Gippsland
SUMMER 2021-22
TODAY Warragul mum’s idea for
LITTLE WOMEN Mum’s gift to
SAVE SON’S LIFE
Great prizes in
TOY GIVEAWAY
www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
SUMMER 2021 1
About Us
Gippsland
Time for summer fun HELLO again! Welcome to the second edition of Gippsland Kids Today. Summer is here, which is pretty exciting! After spending too much of the year at home and with the weather warming up, it’s definitely time to get out and enjoy time with the family. The past 12 months have been pretty hectic for so many parents, with Covid having a big impact on family life. Warragul mum Rebecca Little managed to launch her business, Little Miss Period, during lockdown in July. The business, which started off as selling period boxes, quickly took off. Bec, who has a huge following on Instagram, is also an ambassador for Share the Dignity and speaks candidly to us about her OCD and the stroke she suffered at age 24 (page 3). We also spoke to mum of three Claire DeStratis who did something
incredible for her son - she risked dying to save his life. Her six-year-old Jake was on life support with only days left to live when she gave him a life-saving partial liver transplant. You can read their amazing and heart-warming story on page 7.
library. They are an amazing resource for families - for a pretty small fee you can purchase a membership and regularly borrow from the hundreds of toys available. In this edition, we explore the Wellington Toy Library and Moe Rainbow Toy Library.
Another incredible story is that of Gippsland’s Heather Baird. The 66-yearold is the founder of A Better Life for Foster Kids, a grassroots volunteer organisation that provides ‘crisis cases’ for children going into care, and advocacy and support for foster families. Heather - who wound up in out-of-home care at the age of two-anda-half - is passionate about improving the lives of foster children and untying the knots of the system. Check out her story on page 27.
Speaking of toys, we’ve teamed up with some great toy brands to give our readers the chance to win some incredible prizes. Entries close on 2 February, so head to our website and get your entries in! The team at Gippsland Kids Today wishes you a merry Christmas and a fabulous 2022. Happy holidays!
Now, the summer days can be long and if you’re wondering how you will keep your little ones entertained then you should check out your local toy
Editorial Melissa Grant
Latrobe Valley Express Paula Hansen 5135 4444
Mad pregnancy dash home
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PAGE 26
Cancer video inspires hair donation
Think twice about asbestos
Covid baby hurdles
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PAGE 18
PAGE 26
Ruby shows a lot of heart to get the big chop
Exercise in pregnancy
Passion for foster kids
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PAGE 27
Meeting your new addition before birth
Save and declutter at your local toy library
Sharing a tale of too many toys
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EDUCATION
Mum’s experience helps acne sufferers
Mum’s amazing act to save her son’s life
Cute program on the moo-ve
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PAGE 7
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Confidence during uncertainty
Toy Run brings plenty of joy
How to deal with school refusal
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Steve Biddulph on the big change in our dads
Child care relief coming early
BOOKS
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Gippsland Times Matthew Fitzgerald 5143 9333 Published by Star News Group. 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.
Gippsland
SUMMER 2021-22
TODAY Warragul mum’s idea for
LITTLE WOMEN
A ‘Wandi’ful book for kids
Mum’s gift to
SAVE SON’S LIFE
PAGE 30
Learning for life
Children’s books
PAGE 21
Great prizes in
PAGE 30
Preparing for prep PAGE 22
KIDS CALENDAR
A great start
What to consider when selecting child care
What’s on this summer
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PAGE 22
Capturing milestones
ENTERTAINMENT
Gift Christmas to a child in care
Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777
Advertising The Warragul and Drouin Gazette Donna Lynn 0448 706 095
REALITY BITES
PAGE 13
PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810
Michael Robinson
Insights into picky eating
PAGE 11
Pakenham, 3810
Stewart Chambers
HEALTH
IT repairs that come to you
Gippsland Kids Today Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road,
Photography Rob Carew
Warragul mum’s idea for little women
PAGE 11
The magazine will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.
Phone: 5945 0666
IT’S YOUR LIFE
Managing festive stress
This magazine is brought to you by Star News Group, Gippsland Times, Latrobe Valley Express, and The Warragul and Drouin Gazette.
melissa.grant@starnewsgroup.com.au
CONTENTS
PAGE 9
TODAY
TOY GIVEAWAY
www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
PAGE 31
Get creative at Robert Gordon
SUMMER 2021 1
Cover Warragul mum Rebecca Little, husband Dion and their daughters Penelope, Charlotte and Florence. Picture Jackie Thomas
PAGE 23
PAGE 15 Kids in the Kitchen
A wild ride for young viewers PAGE 23
PAGE 16 Open your heart to a child in need PAGE 16
Roll up to the party! PAGE 24
Great summer toy giveaway
New Year brings magic to West Gippsland Arts Centre
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It’s Your Life
Rebecca Little (right) with Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay.
Warragul mum’s idea for little women Rebecca does a lot of posts about matching fashion.
Picture: Jackie Thomas
By Melissa Grant
newborns. I think people found a lot of interest in following our lives,” she said.
WARRAGUL mum Rebecca Little is big on making a difference.
The Little family hasn’t travelled much since the arrival of the twins, Florence and Penelope, now aged 3, due to Covid.
Whether it’s empowering young females through her new project Little Miss Period or using her profile to help charities, Bec is a busy mum who is making her mark.
Having such a strong following on Instagram has led Bec to some great opportunities and collaborations, but she’s careful about what she posts particularly when it involves the kids.
And with three young girls, including twins, a business and managing an Instagram account with more than 48,000 followers, Bec admits that life can be pretty hectic.
She asks Charlotte, who turns 7 in January, for her consent before posting. “I make sure she approves what I’m posting. I ask her if she wants to do the particular jobs we get asked to do because at the end of the day I’m not going to force her to do things she doesn’t enjoy any more.”
“I think for the everyday person that being a mum is a full-time job - obviously now I’m juggling that and the Instagram, Little Miss Period and my husband (Dion) works really long hours. I would consider it a full-time job times three!” the 33-yearold said, with a laugh. LITTLE MISS PERIOD Bec launched Little Miss Period during lockdown in July, although the idea had been brewing for a while.
A Little Miss Period box.
where you can buy period underwear or you can go the other route of going pads and tampons,” Bec explained.
The business, which started off as selling ‘period boxes’, stemmed from her own transition into womanhood.
“So I just wanted to make it a bit about everything so they can go into their period with choice.”
“When I was young and going through those stages that my mum pretty much put a box of tampons at the end of my bed,” she explained.
The concept has taken off with Bec receiving orders every day. It has also evolved into a site that sells period underwear, menstrual cups and self-care resources.
“It was my 12th birthday party where I got my period and I ended up sitting out of my own birthday party. I had no idea what to do with a tampon.” It’s a situation she doesn’t want her own girls - and other young females - to experience. “I just want that openness with my girls. I want them to feel supported and empowered in every decision that takes place around their body and know that they’re in charge,” she said. “I guess I wanted to make it (getting periods) fun and exciting and not such a scary thing.” The period boxes are intended to be a celebratory gift for a girl when she starts menstruation. The boxes are fun but informative with a ‘Welcome to Your Period’ book, tampons, pads, period briefs, a wheat bag and more. “It’s about choice. I’ve found that on the market they’ve only got options www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
INSTAGRAM Bec posts about women’s fashion, children’s fashion and beauty on her Instagram account. However her early posts were all about travelling with children. Bec and husband Dion took their young daughter Charlotte, who was then nearly 2, around America for two months. They hired an RV and travelled the east coast. “It was just a really spectacular holiday. I guess people loved seeing us travelling to all these incredible landmarks,” Bec said. “I feel like it definitely took off there.” More followers came when Bec announced that she and Dion were having twins. “I think it’s very intriguing for people to see how you manage life with two
She also won’t take on a job if it means losing her authenticity and is careful not to take on too much. “I have been quite open about my mental health. I was diagnosed last year with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). I say yes to a lot of people and I’ve learned over the last 18 months to start saying no just to put myself first.” HELPING THOSE IN NEED Bec is keen to use her profile to good use. She became an ambassador for Share the Dignity after the charity put out a call to influencers via social media. “OCD me took it on and within a week we were able to raise $40,000 in cash and product. I used my network of brands I’d worked with before and so many came to the party. “We put together 350 bags of essential items you would need in a month shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, just the essentials we all take for granted. “We were able to do that all in a week. It was a very proud moment and something I hope that I can continue to do.” Bec donates $2 from each Little Miss Period sale to Share the Dignity.
Rebecca Little, with husband Dion and their girls Charlotte, Penelope and Florence. Picture: Caitlyn Frecklington
She initially studied a Bachelor of Business and Commerce to become an accountant. “Growing up I always felt like I needed to have a professional career,” she said. “But when I moved to be with Dion I couldn’t get a job as an accountant… I tried every avenue.” Bec ended up working as a receptionist at the Warragul Hospital consulting suites, which she loved. One day at work she went up the street to get supplies when she had a stroke. “I just had the episode there in the street. I had to have an ambulance,” she said. Bec was 24 at the time and fortunately the impacts of the stroke were reversed quite quickly. However, she still struggles with words at times and has found her brain works a bit differently. “I went from numbers to creativeness,” she said. “So I guess that’s where my Instagram evolved from... as well as my passion project which is Little Miss Period.” LOVING GIPPSLAND LIFE Bec grew up in Melbourne and went to boarding school - she only moved to Gippsland to be with Dion, who spent his childhood in Bunyip. The Littles love spending time at Civic Park, having a Sunday breakfast or brunch in Warragul and hiking up Mount Cannibal. “Friday nights in summer we have Fish n Chips at Civic Park without fail - it’s our favourite thing to do,” Bec said. “It’s become a tradition in summer and I love it.” They also have an annual pass to Gumbuya World and love visiting local places like Blue Rock Dam and Mount Cannibal.
She has also previously been involved in the Baw Baw Food Relief Christmas Appeal.
“We are really lucky here in Gippsland. We have such beautiful surrounding towns in Warragul and there really is so much to do,” she said.
A LIFE-CHANGING INCIDENT Bec says she hasn’t always been a creative type.
You can follow Bec on Instagram at rebeccalittle_ or check out Little Miss Period at https://littlemissperiod.com/ SUMMER 2021 3
It’s Your Life
Cancer video inspires hair donation A WARRAGUL girl has cut her long locks to help brighten the lives of those with cancer. Dulja Gangodawila, 7, grew her hair for two-and-a-half years specifically for the cause. With her hair well down her back, Dulja’s visit to a Drouin salon before lockdown produced about 10 braids for “Sustainable Salons”. Her hair will be donated to charities who make medical wigs for those with cancer or alopecia. Dulja’s mum Anupama Gunasekera said a video of a girl who lost her hair during cancer treatment had inspired the St Paul’s Anglican Grammar student to grow and donate her hair. The Grade 2 student is enjoying her shorter hair but plans to grow and donate more hair as soon as she can.
Dulja prepares to cut her long locks grown specifically to create wigs for people with cancer and alopecia.
Du Gangodawila, holds a thank you certificate after growing and donating Dulja braids of hair to charities who create wigs. br
Ruby shows a lot of heart to get the big chop By Alyssa Fritzlaff
to see her beat her original goal, and so grateful for the support of her family in raising funds for critically ill children,” she said.
TRARALGON girl Ruby Clegg raised more than $2500 before getting the ‘Big Chop’.
Make-A-Wish Australia has more than 800 seriously ill children waiting for a wish, due to the impacts of Covid-19.
Ruby, 12, donated 42cm of her hair to Hair With Heart on 17 October, raising impressive funds in the lead-up.
The charity is the only Australian children’s charity that focuses exclusively on wishes.
Originally, the plan was to just donate her hair, however when she realised others fundraised as well she was quick to get on board.
Ruby had been planning to donate her hair since last year, and originally set her Make-A-Wish goal to $1000. Once she surpassed that value, she raised the goal to $1500, not expecting to pass her extended goal.
Ruby’s mum Kelly Clegg has been one of her biggest supporters throughout her journey. “We just wanted to donate her hair first, and then once we started looking into it we realised other people fundraise while they do it, so she picked Make-AWish,” Kelly explained. Ruby said: “I just wanted to make other kids happy.” On her fundraising page, Ruby writes that “losing your hair can have a negative impact on your mental health so I want to donate my hair so a wig can be made to help a kid.” Make-A-Wish Australia have been operating since 1985, and have granted 4 SUMMER 2021
“We didn’t really imagine that it would get to $2000,” Kelly said. “We are so grateful for everyone who donated... it’s such a worthy cause.”
more than 10,000 wishes.
