Geelong Coast Kids Spring 2017

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

angie's catch-up

PARTNERS GO

boom WI TH LOVE OF ART

survive and thrive Meet our Father of the Year

spring into

hip-hop

hooray Champion Charlie’s dancin’ feet

fashi on SPRING 2017

the best books and gam es for your

children

A Star News Group Publication

Incorporating

contents

13

Jason Stacks up to best father title

25

Where’s Wally Happiness Hunt

4-5

30-31

Patience in time of turmoil

Happy Days

15

Mums escape to the Piano Bar.

Gifted sisters customdesigned for success

27

Wacky and woolly fun School holiday activities from The National Wool Museum.

6-7

33

Charlie’s making his move

Straight from The Paddock

8-9

16-17

Angie Hilton chats with Ren Inei and Kate Jacobi from Boom Gallery.

The season’s best fashions from local fashion labels, Oishi-m and When Harlow met Jagger.

Angie’s Catch Up

19

Two parents and three under one - it’s a full house

28

History made as Kit comes first

Fun times for school holidays

10-11 21 Looking back on a magic moment

34-35

Fashion

It’s child’s play for Beckk

36-37 Books and Games

Central Geelong Kids Fun Program.

Spring reads and school holiday fun.

29

38-39

Kids’ parties

Kids Kalendar

COME ALONG FOR A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT! Indoor and Outdoor Activities • • • • • • •

Pony rides Face painting Monster Truck Bouncing Castle James the Fire Engine Skate Park Animal farm Puppet making workshops and more!

Proudly supported by:

Theatre and music Sports Zone Outdoor stage and dancing

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2 SPRING 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

about us . . .

sprin g has sprung -

finally!

HI EVERYONE, Welcome to our spring 2017 edition of Geelong Coast Kids - great to have you back.

Can you believe it’s finally spring, with all the better weather ahead? I don’t know about you, but that last winter seemed to go on for-ev-er!

I have some exciting personal news.

After years of knocking on doors, I finally got my own TV show up and running on Channel 9. It’s called Destination Happiness and it’s on Saturdays at noon for 13 weeks, so there are still plenty of episodes to go. It’s a health and wellbeing show with a strong emphasis on mental health (of which I’m passionate about).

Love you to check it out!

Speaking of Happiness, 10-year old cutie Charlie Meadows from Highton is bound to make you smile. Not only has he recently been crowned winner of the Australian National Dance Star Championships in the solo hip-hop category, he also plays representative tennis for Geelong and footy for South Barwon. Talk about multi talented!

My sister Lee, does some “research” into the benefits of mums having a girls night out at the Piano Bar. There really are health benefits!

I chat with owners of the Boom Gallery, long term buddies Ren Inei and Kate Jacoby about how they make their business ‘boom’ while keeping the family balanced and friendship flowing.

Local labels When Harlow Met Jagger and Oishi-m are doing Geelong proud.

Oishi-m, which recently won Powercor Geelong Business Excellence Awards overall and retail categories. Check out their gorgeous two-page fashion spread inside.

We’ve got lots of fun ideas and activities for you and the kids to enjoy over the school holidays around central Geelong, Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, National Wool Museum and more.

Hope you enjoy and thanks again for your support.

Bring on the sunshine!

Love Angie

We meet inspirational local sisters Emma Rayson and sister Alison Kenna who have just scored runner-up in this year’s Aus Mumpreneur Awards in the business retail category. A career change into starting their own business was spurred on by their passion to spend more quality time with their little ones.

Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Geelong Coast Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Geelong Coast Kids 1st Floor, 78 Moorabool St, Geelong, Vic 3220 Phone: 5249 6700 Fax: 5249 6799 Managing Editor Tony Galpin editorial@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 5249 6700 Advertising Rebecca Hanneysee advertising@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 5249 6708 / 0407 227 234 Creative Creative Services Manager: Chris Beale Design Mark Dinnie Virginia Hester Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

angie's catch-up

PARTNERS GO

boom WITH LOVE OF ART

survive and thrive Meet our Father of the Year

spring into

hip-hop

hooray Champion Charlie’s dancin’ feet

fashion SPRING 2017

the best books and games for your

A Star News N Group G Publication P bl

children

Incorporating

COVER: Hip-hopping Highton youngster Charlie Meadows in action. Picture: LOUISA JONES

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It’s

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

By Jade Glen PUBERTY is a challenging time - and hopefully it’s now a distant, if slightly unpleasant memory for you - but if you are reading this, chances are you will be soon reliving your puberty blues as you help your child navigate this transition from childhood to adolescence.

There’s a lot going on during puberty, with children experiencing a range of physical, emotional, sexual and social changes. Everything is changing, including the relationship between you and your child.

Alexandra Barbas, senior clinician at Relationships Australia Victoria, said some children managed these changes with ease while others struggled and some experienced significant turmoil.

The key to supporting your child through this turmoil was emotional acceptance, Ms Barbas said.

“One of the best ways to support a child during puberty is to provide them with reassurance and support that the changes they are experiencing are normal. It is important that parents stay involved and available if their child wants to talk.”

Ms Barbas said puberty was a time when parents became consultants to, rather than managers of their children.

“This does not mean that a parent’s role becomes defunct. Children still need to know that their parents are available to talk and offer support.

When talki n g about thei r bodi es and body parts, it is best to use the correct terms for body parts so that a child can feel comfortable when talking about the i r body...

“Forming their own identity is a key developmental milestone for teens.

As part of that process, teens start to strongly value other relationship outside of their immediate family, and practice being assertive and autonomous. This does not mean that they still don’t need a good or close relationship with their parents. It is important that parents manage any feelings of rejection and hurt that might arise as a result of their teens developing strong relationships with others. It is also important that parents keep the door open and remain accepting of their teen.”

Hopefully you have already started the conversation about puberty and all its associated changes before the event unfolds - Ms Barbas said discussions about sex and bodies should be ongoing.

“Answer any questions teens may have about their bodies directly without overloading them with information. It is best to choose a time to talk where there are no distractions. Parents could start by asking their child whether they have been taught about puberty at school.

Their child may not want to share everything with their parents and may prefer to talk to someone else, like another family member, GP or a counsellor.

“When talking about their bodies and body parts, it is best to use the correct terms for body parts so that a child can feel comfortable when talking about their body. If parents hear their child start to tell jokes about sex, that is a good time to ask questions such as “Are you noticing any changes in your body?” Providing children with books about puberty written for children may also be helpful.

“Puberty is a time when children compare their body to those of their friends and may feel embarrassed or worried about their development (uneven testes, menstruation, acne etc).

Parents can role model body acceptance and discuss with their children that bodies come in all shapes and sizes and that everyone develops at their own pace. If a child continues to be concerned about their development, then it may be helpful to make an appointment to talk to a GP.”

■ Acknowledge and praise your child for any achievements, efforts or positive behaviours.

■ You may benefit by educating yourself about parenting through puberty.

■ Choose your battles - if your teen wants to dye their hair, paint their fingernails etc, it is best to save their objections for issues like alcohol, drugs, smoking or permanent changes to their appearance (tattoos, piercings).

■ Look out for signs that your teen may be really struggling (skipping school, failing grades, talking or joking about suicide, substance use).

■ Set limits on the amount of time your teen spends online or in front of the television. Access to technology should be in public and limited after certain hours.

Ms Barbas said parents should also be accepting of their child’s need for privacy and get in to the habit of knocking before entering their room.

If you are looking for more advice to help relate your child or teenager, Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) can help. For more information, call 1300 364 277 or visit www.rav.org.au.

RAV also has a website dedicated to supporting young people - visit www. connectedspace.com.au

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

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Family & Kids Portraiture

SPRING 2017 5

It’s

your life

' Charlie s m aking h is

moves

By Luke Voogt HIGHTON 10-year-old Charlie Meadows is “smashing stereotypes” after dominating his age group at a national dance competition on the Gold Coast in August.

Hip-hopping Highton youngster Charlie Meadows in action.

Pictures: LOUISA JONES

The hip-hopping youngster also plays representative tennis for Geelong and football for South Barwon, but he’s keeping his options open.

“They’re all equal,” he said.

“I’m going to Melbourne this week to play tennis but I enjoy doing all of them.”

Charlie won gold in solo hip hop at the Australian National Dance Star Championships, along with silver in the improv category two days later.

He admits to pre-performance jitters before taking on the daunting improv category.

“I was very nervous but excited at the same and wondering what the music was going to be,” he said.

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The competitors had to invent a dance to an unknown song under the gaze of the judging panel, consisting of five choreographers and professional dancers.

“I have to find the beat in the music and make up some moves in my head while I’m listening to it,” Charlie said.

Idols such as Bruno Mars and The Royal Family Dance Crew inspired Charlie to take up dance at age five.

“I like the movement and making up dances,” he said.

So his mother Kate took him to BC Beatz dance school in Geelong and soon Charlie was hooked.

“I watched the other kids and they were really good,” he said.

“I felt really excited to start something new - I just liked the music and how it makes me puff.”

Charlie credits his dance instructors Cat Yee and Megan Blyszak for his recent success.

“They’re really helpful and nice and they sort of teach it in a fun way,” he said.

Charlie comes from a “house of non-dancers”, his mother Kate tells GCK. “We were just so proud of him,” she said.

“He practised and practised and practised - he’s hardly missed a week.” “(My husband’s and my) dancing ability - it’s non-existent. But we’re both PE teachers so keeping our kids fit is important to us.”

The grade 4 student took on eight grade 6 girls in the hip hop final, Kate said. But the improv event “blew (her) mind” the most.

“We actually thought that was amazing that he can even do that,” she said.

“We would all just stand on the stage crying, I reckon - he just feels the music.”

Kate is grateful to Charlie’s two teachers “for encouraging him to keep going for five years”.

“It’s so important as parents to let your children follow their passions,” she said.

“They’re amazingly talented dancers themselves. I can’t speak highly enough of how they have supported Charlie and every kid they have.”

Dance instructor Cat Yee, a teacher by day, describes Charlie as a “natural”.

“This was his first solo competition and we are incredibly proud of the hard work, energy, dedication and effort shown by Charlie each week,” she said.

She said Charlie’s passion for dancing equals his drive chasing the Sherrin and on the tennis court.

“Charlie has smashed the stereotype that boys shouldn’t, don’t or can’t dance and embraced the performance quality, musicality and strength required of a hip hop dancer.”

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SPRING 2017 7

It’s

your life

angie's catch-up

Ren Inei and Kate Jacobi.

Pictures: REBECCA HOSKING

By Angie Hilton

so we changed it to Boom. It’s as simple as that!

Has art always been in your blood? And are you still creative?

THERE’S something a little mysterious and magnetic about the river end of Pakington Street don’t you think?

Ren: As a child I was always drawing and making things.

I suppose my adult love of art is an extension of this foundation.

Throughout high school, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I also love looking and discussing art, visiting galleries, exhibitions, etc.

I still love to paint when I have time.

Creativity seems to ooze from the walls of the historic woollen mills, where inside you’ll find a whole tribe of right-brain-heavy geniuses.

From acting studios, yoga centres, and meditation groups, to dance troops, photographers and artists. This is one seriously creative hub!

So let’s zoom in on Boom Gallery at 11 Rutland Street.

Whenever I step into Boom, I feel a subliminal sense of cool wash over me. Maybe because it feels very ‘city’.

