Bella magazine (issue 2) 2016 april (low res) by McPherson Media Group

Edition 2 – April 2016

HAIR: DOES MY BUN LOOK BIG? STEPH RYAN: OUR MS MP Riverine

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Contents Issue 2, April 2016

ON THE COVER 10 If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen Echuca’s Steph Ryan is the deputy leader of her political party. She tells all about mixing politics, love and all that other stuff.

13 Jess Pearse — crazy like a fox

Jess Pearse shares what it’s like to be behind the wheel of 99 Psycho Clowns.

43 Does by bun look big in this?

An easy six step guide to create a Bridgette Bardot bun.

INSIDE 7 Welcome 9

We only want the impossible please

Remarkable life makes for a remarkable read

Yvonne turns on her race face

The gift of memories

Take flight from those flights of fancy

You have to help do something now. Period

Caught up at Junction

Dumped, damaged and daring to get on with life

I want a quick word about what you think you need

Jess can help turn anyone’s head

The seductive story of certain salts

Gearing up to be Captain Everything

Here’s a new world of candles that take the cake

The garden that Nancye grew

If you think your clock’s ticking, try this timing

Bella advertising executive Carly Richardson carly.richardson@riverineherald.com.au 5483 0535

Want more Bella? facebook.com/bellamagazineechuca Instagram — @bellamagazineechuca

Photography: Sitthixay Ditthavong Editorial design: Brendan Cain Advertising design: Brendan Cain, Bella Considine, Alysha Bathman and Steph Bell COVER: Makeup: Moama’s Bodyline Beauty owner Michelle Pumpa. Hair: Echuca freelance hair stylist Eva Baker. Model: Echuca’s Chelsea Leslie. Post production: Tanya Pymer

UPSIDE DOWN FUN FOR THE LITTLE ONES OF ECHUCA MOAMA Cnr Echuca and Martin Streets, Moama NSW 2731 Contact: palmerstumbletots@gmail.com | Mobile: 0428 990 819 Website: palmersgym.com.au tumble tots echuca

eisforemma

Tyla Harrington and Carly Richardson.

Welcome to U

bella

NLESS BLUE IS your best colour you can stop holding your breath.

But we also set a high bar for issue number two.

Because the next issue of Bella is here — hot on the heels of its successful debut in February.

Fortunately for our readers, I am pretty sure we have found some great stories to tell, some great personalities to introduce to you.

A time when our team were patting ourselves on the back because we had delivered on the promises we made. Our February issue was everything we planned, we hope it was everything you expected. It celebrated the women of the twin towns and started a conversation that hadn’t been heard before. Feedback has been positive and although there will be improvements made in every issue, we were genuinely delighted with what we heard.

he first issue of Bella had barely hit the shelf before number two was well underway for everyone here at The Riv — and what an exciting time it has been. Talking to everyone who has come on board as an advertiser, hearing how much they love their ads and the response they are getting is exactly what I wanted to hear because it tells me in Bella we have created something special for Echuca-Moama. I loved having Michelle at Bodyline Beauty,

From women who have gone into politics to women who have gone droving, across the Nullarbor and up north. In this issue we talk to Echuca’s political prodigy, Steph Ryan and look into the hi-octane life of Jess Pearse — the hotshot behind the wheel of 99 Psycho Clowns. Plus we sat down with a successful local author, a woman ready to take on the sporting world — and still found time to get you a six-step hair tutorial.

There’s plenty of outstanding photos, and even more content, all inside this bigger, better 72-page magazine. And yes, it does get better, there’s still another four issues — and that’s just 2016. Here’s where it gets really good. Each time I can promise you Bella will get better. More local women will be celebrated, more stories will be told, more photos will fill our pages. For now though, sit back and enjoy this one. Then, I guess, it’s back to holding your breath until June.

And take a step into our first salt cave.

Tyla Harrington Bella editor

along with Eva at Eva Baker Wedding Stylist, involved in our April cover shoot, it truly showcases our amazing local talent.

businesses Lynda at Travel Counsellors, Lisa at I Want I Need and Mike at Rich River Health Group.

In this month’s issue you will find an Echuca Cup fashion page which I have put together using local businesses involved in Bella, along with a Mother’s Day gift idea page which will show you 30 ideas under $30 you can purchase locally.

If you would like to get your business involved in Bella, and be a part of our exciting journey, please email me at carly.richardson@riverineherald.com.au to find out more.

In our April issue I would also like to give a special mention to our highlighted

Carly Richardson Bella advertising executive

Enjoy our April issue, I’ll see you in June.

Capturing natural memories, that speak with emotion

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Bella model Chelsea Leslie.

We only want the impossible please “We’re going to do a hair shoot. It should look different from the last cover, with a greater emphasis on colour.”

I ACKNOWLEDGED THESE instructions with a smile and a nod, as a knot the size of a softball started to form in my stomach. You see, I hate to disappoint my editors, but I knew instinctively that I was suddenly out of my comfort zone and that we didn’t have the resources readily at hand to pull it off. I much prefer location shooting, as I get a kick out of incorporating existing environmental cues into my composition. But a hair shoot is stripped of all that, it starts with an empty canvas, and everything needs to be brought into the shot. To make bare images like this work, one needs to pay meticulous attention to every aspect of the image — Am

I the optimum distance from the subject? Is the eye drawn to the most important part of the frame? Are the highlights bright enough without being distracting? Tough to do when we don’t have a studio.

said to the team “we’re done.” And we pretty much were. When I look at this picture, I love how luminous Chelsea looks, and how her rockabilly hair brings to mind the colours and curves of a nautilus shell. Unusual, yet elegant and beautiful.

I needn’t have worried. Bella editor and stylist Tyla Harrington assembled an A-Team for the shoot — Michelle Pumpa from Bodyline Beauty Moama, Echuca freelance hairstylist Eva Baker, and the ever engaging Chelsea Leslie. So much of this result is attributable to their professional work.

Sometimes it all just comes together. It’s thrilling to face the unknown, the untested, and come out on top. A result made all the sweeter by being able to share the credit with a great team.

With all this preparation, I made my first picture, and turned around and jokingly

Sitthixay Ditthavong Bella chief photographer

If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen No problem says this political prodigy Echuca’s Steph Ryan has hit state politics like a tornado. Still in her 20s she is not just a first-term member but deputy leader of her party and her star is still in the ascendency. She took time out from her hectic schedule to tell Bella about mixing politics, love and all that other stuff.

T WASN’T UNTIL she took her seat in the Victorian Legislative Assembly and cast her eyes around the green leather seats that Steph Ryan suddenly realised she was an endangered species.

off the farm, there is no getting the farm out of the girl.

rooms.

dairy was for every 10 farms there used to be, there is now only one, and you can see that across the whole valley.”

“Traditionally men have had the luxury of wives at home who do everything so they could focus on their work,” she said.

Steph said she hoped if nothing else what she is doing will also be a demonstration to young women they can have a voice, that they can be part of the decision-making process.

“I grew up where the chain of labour was very specific but let me be honest; I’m not at the point where I will have kids, although I have to say the women who do both amaze me.

But once she got past that initial hurdle things have gone ahead in leaps and bounds even though the lapsed Catholic politician is marrying the son of an Anglican bishop (who once also stood as a Labor candidate for the seat of Berwick — the bishop, not the boy).

“While I was at the Riv, and after that when I joined Paul Weller’s office as an adviser, I could see firsthand the damage drought For the first time in her life she noticed she was causing and the widespread negative was a rare skirt in a sea of dark suits. impact of the Murray-Darling Basin plan,” “Simon is out of politics now and taken a Steph said. In the 88-seat Assembly only 33 are position with Mushroom Records where he women — and that’s up six from the previ- “But the game changer for me was the Labor runs a record label and manages a band ous parliament. decision to unbundle water rights from the on the side — and I am very lucky that he land. It was wrong and it was the foundaA gender imbalance so out of kilter as to supports the opportunities I have,” she said. tion of my own political career,” she said. present her first challenge as the newly “Also, he is a much better cook than I am.” elected member for Euroa. “I was so frustrated myself by the inability of But Steph pulls no punches. Encourage more women to go into politics, people to see how wrong this would prove She said the issue for women in politics is not as backroom advisers but at the front- to be — and now they are. line — on the ballot papers and in the party “My father says around Wyuna where our “we really need wives”. This 20-something (until June anyway) sat in her seat as a Nationals MP, the party considered the most conservative Australian politics. Before the November 2014 election the National had 12 state members — and just one woman. Now it has 10 members — and three women. Steph, the girl from Echuca, was not only on the rookie list, she was seen as a talent so bright she was elected deputy leader of the parliamentary party. She did her schooling at River City Christian College and St Josephs and her first job was at Book City in Hare St. Before joining the Riverine Herald as a cadet journalist — her first full-time role. For any interested constituents she is prepared to come clean about the story of her first attendance at the McPherson Media Group awards night and a bus trip from Shepparton back to Echuca. Not in print though, or on the record. You’ll have to ask for the colourful details face to face. And while you might be able to get the girl

“And that’s absolutely why young women could, and should, come here — and be in national politics too. “We don’t need just the over 50s, we need a variety of ages and genders so we have a variety of views and experience.” Steph has been on a career fast-track since the day she started work but her personal life might be about to throw a spanner in the works. Because our rising star married — to Simon Huggins.

getting

And she has found that a much harder job than anything else she has tried her hand at. First it took her more than three years to get him to go out with her. “Simon felt as we both worked for the Department of the Premier it would be inappropriate,” Steph said.

