and letting other people know about a new playgroup, call Playgroup Victoria on 1800 171 882. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

It’s

your life

Time for a

By Jade Glen

pony ride

and pupils confidence, as we run by the Horsesafe Industry Code of Conduct.”

A popular option for beginners is the three-hour school holiday program, where riders learn about safety around ponies, pony care, saddling and basic riding.

IT’S almost a rite of passage for kids to have a passion for ponies.

But If your child is begging you for horse riding lessons and you don’t know a forelock from a fetlock, it can be hard to know where to start.

Luckily the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are home to several equestrian centres that cater for all sorts of riders, including absolute beginners.

Yvonne Speekman, owner and director of Ranges Equestrian Centre in Yellingbo, said it was common for parents to be a bit apprehensive about their child’s first horse riding experience.

“We cater for all riders starting from five-years-old to adults – currently my oldest rider is 81. We conduct lessons in learning to ride and horse management from beginner level to advanced.”

Ms Speekman said children with learning difficulties or special needs were also welcomed.

“We invite potential riders and

Riders enjoying the view at Ranges Equestrian Centre.

parents to come and watch a lesson to see if they are happy with how we conduct our lessons. Parents can lounge with a coffee in our viewing room, which allows them direct supervision over their child as they participate in our programs.”

Some parents may be concerned about the dangers of putting their child on a horse for the first time but a good equestrian centre will ensure the safety of riders is its top priority, and the horses and ponies are used to accommodating beginners.

Students enjoy an hour-long lesson learning the basics in an indoor arena as well as an hour of games and a ride around the property.

Ranges Equestrian Centre runs these sessions daily every school holidays.

Ms Speekman said her centre supplied Australian Standard Approved helmets and boots for all riders, and each student was matched to a horse or pony depending on size and ability.

There is much more to horse care than riding, and a well-rounded program gives children an insight in to all the work involved in keeping a pony.

Coaches all maintain current first aid and working with children certificates.

Ponies need love, but they also need feeding, training, shoeing, grooming, and even regular dentistry.

“As we are a member of the Australian Horse Riding Centres, all our staff are registered trainee and qualified coaches,” Ms Speekman said.

“Being part of a national organisation such as the AHRC gives potential clients

If a pony is number one on your child’s wish-list but you don’t have the land, time, money or knowledge to care for one, riding lessons are an excellent way to let your child dip their toes into the world of horses.

Holiday Programmes available from 2nd January 2017, phone or email us for details

Ranges Eque stri an

Adult lessons available daily, no experience needed Licenced & Accredited Member Australian Horse Riding Centres Ranges Equestrian Centre Pty Ltd 03 5964 8342

info@rangesequestrian.com.au฀฀•฀฀www.rangesequestrian.com.au www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

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PLANNING a party doesn’t have to be stressful.

There are so many things that could be done without forking out the cash and spending copious amounts of time on preparation.

keep the guest list low to not overwhelm them. Invite the people they know and see regularly so they aren’t scared with many new faces.

If they are older, invite only close friends who they regularly associate with and their parents. Make sure to only invite as many people that you can cater for.

Here are some helpful hints to make the day special and go off without a hitch.

Pick a venue which is big enough to host everyone – preferably your own house so you don’t have to transfer food, drinks, and presents around.

Deciding on a theme

If you plan a park – make sure it has a gazebo area or have a back-up plan.

This can be as easy as you want it to be – from a simple colour pink for girls, blue for boys, yellow for either, or a little more complex featuring favourite characters like Winnie the Pooh, Disney princesses, or Ninja Turtles.

Go wild with animals, impress with a circus theme or have a blast turning a famous event into a kids-friendly affair - think Kim Kardashian’s daughter North’s birthday, ‘Kidchella’ – a childversion of the popular American music festival Coachella (however, you may have to forgo the ferris wheel and celebrity guests).

Make your theme come to life with colourful streamers, balloons, homemade pom-poms and lanterns, or posters.

Top it off by dressing up, and asking guests to dress up, to match the theme.

Pick your food, drinks and venue Making an invite list doesn’t have to be difficult. The best way to be cash savvy is to make the list small and intimate – inviting only close family members or close friends.

If you want to invite more than close family and friends, make sure you know when to stop.

If your child is infant or toddler age –

party time

If you hire a venue, try to hire one which provides toys for children so you don’t have to lug many around, and a kitchen area to do food preparation and cleaning.

Pick simple foods, preferably nut-free to avoid any run-ins with allergies.

Think fairy bread, mini-pizzas, sausage rolls, meat pies, and nutritious options like fruit, vegie trays and juice boxes.

Make the cake on your own – matching your theme. Or if you have spare change, hire someone to do it for you. There are several cake makers who specialise in kids’ birthday cakes and can make anything and everything, in an array of different and delicious flavours. Cupcakes, cake pops and cookies are also perfect options instead of a cake. Just don’t forget the candles!

Plan some activities Kids don’t need a lot of planned activities to keep them entertained.

They have great imaginations and can come up with games with limited props.

However, having a few activities keeps things organised. Try a pinata (just make sure it’s supervised so kids don’t get hurt). Pin the tail on the donkey (or similar), a treasure hunt around

a closed in yard or pass the parcel (try to let everyone get a small prize so no tears are shed).

If you have the cash to splash hiring a face painter, balloonist, magician, clown or character artist adds a little bit of excitement to any party.

Pack the Party Favors There is a wide range of options if you plan to hand guests party favours.

You can fill gift bags with with sweet goodies such as lollies and chocolate

(but again, keep in mind any food allergies). If your party guests are mainly babies and toddlers, you may want to avoid handing out any food.

Instead, buy inexpensive mini-books, party poppers, bubbles or puzzles. Enjoy!

Don’t forget to get in on the action.

You have worked hard to plan a great event, you deserve to have a little fun too. Dress up, eat, drink, have a turn on the pinata.

Then after you clean up and say goodbye, put your feet up and relax – you deserve it.

12331342-KC50-16

By Lia Spencer

reality bites

A labour

By Jade Glen CHUM Creek couple Casey Howard and Phil Doolan welcomed daughter Olivia Harper on 24 August 2016.

