kids voice may 2015

MAY 2015F R E E

EXPOSED NUTRITION MYTHS - RECOGNISING THE NEEDS OF A GIFTED CHILDTHE FERTILITY GAME - YOUTH IMPETUS AWARDS IN DETAIL

YOUR FREE PARENTING MAGAZINE FOR THE GEELONG REGION

MAY 2015

MAY 2015 -

KVTEAM

No part of this magazine, including the advertisements, may be reproduced without permission of the editor.The opinions expressed within Kids’ Voice magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher, but those of individual writers.

BUSINESS MANAGERMichele Mitten

EDITORIALThe A Team

SALES & MARKETINGToppy Taylor

COVER MODELThomas Chudoschnik

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERAlan Barber

GRAPHICS & LAYOUT ARTISTElise Blach

FIND US ON FACEBOOKfacebook.com/Kids Voice Geelongwww.kidsvoice.com.au

PO Box 54, Ocean Grove Victoria, 3226Phone: 03 5255 3233Fax: 03 5255 3255

1. Rabbits and parrots can see behind themselves without even moving their heads!

2. Butterflies taste food by standing on top of it! Their taste receptors are in their feet unlike humans who have most on their tongue.

3. Most of the dust in your home is actually dead skin! Yuck!

4. Although the Stegosaurus dinosaur was over 9 metres long, its brain was only the size of a walnut.

5. Humans get a little taller in space because there is no gravity pulling down on them.

6. Because of the unusual shape of their legs, kangaroos and emus struggle to walk backwards.

7. A hippopotamus may seem huge but it can still run faster than a man.

8. Even if an analog clock is broken, at least it shows the correct time twice a day.

9. Sneezing with your eyes open is impossible.

10. The trickiest tongue twister in the English language is apparently “Sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick”. Give it a try and see for yourself.

COOL FACTS 4 KIDSWELCOME

MAY 2015

THIS ISSUE’S COVER BOY.. .NAME AND AGE: Thomas Chudoschnik, aged 3FAVOURITE FOOD? OrangesLIKES? Volcanoes, cars and sharks

9

18 20 22

25 3027

12 15

CONTENTS

. . .AND MUCH MORE

6 Coconut products

7 MacKillop Family Services: A brighter future through education

9 Carly’s blog

12 Growing up with an autistic brother

15 Three times worth the wait

18 Party time!

20 Youth Impetus Awards

22 Sport: Baseball

25 Music & Arts: Jesse Leaman

27 Cooking & Crafts

29 Reviews

30 What’s On

MAY 2015 -

As thousands of Australians aim high with New Year’s weight and health resolutions, nutrition experts are lifting the lid on some unhelpful nutrition myths that may be holding you back.The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) said an ever-growing number of Australians are taking on board nutrition tips from self-appointed ‘experts’, who have limited or no training in nutrition.‘These people have great intentions, but are confusing Australians about what to eat for good health. Think twice before taking on the advice of a celebrity or someone who has done a short course in nutrition,’ said DAA CEO Claire Hewat.Myth: Wheat is a dietary no-noThe evidence says . . . Grain based foods, such as wheat, rye, barley and oats, provide many important nutrients for the body and can help manage body weight. Grains provide essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein and dietary fibre, all of which are important nutrients for a healthy diet. Eating whole grain foods helps people stay fuller for longer, which is good news for anyone wishing to lose or maintain weight. There is also strong evidence that eating foods made from whole grains is linked with a lower body weight, a smaller waist circumference and a reduced risk of becoming overweight.Myth: Cooking with animal fat is much healthier for youThe evidence says . . . Animal fat is rich in saturated fat, and too much saturated fat increases risk of heart disease. The Australian Dietary Guidelinesi recommend replacing foods containing saturated fats with foods that contain unsaturated fats. That means cooking with healthy fats such as olive oil, canola oil or sunflower oil. If you’re watching your weight, choose cooking methods that don’t need lots of fats and oils, such as microwaving, stir-frying or baking.Myth: Coconut cream is a healthy alternative to cow’s milkThe evidence says... Coconut cream is not a suitable substitute for milk nor is it a healthy food. Coconut cream

does not provide the same essential nutrients as milk and it contains a large amount of unhealthy saturated fats, which have been linked to heart disease and diabetes risk. Reduced-fat and low-fat milks provide essential nutrients, like calcium, magnesium and riboflavin, with minimal fat and saturated fat. Coconut cream contains 19g of saturated fat in a 100g serve which is 23 times the amount of saturated fat found in low-fat milk.Myth: Legumes are a poor dietary choiceThe evidence says... Legumes are an exceptional dietary choice, recommended in the Australian Dietary Guidelines. They are an excellent source of (soluble) fibre, which is essential for maintaining healthy bowels, and are high in protein, making them an ideal meat alternative for vegans and vegetarians. Legumes also provide high-quality carbohydrates, and have a low glycaemic index (GI) - making them perfect for helping to control blood sugar levels.Myth: Base your diet around meat and animal foodsThe evidence says... Plant food groups are more protective than animal food groups against chronic disease. That’s the conclusion of a new review which looked at research from 1950 to 2013 investigating the link between food groups and chronic disease. This finding questions the credibility of diets that promote high intakes of animal-based foods at the expense of plant-based foods, like grains and legumes. Animal foods, like lean meat, poultry and fish, provide important vitamins and minerals, and are healthy choices, if eaten in the right amounts. For example, the Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend a maximum of 455g of lean, cooked red meat a week.Myth: Coconut oil is ‘natural’, making it a better choiceThe evidence says... Coconut oil is no more ‘natural’ than any other plant-based oil. All oils have gone through a degree of processing to turn the whole food from which they are derived into an edible oil product. The biggest difference between coconut oil and other plant- or vegetable-based oils such as olive, avocado or macadamia oil, is that coconut oil contains about 92% saturated fat,

which is linked to increasing LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels. While coconut oil contains a ‘healthier’ type of saturated fat – Lauric Acid, known to improve HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol, the product itself still causes a rise in LDL and total cholesterol, which isn’t good for heart health. Oils made from unsaturated fat sources such as avocado, olive and canola, help to raise the good and lower the bad cholesterol in our blood, making them healthier options.Myth: Choose ‘all organic’, of course!The evidence says... Both organic and conventionally-grown foods can provide all the nutrients required when included as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Neither is better or worse from a nutrition standpoint. The key is to eat a variety of foods, based on the recommendations of the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Many Australians are not eating enough of foods like fruit and vegetables so, regardless of how these are grown, the priority is simply making sure you eat enough of these healthy staples. So whether you buy organic or conventionally-grown food really comes down to personal preference.‘The advice that works for healthy eating isn’t very sexy and hasn’t really changed over the years, so it’s easily drowned out by new fads in diet and nutrition,’ said Ms Hewat.The Dietitians Association of Australia, which represents more than 5,800 of the country’s nutrition and dietetics professions, recommends looking for the ‘Accredited Practising Dietitian’ credential when seeking nutrition advice and support.‘Accredited Practising Dietitians, or APDs, have completed a minimum of four years at university studying nutrition, keep up-to-date in nutrition science through a continuing professional development program, and comply with DAA’s guidelines for best practice,’ said Ms Hewat.

For further information or to organise an interview with a DAA Spokesperson, contact Jess Turner, Dietitians

Association of Australia, on 0409 661 920.www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/about-australian-

dietary-guidelines

Health experts expose nutrition myths

MAY 2015

You’d have to have been living on a desert island to have missed the hype around the marketing of coconut products in Australia over the last few years. But are coconut products all they are cracked up to be? Laying aside all the marketing claims, what does the science actually say?Coconut OilThe jury is, as they say, still out on the effects of coconut oil on human health. Very few of the studies conducted so far have been done in humans and most of the research has consisted of short-term studies to examine the effect of coconut oil on cholesterol levels. What we do know is that the biochemistry of human health and particularly heart health, is very complicated, and there is much we have still to discover, particularly in regard to the inflammatory processes associated with heart disease. For decades there has been strong evidence to support the recommendation to replace dietary saturated fats with unsaturated fats to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Emerging research complicates this picture, as we learn that heart disease is likely linked to inflammatory processes, that not all of the protective fraction of cholesterol in the blood (HDL) is necessarily effective in lowering the risk of heart disease, and that the adverse effects of saturated fats on heart health may be via mechanisms other than blood cholesterol levels.While most saturated fats come from animal sources, coconut oil is one of two plant oils rich in saturated fat

(87%). About half of this is lauric acid, a medium chain fatty acid, which has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol, but not to the same extent as unsaturated fats. The other half is mostly made up of long chain fatty acids, which are associated with increased