“Tanya Plibersek and Kelly O’Dwyer show you it can be done — and I do think it can be done, just not this year.” Right now Steph is more focused on the battle of a minority party in an opposition coalition and her own desire to see more women in politics rather than planning a family. “I have never felt as if I have struggled because I am a woman, you hear the stories and I believe them, but I have never experienced any problems. “I’ve only ever actually felt a great deal of support, and Peter Walsh, the Member for Murray Plains and our party leader, has worked hard to address the gender imbalance in our party. “It has been his drive that has lifted us from one woman in 12 to three in 10 and there is more to come.” So watch this space. n

“

I HAVE NEVER FELT AS IF I HAVE STRUGGLED BECAUSE I AM A WOMAN, YOU HEAR THE STORIES AND I BELIEVE THEM, BUT I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS.

”

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Jess Pearse — crazy like a fox The team might be known as Psycho Clowns but as Bella editor TYLA HARRINGTON discovered, when you get to know the hotshot behind the wheel of this hi-octane rush you realise she is anything but. >>>

>>>

ESS PEARSE HAS done pretty well in the roll of the genetic dice.

Flawless skin, stunning blonde hair streaming down her back — and which has never even seen a bottle of hair colour let alone been chemically tainted. All of that squeezed into her urban camouflage suit completes a killer package. Until you see the eyes. They are focused, unwavering and are the true window to the steely determination which drives this 27-year-old to be a very successful woman in a very male world. And right now she’s doing pretty damn well — in the driving seat of cult racer 99 Psycho Clowns. The boat and its crew might have rock star status in the skiing world but only winners are grinners and Jess, more than anything, wants to be a winner.

Like all pioneers she is blazing a broad trail for others to follow — but racing is not where she ever thinks about rolling the dice. As the recent Southern 80 showed all too clearly, the driver has four lives in their hands as soon as they gun the massive engines; hurling the small boats and their two skiers up the river. In February Jess became the first woman to drive Superclass in the S80 so she knew as well as trying to pass everyone in front of her she had to take care of the two lives behind her and the one sitting to her immediate right. Knowing every move she made required two decisions — the fastest way into, and out of, corner and bends and the best way to ensure everyone came through those moves in one piece. Mistakes at 200 km/h turn the Murray into concrete and a boat into a hi-octane missile.

“

GIRLS, WHEN IT COMES TO REACHING FOR YOUR DREAMS THERE’S NOTHING THAT CAN HOLD US BACK — WE’RE JUST AS GOOD AS THE BOYS.

”

So there is no margin for even the slightest error. This is the reality for anyone who steps into the driver’s seat and there are few women who have tried it. Jess was a first the moment she sat in the driver’s seat, then another first when she stood on the podium. But none of it was enough. Jess wants to stand with her crew on top of the podium. “I wouldn’t have been able to do any of that without my (99 Psycho Clowns) team,” Jess said. “It was my first time racing in the Superclass category. I felt honoured.” All in all it was a massive step forward for women in the sport. The self-deprecating Jess won’t say it but secretly she knows it. “I do want people to know that if you have a dream you can achieve it,” Jess said. “In my case, the sport is very expensive and you do have to have the equipment and team, so not everyone can do it. “We don’t have many female drivers in our sport at the moment which is a shame. “But girls, when it comes to reaching for your dreams there’s nothing that can hold us back — we’re just as good as the boys.” And Jess (a beauty therapist by trade) is proving just as good as the boys — and better than quite a few of them. But good looks don’t cut it on the water — that takes a lot of hard work and a lot of long hours. In her case it can be traced back 14 years to when she stood up on her first ski.

Lunch

“Family friends were involved in the sport which eventually saw my sister (Laura) and I give it a go,” Jess said. “I had the bug for some time (which included an Australian title when she was 19), then I observed a bit before starting to drive about three years ago. “How it came about was we had been drinking at a pub in Europe. Our team had just finished a race in Belgium and we needed a driver. “I said ‘I’ll do it’ but I didn’t think he would let me. So I started practicing.” And so a splash of hot pink was introduced to the already psychedelic 99 Psycho Clowns boat. Before long Jess was outperforming the boat’s owner Daniel McMahon, who also happens to be her boyfriend (and the designer of the urban camouflage outfit used this year). Which meant the steering wheel became hers. “It is a big responsibility,” Jess admitted. “I’m looking for ripples in the water and making sure I don’t put the skiers in a situation where they are likely to come off — with this race it’s more about consistency. “I try to drive smoothly; it’s not so much about speed for me. “It’s very different to driving a car and there’s a lot to learn.” By her own admission Jess is still learning. And while the Southern 80 might be a year away Jess is already looking at the next competition. The next finish line. The next podium. And that first place. n

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David and Fleur Ferris at their Bunnaloo family property.

Remarkable life makes for a remarkable read Bella editor TYLA HARRINGTON has a few words with Fleur Ferris, the Bunnaloo farmer and mother who is stamping her mark in the colourful world of young adult writing.

HEN BUNNALOO AUTHOR Fleur Ferris writes a novel it’s hardly spur of the moment stuff.

But all this only happens when her three young children are at school or if they have been put to bed.

The plot has been bubbling away in the back of her mind for years.

Because above all else they come first.

Sometimes even decades. To her the characters have become real people. She knows them sometimes better than she knows herself. She hasn’t been cursed with writer’s block (yet) but when she does encounter a plot problem she might often dream a solution. Fleur walks around with a notepad in her handbag, in case she stumbles upon an idea she must jot down. Mostly, however, it’s all stored in her head, waiting for that moment when she gets in front of the keyboard, losing herself in the world she has created.

Plus there’s her husband David and their rice farm. Still, with her first novel Risk being read in schools on the other side of the world, and in schools across Australia, including in Echuca and Moama, and her next novel Black to be released in July, she’s not doing too badly. “I have most of it in my head before I sit down at the keyboard,” Fleur said. “I have the key points.

combination of people I have come across in my life. “However these characters do become real to me. “I know their history, I know what they like and don’t like, I know everything about them. “I live and breathe all of them. “Obviously I can’t let them consume me because I have children to juggle as well.” But when her children are asleep Fleur steps through a mind portal into another world, one she has created and one only she can see.

“It looks a bit like a movie in my head — all these different parts — and them I join them together.

“Weirdly enough when I’m in the writing mindset I don’t get tired so I can stay awake quite late writing.”

“My characters are never based on a real person but I do believe they are a

Writing ideas she’s been given while driving or snow skiing or just being around the farm.

>>>

>>> Of course Fleur’s interesting life has played a large part in her writing career. She was born in Patchewollock, north-west Victoria, where she spent the first 17 years of her life. Then she moved 20 times in 20 years. “I started a teaching degree at Vic Uni but dropped out,” she said. “It just wasn’t for me. “After that I decided I was interested in the police force so I joined that. “I worked as a swim teacher, sales assistant at Myer, waitressing, a cleaner and a few other things before I joined the police academy. “Traffic duty was my first round in the city. “I wasn’t used to people looking at me and we were in Flinders St so it was all a bit daunting. “I was worried I would cause an accident but I didn’t so that was a relief.” After that things started to get more serious. Fleur explained she had to deal with a lot of trauma, and the tragedy of accidents she attended, like her stories, are locked away in her mind. She said she was able to deal with it all because she felt removed from the trauma, she wasn’t the one directly impacted. Fleur was with the police for six years before she became a paramedic — which took up the next 10 years. During her time at the police academy she worked in the missing persons, child abuse and sexual crimes units. “I got to a point where I just thought the police force wasn’t for me,” Fleur said. “I had just got my stripes and became a senior constable.” So she travelled the country for a year before she became a paramedic. “I ended up in Mount Gambier, South Australia, and there was a job going for a casual ambulance officer. “I had run out of money so I decided to apply.” This incredibly diverse background — you could write a book about it — gave her the material she needed to realise she actually did have stories to tell. Fleur had already been published, a short story when she was 25, called Desperate

Measure in Woman’s Day magazine.