After having false labour, or Braxton Hicks contractions, for a few weeks, Casey thought it was probably the real deal when she was woken by cramps at midnight four days after her due date.

“It was hard because I didn’t really know what to expect. I woke Phil up and said I have bad cramps and he said you’ll be right, go back to bed,” she said.

But with contractions coming every 10 minutes, she called the hospital to let them know just in case.

“Because it’s so far away, we didn’t want to leave too early just to be sent home again,” she said.

Casey’s labour progressed quickly, and by 3.30am her contractions were already three minutes apart so the couple called the hospital to let them know they were coming in.

“It usually takes over an hour, but that time of the morning there were no cars on the road so it took just over forty minutes.

“By that stage it was pretty intense, 20 SUMMER 2016

so when we got there they put me in a wheelchair (to get to maternity). They took me to get examined and said don’t be disappointed if we send you away, but they checked and I was 7-8 centimetres dilated.

“Then they quickly got a birth suite set up.

“At that point I was getting back pains and using the shower. Then when I needed more pain relief I had water injections for the back pain - two people inject two needles at the same time.”

of love I was massi vely em otional.

I di dn ' t know what we were havi ng and I didn ' t even thi nk to look.

I looked and sai d ' oh it ' s a boy ' i t was the umbilical cord.

As the labour progressed, Casey also had a morphine injection, which just made her tired.

know what we were having and I didn’t even think to look.

“I started freaking out because everything was happening so quickly, and I said ’no I really want an epidural’.

Then that slowed everything down massively but I could still feel everything - it wasn’t ideal.”

After a three night stay in hospital, Casey was ready for discharge when she started getting intense headaches.

The second stage of labour lasted just over two hours and doctors were ready to use forceps.

“At the end, all of these doctors ran in to the room. She had a hand up against her head, so they had to do an episiomity at the last minute.

Olivia was born at 1.10pm, weighing 7lb 13oz.

“I was massively emotional. I didn’t

“I looked and said ’oh it’s a boy’ – it was the umbilical cord.”

“I thought it would be right once I got home. The next day I had a migraine.

I went to the Emergency Room.”

Doctors were concerned Casey could be suffering complications from her epidural. She and baby Olivia were admitted into short stay.

Her doctors ordered an MRI, but the only place that could do it was Box Hill Hospital, and not for another three days.

“They said I couldn’t breastfeed for 12

hours after the MRI because they put a dye through, so I was madly trying to express for Olivia for while she was with Phil.”

Casey travelled to Box Hill Hospital via taxi with a nurse.

“Then I got there and they said (the breastfeeding exclusion period) was actually 48 hours. So they did it without the dye and it was fine.”

In the end, Casey’s severe migraine was put down to a mix of hormones and strained muscles from labour.

In the weeks after birth she was seeing a physiotherapist and osteopath to help manage her headaches.

After an eventful start, Casey, Phil and Olivia have settled into life as a family of three. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

reality bites

Maeve s u r e p ic k e d h e r

moment

By Jade Glen

15 minutes apart. This continued overnight and the cramps were painful enough to keep me awake. Late Saturday morning I called the hospital and the midwife told me to come in.

JUST after Christmas 2015 I had this sudden urge to take a pregnancy test.

I knew there was one test in the bathroom cupboard, left over from when we were trying to fall pregnant with our first daughter.

My doctor came in and checked my dilation and broke the waters to help move things along. I laboured for a few hours using the gas and tried to concentrate on my breathing. I was hoping to be a lot closer to the pushing stage by the time I got checked again at 8pm.

I took the test and nearly fell over in shock when it was positive.

I had some bleeding early in the pregnancy and went to hospital at one stage, on the advice of nurse on call.

An ultrasound showed I had a large clot in my uterus, which was causing the bleeds, but that the baby was well.

By the time 8pm rolled around, I hadn’t progressed much at all.

After 24-hours of contractions I was disappointed with the slow progress and was fed up with the pain, so I asked for an epidural. Unfortunately, the epidural wasn’t complete and I could still feel a lot of pain with every contraction.

I started showing really early and there was no hiding the fact I was pregnant.

Luckily after the early bleeding I had an uneventful pregnancy and felt well.

I decided to attempt a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) hoping for a better post-birth recovery so I could still pick up my toddler.

At about 34 weeks it was noted that baby was breech. My doctor mentioned that she would probably turn herself, but that if she remained breech I could choose to have an ECV (External Cephalic Version), where an obstetrician manually turns the baby, or elect to have a caesarean. I thought I’d give the ECV a try.

At my 37 week appointment baby was still breech so I booked in to have the ECV. This procedure was done at the hospital; I was given a drug to relax my uterus and a specialist obstetrician manipulated my abdomen to turn the baby. It didn’t work the first time, but the obstetrician asked if he could try again and then it worked. It was uncomfortable having a nearly full-term baby flipped around but I was glad I had tried it because I was now back on track for a natural birth. On a Friday night a few days before my due date I started getting regular cramps, about

Somewhere around this time the head obstetrician accidentally pressed the emergency button and about 10 nurses came bursting in to the room at full speed. It was a funny moment in an otherwise painful afternoon.The hospital cafeteria was closed and my husband Jamie had not eaten all day, so the midwife told him to go in to town to get something to eat. While he was gone the baby started to show signs of distress. Two obstetricians and the midwife were watching the monitor as her heart rate decelerated with every contraction with no recovery in between. As her condition worsened, my doctor called the operating theatre to prepare for a caesarean. Jamie returned just in time, with some McDonald’s chips in hand, and had to immediately throw them in the bin.

I was given a drug to stop the uterus contracting and allow the baby to rest.

As I was prepped for surgery I was watching the clock – it was close to midnight so I wasn’t sure what day she would be born.

Maeve was born at 15 seconds past midnight on Sunday 7 August, 2016, weighing 7lb 1oz.

After a long labour, she was covered in meconium and required some tactile stimulation. Luckily she cried almost straight away and her oxygen levels were fine. After some time in recovery we were taken to our room on the maternity ward and tried to get some sleep.

