Bella magazine (issue 3) 2016 june (low res) by McPherson Media Group

Edition 3 — June 2016

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Contents

Issue 3, June 2016

16 26

On the cover 38 Edie Haley making waves

Inside

7 Welcome 10

Jo Shoesmith takes on US — and wins

Crusading cop takes on every day

There’s never been a better reason

Rose plans to take the cake

Sharman Stone still packs political punch

Being cool about hot bodies

New man and new wounds in my brave new world

Giving birth to a great business

How does something so simple taste so damn good?

Producing your own script for success

Going going sold on her new life

The new world of Sarah

The taco kid has cooked up a storm

Read all about it

How to get the perfect brows

Game, set and love match

Getting a laugh is a serious business — mostly

If you work in a nuthouse, you haven’t been to my office

Bella editor Tyla Harrington tyla.harrington@riverineherald.com.au 5483 0509

66 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 by Madison Spa beautician Annette Ferguson, hair by Hakkas Hair Design’s Jourdan Oliver. Model: Echuca’s Edie Haley

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Tyla Harrington and Carly Richardson.

Welcome to Bella “Women don’t realise how powerful they are.” — American actress and producer Judith Light

RECENTLY STUMBLED upon this quote and it resonated with me.

Women in Echuca-Moama don’t realise how powerful they are. So many do great things and overcome seemingly overwhelming milestones without breaking stride. It’s just what they do. It’s what many women do. That’s where Bella comes in. If we can help just one woman lift her chin a little higher, I will go to bed tonight a happy editor. And if we can make our twin towns realise the talented pool of women we have in our backyard then I will be delighted After all, this is what Bella is all about. Celebrating, recognising and entertaining women in our twin towns.

agree with Tyla on this one — the women of Echuca-Moama don’t only not realise how powerful they are, they need to be more up front about what they are achieving. Every issue just gets better, and with every issue more businesses in our region are partnering us to showcase what they have on offer for Echuca-Moama. Bella can help your business grow and we love getting you involved in everything we do. In this issue it was fantastic to have Amanda

I’m not saying this magazine will change the world. It won’t. But perhaps it can start to put those women (we’ve only touched on a few so far) on the pedestal they so richly deserve. This is the third issue of our magazine and inside this 76-pager we talk to retiring Member for Murray Sharman Stone, rising cycling star Edie Haley and Echuca woman turned successful producer Joanna Werner — just to name a few. We also catch up with yet another of our unsung heroines. Jo Shoesmith from Moama has become a modern-day pioneer in a world where there are not too many trails left for pioneers to blaze.

Jo has relocated to the US where she has become the most high-profile female success story in the highly-competitive US advertising industry. Bella caught up with Jo at her California headquarters and she had a remarkable story to share with our readers. Finally, I’d like to take just a minute to squeeze in one more look at our front cover. I mean, how seriously good is that shot of Edie awash in blue? I won’t go into details about her nearly suffering hypothermia as we were throwing buckets of coloured milk over her but I think you’ll agree the end justified the means. It’s just part of what really makes Bella and the women we write about really stand out.

If it’s not a name that springs to mind it’s because we are in the wrong country.

Tyla Harrington Bella editor

from Vibe Skin & Body, along with Jourdy from Hakka’s Hair Design, involved in our brow shaping feature. Check it out on page 66 if you need help keeping your brows under control and make sure you call into VS&B and grab yourself a brow couture kit.

Get around these local businesses and support them when you can. They are all doing amazing things and should be proud of what they offer the twin towns.

I would also like to make special mention of our three highlighted businesses — Samantha at Willow Tree Beauty, Melinda at Century 21 and Sherry at Shooting Memories Photography. These women don’t just have a remarkable business story to tell, they are also remarkable in their lives as well.

I feel we are just beginning to touch the surface with Bella and am excited to see what future issues have in store. If you have a business, or a story, or both, you think would be the perfect fit for Bella, we would love to hear from you, and get you involved in our August issue. Carly Richardson Bella advertising executive

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The Jo show pioneers new path for women And it’s good advertising for girls from Down Under too Bella catches up with Jo Shoesmith, who has gone from a Moama childhood to the highlife in the American advertising industry, making Mad Men look pretty lame by comparison

HE WORLD’S FAST running out of pioneers; it seems in the era of globablisation there are so few trails left to blaze. Which is why Jo Shoesmith has become something of a pinup girl for the most competitive advertising market in the world. Because our Jo, alumnus of Moama Primary, Echuca High and Echuca Tech, is the first woman appointed chief creative officer in the 105 years of heavy-hitting US advertising agency Campbell Ewald.

It was such a glass ceiling moment the August Wall Street Journal dedicated most of a page, complete with seriously large picture of the aforementioned CCO, to the landmark occasion. Yet it could have all gone wrong, as far back as Jo going into Year 10, in one of those shoulda, woulda, coulda moments. That’s when her careers adviser at the then Echuca High suggested with her drawing talent she could become a good signwriter. At which her mother Denise laughed. Her little girl was an artist and needed an education which would foster a talent that had been on display since Jo got her first crayons and pencils.

from her Santa Monica home. “I had hoped to be a children’s book illustrator, I had been drawing books since I was a child,” she said. “But this opened a new world, where I could have a hand in concepts, creativity and production, it was brilliant.” From would-be signwriter to the boss in the corner office, with 300 direct reports across offices in Los Angeles, New York and Detroit — now that’s a career. No wonder the American media has been fascinated with this face from Down Under. Although Jo can’t really understand what all the fuss is about, genuinely surprised with the response her appointment received. When Jo spoke to Bella she had only been in her new role for two days, so she was flat out matching faces to names, let alone names to talent. But it seems being head of creative isn’t going to stop this retired illustrator from being hands on in her new role. “Positions such as this used to very much be coaching and administration roles but I plan to be much more of a playing coach,” Jo said.

So Year 10 saw a transfer to the then Echuca Tech, where art was taught, albeit as a trade subject.

“It is a lot to manage but I will get the right people, we will win new business and we will work hard to win awards, to make our mark,” she added.

“It wasn’t until I got to RMIT that I got my first introduction to advertising, and discovered I could work with photographers, designers, directors, artists, the whole lot, and I knew that was for me,” Jo said

“As creative director I will help guide the creative energy of the team, guide people on projects but will still be adding a personal touch to every big assignment, and be presenting in bigger meetings.”

>>>

“

I THANK MY LUCKY STARS I CAME FROM A PLACE LIKE ECHUCA-MOAMA, JUST AS I DO FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE HAD, THE CHOICES I HAVE MADE, THE PEOPLE I GET TO TALK TO AND THE HARD WORK I HAVE DONE

”

>>> When it comes to bigger, Jo’s idea of big and yours might be slightly different. A project of which she is particularly proud, after some relentless prodding, is one where she worked to help address the soaring rate of young people dying on US roads. “When we got the account 11 young people were being killed every day — the Americans had nothing to match our L and P plate programs, no restrictions, nothing. “By the time we were finished, also working with the insurance company which was our client, with lobbyists, we had put a program in place. “A bill had gone through the system, even though it seems it was rewritten about 100 times, and signed into law by President Obama. “The death toll is already down to eight a day and hopefully keeps going down — that was something special.” Jo is just as upbeat about the multi-faceted future of the industry in which she works. She still sees traditional media — print, radio and TV — as essential to the advertising mix just as much as the industry is embracing the digital world.

wherever they are told, and the most successful thing is always a good idea and/ or a good story.”

together at Leo Burnett in Australia but as an American he eventually wanted to go home, which they did — to Chicago.

Jo might be reaching the heady heights of a multi-billion dollar industry but this dinky di says her family and her childhood have kept her grounded.

“In case you don’t know; Chicago’s weather is tough, so we moved to California and spent seven years working remotely in Chicago from Santa Monica, and doing a lot of travel,” Jo laughed.

“

THIS OPENED A NEW WORLD, WHERE I COULD HAVE A HAND IN CONCEPTS, CREATIVITY AND PRODUCTION, IT WAS BRILLIANT

”

wasted

any

those

Take her family, for example. Not her parents and siblings, her family.

The key, she believes, is the story. “Good stories are always good stories,

“In between we have started our own family — Arden, 8, and Gideon, 5. “And we do try and get home to Moama as often as we can — you know when we came to America we were going to stay two years and then come back. “That was 10 years ago.”

“I thank my lucky stars I came from a place like Echuca-Moama, just as I do for the opportunities I have had, the choices I have made, the people I get to talk to and the hard work I have done.” And Jo hasn’t opportunities.

“Then made the move complete with a new job at a new company.