LDL cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease. While we need to remember that plant based oils are more than just fat, and may contain other

phytochemicals, such as antioxidants, which are beneficial to health, the Western diet is already rich in saturated fat and, for many health reasons, it is recommended we reduce, not increase, saturated fats in our diet (<10% energy). Given unsaturated plant oils, such as olive, canola and peanut oils, have proven health benefits, they are still a better choice in a healthy diet.Coconut WaterCoconut water is the fluid inside a young, green coconut and has been promoted for its hydration value and electrolyte content, currently selling for up to $5 per litre. So how does it stack up, nutritionally, against good old tap water? Unlike tap water, which contains no energy (kilojoules), in 100mls coconut water, you will get about one teaspoon of sugar (and therefore a small amount of energy), 1/2 teaspoon of salt, minimal Vitamin C, minimal fibre, some potassium (but no more than in a comparable serve of banana, potato or spinach), and some copper, calcium and riboflavin but only traces of other vitamins and minerals. It has fewer sugars and energy than juices, soft drinks and sports drinks, but does not have as favorable a nutritional composition as sports drinks for rehydrating the elite athlete.Coconut SugarCoconut sugar is produced, not from the coconut, but from the fresh sap oozing from the cut flower buds of the coconut palm. It is rich in sucrose with a small amount of fructose and glucose and 5% inulin (a fructan). It is claimed to have a low Glycaemic Index (GI), compared to the moderate GI of cane sugar, but this is based on one overseas study and not published or verified. Similarly, claims that coconut sugar is rich in minerals,

such as potassium, iron and zinc, are also hard to verify as it has not yet been analysed and recorded by world-recognised data bases. It is also important to remember that the bioavailability of minerals in plant foods is very low, i.e. these minerals are poorly absorbed by humans. Nutritionally, coconut sugar is very similar to brown sugar but ten times the price.Coconut YoghurtNutritionally, coconut yoghurt is not a substitute for milk yoghurt but is a good substitute for small amounts of cream, though without the Vitamin A. At four times the price of milk yoghurt, it contains less protein and more fat (75% saturated) and therefore has a higher energy content than milk yoghurt, reflected in the smaller recommended serve size. It is sweetened with the artificial sweetener, xylitol, and without the lactose of milk yoghurt, contains less carbohydrate. Milk yoghurt is an important source of calcium, while coconut yoghurt contains none, but like many milk yoghurts, it does contain live cultures. So, are coconut products all they are cracked up to be? They can certainly add a delightful flavour to our food and, though the cost is high and the science does not yet support many of the health claims which accompany these products, small quantities can certainly be enjoyed in a healthy diet from time to time. With five centres around the Bellarine Peninsula, Bellarine Community Health (www.bch.org.au) provides health services to families across the region. The Child Health and Development Team offers a family-centred service focussing on the well being of children aged 0-12 years. The team includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, physiotherapy and dentistry.

Hilary Hoevenaars, Accredited Practising Dietitian,Child Health and Development Team,

Bellarine Community Health Ltd. They can be contacted through BCH Intake –Telephone:

5258 0812 or Email: [email protected]

Are Coconut Products All They Are Cracked Up to Be?

MAY 2015 -

MacKillop’s education programs provide learning

options for young people disengaged or at risk of

disengaging from mainstream schooling. Research confirms that there is a strong correlation between school attendance and student outcomes. While some student absences are unavoidable and understandable due to illness and the like, many are not. Poor school attendance can be linked to a number of related short and long-term negative outcomes for young people including poor outcomes, early school leaving, substance use, poverty, unemployment and health problems.MacKillop’s education programs provide flexible learning pathways and the tools young people need to re-enter mainstream schooling, where appropriate, or other employment or further education and training options. Our task is to ensure that the children and young people we work with have real options, and the support they need to achieve their goals.MacKillop Specialist SchoolMacKillop School provides education to young people from Foundation through to Year 10 in a flexible learning environment. The young people attending MacKillop will generally be referred by their host school, who continues to support the young person’s transition into and out of MacKillop School.We recognise and celebrate the interconnectedness between wellbeing and learning and consequently promote a holistic approach catering for the cognitive, social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the young people in our care. Children In Residential Care (CIRC)The Children in Residential Care (CIRC) Program is an individualised literacy and numeracy program that caters for young people living in residential out-of-home care. CIRC encourages development and persistence by allowing students to complete projects of their choice. By allowing students to choose an inquiry based projects,

informed by their interests, CIRC aims to create a learning environment which caters for individual interests and learning needs. thereby maximising their chances of success and positively impacting future transition options XTendThe X-tend Program caters for students, in a trauma informed learning environment, who are disengaged or at risk of disengaging from education.The X-tend Program is an alternative and complementary educational path for students, providing opportunities for young people to experience success in learning, to work on their social and emotional learning and to develop and enhance critical life-skills.Meet Justin – a Lead Teacher at MacKillop’s secondary school in WhittingtonJustin has been working as a Lead Teacher at MacKillop’s secondary school in Whittington, Geelong for the past two years. His students range from12 to 16 years of age.“All the young people at the school are either disengaged from, or have other barriers that do not allow them to access mainstream education. No matter their background or how they may present in different contexts, we believe that all of them want to do well and our aim is to support them to be able to do this.“Our students face many difficulties that are quite often beyond the comprehension of those of us who are looking in from the outside. Past and ongoing trauma, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional disabilities, past or ongoing involvement with the Department of Human Services, the Youth Justice System or mental health agencies are just some examples of the challenges many of our young people face. “Unfortunately for many, their negative educational experiences have led to a rejection of formalised learning and diminished confidence in both themselves and the system. They are often judged and labelled due to behaviours that are a symptom of these difficulties; this can sometimes mean that the multitude of strengths and

positive attributes that they possess are often devalued. They are genuinely some of the strongest people I have ever met, they persist despite all that confronts them in their lives.Justin’s experiences and sentiments are mirrored by all at MacKillop who work with the children and young people through our education services. Justin explains “Our main aim is to re-engage our students with mainstream schooling and the opportunities this affords, so their learning aligns with the state curriculum. However, there is a strong focus on the development of the general capabilities, including literacy, numeracy, the ability to think creatively and critically; their personal and social capabilities and both an intercultural and ethical understanding; these capabilities will allow them to be adaptive lifelong learners.” , Justin explains his hope for the young people engaged with the education programs. “I hope that they will dream big and believe in themselves even when they are faced with great challenges. I hope that they will not be afraid to take the risks that are required to fulfil these dreams and that they will find the strength to not listen to those who say that they are not possible. I hope they will treat others with love, respect and compassion and that they will feel these in return. I think most of all, I hope that when it is all done and dusted they will be able to look back on life and say they were happy most of the time.Additional support would allow our young people the opportunity to access improved classroom resources. As well as this, it would allow us to be even more proactive in addressing some of the barriers that stop our students from engaging education. For example, more donations could allow us to provide transport for our students who travel long distances or have no other means of getting to school. The number of school-aged young people who are dropping out of Victorian Schools is extremely alarming. It could also allow us to support a greater number of these vulnerable young people.”

To find out more about MacKillop’s educationservices call please call 5248 2557

or visit ackillop.org.au/education

A BRIGHTER FUTURETHROUGH EDUCATION

MAY 2015

MAY 2015 -

Carly

The past month or few, I have really come to build an appreciation for working mothers, especially full time. There are so many issues which come along with this and the stress and pressure is absolutely unbelievable. I have come to this conclusion from my own experience. How do you make the decision between a job you love within a fantastic company or having to take a step back just to gain control of your life again and feel like you’re not walking on the moon? Constantly I am called from our childcare centre because my three year old has a runny nose, is miserable or has a temperature that won’t go down even with medication. Every two to three weeks I am constantly having to put work on hold so I can pick her up and take her home to rest, and usually to the doctor as well. It’s a constant battle and there comes a point in time; you just can’t continue to fight. You end up snowed

under at work and the pressure is just too much. I think for most families there comes a time in their lives that the current work and family situation isn’t working out in the long run and isn’t working towards everyone’s benefit. I understand day-care centres have protocol and policy to follow regarding the reasons they call, but when you’re working full time, you can’t manage to keep your children home long enough to fully recover before sending them back to day-care. By sending them back early, means they are still prone and have a lower immunity, therefore they pick up the next thing or your original problem just returns. It’s a vicious cycle and one that is hard to avoid. I have been trying to cope with all of this for the past 12 months really, and I have come to realise that this balance just isn’t working out for me and certainly not for the benefit of my family or their wellbeing either. This has been one of

the hardest decisions I have had to make since being a mum, I have been given a great opportunity to be part of a company I love, with fantastic staff but it has dawned on me that I need to take that step back and put my daughter and family first for a while. It’s hard not to feel like you are throwing away a great opportunity, that you might not get back one day, but in the long run, we all know being a parent will or “should” always come first. Kids are such a blessing that nothing can stand in the way, if there is no benefit to anyone then you know it’s time to take a step back and move forward.

The team at Kids’ Voice wish Carly allthe best in her role as a full time mum.

MAY 2015

The intellectual and emotional development of most students is appropriate to their chronological age. Children who differ significantly from their age-peers in terms of their intellectual development also differ in their emotional maturity. Gifted students generally do show a discrepancy from their age peers in their social and emotional development and so it is important to identify early behaviours which may cause problems for young gifted children. Affective characteristics such as emotional intensity, an unusually well-developed sense of justice and ‘fairness’, an unusual ability to empathise with the feelings of other children or adults, enjoyment of books written for older students, more mature sense of humour than age-peers, preference for the companionship of older children, different conceptions and expectations of friendship from those of their age-peers. may form strong attachments to one or two friends, many academically gifted students feel pressured to moderate their achievements for peer acceptance (even in the early years), some can exhibit perfectionist tendencies.When children start to make social comparisons around the age of seven, they become aware of ways that they are similar to and different from their classmates. The quest for identity is not only a search for personal sense of self, but for affirmation from peers and others that they are accepted and valued members of their social group. As a result many high potential students have adjustment problems in school and in society in general. There are several issues that we need to address so that these children don’t experience negative consequences. Forced Choice Dilemma - The process of ‘dumbing down’

