Geelong Coast Kids Winter 2018

ZAC AND AIMEE SMITH

Jordan Ablett WORKING WITH BABES

Holiday

entertainment WHAT'S ON THIS WINTER

WINTER 2018

A Star News Group Publication

PETS AND KIDS

a 'pawfect' match

A WARM

about us . . .

welcome to winter HI everyone!

I can't believe winter is already here.

One of the best things to do at this time of year is to rug up and head to the footy. And in Geelong that means watching the Cats!

It was actually at a football function that I met the wonderful Aimee Smith, wife of Cats ruckman Zac Smith. Aimee is one of those amazing people who is genuinely interested in everyone she meets. By the end of the night we felt like lifelong friends, so it was fantastic to catch-up with her and Zac to find out how they're preparing for their first bub who is due in August. Check out our catch-up on pages 8-9.

This jam-packed edition also features the lovely Jordan Ablett, wife of Cats star Gary (pages 4-5). Jordan shares her passion for working with kids, her own childhood memories and her future plans with Gary.

Geelong over those cooler months.

Rollerskating is one of the most fun and family friendly activities you can do over winter (or any time of year actually). If you've never been, there's no reason not to get your skates on!

Rollerskating is pretty easy to learn you will be surprised by how little you fall over.

If you love the sound of rollerskating then don't miss our Rollerway competition. The skate centre is giving Geelong Coast Kids readers the chance to score one of five 'holiday to holiday' skate passes worth more than $400 each. There are also five consolation family passes to win. For your chance to win, head to Rollerway for a skate over the winter school holidays.

Also, don't forget to check out all the competitions on our Facebook page.

It's often hard to think of things to do with the kids in winter, but we've got you covered. This edition features a raft of events that are happening in

Geelong Coast Kids 1st Floor, 78 Moorabool St, Geelong, Vic 3220 Phone: 5249 6700 Fax: 5249 6799 Managing Editor Tony Galpin editorial@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 5249 6700

Creative Creative Services Manager: Chris Beale

It's Your Life

Education

A smashing birthday trend Page 29

Jordan Ablett working alongside babes Pages 4-5

A world of sensory exploration for bus Page 20

Roll your way into some family fun Page 30

Nurse's tips on respiratory illness Page 6

Everyday therapy at Noah's Ark Page 20

Pets and Kids a 'pawsome' match Page 7

GymbaROO is great for babies Page 21

Acclaimed artist's installation at wool museum Page 30

Angie's catch-up with Aimee and Zac Smith Pages 8-9

Music super for child development Page 21

At home with Alison Lester Pages 10-11

A community-led family child care solution Page 23

Parenting with Dr Maxine Thérèse Page 12

Entertainment

Mental health a worry for kids Page 15

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

Advertising Rebecca Hanneysee advertising@geelongcoastkids.com.au Phone: 5249 6708 / 0407 227 234

contents

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg's top parenting tips Page 13

Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Famous children's book comes to life Page 24 Special guest crawls into Waurn Ponds Page 25

Kids exit swimming lessons too early Page 16

Lah-lah and her band coming to Geelong Page 27

Health

Central Geelong school holiday fun Page 28

How to avoid the flu Page 17

Our 'great cake expectations' Page 29

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.

ZAC AND AIMEE SMITH

Reality Bites Jack the first boy in his mum's family in over 100 years Page 31

Fashion The story behind United By Wool Page 32

Jordan Ablett WORKING WITH BABES

Holiday

entertainment WHAT'S ON THIS WINTER

Books Reviews with the Book Bird's Sue Lawson Page 33

Kids Kalendar What's on this winter Pages 34-35

PETS AND KIDS

a 'pawfect' match

WINTER 2018

A Star News Group Publication

COVER:

Two-year-old Sebastian models some trendy clothes from United By Wool.

Picture: Louisa Jones

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WINTER 2018 3

Andreza Rodriguez with baby Bella, The Babes Project founder Helen Parker, Vienna Magan and baby Isabella Magan with Jordan Ablett.

PHOTOS: MIRANDA MAYLE

JORDAN Ablett is no stranger to the spotlight and now she's using her profile to make a real difference to vulnerable women making the joyous, but often tough, transition to motherhood.

The wife of AFL superstar Gary is the new ambassador of The Babes Project, a crisis pregnancy support service.

The important role is a natural progression for Jordan, who has worked as a teacher's aide and youth worker.

She tells Geelong Coast Kids reporter

Melissa Grant about her passion for working with children, her own childhood and her future plans with Gary.

First of all, welcome back to Victoria.

How does it feel being back here permanently with Gary?

Thank you very much! We're really happy to be back as Victoria is very much home to us. Despite missing the constant sunshine up on the Gold Coast, nothing beats being home and spending time with family.

You've recently become an ambassador for The Babes Project, a not-for-profit pregnancy support organisation. How have you been enjoying the role?

It wasn't too long ago that I sat down with Helen Parker (founder and managing director of The Babes Project) and had a really good, deep and meaningful conversation about the project and the heart and motivation behind it. As I listened to Helen, it was really obvious to me how passionate she

Jordan Ablett with The Babes Project founder Helen Parker.

is about getting alongside these women in what is a really significant season in their lives... pregnancy and becoming a mum! Instantly I knew that I wanted to be a part of The Babes Project (TBP) and to use the platform that I have to help make a real difference in the lives of these beautiful women and their babes.

It's a role where you interact with a lot of pregnant women and newborns - have you learnt anything surprising about pregnancy or babies?

For EVERY child

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t t e l b A n a d r Jo working alongside babes

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I've definitely learnt many things from them. However something I want to touch on is what has mostly stood out to me, and that has been their personal stories around the incredible impact that the project has had on them and how supported they now feel. We recently had a breakfast together and I found myself holding back tears when I listened to one mum in particular being really honest about how she often feels really judged in public for being a young mum and how people aren't afraid to express their opinions. She then went on to talk about how TBP has made her feel valued and empowered and totally loved and appreciated. I loved hearing that!

What is The Babes Project?

We understand your family has some exciting baby news?

Yes! My oldest sister is about to give birth to her first baby, which our family are really looking forward to. My sisters and I are so close, so to have a new member on board and a part of our tribe is really exciting! We're not sure whether she's having a boy or girl yet but we shall soon find out.

THE Babes Project supports women facing crisis pregnancy from conception until their bub turns 1.

You grew up on the Mornington Peninsula with your two older sisters. It's such a beautiful spot - what are some of your favourite childhood memories?

Jordan Ablett with baby Isabella, one of the many babies involved in The Babes Project.

I did. The Mornington Peninsula is where I feel most at home. I love getting back there whenever I can to just surround myself with family and those childhood memories. I'm such a sentimentalist so I'm constantly the one in our family who's always reminiscing and trying to recreate a moment. I lived there from the very beginning and right up until I moved up to the Gold Coast in early 2016 when Gary and I married.

Helen Parker founded The Babes Project after encountering her own crisis pregnancy at the age of 20 and finding little support available to her.

Since its formation in 2009, the service has helped prepare hundreds of women for motherhood.

The beach was a place where we would often go as kids as it was so close to where we lived. I remember walking along the sand, collecting hundreds of shells and always competing with my sisters to find the best ones. I come from an Italian family also so a lot of my memories involve plenty of food and lots of laughter and good long conversations around the table.

You're also a teacher's aide and have been a youth worker. What do you love about working with kids?

I'm passionate about working with people who are vulnerable. I tend to be drawn to those who are mostly vulnerable, whether that be kids, people with special needs and disabilities, youth or the elderly.

My work over the years has involved spending time with a young boy with autism one-on-one after school where we'd have a real focus on social interaction. I also led and mentored youth in my role as a youth worker at a high school southeast of Melbourne. I really enjoyed this as I would often have students come into my office and really confide in me about what was going on in their world both at school

The service has pregnancy support centres in Croydon and Frankston, where staff and volunteers ensure clients receive regular emotional care, practical advice, essential baby supplies and connections to other health services.

"I am really excited about the heart behind The Babes Project, the genuine passion this organisation has for the mothers and babies it works with, and how the support transforms their lives," Jordan said.

Jordan Ablett speaks at an event for The Babes Project earlier this year. and at home. I loved being able to sit with them and listen, especially when they didn't feel valued and understood in their family and friendship circles.

Separate to my role as a youth worker, I would also assist as an integration aide working closely with students with special needs and/or learning difficulties. And lastly, I did some voluntary work up on the Gold Coast at a retirement village 15 minutes from our home where I would spend good and quality time with the elderly. This also was something that had a real impact on me. I would often sit and just be with mostly the ones who didn't have family or did but never had the blessing of having them come and visit.

Finally, you've got strong connections

with family and friends in Geelong and Gary has publicly said he'd love to have a family of his own one day - do you see yourself here long-term?

We're currently in the process of building a house together in Jan Juc. The plan has always been that once it's ready to move into we will live there for as long as G continues to play football and then we'll reassess post football. An option is to make the Jan Juc house a holiday home as it's so close to the beach and then look elsewhere for our family home, whether we build or buy I'm not too sure. We do love areas such as Malvern, Armadale and then of course the Mornington Peninsula, in particular Mount Eliza. But we'll cross that bridge when the time comes!

Learn life saving information in a relaxed, family friendly environment from the comfort of your own home.

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WINTER 2018 5

It’s

your life Over the winter months, there is a sharp rise in the number of children being struck down by viral respiratory illnesses. But how do you know whether your child has a respiratory illness and if you should rush them to hospital? Parentmedic ambassador and emergency nurse Prudence Fletcher explains how to determine whether a child needs medical attention.

Nurse's tips ON RESPIRATORY ILLNESS I have been an emergency department nurse for almost 10 years. I know from experience that each year as we come into winter, with the changes in the weather, we see an increase in presentations of children with viral respiratory illnesses. Some children are only mildly unwell, while others are very unwell and require immediate medical intervention.

A common theme I have noticed over the years is that parents are unaware of the key red flags associated with viral respiratory illnesses and often underestimate their gut instinct. Here I share they key red flags to look out for, which will hopefully make you more confident in identifying a respiratory illness in your child.

When a child becomes unwell with an illness affecting their lungs they will become short of breath. Their breathing rate will increase as will their effort required to breathe - we call this 'increased work of breathing'.

When looking for signs of 'increased work of breathing', it's important to remove all clothing from the chest area and look for sucking in of the skin around the ribs. If you can clearly see the definition of the ribs with each

WHAT IS

With an unwell child we also look at how the child is interacting. A child who has a respiratory illness but is still running around and happy is usually safe to be assessed by your GP. But a child who is flat and lethargic with a weak cry is very unwell and needs medical attention immediately.

Two of the most common respiratory illnesses children get during winter are croup and bronchiolitis. The biggest thing to note about croup and bronchiolitis is that they are viral respiratory infections and therefore antibiotics won't help.

Croup is a viral infection that causes swelling and narrowing of the airways.

It is characterised by a hoarse voice and harsh barking cough, usually described as sounding like a seal barking.

In mild cases of croup, a child will just develop the cough and no other symptoms. As long as the child is comfortable, there is nothing that needs to be done other than let the illness run its course which usually takes 3-4 days.

In severe cases of croup, a child can develop a stridor, (high pitched noisy

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Nurturing Confident Learners

6 WINTER 2018

breathing that occurs when they are at rest).