She and partner Rob Hittner met working

Jo doesn’t deny the job is high pressure, she does travel a lot, but she is just as committed to her own family. “I make sure I am there to put them to bed at 8 pm and then if I need I can work to 1.30 am and be there when they wake up.” As for coping, Jo is also a dedicated runner — 10 km every day along the beachfront with her two dogs (of indiscernible but decidedly mixed parentage). It is, she confides, much cheaper than therapy — and more fun. n

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Crusading Cop takes on every day She’s a wife, mother and cop but, as SOPHIE BALDWIN discovered, for Echuca policewoman Leading Senior Constable Bernie Cowley, the lines do tend to get blurred

OUNDING THE BEAT gives you an unparalleled take on all that is wrong with our community.

and say Bernie has a bit of a Dr Phil effect on people; but one thing is for sure, she will always try and help anybody in need.

“In delicate jobs, such as when you have a sexual assault; or are dealing with little children, then being a female also helps.”

So wrong that at times even your life is at risk.

Growing up on a dairy farm, Bernie led a somewhat sheltered existence but she knew when she turned 18 she was always going to become a police officer.

As valuable as that work is, sometimes it’s hard for Bernie to turn off; not take home some of the horrors which for her are a regular day at the office.

That danger is always in the shadows but for Leading Senior Constable and Echuca Police Aboriginal liaison officer Bernie Cowley it is just the professional edge on a series of private tragedies. Because Bernie is not just a cop, she is a wife, a mother — and a survivor. Bernie has been confronted by the death of two sons. Then there was the house fire in which she lost absolutely everything. Yet every day Bernie wakes up and smiles, puts on her uniform and attacks the day with optimism. Even after 27 years on the job she is always looking for something positive. “Rewarding things happen all the time and when you are involved in a situation; and you end up with a good outcome, there is nothing better,” Bernie said. “I have people call into the station and ask for me and we will sit down and have a conversation and sometimes it might not be what people want to hear but at the end of the day I have a job to do and I try to do it as best as I can,” Bernie said. “It is always a great day when someone chooses you to help them — and you can,” she said. “And you think ‘well, I have just changed somebody’s life for the better there’ and that is a great feeling.” Fellow workers laugh

“

I TRY NOT TO BE A POLICE OFFICER AS A MOTHER, BUT SOMETIMES IT’S NOT THAT EASY. I TRY NOT TO PUT TOO MANY EXPECTATIONS ON MY BOYS … THAT BEING SAID I DO EXPECT THEM TO BEHAVE WELL

”

With her background she simply presumed everyone helped each other, fed each other when they were hungry and generally looked out for each other. “That was one of the things that surprised me the most when I started as a police officer,” she recalled. “I just didn’t realise that there were people out there in the community who didn’t care, who were violent and could cause so much trouble.” Bernie accepts being a female has its physical limitations compared to some of those burly big blokes in blue; or aggressive bruisers she may face on duty, but is adamant there is a valuable place for women in the force. “The best thing we have is the ability to talk and communicate, and that is paramount in our job. “Quite often if I am out in the van and we get someone quite violent, they feel less threatened and intimidated by me because I am female, it can be a lot less confrontational.

“Something you might see out in the field can remind you of your own personal tragedy but it is important you don’t let that affect you while you are on the job. “I am lucky my husband is a former police officer so he knows how I am feeling and he will just say to me ‘Bernie, I think you need a break,’ and we will go away for a couple of days. “Sometimes I think it would be great to have a job you didn’t take back home with you at night, one you could forget until you returned to work the next day, but that’s not what being a police officer is.” Bernie said work colleagues do play an important role in debriefing and everyone keeps an eye out for each other’s mental health. Being a mum Bernie also has to tread the fine line between work and family life. “I try not to be a police officer as a mother, but sometimes it’s not that easy. I try not to put too many expectations on my boys because they are kids after all and they will make some mistakes but that being said I do expect them to behave well.” Like so many of us Bernie has tried to juggle too many balls but she has always supported her boys, and tried to be involved in as much of their lives as she can. Has life in the force changed Bernie over the years? Almost certainly. Yet despite that you can still see the concern in her eyes when she talks about tough situations; or the joy she has from a good outcome. So tomorrow when Bernie wakes up she will smile, put on her uniform and attack the day with optimism. n

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There’s never been a better reason S

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Even when she got sick with pneumonia during her Year 12 exams and didn’t get the score she needed to study teaching. Because that was what led her to go to beauty school, and to eventually open Willow Tree Beauty Lounge. “I realised beauty was my passion and everything has just fallen into place,” she said. The salon opened in November 2011 but recently celebrated four years at its current premises in Hare St. “The business has continued to grow and I have had to employ three staff members to cope with demand,” Samantha said. The qualified beauty therapist worked in day spas across Victoria, including the Yarra Valley and Falls Creek, for six years before coming home to Echuca. Samantha’s passion for treating people “holistically, from the inside out” led to her going out on her own. “It’s turned into more of a wellbeing beauty salon,” she said.

“We work with skin, diet and beauty, from the inside out.” With Samantha and manager Holly Hughes studying nutritional medicine, they are able to prescribe nutritional supplements for the skin and gut health. “For too long, we have been stripping our skin, using the wrong skincare and eating the wrong foods,” she said. “We can use the best skin care products and equipment in the world, but if our diet is poor our skin will suffer. “Making people feel beautiful on the inside out — that’s our mission here.” Samantha and Holly specialise in advanced facials, make-up and nails and brow shaping, while Molly Rushe also does advanced facials and make-up, as well as body treatments, massage, lash lift and waxing and Emma Hall specialises in Russian volume lashes, waxing and tanning. Willow Tree Beauty Lounge also offers LED light therapies, IPL and peels and works alongside naturopaths from The Beauty Chef and onsite visiting cosmetic doctor Dr Axell Jones.

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Rose plans to take the cake There was movement in the kitchen, for the word had passed around That the kids from out of town were on their way And had joined the wild bush cooks — to knock her to the ground So all the cracks had gathered to the fray All the tried and noted bakers, from the stations near and far Had mustered at the showgrounds overnight For the bushies loved hard cooking where the toughest events are, And the wannabes snuff the battle with delight

OSE BERRYMAN STANDS in her kitchen, a study in concentration as her eyes dart between her recipe book and her auntie’s saucepan.

A wisp of hair is blown from her face — there are no hands, no time, to spare. Rose is going for gold. She has already won the local crown at Echuca, but that would be just the start. Next she blew away the big guns in the regional finals (Northern District Agricultural Show Societies Association Regional Finals 2016) at Boort. The challengers came from Bendigo, from down-river at Mildura, Swan Hill and Robinvale-Euston; they were from Kerang, down the road, and inland at Deniliquin and Wycheproof. And all went home emptyhanded. Now Rose is getting ready for the big one — the Melbourne Royal. Armed with her boiled fruit cake the 13-yearold St Joseph’s College student is sweeping all before her. It began in the high chair, her mother Marg confided, with a saucepan and wooden spoon. She has been on the show circuit since she was eight, not just with her fruit cakes but her carrot and date muffins, her slices and the artistic opportunity of the decorated cakes. But Rose’s fruit cake is her go-to specialty. Because it is a level playing field — all competitors must use the same recipe, same products. The flair with the fruit cake is what sets Rose apart. “It all has to be so right — I have lost points because the paper the cake was sitting on was not flat enough,” Rose said. “Some judges want cracks on the top of your

cake, others don’t, and you never know who the judges are going to be,” she said. “I’m the only one I know of doing cakes, it’s quite a competitive circuit so I think I would know if someone else from here was doing it.” So competitive Rose is the only person from Echuca to make the cake finals, and she competes against bakers up to the age of 18. For Melbourne she said the finalists will get a letter from the show society telling them what products they will be using and when cakes must be delivered. “They get a ruler run over them, width and depth, then they are cut in half to show fruit distribution, with a wedge removed for judges to taste,” Rose said. “I have made Melbourne before, something mum hasn’t done yet,” Rose added with a grin. “But third is the best I have been able to do there. “I have won Echuca a few times now, the first time I was only eight. “I suppose I took up cooking because it seemed like a lot of fun, and I still like it.” Even if she is forced to use someone else’s recipes, and set products, Rose still has her tricks to make her fruit cakes standout from the crowd. “I think it starts with how you mix your cake, then you have to be so careful in how you lay it in the pan, you need consistent layers of fruit then it cooks for two hours and you have to decide it’s a winner when you can only see the outside.” Marg said her daughter was also a dab hand at pasta, bruschetta and, best of all, her chocolate chip cookies she bakes as fundraisers For Relay for Life and her piece de resistance — peppermint cheese cake. Then just as you think she is perfect you get the bad news; Rose barracks for Collingwood.

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Federal parliament suits the suits perfectly But who foots the bill for all that blokiness? Sharman Stone is not going quietly into the night. The firebrand Member for Murray might be retiring — almost certainly to the relief of some Liberal Party powerbrokers — but she still has plenty to say before the final day comes and told Bella her primary target is cutting the farce of ‘pretend’ gender equality

Sharman asks a question in parliament.

