Kids West - Autumn 2023

AUTUMN 2023

Seven-year gap suits

Seddon mum MP reveals

PATH TO PARENTHOOD Steve Biddhulph

on kids voting

www.KidsWest.com.au

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2 AUTUMN 2023

About Us

Autumn: We’re falling for you!

AUTUMN is here!

After an unseasonably cool summer, we have to admit we’re looking forward to watching the leave change colour and the crunch of leaves under foot.

There is something so magical about taking the kids for a walk through local parks with the autumn chill in the air as the sun warms your soul.

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, out foraging for food before the winter.

So sit back, relax and read about a local mum who left a big gap between her two kids, and a Victorian MP who struggled to fall pregnant and won an election with a newborn.

We’ve also got the wonderful and insightful Steve Biddulph pondering the question “What if kids could vote?” and another yummy recipe from Lucy’s kitchen.

We have so many wonderful stories to share with you this edition, so grab a warm drink, sit by the sunny window and enjoy.

We also speak to a mum whose daughter needed delicate skull surgery but has been kicking goals ever since.

Kids West Today magazine is a Star News Group publication.

Kids West Today will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Kids West Today Unit 6/1-9 Thomsons Road, Keilor Park Phone: (03) 8318 5777

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

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

CONTENTS IT’S YOUR LIFE

EDUCATION

BOOKS

What if kids could vote?

Be curious, become brilliant

Teaching kids to tackle bullies

PAGE 4

PAGE 14

PAGE 20

Braybrook mum speaks on ‘hidden shame’

Shaping independent learners

Discover new children’s books

PAGE 15

PAGE 20

A rich educational experience

CALENDAR

PAGE 5 The magic of breastmilk PAGE 6 Seddon mum’s seven-year age gap PAGE 7 School holiday wonderland PAGE 8 Susie’s still smiling PAGE 9 Herb and feta quinoa patties PAGE 10 Girls just want to have fun

PAGE 16 Navigating through disengagement PAGE 17

Published by Star News Group publication ACN 99 006 310 498.

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.

AUTUMN 2023

What’s on this autumn PAGE 21

New schools open up in the west PAGE 17 Swimming lessons save lives PAGE 17

REALITY BITES MP juggles Parliament and parenthood PAGES 18-19

PAGE 12

How to beat niggling nits

Book ‘changes the game’ for online safety

PAGE 22

Seven-year gap suits

Seddon mum MP reveals

PATH TO PARENTHOOD Steve Biddhulph

on kids voting

Cover Elianna enjoys some time outdoors in the cool autumn air. Picture: Rob Carew

PAGE 12 A grand venue, inside and out PAGE 13

kidswest.com.au www.KidsWest.com.au

facebook.com/kidswestmagazine

instagram.com/kidswesttoday AUTUMN 2023 3

It’s Your Life

What if kids could vote?

What if kids could vote writes STEVE BIDDULPH THIS weekend I was talking to a young couple in their twenties.

They had decided not to have children, because of their fears that the future would be a terrible place to live.

They looked like a really loving pair who would have made great parents, and it made me very sad. But I could understand where they were coming from. And as I drove home I got more and more angry at what we have done to our world, that this was the situation.

That climate change especially was leaving our kids with a future of great danger, because of what my generation had done to the planet. Angry, and also guilty, because I used to often fly to Europe several times a year on book tours, and thought nothing of it. And I know plenty of people who have had weddings where they and all the guests flew to Fiji or Phuket, or went ski-ing in Japan or to sport games right across the country. And all the other ways we wasted the planet.

Some friends and I this week started an organisation called SUFTY, which is short for Standing Up For The Young.

We have a single goal, and that is to lower the voting age - everywhere in

4 AUTUMN 2023

the world - to 16. Does that idea shock you? Well, when I was a teenager, Gough Whitlam became Prime Minister, and one of his first actions was to lower it from 21 to 18, because young Aussies of 18 or 19 could die in wars that they hadn’t even had a say in. It only took an act of parliament. We never even blink at it now. And already 11 countries have done it - from Scotland to Austria. New Zealand is looking into it.

Democracy is based on fairness as its key idea. Everyone is equal. In the past we thought that adults would and should vote on behalf of their children’s interests. (Once it was argued that men could vote on behalf of their wives interests - an idea which I am sure makes your blood boil). In fact we have simply failed to do that in the 30 years that climate change has been widely known about.

When you were sixteen would you have liked to be able to vote?

I have worked with refugee rights for a long time, and so can use that with confidence as an example. There have long been around 100 million refugees in the world at any one time. They find safety, eventually, but new ones come along. But lately climate emergencies, famines and wars caused by those, have ramped that up. By 2050 there are predicted to be one billion refugees from climate collapse. One in eight of the human race will be on the move. That is not a world we would want our kids to live in.

Would you have cared about who ran the country? Kids today really do, the kids in Schools Strike for Climate are seeking the vote. And many mental health professionals like me are arguing that it is needed because having some power, some say, is an antidote to depression and anxiety. Its too late to protect teenagers from the knowledge that their lives are in danger. And there is plenty of research that its making them very unhappy.

The main argument people make against having a 16 year old vote is “would they have the maturity?”. I have to laugh when I hear this, because, while its a reasonable question, if you have ever worked in a polling booth, or handed out how to vote cards, you soon realise that maturity is not the basis for getting the vote! Age is no guarantee. As the author of Raising Boys, I know that maturity doesn’t arrive sometimes until about 25! And sometimes it never does!

leave fossil fuels in the ground, the science says nothing else can have enough impact. That means giving our government the electoral cover to stand up to the fossil fuel vote. And guess what - there are half a million Australians aged either 16 or 17. That could make a real tipping point to get a democratic solution to all of our biggest fears.

I am betting on it, and I hope it makes sense to you too.

Steve Biddulph Is the author of Raising Boys, and Raising Girls His books are in six million homes around the world.

More information about SUFTY is on his website www.stevebiddulph.com.

Add 37 to your child’s age, and that is how old they will be in 2050.

SUFTY will be a network of older people fighting for young people to feel supported and given some say in who runs the country.

The only way to stop climate change is to

www.KidsWest.com.au

It’s Your Life

Ruby with son Gabriel.

A hidden shame

By Casey Neill RUBY Crane’s journey to motherhood was “36 months of awful”.

The Braybrook nurse and husband Shermal had a hard time falling pregnant, trying for a year before seeking help from specialists.

Her mum and sister had no trouble conceiving, and Ruby had no reason to think she’d struggle.

But doctors discovered she has the celiac gene, despite showing no symptoms of the autoimmune condition.

“Whenever something foreign comes in, your body is really toxic to it,” she said.

So she cut gluten from her diet.

Scans, ultrasounds, pills, injections and IVF followed, a process Ruby described as “traumatising”.

From tube flushing to egg testing - it’s not how she thought she’d become a mum.

Many external factors triggered a flood of emotions along the way, with Mother’s Day atop the list.

“It’s the worst day,” she said.

www.KidsWest.com.au

“I think that would be the peak of the worst day for people who are trying.

“I think people need to be more sensitive.

“But going through it makes you have a much greater appreciation for other things and makes you take a step back.

“There are much bigger things to give a s*** about.”

When Ruby finally fell pregnant with son Gabriel, who was 8 months old when we spoke, she didn’t share the news on social media.