I recovered well from the caesarean and was up and about later that afternoon.

Despite not having the birth I planned for, I was grateful that myself and my baby were happy and healthy thanks to the doctors and amazing midwives.

Paradise Open every day 6:30am - 6pm

Beechworth Bakery Healesville 316 Maroondah Hwy www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

12329606-KC50-16

SUMMER 2016 21

Make your own 'Stained Glass'

Butterfly Sun Catcher MAKE the most of the sunshin e and make your own ’stained glass’ sun catcher in the shape of a butterfly.

Mess factor: 2/5 - no smocks requ ired, but your floor may end up covered in tiny bits of tissu e paper.

Supplies: Black card or thick pap er, scissors, sticky tape, clear contact paper, a pen and tissu e paper in various colours.

Step 1: Draw or trace your butt erfly on your black paper and cut around it.

Step 2: Cut out the inside of the wings, leav

ing a 1-2cm border.

Step 3: Place contact paper on the table, sticky side up.

Sticky-tape the edge to the tabl e to keep it in place.

Stick butterfly to the centre of the contact.

Step 4: Cut lots of shapes out of your tissue paper - good practice for kids lear ning to use scissors.

Step 5: Get sticking! Place tissu e paper on the contact in the butterfly wings.

Step 6: Once your wings are complete, smooth another piec e of contact paper over the top of the butterfly.

Step 7: Now that the butterfly is all sealed, cut around the frame and discard excess con tact.

Step 8: Put on a sunny window and enjo

y!

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

22 SUMMER 2016

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Entertainment

n a c d l o d n a g n u o Where y

y k c u l t i strike

By Lia Spencer

SUMMER time means bonding time.

But you don’t have to head to the beach or to a fancy holiday destination to have fun with friends or family.

Whether you are after a bit of fun, celebrating something special or looking for some serious competition, Oz Tenpin Chirnside Park has it all.

An estimated 100 million people across 90 countries bowl as a sport and it’s easy to see why. Who hasn’t wished they could perfect the strikes as easily as it’s done in the hit ’90s movie, Kingpin or The Big Lebowski? Who doesn’t love channelling Fred Flintstone’s twinkle toes as they try to put the perfect spin on their ball and knock down every single pin?

Oz Tenpin Chirnside Park is the newest and largest bowling entertainment venue in the east suburbs of Melbourne. It caters for those who are young and those who are young-atheart – the amateurs and the competitors.

Families, friends and colleagues looking for a friendly game of bowling can give it a go on one of the 28 bowling lanes at the Chirnside Park bowling alley. Afterwards, they can cheers to a great game in the cafe and bar.

For those who like to test their skills against others, League Bowling is a fun and friendly weekly round-robin www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

competition where it’s teams versus team in a battle for points and for first place on the ladder. There are 22 leagues happening every month across all Oz Tenpin centres.

For the younger ones, there are several specials over all the school holidays.There are also arcade machines, a photo booth, laser tag and so much more.

And if you are after a unique place to hold a corporate function, teambuilding sessions, a party or celebration of some sort, Oz Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centres are the place to be, with a special party room, great offers and friendly staff to help. If you book a birthday party for 10 or more children, the birthday child is free. The Birthday Club is also free to join and you will receive a free game of bowling and laser tag in the month of your birthday, plus other special offers. But whatever the celebration, staff will work with you to hold the perfect event and strive to make it a memorable one for everyone who attends.

With over 60 events throughout the year at their bowling centres, it’s no wonder Oz Tenpin is a popular hit with both young and old.

To stay up-to-date with new events, school holiday specials or to enquire about holding a party or function, visit their website at oztenpin.com.au or call 1800 oztenpin or call Oz Tenpin Chirdside Park at 9727 0007.

SUMMER 2016 23

Entertainment

Fun for everyone to

u j mp

into

By Lia Spencer IF YOU’RE looking for a place where the entire family can go to bond, stay active and beat the heat this summer, then you don’t have to look any further than the Air Action Trampoline Centre.

Located in Chirnside Park, Air Action Trampoline Centre is a fun-packed venue for adults and kids to get together, exercise and have a good time. There’s over 160 interconnected trampolines, including three slam dunk lanes, three foam pit entries, high wall climbs, dodge ball courts and a free bounce area with more than 70 trampolines.

For those needing to refuel, or just wanting a time-out to catch their breath, there’s a cafe to purchase hot and cold drinks and snacks.

All individuals above the age of three can take part, but anyone who is pregnant, has pre-existing health conditions or is over 120kgs should not participate due to health and safety concerns.

And while parents don’t have to jump with their children, as a staff member supervises participants at all times to ensure they are being safe and having fun, more often than not, they can’t help but join in the fun.

For the adventurous, jumpers who want to learn tricks and techniques can take trampoline lessons with the friendly instructors, and those who like a bit of

competition can entre the dodge ball tournaments for teams of six. The lessons are held twice a week for an eightweek-term.

food, drinks and utensils that they want for their party. Fees do apply.

Participants can choose one lesson a week or two.

It is advised that you book online for your session to save time on arrival and to allow for maximum time on the floor.

The dodge ball tournaments are held on Wednesday nights running for eight weeks.

There’s a competition for 14 to 18-year-old group and a 19 and older group. Each team has six players and it’s $60 a week for each team.

Air Actions Trampoline Centre also hosts parties for all ages where guests can bring in their own food and cake to celebrate.

Parties at Air Action run for an hour and 45 minutes with an hour jumping session and 45 minutes in the designated party room after the session has finished.

Parties are all fully self-catered, meaning customers bring in any and all

If this sounds like your kind of fun, then jump to it and book your session!

If you don’t book online, a parent or guardian over the age of 18 will need to complete a waiver on arrival.

Sessions run for an hour and start on the hour every hour.

To ensure you have the full hour, it is advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your session.

To learn more about Air Action Trampoline Centre, the dodge ball tournaments, parties and more, visit the website at www.airactiontc.com.au, email equiries@airactiontc.com.au or phone 9726 0666.

They can also be found on Facebook (Air Action Trampoline Centre) and Instagram (airactiontc).

Level 1, 3 - 5 Hewish Road, Croydon

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OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY!