for peer acceptance can lead to a “forced choice dilemma” Even in early childhood years, some high potential students may find themselves faced with a choice; fit in and be accepted or stand out and risk rejection. Being allowed to work with a group of bright or more able students can go a long way toward solving this.Self-Concept and Self-Esteem - Sell-concept is generally defined as how we think about ourselves. It is multi-faceted; a child can have a high academic self-concept and a low social self-concept. Martin Seligman in The Optimistic Child discussed self-esteem as being tied to effort. He stressed the importance of a child having the opportunity to attain self-esteem. He says that we should give children the opportunity to experience appropriate challenge so that they can say “Gee that was hard but I did it!. That is true self-esteem. Unfortunately we deny our gifted children this feeling because they are allowed to “coast” never really being challenged thus never appreciating the difference between knowing and learning. From an early age children need to be taught that their parents and teachers value the effort that has gone into their endeavors rather than just the product or outcome.Motivation - Most gifted students love learning and are highly motivated to learn but they can move through school, things can become more complex. Some children remain intrinsically (internally) motivated for others motivation becomes more extrinsic powered by factors other than pure desire to increase skills and knowledge. Children who want to learn for learning’s sake recognise that sometimes learning doesn’t come easily; they have to put into practice and work at tasks in they want to improve. These children prefer tasks that are challenging and require them to strive for success. It is so important that these students are given the opportunity to engage with tasks of appropriate complexity right from the beginning of school.Overexitabilities - Kazimierz Dabrowski,a Polish psychiatrist, noted that intellectually gifted adults and young people tend to have a heightened awareness of their environment and a heightened capacity to respond to various intellectual, emotional or even physical stimuli. Dabrowski calls this tendency ‘over-excitability’ and identified five.Intellectual - Students who demonstrate high levels of intellectual over-excitability (OE) tend to be academically gifted. These include a passionate love of learning, an enhanced capacity for analytical thinking, meta-analysis. An enjoyment of thinking about thinking, sustained

intellectual effort and a much longer attention span than age-peers, an enjoyment of detailed planning, intense curiosity, Emotional Students with emotional OE may display an unusual sensitivity to the feelings of other children or even adults, they may develop a strong attachment to other people, they may not easily forgive themselves if they have hurt someone’s feelings, they can be extremely self-critical, worrying over small faults, they may become particularly fond of places, as well as people.Imaginational Students with this OE may enjoy invention and fantasy. These children have ability for vivid visual recall and detailed visualisation, often with a deep love of poetry and drama, explain stories or ideas in great detail, have a great capacity for invention, prefer to act out stories rather than simply telling themSensual - This may be displayed in a heightened awareness of the senses; a deep aesthetic appreciation of beautiful objects, phrases of music or words, students with this OE may have an unusual sensitivity to particular pieces of music or poetry, enjoy the feel of particular materials, develop a liking for a particular object which they carry around and play with, develop a strong dislike of the texture of particular foods.Psychomotor - This can be manifested in physical restlessness arising from surplus energy. Students with this OE may talk compulsively, develop nervous habits such as tics, drumming fingers or nail biting, show a love of fast games and sports. Seem almost unable to stay in their seat, may have unusually rapid speech and exaggerated vocal expression, may be workaholics or compulsive organisers.Unfortunately teachers often confuse this physical restlessness and distractibility with the behaviours associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Ironically, the twitching, fiddling and shifting around may indicate an over-responsiveness to lack of intellectual stimulus! Experiencing “flow” - Psychologist Michael Piechowski has suggested that we view overexitabilities as channels of information flow and ways in which these children experience the world. We can enable our high potential children to experience the crucial experience of “flow” by presenting them with appropriate levels of experience and challenge.

Sandra S Lea-Wood PhDManager CHIP Centre Geelong

www.chipgeelong.ingeelong.com.au

Recognising the Social

and Emotional Needs of Young Gifted Children

MAY 2015 -

I like to think I have a pretty good idea who I am… what kind of person I have grown into... what makes me tick… what I like and don’t like etc. I’m a mother, wife, friend, daughter, marketer, a mosaic artist in my spare time. I’m an author. Wait. What? I’m a what? When did that happen? And more importantly how did that happen?Gosh. What a difference a year can make. Just over 21 months ago, I was a new mum coming to terms with my sudden transition from busy advertising executive with personal time to burn and relatively carefree existence to then being a full time (that’s 24/7 full time as other mums know only too well), chef/maid/entertainer and chief bum cleaner to my baby boy. It’s true that those early months with baby can be hard and mine were no different. I love motherhood and adore my family life, but I also enjoy being in the workplace and having that challenge too. So here I am, 9 months back into corporate life, doing crazy hours (a number of these from home after the little man’s in bed), and wondering what I managed to do with all the time I had when I was a single girl?! So now I’m juggling, like all working mums, with all the challenges this brings, and all the compromises.So with all of that said, I have to tell you it’s pretty surreal to have found myself this week standing in a large bookshop in Sydney CBD, staring down at a pile of books with my name on the cover. Mine! I actually pinched myself a couple of times just to check… but I wasn’t dreaming. There they were… a several gleaming copies of Baby Brain, a book by Andrea Paterson. After a while I walked out of the store and stood on the street for a moment, reflecting on the road that brought me here to this point.It all started by accident in fact, with a spontaneous trip to see the Sydney Vivid Light Festival about 2yrs ago. It was a Friday night and I was at home with my husband and stepdaughter. I was heavily pregnant and we were all tired from the week, but I was determined we would have a lovely family evening together at the festival. Having dragged us out of the house and into the car, we were about half-way into the city when I checked my mobile and discovered we were in fact a week too early for the opening night! I was embarrassed at my error and I posted my silliness to Facebook. Very quickly the post received responses from a number of mum friends who empathised and shared some of their own little “moments”. The idea of the Facebook community page came from that event. The Facebook community grew slowly but surely, as mums spread the word. Fresh

content was uploaded and some really funny stories came through. I didn’t set out with any notion that that it would turn into a book, but it was the sense of shared experiences through the community of mums who posted whacky stories of their own and the humour in so much of it that got me thinking. I got lucky early on with a friend who had himself been published, giving me his thoughts, tips and his contacts. Through this lucky break, I wrote to two publishers and amazingly, one of them agreed to publish the idea as a book.I’ve been asked if there’s a serious side to Baby Brain. I truly haven’t delved too deeply into the science of it, because this is a book about the funny side. I have been told that there are studies that suggest a change in the brain activity of pregnant women may be hardwired to prepare them for bonding with baby. Following birth, other factors such as sleep deprivation, the sudden life change, the baby’s total dependency on you, could also explain away some of the crazy stuff that happens. Either way, I have no doubt that there is a period of time through pregnancy and into the early months of childhood when you’re not yourself. I have heard from new mums who say they have felt upset and anxious about their recent forgetfulness, clumsiness and strange behavior. I know that at times I have felt frustrated at myself but that gets me nowhere. They say laughter is the best medicine. The book is aimed at encouraging these mums to see the funny side of their “moments”, rather than let it get to them. What I have found is that sharing these moments with others is actually quite calming and seems to neutralise the negative emotions. Seeing stories shared by others helps me understand I am not alone! Hopefully it helps others in the same way. The book launch has been timed to capture the Mother’s Day gift season and the Baby Brain community seem really excited about it. Penguin Random House has been amazing from the outset and incredibly supportive. I am of course indebted that they saw the humour in it and the potential. This seems to have been matched by the book trade as the initial sell-in has surpassed all our expectations, with Big W and most major book stores carrying it. If sales of the book go well, then a reasonable sum will flow through to cancer research because I’m donating a portion of author profits to Children’s Cancer Institute Australia. A close friend tragically lost her son to cancer at just 18mths old and I’m hoping to be able to contribute to the work they do towards curing the disease.Fingers crossed.

BABYBRAIN

Andrea Paterson Author of Baby Brain

MAY 2015

As toddlers my brother and I were inseparable. He had blond curls and large brown eyes. He sat quietly, dressed in immaculate clothes, in his own little world. I, on the other hand, had straggly, wiry hair and was always messy and getting into mischief. It was not until I started school that I realised he was different. He went to another place every day called the ‘Spastic Centre.’ The reason why he didn’t go to school with me was never explained. I was not invited to ask questions but I was expected to love and care for him. Once I asked my mother why Johnny was different. “He’s mentally retarded and it’s God’s will,” she answered.My mother told me that Johnny’s brain had been damaged at birth due to lack of oxygen. I was the first born twin and in my child’s mind I believed that I had caused his damaged brain. I was plagued with guilt. As the eldest of six children, I felt obliged to assume the role of minder. I was unaware of appropriate play skills to interact with Johnny. He arranged his toys in long lines and when I tried to play with him or rearrange them he threw tantrums. So I ignored him and played by myself.There was an absence of normal family life and activities in our house because we had to be mindful of Johnny’s special needs and avoid upsetting him. When I grew older I suffered embarrassment in public places. People stared

at us and tut-tuttered in disapproval at Johnny’s rituals and repetitive behaviours such as head rolling, body rocking, hand flapping and head banging. At Mass on Sundays people moved away from us when we sat in their pew. When teased at school about my brother I ignored their taunts and pretended not to be hurt by them. I often felt alone. There was no one who understood what it was like to have a brother with challenging behaviours. When I invited friends home to play they came once but never came again. Johnny didn’t have friends either. Other children showed a friendly demeanour but were reserved and wary of him. He couldn’t comprehend and empathise with them. He missed the subtle messages from facial expressions, eye contact and body language.During my teenage years I was shy and introverted. Playing the piano was my only outlet for frustration, anger and resentment. At the age of twelve, Johnny left home to live in Brisbane for five years. For the first time I enjoyed having private time and my own space. I made new friends and never told them that I had a handicapped brother.In his early twenties Johnny was committed to Gladesville mental hospital. His aggressive outbursts and self-harm attempts increased and my parents could no longer manage him at home. I was studying nursing in Sydney and once again was expected to care for him. I visited him

to do his laundry, take him food and sometimes take him out for a drive.In my early twenties I had saved enough money to travel overseas. I needed to live my own life and make my own decisions. I wanted to have some fun. I wanted to escape. At the age of twenty four I travelled in Europe for a year and then went to live in London where I met my first husband. When our relationship became serious his family voiced their objections – I had a convict heritage, but worse than that, if we had children they would be mentally retarded. Nevertheless we returned to Australia and married. We had two beautiful healthy children and a happy marriage for eleven years.My brother had an autism spectrum disorder which was unheard of and not understood when we were growing up. Despite the barriers of communication and misunderstanding, we had a unique and strong bond. I often wonder how our lives might have been different if he had not been autistic.