Random House, however, requested to see

Then she decided to try her hand at writing novels.

more. And so Fleur started writing Risk.

“Novel number four was good but I recog- “I had it completed in 35 days,” she said. nised I could make it better,” Fleur said. “I still didn’t know if it was the one. “So it wasn’t until novel number five that I got the courage to enter it into a writer’s “Before I was too involved in the story but the words came out so easily on the page.” competition in the UK, which was based online. In her novel Risk two best friends explore “And I won it so I was given the opportunity to meet with an agent, Tara Wynne.

the online world of dating.

“She asked to read a few manuscripts.”

things start to go horribly wrong.

But one goes to meet the stranger and

In 2012 she made the move to Bunnaloo, where she lives with David, Zoe, 9, Tia, 7, and Eve, 6.

In 2013 Risk was offered.

That same year Fleur’s novel Jolted was sent out to five publishers and rejected by four, under the grounds one piece of writing had missed the mark.

Then she started writing Black, which tells

Meanwhile Jolted is on the cards for 2017. the story of Ebony Marshall, who is in her final year of high school, and who lives in a town she believes is cursed.

“

I ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GREAT FRIENDS WHO GAVE ME ADVICE WHEN I NEEDED IT.

”

“They thought Black was stronger so Jolted got pushed back,” Fleur said. “I do think Black is the strongest so far.

In-house Roasted Coffee

“I had Black in my head for two or three years. “But the first idea started for it 20 years ago.” Between that Fleur also published a children’s story called Bunnaloo Hullabaloo. Fleur says she has been influenced by American crime writer Patricia Cornwell, American author Dean Koontz, Australian young adult fiction writer Rebecca James, Australian author Vikki Wakefield and Australian writer Rachael Craw — among a cavalcade of others.

All Day Breakfast

“I research my ideas but it also comes from experience,” she said. “I also have a lot of great friends who gave me advice when I needed it.

Lunch from 11.30am

“I was always quite good at writing. “I also kept journals from when I was eight.” So what’s Fleur’s advice to someone dreaming of becoming an author? “Don’t be scared to write a bad book,” she said.

Open 7 Days

“Because if you are, you will never finish it. “I have two more books up my sleeve and if I thought like that they’d never be written.” She’s referring to Risk as well. The book that has taken the world by storm — appearing on Neighbours and being read in countries across the world. And it’s no wonder. Fleur’s writing is compelling and real. Everything she writes about in Risk could be happening across Australia. Children could be steps away from making the terrifying mistake of meeting an online stranger. Children could be — as tragic as it is — just one click away from death. And when all has been said and done, even if one young person can read her book and think differently about what they do online, then that’s enough.

Ph: 5480 3113 433 High St, Echuca

Because she’s made a difference. A significant one. And book sales aside, that’s a pretty significant achievement. n

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Yvonne turns on her race face

ATER HAS ALWAYS been a large part of Yvonne Stansfield’s life.

A keen swimmer in her early years she eventually swapped to kayaking. Now though her passion has been reignited by outrigger paddling — and boy has it consumed her. A fiercely competitive, Yvonne will be heading off to represent her country and club at the Women’s Outrigger World Championships at Mooloolaba in May (in the Senior Masters Division for 50–60 year olds) as an individual and in a team of six. “Once I hit the water people say I have a race face,” Yvonne laughed. “The old girls, or masters; is also one of the most competitive age groups and it really motivates you to succeed,” she said. “The heats and finals are always very competitive and taken very seriously by all. “You have to concentrate on what you do and be oblivious to everything else going on around you.” Hard work and dedication to her sport is what has helped Yvonne succeed, and in the lead up to the championships she will be hitting the training track fairly hard which will include around nine hours of paddling a week plus the odd swim. Many of those she will compete against also hit the gym but Yvonne will add another 12 hours a week ‘exercising’ in the dairy. “I milk cows 2–3 days a week and I have found it is one of the best things I can do for my core strength,” she said. In an increasingly sedentary society, Yvonne in her outrigger is an outstanding example of what women could be doing and said it was pretty easy to get up in the morning and train, when you have one of the best rivers in the country running through your home town.

“It is beautiful when the sun comes up out on the water on those early mornings, although as the weather turns and it gets cold and dark it can be hard to get out of bed. “Physical fitness is so important because these days all people seem to have is fit thumbs from texting all the time.” Outrigging has been an exciting ride for more than fitness; Yvonne has also travelled to “many new places and experienced many new things” with the sport.

“

YOU HAVE TO CONCENTRATE ON WHAT YOU DO AND BE OBLIVIOUS TO EVERYTHING ELSE GOING ON AROUND YOU.

”

“It is such a great sport, the people you meet and the places you go — it is a respectful sport and a great community,” she added. “Our local club is fantastic and while we are only small in terms of numbers compared to other clubs, we are punching well above our weight. “We have three juniors and four seniors heading to the championships this year.” n

Fashion is what you buy… Style is what you do with it… Book your appointment with Sari today for all the latest fashion from the comfort of her beautiful home based boutique. Sari Batson p: 0429 856 841 e: sari.batson@hotmail.com f: www.facebook.com/pinkzebraboutiqueechuca

The gift of memories Heartfelt is a lifetime away from photographing weddings and family celebrations. It is a volunteer group which deals with the most intimate, tragic and utterly heart-breaking moments. SOPHIE BALDWIN speaks to one of its members.

talked about these days, which is a good thing.”

The focus, she said, has to be on Heartfelt, the volunteer organisation with which she is involved.

Mel has travelled to Shepparton, Bendigo and Swan Hill for sessions and she said the organisation always manages to find a photographer.

HOTOGRAPHER MEL CARMICHAEL has a deeply moving story to tell — but insists she is only a bit player in the drama.

But as much as she wants to stand in the “Most of the hospitals are aware of us now wings, it takes a lot of courage and compas- and I don’t think we have ever let someone sion to do what Mel does, over and over miss out, one of us always manages to get again. there. Heartfelt is an Australian charity dedicated to giving the gift of photographic memories to families who have experienced stillbirths, premature births, or have children with serious and terminal illnesses.

And we have formed our own support network amongst ourselves and that is great for us too.” Heartfelt can be contacted on 1800 583 768. n

Mel has been involved with the organisation for the past three years and for her it is a privilege and an honour. “I have suffered through my own losses with babies and I feel my involvement in Heartfelt is a way of giving back to others, in fact I would think most of the volunteers involved have dealt with some sort of loss in their life,” Mel said. “While it is one of the hardest things I have to do, it is also one of the most rewarding. It is a privilege to be invited into someone else’s world during their toughest time — words can’t really describe it. “The families are often going through hell but it is nice for them to be able to look back, when the time is right, and have something to see and to remember.” Ever the professional, Mel carries out her role as quickly and efficiently as she can, but it is not until she sits in the car afterward that her own tears start to flow. “I try not to say too much, or take too long, but you have to be sensitive at the same time. “One of the last sessions I photographed, there was a lot of family in the room and so, so much love. “I was grateful to be there.” More than 120 families a month take advantage of the service, a figure that really surprised even Mel. “Stillborn and infant death used to be a taboo subject, but it is becoming more

Mel Carmichael

Take flight from those flights of fancy Good counsel plays a pivotal role in most of life’s big decisions — and in most lives there’s not much bigger than that trip of a lifetime and how to make the most of your very finite dollar to maximise the memories.

OW MANY TIMES have your thoughts hit the road — while your corporeal self remained firmly stuck at work and/or home?

“My first trip overseas to Bali at the age of 17 to celebrate the end of school had me hooked.”

“And my love of travel is all about the people. Or what about that endless debate (and “I am fascinated by the amazing people you guilty glances at your credit card statemeet along the way, sometimes in airports, ment) — can I really afford it? train stations or enjoying the sunset at Then there’s the braces for your buck- amazing destinations. toothed eldest, a newer second-hand car, “I have friends all over the world from my or that flat screen TV you can barely live travels — we have shared amazing moments without. and amazing places. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there (or still “I absolutely love being part of planning are). those trips, I feel like I travel with my clients Well Travel Counsellors Echuca travel plan- day by day. ner Lynda Reid believes she might just have “I research it as if it were my own, I know a solution. exactly where the hotels are located, what She won’t make all those challenges disap- is nearby, if they can walk to restaurants pear, but she can definitely help. and so on.” Lynda has been in love with travelling for as long as she can remember. And not just because it’s her job. For Lynda it’s about seeing new places, meeting new people. Having already travelled to about 30 countries — from Noumea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, New Zealand and Bali to England, right across Europe, Dubai and America — she well and truly has the travel bug. “I have always loved to travel,” Lynda said.