24 SUMMER 2016

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Entertainment

A little help

on the

home front ‘MUM, I’m bored.’

in the beautiful natural light, stable door to play shop, flower box for decorations, plus a cute little verandah to sit on.

‘Mum, there’s nothing to do.’

‘Mum, I don’t want to go outside.’

Sound familiar? Well, you won’t have to come up with a billion different ideas to keep your kids entertained this summer if you have a cubby house outside.

Cubby houses not only stimulate children’s imagination but also offer endless hours of play and fun. And Matt’s Homes and Outdoor Designs has an outstanding range of superior quality cubbies to choose from.

You can dress the cubby house with a range of furniture or adding on playground equipment such as monkey bars, scramble nets, wooden swing sets, slides, sandpits and fireman’s poles and really turn your backyard into a child’s wonderland. Your little ones will be begging to play outdoors rain, hail or shine.

Matt Chapman, a registered builder, began the business in Victoria seven years ago and it has been a roaring success. In fact, it has been so popular with parents and kids alike, Mr Chapman has since opened yards in New South Wales and South Australia.

All of Matt’s Homes products are supplied in a DIY kit form or they can offer a full installation service. They use environmentally friendly, moisture resistant, non-arsenic based treated pine and are Australian made and built to last. They also build granny flats, teenager retreats and timber sheds and offer custom designs.

And one look at the cubbies and it’s easy to see why they are such a hit.

They look just like miniature homes inclusive of a letterbox, a skylight to let

For more information visit www. mattshomes.com.au, email sales@ mattshomes.com.au or phone 1300 62 88 77.

Matt’s Homes Competition Time !!!!

Would you like to win a Cubby House just like this one?  Worth $1550! Competition will run from December until March. Entries close at noon on Friday 17th March giving you plenty of time to enter!

The cubby will be on the ground and come with flower box, letterbox, skylight and stable door. Pick-up Bayswater, delivery and installation available but costs apply.

Come in and check out our great range of display stock all

ON SALE NOW

12333085-CG50-16

To enter, visit Matt’s Homes Display Yard 587 Dorset Road - Bayswater North •฀Large฀range฀of฀Kids฀Cubbies฀&฀Accessories •฀Forts฀,฀Swings฀for฀all฀ages •฀Bali฀Huts,฀African฀Thatches •฀Timber฀Sheds,฀Pets฀Homes •฀Granny฀Flats •฀Teenage฀Retreats

P: 9761 4446 or 1300 62 88 77 sales@mattshomes.com.au | www.mattshomes.com.au www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2016 25

Entertainment

Wild at

heart THERE is so much going on at all three Zoo Victoria locations this summer.

Grab the family and enjoy some Creek Play at Healesville Sanctuary.

Spot true-blue kangaroos hopping around their home, catch platypus keeping cool and see the koala family settled in the new Koala Forest treetops boardwalk.

It’s an all Aussie adventure and a must-see destination for visiting friends and family wanting to experience the real Australian bush. The best part is it’s just an hour from Melbourne’s CBD. Don’t forget to pack a picnic and your togs to cool off by Badger Creek.

At Werribee Open Range Zoo, Rhythm of Africa returns with a fantastic program for families with live African music and kids activities.

Now in its 20th year, Rhythm of

26 SUMMER 2016

Africa has become a must-do summer tradition, bringing together families and friends for a magic mix of warm summer nights, African beats and picnics on the grass. This year’s concert series will run every Saturday night from 7 January to 25 February.

The program will feature live contemporary and traditional African bands and a range of special activities for the kids including drumming workshops, hair-braiding and facepainting.

Safari Tours through the savannah will run until 6pm and the African Pula Trail will remain open until 8pm, allowing you to explore the zoo as dusk falls, spotting lions, wild dogs and cheetah on the prowl and hippos grazing on the beach.

If the weather’s warm don’t forget to bring the kids’ bathers and watch the

sun set from Hippo Beach. While you relax beneath the thatched umbrellas the kids will love playing in the sand and cooling off under the fountains.

During the night you can purchase African-inspired dishes, but visitors are also welcome to bring their own blankets, hampers and beverages for a relaxed picnic on the lawn.

If you feel like venturing to the city, head to Melbourne Zoo to help Australia’s favourite elephant celebrate its birthday, or enjoy some great music at the Zoo Twilights.

Asian Elephant calf Mali made history in 2010 as the first female elephant calf born in Australia, and ever since she has captured the hearts of Melbournian’s. The little darling will be celebrating her seventh birthday in January, so be sure to pay her a visit.

The Melbourne Zoo Twilights is the perfect place to enjoy the warm summer evenings in the heart of the city’s inner-north. Stroll through the gardens and visit the animals before settling down with your mates on the zoo’s fully-licensed picturesque lawns to a picnic, a gourmet hamper or delights from the new food trucks at Taste of Twilights.

All proceeds from the Melbourne Zoo Twilights series support the recovery of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot.

Proceeds from the concert series help Zoos Victoria fight wildlife extinction.

Zoos Victoria’s three zoos are open 365 days between 9am and 5pm. For more information visit zoo.org.au, zoo.org.au/ rhythm or zootwilights.org.au.

Remember, kids under 16 years old receive free entry every day of the summer school holidays.

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Entertainment

Get set for an island

adventure YOU don’t have to travel far to see an abundance of Australian wildlife, spectacular coastal scenery, and exciting new experiences.

to be a highlight of any visit, as you see yourself on a huge screen, standing on an ice floe, patting a penguin or stroking a seal.

Get your hands on a Four Parks Pass bundle ticket this summer to experience some of the best attractions on offer at Phillip Island.

Come face-to-face with wild koalas in their natural habitat from the treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Centre. Learn about these amazing animals and the role the centre has played in protecting Phillip Island’s koalas and their habitat. Stroll along the woodland walking trails and you may come across some of the many visiting native animals including wallabies, echidna, and over 35 different species of birds.