A child with croup needs to see Parents lear n fir a doctor if they st aid in a Pare ntmedic class. develop a stridor, 'increased work of bronchiolitis breathing' or are distressed and unable is to offer smaller feeds more to be consoled. If the child is well, frequently. The illness causes congestion comfortable and managing to keep which makes breathing and feeding at their fluid intake up they can be the same time difficult, and therefore managed at home for the duration of they tend to tire easily while feeding. the illness.

This means they don't drink as much Croup usually only affects children and are at risk of becoming up until the age of five, although can be dehydrated. experienced at older ages in rare cases.

Babies with bronchiolitis that have Bronchiolitis is another viral illness that 'increased work of breathing' and are can affect a child's breathing and is most having difficulty feeding will need to be common in babies under the age of one. admitted to hospital and will often Bronchiolitis usually lasts about 7-10 require a small tube to be inserted in days with the child usually at their their nose, down to their stomach. This is worst around day three. It starts as a called a nasogastric tube and gives cold and cough, and will develop with extra fluids to prevent the baby from wheezing, a fast respiratory rate and becoming dehydrated. 'increased work of breathing'.

If at any time you, as a parent, are Medications will not usually help concerned about your child - even if bronchiolitis - it is just a matter of letting they are not displaying the the illness run its course. characteristics mentioned here - please The best thing for babies with

seek medical advice.

Parentmedic?

PARENTMEDIC is an international organisation offering first aid education and training that aims to be accessible and affordable to all parents and carers.

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breath then the child is having to work really hard to get each breath.

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It’s

your life

Ruby-Jane, Sebi and Bailey Clark, of East Geelong, with their energetic puppy Scout.

Alana Leslie, of Bannockburn, and her cat Bella.

Indiana Dunn, of Hoppers Crossing, with her cat Mickey.

PETS AND KIDS

a 'pawsome' match

By Melissa Grant PETS are cute, often cuddly and make great companions.

Nearly two-thirds of Australian households have one or more pets, so it's no secret they can be a fabulous addition to the family.

Mum Debbie said Scout was a great companion and got the entire family out and about.

"We take him for walks everyday.

Ruby-Jane, Sebi and Bailey love riding their bikes along while I walk him," she said.

"We visit the dog beach once a week and give him an off lead run.

However, you may be surprised at some of the profound ways a pet can improve a child's life.

"We also take him to Geelong dog obedience. It's a great family activity to train him."

Studies have shown children with pets have higher self-esteem, better immune systems and are even more popular.

I want a pet what should I get?

Provided you follow a few simple rules, a pet can be one of the best friends your child will ever have.

Much thought and consideration must be given as to whether you will be able to adequately care for the animal, whether it's a dog, cat, bird, fish or reptile.

RSPCA veterinarian Dr Bronwyn Orr says research shows that pet ownership can deliver a raft of benefits.

People with animals, she says, tend to have better cardiovascular health, increased social connectedness and less depression.

"For kids, research has shown they have higher self-esteem," she said.

"There's (also) a research report saying kids who have a good bond with their pets tend to have good bonds with parents and friends."

Pets can also be good for a child's immune system.

"Kids growing up with a dog or cat, or any other pet really, they have a stronger immune systems and it seems to reduce the risk of allergy," Dr Orr said.

"There is research that show kids who grew up on farms have less sick days than kids who grew up in the city."

Labrador puppy Scout has enriched the lives of East Geelong siblings Ruby-Jane, Sebi and Bailey Roberts.

Firstly, getting a pet should never be an impulse decision.

Olivia Leslie, of Bannockburn, loves snuggles with her cat Ed.

"The number one thing to keep in mind is: can you be responsible for it? Even if your kid promises to walk it everyday you have to be prepared to be the back-up guy, essentially," Dr Orr says.

Daisy Barry, of Colac, with her Staghound Greyhound cross Buddy.

Noah Marchant, of Mt Moriac, with his little duckling Cracker.

"Sometimes unfortunately parents expect their eight-year-old child to look after the pet."

Introducing pets to a newborn The rise of the 'fur baby' means many couples own a dog or cat before they have a human baby.

Both dogs and cats value routine, so it's important to take baby steps when introducing a pet to a newborn.

"You just have to take it really slow," Dr Orr said.

Threeyear-old Liam Conway, of Corio, with his best friend Indie.

"When you bring the baby home don't upset the dog or cat's routine too much.

Can you afford the food and vet care? Do you have appropriate accommodation?

"Issues can happen when they bring the new baby home and there is more people in the home - that can be disruptive to their pet's routine."

You should also consider how much time you will be able to dedicate to the pet. For example, do you have enough time to dedicate to an active breed of dog?

Dr Orr advises couples to introduce any changes to their pet well before baby arrives.

It's also worth remembering that getting a pet is a life decision - some cats and dogs can live for 20 years.

"If you need someone to help with walking the dog, for example, you're best to introduce beforehand," she says.

"When you are thinking about getting a pet you can never do too much prep or planning," Dr Orr says.

A word on supervision It's never a good idea to leave children alone with their pet, regardless of the circumstances.

"Be very aware of what you are dealing with rather than being unprepared.

"If you get a puppy or kitten they are just like a child they require a lot of training."

If you're getting a pet specifically for your child, you need to remember that ultimate responsibility for the animal's welfare rests with you.

Dr Orr says children do things adults would never do to a pet - such as pull their tails or take away food.

"Children are very unpredictable," she says.

"They have very unpredictable behaviour and that can be distressing for a dog or cat."

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Family & Kids Portraiture

Tom Cockburn, of Leopold, with his English purebred staffy Marley.

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your life It’s

Aimee and Zac Smith can't wait to meet their baby girl, due on 1 August.

Pictures: Louisa Jones

By Angie Hilton

h t i m S e e m i A

I met Aimee Smith at a football function through our hubbies. I love how within five minutes we were talking about the meaning of life! And by the end of the night we felt like lifelong friends.

But anyone who meets Aimee would feel this way. She looks at you with big doe-eyes that say, "I deeply care about you and I want to know all about you" (and she genuinely means it).

She's married to Geelong football star Zac Smith. They're due to have their first bub in August. You couldn't meet a kinder (or taller) couple.

Amy, let's cut straight to the heart of things. Tell me about your love of people. I'm always fascinated by how obvious it is that you really love people and they love you right back!

motherhood 8 WINTER 2018

(Laughs) I find people so amazing that sometimes I think about all the people in the world I will never get to meet and it makes me sad! I just think that every human being was created with such unique traits and personalities. Everyone is on their own journey and has their own story. I love talking to people, hearing their story and finding out what their heart beats for. I believe that as humans we're not meant to walk this journey of life alone, isolated, hiding behind our phones.

Relationship and community are one of God's gifts to us.

I know faith is a big part of yours and Zac's lives. Can you tell me about how it has changed your life for the better and what lead you to it in the first place?

I wasn't brought up believing in God. I guess I always just thought there had to be something bigger out there but didn't really know what or who. My younger sister starting going to church actually and my mum sent me to check it out to make sure it wasn't a cult or anything weird! It was then that through going to church and reading the bible for myself, I found God in a really, real way. Things just started to make sense for me - I saw the world in a new way. I realised we aren't here by mistake; we were created with a purpose. I can honestly say that since I've had a faith in God I've never been happier, more filled with hope, more secure in who I am. This is where that love for others comes from.

Was it your faith that lead you to the love of your life?

Yes, we met at church on the Gold Coast in 2010. He was my first boyfriend and I was his first girlfriend! We got married in 2012 and the rest is history!

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s

your life

That's so sweet that you were both each other's first love. We would love to hear the full romantic story of when you met.

How did it all unfold?

Well part of my role at church was to welcome anyone who was new and make everyone feel welcome. Zac came to church one Sunday night with a mutual friend of ours. I was the first one to go up to him and introduce myself, and it wasn't until I was standing right next to him that I was like 'whoa who is this beautiful giant human!' Now if you haven't met Zac before he's a gentle giant, reserved and a bit quiet at first. Me on the other hand, well we couldn't be more opposite in that regard. So long story short, he did stalk me on social media and ask for my number, but then it took him weeks and weeks to ask me out on a date. I got to the point where I thought there was no way he was actually interested, but it turned out he was just so shy. We went to lunch at this beachside cafe on the Gold Coast. I was so nervous and I hadn't been on a proper date before, so I wasn't aware that it's a bit full on to interrogate someone on the first date.

I'm surprised the poor guy didn't run off then and there. But that being said, we were both new to the whole boyfriend/ girlfriend thing so it was pretty funny looking back. That was when we were 19. We then got married at 22 and now we've been married for almost six years!

How did Zac propose to you?

He took me out for a picnic first and then, as the sun went down, we went up to this place called the Springbrook National Park where you can walk to the glow worm caves and waterfalls.

We had done that on one of our first dates, so it was a special place for us. As I was looking out to one of the waterfalls I turned around to see that he was knelt down on one knee behind me, with a ring in hand he blurted out 'Will you marry me?' My heart immediately melted and of course I said yes!

You're about to move into a whole new phase of your life with motherhood.

How are you feeling about it?

I couldn't be more excited to be honest. It's the first thing I think about every day when I wake up. It's definitely daunting knowing we will be responsible for a real life human. But I'm up for the challenge.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

How has the pregnancy been so far?

I have been so lucky, almost to the point where I feel mean talking about it in front of some of my friends who had rough pregnancies. I didn't suffer with any morning sickness in the first trimester and the second trimester flew by. I'm in my third trimester now and am starting to feel the weight of it all - literally (laughs). My hips, back and knees are aching, but all in all I've actually really enjoyed being pregnant so far.

Have you got a birth plan?

The only plan I have so far is to get the baby out, and for her to be healthy.

I'm pretty open to whatever the doctors have to do to make that happen. The dream of course would be to have a quick labour and to lie there thinking, 'oh wow it really isn't as bad as everyone says', then I sneeze and she pops out! But somehow I don't think that's very realistic? (laughs) What kind of teammate do you think Zac will be in the final quarter?

I think he will be so supportive.

Surely he has the endurance to stay awake and not fall asleep on the job (laughs). Also, I would bet big dollars on him crying.

How would you describe the mum you would like to be?

Gosh that is such a hard question. I want to be a mum that is loving, accepting and fun. I hope to be a mother that accepts and forgives herself, as I know I'm bound to make plenty of mistakes along the way and that's okay. As long as I don't leave the baby outside with the dog when we go out - that on the other hand I've heard is not OK (laughs).

What type of dad do you imagine Zac to be?

Zac is going to be the best dad! I have a feeling he is going to end up being the fun parent and I'll be the 'mean' parent. He is a big softie and would do anything for our family.

Are there any tips you will take from the way your parents raised you?

Absolutely. My parents had a great way of being able to have rules and discipline but still allowing us to grow up as individuals, giving us the opportunity to go and make mistakes and learn what the world is about for ourselves.

If you could give your baby girl one piece of advice for life, what would that be?

Never leave me (laughs). Just kidding! This scripture says it perfectly in 1 Peter 3:3-4. "What matters is not your outer appearance - the styling of your hair, the jewellery you wear, the cut of your clothes - but your inner disposition.

Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle gracious kind that God delights in."

Best of luck Aimee! That little baby is one lucky girl.

Aimee Smith Age: 27 Day job: Learning support teacher Furry friend?

Yes! My first baby, Indy. She is a Bernese Mountain Dog,| completely spoilt and the love of my life. Oops is that supposed to be my husband?

Baby due date? 1 August.

Pink/blue/or secret? A BABY GIRL! Cravings?

I go through phases, but mainly salt and vinegar chips, orange juice and all chocolate!

Favorite quote?

