Geelong Coast Kids Autumn 2021

AUTUMN 2022

with Geelong’s

milliner mum

Grovedale boy’s happy life

after rocky start Twenty first century dads are

stepping up

www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 1

About Us

Autumn: a time to explore AHHH autumn is here!

The air is that little bit crisper, the leaves are turning magnificent yellows and reds and the crunch of the ground underfoot let you know those uncomfortable hot nights are on their way out.

It’s the perfect weather to mix and match the kids wardrobes too – it’s not just their “summer” wardrobe to choose from anymore – it’s cute leggings with t-shirts and slacks and tops.

Autumn is also the perfect time to go exploring. There’s nothing like falling leaves, dropping gumnuts and pine cones all around and the chance to see more wildlife as they forage for food before the winter.

It brings a chance to change up arts and crafts too – painting with autumn leaves is somewhat a pastime in our home as is setting up our very own pinecone weather station ( they open or close depending on the weather).

Geelong Coast Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.

We really hope you enjoy reading our Autumn 2022 edition, we’ve spoken to some pretty amazing people with some memorable stories to share.

Don’t forget to check out our website for up-to-date stories or follow us on facebook or Instagram.

We hope the season leafs a smile on your face.

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

Geelong Coast Kids 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West Phone: 5249 6700

Editorial Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan @starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666

Advertising Sales Director Ben Sutton ben.sutton@starweekly.com.au

Contents

Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108.

Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas.

IT’S YOUR LIFE Cubby house a special gift PAGE 3 Mum’s book explains cancer to kids

Keeping KIDS SAFE PAGE 12

All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

BOOKS Girl shares PAWSOME story

Raising kids

PAGE 21

PAGE 13

AUTUMN 2022

Children’s books

PAGE 4

HEALTH

PAGE 21

Big chats with little people

Top tips to protect their vision

PAGE 5

PAGE 14

KIDS CALENDAR

Work starts on Drysdale library

Impacts of too much screen time

PAGE 6

PAGE 14

Crash testing specialised child restraints

Unusual signs of pregnancy

PAGE 6

PAGE 15

Mums share incredible business journey PAGE 7

REALITY BITES

Angie’s catch-up

The fun of birth in a panedmic

PAGES 8-10

PAGE 19

Kids in the Kitchen

Backing our future farmers

PAGE 11

PAGE 20

with Geelong’s

milliner mum

What’s on this autumn PAGE 22

Grovedale boy’s happy life

after rocky start Twenty first century dads are

stepping up

www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

geelongcoastkids.com.au 2 AUTUMN 2022

AUTUMN 2022 1

Cover: Lilly Jones plays in the autumn leaves.

Picture: Melissa Meehan

facebook.com/geelongcoastkids

instagram.com/geelongcoastkids www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Marley enjoying his new cubby house.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation gifted the cubby house and organised a fun reveal.

The cubby house offers Marley a safe place to play.

Cubby house a special gift

By Melissa Grant WHEN Grovedale boy Marley Reddington was born at 24 weeks, doctors didn’t know whether he would survive.

He spent the first 180 days of his life in hospital and has been diagnosed with multiple complications from extreme prematurity, including chronic lung disease.

But after a rocky start to life, Marley is now a happy, engaging and determined five-year- old who loves George from Peppa Pig, collecting rocks, playing ‘floor is lava’ and Duplo.

The energetic boy also loves pretend play, however going to parks is really difficult as he requires oxygen.

But late last year, he was gifted a safe place to play outdoors when the Starlight Children’s Foundation granted his wish for a new cubby house.

The cubby - which features a wellstocked kitchen, seating area, Avengers pillows and a barista machine - was a complete surprise for Marley, as Starlight had installed it while he was out at appointments.

He was blown away by the cubby reveal where he was greeted by Captain Starlight, confetti and cupcakes as he walked down a red carpet.

Mum Kellie and Dad Steve say the cubby has given Marley a special place of his own to share fun, smiles and laughter with his friends and brother.

“At first he was overwhelmed, then couldn’t stop smiling and got straight to work role-playing,” Kellie said.

“Ever since, he has wanted to play in it every day from the moment he woke up.”

Kellie said the cubby house provided a safe play space for Marley, who was often not well enough to venture too far from home.

“Marley has a complex range of conditions, arising from his extreme premature birth at 24 weeks. Every system in his body is impacted in some way,” she explained.

“He requires oxygen, tube-feeds and www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

Marley at the wish reveal.

Marley Reddington.

The Reddington family.

also has a tube for bowel washouts.

Mercy Hospital from early on in her pregnancy as she was at high risk of delivering prematurely as her first son was born at 30 weeks.

“Parks are risky not only from a health perspective - illnesses such as colds, Covid, but also from a safety perspective - risk of tubes getting caught/pulled out; risk of falling from heights.

“Marley’s cubby house provides a place for him to simply and safely enjoy independent play, whenever it suits him.”

Marley weighed just 687g and was 29cm long when he was born at 24 weeks.

Kellie had been under the care of the

After showing signs of labour at 23 weeks, Kellie was put on bed rest at the Mercy.

“A few days later my waters broke, so we knew we weren’t going to make it to our goal of 32 weeks,” she recalled.

“After a few more days of bed rest I got an infection, at which point it was safer for the baby ‘to be out rather than in’.”

Marley was delivered via emergency caesarean.

“Doctors didn’t know if Marley would survive and his journey in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (SCN) was rocky and not straightforward,” Kellie said.

“Marley ended up spending 180 days across Mercy Hospital for Women, Royal Children’s Hospital and Geelong Hospital before he came home for the first time.”

However Marley was only home for two days before being readmitted to hospital where he spent the next two months.

Marley continues to have multiple stints between Geelong and the Royal Children’s hospital, with visits ranging from an overnight stay to weeks or months.

He also has regular appointments at both hospitals and weekly sessions with his therapists at Kids Plus Foundation, and undergoes multiple surgery visits each year.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation has had a long involvement with the Reddington Family, with Captain Starlight often visiting Marley’s hospital room.

Kellie said Starlight had been a blessing for Marley, who often becomes upset in hospital while separated from family and friends.

“Captain Starlight is seen as a friend and puts a smile on his face,” she said.

Kellie said the visits also provided Marley with a much-needed break from the ongoing medical treatments and monitoring that make up most of his days in hospital.

She encourages people to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which makes a difference to the lives of sick kids like her son.

“They support kids who don’t get to enjoy the same freedoms as others the same age,” she said.

“Starlight’s contribution is not just about putting a smile on a child’s face, but also the warm fuzzy feeling their parents and guardians get when they see their child happy.”

To donate or for more information, visit https://www.starlight.org.au/ AUTUMN 2022 3

It’s Your Life

Kristy Telford has self-published a children’s book based on her cancer journey and from the perspective of her young daughter.

Mum’s heartfelt book explains cancer to young children TELLING a young child that their parent or a loved one has cancer and what that means is extremely difficult.

It’s an overwhelming situation, and one which Victorian mum Kristy Telford faced after being diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her second daughter, Isobel.

Her eldest, Anna, was just a toddler when she received the devastating diagnosis.

In an instant, life for the young family was turned upside down.

Kristy was induced at 37 weeks and after delivering Isobel began undergoing surgery and therapy to treat the aggressive disease.

How would she explain it all to her toddler daughter? She pulled out her laptop and started writing a story about her cancer journey from the perspective of her little girl.

At the time, the story was purely to help Kristy talk to Anna, and eventually, Isobel, about their life and how cancer was a big part of it.

Late last year, Kristy’s story was published as a children’s book called ‘Annabel’s Mum’, a title incorporating the names of both her daughters, now aged 6 and 4.

4 AUTUMN 2022

The story is based on the family’s journey with cancer, which began as Kristy and her husband Scott were preparing for the arrival of their second child.

“I would have been about six months pregnant or earlier when I first found the lump in my left breast but I didn’t think a great deal of it,” Kristy explained.

“There are a lot of breast changes happening anyway, but also in the back of my mind is the fact that my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was quite young too - she was 31 when she was diagnosed.

“Then a couple of months went by and I was noticing lots of different things - mood changes, I just didn’t feel right, the lump began to grow and then my skin became quite red around the lump too and I thought ‘yes it’s time to go see a doctor’.

“I think deep down I always knew what it would be but I didn’t want to come to that at that point.

“I was 29 years old and 29 weeks pregnant when I was diagnosed.”

Kristy had a lumpectomy and after delivering Isobel underwent surgery to remove more breast tissue and lymph nodes. The young mum had only just

started chemotherapy when she received some heartbreaking news.