Ruby’s family, friends and school teachers have supported Ruby throughout her fundraising, many making their own donations.
Make-A-Wish Australia chief executive officer Sally Bateman praised Ruby’s fundraising efforts.
“My teacher made me stand on a chair and had everyone clap for me,” Ruby said.
“Ruby’s kindness to help other children is incredible and has been an inspiration to all of us. We are so pleased
When the big day arrived Ruby and her mum travelled to Salon Seven in Warragul.
Ruby chopped off her long locks for charity.
Ruby said it was “scary” making the change from having such long hair to short. “Until it was styled it was still a bit scary,” Kelly said. “Rubes hasn’t had her hair this short since she was about two or three.” Chopping her hair off has come with other benefit too, Ruby reports. Her hair now sits above her shoulders, and she is able to curl and style it which she wasn’t able to do before. “It used to take forever to dry and if you wanted to straighten it, it would take an hour... it was just a messy bun for a really long time.” The 42cm donated by Ruby will be enough to make a whole wig for a child experiencing hair loss, which was what she had aimed for. Ruby’s family is proud of her achievement, however they say her donation is no surprise. “I am super proud, but not surprised. Ruby has a huge heart she’s always thinking about everyone else,” Ms Clegg said. To donate to Ruby’s fundraiser, visit https://fundraise.makeawish.org.au/ www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
It’s Your Life
Bastien and Amber play with some toys at the Moe Rainbow Toy Library. Bastien checks out one of the many pretend play toys at the Moe Rainbow Toy Library.
Save at your local toy library DO you often spend a small fortune on a new toy only for your child to quickly grow out of it?
the toys she needed to help her grow and develop.
Is your house frequently cluttered with toys?
Her daughter was about 4 or 5 at the time and she couldn’t afford a heap of toys as a single mum.
Are you concerned about how many plastic toys you will end up chucking in the rubbish bin?
“I just knew I didn’t have the thousands of dollars to provide the toys she wanted or needed,” Rachael said.
Do you sometimes feel it’s impossible to afford all the toys that your child needs or wants?
“For me the toy library was the cheapest option.”
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then check out your local toy library. Toy libraries are an amazing resource for families. They allow you to rotate toys so your child always has something new to play with. They also reduce clutter and the number of toys that end up in the bin. Best of all, they will save you a heap of money on toys as the memberships are very affordable. There are toy libraries located throughout Gippsland. Grants and donations allow the libraries to remain stocked with a huge variety of toys. Here, we explore what’s on offer at the Wellington Toy Library and Moe Rainbow Toy Library. WELLINGTON TOY LIBRARY The Wellington Toy Library, located in Sale, has more than 1200 toys available to borrow. The toys are suitable for children aged 0-8 and include everything from games to Lego to outdoor toys. You will find popular Bluey, Peppa Pig and PJ mask toys, plus dolls houses, construction toys, bikes, scooters, pretend play items and even a therapy swing. Committee member Rachael Stevens encourages local families to come and see what the toy library has to offer. Rachael became involved in the toy library to ensure her daughter had all www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
An annual membership costs $75 for a family and $50 for concession. Members are asked to volunteer for two sessions each year. There’s also a six-month trial membership that costs $40 and doesn’t require you to volunteer. The Wellington Toy Library runs sessions on Tuesdays from 10am-12pm and Fridays from 3pm to 5pm. It is closed on public holidays and over the Christmas and New Year period. The toy library website has an online toy catalogue so you can decide what toys you want to borrow before attending a session.
Bastien on the jumping castle that can be hired by members of the Moe Rainbow Toy Library.
You will find the website at https:// wellington.mibase.com.au/home/ index.php The toy library, which has been operating for 40 years, also has a Facebook page. Sessions are held at 55 Raymond Street Sale. MOE RAINBOW TOY LIBRARY The Moe Rainbow Toy Library has around 560 toys and is in the process of adding a heap of new ones to its collection. Suitable for kids aged 0-12 years, its wide range of toys include building blocks, puzzles, baby toys, costumes, pretend play items and larger toys such as ride-ons, scooters, trikes and a slide. There’s even a jumping castle that members can hire for their child’s birthday.
Ethan with some of the toys he borrowed from the Moe Rainbow Toy Library.
The Moe Rainbow Toy Library has been around for 30 years, however a lot of locals don’t know they exist.
Each child is generally allowed to borrow two toys and one puzzle at a time for two to three weeks.
President Ella Koopmans is keen to see more families join given the benefits.
Sessions are held every second Friday from 9am-10.30am, and every second Wednesday from 9am-10.30am on alternate weeks. Session dates are posted on the toy library’s website at https://moerainbowtoylibrary.setls.com. au/ and on their Facebook page.
“You get to borrow toys that you might not be able to afford or store at home because you don’t have the room,” the mum of two said. “You will also be part of a community group so you get to meet new people.” Annual memberships cost $25 and $10 for concession, and are renewed each January.
If you are interested in joining, simply head along to a session to fill out an application. The Moe Rainbow Toy Library is located inside Moe P.L.A.C.E on Vale St. SUMMER 2021 5
12524385-SN51-21
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It’s Your Life
Claire and Beau with their children Jake, Mia and Evie.
Mum’s amazing act to save her son’s life Matching scars... Claire and son Jake.
By Melissa Grant
At the RCH, Claire and her partner Beau met with transplant surgeons and Jake was put on transplant waiting lists in Australia and New Zealand.
SIX-YEAR-OLD Jake Shiels had only two days left on life support when his mum gave him an incredible life-saving gift.
Due to the urgency of the situation, both Claire and Beau underwent tests to see if it was possible one of them could donate part of their liver.
The Victorian boy was battling a mystery virus that had caused his liver to fail and he needed a transplant to have any chance of surviving.
Claire was watching her son on life support when a surgeon called to inform her she was a match.
Time was running out to find a donor when his mum, Claire DeStratis, discovered she was compatible but donating part of her liver meant risking her own life. “The surgeons said ‘look, one in four you’re going to have a major complication and one in 200 don’t survive the surgery’,” the mum of three said. “That was probably one of the things that scared me the most. But I knew that Jake was going to get what he needed regardless of anything that happened to me.
The following day she was admitted to the Austin Hospital for a six-hour surgery to retrieve 20 per cent of her liver. Under police escort, the partial liver was then rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital for Jake’s 12-hour transplant surgery. Jake spent weeks in hospital.
Medical Centre in Clayton. The youngster’s skin had also turned yellow and blood tests revealed he had a viral hepatitis.
“He wasn’t going to get it any other way because they couldn’t find a donor and they could only keep him on life support for a maximum of five days.”
Two weeks of tests failed to uncover what exactly the virus was, but it was clear that his immune system had begun attacking his liver.
The nightmare ordeal started in February this year, less than two weeks after Jake returned to school.
“They said ‘we are going to have to transport him to the RCH (Royal Children’s Hospital) because his liver is failing. He’s going to be going to the transplant ward and he’s going to need a liver transplant’,” Claire explained.
All of a sudden the usually healthy and happy boy felt extremely ill. “We thought he had gastro but within 24 hours of him vomiting his eyes turned yellow and I knew that wasn’t normal so I rushed him to our local GP,” Claire recalled. Claire ended up taking Jake to the emergency department at the Monash www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
“There was no stopping the onslaught of it. There was no minimising the symptoms or anything like that, his liver was failing. “I watched him deteriorate over 11 days… my heart was just breaking.”
Fortunately Jake responded well to the transplant, with his skin returning to a healthier colour in less than 24 hours. The entire time, Beau was with Jake while the couple’s daughters Mia and Evie were cared for by their aunt and grandmother. Claire’s workplace rallied to raise over $17,000 while a GoFundMe raised more than $10,000 for the couple. “Our family and friends showed such great support financially,” Claire said. “We were able to put all our energy into Jake’s recovery and my recovery without the financial worry.” Claire spent an entire week laying in a hospital bed wondering how her little boy was faring. When the pair finally reunited Jake’s face lit up and he proudly pointed to the scar on his stomach. “I said to him, ‘mum has one too honey’,” Claire said.
Claire has recovered well and it is believed her liver has regrown and returned to its pre-surgery size. Jake had some complications following his life-saving surgery - his lung collapsed and a blood clot that formed on his liver had to be removed. After the transplant, it was discovered that Jake’s mystery illness was slapped cheek, a virus he previously caught and fought off but had caused an immune response so heightened it attacked the liver. Jake will take immunosuppressive medication for the rest of his life and is on a low-fat diet to ensure his liver isn’t under undue pressure. Apart from that it’s been pretty smooth sailing post-surgery for Jake, who celebrated his 7th birthday in October. “You look at him today and you wouldn’t even think he has had an organ transplant,” Claire said. “He is such a good kid and he is such a fighter. Even four of five days after the transplant he was trying to get up and walk… he just took it all in his stride.” Claire is eternally grateful to the talented surgeons who performed the life saving transplant surgeries. “Without them and the knowledge they have we wouldn’t be where we are today. “Jake was operated on for 12 hours, I was operated on for six hours - that’s incredible. “I can’t thank them enough.” To register to become an organ and tissue donor, visit donatelife.gov.au SUMMER 2021 7
It’s Your Life
One of the donations. Santa makes an appearance at the Toy Run.
Toy Run brings plenty of joy By Alyssa Fritzlaff
Perth in 1975 - and since then have spread all over the country.
GIPPSLAND Motorcyclists Toy Run coordinators Alf and Stella Vella are “proud” to be the biggest toy donation contributors in Latrobe Valley.
The Gippsland Motorcyclist’s Toy Run has been operating for 22 years, and is showing no sign of slowing down. In 2020, the event raised about $55,000 worth of toys.
The toy run returned this year and, for the first time, the Erica township hosted the event.
“It’s been part of our lives for 22 years now, and we don’t want to stop doing it - it’s just too important,” Alf said.
“Toy runs have been around for a long time, and they’re a way of motorcyclists getting together to support local kids and families in need at Christmas time,” Alf explained.
The Vellas work with the Salvation Army and the Society of St Vincent de Paul, both of which leave the event each year with trucks full of donations.
“We set out all the toys on tables, in age groups, and the families come in... it’s so wonderful, they have the opportunity of choosing toys for their children.
we’ve come to know a lot of people who’ve really opened up their hearts to a really worth cause. “We have a lot of sponsors who have been with us for 22 years, so we build up the toy collection up until Toy Run day.”
“There’s a great deal of dignity in it... they’re able to think of their children and choose what they would like.”
Loy Yang B Power Station is one of their biggest regular contributors, for which the couple are very grateful.
During the pandemic the Salvation Army saw a lot more people seeking help, especially new families..
“Why should a kid miss out on Christmas? Why should they go to school the next month and the other kids are talking about their presents and their new bikes? It’s just unfair.”
Janine Skinner of the Salvation Army said the toy run is a wonderful thing.
“Families that we’ve not seen before - who you wouldn’t expect - they’ve been unable to buy food, and pay rent because they’ve lost their jobs ... it’s really been hard for so many families,” Janine said.
“The last couple of years it’s just been so hard. We’ve had a huge amount of people coming.”
The Vellas have created many community connections over their 22 years operating the event.
Toy Runs began American and appeared in Australia for the first time in
Janine explained how the Salvos distribute the gifts amongst families.
“The Latrobe Valley is full of really generous people and over the years
“The toy run is a cause Loy Yang B is passionate about, and we are proud to have supported the event for the past 22 years,” Communications Coordinator Nicole Boskma said. “Our support comes from generous donations from our employees, contractors and the company, which allows us to work with local businesses to purchase toys and gifts for locals doing it tough at Christmas time, giving them something to smile about.”
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It’s Your Life
A big change in our dads Parents have realised that children struggle with their ‘big feelings’.
gyprock, or walk out and get drunk, or be abusive or horrible to a partner just trying to help. Plenty of readers will have partners who still struggle to be vulnerable and communicate, instead of merely reacting. So we have to urgently help our kids learn these skills.