There are certainly not too many places around G-town where you can go for a great coffee and then amble through the space, admiring walls and walls of contemporary art. Now I’m far from an art connoisseur, and I definitely don’t know how to describe pieces, but let’s just say - there’s a whole lot of beautiful/fascinating/unusual pieces that just need to be seen to be appreciated. And, it’s so exciting to know that many pieces are from local artists.

On a recent Boom pop-in, I got chatting to owners Kate Jacobi and Ren Inei. The thing I love about Geelong is that there’s every chance that you’re going to be connected to someone you’ve just met through someone or something.

Within 10 minutes, we worked out that Kate and I went to school together and Ren and I had known each other 8 SPRING 2017

20 years ago through an ex. Love Geelong!

Many presume Ren and Kate are husband and wife to which they always have a bit of a giggle. Ren is married to Corrie and has four children and Kate is married to Matt and has three children. The two families are extremely tight.

I was curious to know what their secret was to running such a happening space and balancing that with a busy yet thriving family life.

How long have you guys been buddies?

Kate: We have been friends since our early twenties. Ren’s wife Corrie and I are also very close. We’ve gone through so much together. All the ups and downs of life.

Ren: Aside from being friends already, we also became colleagues when we started working together as art teachers at Belmont High.

What was the process of bringing Boom to life?

Kate: Ren was inspired to set up

a creative space/gallery after a visit to an un-developed “Valley Woollen Mills” (now Little Creatures).

He was enthralled by the character of the old factory buildings and imagined setting up a contemporary art gallery in something similar.

Ren: It always starts with an idea, but often these don’t get past the dreaming stage. It became concrete when I flagged the idea with my wife. I can remember saying to her, “I know just the perfect person to ask to go in it with me, Kate”.

I think Kate thought I was joking at first, but from this point onwards we just started the journey.

Where did the name “Boom” come from?

Kate: Well there’s no deep and meaningful message unfortunately.

We wanted something playful and not too serious. We are aesthetic people, so we wanted the word to not only sound good but also look good. My son Jeremiah suggested Zoom. We loved the sound of it but thought it might sound like a photography business

Kate: I have always loved art, from studying it at school and university, to now helping inspire and introduce others to art, either through Boom or taking our family to galleries.

I majored in print making and continued to create for a few years, but life got busy, and it’s been put on the back burner. Ren, on the other hand, is a great practising artist.

He creates beautiful abstracted atmospheric landscapes. He makes me laugh as he always leaves his painting until the very last minute when he’s booked in for an exhibition here.

He’s a crammer!

Can you tell me more about how Boom works in terms of exhibitions etc?

Kate: We have monthly rotations of exhibitions, with work from local, interstate and artists from overseas.

We started off with mainly local pieces, but it’s really grown into a national display. It’s hard to believe it’s our sixth birthday today. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Ren: We are really excited about our calendar for next year. There are some amazing pieces coming our way, which if you can’t get in, you can check out on our website or instagram page.

A lot of people suggest that business partnerships rarely work, but you guys seem to have the balance just right.

Do you have any suggestions for people going in to business together on how to make it work as a partnership?

Kate: For us, the most important thing has been that the details and challenges of our work lives do not have any impact on the relationships of our families. With this end in mind, we have ensured to always do our best to treat each other with respect and resolve any differences quickly and well.

Ren: Another important factor for us has been to keep all aspects of the business equal, from the amount of time worked to monies paid out and in.

I love that you’ve been able to achieve all this and also maintain great out of hours relationships between your two families.

Let’s hear about the gang behind the scenes.

Can you give us three words to describe each of your children?

Kate: Sophia is 13 years old - creative, passionate, caring.

Jeremiah is 12 years old - confident, sporty, clever.

Ivy is nine years old - funny, spirited, thoughtful.

Ren: Joel is 18 years old - caring, thinker, empathetic.

Zoe is 16 years old - fun, social, entertainer.

Phoebe is 14 years old - creative, loyal, loving.

Toby is 12 years old - gentle, artistic, easy-going.

You obviously both have supportive partners. Tell us a bit about them.

Kate: Matthew is a lecturer at Melbourne Theological College, teaching pastors at Barrabool Hills Church, an author and a musician.

He has been such an amazing support for me both emotionally and practically with Boom. I’m so lucky he’s been able to be flexible to allow me to work, at times long/irregular hours. He’s always been a great sounding board and confidence builder, which has really helped me navigate the emotional ups and downs of building a business.

Ren: Corrie is a trained counsellor, coordinates a community mentoring program and helps look after OneCare, a not-for-profit organisation in Geelong West providing meals to the homeless and other services. Needless to say, she’s a big hearted, caring and grounded woman.

Cafe at Boom Gallery. balance right. Actually, if I didn’t believe a balance was possible, then I would not have started the business.

In an ongoing way, parenting is a huge time and financial commitment, but obviously the rewards are priceless.

One wish?

We only open the gallery four days a week when we started, allowing us plenty of time to spend with our families.

Kate: One of the challenges is to be consistently engaged and responsive in all the moments of a busy household.

Our desire is to help shape the kids to own their mistakes and take responsibility for doing things differently. Sometimes this takes a lot of time and intentionality, with three very different kids who sometimes have quite dynamic relationships with each other it requires a degree of flexibility, creativity and patience to help direct them towards these goals.

Kate: To go to Iceland to see the northern lights

We are now open six days a week, but are in a position to employ others to help carry the load. I think a realistic strategy for getting this balance right is critical for any business.

Kate: Our opening hours are pretty good to fit in with the daily routines of the kids. We have been intentional in the way we have set things up to provide flexibility, so we can take holidays and have most weekends free with the kids. It is certainly much easier to achieve this once the children are school age.

Can you think of any great parenting moments? Any memories that you will cherish?

Ren: Like any parent, I think more formal things like a child’s first day at kinder or school, etc, but really other things really spring to mind. Dancing around like a lunatic with the kids, setting up parties with the music banging, driving along the beach on Fraser Island, playing games, getting hugs, laughing together, holding hands to cross the road ... too many memories to cherish!

Kate: Aside from the obvious of welcoming each new baby into the family some of our best memories are from spending time together on holidays, often with extended family.

Also moments of parental pride as the kids have achieved success in different things, whether it be a sporting final or mastering a new skill like riding their bikes.

What have you found to be the most challenging thing about parenting?

Ren: I have found that you cannot raise children without a high level of personal sacrifice. In the early years this might be sleep or your partner’s attention.

Do you have any parenting strategies that work for you that you can share with other parents?

Kate: I think one of the big challenges to many parents today is around ‘screen time’ we have tried a variety of strategies to manage this, with varying levels of success. I think it is important that parents think this one through even when their kids are little, having guidelines in place as early as possible helps minimises it becoming a point of conflict.

Ren: I guess I don’t have any strategies as such but I do think it’s important to celebrate the idea of family. The idea that we can have a great time together no matter what we’re doing. I think we’ve fostered the kids to really enjoy each other’s company. Little getaways always help that where it’s just us, away from distractions.

Kate: I love how Ren’s children all choose to hang out with their parents over anything else. They have an amazing bond.

Quick questions ...

Favourite artist?

Ren: Fred Williams (currently in the Geelong Gallery).

Kate: Ai Wei Wei - Chinese contemporary dissident artist and political activist. He’s so brave and works with such conviction. He’s even been imprisoned because of his controversial pieces.

Ren: I would drive through Central Victoria. Places like Daylesford, Trentham, Kyneton and Clunes. I just love the romantic, slightly European feel. Mum is Dutch and Dad’s Italian, which is why I’m drawn to it. I love all the little pop up businesses.

Kate: I’d love to simply take the dog down the coast and walk in the sunshine. Grab some yummy food at Swell cafe. I’d go for coffee but my favourite coffee just happens to be at Boom (I can say that as we don’t actually own the cafe side) but that might defeat the purpose of having a day out of work.

Guilty pleasure?

Ren: I’m a sweet tooth. I love chocolatecoated marzipan, Lindt chocolate and good licorice. Oh, and red wine is a big one.

Kate: Wine - any and all types!

If you could be famous for something what would it be?

Ren: Something significant in Geelong maybe a contemporary regional gallery.

Kate: Well, I really don’t want to be famous, but I would like to be remembered for being generous, giving more time to people and my kids, for being compassionate. These are all things I want/need to work on.

What three people would you like to have for dinner, living or passed?

Ren: 1. Joost Bakker - An eco-trailblazer. He has set up a lot of pop up cafes where he has zero waste.

2. Rohan Anderson - inspirational guy who went through mid-life crisis and did the tree change to become a hunter and gatherer.

Kate: 1. Catherine the Great - longest serving Monarch. A woman of power, lover of education, art and culture.

2. Australian author Richard Flanagan.

I’ve loved and been moved by all his books.

How do you balance work and parenting?

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

What would you do with one day off to yourself?

3. Costa Georgiadis - from Gardening Australia - passionate about sustainability. All-round amazing human.

Without Corrie’s support, I would never have opened the gallery. She has been patient and understanding allowing me to be bold and adventurous with Boom.

Ren: We have always been very mindful of getting the work and family

Ren: To get my little pistachio green fiat on the road.

Boom Gallery

3. Radio presenter Richard Fidler. His conversations and stories keep me regular company.

SPRING 2017 9

It’s

your life

Having a photographer in the birthing suite ensures you can capture all the little moments of the big day.

k c a b g n i k Lo o on a

magic moment

10 SPRING 2017

By Lia Spencer DELIVERY rooms aren’t pretty.

When a full-term pregnant woman checks into the hospital, her dignity checks out. Clothes come off, a game-face comes on and words are said which would make kids cry and the devil blush.

After the swearing, the moaning, the pushing, and ultimately the arrival of the baby, motherhood brings a whole new wave of emotions.

I’ve always had a keen interest in birth stories as each one is so different yet equally amazing.

I am in awe of what women’s bodies are capable of - from how they grow, to the pain they bear, to the child they produce.

Yet when many women discuss their labours they often talk about how long it was, how painful it was and all the other dirty, nitty-gritty details. They often overlook the power and beauty of it all.

So why would any expectant woman in her right frame of mind invite relatives and friends into the delivery room to witness all the blood, sweat and tears?

I trusted Mel could capture the positives of childbirth through her craft. Not only is she a brilliant photographer, but she has a unique ability to tell a story through image and video.

That’s the question I kept asking myself when I invited my sister-in-law Melanie, a photographer by trade, to capture the birth of my second baby in May.

She’s also down-to-earth, openminded, has a heart of gold and she was someone I trusted wholeheartedly to be in the room with me at such a vulnerable time.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

When a full-term pregnant woman checks into the hospital, her dignity checks out ... Clothes come off, a game-face comes on and words are said which would make kids cry and the devil blush...

On 9 May I went into the hospital to be induced. At 2am, 10 hours after I was given the first lot of gels, I began having contractions. I called Mel to the hospital, but unfortunately when she arrived the contractions stopped. Mel sat patiently in the room and watched television while my husband Michael and I went back to sleep.

At 8am the obstetrician broke my waters and the contractions began again. At first, I adjusted my long tunic to cover my body as I walked around the room, moved into comfortable positions on the bed, or waddled to the toilet to pee. But as the labour progressed, and the pain worsened, I forgot Mel was in the room and was wholly invested in the labour. I concentrated on what I had to do to deliver my baby quickly and safely.