“I had scans, which I couldn’t have when I was pregnant, that showed that the cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes and my liver, so it was now suddenly stage 4,” Kristy said.

“I’ve been on many treatments since.

I recently started a new oral chemotherapy; hopefully it can do some good things for me.”

Kristy says while Annabel’s Mum is largely a positive story, it doesn’t conceal the serious realities of cancer.

“At the end it says sometimes in life people will pass away for reasons we don’t always understand - but thankfully we are able to keep memories of those people and fortunately we always have the gift of new life, just like when Annabel’s baby sister is born,” Kristy said.

“It mentions the word cancer because we have been open with that word. I think that children need to know that word - it shouldn’t be hidden from them.

“There’s definitely no heavy content.

It’s designed to open up conversations with children.

“A lot of friends who have read it to their kids said there were so many questions that flowed afterwards… it’s good they are asking these questions and trying to make sense of it all.”

Kristy self-published Annabel’s Mum with the help of an organisation called Dreams2Live4, which helps grant dreams for cancer patients.

The book, illustrated beautifully by Ada Rovai, is aimed at children in preschool and primary school. Kristy’s aim is to get copies of the book into schools and educational settings, and out to cancer organisations that can distribute it to families who may benefit.

Although Annabel’s Mum explains a difficult topic, it is a celebration of family, love, new life and cherished memories.

“It’s all about remaining positive, which is what I like about this story - even though it touches on death it tries to keep it in a positive light,” Kristy said.

To purchase a copy of Annabel’s Mum, visit Kristy’s Instagram account cancers_grace

www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Author Jayneen Sanders.

Having big chats with little people

By Melissa Grant

parents, caregivers and educators.

SOME chats are difficult but necessary to have with little ones.

Jayneen passionately feels that we can do more to keep our children safe by teaching them age-appropriate and empowering prevention education.

It’s important to talk about issues such as consent and body safety, but where and when do you start?

These discussions can take place relatively early on, provided they are age-appropriate.

That’s the view of body safety advocate and award-winning author Jayneen Sanders, who has launched a new book series to assist parents with crucial yet sometimes ‘tough’ topics for early learners.

The series, called Little BIG Chats, features 12 books suitable for children aged 2-6 years.

The titles include Consent, Secrets and Surprises, Private Parts are Private, My Safety Network, Feelings, Everyone is Equal and Empathy.

They feature interactive questions designed to bring a child’s own experiences and understandings into the conversation, and inside the back cover there are discussion questions for

www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

A decade ago she wrote ‘Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept’ to help protect children from unsafe touch by teaching them to speak up.

“I’m not a survivor of sexual abuse but I am a mother of three daughters and I’m a teacher,” Jayneen explained.

“I’ve had a number of friends who were sexually abused as children. They said to me we need to do something before they (children) are in the perpetrator’s web because once they are in the web it’s very complex.

“I went to the children’s school council and I said, ‘you know we should be doing some protective behaviours on body safety’ and everyone was really uncomfortable.

“That was really like a red flag to a bull for me. I thought OK, we need to do this. That’s when I wrote Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept.”

Jayneen went back to teaching but soon felt the need to write more books.

“Instances came up… particularly where young girls couldn’t say no to the boys around them all the time wanting to hold onto their hands,” she recalled.

“I thought, wow we have to do more about empowering kids about consent.

From there, gender equality comes into it as well and then social intelligence and empathy. The whole gambit began.”

Jayneen says her book My Body!

What I Say Goes! is a must-read for children aged 4-10 years, with the title covering personal body safety, feelings, safe and unsafe touch, private parts, secrets and surprises, consent and respect.

Last year, Jayneen decided to break down body safety and consent for kids aged 2-6 year-olds and Little BIG Chats was born.

She says parents can start teaching consent and body safety from a young age by asking to dress their child and calling genitals by the correct names.

“If kids are educated (to say) ‘that’s my vagina, don’t touch it’, the perpetrator will run a mile,” she explained.

Jayneen likens teaching body safety

and consent to putting your child’s seatbelt on.

“You put it in place, you hope you never have to use it but it’s there just in case,” she said.

“We are not with them 24/7 and and believe me, predators groom families and they groom kids.

“Look at the news cycle. It’s always there and it’s the person you least expect.

“We are seeing a lot more child on child abuse too. The average age for a boy is 11 to see pornography. Once they see it they can’t unsee it, and it’s very traumatic and sometimes they will outplay that trauma on younger siblings and children.”

However, she says the positive is that prevention through education is really empowering.

“An empowered child is an empowered teenager - it’s very powerful,” she said.

The Little BIG Chats books are available individually in hard back or can be purchased as a complete soft cover set.

For more information, visit https:// e2epublishing.info

AUTUMN 2022 5

It’s Your Life

Work starts on Drysdale library Geelong Regional Library Corporation chief executive Vanessa Schernickau, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Stephanie Skinner, Bellarine MP Lisa Neville and Greater Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher turning the sod.

By Ash Bolt

celebrate the City’s UNESCO City of Design designation.”

BELLARINE residents will soon enjoy a new modern and accessible library in Drysdale, as construction is now under way on the $9.156 million facility.

The new library is funded with a $8.156 million contribution by the city and a $1 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program grant from the state government.

Nicholson Construction was awarded the construction tender by council in October and mayor Stephanie Asher said it was exciting to see fencing up and works under way at the site.

“The new library will be a striking centrepiece for the Drysdale Town Square, featuring a roof planted with grasses and other greenery to link it closely to the surrounding park and help support biodiversity in the area,” she said.

“As construction is now underway, it won’t be long before Bellarine residents have a striking new facility which supports lifelong learning, creativity and social connection.

“The new Drysdale Library is part of our commitment to provide access to high standard libraries across the region along with sustainable facilities that

“I’m really pleased that we are supporting the people of Drysdale and the northern Bellarine Peninsula with this contribution to their local library,” Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said.

“Funding from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program will help create a welcoming and accessible space for locals – not just a library but also a community space for people of all ages to enjoy.”

The library will be part of the new Drysdale Town Centre at Wyndham Street and will feature communal spaces, quiet study areas, an adult changing places facility, a green roof, an internal courtyard garden, a City of Greater Geelong customer service point and resource efficient systems.

Geelong Regional Library Corporation

chief executive Vanessa Schernickau said it would be an invaluable asset for the Drysdale community.

“The existing Drysdale Library is a much-loved space for the people of Drysdale and we’re very excited about the plans for the new building which will provide this growing community with a world-class and modern facility,” she said.

“The much larger space will be a destination for everyone to enjoy a larger collection, meeting and gathering spaces, and a communityresponsive program of library events and services.”

“Public libraries are invaluable assets that support prosperous and thriving communities by providing opportunities for belonging, learning and connection.

I commend the City of Greater Geelong for their vision and support of public library services in this region.”

In September 2020, Greater Geelong residents provided feedback on what they valued most about the existing Drysdale Library and what they wanted to see in the new facility.

Antarctica and Architecture Associates utilised the community’s aspirations and worked closely with the City, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Geelong Regional Library Corporation, and other key stakeholders to develop the design.

The five-tier amphitheatre and library has been designed to respect and celebrate the area’s Wadawurrung living cultural heritage, in particular the importance of gathering places and the connection to waterholes and water – reflected in the circular features of the design.

“This design respects and celebrates the significance of the McLeod’s Waterholes and its watercourses to generations of Wadawurrung people,” Wadawurrung traditional owner Stephanie Skinner said.

“The ripples in the forecourt speaks of the importance of caring for this landscape, especially its water system, and the animals and plants that are so dependent upon this water system.

It is expected the new facility will be completed by mid-2023.

Crash testing specialised child restraints

By Sarah Oliver IN a global-first program, the Victorian government is crash testing specialised child restraints used by children with disabilities and medical conditions to raise awareness on their safety performance.

Nine special purpose child restraints imported and sold in Australia will undergo frontal and side impact crash tests at the Britax Childcare Crash Test Facility Laboratory in Melbourne’s west as part of the Australian Safety Assessment Program (AuSAP).

In a statement, the state government 6 AUTUMN 2022

said regular child restraints sold in Australia are held to very high safety standards, but that families of children with disabilities and medical conditions have not had access to the same level of information on child restraint safety.

Mobility and Accessibility for Children in Australia Ltd (MACA) has launched AuSAP with funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and in-kind support from Britax Childcare and Neuroscience Research Australia.

The testing program will provide the first national information about the safety and performance of special purpose child restraints for children with disabilities and medical conditions.

Roads Minister Ben Carroll said: “Choosing the most appropriate vehicle restraint, based on the individual needs of the child, is the first step in supporting a child’s safety.