Parenthood - especially for fathers used to be all about ‘control’. But a new generation is learning it is really about connection, writes STEVE BIDDULPH SOCIAL media is a great gift, for someone like me who lives on an island and is also quite shy. And now I have stopped my life of touring and doing shows for parents around the world, it can be a warm-hearted connection to folks who read my books. These mums and dads are enthusiasts for parenthood and family who think love matters more than fashion, say, or material possessions or ‘success’. I’ve avoided Instagram or Twitter, but manage two Facebook communities, one for parents of boys, and one for girls - and they are full of life and heart, they really keep me going. I dip into Facebook cautiously, aware it can be like a bush track which you can easily slip off and go careening down through prickly scrub to a rocky landing! Often my Facebook feed sends me posts from a rather heart-rending page called Dadventure, where mostly American fathers seek help and emotional support from each other as they struggle with the many challenges
of kids’ health, behaviour, as well as marriage strife, and making a living while still being a good dad. It’s such a window into the world of dads, both heart rending and inspiring in about equal amounts. And there is something very striking that you can’t miss, a kind of watershed moment happening in fatherhood. The old giving way to the new. Whenever someone posts a question about kids’ misbehaviour, the old guard are there weighing in with things like ‘kids have to know who is the boss’ and ‘my old man taught us respect with his belt, and it worked for me’. I used to work with those dads when I was a family therapist, as they gradually admitted that, well, in fact they hated their dads for most of their childhoods and were noticing that their kids were starting to hate them too. There is a whole skip bin full of denial inside a great many men, and they are almost
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buried under it, but one day they do get out. But most heartening is the number of commenters who have made a very big fundamental shift to realise that parenthood is not about control. It’s not about dominating kids into behaving well by yelling, threatening, hitting or contriving punishments - at least, not as the first line of defence. It’s been one of the greatest leaps forwards in parenthood that we have realised that children struggle with their ‘big feelings’ and our job is to help them find a way through the frustrations, negotiations, and griefs and fears which every childhood brings, so they can give space to their emotions but express them in words, and not in actions that might hurt those around them or themselves. Plenty of adults in our generation knew no other way to express their grief or fear than to punch a hole in the
When our four-year-old or six-year-old goes into a meltdown or misbehaves terribly it takes incredible grace to not just lose it, or yell at them or go all cold and rejecting, but instead to calm ourselves, really connect with them and reassure them that we love them, and we want to help. But I see this all the time now in parks and shopping malls, and the homes of young friends and family. A child struggling - and a mum, or dad, crouching down, or sitting with them and talking it through. If they will allow it, holding them close. And seeing that child’s feelings subside, and happiness be restored. It doesn’t mean mollycoddling kids or giving them everything they want, or letting them call the shots. It’s still okay to say, “I am getting cold and bored now, and I want to go home” when they’ve been almost an hour at a freezing playground! Your feelings count too. But being a parent who is committed to teaching their kids - at the peak of their misbehaviour - that we can all find a way through our feelings, is worth more than gold. Who wouldn’t love to have a parent like that? Visit Steve on Facebook at Steve Biddulph’s Raising Boys, and Steve Biddulph’s Raising Girls communities. Steve’s books including Raising Boys, The New Manhood, and Fully Human - are in over a million Australian homes. www.stevebiddulph.com
Mighty Helpful Expert Advice k e e w a s y a d 7 Open
TM&H
58 George Street
MOE
PHONE: 5127 2155
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It’s Your Life
Managing festive stress By Melissa Grant
different. It’s important to be aware of signs of stress.
CHRISTMAS can be stressful enough at the best of times.
This includes being irritable, shorttempered, experiencing headaches or an upset stomach, difficulties sleeping, tension in your jaw or shoulders, lack of concentration, and fatigue or extreme tiredness.
In the midst of a global pandemic, the festive season can feel pretty overwhelming for families. Perhaps you are daunted about the prospect of catching up with family and friends after spending much of the year in isolation. You may also be rushing around to find gifts as lockdown made it hard to start Christmas shopping early. Finances could be tight, while travel difficulties may mean you are separated from family members. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, then the festive season can amplify feelings of grief and loneliness. If there are tensions within your family, the prospect of catching up for Christmas lunch can leave you feeling pretty anxious. So while the festive season comes with expectations of fun family gettogethers, the reality can be entirely
Here are some great tips from Relationships Australia Victoria to help manage stress through the holiday season: ■ Organise yourself: Schedule time for exercise, relaxation, cooking and eating meals, and plan to complete certain tasks on certain days. These routines can be reassuring as they make life more predictable. Also plan time for the additional things you need to do, such as gift shopping and wrapping, and catch-ups. ■ Have reasonable expectations: Re-evaluate what you can reasonably get done before the holiday. This might mean deferring a catch-up, minimising the amount of cooking you might do, or asking family members for help.
For computer assistance that comes to you, call B=Mc2 IT Solutions.
IT repairs that come to you HAVE you ever called a computer technician only to be asked, “what is the problem?” Do you even know how to speak GEEK to explain the problem? Often you end up bringing your laptop or computer into the shop and waiting for a quote and turnaround time to get it back. B=Mc2 IT Solutions are the computer assistance that comes to you. Offering high quality IT support and repair as well as data recovery and transfer services for laptops, PCs and Macs, they are exactly what you need. Now you can physically show them what is happening and describe in non-geek talk what you
would like to improve. They actually give you the first 15 minutes free to allow for these conversations. At B=Mc2 IT their technicians are not only experts in computer technology with extensive expertise in IT support, but they are also friendly, sincere, honest and genuine. They value your time, convenience, and satisfaction and realise that when devices fail, your home life and work life can be affected. That is why, in most cases, they strive to have your device up and running perfectly within 24 hours. Make your booking by calling Brad on 0408 669 668 today.
■ Give yourself positive feedback: Tell yourself that you can cope, and that you will complete the things you need to do to the best of your ability. Avoid negative self-talk, including statements such as ‘I can’t do this’, or ‘I can’t cope with this.’ ■ Connect with people you care about: Spend time with friends and loved ones who will listen to and understand you. Share your thoughts and feelings with people who care about you and may be able to support you. If you’re physically distanced from loved ones, try reaching out over the phone or online, or joining a social group in your local area. ■ Take time out: Regularly do something that is just for you. This might involve going for a short walk, listening to music, having a coffee at a cafe or at home, watching TV, reading, napping, talking to a friend, having a special treat or gardening. ■ Practice relaxation: Try meditation, progressive muscle relaxation or yoga to take your mind off your stress.
■ Exercise: Exercise can have a positive effect on your emotional health and wellbeing. Try to exercise for at least 15 to 30 minutes, three days per week. If you’re finding this difficult, aim for a daily 10-minute walk. ■ Eat a balanced diet: It can be tempting to indulge during the holidays. Try to maintain a healthy diet by including lots of fruits and vegetables. Also try to minimise foods high in fat and sugar, and avoid depending on cigarettes, alcohol or drugs to cope with stress. ■ Rest: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Rest your eyes as well as your mind, particularly when spending time looking at computer screens or smart devices. If you need support, talk to your GP or seek support from a counsellor. You can find a counsellor by visiting www. rav.org.au/counselling For crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also find mental health support services open over the holiday period by visiting www.rav.org.au/ resources/mental-health-services
Don’t want to be ‘talked through’ your computer problems? Call Brad on
0408 669 668 He comes to you
•Local technician available 7 days a week •Computer and Laptop repairs •Same day service •Virus protection service @ B=MC2 I.T SOLUTIONS
SUPPORT@BMC2IT.COM.AU 12522291-SG50-21
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SUMMER 2021 11
Homes designed for living.
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At Arkadian we believe your house should be a home in every sense of the word. Delivering beautiful results, tailored to your needs with personalised service, Arkadian Homes is committed to making every homeowner’s vision a reality. Our Directors are equipped with years of local knowledge and expertise, ensuring they are with you every step of the way and just as invested in the achieving the perfect end result as you are.
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NEW DISPLA Y
It’s Your Life
A great start LAURA and her five-year-old son David* live on an isolated property.
Cake Smash sessions with Rebecca Farley Photography are a great way to make your little one’s first birthday special.
Laura cares for her sick father and works night shifts to make ends meet.
Capturing milestones
She recently withdrew David from day care due to financial reasons but was desperate to make sure he still got every opportunity to grow and develop. When she came across a Play2Learn group, she knew it would be the perfect fit. “To me, it was like saving my child, because it gave me that opportunity to help him without having that cost outlay,” she says. “It is a big benefit. It helps him with socialisation, with school, and with interacting with his peers as he gets older.” Laura says the support from other parents in her group has been invaluable for her also.
YOUR little one grows so quickly and changes before your eyes. Capturing these moments are so important.
The free playgroups help young children learn to play, socialise, establish routine and prepare for school.
learn to play, socialise, establish routine and prepare for school. Play2Learn also offer home visits and additional support for families who are facing some life challenges.
You talk to the other mums and they’re going through the same things.”
Carefully designed sessions ensure relevance and appropriateness for children from a range of backgrounds, such as children who are culturally and linguistically diverse, newly arrived and refugee families, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Run by trained early childhood staff, the free playgroups help young children
For more information contact the Latrobe Team on 0358 22 6700.
“Play2Learn saved both of us, I think. You talk to other ladies and they have the same hassles that you think you’re struggling with by yourself.
Rebecca Farley Photography offers Sitter Sessions which are held when your child can sit by themselves but are not walking, so anywhere for 6 to 10 months. These sessions can be held outdoors or in the studio and can include a milk bath/fruit bath as part of the session. Cake Smash sessions are also a great way to make your little one’s first birthday special. These are held before, just after or the day your little one turns one. Cake Smash sessions include a few clean portraits before the cake smash photographs. Your photography session can be
held in the studio or at an outdoor location. There is no time limit to your session as Rebecca wants you to have the best experience - and you can’t have that when there are time restrictions. “I have a variety of wall art collections that are ready to hang in your home to enjoy immediately,” she explained. “These collections are a perfect addition to any session. “I offer a few different packages for these sessions with prices starting at $450 which includes a keepsake wooden boxed USB with a selection of high resolution images and prints. “If you would like some more information for your session I would love to hear from you.” To find out more visit www.rebeccafarleyphotography.com
Award winning professional family and newborn photographer
When families come to Play2Learn they can benefit from:
Come and join us at our free Play2Learn Contact the Latrobe Team at 41 Prince Street Moe
OR CALL 03 58 226700
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• Connection to community services • Parenting information • Connection to other families • A listening ear from the staff • Time to play together • A sense of belonging to their community • Books, toys and craft activities • Ideas to take home for play activities • Getting children ready for school • Referral to services if needed • Creating memories together
www.rebeccafarleyphotography.com 12522724-JW50-21
SUMMER 2021 13
LAKE NARRACAN
Register your details now! To find out more contact Tyler Hogan:
LAND NOW SELLING
14 SUMMER 2021
M: 0477 712 112 E: tyler.hogan@harcourts.com.au
NARRACANLAKES.COM.AU 12524051-SG51-21
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It’s Your Life
Gift Christmas to a child in care EVERY child should experience the joy of opening a present on Christmas morning. But sadly, many of Victoria’s most vulnerable children and young people never have. In the Gippsland region, there are already hundreds of children and young people in out-of-home care who are unable to live safely at home because of violence, abuse and neglect. As family violence often flares up at Christmas, it’s expected that many more children will need a safe and secure place to live this holiday season. Entering foster care is an overwhelming and frightening time for a child. Three-year-old Ella* was placed with a Berry Street foster carer on Christmas Eve. As she arrived with nothing, her foster carer raced to the shops on Christmas morning to buy her a gift. Her carer knew that if Ella woke up on
Christmas morning to a special gift, she would feel loved and cared for. Some children, like brothers Tim* and Eddie*, have never experienced Christmas before. When the boys’ foster carer asked them to write letters to Santa, their response was: “But Santa doesn’t come to us.” They couldn’t believe their eyes when they woke up to gifts from Santa under the Christmas tree! Berry Street’s online gift catalogue made Ella, Tim and Eddie’s Christmas dreams possible. Donations received through their catalogue allow Berry Street staff, foster and kinship carers to buy the perfect gift for a child in their care. The catalogue boasts 16 different gifts, from a cuddly teddy bear ($20) to a baby basket ($60). One of the most needed gifts is ‘Something from Santa’ ($35) – a personalised gift for a child or young person in care.