"We meet no ordinary people in our lives, if you give them the chance everyone has something amazing to offer" - Ryan Seacrest Favorite movie?

An old fave is 10 things I Hate About You! What would he say your worst habit is?

Biting my nails for sure.

Three people living or passed you would love to have for dinner?

My grandad, Michael Jackson and Jesus.

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

Well, I can eat an impressive/ disgusting amount of cinema popcorn!

You know how most people get a bucket to share and there's always some left over? Well, let's just say I could get my own and still go back for more. Can you be famous for that?

Family in a snapshot: Hubby: Zac Smith Day job: Plays AFL for the Geelong Cats Three words to describe Zac: Kind-hearted, genuine and TALL. Height: 2.06m Zac's worst habit: Ooh, can I only pick one? Cracking his neck. No wait, kicking the blankets off the bed. Actually, maybe it's his extraordinary ability to zone me out when he's watching footy!

WINTER 2018 9

It’s

your life

AT HOME WITH

Popular children's author and illustrator Alison Lester has more than 25 picture books.

Alison Lester

PICTURES: STEWART CHAMBERS

And how did you become involved with the Indigenous Literacy Foundation?

I'd been doing work in remote communities for a long time, and when I heard about it I thought 'oh wow, that sounds like a really good fit for me'. So eventually we met up and I've been doing work for them ever since, usually going to communities and helping them make books. I've just been to Amata helping make books with the playgroup there.

Your books have a strong connection to Yanakie, where you grew up, and nearby Fish Creek. Do you go back there a lot?

ALISON LESTER is one of Australia's best-known children's authors and illustrators, with more than 25 children's picture books and two young adult novels. Her picture books are often influenced by her childhood on a farm in Gippsland's Yanakie, near Wilsons Promontory, including enduring favourites My Farm, Noni the Pony, and Magic Beach. Alison's career has taken her around the world, from remote Australia to Antarctica.

Jade Glen caught up with Alison to chat about her career, becoming a grandparent, and the importance of reading to children.

You've done lots of artist-in-residence and writers-in-residence in some amazing places. Do you say yes to everything?

Well I try not to because we've got heaps of grandkids now. I think 'oh yes that sounds great' - and then when I have to do it I think 'oh I don't really want to go', because I would rather be home with the babies. It's nice to get out to the places but it also means you are away from home.

10 WINTER 2018

And how many grandchildren do you have now?

There's six, and another one coming soon. The oldest one has just turned four.

And what are your children up to now?

Will, the oldest one is the district veterinary officer at Leongatha and he's got three little kids with another one on the way. Clair, my daughter, has got two babies and one of them's really new, and she's a children's book publisher with a company called Affirm Press in the city. Lachie, the youngest one, is a grain trader. He's got a little girl called Francesca and she was born prematurely last year. She was in the Royal Children's Hospital for three months, but she's going really well.

How premature was Francesca?

She was about 10 weeks premature.

For that three months, she had her own nurse for the entire time. It's amazing the care we can get.

The Silver Sea - this is what you wrote in collaboration with the children at the Royal Children's Hospital?

Well that's what we planned originally. While I was a children's laureate I started going to the hospital and then after a while Jane Godwin, who used to be my editor at Penguin

and is also an author, was interested in coming too. So we've been going together, and it's nicer doing it as a double gig. For a while the teachers there were really keen for the kids to write a story. But because we weren't there all the time, and the kids were coming and going, we decided we would write the story and get the kids to illustrate it. Years ago, I went to Antarctica and did a project called Kids Antarctic Art and we sell those images all the time and use them in books as well. And because they are not really mine, I did them with children, the profits from them I've always said would go to the Royal Children's Hospital. But it's always been complicated to donate to the hospital and get it through to the school, so we've gotten around that by me just buying art supplies and giving them to the school.

How long were you in Antarctica for?

The first time I was there for six weeks on the Aurora Australis, a lovely ship.

Was Antarctica what you expected?

I guess it was - I just love it, I've been back five times now. It's so incredible, it's like going to a different planet really

Yes, that's where I grew up and I've inherited a little bit of the farm, so we've got a house there that we go to. We've got the shop at Fish Creek and a brother and sister and some friends down there, so I drive down there all the time, it doesn't feel like any distance at all.

It sounds like an amazing kind of childhood to have, growing up on a farm and doing all of those things that are in your books.

Yes. And I guess a lot of people around here would relate to it, growing up on the land.

Do you think that's important for kids, to be mucking around outside with animals and having those adventures?

I think it's really important. When I flew back in to Melbourne recently I came in from the north and there were just acres of houses - these huge houses with a backyard as big as this kitchen table. And you think what are those kids doing? They must be inside all the time. I just know with my kids and grandkids, they always get so ratty if they are inside too much. Being outside and being in the world is just a tonic, you know, and for us too. If you are in a bad mood there is nothing better than going for a run or a walk and just seeing what's around you.

When I was young one of my favourite books was The Quicksand Pony. Was that based on a story that happened to you, or to someone you knew? www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s

your life And you share books with your grandchildren obviously - do they enjoy your books?

Yes, they are just in amongst the other books. The Very Noisy Baby is based on my granddaughter Trixie, and she's very aware that it is her book.

Oh, so now are you going to have to do books for all of them?

Yeah, I've done Bigsy so the dog got in before some of the kids!

Do you find being a grandparent different to being a parent?

Yeah, I think I'm a much better grandparent than I was a parent. You have time. When you are a parent you've always got so much to do. But when you are a grandparent you can go well actually there's nothing I have to do today, I can just sit here on the floor and hang out with these kids. But I miss them so much if I don't see them for a few days. You know you start getting older and life's a bit hmm, you know, nothing's happening - and then you have grandkids and life's fantastic.

Bigsy, of My Dog Bigsy fame, rules the roost.

So what projects are your working on at the moment?

When I was a little girl, my dad and my uncle used to lease the southern part of Wilsons Promontory and run cattle there. We had this beautiful horse called Taffy, a big Buckskin horse and he got bogged in quicksand on the way home. So it was a combination of that story, and also the story of Biddy, who was, depending on who tells the story, either an Aboriginal woman or a convict who escaped from jail in Tasmania, and she came across Bass Strait in a rowboat with other people, which was wrecked on the coast of the prom and she was the only survivor.

And she lived for a long time out there by herself until she was found. I don't know if she needed rescuing, but she was 'rescued'. So it was really a combination of those two stories, and as a kid I loved that thought of living in the bush by yourself.

So how did you get from the family farm to Melbourne?

I boarded at St Margaret's (in Berwick) for four years, and then I went to Melbourne Uni and did a year of Arts and just mucked around the whole time. I went to the pub and was a ratbag really. And after that my parents kind of pulled the pin and said 'you've got to do something'. So I trained as a secondary art teacher. That was a lot about art but not a lot about teaching, so when I actually went teaching I didn't like it very much. Eddie and I got married and went to South America and travelled around there for a year, and when we got back we started our family, and that's when we came here.

About the same time I thought 'I don't want to be home with nothing to do', so I thought maybe I could get some work as an illustrator - I rang a publishing house and asked for some work and was really lucky to get the right person on the end of that phone who said 'come in and meet me'. She gave me my very first break and we are still really good friends. I probably illustrated other people's work for about five years and then started on my own stories. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Did you consider yourself more of an artist, or more of a writer?

A bit of both I think. It's funny, when I'm writing I think it would be easier to be drawing, and when I'm drawing I think it would easier to be writing. I find writing, the actual physical act of writing, very boring - that you just have to sit there and do it. Because I do picture books mine are quite short, so I do a lot of it in my head. While I'm driving I will often just say stuff aloud as I go, just trying to get the words right.

I've done a couple of novels for kids but I can't imagine having the time now to just sit down and write a novel. Maybe when the grandkids are older and I can't walk or something like that, I'll sit down and do some more writing.

Does it take quite a while to do a picture book - what's the process?

I'm getting much faster now, because I just don't have much time. I think the longest was 10 years for Are We There Yet. I did other things in the meantime, but it was a really long process. I probably aim to do one book a year.

Do you think the message is getting through, with libraries and the Premiers' Reading Challenge and things like that - do you think parents are aware of the importance of reading to their children?

I'm on a really tight deadline to get Noni the Pony Rescues a Joey finished, which is the third Noni the Pony book, and then straight after that I've got to get another book for Affirm press called Tricky's Bad Day, which is about a small person having a bad day.

I get the feeling that we are always preaching to the converted, we are always getting to the people who read books anyway. And there are lots of families who really have been generationally disadvantaged, who don't have books in their houses, who you don't get to. And I think there needs to be massive government help. Have you heard about Doveton College? It's a school but it's also a go-to place for adults that need to learn things, and it's a health centre - it's a real social hub.

For so many people, just taking their kids to school is so intimidating. So we should have a lot more places like that, so it's easier for people to get their kids to school, even to pre-school early so they can learn how to hold a book and learn how to hold a pencil.

Yep, happens to all of us doesn't it.

When you were younger, did you ever imagine you would be a highly successful and acclaimed children's author?

Ha ha - what did I think I would be? I probably thought I'd be living in the country. I always thought I would live in a old weatherboard house with a verandah all the way around, and I'd have lots of kids, and doing something arty. But I didn't imagine that I would have this career that has been so much fun. I guess it's taken me places - I've travelled the world doing interesting projects and it's a lovely way to travel.

You are not just going to tourist places, like you are actually going to China and going to a kindergarten out in the back blocks and helping teachers there.

And when you were young, did your parents read to you on a regular basis?

Yes we were always read to.

We didn't have nearly as many books - I don't think there were as many books around. I can really only remember having a few picture books but once we could actually read, we had masses of books. I could remember struggling to read John and Betty in Grade 2.

Kids read a lot earlier than that now - a lot of kids can read by the time they go to school - so it's really changed. But there are heaps of kids too that don't ever learn to read properly, that's the big thing.

So did you read to your own children every day?

Well, I would like to say I did. We read a lot, but Lachie, the littlest one, often missed out because we were so busy. He would be down in bed calling 'mum, come read to me!'

And I'd yell out 'I'm coming!' And then I'd get down there and he'd be asleep, or I would read to him and I would fall asleep. He's turned out to be a bookworm so that's OK.

Alison Lester's latest book, The Silver Sea, was co-authored with Jane Goodwin and created with art by children at the Royal Children's Hospital.

WINTER 2018 11

Parenting as an opportunity for

By Dr Maxine Thérèse When I became a mother, I did not know that my children came in to the world with all of the past feelings, emotions and experiences of their family line. The science of epigenetics helps us to understand the ways children respond to themselves and life - that is, their behaviours, challenges and emotional expressions are due largely to experiences patterned and programmed epigenetically at a cellular level. Children are not blank slates, and in fact any emotional patterning and habits we have in ourselves as parents will be embodied by the next generation. The child therefore acts as a total mirror for the past.

we know that our children constantly mirror all of our own unrealised potentials, extending out and back in both time and space to a collective past, then we naturally become more interested in looking to ourselves for the source of certain issues faced by our children. We can use our parenting as an opportunity for self-awareness.

Because children reflect the behaviours of other people: the feelings, beliefs, emotions, thoughts as well as the speech and language of their family's social and cultural lineage, I was interested in developing a model that helps us to identify what these are.

So when we see our children struggling, reacting or stressing about certain things, or behaving in certain ways, we have a wonderful opportunity to pause and see where this might be a pattern of our own as their parent/s.