“This program is the first of its kind globally and will give Victorians greater knowledge and options on how best to protect their loved ones.”

Transport Accident Commission Chief Officer Joe Calafiore said: “Child passengers put their lives in our hands every time we get behind the wheel, and it’s critical that we continue to invest in projects like this for their safety, especially when the unexpected happens on the road.”

Children put their lives in our hands every time we get behind the wheel. www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

It’s Your Life Fran Woods and Jo Clark are two busy mums with a successful business.

Jo and Fran met at a set of traffic lights in Melbourne’s inner-west.

Mums share incredible business journey CREATING an international brand is no mean feat, particularly when you throw in six kids and a pandemic.

Jo Clark and Fran Woods knew they were onto something when they created Franjos Kitchen after meeting by chance on a street in Melbourne’s west during 2014.

“Slowly but surely it started turning around. Then Covid hit and we thought ‘oh my god it’s going to be the end of us’,” Jo said.

But in 2020 Franjos Kitchen experienced 81 per cent increase in online sales.

Business success story...

Jo Clark and Fran Woods.

At the time, Jo had a naturopathic clinic in Flinders Lane and her own range of healthy biscuits called Kooka’s Natural Cookies, a homage to her dad’s Kooka’s Country Cookies.

What started off as two flavours of breastfeeding biscuits soon expanded to a product range to support mums and mums to be.

Jo said the remarkable turnaround was the combination of stripping back the business and the rise in mums wanting to increase their breast milk supply during the pandemic.

While the business grew the women, who have three kids each, were busy juggling the demands of motherhood and hit a major financial hurdle.

Jo and Fran were able to finally start paying themselves a proper wage and are now running a very profitable business.

“We were totally consumed with being mothers to all these children and keeping things ticking on,” Torquay mum Jo explained.

It’s incredible to think that their business success story started on a street in Kingsville. Jo and Fran, who both resided in the inner-west suburb at the time, were out walking their firstborns when they struck up a conversation while waiting to cross the road at a set of traffic lights.

Jo then changed the recipe to make the biscuits more nutritionally sound.

They both had very different careers - Jo was a naturopath, while Fran was, and still is, a practising lawyer. But they shared a passion for baked goods.

“It was just snapped up like that by all the local mums. We drove around and dropped off samples and that’s how it all started.”

After meeting on the street, Fran went home and started to think about how she had been struggling to make enough breast milk for her daughter.

Business picked up faster than Jo and Fran anticipated. After 10 months, wholesalers and retail shops were sending them messages seeking product. Distributors then started hearing about them.

“I think we ended up having about $1000 left in the bank and thought ‘oh my gosh, what are we going to do here?’

“This was just before Covid hit and it was pretty dire.”

At the time Jo and Fran, who had just moved her family to New Zealand, stripped the business back by putting product development and extra spending on the backburner, and concentrated on getting their team right. www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

She started Googling and found a recipe for lactation cookies.

Fran’s lactation cookies were working but thought Jo could use her knowledge as a naturopath to make them healthier.

She called Jo to tell her about her business idea.

“I trialled it at home and we took it out to the factory where we were making our other biscuits and they did a run of 180 packets. Then Fran popped it up on the inner-west mums and bubs Facebook group,” Jo recalled.

The women also began developing more products, including a pregnancy product for nausea and biscuits for kids.

Their sales success during Covid also meant they were able to develop a formula called Arepa to support cognitive function and reduce mental fatigue of mums experiencing ‘baby brain’.

Franjos Kitchen now has products going into New Zealand and Singapore, and is also working with China and Hong Kong.

“It’s reaching far and wide now. We have around 1000 stockists in Australia and are in some really great talks with some big retailers looking to take us on,” Jo said.

Jo and Fran also plan to launch three new products this year.

Needless to say the women, who came so close to calling it quits, have well and truly carved out a niche in the motherhood wellness industry.

AUTUMN 2022 7

It’s Your Life

Rebecca and superstar Jennifer Lopez.

Darkest days lit up by star power

By Angie Hilton GEELONG’S own award-winning Milliner Rebecca Share is a dead set dynamo.

Hard working disciplined and resilient.

And it’s no surprise when you hear the back story of how she worked at her parent’s fruit market every weekend from the age of 8 for 50 cents a weekend.

She runs a tight ship at home and her adoring boys know the drill. In fact, when I walked in to interview Rebecca, 14 year old Kai was half way through a basket of ironing… and still smiling. She must have some serious parenting superpowers!

Her hard work ethic paid off when she received international acknowledgement for her Millinery in the form of an exclusive headpiece order from a mega star.

But life hasn’t all been parades and race days. It took a marriage

8 AUTUMN 2022

breakdown for Rebecca to rediscover herself, refocus her priorities and reboot her Millinery career.

where I thought, holy hell, it’s not just me anymore, I have to look after this beautiful little human”.

Now, 5 years on, Rebecca is living proof that you can get through your darkest days and create the life you want.

Jarvis was only born 16 months later.

Dealing with a little toddler running around, being eight and nine months pregnant with no immediate family in Geelong was pretty exhausting.

The class had to make our own outfits and enter the Fashions on the Field. I didn’t know anything about horse racing or the fashions, but it was super exciting, and it opened up a whole new world for me.

Jarvis came within three and a half hours from the first labour pains to coming out. And he would’ve come out sooner, however he was posterior. So once again, only had time for the gas.

I won the young innovators category and from then on, I was addicted to sewing clothes and trying to piece together outfits and hats to enter more Fashion events.

I just remember lying in St. John of God, birthing suite saying to the Midwife “I can’t believe I’m back in here”. And she said, “If I had a dollar for every person that said that”.

After year 12, I moved to Melbourne and studied fashion design at RMIT.

OK Rebecca. I like to start at the very beginning of your parenting journey.

How were your births?

Ha ha!! Oh my gosh. Well Kai was a pretty stock standard nine hours. He was 41 weeks, so he was very well cooked. I didn’t know what I was having with Kai. I think I was pretty much shock for a couple of weeks at how full on the whole birthing process was. I only had gas as there was no time for anything else.

Nothing smacks you in the face more than when the midwife hands you your baby and says “Here’s your baby and you’re responsible now”. It was completely that turning point in my life

Millinery is not an everyday career. How did you end up exploring this field?

I was in year 11 at Bendigo Senior Secondary College and I was only 16 at the time. My Fashion teacher, Margaret

Harvey, took us on an excursion to the Bendigo Cup.

I’m pretty gung ho and want fast results. After realising that fashion was such a slow process and discovering that hats can be made within a day and can completely transform an outfit, I knew Millinery was for me. I left RMIT and began my hat making journey, learning all the traditional techniques and processes to creating headwear. www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

So how did this little Bendigo girl manage to get the world’s attention?

I guess my break came when I met socialite Lilian Frank. Through her connections I ended up making hats for all the Toorak scene including people like Ann Peacock.

Lilian took me under her wing, helped me enter the world of parades and connected me with designers like Alannah Hill and John Cavill and pretty soon my career took off.

What would you say has been your biggest achievement?

Oh, making exclusive headpieces for the J-Lo tour in 2019. I received an email via my contact form on my website claiming to be J-Lo’s stylist. I was actually on the train to Melbourne with my friend Fiona and laughed telling her about the ‘hoax email’ I had just received.

She encouraged me to respond just for fun and within 10 minutes I had a phone call and it was all happening. I was asked to make 28 visor headpieces for Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming ‘It’s My Party’ USA Tour.

I said to my partner Brett, “How good would it be to see the concert and he said, “Well, why don’t we go?”

So on a Tuesday night, we looked at the tour dates and by Friday night we were in Las Vegas ready for the show on Saturday night. We literally spent 40 hours in Vegas.

We got VIP tickets to the show and were invited backstage after the show to meet JLo and have a photo. It was an incredible experience, a pinch me moment!

For all the excitement in your life, you’ve had your share of challenging times. How did you manage to pull yourself though a tough marriage breakdown?

Initially I didn’t think I’d survive it.

However, you don’t know how strong you can be until you’re forced to be strong.

I knew I had to let myself feel the full brunt of emotions and not mask them.

So I was doing everything I could, whether it be yoga or mindfulness, long walks and just taking some time out for me. I spent 18 months discovering who I was again.

A friend once said to me “never say no to an invitation” and that made me get back into living and meeting people, which at times was the last thing I felt like doing.

But here I am, 5 years later and life has never been better.

I can actually say I’m so grateful for the experience of what I went through, because I’m in a much better place in my life now. I have genuine people in my life and it’s forced me to be stronger.