Helping save SPC was a career highlight for Sharman ...

HE DIDN’T SAY it in as many words, but there’s no doubt she meant it.

Sharman Stone (pictured) believes the “lip service” paid to gender equality, particularly in the Australian parliament, is a load of crap. She said the percentage of women in parliament is actually declining — and will probably drop again after the next election — because women get a raw deal regardless of party. “Women inevitably are preselected for the most marginal seats by all parties, so their tenure is always the most precarious,” Dr Stone said. The veteran MP, retiring after 20 years in Canberra, said maintaining relationships with all the time away means as many as 70 per cent of long-term parliamentary marriages go to the wall. Hers did, although she said the demands of politics were only part of the reason her marriage of 37 years ended a few years ago. “Politics is a brutal business, but far harder for women because in reality only lip service is paid to equality,” Dr Stone said. “For example, if women’s issues were given equal weight I wouldn’t have had to force a conscience vote to ensure the introduction of RU-486, a non-surgical termination drug. “And I don’t care what anyone says because the big expectation is still that the little woman will be the primary caregiver regardless of what she has had to do during the day (or night),” she said. “I’ve seen women MPs deeply sad as they get on that Sunday night plane back to Canberra leaving their toddlers behind for another week.

“I did not enter politics until my youngest daughter was 17 and heading off to university. “If my children had been younger when I started I know I would have felt real guilt and loss, but this is the reality for political women with young families. “Even if you take your pre-school children to Canberra for the six months you are away every year, finishing parliament at 9.30 pm means the hours are definitely not family friendly.

“

POLITICS IS A BRUTAL BUSINESS, BUT FAR HARDER FOR WOMEN BECAUSE IN REALITY ONLY LIP SERVICE IS PAID TO EQUALITY

”

“My children were grown by 1996 but I regret having little time for grandchildren, but with my eleventh just born I can work to catch up with the younger ones.” Dr Stone also believes a significant part of the parliamentary work-life balance problem could be resolved by eliminating the “purely useless rubbish” members are forced to go through as part of the daily agenda. She thinks this would also improve the public’s perception of the dignity and decorum of parliament as well. She said both Matters of Public Importance and Question Time are worse than a joke in their current format. >>>

>>> Again she didn’t say it, but there was a definite implication if women had set them up they would not be operated the way they are. “The MPI debate is some two hours of cross chamber verbal abuse every day; Question Time is simply 90 minutes of yelling. “These three and a half hours every day could be so much more productive, for example putting more constituency issues on the table or passing legislation. “Alternatively if we simply dropped these hours we could leave parliament at 5.30 pm and parents could see their babies or young children who had travelled with them.” Dr Stone said the current system stacked up for the men, especially those with a strong supportive partner looking after the home front. But for too many women she said they, like their senior colleagues elsewhere, have to delay having their children for too long — or don’t have any. “Consider the women in John Howard’s first cabinet: Amanda Vanstone and Kay

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... And the staff at SPC were happy to thank her for her hard work.

Patterson did not have children, and Jocelyn Newman was already a grandmother,” Dr Stone said. “Today we have some women having babies as MPs and Senators, and Kelly O’Dwyer is one of these heroic women in Malcolm Turnbull’s Cabinet, but the others, Julie Bishop, Marise Payne and Michaelia Cash, do not have children,” she said. “That is their prerogative and there is no stigma attached, but juggling a young family with six months away annually; and with the expectation the woman will still

do it all, means women parliamentarians having babies need to be ‘super women’ and sacrifice a lot. “So do their families. “Clearly the experience is not the same for men, and it probably never will be.” Dr Stone has a simple solution, one she is convinced would have dramatic and positive immediate and long-term benefits for Australia and for its parliamentarians. And she said she wasn’t being glib. “Parliament and the country would be better

“

IF MY KIDS HAD BEEN YOUNGER WHEN I STARTED I KNOW WE ALL WOULD HAVE MISSED SO MUCH

”

off if 50 per cent of parliamentarians were women,” she said. “We would achieve that first through a quota. “We would then have more family-friendly hours; a greater diversity of life experience and perspective and parliament would be more peaceful, productive, efficient and egalitarian. “The gender balance would mirror the population composition. “Our neighbourhood, the Asia Pacific region has the lowest number of women in office in the world. These countries also have some of the highest rates of domestic violence, suicides and gender inequality. “Having quotas, not just targets; now that would show how serious we are about gender equality.” n

Sharman Stone was a fixture at community events despite her demanding parliamentary responsibilities.

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CHUCA’S NATALIE SMITH knows what it is like to struggle with body image.

are focusing on them,” she said.

Like many other women she has looked in the mirror and been far from impressed by the woman staring back at her.

“I can see where they are coming from — not in the respect of being a bigger person but I did struggle with weight issues for a very, very long time.

A peripheral concern, but once planted would eventually manifest itself as a battle to stave off anorexia, all but taking over the life of the mother of three.

“When I was 42 kg I was on the verge of anorexia. I was insecure about my body and intimidated by people at the gym when I tried to put weight on.

As the owner of TGIF Fitness no-one coming through the door would realise the healthy woman welcoming them had seen her bodyweight plunge to 42 kg.

“I could feel people judging me, almost hear them thinking ‘go home and eat’. But of course it wasn’t as simple as that.”

And despite her best efforts to fight back she could not get it to go any higher. But in the end her determination, love for her children and passion for fitness brought her back to the land of the healthy and happy.

And TGIF — well that, Natalie said, was a bit of a family effort. “We had no idea what to name it but the kids and I wanted to name it something fun so we thought why not call it Thank Goodness It’s Fun Fitness.” And she’s not pulling your leg because she has plenty of clients who will confirm it — Natalie’s classes are actually fun.

She was working as a cleaner and as part of her WorkCover rehab she had to go to the gym.

“I involve games, weight equipment, cardio and body equipment,” Natalie said.

“Where I realised how much gym does for people,” Natalie said.

“Some of the clientele I take on are insecure,” “I wanted to try and help them the same way.” Natalie said.

Today she offers nine classes each week for up to 30 people, from ages 15 to older than 60.

Natalie’s fitness journey started about three years ago when she injured her back.

How happy? Just watch her face light up as she expounds her passion — and her passion “And that’s when I thought I should help for exercise and for working with, and help- other people realise what exercise can do for them, knowing what it did for me. ing, other people.

“Some suffer from anxiety, depression and other issues. They feel intimidated when they are at the gym and feel people

the last major step and launched TGIF Fitness.

Then 36, Natalie turned to study and before long she had certificates 3 and 4 in fitness tucked under her belt and in 2015 she took

“It’s really about making it as enjoyable as I can,” she said. “One of the games we do is noughts and crosses. Basically they have to run a bean bag to the square where they want to put their cross or nought and then tag in the next person.” And because of what she has gone through Natalie knows how to keep those people motivated instead of giving up and throwing in the towel.

But the good thing for us all is she knows how to direct that motivation and push us past that breaking point. “I always try and give lots of energy, encouragement and support,” Natalie said. “I have watched people transform from being insecure to confidently stepping out to take on the world,” she said. “Their self-esteem rises but just as often their lifestyle also improves.” And if you’re one of those people eager to make a change, Natalie has some advice. “Don’t be scared,” she said. “People have an idea in their head about what exercise is. “Yes it’s hard work and painful but that’s only for the first couple of weeks. Once you get past that you can really start to see so many things change. “I try and make everything as fun as possible. I don’t want it to be all about exercising, I want people to enjoy themselves so they keep at it and see results.” Natalie’s classes are $200 for eight weeks (24 sessions) or $10 for a casual session. For more information phone 0411 787 418. n

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New man and new wounds in my brave new world We met the recently estranged Sophie Baldwin in our previous issue and she is back to share more of her story as she carves her new life. In this case she also tried to carve a sizeable chunk of flesh from one of her hands but managed to find its funny side — eventually. And then, of course, there is the surprise that she already has a new man in her life

SPENT THE other morning locked in my bedroom until the girls had finally gone to school.

They were fighting and I just couldn’t deal with another round of the kitchen table. When the door closed I still waited, making sure there were no sudden returns, making sure it was all quiet on the home front. Where it’s been a bloody time just recently. Metaphorically and literally. In my newfound independence I have learnt a painful lesson — trying to cut the safety seal off one of those human-proof bottles with my newly purchased Victorinox knife is not a good idea. But I did learn they are really sharp — so I got my money’s worth there. Two seconds later I was holding my hand under the tap, trying not to faint after looking at the deep wound and all the blood pouring therefrom. But like all good mums I just shoved a band aid over the cut and bolted out the door so I could get daughter number two to netball (ignoring the trail of blood I was leaving behind me). And NO we weren’t late; and YES I did end up at the emergency department eight hours later, coming home in the wee hours with three stiches in my hand. Lesson by now not only well and truly learnt but painfully reinforced — you have a local anaesthetic shot into your hand and you will get what I mean.