Mel retreated to the back corner of the delivery room but was still able to

take photos and video while Michael and the midwife stayed by my side.

At one point, when Michael was trying to do several things at once, Mel replaced her ‘photographer hat’ with her ‘sister hat’ and helped him rub my back, put cool towels on my head and offer words of encouragement.

At 1.45pm I gave birth to Louis Michael Spencer. My eyes were closed as my husband shouted with surprise, ‘It’s a boy.’ I felt as though I had just finished a marathon. My head was in a fog as the midwife laid my son on my chest. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. I was blessed with two children. I immediately swore to myself that I wouldn’t put myself through that pain again. I also vowed to never look at the photographs or video Mel took of the labour. So, I cringed when Mel sent a link to the photographs and video the next day.

It was too soon, too raw. I had cried, swore, vomited, among other things in that delivery room and there was no need to watch myself in that state.

But Michael had a sneak peak and persuaded me to watch it with him.

He promised it was tasteful and felt I would appreciate it. With one eye shut, I agreed. Within moments, both eyes were glue on the screen.

Mel had managed to condense a six-hour labour into a five-minute video. Tears streamed down my face as I viewed the labour from another perspective. She had cut out all yucky details and compromising angles to create a video which so beautifully articulated the love between Michael and I and our children.

I watched a patient man hold my hand and run his hands over my forehead and through my hair, desperate to take the pain away from

me. I saw the professionalism of the hospital staff, who coached me through the last chaotic moments. I saw the care and support of our family who visited shortly after and congratulated us through skype. And, above all, I got to see the incredibly precious moment Michael and I met our son Louis. A moment which would have only been felt and heard until Mel captured it on video.

Like the birth of my daughter Isla, the birth of Louis will forever be etched in my mind. It will be a memory which I hope will never fade, but thanks to Mel, it will be a treasured moment I can watch at any time and share with my loved ones. I will never be able to thank Mel for the gift she has given me. And if I never see the images from the birth that made the cutting room floor, I MAY even consider having just one more baby ... watch this space!

Lia’s birth photographer captured her first moments with baby Louis.

Pictures: MELANIE LEIGHTON

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 11

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12 SPRING 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s

your life

By Luke Voogt Victorian Father of the Year and Newtown resident Jason Stack with daughters Adele, Courtney and Kyralee.

VICTORIAN Father of the Year Jason Stack says his three daughters are the reason his family has not only survived but thrived.

“It’s been amazing having the girls grow up with me,” the Newtown resident says. “I think the story’s more about them than me.”

Adele (14), Kyralee (16) and Courtney (19) rallied around their heartbroken father after their mother attempted suicide in 2013, three days before Mother’s Day. Simple things, like a cuddle and crying together helped them battle through his grief.

“I wanted to hide for a long time,” the 46-year-old says. “But my daughters brought me out and taught me how to live again.”

Kim spent three months in hospital.

She never recovered from her injuries and spent her remaining years in a nursing home, until she died in 2016.

Jason was “completely honest“ with his daughters about his wife’s condition.

“There is no bigger loss in anybody’s life than if you lose your mother,” he says. “The girls deserved to know everything.”

Kim showed no signs of mental illness before her attempt on her life, Jason says.

“We were a super close family before it happened. It totally blind sighted us we had no idea Kim was suffering.”

He shares his late wife’s story, in hope it will make others think twice.

“Kim had a thousand other choices,” he says. “You can’t just let a one-second decision devastate everyone around you.”

Every day Jason wakes at 5am and works tirelessly at his electrical contracting business and part-owned building business.

Despite often working 15 hour days, he still cooks dinner and finds time for his girls, gets involved in school functions and volunteers as president for their netball club.

“I believed my girls deserved a childhood,” he says. “Being a single dad is super hard, but I was still going to give them the best I could.”

Jason takes the role of mum and dad seriously, but says his good sense of humour helps him talk openly about “girl issues” with his daughters.

He remembers one time in Vietnam returning on the back of a motorbike www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

with four bags full of sanitary products for one of his daughters during a family holiday.

“The (bike rider) was just hysterical,” he says.

Jason feels privileged that Adele nominated him for the award.

“I don’t know in this world where I would be if I didn’t have him in my life,” the 14-year-old wrote in her nomination.

“Somehow, my dad is such a strong

and happy person. With everything that goes on in our life, my dad has shown when life gets you down, you have to get up stronger and fight back.”

Adele and Kyralee are thriving in their studies and sport, while Courtney is studying medicine at the University of Melbourne.

“I’m hoping they can still aspire to all they wanted to be when they grow up,” Jason says. I’m trying to guide them and do the best I can.”

Jason’s friends describe him as the “model dad”.

“Jason always put the girls first I don’t know how he does it all,” says business partner and close friend Glenn Hammond.

Jason thanks his family, the girl’s schools and Father Kevin Dillon for supporting him and his girls.

“They made sure they were just like everyone else,” he says. “I can’t thank them enough.

SPRING 2017 13

SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS At Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

WHERE’S WALLY?

WIN

DR SEUSS

MON 25 SEP TO FRI 06 OCT

1 OF 20 WHERE’S WALLY? GIFT PACKS!

MON 25 SEP TO FRI 06 OCT

MON-FRI OUTSIDE TARGET 11AM TO 2PM DAILY

Join the search for Where’s Wally? and friends as part of The Happiness Hunt Art Exhibition these school holidays.

(VALUED AT $100 EACH)

MON - FRI NEAR DONUT KING 11AM TO 2PM DAILY

Join in the Where’s Wally?

Happiness Hunt.

Meet your favourite Dr Seuss characters, The Lorax and Cat in the Hat plus enjoy storytelling on the days listed below.

1. Receive your unique Happiness Hunt card from the Where’s Wally?

Craft Village, located outside Target.

2. Find your designated character on one of the three Where’s Wally? picture walls. The Where’s Wally? picture walls are located outside Target and Kmart.

FREE KIDS CRAFT WEEK 1 Where’s Wally? Frisbee Mon 25 to Fri 29 Sep 11am to 2pm daily WEEK 2 Where’s Wally? Sand Art Mon 02 to Fri 06 Oct 11am to 2pm daily

3. Take a photo of your Happiness Hunt card and found character and upload your photo to one of the following social networks:

WEEK 1 Mon 25 Sep - Meet Cat in the Hat Tue 26 Sep - Storytelling Wed 27 Sep - Meet Cat in the Hat Thu 28 Sep - Storytelling Fri 29 Sep - Meet Cat in the Hat WEEK 2 Mon 02 Oct – Meet The Lorax Tue 03 Oct – Storytelling Wed 04 Oct - Meet The Lorax Thu 05 Oct – Storytelling Fri 06 Oct - Meet The Lorax

Visit WaurnPondsSC, click on ‘WPSC WALLY’ and complete the form Post your photo with the hashtag #WPSCWALLY Please ensure your Instagram page is set to ‘public’

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Competition starts Mon 25 Sep

© DreamWorks Distribution Limited. All Rights Reserved.

WaurnPondsSC

Visit www.waurnpondssc.com.au for full terms & conditions.

TM & © 2017 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

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12356650-KC36-17

14 SPRING 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s

your life

G if t e d s is t e r s custom-

designed fo r

success

By Luke Voogt GEELONG’S newest ‘Mumprenuer’ Emma Rayson started a business with her sister to spend more time with her kids, rather than chase national accolades.

The former ABC journo turned mum blogger and author warned the mothers about the danger of burning out. “(Some women in business will) push themselves that hard that they’re not doing what they set out to do in the first place,” Emma says.

“We didn’t want to go back to full-time work,” the Newtown motherof-two says.

“As mums, you expect in yourself that you can do everything. But nobody actually expects you to do everything.”

Reading with her children and spending time with them was more important than returning to primary teaching, she says.

At one stage, Emma became a bit obsessed with her business, until she realised she didn’t need to email customers “every two minutes”.

She and sister Alison Kenna, from Warrnambool, snared runner-up at this year’s Aus Mumpreneur Awards in the business retail category.

The ecstatic mums beat hundreds of nominees to make the finals and joined about 300 women at a Sydney ceremony during the last weekend of August.

“You don’t have to be online 24 hours a day. They won’t be jumping up and down if you don’t get straight back to them.”

Simple things like turning off phone notifications or creating an automated ‘rebound email’ for customers helped her put her kids first again.

“Which is why we started the business in the first place,” Emma says.

The sisters had the brainchild for Alma Custom Designs when Emma was searching for a tram scroll as a special gift for her husband.

But when she discovered she would have to fork out between $1000 and $1500, she contacted her graphic designer sister. “I thought that was kind of ridiculous,” Emma says. “We did it for about a quarter of the price. Afterwards, I said to her ‘you should be selling these.’”

So Emma combined her people skills and marketing nous with Alison’s artistic talents.

They now specialise in height charts, prints, collages, gift cards and personalised candles - a surprise Father’s Day favourite.

“It’s all come from stuff that we’ve wanted to create or would display in our homes,” Emma says.

We were in a room full of like-minded women - but a step behi nd or front of us i n thei r busi ness j ourneys ... It was so inspiring...

“We got told on the night if you placed the first time you got nominated, that’s a huge feat in itself,” Emma says.

“We were in a room full of likeminded women - but a step behind or front of us in their business journeys.

It was so inspiring.”

The business savvy mums listened as previous winners and ‘mumprenuer’ guest speakers imparted their commercial wisdom over the weekend.

“Some of the things they said I thought ‘I can’t believe that we’re already doing that’,” Emma says.

“Other times you’d think ‘oh wow I never thought of that - that’s going to be our next step’.”

The first speaker Amy Taylor-Kabbaz, aka The Happy Mumma, stood out for Emma.

Sisters Alison Kenna and Emma Rayson have combined their talents to impress at the recent Aus Mumprenuer Awards.

Picture: LOUISA JONES www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 15

Brand's

gion's re e th om fr ns io sh fa l ta as co Casually ar newLY-CROWNED Business of the Ye

RIKKA SHORT SLEEVE TEE $39.95-$44.95, BONBON SLOUCHY PANT $54.95-$64.95.

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WEEKENDER PULLOVER $64.95-$69.95, DROP IN THE OCEAN TODDLER LEGGING $44.94.

bi g year TORQUAY children’s brand Oishi-m won Business of the Year at the Powercor 2017 Geelong Business Excellence Awards.

The business’s owner, Miyo Fallshaw, is thrilled with the title.

“With more than 16,000 businesses based in the wider Geelong region, this is an incredible achievement,” Miyo says.

“We’re exceptionally proud to do business, live and work locally, and love our proximity to home, our community, and the broader region.”

ROLLING THUNDER SHORT-SLEEVE TEE $39.95-$44.95, DROP IN THE OCEAN LEGGING $44.95.

OLE SHORT SLEEVE TEE $44.95, ESKY SHORT $44.95-$59.95.

Oishi-m also clinched Retailer of The Year Award for the second straight year at the 2017 awards presentation in front of a sell-out crowd of 600 people at Geelong’s The Pier.

FAIRY GARDEN SHORT-SLEEVE SPLICE TEE $39.95-$44.95, NIJI LEGGING $44.95.

“To be celebrated for our achievement in sharing our magic not only locally, across Australia and internationally is incredible,” Miyo says.

“Thanks to our team, customers, families and communities for being part of our story; past, present and future.