It’s forced me to rely on myself and pursue different avenues such as having my own home for the first time, getting out of my comfort zone, making new friends and setting up a second business.

Having the support of Brett who has been such a positive force in my life for over three years now has been a beautiful, welcomed surprise. My boys adore him and he really is the most incredible father figure for them.

How did you go staying creative throughout that time?

I didn’t make hats for a couple of years.

I was MIA from social media. I spent that time with the boys, giving them my full attention and rediscovering who I am.

I decided I was going to make one last hat for the 2018 MYER Fashions on the Field Millinery Award before I changed my career entirely.

My girlfriends came to cheer me on.

It was so nerve wracking standing on www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

Superstar JLO wearing one of Rebecca’s creations.

stage at Flemington with the top 10 finalists. When they announced my name it felt like more than just winning an award.

It wasn’t about beating other Milliners or being the best. It was about proving to myself that I won’t be kicked when I’m knocked down. It was the best

feeling to step out on that stage and hear my girlfriend’s screaming and I just thought, “Yeah, I’ve got this. I’m going to be okay”.

AUTUMN 2022 9

It’s Your Life

Rebecca Share Age: 45 Job: Milliner (hat designer) Two businesses – Rebecca Share Millinery (25 years) Hat Atelier (online courses) Partner: Brett – positive, calm, funny ■ Kai – 14 – creative, hilarious, passionate ■ Jarvis – 13 – witty, kind, thoughtful Quote: “Just when the caterpillar thought her life was over, she began to fly”.

I’m fascinated to learn about your parenting strategies. It just blew me away that you had a 14 year old boy doing a basket of ironing without grumbling. Please help!

Single parents might overcompensate by doing everything for their children.

And I think that that’s the worst thing for them. Helping kids to understand that the house is a team effort is really important.

I get the boys involved in pretty much everything that we do at home.

They mow the lawns, garden, iron, cook with me, do washing and make their own lunches.

They understand the costs and I don’t buy them absolutely everything they want, but they’ve got absolutely everything that they need.

We don’t have an X-Box anymore.

They rarely fight but when I noticed the negative impact the X-Box was having on them 2 years ago when they had a fight about who’s turn it was, I simply walked up to it, pulled it out of the wall and it’s never gone back since. If something is not working and it’s a negative in the household and bringing everyone down, then something needs to change, my boys know I mean business when it comes to boundaries.

They’re only allowed to watch TV at night time. Instead, it’s bingo, cards, Monopoly - good old fashion fun and connection. We also have a pizza oven, so Friday night is family time where we all make our own pizzas and put on some great music to relax.

What did you take from your own upbringing that has helped you with 10 AUTUMN 2022

how you parent?

My dad is hilarious, everything is an adventure and my childhood was spent on 14 acres where we made our own fun. We’d be out in the paddocks catching tadpoles, chasing sheep and building huts.

But from eight, we had to work. My parents had a fruit and veggie stall at the Castlemaine and Bendigo markets so Friday nights after school, I would be in the cold or boiling hot shed, bagging up and weighing kilo lots of onions, potatoes and carrots.

And then we would be up at five o’clock every Saturday and Sunday to work at the market all day. I was adding up and weighing everything, serving customers, carrying boxes and cutting up watermelons and pumpkins.

And I got paid 50 cents for the entire weekend!

And even then, Dad must have though we weren’t doing enough because he got my sister and I the job of cleaning the market after everyone had gone. We had to clean the toilets, empty bins and pick up every little bit of rubbish in the whole market.

However, we were paid $15 between us which was like hitting the jackpot!

So yes, that is where the work ethic came from. As hard as it sounds, there was a lot of love in the house and never a dull moment.

So you’ve moved in to online courses?

It’s incredibly important to give as much of my time to my boys and I wanted to maintain being home for them as much as I could. Therefore, I needed to have a passive income and so I started to

film, edit and create online Millinery courses for my second business ‘Hat Atelier’ 6 months prior to Covid-19 hitting.

Luckily I was ready to transition to online teaching when Covid hit and I set myself the goal to launch 15 courses in the first year, which I achieved. The courses sell around the world and have allowed me the flexibility to be more available for the boys which is my number one priority.

I’ve also expanded the business to film other Milliners courses now, it is going from strength to strength and it a wonderful feeling to have control and consistency in my life with something I am so passionate about.

And part of your new life is a new love?

I had no plans of ever meeting anybody or having another relationship.

Brett is the only partner I have dated and given his calm, kind and hilarious nature I was drawn to him in an instant.

I was never looking for any hole to fill, as I truly believe that if you are happy within yourself then you don’t ‘need’ anyone to fill a hole. But I do know now that there are really good, genuine people in the world and sometimes you have to go through the storm to realise that.

With the boys coming into teenage years, Brett has been an amazing father figure who always makes the time to guide them and show them the right way. They really adore him and he has been an integral, positive role model in their lives.

Mantra I live by: I don’t have a Mantra I live by but there have been times I should have listened to my gut, so now I “Listen to my gut”!

3 people living or deceased I’d love to have over for a pizza night?

Only 3…I’m stretching it to 4! I’d love to fire up our pizza oven for The Seinfeld cast and have a dance off with Elaine!

It’s a running joke in our family that we are the cast of Seinfeld and we call each other Jerry, Kramer, George and Elaine.

Guilty Pleasure? Wine! I love nothing more than spending Friday afternoons with my partner at Cellar Door in Geelong. Yummy cheese, incredible wine and lots of cuddles… the best way to kick off the weekend.

Favourite Geelong Coffee Spot?

Born and Bread in Newtown, the pastries are to die for!

Worst habit? Picking at my fingernails! I know, it’s yuk but when I have glue stuck to them from making hats I can’t help it. I have been having my nails done of late, so I am slowly breaking the habit (slowly!)

If I had a full day just for me how would I ideally fill it?

It’s a no brainer, I’d Fly to Hobart for a day exploring Mona followed by dinner in Faro Restaurant + Bar. The perfect balance of escaping to indulge in art, wine and food. www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

It’s Your Life

Cheesy broccolli bites BROCCOLI can stir up some pretty strong emotions – it seems people either love it or hate it, and it’s more often the later when it comes to kids. But broccoli is actually favourite vegetable, and I’m here to convert even the toughest of critics with my Cheesy Broccoli Bites.

Broccoli is rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium, is a fantastic source of vitamins A, C and K, and full of fibre and folate. It’s also high in glucosinolates, which help the body get rid of toxins. It has a prominent flavour but can be delightfully grassy and even rather sweet. For maximum nutrients choose broccoli with dark green, densely packed and tightly closed florets.

in the kitchen with Lucy Stewart

CHEESY BROCCOLI BITES Makes: 28 Prep time: 1-hour Cook time: 12-minutes Ingredients:

How you cook your broccoli makes all the difference too - no one enjoys the taste or sulfurous smell of mushy over-cooked boiled broccoli, right?

Steaming your broccoli for a short amount of time, retains the most nutrients and also prevents the formation of unpleasant odors and flavours. The addition of cheese and a little garlic in these bites, always makes broccoli taste better too. Serve them warm from the oven, and with a tomato salsa or a yoghurt dipping sauce for added yumminess.

■ 2 heads of broccoli (500g) ■ 1 clove garlic, minced ■ 3 eggs ■ 1 cup grated parmesan cheese ■ ½ cup sourdough breadcrumbs or almond meal ■ ½ tsp sea salt ■ Olive oil Instructions: 1. Cut broccoli into florets and steam for 2-3 minutes. They should start to turn bright green but still be lovely and crunchy. Let them cool completely.

2. Preheat oven to 200’C and line a baking sheet with baking paper drizzled with a little olive oil.

www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

3. To a food processor, add cooled broccoli florets and pulse to a crumb – rice-sized pieces, not pureed, small enough to be rolled in it to balls.

4. To a large bowl, add broccoli, breadcrumbs, parmesan, whisked eggs, garlic and salt and stir to combine.

5. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture and squash together to form a ball – add some extra breadcrumbs if you need more “glue” - then place on baking sheet.

6. Cook for 12-minutes until slightly golden.

AUTUMN 2022 11

It’s Your Life

Take the product container with you to the phone – the poisons information centre will want to know what ingredients are in the product

How to keep your kids safe from poisoning HAVE you ever noticed that toddlers love to place everything that they find in their mouths, no matter what the object is or how hygienic it may be? This behaviour can start anywhere from as early as 2 months of age and is your little one’s way of exploring and learning about the environment around them.

Aside from the inconvenience of every item in your home being covered in drool, this natural curiosity and eagerness to explore can also lead them into danger, particularly if they come into contact with poisonous substances.