Witness the natural spectacle of the world’s smallest penguins arriving home at sunset each evening at the worldfamous Penguin Parade. Experience the nightly parade from the beachfront viewing stands as the penguins emerge from the waves and waddle across the sand. Be sure to spend some time on the boardwalks and watch the penguins up close as they make their way along their penguin pathways to their burrows.

Choose from a great range of ticket options including the General viewing from the beachfront stands and boardwalks, or the premium Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing experiences. Accredited rangers also conduct small group guided tours each evening to further enhance your viewing experience. Download the free Penguin Parade app, available in

Pictures: Phillip Island Nature Parks English, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, German and Spanish, which includes a live penguin camera and free images to share.

Immerse yourself in the ‘hands-on’ family fun and interactive experiences in the new Antarctic Journey, opened in conjunction with WWF-Australia.

‘Feel the freeze’ in the Antarctic Chill Zone; compare your thermal image to

an Emperor penguin; visit the Research Station and Sound Lab; or check out the sustainable menu in the virtual cafe.

The state-of-the-art multimedia experience puts you right in the heart of the action, surrounded by creatures of the deep like whales, sharks and more. Thanks to cutting edge ‘augmented reality’ technology, the interactive wildlife experience is bound

Journey back in time and explore the heritage and tranquil scenery at Churchill Island Heritage Farm, an historic working farm with Clydesdale horses, Highland cattle and an animal nursery. Hands on farming activities run daily, including sheep shearing, cow milking, whip cracking and working dog demonstrations. The farm also features a restored homestead, historic cottages and delightful heritage gardens and orchards.

For more information, visit www. penguins.org.au.

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Experience Phillip Island’s unique attractions

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FOR BOOKINGS & INFORMATION

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www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2016 27

Entertainment

Poke-hunt is vi rtually addi ctive

By Jesse Graham IT WAS the game that sent thousands of people flocking to Lillydale Lake day and night to try and catch ‘em all.

Pokemon Go was launched for smartphones and tablets earlier in the year. The game uses maps and GPS to allow players in any area to hunt and catch Pokemon, creatures from the famous Nintendo series that battle one another.

The purpose of the game is to catch every Pokemon, train them and help them to evolve into stronger forms - then use them to battle other trainers at “gyms”.

The gyms in the game are dotted around landmarks in towns, and the game requires players to move in the real world to move on the screen – Pokemon appear randomly in different areas, which must be explored by walking around.

The Yarra Ranges made headlines because of the game, with the rare

Adele of Bayswater and Laura Johns, a youth advocate from Boronia, find a Psyduck at Lilydale Lake.

Pokemon Dratini found commonly around Lillydale Lake – though they are now less common, the spot is still ripe with rare creatures and is easy for people of all fitness types to wander in search of them.

The game also uses landmarks and locations as “Pokestops”, where players can replenish supplies, such as Pokeballs, which are used to catch Pokemon.

Sheridan Skye of Croydon Hills painted a Raichu on her face to get into the hunt at Lilydale Lake.

The kind of Pokemon found in the game varies by the areas visited – walking through the forests near Sherbrooke Falls, players might find more grass or bug-type Pokemon, while water-type Pokemon can be found at beaches and rivers.

Though much as been written about unaware players coming to misfortune, players do not have to walk around gazing at their screen to play – as the character moves across the screen, the phone or device will vibrate when encountering Pokemon.

Whether you’re a young player, starting out for the first time, or a nostalgic adult who played the original GameBoy games, Pokemon Go can add an extra layer of adventure to wandering the scenery of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.

CRYSTAL BROOK

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But there are plenty of places around the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges to explore for budding Pokemon Hunters – or people just after a scenic day out.

TOURIST PARK Crystal Brook Tourist Park is a perfect combination of a city park with the atmosphere and natural attractions of a bush park and its wildlife. It’s the perfect base from which to explore some of Melbourne’s and Victoria’s great attractions and events. It is located within an easy drive of the CBD of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and has public transport at the front gate.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES INCLUDE: • Range of cabins and villas • Powered, ensuite and tent sites • Heated alfresco BBQ area • Camp Kitchen • Fully equipped laundry • Jumping pillow, games room

• Heated pool • Pet friendly sites and cabins (Conditions apply) • Dog off leash area • We welcome group bookings

Crystal Brook Tourist Park 182 Heidelberg - Warrandyte Rd, Doncaster East 3109 (Melway Map 34 F3) 28 SUMMER 2016

Phone: 03 9844 3637 Email: info@cbtp.com.au Web: www.cbtp.com.au www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Entertainment

Interview with B1 & B2 There isn’t a child who doesn’t know or love the iconic Bananas in Pyjamas. We asked kids what they want to know about ABC kids characters B1 and B2, and this is what they came up with: B1 & B2 DO YOU EAT BANANAS? LUCAS. AGE 5

B1 & B2 DO YOU ALWAYS WEAR THE SAME SHOES? MIETTA AGE 4

ARE YOU BEST FRIENDS LIKE MY TWIN BROTHER & SISTER? GIANN, AGED 5

B2: That’s right B2, they help you grow up big and strong!

B1: We sure do!

B1: We ARE best friends!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? DO YOU TAKE SWIMMING LESSONS? KAY, AGED 6

B2: They are soooooo comfy!

B1: I also love munchy honey cakes!

B1: They’re bananatastic!

B2: We are such good friends; we even finish each other’s sentences.

B1: Swimming lessons are very important, aren’t they B1?

B1: Are you thinking what I’m thinking B2?

B2: They sure are, B1! We also like to play hide and seek with the teddies for fun!

B1: Bananas are very good for you.

B2: And yellow jelly!

B1 & B2 ARE YOU 2 AND A HALF LIKE ME? ANALIA, AGE 2.5 B1: Wow, 2 and a half! That’s very grown up, isn’t it be B2.

B1 & B2, WHY DO YOU ALWAYS WEAR PYJAMAS, EVEN IN THE DAYTIME? DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER CLOTHES? SOPHIE, AGE 5.

B2: They’re pyjama-riffic!

B1: Yes, B2?

B1: We also wear our beach hats on sunny days.

B1: I think you’re right, B2!

We better get planning for our party!

B2: And the Teddies are our best friends too!

B1: We love having fun with our friends, don’t we be B2?!