She could too easily imagine herself on the receiving end of similar posts just a few months earlier.

Four friends fell pregnant while she was battling infertility.

“You don’t feel like a woman, you don’t feel feminine. You feel that you’ve failed somehow,” she said.

“It’s like you’re a kid and there’s a club and you’re not in the club. You’re the kid standing outside.

“It’s a real silent thing. It’s a hidden shame of women.

“It probably needs to be more openly discussed.

“When I did talk about it, the majority

of the people were struggling but nobody wanted to talk about it.”

“They’re fine - it doesn’t matter how they come out.”

She put miscarriages in the same basket as infertility.

Ninety-minute breastfeeds, the constant stream of nappies…

“No one talks about it, ever,” she said.

“But maybe that’s how they’re comfortable dealing with it.”

Ruby had always assumed she’d become a mum one day.

“I think it’s like a rite of passage,” she said.

“I don’t know if I had a maternal instinct to want to do it.”

She finally welcomed Gabriel via emergency cesarean 72 hours after her waters broke - and then parenthood enveloped her and Shermal.

“It was strange. We were not really there but we were there,” she said.

“It was really overwhelming.

“No one tells you any of this stuff,” she said.

“Why is the feeding taking so long? I thought it would be five minutes.”

Shermal is also a nurse and they both thrive on schedules.

“Babies don’t have a schedule,” she said.

“They’re constantly unstructured and consistently inconsistent.”

Ruby said becoming a mum was “pretty much the hardest thing you ever do in your life”.

“It’s a lot of pressure on a relationship.

I can see now how people break up,” she said.

“The time went so quickly between naps, you couldn’t do anything.

“It really defines you. It takes over your entire life.

“I was really pissed off that everyone focuses on the birth.

“There’s way more other things.

“The second you think you’ve got it sorted, the four-month sleep regression hits.”

“They made it out like the birth was going to have some physical and mental effect on their life.

But when Gabriel wakes from his nap and Ruby sweeps him up in her arms, her joy is obvious.

AUTUMN 2023 5

It’s Your Life

Breastmilk - the white stuff

By Melissa Meehan THE female body is a marvellous thing.

Not only can it grow life – but it can also produce milk to nourish them.

But for many premature babies, they burst into the world before their mother’s body can produce milk of its own.

With the help of donated breast milk, these premature babies can receive the medicine they need that provides nutrition and promotes growth and development.

Nurse Crissy Blasseti donated her milk to the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank when she had her second son.

She had first heard of the ability to donate milk while working as a nurse and again while staying at the Mercy Hospital, in Heidelberg, when she had her eldest.

“I guess I just decided that I am going to do it, it was my second time around and I was hell bent on doing it,” Crissy told Kids Today.

“With my first I had a very healthy breast milk supply and I knew I could have enough to donate.”

So Crissy would collect milk once a day to donate.

It was a great experience for her knowing she was helping mums and babies who needed it.

Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank unit manager Chelsea Webster says not everyone can donate milk and it’s quite a rigorous process.

But the donated breastmilk can often be a stopgap until the mum’s milk comes in or can be a huge help if the mother has issues with milk supply.

“We know that breastmilk has real health benefits for babies, providing the nutrients they need for growth and development,” she said.

6 AUTUMN 2023

“More than 1,000 babies have benefited from breastmilk provided by the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank since its establishment almost a decade ago.”

Almost 4,500 litres of breastmilk has been donated by 440 women.

In 2020 alone, the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank fed 161 sick babies and premature babies.

Only women who give birth at Mercy Hospital for Women, the Royal Womens Hospital in Melbourne or Monash Clayton can donate their breastmilk.

And very premature babies are the only ones who qualify to receive the milk.

She said breastmilk donors are not paid for their donations and there is no charge for receiving donated breastmilk.

The Mercy Breastmilk Bank is hoping to further expand the service across Victoria and needs to purchase muchneeded equipment, including freezers and pasteurising machines, to make that possible.

Donations to the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank Appeal can be made through the Mercy Health Foundation, www. mercyhealthfoundation.org.au

www.KidsWest.com.au

It’s Your Life

Maeve.

Emily with baby Maeve.

No second thoughts

By Casey Neill EMILY SEXTON was nervous about having a second baby seven years after welcoming her first.

“I was really content with what I had,” the Seddon mum said.

“I had an amazing child and I loved being a mum of one, so I guess I was nervous.

“We had a lot of intimacy when it was just one of them.

“I think I was trepidatious about that, and perhaps losing some of that closeness.”

But she needn’t have worried about sharing her time between Marlowe, 7, and Maeve, 8 months.

She feels like she has time for both, and they have all the time in the world for each other.

“Because Marlowe is older there’s not that competition for attention,” she said.

“It’s on the whole been way easier than I feared it would be.

“Marlowe’s an excellent big brother.

“Maeve thinks Marlowe is the funniest, most amazing person in her whole life.

“The relationship between the two of them is pretty joyous.”

Emily thought she and husband John Bailey would either stop at one child, or have a big gap between babies “mostly for career reasons”.

Unlike many mums, she didn’t feel the pressure to hurry up and give Marlowe a sibling - mostly thanks to her mum.

“She said ‘what you have is amazing’. www.KidsWest.com.au

“She just took it away as a feeling of pressure. It was very kind.

share that for them, family was taking a front seat over career for a time,” Emily said.

“Once mum and I had that chat I just didn’t worry.

“It was such a unique conversation for him.

“It was like she made the decision for me and I really loved her for it.

“It’s been seven years for him to be able to have that moment.

“Lockdowns just made it feel like there was space for another child.”

“It would be amazing to have the structural support for it to be more of a common occurrence.”

That’s all,” she said.

Covid restrictions also helped with Emily’s return to work.

“Things have shifted in terms of work flexibility more generally,” she said.

“I have a lot of control over how I execute my three work days.

“Both times I’ve gone back to a job share arrangement and I really love it.

“I learn a lot from that other person and it just takes the pressure off.”

Emily is the co-artistic director at North Melbourne theatre venue Arts House.

She started with Melbourne Fringe Festival, ran Next Wave and moved to The Wheeler Centre before landing at Arts House in 2018.

“I’ve always worked in the arts,” she said.

“My partner is the primary carer, one of 7 percent of men in the country who are like that.

“I think there’s some interesting flow-on from that.

“For fathers it can be quite an isolating experience, especially when you consider that that 7 percent includes gay dads as well.”

A recent lunch with an old friend in a similar role was helpful for John.

“They both felt really validated to

Maeve attends childcare next to Marlowe’s school.

“It unlocks such capacity in your life,” Emily said.

“We’re very fortunate that they’ve made such a big investment in that Footscray learning precinct.

“Melbourne’s growing. The more we follow that infrastructure with childcare that’s affordable, the more successful those communities will be as a whole, not as individuals.

“Once your kid goes to school that unlocks most of your neighbourhood and it’s so great.

watch movies and waddle around and mentally prepare yourself.

“When I was younger the transition into being a mum felt pretty full on and I felt quite acutely how I was missing out on stuff.”

But now her friends are in a similar life phase and she’s more embedded in her community.

“I think the best part has been a knowing, an understanding of time that whatever you’re going through it ends and that everything’s a phase and that if you’re finding something hard, very shortly you’ll be onto the next thing,” she said.