Donations received through their catalogue allow Berry Street staff, foster and kinship carers to buy the perfect gift for a child in their care.
Children in kinship care – living with a relative (often a grandparent) or family friend – also receive gifts from Berry Street at Christmas-time. “The kids just get so excited about the presents – over the moon level excitement!” said Janice from Moe, Gippsland who is the kinship carer of her two grandsons. “It’s important for them to feel that they aren’t missing out on anything –
the gifts from Berry Street make them feel just like their friends at Christmas.” For children and young people in care, receiving a gift on Christmas Day is a powerful reminder that they are loved, cared for and special. If you’d like to support a child in care this Christmas, please visit https://gifts. berrystreet.org.au/gift-catalogue *Names have been changed, and stock image used for privacy reasons.
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SUMMER 2021 15
It’s Your Life
Herb and feta quinoa patties Makes: 20 Prep time: 10 mins + 1 hour
Kid-friendly patties
Cook time: 20 mins Ingredients: ■ 2 ½ cups pre-cooked quinoa ■ ½ cup rolled oats ■ 4 free range eggs ■ 180g feta cheese ■ 4 shallots ■ 1 cup chopped fresh herbs – parsley, dill and mint work well ■ Zest of half a lemon
i th in the kitchen
■ Olive oil for frying Instructions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, oats, eggs, feta cheese, chopped herbs, shallots and lemon zest and mix together until everything is well combined. Place in the fridge to set for one hour.
with Lucy Stewart
DID you know herbs can pack in just as much nutrition as vegetables? Just like green leafy vegetables, fresh herbs are a good source of vitamins A, C and K and contain polyphenols – powerful plant compounds that have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs are also alkalising and help support the bodies natural detoxification processes. Growing herbs is a great way to help kids understand where their food comes from and research shows that children who are involved in the preparation of their food – especially vegetables – develop a more positive attitude towards, and preferences for, those foods. You don’t need a big garden to grow them in either, just a few pots on the window sill will do.
2. Using a tablespoon of mixture, form 20 small patties with your hands.
Lucy Stewart in the kitchen with her son Otis.
Some of my favourite herbs for kids to grow include: mint, basil, dill, chives and parsley. Their fragrance and mild versatile flavours mean kids can happily pick, smell and eat the leaves raw or sprinkle them over some of their favourite dishes - even just a small amount goes a long way to giving them a nutritional boost.
Picture: Studio 74 Photography
These little herb and feta quinoa patties are full of freshness and make a great lunchbox addition or vegetarian burger option. Quinoa is high in protein and fibre, two important nutrients that work to keep kids tummies feeling fuller for longer and their energy levels stable.
3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the patties and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. 4. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days. Lucy Stewart is a mum who is nutritionist specialising in babies and kids health, and a recipe developer. You can find more of her recipes at https://lucystewartnutrition.com
Open your heart to a child in need CHILDREN and young people need relationships that promote healing from trauma through positive attachments. Quantum currently supports carer homes across the entire Gippsland region, including Casey Cardinia areas. Foster carers are an integral part of the Quantum team.
Children and young people across
Quantum works with foster carers to help provide homes for children and young people who are not able to live with their families. Quantum desperately needs additional foster carers to open their hearts and their homes. A former young person in care with Quantum’s foster care service said: “Foster care for me was a very positive experience. I was placed with a great foster parent who I got along with and
made me feel very comfortable and welcomed.” They also stated: “I was never considered an outsider. I was supported holistically by my foster parent and case workers with any decision making and they gave me honest advice that only made me stronger.” Opening your home can make a real difference to a child and young person in need. If you are interested or have any questions please call 1800 243 455 or mail@quantum.org.au or go to www.quantum.org.au
12508924-JW38-21
Foster carers are an integral part of the Quantum team.
They provide safe loving and supportive care whether it’s for a few days, one night, a few weeks, a few months or even years.
Gippsland deserve safe, stable and loving homes.
16 SUMMER 2021
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It’s Your Life
Great summer toy giveaway KIDS Today magazines have teamed up with some great brands to give away a heap of cool toys this summer.
A Wahu pack valued at $139.92 which includes:
To put yourself in the running to win one - or all - of the prizes, visit gippslandkidstoday.com.au/ competitions
■ Wahu Mega Slide 7.5m, RRP $59.99: Kids will love racing down this massive 7.5m super slide. The continuous water spray means you’ll be zooming down the slide and into the plash bumper in no time! Ages 6+
Hurry! Entries close 2 February. Here’s what you can win...
VTech pack valued at $224.80 which includes: ■ Play & Chase Puppy, RRP $49.95: Get playtime on a roll with the interactive Play & Chase Puppy. More than 65 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases help children learn vocabulary words along with lively tunes. Ages 12 months - 3 years.
for an added challenge. Can also be filled with water in its’ base to play on land too! Ages 6+
■ Wahu Hole in Won, RRP $24.95: This inflatable game set includes 1 Hole in Won game board plus 4 sandbags. The waterproof PVC base floats and moves in the water
■ Surfer Dudes Classic, RRP $29.99: Surfer Dudes are the world’s first self-righting, self-surfing toy! Toss your dudes into the surf. They’ll catch and shred the waves, throwing down rippin’ tricks all the way back to you! Ages 6+
■ Blue’s Clues & You Mail Time with Mailbox, RRP $39: Drop the letters in Mailbox and raise his flag to hear phrases from the show. Listen as Mailbox delivers each letter featuring a special message.
Just Play Christmas Pack, valued at $183.99 which includes: ■ Barbie Fashionistas Styling Head, RRP $20: Barbie’s thick flowing hair is perfect for brushing, twisting, and pinning into chic styles! Use the barrettes and hair ties for a fancy up-do; use the brush and hair twists for a sleek top bun!
■ Toot-Toot Friends 2-in-1 Dinosaur Park, RRP $89.95: Get ready for a Dinosaur adventure in this truck which opens up into an amazing Dinosaur Park. Explore the park with the Park Ranger and interact with the dinosaurs. Place characters onto the MagicPoint location to see them respond with fun phrases, sing-along songs, lively sounds and more. Ages 1-5 years.
■ Disney Doorables Puffables, RRP $20: Discover this fun unboxing experience which includes a 10-inch squishable plush Stitch, Frozen or Mickey Mouse plush hidden inside a tiny house with characters featuring signature Doorables stylised detailing and sparkly glitter eyes. ■ Disney Junior Minnie Mouse Ring Me Rotary Phone, RRP $24.99: This vibrant pink phone has a glitter bow and features adorable Minnie Mouse phrases, realistic telephone sounds and fun light up effects!
■ Disney Doorables Multi Peek Pack x2, RRP $15ea: Discover the Magic Key to reveal a secret image behind the door. Use the key to search and find how many Hidden Mickeys are in the image!
www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
■ CoComelon Stacking Train, RRP $50: Children can get their numbers, shapes, and colours right on track with the CoComelon Stacking Train. Each big, colourful block features numbers 0-9. Use the blocks to build a train with this 40-piece construction set.
Spark curiosity and get kids ‘zooming’ in on nature (think leaves, flowers, feathers and insects) with this super portable, hand-held microscope.
■ Play & Go Puppy Salon, RRP $49.95: Open the pet carrier to groom your pup. Lights and sound effects enrich playtime as you pretend to wash, comb, dry and clip this soft pup. Ages 2-5 years.
■ Switch & Go Dinos Smash & Crash Crew, RRP $34.95: Stomp into the cool, crazy world of prehistoric creatures that turn into vehicles with the Smash & Crash Crew! Crash the Switch & Go Dinos into another one to see them explode with smash-andcrash light effects. Ages 3-8 years.
■ Wahu Pool Pets Croc, RRP $24.99: Kids will love these awesome new inflatable pool racers in bright funky Wahu colours. Perfect for racing up and down the pool or try and balance on them.
Osmo Math Wizard and the Fantastic Food Truck valued at $99.99 The newest release from STEAM toy experts Osmo, this is a geometry-focused game that introduces kids to core maths concepts like angles, area and volume. Combining digital gameplay with active, hands-on learning, Osmo’s Math Wizard helps children build confidence in their maths skills through imagination, reasoning and exploration. Players become chefs who use kitchen appliances and a dash of magic to customize dishes, from pizza to sushi, sandwiches, pastries and more!
■ Paper Binoculars - Bird Spotter, RRP $12: Make your own set of paper binoculars, then head outside for all manner of feathered discoveries in the backyard or local park.
Tiger Tribe Nature Explorer Activity Pack valued at $100 ■ Outdoor Activity Set - Back to Nature, RRP $25: Jam packed with engaging activities, hands-on projects, a handy magnifying glass, coloured chalk and notetaking pencil, this kit encourages observation and interaction with nature. ■ Explorer Microscope Set, RRP $35:
■ Bug Spotter Kit, RRP $13: Designed to safely catch and release garden creepy crawlies (and observe them up close with the magnifying lid), this kit comes with an illustrated activity book providing bug tips and best places to spot. ■ Magic Painting World - Aussie Animals, RRP $15: Use the magic paintbrush to discover a bunch of cute Aussie animals. Simply add water to bring them to life with every brush-stroke. Products are part of Tiger Tribe’s charity partnership with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife (FNPW). SUMMER 2021 17
Health
Insights into picky eating By Melissa Grant
likelihood of picky eating.
PICKY eating is something many parents deal with.
On the flip side, the most commonly reported external factors that decrease the likelihood of picky eaters are family meals, responsive parents, and involving the child in the preparation of food.
When your child rejects a substantial amount of food it can be frustrating and cause you to worry about their nutritional intake. So, why does a child become a picky eater and is there anything you can do to get them to eat a greater variety of food? New research from the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) has identified the most common external factors that increase and decrease the likelihood of picky eating in children under the age of 10. USC student and academic Laine Chilman reviewed 80 health industry studies, largely based on parents’ reporting of their children’s picky eating, for her PhD paper ‘Picky Eating in Children’. Her research found that authoritarian parenting, rewards for eating and pressuring a child to eat were external factors that appear to increase the
The study also found that a child’s personality and increased sensitivity, particularly to taste and smell, were the most common internal features of a picky eater. Furthermore, firstborns seemed to have a higher likelihood of being a picky eater. This is something that rings true for Ms Chilman - her eldest son is picky when it comes to food.
USC PhD student Laine Chilman sharing a meal with her children.
practical or psychological impacts for parents/caregivers. She said the papers she researched noted that picky eating tended to be a toddler-appropriate behaviour.
easier said than done as these things take time, which many families don’t have a lot of. The aim of her study is to help families with mealtimes.
“Developmentally, they are learning different rules of the world but they are also quite protective - they don’t like change,” she said.
“I hope my research provides insights that help support – not blame – parents, caregivers and health professionals,” she said.
“It’s quite developmentally appropriate. The concern is if it keeps going.”
Ms Chilman, who has worked as a nurse and occupational therapist, is continuing her PhD on picky eating.
“With the other two it was more like this is what we are having.”
So what are the things you can do to help address the issue?
Ms Chilman said picky eating was an umbrella term for consistent behaviours such as rejecting substantial amounts of food based on texture, novelty or appearance, with associated
Ms Chilman suggests finding a time for the family to have dinner together and getting picky eaters involved in food preparation.
The findings of Ms Chilman’s PhD paper, with co-authors from USC, the University of South Australia and The University of Queensland, have been published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
“I think it’s different when it’s the first (born) because you have more time to make alternate meals and I wonder if I did a few things that weren’t perfect,” the mother of three said.
Although she added that this was
Think twice about asbestos
THINK TWICE ABOUT
IN homes built before 1990, asbestos can still be found anywhere. This affects 1 in 3 homes nationwide. For anyone who thinks asbestosrelated diseases are a thing of the past, think again. Asbestos is still causing cancer in Australians. Every year in Australia, there are an estimated 4000 deaths from past exposure to asbestos.
Across Australia Asbestos is in 1 in 3 homes
Asbestos is dangerous if damaged, disturbed or deteriorating. Know the risks and protect your family during renovations.