Lynda’s love for travel turned into a career when she was just 19 and in Melbourne. “I was sent home to learn the phonetic alphabet by rote, and about 100 of the world’s most popular airport codes — which I did and have never forgotten,” she said. “I trained in Melbourne, spent a few years completing every course there was to do, then travelled around Australia and stopped to work in Darwin for six months — selling travel, of course. “I returned to my roots in Echuca and

Travel Counsellors Echuca travel planner Lynda Reid.

“

I HAVE FRIENDS ALL OVER THE WORLD FROM MY TRAVELS — WE HAVE SHARED AMAZING MOMENTS AND AMAZING PLACES.

”

worked in local agencies for many years before starting a family. “That slowed my travelling days down for a few years, but my love and passion has still taken our family to many places in Australia and overseas.” One of the questions Lynda is always asked is how she can travel so frequently with four children, and how she manages to do it so cheaply? “So, I decided to get back into helping people to plan and book their holidays. “I decided on a mobile franchise with Travel Counsellors as it gave me flexibility to work at odd hours,” Lynda said. Travel Counsellors is a global company

operating in seven countries, with more “I am available at my private office for than 1000 mobile travel consultants work- personal, private meetings at a time to suit ing from home. my client.” It provides marketing structure, computer systems, insurances, accreditations and buying power for individuals to run their own business. “My clients know their holiday plans will be done properly, booked with reputable suppliers and their money is 100 per cent protected against any financial collapse. “For example airlines, hotels, tour operators,” Lynda said. “I provide a professional, private and personal travel planning service in a boutique type setting.

But nothing has stopped her own getting about. She might even splurge on a Spiritual Women’s Group Tour to Siem Reap and the Temples of Cambodia later this year, as well as a trip to the UK and Ireland in the middle of the year. Then she might take in America (Honolulu and New York). And squeeze in India, China and Africa. But nothing too extensive — just a few trips (did I mention Lynda loves travelling?). n

BEAUTY EDIT

BY SAMANTHA MORGAN

Skin diet – Your guide to healthy skin When it comes to our skin it’s often one of the most neglected organs of our body. The relationship with our gut health and our skin is a true reflection of what is going on inside, waste and toxins are eliminated though the skin, So when we see issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, rashes our first point of call is the gut health followed by a good skin care diet.

STEPS TO SKIN DIET SUCCESS

2) Find your triggers and balance: What is causing your inflammation from your diet? Gluten, dairy, sugar, some of these well know offenders wreak havoc on our skin. Other contributors may be hormones or lifestyle related, lack of sleep, work, stress and travel.

3) Find your Topical Fix! Incorrect skin care can sometimes be a big part of the problem. Stripping the skin and scrubbing too much can disrupt our skin flora and our natural oils. It’s important to seek professional advice when starting any new skin-care range to ensure that your skin is being treated correctly (We recommend starting on a travel kit if you’re new to skincare like Skin Juice Mini Squeezes RRP $75.00).

Try taking some time out for you to avoid your triggers, take a walk/exercise, make good healthy food choices and hydrate with water (we love adding a Hydration Booster RRP $39.95 by The Beauty Chef to our water in the salon to keep our skin plump and hydrated) if you’re still unsure of what’s happening it might be a good idea to sit down and keep a journal of what your triggers are as you may soon see a pattern.

4) Ask the professionals! Skin can be tricky business and it’s hard to understand all the ins and outs. It’s important to understand that sometimes the professionals need to step in and take care of your skin for you! I like to think of visiting your facialist like going to your PT while you can take care of your skin diet at home you still need your facialist (PT) to really get you to your skin goal. Trained beauty therapists can also perform

1) Balancing the gut with a cleanse program (We recommend The Beauty Chef Cleanse Program and E-Book), probiotics and healthy balanced diet.

189 Hare Street Echuca | P: 5480 3932 www.willowtreebeauty.com

non-invasive treatments along with facials like L.E.D Light Therapy to sooth, heal, regenerate and even skin tone during your skin facial course. Samantha Morgan Director — Willow Tree Beauty Lounge.

SKIN I BODY l WELLNESS

You have to help do something now. Period. I

T’S THAT TIME of month we all hate.

The stomach cramps, the backaches, the cravings and the mood swings — “I really love you but now I have to kill you”.

All the things women welcome every 28 days — give or take a day or backache. But for the homeless those challenges are the very least of their worries. Because for these people things as routine as basic sanitary items are not always, sometimes never, available. Enter the Murray Region Period Project. “Every month we deliver 200 packs filled with sanitary items to LOMA (Loddon Mallee Homelessness Network) and our Hume Region Homelessness Network co-ordinator,” volunteer Katrina Horne said. “All donations that are collected in the Murray region stay in the Murray region and are distributed to the local homeless community. “There was a Melbourne project and we saw it on Facebook and thought it would be great to get on board. “So we messaged Melbourne and we established our own group.” That was last year. Now the group has grown and is helping homeless and transgender women not only in Echuca but across the region. “Because no woman should have to worry about how they are going to service their period,” Mrs Horne said. “It’s not something they can stop from coming. “No-one likes that time of the month but imagine the people who don’t have the sanitary items you and I have. “We really want as many people as possible donating to the cause. “We are always desperate for tampons.”

Murray Region Period Project volunteers (back from left) Cass Aitken, Wendy Moyle holding Emma Moyle and Mardi Stephenson with (front) Katrina Horne and Rosemary Jones.

Mrs Horne said the community support had been encouraging, however it was a charity which always needed more donations. Every month. “If you had to make a choice between feeding your family or buying sanitary products, what would you do?” she said.

people we have on board the more we can do.”

“It’s not something you think about — or want to have to think about.

So next time you clutch your stomach, or that ache begins across your lower back, Mrs Horne appealed that you use it as a reminder for those whose discomfort is going to be a lot worse and donate to the cause.

“You think about food, shelter and safety, but women have periods and it doesn’t stop just because they have hit hard times.

Some of the drop-off points are Bamunga Therapies on Goulburn Rd, Forty Winks, Solar City Tyres in Shepparton and twistED.

“The more products we have and the more

For more information, phone 0429 825 424.

“Exactly.

“

IF YOU HAD TO MAKE A CHOICE BETWEEN FEEDING YOUR FAMILY OR BUYING SANITARY PRODUCTS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

”

FITNESS AND

PREGNANCY Keeping fit during pregnancy helps your body prepare for both the upcoming birth and being a new mum. This workout is adapted to protect your changing body and your growing baby.

Swiss ball wall squats Place the Swiss ball between your lower back and a wall, legs hip-width apart. As you squat, tilt your pelvis back. Bend your knees to 90 degrees, without passing your toes. Exhale as you come up. Repeat with a 10-degree pulse at the bottom.

Hip Bridge Lying on the ground, tuck your heels close to your bottom, shoulder-width apart. Push your hips up all the way, squeezing your glutes as you come up. Hold for 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 seconds, then lower back to the ground and repeat.

Resistance Band Rows Stand on the band with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lean over with your knees slightly bent, making sure that you keep your spine natural. Pull the band to your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Hold for 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;5 seconds, then slowly release back to starting position.

Donkey Kicks Place your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips, maintaining a neutral spine. Bring your knee in towards your chest then extend out slowly towards the sky with your toes pointed, squeezing your glutes. Try not to rotate your hips too much.

Resistance Band Bicep Curls Stand on the band with your feet shoulder-width apart. Slightly bend your knees, with your elbows to the side and arms extended. Curl your arms up to your shoulders, hold for two seconds, then slowly lower down to full extension again.

Pelvic rock and figure of eight Sit on the Swiss ball with your legs wide. Keep your head and shoulders back as you tilt your pelvis, moving the weight from one side to the other, then tilt forward and back. Do a figure-ofeight movement after 1 set.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ECHUCA WAR MEMORIAL AND AQUATIC CENTRE (03) 5480 2994

Something for everyone at EWMAC GROUP FITNESS

Over 35 diverse classes per week including: Body Step, Body Pump, Body Balance and Body Attack.

FULLY EQUIPPED HEALTH CLUB

Extensive cardio and strength training equipment. Qualified trainers to develop personalised programs. All shapes and sizes welcome!

WATER AEROBICS

Six classes a week including gentle and high intensity options.

FULL FIGURED FITNESS

Female, small group, eight-week program. Two sessions a week at varied locations. Fully qualified instructor. Meet your weight loss and fitness goals!

PERSONAL TRAINING

Various options available to help meet your potential. Qualified and experienced instructors to keep you motivated.

SENIORS

Gym, group fitness and water programs for people over 60. Great social environment.