“I’ve loved the second time around because I just don’t worry like I did the first time around.”

“The way zoning works, it’s your neighbours that your kid goes to school with.”

Emily was 33 when she had Marlowe, which was quite young among her group of friends.

“The actual birth was on the day I finished work, so that was not ideal,” she said.

“This time it was pretty awesome to get that mat leave time where you can

Maeve adores big brother Marlowe.

AUTUMN 2023 7

It’s Your Life Kids can let their creativity run wild.

School holiday wonderland SCHOOL holidays are just around the corner, and there’s loads of fun to be had at Craigieburn Central.

During the first week of the school holidays there are Build-A-Bunny workshops for kids of all ages.

Kids can choose from one of two pre-stuffed styles and let their creativity run wild, then participate in a heart ceremony and receive a personalised Birth Certificate for their new cuddly bunny friend.

What would you do if you found yourself in Wonderland?

With curious characters, and surprises around every corner – no two visits to the Wonderland-themed maze will be the same. Located in the Big W quadrant from Monday 17 to Friday 21 April, kids can take a leap down the rabbit hole to meet Alice, The Mad Hatter, and The Queen of Hearts, then explore the magic of the Royal Garden.

There are many great activities to

discover including cookie decorating, hourly storytelling sessions, life-sized chess and more!

PLUS complete the Wonderland Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win fun prizes.

The popular Friends of Craigie program features monthly visits from popular children’s characters for meet and greets and photo opportunities.

The mischievous Peter Rabbit is visiting in April to join in with the Easter celebrations.

Jasmine and Aladdin will be making

the magic carpet journey over from Agrabah to join us in May. With over 160 stores including Kmart, Big W, Coles, Woolworths, Aldi, TK Maxx and a wide range of fashion, food, entertainment, and so much more, there is something for everyone at Craigieburn Central.

For more information about the huge range of events and offers on at Central, please visit www craigieburncentral.com.au.

Craigieburn Central is located at 34 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn.

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All bookings also come with a free kid’s meal. Limited spaces are

available, book now via the website to avoid disappointment.

8 AUTUMN 2023

www.KidsWest.com.au

It’s Your Life

Susie’s still smiling

By Melissa Meehan SUSIE Cullen has always been a happy and easy going baby.

She is always smiling, laughing and making those around her laugh.

And her favourite thing to do is dance around the house and play with her brother Wes. Looking at her now, you wouldn’t know Susie was born with a birth defect called Craniosynostosis.

A condition when the sections of a baby’s skull fuse too early.

The ‘cracks’ in a baby’s skull are called Sutures, and in Susie’s case the Metopic Suture that runs down the forehead was fused at birth.

This gave her a pointier, more triangle shaped forehead.

There is no evidence as to why this happens and only occurs about 1 in 3000 births.

Her mum Donna McGowan hadn’t heard of the condition when a midwife first raised concerns about Susie’s “unusual” forehead at birth.

A paediatrician assessed her when she was one day old and referred them to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne plastics department.

“We had a consultation when Susie was three months old. The surgeon took one look at Susie an confirmed she had Craniosynostosis and would require Bi-frontal orbital advancement surgery between 11 and 14 months of age,” Donna told Kids Today.

“Neither of us had heard of it before, but chatting to friends and family we soon realised it was fairly common and many people we spoke to knew of someone that had it.”

Susie’s prognosis was good and her surgeon was confident that surgery would be successful and generally improve her quality of life.

“Once we had the date the nervous butterflies really kicked in as now it was time to have imaging and blood tests done.”

While in hospital, Brendan did his best to keep Wes’ days as normal as possible with kinder and a sleep over at his grandparents.

He doesn’t expect any future issues or need for more surgeries.

But when it was time for surgery Donna pulled herself together to be strong for her little girl.

They would also video call Donna from home, but didn’t show Susie as they didn’t want him to worry.

Donna and Brendan’s words of advice for parents about to go through the same thing:

It was during peak Covid-19 times. So only one parent could attend and because Donna had more knowledge of general anaesthetics through work, seeing hundreds of kids go under anaesthetic she was the chosen one.

Brendan says he found it difficult not being with her as much as Donna was.

“As hard as it is, don’t blame yourselves. Push that parent guilt aside!

Kids are tough, its incredible how much they can cope with,” Donna said.

“I knew I had to be strong for her, to show her there’s no reason to be afraid and everything would be fine,” Donna said.

Susie’s surgeons were very pleased with how the surgery went.

“I was fine until just after she went to sleep, then I broke down and all the emotions I had kept down for her came out and didn’t stop for the next 6 hours.”

He found himself stressing at nights but he busied himself with caring for Wes. He even treated him to tram rides and McDonalds dinner.

She is now on annual checks and will be until 16 years of age.

“I would recommend joining a Facebook group and chatting to families going through similar things or who have been through it already.”

And her 3 months post op check her surgeon was very pleased with the new shape of her head and how she was healing.

The surgery consisted of removing the forehead section of skull, breaking it into pieces and putting it all back together using dissolvable pins and screws.

Donna, Susie and Wes are all smiles.

“I remember going into recovery to be with her for when she wakes, seeing her incision line, puffy and different looking face and cords coming out of every arm and leg - it broke my heart,” Donna said. “=It was nothing I could have prepared for. But within hours she was sitting having bottles and smiling and my heart was no longer broken but was filled with pride, that such a tiny human went through such a massive ordeal.”

Within 24 hours after the surgery Susie’s swelling kicked in – both eyes swollen shut and it was obvious she was uncomfortable.

But within three days she was well enough to go home to her brother Wes and dad Brendan.

It was clear that he was very experienced, saying that he did this kind of surgery twice a month, and the success rate was very high “Our hearts sank when he said surgery,” Donna said.

“The thought of our tiny baby having a General Anaesthetic and such an invasive surgical procedure that would require her brain to be exposed for a period of time and a blood transfusion had us terrified.

“But Susie’s surgeons comforted us and they had our full trust.”

Without surgery Susie’s brain wouldn’t have had the ideal space to grow into.

Her forehead would have continued to grow in a pointy shape and she would have looked noticeably different and would have had to live with everything that comes with that.

They waited eight long months to be given a surgery date.

And while they tried not to think of it too much, Donna would get upset when she did.

“I couldn’t help having mum guilt and wondering if it was something I did during pregnancy to cause this,” she said.

www.KidsWest.com.au

Susie and Wes share a wonderful bond.

Pictures: Rob Carew

AUTUMN 2023 9

It’s Your Life

Lucy Stewart in the kitchen with her son Otis.

Picture: Studio 74 Photography

Herb and feta quinoa patties HERB AND FETA QUINOA PATTIES Makes: 20

in the kitchen

Prep time: 10 mins + 1 hour Cook time: 20 mins Ingredients: ■ 2 ½ cups pre-cooked quinoa

with Lucy Stewart

■ ½ cup rolled oats ■ 4 free range eggs

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.

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 the a nutritional boost.

10 AUTUMN 2023

■ 180g feta cheese ■ 4 shallots ■ 1 cup chopped fresh herbs – parsley, dill and mint work well ■ Zest of half a lemon ■ 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.

2. Using a tablespoon of mixture, form 20 small patties with your hands.

The finished product.

