Casey Cardinia Kids Summer 2017

Things To do & places To go for families

' let s

room refresh

do some

good

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

IDEAS TO GIVE BACK

OF SUMMER 2017/2018

A Star News Group Publication

GUMBUYA WORLD OPENS IT DOORS

BOOK ONLINE **

gumbuya.com.au

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Follow our journey

4 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

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about us . . .

Jam - packed for SUMMER’S here and it’s time to celebrate – and our gift to you is the biggest ever issue of Casey Cardinia Kids!

This edition is jam-packed full of news, features and reality reads, and we’ve got a fresh new look to boot.

I’m excited that we can also bring you the latest news on some big projects in Casey and Cardinia. Gumbuya World is a must-do this summer - it is going to be like nothing this area has seen before. Read all about our newest family destination on page 6.

We’ve also got a sneak peak at St John of God’s brand-new hospital on page 16. Women will be able to deliver in the hospital’s plush new maternity wing from early 2018.

December always seems to go in a flash; there are gifts to buy, parties to

summer

attend and a cascade of Christmas break-ups. If you need some gift inspiration, check out our spread from the Toy Workshop on page 48 and the latest summer fashion from Billy Lidz on pages 43-45. We’ve also got you covered for all those #bringaplate invitations – check out our fruity Christmas tree platter on page 26.

If tricky family situations have you dreading the festive season, check out our tips from Relationships Australia Victoria on page 7.

Once Christmas is done and dusted, we’ve got some ideas to get your New Year off to a great start.

something as powerful as fostering a child, there is something you can do to make a difference.

If you plan to revamp your child’s room over the summer holidays, we’ve got some tips from the experts on pages 10-11.

If your goal for 2018 is to get you of the kids to the dentist, have a look at our dental feature from pages 20-24.

That’s just a snapshot of what’s in the magazine: it really is a cracker.

From all of us at Casey Cardinia Kids, we wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays – see you next year!

If your New Year’s Resolution is to give back to your community, check out pages 8-9 – from something as simple as donating your old pram to

Wild new adventure park Page 6 Cushion the stress: ’tis season of good cheer Page 7

Top notch swimming lessons Page 19 Dental care service for all Page 20 Nothing to be scared about Page 21

Call is out for carers Page 8

Top dental care for free Page 22

Help for single mums Page 9

Time to bite the bullet Page 23

Tinker fairies work their magic Page 9

Family Dining Page 24

Update with a splash of colour Pages 10-11

Education

Play it safe around water Page 12

Childcare expansion for best chance Page 27

Understand the dangers of button batteries Page 13

Get kids off to a smart start Page 28

Little learning and a lot of fun Page 14 Health practice helps build futures Page 15 New hospital delivers a new standard of care Page 16

Sports Back at the crease Page 25

Kids on Clyde is connecting Page 29 Centre educates parents as well Page 30 Wide range of programs for students Page 30 Special needs on board Noah’s Ark Page 31 Learning with purpose Page 32

Waverley Gardens has Christmas all wrapped up Page 35

Reality Bites Words fail us...

Page 36 Yes Day weighs down mum Page 36 Born big at home Page 37 Help is at hand for anxiety Page 38 Little Loic’s brave fightback Page 39

Entertainment Summer’s ripe for an Island adventure Page 40 Membership has its benefits Page 41

Casey Cardinia Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777

Photography Stewart Chambers Rob Carew Gary Sissons Advertising Andy Jukes andy.jukes@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666 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.

Cover

Felicity and Lacey Soroka enjoy some thrills during a sneak peak of Gumbuya World. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Fun for all at kid’s night out Page 41 Magic carpet ride to sand sculptures Page 42

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

Fashion Hottest styles of summer Pages 43 -45

Maximising life choices for children Page 33

Games and Gadgets

Festive - and healthy – eating Page 26

Swimland for water safety Page 33

All in for an active life Pages 46- 47

No mess, no fuss party plans Page 26

Encouraged to achieve their best Page 34

Old-fashioned toys for next generation Page 48

Party Time

Casey Cardinia Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Editorial Jade Glen jade@caseycardiniakids.com.au Phone: 5945 0666

contents It’s Your Life

Casey Cardinia Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Health

Shop ‘til you Drop

Calendar

Fernwood can help achieve your goals Page 18

Rewards on offer at Marriott Waters Page 35

Stepping out in summer Page 49

let 's

room refresh

do some

good

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

IDEAS TO GIVE BACK

OF SUMMER 2017/2018

A Star N News G Group Publication P bl

GUMBUYA WORLD OPENS IT DO DOORS

Gumbuya World's Typhoon Island.

It’s

your life

W il d n e w

k r a p e r u t n e v ad GET ready to explore a wild water park, worldclass rides and up-close animal encounters VICTORIA’S newest theme park, Gumbuya World, opens its doors this month just in time for the summer holidays.

Phase one will unveil the highly anticipated Oasis Springs water park, Wildlife Trail and the Oz Adventure and Outback Explorer zones, with further phases to open throughout 2018 and beyond.

Oasis Springs will cater for both the thrill seekers and chill seekers, with sheer drops on the exhilarating Taipan and the Lazy River for those wanting to soak up the rays.

Enjoy close encounters with furry friends on the Wildlife Trail, exploring the Critter Cave and have the perfect snap taken with the lovable koalas and dingoes.

Gumbuya World is committed to driving the growth of Melbourne’s South-East with the support of the Cardinia Shire Council and government. The theme park will be a leading local and tourist destination and will continue to evolve through future phases to attract visitors to the South-East from Victoria, Australia and around the world.

Gumbuya World will also offer special events, corporate conference facilities and education programs.

Gumbuya World will see a significant rise in employment, focusing on offering roles to local residents. Gumbuya World plans to grow this to approximately 125 at the time of opening, with a target of 500 employees within five years.

Phase two is planned to open in mid-2018 and will include an Indigenous cultural centre, Walking With Dinosaurs exhibit, a 400-seat auditorium and a host of new rides and attractions.

The vision for future phases of the Gumbuya development will include

a retail village, Eco Bush Resort, chocolate factory and microbrewery, just to name a few.

The ownership group behind Gumbuya World is making a significant financial contribution to the region’s economy with an investment of over $50 million. Gumbuya World is investing in state-of-the-art equipment, training and safety to provide an amazing guest experience.

Acquired in September 2016 from a local family who had owned the park for the past 38 years, Gumbuya World is the vision of a group of Victoria entrepreneurs consisting of Gerry Ryan, Wal Pisciotta, Adam Campbell, Brett Murray, and Ray and Ron Weinzierl to re-imagine a place that they enjoyed with their families when they were younger and to leave a legacy for future generations.

Whether it’s spending endless hours in the water park, getting up-close and personal with wildlife or enjoying the rides and attractions, Gumbuya World has something for everyone.

Online bookings only, please visit www.gumbuya.com.au to book your tickets today.

Alpine dingo pups Kiata and Nara are looking forward to their custom-built new home at Gumbuya World.

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Time to dry off and take a spin at Oz Adventure - hold on tight as you ride the runaway Mining Race Coaster, or buckle up as you’re launched into the air on Rush Hour.

Outback Explorers caters for the not-so-big ones. Spin until you can spin no more on the Berry Twirl, but save some energy for the Outback Pirate Ship - ahoy there!

6 SUMMER 2017/2018

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It’s

your life

Cushion the stress: ' tis season of good cheer IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY SEPARATED

By Jade Glen ‘TIS the season to be jolly - or stressed.

Christmas is a whirlwind of gettogethers, gifts and good cheer; on the flip side it’s also a time when emotions and expectations can run high, old family tensions can be inflamed, and time and money can feel in short supply.

It’s an especially difficult period for those that have recently lost a love one, gone through a separation or divorce, or are navigating their first Christmas as a blended family.

Jayne Ferguson, Relationship Australia Victoria’s assistant manager and senior clinician, said it was normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed at any time of year, especially during Christmas and the holiday period.

“The Christmas and holiday season can be a difficult time for lots of families.

For many families, it is a time of stress, with a sense of obligation to host or be a part of family and end-of-year activities and celebrations.

“In some instances, the Christmas period is the one and only time that families come together, often in large family groups, and this can cause tensions or anxiety about being in the same space as others they may have difficulties or issues with.”

Here, Ms Ferguson shares some tips to help you navigate some Christmas challenges.

“Be mindful that while this time of the year is promoted as a joyous and positive time where we spend time together, this is not always possible or the case for all families. For some children, sharing time and holiday periods between parents is the reality and this can be unsettling and sometimes conflictual, depending on the relationship between the separated families,” Ms Ferguson said.

“Parents need to communicate the plans for children clearly and respectfully, and maintain a sense of fairness for the sake of the children.

Children should always have a voice in the situation and can even be involved in the planning - where age appropriate - regarding their wishes and desires for this period.

“If parents are struggling with the conditions around access and unable to reach an agreement that looks after the best interests of the children, they can seek assistance from family dispute resolution or mediation services, such as that offered by Relationships Australia Victoria.”

IF IT’S YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS AS A BLENDED FAMILY “It is perfectly fine to continue or retain family traditions, events etc., after a family has separated or is blended. It is also important though, to consider new traditions that honour the new family dynamic.

“Naturally, parents should be equal

and fair in all aspects of Christmas - from gift giving, to time spent together.

“A new step-family or blended family provides a great opportunity to be creative with new and different traditions or events for the Christmas period.”

IF YOU HAVE TENSION IN YOUR OWN FAMILY “Parents should always keep any issues or tensions they have with their own family of origin separate from their children. Parents need to be responsible in sharing information to their children and be respectful in their communications - indicating that they find it difficult to be with their family/ families over these significant times, but to not allow it to impact the season for them or their children. If their issues or the tension is difficult or challenging, then people need to seek support to manage their grief, anger, anxiety that

being with their family may evoke.”

Ms Ferguson said Christmas was a time of expectation, especially regarding spending time together, money spent, gifts and holiday destinations.

“Families need to be clear on what works for them, what they can afford and to make choices that minimise stress and any negative impact on them and their children,” she said.

Relationships Australia Victoria provides a range of services to support individuals, couples and families, including counselling and family dispute resolution. To find out more or to make an appointment, call 1300 364 277 or visit www.rav.org.au.

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DON’T MISS OUT...

Order your John Deere toys

NOW!

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SUMMER 2017/2018 7

It’s

your life

Call is out for carers

By Jade Glen AT this moment, almost 10,000 Victorian children are in out-of-home care.

Many of those children will be in kinship care - that is being permanently cared for by a grandparent or relative - a tiny percentage will be in residential care facilities, and about 35 per cent will be in foster care.

Foster Care Association of Victoria (FCAV) CEO Katie Hooper said there were just over 1500 foster carers in Victoria, with a need for more on the books.

Ms Hooper said almost anyone could become a foster carer.

“The majority (of carers) have, or have had children. Then there is also same-sex couples, single people, older people whose children have grown up.

“I know a carer who is deaf, a carer who is in a wheelchair.

“Our current legislation says that if a child can’t be returned home within two years, then a permanent solution will be found.

“Foster carers can really determine what they can offer.”

Ms Hooper said there was a particular demand for carers able and willing to care for sibling groups and teenagers.

“There is a real need ... I don’t know many families that have spare bedrooms and a car that will fit their own children plus another two, three or four.

“With the over-12s, even if they don’t have challenging behaviours, many people have that perception of teenagers. But if you enjoy spending time with teenagers, they are just amazing.”

Support for carers is available through FCAV, the individual foster care agency and financial support was provided by the Department of Human Services.

Ms Hooper said she found foster caring rewarding.

“You just need to pass the police check and Working With Children check.”

Ms Hooper, herself a foster carer, said there were different types of care.

“Respite care is normally a planned break for other carers. We do regular respite for two little kids that are with their grandparents. Emergency care is when something happens and it’s not planned.

Then there is short-term and long-term care, and permanent care orders.

“I just love being around children and young people. We have got two little ones coming to our place this weekend - we’ll go to the zoo and go bike riding. Just having some fun times with little ones is what I absolutely love.”

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, head to fosteringconnections.com.au or call 1800 013 088.

Australia’s Favourite Steam Train

Escape the crowds by boarding at Lakeside

FAMILY

FUN Lakeside Station is located within Emerald Lake Park - the perfect starting point for a family outing! The park offers picnic tables, lawns and walking tracks to explore.

Puffing Billy operates daily to Gembrook station from September (weekends only in winter).

Puffing Billy travels through the Dandenong Ranges every day except Christmas Day. Step back in time with family and friends and have a great day out!

Discounted family fares are available from $114 (valid for up to two adults and up to four children).

Join Santa, Mrs Claus and their helpers this December at a new and festive location Puffing Billy’s Gembrook Railway Station!

Tickets are on sale, so book now.

Telephone 9757 0700 www.puffingbilly.com.au/cckids 12361096-DJ36-17

8 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

It’s

your life

Help for

s m u m e l g sin The program provides mediumterm accommodation while helping young mums get back on their feet, equipping them with the necessary life skills to enter the rental market and support their children in the long term.

In June, the foundation opened Strachan House, thanks to former Windermere board member Carl Strachan’s generous donation of a fully furnished house in Pakenham.

Four young mothers and their children live at Strachan House with extensive support from Windermere.

All the young women have experienced homelessness with a range of contributory factors such as family violence, past substance abuse issues and childhood trauma.

They take part in house meetings, weekly house cleaning schedules, and a house meal where each resident takes turns planning,

shopping and cooking for the group.

The mothers learn financial management and planning, parenting and relationship skills, and are supported in finding long term accommodation and employment.

Each mother stays in the home for around six months. After their stay, more than 80 per cent go on to find long-term housing and stable employment or study.

With just eight places a year, the program is in hot demand - in just three months 40 inquiries were made about accommodation at Strachan House.

Windermere’s Manager Marketing and Fundraising, Maree De George, said the program was not government funded.

“We rely solely on donations and the generosity of the community for it to run,” she said.

To donate to Windermere and support the work at Strachan House, visit www.windermere.org.au or call 1300 946 337.

Tinker Fairies work their magic Do you have a retired pram sitting in the garage?

demand, and out of reach for most vulnerable families.

You probably forked out hundreds of dollars for it when it was new, and now that your tots are toddling, it’s a bulky item taking up valuable boot or garage space.

“A pram means these families can access critical services such as the doctor and maternal health nurse, as well as the pharmacy, the supermarket and the park,” she said.

When your pram days are finally finished, don’t put it out with the hard rubbish - consider donating it to charity.

St Kilda Mums desperately need prams and other nursery items for its families.

Each pram donated generally requires some repairs by dedicated volunteers, affectionately known as Tinker Fairies.

Every day they produce amazing ‘pramsformations’ turning tired and faded prams into a clean and safe mode of transportation.

St Kilda Mums CEO Jessica Macpherson said double, triple and even quad prams were especially in www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

The new home, donated by Carl Strachan, left, pictured with Windermere CEO Lynette Buoy and team leader of housing Sarah Truscott, seated, will house young mums at risk of homelessness. Picture: BONNY BURROWS

“Even if you have access to a vehicle, it’s still very difficult to get into the shops without a pram. A pram keeps pre-school children safe when walking along busy roads, and can also be a shopping trolley. We believe it is the ultimate freedom machine for a family with babies and small children.