Mary Ann Napper shares a fictionalised version of growing up with an Autistic brother in the new book, Born

to Fly: Living with Autism, now available at good book stores and online at

www.borntofly-livingwithautism.com.au/

THROUGH MY EYES Growing Up With an Autistic Brother

MAY 2015 -

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Parent/Teachermeeting

The life of a Mumpreneur is unlike any other. Being a mum in business can be a juggling act and no successful Mumpreneur can achieve this balance without setting rules around business and family time. I have found a formula that works and now I help other Mumpreneurs achieve their home business success.You must learn very quickly to set boundaries. Make sure you have a start and finish time and allocate time for all activities including business meetings and appointments as well as your children’s school or sporting activities. I always say, what gets planned gets done. There is never going to be 100% success when you are running a Mumpreneur business so the biggest lesson I learnt early was that you have to be OK with things not being OK at times. Once you allow yourself to let go of perfection, you will find yourself, and those around you much happier with how things are.It took me some time to realize this but you must have a thick skin. I have included this learning for two reasons. Firstly, there will be those who try to undermine your success by playing the ‘neglected children’ card. My children have had more time with me since I have been in business creating my Ultimate 48 Hour Author Empire. Secondly, there will be some other business owners that might not take you seriously when they hear the term Mumpreneur. I say OWN IT! It takes a special type of women to run a family and a business and an even more special one to create an empire.Remember, you are the driver of your bus and have the

best opportunity to create the lifestyle you want for your family and yourself. Don’t let the expectations of others undermine your drive to succeed.Making sure you are managing your life also includes communication with those around you. You must make 5 Minutes Every Day to Talk with your partner about your feelings, not just about life or the kids. In our family we call this our tea-time. Phones are left out of the room and computers are turned off. We sit facing each other and look at each other in the eyes. It would amaze you little people look at each other when they talk these days. Just have a look at most teenagers! We talk about anything other than our businesses. (There is plenty of time for that at other times) We talk about how we feel and what we would like from each other in our relationship each and every day. It is a great way to connect and for men who generally have the biggest problem expressing their feelings, it is a perfect safe place to do so in. You must also make sue you understand your strengths and weaknesses. Once we are clear on each other’s desires and wants assigning roles based on these is very important. In my family, I am the entrepreneurial one and my husband is the nurturer. Is it traditional? No. Does it work? Absolutely. Until we understood this and stopped trying to change each other, things seemed unnatural and we both resented being forced into the traditional roles. Now that we are both having our number one values fulfilled, his being family and mine being business, we are continuing

to go from strength and strength and our family and business is thriving. Trying to change someone is the worst thing you can do. Accepting them for who they are rather than trying to make them something they aren’t will make for a lot happier relationship.Finally, accepting that you are going to be in the two percent of mum’s whose lives are different to other mums. It takes a lot of sacrifices and strength to do the things that are required to build a Mumpreneur business especially if your support network isn’t strong. I was fortunate to have a supportive husband who loves his role in the family and business and is happy to take up some of the slack that I have decided to leave behind. I made a decision almost 4 years ago that I didn’t want to settle for ordinary and play it safe. My Mumpreneur business has now enabled my husband to quit his job in 2012 and we have time abundance for all the things we love. It wasn’t easy but it was sure worth it.Natasa Denman is a skilled business coach and mentor, author of five best-selling books, and founder of The Ultimate 48 Hour Author. Within her mentoring program she guides time-poor entrepreneurs and business owners through the publishing process so that they can have their own story in print.

For more information visit www.natasadenman.com the first two people to email Natasa at natasa@

natasadenman.com.au will also receive a free copy of her latest book, ‘Natasa Denman reveals... 1000 Days to

a Million Dollar Coaching Business From Home’

The Mumpreneur Home Business

Success Formula

Meeting10am

MAY 2015

One’s fertility journey is seldom easy or predictable. Whether as a couple or as a single person, the way in which you eventually conceive can be so varied from person to person. Some conceive easily, ‘without trying’, some within 6-12 months, some unfortunately find falling pregnant difficult and fraught with stress and heartache. It is one of those things in life we have little control over. This often leads to feeling like you may have failed or your body has failed you. You can, however, exercise control over how well and healthy your body is before you try to conceive and of course, your health during your pregnancy and beyond. I am a strong believer in the notion that knowledge is power’. I strongly urge anyone considering or trying to fall pregnant see both your GP for a full fertility screen which involves assessing some nutrient levels such as iron, B12, folate and Vitamin D as well as a full STI screen as well as some other standard pre conception pathology. I also urge you to consult with a naturopath who specialises or has particular interest in fertility. Even if you are both seemingly ‘healthy’, young and have no menstrual issues, there are often, if not always areas to improve and work on in with the aim to get your bodies functioning optimally before you fall pregnant.In 2009, The Fertility Society of Australia released some figures which may come as a huge surprise to most of you. In 40% of Infertility cases, infertility is due to male

factors (i.e. damaged or absent sperm or systemic health conditions), 40% were due to female factors (i.e. egg quality, menstrual irregularities, hormone imbalances or diagnosed

reproductive conditions), 10% were due to joint factors and 10% fell into the

‘unexplained’ category.The full life cycle of the female egg is approximately 120 days and the male sperm cycle takes around 76 days to produce

fully mature sperm. Therefore, when I am treating couples for

fertility support and or pre conception care for at least 3-4 months before you conceive. It is really important that you are in fact, undertaking some preparation in the form of healthy diet, abstaining from known toxins such as cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine and recreational drugs and in most cases, some adequate nutritional or herbal supplementation that is imperative in giving your body the best chance to produce healthy eggs and sperm that will ultimately lock in the health of your child’s DNA at the very moment of conception.People often ask me, ‘What should I be taking to try and fall pregnant?’, and to be honest, there is no single formula, the regime is as varied as each person. However, it is essential that the female takes an activated folinic acid supplement ideally 3 months prior to conceiving to reduce your baby’s risk of developing Spina Bifida. Folate available from pharmacies and health food shops etc, is not ACTIVATED folate, and thus, as high as up to 10% of women don’t have the gene to convert the folate into folinic acid, which is the form that the body recognises and absorbs. Track down an activated Folinic acid supplement through your naturopath or pharmacy who may have a naturopath on staff. They are strictly practitioner only and only available through health care practitioners. The other huge area of focus is on managing patient’s stress levels. Whether they are specifically related to their fertility struggle or completely unrelated, the fact remains that stress has a huge impact not only at a nutritional level, but also at a hormone level. Our stress hormone, cortisol, has the capacity to change your reproductive hormone levels, crazy hey! A big part of my focus on fertility patients, and for those of youthat may be struggling to conceive, managing your stress and being aware of the origin or your stress can go a long way in reducing its impact on you and your body.

The usual suspects are valid here....... Regular exercise that you enjoy! Nothing too high impact that may be taking too much of a toll on your adrenal system, further stressing your body, knowing how to eat well and adopt a clean diet i.e.: Avoid eating too many processed carbohydrates, excess dairy, caffeine, alcohol a and of course, everyone favourite, sugar! Just removing sugar alone can have a hugely positive affect on your hormones, digestion, liver function, mood and energy. IF you do one thing, flick the sugar and watch you intake of hidden sugar like too much dried fruit, honey and other ‘healthy sweeteners”, at the end of the day, they all break down to the same simple carbohydrates in the body and have the same energy content. In term of treatment, naturopathic management can come in the form of hormone balancing herbs, nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and antioxidants as well as diet and lifestyle considerations. Given the reality that many of use are starting families later in life, and the fact that the average sperm count had decreased by over 50% on the last 4 decades, the reality is, we must take care to look after our bodies and seriously consider incorporating some of these suggestions above. But the most important thing of all is to feel as though who ever is on your team whether it be your GP, naturopath, or fertility specialist or all working together (which is ideal) make sure you are being heard and that you feel everything possible is being done for you and your partner. If you have to undergo IVF, although there some restrictions with herbs, it is even more important that you have some complimentary strategies in place to balance the extra stress and medications that can impact your body. You still need good quality egg and sperm regardless of whether you conceive naturally or via IVF. I have been a qualified naturopath for 10 years and have been specialising in fertility, pregnancy, women’s and children’s health for the past 5 years, but my door and ears are open to all. I am also mum to 2 beautiful boys aged 18 months and 3.5. I adopt an approach that there is always a reason for everything, it is just about digging around enough to find it and knowing where to look. I wish you all the very best on your fertility journeys and welcome any enquiries or questions you may have via my website or email address, there is no question too small.

www.treeoflifenaturalhealthandfertility.combeccy_kate@hotmail.com

THE

FERTILITY

GAME

MAY 2015 -

After Sean and I married in Dec 2005, the next natural step for both of us was to have a baby. My broodiness only really kicked in when I was in my mid-30’s, and Sean was eager for us to start a family.Two years later, after many failed attempts, we began to worry. I just couldn’t fall pregnant and we needed to know why. So the check-ups began. Sean was fine, but my fallopian tubes were blocked. Once they were opened via laparoscopy, I was put on fertility treatment and told to wait.During this time, four close friends fell pregnant. Of course I was thrilled for them, but deep down I was shattered. Throwing baby showers became a common occurrence in my life and I just couldn’t stop wondering whether I would ever have one thrown for me.Then an old friend put me into contact with her gynaecologist. The fertility treatment just wasn’t working

and I was becoming desperate. All this disappointment was starting to affect my marriage. Then the doctor suggested in-vitro fertilisation. One of the main reasons IVF is such a difficult decision is the cost. People have to consider not only the cost of the procedure and office visits, but also the expensive medicines needed for treatment. IVF is NOT cheap. Just like when buying a car or a house, the number on that price tag may seem very steep and unattainable. But people make it work every day. You can get a loan for IVF just like you would a house, and that’s exactly what we did. In Dec of 2007 Sean and I made a decision - 2008 would be the year we’d have our baby, any way we could. It was, in fact, a New Year’s resolution.We started the in-vitro immediately into the New year. We were warned that it could take a few attempts before

anything happened. We went for the initial scan with a feeling of guarded optimism, and heard something that that neither the doctor nor Sean and I had expected - three little heartbeats!Whenever anyone asks Sean and I how we felt at that moment we have only one word... petrified! In the new few weeks, though, we fell more and more in love with the idea.We knew it would be a high risk pregnancy, so everything in my life became about giving my babies the best chance of doing well through the pregnancy.My doctor was so happy with how they all were doing and on the 8th Sept 2008 at 35 weeks I gave birth to Jordan, Roxanne & Luke.IVF was the best investment in our lives we ever made. Dallas Cronwright, 43 lives together with her husband Sean and their 6 year old triplets.