But hey, there is some big news as well. I have a new man in my life. His name is Leo, and he’s everything you could ask for in a man. He has no opinion, he never complains and he is happy with just a scratch behind his ears and some food in his bowl. The fact he has four legs, and technically doesn’t belong to me (Number Two has laid claim to him) makes it even better.

“

I DID END UP AT THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EIGHT HOURS LATER, COMING HOME IN THE WEE HOURS WITH THREE STITCHES IN MY HAND

”

She is responsible for the toilet training and the cleaning up of the accidents and boy has she learnt fast — cleaning up poo is never fun and best avoided wherever possible.

commitment now our really cold and frosty winter mornings are hitting. On the running front I ran my third Royal Children’s Hospital Run for the Kids back in March. I love that run — although I was a little disturbed by the bloke who flew past me in bare feet. I mean who does that and why would you even bother, running is hard enough but without sneakers, surely that’s even worse? Run for the Kids always puts things in perspective and if you think you are having a bad life spare a thought for those people participating because they have lost someone very close to them, or because their child is sick, maybe dying. Makes a pretty shitty day take on a whole new perspective. My next planned outing is a trail run in the Grampians, and then Run Melbourne next month as part of Johnno’s Run team. There’s another good cause to support as we are raising money for Community Living and Respite Services in Echuca, so please get behind our team — 100 and counting.

I’ll teach her about sharp knives next week.

While it is great to run because you want to, or just because you can, running for a cause sometimes gives you that extra little bit of motivation, especially when the wind is howling and the temperature plummets.

In the midst of all this drama and domestics, the fitness campaign is going along OK, although I know I will be questioning my

Although it is a little bit easier to keep warm when you are still burning off a little bit of residual rage. n

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THERE’S NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN RECORDING THOSE FIRST DAYS WHEN SIBLINGS MEET THEIR NEW FAMILY MEMBER OR MUM AND DAD GET TO KNOW THEIR LITTLE CHILD

”

Giving birth to a great business LANA MURPHY catches up with one Echuca-Moama woman who has created an incredibly niche market in the photography industry and is loving every moment of her role

T IS THE most intimate, the most spectacular moment. It is life giving and life changing.

Going through the birth of a child — whether it’s your first or your last — is a moment beyond comparison. But regardless of how drawn out your labour is, those last seconds, as your baby is actually delivered, are over in a heartbeat. One minute you are straining and then the doctor or midwife is placing your child on your stomach. If you blinked, you missed it. Unless, of course, you had arranged to share that moment with Sherry Hancock — and her camera. Wedding photographers might think they are photographing the happiest day of your life. Don’t upset them by pointing out they are wrong — but they are.

More often parents are looking for a documentation of some of the most important moments in their life. “A baby is only born once,” Sherry said.

“There’s nothing more beautiful than recording those first days when siblings meet their Sherry is the woman behind the lens at Shooting Memories Photography — captur- new family member or mum and dad get to know their little child,” she said. ing those moments you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. “Having a birth photographer also frees up family members to support mum during the But with Sherry it’s not just family portraits birth.” and happy snaps; she specialises in Mind you, just like the obstetrician and birth photography — one of the very few the midwife, Sherry’s job is hardly a 9–5 photographers offering the service in our business. region. “It’s just an amazing thing to be a part of, and capture forever,” Sherry said. “I like to be a fly on the wall and then freeze those moments in time, but in the most natural scenario possible,” she said. And with two children herself, Sherry clearly knew what she was getting herself into. “I don’t think you could do it if you hadn’t had children before, there’s some kind of mutual understanding between me and the mums because I know exactly what they’re going through,” she said.

Sometimes it leaves her hanging around a hospital for as many as 16 hours, being woken in the middle of the night and driving for hours. “But I don’t mind, I’ll support mum, grab her a drink, talk her through it or hang back if that’s what she wants,” she said. “I’ve become close with so many clients because it’s such an intimate experience and I think my quiet nature can aid that.” For every birth package, Sherry ensures a meet-and-greet session is conducted before, to ensure everyone is on the same page.

“Some have even said I was more supportive than the partner during birth and I think “Sometimes they do, or don’t, want a direct that’s because I’ve done it myself. birth shot, most just want those bonding “Being able to watch from arm’s length moments in the first 24 hours,” Sherry said. makes a huge difference too.” “Whatever they choose, I feel honoured to be able to capture those moments, each Birth photography is a concept that’s one is a one-off, so very special.” n exploded in the past five years.

There’s something about Edie Regional and rural Australia has produced many of Australia’s greatest cyclists. Edie Haley (pictured) might just be one of the next ones even though she hated the bike when she first got on it

DIE HALEY MUST be something special — even though she is only 15-years-old.

The emerging cycling star has already had a bad crash on the track — which included her head being run over. Then she was hit by a car during a road race. Although her helmet was smashed it did die protecting her head, but couldn’t prevent some severe ligament damage and a battered and bruised body. Two days later Edie was due to ride for Victoria at the cycling nationals in Queensland.

>>>

>>> When she turned up to have a crack she was told all competitors were being drug tested so that meant not even Panadol to help with her pain. She rode anyway. And she has been picked up by bike manufacturer Avanti as a sponsored rider — although the provider of bikes to Olympic champions only rarely sponsors juniors. Then she got a phone call from Cycling Victoria to tell her she had won the Pierre de Coubertin medal. She is one of only two Cycling Victoria recipients of the prestigious award, which recognises excellence in Year 10, 11 and 12 school students who participate in Olympic sports. Edie also won her division of the Austral this year, a race she describes as the highpoint of her career to date. The Austral is the oldest continuous bike race in the world and is owned and run by Cycling Victoria. All this and yet Edie happily admits she hated riding when her father Dermot — himself a nationally-ranked rider who competed against riders including Australia’s Tour de France champion Cadel Evans — first got her on the bike.

Once she started racing, first on the track,

and sadly can’t do it at the Echuca-Moama

she was very leery of the proximity of other

Cycling Club.

riders and was delighted to progress to the road. Give or take the odd day here or there she’s also happy to do her training five days a week. Now, however, she has bigger fish to fry

“I have had to swap to Bendigo where there are more riders, particularly more junior girls, for me to compete with,” Edie said. “I have been with the club for the past four years and while I am sorry to go, if I am to keep improving I need to stretch

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myself against others,” she said. The Coubertin Medal included a presentation at the MCG but the phone call telling her she had won is as close as Edie was going to get to the big day. When it is on she will be in Ireland with her family for a cousin’s wedding and a grandfather’s birthday party. But there is no rest for the aspiring — her Avanti bike went with her to Ireland so she could keep training and to also compete in some races there because when she returns she will have only two months to prepare for the junior nationals in Bendigo. That follows the summer’s Victorian schools series, in which Edie managed four race appearances from a seven-race competition — and claimed a gold or silver in each one. After that she will be glued to the TV watching Australia’s cyclists go for more gold at the Rio Olympics. And while she is not making any big claims, Edie will quietly agree the Olympics are the dream of every cyclist. Even a 15-year-old kid from Echuca-Moama who has that something special about her. n

How does something so simple taste so damn good? SIMPLE BUT FRESH — it might sound easy but like quicksilver it can just as easily slip through your fingers But the chase provides the passion that gets Morrisons Winery Moama head chef Troy Jarrett out of bed every day.

Having moved to Echuca seven years ago “I wanted to be able to spend time with my with his family, he said his menu has been family.” crafted to reflect the freshest produce Troy has provided Bella readers his eggplant being used in a simple way to create fabupickle — a rich, healthy complement to a lously complex tastes. summer barbecue or winter’s slow-cooked “I’ve been cooking since I was 17,” he said. staples of lamb, pork or beef. “I made the move with my wife and two chilAnd here it is. . . dren for a better quality lifestyle with less taxing chef hours.