How common is childhood poisoning?

Every year in Australia over 1,800 children aged 0-14 years are admitted to hospital due to unintentional poisoning – that’s around 34 children every week.

Most incidents occur in children under the age of 5, with those aged 1-3 at greatest risk.

When the word poison is mentioned, many people think of dishwashing detergents, bleach and household cleaners – however, did you know that there is another substance that is more

commonly involved in childhood poisoning incidents?

remember that these are not child proof.

The most common cause of poisoning lives in many homes and bags The majority of child hospitalisations due to poisoning involve pharmaceuticals. This can include over the counter medications such as paracetamol or cough and cold remedies, as well as prescription medications such as those used to treat blood pressure.

Poisoning incidents often occur due to unsupervised access, including when items such as medications are left out after being used or when they are stored in easily accessible locations such as handbags.

To children, medications can look like lollies, so they may think that they have just found Mum’s, Dad’s, or their grandparent’s secret stash of treats, not realising the dangers that these items can pose.

Don’t most of these products have child resistant packaging?

Many medications - along with other poisons such as household cleaners come with child resistant lids or packaging. However, it’s important to

They are made to be difficult for children to get into, but not impossible – you may even find that some kids can open them easier than adults can.

What can I do to reduce the risk?

The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning from medications: ■ Store all poisonous products out of sight and reach of children, at least 1.5 metres off the ground in a lockable cupboard ■ If medicines need to be kept in the fridge, use a small, lockable container for them

bags, out of reach of children e.g. on a hook up high ■ Dispose of expired or unwanted medications. You can contact your local pharmacy for advice on how and where you can do this safely What should I do if I think my child has ingested a poisonous substance?

If you think your child may have ingested a poisonous substance: ■ Call the Poisons Information Centre straight away on 13 11 26 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Australia wide).

They will be able to provide you with expert advice and guide you what to do next ■ Never try to induce vomiting

■ Always read instructions carefully and return all poisonous products to their safe storage area immediately after use

■ Take the product container with you to the phone – the poisons information centre will want to know what ingredients are in the product

■ Administer medication in a well-lit room and keep a record of the time and amount of each dose, to reduce the risk of accidental overdose ■ Never refer to medicines as ‘lollies’ as this can confuse children ■ Keep handbags, including visitor’s

■ If they have collapsed, stopped breathing, or are having a seizure or anaphylactic reaction, call 000 for an ambulance For more information and advice on poisoning or other unintentional injury topics, please visit kidsafevic.com.au

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It’s Your Life

Help! My husband is not good with kids

By Steve Biddulph FIRST the good news! Twenty first century dads really are stepping up to the mark. Compared with generations before, dads today are so much more affectionate, involved in day to day parenting, and able to team up as an equal partner.

But as with all progress, it’s a bit uneven, and some dads still really struggle. If you’ve got a husband who is too harsh, angry and judgy it can be a source of real anguish, as you watch him damage your kids’ mental health right before your eyes. It can even be a marriage breaker. And of course, as often lightly touched on in Bluey cartoons, a dad who is not quite up to being firm and in control when needed is also a bit of a pain, as it leaves mum to be the bad guy. It’s exhausting.

When we started working with families in trouble many years ago, it became clear that often helping dad was the key to things going better. But the question was how to do that. One answer lay in looking to a father’s own childhood. It’s a whole lot easier to be a good dad if you had one yourself. But what if you didn’t? Was your partner one of those dads who had a terrible father? Some men somehow turn things around, determined to do better.

But some go into denial, and that just doesn’t work…

Rick is a dad of a four- year old boy.

Cathy, his partner, is really worried because Rick just doesn’t get it right. He is distant, gruff, and quite tense around their son. If he says anything at all, its often a put-down. Rick doesn’t play easily like other dads, and their son is growing to think that he is just not good enough. Kids this age don’t blame their parents, they just think something is wrong with them.

But when we talk to Rick, it turns out he had a nightmare dad. He was fun sometimes, doing recreational things like camping and fishing (Rick is one of five brothers) but when Rick was six, his dad took off with another woman. In fact, he had always been unfaithful, a problem drinker, and a terrible husband. Rick’s mum eventually had to raise all five boys on her own. So Rick never saw fathering done well.

And he had quite low self-esteem as a result.

With encouragement from us, and being in a dad’s group with other dads finding their way, he learned to be more hands on, and today has a great relationship with his son.

I think the turning point was when, after gradually feeling more safe, Rick spoke in tears with the other dads in the group about how alone he felt after his dad had left.

I have seen this sudden wave of grief come out in men who were bashed by their fathers. Or told they were no good.

Or whose father never ever spent time with them doing fun things. Or who had successful and rich dads who put impossible expectations on them. Men put on a brave face, a mask to cover their pain, and they soldier on. But they just can’t get it right with their kids.

The pain gets passed on to another generation.

Only when they can own the pain of their childhoods, and feel it in a safe environment, talking honestly with their partner, or with other men, or with a counsellor, then they become determined and resolved never to be the kind of man their dad was. Or to realize that he too had his struggles, and forgive him, and themselves, and make a fresh start.

As a young dad, I used to watch the

dads who were good with their kids, and what they did and how they did it.

Gradually I learned fatherhood. Its never too late. If your partner is struggling, he isn’t alone, and he really can change. Ask him about his boyhood, and encourage him to take off his armour and be human. It can make all the difference in the world.

Steve Biddulph is the author of Raising Girls, Raising Boys, and The New Manhood, which addresses lots of these questions of men and their struggles.

Its in audiobook too.

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

Emphasising respect in schools students can thrive,” he said.

A concerning rise in incidents of aggression towards school staff from parents and carers has sparked policies and resources to promote respectful behaviours in schools.

The policy and resources are linked to the state government’s recently passed Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) legislation, which strengthens protections for school staff against parent and carer aggression.

The state’s new ‘Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy’ sets out guidelines on the expected standards of behaviour for parents, carers and other adults in the school community.

A School Community Safety Order scheme will be introduced to all schools in mid-2022, allowing school principals to issue safety orders in response to harmful, threatening, abusive or disruptive behaviour at work.

The policy aims to reduce the risk and incidence of work-related violence towards school staff, ensuring all education workers feel safe and supported at work.

It includes strategies and resources to help schools prevent and manage unacceptable behaviours from parents and carers.

Posters and communication materials are being provided to schools to communicate the new policy – and the www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

Respect... the state has launched a new policy to foster respectful relationships between parents/carers and school staff.

expectations around adult behaviours.

Education Minister James Merlino said school leaders and staff had been incredible throughout the pandemic and deserved to be treated with respect.

“This important work is about keeping schools safe and supporting staff to make sure schools are places where everyone feels safe and respected – creating an environment where

These new laws will also allow schools to prohibit parents and carers from engaging in threatening or abusive communication through social media and other channels.

To view the policy, visit education.vic. gov.au/Pages/Respectful-Behaviourswithin-the-School-Community-Policy. aspx AUTUMN 2022 13

Health 3.) Have your eyes examined by an Optometrist Optometrists are able to diagnose myopia and may be able to slow the progression of myopia in children. It’s therefore important for a child to see an optometrist early in their developmental years, even if there are no known problems, as high myopia is associated with lifelong increased risks of eye diseases and children may be unaware their vision is not as it should be.

4.) Discuss myopia management options As a parent it may be comforting to know that there are new techniques and strategies emerging to limit progression of myopia. You can familiarise yourselves with these myopia management options that are now available, to have an informed discussion with the optometrist or ophthalmologist Several interventions have been explored to slow the progression of myopia.

1. Pharmacological: Atropine eye drops 2. Contact lenses: Special designs of soft lenses and orthokeratology lenses

Myopia: Top four tips to protect their vision

By Dr Rasha Altaie, Ophthalmologist AS a child grows, his or her vision passes through key developmental phases which are profoundly integrated with their overall development. Vision can therefore often become the key to understanding how your child is progressing through developmental milestones.

One of the most common eye problems in children is myopia, often referred to as ‘short-sightedness’, and which causes blurred distance vision.

The management of myopia and the importance of early detection is critically important as myopia cannot be reversed.

Knowing your child’s potential risk of myopia and taking action early can benefit their academic and physical performance, personal growth and overall health.

Top four actions you can take now: 1.) More Green Time Less Screen Time Children are spending a lot of time on close-up work, mainly devices and screen time, and less time outdoors.

Such lifestyle factors including low levels of outdoor activity may influence the development of myopia.