B2: We sure do – it’s Bananatastic!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE COLOUR? TYLER, AGED 3

B1: We sure do!

B2: It sure is B1! Ahh, B1?

B2: Isn’t OUR birthday coming up soon?

B2: I think I am B1!

B1: Well, yellow is my favourite colour.

B2: Good Answer, B1. Yellow is the colour of my favourite treat: Yellow Jelly!

B2: That’s right B1. It’s very important to wear your hat when playing outside.

B1: It sure it B2!

Kookaberry

ms Multi award winning ja , syrups and vinegars

• “Pick Your Own” berries and cherries or buy fresh picked from the farm gate seasonally • Gift Shop open during season times • Sample berry jams made at the farm • Ice cream, cold drinks, take away food • Please check the Fruit Report on our website before you visit to ensure fruit availability • Just 1 hour’s drive from Melbourne • Open November - April U-pick Berries, Fresh Fruit Sales & Gift Shop - 27 Parker Rd, Silvan U-Pick Cherries - 30 Chapman Rd, Silvan www.upickberries.com.au

PH: 9737 9400

Farm

Berry season NOW OPEN. Fresh berries available including Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries. Frozen berries available including Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries and Boysenberries.

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Open year round for homemade jams, syrups and frozen berries.

Gift Baskets made to order throughout the year. Bulk jams available for tea rooms, catering sizes for Bed & Breakfasts. Now specialising in Wedding Bomboniere. New products available.

Fresh Frozen U-Pick

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WANDIN NORTH 12333045-PB50-16

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2016 29

Entertainment

get-aways for an easy break

YOU don’t have to travel far to go on a family get-away. Whether you are looking for a fun way to spend the day or few ideas to fill a weekend, we have you covered. Check out our Family Road Trip ideas. All you need to do is organise the clan, pack the essentials, grab your camera, fill the tank and hit the road. Have fun!

Grab the family and go berry picking this Summer! Lenny at Cherry Haven in Wandin East loved it, and so will you.

Picture: JESSE GRAHAM

30 SUMMER 2016

Air Action Chirnside Park Animal Land Children’s Park – Diggers Rest Bayswater Cinema Under the Stars – Bayswater Bernards Magic Shop – CBD Berry Picking – Summer means delicious berries and cherries and there are lots of fantastic ‘u-pick’ farms across the Yarra Ranges that allow you to pick your own fruit straight from the source. Most farms charge a small admission fee but encourage pickers to taste-test the produce as they go, and the fruit you do pick will be far cheaper and fresher than the fruit sold at supermarkets.

■ Cherry Haven lives up to its name with several varieties of cherries ripe for the picking. Cherry Haven is at 470 Queens Road, Wandin, at the end of Cherry Lane. Open seven days a week over the season ■ Check out Bluehills Berries and Cherries at 27 Parker Road, Silvan.

Open seven days a week over Summer.

■ Jay Berries at 140 Wandin Creek Road, Wandin East, has strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries on offer, as well as a variety of vegetables. Open six days a week, closed Saturdays.

■ Next door at 120 Wandin Creek Road is the deliciously named Cherry Bomb, open Thursday-Sunday.

■ Folly Farm u-pick blueberries in Olinda is open by appointment only to children aged 10 and over.

Admission is free, with minimum blueberry purchase 2kg.

■ Kookaberry Strawberry Farm at 25 Lewis Road in Wandin stocks products are 100 per cent Australian Grown and made with no preservatives, additives or artificial colors. All Jams syrups and vinegars are made using all berries grown on the Kookaberry Farm.

Visit kookaberry.com.au for more information.

Blue Lotus Water Garden – Yarra Junction Bollygum Park – Kinglake The parks has a great playground, cafes and Kinglake Produce and Artisan markets on the fourth Sunday every month, 10am-3pm BRICKS 4 KIDZ – Knox Bundoora Park Children’s Farm Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm Chesterfield Park Children’s Farm Collingwood Children’s Farm Croydon Cinemas – The four-screen complex is the perfect go-to for families, especially when the unpredictable Victorian weather blasts too much heat to go outside, or spoils outdoor plans with a heavy summer’s rain. The complex features state-of-the-art digital projection and sound, offering the best in sight and sound technology available in the world today. The candy bar is not only a hit with kids, it boasts a small liquor bar so adults can enjoy a quality wine or beer without paying enormous prices while watching a movie. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Entertainment delicious treats at the Lake Mountain Cafe.

Diamond Valley Railway Funfields at Whittelsea Healesville Amateur Racing Club – The club has several Family Picnic Races throughout summer. Have a great time cheering on your favourite horses, sit down for a relaxed lunch at one of the barbecue and picnic areas or enjoy the abundance of kids activities including animal farms, bouncy castles, running races, pony rides and much, much more.

Gasworks Arts Park Programs Lake Mountain – There’s a heap of summer adventure activities at Lake Mountain. If you love an adrenaline rush, check out the 240-metre Dual Flying Fox, or slide down the Tube Run. If you’re the competitive type, join in a game of Laser Skirmish. Love nature?

Explore the resorts track and trail network or sit and relax with some

Maroondah Golf Park – Chirnside Marysville Lolly Shop – Marysville Mount Burnett Observatory Nickelodeon’s Slimefest Oz Ten Pin Chirnside Park – Who doesn’t love a bit of light-hearted family rivalry?

Visit Oz Ten Pin at Chirnside Park to battle it out with the bowling ball and pins. Get some target practice with Laser Tag or take turns competing on the gaming machines. If someone in the family is having a special anniversary or birthday, celebrate by organising a group party or function. Make sure to check out their website to keep up-to-date with all upcoming events.

Phillip Island Nature Park – From toddlers to teens, from dads to nanas, it doesn’t matter if they’re young, or just

young-at-heart, Phillip Island Nature Parks offers a range of exciting things for the entire family to see and do this spring. Check out the internationallyrenowned Penguin Parade, come face-to-face with a koala at the Koala Conservation Centre, visit the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, head out on a Wild Oceans EcoBoat tour or be amazed

by The Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre on Phillip Island which has become hugely popular with locals and tourists since it launched in 2015.