“Our success comes from their support, and we’re humbled and extremely honoured to be recognised by our peers and the GBEA crew on this occasion.“

PRETTY POSY SWEATER DRESS $69.95-$74.95 WEEKENDER PULLOVER $64.95-$69.95, OFF THE RICHTER SLOUCHY PANT $54.95-$64.95.

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FLY AWAY SHORT-SLEEVE SPLICE TEE $39.95-$44.95, OFF THE RICHTER SLOUCHY PANT $54.95-$64.95.

Collection in store & online now 2/19 Gilbert St, Torquay | (PH) 5261 6738 | www.oishi-m.com 12364091-DJ36-17

16 SPRING 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

1. CONRAD LONG-SLEEVED DRESS $52. 2. ALMOST FAMOUS TEE $42. 3. NOMAD BOMBER JACKET $72. 4. JAGGER WEARS SNOOP TEE $42 AND MIX TAPE OVERALLS $60, HARLOW WEARS PEACE HANDS DRESS $50 AND ALMOST FAMOUS WHITE DENIM VEST $80. 5. HARLOW WEARS GG BOMBER JACKET $72 AND CONRAD THE CAMEL LEGGINGS $45. JAGGER WEARS NOMAD BOMBER JACKET $72 AND MICKEY RECORDS TRACK SHORTS $50.

5

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turns up the style with this season's offerings 4

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 17

Allergies on

the rise

By Jade Glen CHILDHOOD allergies are on the rise across the globe, but Australia takes the cake - so long as the proverbial cake is egg, nut and wheat-free.

Australian kids are more likely to have food allergies than their international peers, according to new research by the Australian Centre of Food and Allergy Research.

‘The study followed 5276 Australian children from age one to four.

As one-year-olds, 11 per cent of children had a challenge-confirmed food allergy, dwindling to 3.8 per cent at age four.

Reduction of egg allergy was the main driver of this change, dropping from 9.5 per cent to 1.2 per cent.

Peanut allergies also fell, but remained the most prevalent food allergy in four-year-olds.

The new results, published in the

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, reflect previous research which has shown about 20 per cent of children will outgrow peanut allergy and 80 per cent will develop tolerance to egg.

The prevalence of asthma, eczema and hay fever in four-year-olds was also measured, said the study’s lead author Dr Rachel Peters from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Asthma prevalence was 10.8 per cent, eczema was 16 per cent and hay fever 8.3 per cent, Dr Peters said.

“Overall, 40 to 50 per cent of this population-based cohort experienced symptoms of any allergic disease in the first four years of their life,” she said.

“Although the prevalence of food allergy decreased between ages one and four, the prevalence of any allergic disease among four-year-old children is still remarkably high.”

Senior author Prof Katie Allen said the

study results were among the most robust in the world as they were derived from a large sample size, a high response rate from participants and relied on the gold-standard oral food challenges to measure allergies. Other non-food allergies were measured by questioning parents about whether their children had been diagnosed by a doctor and experienced symptoms of asthma, eczema or hayfever in the past year.

Prof Allen said there had been an increase in the prevalence of allergic diseases internationally, initially marked by a rise in asthma, eczema and hayfever, peaking in the 1990s and 2000s. “This was followed by the second wave of the allergy epidemic with an increase in reported food allergies over the last two decades. Allergies are now recognised as a significant public health concern,” Prof Allen said.

Children in the study will now be followed up at age six and 10.

JOINING FEE

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HURRY, OFFER ENDS 13 OCTOBER! Leisurelink T: 5243 9595 Follow us!

18 SPRING 2017

Contact your centre today.

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A Swim Sport & Leisure membership gives you access to our gyms, pools, group exercise classes and so much more - everything you will need on your journey to become healthy, fit and happy!

Splashdown T: 5248 4555

Bellarine Aquatic & Sports Centre T: 5256 2111 *On Direct Debit Memberships. Offer ends 13 October 2017.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Kit Sanderson holding mum Sally and dad Ben’s hands.

Below: Dr Karl Najjar and Ben and Sally Sanderson with son Kit. Pictures: LOUISA JONES

History made as Ki t

comes first KIT Gregory Sanderson couldn’t wait to be Epworth Geelong’s first new baby, arriving seven and a half weeks premature last month.

Kit remains in the hospital’s special care nursery as his mum recovers.

His Hamlyn Heights parents Sally and Ben Sanderson were surprised when their baby shower ended with Sally experiencing what she thought were Braxton Hicks contractions on Saturday.

Obstetrician Karl Najjar, who delivered Kit, feels privileged to be a part of “Geelong history”.

But the first time parents welcomed their newborn into the world 5.14am the following day on 27 August.

“There were no hiccups or anything,” Sally says. “It was fantastic.”

“We feel like VIPs and he’s a celebrity here,” she says.

“It was a great feeling to be involved in the safe arrival of the first ever baby at Epworth,” he says.

Doctor Najjar rushed to the hospital when he heard Kit was on the way at 32 weeks.

He remembers chucking his clothes

on and driving from his Newtown home to the hospital in eight minutes after receiving the phone call.

“I needed to be there very quickly to ensure the patient and her baby were safe,” he says.

“I’m on call 24/7 for all my private patients.”

Nurse Unit Managers Gabby Ryan and Camille Gordon both came in for the birth.

Ms Ryan says that maternity bookings have far exceeded the hospital’s expectations and looks

forward to welcoming many more babies in the near future.

“Our birthing suite has all the technology you would expect of a safe, modern unit.

“We provide wireless monitoring to enable mothers to move freely around the hospital prior to the birth and all rooms are equipped with a ‘point of care’ device for patient education and entertainment.

“These terminals also provide medical and nursing team with essential clinical information at the bedside.”

Introducing a premium private maternity service for a Greater Geelong

12351738-DJ19-17

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 19

6:30am to 6:30pm Mon-Fri

LEARNING... IT’S

Child’s Play is a growing family business. Our first service in Corio was established last year and later this year (October) we will be opening our brand new Torquay Service. We have a very experienced management team that want to “make a difference to children’s lives by ensuring quality care and education”.

WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED AT Purpose-built facilities, providing safe stimulating environments for the children

and

Highest quality Care is available for children aged 6 weeks - 6 years: with our child centred approach Kinder program available for 4 year olds (pre-school children) ran by a kinder teacher.

Sessional may be available Highly qualified and experienced staff including the Managers Fresh, nutritious healthy meals cooked on site and provided Interactive learning through indoor and outdoor education programs following the Early Years Learning Framework

TORQUAY OPEN DAY OCTOBER CALL BECKK TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST ON: 03 5296 0105

CORIO NOW OPEN! Our Corio service is open now and has limited availability.

See if you are eligible for $1.00 per day* childcare terms and conditions apply

WWW.CHILDSPLAYCORIO.COM.AU CORIO@CHILDSPLAYELC.COM.AU PHONE: 03 5275 4445

TORQUAY@CHILDSPLAYELC.COM.AU

TORQUAY OPEN SOON! WWW.CHILDSPLAYTORQUAY.COM.AU TORQUAY@CHILDSPLAYELC.COM.AU PHONE: 03 5296 0105

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WWW.CHILDSPLAYTORQUAY.COM.AU

*This promotion is only applicable to new families to our Corio service 20 SPRING 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

' It s

child's play for Beckk

CHILD’S Play is a Geelong-based family-owned company that supports families with their childcare needs and encourages participation in events such as parent evenings, Father’s Day, coffee mornings and ’mums and bubs’ exercise groups.

Being in early childhood and childcare, educators see the biggest growth and development from children and the Child’s Play family feels lucky to be part of the journey.

Child’s Play owner Ian Johnson says: “You become an extension of people’s family and support network. We hope to establish a family-community in Torquay”.

Beckk Cairns, the manager for Child’s Play’s new Torquay centre, is raring to meet the newest bunch of happy young faces when the site opens later this year.

“I can’t wait to be involved in the Torquay community. It’s lovely down there.”

Beckk, who currently works at Child’s Play’s Corio centre, says “the Torquay site is a beautiful purpose-built building, with big airy rooms and a large open yard, with lots of interesting activities to challenge the different needs of the children.“ The Lara local has worked in early childhood education for the past seven years, mostly in management, and loves her job, especially observing and being a part of a child’s development and growth.

Child’s Play Torquay’s new manager Beckk Cairns and assistant manager Caitlin Lemmon.Picture: REBECCA HOSKING

“I enjoy being part of a child’s early years when I see them changing and learning everyday, she says.

“It’s the most interesting and rewarding time. I believe in providing high-quality care that encourages the best results and outcomes for the children.”

Child’s Play believes it is really important that educators understand the needs and wants of the children.

Every new child has a profile form that educators refer back to and throughout orientation (which takes as long as the parents and child need) and the educators get to know their parents.

“It’s not just a place where you drop off your kids,” Beckk says. “We get

to understand the child and also their parents’ expectations.

“We want the families to feel like the service is an extension of their family, that their children are being left in a safe, happy environment in which they are loved and cared for.”

Beckk loves meeting older siblings of children she’s taught before. She often keeps in touch with families to see how her former children are progressing.

Beckk understands finding the right childcare can be quite daunting, especially for first-time mums.

So she invites you to come have a look around the service.

“Drop in, have a coffee and meet and greet with other mums, you’re not alone, we will be having an open day in October, so come along and meet us”.

Coding Workshops F O R

P R I M A R Y

A G E D

C H I L D R E N

Educational, Engaging, Fun!

FUN, inclusive and dynamic classes for students aged 2 through to adult! Learn various dance styles, singing, acting and acrobatics!

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 Private singing lessons

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 Birthday party packages available

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Lego EV3 Robots o App. and a Mindstorms Leg ds iPa Using 4.

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Warralily Community House- 6 Anglet Way Armstrong Creek Phone: (Nikki) 0414 331 023 Email: geelongdancemovement@gmail.com | Website: www.geelongdancemovement.com.au facebook.com/geelongdancemovement/ | instagram.com / geelongdancemovement/

SPRING 2017 21

Flexible Child Care to Fit Your Lifestyle There are more choices for your family at One World Children’s Centre. We provide a range of lexible and innovative children’s services to meet the needs of your family, including Kindergarten for your pre-schooler; child care for your younger child and programs for your school aged child.

At One World, we recognise the importance of lexibility, that’s why you choose the days and times that best suit your needs. We also understand that sometimes your needs change, so we provide you with the lexibility to extend your hours or to book casual care when you need it.

Child Care Our early childhood program is a vehicle for your child’s learning and development. Our program provides quality experiences for all children, which relects current thinking and early childhood best practice. All of the programs within the Centre are guided by the Centre’s unique philosophy.

Our childcare facility is arranged in groupings of children from birth to four, rather than groups of all the one age. These “family” groups provide a more natural home like environment where the older children learn responsibility for their younger friends or siblings, and the younger childrens’ learning pace is accelerated by the example of the older children. In mixed age groups, your child will be able to make friends and enjoy experiences at the right level for him or her.

Kindergarten We also provide Kindergarten Programs for three and four year old children. Children between the ages of 3 - 6 years need the opportunity to attend a preschool group with their peers and participate in a program which caters to their needs.

As your preschool child progresses towards school age, he or she will require more challenges in experiences and more complexity in relationships to prepare for the transition to school and a lifetime of learning. In the year before your child’s starting primary school, our Kindergarten team, through their daily work, will help your child to prepare for this new and exciting world.