Eggplant

Dressing

Ingredients: • 3 eggplants • 1 small red onion • 4 curry leaves fresh or dried • 2 long red chilli — split into 4 • 2 cloves garlic

Ingredients: • 30 ml apple cider vinegar • 90 g sugar • Pinch of salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground garlic — fresh • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger — fresh • 1/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds • pinch chilli powder

Method: • Dice eggplants and red onions to a medium size • Split chillies in four length ways leaving seeds and thinly slice garlic • Soak eggplant in brine enough to just cover, allow 30 minutes to soak then drain and pat dry • Fry all ingredients until tender and golden in colour then set aside to cool

Method: • Place all ingredients in a saucepan, stir and bring to simmer on low heat until sugar has dissolved • Increase heat and simmer till syrupy consistency • Pour over eggplant mix • Toss and coat completely then place in fridge to cool

Brine recipe

• 1/2 teaspoons salt • 1/2 teaspoons turmeric • water to cover

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Producing your own script for success Not everyone can spend their life living the dream When the Logies were being handed out last month a familiar Echuca face was front and centre adding yet another award to what is already a glittering career in the cutthroat movie and TV industries

IT HAS ONLY taken Joanna Werner 17 years to be a spectacular overnight success. Sure the 1999 Echuca university student realised she wanted to be a producer (as soon as she realised engineering was not going to be her thing). But it has only been because of a lot of perspiration and inspiration that she has been able to evolve from a dream at RMIT to the helm of the multi award-winning Werner Film Productions. There’s no shortage of people who can, and do, produce films or TV shows. Joanna, however, has an enviable track

record of producing winners — the shows that not only capture an audience but keep it as well. And there’s the rub, once you start delivering hits everyone expects them to keep coming — and you want each one to be better than the one before it. But captivation is the key — Joanna wants you sitting in your favourite chair, sprawled on the couch or snuggled up in bed; and then she wants you to simply ‘feel’. “That’s why we do it,” Joanna said. “When you move someone to tears there is nothing quite like it.

“A young girl once wrote to me and told me she had lost her best friend in a shooting, and said it was because of Dance Academy that she left her room and started to go to dance classes. “You don’t forget things like that. It stays with you.” Joanna recalled her early days after graduation, doing a lot of “very short, very low budget stuff. “Eventually I got a job as a trainee producer in kids’ show company.” And she was on her way. Slogging hard, perfecting her craft and

>>>

>>> eventually producer.

becoming

fully-fledged

you can have very, very long days for a very, very long time.

In 2005 she was behind a series about mermaids called H2O.

“First you are given the concept of the film or movie from the writer,” she said.

Then in just a few years Joanna took the plunge and started her own production company. And from there it took on a life like any classic movie — it became the rise and rise of Joanna Werner. At which point it might all sound like a lot of fun; working with celebrities, making films and directing people to create a vision you have in mind. It’s a gimme; right? Wrong. Joanna will explain there is no room for error. You have to be focused and driven and willing to put in the hard yards. Before the show gets started Joanna has to be able to do something not many others can — she has to ‘see’ the whole film before the first scene is shot. You see, Joanna can see the film before it has started. But not many others can. It is her responsibility to make sure it all comes together, seamlessly, from beginning to end. “There’s ridiculous 15-hour days,” Joanna said. “When you’ve got shows back to back

All at various stages of approval.” A show like Dance Academy, for example, doesn’t just materialise.

“I met the writer when we were working “Then it’s about pitching to the network and together on H20,” Joanna said. securing a sale, then tying up the interna“We were talking about ideas we had and tional distribution — and securing finance what we would like to do in the industry through funding bodies in Australia. when Sam (Strauss) told me about an idea she had that was Dance Academy.

“

EVERYONE IS INCREDIBLY TALENTED AND HARD WORKING. IT TAKES SUCH A GREAT COLLABORATION TO PULL OFF THE BEST FILM OR SHOW THAT WE CAN

”

“Then I work with lawyers to confirm contracting. “After that it’s about picking the crew. I have the final approval of casting. “Really it’s about putting the team together so they can make a show and approving every stage after that. “You see the project from the beginning to screening. “I’ve watched episodes 45 times each.

“I ended up reading her work and it was the best script I’ve ever read. It was no surprise that Sam became one of the best writers we have in the industry.” In 2008 Joanna and her team started developing Dance Academy. A drama series which follows small-town teenager Tara Webster as she pursues her dream of becoming a ballet dancer at the National Academy of Dance. It has been screened in more than 160 countries and taken out two Logies as well as multiple gold plaques at the Chicago Film Festival’s Television Awards, bronze and silver world medals at the New York Festival’s International Television and Film Awards and Kidscreen Awards for best teen/ tween series and best companion website. It has also been nominated for nine Australian Writer’s Guild Awards (won twice) and picked up three Australian Director’s Guild Awards.

And it has given birth to a feature film spinoff — Dance Academy, The Comeback is preparing to hit the big screen next year. “We’re in pre-production now,” Joanna said. “We’ve been trying to put it together since we did the last series in 2013.”

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Joanna’s company also went on to be named the 2012 Australian Children’s Television Producer of the Year at the SPAA Independent Producer Awards and in 2013 was nominated for Children’s Producer of the Year as well as Australian Production Business of the Year. Skip forward two years and her company produced ABC3 teen series Ready For This, a co-venture with Blackfella Films. Most recently Joanna produced Secret City — six one-hour episodes of a political thriller for Foxtel and Matchbox in association with Werner Film Productions. By now you’ve realised there’s a lot of hard work behind the scenes. But take Joanna’s word, the end result makes it all worthwhile. “What I love about producing is all the different and creative people I get to work with,” she said. “Everyone is incredibly talented and hard working. It takes such a great collaboration to pull off the best film or show that we can. “I choose things that mean something to me and that I think will mean something to the audience. “I’m lucky because my family have always been supportive of me. They are my biggest fans. “My dream has been, and will always be, to produce a film or series that means something to audiences around the world. “Of course I am also always dreaming of the next show.” And just as she is, she will also tell aspiring producers to keep dreaming. “I would like to say there are so many different ways to make film. There is so much more access to filmmaking than there ever has been,” Joanna said. “So if you want to do it, just go out and do it. “I knew no-one in the TV industry but I do believe there are great courses at TAFE and university. “You just have to be prepared.” When you consider Joanna was on the stage at the Logies last month, accepting an award for most outstanding children’s program for her series Ready For This, you can’t help but be in awe of this Echuca export. Here is a woman who built her company from the ground up. From nothing she made everything. And that; well that is something to be celebrated. n

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Going going sold on her new life This feisty woman tells SOPHIE BALDWIN of her long day’s journey out of night, to become an individual with purpose, drive and a delightful sense of balance and wellbeing

EL DULLARD IS kicking open any door that stands in her path.

Because she has places to go and is not planning to let anything stand in her way. But her life is not about ruthless ambition, it is about helping, caring and making the most of every opportunity. From being an enthusiastic part of the Run 4 Wayne charity program to her daily challenge as a Century 21 agent in the highly competitive Echuca-Moama real estate industry. Where to broaden her industry horizons she recently started training as an auctioneer — the plan is that one day she runs her own real estate business. So today, at 29, life for Mel albeit full of challenges and hurdles, it’s also fulfilling and worthwhile. But just six years ago her life was a different story — crippled by depression and anxiety Mel had hit rock bottom. In her own words she was “in a pretty dark place”. “I really felt there was nothing left in my life. I felt worthless and had hit a dead end. “I know what it feels like to think there is nothing left, and it’s not good,” Mel said. “Luckily for me I was given a second chance. “I changed my mindset, I had to deal with some issues and I received some amazing support to help me get through. “But as well as changing my attitude, I turned to exercise and alternative therapies, including acupuncture and cupping, to help get my mind and body back. “And it still took me a good two years to get my health there, but if you put your mind to it you can achieve anything you set your mind to.” Damn right, and Mel has got to be a pinup star for that approach.

She has inspired herself, found a job that inspires, stimulates and challenges her and, most importantly has gone from the dark to the bright light of a whole new world — her world. “I have one of the best jobs around. Who else gets to help someone find their dream home or sell their own home, family home, their most precious asset? “There is just so much excitement and energy involved with the whole process and it is just so rewarding.” In her professional persona Mel is determined to make the sale and/or buying process as smooth as possible — and is not afraid to go that extra mile and make a difference for her clients, something she puts down to being female. She is also determined to make the experience as pleasant as possible. “I have sold and purchased properties and I know the stress that is involved. When selling sometimes you’re emotionally connected to the property and after all it is your biggest asset, something you have

worked hard for and made your home. When buying you want an agent who is able to help you find the right home and to help guide you through the process. “Since working in the industry I have been trying to think of different marketing ideas to generate the best result possible. In the last six months I have introduced video listings to create additional exposure and wow what a difference they have made.” While the life of a real estate agent is busy, and the hours are whenever a client or customer needs them, when she has some me time, Mel likes to relax by spending time outdoors with family and friends — as well as horseback and motorbike riding. “I love the country life and we live in an amazing place here in the twin towns.” Through her work with Run 4 Wayne she has become great friends with organiser Lindy Leyonhjelm and Rachel Colless. “We had more than 400 people get involved this year and we are already planning next year. We are really excited because this event is getting bigger and better every year. Being involved in something like this is rewarding on a different level and makes you appreciate what you do have.” Mel now realises you get out of life what you put into it, and setting goals and striving to achieve them is giving her purpose and direction. “I work hard and when I think about it, I have kicked some amazing goals — and yes, I am self driven to succeed and right now life is great.” For more information or to talk to Mel phone 0419 529 015. n

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The new world of Sarah Sarah North’s life; and lifestyle; were simply weighing her down. She was not the person she wanted to be but making the change was a pretty big challenge to tackle on your own. TYLA HARRINGTON caught up with her more than two years into the New World of Sarah

T’S THE ONLY game in life where you win when you lose.