For example: • If a child experiences anxiety, pause and ask yourself: 'Is there anything that I am anxious about? Am I in a rush? Do I have the space to secure

my child?' Take a few deep breaths together and affirm 'I am safe and I am here for you'. This is the need to be safe and secure where a child is proclaiming 'soothe me'. If adults have not had this need met, then their children will express common challenges based upon this unmet need too.

• If a child experiences a tantrum, pause and ask yourself: 'Are there any big emotions that I cannot process? Do I feel restricted from my emotional expression?' Take the child to a safe space and hold them whilst exploring the feelings that led to the tantrum and affirm 'I am free to feel all my feelings'.

This is the need to feel, where the child is proclaiming 'free me'. If adults have not had this need met, then their children will express common challenges based upon this unmet need too.

If we actually know our own past in way of our feelings, thoughts, emotions, beliefs and other stressors that are still seeking expression, we can be more watchful to the things that our children

are challenged by. The unresolved energies we have as parents affect our children and the wonderful thing is that we can clear these energies, resolve unmet needs in ourselves and assist our children in dealing with their own needs at the same time.

I created the Childosophy System because I realised that what I needed as a parent was not represented in other children's philosophy models. The Childosophy System helps parents work with their children as their needs arise through their behaviours. It is a system that encourages parents to grow with our children, not against them.

The Need to be Safe and Secure and the Need to Feel used in the example are two of the seven foundational needs in the Foundational Needs Model of Dr Maxine Thérèse that are outlined in her book 'The Push for a Child Philosophy; What Children Really Need you to Know'. Maxine conducts regular trainings and parenting seminars. For more information, visit www. childosophy.com

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In my own parenting, I could see how important this dimension was to know and work with, especially if I was to really understand my own children and their needs and not just project my ideas upon them as they grew. When

self-awareness

12 WINTER 2018

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It’s

your life Expensive white shoes, a park in winter... what could possibly go wrong?

According to Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, you can't control what happens - but you can control how you react.

DR CARR-GREGG’S

top parenting tips

By Jade Glen

you, but you can always choose the way you respond."

IMAGINE this: you buy your child brand new white shoes - they cost a small fortune, as shoes do. On the way home you stop by the park and your child runs around wearing their new kicks.

Everything's going swimmingly - and then your kid skids through a steaming pile of fresh dog poop.

Dr Carr-Gregg said the journey from childhood to adulthood now had more risk factors than preventative factors.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, acclaimed psychologist and parenting expert, says there are two ways you can react in this scenario.

"One is 'oh no, my shoes are ruined, this always happens to me', and misery will prevail," he said.

"Or if I have got to that child, the moment they step in that dog poo, the first thing they think is 'hey, at least I was wearing shoes'. I want your child to be an at least I was wearing shoes thinker. How do they do that? By copying you. I want you to be an at least I was wearing shoes thinker."

Dr Carr-Greg, one of the country's most high-profile psychologists and author of 11 books, offered up his key tips to help raise happy, confident and respectful people during a recent keynote address.

He said there was a key piece of wisdom in the above scenario.

"In life you can't always change something, but the thing that makes us different from all the other creatures on this planet is that we, and we alone, actually have the capacity to change the way we think about it.

"You can't choose what happens to

"A lot of people are coming out on the other end actually quite damaged.

What I'm interested in is prevention, and what you, as mums and dads and community members, can do to make this journey better."

Parents often asked if their child was normal - and while Dr Carr-Gregg said normal was merely a 'setting on a washing machine,' there were four things he looked for.

"The ability to obtain, maintain and retain friendships is the greatest predictor of well being. You may think it is being good looking, having lots of money - completely irrelevant.

"If they are 12 or 13 and they can't stand being away from you, this is problematic.

"They need to understand and enjoy school. What is the single most important predictor of a good schooling experience? The statistics clearly show the greatest predictor is the relationship they have with the teachers, and that is down to respect.

"Finally, do they have a spark, something that gets them up in the morning? Something they feel passionate about?

"When my son was eight he was passionate about leg spin bowling. I would walk in to his bedroom and he had pictures of Shane Warne everywhere. He played grade cricket at 15 years of age. We lived in Balwyn

and I carted him to Casey Fields to stand in the hot sun for two days while he bowled.

They are actually more irritable than sad, nothing makes them happy, and they are quite hard to be with.

"When he was about 17 it dawned on me that after two days in the hot sun at Casey Fields, he was actually too tired to go down to St Kilda and inject himself with heroin. So here's the thing - while kids are busy doing one thing, they can't be doing another. So if you want to inoculate your kid, make sure they are busy. Talk to anyone and they will say to you - bored kids are trouble. Because if they are bored they hang out with other kids that are bored, and those bored kids will find something to do to entertain themselves, which won't necessarily be all that constructive."

"I'm really concerned that early identification and prompt treatment is not happening. The earlier we get to a kid, the quicker we can start treatment and the better the outcome."

The 'spark' didn't have to be a sport; it could be music, drama, gymnastics, art, a football team or the library itself anything that was not materialistic and was bigger than them.

Dr Carr-Gregg said he could tell a child was travelling OK if they fulfilled the four requirements. But not all children did - and that is where early intervention was crucial.

"There are some kids that are not happy kids. About one in seven primary school students will have these sorts of symptoms - they may no longer enjoy the things they used to enjoy. They feel hopeless, they've got no sense of optimism, concentrating and focusing becomes difficult, they will be irritable or will withdraw from their friends. They will also talk of, or attempt to, run away. They don't have energy, they are lethargic, have thoughts of self-harm and sometimes will do it. Somatic symptoms - tummy aches or headaches.

Dr Carr-Gregg said parents had a very important role to play in helping to manage their child's wellbeing.

"One of the things I always say is try and spend at least eight minutes a day with them. We get down on our knees, look them in the eyes and ask them about their day, listen very carefully and then, this is the trick, reflect it back to them. Eight minutes per day, per kid - awfully sorry if you have 14 children - but eight minutes a day is what we reckon really makes a big difference.

"Self-respect comes from them feeling really good about themselves, and one thing that makes them feel good about themselves is if we give them time. Very easy to say, harder to do."

Dr Carr-Gregg said it was crucial parents could strike a positive balance between their work and home life and prioritise self-care to set an example for their children.

He also listed getting enough sleep - 10 hours for primary students and nine hours for secondary students - enough exercise, and a Mediterranean-style diet heavy on vegetables as crucial for mental wellbeing.

"See life for what it is but, for goodness sake, focus on the good bits."

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/unitedbywool WINTER 2018 13

It’s

your life

MENTAL HEALTH A

worry for kids

By Melissa Grant MENTAL health is the number one reason young people are contacting Kids Helpline, with those aged 10-14 reaching out in unprecedented numbers.

In fact, roughly one in four youths who contacted Kids Helpline last year were worried about their own mental health or that of another person, according to a new report.

"They are presenting across range of issues: anxiety, sleeping, things that are happening online, mood swings, self harm, depression and thoughts of suicide."

The figures - coupled with the fact suicide is now the leading cause of children and young people in Australia - has prompted Kids Helpline to call for national approach to prevent young people taking their own lives.

time with young people has increased by 72% in the past 10 years.

The 2017 Kids Helpline Insights report showed the service was contacted 10,636 times by young people with suicide concerns - a figure 22 per cent higher than five years ago. Of these contacts, 27 per cent were from children aged 14 and under.

However, he said many kids with suicide and mental health concerns were often too afraid to seek help.

While the surge in mental health related contacts can mostly be explained by innovations in the operation of Kids Helpline over the past two decades, the growth has mainly been in the 10-14 age category.

Kids Helpline virtual services manager, Tony FitzGerald, said the biggest surge in kids seeking support for mental health was in the 10-14 age group, with the number of contacts increasing 123 per cent in six years.

"Young people are concerned about reaching out to someone because they think they might be judged or labelled an attention seeker," he said.

Kids Helpline CEO Tracy Adams said many in this age group were too young to access community services such as headspace.

"We need strategies to help them reach out for support."

"What we are seeing is kids are getting younger and younger when they are reaching out to us for support.

Sometimes they don't realise it's mental health related," he said.

Family relationship issues (18%) and emotional wellbeing (17%) were the other top reasons young people contacted Kids Helpline in 2017.

"While not just one solution is needed to address this multi-faceted issue, a good start is ensuring that the community works together to create early prevention services that are accessible to those who are most at risk," she said.

And around one in six counselling contacts, either by phone or internet, involved a child or young person seeking help for suicide concerns.

A combination of factors, from school pressures to bullying, are prompting them to seek help.

"There is lots going on for kids - it's complicated. A lot of feeds into it.

There's a lot of pressure that kids are under these days," Mr FitzGerald said.

Mr FitzGerald said early intervention was the key.

Of those who sought help for mental health concerns, around half were seeking support or strategies to managed a disorder, while 37% had symptoms of an undiagnosed mental health condition.

More complex issues have also meant Kids Helpline's total counselling

■ Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au ■ Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au ■ beyondblue support service line 1300 22 46 36 ■ headspace www.headspace.org.au

Kids Helpline has experienced a surge in calls from children aged 10-14 with mental health concerns.

Photo: Kids Helpline

2017 KIDS HELPLINE INSIGHT REPORT KEY FINDINGS: ■ 339,724 attempts to contact the counselling service with 157,656 answered ■ 607,634 unique visitors to the Kids Helpline website ■ 74% of youths who contacted Kids Helpline were female; 24 % were male; while 2% were intersex, trans and gender diverse ■ Top concerns were mental health (26%), family relationships (18%), emotional wellbeing (17%), suicide-related (16%), dating and partner relationships (10%) ■ 72% of contacts were from major cities ■ Direct counsellor time with kids up 72% in the past decade ■ 178% growth in webchat since 2012

Immunisation rates HIT

RECORD HIGH

JUST over 96 per cent of Geelong five-year-old children are fully immunised against vaccinepreventable diseases.

"Despite rogue practitioners still trying to tout misinformation - Victorian parents are listening to science. And that's great news," she said.

Latest figures from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register show that 96.26 per cent of youngsters in Greater Geelong are fully immunised.

The Victorian Opposition criticised the scheme, saying about 13,000 children in kindergarten and childcare were not fully vaccinated because Victoria was the only state with 'No Jab No Play' laws that allowed an exemption for health care card holders.

The figures reflect the greater trend across Victoria, which has now hit the herd immunity target of 95 per cent for the first time in history.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Jill Hennessy credited the state government's tough No Jab No Play laws for the consistent increase in Victoria's childhood immunisation rates.

The 95 per cent 'herd immunity' target is necessary to halt the spread of dangerous and virulent diseases such as measles.

"We know the more people who are vaccinated - the greater the protection for everyone. There is no debate.

Immunisation is safe, effective and saves lives," Mr Andrews said.

"These are more than just statistics - this is about protecting our kids from deadly, vaccine-preventable diseases."

Ms Hennessy said the government was putting the health of kids and the community first.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

WINTER 2018 15

It’s

your life

CHILDREN EXIT

By Melissa Grant CHILDREN are starting swimming lessons earlier than their parents did, but often stop before achieving essential life saving water skills.

New research has revealed threequarters of kids exit swimming lessons before the age of eight as other interests compete with time in the pool.

It is an alarming statistic given the study, by the Royal Life Saving Society, also found children didn't reach water safety benchmarks until they were older.

aged between nine and 10 years when they achieve national benchmark minimum skills of 50m freestyle, 25m survival backstroke and treating water for two minutes.

Geelong Aquatic Centre owner Deb Gill said parents wrongly believed their children were safe when they could swim 10 metres in the water.