Outside School Hours Care Our Outside School Hours Care for school aged children is designed to enhance your child’s imagination and capture their interests, with a focus on recreation and leisure.

These fun sessions, designed by a qualiied educator, cover a broad range of interests designed to entertain school aged children and incorporate specialist sessions at no additional cost. Your child will learn new ideas and develop new skills in a fun and educational way.

12362742-EPJ36-17

Our children’s classes promote individual creative growth and expression. Your child will discover their own creative potential through the development of their technical skills.

Our popular Vacation Care program is jam packed with lots of fun and entertaining activities for school children.

We have a number of exciting incursions and excursions planned for these next holidays, bringing back our most popular activities as well as planning new and exciting ones for children to enjoy!

Our stimulating, unique and fun program keeps children entertained by providing creative, challenging and interesting activities with a focus on leisure and recreation.

If you want your child to participate in fun, engaging and unique activities, now is the time to book them in.

Hurry, places are limited and illing fast.

407-411 Thompson Rd www.owfc.com.au (Crn Kelly Court) childcare@owfc.com.au North Geelong 22 SPRING 2017

5272 3009 www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

water safety should start young

HITTING the beach or taking a dip in the pool during our long hot summer days is part of life for people living in and around this beautiful city by the bay - Geelong.

And it is easy to not spare a thought for the 280 people who lost their lives in Australian waterways during the past financial year.

The shocking results of the National Drowning Report, conducted by the Royal Life Saving Society, revealed that 21 of these fatalities were children under the age of four.

Unfortunately the report doesn’t record the number of near drownings, or the permanent physical and mental injuries among those who survived.

This is a tragic reminder of the absolute necessity of learning to swim.

The owners of Geelong Aquatic Centre, Geoff and Debbie Gill, are extremely dedicated and passionate about raising the awareness of water safety as a vital life skill.

The Gills believe that children should be familiarised with water safety at a young age and that such lessons are

just not crucial to a child’s survival, but are also beneficial for their educational development.

They also believe that swimming lessons are not just about learning to swim, but also about being safe and respectful around water, and knowing what to do should an accident happen.

“Nothing reiterates the importance and effectiveness of children’s lessons more than when we receive an email from a parent outlining how the skills they have learnt have been of benefit to them,” Geoff said.

“We recently received an email from a mother of a one-year-old who had tripped and fell head down into the river.

“Her mother told us that because of the swimming lessons she had with us she knew not to inhale water and how to spit it out instead. She also that she had seen her daughter twisting her body to try and turn herself right way up and reaching out her hands to find something to grab.”

12354745-PB24-17

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 23

recipes

spring sprouts for a

h ealthy glow Want to get the kids eating their Brussels sprouts? Meg White, from Cooking 4 Kids, has you covered with this Honey Mustard Brussels slaw - a fresh take on an old favourite perfect for spring.

Hon ey M ustard Brussels slaw INGREDIENTS:

Method:

■ 8 Brussels sprouts

1. Remove any tough ends and browning outer leaves from the sprouts. Using a sharp knife, cut the sprouts in half, then slice thinly. Place into a large bowl.

Vinaigrette: ■ 2 tbsp dried cranberries ■ 2 tbsp vegetable oil ■ 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, finely grated ■ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar ■ 1 rash bacon ■ 1.5 tbsp honey ■ Splash olive oil ■ 2 tsp Dijon mustard ■ 2 tsp wholegrain mustard ■ 1/4 tsp crushed garlic ■ Salt and white pepper

2. Cut bacon into small pieces, place into a small bowl. Heat a splash of olive oil in a frying pan on the stove top over a medium heat.

Add the bacon and cook until golden and crispy. Remove and drain excess fat from the bacon, allow to cool.

3. Add the cranberries and parmesan cheese to the sprouts, mix well using your hands to combine.

4. Add the cooked bacon and toss again to combine.

5. Vinaigrette: In a jar combine vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon and wholegrain mustards, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Screw the jar lid on tightly, then shake really well to combine all ingredients.

6. Pour the vinaigrette over the slaw ingredients and toss well to coat all of the ingredients.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Meg White’s Honey Mustard Brussels slaw.

“I ask big

questions and seek answers.”

Geelong College, a leading Victorian day and boarding school.

Find out more at our

Open Day Wednesday 25 October. www.geelongcollege.vic.edu.au or phone 5226 3156

12363643-KC36-17

24 SPRING 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

Help us find

Wally!

WAURN Ponds Shopping Centre will unveil their latest family entertainment attraction this September with their Where’s Wally Happiness Hunt and Art Exhibition.

The attraction will be spread throughout the centre mall from Target to Kmart with giant Where’s Wally picture walls, art exhibition, life size statues and, of course, each week there will be a special search for the notoriously difficult to find Wally!

Kids Craft Village will offer different activities where visitors can decorate their very own Where’s Wally frisbee, and create their own Where’s Wally sand art.

Shoppers will also have the opportunity to win one of 20, Where’s Wally merchandise packs worth $100 by collecting a unique “Happiness Hunt” game card from the craft village located outside Target.

Each Happiness Hunt game card will feature a unique character to find in one of the three picture walls located in centre.

Once visitors find their character they can upload a photo of their found character and game card to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #WPSCWALLY for their chance to win. Visit www. waurnpondssc.com.au for full details.

And to further celebrate all things children’s literature, shoppers can also enjoy a meet and greet with Dr Seuss characters, The Cat In The Hat and The Lorax, plus enjoy free story time near Donut King.

The weekly schedule for story time and character appearances does vary day to day and week to week so be sure to visit www.waurnpondssc.com. au for full details.

The Where’s Wally Art Exhibition is free to visit and open during centre trading hours from Monday, 25 September to Friday, 6 October.

The Where’s Wally Happiness Hunt, kids craft village and Dr Seuss story time is also free to visit and will be open Monday to Friday from 11am to 2pm daily during the dates listed above.

Geelong kids will be asking the age old question “Where’s Wally?“ as the famous red-striped hide-and-seek player makes his way to Waurn Ponds for some holiday fun.

Free fun day at the THE Bellarine’s biggest Free Family Fun Day returns to the Potato Shed on Sunday 22 October from 11am-3pm.

With over 8000 attendees in 2016 and growing, the event has become one of the best children’s events held annually in the Geelong region.

The free event has something for families of all ages including an animal farm, jumping castles, a cubby house photo booth, face painting, live performances and interactive music sessions.

It is a hub of fun activity throughout the day with an outdoor and indoor stage filled with an array of performances, a dedicated sports zone for those who have plenty of energy to burn and everybody’s beloved - the

animal farm will keep children mesmerised for hours.

The Potato Shed’s favourite entertainers the Mik Maks are back again to bring music to kid’s ears and have them up and dancing along with The Funky Mummies, Jays Dance School Hip Hop and Mini Maestros with Bumblebee.

New items on the program this year include: ■ The St John CPR Lab - an exciting way to help people learn and restore their CPR skills for free which will be held in the Sports Zone.

■ The Trash Puppets will hold puppet making workshops. Children will be able to learn and make their own puppets to take home. There will also

Potato Shed

be roving puppets moving through the crowds.

■ Dazzling Dan - the magician will be opening in the theatre this year before the pantomime which will be Mother Goose.

■ Netball Victoria - join us for the first time to teach children how to play netball in the Sports Zone.

This year we anticipate even more people attending and enjoying the experience, a wonderful way to kick off Children’s Week on the Bellarine!

Gates open at the Potato Shed Family Fun Day at 11am.

Entry via 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale Phone 5251 1998 Parking available on site.

FREE ENTRY

The Potato Shed’s Free Family Fun Day has established itself on the Bellarine as one of the best children’s events in the Geelong annual calendar. It’s a great way for the community to come together and enjoy a free and fabulous entertaining day City of Greater Geelong’s Manager Arts and Culture Kaz Paton

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 25

Entertainment

Noah’s story about the sun bears ONCE upon a time a little four-year-old boy called Noah went on a trip to Borneo to visit the orangutans.

Noah Dingle, and his mother Katja, stopped at a roadside stall and the young boy was drawn to the picture of a tiny sun bear that was on the T-shirt worn by the stall holder.

That’s how Noah, who is now nine years old, came to meet Mr Wong and learnt all about his wonderful work with the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

The sun bear is the smallest bear in the world but it is facing huge threats as its natural habitat is being destroyed by palm oil plantations and female bears are killed for use in medicines, or taken as pets.

“When we arrived at the centre I looked over and I saw the little bears were being walked around their enclosures - like little dogs on leads - and I thought they looked so lovely that I just immediately wanted to do something to help them,” Noah said.

A year later, in 2014, Noah returned home determined to something to help the tiny bears survive and prosper.

Together with the help of his family

and his Torquay community, including his school friends from the Freshwater Creek Steiner School, Noah’s vision came into being. Noah raised nearly $1500 which was proudly sent to Mr Wong and the sun bears.

Noah thought the fundraiser felt like a mini festival with all its music and activities which lead to his idea to hold an annual Sun Bear Festival.

The fourth annual Sun Bear Festival will be held on 12 November.

This year’s festival will encourage families to have a wildlife rescue adventure, a journey that will take them deep into the Borneo jungles where they will meet Damai the Sun Bear who is the festival’s totem.

Noah Dingle opening last year’s festival Picture: MARISA SCHLICHTHORS experience rescuing wildlife.

Noah’s mother, Katja Nedoluha, said the focus of this festival would be on native wildlife.

“It is so easy for people to be attracted to stories about exotic animals in exotic places but it is important to think about our own native animals and the ways in which we unfortunately are contributing to their demise,” she said.

The proceeds of the Sun Bear Children’s Festival 2017 will go towards Damai’s release back into the wild as well as to local wildlife organisations.

For further details about the festival go to www.sunbearfestival.com or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ sun-bearfestival

Damai has grown big and strong and is getting ready to be released back into the wild where she will get to experience true freedom.

Turning back to the land down under families will return to Australia where they will learn about new places where there are endangered animals struggling for survival in our own back yard.

Kids will also be able to play the sustainability game where they can

River dressed up in Rufous Bristle Bird costume and painted up for Traditional Ceremony. Picture: TABITHA LOWDON

Check out our great Play Area!

All Day Menu 12 noon - 8.30pm

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Special Kids Meals Excellent Value Meals

Spacious Dining Plenty of Parking

NORLANE HOTEL 2-8 Princes Hwy, Norlane Ph 5278 2423 WWW.NORLANEHOTEL.COM.AU

26 SPRING 2017

12363928-KC36-17

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

wacky and woolly fun THE National Wool Museum has furry fun covered these school holidays with free activities and paid workshops.

Wacky Woolly Creatures Suitable for children from 3 -16 years.

Children are free with a paying adult.

Drop-in to the National Wool Museum anytime between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Facilitated activities under supervision and with the participation of parents.

Monday 25 September and Monday 2 October 10.30 - 12.30 Wool People Create yarn dolls and other wacky wool creatures. Give life to your own wool people.

Wednesday 27 September and Wednesday 4 October 10.30 - 12.30 Knitted Critters Build and decorate your own Knitting Nancy and then learn French knitting to create a person or even a crazy monster!

Friday 6 October 10.30 - 12.30 Pompom Monsters

monsters! An oldie, but a goodie.

Everyone loves pompoms.