“It’s sad to see so many prams in hard rubbish when many can be fixed up beautifully.”

To donate a pram visit www. stkildamums.org for opening hours, local drop off points and courier pick up service, and a full list of items the charity can rehome.

KIDS SUMMER carnival Friday 5th & 12th January 2018 Free Rides Including Kelly Sports, Animals of Oz, Face Painting, Pony Rides & more!

Free Admission & Showbags for Kids!

Gates Open 5pm 03 5996 1300 • cranbourneturfclub.com.au

Grant Street, Cranbourne VIC

CRANBOURNE HARNESS CLUB

Kids night out Saturday 30th December 2017 Free Rides including Kelly Sports, Animal Farm, Pony Rides & more!

Free Admission for Kids!

Gates Open 5:00pm Grant Street, Cranbourne VIC 03 5996 1300 | www.cranbourneharness.org

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WINDERMERE is giving young, single mothers facing homelessness in Casey and Cardinia shires a helping hand with its Mums and Bubs program.

SUMMER 2017/2018 9

It’s

your life

Update

splash of Cath Stocks, creative director at Framing to a T.

By Jade Glen

will need a space to entertain their friends.

SUMMER holidays are the perfect time to update your child’s room.

“To be able to introduce a chair or two within their room can be the difference of a simple change to bring your child’s room in to their teenage years,” Cath said.

It’s something you can do together, and if you get your child to choose their new decor or paint colour they might even be inspired to clean their room while they are at it.

Trends change, and children’s tastes change even quicker - the Thomas the Tank Engine doona cover or Red Wiggles Big Red Car bed that were the height of fashion for your toddler are probably embarrassing relics by the time your child is a pre-schooler.

Cath Stocks, creative director at Framing to a T in Berwick, Hallam and Brighton, says tweens and teens need a room refresh as the way they use their room changes.

“A toddler needs more floor space for toys and playing, and they may have a favourite colour like pink or blue at the time. A teenager tends to need a study space within the room or perhaps they

GET CREATIVE WITH

For longevity, Cath recommends a neutral palette.

“A soft white wall is the perfect backdrop for displaying colourful framed prints, needle works and art.”

Cath recommends investing in good quality flooring, in a neutral colour, and window coverings.

“Good quality window furnishings are a great investment to see through the changing years. Try to choose a blind or curtain with a block out and ensure the window covering covers the entire window and architrave. This will reduce the light that enters the room allowing toddlers and teenagers to enjoy a good night sleep and sleep in!

“A simple light oak timber, white bed frame or an upholstered bedhead is a

Australia’s irst family of paint.

Berwick 03 9769 8686 Hallam 03 9796 3398 Brighton 03 9553 8885

SINCE 1935

14 Adams Ln, Berwick VIC 3806 • Phone: (03) 9707 1565

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ART PRINTS Custom Framing BESPOKE MIRRORS Family keepsakes

Check out Shopping on Clyde Santa will be here on every Saturday

up to the 24th from 11am - 2pm.

Check out our Facebook page for details.

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and Sunday throughout December right

Pavilion

10 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

with a

colour statement piece in the room but this simplicity will allow you to change doona cover colours and textures along with changing up of scatter cushions for your growing child.

“Now it’s time to accessorize. This will give your child the opportunity to personalise their room and bring colour and fun into their space. Bedside lamps, scatter cushions, books, keepsakes and favourite pieces on display will guarantee a happy, fun, peaceful room for your child to call their own for years to come.”

Rianna Groenmeyer, colour consultant at PaintRight Berwick, said you shouldn’t be afraid of colour.

wall murals using our wonderful range of paints, such as metallics, pearl effects, chalk wall paints along with chalk finish paints for furniture.

Stencilling can also give you that signature look.”

Striking colours are often most successful in a teenagers room where they are able to help with the decision making process and create their own sanctuary, reflecting their individual personality and style. Styled by Haymes Paint.

“We have special effects paint that create wonderful DIY transformations of existing furniture to pieces of art that every child can be proud of.

“If you’re wanting to give your child a room that is uniquely theirs, yet still ties in with the overall house aesthetic, neutral tones paired with accent colours in the form of accessories can be an effective way to personalise their space.”

Rianna said striking colours were often most successful in a teenager’s room where they are able to help with the decision making process and create their own sanctuary, reflecting their individual personality and style.

“Colour is a great way to express individual personalities and bring creativity to life. We have many different ways to assist with creating these looks with the latest wall murals, wallpaper, special effects paints and much more.

“The latest trends also encourage experimenting with creating your own

Visit PaintRight Berwick to discuss your colour options and ideas and Framing to a T in Berwick, Hallam or Brighton, for styling advice.

A pop of colour is an inexpensive way to update a child's room. Imagery styled for Snooze. Artwork available at Framing to a T.

Long gone are the days of decorating nurseries in pastel pink for girls and powder blue for boys - there are so many more options. Styled by Haymes Paint.

HT & COLOURFUL G I R B A S ’ IT

Meet Santa & his friends, Poppy & Branch from the DreamWorks Trolls movie, as they kick off our Endeavour Hills Christmas festivities. + Free Trolls activity books for the kids*

Plus follow our facebook page or visit our website for more info on our other Christmas activities: Santa Photo times, Breakfast with Santa and Trolls Colouring Competition. *Conditions apply. While stocks last. Limit one per child. Parental supervision required.

DreamWorks Trolls © 2017 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Matthew Flinders Av & Heatherton Rd, Endeavour Hills

12369443-LB49-17

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 11

It’s

your life

play it safe

Learning to swim is an essential skill.

around water

NOBODY would argue that swimming and water recreation is a big part of Australian living. Between our pristine beaches, rivers, pools and other waterways, Aussies spend many hours in and around the water.

But no matter how much we play it safe, water activities can be fraught with danger.

280 people drowned in Australian waterways between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016. Of these victims, 21 were aged just 0-4 years. And for the ones that do survive, many will go on to suffer lifelong implications to their health.* Anna Loypur, owner of SwimWorld in Glen Waverley, urges all parents to consider learning to swim and survive, as an essential skill that could one day save their child’s life. It should be equally as important as learning to read and write. We are surrounded by water in this country, however parents are still not placing these skills as a high priority and our drowning statistics are ever increasing.

And it’s not just large waterways where accidents happen. Swimming pools account for the most drowning

deaths in Australian children under five.

After this, baths and spas are just as common as rivers and lakes. Falling into the water is the cause of 81 per cent of drowning cases.* SwimWorld’s First Class programs give every child the opportunity to learn from the best. Lessons can start as young as six months of age, and continue right through to adults. Babies begin in the ‘Little Squirts’ program and extend their water familiarisation through songs and water play. Most importantly, they learn correct safe entry and exit skills, with classes strongly focused on water survival.

Once a child reaches three years of age they graduate into the Pre-School program, receiving a ‘Big Kid Now’ rash vest and commemorative certificate.

They then progress to the learner program, followed by the more advanced squad program.

These courses help children not only learn how to swim, but also survive, so that in the unfortunate event they fall into a pool, bath, river or lake, the child will know how to recover and get safely out of the water, or know what to do until help arrives.

Lessons are held at SwimWorld seven days a week, including twilight classes that are popular with working parents.

All instructors at SwimWorld are AUSTSWIM qualified and keep up their skills with ongoing training.

Receptionists and management are CPR and Level 2 First Aid qualified, ensuring that your child is in the best hands at all times.

Source: Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2016

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$150 = 10 lessons 12 SUMMER 2017/2018

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It’s

your life

U n de rs ta n di n g TH E dan ge rs o f

button batteries Button battery

safety tips ■ Look for devices in your home that contain button batteries.

THEY may be tiny, but button batteries can be lethal.

More than 1000 Australian children present to emergency departments every year because of button batteries.

When swallowed, the batteries can become stuck in a child’s throat and burn through the oesophagus in less than two hours. The burning can lead to serious injury requiring surgery, or death.

■ Keep button batteries locked away out of the sight and reach of children.

■ Dispose of old button batteries immediately and safely.

■ If you suspect a child may have swallowed a button battery, call the Poisons Information Centre urgently on 13 11 26 for expert advice on what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Kidsafe Victoria president Erica Edmands said button batteries were found in many common household items including remote controls, calculators, bathroom scales, car keys, toys, watches, talking books and cards

■ Tell others about the dangers and share these steps.

EXPRESS CUT’S MEN WOMEN CHILDREN

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complications,“ Dr West said.

“Children often have easy access to these common household items. The button batteries can also be invisible to parents and carers as many devices come with the batteries already installed,“ Ms Edmands said.

Kidsafe Victoria is urging all parents and carers to undertake a button battery survey of their home, including areas such as desks and drawers where spare or used button batteries may be stored.

Director of Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Monash Children’s Hospital Dr Adam West said early detection and removal was vital.

“Injuries from button batteries can require multiple surgeries - the damage can be severe and any delays in removing the batteries can lead to serious and life-threatening

If you suspect a child has ingested a button battery, the advice is that time is critical so don’t wait for them to show symptoms.

“If you believe a child has ingested a button battery, the new advice is to call the Poisons Information Centre urgently on 13 11 26 for expert advice on what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week,“ Ms Edmands said.

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SUMMER 2017/2018 13

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CHRISTMAS IS COVERED AT CRANBOURNE HOME

It’s

your life

Little

learning

a lot of ONE of Sydney’s most popular childcare groups, Little Learning School has recently come to Melbourne with its newest centre located in Cranbourne.

Little Learning School now has 12 centres that exceed the National Quality Standard under the National Quality Framework.

The Cranbourne centre has an accredited kindergarten program for four to five-year-olds in addition to its exclusive Ready to Read program which is highly regarded in the industry for giving children a head-start for primary school.

The Little Learning School was established in 2004 and now operates 23 centres across Sydney and four across Melbourne.

The launch into Melbourne was a natural progression for the group which is keen to bring its unique approach and set of classes and programs to children across Melbourne.

Also on offer is a new nutrition program and seasonal menu developed exclusively for Little Learning School centres by paediatric nutritionist Kathryn Hawkins, with all meals

fun

cooked fresh on-site daily.

The cleverly designed space at Cranbourne Home features six rooms as well as a dedicated dining room, and provides non-stop opportunities for children to learn and discover with elements such as sensory walls to develop fine motor skills; ball walls for dexterity, investigation and experimentation; and beautifully crafted sandpits with contoured edging which invite children to sit, relax and explore.

Highlights include language classes and a choice of music, yoga or sports class, the exclusive Ready to Read school readiness program, playgrounds with bike tracks, teepees, cubby houses and more, tech computer skills, healthy rotating seasonal menus, a mobile phone app that provides updates and photos so parents can see their child’s daily activities, and public holidays are free.

Little Learning School Cranbourne is open from 6.30am-7pm, Monday to Friday and is located at Cranbourne Home Homemaker Centre, 1280 Thompsons Road, Cranbourne, behind Bunnings.

398 Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne | Phone 03 5991 4922

FIND OUT MORE: cranbournehome.com.au cranbournehome

14 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

It’s

your life

Health practice Futures in Mind offers a variety of services for children, adolescents and young adults under one roof. The team includes, rear, from left, Kathy, Kimberly, Felicity, Milly and Narelle and, at front, Vanessa, Bree and Jo.

helps build futures

FUTURES in Mind is a private paediatric allied health practice which is specifically designed for the needs of children, adolescents and young adults.

“Futures in Mind provides allied health services in one clinic for the convenience of local families,” Ms Ferber said.

funding options are available for sessions including Medicare, Private Health and Better Start / FaHCSIA funding.

psychologists and mental health social workers to primary and secondary schools. This is a free service to students who have a GP referral (bulk billed).

Based in Narre Warren, Futures in Mind will open a second clinic in Dandenong in early 2018 to meet growing demand.

Services offered at Futures in Mind include psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, art and play therapy, family therapy and mental health social work.

With the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolling-out to the City of Casey in September 2018, Futures in Mind is already a registered NDIS provider.

“We currently provide practitioners to 24 schools in South East Melbourne and our list is growing.

Professional development for teachers, parenting groups and kids’ groups are also run regularly.

Practitioners are highly skilled and have expertise specific to working with young people.

“We are already helping children successfully reach their true potential through an individually tailor-made therapy plan designed especially for each child in conjunction with their NDIS goals,” Ms Ferber said.

Director and Principal Psychologist Felicity Ferber established the clinic to meet the needs of families in the City of Casey and its surrounds.

“Many of our families have been accessing a variety of services for their children across different suburbs. This is time consuming and costly.

At this private clinic a variety of

Futures in Mind also provides

“It is so important to provide these services to families that otherwise cannot access psychological support for their children,” Ms Ferber said.

Further information about how Futures in Mind can assist child development and help them meet their potential is available from www. futuresinmind.com.au.

Christmas Party!

Fri 15 Dec 10am - 1pm A visit from Santa! The first 20 children to meet Santa will receive a $10 centre gift card.

Enjoy the fun Christmas craft activity: create your own Christmas tree decoration!

THOMPSON THOMPSON PARKWAY PARKWAY Cnr Cnr of of Thompsons Thompsons Road Road & & South South Gippsland Gippsland Highway, Highway, Cranbourne Cranbourne North.

North. ** Parents Parents must must supervise supervise children children in in their their care care at at all all times. times.

12369988-DJ49-17

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 15

It’s

your life

New hospital delivers

new standard of care BERWICK’S new St John of God Hospital will open its doors on 18 January.

The hospital, on Kangan Drive, features a 22-bed maternity ward with a six-cot special care nursery.

The modern and spacious maternity ward features calm, spacious rooms with comfortable beds - both single and double beds depending on the patient’s medical requirements - built in sofa bedding for partners in single bed rooms, plenty of shelving and storage, access to baby bathing and change facilities and roomy ensuite bathrooms.

Patients will have access to an outdoor balcony for fresh air and there are several communal areas for the weekly schedule of classes and sessions for new parents.

A family room has been included in the design as a comfortable retreat for those waiting for a new arrival or for visitors to take some time out.

Downstairs, an outdoor playground will entertain the littlest of visitors and a cafe and retail store will have refreshments, gifts and other essentials on offer. There is a two-level basement car park for easy parking with lift access directly to the maternity unit.

Maternity nurse unit manager Amanda Rentsch has worked with hospital management to ensure the unit has been designed to best facilitate

St John of God’s new Kangan Drive hospital will offer spacious rooms, an outdoor balcony, and afternoon ‘happy hour’. every need of a new family.

“There is a difference at St John of God. We have a different way of doing things that just goes that little bit further.

We are currently looking at how we can further enhance the experience of pregnancy, delivery and post natal care for our families,” Ms Rentsch said.

“My vision is that our patients have all the information, expert clinicians and facilities they need at their fingertips to make each stage of the journey as safe, easy and enjoyable as it can be. This includes once they have

left us to go home, this is when the real support is often needed,” she said.