Skyhigh Mount Dandenong (Skyhigh Maze) Steavenson Falls – Marysville Tunzafun Indoor Family Entertainment – Westfield Fountain Gate Shopping Centre Trees Adventure – Old Monbulk Road, Belgrave Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk 4 High Street – From Tallarook to Wallis Street Corners, Seymour Yarra Valley Archery Park – Launching Place

Relax Go Fishing – Schnapper Point Drive, Mornington

Yarra Valley Racing Club – From Kids Races Days, to Chill Out Races to Picnic and Parties Races. Yarra Valley Racing Club has it all this summer. Pack a picnic, make a bet, enjoy the music and let the kids explore all the fun, free activities. Both parents and kids are sure to enjoy this family outing.

Scienceworks – CBD

RAAF Museum – Point Cook

Phillip Island Grand Prix Race Party – A Boutique Slot Car Racing 97, Camberwell Road, Hawthorn East Rainforest Gallery and Skywalk

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SUMMER 2016 31

Games and gadgets

w e ca n

't

g et b y

Classic Bonds

Lego blocks

witho ut. .

The classic terry towelling bonds wondersuits with the buttons, a must-have staple item that I’ll keep my boys in until they no longer fit.

My 3-year-old Harley will spend hours upon hours playing and building animals and robots.

Shannon Nolle is a busy mum to three boys aged three and under Harley James, 3, and twins Brooklyn Tatum and Jason Matthew, one-and-a-half.

The family lives in Dixons Creek together with dad Michael.

Here, Shannon shared a few of her favourite things that have been invaluable with her tribe of boys.

Mountain buggy duet My Mountain Buggy Duet and carrier, with three under three it was great to be able to contain all the kids when we went out.

Jason’s stuffed puppy dog It’s so calming for him, and super cute to see him cuddling his favourite teddy

these

are a few of our

favourite things

Colouring books and puzzles Any hands-on activities are great! We love them even more now because the twins have started to show more of an interest in these activities and not just eating the textas!

Snack time The most relaxing quiet time when all the boys sit down and eat in silence!

Music and singing To make every day activities like brushing your teeth or cleaning up the toys fun. We usually make up our own songs for our chores but we love all nursery rhymes.

Sippy cups Who wouldn’t enjoy drinking water out of a snow man cup with a straw!

32 SUMMER 2016

Books They are great for the wind-down before bed time. Our favourite book is Excuse Me, this book is great, it teaches kids manners.

Wet Wipes Clearly a life saver, and not just for cleaning bums!

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Games and gadgets

A gift of a

lifetime

By Lia Spencer CHOOSING the perfect gift for your loved one can be hard work!

Which book do you buy the book worm? What handbag should you get for the fashion conscious? What new gadget would the tech-savvy person in your life appreciate?

Scratch all of that, because we have founded perfect gift which will be appreciated by every man or woman with a special little human in their life.

Pit a Patter is a family-operated business which was conceived in January 2000, when owner and sole operator Lisa was pregnant with her first child, and has been a labour of love ever since.

The unique business specialises in a range of personal keepsakes including babies and children’s hands and feet framed impressions, hand-stamped jewellery to record names and special dates and pendants, keyrings and cufflinks with both fingerprints and children’s hand and footprints miniaturised and imprinted onto silver.

But the most popular item is the framed keepsakes.

In our many years of experience with casting, we have rarely met a child that does not wriggle, even while asleep...

Lisa offers both studio and home visit appointments to get an impression of your child’s foot or hand to create the perfect gift.

And there’s no need to stress if your child is a wriggly worm.

“In our many years of experience with casting, we have rarely met a child that does not wriggle, even while asleep. This procedure sets in 30 seconds and will accommodate any movements until set. This is why all casting gestures are different.”

The jewellery range imprints can also be done through a kit service where the parents can be creative and get involved in the impression process.

“We send this out inclusive in the jewellery cost with an information sheet and an instruction video guide,” Lisa said.

“It’s a relatively simple and non-toxic process.”

For more information, visit www. pitapatter.com.au, phone 0438 819 636 or check out the Facebook page at facebook.com/pitapatterkeepsakes www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2016 33

Sights and sounds of

summer 31 New Year’s Eve at Cuckoo Restaurant, Olinda, 9751 1003

19 Terminus Hotel Live Music, Healesville, 3pm-6pm, 5962 4011

31 New Year’s Eve at Chateau Yering Hotel, Yering, 9237 3333

25 Roller Coaster Run, SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, 0415 308 977

January

25 Blue Diamond Stakes Day, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

1 Children’s Chocolate Making Class, Marysville, 5963 4175

26 Warburton Up and Running, Warburton, www. warburtonupandrunning.com.au

1 Wine Tasting at Olinda Cellars, Mt Dandenong, 9751 0999

27 Roller Coaster Run, Mt Dandenong, 0415 308 977

10 Chill Out Race Day, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

March

10 Belgrave Farmers’ Market, Belgrave, 0400 565 200 10 Mont De Lancey Country Market, Wandin, 0403 415 194

14 Healesville Cup, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

10 Wominjeka: A New Beginning, Burrinja Cultural Centre, 9754 8723

15 Terminus Hotel Live Music, Healesville, 3pm-6pm, 5962 4011

10 Country Market at Mont De Lancey, Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead, Wandin North, 0403 415 194

16-21 Australian Chainsaw Carving, Mt Dandenong 9751 0443 18 Wandin Custom Car and Bike Show, 5964 7366