Thursday 28 September 10am - 12.30pm (15 participants)

Thursday 5 October 10am - 12.30pm (15 participants)

Note: no activity scheduled for Friday 29 September - public holiday.

Weaving - Wall Hanging Art

Learn to Print

Learn to build your own loom and weave your own wall art for your bedroom.

Discover and learn fun techniques to design your own pattern and style on a calico bag or pillow case.

Bring some scraps (fabric, old shirts, yarn, lace, etc.) and mix it with our up-cycled materials.

Family Sundays

Youth Craft Workshops 10 - 16 years old Bookings essential. Numbers are limited. $15/$10 NWM members Tuesday 26 September 10am - 12.30pm (15 participants) Arty Felted Bowls

Intro to Knitting Learn the basics to get started on your knitting adventure. Cast-on, knit, cast off! Create beautiful yarn flowers to take home.

Design, shape and decorate your felt bowl from scratch!

Wool Weaving Family Day Use the giant collaborative loom and enjoy facilitated activities to share with family and friends. This is a fun way to learn and play as a family. Children are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

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Make and shake your pompom ...

MASSIVE

Tuesday 3 October 10am - 12.30pm (10 participants)

1 October - drop-in between 10.30am and 3.30pm

Children’s Playroom Special Kids Meals

Breakfast

Mon, Tues & Wed Dinner only

9am-11.30am Sat & Sun only

1154 Pr inces Hwy Waur n Ponds Phone: 5243 1154

w w w. w a u r n p o n d s h o t e l . c o m . a u www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

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A L L DAY M E N U 12 noon - 8.30pm

SPRING 2017 27

Entertainment

Fun ti mes for

school holidays

Come and see

krazy koala

THE Central Geelong Kids Fun Program is now in its 13th year of bringing fun free activities, special offers and competitions to families each school holidays.

and friends

And this year the activities have the theme of “Creatures” which should appeal to all little critters on the look-out for some adventure and excitement.

KRAZY Koala is calling all kids to get down to the Geelong Botanic Gardens to enjoy the greenery and the scenery.

Would-be little Attenboroughs can head down to the Carousel at Eastern Beach to experience the very special butterfly gazebo.

Geelong’s biggest play date will be held in the gardens as part of Geelong Children’s Week 2017.

The kids can feed the butterflies and learn about these majestic creatures from experienced butterfly handlers.

The gazebo will be open from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Wednesday, 4 October and Thursday, 5 October.

Bookings are required and can be made at www.centralgeelong.com.au/ events/butterfly Any little adventurers wanting to get their ROAR on should be getting ready for Toby The T-Rex, the Real Dinosaur Show.

To see Toby the mighty T-Rex strut his stuff, walking, blinking, breathing and of course roaring, head to the Courthouse Youth Arts at 60 Little Malop Street on Monday, 25 September for shows at 10.30am and 12.30pm.

The promise is that Toby will deliver a full, interactive dinosaur experience.

Bookings will be required via www. centralgeelong.com.au/events/toby And before we know it will be

everyone’s favourite time of year with everyone’s favourite man with the white beard and red suit paying his annual visit to the city by the bay where all the good children live ... unless The Dreaded Grinch tries his old, dastardly trick of stealing Christmas.

If you want to see how Santa is going to deal with this latest threat then you need to get down to the GPAC foyer at 50 Little Malop Street on Wednesday, 27 September for shows at 10am and 11am.

Santa will be accompanied by his trusty elves and he will be reading the Dr Seuss story “How the Grinch stole Christmas” and The Grinch will pop in to see what all the fuss is about!

Bookings for this event - which is suitable for kids aged five years and above - will be required via www. centralgeelong.com.au/events/grinch

Gold coin donations will be going to the Pediatrics Ward - Heath Wing 3 at Barwon Health.

These activities and many more are detailed in the Central Geelong Kids Fun Guide, your guide to what’s happening in Central Geelong each school holidays.

The Fun Guide will be released on Saturday, September 9 at www. centralgeelong.com.au/school-holiday.

Copies will also be available at Council Customer Service Centres, Visitor Information Centres, by calling 5272 4297 or emailing centralgeelong@ geelongcity.vic.gov.au.

As well as Krazy Koala there will be performances by the Mik Maks, Mister Ants, as well as Dazzling Dan, the Magic Man. Other activities on offer will include African drumming, hoola hooping, children’s yoga, animal farm, music workshops, storytelling, roving entertainment, physical activities, art and craft, pop up recycled play and lots more.

This biggest ever play date will be held on Eastern Park Circuit of the gardens, between 10am and 1pm, on Tuesday 24 October.

Online bookings via www. centralgeelong.com.au/school-holiday are now open.

Come along and join in the birthday fun, and we’ll see you in Central Geelong these school holidays.

EXPERIENCE NARANA

CULTURE - ART - FOOD Café – Gallery – Exhibition Centre – Native Garden Walk – Adventure Playground – Wildlife

NARANA ABORIGINAL CULTURAL CENTRE FREE ENTRY! 28 SPRING 2017

410 Surfcoast Hwy, Grovedale Ph: 5241 5700

www.narana.com.au

Email: reception@narana.com.au

NARANA OPEN:฀MON฀-฀FRI฀9am฀—฀5pm฀•฀SATURDAY฀10am฀—฀4pm CAFÉ NARANA OPEN:฀MON฀-฀FRI฀9am฀—฀4pm฀•฀SATURDAY฀9am฀—฀3pm

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

parties ' It s party time

' ki d s IF YOUR child loves chocolate, dreams of chocolate and would do anything to get it, then we have the answer to those cravings!

Freckleberry chocolate parties are fast becoming a hit amongst Geelong kids and are the most fun and exciting new concept in birthday parties since parties at McDonalds in the ’80s!

Kids get to play fun, oldfashioned games, design their own chocolate artwork and the birthday child can even smash their own chocolate lolly pinata!

Freckleberry chocolate parties are great value and easy to organise. They run for one hour, cost $15 per child (maximum of 10) and a much better alternative to having a party at home.

Their emphasis is on fun, rather than eating chocolate so the kids stay entertained, not high on sugar! Call into their store and see what all the fuss is about.

Go to www.freckleberry.com. au or visit their shop and factory for more information. Or call them direct.

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3/55 Little Fyans Street, South Geelong. Ph 5222 8645.

Pool Parties at Geelong Aquatic Centre • 2 hours • Pool open for your party only • Lifeguard on Duty at all Times • Party invitations included

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Open 10am til late everyday (except Christmas day) 89 MALOP ST GEELONG (CITY CENTRE) PH: 1300 TIMEZONE or 5222 6050 www.timezone.com.au

3 Bridge Street, Newtown www.geelongaquaticcentre.com.au

Giant games Hire

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238 Pakington St Geelong West 3218 5222 4484

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Jenga Mega 4 Snakes and Ladders Obstacle Putt Putt Caterpillar Climbing Frame Parachute and more.....

*not including Public and School holidays, limited to 1 birthday child

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www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 29

Mums escape to The Piano Bar

By Lee Hilton

A

S MOTHERS, we sometimes lose sight of who we are.

We’re the cook, the cleaner, the grocery shopper, the wiper of tears, snot, butts and war wounds.

Our days are spent catering to the needs of others, playing personal assistant to everyone in the household, remembering appointments, excursions, sports timetables, designing costumes for dress up days and mastering the art of the hair braid.

Michael Stangel belts out some tunes.

Picture: Joe van der Hurk 30 SPRING 2017

It’s a relentless job, the requirement to feed, wash, clothe and discipline your kids never stops. You get sick of hearing your own voice nag, nag, nag, brush your teeth, clean your room, release your sister from that headlock.

You have no time for yourself, grooming and fashion seems to go out the window and you walk out the door

each morning a huffing, puffing, snorting wild woman who looks like she just got out of a UFC cage fight.

Reward does come in some form now and then.

The odd “I love you Mum, you’re the best!” A Student of the Week Award.

A first prize on dress up day. Your child using good manners in public ... unprompted. Times when you stand back and think, I’ve got this - I’ve taught my kids to work hard and use their manners. I’ve mastered making mouse ears via Pinterest. I’m all over it - Mother of the Year for me!

But then there’s the dark times, when being a mother feels too hard and you stop and think “how did I get here?“ Those times when no matter how hard you try, the house won’t get clean, no one will do what they’re told, no one wants to eat the dinner you just slaved over and no one is listening to you. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

You’re pulling out lines from your childhood, that you swore you’d never use on your own kids, like “how many times do I have to tell you to pick up after yourself” and you’re drowning in a sea of laundry thinking “what has happened to my life? This is not the motherhood I pictured. WHO AM I?“ I don’t think there’s a mother out there who hasn’t reached the point where they think “Where did the fun version of me go?“ You pine for the carefree days you had pre-kids and wonder where that bubbly, happy-golucky person you once were ever went.

Well, there’s a place you can go to find the old you ... it’s called the Piano Bar. Gather up all of your down-trodden motherly mates. They’ll be easy to spot.

Keep your eye out at school pick-up, or the local netball game, their eyes will be glazed over, staring out into the distance, silently panicking that only one of their three children is likely to eat the tuna pasta they have planned for dinner.

They need a night at The Piano Bar just like you.

The Piano Bar is the perfect combination of food, wine and song.

It’s not a pub, you don’t have to listen to Race 6 at the Dapto Dogs over dinner.

It’s not a club, you don’t have to feel like Nanna in the corner wondering why the young girls aren’t wearing more clothes. You have your full night’s entertainment in the once place.

Sit down, have a bite to eat and be entertained all from the one seat.

No hiking between restaurants and bars. The Piano Bar is the perfect mix of eating, lounging, drinking and if the mood takes you - dancing on the table.

In fact, The Piano Bar is so popular it has expanded into two venues and has an events list that offers options for a range of different nights out, from drag shows to bingo to a straight out request-fest singalong.

This week, I’m up for a PB Intimates night with one of my favourite performers. What better way to find the

“old you” than going to see the singer who used to perform in your high school shelter-shed. He’s come a long way from the old days of Belmont High School and isn’t he amazing ... Michael Stangel.

You might know him from the TV show The Voice.

An awesome singer with some funny first-hand tales to tell about the British music scene while serenading you with the likes of Elton John, Rod Stewart, The Kinks, The Beatles and the list goes on. Accompanied by The Piano Bar’s own Piano Man extraordinaire - Andy Pobjoy, Mike is mesmerising in his performance of these British music legends.

versions of ourselves. The stiff postures and faces that had arrived at the start of the night had been replaced by warm smiles, laughs, dancing and general merriment. The Piano Bar was working its magic.

There was some heart-felt belting out of Rod Stewart’s Maggie as Michael shared his microphone with us and our screeching voices were amplified throughout the room for all to hear. This is something I’d never usually dream of doing, but no one seemed offended by my slightly out of tune contribution to the song, so what the hell, just go with the flow.

night, the Friday and Saturday Piano Bar sessions go through until around 1am. Ask the Piano Man to play anything from ABBA to Teenage Dirt-bag and he’s on it. These are the sessions where you’re likely find yourself dancing on the table, or for the more daring, I have even witnessed dancing on the piano.

You might have thought you were well past this sort of behaviour, but the atmosphere of The Piano Bar somehow removes your inhibitions, sense of responsibility and boring old maturity.