The hospital will continue with the daily Afternoon Happy Hour, a special treat for tired new parents. Each afternoon a trolley laden with cakes, pastries, fruit, soft cheeses and biscuits and beverages circulates the unit and gives parents the chance to relax and share a special moment during what can be a very tiring time.

The level two special care nursery will house six cots for babies who need a little extra medical attention following

birth. The nursery is a large and well-designed sanctuary for parents to share private moments bonding with their new baby as they receive the dedicated and special attention they need. Patients will have 24 hour access to anaesthetist and paediatric care.

St John of God Berwick Hospital is proud to support new parents in their choices and this will continue within the new unit. Parents are given access to information throughout pregnancy and birth about a variety of birthing options, feeding options and also have their choice in obstetrician.

The maternity unit at the existing Gibb Street hospital is operating as usual and will continue to offer maternity care right up until the opening of the new hospital on 18 January, 2018.

A sentimental community walk and an open day at the new hospital will be held on Sunday 7 January, 2018. Please visit www.sjog.org.au/ berwickredevelopment to find out more and book your place.

For further information about the new hospital or having your baby at St John of God Berwick Hospital, please call 9709 1400 or visit www.sjog.org.au/ berwickmaternity You can also find St John of God Berwick Hospital on Facebook and Instagram #BerwickBabies

New hospital and Maternity Unit opening January 18, 2018 Visit our website for tour and Maternity information session times and dates

www.sjog.org.au/berwickmaternity #BerwickBabies

12368166-EPJ49-17

SA N TA IS COMING!

SATURDAY 25TH NOVEMBER

Santa will be available for photos from SUNDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 10am – 4pm daily until Christmas Eve!

11am – 2pm Be there to welcome Santa, his team and friends.

Plus, meet special guests the minions Kevin and Stuart from Despicable Me 3TM

EVERY CHILD RECEIVES A GIFT!

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Come and enjoy the roving band, free face painting & balloon twisting Santa will be in his Chair from 12:00pm for photos!

Located near The Cofee Club Despicable Me 3 is a trademark and copyright of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

PLUS OVER 45 STORES!

Pakenham Central

www.pakenhamcentralmarketplace.com.au | www.facebook.com/pakenhamcentralmarketplace | 50-54 John Street, Pakenham

16 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 17

Achieve your health and fitness goals at Fernwood Narre Warren.

p l e h n a c d o o w n r e F

s l a o g r u o y e v e i h c a NOW’S the time to get serious about those health and fitness New Year’s Resolutions - and Fernwood Fitness in Narre Warren, now under new management, has everything you need to achieve your goals.

Providing your professional, supportive environment for you and your family

Offering a great range of fitness equipment, personal training, nutrition advice and a variety of group classes, Fernwood Narre Warren aims to cater for all women’s health and fitness needs.

With knowledgeable staff and a welcoming atmosphere, Fernwood Narre Warren is led by business owner Guneet Cheema.

An ideal location for women of all fitness levels, the friendly team offers a range of services to suit individual needs and goals.

“The Fernwood club caters for the needs of women’s health and fitness in the best possible way. The club’s wonderful staff is up to date with health and fitness programs, offer great

South East Orthodontics is a specialist orthodontic practice offering treatment to patients of all ages for over 15 years. We offer all forms of orthodontic treatment, including metal braces, clear braces, lingual braces, Invisalign treatment and Suresmile (the latest technology with robotically shaped wires to assist with shortened treatment time). The practice also offers removable appliance and early intervention treatment. Patients should consider an initial consultation from about the age of 6-8 years old. Dr C.I. (Kip) Homewood and Dr Theresia R. Sudjalim and their colleague Dr Thomas W. G. Lo are members of the Australian Society of Orthodontics.

Pictured is Dr Kip Homewood, Dr Theresia Sudjalim,

coaching and our work towards women’s mental health makes us the best in the industry,” Guneet said.

Services on offer include individual and group personal training, Zumba, yoga and pilates classes, personalised programs for all ages, levels and injuries, as well as food and nutritional coaching.

The club provides a safe and secure environment, with 24/7 access for members.

Inside, facilities include a member’s lounge with a free breakfast bar and all-day coffee and tea, change rooms and showers, with hair dryers, straighteners, and a full range of toiletries.

Most importantly, there is a licensed creche to ensure you can enjoy your work-out safe in the knowledge that your kids are being well looked after.

Don’t delay, book your membership today.

Dr Thomas Lo and their support staff including Therapists, Practice Managers, Treatment Coordinators, Receptionists and Dental Assistants.

18 SUMMER 2017/2018

fernwooditness.com.au facebook.com/fernwooditness 12371598-ACM49-17

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm 2/31 Clyde Road Berwick 3806 (03) 9796 2794 info@seortho.com.au • www.seortho.com.au

12371288-ACM49-17

Orthodontic treatment for children and adults.

We offer flexible, interest free payment plans to make orthodontics accessible to everyone.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

The Swim Factory in Cranbourne West offers a state-of-the-art facility using a special filtration system.

THE Swim Factory in Cranbourne West offers top quality lessons in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility.

Lessons are only $15 - together with exceptional teachers, program and facility, The Swim Factory offers some of the best value swimming tuition in Casey and Cardinia.

Manager Sue Hodge said the team at The Swim Factory had more than 40 years' swim teaching experience, from babies to international athletes.

“We have a very experienced team,

Top notch

swimming lessons and we believe swimming should be fun, while being taught professionally with consistency and clear direction.

“Children not only need to learn to swim efficiently, but they also need to love the water and develop skills which they will use through their lives.

“Nurturing this love for swimming is very important to us at the Swim Factory.

“Swimming lessons can help increase safety around water and ultimately prevent drowning. It’s a skill that can

be enjoyed for a lifetime and takes regular practice to develop and maintain.”

The Swim Factory’s biggest point of difference is its world class filtration equipment. The pool is sanitised through a combined ozone and ultra violet process that eliminates many pathogens that cannot be removed by chlorine.

This filtration system is world class and gentler on the skin, so there is no more post-pool rashes or itches.

The facilities are also eco friendly and

designed to minimise water wastage.

Water is captured from over splash from the pool and through the air quality control system. Once treated, it is re-used throughout the facility.

The Swim Factory teaches children from as young as four months old, and offers a range of intensive holiday swimming programs.

Competent swimmers aged 8-14 can also join the mini squad, honing their skills and pursuing competitive swimming.

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We empower you to change your life

Futures in Mind is a paediatric Allied Health Practice supporting families and young people from 2 to 25 years.

Psychology Family Therapy School Based Therapy

Speech Pathology Occupational Therapy Art Therapy Group Programs Professional Development Play Therapy 525 Princes Highway, Narre Warren

Ph: 9796 2771 Email: admin@futuresinmind.com.au | www.futuresinmind.com.au

STOCK UP UP FOR FORSUMMER SPRING STOCK Your family’s health is in good hands at Richard Edwards Pharmacy with our extensive range of quality brands and products to keep

spring summer range of preventions and treatments. Visit us in store today!

Richard Edwards Pharmacy

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

36 Webb St, Narre Warren. Ph: 9704 7563 TerryWhite Chemmart™ reserve the right to correct printed errors. TerryWhite Chemmart™ is a registered trademark owned by TWC IP Pty Ltd ACN 136 833 611 and under licence by TW&CM Pty Ltd ACN 136 833 620. TM14533 12373401-LN49-17 12363205-JV36-17

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 19

Dental care

service for all GETTING the entire family to visit the dentist can be like pulling teeth.

Kids are afraid the check-up will be painful, and parents are worried it will hurt the wallet.

The trusted group is one of the longest established dental practices in the City of Casey and have recently moved into a new state-of-the-art premise, offering families all their dental needs under one roof.

But Casey Dental Group are committed to providing the highest standard of dental care at affordable prices, offering many specials to help everyone afford their dental treatment.

A caring and professional team of 14 dentists and 22 nursing and support staff aim to provide the best ongoing dental care with services including digital X-rays, laser whitening, implants,

SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC CLINIC Dr Andy Ong BDSc (Hons) Melb, DCD Melb, M Orth RCS (Edin)

•฀Australian฀Orthodontic฀ Board฀Certiied •฀Invisalign฀® •฀Family฀Discounts฀Available •฀NO REFERRAL NEEDED

•฀“INVISIBLE” (Lingual)฀/฀Clear฀/฀ Metal฀braces •฀NO FUSS, FLEXIBLE฀payment plans •฀Before฀/฀After฀school฀appointments

For appointments: CALL 8790 6288 or email reception@eliteorthodontics.com.au www.eliteorthodontics.com.au 236฀Ormond฀Road,฀Narre฀Warren฀Sth฀ (Opp.฀Amberly฀Park฀Shopping฀Centre)฀Melway฀Ref฀130฀A1 1218443-LB12-16

ceramic crowns/veneers and all other aspects of general dentistry.

And perhaps the best part is that you don’t have to break the bank to have strong, beautiful, pearly whites.

“Many of our dentists have a particular focus comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children and adults, and we offer family discounts and the options of clear (ceramic) braces,” Dr Jayson McNaughton said.

“We offer flexible payment plans and family discounts as well as bulk billing for the new Child Dental Benefits Scheme. We have a special focus on children’s dentistry with our caring clinicians highly experienced in dealing with patients of all ages.

We provide free check-ups and quotes for all of our dental services for non-insurance patients and have ongoing specials to help patients afford crown/bridgework, porcelain veneers and implants.”

Casey Dental Group are preferred providers for all major health funds including BUPA, Medibank Private, HCF, CBHS, MBF and Australian Unity. We bulk bill the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme and accept the Community Health Emergency/General Vouchers.

Casey Dental Group’s opening hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8am until 6pm, late nights available on Wednesday’s 8am until

9pm and Saturday 8am until 1pm.

Casey Dental Group is located at 236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South. Phone: 9705 1755 Fax: 8790 2327. Website: www. caseydentalgroup.com.au

Ongoing specials offered

by Casey Dental Group: ■ Bulk billing for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme.

■ Complimentary orthodontic consultations.

■ Half price crowns and porcelain veneers (after first full priced crown/veneer subsequent crowns prepared at the same visit charged at half price, participating dentists only).

■ Ask us about our implant special.

■ Non-insurance patients: Free check up and quote.

■ Take Home Whitening Kit $295.

■ Insurance patients: We do not charge the gap on your health insurance claim for check ups, cleans, X-rays including OPG’s and sealants.

■ Finance available interest free for 12 months.

Sun Dental, a more gentle dental

We offer a full range of aesthetic dental treatments and emergency procedures. We are also happy to treat children eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme.

With interest free payment plans available for major dental treatment, we can help you afford a healthy smile. New patients are welcome, appointments essential.

Please call early to avoid disappointment.

12352420-24-17

At Sun Dental Group our dentists are proud to be graduates of The University of Melbourne; offering the best in modern dental care. Our team is experienced in caring for phobic patients and young children.

PH (03) 5940 4988 E info@sundental.com.au Monday to Saturday Lakeside Square Shopping Centre Level 2, 2/9, Village Way, Pakenham, VIC 3810 20 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Nothing to be

The team at Beaconsfield Den tal - Dr Evan, Dr Matthew, Dr Sean, Dr Rob and in front, Dr Hayley and Dr Hannah.

scared about AT Beaconsfield Dental, scary trips to the dentist are a thing of the past - your comfort is their priority.

Beaconsfield Dental offers the latest diagnostic equipment and pain-free techniques for all the family, with children always catered for.

First visits to the dentist involve having a fun ride on the chair and counting their teeth, all while they watch their favourite TV shows on the ceiling-mounted TV. The waiting area is complemented by a playroom, fully equipped with three iPads to help keep children busy while they wait for their appointment.

Some children are eligible for free dental treatment of up to $1000 under Medicare’s Child

Dental Benefits Scheme. You can ring the clinic to see if your child is eligible.

The team at Beaconsfield Dental has been practicing for nearly 30 years in the area and pride themselves on offering patients an honest opinion and affordable dental treatment.

All dentists are Australian graduates and are preferred providers for Medibank Private, BUPA, HCF, and CBHS. Patients with offer private dental insurance or with no dental insurance are also welcome.

Beaconsfield Dental is located at 1 Cardinia Street, Berwick - look for the big smile.

Appointments are available Monday through to Saturday, with later appointments on Tuesdays for your convenience.

We’ll take life’s journey with you...

Beaconsfield Dental Caring for the Community and the Environment

General and Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics and Implants We Bulk Bill the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme up to $1000 each child from 2 -17 years old for general dentistry like check ups, cleans and fillings.

Call us to check if your child is eligible.

• HALF PRICE CROWNS AND PORCELAIN VENEERS*

•฀INSURANCE฀PATIENTS:฀We฀Do฀Not฀Charge฀the฀Gap฀on฀Your฀Health ฀ Insurance฀Claim฀for฀฀Check฀Ups,฀Cleans,฀X-Rays฀and฀Sealants* • Finance Available Interest Free for 12 Months!

•฀NON฀INSURANCE฀PATIENTS:฀FREE฀Check฀Ups!

Dr Robert Panjkov and Associates 1-3 Cardinia St Berwick

Participating Providers

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*after first full priced crown/veneer prepared at the same visit.

and Dr Dr Dr Dr

9707 3508 www.beaconsfielddental.com.au

Jayson McNaughton Alina Bratu Harjot Gill Robert Otken

Dr Dr Dr Dr

Sam Navidi Guy Turton Sepand Navidi Teresa Girniak

Dr Shannon Gune Dr Ruth Heredia Dr Rik Kroone

Po

Road, Narre Warren South

Mon - Thurs - Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat 8am–1pm, Tues - Wed 8am to 9pm

un

Phone: 9705 1755

Narre W arren C ra n b o u r n e Rd d dR

236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne

so your teeth always look their best

Dr Deon Nguyen Dr Matthew Rykiss Dr Stefano Burti

Casey Dental Group is Here!

Greaves R

d

12371034-LB49-17

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 21

Going to the dentist isn’t meant to be a scary experience - Jess, Alan and Emma at Pakenham Dental Surgery will make sure patients feel at home. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Top

dental care for free

By Jade Glen PREVENTION is better than cure - especially when that prevention is free.

Pakenham Dental Surgery’s Dr Alan Zhang said many people were unaware that their children were eligible for up to $1000 of free dental work under the Commonwealth’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

The scheme covers eligible children aged 2-17 for basic dental services over a period of two calendar years.

If you receive Family Tax Benefit A, you can probably access this free

dental care - and if you call Pakenham Dental Surgery with your Medicare number, they will be able to confirm your child’s eligibility.

Dr Zhang recommended introducing children to the dentist early, at around three years old.

“A lot of people are quite anxious, and we pride ourselves in making them as comfortable as we can.

“We recommend they come in at three or four, even if they come and watch mum or dad get a check-up and then they can have a ride on the chair and go up and down. Then they know who we are, what we do and what to expect.

“It’s about preventing things happening. We do sometimes see the parent bringing in the child, and they are very much in pain and we have to do something drastic in their first dental appointment - that’s not an ideal situation for anyone. The dentist is not meant to be a scary place and we don’t want to create a bad experience.”