“That’s one of the highest death rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world,” CEO, Vicki Hamilton OAM, ACV/GARDS said. “DIYers doing small or large jobs around the house don’t realise the risk they are taking. “This is one reason we launched the
Think Twice about Asbestos campaign to remind them of the dangers of damaged, disturbed or deteriorated asbestos. “They need to know not to disturb or damage it, and to seek professional help to locate, manage or remove it. “By preventing exposure to asbestos fibres, asbestos-related diseases can be eliminated. “Young Australians are really getting into DIY on their homes and we need to tell them how to be safe around asbestos. “If you’re considering DIY renovations or maintenance, ‘get in the know, take it slow and get a pro’.” Further information is available at www.gards.org – www.asbestos.vic. gov.au – www.asbestossafety.gov.au
Find out more at www.gards.org Phone 5127 7744 or 0407 274 173 12521018-SG50-21
18 SUMMER 2021
DIYers doing DIY d i small ll or llarge jjobs b around d the th house h need d to t be b aware off asbestos b t risks. i k www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
Health
Meeting your new addition before birth
Exercise in pregnancy
PREGNANCY can be the most wonderful time of your life. The miracle of having a little person growing inside you brings incredible excitement. As you anticipate meeting this new addition to your family, Clearview Radiology can help you share this amazing experience as they specialise in obstetric imaging.
COULD Pilates and weightlifting prevent pre-eclampsia? The Australian Catholic University is launching a study looking into vigorous exercise in pregnancy.
Clearview’s Bulk Billing policy also helps you save for your family rather than having medical expenses.
The study is investigating how resistance training and other activities impact vascular function during each trimester.
They accept any referrals, it does not have to be on a Clearview form. Clearview Radiology also offers a 4D/5D ultrasound to give you a special and unique bonding experience with a life like ultrasound to show expectant mothers and their family’s life like moving images of their baby.
Its findings could expose as a myth the notion that breaking into a sweat poses a risk to expectant mums and babies in the later stages of pregnancy. “Fitspo mums pushing their bodies right up to delivery can create quite a stir but our own published research has shown appropriate vigorous physical activity is perfectly safe for mum and bub,” PhD candidate Courtney Giles said. “We aim to take that a step further to look at the effects of exercise on both healthy and clinical populations. Women experience massive physical changes during pregnancy and we’re looking to see if a workout may be beneficial in preventing the onset of pre-eclampsia.”
The 4D/5D ultrasound uses the latest GE technology.
A study is investigating whether weightlifting and Pilates could prevent pre-eclampsia.
The price includes a 20-minute scan to capture images of baby’s face, fingers and toes (depending on baby’s position) and possibly even baby’s expressions such as smiling and yawning.
In the study, participants will have their blood pressure, arterial stiffness and foetal heartrate recorded to test the hypothesis that high intensity exercise could be as beneficial in pregnancy as it is in other populations. “There are numerous benefits to continuing exercise in pregnancy but we’d like to know more about how much and how intense so we can give the right advice,” Ms Giles said.
You receive a DVD of the whole experience as well as a CD with 3D images and thermal printed images for your family and friends to enjoy! Gender determination may also be possible when requested. Clearview Radiology specialises in obstetric imaging.
To book your appointment call 5127 5505 today.
ClearView Radiology
BULK BILLING ‘It’s making sure all is well.’ It takes extensive training to become a Radiographer then further training to qualify as a Sonographer. But it’s worth every second just for that moment when you see the smile on the face of a mum-to-be. Clinic locations: • Maryvale Private Hospital 286 Maryvale Road, Morwell • 39 Breed Street, Traralgon • Latrobe Regional Hospital Princes Highway, Traralgon • Newmason, 29 Mason Street, Warragul
Phone 5127 5505
*No Medicare rebate
• West Gippsland Hospital, Warragul
34 George Street, Moe
Appointments:
1800 888 669
Phone 5127 5505
i-med.com.au
www.clearviewradiology.com.au 12509983-BL38-21
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ULTRASOUND XRAYS 4D ULTRA SOUND*
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THE Cows Create Careers program has been moo-ving through schools for nearly two decades, and was recently delivered to students at Narracan Primary. Over five days during Term 3, students learned about the dairy industry while caring for two three-week old calves. Deanne Kennedy and John Hutchison taught them how to care for the calves, demonstrating skills such as animal husbandry, feeding and weighing (by using a weight tape). Students were then shown how to mix the calf milk replacement powder with warm water and then how to feed the calves with their feeding bottles. The school’s junior and senior classes voted to name the calves Roxy and Poreo. Students followed rosters to feed the calves at the start and end of the day. “I thought it was good to feed Poreo and Roxy,” Prep student Evie said. Year 3 student Torri added: “I liked feeding the calves because I hadn’t fed a calf before. I also liked learning about them. I thank Cows Create Careers for letting us feed and care for them.” Cows Create Careers is a program which was originally established in 2004 by dairy farmers in the Strzelecki Lions Club and nine Gippsland schools. During the past 17 years, it has been supported by industry and regional development programs, dairy farmers and sponsors. It has now grown to more than 230 schools across the country with 12,000 students completing the program in 2020.
EDUCATION
Cute program on the moo-ve!
Calf Roxy being fed by Narracan Primary School students Alex and Xavier.
Tips on how to deal with school refusal By Melissa Grant
Dr McKay-Brown suggests the following:
FOR many students, going to school is simple. They have breakfast, put their uniform on and go.
■ Have conversations with your child to get a better sense of what is happening. Ask questions like ‘how are you feeling about school?’ and ‘are there some things that are difficult for you at school?’
However some students find attending school difficult and struggle with what’s called ‘school refusal’.
■ Communicate with your child’s school. You don’t want absences to continue so let the school know what’s happening and ask them if they have any support or advice
In its simplest form, school refusal is when a student can’t go to school. They don’t want to be there and will show features of emotional distress such as headaches or stomach aches.
■ School relationships. Relationships are important when returning to school. What check-ins can be organised? Is there a way of having peer connections maintained?
Prolonged lockdowns in Victoria have led to more families experiencing school refusal. Before the pandemic, an estimated 2-5 per cent of students were school refusing. It’s estimated those rates tripled when school returned between lockdowns. Education expert Dr Lisa McKayBrown says school refusal can happen at any point, but can be linked to periods of transition. It also seems to be more prevalent between Years 5 and 9. This is because of shifts in friendship groups and increased challenges of schooling at this time, according to Dr McKay-Brown who is part of the learning intervention team at Melbourne University. She says there are usually warning signs for parents. “Often you’ll hear things like ‘I don’t feel well today’, ‘I have a headache or a stomach ache, I don’t think I can face it’. Generally the symptoms subside if they don’t have to go to school,” she said. She said children may also negotiate about going to school by asking to be picked up early, or struggle to get out of bed, the house or the car. The return of school after the weekend or holidays can also be 20 SUMMER 2021
Children experiencing school refusal feel they can’t go to school.
particularly challenging, with children becoming clingy or tearful.
and worry when they had to go to school lessened.”
In these situations, Dr McKay-Brown said it was important to note that school refusal might just be one of the things going on.
She said parents and schools had to be careful when considering remote learning or home schooling as a solution to school refusal.
“Research shows around 50 per cent of children presenting with school refusal have a mental health disorder,” she said.
“Anecdotally we find that young people who are school refusing are less likely to engage in those types of learning situations,” she said.
Dr McKay-Brown said while there is anecdotal evidence that school refusal rates had tripled since the pandemic, more research is taking place. “It’s been a time of high stress,” she explained. “I think some people who may have been at risk of school refusal before the remote learning experience, for them it (remote learning) became an experience that the feelings of anxiety
It’s important to address school refusal. In the short-term, school refusal can impact on a young person’s education, learning and peer relationships. Leaving school altogether can have long-term impacts as the young person won’t achieve their educational potential. Any mental health issues that aren’t address can have impacts into adulthood.” So what can you do if your child is school refusing?
■ Seek professional support. A GP is your first point of call. They will determine if there needs to be some kind of mental health referral. Starting this process is important given the long wait times to see mental health professionals. ■ Maintain school routines. If you are at home it’s important to maintain the routine of a school day. Get your child out of bed, get them sitting at the table when it’s class time and keep them from more pleasurable activities such as gaming. If you are going to go for a walk do it in recess time. ■ Self-care. Parents need to think about their own self-care. They may need to seek support and family counselling can be helpful as school refusal is something that can impact the family unit. The good news is that with the right support, young people who are school refusing can return to the classroom. “It’s not forever - we know we can get young people back to school, it just takes time and it takes working on it,” Dr McKay-Brown said. www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
Education
Child care fee relief comes early By Melissa Grant FAMILIES with two or more kids in child care will get fee relief earlier than expected. Child care subsidies for second and subsequent children will be increased to as high as 95 per cent from 7 March, four months before what was promised. A family earning $110,000 a year with two kids in care, four days a week, for example, will be better off by around $100 each week. The annual $10,655 Child Care Subsidy (CCS) cap will also be scrapped on 10 December and applied retrospectively for the current financial year.
This means families earning more than $190,015 a year will no longer have to worry about paying full fees when their cap for each child runs out. The changes were due to start on 11 July next year, but the federal government says the necessary technical changes will be completed sooner. Families with two or more children aged five years and under in care will have their CCS rate increased by 30 per cent for their second child and any younger children, up to a maximum rate of 95 per cent. It’s estimated the overhaul will benefit 250,000 families, with the average
saving $2200 a year on child care fees. Education Minister Alan Tudge said the changes would ease pressure on working families and encourage more parents into work. “Removing the cap and increasing subsidies means more parents, particularly mothers, can return to work or take on more hours if they choose to,” he said. “Importantly, our support is targeted to those who need it most. We are reducing the out-of-pocket child care costs which really add up when you have two, three or more children in care.” The child care fee relief will be delivered in time for the federal election,
which must be held by 21 May next year. While Mr Tudge has insisted the government would bring forward the changes if possible, Labor claims the move is political. Labor’s early childhood education spokesperson Amanda Rishworth said the policy was a “dud” and that Labor had a better plan for child care that would benefit 750,000 families. “Labor’s plan that really is a wholesale reform, helping 97 per cent of families, and the Liberal Party’s plan that really only helps a minority for that short time when families have two or three children in care,” she said.
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More families are discovering the unique opportunities offered at Chairo Christian School.
Learning for life WITH 1700 boys and girls from kindergarten to Year 12 attending picturesque rural campuses at Drouin, Drouin East, Leongatha, Pakenham and Traralgon, more families each year are discovering the caring community, parent partnership, educational excellence and wide range of opportunities offered at Chairo Christian School. There are many wonderful stories to be told about the multi-faceted education provided from a biblical worldview perspective at Chairo. Having attended Chairo for 14 years and graduating in 2020, Tessa Martin from Drouin is currently studying for a Bachelor of Secondary Education and Bachelor of Arts at Monash University. Reflecting on her years at Chairo, she said: “What I appreciated most about being at Chairo was the teachers and how much they genuinely cared about your education, and about each individual student and their faith.” Executive Principal Simon Matthews www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
explained: “Chairo provides an educational experience that is intentionally designed to foster individual gifts and enhance learning while revealing God and his creation. We are committed to valuing each student and discovering their personal qualities, while encouraging them to develop their God-given abilities.” Chairo began small at Drouin East in 1983. Today there are Chairo campuses accessible to families whether they live in Berwick or Boolarra, Gembrook or Glengarry, Maryknoll or Meeniyan, Nar Nar Goon or Nyora, Ripplebrook or Rosedale - or pretty-much anywhere else across West Gippsland, South Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley. To discover more about Chairo, visit the school website, where you can enjoy a virtual tour or book a personal tour (subject to restrictions), or contact one of the helpful campus enrolment coordinators. You can also follow each Chairo campus on Facebook.
Learning That Lasts a Lifetime • • • • •
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enrolments@chairo.vic.edu.au SUMMER 2021 21
Education
Preparing for prep There are steps you can take at home to prepare your child for Prep.
By Melissa Grant
exact,” she said.
STARTING school is a major milestone in a child’s life and a major transition.
“Walk them through the routine - the night time routine including getting ready their school uniform, lunch box, drink bottle.