SWIMMING

Fully heated pool facilities and steam room. Learn-to-swim programs to suit all ages and abilities.

YOUTH GYM

Personalised exercise programs for secondary school students. Includes health club, group fitness and pool access.

Present this coupon for a

FREE Group Fitness Class Or

FREE 45-minute session with our Personal Trainers Limit one voucher per person. Bookings essential. Expires June 20th.

Contact EWMAC or visit our website for more information: Corner of High and Service Streets, Echuca, 3564 Phone: (03) 5480 2994 Website: www.campaspeaquatics.com.au

Caught up at Junction Hook, line and sinker When your reputation’s on the line, in one of the hottest spots in the twin towns, near enough is never going to be good enough. Just ask chef Michael Giarrusso.

UNCTION’S HEAD CHEF Michael Giarrusso brings fire into the kitchen.

Maybe it’s because of the experience he has under his toque blanche. Plus his obvious passion for food — after all, he loves it so much he made it a career. Then there’s that unrelenting focus in his eyes, underwriting his absolute determination that whatever leaves his kitchen leaves customers wanting to lick their plates (some have even been seen sticking their heads and plates under the table to discreetly do just that). Whatever he is doing you have to agree, he’s doing it right. According to Michael the thing he loves most about it all is sharing it with the people he loves most. Having made the move to Echuca-Moama, Michael said his cooking approach for the local palate was to use the best and freshest ingredients, seamlessly blending it with other flavours to enhance — but never alter — the taste. “I like to keep things fairly simple,” he said. “I love the ritual of sharing food with friends and family so this comes out in my menus a lot.”

Junction’s head chef Michael Giarrusso.

This is Michael’s oven-baked snapper with pickled fennel salad and lettuce gazpacho recipe. You can thank us later.

“

I LOVE THE RITUAL OF SHARING FOOD WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY SO THIS COMES OUT IN MY MENUS A LOT.

”

Michael’s oven-baked snapper with pickled fennel salad and lettuce gazpacho.

Snapper

Pickled fennel salad

Lettuce gazpacho

Ingredients: • 200 g piece red snapper fillet • Good olive oil • Salt to taste • Butter to taste

Ingredients: • 200 g baby fennel shaved • ½ bunch of dill chopped • ¼ bunch parsley chopped • Popcorn shoots • Snow pea tendrils • Squid ink • 50 ml white balsamic • 50 ml good olive oil • Salt to taste

Ingredients: • 200 g green capsicum (deseeded) • 1 green chilli (deseeded) • 3 shallots (peeled) • 175 g fennel (shaved) • 200 g cos lettuce • ½ bunch parsley • 400 g mayo • 50 ml white balsamic • 1 cloves garlic • Salt to taste

Method: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Olive oil and season your fish well. Using a good non-stick pan place on stove burner on high.

Method:

Drizzle in a little extra olive oil and place the snapper in skin side down. After a minute or so place your pan into your pre-heated oven and cook for 6–8 minutes.

Mix fennel, herbs and dress with olive oil and balsamic.

When the fish is ready, add a knob or two of butter, turn it over and baste. This gives it a nutty rich flavour.

Finally garnish with popcorn shoots and snow pea tendrils.

Using a pastry brush spread a small amount of squid ink on the plate then place pickled fennel over the top.

Add the snapper and drizzle over the lettuce gazpacho.

Method: Process all ingredients apart from mayo and pass through a fine strainer. Whisk through mayo and chill.

Babies, skin care and allergies Eczema A newborn baby’s skin is delicate and needs a careful approach to skin care. Chemicals, perfumes, and dyes in clothing, detergents and baby products can cause newborn skin irritation, dryness, chafing and rashes. If you have a family history of skin problems, allergies, or asthma, it’s especially important to protect your baby’s immune system, and protect baby from irritating allergens. Eczema is “a general term for any superficial inflammatory process involving the skin primarily, marked early by redness, itching, minute papules and vesicles, weeping, oozing and crusting”. Although there is no cure the Weller Barlow team can specifically tailor an eczema management plan using current treatment regimes from the Royal Children’s Hospital, including salt bathing and wet wraps. Special hydrating creams and products from Itchy Baby Company are ideal for sensitive skin. Weller Barlow Pharmacy has a wide variety to soothe and repair symptoms.

Steve’s Tips for treatment; • Keep it simple — you do not need fancy or expensive creams or lotions. SIMPLE IS BETTER if you follow the routine correctly. • Limit bathing time and frequency , make sure you use oatmeal based products such as itchy baby co. • Three key rules to treating eczema 1) moisturise 2) moisturise 3) moisturise... the point is the more the better. Most parents under do it, try and moisturise every nappy change and most importantly after a bath. • Avoid over heating. • Eczema that won’t heal most likely has a bacterial component so we will refer you to a doctor or recommend salt bathing and/or bleach bathing in more advanced cases. • Cortisone creams are not the devil. Just respect and use them as directed they have a very important role in eczema of all ages.

Allergies — the role you play In a country where we see the increase of allergies, one in ten Australian children has a food allergy, research is now suggesting that the bacterial flora in the babies stomach during development and birth heavily influences the immune response and likelihood of allergic conditions like eczema. The studies are limited and results vary, but some do show a benefit. A common link between eczema, allergies and pregnancy has just been discovered in studies conducted at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne. Researchers have recently completed an 18-month study of 60 children with confirmed peanut allergies. Roughly half were treated with Lactobacillus rhamnosus—a probiotic found in yogurt and even some sausages—while the other half

received a placebo. They were then given steadily increasing doses of peanut protein throughout the course of the study. Amazingly, more than 80 percent of the children on probiotic therapy were able to eat peanuts by the end of the trial. Only one of the children treated with the placebo could do the same. So during pregnancy there may be a role in certain probiotics reducing the likelihood of allergy in a newborn. We recommend expecting mothers take probiotics during pregnancy and newborns take it as well. Weller Barlow now stock Bioceutical products available by a pharmacist recommendation. Talk to Steve or Brent about how this research and a program of probiotics can lessen your newborn’s chance of an allergy.

177 A N N ES LEY S TREET, E C HUCA P H (03) 5480 6011 Brent Coburn and Steve Reid

Dumped, damaged and daring to get on with life SOPHIE BALDWIN was married for 20 years and suddenly found herself in a place she never imagined — alone. Leaving this wife, mother and working woman shattered, floundering to find her way solo in what suddenly seemed a very frightening future and caring for the emotional and physical wellbeing of her two daughters. This is the first in a series chronicling her journey as an ex-wife suddenly seeking sanity.

HEN YOU FIND yourself cast off and single at 41 you can cry and wallow or you can pick yourself up off the ground and get on with living. Please don’t get me wrong, I have been gutted. I have been angry, I have yelled and I have cried — I lost six kilos in a week and probably the same amount in tears. I am sure people at times have doubted my sanity. I have done some weird stuff, some things I can’t remember, and probably a few things which, in hindsight, probably weren’t the nicest or the best, BUT here I am four months later getting on with life, setting goals and living.

There are many positives to a single life I didn’t know existed. A walk-in robe all to myself, my own ensuite and a bed to stretch out in (if the cat and/or dog haven’t beaten me to it). More importantly, perhaps most importantly; the independence and freedom to make my own choices and decisions. If I don’t feel like cooking I don’t and if I want to sit on the couch I do. I go to the gym, I swim, I ride or I run and some days I have done all three of these things depending on the amount of anger I have needed to get out. At first this all seemed scary and daunting, but as time has passed I am feeling more confident. I mean I am now in charge, just me, and I can do what I want, when I want, and aside from

Barra Monday $20

that one thing holding me back — money — life is pretty damn good. The rest of this year will be one of learning — and a year of good days and bad days I am sure. Learning how to master the electric drill and fix things will be a serious challenge but with three female brains in the house (me and my two daughters), what could possibly go wrong? Being independent it is hard at times to ask for help, but one thing I have learnt is without the help and support of my fantastic family and friends I wouldn’t be where I am today, on the road to a happy life. The plan includes (hopefully) an overseas trip, along with a fairly hefty personal one of completing the 2017 Port Macquarie half Ironman — a 2 km swim, 90 km ride and 21 km run. Fitness has been my saviour and I figure it’s a much better way to look after myself rather than hitting the bottle and drinking myself into a stupor every weekend — although some mornings after a particularly hard exercise session I do question my own sanity.

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Am I nuts? Yes, probably, but I am also happy and coping with things the best way I can. After completing a personal development course which showed me that I had 12,000 days left to live (give or take a week) if I am to reach the average age of 81, I thought why waste any more of my time thinking and worrying about the past. n

03 5481 3333

Sp e c i a l t y Ni g ht s av a i l ab l e f rom 6 pm w w w.ri chriver.com.au

I want a quick word about what you think you need C

OME ON, IT’S just us girls talking here.