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 longerand their energy levels stable.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

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. www.KidsWest.com.au

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AUTUMN 2023 11

It’s Your Life

Girls just want to have fun Nearly two thirds of those who left reported their main reason for stopping – especially for teenagers – was because they were not having fun.

Researcher Professor Rochelle Eime said at a time when community sport clubs were desperate to attract members and keep them, the findings revealed many retention issues, but ones that were easy to fix.

“Clubs can focus too much on pennants and medals, yet the research shows players mainly want to have fun, especially at the crucial adolescent stage when we lose so many young women and girls.”

Other major reasons included losing interest, having an unfriendly coach or official, injuries, or feeling too old.

“Clubs need to ensure what they offer aligns to the reasons girls and women get involved in the first place,” she said.

The types of volunteers who tend to get involved in community sport can create club cultures that value winning and competition above everything else, said Professor Eime.

By Melissa Meehan

participating, and the other half were still involved with their sport.

WHEN it comes to playing community sport – it seems girls just want to have fun.

Victoria University research tracked more than 5,000 females who participated either in community club gymnastics or football (soccer) around Australia from 2019 to 2021.

“Most members are not there to enjoy themselves - not to win or get the top award.”

About half the survey respondents had stopped

The main factor for younger girls aged under 12 dropping out was cost – a decision that would likely be made by parents, said Professor Eime.

For women aged over 18, the main reason was COVID-19.

However, not having fun was also a major reason to leave in both cohorts – similar to the teenager group.

Professor Eime said COVID’s devastating impact on community sport memberships in recent years provided real opportunities for a major overhaul of the ways clubs attracted and kept members.

Girls would rather play sport for fun, than an pennant - research shows.

“Volunteer groups are often dominated by people who are either very good at the sport, or have children who are,” she said. “They want their child to be the next player for the Matildas and forget about others.”

Professor Eime said the strict, timetabled way community sport is presented hasn’t changed in generations, in contrast to the less organised alternatives girls and women can choose for fun and fitness.

For example, females who join a pilates class or take dance lessons have more flexibility about when and how often they participate, and a wider choice in skill levels, she said.

The report found community sport clubs could improve membership retention by: ■ developing strategies and programs that focus on fun and enjoyment in the sport ■ ensure training and competitions allow all players to improve their skills, not just elite members ■ assist with costs by re-purposing equipment or uniforms, or offering discounts to volunteers.

New AFP book changes online safety game

By Melissa Meehan

encourage help seeking behaviours,” acting Assistant Commissioner Sirec said.

IT’S not every day that Australian Federal Police release a children’s book.

“Jack Changes the Game has been created as a resource to start conversations with 5 to 8 year olds in a simple, yet effective way,” acting Assistant Commissioner Sirec said.

But it tells an important story and will hopefully help children become aware of the dangers of online grooming.

The first-of-its-kind picture book ’Jack Changes the Game’, written by Tess Rowley and illustrated by Shannon Horsfall, has been developed by the AFP’s ThinkUKnow program, in partnership with the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) .

A reference group comprising four of Australia’s leading experts in education and child protection was engaged to provide subject matter expertise and guidance on the development of the book.

Professor Kerryann Walsh from the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education at the Queensland University of Technology said that children’s books were an effective education tool.

The book is based on a real report to the ACCCE and gives age-appropriate advice on how to recognise online child sexual exploitation, including online grooming, and how to take action and make a report to police.

In the book, Jack meets a new online friend called ‘Footy Boy’ through his favourite game.

But soon, ‘Footy Boy’ starts asking for things that make Jack feel uneasy and he begins to wonder if his new friend is the person he claims to be.

With the support of his sister and friend, Jack finds the courage to tell his parents and together they make a report to the ACCCE and implement online safety measures at home.

AFP acting Assistant Commissioner 12 AUTUMN 2023

The AFP is changing the game for online grooming.

Hilda Sirec said the book was a powerful resource and one that will help families around Australia begin important conversations.

“Around half of parents and carers regularly talk to their child about online safety. With children spending more time online, it’s important we teach them about safe practices and

“One of the great things about children’s picture books is that they involve adults and children in a shared reading experience where everyone can learn about new things together.”

“Jack Changes the Game provides adults with very useful tips on how to talk to children about online safety and in particular, about online grooming.”

Dr Andrea Baldwin, Service Development Leader at the Queensland Centre for Perinatal & Infant Mental Health, said that stories about children are a great way to engage children.

“Jack learns to cope with a

threatening situation and to put trust in his family, the police and other adults.

Unfortunately children Jack’s age are a target and there aren’t many resources around empowering children themselves to stay safe online.”

Professor Susan Edwards, Director Early Childhood Futures at the Australian Catholic University, said Jack Changes the Game is a much needed book and important resource for children, families and schools.

“We know that children are active on the internet and we know that as adults we really should do our very best to support and educate them around the practices that will help keep them safe.”

Survivor of child sexual abuse, author and advocate Kelly Humphries said the book was an intervention for young children at a key age.

“It is an opportunity. A vessel for parents, teachers, caregivers, or anyone to have these tough conversations through a non-confrontational, relatable medium.”

Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000. www.KidsWest.com.au

It’s Your Life

A grand venue, inside and out HOW many times have you arrived at a location to be pleasantly surprised?

This is a feeling that seems all too familiar to those who find themselves on the quiet and tree-lined boulevard that sends them along and into The Meadows Conference and Events Centre (MCEC).

Located in Broadmeadows, MCEC is a state-of-the venue that was purposebuilt to host large and small community events and greyhound races.

Its striking size and shape makes a wonderful first impression.

Once inside, similar grandeur helps present the premise of this place being more than you’d expect (especially for a venue in the suburbs of outer northwest Melbourne).

When MCEC is not hosting greyhound race meets, it’s available for hire. Offering a wide and varied range of spaces - including a 300-seat dining room with Melbourne city skyline views (perfect for a ball, school graduation or large conference) and a modern self-contained entertainment area with

its own bar and outdoor deck - it’s no wonder people are surprised when they are first shown around or visit as a guest.

Another welcome surprise is that MCEC is run as a not-for-profit. This allows great flexibility to host events that have value in mind and not someone’s hip pocket.

Many businesses, organisations, schools and clubs have benefitted from MCEC’s generosity. Today they’d like to extend this same opportunity to more people – and provide something more than expected from conference and events venue in Melbourne’s west.

MCEC is run as a not-for-profit.

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AUTUMN 2023 13

education

Be curious, become brilliant FOR the first time in its 136-year history, this year St Aloysius College welcomed a co-educational year 7 intake, with term one off to an exciting start.

All whilst navigating a new curriculum and making new friends, year 7 students kicked off the year with their first ‘Opening of the School Year Mass’ at St Patrick’s Cathedral, experienced their first school camp at Benloch and had a great time at their first interhouse swimming carnival.

Noting the exciting commencement to the school year, College Principal Mary Farah said the cohort has been “exemplary in their behaviour and have moved into secondary education with maturity and a great sense of curiosity.”

given the opportunity to embark on accelerated VCE courses.

Senior year students are offered a vast range of subjects to nurture their passions and prepare them for tertiary studies or employment, with options across languages, sciences, humanities, mathematics, creative and performing arts, and design.