3 TIMES WORTH THE WAIT

MAY 2015

MAY 2015 -

Where does this self-entitled Me Monster come from?Doors slamming, raised voices, sulking and monosyllabic responses may be just some of the features you have experienced during the transformation of your cherubic child into a gangly teenager. Just a short while ago, you had a sweet, warm communicative and fairly obedient child. Suddenly there is a stranger in the house. He gets annoyed quickly, is uncommunicative and only interested in electronic devices, his friends and his own needs. Remember that adolescence is a life stage and most testy teens grow into wonderful adults, but they do require healthy parenting, strong role models, love and patience to get through this stage. Far more difficult for teens themselves than the physical changes of oily skin and pimples, is the enormous brain development they undergo at this time. They endure (unbeknown to us or to them) changes as radical as when they were toddlers. Remember the excitement and praise you showered at each major developmental milestone – clapping your hands every time they said a word or took their first shaky steps? As our 14 or 15 year old reveals the by-products of a similar brain surge, by challenging our assertions or expressing beliefs in conflict with our own, they are (sadly) unlikely to receive similar applause. Science in the form of brain imaging has changed our understanding of adolescence. Recklessness, risk taking and thoughtlessness once thought to be due to pure self -centredness or raging hormones is also due to major brain development. Up until fairly recently we had no idea just how profound the brain changes are during this time. Research in the past decade has revealed that the brain undergoes significant reorganisation and suggests that teens aren’t intentionally making bad choices or being careless. Also, cerebral and physiological growth spurts are accompanied by a new phenomenon – their

peers’ opinions matter more than their parents’. Teens fall awkwardly between the two phases of childhood and adulthood and yet they are very different from either group. Their socialisation is different, their needs and wants are different and their bodies are different. They are also trying to express their independence at the same time as being compelled to conform to their peer group. A combination of compassion, firm boundaries and open and honest communication is required.We need to expect change and, more importantly, expect our authority to be challenged. Keep those lines of communication wide open. There is a huge relief and comfort for teens to know that they can express anything and not be judged. Respect their space and privacy don’t stop hugging them. Understand that a lot of your teen’s thoughtlessness is part of the building of a new brain. This doesn’t exclude poor conduct but it does explain some sloppy behaviours and seemingly poor judgements.There is also now the added complexity of the self -entitled narcissistic generation that our teens find themselves in. Is this ugly obsession with oneself a by product of social media or can our parenting style be a major contributor? What has happened in the last 20 years that has led us to a state of such an overinflated and inappropriate sense of entitlement, particularly among our children? We are now more obsessed with ourselves and our children than ever. We cultivate and hero-worship the celebrity culture that screams ‘look at me, me, me!’. With society’s extreme materialism and our overconfidence about our children’s abilities, are we as parents responsible for the creation of this ‘me monster’? Some will argue that this generational spike in narcissism is due to social networking, particularly

Facebook. Shawn Bergman, a professor of organisational psychology in North Carolina, believes that it has more to do with parents than online networking: ‘Parents have overprotected their children more over the generations and have taught them to expect special treatment just for being them. This, in combination with the “self-esteem” movement, has likely resulted in increased narcissistic tendencies in our kids.’ A great deal of research has substantiated Bergman’s suggestion that obsessive parenting is possibly the biggest contributing cause. Dr Jean Twenge, scientist and author argues that self-esteem itself does not breed success. Parents repeatedly informing kids how good they are, dolling out undeserved praise instils very little value and in fact may set up a false self. Children certainly thrive on love, and need to feel supported through life’s challenges, but telling them they are the best in the world is not true and has very little value in building their character. Although building self-esteem and confidence is important, we have gone overboard. The research demonstrates that extreme overconfidence often leads to disaster, both on a personal level and for society as a whole. We would do well to avoid lavishing praise for every small gesture. Ensure our praise is appropriate. Instead of trying to solve and eliminate our teens’ struggles, allow them to figure things out, take criticism when necessary and accept the consequences of poor decisions. Back off and give your teen some space to express himself. Show love and concern, but there is no need to overinflate their sense of self.

Dr Linda Friedland is a medical doctor, mother of five and the author of the new book, Raising Competent

Teenagers (Rockpool Publishing $27.99), now available at good book stores and online at www.

rockpoolpublishing.com.au

What’s happenedto my sweet child?

MAY 2015

timeP A r t y

KIDS PARTIES - EASY WAYAt Bears Alive we believe the best parties are the ones you do yourself. We provide everything you need to run a bear making party in the comfort of your own home. Best of all there is no need for those pesky party bags as every child has a gift to take home. Making the bears can replace many of the traditional party games (“yawn”) or traditional games can be updated to incorporate a cool bear theme. The children have so much fun hand stuffing their bear and bringing it to life!Running a party is simple! Each standard party pack contains a random variety of bears (tailored to girls / boys or a mix), stuffing, a “Love” heart insert, stuffing stick, birth certificate and take home Teddy Cubby. You can choose to upgrade to our deluxe party pack which also includes a standard sound chip and sunglasses PLUS a t’shirt for the birthday child’s bear. There are also adorable clothing packs available if you wish to include these for each child.With each pack we also provide detailed instructions for running a successful bear making party – it really is so simple! To make a booking simply contact us and we will take it from there. We will make a time for you to collect your party packs from us at Armstrong Creek – just outside of Geelong, Victoria. We can also arrange delivery or postage at an additional cost.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THAT BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH A DIFFERENCE?Why not choose Laser Strike Geelong!For that adrenaline pumping fun for all ages, our team will give you a experience which will be talked about for years.Public sessions start from $30per person for 2 hours on the battlefield (no minimum numbers required) Private sessions from $40pp for 2hours (min 10 players)Bookings are essential so call our friendly staff today to have a chat about a package for you!

MAY 2015 -

timeP A r t y

FANCY THAT COSTUME AND PARTY PROP HIREWe hire all sorts of party stuff from a wide range of fancy dress costumes for both adults and children through to props, decorations, synthetic turf and back drops to fit in with your themed party. Our range of wedding marquees and smaller marquees can be styled with our lighting and/or props to convert your event to a magical place. Tables, chairs, kids chairs as well as trestle tables are all on offer. Don’t forget to look at our wide range of giant games, as well as bubble, smoke, snow and fog machines. Find us at 1865 Geelong Portarlington Road in Drysdale or call us on 0435 011 252 to find out more about our services.

PARTIES AT SERENDIPITY D’LITESGive your child a birthday party with a difference at Serendipity D’Lites. Treat the kid’s to an exciting and truly unique party atmosphere. At Serendipity D’Lites we are passionate about providing a fun and memorable experience for all. Your birthday party will be jam packed full of fun from start to finish. Our beautiful deck makes for a private space for you to celebrate with all your guests or have your own fully hosted, high energy, fun filled kids disco party with all the latest music film clips, disco balls, dancing and karaoke. Enjoy an hour of unlimited yogurt with loads of delicious and decadent sweet or fruity toppings, a hot dog and a milkshake. Each birthday child also receives a $20.00 gift voucher to return to experience it all again with family or friends. So for a fun and stress free way to spend your child’s next birthday look no further than Serendipity D’Lites situated in the heart of Ocean Grove on The Terrace. Sit back and relax with an espresso coffee and let us entertain the kid’s for you.We can also cater for special occasions, fund raisers, break-up parties, office meetings or social events with our gourmet baked potato range. Choices include Tender Pulled Pork, Lemon & Herb encrusted free range chicken & avocado, Beef bolognaise, Mexican chilli beef, Tuna melt, Traditional, cauliflower & cheese sauce, curried sausages or an all day breakfast potato.