So tell me, how many times have you wandered down the street, or drifted into a shop (and let’s be a little honest and admit any shop will do) and said “I want that, I need that”?

Which is why a shop called I Want I Need has been made for you and me. Owner Lisa Cox has carefully picked from homemade designers that every woman quietly wants (still sounds like you and me). And by wants, Lisa really means needs. “I don’t know how many times I’ve said — I want, I need that. So we thought it would be a good name for the store,” she said. “And when I shop for the store that’s basically what I go off.” Lisa has owned the High St business since November 2014. Back when she found herself splurging online. “But I was sick of shopping online,” Lisa said. “It doesn’t always work when you can’t see things so I decided to source some designers studying at RMIT. “And it all just went from there.” Lisa started branching out — artworks, bags,

children’s clothing, men’s watches, homeware, jewellery, beach towels, blankets, candles, journals and more. You’ll even find a ukulele sitting in her store. “The things you see in I Want I Need, you don’t see in other places in Echuca,” Lisa said. “I wanted to provide something different and give people something you generally only see in Melbourne. “I wanted to keep it original.” It’s safe to say Lisa can tick that off her list because her store is not only full of things you need and/or want, it is also full of things you don’t usually see in Echuca. And Lisa quietly knows it, as she smiles and looks around at the little store she has created. “We have a small space but I think that’s a good thing because I can do quick turnovers,” she said. “I could move to a bigger store but I’m always changing our stock and I like that.” Lisa’s business at 539 High St is open from 10 am to 3 pm Thursday to Monday and seven days during summer. For more information, phone 0447 339 455. n

I Want I Need owner Lisa Cox.

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I think that the most important thing a woman can have – next to talent, of course –

is her hairdresser – Joan Collins

Hakkas Hair Design 157 Hare Street, Echuca Phone: 03 5482 3434 Email: info@hakkas.com.au Website: www.hakkas.com.au

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Fuel your body the right way Sports Nutrition – pre and post workout ideas Author: Amy Burrowes Dietitian Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice I am a lover of all things health, fitness and food. That is why I have pursued a career as a Dietitian and Sports Dietitian. I learnt a lot about the fuelling needs of athletes from my time in the VFL and have brought this knowledge with me to Echuca. Whether you are a recreational athlete, gym goer, triathlete, cricketer, footballer or the likes there are some tips I have that will help fuel your body.

Pre Nutrition:

Food consumed before exercise is only useful once it has been digested and absorbed. This means you need to time your food intake so that the fuel becomes available during the exercise period. Generally, foods higher in fat, protein and fibre take longer to digest than other foods, and may increase the risk of stomach discomfort during exercise. Save the protein for after your workout. Large quantities of foods take longer to digest than smaller quantities. A general guide is to have a meal about 3–4 hours before exercise (this can contain more fat, protein and fibre) or a lighter snack about 1–2 hours before exercise (limiting fat, protein and fibre). You need to experiment to find the timing, amount and make up that best suits your individual needs. Food eaten before exercise should provide carbohydrate. The following foods are suitable to eat 3–4 hours before exercise: • crumpets with jam or honey + flavoured milk • baked potato + cottage cheese filling + glass of milk • baked beans on toast • breakfast cereal with milk • bread roll with cheese/meat filling + banana • fruit salad with fruit-flavoured yoghurt • pasta or rice with a sauce based on low-fat ingredients (e.g. tomato, vegetables, lean meat) The following snacks are suitable to eat 1–2 hours before exercise: • liquid meal supplement • milk shake or fruit smoothie • sports bars (check labels for carbohydrate and protein content) • breakfast cereal with milk • cereal bars • fruit-flavoured yoghurt • fruit The following foods are suitable to eat if there is less than 1 hour before exercise (more so in sporting environments than gym use): • sports drink • carbohydrate gel • cordial • sports bars • jelly lollies

1 Martin St, Moama (03) 5480 2933 179–183 Annesley St, Echuca (03) 5480 6001

Recovery Nutrition:

Between each work-out, the body needs to adapt to the physiological stress. Recovery encompasses a complex range of processes that include; • refueling the muscle and liver glycogen (carbohydrate) stores • replacing the fluid and electrolytes lost in sweat • making new muscle protein and red blood cells as part of the repair and adaptation process • allowing the immune system to handle the damage and challenges caused by the exercise bout A proactive recovery means providing the body with all the nutrients it needs, in a speedy and practical manner, to optimise the desired processes following each session. Muscle glycogen is the main fuel used by the body during moderate-high intensity exercise. Inability to replace glycogen stores used up during a workout will compromise performance in subsequent sessions. The major dietary factor in post exercise refueling is the amount of carbohydrate consumed. Depending on the fuel cost of the training schedule, an athlete may need to consume between 7–12 g of carbohydrate per kg body weight each day to ensure adequate glycogen stores. In the immediate post exercise period (within 1 hour), athletes are encouraged to consume a carbohydrate rich snack or meal that provides 1–1.2 g of carbohydrate per kg body weight, as this is when rates of glycogen synthesis are greatest. When protein is added (15–25g) it has been found to further improve recovery by reducing protein breakdown. So whatever your training desire is remember to be fuelling your body with what it needs to adapt and recover.

Does my bun look big in this? I

T’S THE BUN every woman wants to wear.

And while it’s a look ’60s sex siren Bridgette Bardot carried off with panache, building the bun is not as easy as it looks.

So Bella has called on Echuca’s freelance hair stylist Eva Baker to spell it out for our readers with six simple steps — to step back in time.

STEP 1: Preparation is the key to creating any hairstyle. The Bardot is no different. If your hair is soft after shampooing and conditioning, blow dry it with a texturising or volumising product (texture spray, a gel or mousse will give you the hold you need). Do not brush it smooth, rather use your hands to rough it up, scrunching some texture into the hair.

STEP 2: Create a high ponytail with your hands (rather than a brush) by pulling your hair up towards the crown of your head. Make sure you’re pulling your hair up, not back and don’t be afraid to go higher than you would normally. Once you have found the perfect ponytail placement (centre of your head, visible from the front), it’s time to take your hair elastic and secure the pony into place.

Step 2

Chelsea Leslie modelling the Bridgette Bardot bun. Makeup by Moama’s Bodyline Beauty owner Michelle Pumpa and hair by Echuca freelance hair stylist Eva Baker. Step 3

Step 1

STEP 3: To keep your ponytail looking chic (not like you just came from the gym) take a one-inch section of hair from the underside of your ponytail and wrap it around the hair elastic. Secure the hair with a bobby pin to hide the elastic, pushing the bobby pin in on the underside of the hair elastic so everything is covered up.

>>>

Step 4

Step 5

STEP 4: Take your hair donut and squeeze together to create an oblong shape, closing the hole in the centre. Weave a bobby pin in a zig zag motion to secure either side of the hole together.

STEP 5: Place the hair donut under your ponytail against the head so the length is vertical not horizontal. Pin securely at the top, sides and bottom into your hair.

Step 6A

Step 6B

Step 6C

STEP 6: Add volume and texture by teasing the underside of the ponytail. Sprinkle in more texture powder to add volume and texture. Arrange the ponytail over the hair donut and finger style into place to cover the donut. Pin any loose ends low on the nape. Secure with hairspray. Add any accessories to suit your outfit, like flowers, headband, fascinator or a bow like we have done here. n

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Jess can help turn anyone’s head And right now Fashions on the Field is turning hers

“

IT IS THE SMALL DETAILS THAT REALLY GET NOTICED, IN PARTICULAR JEWELLERY, WHICH CAN HAVE A STUNNING IMPACT.

”

Jess O’Reilly

Head gardener Jess O’Reilly provides a few pointers for anyone thinking about stepping out at this year’s Echuca Cup and taking a turn through the fashionably competitive part of the day.

ESS O’REILLY HAS that passion for fashion. It both excites and inspires her.

Her love has led her to pursue a career as a hairdresser, but her love of fashion is never too far from the surface either. Currently running a busy salon in the Port area (OSALON—) Jess loves the fact she is involved in a career that lifts her higher every day. A trip to New York fashion week last year was one of those moments that helped her realise those incredible highs, the rush she got working under pressure at one of the world’s most prestigious fashion events. “I just love hair, and fashion and working with clients. I came away from that trip with the belief if you work hard enough, your dreams are possible and nothing is out of reach if you apply yourself,” Jess said. Never afraid to take on new things, Jess will see her two loves combine as she throws herself into a dual role as judge and major sponsor for Fashions on the Field at this year’s Echuca Races on May 29. “I can’t wait to see the fashions firsthand and see what the girls and guys come up with,” Jess said. “It is an exciting fun day and well worth the effort. Looking at peoples’ outfits, their hats and their shoes, it’s just a feast for your eyes, especially when someone has put a lot of thought into their whole ensemble.” According to Jess that’s exactly what Fashions on the Fields is — a head-to-toe look that incorporates ladylike silhouettes and modest hem lines. “Accessories are essential; it is the small details that really get noticed, in particular jewellery, which can have a stunning impact.” Headwear is also an important part of the fashion package and keeping up with the latest trends is a must. “Try on as many different styles as you can until you find that perfect fit, but don’t leave your headwear to the last minute,” Jess said.