She said kids were much safer in the water when they could swim between 200 and 400 metres.

"But we can never guarantee safe - it's about supervision," she added.

Ms Gill said children's swimming skills weren't being helped by the fact many parents only booked lessons in the warmer months despite the pools being heated.

"By the time the kids come back in Term 4 they are back where they started," she said.

Royal Life Saving Society Australia CEO Justin Scarr said children were taking up

swimming lessons earlier than in the 1980s and 1990s, but younger wasn't always better.

"Our concern is many children exit swimming lessons at an age where they are less likely to learn the lifesaving skills that will help to protect them as they enter adulthood and are exposed to more hazardous water environments," he said.

Mr Scarr said it could be difficult for parents to maintain their child's enthusiasm for swimming lessons after they turned six years old, with weekend sport, parties and after school care competing with time in the pool.

The Royal Life Saving Society has urged parents to have the swimming skills of their 10-14 year old children reassessed and to consider re-enrolling them in lessons over the winter.

12389046-EPJ24-18

On average, boys and girls are

swim lessons TOO EARLY

16 WINTER 2018

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Survive the flu season

By Melissa Grant

cups and cutlery. Now this should go without saying, but be sure to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.

IS IT THE FLU? WHAT DO I DO? The flu is more than just a cold, with common symptoms such as a sudden high fever of 38C or more, a dry cough, body aches and extreme weakness and tiredness.

Manage your symptoms, get plenty of rest and keep your fluids up. You can't take antibiotics as the flu is a viral infection, but decongestants and pain relievers can make you feel better while your immune system fights off the illness. If you're concerned about your symptoms see a doctor, but phone first so the clinic can take precautions to reduce the risk of infection to others. If you have the flu, do your workmates a favour and call in sick.

If your child is sick, keep them at home.

Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze to help prevent the flu from spreading.

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WINTER brings rainy days, chilly nights - and the dreaded flu.

Last year's flu season was the worst since 2009, with almost 1100 deaths and hundreds of thousands of people falling ill across the country.

Anyone can be struck down with the respiratory illness, although certain groups including babies, pregnant women and the elderly are more at risk.

Young children account for nearly one-third of flu hospital admissions. Last year, 12 per cent of flu hospital admissions were children aged less than 6 months and a further 20 per cent were aged between 6 months and 2 years.

The flu can be debilitating, with symptoms hanging around for a week or more.

While some people only get mild symptoms such as a runny nose, headache, body aches and tiredness, the flu can be very severe and lead to pneumonia, inflammation of the brain or heart, organ damage and even death.

So how do you make sure your family doesn't get struck down by the horror virus?

BOOK IN THE FAMILY FOR FLU SHOTS Vaccination gives the best protection against the flu. Australian Medical Association (AMA) vice president Dr Tony Bartone says "99 per cent of the game" is having the flu jab and everything else -

such as keeping healthy and safe hygiene practices - simply minimise the impact of an outbreak.

"If we immunise everybody we reduce the amount of influenza in the community and therefore its spread," he explained.

The flu shot is free for Victorian children between six months and five years, an age group particularly vulnerable to the virus.

"It (the flu shot) is not 100 per cent effective, but is significantly effective in the younger members of the population," Dr Bartone said.

"Who wants to see their little bub in hospital?"

You must get a flu shot every year as vaccinations change annually to match the constantly changing flu strains.

Pregnant women, most indigenous people and those who suffer from chronic conditions are also eligible for free shots.

This year, free "enhanced" flu vaccines are available for people aged 65 and over.

BE HYGIENIC Influenza is spread by droplets made when someone infected coughs or sneezes. So be sure to cover your face when you cough or sneeze. It's also a good idea to disinfect surfaces, such as tables and benchtops, where these droplets can land, and avoid sharing

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

WINTER 2018 17

Education

A WORLD OF

sensory exploration FOR BUBS IT was a sea change that led Lorna Murgatroyd into the wonderful world of Baby Sensory.

The sea change was a big move, with Lorna and her family relocating from the heart of the North of England to the beautiful coast of the Bellarine.

"The move has inspired me to leave teaching after 12 years and start up my own franchise of Baby Sensory," Lorna said.

"I am excited to be able to bring the same sensory experiences that I had with my son to my new home. As a teacher, I know how important developing a love of learning is and that it can never start too soon."

SO WHAT IS BABY SENSORY? At Baby Sensory, we have a vast wealth of equipment and songs - many unique to us - and you'll never experience the same lesson twice. What also makes the program so groundbreaking is that every element has been meticulously designed with your baby's development in mind. Baby Sensory is a multi-award winning class and will introduce your baby to a world of sensory exploration.

It's a time where the two of you can relax, have fun and share in each other's delight. It is a magical world full of glowing balls, light shows, puppets, bubbles, rainbows, petals, massage, signing and songs. Imagination is a vital part of childhood. And together we'll dance in the snow or dive under the waves, trek through a rainforest and sing the shanties of sea pirates.

EVERYDAY THERAPY AT WHEN SHOULD YOU BEGIN BABY SENSORY? You can join us at any point, and we'd encourage you to begin as soon as you feel able. Because routine is important, every session is structured to follow the natural play-rest-play cycle of babies.

What's great about this is that each week you'll have the opportunity to chat with others in a relaxed manner, which is brilliant for forging friendships as the weeks go on, sharing tips and experiences at a time when you'll probably really appreciate the support.

We've done the research; so you can enjoy the fun.

Baby Sensory classes run in Geelong West, Ocean Grove and Torquay.

For more information, contact Lorna on 0490 019 018, email geelong-vic@babysensory.com or visit www.babysensory.com.au

NOAH'S Ark provides therapy and education for your child with a disability or additional needs (aged 0-12), while recognising that families play an important role in their children's health and development.

Noah's Ark supports more than 2000 children with disabilities and additional needs and their families throughout Victoria, the ACT and NSW. Specialists with professional backgrounds in speech pathology, occupational therapy, education, physiotherapy, psychology and social work, are known as Key Workers. They visit you in your home and can help build the skills and participation of your child 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.

Families and carers can receive our services and programs via: ■ Your home or chosen environment

Noah's Ark ■ Primary school, Child Care, preschool, before / after school care ■ Your local Noah's Ark branch ■ Bursts of learning and therapy ■ Local workshops ■ Virtual visits Noah's Arks new programs and services include: ■ Getting ready for school, childcare or kindergarten ■ Supporting inclusion ■ Parent connection and support ■ Speaking and listening ■ Playing together ■ Supporting positive behaviour ■ Assistive technology and equipment ■ Home modifications ■ Every day skills ■ School-aged children If you would like to find out more about Noah's Ark, visit noahsarkinc.org.au

NEW US! CAMP 12390415-CB23-18

20 WINTER 2018

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Education

GYMBAROO IS

great for babies

BABIES begin learning from the moment they are born.

A child's early experiences have a huge impact on their future learning.

That's why GymbaROO Geelong is passionate about showing parents activities that will provide their children with a solid foundation for development.

BabyROO is the first stage of GymbaROO and is designed for parents and babies from two months of age.

So why should you book your little one into BabyROO? Here, GymbaROO Geelong director Olga Barrett answers some common questions from parents.

What activities help babies develop naturally and enable them to reach key milestones?

BabyROO is a unique Australian program where parents are shown age appropriate activities that help babies develop in the most natural way and reach all the key milestones. We also provide parents with plenty of information about different developmental stages which helps them better understand the importance of being an infant.

My baby hates tummy time, what can I do?

At BabyROO, we show you some simple and fun ideas that will help your baby get used to tummy time.

Why is tummy time so important?

Through tummy time, babies' muscles get stronger. All movement should start from the tummy as it's how movement naturally progresses to rolling, crawling and, eventually, walking.

MUSIC A SUPER WAY TO

enhance a child's development My baby is bum shuffling. Can you help?

Our instructors will show you how to get your child on their hands and knees as this is the best way for them to get stronger and proceed to crawl.

What do child experts think about BabyROO? BabyROO is supported and highly recommended by maternal and child health nurses who understand how critical the first 12 months of life are to a child's development.

Here's what Lyndall Galbraith, MCH new parent's group facilitator from Bannockburn says: "Babies learn right from birth. BabyROO provides families with fantastic information about many areas of development. It helps parents to find simple everyday activities to do with their babies to enhance their experiences in a safe and fun way, highlighting the 'how and why' those activities help brain development."

GymbaROO Geelong is located at the Barwon Valley Activity Centre, corner of High Street and Barwon Heads Road in Belmont. To book your BabyROO class today, call 0416 224 530.

MUSIC making is superfood for a child's developing brain.

It helps kids develop speech and vocabulary as well as their listening, motor, social and cognitive skills.

The wonders of music are combined with joyful discovery at Mini Maestros, an Australian program developed by early childhood music education experts.

A team of trained professional teachers deliver the fun and educational music classes for kids aged six months to 5 years of age.

The classes enhance a child's development while they are having fun singing, dancing, playing percussion instruments and playing musical games.

Children discover the joys of music in a carefully planned and sequential program. As well as introducing musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, dynamics, form and notation, the Mini Maestros program encourages children's speech development, listening skills, social skills and physical skills.

As the longest running and most successful Australian business of its

kind, Mini Maestros methods are tried and tested.

Mini Maestros classes are held each Wednesday morning at the Grovedale Community Centre.

Mini Maestros also offer free come and try classes each school holidays, and do interactive demonstrations at playgroups and mother's groups.

For more information about Mini Maestros at Geelong and Bellarine phone 0424 047 822, email mm.geelong@minimaestros.com.au or visit www.minimaestros.com.au

HOUSE OF FUN MASSIVE INDOOR PLAYROOM

12 noon - 8.30pm

Special Kids Meals Mon, Tues & Wed Dinner only

Breakfast

12379291-EPJ11-18

ALL DAY MENU 9am-11.30am Sat & Sun only

Lorna Murgatroyd

0490019018

geelong-vic@babysensory.com

1154 Pr inces Hwy Waur n Ponds Phone: 5243 1154

Baby Sensory Geelong & the Bellarine Geelong West, Ocean Grove & Torquay

aby www.b

sensory.com.au

w w w. w a u r n p o n d s h o t e l . c o m . a u 12390063-LN24-18

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

WINTER 2018 21

Education

A community-led family child care

Amanda McFadden, with Alice, says traditional child care isn't an option for many parents.

solution DO you need child care that's more accessible, flexible and affordable?

It sounds like a dream, but it is about to become a reality in Greater Geelong thanks to a new community-led family child care network.

The network is being created by Clann, which is asking interested parents to register their postcodes online so it can identify where more accommodating child care options need to be rolled out.

Clann also wants to hear from locals interested in becoming family child care providers, who will be vetted and trained to industry standards.

Clann was launched last year to address the inaccessible and inflexible nature of child care by growing and supporting the numbers of quality family child care services nationally.

Liam and Amanda McFadden started the business, which is working with the iconic institution Life. Be in it and The Educational Professionals to train and accredit new family child care providers and educators using their innovative Know n' Grow Program.

They also provide access to leading early childhood learning programs and resources. These have been codeveloped by Geelong's Robert Palmer author of Scope and Sequence Charts for Mathematics, Language, Culture, Early Childhood Development; and Canadian Dr Jennifer Fraser who is regarded as a world leader in combining neuroscience and psychology in ways that question and improve the way we empower children, young adults, families and communities.

The McFaddens came up with the idea for Clann after encountering great difficulties while trying to find suitable care options for their daughter Alice.