To help prevent any issues arising, Dr Zhang recommends check-ups every six months and encourages parents to brush and floss their child’s teeth.

“By the time they are five or six, kids’ teeth change very quickly and we want to keep on top of things.

“If the teeth start getting wobbly, but

don’t fall out in time it can affect the position of adult teeth so sometimes we do need to intervene to prevent problems with placement down the track.”

Dr Zhang also encourages parents to get a properly fitted mouthguard to protect children’s teeth during sport.

“We’ve seen a lot of footy injuries.

It’s really a small cost for a mouthguard that can prevent a lot of problems down the track,” Dr Zhang said.

To find out if you are eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule, contact Pakenham Dental Surgery.

Servicing the community for over 40 years.

Combined Dental Experience of over 70 years Between Dr. H Hocking Dr. N Pradolin Dr. A Zhang

Your Goals Are Our Goals

General & Family Dental Fillings Mouthguards Happy Gas Medicare CDBS accepted for those eligible

5941 1214 3/63 Main St., Pakenham www.pakenhamdental.com.au 12369364-CG49-17

22 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Time to

bite the bullet IF YOU’VE been considering braces or Invisalign for a while, now’s the time to bite the bullet, says Laura Hogg, Oral Health Therapist at Straight Smiles Orthodontics Pakenham.

Current studies show a positive correlation between misaligned teeth and increased risk of dental conditions such as tooth decay and periodontal disease (gingivitis).

“Alongside being a great confidence booster, orthodontic treatment has many hidden benefits that you may not have even thought about,” Ms Hogg said.

“Who would have known - not only will having straight teeth make everyday tasks such as brushing and flossing easier, it does a lot for your self-confidence too.”

“With gingivitis being one of the most common adverse oral health conditions and straight teeth making it easier to treat, now is a good time to get the orthodontic ball rolling.”

“With Christmas just around the corner now, there couldn’t be a better time to treat yourself with a straight smile.”

SPECIALIST ORTHODONTIC CARE

When You Imagine Their Future... ...Imagine a beautiful smile!

Call our office today for a FREE Orthodontic Consultation Bulk billed X-rays

Customised treatment plan with photos

call us today to book your consultation w: straightsmiles.com.au www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

1/63 Main Street, Pakenham 190 Foster Street East, Dandenong

1300 WE SMILE 1300 93 76453

12371500-DJ49-17

Examination and Explanation

e: info@straightsmiles.com.au SUMMER 2017/2018 23

Dining

Bon Apetit Deli and Café

AMBROSIA

Bon Apetit Deli and Café offers great coffee, a delicious breakfast and lunch menu and a range of specialty groceries, all at an affordable price.

Ambrosia provides an inspirational, innovative and exciting eating and drinking establishment for those in the area, and to allow the availability of high quality catering provisions for the home.

Recently under new management, Bon Apetit boasts a great chef with more than 35 years’ experience in the industry, and an experienced staff.

Meals are made using the freshest ingredients, and the deli is fully stocked with fresh hams, salami, olives, antipasto mixes, cheeses and dips.

Trios Sports Club

Embracing a ‘tapa’ and ‘share platter’ style of dining, we source new and varied ingredients from Australia and overseas, whilst also offering the more traditional dishes we all love.

We also offer a large selection of local and imported wines as well as an extensive boutique beer & tap selection, making an experience at ambrosia café-bar-foodstore difficult to beat. 2017 Events festive menus. Sunset cocktails, private spaces and devine menus. Book Today.

Stock up on your deli items and enjoy a snack, meal or great coffee while you are there.

Families and children are most welcome at the café.

OPEN: MON-FRID: 11:30AM–9:30PM SAT-SUN 8:30AM–9:30PM

OPEN: SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. SHOPPING CENTRE HOURS. ADDRESS: SHOP F152 CASEY CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTRE 400 NARRE WARREN-CRANBOURNE ROAD NARRE WARREN SOUTH

ADDRESS: 13/84 BEMERSYDE DR, BERWICK TELEPHONE: 9702 0044

Come and experience our exiting new menu. We are sure there is something that your taste buds will savour. We still have the same great dishes that have been enjoyed over many years: Breads, Pasta, Pizzas, Parmas, Surf n Turf, Fisherman’s Combo etc. Don’t forget our extensive dessert selection if you have the room.

Our kids meal deals are a favourite: Includes a drink and dixi cup ice cream with any of the following meals. Chicken Nuggets, Ham and Pineapple Pizza, Mac and Cheese Bites, Crumbed Fish Bites, Mini Dagwood Dogs, Grilled Chicken Skewers or Penne Carbonara.

Seniors meals are available for lunch 7 days and for dinner Sunday to Thursday (excludes public holidays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and major race days).

Our getaway / experience for our Bistro diners is focused for the whole family. They change every month, so make sure you check out the posters and place your entry into the barrel located within the dining room.

Trios membership is free to join. Take advantage of our rewards and join today to receive discounts on food and beverage.

We’ll see you at the Club soon!

WEBSITE: AMBROSIACAFE.COM.AU

12371920-RC49-17

OPEN: Sunday to Thursday 9am – 1am, Friday & Saturday 9am – 3am ADDRESS: 30 Grant Street Cranbourne, Vic 3977 TELEPHONE: 03 5996 3233 WEBSITE: www.triossportsclub.com.au

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12371995-LB47-17

Check out our Facebook page for more information.

Cranbourne’s Number One Destination Venue

12371436-RA49-17

Fami ly

DEEPAM One of the best Indian restaurants in Melbourne Our authentic Indian Menu offers a delicious range of Indian specialities and caters for both Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals for both Dine in and Takeaway.

Since our inception in 2002 Deepam Indian restaurant has been consistently maintaining great hospitality and service.

The restaurant has seating for up to 130 people, for the private dining it can accommodate up to 150 people.

Deepam means “light or flame” Kartikai Deepam is the lighting of lamps on the Krittika or Kartika Nakshataram day in Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Karthigai month.

Deepam specialises in corporate functions and group bookings. Holding your next function at Deepam will ensure that it is an enjoyable and memorable occasion.

OPEN: LUNCH FRIDAY TO SUNDAY: (12.00 TO 2.30 PM) DINNER 7 NIGHTS: (5.00PM TO 10.00 PM) ADDRESS: SHOP 7/248 CLYDE ROAD, BERWICK (NEXT TO THE BERWICK SPRINGS HOTEL) TELEPHONE: 9702 6200 WEBSITE: WWW.DEEPAM.COM.AU 12371221-RC49-17

24 SUMMER 2017/2018

AC FAMILY BISTRO

Castello’s Cardinia Hotel

AC Family Bistro offers a relaxed bistro dining experience open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, showcasing our new chef and extensive new menu, all patrons are well catered for.

Tuesday’s are Kids Eat Free night which includes kids live roving entertainer and complimentary showbag to entertain the kids.

Regardless of where you hail from, you’ll be welcomed like a local at Cardinia Hotel. The hotel has all bases covered, from smart, casual dining, to ample on-site parking and prompt, friendly service. Al fresco areas are combined with a modern and spacious bistro and extensive bar to provide an overall experience of comfort, convenience and quality.

Popular nights amongst our patrons, Wednesday Steak Night and Thursday Parma & Pot Night.

Seniors are well catered for with a variety of classic home-style choices available Monday to Friday lunch. Enjoy a great night dining with family and friends accompanied by live entertainment in the bistro every Saturday night.

For enquiries and bookings please phone the club on 97888 222

Sports fans can enjoy the dedicated bar menu, TAB facilities and sporting action screened daily, along with pool comps and poker. The kids are well looked after too, with an expansive indoor/ outdoor play area, special kids’ menu and regular giveaways to keep them excited.

Features of our restaurant include a large family bistro area, large kids play area and a sports bar.

OPEN: LUNCH 7 DAYS NOON – 2:30PM DINNER SUN – THU 5:30PM – 8:30PM DINNER FRI – SAT 5:30PM – 9:00PM

Please Note: Large booking policies apply. Please contact our venue direct for further details

ADDRESS: AMSTEL CLUB 1000 CRANBOURNEFRANKSTON RD. CRANBOURNE

ADDRESS: 108 PRINCES HWY, PAKENHAM TELEPHONE: 5941 5111

TELEPHONE: 97888 222 WEBSITE: WWW.AMSTEL.ORG.AU

OPEN: 9AM - 5PM 7 DAYS

WEBSITE: castellos.com.au/venues/cardinia-hotel 12371112-RC49-17

201710108028

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SPORTS

Back at

the crease IF YOU are looking for something to keep your tweens and teens busy during the school holidays, Cranbourne Indoor Sports has you covered.

Keeping older kids occupied over the long summer holidays is a challenge that managing director Jannette Dunlop, a mother of three boys, knows all too well.

“I know with my boys, from about 10-years-old they didn’t want to go to some of the (school holiday) programs because it was too boring, but they are too young to stay at home.”

Jannette’s solution to this age-old problem is Cranbourne Indoor Sport’s School Holiday program, which is sure to be a lifesaver for both bored kids and busy parents.

This December, for three days a week, the centre will host programs for children aged 10-15, from 9am to 3pm, for just $20 per child.

Coaches will run a variety of sports including basketball, cricket, soccer, dodgeball and hockey, and children will also be able to chill out in the lounge and watch sport on the big screen.

All activities will be fully supervised and an onsite canteen will have some food options for purchase.

“It will be very team based but there will be a lot of free time as well,” Janette said.

“What we are focusing on is not only sports, but playing as a team. You might come in and not know anybody but that’s OK because you’ll get to know the other kids on the team and then have a break with them.”

The centre is easily accessible by public transport and will be open before 9am, so prior drop-offs can be made by arrangement.

Places will be limited to 60 children per day - register your interest now by calling Cranbourne Indoor Sports on 5996 5411 or sending an inquiry through www.cranbourneindoorsports.com.au Cranbourne Indoor Sports managing director Jannette Dunlop, and centre manager Robert Tinsley have the solution to keeping your older kids occupied these school holidays.

Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Belong to a team

Training Coaching & Competitions, be a part of something bigger.

Join our junior talent

• Cricket • Soccer • Netball • Junior Development Program • Sports • Parties • Events and have fun REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR OUR HOLIDAY PROGRAM Tuesday and Thursday’s throughout the Summer Holidays

Home of the

BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS FUNCTION HERE NOW Meet our state representatives

14 Smethurst Street, Cranbourne www.cranbourneindoorsports.com.au 03 5996 5411 www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

12361159-LN36-17 12364875-DJ49-17

SUMMER 2017/2018 25

party time

Festive eating

- and healthy -

IF YOU are looking for something to take to all of those Christmas breakups on your calendar, look no further than this festive - and healthy! - kiwi fruit and strawberry christmas tree platter.

Blogger Carolyn Darragh shared this recipe on her lifestyle and design website, desireempire.com Ingredients: 18 small kiwi fruit 1 punnet of strawberries Method: Peel and slice kiwi fruit into discs, reserving some skin for the tree trunk.

Arrange kiwi fruit in the shape of a Christmas tree on a platter. Making sure to leave no gaps in your tree by layering the fruit where necessary.

Place kiwi skin as shown, to form the tree trunk.

Cut the 'pointy’ end of strawberries to form mini decorations for the tree.

Use the leafy top of a strawberry to make the crowning star for the tree.

Get Casey Cardinia Kids Magazine online...

Things To do & places To go for families

For your convenience Subscribe to our FREE emagazine and get Casey Cardinia Kids Magazine on your desktop, tablet or mobile... fresh every time we publish!

le t 's

ro om

refresh

do some

good

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

IDEAS TO GIVE BACK

OF

caseycardiniakids.com.au/emagazine

SUMMER 2017/2018

A Star News Group Publication

GUMBUYA WORLD OPENS IT DOORS

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26 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education

childcare expansion for bestchance BESTCHANCE Child Family Care was recently chosen by Cardinia Shire Council to manage an additional 18 education and care services across the Cardinia Shire.

were otherwise without. In addition to care, a broad range of child and family support services were developed and delivered throughout the eastern suburbs.

bestchance Early Years services operate over 12 local government areas and include family day care, childcare and Early Years Management (EYM).

Today, bestchance delivers an innovative and holistic approach in the provision of education, care and support services across Melbourne.

These programs have experienced significant growth over the past five years, in particular the number of kindergartens under EYM program. This year, Arena Child and Family Centre was the first service bestchance had under EYM in Cardinia.

The programs operated by bestchance are structured to provide support to families and children with a particular emphasis on those experiencing vulnerability. The Parent and Community Support Program provides supported playgroups, parent counselling and emergency relief.

The increased involvement in Cardinia Shire will take bestchance’s EYM involvement to 80 from 2018. bestchance Child Family Care opened its doors to the community in 1895, offering a home for children who

The Cheshire School provides a minimum 18-month intervention program to support children from Foundation through to Grade Four, who have demonstrated significant social,

bestchance Early Years services operate over 12 local government areas, and have recently been selected to manage an additional 18 services across Cardinia Shire. emotional and behavioural problems in their mainstream schools.

In a supportive and caring environment, Cheshire helps students and families to identify the fundamental causes of a child’s issues, and to overcome the disruptive behaviours that may have become part of everyday life.

In addition to EYM, bestchance brings a range of comprehensive support services to children and families of

Cardinia Shire. bestchance will continue to consult with the local communities across the shire to ensure the services offered meet their needs and may include early intervention services, family support services and training opportunities.

For further information about bestchance services, visit www.bestchance.org.au or phone 1300 224 644.

bestchance child family care.

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Our Services:

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583 Ferntree Gully Rd Glen Waverley Victoria 3150 p (03) 8562 5100 info@bestchance.org.au

bestchance.org.au www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 27

Education

Shelley, Tamika, Jessica, Carly and Steph with children Alarna, Isla and Inara.

174420 Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

Get kids off to a

smart

Pakenham’s newest Early Learning Centre

start

Something for Everyone

EARLY childhood educator and activist, Tamika Hicks, is lifting the bar to early education in Pakenham.

Cardinia Lakes ELC is Pakenham’s newest Early Learning centre catering for children 6 weeks of age to school age. Our Early Learning centre also has 3 and 4 year old kindergarten 5 days a week 5 hours a day with access to our early learning centre hours before and after our sessions.

Her team at Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre are highly trained professionals who have a joint philosophy that focuses on getting children 'Ready for Kinder, ready for School and set for Life’.

The vision at Cardinia Lakes ELC is to be a leading example of quality community support in the Early Years.

Ms Hicks said that by providing a stimulating interest-based program and using intentional teaching practices, Cardinia Lakes equipped children with a set of skills, understandings, learning dispositions, social and cultural competence and emotional wellbeing.

Operating 52 weeks of the year CCB & CCR for eligible families Kindergarten Program 9am - 3pm with full day access from 6:30am - 7:00pm in our Early Learning Centre

Cardinia-Lakes-Early-Learning-Centre www.cardinialakeselc.com.au 28 SUMMER 2017/2018

12370775-HM49-17

3 Atlantic Drive, Pakenham VIC 3810 P: 9066 1144 E: manager@cardinialakeselc.com.au

“A child’s first five years sets them as lifelong learners. That is why our focus is teaching children through interest-based play, by intentionally teaching them the skills needed to give them the best start in life,” she said.