MAY 2015

The 2015 Geelong Impetus Youth Awards were held at Geelong Performing Arts Centre on Friday 10th April showcasing and celebrating the regions young people, workers, volunteers and organisations. This year the City received 85 nominations which demonstrated the high number of young people making positive contributions to the local community. Cr Jan Farrell, who holds the City’s Youth portfolio, congratulated the winners as well as everyone who was nominated and was thrilled yet again by the talented young people who are showing such energy, initiative and dedication. Active Achievement Award - Sarah WatersSarah has represented Victoria in Lawn Bowls and has a list of achievements including Club Champion, Geelong Ladies Champion of Champions and Geelong Ladies Under 25 Championship. Recently she represented Victoria against New South Wales in the Female Under 25’s winning all three of her games and was awarded the Player of the Series. Even though Sarah’s time is mainly consumed with bowling, she still makes time to participate in the Lara Youth Agency and the SKAART CommitteeAdvocacy Award - Maddie BradfordMaddie has volunteered for various youth committees across the municipality since he was 12 years old. He was successful in securing a school based apprenticeship with the fOrT Youth Centre and quickly became an integral member of the team. Most recently, Maddie applied for an advertised UN Youth Victoria position of Voice Convenor for 2015 and after completing the interview process was offered the position.Community Citizenship Award (Group)Rotaract Club of BarwonRotaract Club of Barwon complete a community project and an international project each year. Their chosen international project was making birthing kits which were sent overseas to underprivileged countries. Their community projects have included supporting the North Geelong Secondary College Breakfast Club, hosting fundraisers for the Give Where You Live MayDay Appeal, assisting Rotary Clubs with fundraising through catering events such as the Geelong Show

and the Motor City Music Festival, and volunteering as event support staff at the Lorne Pier to Pub and Lorne Adventure race.Community Award (Individual) - Alphonse MulasheAlphonse has displayed great initiative in all of his endeavours from volunteering, leadership roles, job seeking and his own education at North Geelong Secondary College where he is currently completing Year 11. Alphonse has faced much adversity, living many years in a refugee camp in Rwanda and arriving in Australia in 2010 as a 12 year old without his father. Despite these challenges, Alphonse makes the most of every opportunity and over a remarkably short time, has built skills and experience as a youth leader and volunteer. Corporate Award - Gforce Employment Solutions Gforce Employment Solutions knows young people are Geelong region’s most valuable asset and the key to a vibrant future. They are proud to play a pivotal role in empowering, mentoring and providing pathways for young people which in turn helps build a stronger community for Geelong. Gforce Employment Solutions are committed to recognising young people’s talent and hold an annual Award ceremony that showcases the region’s exceptional apprentices and trainees and applauds their contribution and commitment to their chosen fields.Cultural / Arts Award - Alexander TiganiAlexander is the Lithuanian Geelong Correspondent, a volunteer role that has seen him published nearly 200 times. He is a committed member of a local dance group and an active member of the Scout Troops. His involvement in the Scout Troop eventually led him to being awarded a leadership position.Alexander manages to cope with all these commitments for the local Lithuanian and wider Geelong community while still studying full time at Deakin University.Inspiration Award - Sweeta JamshidiSweeta began her life in war torn Afghanistan before arriving in Australia in 2010. She has worked really hard to improve her English so she could take opportunities to participate in the community and make friends. At 20 years old, she has a leadership role within the Muslim community.Sweeta has a strength that is consistent, respectful, diverse, culturally aware, worldly and wise beyond her years. This is evident through her volunteering to speak to the Australian Tax Office staff on Harmony Day about her journey to Australia and participation as a panel member for the Multifaith forum. Leadership Award - Thomas BanksThomas was born with a mild disability. He has spent 5 years working with Platform Youth Theatre to develop a one man integration of technology show. It uses all the forms of technology which he uses through his daily interactions to convey his messages to the audience, demonstrating the several communication barriers which he faces every day. There are 1 in 5 people with a disability or who experience disability at some point in their lives. There

are 500 people in Victoria who have communication impairments. These are significant statistics but Thomas is working at raising awareness and leading the conversation.Online Community Engagement AwardChristopher McDermottAs a second year student in Engineering and Robotics at Deakin University, Christopher was successful in attaining an internship with N.I.C.T.A. His project involved the use of ‘Virtual Reality’ solving a problem within the new field of ‘Virtual Rehabilitation’. He was able to develop a program to assist with patient rehabilitation in wheelchair manoeuvrer ability. This project was later trialled by Barwon Health and is now owned by Deakin University. Christopher aims to show other young people that volunteering is an invaluable experience and credits the work he has done volunteering as having had the biggest impact on the things he has achieved so far. He developed an ‘Audience Voting System’ mobile app for the Odyssey Film Festival and was dedicated to seeing the project through from the conception of idea to the creation of the final designs. Volunteer Award – Working with Youth PeopleSarah KenworthySarah spent six weeks volunteering in Mannya, Uganda assisting the local health-centre. During this time, Sarah delivered three babies by herself, assisted in the resuscitation of a newborn and provided vaccinations. She was also involved in the HIV/AIDs day clinic, surgical procedures and ward rounds.Sarah organised many fundraisers to raise money to purchase solar lights to take to Mannya. These solar lights reduced the amount of household fires and kerosene burns. Sarah also helped organise a ‘Make a Difference’ group at Sacred Heart College for the past three years.Worker Award – Working with young peopleJesse DigginsJesse supports young people that are homeless and empowers them to move forward on their journey towards successful and sustainable accommodation and independent living. Along with working, Jesse also studies full time, and is about to commence his Honours in Psychology. Putting what he has learnt so far into practice, he also does sessional work with DHS which consists of running sessions with young people that are involved with Youth Justice that involves them giving back to the community.Young Carer’s Award - Caity LomasCaity Lomas was recognised for not only the caring role that she took on for both parents but also for the positivity and empathy that she has shown while doing so. Caity put her parent’s needs first and is someone who will always help out. She turns negative experiences into learning situations to support others, as she rises above such issues. The school staff say that she is amazing, showing empathy and maturity beyond her years. Recently Caity lost one of her very dear family members, through this tragedy; she has shown immense courage, strength and compassion.

IMPETUSWINNERSLEADINGTHE WAY

2015 Geelong Impetus Youth Award Winners with Cr Farrell and Deputy Mayor Michelle HeagneyPhoto Credit: Kellie Greaves - UP Creative

MAY 2015 -

Cr Michelle Heagney with Sarah Waters(Active Achievement Award Winner)

Photo Credit: Kellie Greaves - UP Creative

Cr Michelle Heagney with Maddie Bradford (Advocacy Award Winner)


Cr Michelle Heagney with the Rotaract Club of Barwon (Community Citizenship Award (Group))


Cr Michelle Heagney with Alphonse Mulashe (Community Award (Individual))


Cr Michelle Heagney with Sarah Kenworthy (Volunteer Award –

Working with Young People Award Winner)Photo Credit: Kellie Greaves - UP Creative

Cr Michelle Heagney with Jesse Diggins (Worker Award – Working with Young People Award Winner)


Cr Michelle Heagney with Caity Lomas (Young Carers Award Winner)


Cr Michelle Heagney with Christopher McDermott (Online Community Engagement Award Winner)


Cr Michelle Heagney with Alexander Tigani (Cultural / Arts Award Winner)


Cr Michelle Heagney with Sweeta Jamshidi (Inspiration Award Winner)


Cr Michelle Heagney with Thomas Banks(Leadership Award Winner)


Cr Michelle Heagney with Rob Birch from Gforce Employment Solutions (Corporate Award Winner)


MAY 2015

THE CLUB:The Bellarine Bears Baseball Club is based in Wallington in the heartland of the Bellarine Peninsula. Established in 1978, the Bellarine Bears play in the Geelong Baseball Association winter

competition. They aim to provide a safe and family friendly environment in which to

play or watch the great game of baseball.BEARS JUNIORS:The Bellarine Bears Baseball Club junior program caters for players 4 to 14. For the younger players there is a Sunday morning Tee Ball competition. For the older players the Bellarine Bears enter Under 13 and Under 15 sides in the Geelong Baseball Association winter competition, with games played on Saturday mornings.Whilst providing a pathway for players to learn the game baseball, learning such skills as catching, throwing, hitting and running gives a player skills they can take onto other sports such as football, netball or cricket. Being a non-contact sport, baseball is generally considered to be a safe sport for juniors.From starting out at the Bellarine Bears Baseball Club players can try out to represent their district or state at various baseball carnivals held over the year.Going back 20 years, the Bellarine Bears boasted a strong junior program with 8 players going on to play for Victoria at state level. The Bellarine Bears have been building their junior program over recent years to get back to these levels.Over the last 3 years the club has been running a Rally Cap program for 4 to 9 year olds at Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre in Ocean Grove. The interest from the juniors has continually been building over the years so that in 2015 the Bellarine Bears will be running a Tee Ball competition on Sunday mornings, fielding a full Under 13 side and fielding an Under 15 side.TEE BALL:The Bellarine Bears Sunday morning Tee Ball competition caters for 4 to 9 year old boys and girls. The competition is run on Sunday mornings at Wallington Reserve in Wallington. The facilities available at Wallington Reserve for parents and siblings include a playground, canteen and heated

clubrooms. Tee Ball is played on a smaller scale diamond with, as the name suggests, players hitting a ball off a tee rather than it being pitched. The ball itself is rubber with baseball seams imprinted on it and fielders wear a baseball glove on their non-throwing hand. Helmets are worn by hitters and base runners. Batters use aluminium bats.The Bellarine Bears Sunday morning Tee Ball competition got underway late April, however new-comers are welcome to join at any stage of the season. Along with Tee Ball games there are skills sessions on Sunday mornings also.UNDER 13:The Bellarine Bears Under 13 side covers boys and girls aged 10 to 12. The Bellarine Bears side plays in the Geelong Baseball Association competition with all games held on Saturday mornings at Stead Park in Corio. Training is held at Wallington Reserve on Thursday nights.Games are played on a smaller scale diamond however with actual live pitching. Unlike senior baseball base runners do not take leads. Rules are modified to ensure regular changeovers of the hitting and fielding sides.The season got underway late April with newcomers welcome at any stage.UNDER 15:For boys and girls aged 12 to 14 there is Under 15 baseball. The Bellarine Bears side plays in the Geelong Baseball Association in a home and away competition, with games taking place on Saturday mornings. Training is held at Wallington Reserve on Thursday nights.Games are played on full size diamonds with base runners taking leads. There are some rule modifications to allow for competitive games and to protect pitchers from being overloaded at a young age.The season got underway late April with newcomers welcome at any stage.Interested in finding out more about the Bellarine Bears Baseball Club? Pay them a visit online at www.bellarinebears.org.au.Interested in playing junior baseball?Contact David Crotty on 0418 520 259.