So how do you best prepare your child for Prep? Deakin University parenting expert Dr Elizabeth Westrupp says there are steps parents can take now to help with the transition. Dr Westrupp, a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer in Deakin’s Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development (SEED), says that while most kids are very adaptable, it’s important parents exude a “calm confidence” and happily answer any question their child may have about school. Here, Dr Westrupp shares her top tips for helping the transition go more smoothly: ■ Talk about school: Kids are usually pretty excited about going to school, but it is helpful for parents to talk about what happens at school. Dr Westrupp says parents should explain what going to school is all about. “Talk about a typical day in school, it doesn’t have to be perfect or
“As a parent you want to set your child’s expectations so there aren’t many surprises on the day.” She says it’s also important to talk, in an age-appropriate way, about any questions or worries your child may have about starting school. “Some children tend to worry about things. Give your child a base to chat about anything that’s on their mind. “The way parents respond is how it shapes the child. If they are calm and confident that will reassure children. It’s really important that kids start with some enthusiasm so making it sound exciting, a positive, exciting thing.” Mark the milestone with a celebration and/or take some photos of your child in their uniform before you take them to school for the first time. ■ Get your child involved: As your child’s first day of school approaches, get your child involved and make it
fun. Dr Westrupp says it’s a good idea to get your child involved in preparing everything for their first day. This includes their school uniform/outfit, deciding what will be in their first lunchbox and what is going in their school bag. “When kids are involved in planning it makes it more fun and makes them more confident,” she said. ■ Make adjustments to sleep: Over the summer holidays, many families relax bedtimes and routines. Dr Westrupp says it’s helpful if you give your child a week or two to adapt to the school routine before they actually start. This means getting up early or setting a time to wake up. “I suggest families set an alarm clock at the time their kids need to wake at school time, at least a week beforehand,” she said. Although kids may be grumpy to start with, it should only last a few days. ■ Practice concentration: Learning in a classroom requires long periods of concentration. “It might be good in those couple
of weeks before school getting them to do some reading, sitting down and doing shared book reading, puzzles, artworks and writing letters, ” Dr Westrupp said. You should also explain to your child that in school they will have to listen to what their teacher wants them to do and sit for periods of time. ■ Nutrition: You need to make sure you are providing your child with the right fuel as nutrition is important for brain development. Dr Westrupp says to keep nutrition simple with healthy foods like sandwiches and fruits. ■ Prepare for a tired child: When a child starts school, their little brains do so much as it’s a big transition. “The new rules, the way classrooms work is quite a jump from kindergarten which is play-based,” Dr Westrupp said. “Most kids will be a bit more grumpy at home because home is the safe space, so they can let their feelings out at home.” This means you will have to be a little more patient and gentle with your child, and make sure they go to bed on time.
What to consider when selecting child care ■ Do your preferred options have waitlists? Are there spots on the days you require care for? How early can you drop your child off and how late can you pick them up?
By Melissa Grant THE new year is a popular time for parents to enrol their children in child care.
■ How much will it cost? Are you eligible for the Child Care Subsidy? Providers will be able to advise you of their fees and you’ll need to check how much child care subsidy you are eligible for.
Mums and dads may be going back to work or study, need occasional care or want their child to start spending time in an educational setting. Whatever the reason, there is a lot to consider when you have decided to put your little one in child care.
■ Is your child up to date with their immunisations? To get the child care subsidy, your child must meet immunisation requirements.
Firstly, you need to determine what kind of care is appropriate for your circumstances.
■ Have you submitted your child care subsidy claim with Centrelink? Be sure to do this early as it can take time to process. The government pays the subsidy directly to your child care provider to reduce the fees you pay.
Should you enrol your child in a long day care centre, find a family day care service or consider hiring a nanny? The answer will depend on how many hours of care you require, your child’s needs and, perhaps, your financial situation. Then there’s the process of finding a suitable child care option and applying for the child care subsidy. When arranging care for your child, here’s what you should consider: ■ How many hours of care do you need? 22 SUMMER 2021
Child care... there are a lot of things to consider and arrange before enrolling your child in a child care service.
■ Do you want your child cared for at a centre or in a home environment? ■ Do you need care that’s close to home or work? What options are there in the area?
■ What are the quality ratings of the child care services you are considering? You can check the quality ratings at the Starting Blocks website https://www.startingblocks. gov.au/find-child-care
■ What will you have to pack when you send your child to child care? Does the service provide nappies and food? How many changes of clothes do they recommend? For more information about the child care subsidy, visit https://www. servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/ services/centrelink/child-care-subsidy www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
Entertainment
Get creative at Robert Gordon If you’ve never worked with ceramics before you needn’t worry. Friendly staff are on-hand to show you how.
The paint your own pottery workshop is popular with families. All you have to do is choose your pot, decorate with paint and collect your masterpiece 14 days later.
Built To Survive will be filmed on location in remote and wilderness environments throughout Queensland.
Robert Gordon is a great place to visit with the family.
serves up relaxed, homestyle meals with beautiful coffee. Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road, Pakenham and is open 7 days 9am-5pm. Online bookings for the Paint Your Own Pottery and workshops are essential. Phone 03 5941 3302. www.robertgordonaustralia.com
Consulting with First Nations peoples about habitats and lifecycles, Phil will traverse rivers and deserts, dive deep into the ocean, scale trees and use science in a bid to explore some of the strangest and most specialised animal adaptations on the planet. Libbie Doherty, ABC Head of Children’s Production said the show would take children on a wild ride. “Aussie kids are adventurers at heart, captivated by our unique land, curious wildlife and Indigenous knowledge,” she said.
Phil Breslin, host of the new children’s TV series Built to Survive.
“Phil’s fresh perspective combines all three and takes the ABC ME audience on a wild ride across Australia.” The series is being produced by Butter Media, with the support of the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). Built to Survive will screen on ABC ME and ABC iview in 2022.
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Located in the heart of Pakenham, the outlet is a great place to visit with the family. They have a large selection of homewares, baskets and textiles. There’s also the Nancy Eatery, which
Production is underway on Built to Survive, a 10-part children’s natural history factual series.
Phil will brave some of the country’s most extreme and hostile environments in search of the ultimate animal survivors. These are species that have evolved their unique qualities to withstand Australia’s extreme conditions and unique ecosystems.
Robert Gordon offers workshops in wheel throwing, handbuilding and paint your own pottery.
The workshops take place in a new studio space at Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet.
AUSTRALIA’S ultimate animal survivors will be featured in a new children’s series on ABC ME.
The series is spearheaded by wildlife aficionado, biologist and third generation Indigenous educator, Phil Breslin.
ANYONE can get creative at Robert Gordon, with workshops for all ages.
If you’re after something more extensive, you should check out Robert Gordon’s six-week pottery course. The course covers hand building, wheel throwing, moulding, sculpture and painting in a friendly atmosphere.
A wild ride for young viewers
www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
SUMMER 2021 23
Entertainment
Time to roll up to the party! Lamb souvlaki sausage rolls SAUSAGE rolls are an absolute necessity at our house. They’re super easy to make, incredibly wholesome and nutritious, loaded with hidden vegetables and they taste delicious. These beauties are made from scratch, avoiding all the preservatives found in commercially bought sausage roll meat. I make a variety of different flavour combinations for my little treasures but this Souvlaki variation is my fun take on the traditional sausage roll and such a family favourite, especially when paired with this creamy Tzatziki style dip. Perfect for little hands but also loved by grown ups! Makes 40 pieces Ingredients: ■ 4 sheets Pampas puff pastry, thawed ■ 500g lamb mince ■ 1 small purple onion ■ 2 medium cloves of garlic ■ 1 small potato, peeled ■ 1 small zucchini (unpeeled) ■ 1 piece of celery ■ 1 small carrot, peeled ■ 2 whole eggs ■ 2 teaspoons of sea salt ■ 2 teaspoons dried oregano ■ ½ teaspoon smoked Paprika ■ ½ cup of breadcrumbs Egg wash: ■ 1 whole egg ■ 1 teaspoon water
WITH OLIVIA C ENEA-BRAIN
Tzatziki Dip: ■ 2 cups Jalna Pot Set Greek Natural Yogurt ■ 1 medium garlic clove ■ 1 levelled teaspoon sea salt (more if desired)
Lamb souvlaki sausage rolls.
■ 3 mini cucumbers, grated finely ■ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Method: ■ Set oven to 180C, fan forced. ■ Line two biscuit trays with baking paper. ■ Place the minced lamb in a large bowl. Using a fine grater, grate the zucchini, carrot, potato, garlic cloves, celery and purple onion over the lamb. Next, add the salt, oregano, paprika, breadcrumbs and 2 eggs. ■ Using a fork, break down the minced meat and gently bring the mixture together, into a paste-like consistency. ■ Place a sheet of puff pastry down on a clean bench or a chopping board and scoop a large heaped tablespoon of the sausage roll
VEGETABLES are mixing with dinosaurs for a new ABC Kids show. Ginger & the Vegesaurs features the juiciest and crunchiest vegetable creatures ever to rule the planet - the mighty Vegesaurs. The lead characters are Ginger, a young Tricarrotops, and her baby Pea-Rex buddies Minty, Wasabi and Split. Based on the concept created by Gary Eck and Nick O’Sullivan, and co-developed by the team at Cheeky Little, preschoolers will fall in love with the adorable and delicious new
OPEN DAILY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Trains operate 11am, 1pm & 3pm
oven, using the sharp point of the knife, make 2 x 1cm long incisions on each sausage roll. This will allow for even baking then brush each piece with egg wash. ■ Bake in the oven for approximately 35 minutes; longer if they need more browning. ■ To make the Tzatziki style dip; in a medium bowl, place the Greek yogurt. Finely grate the mini cucumbers and garlic. Add the salt and olive. Stir well. Serve warm. Enjoy. Olivia C Enea-Brain is a mum of two from Melbourne’s southeast who likes to make cooking fun.
characters and entertaining storylines. Production is underway in Sydney on the new short form animated series, which will feature 20 episodes that each last for about five minutes. Cheeky Little Executive Producer Patrick Egerton said it had been a wonderful journey developing and producing Ginger & the Vegesaurs. “It’s a completely fresh take on the dinosaur genre, packed with action, comedy and heart and we can’t wait to introduce kids to the creatures, sights and sounds of Vegesaur valley,” he said.
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Walhalla Goldfields Railway Book onl lhallaraiilne at 5165 62.com.au 80
■ In a small bowl, place the remaining egg and teaspoon of water and using a fork; gently whisk, to make the egg wash. ■ Before placing the trays into the
A flavoursome new dinosaur television series for children
www.wa
mixture onto the bottom of the sheet, making an even line of the mixture horizontally across the bottom of the sheet. Fold the line of mixture over to overlap the pastry to create a long role. Trim the long role away from the sheet with a knife and slice the role into 5 pieces. Place the pieces on the lined trays about 2-3cm apart. Continue with the other half of the pasty sheet, then repeat the process with remaining sheets.
Please note: due to restrictions bookings must be made online and all passengers over the age of 16 must provide proof of vaccination. 24 SUMMER 2021
www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
Entertainment
West Gippsland Arts Centre is returning to live performances.
New year, new magic at WGAC WEST Gippsland Arts Centre’s return to live performances brings the excitement, power and joy of live theatre to the community with its 2022 Season, which includes nine inspiring productions that will enthral and delight audiences of all ages. Audiences can look forward to The Flying Fruit Fly Circus - Girls with Altitude, The 13 Storey Treehouse, Guess
How Much I Love You, The Alphabet of Awesome Science, The Listies, Victorian State Ballet’s The Little Mermaid, Erth’s Prehistoric World, Circus Trick Tease’s Brass Monkeys, and Edward the Emu.
experiences, helping to create unforgettable memories and, in many cases, being the place where young people experience the magic of theatre for the first time.
One of West Gippsland Arts Centre’s goals is to provide the community with professionally produced family and children’s theatre that presents physical, imaginative and educational
Rowenna Dunn, Manager Arts, Culture and Events says, “we are thrilled to bring you a season that will inspire you, that will delight you, that will take your breath away, and start
extraordinary conversations. We look forward to inviting families back to this wonderful theatre that is the heart of the creative community in West Gippsland.” Tickets will be on sale in December via wgac.com.au phone 03 5624 2456. Stay tuned to the WGAC website and social media channels for more information.
WEST GIPPSLAND ARTS CENTRE THE PLACE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES 2022 THEATRE SEASON ON SALE SOON
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www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
www.wgac.com.au Ph 5624 2456 Corner of Smith and Albert Streets Warragul SUMMER 2021 25
Reality Bites
Mad pregnancy dash home By Melissa Meehan
from not being able to fly while pregnant.”