“Research shows that by the time a child start primary school their

educational trajectory is set.

Children who receive a quality early childhood education get on average 10 to 20 points higher on their NAPLAN scores. Our aim is to have children heading off to primary school ready for success.

“Families and the wider community are valued and welcomed participants in the Early Learning programs we provide.

We consider families to be our partners in their child’s learning and development. Together, children, families, the community and our team of educators form our broad community and we will work together to provide the best possible learning opportunities for the children.”

Cardinia Lakes Early Learning Centre educates and cares for children from six weeks of age to school age, with a 3 and 4 year old kindergarten/preschool program running five days a week, for five hours a day.

Cardinia Lakes ELC also runs school holiday programs, facilitates playgroups and runs free infant massage classes. Open daily for tours and now taking enrolments. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education

Kids on Clyde is connecting THE newly-opened Kids on Clyde Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten is connecting children and their families in Clyde North.

Michelle Thomas, who opened the centre in April with business partner and fellow kindergarten teacher Simone Gee, said she and Simone were both passionate about providing high-quality care and meeting the needs of families.

“We have core values – the child, family, and community. We know the curriculum and the framework; we are working within it every day. Myself and Simone are both kindergarten teachers and both working in the business, which sets us apart (from other centres).”

“There are lots of people moving into the area not knowing many other people. We offer a wellness program for

families, which includes morning tea once a week. We have a personal trainer that comes and does a session one night a week for parents, so they can get to know other families.

“We also have a playgroup once a week for the wider community, we have lots of grandparents attending as well as families.”

Kids on Clyde is inspired by Reggio Emelia practices.

“We are inspired by some of the beliefs and how we see childhood as not a preparation for anything, it just is. It’s the only one they get and it is up to us to protect it.”

The centre also goes to great lengths to plan meals that meet the requirements of children with different allergies and religious beliefs, working

with Nutrition Australia.

“All our meat is halal, and we have different children who are vegetarian, some can have eggs and some can’t.

We meet with families and sit down to go through the meals.”

Michelle and Simone worked closely with the builder to design Kids on Clyde to best cater to children’s needs.

“We are strong believers in our environment and aesthetically rich gardens,” Michelle said.

Kids on Clyde also offers before and after school pick-up service with St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School, which is located just one street away.

For more information head to kidsonclyde.com.au

William and Esther enjoy the custombuilt facilities at Kids on Clyde.

PICTURE: Stewart Chambers

• Cooperative Learning.

• Personalised Learning.

• Students supported in numeracy and literacy with intervention.

• Hindi taught throughout the school.

• Rangebank Primary develops all students as leaders through The Leader In Me program.

12328835-LN49-16

Rangebank Primary Cranbourne West Primary School - 110 Duff Street, Cranbourne West

Lesdon Avenue, Cranbourne 12343920-KC24-17

ook Call to b w a tour no Internaional Baccalaureate World School

03 5996 8900 03 9703 9777 www.rivercrest.vic.edu.au registrar@rivercrest.vic.edu.au Gate 5, 500 Soldiers Road CLYDE NORTH

12371359-EPJ49-17

For a personalised tour or enrolment appointment please contact the school on (03) 5996 2878

Inquiry Learning with a Chrisian World View Limited vacancies for Year 1 - Year 5 2018 New Middle Years Campus Opening 2019 (Year 6) www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 29

Education At eco Kids Early Learning Centre, every child's birthday is celebrated with a fresh, seasonal fruit cake.

The Sensory Garden at Cranbourne West Primary School is one of the projects made possible thanks to the generosity of community partners.

Wide range of Centre educates programs for students parents as well

CRANBOURNE West Primary School prides itself on the wide range of holistic and inclusive programs that are provided to ensure all students are supported to reach their full potential.

Principal Andrew Bergmeier is the driving force behind the community culture at the school and has gathered together a dedicated team of professionals from a wide range of backgrounds to meet the constantly changing needs of its students.

Affectionately known by students and staff as Mr B, he is also a strong advocate for community partnerships that strengthen students’ connections to their local community and enable them more opportunities.

Some of the community partnerships that have supported opportunities and learning at Cranbourne West Primary this year include Wolfdene, O’Brien Real Estate, Bendigo Bank, City of Casey Youth Services, Connections and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Wolfdene as a major partner has provided funding and support to enable all the school’s students to participate in The Resilience Project, a program aimed at improving mental health outcomes and thereby reducing the risks of future development of anxiety or depression.

Wolfdene also provided funding to enable all Year 1 students to participate

in swimming lessons and for all students in Years 1 to 6 to participate in educational excursions that they may otherwise have missed out on.

As many of the school’s families experience financial stress, it has been difficult over recent years to offer excursions in or near the city due to the expense of buses - fewer children were participating each year.

Jon Atchinson from Wolfdene responded to this information by offering to cover the cost of the buses so that finances wouldn’t be a barrier to participation.

This enabled students to participate in excursions to the National Gallery of Victoria, Werribee Zoo and Scienceworks, with each excursion linked with the students’ curriculum.

Along the way, some students told teachers that they had never been to a zoo or the city before.

In addition to the school's partnerships that enable students to explore their wider environment, Cranbourne West Primary School also encourages and nurtures relationships with family and community members to enable daily support programs to be run within the school.

Volunteers provide programs like Club House, Knitting Club, Library and Computer Club during playtimes.

HAMPTON Park’s eco Kids Early Learning Centre was recently recognised as achieving all components of the Victorian Government’s Early Childhood Services Achievement Program - the first ELC in the City of Casey to do so.

Co-ordinator Jennifer Sutherland said the program covered a number of indicators including healthy eating, oral health, physical activity, safe environment, safe bodies, being sun smart and tobacco control.

“The policies ensure the parents and the staff are aware of the best practices for children’s health,” Jennifer said.

All of the centre’s meals are made onsite.

“We are really conscious of sustainability and food miles. We use local produce, and we only use Australian-made and grown produce which is really important to us.”

Meals include Teriyaki Chicken, Vegetarian Singapore Noodles, Cottage Pie, Chow Mein, mini Asian meatloaf, Vegetable pasties and Veggie platters.

To meet the physical activity component, children get time outside

every day, regardless of the weather.

“As soon as they can move around, they need that exercise. We put them in gumboots, jackets and hats, and they can share that journey with nature.

“We offer similar activities inside, wriggle time, music activities, and we have a lady come twice a week to do Pilates and mini movers.”

The centre promotes safe bodies by talking to children about mental health, engaging with White Balloon Day and KidsMatter, and reading the book Everyone’s Got a Bottom.

The ELC promoted a safe environment by campaigning to get a footpath out the front so families could walk to the centre.

The centre also aims to educate parents about screen time, sun safety and tobacco. eco Kids ELC is a 100-place centre that caters for children aged sixweeks to five-years-old.

Jennifer said the centre had been working towards the Achievement Program since 2012.

“It was a long and lengthy process to complete all the areas, so we are very proud of that,” she said.

Choose the “Family Friendly” alternative..... *OPEN 6.30am- 6.30pm Monday to Friday

*Daily 3 & 4 year old Kinder *Full Day & Half Day sessions available for all ages *Intentional Play Based Curriculum including Literacy & Numeracy for all ages *Sibling & Holiday Discounts available *Free app that gives you real-time glimpses into your child’s day

286 Pound road, Hampton Park Ph: 8774 2262/ 0412 783 513 ecokidsccc@optusnet.com.au www.ecokidsccc.vic.edu.au 12370971-DJ49-17

30 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education

Special needs on board A NEW branch of Noah’s Ark has opened in Pakenham, giving local families with additional needs kids more options closer to home.

Noah’s Ark provides therapy and education for children with a disability or additional needs aged 0 to 8, while recognising that families play an important role in the children’s health and development.

They support more than 2000 children with disabilities and additional needs, and their families throughout Victoria and the ACT. Their specialists, with professional backgrounds in speech pathology, occupational therapy, education, physiotherapy, psychology and social work, are known as Key Workers.

Key Workers visit you in your home, and can help build your child's social and other skills and make sure that the important people in their lives have the information, resources and support they need to help their child learn, develop and reach their goals.

environment, at their primary school, childcare, preschool or before and after school care, or local Noah’s Ark branch.

Noah’s Ark has opened a new branch in Pakenham and also services the Casey Cardinia area from Frankston and Springvale.

Programs and services include getting ready for school, childcare or kindergarten, parent connection and support, playing together, supporting inclusion and positive behaviour, everyday skills and home modification.

Families and carers can receive services at their home or chosen

Offering 3 & 4-year-old funded kindergarten program.

Sports program

Saturday 2ndDecember 10.00am to 2.00pm

12371468-EPJ49-17

KIDS ON CLYDE OPEN DAY & CHRISTMAS FAIR You are invited come along andoftour You are invited to come to along and tour our state the art Childcare Centre some Christmas shopping our state ofand theget art Childcare Centredone andat the same time!

get some Christmas shopping done at the Have a tour of our Centre, meet our wonderful staff and find out why same time! everyone is talking about Kids on Clyde.

We are a privately owned and run centre, that offers sessional kindergarten 4 days a week as well as Have a kindergarten tour of our Centre, meet that ourattend wonderful our normal sessions for children every day.

Three qualified kindergarten teachers work alongside our highly staff and ind out why everyone is talking about qualified and caring staff.

Kids on Clyde. We are a privately owned and Present this flyer for a $50 fee discount when you enrol.* run centre, that offers sessional kindergarten 4 days a week as well as our normal kindergarten sessions for children that attend every day.

Three qualiied kindergarten teachers work alongside our highly qualiied and caring staff.

Present this lyer for a $50 fee discount when you enrol.*

Music Program Arts Program Nutritious meals Wellness program for families Speech therapist and Occupational therapist TAKING 2018 ENROLMENTS NOW! 1 Mackillop Way a tour.

Call now for Clyde North 9008 6096

1www.kidsonclyde.com.au Mackillop Way Clyde North info@kidsonclyde.com.au Like us on Facebook

9008 6096

www.kidsonclyde.com.au info@kidsonclyde.com.au Like us on Facebook 12370733-LB49-17

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 31

Education Casey Grammar offers tailored education from Prep to Year 12.

Learning with

purpose CASEY Grammar School believes there is nothing more important than the education of children.

individual learning needs, and online curriculum access for students and parents.

while developing self-confidence, imagination, curiosity and respect for others.

The Prep to Year 12 school, located in Cranbourne East, encourages its students to succeed academically, personally and socially.

The school has a specialist outdoor education program and co-curriculum activities, promoting personal development through camps, excursions, drama, arts, music and sport.

In Years 7-10, the school encourages students to take ownership of their learning through subject and elective choices.

The school offers year-level-specific programs to tap in to students’ developmental needs and interests as they move through their schooling.

There are learning extension and support programs to cater to students’

It also emphasises discovery outside of the classroom through sports, the arts and interacting with the wider community.

In the formative primary school years, the focus is on laying the foundations of literacy and numeracy through a rich and exciting curriculum

In the final years of school, experienced VCE teachers teach

students in the purpose-built VCE centre, which includes a senior common room and lecture theatre, which gives students an introduction to tertiary-style learning.

Careers staff assist senior students plan their post-school pathways, and career advice is also offered to students after results day.

To learn more about Casey Grammar, visit caseygrammar.vic.edu. au

Discover chairo Pakenham

Partnering with families to provide excellence in Christian education from Kindergarten to Year 12 Teaching and learning from a Christian worldview perspective Commited to working in close partnership with families Beautiful rural surroundings and excellent facilities Book a personal school tour to discover more 12369801-DJ49-17

• • • •

Learning That Lasts a Lifetime www.chairo.vic.edu.au 32 SUMMER 2017/2018

12361083-HM36-17

585 Bald Hill Road, Nar Nar Goon 5942 5632 • enrolments@chairo.vic.edu.au

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Education St Margaret's and Berwick Grammar School encourages its students to strive for excellence.

Maximising What makes a good school great?

AT St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School, Principal Annette Rome says highly skilled teachers, a strong sense of identity and purpose, strong relationships and an active, engaged academic community that thirsts for continuous improvement are key elements to achieving a great school.

“In a world where schools are tasked with teaching children to be critical thinkers, creative and considered citizens of our planet, there needs to be an exploration regarding the purpose of education - is it to maximise life choices

life choices for children

for young people in relation to employment or is it to make the world a better place? My personal opinion is that schools can do both,” Ms Rome said.

“One opportunity to do this is through a strategic planning process. The year has been spent listening to all the voices that make up our St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School community.

While a school such as ours has not only excellent NAPLAN, VCE and other academic results, we must not rest on laurels.

“The challenge is particularly

fascinating when already the school is recognised for its exemplary participation and success in STEM programs including space, engineering and technology related innovation.

Likewise, its unique blend of coeducation and single sex schooling positions it to respond nimbly to research on excellence in schooling.”

“For us, this reflection has meant some key initiatives, we will continue to work on Global Citizenship by developing the Global Citizenship Certificate. This will build on the PYP experiences of our students and the rich

cultural diversity that fuels our community.”

Next year St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar will launch its Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, a facility that will work with its teachers and teachers around the world achieve a wide understanding of good teaching and good learning.

“At St Margaret’s and Berwick Grammar School, we strive to be the best self, now and in the future, for the betterment of all humanity and the planet,” Ms Rome said.

Swimland for

water safety PAUL Sadler Swimland will once again take part in Swim Australia’s national initiative ‘SwimSAFER Week’ to ensure students know how to survive and be safe around water.

SwimSAFER Week aims to educate Australians about water safety and drowning prevention.

The summer holidays are Australia’s peak drowning period.

Approximately one-third of yearly drowning deaths occur in the summer months and for every child drowning death, there are up to four children admitted to hospital as a result of a

non-fatal drowning incident.

At Paul Sadler Swimland, swimmers focus on water safety and survival through special age-appropriate activities.

Paul Sadler Swimland is passionate about teaching its swimmers to survive in and be safe around the water. The program strongly reflects this, with each certificate including a survival component.

ENROL NOW for 2018

Think about water safety this summer and plan ahead in order to minimise potential risks.

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE Coeducational Junior Campus, Girls Senior Campus, Boys Senior Campus.

Present this voucher at reception to claim your discount.

Valid for new customers only.

For more information and to book a School Tour please contact our Registrar on 9703 8111.

St Margaret’s School, Gloucester Avenue Berwick Coeducational Pre-Prep to Year 6, Girls Year 7 to 12

Swimland?

Why • Deep water survival • Heated water and air •

Berwick Grammar School, Tivendale Road Oficer

• Unlimited make up lessons • • Nationally accredited and extensively trained team •

9782 9444 | 149 Hall Road | Carrum Downs 8790 5540 | 101 Seebeck Drive | Narre Warren

Boys Year 7 to 12 12371612-DJ49-17

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

www.stmargarets.vic.edu.au

paulsadlerswimland.com 12370875-LB45-17

SUMMER 2017/2018 33

Education

Encouraged to

achieve their best

By Jade Glen

captains, tech and assembly captains and a chaplaincy captain.