New stock arriving daily

“Work with a milliner if you can’t find what you are looking for, but never leave your headwear as an afterthought.” Hair jewellery is also on trend for 2016, with brooches, earrings and rings finding their place amongst a classic up-do.

Sizes 6–16

“This style can be very pretty and romantic — and dramatic. Or you can’t go wrong with a low ponytail, which can look sophisticated when accessorised with that jewellery trend.”

Girly Girl

Race day is all about classic fashion and while styles and trends always come and go, Jess said it is fundamental you work with what suits you. “Stick with what you know and go with colours that suit you and you won’t go wrong.

1/560 High St, Echuca | (03) 5482 2218 sales@girlygirl.net.au | www.girlygirl.net.au

“Remember to enjoy the day and have a bit of fun.” n

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The seductive story of certain salts IVY WISE was ready to try anything, from a shaman to a snake oil salesman, when out of the blue she was given an introduction to salt and its supposedly spectacular side effects â&#x20AC;&#x201D; excluding hypertension. >>>

Earth Spirit Energies owner Jo Walsh.

>>>

HAD BEEN suffering from a chest infection and cold for four weeks.

Four weeks. Who has a cold for four weeks? Three lots of antibiotics, daily doses of vitamin C and Echinacea and boxes, nay, cartons, of tissues later and I was still coughing and sniffling. So was it a coincidence Echuca’s first salt cave was also opening — or an overdue omen? Because if I wasn’t the prime candidate to try it out I don’t know who would be. Salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is a medically-proven natural and non-invasive therapy to help relieve congestion, inflammation and allergies of the airways and skin. Particularly good for people with respiratory and lung problems. Particularly good for me. High St business Earth Spirit Energies opened the salt cave in February after owner Jo Walsh spent 14 months researching it. And, so far, the response has been terrific. “People are saying they have noticed benefits straight away,” Jo said. “Many have said they are breathing better and how it’s helped them with their asthma, snoring and hay fever. “It also helps with vitality and energy.” And relieves skin conditions responsible for itchiness, rashes or flaking because the salt is a natural anti-inflammatory which helps cleanse the dermis of infections, inflammation and irritation, making it less reactive to allergies causing conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The

‘cave’

relaxing

environment,

complete with recliner chairs on salt-lined floors with ambient lighting and tranquil music to help you unwind.

“There’s a lot of benefits for kids who have asthma and babies as young as two months can be in there,” Jo said.

During the hour-long salt therapy session, a halogenerator (which comes all the way from Lithuania) grinds pharmaceutical grade salt (via Whyalla in South Australia) into minute particles that becomes airborne when dispersed into the salt room’s atmosphere.

“They would only go in there for 30 minutes and the concentration is obviously a lot lower for them.” And if the therapeutic benefits aren’t enough, Jo plans to have one-hour salt cave meditations once a week.

You then inhale the dry salt aerosol parti- “Clients will be able to experience a relaxing, guided meditation accompanied by the cles deep into your lungs and respiratory sound of the singing bowl and enjoy the passages to relieve inflammation and loosen benefits of salt therapy at the same time,” congestion to allow easier and improved she said. n breathing.

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Gearing up to be Captain Everything From soldier to sailor, jillaroo to long-haul truck driver, Zoe Bartsch has tried it all — and says she still has a long way to go. But right now she is home in Echuca-Moama working on her latest challenge.

IFE FOR ZOE Bartsch is a catalogue of firsts.

For example; paddlesteamer.

her

first

time

She doesn’t remember boarding the boat — not only was she too young to walk, she wasn’t even crawling. But she does have a photo of herself in her father’s arms — dad Alan was (and still is) a paddlesteamer captain and engineer.

Which is another of Zoe’s almost firsts — she is studying to follow in his footsteps making her only the second woman on the river to be both.

“I got on the Indian Pacific to catch a ride to the middle of the Nullarbor in 2010, I was still only 17,” Zoe said.

First, though, Zoe was going into the military — rising to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major in the army cadets; that was the plan.

Madura Plains is 1.95 million acres (at 812,500 hectares it sounds huge even in metric speak) and was running 37,000 sheep caged behind more than 500 km of dog fence.

Then, at the last minute, she swapped to go jillarooing.

So Zoe started in the isolation of the Nullarbor, then way up north in Queensland,

Alan and Zoe Bartsch with Andy Harrison.

he didn’t “have facilities for women”. “I told him I had been droving cattle in the middle of nowhere, I didn’t need facilities, but he still said no,” Zoe said. When she has picked up big droving jobs she has turned to her mother, Kerrianne, who grew up on a farm and can ride, which works best with cattle, which can only go a maximum of 10 km a day. “Mum does the horse work and I ride the bike. We have moved mobs from Bourke to Moree doing that, and I keep picking up jobs by word of mouth.” Today, though, Zoe is busy racking up another first. Her first official role on the river — with both a steam engineer’s and skipper’s ticket. With her father based in the Port of Echuca she has come home to work alongside him as she studies to qualify for both roles. And work on some river history. She is part of a team restoring PS Adelaide; the world’s oldest operating wooden hull paddlesteamer. “It started with a deckhand course, so I was up to speed with safety and rescue and then progressed to engineering — I hope to have it all done by the end of the year. So even though you could say Zoe grew up working on boats, and probably knows more about them than most, she still needs to go through the formality of red tape to legally run the whole show.

Inset: Zoe on the road.

While she works towards that goal, a quick timeout with Zoe leaves you in no doubt she was always going to plot her own journey.

“

“I know I will go back to mustering and droving, and I want to see a change in the attitudes of men towards women.

I AM PRETTY SOLID AND PRETTY STRONG. I KNOW WHAT I CAN DO AND SHOULDN’T BE PRE-JUDGED BECAUSE I AM NOT A MAN.

”

around places such as Cloncurry. This is the land of legend, of Banjo Paterson, of the bronzed Aussie mythology. But Zoe is pretty blunt when it comes to the bronzed Aussie. “I have done mustering, droving, pulling bores and windmills, working in shearing sheds and sheepyards,” she said. “I have set up my own contract mustering

and droving business, pushed herds of thousands of cattle along the stock routes. “Been up to the Pilbara where bringing in a herd is a co-ordinated approach using choppers, ATVs, motorbikes and horses. “I even have my MC (multi combination) licence, so I can drive the big trucks. “But it’s hard to get work as a woman, people, and I mean men, just don’t want to know. One bloke knocked me back because

“Did I say another bloke reckoned I wouldn’t be able to handle the tyres on a truck if I needed to — I told him the heavy type of work I had been doing but it didn’t change his mind. “I am pretty solid and pretty strong. I know what I can do and shouldn’t be pre-judged because I am not a man.” Just a glance at Zoe’s résumé should be enough to convince a blind man this woman knows what she can — and can’t — do. She knows in the mines all companies prefer women drivers because not only do they get the job done they look after the trucks much better. But Zoe also knows the pastoral industry is still very blokey — so that’s another first she has set herself. To not just break through the glass ceiling, but to shatter it beyond repair. n

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7. Candle Sets 8. Coasters 9. Body Souffle 10. Tea Mugs 11. Jewellery Holders Available from Boho Essence 205 Pakenham St Echuca Ph 5480 1317

12. Assorted Jewellery Available from Echuca Treasure House Cnr Hare & Anstruther St Echuca Ph 5480 6334 13. Photo Frames 14. Glass Trinkets 15. Mums Shopping Fund Collection Box 16. Hanging Plant Available from The Complete Garden 258 Pakenham St Echuca Ph 5480 7797 17 & 18. Variety of candles Available from Rich River Candles Facebook.com/richrivercandles 19. Succulent Plants 20. Bunches of Flowers 21. Potted plants Available from Riverport Florist 203 Darling St Echuca Ph 5482 2615

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Relax and renew your health and vitality in Echuca Moama’s only Salt Cave!

