A Memoir of Maternity Activism

Title: What does it feel like being born?

Author: Jodie Miller

Publisher: Shawline

Publishing

Price: $22.95

By Samantha Elley

Jodie and her husband have travelled and enjoyed a married life without children, but now she is pushing 30 and despite her resistance, he puts his foot down declaring it’s time to have a family.

us begins the rollercoaster ride that is parenthood. For Jodie, however, her experiences are quite unique from the norm in 1999 as she has access to the only public Birth Centre in South East Queensland. It is one of two in the whole state.

Her rst child’s birth becomes an experience she never forgets and Jodie becomes an advocate for birth reform. She continues to grow her family, but also takes on the role of supporting others through similar birth experiences.

It is a time and era for a shake up in the business of having babies and Jodie is on the front line, highlighting the need for choice for women. Where onethird of all births are performed by caesarean and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is as high as 10%, midwives and mothers wanting more natural births know they need to ght.

But they have a ght on their hands.

Jodie Miller writes with an easy owing style, allowing the reader to share her birth and parenting experiences, along with the joys and disappointments of ghting for women to choose how their children will be born in the world of maternity activism.

She lives with her husband and family on Brisbane’s rural outskirts.

You can order the book through amazon.com.au

The project, “NatureBased Solutions: Building Flood Resilience in Lismore Catchment”, marks the initial phase of a longterm initiative dedicated to protecting the Lismore Catchment against the consequences of natural disasters, with a primary focus on reducing the risk and impact of foods.

Shaun Eastment, Chair of Richmond Landcare, expressed immense gratitude for the support received from the Disaster Ready Fund, which enables signifcant progress in food resilience and paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for the Lismore community.

Over the course of three years, the project will foster extensive collaborative partnerships, bringing together traditional owners, rural landholders, researchers, bush re-generators, government agencies, and the community at large. This collective effort aims to bridge gaps in our understanding and lay the foundation for implementing these approaches on a larger scale.

By harnessing naturebased solutions for food mitigation, the project seeks to restore the foodplains for future generations while safeguarding the social, cultural, ecological, and agricultural assets in the area.

According to local advocate and Landcare volunteer, Jeremy Stewart, “Slowing water down as it travels through the catchment above Lismore will lower the food peaks as less water will arrive in Lismore at once.

“Investing in revegetation is not only a cost-effective and effcient option but also provides a multitude of environmental benefts that positively impact the common good, even in non-food conditions.

“This marks a historic moment, as it is the frst time in Lismore’s food mitigation history that investment in catchment health is being linked to an investment in food resilience.” Mr Stewart said.

By actively involving and empowering the community, the project seeks to build long-term resilience, strengthen local ecosystems, and foster a deep appreciation for the natural environment.

Janelle Saffn, State Member for

Lismore, expressed satisfaction with the NSW Government’s decision to support this project, recognizing Richmond Landcare’s reputable track record in riparian restoration with landholders and farmers. “Richmond Landcare is the ideal organisation to continue that work but at scale, which will help build food resilience in our catchment”.

Richmond Landcare is enthusiastic about commencing this crucial project and eagerly anticipates working closely with the Lismore community, local authorities, and other partners to achieve shared objectives and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Nature-based Solutions: Building Flood Resilience in Lismore Catchment is funded by the Australian Government Disaster Ready Fund, Round 1.

The wait is over as the Gold Coast’s longest running painting prize, The Doyles Art Award and Exhibition, offcially opens at Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall, offering the perfect opportunity to purchase original art.

Running until 25 June and featuring over 300 works on display with a prize pool of $30,000 across several categories, The Doyles is considered a signifcant award in the art calendar and event in the community.

Event Director Gillian Grove says the exhibition showcases some unique talents while providing an opportunity for art enthusiasts and the local community to discover original art from new and established artists.

“The Doyles creates a remarkable and limited occasion for people to directly connect with talented artists and acquire original artworks that are truly captivating,” says Ms Grove. art that holds personal meaning and beauty.”

Ms Grove says the awards showcases artworks from emerging and established artists,