The expansive curriculum at St Aloysius is complemented by a broad selection of co-curricular offerings, including a spectacular sport program, music ensembles, college musical production, sustainability and social justice clubs, learning extension and language clubs.

The core curriculum for junior years is underpinned by the Universal Learning Program (ULP) and mindfully enriched with a broad range of electives, including languages (French, Italian and Japanese), music, art, drama and design.

With the recent release of the college’s strategic intents and masterplan documents, visions of the future development of the college’s North Melbourne site are now solidifying.

The first major works will commence in 2025 with the construction of a six-storey standalone senior years campus.

Once progressing to years 10 to 12, students are supported in pursuing their desired life path, with year 10 students

Enrolment at St Aloysius College

“We not only welcomed a vibrant new co-educational cohort but have also seen an expansion of our overall subject offerings and co-curricular opportunities.”

is now open for year 7 2025 and, with further information and campus tour bookings available via the College website: www.aloysius. vic.edu.au

Enrolments for 2025 are now open at St Aloysius College.

Picture: Supplied

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Education

Boundless opportunity

Wakakirri Performing Arts event is testament to the dedication and talent of our staff and students.

Leadership qualities evident in Hoppers Crossing Secondary College students are cultivated with successful contributions to many events, from local youth forums and public speaking programs to interschool debating and State Youth Parliament events.

The vibrant sporting program offers the chance for students to compete in a wide range of sports,with individuals and teams representing the college and achieving success at regional and state levels.

In November 2020, we received confirmation from Sarah Connolly, our State Member for

HOPPERS Crossing Secondary College is a dynamic school, where students are presented with boundless opportunities throughout their schooling journey.

Tarneit, that the school would be receiving $10 million in funding in the State Budget to assist with the remodernisation of the college.

We have developed a school master plan and stage one of those works - a new competition-grade gymnasium with retractable seating for 300 as well as a retractable stage - started this year.

This wonderful news is recognition of the great work that has been achieved at the college over the past few years and we are so pleased that our students will benefit from this injection of funding.

To find out more about our college, I invite you to attend one of our open days or view our virtual open day tour on our website.

Keith Halge, College Principal

We place great emphasis on developing innovative and challenging educational programs for students of all abilities and we are totally committed to continuing to improve the life and education of each student enrolled at Hoppers Crossing Secondary College.

Our goal is to see each student become a happy, self-confident, and knowledgeable lifelong learner who can demonstrate independence and a sense of career direction.

Ultimately we want to see each growing as a worthy, contributing member of our community.

At the college we develop students who are competing at the highest levels possible in the state across a range of areas.

We offer a range of programs catering to students looking to excel academically and foster a growth mindset focused on continuous improvement.

We are proud to acknowledge our Year 12 graduates, who consistently

The school wants to see each student grow as a worthy, contributing community member.

achieve study scores of 40-plus and ATAR scores over 90, giving them access to a range of career pathways and tertiary education options.

In addition to this, each year the college has a number of students who choose to access a university course while completing their Year 12 studies.

Outside the classroom, students are offered a range of opportunities including, but not limited to, performing arts where our students have been nationally praised for their skill and professionalism.

Winning countless awards at the

The college develops students who are competing at the highest levels possible in the state across a range of areas.

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AUTUMN 2023 15

Education

Experiences abound SUNBURY Downs College is a vibrant Year 7 to 12 coeducational secondary college, offering a rich educational experience in an environment that encourages excellent outcomes for all students.

The college offers a wide range of programs catering for all students, with a strong emphasis on developing individual wellbeing and positive interpersonal relationships.

Students belong to one of two ‘mini schools’ - Middle Years (7-9) and Later Years (10-12) - with year-level coordinators working with homegroup and classroom teachers.

Sunbury Downs College has a comprehensive educational program including English, mathematics, science, humanities, health and physical education, arts, technology and languages (Italian).

The college also offers a range of VCE subjects, including Vocational Education and Training (VET) together with a

structured VCE Vocational Major program in Years 11 and 12, catering for students with an interest in applied learning.

Sunbury Downs College offers an Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) program, extending students through a challenging curriculum including early commencement of VCE. The ACE program is a select entry course with enrolment from feeder primary schools for students in Years 7 to 9.

The college offers a wide range of inclusive activities and programs which cater to all students, including debating, maths club, band and choir.

There are year level and specialised camps and excursions that compliment the teaching and learning program.

It offers instrumental music and presents a highly acclaimed musical production, enabling students to excel in an environment that fosters

Principal Warwick Beynon with this year’s senior captains Robbie Sparks, Charlotte Le Guier, Andrew Bracken and Michael Sparks.

participation, responsibility and teamwork outside the classroom.

Students are allocated to one of four houses (Aitken, Evans, Jackson, and Mitchell) on enrolment, with an interschool sporting program offering students the opportunity to represent the school at the local level.

The college values of respect, resilience, ambition and community are embedded within the school’s teaching and learning practices.

These core values support a culture of participation and excellence based on developing positive relationships and personal growth by all community members.

Sunbury Downs College ‘Confidence to Achieve’ • VCE results consistently at or above state average • A safe, inclusive and secure learning environment • Supporting student’s wellbeing by understanding the needs of each child

• Recently modernised & upgraded facilities • Accelerated Curriculum & Enrichment (ACE) program • Students are known and cared for as individuals

Our work is underpinned by our College values:

Respect | Resilience | Ambition | Community A co-educational school with dedicated teachers who implement innovative ideas to stimulate learning Contact 9744 0500 or sunbury.downs.sc@education.vic.gov.au

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148-174 Mitchells Lane, Sunbury VIC 3429 www.KidsWest.com.au

Education

Five new schools FAMILIES in Melbourne’s west started the new school year with five new schools.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins officially opened the Ngarri, Karwan, Nearnung, Thornhill Park and Lollypop Creek primary schools and welcomed the schools’ first students.

Ngarri has space for 650 students, while Karwan, Nearnung, Thornhill Park and Lollypop Creek have space for 525 students.

The schools feature specialist learning spaces for subjects including food technology and science as well as a competition-grade gymnasium, two outdoor hard courts and music and drama spaces.

From 2023, Navigator will reach 3000 students across Victoria each year.

Navigating the risk THE Navigator program will soon support more students at risk of disengaging from education.

It currently helps young people aged 12 to 17 years old and new funding includes a pilot to expand the program to students aged 10 to 11.

This will enable earlier intervention and support the transition from primary school to secondary school.

The Western Melbourne and Hume Moreland regions will be among those to host the pilot before it’s rolled out across the state.

Navigator provides case management support to the most

severely disengaged learners to help create a pathway back to education.

Since its inception in 2016, Navigator has supported more than 5500 young people, with 3700 of those re-engaging with education.

The 2022/23 State Budget delivered an extra $37 million so the program could support 1400 more young people each year.

From 2023, the program will reach 3000 students across Victoria each year.

Navigator staff work one-on-one with young people and their families and schools to provide students with the

specific and tailored support they need.

The aim is to create a pathway back to regular attendance and engagement in learning.

The support helps students address underlying barriers to learning like mental health issues, substance abuse, insecure home environments and contact with the youth justice system.

The investment also provides for four new regional practice lead positions and a central data scientist position, to help schools to intervene early with at-risk students and draw upon the broader system of supports to prevent disengagement.