Bellarine Bears Baseball Club

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RIPCURLPRO- BELLS BEACH -2015

The Rip Curl Pro, held at Bells Beach, is the longest running professional surfing contest in the world. Every Easter people of all ages flock down to Bells to enjoy the surfing. This year defending champion Mick Fanning won the Men’s contest for the fourth time and Carissa Moore won the Women’s contest. Kids enjoyed being out in the sunshine, splashing in the waves and chasing after their favourite surfers for photo opportunities.

MAY 2015

MUSIC ARTSThe biennial Christian College Production is always a highlight of the College year. The most recent production of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast was no exception.Over the weekend, 130 students from Years 5 to 12 presented a show that delighted and surprised their audience.The rigorous rehearsals, planning and commitment from the entire cast and crew came to fruition on opening night- Friday 24th April with a sell out audience enjoying two further shows on Saturday.The production featured a range of characters very familiar to many and is based on the classic movie. The audience witnessed the Beast, played by Alexander Jeantou (Year 12) and Belle, played by Casey Reid (Year 10) form a relationship regardless of the Beast’s hideous appearance. This heartwarming production is also about the power of not judging a book by its cover and the importance of those ideas. Perfect for all ages, the show celebrates family, perseverance, compassion and love which are values held highly at Christian College.Throughout the rehearsals, apart from the obvious singing, dancing and acting skills the students develop, they also learn about co-operation and teamwork, whether they are on the stage, in the wings or in the orchestra pit. As a result of this collaboration the College Community has enjoyed the forming of positive relationships and role modeling that in turn allows students to develop character and confidence.The students, families and College have a great sense of achievement and pride in the production and look forward to the next opportunity to share their talents with audiences in two more years.

Photos by: Phil Nitchie from Nitch Photography

MAY 2015 -

MUSIC ARTS My name is Jesse Leaman and I am 20 years old.I don’t know if I ever discovered that I “had” talent, I just got a real thrill out of certain things. I found that I enjoyed picking up a camera around the age of 13 and just started to make little films with the family. I didn’t really discover that it was my talent until late in my schooling, that I realised it was the future for me, as well as acting and music. I love all aspects of film making and acting and my favourite thing to do - my dream, my goal in life - is to be a director. It is what I am doing right now on my latest film “Lorne”, but to be considered a professional director in the world is what I want overall.Apart from being involved in film, I am also a musician and I play in a band using various instruments - guitar, keyboard - and/or vocals. Acting is another passion, I love acting, that is one thing I will always do forever alongside directing. I went to Bellarine Secondary College and I loved it. The arts was the best part, because the teachers that taught me media, drama and music were all passionate about it, it helped feed my drive. I can’t thank all my teachers enough for pushing me to be the best I could. I wouldn’t say Geelong has the best opportunities for me to use my talents, but in saying that it doesn’t stop me. I go out and make films, I have to get the ball rolling. It is hard to get support from Geelong because - to be honest - most people want something in return or can’t see the raw opportunity to make brilliant films here. But I’ll do it with or without the help of people, I don’t sit around waiting for people to get off their backside - I kick them out of the chair. There needs to be grants and a department in helping fund people doing genuinely exciting things in Geelong. The film I am currently making has a lot of potential to help get Geelong

out there and I would love to sit down with the mayor but cannot make contact with him. But to be brutally honest, and I’m not a jerk, Geelong has a lot of talk and no do.I would like “Film Geelong” to actually be a usable partnership, at the moment it’s out-dated and unsupported. In a town that has brilliant designers I don’t understand why we aren’t utilising them to design this town and its media. I do feel that Film Geelong is almost non-existing and if you asked film makers in Geelong if they use it for help I would think that 99% say no. I WOULD LOVE to see Film Geelong revamped and supported, I believe Geelong should be putting funding and grant opportunities there for people like me, instead of some other things we waste money on. Us film makers don’t ask for or need much, but a little bit of support goes a long way, a small grant helps make a good film, a brilliant film. I will make films until the day I die, I believe it is what I was born to do, and what I will do. I love it as much as I love my family. I wouldn’t lose either.My biggest influences would be film makers like myself that just went out there and started doing what they do. They didn’t go to university, they knew what they wanted and they took it. And I’m all about taking full advantage of the opportunities life gives you.I would love it if people could get involved and help support and fund our current crowd funding campaign. It’s really worth it, we have a Hollywood actor who has committed to acting in the short film. We can’t yet publicly mention his name but it’s going to be fantastic, we have a brilliant crew behind this! http://www.pozible.com/project/194456Kids Voice contacted COGG Media Department for a comment by the mayor, but unfortunately no response was received at the time of going to press.

MAY 2015

MAY 2015 -

1. Add baking soda, cornstarch, Epsom salt and citric acid to a large bowl and mix. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients to break up any chunks.

2. Add several drops of food coloring to the water in the spray bottle and slowly began spraying the dry mixture. The key is to lightly spray it, wetting it enough that the mixture formed a clump when squeezed but not so much that it lost its fizziness.

3. Add several drops of essential oil and thoroughly stirred the mixture. Then scooped the mixture into the silicone muffin liners and firmly pressed it down.

4. You can use whatever molds you have on hand – even cookie cutters on a baking pan or an ice cube tray would work well.

5. Leave the bombs out to dry overnight and then gently pop them out. Store them in an airtight container or package them up for that special someone who deserves a little extra R & R.

DIRECTIONS

1. Depending on how many colors you want to use, fill glasses with a 1/4 cup of milk in each.

2. Then take your food colorings and in each glass put 5 drops of food coloring in the milk and stir till color shows.

3. Use a small paint brush and dip the brush into the food coloring. Then take your piece of bread and paint a face or picture of choice on it.

4. Now place your bread into a toaster and wait till the bread is toasted.

METHOD

*PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN USING SHARP OR HOT OBJECTS. ACCORDING TO kidsafevic.com.au “THE HOME IS THE MOST COMMON LOCATION FOR CHILDHOOD INJURY. THEREFORE IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE MAKE OUR HOMES AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.”

BATH BOMBS RAINBOW TOAST

1 CUP BAKING SODA - 1/4 SEA SALT 3/4 CUP CORNFLOUR - 1/2 CUP LEMON JUICE - FOOD COLOR (COLOUR OF YOUR CHOICE & OPTIONAL) - ESSENTIAL OILS (YOUR CHOICE OF SCENT) - SPRAY BOTTLE - SOME KIND OF MOLD (SILICONE MOLDS, MUFFIN TIN LINED WITH SARAN WRAP, ICE CUBE TRAYS ETC.)

WHAT YOU NEED...

1 1/4 CUPS OF MILK - DIFFERENT COLOURS OF FOOD COLOURING - WHITE BREAD SLICES

CRAFTS COOKING

INGREDIENTS...

MAY 2015

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SLEEPY MAGICDanielle Wright - Feather Bound Publishing

This beautiful hardback book is perfect for children aged between 3 and 10. Sleepy Magic is a simple step-by-step night-time sleep ritual that combines meditation, affirmations, imagination, and an essential breathing technique. It calms your child, creating a loving and safe place for connection. It teaches them that the richness of life radiates from the inside out. Sleepy Magic will give you tools to help your kids become calm, connected and conscious children.

IN MORTAL DANGERLorraine Campbell - Palmer Higgs

A thrilling story of conflict, danger and passion, In Mortal Danger is the second book in the series and continues the story of Valentine de Vaillant (Valli) as life under the German Occupation becomes even more dangerous for those in the Resistance. For Valli, living under the same roof as the enemy, there is now an added danger. The more she comes to know Maximilian von Stahlmann, the harder it becomes to resist her growing feelings for him. When her dearest friend, Marguerite, is arrested, Valli faces her most perilous situation yet. Time is running out. In order to save her friend, she must risk everything. Be willing to do whatever it takes. Even if it means putting her own life in jeopardy. But for Valli, the price of freedom is never too high.

MEET BANJO PATERSONKristin Weidenbach - Randomhouse

A picture book series about the extraordinary men and women who have shaped Australia’s history, including the bush poet Banjo Paterson. Banjo Paterson is one of Australia’s most loved poets. This is the story of how he came to write his legendary ballads ‘The Man from Snowy River’ and ‘Waltzing Matilda’. From Ned Kelly to Saint Mary MacKillop; Captain Cook to Banjo Paterson, the Meet ... series of picture books tells the exciting stories of the men and women who have shaped Australia’s history.

SILVER SHOES 4:DANCE TILL YOU DROP

Samantha-Ellen Bound - RandomhousePaige’s mum wants her to be the best dancer ever. But what does Paige want? Paige has grown up dancing and takes almost every class at Silver Shoes. She loves her friends there but often feels pushed into dancing by her mum, who was once a dancer herself. Now, with a ballroom competition coming up and her waltz looking less than graceful, Paige’s confidence starts to crack. Dancing no longer seems like fun. Paige wants to make everyone happy, but before she knows it her best friend stops speaking to her, then Benji, her ballroom partner, walks out! Will Paige find the courage to speak up before she loses her friends and her love of dance forever?

TINY LOVE’S DOUBLESIDED CRIB TOY

Tiny Love’s Double Sided Crib Toy is the ultimate two in one product, by day acting as an educational, interactive toy and by night turning into a soother and night light. For newborn babies, simply attach the Double Sided Crib Toy to their cot for little ones to enjoy a range of soothing lullabies and soft twinkling lights. As baby grows, they might like to start playing with the other side which features a spinning lady bug, peekaboo games, a spinning rattle ball, playful sensory fabrics and a musical tapping pad.