More research is needed to determine if it is to do with the intensity or brightness of the light or the distances that children focus on, but what is

proven is that there is a link between outdoor time and its benefit to a child’s myopia development.

Given that outdoor play is free, “more green time less screen time” is a timely reminder for moderation in an increasingly digital world.

2.) Limit prolonged near tasks Minimising screen time, taking short breaks every 20 minutes, using good lighting when reading and doing close-up work may help to prevent or reduce your child’s myopia progressing. Regular check-ups are even more important than usual with the increase in screen time and close-up work.

3. Glasses: Special designs of spectacle lenses Treating myopia in children doesn’t mean just getting glasses. The above options can induce changes in the structure and focusing of the eye to reduce the development and progression of myopia.

Get eye health on your child’s health check-up list Regular eye examinations are very important. Similar to regular dental check-ups, your Optometrist can help to prevent bigger problems in the future.

As recommended by the New Zealand Association of Optometrists, a child’s first eye test should be with an optometrist before starting school and at regular intervals thereafter.

Good vision is key to a child’s physical development, success in school and overall well-being, so the earlier an eye problem is detected, the earlier an appropriate treatment can be recommended to ensure successful vision correction and life-long benefits.

Aussie children tell us what they like to look at and why it’s important to look after your eyes - https://www. childmyopia.com/videos/looking-after-

The impact of too much screen time WE all know excessive screen time isn’t great for kids But the fallout from spending a lot of time on tablets and phones during childhood is starting to be seen in people aged in their 20s - and it isn’t good.

Chiropractor Dr Cody Hanish has warned a “generation of tech injuries” is emerging in young adults, with many experiencing back and joint pain. They are more prone to injury and have less coordination, according to Dr Hanish.

“Too much time spent on screens can mean missed opportunities to be physically active, which is incredibly important for growth and development of hand, eye coordination,” he explained.

“We are now seeing a generation come through who have back and joint pain earlier in their lives because of the way their bones have developed following long periods of screen time, especially sitting in awkward positions or 14 AUTUMN 2022

with unnatural repetitive movements.”

Dr Hanish said children were moving less with four out of five kids hunched over screens for more than two hours a day.

“When your child tilts their head forward because they’re bent over a phone or tablet, the angle of the head puts additional strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the neck,” Dr Hanish said.

“Children also tend to round their shoulders forward, which creates additional wear on the back and the upper part of the spine but often the long-term impact won’t be obvious until they are older.

“People don’t realise how bad this is for a child’s development as their bones have not solidified until they are 25 which means they will grow in a way they are not supposed to.”

Dr Hanish said the long-term impact

of spending too much time on screens in a poor posture “exponentially” increases the risk of degenerative joint disease throughout the entire spine.

He said the most common long-term effects of prolonged screen time on the body are muscular and skeletal strain, increased risk of obesity, susceptibility to chronic health conditions such as degenerative joint disease and migraines.

Leaning over at a unnatural angle during screen time can also lead to an array of problems, including muscular tension/spasm, Dowager’s Hump, compressed and degenerative disc disease, nerve impingement syndrome, and osteophytic formation (degeneration of the vertebrae), he added.

Unfortunately, screen time is a reality of modern life.

Dr Hanish suggests these exercises to help improve posture and coordination: 1. Child’s Pose: This is where you lie on the floor with your knees bent and your arms extended out in front of you keeping your back nice and straight 2. Cow: You will be on your hands and knees and then go through the motion of arching your back, bringing your head down and tuck your tummy then bring your head up, extend your back and arch your low back. Move back and forth through these movements.

3. YWTL: Similar to the YMCA dance moves but with different letters.

Always remember to have your thumbs pointed behind you and squeeze the shoulder blades together in each of the positions. Hold each of the letters Y, W, T, L for 15 seconds.

So what can you do apart from reducing screen time? www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

Health

Unusual signs of pregnancy SOME of the signs of early pregnancy are well known and fairly obvious, such as missed periods or swollen, tender breasts.

But what about some of the symptoms that you might not know about, or dismiss as something else?

Epworth Maternity midwife, Stacey Goad, says there can be some telltale signs that indicate you may be pregnant.

“Everyone’s body is different and even each pregnancy can be different.

Some early pregnancy signs can mimic how you might feel just before you get your period,” Stacey explains.

These often include: ■ fatigue ■ tender or swollen breasts ■ nausea ■ mood swings ■ bloating “There’s also a number of less common symptoms, where you might not even realise are signs you’re expecting.”

These can include: ■ increased urination ■ excessive saliva

■ more than normal amount of vaginal discharge ■ feeling lightheaded ■ feeling warmer than normal ■ constipation ■ food/smell aversions “It’s important to be kind to your body and your mind when you’re pregnant.

You are growing new life and your body is doing a lot of work to make that happen,” says Stacey.

“You may not realise when you’re pregnant, your blood volume increases by an incredible 50 percent - you even grow a new organ: the placenta. This amazing organ is vital to your baby’s health and growth, delivering nutrients and oxygen to your baby, while also removing waste from your baby’s blood supply.”

You might feel your mood swings are more dramatic than usual. While hormones can cause mood swings and you may experience an emotional rollercoaster, they’re vital to sustaining your pregnancy.

If you suspect that you’re pregnant, the next step would be to take a home pregnancy test and visit your GP.

Learn more about early pregnancy by scanning the QR code.

Picture: iStock

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AUTUMN 2022 15

Entertainment

Geelong Arts Centre set to dazzle accessible to the many diverse families across our region,” says Joel McGuiness, Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director.

Whoosh! will be showing on June 4 thanks to Sensorium Theatre and Performing Lines WA.

GEELONG Arts Centre’s Family Magic program is returning this year with a diverse range of fantastic family-friendly productions.

Made up of six dynamic, engaging, accessible performances, the Family Magic program is designed to captivate, inspire and entertain kids under 12, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents and carers.

Beginning on Saturday March 19 and running until Tuesday August 23, the program is proudly supported by

Picture: Supplied

principal partner Creative Victoria and major artistic partner Deakin University.

For many children in the G21 region, the Family Magic program provides their first theatrical experiences. The Centre takes great pride in helping families spark a love for the arts, introducing young people to a world of limitless possibilities.

“Geelong Arts Centre takes immense pride in providing young people with a window into the world of the arts and making world-class arts experiences

The enticing 2022 program consists of a variety of musical and theatrical experiences, literary favourites coming to life, and for the very first time, an immersive performance specially designed for children with a broad range of access needs.

“We are delighted to welcome children and families of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to engage with, and be inspired by, creativity across so many artforms,” says Kelly Clifford, Geelong Arts Centre Senior Producer - Families, Youth and Creative Learning.

“The Family Magic program offers immersive, imaginative and creative experiences that blur the boundaries between actor and audience while creating magical moments that spark

joy and laughter.”

Specialised Relaxed Performances welcome audiences with autism, sensory sensitivities, learning disabilities or dementia, as well as those with anxiety or who have experienced trauma.

The atmosphere of these performances is non-judgemental and noisy enthusiasm is embraced.

Audience members are also welcome to bring headphones to reduce noise if they wish. With dimmed lights, open auditorium doors and moderated technical elements such as sound effects and strong lighting, Ticket prices for shows to the Geelong Arts Centre’s Family Magic program are $32 for adults, $22 for children and $25 for groups of six or more.

For full program details and to make a booking, visit www.geelongartscentre. org.au/family-magic-2022 or phone 1300 251 200 between 10am - 3pm, Monday - Friday.

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AUTUMN 2022 17

Reality Bites

Caitlin (left) and her Mum Vicki with Lincoln Egerton holding the “ Smoosho Jumbo Crystal Ball “.

Pictures: Rob Carew

Covering kids with sensory toys

By Melissa Grant WHEN Caitlin Edgerton needed to buy a sensory chew toy for her son she couldn’t find anything locally.

She had to resort to giving her son random household items to chew as they waited for the delivery of sensory toys she had ordered online.

Around that time, Caitlin was keen to get back to work but wasn’t sure how to make it happen as a mum with two autistic children.

It was then that she had her lightbulb moment and Sensory Poodle was born.

In February last year, Caitlin and her mum, Vicki Brown, launched the online business which is all about making it easier for parents to find sensory toys and tools for their kids.

“The idea of it was to serve the local community so people have somewhere to pick stuff up urgently... and they didn’t have to order online and wait for postage,” Caitlin explained.

“But it sort of blew up beyond that pretty quickly.”

Last year, Caitlin and Vicki processed more than 3500 orders.

Caitlin estimates Sensory Poodle is now getting about 22 orders a day. The most popular items are large jellyfish sensory lamps, emotional regulation tools and ‘chewies’.