BEING pregnant during the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns is tough.
So the couple flew to Brisbane where they completed their two week quarantine and then to Melbourne.
But imagine being stranded on the other side of the world, numerous flights cancelled and having only two weeks until you’re no longer legally allowed to fly.
“There was definitely tears when we landed, we thought thank God we made it,” she said.
This was a reality for Melbourne mum Radhika Sahu and her husband Utkarsh.
Baby Aneeka was born on 8 February 2021. Melbourne went into a snap lockdown just one day later.
The pair were living in London when Radhika was first pregnant and lived there for seven-and-a-half months of her pregnancy.
Thankfully the lockdown only lasted five days, and Radhika and Aneeka were able to connect with other mums and bubs through their local mothers group a few times before the longer lockdown of 2021.
“It’s safe to say we did a lot of walking, discovering London on foot,” Radhika said. But while seeing London from a different view was exciting, the reality of the pandemic coming to an end sooner than later seemed like an impossible dream. It seemed unlikely they would be able to travel home with the new baby or have family come visit. “Thankfully we had flights booked through my husband’s work, but despite that we had five cancellations before we were able to board a flight home,” she said.
Picture: Rob Carew
Luckily for them, the shops were open during that time.
This was a reality for Camberwell mum Radhika Sahu and her husband Utkarsh.
It was during the height of the pandemic in the UK – all retail and services were closed.
Mum Radhika and her daughter Aneeka.
From there they had seven weeks to find somewhere to live and buy all of the baby necessities.
“If we were cancelled once more, I doubt we would have been able to come home. I was two weeks away
“I have the most amazing mum’s group, I am so thankful for them,” she said. She said being able to meet face-toface allowed them to bond before they were forced to connect virtually. And while her pregnancy wasn’t exactly what was expected, being able to live in the same city as her family (pandemic or not) gave Radhika some perspective on the issue. “We are just so thankful to be back in Melbourne. That was our priority and looking at the bigger picture, I’m just so happy to be in the same city as my family,” she said. “Sure there are things we would have loved to do, including getting some more travel in or being a little bit more prepared in terms of shopping – but we are just so glad that we got back home.”
Covid baby hurdles By Melissa Meehan ANGELINE Chandler was four months pregnant with her first child when Covid-19 hit. For her, it meant her partner Allan couldn’t be there for all the major pregnancy milestones. She went to appointments and scans alone. “I think he pictured himself coming to all these appointments as well,” Angeline told Kids Today. “Because she was our first baby and we had tried for a few years and even through IVF. “I think it was a bit hard for him.” Luckily Allan was allowed to attend the birth – and stayed by Angeline’s side for the 16-hour labour until Talia was born. Council organised mums groups are often a lifeline to the outside for new mums stuck in the newborn haze. However, because of the pandemic, Angeline felt as though she couldn’t really connect with other mums. The council reached out and organised an online group – but with a colicky baby, Angeline never really got the chance to sit down in front of the 26 SUMMER 2021
computer to socialise. She was also cut-off from family members who lived outside of the Yarra Valley, with the government pandemic laws blocking any travel further than five kilometres. “That was really tough, it would have been really nice to have been able to get some help – just a couple of hours here and there from family members or friends,” she said. But even when lockdown was over, Talia didn’t enjoy a car ride – meaning adventures far from home were not an easy feat. And like many babies born in the middle of a pandemic – she was wary of new faces because she had hardly seen anyone but mum and dad for so long. Talia is now 18 months old and taking the world by storm. Like many other ‘Covid babies’ she started reaching milestones quicker than normal. She crawled and talked a lot earlier than expected, her first word coming at four months. But there is no one else Angeline would rather have spent lockdown with.
Angeline, Allan and Talia Chandler. www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
Reality Bites
A Better Life for Foster Kids founder Heather Baird, preparing to make Christmas a happy time for children in foster care.
H th B i d continues ti t fight fi ht ffor a b tt system t tto Heather Baird to better oversee children in out-of-home care, while also providing practical support for foster children and their carers.
A passion for helping foster kids By Liz Bell AFTER a childhood growing up in foster care and fighting against a system that she describes as broken, Gippsland’s Heather Baird is still in full battle mode. A baby of the 1950s who wound up in out-of-home care at the age of two-anda-half, and has experienced more than she cares to detail, the now 66-year-old has more energy and passion fuelling her efforts to improve the lives of foster children and untie the knots of the system, than many half her age. Heather is the founder of A Better Life for Foster Kids, a grassroots volunteer organisation that provides ‘crisis cases’ for children going into care, and advocacy and support for foster families. After seven years of operating from its Sale base, the organisation has morphed into a much bigger and more powerful defender of children’s rights and the welfare system as a whole, and is about to undergo an exciting expansion which will result in the number of depots that distribute crisis cases grow from three to 15 around the state. Heather says that will effectively enable the team to provide crisis cases to every single child living in out-ofhome care in Victoria. In addition, under a separate banner of Foster Kids & Carers United Ltd, Heather and a newly-formed board are getting ready to invite law firms to provide pro-bono legal work and advice to the carers who advocate for children through the department and the legal system. Heather says she feels proud to be able to stand up for children and carers, and challenge some of the unshakeable beliefs that lie behind questionable department and agency decisions. “The welfare system is not what people think; there is no awareness out there of what happens, and we need to change that so there is permanency for kids, and enough support for carers,” she said. Because of her experience in the foster system and her advocacy work, she has earned a level of respect as someone
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who shoots straight from the hip, but has the best interests of the children and the foster community at heart. And because of her ‘tell it like it is’ approach, she gets things done and has managed to build relationships with federal politicians and top department officials. “I can open doors for ministers to get involved in welfare cases, and have done so - I have a good relationship with (Gippsland MP) Darren Chester, (Eastern Victoria MP) Melina Bath and (Gippsland South MP) Danny O’Brien for example, and they have been a great help,” she said. Those connections help to ensure children get the care they need, and carers are supported to provide care when a parent is unable to. Heather has sent letters to every single parliamentarian in Victoria calling for permanency for children in out-of-home care, and also calling for a mandatory two-year mentoring system for new case workers, to ensure that people coming into the system have experience and first-hand understanding. “You get 19 and 20-year-old kids coming into the system with very little life skills making life-changing decisions about children, and that’s not ideal,” she said. “We need change in the system; it is no longer a welfare system, but an industry.” Mentoring and advocacy are non-negotiable elements of a healthy out-of-home care system, Heather says. “The carers have enough to do keeping these kids at home and at school, and dealing with traumatised behaviours; all these kiddies come from trauma backgrounds, that is why we shouldn’t be putting extra burdens on these kids or the carers, including personally or financially,” she said. Heather is in a private carers’ support group of about 600 foster families, and believes her lived experiences are what brings carers to her when they are trying to navigate the welfare system or when they need practical help.
As the link between the child, child protection and agencies, carers are an essential part of the child’s experience with the world. But Heather says they don’t always get the acknowledgement they deserve, and are kept out of many decision-making processes. She says without support, many carers would have left the system and there would be an even greater need for foster home than already is. The Foster Care Association of Victoria data shows that carer recruitment and retention is in alarming decline. In 2017-2018, there were 998 foster carers in Victoria. During this time, 606 foster carers withdrew from foster care programs, while only 375 foster carers began. “There are no office hours to this service we offer,” Heather said. “I get calls at all hours from carers devastated by the system. “Many of them have been ready to walk, but with advocacy and support, they stay,” she said. Having worked in the Department of Health and Human Services while on student placement for a Diploma of Childhood Services, Heather has some understanding of the inner workings of the department.
provide dignity in a time of trauma, along with the reassurance and comfort that comes with knowing there are people who care. “Some of these kids have nothing; they may have never seen a toothbrush, they may have never worn clean clothes,” she said. The contents of the crisis cases have not changed since Heather’s long-held idea came to fruition in 2014, with each one including age-appropriate toiletries, three sets of clothes, including one ‘good’ set for special occasions, a book or a toy, and a handmade teddy and handmade blanket. The cases give foster children something that belongs only to them, and gives carers time to give the child the one-on-one attention they need in their first week of care. “From the feedback we get, we know that the crisis cases mean a lot to the kids and to the foster family — just making life a little easier at a difficult time.” Heather says she could not do what she does without the generous support of her volunteers, businesses and the local community, who have all “embraced us” to ensure the wheels keep turning.
And while she feels some department policies are misguided, she has great admiration for department staff, most of whom she says are working against a system that fights them.
The organisation, which does not receive government funding, relies on private donations and philanthropic grants, and always welcomes new donations, particularly in this difficult Covid-19 environment of budget restraints.
“From as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be in this role, to stand up for the kids and the carers in the system,” she said.
Heather says that as a result of the economic fallout of coronavirus, monthly contributions to A Better Life for Foster Kids’ have dropped significantly.
“I’ve never been one to leave something alone if it’s not right.” Since launching A Better Life for Foster Kids in 2014, Heather and her small but dedicated group of volunteers and supporters have supplied about 1500 crisis care cases to children around the state entering foster care, providing each with everyday essentials. It might sound like a simple gesture, but Heather says for the children and their new foster families, the cases
Volunteer numbers are also down. Asked why she keeps going, despite ill-health herself and the difficulties of the current environment, Heather doesn’t hesitate. “If I can keep one kid in a permanent, safe and nurturing home, I’ll be happy it’s as simple as that,” she said. “I don’t want children growing up the way I did.” For more information, visit abetterlifeforfosterkids.org.au
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Reality Bites
Sharing a tale of too many toys Victorian mum and author Stef Gemmill.
By Melissa Grant LIKE many parents, Victorian author Stef Gemmill knows that far too many plastic toys can end up in the bin. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Stef has fond memories of being a young girl constantly playing with a hand-me-down doll that was well-loved and well-worn. The doll had one eye, so Stef took her to the local toy hospital to be repaired. She loved the doll so much that it never crossed her mind to replace it.
opt for toys that last by following the story of a boy named Sam who becomes a toy tester for a toy factory.
into the hands of children and getting them to consider the impact of consumer choices,” Stef said.
Sam, who was growing tired of his toys, ends up with a heap of plastic toys in all shapes and colours.
“It’s by self discovery that he (Sam) ends up with this huge pile of plastic junk... his treasured toys are at the bottom and he has a change of heart.”
However, he soon finds himself at the bottom of a mountain of broken plastic toys and needs his family’s help to save the day. The book, beautifully illustrated by Katharine Hall, highlights the huge amounts of plastic waste generated by consumer culture.
The doll is the inspiration behind Stef’s latest children’s book, Toy Mountain.
It aims to empower children to take sustainability into their own hands by reminding them that their choices count.
The book highlights why we should
“This book is about putting change
Stef, a mum of a 13-year-old boy, said it was crazy to think about how much plastic toys there were on the market and how that contributes to the amount of waste we produce. Toy Mountain is Stef’s third published book. The former music journalist has also written A Home For Luna, a story about a cat on a castaway island who makes unexpected friends with a colony of penguins. The story has an
underlying message about homelessness and refugees. Her other children’s book is called In My Dreams, an illustrated story that empowers the reader to embrace their imagination and chase pirates and ride wild winds on the back of a dragon. “Generally I write stories that usually have an element of peril but they are stories of hope and heart and all have a social message,” Stef said. Stef has already started her next project, a novel aimed at children aged 8-12 years. Toy Mountain, EK Books RRP $24.99, is available at bookstores and online. For more information about Stef, visit https://www.stefgemmill.com
Mum’s experience helps acne sufferers By Melissa Meehan
“In healing my own skin, I’m deeply driven to help others confidently present their full face and vision to the world,” Judy said.
WHEN Judy Cheung-Wood was a teenager, she suffered terrible acne.
It is no surprise she went down that path either, her grandfather was a chemist and manufacturer of natural skin products too.
And it followed her into adulthood. “I started all of the brands at the supermarket but I found they ended up irritating my skin, so by the time I was in uni I was using very expensive products – I didn’t care if the bottle was $50 and when it didn’t work I just kept trying he next product,” Judy told Kids Today.
She believes she has inherited his expertise and passion for traditional, nutritional medicine and creation of natural skincare products. It is no mean feat creating a skincare empire with a young daughter in tow, she’s now seven, but Judy says it’s really important to set aside some me time.