This is where you summon up the full-blown inner party princess who’s been buried in a sea of motherliness for so long.

For a couple of hours, you are the carefree gal you were before being a proper adult took hold. And it feels great!

There is joy to be had at The Pi ano Bar, so grab your besti es, book your seats and eat, drink, be merry ... Then go home at a reasonable hour, because tomorrow, you ' re back to mummy busin ess...

After downing a delicious Piano Bar pizza and some well-deserved chardonnay following a hard day of work, laundry and listening to school readers, we were primed for a bit of Elton John, a perfect start to the night.

Elton was followed by hit after British hit, The Piano Bar patrons knew all the words to every song and sang along with great enthusiasm. We were all collectively connecting with the fun

The great thing about The Piano Bar is that the lighting is dim and you don’t really have to worry about looking cool.

Everyone is just there for a good time.

You can be quite comfortable being a dorky, out-of-fashion mum, no one cares or notices. A good thing about the midweek events is that you can start early, have your fun and be heading home to your ugg boots by 9.30pm.

If you want to go for a more wild

There are plenty of options for different levels of entertainment at The Piano Bar. Check out the Events page on Facebook or Piano Bar website which will keep you up to date with what’s happening.

You can choose whether you want to sit back and be entertained by some of Geelong’s most astounding talents like Chelsea Gibb (Chicago), get involved in a game of bingo called “Bitches with Balls” or take in a bogancomedy-drag show called Pearls on the Patio. It’s up to you, there’s plenty of variety. Just make sure you book ahead, it’s a popular place.

So for a bit of Mummy therapy, this is your happy place. For a few hours you are nobody’s mum, no one’s carer, employee, manager or old-girl.

You are just you ... the fun version, hanging with your buddies enjoying food, wine and music.

There is joy to be had at The Piano Bar, so grab your besties, book your seats and eat, drink, be merry. Then go home at a reasonable hour, because tomorrow, you’re back to mummy business.

Might see you there!

Angie and Lee Hilton (right and second from right) letting their hair down at The Piano Bar with friends.

Picture: Joe van der Hurk www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 31

Discover fashion and ine art Exhibition: 8 September – 19 November 2017 National Wool Museum 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong nwm.vic.gov.au • neram.com.au/artofwool The Art of Wool exhibition is presented by The Woolmark Company and New England Regional Art Museum. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Ministry of the Arts Visions of Australia program.

Image: Liu Fang, China • International Woolmark Prize 2013, Asia Region (detail) International Woolmark Prize archive at Australian Wool Innovation • Photograph by Michael Taylor

Vi sions of Australia

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32 SPRING 2017

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

The Paddock’s ready for families to visit this spring.

SPRING is sprung down on The Paddock farm at Leopold and very soon the gates will be open to families wanting to get back to nature.

And kids can learn that food doesn’t always come in plastic packets from the supermarket shelf.

The summer activities will be focused around the recently finished al fresco dining area at the farm which is operated by Encompass community services.

The Paddock team, along with a little help from their friends, Nelson Park CAL students, have completed the project to expand the seating area around the very popular, pizza wood oven.

“The pizza oven went in about a year and a half ago, and it’s been really popular, so we decided that we needed a nice al fresco dining area to go with it,” Chris said.

“The students come out on a Friday and help us with materials and we give them a way to develop their work skills.

“It will be a space where we can gather and enjoy a nice meal overlooking the garden in the sunshine.

Once this is all completed and spring arrives and the trees are out, we can properly enjoy the view!’

Farm staff have their fingers crossed that view will include rows and rows of tasty and tantalising tomatoes during

the month of November.

Assistant Farm Supervisor, Steve Hanan, said that tomatoes had been a very popular crop for the past 10 years.

“At present, we have more than 10 varieties of heirloom tomatoes including grosse lisse, black russian, green zebra, yellow jubilee and tommy toe varieties which are all something that you do not usually get from the supermarket,” Steve said.

The Paddock is planning to run a Tomato Month in November, opening the farm to the public so people can check out these heirloom tomatoes.

There is also a plan to run sessions on teaching people how to grow tomatoes which in turn will keep spreading the

word about the “paddock to plate” food option. The farm places a great emphasis on sustainable food production.

It will soon be time to visit the nursery down on the farm to sample the vegie seedlings, ornamental plants and herbs all nicely edging their way to maturity.

As summers approaches the nursery will be bursting with new crops of basil, thyme, lemon thyme, lemon balm, mint, rosemary, sage, oregano and a lot more!

People will be encouraged to pick their own vegetables straight from the ground during the lazy and hazy days of summer and walk away with their chemical free, organic bounty for the cost of a kind donation.

12363518-ACM36-17

Farm supervisor, Chris Evans, said the

building work had been a terrific project for his team.

ENCOMPASS—THE PADDOCK. 21-29 O’Halloran Rd, Leopold 3224 l (Ph) 5222 3377 l (Email) info@encompass-cs.org.au www.encompass-cs.org.au l Like Encompass—The Paddock on Facebook www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 33

reality bites

Clive and Kerryn with their kids Emma, Paige and Abigail.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

Two parents and

three under one it ' s a

full house FREE

By Jade Glen MOST new parents feel like they’ve got their hands full with one baby in the house - Kerryn and Clive Byrom took things a few steps further, welcoming three daughters in the space of a year.

Super parents Kerryn and Clive juggled the needs of three babies while Kerryn recovered from a serious birth complication that required daily nurse visits for more than five months.

Their incredible year began on 3 May, 2015, when their daughter Abigail was born.

“I had only recently commenced my maternity leave from my full-time job and I thought I would give myself a couple of weeks to relax before my baby arrived,” Kerryn said.

e n i l n o s w e n community

“I assumed I would go in to labour after my due date like my mother did for all her children. I was looking forward to Netflix and chill!”

Kerryn’s plans of spending a few weeks relaxing and preparing for her firstborn’s arrival came to an abrupt halt at her next obstetrician appointment.

“After going through some routine tests the whole place turned upside down and everyone was in a mad panic. I was 38 weeks and had developed pre-eclampsia and my blood pressure was dangerously high.

Within a couple of hours I was induced.

“Two days and many, many, many contractions later I was still only 1.5cms dilated and I had to undergo an emergency caesarean section.”

l news that’s a c lo t s te la e all th Keep up with g worth readin e story to every onlin s s e c c a E E R F ptions paper subscri e ly k e e w E E FR every Friday n io it d e t n ri p FREE s breaking new , s n o ti ti e p m co MORE alerts, Twitter cebook a F n o s u w o – foll print and online in s w e n y it n u FREE comm om.au Geelongindy.c 12364011-ACM36-17

34 SPRING 2017

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reality bites

Clive and Kerryn with their kids Abigail, Paige and Emma.

Just four months later, in August, 2015, Kerryn discovered she was pregnant again.

“I felt from the very beginning that I was having twins. My husband and my doctor both thought I was crazy! An early dating scan showed two beautiful little blobs. My husband was ecstatic.

He had always wanted twins. I was in a state of disbelief.”

At her usual obstetrician appointment at 34 weeks pregnant, it was discovered that Kerryn had again developed pre-eclampsia.

“I was admitted to hospital immediately and administered various medications and monitored for several days. The doctors were trying to reduce my blood pressure to give the twins more time to develop in utero. In the meantime I was given steroid injections.

Unfortunately the treatment could not bring Kerryn’s blood pressure back to safe levels and she underwent another emergency caesarean on 20 March, 2016, when the twins

were at 35 weeks gestation.

“The twins were immediately rushed off to the neonatal special care unit where they were placed in humidicribs.

They were in the special care unit for 12 days. At birth they weighed 2.42kg (5lb 5oz) and 2.32kg (5lb 2oz). They were born one minute apart and named Emma and Paige respectively,” Kerryn said.

“My recovery this time around was much harder. I was in significant pain following the surgery and it got worse every day.

“A week following the birth of Emma and Paige my wound burst open at home and upon readmission to ED I was diagnosed with a severe infection with the underlying infected fluid measuring 21cm wide and 6cm deep. After failed IV antibiotics I underwent a secondary surgery to clear out the infected fluid and tissue - I was then left with an open wound. It required being packed and dressed daily until it slowly healed itself - it took five and a half months.”

Abigail was only 10 months old when the twins were born.

“She wasn’t at an age where we

could just explain to her what was happening. She struggled with being away from us while were at hospital.

We had never spent any time away from her,” Kerryn said.

only allowed to shower immediately before dressing changes.

“When we all returned home together and Clive and I sat on the couch together each holding a twin, it was at that moment that poor little Abigail broke down in tears.

“It took her about two to four weeks to adjust to the change. Her sleeping was affected in that time but she did return to normal. She is now perfectly happy with the twins and loves to kiss and cuddle them and play with them.”

The first few months were exhausting, as there was never a time when all three babies would sleep at once.

“The routine was basically sleep, feed, sleep, feed, sleep, feed times three and then I would try and get some rest in there myself. And then came that glorious time, when the twins were 11 months old, when all three babies started having the same nap time!”

Kerryn and Clive’s family all lived interstate at the time of the twins’ birth, but some family moved to the area a month or so after they were born.

Abigail is now 26-months old, and Emma and Paige are 16-months.

“The hardest part of having three babies under one was dealing with my open wound and the daily dressing and packing of it. It took five and a half months to heal. That was five and a half months of daily RDNS visits that I would get half an hour’s notice for, and during that half an hour I had to have each baby fed and placed somewhere safe, and I had to have a shower as I was

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“My husband would help when he got home from work and on weekends and my in-laws would also help on weekends when they weren’t working if we needed it.”

“Life is so much fun. It can be hectic and chaotic. I try to stay organised.

I love to watch the girls play and laugh together. We enjoy getting out of the house when we can, it can be quite challenging some days. But I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Kerryn said.

“I’ve been blessed so much with these beautiful daughters and I just hope that I can be a great mum for them.”

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Abigail was born weighing 3.74kg or 8lb 4oz on the old scales, and Kerryn recovered well.

Out Now

Marianne Valitutti 5249 6707 marianne.valitutti@geelongindependent.com.au www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

SPRING 2017 35

Games and gadgets

books..

Parenting Teen Girls In The Age Of A New Normal - Michelle Mitchell (Ark House Press)

The Build-Up Season Megan Jocobson (Penguin)

Minecraft The Island - Max Brooks (Century)

A Voyage Through Air Peter F Hamilton (MacMillan)

Grandma Forgets - Paul Russell & Nicky Johnston (Exisle Publishing)

War is coming - and every leader of every realm has sided with the War Emperor and pledged to fight the Karrak invaders - apart from Taggie, the teenage Queen of Dreams-to-be.

Aided by an unusual band of allies, including a Karrak Lord, an elf and a feisty skyfolk captain, Taggie knows that the only way to stop the war is to find the long-lost gateway between our universe and the dark universe: the home of the Karrak people.

Grandma Forgets is the heart-warming story of a family bound by love as they cope with their grandma’s dementia.

Over the years, the little girl has built up a treasure trove of memories of time spent with Grandma, but now, Grandma can’t remember those memories. She makes up new rules for old games and often hides Dad’s keys. Sometimes Dad is sad because he has to hold onto the memories for both him and his mother now, but fortunately his daughter is only too happy to help him make new memories to share.