Swimming lessons save lives SWIMMING lessons are one of the few lifesaving interventions we can do for our children.

This summer, in the first 40 days of the season in Australia we had 35 drownings.

These numbers are a shocking reminder of the dangers of the water and why it’s important to enrol in regular, formal swimming lessons – which can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 per cent (study by American Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine).

You can start regular, formal swimming lessons with babies as young as 4 months old.

By this age babies are able to regulate their body temperature for the duration of a 30-minute class.

It is a great time to start water familiarisation and a great opportunity for parents and carers to connect with their babies.

Research also suggests that early swimming lessons can lead to better physical, cognitive and linguistic development in children.

A study conducted in 2012 by Griffith University, which ran for three years www.KidsWest.com.au

and surveyed almost 7000 parents with children under five, examined whether participation in early swimming lessons impacted subsequent milestones in child development.

members pride themselves on being The Survival Specialists and have been teaching children to swim and survive since 1972.

The results showed a clear connection between children who participated in early swimming lessons developing a range of physical skills and meeting a number of developmental milestones earlier than their peers.

The Paul Sadler program is specifically designed to teach children the survival skills they need to be safer swimmers.

Paul Sadler Swimland has multiple locations across Melbourne’s West and offers classes from 4 months old all the way through to adults.

They also offer 4 and 5 month old babies to swim for free, so there’s never been a better time to start lessons.

For lessons for children aged 3-plus years, Paul Sadler Swimland offers a FREE one-on-one assessment, where the teacher will work with the swimmer to establish their current skills and comfort level in the water in order to place them in the best class for them.

This will take into account what is best for the child to learn at their optimal level.

The Paul Sadler Swimland team

Werribee MP Tim Pallas said it was great to see the new schools officially open, “giving students in Melbourne’s growing west the modern learning spaces and facilities they deserve”.

Other new Victorian schools open for Term 1 include Wollert and Mickleham secondary colleges, Wayi School, and the Donnybrook, Barrawang Kurrun and Quarters primary schools.

All new primary schools have a kindergarten on-site or next door, allowing children to make a smooth transition from pre-school and helping parents ditch the dreaded double drop-off.

Seven of the primary schools will have kindergartens operating on-site or next door this year, with the remaining three kindergartens opening next year.

The State Government is opening 100 new schools by 2026, with 75 new schools opening between 2019 and 2024.

Swim lessons are a great opportunity for parents and carers to connect with their babies.

They spend a minimum of 10 minutes per class in deep water, where they teach treading water, deep water recovery (safety circle), mobility on front and back until children have achieved 2 minutes treading water.

They will then continue to build on these skills and help swimmers reach their Swordy 1km swim.

You can book a FREE assessment at Paul Sadler Swimland Bacchus Marsh,

Braybrook, Essendon, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Melton, Parkwood Green and Westgate-Altona by visiting www.paulsadlerswimland.com.

AUTUMN 2023 17

Reality Bites

Ruairí the lucky last

By Casey Neill GABRIELLE Williams always had in the back of her mind that she “probably couldn’t have kids”.

“As a protective mechanism I worked from the assumption that I couldn’t, and therefore tried not to want it too much,” the Dandenong MP and State Government Minister said.

“As I got older and then made the call to do IVF, I wanted it a lot more.

“With every failure and loss and with the clock ticking, that longing grows.

“I also began to think it was less and less likely.”

She was approaching 40 and over 5.5 years had been through multiple IVF cycles to circumvent her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

“I’d already made the decision that I couldn’t keep going, I couldn’t keep doing it, so that was it,” she said.

Then Ruairí came along.

“He was the last embryo,” Gabrielle said.

“I’d ended up with five or six, which was a pretty good haul of embryos, but by the time I got them tested, that wiped out all of them bar one.

“I was convinced it wasn’t going to work and almost moved on the minute I’d had it done.

“I went straight back to work from the clinic and got on with my day.”

“I was less manic about that round.

“It wasn’t occupying every minute of my thoughts the way that every other round had.”

A self-described “chronic pregnancy tester”, Gabrielle took an at-home test five days post embryo transfer.

“It came up positive and I thought ‘oh yeah, I’ve been here before though and it’s faded’,” she said.

She tested again on days six, seven and eight and that line kept getting darker.

“But I was still not ready to get too excited yet,” she said.

“Then we got into the world of scans and he was there

and confirmed.

option for her.

“Then I thought I lost him at six weeks. I was convinced I’d lost him.”

“We do have a donor shortage so the list is pretty thin. Sometimes you have to wait quite a while for the right one,” she said.

She’d had a bleed but it was the weekend, so her specialist told her to come in on Monday.

But one of her sisters wouldn’t let her wait under the worry. She drove Gabrielle to Monash Medical Centre and waited outside for her, in the midst of Covid challenges.

She waited a few weeks, requesting the list of potential donors at 7am every morning.

“If you found one that was appropriate you had to be really quick at requesting it,” she said.

“I hadn’t at any point heard the baby’s heartbeat before then, and I wasn’t expecting it would be there,” she said.

“There’s legislative caps on how many families each donor can have.

We’ve just changed it from 10 women to 10 families.

“I’d kept it together until then, but I completely fell in a heap when I heard him and he was fine.”

“It’s a bit of a competition to land your donor.

Despite having her age and PCOS as risk factors, Gabrielle’s pregnancy progressed well.

“It was hard getting to him, but when he was there it seemed to run fairly smoothly,” she said.

Gabrielle had started the IVF process while she was married, but when the relationship broke down she was determined to continue the process alone.

“That meant going through a sperm donor, which is not an easy process,” she said.

She thought hard about whether to ask someone she knew but decided an anonymous donor was the best

“Because I’m raising him as a single mum - it sounds a bit silly, and perhaps it is silly - but I wanted him to feel as connected to me as he could.

“So I was looking for someone with the basic attributes that I had - brown hair, brown eyes, but hopefully a bit taller.

“That is what I found, basically. I even found a donor that said he had wavy hair as well.”

There’s no compensation for sperm donors.

“And it’s not an easy process because you’ve got to provide a lot of information about yourself, there’s genetic screenings,” she said.

“So men who commit to doing this, it’s a big commitment.

Gabrielle and Ruairí in her elecorate office.

Picture: Rob Carew

“I find myself now always having conversations with friends who fit the eligibility criteria, saying ‘you should do this’, it’s really helpful and it changes someone’s life for minimal inconvenience to them in the greater scheme.

Gabrielle and baby Ruairí.

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Reality Bites Gabrielle and Ruairí in her elecorate office.

Picture: Rob Carew

Gabrielle on the campaign trail with baby Ruairí.

“Statistically, there are more and more women having children on their own.

was still alive and he was still looking happy and I was OK I thought ‘I can do this’.

“There’s going to be more of us, not less, which means the role of donors then becomes more important.”

“It was a good crash course, those first 24 hours.”

Gabrielle made a “calculated decision” to become a single mum.

“I weighed up the reality of doing it alone pretty heavily and had conversations with my family about it,” she said.

“For me to be able to do it, I had to make sure I had plenty of support from them.

“I’m very blessed to be one of four girls so I’ve got three big sisters.

“I knew I had their support and they were very eager to give me that support.”

Her parents are also a huge support.

But the reality of entering motherhood solo?