"When Alice was about 2, we thought since we could not access family day care that it would be great if I could offer a family day care service caring for another child or two a few days a

week," Amanda said.

"However, even with a background in childcare and social work I found it very hard to find a clear pathway to do this. So much information, so many obstacles and so little clarity.

"That's when we came up with Clann. There are a lot of people like myself who have great skills and would be willing to do this with better guidance and support.

"There are also so many parents who can't choose their child care provider.

You have to go through intermediaries to be allocated a child care place or to a family day care provider - we thought that's just silly because you want to find one yourself that meets your needs and is like-minded."

Amanda said traditional child care wasn't an option for many parents who did shift-work, casual work or only needed occasional care.

Five-day a week care also costs most parents a lot more than their mortgage while child care centre workers are paid low wages.

"Clann believes an increase in quality family-based care is the solution to higher incomes for carers whilst costing parents less," Amanda explained.

Part of the solution is tapping into the many people who regularly provide informal or unpaid care for children other than their own.

One million Australian children rely on informal care and Geelong community profile data showed 17,527 people in the region provided unpaid child care in 2016. These people included grandparents, relatives and neighbours who may be interested in becoming trained family child care providers.

"Together, as a Geelong community, we can do something new and show Australia a new community-led family child care service," Amanda said.

"We are reaching out to families with

“The AirBnb of Childcare”

child care needs to spend five minutes creating a Clann family profile that will only be seen by the providers they choose to engage with. This will help us map demand by postcode.

"We are also reaching out to home school families, parents and grandparents who might be interested in acquiring early learning skills and a family child care income".

Amanda said all information would remain secure, confidential and wouldn't be shared with third parties.

To share your family child care needs, visit http://families.clann.com. au/ To learn how to become a family child care provider, visit www. airkidcare.com.au For more information on Clann visit, www.clann.com.au Clann can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ clannaustralia

Liam McFadden with daughter Alice.

(Jen – Highton)

Calling all parents in Geelong and surrounding areas, get childcare that works for you.

Tell us your childcare needs and we will source and train providers in your area.

Find out how everyday parents and grandparents can start earning and learning on Clann.

Get training, small business support and ‘world first’ early childhood learning resources while turning your interest into a business helping other local families.

www.clann.com.au | Ph 1800 - 4CLANN www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

(1800 425 266) 12388273-SN24-18

WINTER 2018 23

Entertainment

Famous

' children s book

to come to life Experience one of the most famous children's books of all time come to life in a masterful theatrical experience for the whole family.

The critically-acclaimed The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is coming to Geelong in October, following a string of sold-out performances.

Take a journey through Eric Carle's incredible stories as they jump off the page and onto the stage in this enchanting show.

The performance features delightful characters from Carle's best-selling classics tales including The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mr Seahorse and The Very Lonely Firefly, and of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

This Australian made show excites, educates and entertains new readers and first-time theatre-goers, while those who grew up with these books will delight in experiencing the live show.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show features a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets that faithfully adapt Carle's beloved books for the stage.

"I hope the performances will be enjoyed by many and that the colorful characters will bring comfort and joy to all who see the stories that have been so carefully produced," Eric Carle said.

"It is uplifting to see such beautiful and cheerful works inspired by my characters."

Carle said he was delighted with the puppets and honoured to work with the show's creative team.

Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes to life in a theatrical performance for the whole family.

"Thank you, for bringing my stories to life for the stage. I hope my books - and this show - will inspire you and your imagination," he said.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show comes to Geelong Performing Arts Centre as part of the Family Magic 2018 program, with two performances on Saturday October 27. Tickets are $22 each or $20 each when booked in groups of four or more. Book at gpac. org.au The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is presented by JWR Productions Australia & Michael Sieders.

12387295-LB24-18

24 WINTER 2018

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

Very special guest to crawl into

Waurn Ponds THE Very Hungry Caterpillar is front and centre of the school holiday fun at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre this winter.

The popular caterpillar is featured in a series of free activities that the kids won't want to miss.

The caterpillar fever comes ahead of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at GPAC in October. Keep reading to discover the caterpillar winter holiday

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a very special guest at Waurn Shopping Centre these school holidays. fun and how you can win a family pass

Get Crafty

to the GPAC show.

Decorate your own crepe paper caterpillar at The Very Hungry Caterpillar Activity Central located outside Target. Monday 2 July - Friday 13 July.

The Scavenger Hunt Find all five locations where the Very Hungry Caterpillar is hiding through the

Story time

internal mall areas at the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre. They're big, so you can't miss them. Monday 2 July - Friday 13 July.

Listen to a reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar from 11am to 1pm daily outside Target. Monday 2 July to Fri 13 July.

Win your way to The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show!

Win 1 of 5 family passes to The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at GPAC. Simply take a photo in the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre that shows the kids enjoying any of the Very Hungry Caterpillar activities and then upload the photo to one of the social media networks.

available until Aug 31st 2018

Elevated Cubbies

Forts

Trampolines

Activity Station

Onground Cubbies

Boats

Monkey Bars

Action Forts

Nest Swings

Fitness Tramps

EzyRollers

Cubby Extras

Brands

Games Hire

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

12387977-FA24-18

www.playgroundsgeelong.com.au

WINTER 2018 25

Entertainment

HURRAH!

The Lah-Lah show is here

LAH-LAH is all about introducing kids and their families to the wonderful world of live music and musical instruments.

Stripy-socked singing sensation Lah-Lah and her Big Live Band are sure to get the whole family up singing and dancing with their award-winning live and top rating TV shows!

Singing sensation Lah-Lah and her Big Live Band are coming to Geelong.

Meet Mister Saxophone, Squeezy Sneezy on accordion, Tom Tom on drums, Buzz the Bandleader, Lola the Dancing Double Bass and the ever lovable Lah-Lah! From their TV show on ABC KIDS, CBeebies and the Seven Network to their sell-out live concerts, Lah-Lah's Big Live Band continue to delight audiences across Australia.

Most importantly, children are learning about music and musical instruments while having fun with the loveable Lah-Lah and the band!

Come and party with the stars of ABC KIDS Lah-Lah's Big Live Band as they celebrate their 10th birthday around Australia.

Geelong West Town Hall on Wednesday July 4 at 10am

12389726-EPJ24-18

To book tickets call 1300 788028 or visit www.lah-lah.com/tickets

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

WINTER 2018 27

Entertainment

PLENTY OF

school holiday fun AT CENTRAL GEELONG ribbon forest, explore magical treasures, play on a mermaid lake and paint rainbows. During week two of the school holidays (9-13 July), Unicornia will host a special range of food craft activities that are free for kids to enjoy from 10am-12pm. Visit www.centralgeelong. com.au/events/unicornia.

■ Where: Centre Court, 95 Malop St, Geelong

■ Week 1: Monday 2 July Friday 6 July, 10am-2pm

■ Enquiries: westfield.com.au/geelong CRAZY KNITTING WITH ... LOLLIES!

The centre's food and fun themed Winter Kids Fun Program features more than 100 indoor activities to keep the kids busy and fill their bellies.

■ Week 2: Monday 9 July Friday 13 July, 10am-2pm + food crafts from 10am-12pm

Experience this unique drop-in workshop where you get to make your own edible crafty fabric. Yum!

Activities include cooking classes, arts and crafts, gaming and technology workshops, live shows, theatre and storytelling, exhibitions, competitions and much more.

■ Where: 111-113 Lt Malop St (outside Market Sq), Geelong

■ Where: National Wool Museum, 26 Moorabool St, Geelong

■ Cost: Free

■ When: Wednesday 11 July, 10am12pm

IT might be cold outside, but you can bring the kids into Central Geelong for some full-on fun that's sure to warm them up.

Highlights of the program:

■ Bookings: Not required but there may be waiting times due to venue capacity

UNICORNIA

PJ MASKS AT WESTFIELD GEELONG

Winter has arrived and so too has the magic in Central Geelong. At the end of the rainbow lies Unicornia, a dreamy world of unicorns, mermaids and dragons. Children can immerse themselves in a colourful pop-up play experience, celebrating all things unicorn. They can wander through a

Learn what it takes to be a hero and a member of the PJ Masks team. Follow the thrilling night time exploits of three young friends, Connor, Amaya and Greg, who transform into their dynamic superhero alter egos as they uncover the secrets of thwarting the night time villains.

national wool museum

■ When: Tuesday 10 July - Saturday 14 July ■ Show times: 10am, 11am and 12pm ■ Cost: Free

■ Cost: Kids free with a paying adult

school-holiday. Bookings for activities via this website open at 12pm on 20 June. All other activities are open now.

If you'd like to automatically receive a copy of the Kids Fun Guide prior to each school holidays, register your details at www.centralgeelong.com.au and we'll notify you by email when it's ready to download.

The Central Geelong Kids Fun Guide is an initiative of Central Geelong Marketing.

■ Bookings: Not required You'll find these activities and so much more listed in the winter Central Geelong Kids Fun Guide. The Kids Fun Guide lists free and paid activities, events, exhibitions, special offers and competitions happening in Central Geelong each school holidays.

Download your copy on Saturday 16 June at www.centralgeelong.com.au/

SCHOOL HOLIDAY

PROGRAM ARTY, CRAFTY

BIRTHDAY PARTY FUN FOR KIDS, EASY FOR PARENTS! The National Wool Museum is the place to come for children who love to explore and create. Celebrate your child’s creativity with a Birthday party full of arty yarn and painty fun and to top it off, every guest at the party gets to take home their very own Arty Crafty creations! Parental/guardian supervision required.

Book now: nwminfo@geelongcity.vic.gov.au or call 03 5272 4701.

DATE: FRIDAY 6 JUL | TIME: 10AM – 12PM, 2PM – 4PM COST: Kids free with a paying adult.

Visit Spidergoat and the Insect Electro, and make cocoons and other spidery things with the artist, Kathy Howloko!

DROP-IN WOOLLY FUN DATES: MONDAY 2, TUESDAY 3, WEDNESDAY 4 JUL TIME: 10AM – 12PM COST: Kids free with a paying adult.

Inspired by Spidergoat and the Insect Electro installation, create woolly cocoons and silky spider webs with us!

LANDSCAPE COLLAGES DATES: MONDAY 9 & TUESDAY 10 JUL TIME: 10AM – 12PM COST: Kids free with a paying adult.

Create your own beautiful artwork inspired by Scarf Festival 2018.

CRAZY KNITTING WITH…LOLLIES! DATE: WEDNESDAY 11 JUL | TIME: 10AM – 12PM COST: Kids free with a paying adult.

Experience this unique drop-in workshop where you get to make your own eatable crafty fabric!

28 WINTER 2018

SATURDAY KIDS NEW

PROGRAM

YARN & PLAY – ART PROGRAM DATES: SATURDAYS (EVERY FORTNIGHT DURING SCHOOL TERM TIME)

16 & 30 JUN | 21 JUL | 4 & 18 AUG | 1 SEP ONWARDS TIME: 10:30AM – 11:30AM COST: $10 kids. Adults free.

Dedicated to children (aged 3+), our new Yarn & Play program has kicked off during term time on Saturdays!

From yarn play, to felt fun, from wacky weaving to material magic, make something new each fortnight! Visit nwm.vic.gov.au for information.

Sessions include access to the Museum, the facilitated activity and a retreat space. Parental/ guardian supervision required. Book now: www.nationalwoolmuseumgeelong.eventbrite.com

national wool museum

nwm.vic.gov.au 03 5272 4701

12387280-RA24-18

COCOON CACOPHONY

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

Entertainment

Our 'great cake expectations'

Lou Duggan Cake 2 the Rescue owner helped she e cak ero erh and the sup . ilee Em bake for 5-year-old

By Melissa Grant AS I squeezed the last bit of bright pink buttercream icing out of the piping bag, the clock ticked past midnight.