And it takes just seven letters. Only one word. But leaves such a sour aftertaste; when you finally squeeze it out. Dieting.

“I owned my own business and had children,” Sarah said. “I wouldn’t eat during the day because I was too busy but then I’d come home and have eight pieces of toast,” she said. “Every time I would eat I’d be filling my body with all the wrong foods.

“That was my normal life, my every day — I I’m talking about the solution to our nation’s wasn’t in a good place. soaring obesity problems, and on the grass“And it is hard to break out of bad habits.” roots level about making life-changing decisions. Still, with help from Danielle, Sarah managed to change her ways. But only if you can stick it out. Dieting. I’ll give you a moment to digest that. To see if you can keep it down.

Slowly, surely and sustainably. “Basically Danielle helped me eat right,” Sarah said.

Because when it comes to winning the diet- “I remember the first week I hadn’t lost any weight and I told Del and she said ‘Good, it’s ing game, it’s very hard to go past Echuca’s not always easy and it’s good that you know Sarah North. that from the start’. In the past two years, with a lot of discipline and determination, she has shed 30 kg — or “It was all about the food pyramid, eating lots of the good stuff and not much of the 120 cm. bad stuff. Surprisingly, though, that massive weight loss has proved to be just the start, not the “I still have KFC or drink alcohol sometimes. finish, for the new Sarah. “It’s all about moderation.” She does not hesitate to admit her lifestyle Sarah spent a year on Danielle’s program transformation has produced a different before she decided to start exercising. person to the one who bit the bullet two Today she does about three gym classes a years ago and decided to save herself. week, and tries to run as well. “I have clarity of my mind now,” Sarah said. “I had never gone to the gym in my life,” “I’m able to set goals and achieve them. Sarah said. “I have such a better perspective on life and “In May last year I joined FITmob and I I value it so much more. haven’t looked back. “We’ve only got one shot at this — it’s impor“Being able to run was always one of my tant to make it count.” goals so I taught myself to run and now I So just how did this new person get to the can do 5–7 km.” beginning of the rest of her life? And just like that Sarah’s life has changed. And did she go it alone or is there some Irrevocably. backroom angel who helped transform her “I was somewhat scared to make the change from calorie queen to Cinderella? but I knew I had to do something,” she said. Enter dietitian Danielle Paterson, the “Life’s too short to give it too much woman not with the magic wand but with thought — just do it. the real-life solutions for people facing the same challenges as Sarah. “I just wish I had made the change a long

time ago and not just two years ago. “It’s the best lifestyle change I could have ever wished for. “Without Del and FITmob, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Danielle, who has between 40 and 50 clients, said it was about finding what motivates you and using it to your advantage. She started Sarah on a six-week program to kick start fat loss. “Basically I was cutting out sugar and made a plan where she was eating regularly — and eating the right foods,” Danielle said. “She still had sugar but it was natural sugar.

everything to start off with. “The first year it was all about diet. I do like to assure my clients it’s 80 per cent what you “For example cutting out soft drink for a lot put in your mouth and 20 per cent exercise.” of people has a big impact. Danielle said the first 10 days can be diffi“I encourage people to eat regularly for cult for some but with a program developed metabolism purposes and to ensure my with protein high enough to combat the clients don’t get to hungry and overeat or reduction in sugar; it can alleviate a lot of binge.” the symptoms. “I’ve always had a big interest in the psychology behind weight loss,” she said.

And you’re also less likely to get ravenous when you do eat.”

“So I always look at what my clients’ internal motivators are and use them to make some changes.

Sarah is living proof it works, with that heavier, unhealthy lifestyle a bad dream receding into the past.

“People can start small and make a couple of changes. You don’t have to change

Instead she’s running towards a brighter future — and look out if you get in the way. n

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OME SAY MATTHEW Butcher was born to be a chef the way John Keats was born to be a poet.

A little metaphysical? Yes, possibly. It could be as simple as his surname, or maybe a DNA debate. Take your pick, but the Echuca man who has been working with Shannon Bennett and Gordon Ramsay (no Keats’ parallel with that chap) and cooking for the uber cool crowd such as the Beckhams and Kelly Rowlands is clearly made of the right stuff. And makes a lot of it in his kitchen too.

He had a letter ready to give to the manager when he arrived.

Matthew knows it, loves it; lives it; his enthu“It explained my goals in life, where I wanted siasm overflows when he talks cooking. to go and that one day he (Shannon) was “I love food and the effect it has on people going to help me achieve them,” Matthew when I get to cook for them,” he said. said. “It brings so much happiness to me and the guests. It’s how I express myself and my feelings in life. I believe it’s an expression of art.” While he was destined for the chef’s hat it wasn’t until he was 14 that Matthew first found his utensils. “It was at my parent’s pizza shop. My dad was known in town for his pizzas and burgers and mum’s great work ethic was why I was inspired to start cooking,” he said. “My parents were my inspiration — and still are.” Matthew’s first ‘real job’ at the helm of any kitchen was Echuca’s Taco Bill, where he ran the cooking under the owner while juggling his VCE at Echuca Secondary College. “Once I graduated with my VCE I moved on to further my studies in Melbourne. “I did a year of business management. Later during that year some classmates and I visited a restaurant called Vue De Monde and I completely fell in love with the experience, the food and the chef — Shannon Bennett.” Matthew instantly had a goal and a dream — to become good enough to work alongside his idol Shannon. So he headed home to Echuca and an apprenticeship at Moama’s Border Inn. “With the goal of working on my knowledge and skills within the kitchen to be able to one day get a chance to work with Shannon Bennett — the best,” he said.

“I gave the letter to the restaurant manager and within the hour, while we were still dining, Shannon came to the table to say hello and had asked me to come back the next week for an interview, which was then followed by a 18-hour day trial — it was a bit different to doing an eight-hour day at the pub.” But our man Matthew managed to impress Shannon enough to get him a position at the acclaimed three hat restaurant, and he would spend the next three years working, learning, experimenting; crafting his gift and his skill. All of which he said changed his life.

“I really learnt a lot about food but was also lucky to learn about managing people and the business side of running restaurants. “I am very blessed with the time I spent with him and the company.” Matthew moved back to Australia when his father was diagnosed with cancer, which led him to Morris Jones on trendy Chapel St in Windsor — new kitchen, new clientele, new challenge. “Now I am its general manager and executive chef running the restaurant and cocktail bar where I spend a majority of my time,” he said. “I am also a consultant executive chef for a little restaurant bar called Kuku Mama and also work for Elite Sporting Tours, a group that hosts people at the US Masters and the British Open Gold Tournaments. “I’m an ambassador for Camp Quality and the chef and face of Grand Cedar — a residential aged care facility in Ashwood.

“In so many ways — through the blood, sweat and tears — I became stronger with, and “As you can imagine, all this keeps me very more knowledgeable about, food and life,” busy.” he said. But never too busy for Matthew to get back to basics. Eventually Matthew made the move to Manhattan where he met the foulmouthed kitchen firebrand Gordon Ramsay and his restaurant at the London Hotel. “I worked at the Tippling Club in Singapore for a year before getting word from Gordon that he was opening a restaurant called Maze in Melbourne, which I wanted to be a part of. “After two years at Maze I headed to LA to work more closely with Gordon on his television show Kitchen Nightmares as well as helping the setup of GR Steak in Vegas, The Fat Cow in LA and the Hell’s Kitchen set.

“I love to cook mum’s classic dishes, the ones she cooks at home, and put my twist on it. Roast lamb, minted peas and roast potatoes. Also my nana’s chicken soup,” he said. “I love Japanese flavours. My food can be very rich but in the past two years I have been evolving my style with Japanese flavours and contemporary Australian cuisine.” Although Matthew has achieved two of his dreams — cooking for Shannon and Gordon — he’s never going to give up on reaching for the stars.

“Gordon is the best I have seen and the hard- “Now my dream is to open a restaurant in the US and to inspire the uninspired,”he said. est working.

“After two years of hard work I took my mum to Vue de Monde to show her what I wanted “He is a great role model, an amazing to do with my life and where I wanted to go.” chef — his knowledge is very powerful and But Matthew didn’t go empty handed. inspiring.

So what’s next for Matthew? “Albert Einstein used to say ‘I never think of the future — it comes soon enough’.”