“It’s a shell shock for everyone,” she laughed.

“My mum was in the delivery room with me. He was born first thing in the morning.

“You get to the end of the day and you’re in bed and mum’s gone home and I remember having him lying in the bassinet next to me and thinking ‘oh wow, what now?’.

“It was just me and him.

“It was a very big jump in the deep end, not having anyone with me that first night.

“I thought ‘it’s never going to be quite so hard, in a way, as it is tonight’ because it’s all new, I’m confined to the bed because I’d just had a caesarean.

“By the time the sun came up and he

www.KidsWest.com.au

Ruairí was four months old when we spoke and, like most mums, Gabrielle was still in the thick of figuring out motherhood - and how to make it work alongside a demanding career.

“What works this week might not work next week, so I’m having to build that uncertainty into my diary and into how I work,” she said.

“There’s a serenity, almost, attached to the fact that you can’t change it and it is what it is.

“I’m fortunate enough to be in a job that does give me some flexibility.”

Breastfeeding and pumping mean carting a pump and other supplies around Parliament House, and instigating a parenting room.

“I’m very lucky that I’ve been able to feed and it’s happened quite easily for me, which isn’t the case for everybody,” she said.

“But feeding is a challenge, it’s a challenge that I continue to navigate.

“You never master it.

“I do find that there’s a calm in just accepting that you can’t predict it.”

Gabrielle has great support from her electorate and ministerial staff.

Newborn Ruairí.

weeks after he was born and he came with me,” Gabrielle said.

reminder of why we’re here and what we’re doing.”

“I had to be doing it and it was important.

Gabrielle was reluctant to give any advice to other women battling infertility.

“I tried to target what I was doing.”

Previously she would have spent every day at pre-polling booths, from open to close. So she cut back the hours.

“The upside of having him when I’ve had him is on the back of Covid, we’ve got a lot more used to doing things online,” she said.

She’s acutely aware that everyone’s situation is different.

“Be kind to yourself, no matter what decision you come to,” she said.

“You can’t be influenced by whatever anyone else says. It’s not their experience.

Gabrielle was first elected in 2014 and never considered stepping away from the seat.

“The only advice I can give is you’ve got to listen to your own circumstance and make the call yourself.

“I’ll always do this job as long as I’ve got the passion for it,” she said.

“You’ll get pulled in different directions

“Having him didn’t change that.

“Keep checking in with yourself.

“If anything it’s made me more impatient for change.

“You can get caught on the roller coaster of it.”

Ruairí was born just weeks before the 2022 Victorian State election.

“I can see in my own domestic circumstances the impact of what we do and in very real terms the idea that you want to leave the place better than where you found it.

Watching Gabrielle hold a smiling Ruairí on her lap while we chat, it’s obvious that every low on her roller coaster was worth it.

“I did my first press conference two

“He’s another inspiration point and a

“They’ve all had to learn how to do their jobs a little bit differently,” she said.

“But they’ve ridden the journey with me as well.

“Now that he’s here they’re all rapt.”

“He’s everything I could have hoped,” she said.

AUTUMN 2023 19

Books

Blocking bullies CHILDREN, parents and therapists alike can learn a thing or two from a little dog named Harry.

Armadale psychologist and bullying expert Evelyn M Field wrote Harry the Bully Blocker to empower anyone being bullied - child, teenager or adult.

Harry’s tale is written as a rhyming poem to help readers remember the words.

In a dream, the shy, bullied little dog meets some friendly animals who teach him useful bully-blocking skills.

Mia the meerkat tells him the best ways to respond to bullying.

Ollie the owl emphasises eye contact.

Gerry the giraffe explains the importance of good posture.

Harry is told that “when you block others politely, they feel confused and stuck. They don’t know what to do or say, and become dumbstruck”.

It takes away their power, the other wise animals tell him, and they become surprised and embarrassed.

“You need respect, they realise,” the book says.

“Everyone knows that being embarrassed is a real pain.

“You can be sure that they won’t try to bully you again!”

Harry puts his new skills into practice and welcomes the results.

The story is based on the therapy model Evelyn developed to train psychologists, and on years of teaching bullied people of all ages to manage their basic survival instinct.

“Harry the Bull Blocker can help anyone who feels like a bullied child learn how to block bullies and build important social skills,” Evelyn said.

Harry’s tale is written as a poem.

Children’s books...

Little Treasure

Jamie

Hello, Emma Memma

Chanelle Cosper & Jennifer Goldsmith

A beautiful and uplifting story from L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, about how to make your own place when the world doesn’t think you fit anywhere. For readers of Alex Gino’s Melissa, and Benjamin Dean’s Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow.

Introducing Emma Memma!

A tender picture book that will touch the hearts of children and parents alike, with its poetic observations about the unbreakable bond between mother and child and its reminder to treasure every moment together. Perfect for Mother’s Day. Lothian Children’s Books $24.99

Jamie Rambeau is a happy 11-year-old non-binary kid who likes nothing better than hanging out with their two best friends Daisy and Ash. Orion Children’s Books $16.99

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Join Emma Memma for a magical story time as she says hello to the world.

Here she is! The wait is finally over, beloved children’s entertainer Emma Watkins’ next chapter has been unveiled as she makes a joyful transformation into Emma Memma.

Sing, dance and sign with Emma Memma!

Puffin $19.99

Ratbags 1: Naughty for Good

Can You Get Rainbows in Space?

Shiloh Gordon and Tim Harris

Dr Sheila Kanani

From award-winning bestselling author and funnyman, Tim Harris, comes this stupendously rat-tastic new series. These are the Ratbags.

They have pizza, and they are NOT afraid to use it.

Why is blood red? Why are carrots orange? Who invented the lightbulb? Why is the world ‘going green’? Is the sky really blue? And what is ultraviolet light?

Let’s face it – rats are mischief. Rats are rule-breakers.

Rats are ratbags. They’re all the same. All, that is, except one...

You’ll discover the answers to these questions - and many more - in this incredible collection of scientific facts about colour.

When Jigsaw runs into two of the most ratbaggy Ratbags known to rats, his orderly world is turned upside down and he pulls off one of the best pizza heists EVER! Will his newfound pizza obsession make Jigsaw the naughtiest Ratbag yet? Or will Jigsaw figure out how to be naughty – for good?!

Keep reading to discover why leaves change colour in the autumn, why your veins look blue but your blood is red, and how the language we use shapes the colours we see . . .

Puffin $14.99

Puffin $32.99

And you’ll even be taught by a real astronomer, Dr Sheila Kanani, exactly how to make a rainbow - in space.

www.KidsWest.com.au

Kids Calendar

What's on this Autumn UNTIL 24 MARCH GLOBAL FLAVOUR FEAST Stuck for that Friday night dinner? Grab the family and head down to the Bunjil Place Plaza Friday nights through March for this year’s exploration into some of the rich cultural diversity Melbourne and the Southeast has to offer.

Find food plus cultural performances and demonstrations from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

UNTIL 10 APRIL

DAILY

HOLLAND FESTIVAL

CHILDREN’S GALLERY MELBOURNE MUSEUM

Visit Akoonah Park, Berwick From 10am to 6pm for kibbeling, stroopwafers, ollie bollen and more.

Children can explore, play and learn at the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery at Melbourne Museum.