ST PAUL’S Anglican Grammar’s Warragul campus is experiencing record enrolments in its junior school and it’s not hard to see why.

“If we want them to develop leadership skills, everyone needs that opportunity,” Mr van Raay said.

Students are also encouraged to form a club about a particular interest, encompassing anything and everything from Minecraft to mechanics to Irish dance, girl’s football, orienteering, and a boy’s dance crew. Staff help students facilitate their club and supervise it during recess or lunch.

The school has something to offer every student, whatever their interests, abilities or skill level.

Head of Junior School Rowan van Raay said the school strived to build relationships and family involvement right from the beginning.

“It’s really about tapping in to their interests,” Mr van Raay said. “There are so many things on offer.”

“We aim for everyone that walks in to feel welcome,” he said.

“We are really pro-active with our pastoral care and collectively work to support students. We all work together and interact with and care for every student.”

Each term students fill out a short questionnaire, which helps the staff identify how safe and supported students are feeling and ensures they are aware of all the social nuances of the classroom.

The Horizons Centre provides enrichment and support for students; anyone with differing needs in maths and literacy will be put on an Individual Learning Program and will receive help in achieving their goals in small groups of 10-12.

The centre also offers enrichment to students who are skilled in certain subjects and able to be challenged in addition to the regular curriculum.

The Junior School has a strong focus on performing arts, with a specialist teacher for drama, music, dance and art, as well as STEM, with robotics introduced right from the beginning and the school recently hosting the 2017 RoboCup Junior regional finals.

We are welcom i ng students and on the opposi te sayi ng go odbye; that ' s the uniqu eness of K- ...

12

Students are also supported in accessing external competitions, such as the Mathematical Olympiad, Tournament of Minds, public speaking

In term four, while the school welcomes its youngest students starting their transition in to Prep, the Junior School also hosts an afternoon tea for the Year 12 students about to graduate and leave St Paul’s.

Year 12 students who came through the Junior School are invited back to reminisce, look through old photos and chat to their former teachers.

and writing competitions.

“The Year 12s always say it goes so quick,” Mr van Raay said.

In Grade 6, every student is a captain - from school SRC, to drama, library, sport and house captains, class

“We are welcoming students and on the opposite saying goodbye; that’s the uniqueness of K-12.”

ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN FOR 2019 with limited places available in some year levels for 2018

12367984-RC49-17

The journey begins at St Paul’s

With two buses running from the Cardinia Shire and over 90 students currently travelling daily to St Paul’s Warragul Campus, we invite you to discover what makes St Paul’s one of Australia’s leading regional schools.

150 BOWEN STREET, WARRAGUL | 03 5623 5833 For a personalised tour of either the St Paul’s Junior School or Secondary School we invite you to contact our Head of Admissions on admissions@stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

stpaulsags.vic.edu.au 34 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Shop til you

drop

Get your Christmas gifts wrapped for a gold coin donation at Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre - 100 per cent of funds raised go to Very Special Kids.

Waverley Gardens

has Christmas all wrapped up CHRISTMAS is often about receiving but the true spirit of Christmas is about giving.

That’s why Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre has partnered with not-for-profit organisation Very Special Kids to support families in need during this special time of year.

The centre will rollout a range of family-friendly festive activities that will allow its visitors to get behind a truly wonderful cause.

Established in 1985, Very Special Kids cares for children with life-threatening conditions by providing a children’s hospice and professional support services completely free of charge to families. Being the only children’s

hospice in the state, it helps more than 950 families across Victoria and requires more than $7 million each year to operate.

“Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre is much more than just a shopping centre. We are about creating a community for families and giving back is a huge part of it. We are excited to partner with Very Special Kids and help them to continue their great work. There will be a range of fun activities throughout the centre such as Santa’s Workshop and a Wishing Tree that also offer our visitors an opportunity to support a fantastic cause,” Jodie-Lee Murphy, the centre's marketing manager said.

Waverley Gardens’ Christmas celebrations will launch with the exciting arrival of Santa’s workshop.

It will host Photos with Santa and Letters to Santa where kids can be entertained while waiting for their photos by writing a letter to Santa and decorating the Christmas tree.

The centre has gifted free photo vouchers to Very Special Kids registered families so they can have their own Christmas moment with ease. A Very Special Kids Christmas Wishing Tree will be installed as well where you can donate $5 for a wish card and write a Christmas message, which will be collected and given to the children in the hospice.

Rewards on offer at

a minimum of $30 in one transaction at any participating specialty store and collect a stamp.

Marriott Waters Shopping Centre, located on Thompsons Road, Lyndhurst, has launched its new Marriott Waters Rewards App that will reward shoppers with $10 Woolworths vouchers as well as random prizes and give-aways.

Once they reach 30 stamps, shoppers are rewarded with a $10 Woolworths gift card.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Bargain hunters haven’t been forgotten either. Waverley Gardens Shopping Centre has created an unique 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar where customers can take advantage of a different and exclusive offer everyday between 1 December and 12 December.

So there is no reason for not getting your Christmas shopping done early this year.

Marriott Waters

MAKE your dollars work harder this Christmas with rewards at Marriott Waters Shopping Centre.

Customers simply download the app, spend

For the last minute Christmas shoppers, a gift wrapping station is at Waverley Gardens from 16 to 24 December. For just a gold coin donation per item, you will not only save yourself the headaches but also supporting a great cause as 100 per cent of donations collected will go towards Very Special Kids.

More than 30 specialty stores involved in the loyalty program including restaurants and takeaway food, health and beauty services and gift shops, news and lotto.

Marriott Waters is home to some unique businesses including Victoria’s only 100 per cent gluten-free butchers, Brian’s Meats; a raw-food, sugar and gluten-free cafe, Earthy Eating; and multi-award winning hairdresser, Zarr Hair. For the sweet tooths, Sweeties Choice Lolly Shop has a range of international lollies and drinks such as Hershy’s, Pop Tarts, Razzles, Irn-Bru and Cherry Cola.

SUMMER 2017/2018 35

reality bites

SAY WHAT! We asked ...

you answered!

Wo r d s fa il u s .. .

CCK: What words do your ? kids always mispronounce y the (or what words did used to mispronounce?) l he says Caroline: Titty for tv! Cute unti a poor and my" mum , titty ll “that’s a sma !! you de woman is breastfeeding besi ng eati Yolanda: When my nephew was e wer es grap the some fruit salad and $ers“ slippery it was “slippery little f@# instead of suckers. latest is Shannan: My son is a riot our careful not ’re you if So . stick “dick“ for he’ll poke you with a dick.

-Bee-JayRachel: We used to go to Hay JB hifi. old ng bori just Five but now it’s year 6.5 my ning Shantrel: Every mor “.

Wix eat “Wh his for old asks ’t do the Stephen: My two year old can F.... “t“ sound so Truck sounds like rs“ now Megan: I miss the “happycopte ters cop heli that my son can say properly. say ‘Shoe Kathryn: My daughter used to bears’ for strawberries. for Megan: My little one calls out it. ‘duddles!!!’ Love always Cas: B-fruit (beetroot) haha was rite! my favo instead of Penni: My kids all say instinct T-Rexs are extinct. “Mum, did you know instinct?“

can’t Caitlin: Clock. Miss 20 months pronounce the ’L’. has Kerryn: One of my 18 month olds get the e sinc ” ggy “Ga dy dad called her ”. ddy “Da go! Her two sisters say ers, Jodi: My three girls eat cumcub walk and ning mor ry have breskist eve . tfath poo the on .

Alicia: Bumlips instead of lip balm n now Melinda: Effalunt (elephant) eve at 6. es!

Rhonda: Wobblies for wallabi bikini. ed call be to used i Mel: Zucchin Hehe. onalds!

Samantha: McDangles for McD it’ Kaitlyn: Toilet pronounced - ’wet n’t for Will w. elbo for bow Deonetta: Arm will not. t they say.

Heidi: Truck! U can guess wha

weighs down

mum

By Lia Spencer I RECENTLY read that actress Jennifer Garner holds an annual Yes Day for her family.

Inspired by Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s book by the same name, Yes Day is quite self-explanatory: for one day, Jen says yes to every request made by her three children. I decided that I too would hold a Yes Day on the weekend, granting every wish made by my four-year-old Isla.

Why would I do such a thing? I don’t know. Maybe because my husband was away for the weekend and I was looking for something different to do.

Maybe because I thought it would be a fun bonding experience. Or maybe because I’m a sleep-deprived mum and make silly decisions when I’m tired.

While Jen told her children that she would say yes to everything they asked, I decided to keep that important detail 36 SUMMER 2017/2018

to myself. Thank God Isla didn’t know because I am not sure how much more I could have handled mentally, and physically, in 24 hours.

Our Yes Day began as soon as the sun rose on Saturday. My five-month old son Louis had just woken, so came Isla’s first request: could she have my phone to watch cartoons while I fed Louis? Yes. Next came breakfast. Isla asked for jam on toast. Easy enough. But then, as though she had magical powers and sensed my vulnerability, she asked for an icypole. Isla hasn’t asked for one in months, but as Murphy’s Law would have it, today was the day she would ask for the sweet treat before 8.30am.

Luckily, Isla only had a few mouthfuls and decided she didn’t want anymore, but I think it was enough sugar to send her into overdrive.

By 9am, the fun had only just begun.

Isla hurled requests at me right, left and

centre, and I couldn’t dodge a single one.

At 9.45 she asked if we could go to the toyshop that day.

At 9.50 she asked for another snack.

At 9.53 she asked me to colour her a picture.

At 10am she asked to watch Barbie on Netflix. Actually, Doc McStuffins.

Scratch that, make it Barbie again.

At 10.03 she wanted another snack.

At 10.04 she asked me to pick up the toys she had dropped on the floor beside her.

At 10.15 she found me hiding in the pantry, sipping my coffee in peace, and asked me about the toyshop again.

Each request hit me harder and harder until I felt like crawling into a ball, with my hands over my head, and beg for mercy. I nearly pulled the pin on Yes Day by noon, but decided to push through. If Jen could do it, I could too.

We met a friend for lunch (Isla got a berry smoothie), went to a playground, sat in the sunshine and finally, found a toyshop where Isla took her own money from her birthday and bought a little doll.

We rounded the day off with tacos for tea (Isla’s choice of course), an impromptu concert in the living room and finally, a sleepover in my bed.

If this little social experiment was meant to teach me anything, it just redefined what I already knew.

Children need boundaries! But they also find joy in such small things. While I often try to incorporate fun activities into our everyday lives, maybe I just need to take more time out of my week to push the laundry or dishes aside and do more of what makes my children happy- like colouring pictures or dancing and singing in the livingroom. Maybe, I need to say ‘yes’ a little more often, just not to Every. Single. Thing. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

reality bites

otte 7, Poppy 2, ily 5, Shelby 11, Charl AMBERS Pictures: STEWART CH

left, Em r brood of six: from Alicia Dixon and he . s) and MJ Alex, 4 months (in arm

Born big at home

By Jade Glen ALICIA Dixon says giving birth at home is an empowering experience.

The Berwick mum-of-six has birthed three of her babies in hospital and three at home with the assistance of a private midwife - and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alicia’s eldest daughters, Shelby, 11, and Charlotte, 7, were delivered with straightforward, low-intervention hospital births, although both were bigger babies, born at 3.9kg and 4.5kg respectively.

Her next daughter, Emily, now 5, was slightly different.

“I had prodromal labour, it would stop and start and that went on for three weeks. I would labour for five or six hours and then just stop. In the end, when it actually kicked in, it was under three hours from start to finish - she was born within 20 minutes of us arriving at hospital,” Alicia said.

Emily was 4.8kg.

When she discovered she was pregnant again with Michael, now 3, Alicia decided to look at birthing at home.

“There were several factors that influenced my decision - number one is I really like low to no intervention births.

With Emily I had to fight to keep it low intervention because of the prodromal labour and because she was overdue.

I was under a lot of pressure to be induced ... I just felt very stressed and bullied.”

Alicia started emailing private midwives. While some were unable www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

to assist her due to her history of fetal macrosomia (the term given to babies weighing over 4kg on delivery) she soon found support from private midwife Joy Johnston.

“She was more than happy to support my home birth with Michael. I ended up having a very quick, low fuss, low intervention homebirth in my lounge room. He was 4.98 kilos,” Alicia said.

“Joy arrived at 1pm and he was born at 2.20pm. Basically she sat there quietly and watched and listened. She said if you want to get in the pool, get in the pool ... I was pushing almost as soon as I got in.

“It was empowering - as soon as he was born I just wanted to run out to the street and scream I just had a baby!”

Alicia said birthing at home also gave her more confidence parenting her newborn.

“It felt very instinctual - it didn’t feel like I needed advice from anyone else.”

By the time Alicia fell pregnant again, Joy had retired from attending homebirths. The family had moved to Berwick, and Alicia tried to get in Casey’s homebirth program, but was ineligible because of her BMI and history of fetal macrosomia.

Joy recommended Martina Gorner, of ten moons midwifery, who she had mentored.

As her baby was breech, towards the end of the pregnancy Alicia had an ECV at Monash to turn her baby.

The ECV was successful.

“Just after 40 weeks, I felt like I was in labour. I still had MJ at home, and he was still breastfed. I was hoping to get

Alicia Dixon with baby Alex, who tipped the scales at over 5 kilograms at birth .

him to sleep, labour through the night, and when he woke up he would have a baby sister.”

It all stalled around sunrise, so MJ went to Alicia’s mum’s house for the day.

“I muddled around the house and Mick was doing things out the back.

It started ramping up about 12pm I called the midwife and she said she would come in half an hour. I hung up and Mick snuck around the corner and called and said come now.

“When Mick got home, I told him I was going for a walk around the park.

A friend ordered curry and sent it to my house - a pre-baby gift. I remember waking up and having a pain in my stomach and thinking maybe the curry doesn’t agree with me.”

Alicia got up to go the toilet in the early hours of the morning and had a contraction.

Poppy was 4.5kg and Alicia felt on top of the world.

At 3.30am she contacted Martina, who arrived around 4am. She checked the baby’s heart rate and sat in the lounge room, letting Alicia labour unencumbered in the shower and bedroom.

“I think even more so (than previous births) because I got that far without any assistance.

Alicia said the delivery felt more challenging because of her baby’s position.

“I could guide her head out, and I felt like I did it all myself, I felt really empowered. Mick is very squeamish when it comes to that, but he was right there.”

“He had his hand up by his face the whole time; it felt like he wasn’t going anywhere,” she said.

“She came just as Poppy’s head was crowning.”

When Poppy was almost one year old, Alicia found out she was pregnant again.

“It was just tired - obviously I had five kids in six years so I was tired!” Alicia said.

Once again, Alicia went back to Martina of ten moons midwifery. Her pregnancy progressed with no issues and once she reached 10 days past her due date, she felt she was in for a well-deserved day of relaxation.