Dotting the icing onto the doll's vanilla butter cake skirt had taken much longer than anticipated and I began to worry I'd be yawning through my daughter's first birthday celebrations.

Although the cake looked a treat, the bar was probably set a bit high when I decided to recreate the Dolly Varden cake at my own first birthday party.

Turns out many parents suffer from 'great cake expectations' when it comes to children's birthday celebrations.

The cake Geel ong Coast Kids jour nalist Mel issa Grant baked for daug hter Emmy.

As my daughter Emmy tucked into the cake that took six hours to create, many mum friends recalled how they too had stayed up late to make a special cake for their child's birthday.

"I was up all night making a caterpillar cake. I was so tired for the party the next day," one friend said.

Staying up into the wee hours of the morning making birthday cakes is something mum of three Lou Duggan knows all too well, with two of her daughters having birthdays just days apart.

"I'd end up trying to make two cakes in one night and my husband would leave at 3am because I'd be in tears," she said.

It was this annual event that put Lou

A unicorn cake made using a Cake 2 the Rescue kit.

on the path to creating her unique business Cake 2 the Rescue seven years ago. Her company sells do-it-yourself cake kits that contain everything a parent needs to whip up a birthday cake except for the eggs, milk and butter.

"We don't offer anything that makes you cry and nothing that's not achievable after a couple of glasses of wine," the former engineer and interior designer said with a laugh.

The rainbow unicorn kit, by far, is the company's best-seller, while shark, dinosaur, dirt cake, monster trucks, superhero, diggers and dolphins are also popular among the 200-plus designs.

However, Lou said she received

By Melissa Grant DESTROYING a perfectly good cake for the purpose of taking a photo may sound a little bonkers, but it's fast becoming a popular part of a child's 1st birthday celebrations.

The cake smash trend has taken off in Australia, with some parents even forking out hundreds of dollars for a professional photographer to capture the action on camera.

Grace's cake smash was a messy affair, but her cat was helpful in cleaning up.

A smashing birthday trend www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

It's a simple but messy equation - bub is given an iced cake to eat in front of some cute and colourful decorations.

A vanilla sponge with white buttercream icing is often the cake of choice. The sponge breaks apart easily and the white frosting looks a treat in the photos. Chocolate mud cake, while yummy, probably isn't the best idea (after all, you don't want people saying is that cake or something else ... )

many crazy birthday cake requests from parents who had ridiculously high expectations.

"People will say 'I've never baked before can you help me' and it's a three-tiered masterpiece," she said.

"I have to talk them back down to a sensible cake that won't make them cry."

Gold Coast based Lou said too many mums and dads wrongly believed their birthday cake making skills reflected whether they were doing a good job as a parent.

"I think we have to take the pressure of ourselves. All your child sees is their mum or dad went out of the way to create something beautiful for them," she said.

her daughter, Grace, on a budget.

Ally bought a supermarket sponge cake and decorated it with buttercream icing, got Grace's tutu from an op shop, purchased the decorations from a discount store and took the photos.

The cake smash, including the set-up, took a couple of hours.

"The clean up wasn't too bad - I just threw her in the bath and had the cat help out with the clean up," Ally said.

"We had an absolute ball and would recommend for mums to do their own."

Baby Grace enjoyed a cake smash for her 1st birthday. Her mother, Ally, did the photo shoot on a budget.

It's also a good idea to have plenty of baby wipes and the bubble bath ready as the cake will end up everywhere!

While professional cake smash packages can cost upwards of $600, it is possible to spend much less and still be happy with the photos.

Mum Ally Singh did a cake smash for WINTER 2018 29

Entertainment

ROLL YOUR WAY INTO SOME

family fun Aparicio says although skating looks difficult, it is actually quite easy to learn.

ROLLER skating is a fun, social and physical activity that the family can do together all year round.

It's also the perfect way to celebrate a birthday as it provides non-stop entertainment for groups big and small.

Regardless of your age, pulling on a pair of skates and rolling about is sure to bring a smile to your face.

And those who have never skated before, including young kids, will be pleasantly surprised by how quick they will be gliding across the roller rink floor.

Rollerway Newtown owner Raul

"The first 10 seconds on skates is stunning but in about 20 minutes most are moving around independently and they've learnt a new skill," he said.

"You would be surprised by how easy it is to skate. In fact, each year we have more than 7000 kids attend parties at Rollerway and most have never skated beforehand."

"It's a fun and challenging activity that people can easily pick up and it really makes them feel good, and gives them a sense of achievement."

Rollerway specialises in parties that are incredibly good value for money.

There are no maximum or minimum

invites and you only pay for the kids who turn up.

The parties include admission, catering, roller skate or rollerblade hire and party bags. Most all-inclusive packages are priced below $20 per person.

"The parties go for 2.5 hours but often the kids are having so much fun that they want to stay longer," Mr Aparicio said.

"Our parties are recommended for kids six years or older, although younger kids can skate with a little patience.

"We even have quite a few 30th and 40th parties, which goes to show skating really is a fun activity for all ages."

With winter here, roller skating is also one of the few physical activities you can do out of the dreary wet weather.

"It's a fantastic school holiday or

weekend activity for the family as it's something mum and dad can also enjoy," Mr Aparicio said.

Rollerway is one of Australia's longest running skate centres having first opened in 1975, but you should check out some of the recent additions, like the brand new practice rink for beginners and toddlers.

The facility offers public and private skating sessions, recreational and competitive in-line hockey as well as fitness development classes and specialist training programs.

There is also a great selection of roller derby, inline, ice and roller skating goods for sale on site.

For more information, including opening hours, visit www.rollerway. com.au or phone their enquiry line on 0411 335 544.

'SPIDERSILK' MAKING INSPIRES

enchanting exhibition ACCLAIMED contemporary artist Kathy Holowko brings Spidergoat & The Insect Electro to the National Wool Museum.

It's an enchanting installation provoked by the story of goats making 'spidersilk' in the USA. Running until Sunday 29 July, this new installation unravels the unusual and thought provoking story of the new animal fibre, as USA-based researchers breed 'Spidergoats' to produce artificial silk from their milk.

The fibre is recognised as being stronger than steel. Spidergoat & The Insect Electro takes visitors through the story of this incredible scientific development, with light filled cocoons and electro beats guiding visitors throughout the installation.

Artist Kathy Holowko's work has appeared at Federation Square, NGV, White Night, Sydney Festival, Montalto, Sculpture by The Sea, ArtPlay, Bendigo

30 WINTER 2018

Conservatory, Albury Library Museum, Utrecht University Museum, and BAK gallery amongst others. Her work explores how our urban lives impact the ecology around us.

National Wool Museum director Padriac Fisher said it was a real thrill to be bringing Kathy Holowko to the National Wool Museum.

"The curious story of the 'Spidergoat' is one that has baffled the world. Kathy Holowko reimagines this scientific development in an immersive arts experience that you won't want to miss," he said.

The National Wool Museum is located at 26 Moorabool Street, Geelong.

For more information, visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au Check out the Kids Kalendar on pages 34-35 for details of the Wool Museum July School Holiday Program.

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

reality bites

MUM HAS

first boy

Jack with mum Belinda, dad Tom, and sisters Indie (left) and Har lie.

PICTURES: ROB CAREW

IN HER FAMILY

in over a

century

Baby Jack is the first boy in his mum's side of the family for more than 100 years.

By Melissa Grant IN the seconds after giving birth to her third child, Belinda Denney couldn't stop looking down as she pulled her newborn close to her chest.

It was a moment she and her family thought would never arrive, so she had to be sure she wasn't just imagining it.

Still on the hospital ward floor after a six-hour labour, tears of joy began streaming down Belinda's face as she realised something truly remarkable had indeed just happened.

"It was super emotional. I was the first to see," Belinda recalled.

"I looked down three times to check and process it. I was like 'it's not a boy, oh it's a boy, it's a boy!'

"I looked up to (my husband) Tom and he just broke down in tears. There were midwives crying as they knew the story as well."

The story was that a baby boy had not been born on Belinda's side of the family for more than a century.

After 17 girls and a number of miscarriages over four generations, Jack Thomas Denney entered the world on 3 May, 2017.

Belinda and her husband Tom had decided not to find out the gender during the pregnancy, as they had done with their two girls Harlie, 5, and four-year-old Indie.

However, keeping the sex a secret until the birth was much harder as this time the couple had taken steps to conceive a boy. www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

They only decided to try for a bundle of blue after seeing a geneticist, amid concerns there was a reason there had been no males born Belinda's family since her grand uncle.

ovulation or shortly afterwards.

The grand uncle (Belinda's nanna's older brother) was born in 1910, which means Jack is the first boy in the family for 107 years.

A diet high in potassium is also said to improve a woman's chances of conceiving a boy, so Belinda started eating a lot of bananas, broccoli and brussels sprouts while avoiding dairy.

The geneticist told the Denneys there was a chromosomal issue, although this wasn't the reason why no boys had been born for generations.

The couple wondered whether it was actually a good idea to try for a boy.

"I was nervous trying for a boy because in our minds the boys were the miscarriages. We were really nervous should we try it and risk a miscarriage?"

Belinda said.

"In the end, we thought we'll do it - we'll see what happens."

Belinda and Tom researched at length how they could boost their chances of conceiving a boy.

The couple came across a variety of methods, from ones which boasted high rates of success to the downright wacky.

In the end, the Denneys settled on the Shettles Method, a concept which claims the timing of intercourse can help determine a baby's gender. The method was developed in the 1960s by Dr Landrum B Shettles, who believed Y (male) sperm were faster but more fragile than X (female sperm) and that acidic environments were harmful to Y sperm. So, he believed conceiving a boy was more likely to occur when intercourse happened on the day of

Apparently caffeine makes the male sperm swim even faster, so Tom founding himself knocking back shots of coffee.

The Denneys weren't convinced any of these methods would actually work, but thought they would be fun to try.

"These are all just claims. There's no scientific evidence these things will give you a boy," Belinda said.

"We were happy either way with a boy or a girl."

The couple fell pregnant quickly and soon enough Belinda got an inkling that she may be carrying a son.

The pregnancy was much different to that of her girls. This time, she was carrying lower and rounder, experienced morning sickness, had a very active baby and didn't put on much extra weight.

All was going to plan until the baby's movements slowed around 30 weeks and Belinda was sent in for an ultrasound.

Belinda explained to the sonographer why she didn't want to know the baby's sex, yet moments later the baby's gender appeared to jump out on the screen.

"He went across the stomach and I saw a penis!" she recalled.

Although Belinda's sister, Leanne,

saw the same thing, she didn't want to get her hopes up.

"I didn't let it overtake my thoughts and I only told my mum and Tom," Belinda said.

"I kept telling myself it was the umbilical cord."

In case it wasn't the umbilical cord, Belinda organised a photographer to capture the birth.

Belinda, a photographer herself, didn't go into labour until about a week after her due date, but it was worth the wait. She had her boy.

The excitement didn't end there, with the couple wrapping up Jack in a gender neutral blanket so they could surprise family and friends who visited the hospital.

"A couple of friends were so excited they jumped up and down," Belinda recalled.

Jack weighed 8lb 11oz - smaller than both of the couple's daughters.