The business has grown so quickly that Caitlin and Vicki are already looking to get a warehouse.

“Hopefully we will get a warehouse base or something soon because we’ve taken over my mother’s five-bedroom 18 AUTUMN 2022

Lincoln Egerton with a Smoosho Jumbo Crystal Ball.

house - there is stuff everywhere,” Caitlin said.

Sensory Poodle caters to the needs of kids who are neurodiverse and those who are gifted.

They are needs that Caitlin is familiar with - her son Lincoln, 6, has autism and is also gifted, while her daughter Evie, 4, is autistic.

Caitlin is also familiar with the stress parents of special needs kids experience when they can’t quickly get their hands on sensory toys and tools.

“With pick-ups I will message people..

if it’s a chewy toy or something I can tell is urgent I will message them and say ‘hey you can come and get it in half an hour if you need it’ and we’ve had people do that,” she said.

“A huge goal of ours is to be able to provide that because when I was looking for that for my son it just wasn’t around and I sort of had to find random things around the house or pay for express shipping in the hope it would come in time.

“A lot of neurodiverse kids are really struggling, so having that locally we are hoping it can alleviate some of the stress

for the parents.”

For Caitlin, Sensory Poodle has also alleviated the stress of trying to earn an income while juggling motherhood.

“It was definitely an end goal to be able to work from home and work around the kids because I obviously can’t go into a typical job with my kids’ needs,” Caitlin said.

“If I have a typical job it’s not that easy to say ‘hey I’ve got to go home and sort this out’. So it does make life a lot easier and I can work around my kids’ therapies and schools and all that sort of stuff.”

Caitlin tries to make herself available to customers as much as possible, often working into the night.

And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“We’ve had really good feedback about quality of our stuff and customer service. I do try to go above and beyond because I do know what it’s like for parents of kids with special needs,” she said. www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

Reality Bites

The fun of birth in a pandemic

By Melissa Meehan

the chance to sit down in front of the computer to socialise.

ANGELINE Chandler was four months pregnant with her first child when Covid-19 hit.

She was also cut-off from family members who lived hours away, with the government pandemic laws blocking any travel further than five kilometres.

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

“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.

Angelie, Allan and Talia Chandler.

Free glasses for kids CHILDREN with undiagnosed vision problems often find it hard to concentrate at school.

This presents challenges when it comes to actively engaging in their learning.

However, many Victorian parents avoid having their child’s eyes tested due to the prohibitive cost of glasses.

That’s why the state government has funded a free Glasses for Kids program.

The Victorian-first program, which is managed and delivered by State Schools’ Relief, has helped more than 22,000 Prep to Year 3 students at 395 schools have their eyes screened and, if needed, receive free glasses.

Last year, Minister for Education James Merlino announced the 1000th

pair of free glasses had been prescribed to a student.

So far, the state has invested more than $2 million into the program to help ensure a child’s education isn’t disadvantaged by easily treated issues like vision impairment.

“Giving every Victorian child the opportunity to thrive at school goes beyond providing great education programs – it’s about making sure nobody is left behind because of easily treatable issues like vision impairment,” Mr Merlino said.

“It’s fantastic to see an extra thousand Victorian students seeing more clearly and concentrating better thanks to Glasses for Kids – and that’s exactly why we’ll continue to invest in this vital program, and in our kids’ health.”

Victorian students have access to a free Glasses for Kids program.

www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 19

Reality Bites

Backing our future farmers THE Victorian government is backing secondary schools across the state to support more students with ambitions to embark on a career in agriculture.

Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas says the government is supporting educators to deliver new programs for students through the $5.5 million Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund.

The program is part of the government’s $30 million Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund, delivered by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with the Department of Education and Training, to support TAFEs and other education and training providers to develop students’ skills and carve pathways into agriculture.

The Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund will help Victoria meet the demands of its growing farm, food and fibre sector, which needs more workers with digital, IT, business and marketing skills, plus food and fibre entrepreneurs who can take products to international markets.

Some $4.5 million will go towards investing in programs and resources that will boost pathways into agricultural careers, meeting the needs of communities and Victoria’s agricultural industries.

Funding will be available for a range of agriculture education activities that could include designing programs,

engagement with local industry, purchasing equipment and other identified school needs.

The Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund will also allocate $1 million in funding for tech schools to invest in state-of-the art resources and new technology to deliver online and outreach agricultural technology programs that meet the needs of industry as farming practices evolve.

The Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund is part of the government’s $50 million Agricultural College Modernisation Program supporting more Victorians to pursue exciting careers in agriculture. The fund also supports the government’s broader reforms to vocational education, to help every Victorian student to get the skills they need for the job they want, no matter their future goals.

The Future of Agriculture Training in Victoria Review was also launched in June to examine how the TAFE system can continue to meet the changing needs of Victoria’s growing agricultural industry.

Expressions of interest for the Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund opened for tech schools in late 2021.

Expressions of interest will open for secondary schools by mid-2022.

For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au

A new $5.5 million fund will help Victoria meet the demands of its growing farm, food and fibre sector, which needs more workers with digital, IT, business and marketing skills.

Discover The Geelong College difference at our Open Days on Wednesday 6 April and 4 May. Register or explore more dates at www.tgc.vic.edu.au or phone 5226 3156.

The Geelong College, a leading Victorian day and boarding school from Early Learning to VCE. Be of

COURAGE

20 AUTUMN 2022

www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

Books

Girl shares a ‘pawsome’ story

By Melissa Grant WRITING doesn’t come easily for Melbourne girl Adelaide Hogan, but her adoration for a neighbourhood cat has led to her authoring a children’s book.

Adelaide’s book, simply titled A Cat’s Story, is based on one of four cats that regularly visits her garden, a feline she calls Coco.

The 11-year-old’s story is told from Coco’s perspective and follows the challenges the cat faces as she transitions from street-cat to shelter cat, to the beloved companion of a young woman.

Adelaide wrote the story after her mum Amy saw the Cat Protection Society of Victoria advertise its Furry Tales Children’s Story Competition last year.

Adelaide Hogan, 11, has just had her story based on a neighbourhood cat turned into a children’s book.

Her story was judged the winner of the junior category from over 260 entries - a significant achievement.

win a cat cuddle session with my friends, I wanted to win because they love cats, too!

“Winning a story award is very special to us given that Adelaide has dyslexia and writing is not always easy for her,” Amy explained.

“I like cats because they are soft and cuddly. My friend’s cat, Jasmine, is super friendly and lets me pat her any time I visit.”

“She can really identify with cats which is why she wrote the cat from Coco’s perspective.”

Adelaide’s story has been turned into a Children’s Book professionally illustrated by Leah Lux Artist and Photographer.

Adelaide wrote the story over three or four days. Her goal was to show how the Cat Protection Society of Victoria helps injured cats go from living on the street to finding their forever home.

She was also particularly excited about one of the prizes on offer.

“I love cats, and write most of my school creative writing stories about cats and kittens,” Adelaide said.

“When I saw there was a chance to

Stories entered in the Society’s competition were judged on how they help educate the community on responsible cat ownership or raise the profile of cats as companion pets.

Annie Bell, primary school teacher and judge of the Junior Category said Adelaide’s story was very heartwarming.

“I found this story particularly moving

which is a testament to how well it is written,” she said.

“It reinforces the importance of cat adoption so there are less vulnerable cats roaming the streets. It also reminds the reader of the love, companionship, and utter joy that cats can provide for us.”

A Cat’s Story can be purchased for $25.00 at www.catprotection.com.au/ furry-tales/ or at the Cat Protection Society of Victoria’s retail store located at 200 Elder Street, Greensborough.

The hard cover book is a ‘flip book’ that also features ‘The Very Best of Friends’ written by Sue Moossajee, the open-age winner of the Society’s competition.

Proceeds from the book will go towards continuing to provide care for and rehoming of cats and kittens in need at the Society.

Children’s books...

The First Book of Bush Sounds Fred Van Gessel A fun book that teaches children about animals that live in the Aussie bush, including the sounds they make.

From growling Koalas to stridulating crickets, kids will love learning these characteristic animal noises.

This beautifully illustrated sound guide covers Koala, Common Brushtail Possum, Sugar Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider, Red Fox, Dingo, Greyheaded Flying-fox, Asian House Gecko, Bush Thick-knee, Southern Boobook, Australian Mole Cricket and Black Field Cricket.

The book also features a heap of cool facts about Aussie bush animals.

Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup Andy Sagar Yesterday Crumb is no ordinary girl. She was born with fox ears that have cursed her to a lonely life working in the circus and her origins are a complete mystery. When she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, she learns she is a strangeling who has lost her magic. She finds herself in a magical, walking teashop filled with fantastical customers, a flying teapot turtle and spells in every teacup. As she begins to rediscover her magic, a mysterious figure tries to send her new life crashing down.

Hachette Australia, RRP $16.99

A - Z of Australian Animals

Dare to be Different

A Far Wilder Magic

Ben Brooks

Allison Saft

Jennifer Cossins

Words can have great power.

Children will enjoy discovering 26 fascinating animals on this illustrated journey through Australia’s unique wildlife with Tasmanian artist Jennifer Cossins.

Ben Brooks, the global bestselling author of Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different, has brought together 100 people who have all in some way or another used words to do wonderful things. Some may have changed a life, while others have changed the course of history for almost everyone on earth. But whether their effects were big or small, these individuals’ speeches, letters, poems, songs, stories and advice prove one thing: words can make the world a better place. An inspiring and comforting read for kids.

In the gothic town of Wickdon, Maggie Welty lives in an old creaking manor. Maggie’s mother recently left town, leaving her with just her bloodhound for company.

This stunning picture book is full of interesting facts and is perfect for young conservationists and students with a keen interest in the world.

On an expedition through the alphabet, kids encounter some of Australia’s rare and enchanting animals, from the gorgeous azure kingfisher and the sleepy koala, to the shy numbat and the friendly zebra finch. A fun and educational read for young ones.

Hachette Australia, RRP $39.99

But when Maggie spots a legendary ancient fox-creature on her porch, everything changes. Whoever tracks down and kills the hala in the Halfmoon Hunt will earn fame and riches – and if Maggie wins, she knows her mother will want to celebrate her. This is her chance to bring her home.

But she will need help.

A fantasy love story for young adults, and perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Finbar Hawkins.

Hachette Australia, $17.99

Hachette Australia, RRP $18.99

A fun read for the entire family.

New Holland Publishers, RRP $24.99 www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

AUTUMN 2022 21

Kids Calendar

What's on this Autumn 2, 9 & 23 MARCH, 6 APRIL

11–14 MARCH

19 MARCH

8 MAY

KEW TRAFFIC SCHOOL

CURBSIDE CARNIES

LIVE AT WARRAWEE!

MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC

This session requires full adult supervision as children learn traffic rules and play in the miniature village houses on their scooter or bike.

Join the crew for a FREE and fun circus program at Menzies Creek Hall then Park Road and Yarra Junction Community Playground on Saturday, then Belgrave Big Dreams Market on Sunday.

Get your family and friends, bring a chair or picnic rug, and watch the sun set over Warrawee Park while enjoying live music, food trucks and a pop-up bar.

Tens of thousands of people will unite for the Mother’s Day Classic to celebrate and honour those affected by breast cancer and raise vital funds for research.

The festival runs 4pm to 9pm at Warrawee Park, 95 Drummond Street, Oakleigh.

There will be up to 70 event locations nationwide where supporters can walk, run or jog for the cause on Mother’s Day.

20 MARCH

Visit mothersdayclassic.com.au for more information or to register.

Feel free to bring a picnic rug and snacks to feed the hungry riders.

Kids aged up to 6 years ride 9am to 10.30am, and ages 2 to 10 years ride 11am to 12.30pm. $10 per child.

Kew Traffic School is at 374 Cotham Road, Kew. Visit www.boroondara.vic.gov.au for more information.

Learn new skills in mini workshops, play with circus props and see roving entertainment - even mums and dads can get involved!

Register at tix.yt/ curbsidecarniesartattacklongweekend.

CHILDREN’S WEEK PICNIC This free event will feature interactive activities with a focus on education and learning, from 10am to 4pm at Werribee Park, K Road, Werribee.

A pre-booked ticket is required, from www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ childrensweekpicnic.

3 & 4 APRIL THE 13-STOREY TREEHOUSE Andy and Terry are going to bring their stories to life in their first EVER play – except they forgot to write it!

5 MARCH KNOX FESTIVAL This free all-ages, family-friendly, drug and alcohol-free event will run 10am to 10pm.

Visit stages and food stalls, participate in craft and sports activities for kids, enjoy live music and amusement rides and watch fireworks.

Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully.

17 MARCH-15 DECEMBER, VARIOUS DATES

Where will they find flying cats, a mermaid, a sea monster, an invasion of monkeys, and a giant gorilla?

MUSEUM EXPLORERS - MINI MAKERS

Perfect for children aged 6 to 12, the 60-minute show will hit the stage at Bunjil Place Theatre, 2 Patrick NE Drive, Narre Warren, at 2.30pm on 3 April and 10.30am on 4 April.

Babies and pre-schoolers will play with paint, glitter, paste, sand, clay, slimy spaghetti, chalk, and more to create art and craft that uses their entire body.

Free for carers, $5 for kids, including museum exhibition entry.

Bookings are essential at www.nwm. vic.gov.au.

The National Wool Museum is at 26-32 Moorabool Street, Geelong.

Tickets are $16. Visit www.bunjilplace. com.au.

6-10 APRIL GLUTTONY FESTIVAL The Victorian premiere of Gluttony On Tour will celebrate music, circus, burlesque and the best food and wine the region has to offer.

The Adelaide Fringe Festival favourite will feature something for everyone.

Croydon Park is at 213-215 Mt Dandenong Road, Croydon.

UNTIL 25 APRIL

6 MARCH

19 & 26 MARCH, 2 APRIL

NATIONAL UMBRELLA DAY

BORONIA BIG FLIX FESTIVAL

Duldig Studio will honour one of the world’s most useful inventions - the umbrella - with fun activities in its sculpture garden.

Enjoy three weekends of free outdoor cinema events featuring a food truck park, kid’s activities, local traders and family friendly movie selection.

Attend between 2pm and 4.30pm at 92 Burke Road, Malvern East.

From 6.30pm to 10.30pm at 257 Dorset Road, Boronia.

22 AUTUMN 2022

28-29 MAY BLACKSMITHS FESTIVAL The Blacksmithing and Metal Art Festival (Blacksmiths Festival) returns to from 10am to 4pm with metal forging classes and displays, live music, food and drinks.

There are ‘taster’ sessions for beginners and a special fire-free kids zone for ages 5-12 to cold forge small items under the guidance of experienced blacksmiths.

Waterside Metal Art Studio and Maribyrnong riverfront, 60 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray.

YEAR-ROUND SHRINE KIDS

The Gecko and the Mermaid: Djerrk’u Yunupi’u and her Sister

Shrine Kids is a free self-guided program for families with primary school-aged children.

Geckos, turtles, lizards and mermaids!

This summer’s NGV Kids exhibition introduces two significant contemporary Yol’u artists from Northeast Arnhem Land to the youngest of visitors.

Four different activity cards provide a starting point for fresh perspectives as children are asked to consider and conjure their creative responses to a range of questions related to different aspects of the Shrine.

The National Gallery of Victoria is at 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.

Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne.

www.GeelongCoastKids.com.au

Mondays 5.45-6.4 5pm

ST LEONARDS

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Our Story My name is Dianne Makings and the “Local Vocals All Abilities biliti Choir” Ch i ” is my baby. I have been a professional singer for 30 years and have been performing my whole life. I have been working with students with special needs for the past 7+ years and have seen the amazing benefits music can have.

This is an all-inclusive environment. There is no age limit, no judgment of your ability – everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

All abilities means all abilities.

Come along and join in the fun! I look forward to seeing you.

Fun and friendly technique based dance classes for tots to teens Thursdays and Saturdays Book a free trial class! www.bigbluedanceco.weebly.com Ph: 0439 168 250

TIA Hall, Price Street, Torquay Contact Di 0438 614 308 localvocals3228@gmail.com

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Local Trades & Services • Helium Balloons & Speciality Garlands • Party Supplies

• Costumes & Accessories • Catering Supplies • Giftware and Lollies

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ASAP TILING Our ined specially tra Therapist Oral Health lle Miche ur will have yo g kids brushin o like a pr

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Medicare CDBS – dental for kids Eligible families can have up to $1026 of dental care per child covered by Medicare.

NO GAP for Health Fund Members Pay no out of pocket for check up, cleans and X-rays if you have dental extras like GMHBA, Frank, NIB, Qantas Health, BUPA, Medibank, etc.

Sweet Susie’s

Ballroom Dance classes for kids and teens a classic dance style taught by professional instructors in a modern and fun studio.

Join our ballroom family today!

Dental care for your child with the latest tech by a highly skilled team

$99 Check & Clean No insurance or Medicare? We cap the visit at $99 for you for all kids under 18 years.

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