>>>

Nitro violet crumble

Bonus for Bella readers W

HEN ASKED TO prepare a recipe for Bella readers, Matthew turned to a dish inspired by his father’s favourite chocolate bar.

“A lot of the dishes at Morris Jones are inspired by my family,” he said.

NITRO VIOLET CRUMBLE Ingredients: • Chocolate mousse • Violet ice cream • Chocolate biscuit • Honeycomb • Violet flowers

Chocolate Mousse Ingredients: • 1 whole egg • 2 egg yolks • 45 g sugar • 250 ml cream • 120 g dark chocolate (72 per cent) • 30 g unsalted butter Method: • Melt the chocolate butter and sugar together over a water bath. • Whip the cream into medium to hard peaks and chill in the fridge. • Whisk the eggs together and then whisk into the chocolate mix. The mix will appear to have split but this is the texture you want. • Fold in the cream and set in the fridge in piping bags.

“My dad loves this dessert. I have broken down the components of the bar and added a bit of quirkiness to it — adding liquid nitrogen to the honeycomb. “It’s my favourite dessert.

Chocolate crumble Ingredients: • 160 g dark chocolate • 25 g unsalted butter • 10 g rice flour • 100 g egg white • 25 g sugar Method: • Melt chocolate and butter over a water bath. • Whip egg white and sugar into a meringue. • Fold in rice flour into the melted chocolate then fold in the meringue. • Cook at 170°C for 12–15 minutes. • Once cooled break into pieces and place in the dehydrator overnight. • When it’s dried out, crumble into smaller pieces.

“After all the ingredients are prepared it’s just a matter of plating the dessert. “Be creative and assemble the plate the way you like. “Happy cooking.”

the boil in a heavy based saucepan. • Whisk the egg mix into the cream. • While continuously whisking, bring the temperature up to 75°C. • Strain and then add in more violet syrup if needed.

Honeycomb Ingredients: • 335 g sugar • 125 ml honey • 2 tbl golden syrup • 80 ml water • 2 tsp bi carb soda Method: • Line a gastro tray with baking paper and have the bicarb soda and a whisk ready to go for when the sugar is brought to temperature.

Violet ice cream

• In a heavy base saucepan add all the ingredients except for the bicarb soda.

Ingredients: • 10 egg yolks • 250 g castor sugar • 1L thickened cream • 125 ml violet syrup

• Have a pastry brush and water nearby to brush down the sides of the pot.

Method: • Whisk the egg yolk and the sugar until light and creamy in a mixing bowl. • Bring the cream and violet syrup up to

• The mix should puff up.

• Bring the sugar up to 164°C. • Remove from the heat and whisk in the bicarb soda. • Remove from the pot and place into the lined gastro tray. • Store in the freezer.

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KEEP FIT THIS

WINTER

It’s getting cold and darker, which doesn’t help the motivation levels for training, right? But if you’re tempted to roll over and get an extra 30 minutes sleep this winter, remember this – staying motivated in winter requires a change to only one thing: your mindset. Sure, the conditions encourage eating more and doing less, but the bedrock of motivation lies within. Try these winter exercises to give your mood a boot and keep you warm this winter.

Warm Up Complete 2 minutes of high knee walking followed by 30 seconds of star jumps and 30 seconds of mountain climbers. Repeat star jumps and mountain climbers a following 2 times.

Push Ups 2–3 x 15-20 If you find this too hard, drop both of your knees to the ground.

Jump Squat 2–3 x 15-20 Try squatting with a medicine ball for a deeper and harder squat

Lunge 2–3 x 15-20 each side If you’re looking for an extra challenge, try holding dumbbells in either hand as you lunge.

Walkout or Inchworm 2–3 x 15-20 If you’re finding this difficult, bend your knees slightly to help you reach the ground.

Hip Bridge 2–3 x 15-20 For an extra challenge try raising one leg of the ground while completing this exercise.

Side Plank 2–3 x 30+ seconds To increase intensity try holding a plank for at least two minutes Always remember to stretch after you exercise.

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

Something for everyone at EWMAC GROUP FITNESS

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

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

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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.

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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

Read all about it SOPHIE BALDWIN discovered you can book more than just a book at your local library and that your library card is the entrée to a much wider world than you ever realised

HENEVER I THOUGHT of a library it was always memories, those rows of dusty old books, the silence (or someone glaring at you, even shushing you, to get it) come to mind. I mean a silence so quiet you could hear the drop of that proverbial pin. But no more, after my recent visit to Campaspe Library in Echuca I have been forced to adjust my attitude. I had no idea the libraries of today were so vibrant. I had no idea they were technological hubs, community meeting places, social outlets and while there are books (well, it wouldn’t really be a library without them), with more than 55,000 of them standing to attention

on the shelves in Echuca alone, the library circa 2016 is much more than a place to just borrow a book. There are book chats, where people can share their love of a good read, and there are author events, information sessions for seniors wanting to learn how to use new technologies, story time for children; the list goes on and on. Campaspe Library Services manager Jenny Mustey is only too happy to point that out, that the evolution of the library has been radical and is ongoing. She is passionate about her job and unequivocally certain there will be a place for libraries well into the future. “This is such a rewarding job and I love

seeing people enjoying the space, attending programs, being part of the community hub and involving themselves in the innovative ideas and programs we run here,” Jenny said. “A library is so much more than books, we go way beyond that,” she said. “We offer technology, meeting spaces, programs for seniors, adults, children and toddlers, and an important outreach program. We have an amazing future and we will continue to lead the way supporting the community.” No wonder Jenny’s days are so busy. Her job has her overseeing five branches and six small service points within the shire, working with 30 staff including a number of

“

WE OFFER TECHNOLOGY, MEETING SPACES, PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS, ADULTS, CHILDREN AND TODDLERS, AND AN IMPORTANT OUTREACH PROGRAM. WE HAVE AN AMAZING FUTURE AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO LEAD THE WAY SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY

”

young people employed after school and on the weekends. Plus 160 volunteers also support the service, particularly with the community outreach programs. Her role has also allowed her to become involved on a state, national and international level- not bad for a lady who started out working a couple of days a week originally filling in at the library while people were on holidays. While Jenny gets enjoyment from all aspects of her work, it has been her role as Australian ambassador for the International Librarians Network which has seen her dramatically expand her horizons, connecting with fellow professionals around the world. Her learning from that, she said, has been phenomenal. “This is an amazing program. I have been in conversation with professionals in the Maldives, Canada, Afghanistan, US and New Zealand,” Jenny said. “The Afghan government is trying hard to protect its libraries because they have lost so much through conflict and they also face staff skillset and technology challenges,” she said. “I didn’t think opportunities like this would ever be ahead of me when I started this job — I pinch myself every day.” On home soil though, Jenny is determined to continue to keep all the libraries in the Campaspe Shire operating at the top of their game. “We have joined up with 17 other libraries in the state through the SWIFT consortium which gives our members access to more than 3 million items — and you can return something you borrowed from Echuca to a library in say, Wonthaggi, and it will find its way back to us. “We are continually implementing new technology to service the community and our next development will see our customers have the option to check their own books out themselves, with library staff on hand to assist customers, but it will help to streamline our service.” In this day and age there are not many things that cost you nothing. But a library membership is one of them, possibly the best of them, and is the key to a lot more than just a good read. n

Fantastic range of gifts available at Echuca Newsagency 161 Hare St, Echuca | Phone 5482 1337 Se ran e us ge for of a gif larg t id e ea s

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10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily, closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Relax & Unwind The moment you step inside Vibe Skin and Body in Nish Street Echuca, you instantly feel yourself begin to relax and unwind. The warm and welcoming atmosphere feels like it’s been created just for you and is what has made Vibe one of Echuca’s most popular beauty salons. Salon owner Amanda and her team strive to make every client’s visit an experience to remember.

Vibe offers an extensive menu of services to cater to all your beauty needs using top-of-the-range products from premium brands such as Sothys and OPI. Vibe is the only stockist of Napoleon Perdis in Echuca and houses a large range from its make up and skin care lines. The Vibe team can tailor a look just for you either for a special night out or even your big wedding day. Vibe also host a number of exclusive Napoleon make up events where expert artists pass on their tips and tricks to teach you how to get the most from your Napoleon products. With the cold winter months approaching there is no better time to enjoy a rejuvenating facial. Icy winds, cold air and heaters can wreak havoc, stripping the skin of its moisture and leaving it dehydrated and dull.

Brows On Fleek

They certainly will be with this little beauty from Napoleon Perdis! The brow couture kit features two powder shades, setting wax, tweezers and a double-ended brow brush and spoolie. So easy to use … even for beginners! We used this trio in a recent Bella photo shoot with Jourdy Oliver – call in and see us today to purchase yourself this must have product!