“I sent my kids to mum's house on the Friday morning - even though I wasn’t in labour, I just wanted to lie in bed and eat and watch Netflix.

“It took a long time, once his face was born, for the rest of him to get out.

I think it was just hard for him to move through because of the position.”

Baby Alexander was born at 6.38am weighing an impressive 5.06kg, or 11lb 2oz in the old scale. He was also quite tall, at 56cm long.

“I felt empowered, but tired and sore,” Alicia said.

After having a posterior tongue tie corrected at three-weeks old, Alicia said baby Alex was now thriving and was the apple of his older siblings' eyes.

“They all absolutely idolise him,” she said.

SUMMER 2017/2018 37

reality bites

Berwick mother of two Abbey Madden has a refreshing take on easing the burden of perinatal anxiety, as ALECIA PINNER discovers.

Help is at hand for

anxiety AT its worst, Abbey Madden’s battle with perinatal anxiety was so bad, the Berwick mother thought she was dying.

A stickler for being prepared, Abbey, 33, said a family history of mental health issues inspired her to seek advice from her doctor and obstetrician as soon as she fell pregnant with her first daughter Amelia, in 2014.

Abbey’s grandmother was hospitalised for three months after birthing her first baby and 18 months after her second. Abbey’s mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2013.

“I couldn’t bury my head in the sand but I thought if I had all the information and I’d done all the research there would be less chance that it would happen to me.”

Although Abbey enjoyed her pregnancy, a run of bad luck meant her first steps into motherhood were trying, to say the least.

In Abbey’s final trimester, her mother suffered a mental health relapse and was hospitalised. Her father also required urgent medical help when doctors detected a heart condition around the time of Amelia’s birth.

“So, I had Mum, who couldn’t be alone or take care of herself, Dad, who was going in for a triple bypass and a two-day-old baby.”

Abbey, still recovering from childbirth, travelled to the hospital each day to be by her father’s side.

“I would drive down to Clayton and leave Amelia in the car with either my best friend or my husband while I went to see my Dad. I couldn’t take her into the hospital because she was too new.”

As the external pressure grew, anxiety crept into Abbey’s life, in the form of concerns about Amelia’s sleeping habits.

“It would consume me in a way that, if she wasn’t asleep, I would wonder why and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

“I would sit out the front of her bedroom door and even though she was a brilliant sleeper, I had her at sleep school at three months.”

“All you can do is eat, sleep, feed. I couldn’t even so much as make a shopping list and I’m a really organised person who manages big teams of people. I couldn’t remember anything. I felt like I was losing my mind.

“I was convinced they were going to take Amelia off me because I was not going to be able to mother her. Fear feeds anxiety so it was just a really vicious cycle.”

Abbey finally visited her doctor, who diagnosed generalised postnatal anxiety, prescribed medication and recommended public health support services. Abbey felt the services were lacking in practical advice.

“I do talk about things, for me it’s not a matter of opening up, I just needed to learn ways to cope and at that time, coping strategies were not offered.”

The anxiety slowly subsided but similar symptoms emerged following the birth of her second daughter, Charlotte, late last year.

After reading about GLOW clinic, established in Berwick by psychiatrists Lucinda Smith and Adaobi Udechuku, Abbey sought advice from Dr Udechuku.

“It has been brilliant for me because it is a holistic approach to postnatal anxiety.”

Medication, counselling, mindfulness techniques, nutrition advice, explanations about the physiology of anxiety and muscle relaxation exercises have aided Abbey in her recovery.

However, she fears a lack of public system funding means quality services like those offered at GLOW aren’t accessible to everyone.

Abbey believes some money could be reallocated from the prenatal and breastfeeding education budget.

“There are plenty of prenatal classes, where you and your husband talk through labour. There is nothing you can do about labour; the kid’s coming out whether you like it or not, whichever way works for it and you.

“I get vomiting and lockjaw and everything sort of seizes up.”

“Similarly, governments spend millions of dollars on these breastfeeding programs yet they boot mothers out of hospital less than 24 hours after they’ve had their first baby, before their milk has even come in. If you supported the mothers until their milk came in, I guarantee, you’d have less people giving up breastfeeding.”

Abbey felt she was living a “primal” existence.

Abbey said new parents shouldn’t have to seek out assistance for their

Abbey thought it was “just a bit of stress or anxiety” until she arrived at a location and didn’t remember driving there. Physical symptoms also set in.

38 SUMMER 2017/2018

Berwick mum Abbey Madden with children Amelia and Charlotte. mental health.

“It should be that once you’ve had a baby, you go and spend a couple of days with someone who goes through sleep settling, feeding and emotional issues with you. That would be so sensible.”

It was disappointing that services such as the PANDA National Perinatal Depression Helpline were only available during business hours due to a lack of resources, she added.

“Whose problems happen between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Friday? It’s 4am on a Sunday, when you’re a basket case.”

A lack of quality resources and social changes meant new mothers who once would have relied on live-in mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts were now taking unproven advice from online forums and felt conflicted and pressured about returning to work, Abbey said.

Dr Smith agreed.

“Less regular access to new parents’ own mothers, fathers, grandparents and extended older relatives is contributing to a reduction in parenting knowledge and what’s normal for babies. This can lead to reduced confidence in parents, more worry and anxiety.”

She said the problem was commonly exacerbated when new parents had moved away from their childhood homes and communities to access affordable housing.

New parents were missing out on practical help with babysitting, housework and meals and more importantly, on having another person present, so that they didn’t feel burdened, lonely and exhausted.

“The toll this takes on relationships is huge. I felt left alone, lonely and let down. I was so resentful. We will do some couples counselling at GLOW Clinic, just to make ourselves even stronger.”

Thankfully, Abbey’s parents are well and have been great support since Charlotte’s birth.

Dr Udechuku said parents were looking for a contemporary approach to health that focused on wellness, not just illness.

“Mothers like Abbey were the inspiration for creating GLOW. We address the entire health spectrum from optimising wellbeing right through to significant psychological illness.”

Reducing stigma through balanced media coverage and screening to detect affected parents were vital measures which would help those impacted.

Dr Udechuku added that the likelihood of suffering from perinatal depression and anxiety was higher among those who felt isolated but the conditions were highly treatable.

“With the correct care, self-care and supports the vast majority of affected parents improve and with increased awareness and early intervention it can often be prevented from occurring again with subsequent children.”

Abbey said she remained reluctant to have any more children.

“My priority lies with being the best mum for these two girls and it was worse the second time, so my fear is where I’d end up the third time.”

“Feeling they are doing it alone can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression and impair bonding with their baby,” Dr Smith said.

Instead, when she is better, Abbey plans to draw on her advertising background to raise awareness of perinatal anxiety and to be a strong role model for women with the condition.

Household pressures extended to new fathers who often felt responsible for financially supporting their growing family.

“There’s something about creating new humans which should be a priority but the campaign needs a lack of hysteria about it.

“This in turn, can contribute to marital conflict over the balance between working hours and family time and is a major cause of anxiety, stress and depression in new fathers who may feel unable to meet these competing demands.”

“It’s not about everyone sitting around sombre, drowning our sorrows, eating muffins and chocolate - it’s about empowering women. The cause needs more positive women who are out the other side, with big smiles on their faces!”

Abbey and her husband, Matthew, are working hard to be there for each other.

GLOW Clinic provides psychology, allied health and wellness services for parents from the time of preconception until children are in kindergarten. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

reality bites

Little Loic's brave

Little Loic has overcome a difficult beginning.

Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

fi ghtback Rochelle Euphie, and Loic

By Jade Glen ROCHELLE Montgomery says her son, Loic, is the bravest person she knows.

labour. She and her partner, Haydn, also experienced a devastating miscarriage in early 2016.

“It broke my heart to not be able to hold him ... . all I could do was hold his little hand through the hole in the crib and rub his sweet little cheek.”

routine and kindergarten days continued as normal.

Rochelle and Haydn did not get much sleep that night, with Rochelle expressing breast milk every three hours and Haydn running it across to the special care nursery to Loic.

“Our boy is a fighter with a joker’s spirit ... he started feeding like a champ, smiling at the nurses at only a week old, being a sticky beak and checking out the other visitors in his room,” Rochelle said.

After a dramatic entrance to the world, little Loic was in Casey Hospital’s Special Care Nursery when he suffered a seizure in his mother’s arms.

“Despite my fears, the pregnancy progressed exceptionally well. Two days before my due date my blood pressure was slightly elevated, so they decided to induce me, just to be safe,” Rochelle said.

He was transferred to Monash Children’s Hospital, staying for more than three weeks while doctors investigated what caused his seizure.

“My labour progressed reasonably well, and after five hours it was time to push. I was pushing for an hour, to no avail.

“The next morning, I finally got to have a cuddle and he got to meet his big sister - we were so happy,” Rochelle said.

“Every test under the sun,” Rochelle said.

“My son started going into distress, and they also noticed that he had the cord wrapped around his neck. They used vaccuum suction to get him out and called a Code Blue. He had the cord wrapped four times tightly (around his neck), was non-responsive and completely floppy. I was haemorrhaging and my blood pressure dropping quickly.

Their happiness was soon cut short, as later that day Rochelle was holding Loic when he had a seizure.

“We had to eliminate bacterial and viral infections, electrolyte imbalances, you name it. Everything came back clear until he was sent for an MRI. It was a Saturday morning and the doctor pulled us into a meeting room.

He showed us images of Loic’s MRI and showed us areas of his tiny little brain that were showing damage. The lack of oxygen at birth had caused a vessel in his brain to burst.

“Our tiny little precious boy had had a stroke.”

A lack of oxygen during birth was considered the likely cause of Loic’s stroke.

Rochelle was anxious during her pregnancy with Loic as her eldest daughter, Euphemia, was born via emergency caesarean after a long www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

“The room filled with at least 30 people. I lay there with tears in my eyes as I watched them actively resuscitating my baby for what seemed like an eternity (it was for around 10 mins).

I was begging and praying to hear a cry from him and finally it came.”

Loic was rushed to Special Care and Haydn followed. A short time later, Rochelle was allowed to see him properly for the first time; he was in an incubator and on a c-pap machine to assist his breathing.

“It was pretty horrific - it wasn’t your typical textbook seizure. He was really grizzly, and then he went limp and stopped breathing. He was on the bed just arching his back, and it was a few minutes before he started breathing again,” Rochelle said.

Loic came along in leaps and bounds during his stay at Monash.

“Six months on and he is doing amazing. We have weaned off his seizure medication just last week and so far no sign of his seizures returning (still keeping my fingers crossed) - which is a big deal for us because he was needing weekly blood tests to assess the medication levels in his blood, and it got to a point where he no longer cried when they jabbed him.

“I went in the ambulance with him it was the scariest, most tiring, painful experience of my life,” Rochelle said.

“He is also not only meeting his milestones, but meeting many of them early. He amazes both his paediatrician and physiotherapists. He is almost seven months; he sits on his own, rolls over both ways, can feed himself, is a huge piggy with his food, is almost crawling, can pull himself to stand, is trying to clap and wave and has the cheekiest and most infectious smile.

There were no facilities for parents to stay, so Rochelle and Haydn travelled back and forth from their home in Beaconsfield to be with Loic each day.

Luckily their families were able to care for Euphemia and ensure her usual

“He adores his big sister, but loves pulling her hair and laughing when she gets in trouble. He is absolutely perfect in every way. He is a warrior, a super hero, the bravest person I know. My son - stroke survivor and my hero.”

Loic was transferred to Intensive Care at Monash Children’s Hospital that evening for further monitoring.

SUMMER 2017/2018 39

PHILLIP ISLAND FEATURE

Entertainment

' S u m m er s ripe fo r an

island adventure THOSE long, lazy days of summer are just around the corner, but the folks at Phillip Island Nature Parks are doing their best to keep you busy with plenty of fun and adventure to be had with the kids right throughout these warmer months.

And the great news is that heaps of the activities are free.

The fun kicks off at the start of the New Year once everyone’s Christmas festivities are a distant memory and we’re all trying to work off that extra serve of pudding we shouldn’t have had.

Nature Parks Education Rangers are launching their free Wild Island Discoveries summer holiday program on 2 January with a series of guided walks through some of Phillip Island’s most scenic and interesting reserves.

These two-hour walks occur throughout January and include destinations such as Rhyll Inlet Wetlands, Oswin Roberts Reserve, Cape Woolamai Pinnacles and even the SS Speke shipwreck at Kitty Miller Bay.

For the crafty kids, there are some great opportunities to express their creative flair and learn about the benefits of recycling with some Recycled Art Workshops. There’s also the Bugs, Bandicoots and Digs sessions to find out about these awesome little marsupials and create some bug and bandicoot craft.

Being surrounded by spectacular coastlines, you’d expect Phillip Island to have its share of rockpools, and you’d be right. The rangers are running a series of Rockpool Rambles to uncover the secrets of maybe an elephant snail or an 11-armed sea star or any of the other amazing creatures that inhabit the rockpools. There’s even a night-time Rockpool Spotlight activity to explore the diversity and behaviour of these creatures after dark.

The wildlife lovers will get a real kick out of the Shearwater Sunset tours to watch these amazing migratory birds return to their clifftop burrows at sunset as the skies come alive with sometimes thousands of birds wheeling and

soaring effortlessly on the breezes.

Still looking up, but this time into the trees, venture out into the woodlands with the rangers on a Koala Prowl and see if you can spot a possum or even a bat as well as a koala.

Last but not least, the Bubbles not Balloons sessions on the Penguin Parade lawns are a lot of fun and also teach a valuable lesson about the harmful effect that balloons can have on the environment and so much of our marine wildlife like penguins, seals and shearwaters.

Without getting too far ahead of ourselves, you might also want to pencil in a couple of dates in March as well, as the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies is going to play host to Alice in Wonderland on 10 and 11 March, and the ever-popular Easter Fun Festival will be on again at Churchill Island from 31 March to 1 April.

For more details on these fabulous free summer holiday activities, visit www.penguins.org.au and start planning your trip to Phillip Island.

Phillip Island Nature Parks have plenty of family-friendly events to mark in the calendar this summer.

Get back to nature with our

4 PARKS PASS

and visit Phillip Island’s top attractions for one discounted price

Koala Conservation Centre

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre

$

Bundle & Save!

40 SUMMER 2017/2018

12361093-KC36-17

Penguin Parade

Bookings & tour information penguins.org.au 03 5951 2800

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Entertainment

Membership has its

benefits

IF YOU head down to Phillip Island this December, make sure you join Phillip Island RSL - you could be rewarded with a tidy $5000 or brand new Hyundai i30.

Apart from all the usual member benefits the RSL offers, there has never been a better time to renew a membership or join the RSL - it is RSL splurge time!

Simply renew or join before 22

December and be placed into the draw to win a brand new shiny Hyundai i30.

Additionally, if you renew or join for three years, you could be rewarded with $5000.