“So it got to the point that I had exhausted the market and I was reading some research about the benefits of vitamin B5 and I was absolutely fascinated.”
Judy built the business from a ground up, launching online with no advertising.
From there, this busy Melbourne mum of one started her holistic business, called SkinB5 that saw her win the gold in the 2021 AusMumpreneur Global Brand Award as well as a silver for product innovation and multicultural business excellence.
However, with a little help from her friends at AusTrade – who invited her on an international trip to sell her wares before she even had a product. “We had an idea, but no product – so we had to get that sorted before we went on that trip,” she said.
“For decades, no one challenged the conventional approach to treating acne – using harsh chemicals to kill bacteria associated with acne breakouts, merely managing the symptoms,” Judy said. “These wins showcase the traction that we have made and help refuel our passion to help acne sufferers with our nutraceutical Australian made products.” SkinB5 is an Australian made skincare product composed of dermanutraceuticals, which treat acne holistically without side effects. And it now has health professionals 28 SUMMER 2021
Now, she sells her product worldwide, includes Singapore, Philippines.
Melbourne mum Judy Cheung-Wood started her own business based on her experience with teenage acne.
are recommending SkinB5 as an alternative to prescription acne medication. The patented vitamin formula found in SkinB5 addresses the underlying
causes of acne rather than just the symptoms. Thousands of acne sufferers have left 5 star reviews and they call SkinB5 a ‘game changer’.
“I always use the philosophy of putting on an oxygen mask on yourself when in a plane before you out it on your child, and in life I think we have to do that,” she said. “I actually schedule a walk every day in my calendar because it doesn’t happen otherwise.” To read more about Judy’s product go to www.skinb5.com www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
monster who ruined their lives, which is kind of true, but if we don’t do as much as we can to express how we are feeling and explain to them what is happening and how we are feeling… they make up the rest with fear and imagination,” she said.
Reality Bites
She has some tips about how to be a better parent when you are already feeling anxious yourself:
Erika Cramer, The Queen of Confidence, is an international confidence coach and popular 5 star podcast host.
■ Be aware of yourself Erika with her son.
Covid-19 has thrown a curve ball for many Australians – particularly Melburnians. And as adults we’ve all felt it but imagine being a kid during these times. “There has been so much uncertainty – both in the home and outside world,” Erika told Kids Today.
Confidence during uncertainty By Melissa Meehan MELBOURNE mum of two Erika Cramer knows a thing or two about trauma. She grew up in the United States, her mum was bi-polar and spent time in and out of foster care.
But despite all of that she worked on herself and became the Queen of Confidence. Now with more than 55,000 instagram followers – she provides life coaching for other mums dealing with anxiety and trauma.
“And how the parents are coping or have coped with it – our kids feed on our anxiety.” Erika says during the many lockdowns since the start of the pandemic, many would have their “trauma brain” on 24/7. “It’s not healthy but that’s what we’ve had to deal with, stuck at home, real life shut down – and especially when the playgrounds closed… that was huge,’ she said. “Before they were closed, we knew it was bad but we had the playground but when they were closed, it was just like a dagger through the heart.”
Think about how you are feeling right now, can you communicate freely? Are you overworked? Anxious? Stressed out? What do you need? ■ You need to fill your cup first We say it all the time. But if we are not feeling our best, we can’t be the best for the ones we love. ■ You need to say how you feel There is no point of having the “she’ll be right” attitude, it’s an unhealthy to deal with trauma. We need to express how we feel and that is OK and teach our children that its normal to have emotions ■ Set boundaries It’s hard when in lockdown to set your own boundaries but then you need to set new ones. Whether it’s as simple as not having the news on 24/7. Kids aren’t programmed to have that screen time. And when lockdown is finally over and we’ve reached 90 per cent, ease back into normal life.
For many, the sense of normality was taken away and unfortunately adults weren’t mindful of speaking carefully around their kids.
Be mindful of how your child is feeling. If they are anxious around large crowds don’t take them to a busy shopping centre during the Christmas rush and don’t fill your house with visitors every day.
They pick up so much of what we say, Erika says.
Sometimes slowly easing back into normal life is all we need.
“For many kids Coronavirus is a
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SUMMER 2021 29
Books
A ‘Wandi’ful book for kids By Melissa Grant THERE’S a true story about a dingo pup that fell out of the sky and into the backyard of a Victorian home. Now that story is being shared in the form of a children’s book to raise awareness about purebred alpine dingoes, a species in need of protection. Critically acclaimed author Favel Parrett wrote the book Wandi, named after the dingo that she’s come to know incredibly well. Favel volunteers at the Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, where Wandi has lived since falling from the sky in August 2019. Marks on Wandi’s back suggested he was picked up by a wedge-tail eagle or an owl and taken from his home in the mountains and dropped into a suburban backyard in Wandiligong, near Bright. A woman found Wandi, who was just five weeks old at the time, crying in a garden and initially thought he was a dog or fox. However, DNA testing revealed he was in fact a purebred alpine dingo.
Wandi was taken to Dingo Discovery Sanctuary, where he was nursed back to health and paired with a female cub. Wandi became an overnight sensation, with his incredible survival story making headlines around the world. It’s a story Parrett wanted to tell in a children’s book. She longs for young readers to fall in love with alpine dingoes like she has. Parrett met her first dingo a few years ago while visiting the sanctuary for a ‘cuddle a cub’ tour. She thought she would be cuddling some cute cubs, but was instead blown away by what she discovered about the species. She knew she was in the “presence of greatness” when she learned that they could hear human heartbeats from 25 metres away. “They are hyper intelligent, their intelligence is beyond,” she said. “Also, wherever their head can fit, they can fit. They can dislocate both of their shoulders and their hips.” Parrett is at the sanctuary twice a
Wandi the dingo dingo.
week and has seen Wandi come leaps and bounds since meeting him as a four-month-old pup. The wonder dingo recently became a dad to six cubs and has amassed more than 56,000 followers on Instagram. Wandi’s journey to fatherhood is central to the book. According to Parrett, it’s a story of hope as it ends with the famous dingo having his own family. However he is missing his own parents and siblings and wishing they could all be free in the wild.
Author Favel Parrett is passionate about dingoes.
Unfortunately, Parrett says it’s impossible to “rewild” the sanctuary’s dingoes due to the threats they face. including being shot by hunters.
of great need,” she said.
Parrett hopes her story can rewrite the role of alpine dingoes and teach children to be proud of the apex predator. She believes Wandi’s fall from the sky has a purpose.
Wandi is available at local bookstores. The book is also available at wandithedingo.com.au, with all proceeds from the book and merchandise going to the sanctuary.
“Wandi has come here for a reason, we believe Wandi came to us at a time
You can also follow Wandi on Instagram at wandi_dingo
“He’s our ambassador to show, let’s give dingoes a chance… and say, hey let’s be proud.”
Children’s books...
Cookie
Little Big Bully
Isabelle Duff, illustrated by Susannah Crispe
Trace Moroney
A heartwarming book about the beautiful bond between Girl and her Border Collie Cookie that is a sensitive exploration of childhood depression. The inseparable pair play together and learn how to make each other happy, even on the days when Cookie is the only one who can make Girl smile. The book is inspired by the author’s personal experiences with acute depressive disorder and anxiety, and by her wonderful dog, Saffy, who has been an invaluable support to her. A valuable resource for reducing stigmatism around mental illness, and a tribute to the loved ones who are able to get you out of bed when nothing else can.
A thoughtful book that sensitively describes how and why bullying happens. It explores a range of wellresearched techniques to develop coping skills and proactive strategies that describe what to do when bullying occurs. Little Big Bully is part of Trace Moroney’s new My Emotions Series about big feelings for little people. The first of two titles in the series (the other is The Grief Wave) which equips kids with valuable skills to navigate their way through life’s ups and downs. A must read for kids aged 4+ eQ Publications, RRP $20.99
Kid President Totally Rules!
Who’s a Goose?
Deltora Quest
Scott Stuart
Emily Rodda
Jack Health, illustrated by Max Rambaldi
A hilarious book about two gaggling geese that will make kids giggle. The geese are grappling with how collective nouns apply to a variety of animals, from a barrel of monkeys to a cool waddle of penguins. One goose is goose, and two goose is geese… you get the idea! Serious Bruce is trying to teach silly-billy Bill but it’s not going that well. And when some foxes arrive, the lesson is pretty much over! With animated illustrations and rhyming text, this is a fun read for kids aged 3+
A special 21st anniversary edition of Deltora Quest from award-winning author Emily Rodda that features the much-loved series of eight books.
What would your child do if they were president? In this comedy from award-winning Aussie author Jack Heath, Jaxxon has accidentally been elected as the first Kid President. He wants free ice-cream in schools, homework to be made illegal and national parks to become skate parks. Sounds awesome, right? Well not everyone is happy and they want Jaxxon kicked out of the presidential office. Can Jaxxon remain president and show everyone that he totally rules? For readers aged 9+ Scholastic Australia, RRP $17.99
Scholastic Australia, RRP $17.99
Three companions - Leif, Barda and Jasmine - are on a quest to find the seven lost gems of the Belt of Deltora. Once the belt is complete the evil rule of Shadow Lord will be overcome. This gripping novel is set in the fantasy world of Deltora, a kingdom of magic and monsters, bordered by the sea and a vast, curving mountain range, beyond which is an unknown territory called the Shadowlands. For readers aged 8+ Scholastic Australia, RRP $39.99
EK Books, RRP $24.99 30 SUMMER 2021
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Kids Calendar
What's on
this summer
12 DECEMBER
10-19 JANUARY
26 JANUARY
SPELLBOUND
BIG SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY CRAFTING AFTERNOONS
STRATFORD AUSTRALIA DAY BBQ
Illusionist Anthony Street, regarded as one of the hottest magic acts in Australia, will showcase his skill and flair in one unforgettable interactive night of magic and Grand Illusion for the whole family. 7pm, West Gippsland Arts Centre Tickets: Members: $45, Full: $49.90, Concession: $47, Groups 10+: $45, Youth U/18: $30.
Join libraries in Wellington for the Big Summer School Holiday Program. Free sessions will include crafting afternoons - kids can make wooden hand spinners, flower crafts, suncatchers and try out some creative colouring exercises. Various dates. For more information and to register visit https://www.wellington. vic.gov.au/events
13 DECEMBER
15 JANUARY
MELBOURNE SYMPHONY OCHESTRA
ERICA COUNTY EXPO
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the West Gippsland Arts Centre with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Handel’s beloved Christmas oratorio, ‘Messiah’. Performance lasts 2.5 hours with an interval 7.30pm. Tickets: Members: $30, Full: $45, Concession: $40, Youth/U18: $30.
17 DECEMBER A VERY WGAC CHRISTMAS The West Gippsland Arts Centre winds up the year up with a special celebration of Christmas. Leading man, Ian Stenlake will anchor the festivities and there will be a line-up of local talent and special guests. 11am, WGAC Tickets: Members: $18, Full: $25, Concession: $22, Group 10+: $18 www.GippslandKidsToday.com.au
A family BBQ dinner for the community of Stratford and District, and Presentation of Australia Day awards. A free event organised by Lions Club of Stratford. 6pm, Stratford Mechanics Hall, Hobson Street, Stratford
Celebrate all things outdoors at the family-friendly Erica Country Expo. The event features live music, chainsaw woodcarving, a bike stunt show, kids shows, a petting zoo, massive blow up slide and more! From 11.30am – late, Erica Recreation Reserve, Station Street, Erica
ALL SUMMER
For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/EricaCountryExpo
PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY Robert Gordon’s paint your own pottery workshop is popular with families. All you have to do is choose your pot, decorate with paint and collect your masterpiece 14 days later. The workshops take place in a new studio space at Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet. Online bookings for the workshops are essential. Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road, Pakenham. Phone 03 5941 3302 or visit www. robertgordonaustralia.com
WALHALLA GOLDFIELDS RAILWAY Take a ride with the family on the Walhalla Goldfields Railway. The rail journey is a great way to see the spectacular Stringers Creek George. Return trips are $18 per child and $20 per adult. Return family tickets are also available for $50. All trains depart from Walhalla Station, located at 2 Main Road Walhalla. For bookings and more information, visit https://www.walhallarail.com.au/ or call (03) 5165 6280. SUMMER 2021 31
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