5 Terminus Hotel Live Music, Healesville, 3pm-6pm, 5962 4011

10 Christmas Race Meeting, Healesville Amateur Racing Club, 0417 380 298

21 Mid-Summer Race Day, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

11 Alanna and Alicia House Concert, Lounge Room, Healesville, 0413 999 447

5 Healesville Community Market, River Street, Healesville, 0488 445 112

22 Terminus Hotel Live Music, Healesville, 3pm-6pm, 5962 4011

16 Christmas Race Day, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

11 St Andrew’s Community Market, www.standrewsmarket.com.au

22 Kinglake Produce and Artisan Fair, Kinglake, www.kinglakemarket.com

17 Woori Family Carols Night on the Hill, Woori Yallock Church, 5964 7563

11-13 March Yarra Glen Arts Show, Yarra Glen Memorial Hall, 0419 129 480

26 Terminus Hotel Australia Day event, live music, Healesville, 5962 4011

15 Wandin Custom Car and Bike Show, 5964 7366

21 Wandin Custom Car and Bike Show, 5964 7366

29 Terminus Hotel Live Music, Healesville, 3pm-6pm, 5962 4011

December Singing Gardens of C.J. Dennis and Tearooms, open Thursday-Monday until 31 December, 5962 9282 8 Performance Platform Concerts term four at the Memo, Healesville, 1300 368 333 9 Christmas Nativity and Lights Display, Woori Yallock Church, 5964 7563 9 Harness Christmas Race Day, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332 10 Yarra Glen Racecourse Twilight Market, Yarra Glen Racecourse, 9730 1332

24 Christmas Eve at the Cuckoo Restaurant, Olinda, 9751 003 25 Sky High Christmas Day, Mount Dandenong, 9751 0443

February

4 St Andrew’s Community Market, www.standrewsmarket.com.au 5 Yarra Glen Racecourse Market, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332 5 Warburton Artisans and Produce Market, Warburton, 0447 277 513

18 St Andrew’s Community Market, www.standrewsmarket.com.au 18-19 The Herb and Chilli Festival, Wandin, 9735 2962 18 Selby Fest, Selby, 9754 2039

3 Mother’s Session, Gembrook, 0414 258 490

19 Eltham Community Craft and Produce Market, www.eltham.com.au

4 Simple Minds and the B-52s, Rochford Winery, Healesville, 5957 3333

19 Yarra Valley Cup, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

4 Picnics and Parties Race Day, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

25 Rhythm and Blues on Puffing Billy, Belgrave, 9757 0700

11 Black Saturday Remembrance Cruise, www.facebook.com/BlackSaturdayAndBeyond

25 St Andrew’s Community Market, www.standrewsmarket.com.au

29 Kids Race Day, Yarra Valley Racing, Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

11 Summer Race Meeting, Healesville Races, 0417 380 298

26 Sprout Fest, Adams Farms, Coldstream, 0437 009 032

31 New Year’s Eve at Sky High Mount Dandenong, Olinda, 9751 0443

15 Wandin Custom Car and Bike Show, 5964 7366

26 Kinglake Produce and Artisan Market, Kinglake, www.kinglakemarket.com

25 Christmas Lunch at Chateau Yering Hotel, Yering, 9237 3333 25 Mist at Olinda Christmas Day, Olinda, 9751 0937 26 Sky High Boxing Day Lunch, Mount Dandenong, 9751 0443 Blue Lotus Water Gardens, open 27 December – 4 April, 5967 2061

34 SUMMER 2016

19 Victorian 4WD Show, Wandin North, 9786 0728

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Sights and sounds of

summer Carols By Candlelight POWELLTOWN Friday, 16 December. The pews of the historic Powelltown Union Church will be filled again this Christmas as the community hosts its annual Christmas Carols evening from 7.30pm. Look for the big Christmas tree, lit up with lights, out the front of the church and join the Powelltown community for supper following a night of music and singing. Please take along a plate of food for supper. Phone 5966 7431.

WOORI YALLOCK Saturday, 17 December. Woori Yallock Presbyterian Church is celebrating Christmas with their traditional nativity scene at the church, opposite the primary school, along with a free barbecue and children’s activities at 6pm and carols at 7pm followed by a free supper.

In the event of extreme weather, the carols will be in the air-conditioned hall. Everyone welcome. Phone 5964 7563.

The Christmas Nativity and Lights Display on the Hill at the church will run this year from 9 December.

HEALESVILLE

Markets St Andrew’s Community Market, every Saturday between 8am – 2pm www.standrewsmarket.com.au Belgrave Big Dreams Market, next market dates: 11 December 2016 and 12th February 2017 Belgrave, 0416 451 151 Eltham Community Craft and Produce Market, Feb to Dec: Every third Sunday Dec: Extra market first Sunday www.eltham.com.au

Saturday, 17 December. Comedian Dave O’Neil will be MC this year for a spectacular Healesville Community Carols night in Queen’s Park. Guest artists are Bonnie Anderson, Levi McGrath, Exploded View and the Salvation Army Band. There will be fun for the kids with jumping castles, a petting zoo and a visit from Santa starting at 6.30pm with carols from 7.30pm. Food available, or pack a picnic dinner.

Healesville Community Carols are presented by the Salvation Army. Liberty Church and Yarra Valley Financial Services. Phone 5962 2206.

MARYSVILLE Sunday, 18 December. Community Christmas Carols in the Park presented by the Anglican Church and sponsored by VicForests will start with the Alexandra Band at 6.45pm followed by carol singing at 7pm.

The program will include a pageant with people invited to dress as angels, shepherds and wisemen and a Roald Dahl-style telling of the Christmas story. Phone 5774 7655.

WARBURTON Thursday, 22 December. Warburton Advancement League (WAL) is hosting this year’s Christmas Carols which will be held behind the Visitor Information Centre overlooking the town. The celebration includes the launch of the 52 murals that are part of the Warburton Train Station Mural Project at 6pm.

Carols begin at 7.30pm. Phone WAL on 5966 2373.

Emerald Craft and Produce Market, Third Sunday of each month, Emerald, 5968 3881 Healesville Community Market, 1st Sunday River St Car Park 3rd Sunday Coronation Park, River St, 0488 445 112 Kallista Community Market, Kallista, 0402 012 247 1st Saturday of each month (except January), 9am to 1pm Little Yarra Market, Yarra Junction, 3rd Saturday of each month www.littleyarramarket.com Montrose Craft Market, 3rd Saturday of each month (except January), 9am to 1.30pm.

Montrose, 0421 910 105 Yarra Glen Racecourse Market, Yarra Valley Racing, first Sunday on the month from September to June (ex Jan) – 9am to 2pm. Yarra Glen, 9730 1332

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2016 35