To make the most of this very exciting occasion, members are invited to come into the venue between 4pm and 7pm for a further chance to win one of four

Join Phillip Island RSL this December for your chance to win a Hyundai i30 or cash prizes. www.phillipislandrsl.com.au for more exciting member deals and forthcoming events.

$250 prizes drawn on the hour.

What a fantastic end to the year or what a great way to start 2018 - visit

Fun for all

Welcome to the family friendly Lone Pine Bistro 225 Thompson Avenue, Cowes Bookings essential: 5952 1004

at kids night out FAMILIES are the winners at Cranbourne Racecourse this summer.

Three fun-filled, family-orientated race meets will entertain the whole family.

Book online

www.phillipislandrsl.com.au

The Phillip Island RSL is a fantastic venue that features modern comfortable surrounds with a great range of food and beverage options.

Perfect for any occasions such as birthdays, wedding, functions or just a great night out.

Cranbourne Turf Club will host its Kids Summer Carnival on Friday 5 January and Friday 12 January.

The carnival events will include free Country Racing Showbags, free rides, an animal farm, face painting, and pony rides, with more to be announced closer to the date.

Gippsland beef

Gates will open at 4.30pm, with the first race kicking off at 6.30pm. All three events are free for kids aged 17 and under.

Bring your own picnic, or buy from one of the many food options on course.

Gluten free and vegetarian options

Cranbourne Racecourse is at Grant Street, Cranbourne.

Kids play room

San Remo seafood Phillip Island wines

Kids and seniors menus Fully accessible

Giddy Up - Plenty of events for families at Cranbourne Racecourse this summer.

Military memorabilia and library OPEN 7 DAYS - Lunch: noon to 2pm - Dinner: 5.30pm to 8.30pm 12371846-ACM49-17

For more information, visit www.cranbourneharness.org and www.cranbourneturfclub.com.au.

12371575-EPJ49-17

Celebrate the end of the year with Cranbourne Harness Racing Club’s Kids Night Out on Saturday 30 December, with free rides, animal farm, face painting and pony rides.

Gates will open at 5pm.

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 41

Entertainment

M ag i c c ar p e t ride to

sand sculptures Aladdin will make his way to the Frankston Waterfront this summer.

SAND Sculpting Australia will return to the Frankston Waterfront this summer with Aladdin and The Arabian Tales.

Discover the magical stories of Aladdin, Sinbad the Sailor, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and the One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, all depicted in more than 3500 tonnes of sand.

Explore the awe-inspiring sculptures of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, the Genie, Sinbad, Ali Baba and the cave of jewels and all the wonderful characters from these timeless tales.

Alongside the sand sculptures will be a range of children’s activities including sand sculpting workshops, sand art and craft activities, themed face painting and an interactive family game zone.

Twenty-one of the world’s finest sand-sculpting artists spend one

month to create this exhibition, making it a show-stopper not to be missed.

Aladdin and The Arabian Tales is open daily at 10am from Boxing Day until Wednesday, 25 April.

Tickets are available at www.sandsculpting.com.au Ticket prices are adults $14, concession $11, children $9 (or $18 for a super pass); children under 2 are free.

Last year’s exhibition attracted more than 140,000 people, with organisers expecting a recordbreaking 150,000 visitors this summer.

That’s your cue to get on your magic carpet and make your way down to the Frankston Waterfront before this limited time only display is gone!

$

GE AD NERA MIS SIOL N

Cardinia Shire 25 Kids Night Out

per fam ily

‘win a bike’ kids competition

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thursday 18th january 2018

free kids activities & Entertainment Summer racing Action hospitality packages VIP NIGht Racing passes also available PAKENHAMRACING.COM.AU Vist us! Racing.com Park, 420 Nar Nar Goon- Longwarry Road, Tynong Email us! info@pakenhamracing.com.au Call us! (03) 5940 6600 42 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

THE trendiest summer clothes, footwear, swimwear and accessories are at Billy Lidz Berwick.

Gorgeous summer arrivals make great Christmas gift ideas or perfect updates for your child’s wardrobe for those Christmas photos, parties and long summer barbecues.

Lay-buys are available over four weeks.

Billy Lidz is one of the leading retailers in the area with stylish clothes for kids aged 0 to 14, as well as a selection of gifts, toys and decor.

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Visit Billy Lidz in Blackburne Square, Berwick, to check out the latest range. Happy shopping!

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FASHIONS IN STORE NOW PLUS GREAT GIFT IDEAS OPEN Mon - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm Shop 6, Blackburne Square, Berwick Phone: 9707 5593 www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 43

44 SUMMER 2017/2018

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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 45

Games and gadgets

The Langelaan family in their garden.

From left: Tahlia, Nathan, Kara (Mum), Toby, Dan (Dad), Jacob and Blake.

A magical Christmas gift for your little ones

24 – 25 JANUARY BUNJIL PLACE NARRE WARREN BOOK NOW 03 9705 5200 or bunjilplace.com.au ECT PERF ES AG FOR 0 3–1

The Storytime Ballet series is generously supported by The James and Diana Ramsay Foundation and Gandel Philanthropy.

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46 SUMMER 2017/2018

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Games and gadgets

Nathan on his tractor/ front-end loader.

Toby playing with his toys in the garden.

ACTIVE LIFE SPORT and homegrown fun in the back yard reign surpreme in the Langelaan household. The Narre Warren North family are members of Berwick Little Athletics and the Endeavour Hills Eagles and also enjoy family bike rides and

Jacob who loves his footy.

runs around Lysterfield Lake.

Here, the family of seven - Dan, Kara and kids Tahlia, 10, Jacob, 8, Blake, 5, Nathan, 4, and Toby, 8 months, share a few of their favourite things.

Nathan - who loves the chooks and getting the eggs - with mum Kara, who is giving the chooks some food.

Tahlia loves athletics, especially shot put.

Dan and Blake in the vegie patch. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

PICTURES: Gary Sissons SUMMER 2017/2018 47

Games and Christmas buys

If you are looking for good quality toys that are built to last, check out The Toy Shop.

The Toy Shop’s range of toys will bring back some happy childhood memories and are sure to entertain the whole family.

Here we’ve put together some great gift ideas for a range of ages and interests.

Browse the huge selection of toys in store at 66 High Street, Berwick or online at thetoyworkshop.com.au

Lay - by NOW for Christmas!

66 High St, Berwick 03 9796 1281 www.thetoyworkshop.com.au

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Come and visit one of Melbourne’s Finest Toy Stores and touch, feel and play with some amazing toys.

Doll Houses • Wooden Toys Educational Toys Old Fashioned Classic Toys & Puppets

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/TheToyWorkshop 48 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

stepping out in

summer

December Produce swap at Myuna Farm, Saturday 9 December, 9am-10am. Myuna Farm, 182 Kidds Road, Doveton.

Cockatoo Community Christmas Carols, Saturday 9 December, Alma Treloar Reserve, Pakenham Road, Cockatoo. 5pm-7.30pm. Free family activities including jumping castle, popcorn, fairy floss and sausage sizzle.

Pakenham Carols by Candlelight, Saturday 9 December, Toomuc Recreation Reserve, Princes Highway, Pakenham, 6pm-10.30pm. Gates open at 6pm with pre-carols entertainment by local primary schools starting at 7pm. The official program begins at 8.30pm with the Cardinia Civic Concert Band and their 30-piece ensemble. To top the night off there will be an electrifying fireworks display at about 10pm.

Santa may even make a guest appearance.

Cranbourne Community Christmas Carols, Sunday 10 December, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Corner Childers and Russell streets, Cranbourne. Bring your own chair, picnic rug and candle.There will be a craft tent for children, a free sausage sizzle and 250 free showbags for children aged 3-12.

Glenbrae Christmas Concert, Sunday 10 December, 2pm-5pm, Hallam Community Theatre, Hallam.

Tickets via www.trybooking.com.au Christmas on the Foreshore, Friday 15 December, 6pm-10pm. Tooradin Recreation Reserve, Foreshore Road, Tooradin.

Hampton Park Carols by Candlelight, Friday 15 December, 7.30pm-9.45pm. Cairns Road Reserve, Corner Cairns Road and Campbell Drive, Hampton Park.

Berwick Carols, Saturday 16 December, 7pm-9.30pm.

Edwin Flack Reserve, Manuka Road, Berwick.

Melbourne Stars Family Day, Sunday 17 December, 11am-3pm. Casey Fields 160 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East. Free event including chance to meet and get autographs from players of the Melbourne Stars male and female cricket teams, rides, kids workshops and activities, face painting, animal encounters, roving entertainers and stalls. Kids can take part in cricket clinics co-ordinated by Milo T20 Blast. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

Morning Matinee Series: Spirit of Christmas, Wednesday 20 December, 10am-12.30pm. Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham.

Tickets $20 and include morning tea.

Carols by Twilight, Sunday 24 December, 6pm9.30pm. Max Pawsey Recreation Reserve, 340-350 Princes Highway, Narre Warren.

Sand Sculpting at Frankston Waterfront, opens 10am Boxing Day, running until 25 April. Aladdin, Sinbad the Sailor, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and the One Thousand and One Arabian Nights depicted in more than 3500 tonnes of sand. Alongside the sand sculptures will be a range of children’s activities including sand sculpting workshops, sand art and craft activities, themed face painting and an interactive family game zone. Tickets are available at www.sandsculpting.com.au. Adults $14, concession $11, children $9, children under 2 free.

Please note you need to attend both sessions. For six to 12 years. Bookings essential. $30.

Cardinia Shire Kid’s Night Out, Thursday 18 January, Pakenham Racecourse, 420 Nar Nar Goon-Longwarry Road, Tynong. Gates open at 5pm.

Circus Tricks, Friday 19 January, Lynbrook Community Centre, corner Lynbrook Boulevard and Harris Street, Lynbrook. Learn how the professionals entertain with physical activity props like hoops, bean bags, skipping ropes. Keep your mind and body alert the fun way. For five to 12 years. Bookings essential.

Casey in Colour - Run for YOUth is BACK IN BLACK, Saturday 20 January, 2.30pm- 8.30pm, Grant Street, Cranbourne. Head on down to Cranbourne Turf Club for a fantastic afternoon filled with colour, fun games, food trucks and free activities. People of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in a 1.5km or 3km run. Bookings essential.

Cranbourne Harness Racing Club Kids Night Out, Saturday 30 December. Free rides including Kelly Sports, animal farm, face painting, pony rides and more to be announced. Gates open 5pm. Cranbourne Racecourse, Grant Street, Cranbourne.

Family Movie Night, Wednesday 24 January, 6.30pm8.30pm, Lynbrook Community Centre, corner Lynbrook Boulevard and Harris Street, Lynbrook. A perfect way to welcome in the long weekend. Wear your favourite PJ’s and enjoy popcorn and a poptop while watching the Emoji Movie. Free.

January

Australia Day, Friday 26 January. Check newspapers closer to date for local event details.

Cranbourne Turf Club Kids Summer Festival, Friday 5 January, Cranbourne Racecourse. $10 per adult, kids under 17 free.

February

Berwick Food Truck Rally, Sunday 7 January, 10am3pm, Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick. 20 Food Trucks and Live Music amid the beautiful Old Cheese Factory Berwick. Gold coin donation.

PETstock Adoption Day, Sunday 4 February, 10am2pm. PETstock Cranbourne, 202 Sladen Street, Cranbourne, and PETstock Pakenham, 55 Bald Hill Road, Pakenham. Pet adoption experts from local rescue groups and rescue pets for adoption.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Tuesday 9 January, 10am and noon, Bunjil Place Theatre, Narre Warren.

Suitable for children aged three and up. Book tickets at bunjilplace.com.au

Valentine’s Day at Wilsons Botanic Park, Tuesday 14 February, 6pm-9pm, Wilson Botanic Park 668 Princes Highway, Berwick. A night of live music, fun and romance. Activities and entertainment. Bring your own picnic or buy food at the event. Live music will be playing throughout the parks. Tickets $20.

Cranbourne Turf Club Kids Summer Festival, Friday 12 January, Cranbourne Racecourse. $10 per adult, kids under 17 free.

Pottery for Kids - Harry Potter, Tuesday 16 January Tuesday 23 January, Lynbrook Community Centre.

Corner Lynbrook Boulevard and Harris Street, Lynbrook. Explore the magic of clay and enjoy getting your hands dirty. Learn about firing and convert your clay into an animal, basket or jewelry masterpiece.

Cardinia Relay for Life, 23 February, 5.30pm-noon, 24 February, Toomuc Reserve, Pakenham.

Berwick Show, Saturday 24 February and Sunday 25 February, Akoonah Park, Princes Highway, Berwick.

Tickets at the gate or www.berwickshow.org.au Berwick Ute Show and Muster, Sunday 25 February, 8am-3pm, 2 Cardinia Street, Berwick.

SUMMER 2017/2018 49

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Get back to nature with a value packed Phillip Island

4 PARKS PASS

Kids Club: 10am - 1pm m 4th Friday of each month h

THOMPSON PARKWAY

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www.penguins.org.au

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Story time, craft activities, games & dancing – every month is diferent!

Cnr of Thompsons Road & South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne North. * Parents must supervise children in their care at all times.

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Contact our Head of Admissions on 5623 5833 150 Bowen Street Warragul, Victoria 3820

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173-175 McGregor Rd Pakenham E. heritagespringsshoppingvillage.com.au Ph. 9036 2855 12361803-LB36-17

50 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.caseycardiniakids.com.au

JOIN IN THE

CHRISTMAS

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FUN AT EDEN RISE

FREE CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT Date: Times: Cost:

Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd December

FREE SANTA’S ARRIVAL

FREE SANTA PHOTOS*

Date:

Sat 9th December

Date:

Sat 16th to Sun 24th December

Times:

11am to 2pm

Times:

12pm to 4pm Outside Aldi

Cost:

FREE

Cost:

FREE

11am to 2pm FREE

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAYS!* Make a purchase at any store to receive an entry in the draw.

Date:

Promotion begins 1st December and closes 22nd December at 12pm

Prize drawn daily starting 10th December Value:

Over $3000 in prizes to be won

*See website for details

BANANAS IN PYJAMAS CHRISTMAS SHOW WITH YOUR HOST JIMMY GIGGLE, PLUS SANTA’S ARRIVAL! Date: Saturday November 25th Show Time: 10.30am (approximately 40 mins) Location:

Near Target

MEET AND GREETS Dinosaur Train: 11:00am, 11:40am, 12:20pm, 1:00pm and 1:40pm.

Located near Big W (each session approx. 20 mins) Bananas in Pyjamas: 12:00pm, 12:45pm and 1:30pm.

Located near Target (each session approx. 20 mins)

© Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2017.

© Australian Broadcasting Corporation, licensed in association with Southern Star Entertainment 2017 Original song by Carey Blyton.

We cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to meet the characters or Jimmy Giggle during the meet and greet sessions. One photo per family and cameras must be ready to ensure we can provide the meet and greet to as many families as possible.

TM & © 2009 - 2017 The Jim Henson Company.

Sparky Animation Pte Ltd.

12368179-HM49-17

Jimmy Giggle: 11:15am - 1:00pm.

Located opposite Gloria Jean’s