I Love Dad - Eric Carle (Penguin)

The Wee Free Men - Terry Pratchett (Penguin)

This gorgeous little gift book from The Very Hungry Caterpillar is the perfect way to say, ’I Love You, Dad!’ Dad... you’re easy to talk to... even when I am feeling prickly... you are always there... that’s why I love you, Dad! This lovely little book features Eric Carle’s colourful artwork of animal dads and babies, with the Hungry Caterpillar making an appearance alongside each one. The perfect gift for Father’s Day, or any day you want to say...

I love you, Dad!

Tiffany wants to be a witch when she grows up. A proper one, with a pointy hat. And flying, she’s always dreamed of flying (though it’s cold up there, you have to wear really thick pants, two layers).

Vet Cadets, Saving Itsy Bitsy - Rebecca Johnson (Penguin)

Computer Coding Python Projects for Kids (Doring Kindersley)

Knowledge Encyclopedia - Human Body (Doring Kindersley)

Lintang and the Pirate Queen - Tamara Moss (Penguin)

Abbey, Hannah and Talika are new recruits at Willowvale boarding school’s Vet Cadets program. And what a year it is turning out to be!

Henrietta, the school pig, has had a very large litter of piglets. But something is wrong with Itsy Bitsy, the smallest piglet, and the girls must work together to fight for her life. There’s also the mystery of some stolen cattle to solve.

This book is the perfect introduction to coding for children from Number 1 best-selling education author Carol Vorderman.

This colourful illustrated guide uses step-by-steps to show kids how to build a range of amazing projects, from birthday cards to music and games, using the programming language Scratch. Activities such as creating a virtual firework display, simulated snowflakes, fractal art and mind-bending optical illusions not only teach essential coding skills, but enable kids to have fun as they learn.

The ultimate head-to-toe guide to the human body for kids. Incredible computer-generated images reveal the amazing inside story of what goes on under our skin. All-new 3D illustrations offer a unique, strikingly realistic close-up of this fascinating, complex machine - what it looks like and how it works.

Every image is supported with easy-to-understand explanations and a wealth of fascinating facts and figures.

Lintang dreams of having adventures on the high seas. When a deadly mythie attacks the same day the infamous Captain Shafira visits her island, Lintang gets her chance, defending her village with a bravery that earns her a place on the pirate queen’s ship. But they’ve barely left the island when Lintang discovers her best friend, Bayani, has stowed away. Telling Captain Shafira means betraying her friend, but keeping Bayani’s secret risks everything . . . including their lives.

Wreck - Fleur Ferris (Penguin) Tamara Bennett is going to be the first journalist to strictly report only good news. Finished with high school, Tamara is ready to say goodbye to her sleepy little town and part-time job at the local paper. O-week awaits, which means parties, cute boys and settling into student res with her best friend Relle. Things take an unexpected turn, however, when she arrives home to find her house ransacked and her life in danger.

36 SPRING 2017

But she’s worried Tiffany isn’t a very ‘witchy’ name. And a witch has always protected Tiffany’s land, to stop the nightmares getting through. Now the nightmares have taken her brother, and it’s up to her to get him back.

In this book, teenage expert and author Michelle Mitchell draws upon decades of experience to reveal her top parenting strategies in response to the biggest issues impacting today’s teenage girls. These strategies have been developed on the frontline of Michelle’s extensive work with families and schools across Australia.

Featuring straight-forward and honest advice that really works, this book is a fresh and empowering resource for parents of teens and pre-teens.

Seventeen-year-old Iliad Piper is named after war and angry at the world.

Growing up with a violent father and abused mother, she doesn’t know how to do relationships, family or friends. A love-hate friendship with Max turns into a prank war, and she nearly destroys her first true friendship with misfit Mia. Ily takes off her armour for nobody, until she meets Jared, someone who’s as complicated as she is.

Be immersed in the Minecraft universe for the first time in a thrilling new adventure like no other!

Perfect for fans of DanTDM and StampyCat! Minecraft: The Island, the first and only official Minecraft novel, will tell the story of a new hero stranded in the world of Minecraft, who must survive the harsh, unfamiliar environment and unravel the secrets of the island.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Kingdomino is a tile laying game for 2-4 players that takes about 15 minutes to play.

In Kingdomino, players are seeking to expand their kingdom over the course of the game. Each round, players will be drafting coloured tiles, and adding them to their existing territory using a simple tile-laying mechanic. Scoring is based on the size of each area, multiplied by any crown symbols present.

Each of the kingdom tiles are beautifully illustrated to depict a top down view of your kingdom. Many tiles also contain small, extraneous illustrations that help keep the artwork engaging. The tiles are made out of a really nice, thick cardboard. The rest of the components, from the cardboard castles to the custom shaped meeples are equally well produced.

Players place their tiles and then select a tile for the next round.

Learning to play Kingdomino is a breeze. Each round, there will be two sets of Kingdom tiles dealt out. For the first round, each players’ meeple is randomly placed on a tile in one set.

A game of Kingdomino lasts for 12 rounds. Each player calculates their score by counting up the amount of continuous squares in each terrain type, and multiplying that by the number of crowns showing in that area. The player with the most points wins.

Winner of the 2017 German Game of the Year Award (Spiel des Jahres) and a well priced game at $36.00 Kingdomino is available at Mind Games, Geelong

Do you believe in fairies? Create your own magic fairy garden with the Flower Fairies Secret Garden range of figurines and accessories. It can be your very own magical, secret place for indoors or out.

Collect all the fairy characters. Lavender Fairy is approx 8.5cm in sitting position and comes with her namesake flowers and a tree stump accessory to sit on.

Suits ages 6 years and over.

Play it anywhere - take it anywhere! Port A Ball features a specially patented valve which allows instant inflation and deflation. It even deflates to be small enough to fold up and fit in your pocket! With one large breath of air the Port A Ball is ready for use, which makes the Port A Ball an excellent pocket money toy.

BOARD GAMES

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Huge Range

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Shop 55 Level 1, Market Square Cnr Moorabool & Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220 www.mindgames.net.au | 03 52 226 100 So Much to choose! GRAB A GIFT VOUCHER

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Geelong’s Largest Specialty Games Shop GROUP FUN

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SPRING 2017 37

' kids

r a d n e l a k 25 SEPTEMBER - 6 OCTOBER

25 SEPT - 6 OCT

26 SEPTEMBER

Wacky Woolly Creatures

Dr Seuss fun

Ozobot Robots + Craft

For children 3 years-16 years.

Meet your favourite Dr Seuss characters, storytelling and more.

10am

Create yarn dolls, knitted critters, and pompom monsters.

Daily between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Facilitated activities under supervision and with the participation of parents.

23 SEPTEMBER - 8 OCTOBER

Children are free with a paying adult.

Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre near Donut King

National Wool Museum, Geelong

www.waurnpondssc.com.au

25 SEPTEMBER - 6 OCTOBER

‘Creatures’ themed spring program with fantastic free activities for the kids.

Where ' s Wally? chi ldrens activi ti es

Download the Fun Guide for more information www.centralgeelong.com.au/schoolholiday

23 SEPTEMBER - 7 OCTOBER School Holi day Fun at One World One World for Children’s Vacation Care program is jam packed with lots of fun and entertaining activities for school children. Their stimulating, unique and fun program keeps children entertained by providing creative, challenging and interesting activities with a focus on leisure and recreation. Hurry, places are limited and always fill fast.

Children aged 4-10 will learn how to code by colour using Ozobot robots and pathways drawn by the children.

Children will enjoy using recycled materials from Urban Upcycle to create a robot village or maze for their Ozobot Urban Upcycle, Grovedale

www.nwm.vic.gov.au or Ph 5272 4701

Central Geelong Kids Fun Pro gram Central Geelong

Weekdays 11am to 2pm daily.

Two hour session.

Bookings - www.trybooking. com/310187

Week 1: Make your own Where’s Wally?

Frisbee Week 2: Where’s Wally? Sand Art Weekdays 11am to 2pm daily.

Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre - outside Target www.waurnpondssc com.au

25 SEPTEMBER - 6 OCTOBER Narana ' s

28 SEPTEMBER

School Holi day Program

The Bieber Experience

Guided Cultural Tours

10.30 am

Monday to Friday

Features teen sensation Aydan Calafiore

Twice daily at 10am and 2pm

Ideal for ages 3 and up

Bookings essential.

Tickets $18

One World for Children, North Geelong

Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Grovedale

Appearing live at the Sphinx Hotel, North Geelong

www.owfc.com.au or Ph 5272 3009

www.narana.com.au

Bookings phone 5278 2911

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' kids

r a d n e l a k 7 & 8 OCTOBER

12 NOVEMBER

Bellarine Railway ' s Day Out Wi th Thomas

Sun Bear Children ' s Festival

9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm or 2.30pm

Spring Creek Reserve, Torquay

11am-3pm www.sunbearfestival.com

Bellarine Railway, Queenscliff

3 & 4 OCTOBER

Further info - www.bellarinerailway. com.au

Battle Bots

FROM 10 OCTOBER

21 OCTOBER

2pm 2 hour session.

Children aged 7-14 will build a Lego robot and program it. Using light sensors, motors and engineering principles children will learn coding concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Torquay (3rd) and Lorne (4th) Bookings: www.trybooking.com/305851

6 OCTOBER Ozobots - Little robots for li ttle ki ds ( 4-8 yo )

Grug and the Rai nbow

Dazzli ng Dan - Magi c Connections Workshops

Noon and 2.30pm Based on the much-loved picture book character created by Ted Prior.

A brand new magic program for children 6-16 years of all magical abilities

GPAC, Little Malop Street, Geelong

Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s joy of spontaneous magic is ethos of the program; with preparation and learning, children will be able to pick up everyday items and perform something amazing with them.

www.gpac.org.au or on 5225 1200.

18 NOVEMBER Geelong Baby and Children ' s Market

Tuesday nights at Grovedale Community Hub - during Term 4

9am-1pm

www.dazzlingdan.com.au/learn-magic

Barwon Valley Activity Centre Barwon Heads Rd, Belmont

22 OCTOBER

10am-11.30am Introduce your child to robot programming using little Ozobots.

facebook.com/ geelongbabyandchildrensmarket

Beginners Robot Programming with Lego EV3 (Children ages 7-14)

Free Fami ly Fun Day at Potato Shed

1pm- 2.30pm

11am-3pm

Using drag and drop coding children will learn the basics but can be more challenged using extra programming bricks.

Pony rides, face painting, skate park, animal farm, workshops and more.

Geelong - Eastern Hub

www.geelongaustralia.com.au/ potatoshed

Featuring The Mik Maks 41 Peninsula Drive, Drysdale

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/304790

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR BABYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SLEEP?

Arty Parties & Art Classes ASK US ABOUT OUR SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLUB!

54 Grubb Road, OCEAN GROVE

Ph 0437 582 772 www.artskool.com.au www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

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Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE GOT ANSWERS! Hushabye Hushabye Baby

CALL ME TODAY FOR A FREE15 MIN. EVALUATION Amy Huebner Ph: 0455 890 730 amy@hushabyebaby.com.au

www.hushabyebaby.com.au private consultations. group seminars. practical solutions.

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CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM /GEELON GCOASTKIDS

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SPRING 2017 39

GEELONG YOUR ONE STOP SPOT FOR TOTAL FAMILY FUN! at timezone geelong, we have been making kids parties fun for over 20 years. don’t leave your party to chance, contact us today and let us make your child’s special day AWESOME!

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