Visit www.hollandfestival.org.au for more information..

Excavate fossils in a dinosaur dig, traverse the discovery garden, and boogie at a ‘camouflage disco’.

23 MARCH

The exhibitions combine hands-on exploration and discovery, open-ended play-based learning, extraordinary immersive environments and unique museum collection objects.

Psychologist and bestselling author Evelyn M Field presents Bully Blocker for Kids in this online workshop, 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

Suitable for babies to five-year-olds.

JULIAN OPIE: STUDIO FOR KIDS This interactive exhibition for children and families was developed in collaboration with Julian Opie, one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists, and invites visitors to create portraits.

National Gallery of Victoria hosts this free event.

Melbourne Museum is at 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Book at museumsvictoria.com.au/ melbournemuseum/whats-on/ childrens-gallery.

9-12 MARCH

UNTIL 31 MAY MINI MAKERS

Enjoy the fun at Birrarung Marr. Tickets are priced from $7 to $20.

National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool Street, Geelong, is hosting several sessions, 10.30am to 11.15am.

Tickets are $6 for kids and free for accompanying adults

UNTIL 31 DECEMBER FITZROY GARDENS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Entertain the kids by taking the outdoor adventure challenge in the heritagelisted Fitzroy Gardens.

Starting off at the Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre, kids will collect their map and then head off on their hunt to answer 12 questions around the gardens.

Suitable for primary school-aged children, but adult assistance is necessary. Remember to bring a pen or marker.

The Visitor Centre is open every day except Christmas Day in Wellington Parade, East Melbourne.

This is a free event and bookings are not required.

12 MARCH BELLARINE AGRICULTURALSHOW The 31st Annual Bellarine Agricultural Show is a traditional country show and it’s got something for everyone.

Head to Portarlington Recreation Reserve, Boat Road, Portarlington, from 9am to 3pm.

Tickets are free for kids, $7.50 for seniors and $12.50 for adults.

VIsit www.bellarineshow.com.au.

18 MARCH CASEY KIDS CARNIVAL From noon to 5pm the Old Cheese Factory will host face painting, roving singing sailors, rides and inflatables, music and dance performers, stilt walkers, circus performers, gymnastics activation, AFL activation, a petting zoo, and much more.

There will also be displays by Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) and the City of Casey Waste Team and Road Safety Team.

Entry is free but bookings are essential.

Visit tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/ casey-kids-carnival.

www.KidsWest.com.au

BARWON RIVER DUCK RACE Raise money for Ocean Grove Rotary, Barwon Heads Primary School, Barwon Heads Scouts and the Barwon Heads Association.

From noon, ducks will make their way from the Barwon Heads pedestrian bridge to the finish line at the Ozone Jetty.

Entry is $10 per duck, with prizes up for grabs.

The session will cover: What is happening in schools today, how this impacts students, and how parents can empower their children.

Visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au for more.

25, 26, 30, 31 MARCH, 1 & 2 APRIL

MOOMBA FESTIVAL CARNIVAL Now running over five days, this event has rides to suit both big and little kids.

Little hands and feet can play with paint, glitter, paste, sand, clay, slimy spaghetti, chalk, and much more.

BULLY BLOCKER FOR KIDS

8 APRIL

OBANG ArtPlay is hosting this performative installation space designed for babies aged 6 to 18 months along with their care-givers, and is inspired by the traditional Korean concept of Obang.

In this work, Obang refers to five primary colours and explores the spatial meaning of home.

You are invited to a Korean grandmother’s home for a meal.

Together you will experience her daily life, including cooking, washing and singing.

Tickets are $15 for one child and an accompanying adult.

11-15 APRIL HAMLET: PRINCE OF SKIDMARK Playhouse is hosting this cheeky, irreverent riff on Hamlet made especially for children from The Listies.

Tickets are priced from $25 to $35.

21 APRIL THE FISH THAT WANTED TO FLY The Fish That Wanted to Fly is about having the courage to pursue something even if it seems likely you will never reach it.

Bunjil Place in Narre Warren will host the show at 10.30am and 12.30pm.

It’s recommended for 3 to 8 year olds.

Tickets are $8.

30 APRIL & 1 MAY 1, 12 & 13 APRIL

ARE WE THERE YET?

MR STINK

Bunjil Place in Narre Warren presents this play based on Alison Lester’s book at 2pm on 30 April and 10am on 1 May. Join 8 year old Grace and her family on their adventurous and often funny expedition around Australia.

Tickets are $16.

Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well.

Lonely Chloe makes friends with Mr Stink, the only person who’s ever been nice to her and hides him in her garden shed. What happens next?

28 MAY

Suitable for ages 6-plus and their adults.

Shows run at 2pm and 5pm at Costa Hall, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, on 1 April. Tickets are from $22.

Shows run at 6pm on 12 April and 10.30am on 13 April at Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick NE Drive, Narre Warren. Tickets are $18.

MILLION PAWS WALK Celebrate the joy dogs can bring, take a walk in the fight against animal cruelty, browse pet-centric exhibits and sample delicious foods.

Runs 8am to noon at Eastern Garden Circuit, corner Podbury and Eastern Park drives, East Geelong. Tickets priced from $17.

AUTUMN 2023 21

Reality Bites

Outwitting the pesky nits WHILE some of the challenges of a new school year are easy to deal with, one of the biggest facing parents is the ever-present threat of head lice.

Lice seem to be part-and-parcel of the school experience for many children.

Catching head lice does not mean your child has done anything wrong or is not hygienic.

Statistics vary but about 20 to 30 per cent of primary school students are likely to get head lice at some stage.

A single infested head can successfully infest a whole classroom and when the children return home, they often unwittingly pass on the infestation to the rest of the family.

Head lice are wingless creatures which cannot fly or even jump, but move from host to host by crawling or climbing. Close contact between children therefore gives them great opportunities to spread but it is important to understand that head lice are not confined to children.

Anyone can get head lice but they are more common in children because of their close contact.

In fact, anyone can get head lice but they are more common in children because of their close contact.

Head lice do not carry disease, but we need to get rid of them.

If your child has head lice, you might notice them itching and scratching, especially around the back of the neck and behind their ears.

A bad case of head lice can lead to itchy dermatitis on the scalp, crusted sores and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. But this isn’t common, and your child can avoid it if you treat their head lice as soon as possible.

You might see small, oval-shaped, white or brown-black nits attached to the root of the hair, near the scalp.

There are chemical-based treatments available as well as a number of treatments which are based on essential oils such as anise, rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil.

There also are a range of herbal products.

Head lice are very adaptable and can develop resistance to some chemicals, so it is important to talk to your community pharmacist about the right product.

Live head lice move fast, so to spot them you might have to part your child’s hair very quickly.

Your community pharmacy stocks special combs as well as shampoos, conditioners, creams and other products to treat head lice infestation.

After selecting a treatment, it is important that following its use, you test to see if the lice are dead.

While resistance is an issue, many treatment failures are due to inadequate time in contact with hair and scalp, inappropriate application methods, or the use of ineffective products.

If the lice are dead, treat again in seven days using the same product.

If the treatment has worked, the lice will be dead within 20 minutes.

Whatever head lice treatment is chosen, a fine tooth comb is essential to get the nits out.

- The Pharmacy Guild of Australia

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