CAPTAIN AMERICA STARLAUNCH SHIELD – MARVEL

The Captain America Star Launch Shield lets you be like the legendary first Avenger -- on your own Super Hero team. It looks just like the patriotic super soldier’s indestructible shield. But when you pull the rip cord, the shield launches disc from the star in the middle! Charge into battle like Captain America! Imagine you’re saving the world from evil plots and you pull the rip cord to unleash a flying star disc! Includes 1 shield and 2 discs. No batteries required.

PITCH PERFECT 2Pitch Perfect 2 is the follow-up to the 2012 smash hit. A

collegiate a cappella group called the Barden Bellas enter into an international competition that no American team has ever won before.

SPYSusan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is an unassuming,

deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency’s most dangerous missions. But when her partner (Jude Law) falls off the grid and another top agent (Jason Statham) is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster.

SPONSORED BYGEELONG

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MAY 2015

Ocean Grove Preschool will hold an open day on Thursday, May 7 from 2-3pm at 114 The Avenue.Interested parents are warmly invited to come along, meet the friendly staff, and see all that this progressive kindergarten has to offer.So much a part of the fabric of the Ocean Grove community that it is known simply by its address, “The Avenue” has nurtured the littlest learners in the district for over fifty years.Educator Lynn Davison said the preschool’s double rooms, extensive outdoor play area and kitchen garden - with its popular resident chickens - would all be set up on the day for children to explore.

“We hope that parents can bring their little ones along for a play and feel free to ask any questions they might have of our educators, and chat to some of our current mums and dads,” Mrs Davison said.She said the preschool had worked hard to achieve and maintain an extremely high standard of play-based early learning. The centre was judged as “exceeding” in six out of seven areas of the National Quality Framework. Thanks, in no small part, to the leadership of former Educational leader Sue Trickey, who recently retired after twenty years.“We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and experienced team of staff,” Mrs Davison said. “We pride

ourselves on putting the children first and helping them to develop confidence and independence.”Ocean Grove Preschool will begin further improvements over the next year with in excess of $50,000 of accumulated funds to be spent on upgrading the grounds and garden. Enrolments can be accepted from the child’s second birthday and enrolment forms will be available on the day.For further information contact the Ocean Grove Preschool on 5255 1940 or visit oceangrovepreschool.com.au

OPEN DAY at Ocean Grove Preschool

Local Leopold dance school DANCENFORCE School of Dance is joining forces with a number of dance schools throughout Australia in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Dance Class. But you don’t need to be a DANCENFORCE student to participate! DANCENFORCE are merely the hosts of this event and registrations are open to anyone who wishes to participate. The class will take place in the LINC (Leopold Indoor Neighbourhood Centre) on the 23rd of May, and will include a variety of fun, well known dances such as the Nutbush, Bus Stop, and the Macarena simultaneously streaming live over the internet with the various host schools throughout the country.

As this is an Official Guinness World Record attempt, if successful every participant will not only receive an official participation certificate, but will furthermore be acknowledged on the record. But if that’s not enough to entice you to register, a variety of other activities and entertainment will also be available such as Dazzling Dan The Magic Man, a jumping castle, face painting and a ballerina and Me Colouring Competition to name a few,

For more information, contactDANCENFORCE School of Dance.

Email: [email protected]: 0478 522 031

Facebook: Dancenforce School of Dance

Ever wanted to break a Guinness World Record?THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!

MAY 2015 -

17 APRIL – 3 MAYANZAC Centenary Projection ProgramANZAC Centenary Projection Program, City Hall, 30 Gheringhap Street, Geelong. To commemorate the centenary of ANZAC, a new projections show will be shown on City Hall at 6pm, every night. This includes an ANZAC Centenary RSL Flame ceremony.City Hall - 30 Gheringhap Street, GeelongCost: Free1 MAY – 12 JUNEAfrican Drumming Classes, Grovedale Memorial Hall, 2a Reserve Road, Grovedale. African drumming is fun, energising and inspirational to all people regardless of their cultural background or abilities.Playing the Djembe improves co-ordination and motor skills. It requires concentration and focus to learn the different drum beats. African drumming encourages creativity and self-expression. Drumming circles assist in reassuring individuals of their own abilities and talents Every Friday.Costs involved.3 MAYBellbrae Primary School May Fair, Bellbrae Primary School.Fun-filled day with great food, entertainment, stalls & music. 10am-3pm.1-3 MAYFly Away Peter – A festival of music in Geelong’s churchesThere will be 8 concerts over 3 days from 1 May to 3 May, including world premier performances of 3 works by Australian composers.See www.musicatthebasilica.org.au for dates, times and venuesCost: Gold Pass (8 concerts) $95; Silver Pass (6 concerts) $75; Red Pass (4 concerts) $50; Single concerts $16Full details are available fromwww.musicatthebasilica.org.auContact: Jane on [email protected] or 0447 238 4322 MAYWell Being and Inner Peace FestivalWell Being Practitioners, Psychic, Tarot, Angel Cards, Palmistry, & Face Reading Stalls: Psychic Art, Candles, Cards, Crystals, Jewellery, CDs & more Lectures, Workshops & Demos: Dance, Laughter Therapy, Meditation, Mediumship, African Drumming, & Chi Kung (Qigong) and moreGrovedale Community Hub - 45 Heyers Road, GrovedaleCost: $5 Concession: Gold Coin donationContact: Claire Martyn-Julian on [email protected] or 035223961

4 – 25 MAYPositive Parenting Program, Ariston House, 245-249 Pakington St, Newtown. There is no one right way to be a parent; but Triple P offers information, support and practical answers to everyday parenting concerns.Triple P promotes good communication and strong positive parent/child relationships. It provides a positive approach to parenting and helps parents promote their children’s development and manage their behaviour in a constructive and caring way. The program is open to parents of children aged 2-5 years. Every Monday 4th - 25th May, 7-9pm. Costs

6-29 MAYKaringal KarnivARTKaringallery, 4 James Street, Geelong.KarnivART is a unique art exhibition featuring high quality works of art created by artists with a disability or a mental illness. The exhibition is open to artists over the age of 18 who live in the Geelong, Barwon-South West and Southern Metropolitan Regions of Victoria and identify as having a disability or history of mental illness. The event is proudly sponsored by Technology One and City of Greater Geelong. Each entrant in the exhibition will vie for the KarnivART prize which includes: first, second and third prize. As well as Year of the Light Prize and Technology One Prize. 10-3pm Weekdays

7 MAYOcean Grove Preschool Open Day, 114 The Avenue, Ocean Grove. Interested parents are warmly invited to come along, meet the friendly staff, and see all that this progressive kindergarten has to offer. Enrolments can be accepted from the child’s second birthday and enrolment forms will be available on the day. For further information contact the Ocean Grove Preschool on 5255 1940 or visit oceangrovepreschool.com.au 2 – 3pm

8 MAYGeelong After Dark, various locations in Central Geelong. Geelong After Dark is a night of discovery, of short, sharp and edgy art - be surprised as spaces by day transform at night into something exciting, unexpected - and very much alive. Discover Central Geelong as you’ve never seen it before! Pop-up performances, art installations and happenings through the heart of the city. 6-10pm. Free

10 MAYMother’s Day Classic, Eastern Beach Reserve, Geelong. The Mother’s Day Classic is an annual fun run and walk

(4km/8km) raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Our aim is to deliver a fun, healthy and inspirational community event that brings the community together on Mother’s Day to support and remember those touched by breast cancer.

14 MAYThe Shuffle Show – 1000 songs in 1 hourEverything from The Beatles to Beyoncé, The Shuffle Show has something for everyone...except fans of One Direction.Fresh from hit seasons at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Sydney Fringe & Melbourne Fringe, musical comedians Elena Gabrielle and Grant Busé come together again to showcase their instrumental skills, powerful chops and daggy dancing in “The Shuffle Show’. Drawing inspiration from your favourite and most embarrassing iTunes playlists, Gabrielle and Busé take the audience on an epic musical adventure.Gin & Co Geelong30 Aberdeen St, GeelongCost: $25Contact: Ally on [email protected] or 0412921975

16-17 MAYGreat Ocean Road Marathon, 176 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.Australia’s iconic Great Ocean Road is home to one of the world’s most visually spectacular runs, the Great Ocean Road Marathon. With panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and national forest this challenging run will attract participants from across Australia and around the world. Challenge yourself across a range of distances, from one and a half kilometres through to 45 kilometres.

17 MAYOpen Day for Volunteer Week, Bottom end of Swinburne Street, St Helens Boat Ramp, North Geelong. We are holding a joint open day with the Coast Guard Geelong, CFA and other emergency services to promote Volunteering and the different way you can volunteer. We will have a sausage sizzle and coffee van, displays and giveaways. Free

21 MAY“A Skull in Connemara” by Martin McDonagh, 16 Price Street, Torquay. “A Skull in Connemara” tells the story of Mic Dowd, gravedigger, who, every autumn has to disinter the bones of a section of the graveyard to make way for new arrivals. The play opens when Mick is just about to dig up the bones of his wife Oona, who died as the result of a ‘drink driving’accident seven years earlier with Mick at the wheel - or did she?? McDonagh has crafted a black, shaggy-dog of a play that is at turns laugh-out-loud funny, shocking and emotionally affecting - in other words; a must see!Costs

29 MAYHighton Rotary Star Search, McAuley Hall - Sacred Heart College, Aphgrasia Street, Newtown. Highton Rotary Star Search is a not for profit community event which aims to provide an opportunity for vocal and instrumental performers from Geelong and surrounds to audition and perform for an audience of 320 people in a Finals performance. Prizes are awarded in different categories to assist performers in their future musical pathways.7.30 - 10pm. Costs

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