Enjoy the therapeutic qualities of a Salt Cave at Earth & Spirit Energies. Salt Therapy works by grinding therapeutic grade salt into very fine particles which are then dispersed throughout the room as a dry aerosol. These fine particles are then inhaled in through your airways reaching the entire respiratory tract. Once salt has entered the airways it has anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial properties which remove and ease respiratory illness such as Asthma, Bronchitis and Sinus. Salt Therapy also helps with skin conditions such as Eczema and Psoriasis. Book your session today and improve your general health or enhance your athletic performance. Single session (60min) $45 • 5 sessions (60min) $200 • 10 sessions (60min) $300 Children’s, Group and Individual sessions available upon request. We also offer 10% discount for pensioners.

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Here’s a new world of candles that take the cake

Rich River Candles owner Rebekah Kealey.

IRTHDAY CAKES AND candles go hand in hand.

“Basically I wanted to create something really different.

But a birthday cake that is a candle, now that’s something you don’t see every day.

“Ice-creams, cakes, cappuccinos — we all know they all look amazing, so I wanted to capture their scent and then have them look just how they smell.

Come to think of it, it’s not often you get to light up an ice-cream or milkshake either, and certainly not a glass of bubbly or your daily cappuccino. None of which has stopped the kookily creative Rebekah Kealey, who two years ago decided to launch her own business — Rich River Candles. To be honest she said she hadn’t really thought much about candles before then. And happily admitted she knew even less about them. So when she saw a market niche for her creativity she taught herself. “In the end it was all pretty easy,” Rebekah said. “I’ve always liked being creative — my family is pretty creative too. “With candles it’s all about getting the temperatures right; and the layering. It is quite easy once you get the stages right in your head.

“So why not make them?” Keep in mind Rebekah, 35, manages all this with three children running around her home, a husband working fulltime — and a dog in the backyard. Still it’s not hard to tell she loves it all, even though life can get a little hectic in the run up to the next market, which is where she markets most of her bespoke burners. Rebekah’s office is in the centre of her home — or thereabouts — just a short trip from the lounge and a few metres from the dining and kitchen area. An office which becomes a bit of a sweat shop for about six hours a day during peak production. “It usually takes me about two months to get ready for a market,” Rebekah said. “And in the end I have about 400 candles. “It is a lot of work and the preparation is time consuming — getting the wicks sorted and

everything else.” But since Rebekah started Rich River Candles, the business has certainly grown — as has the range. Today there’s about 10 different shapes and 16 fragrances. From cinnamon, vanilla, mango and milkshake strawberry to lime coconut, musk — and monkey farts. She’s just about got every scent covered. “They’re all popular but my personal favourite is black raspberry,” Rebekah said. “I sell them at the markets (with prices ranging from $6 to $35) and will take specific orders for those who ask.” But while it all smells nice, it sounds like a busy gig, so what keeps Rebekah doing it? “I think it’s important to have a hobby — to do something you love,” she said. “I enjoy making candles so I do.” You can follow Rebekah’s business on Facebook by searching Rich River Candles. Footnote: Not every scent is matched to its appearance, and are just traditional candles. Which is a bonus when you are selling monkey farts. n

Latest TILDA Fabric Just arrived!

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The garden that Nancye grew Nancye Smith may not be a household name but if you have ever admired just a single bloom then this woman should be your heroine as she has raised the garden — her garden — to an art form writes Bella editor TYLA HARRINGTON.

T’S NOT JUST the serenity, when you are in Nancye Smith’s garden there is also a definite vibe.

“It’s not really hard work,” Nancye confides. “It really is a pleasure.

“And for me it’s always been a great pleasure. Because The Gums is not just a garden “Even if you’re really busy you can always somewhere in Moama, it is more a celebra- find the time, if just for a minute, to spend tion of the love Nancye has invested in it. it in the garden.

A love she will happily share with anyone wanting to experience its magic — which might explain why it has also been home to repeated weddings. Its 6000 square metres are seductively scented and coloured, a floral experiment that is nowhere near finished but which cannot be resisted. Scents caressing your sense of smell, that most evocative of recalls, will forever remind you of Nancye and her urban paradise, of your moments in Eden. Your memories might be magical, but for Nancye there is a lot of perspiration, sore knees and aching backs in the making of what presents as nature at her flawless best.

“And I know I am always the better for it.” Originally farmers from Mathoura, Nancye and husband Rod moved to The Gums in 2000. Since then, apart from those weddings, her little slice of heaven has also increasingly been in demand for open gardens.

succulent feature, beautiful hedging, oak trees, roses, perfumed native walkway, agapanthus and a riotous kaleidoscope of flowers and shrubs. Those colours are splashed across the property — grey, red and silver to blue, purple and green. Then there’s the animals it has drawn in as inevitably as her human admirers — rabbits, birds, ducks, kangaroos and parrots (even though they do take their toll) all call The Gums home.

“We have always had a reasonably large garden,” Nancye said.

Add some rust arrangements and a picturesque pond and you have a snapshot of the beauty of The Gums — but you need to be there to enjoy the smell.

Clearly even she marvels at what she has brought forth.

“Each of the plants has their perfect moments,” Nancye said.

“When we moved here there were lovely big trees and lawns, which we had a foundation to build on.”

“But the first weekend in November seems to be when it all looks the best.

Now her property is home to a cacti/

“My grandmother used to grow vegies and flowers and would put them in a pram and

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“

IT’S A LOVELY PLACE TO GO IF YOU’VE GOT A PROBLEM, OR IF YOU JUST NEED TO CLEAR YOUR HEAD

”

sell them in Toorak. It was lovely that I got to go with her. “My mother in law would also say you can’t walk past a weed without picking it up, and I’m the same,” Nancye said, before stooping to snatch up one of the invaders. “I’m hoping gardening will continue throughout the generations. “It’s a lovely place to go if you’ve got a problem, or if you just need to clear your head. “It’s always been very therapeutic for me.” And despite its size — 6000 is a lot of square metres to be maintained — Nancye insists it’s not all that hard. “(The maintenance is) not too bad. There’s a certain time when there is pruning to do. “And when it gets too hard fortunately I have Steve Richmond, who has offered his help since we first moved to town,” she said. “Although these days I try and avoid the heat where possible — and then in winter everything slows down.” Nancye’s garden isn’t the only one she’s in love with. There’s also Moama’s Botanic Gardens. And there might be more in the future too. “One day we might have to downsize but whatever the size there will always be a garden,” Nancye said. n

THIRTY SOMETHING

If you think your clock’s ticking, try this timing S

O MY SISTER was going away for the weekend.

And our mother, God bless her, assured the sister I would be able to help her out. With babysitting. If you think that’s funny, can you hear me laughing? It’s bad enough that she’s my younger sister. With a husband. And two children. As my mother keeps pointing out, although not as often as she used to — it’s now down to be about twice a week. “That clock’s ticking dear, never mind your biological challenge of becoming an older mother?” Fortunately, God bless me, I was only to be in charge of the older of these two brats — even though older means barely two and a bit. You see, despite my mother’s dreams, I don’t overly like children. Actually, I don’t like them at all. I’m happy if I don’t have to have them long enough to get a kick out of handing them back. Filled with raspberry cordial and lollies to keep their doting parents enthralled for the evening. Truth be told, I struggle to cope with my sister, even in small doses (and it has nothing to do with her being the golden child). She’s just so, so domestic.

Quit the job (and I am using that noun with my tongue firmly in my cheek) as soon as she was married.

group has completed mandatory gestation — and they are all home by nine “for the kids” — forget it.

And pregnant, at best, on the honeymoon, though I have always thought my maths was better than everyone else in the family.

So long story short, I copped the kid for 37 hours, 16 minutes and too many seconds.

Now her every waking word is about children — children’s health, children’s food, the best kindies (how wrong can you go with kindy?) and when they will need braces, starting funds to help them through private school (did I mention she has also become such a snob?) and on, and on, and on.

In my apartment. Which was suddenly jam-packed with all the bits and bobs of parenthood. The dog was not amused but the boyfriend could be put off for the weekend as I “had responsibilities”.

And on, and on.

By now I know you are really wondering how I went.

It never stops. Who cares about all this (bleep)?

About, if you look above, as well as you would have expected.

She’s not even aware of the latest fashions, her shoes are to die of embarrassment (she’ll fit in so well at one of those stuck up schools) and as for having a night out with the girls, well unless every one of the

It would have been easier to babysit my mother — and if she thinks that’s going to happen anywhere down the track she might have another think coming. That is if she’s still thinking by then. n

Congratulations Bella You are a superb celebration of the women who help shape our rural and regional communities. We are reminded that when a woman is empowered the whole community benefits. www.peterwalsh.org.au peterwalshmp peterwalshmp Peter Walsh MP 466 High St, Echuca Ph 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 Funded from Parliament’s Electorate Office & Communications Budget.

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