Looking back on the pregnancy, Belinda said it was funny they couldn't decide on a girl's name but only ever had one name for a boy.

Belinda wanted to name her son after her grandfather Jack Thomas, which was fitting given the first-born son in her husband Tom's family is traditionally given the father's name as a middle name.

More than a year later, the Denneys still can't believe they have a son.

"We all just look at Jack and go 'wow how blessed are we to have him?'"

WINTER 2018 31

Women united by wool launch online clothing store WOOL is a beautiful fabric to wear for babies, children and adults.

It's breathable, soft on the skin and no longer gives an itchy feel like the jumpers grandma used to knit.

Quality and stylish woollen clothing can be hard to find, so three Victorian women with a real passion for wool have united to create a one-stop online shop.

The trio recently launched unitedbywool.com.au, which features a gorgeous range of woollen clothing labels sourced from around the world including Australia, New Zealand and Denmark.

United By Wool co-founder Katja and her two-year-old son Sebastian.

Sally Jackson said she and her friends Michelle and Katja - whose husbands all work in the wool export business - wanted to establish an online store where people could easily find the woollen product they were after.

Sebastian wears som e of the trend y clothing fr om United By Wool.

Pictures: Louisa Jo nes

"We wanted to create a place where people could go 'I just want a little bodysuit or singlet, or i just want to give someone a woollen present for a baby shower'," Sally said.

"Good woollen clothing is not something that's easy to find. My kids are 10 and 8 now - when they were younger it was very hard to find your basics and if you did they were

ridiculously expensive."

The women also want to teach consumers about the benefits of wearing wool and dispel myths around the fibre.

"We are very passionate about wool and promoting wool, particularly for babies," Sally said.

"A real benefit of wool for babies is that it helps moderate their body temperature.

"It's a breathable fibre and is really soft on their skin. It also lasts and doesn't pollute the environment like other fibres."

And wool isn't only for winter.

"We also want to show people you can wear wool all year round . It does keep you cool over summer as it does breathe," she said.

Another misconception is that woollen clothing is difficult to clean.

"Wool is in fact easy to care for, and doesn't require time consuming and complicated care," Sally said.

United By Wool features a wide range of woollen clothing from baby jumpsuits to scarves and ponchos for busy mums.

To stock up on stylish woolen clothing, head to https://unitedbywool. com.au/

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: M M M, Late cHoco al keeping

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BOOKS

books..

Red House, Blue House, Green House, Tree House - Jane Godwin and Jane Reiseger If you're looking for a fun, vibrant book to help teach your little one about colours, then Red House, Blue House, Green House, Tree House is for you.

Bright, bold and so much fun to read aloud, it will quickly become a bedtime favourite in your home. The simple illustrations, strong colours and rhythmic language combine for a fresh and fun way to learn about colours. And there are treats for the observant readers. This clever, gorgeous book is perfect for younger children and those just starting to read. We love it.

By The Book Bird's Sue Lawson

Shine Mountain - Julie Hunt

The Last Peach - Gus Gordon

Ellie loves her life with her grandparents on Spit Farm. When her dying grandfather plays a magical button box, drought and sickness cover the land. Ellie knows the only way she can make things right is to take the button box back to where it came from - Gleam Mountain, a land from stories and dreams. With Nanny her goat and her brother's horse, Sol, Ellie sets out on a dangerous journey.

The Last Peach is the latest book from Australian creator, Gus Gordon, and it's gorgeous. When two bugs discover the most beautiful peach of summer, maybe of all summers, they can't decide if they should eat the peach, or leave it alone.

The chat between the bugs and the stream of insects that pass by to offer advice is hilarious. And the artwork, a collage of magazine, newspaper and book cut-outs, mostly in French, is beautiful. From the cover's perfect peach to the hungry bugs, this is a delightful picture book perfect for sharing with young readers.

This is a fabulous book crammed with adventure, great characters and surprises. Written by award winning Australian writer, Shine Mountain is a great novel for mid to upper primary school readers.

Tarin of the Mammoths Book 1: The Exile - Jo Sandhu Tarin's ambition is to be a hunter.

However, he has a twisted leg and no one in his clan believes Tarin has any chance of achieving his dream. After hunts go wrong, Tarin is banished from the clan. To regain the clan's trust and his place amongst them, Tarin has to travel to the mountains as his only chance of regaining his honour and his home is to make the extended journey to the sacrifice. The road is not only challenging physically, but filled with danger. This is the first book in a trilogy and is a terrific read for mid primary school readers.

The Big Book Of The Blue - Yuval Zommer Why do dolphins jump out of the water?

Why do pufferfish puff up? How come penguins don't freeze? Struggling to answer your children's constant questions? The latest book from Yuval Zommer is for you and your family. Like his earlier books, Zommer's The Big Book of The Blue is filled with fantastic creatures, quirky facts, answers to questions and even a special fish to spot on each page. The illustrations are fun and colourful and the information is served up in child-sized chunks. We love The Big Book of the Blue and know your youngster will too. Great for children aged 4 and over.

The Silver Sea - Jane Godwin and Alison Lester Let's go down to the Silver Sea. Come on, I'll hold your hand...

Two of Australia's most loved picture book creators, Alison Lester and Jane Godwin, have teamed up with patients from the Royal Children's Hospital to create an exquisite book. The words are poetic and evocative and the illustrations, made up of collage and sketches, are superb. Sometimes books of this nature miss the mark - not this one. It's gorgeous. The creators have combined their work with the children's seamlessly. The Silver Sea will be adored by parents and children alike and, best of all, proceeds go to the Royal Children's Hospital.

Check out our great

PLAY&AREA ALL DAY MENU 12 noon - 8.30pm

Spacious Dining Plenty of Parking

12379290-EPJ11-18

Special Kids Meals Excellent Value Meals

NORLANE HOTEL 2-8 Princes Hwy, Norlane Ph 5278 2423 WWW.NORLANEHOTEL.COM.AU 12374110-DJ49-17

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

WINTER 2018 33

What ' s on this

Winter

30 JUNE - 15 JULY

2 - 13 JULY

Central Geelong school holiday fun

Very Hungry Caterpillar Scavenger Hunt Can you find the Caterpillar's hiding spots? Collect your scavenger hunt sheet and start hunting!

Food and Fun themed program with more than 100 indoor activities to keep the kids busy and fill their bellies. Activities include cooking classes, food crafts, arts and crafts, gaming and technology workshops, live shows, theatre and storytelling, exhibitions, special offers and competitions. There is even a colourful pop-up play experience celebrating all things unicorn.

10 JULY - 14 JULY PJ Masks live shows

2, 3, 4 JULY

Everyone's favourite crime fighting superhero team PJ Masks is coming to Westfield Geelong for the July School Holidays! Children can learn what it takes to be a hero and a member of the PJ Masks team.

Drop in Woolly Fun

Live shows daily: 10am, 11am and 12pm.

Westfield, Geelong

Kids free with a paying adult 10am-12pm daily National Wool Museum, Geelong Visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au or call

Visit ww.westfield.com.au/geelong

5272 4701

A child-size pretend

2 - 13 JULY

play town

Decorate your own crepe paper caterpillar

Do you have an aspiring doctor, firefighter, gardener or barista at home?

Central Geelong Download your copy of the fun guide at www.centralgeelong.com.au/ school-holiday

Inspired by the Spidergoat & the Insect Electro installation, create woolly cocoons and silky spider webs

2 - 13 JULY

11am to 2pm daily (excluding weekends) Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, outside Target Visit www.waurnpondssc.com.au

The Village Green - a child-size pretend play town - is coming to Market Square these school holidays. The Village is the perfect place for your baby barista to master the perfect latte or for your aspiring educator to run their very own daycare centre.

A crafty caterpillar activity the kids are sure to love.

Your child can let their imagination run wild in a world designed just for them, a world where small people can play big!

Storytime

Daily from Monday to Friday Market Square Shopping Centre, Geelong Visit www.marketsquaregeelong.com.au

11am to 2pm daily (excl. weekends) Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, outside Target Visit www.waurnpondssc.com.au

2 - 13 JULY Listen to a reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar 11am and 1pm daily (excl. weekends) Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, outside Target Visit www.waurnpondssc.com.au

FOR BOOKINGS CALL

0419 822 399

238 Pakington St Geelong West 3218 5222 4484

INFO@WILDLIFEXPOSURE.COM.AU WWW.WILDLIFEXPOSURE.COM.AU

12320529-35-16

34 WINTER 2018

1219697-RC10-16

WILDLY INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE PARTIES !

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

12320697-LB35-16

Giant games Hire Pool Parties at Geelong Aquatic Centre • 2 hours • Pool open for your party only • Lifeguard on Duty at all Times • Party invitations included 3 Bridge Street, Newtown www.geelongaquaticcentre.com.au www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

6 JULY

9 & 10 JULY

11 JULY

Cocoon Cacophony

Landscape Collages

Crazy Knitting

Create your own beautiful artwork

with... Lollies!

Visit Spidergoat & the Insect Electro, and make cocoons and other spidery things with artist Kathy Holowko.

3 & 10 JULY

inspired by Scarf Festival 2018

Kids free with a paying adult

Kids free with a paying adult

10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm National Wool Museum, Geelong Visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au or phone 5272 4701

National Wool Museum, Geelong Visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au or

Kids free with a paying adult

call 5272 4701

10am - 12pm National Wool Museum, Geelong Visit www.nwm.vic.gov.au or call 5272 4701

10-12 JULY

Magic Show & Workshop Join Dazzling Dan the Magic Man for a magical experience the kids will not forget. Dan's workshop theme will be a treasure hunt! It's perfect for parents and grandparents with children who love to watch and learn about and perform magic.

Art Classes - Holiday Club

Visit www.bellarinerailway.com.au or phone 5258 2069

Everist Rd, Ocean Grove

Does your child want to have some arty

Lah-Lah's Big Live Band th Birthday Party

Mister Maker Returns

10

Come and party with the stars of ABC Kids Lah-Lah's Big Live Band!

10am, Geelong West Town Hall $26.50 (children 12 months & under admitted free) Phone 1300 788 028 or visit www.lah-lah.com/tickets

Piccadilly Market

and teens aged 6-14 years of age.

There will be 100 stalls to explore with a selection of modern independent design, including jewellery and accessories, art, fashion, candles, illustration, home decor, children's clothing and products, skin care, lifestyle products and gourmet food.

Book online at www.artskool.com.au or

8 JULY

29 JULY

craft fun during the holidays? For kids Classes are held at Artskool - 1/20

4 JULY

Experience this unique drop-in workshop where you get to make your own edible crafty frabic.

phone 0437 582772

Deakin Waterfront Campus 9.30am - 3pm Visit www.piccadillymarket.com.au

Get ready mini-makers - your favourite arty party man is coming back to Oz! Mister Maker will be live on stage with his famous sidekicks The Shapes, as well as the Mister Maker dancers.

Costa Hall, Geelong For bookings visit www.mistermakertour.com.au

Arty Parties & Art Classes

1/20 Everist Rd, OCEAN GROVE

Ph 0437 582 772 www.artskool.com.au

CLIFF

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW STUDIO!

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1 3 & 14 O

Event also in January & April

Heritage Train Service

3, 10, 11, 17 & 24 June 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 22 & 29 July

Magic Show & Workshop Treasure Hunt Theme 3 & 10 July

Visit website for details & bookings or call 5258 2069

www.bellarinerailway.com.au

12388253-LB24-18

www.geelongcoastkids.com.au

12389997-LN24-18

WINTER 2018 35