1/75 Nish Street, Echuca | (03) 5480 2903 vibeskinandbody@gmail.com

How to get the perfect brows F

IVE YEARS AGO, unless you were a beauty therapist or a model, chances are your eyebrow shape was something you simply brushed over.

Ten years ago, chances are they were as thin as a mint — a la Mandy Moore, of course. You likely booked your appointment, had them waxed and forgot about them for another month. Whether or not they were shaped correctly was not on your radar. Really, what did that even mean? Today though, brows are all the rage. Beautiful, bold and thick brows. “Brows can change your whole look,” beauty

therapist and Vibe Skin and Body owner Amanda O’Connor said. “They frame your face and the right shape can make such a big difference. “People have been inspired by models such as Cara Delevigne, who have proved a natural brow is beautiful.” It’s also inspired a whole new beauty genre with market leaders such as Anastasia Beverley Hills and Napoleon Perdis leading the charge in the brow product market. Wands, pencils, pomades, waxes, shadows, gels, the options are endless. But it all starts with a good shape, the first and most important step to achieve your perfect brows. “The secret is to not go overboard,” Amanda said. “Always pluck one less hair than you think, leave the natural shape and only get rid of the strays.” To find the perfect shape Amanda says all you need to do is line up a brush or set of tweezers to measure.

STEP 1: BRUSH Amanda recommends always brushing your eyebrows in an upwards direction before re-shaping.

The start of your brow should start directly up from the edge of your nose, your brow arch should be in line with the outer edge of your iris and the tail should end in line with the corner of your nose and the outer corner of your eye.

STEP 4: FILL IN This is where the fun begins. There are many products on the market which vary depending on your desired look but all are designed to create a fuller, more even appearance. “Most people have areas growth,” Amanda said.

that

require

“Powders and pencils can provide that pigment to even-out the shape while it grows, or they can help achieve that fashion-forward, bold look.”

“This shows you how the hair is growing, where needs a little more time and how much needs to be trimmed.

Amanda uses Napoleon Perdis’ eyebrow pencil in chocoholic on model Jourdy.

“It also gives lift and volume and allows you to visualise the shape.”

“Most brunettes will use this colour. The pencil glides on well and helps define the shape, as long as you apply with a feathering technique.”

All you need is a spooly or clean mascara wand. Many makeup brands now sell eyebrow brushes.

Then she goes in with Napoleon’s new couture kit to blending through the middle (use sparingly at start of brow) while avoiding product build up.

STEP 3: TINT Tinting does not always mean making your brows darker. “It’s just a way to fill in the brow and give them a fuller, more even appearance,” Amanda said. “By tinting the small, light hairs that everyone has, it finishes off the look.

STEP 2: WAX OR PLUCK This is where many people can go wrong and why it’s so important to get a qualified therapist and brow specialist to tend to your brows.

“We always encourage people to take the final step, even if you do just leave it on for a minute, it makes a huge difference.” Vibe uses two shades of tint — light and medium — and can mix them to achieve the right colour for everyone.

“The wax also keeps brows in place so they’re defined throughout the whole day,” Amanda said.

Amanda’s dos and don’ts:

DO follow the natural brow shape DO invest in a good therapist and quality products DO get a tint, even if you’re blonde DO small light strokes in an upwards direction when filling in DO rebook within 4–6 weeks to keep your shape

DON’T over tweeze DON’T try to make them identical — they’re sisters, not twins DON’T skimp on quality tweezers — slanted always work best DON’T draw your brows on with heavy outlines DON’T pile on too much product

BEFORE

AFTER Jourdy Oliver modelling the perfect brows.

Game, set and love match Elle Florance joined Echuca United because that’s where boyfriend Josh Molluso played football. It’s five years later and she’s still there — so is her husband, Josh Molluso

LLE FLORANCE IS proving to be something of a positive role model for our girls.

As well as being a PE and health teacher at St Joseph’s College, Elle led Echuca United’s A-grade netball team to a flag last year. This season she is back as the team’s co-captain — and in her spare time is coaching the club’s Under 17s. When the coaching position became available for the 2016 season, Elle jumped at it. “I saw it as a great opportunity to begin my coaching career and an excellent challenge to be involved with a new group of girls,” she said. “I have been assisted by senior coach Grant Matthews in trying to create a team, a group of girls, capable of a seamless transition from 17s to the senior grades and I am grateful to have young women in the team who are encouraging and supportive of one another and who are really committed to their personal and our team goals each and every week.

“I like seeing them progress and really working together.” The 26-year-old said working with the team this year had been really enjoyable. “Being able to see them work together and start to gel as a team has been fantastic and I look forward to seeing where the season takes us,” she said. Sport has been a positive influence in Elle’s life from a young age, helping her build character,

resilience and lifelong friendships, all the while keeping her body and mind healthy. She started playing netball at the age of 10 in the Cohuna primary school competition. Five years later she joined the Echuca Bombers when her family moved to town. “The best junior coach I had was Bec Frantz, who was one of my role models and really

influenced the way I wanted to be involved in netball. She was always coaching and doing a lot behind the scenes,” she said. However, a knee reconstruction at the age of 19 meant Elle had to have a year off. “That was really tough,” she said. “I did a trainers’ course and sat back and watched how people developed their teams. “It taught me how much work goes on behind the scenes. As a player, you never really know how much time and effort goes into all of that. “It was really good, as much as I hated it at the start. It was easy just to step back and say ‘I don’t want to have anything to do with it’ but it was really awesome to be able to see all the people who helped behind the scenes; who were on the committee.” From there, she moved to Echuca United, where her then boyfriend (now husband) Josh Molluso played. And that’s where she has been for the last five seasons. “I love the team aspect. Being part of a team is really important,” she said. “The position I play as goalkeeper is really great at watching people in your team excel because when we get a defensive throw in, it goes from my end of the court and you can see every single player working really hard to get the goal.” However, managing a team was certainly different to playing, she said. “You need to be very patient and an effective communicator,” she said.

your community, your house Echuca Neighbourhood House has numerous Pre Accredited Training/ education opportunities, office skills, exercise groups, art and craft workshops, support groups, and much more. Our programs are designed to encourage participation and learning, in a supportive, pro active and encouraging environment. We are continually adding to our program, so be sure to check it out each term to see what’s on offer. Our Term 2 program includes: Intel® Learn easy steps is an introduction to computers course and designed for those new to or nervous about computers, and our Introduction to iPad and iPhone course will show you how to get the most out of your device.

If you have a skill you would like to share you might like to volunteer your time to do a workshop either on an ongoing basis, or even a one off, and share your skills and knowledge with others. Volunteers are vital in the day to day operation of Echuca Neighbourhood House, they assist in our Reception Office, No Interest Loans Department, sharing their skills as course tutors and keeping the garden growing and the House looking good. All our Volunteers receive full training and ongoing support. If you would like more information about our volunteering at the House please give us a call on 5482 691

Food is Free Community Garden The past month has seen a lot of outdoor activity at Echuca Neighbourhood House with the Food Is Free garden out front, our kitchen garden at the back, and a relaxing garden and children's garden in between. Volunteers are always needed so come along and get involved.

“The kids really respond well when they feel comfortable and they can talk to you about whatever is going on and you can give them constructive feedback and they know it’s not personal.

No Interest Loans

“Young girls face pressures from so many facets as they grow up nowadays and I think sport has a huge role to play in building resilience and promoting women to become leaders in our community.

First loans are for up to $800 per loan and may be for more than one item. However, each application is assessed on an individual basis. Loans can be used to purchase a variety of household and other necessary items.

“The increase in coverage of women’s sport in the media and the exposure that young people have to positive role models such as those involved with the Australian Diamonds and ANZ championship promotes participation at the local level and encourages young people to be physically active. “Young girls can do whatever they set their minds to.” n

The Echuca Neighbourhood House is accredited with Good Shepherd Microfinance to provide loans to people on low incomes or pensions.

If you have any question's please give us a call on 5482 6914 or call in to see us.

Echuca Neighbourhood House Inc. 261 High Street, Echuca. Vic. 3564 Phone: 03 5482 6914 Fax: 03 5480 1026 Email : info@enh.org.au Website: www.enh.org.au ABN: 43 374 311 705

Kits and pattern available Range of: • Dress Fabrics • Zips • Buttons • Motifs • Haberdashery • Kwiksew • Butterick • Burda Patterns • Threads • DMC Threads • Gumnut Yarns • Wool Blanketing • Perle Cotton Threads We also sell new Janome sewing machines and overlockers, and we service all brands of sewing machines and overlockers. We have over 4000 bolts of 100% patchwork material and accessories including patterns, kits, large range of jelly rolls, layers cakes, promo packs.

Green Door Café

256 Anstruther St, Echuca.

Ph/Fax: 5482 2655

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ECHUCA 258 Pakenham Street, Echuca. Phone 5480 7797

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

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.

The best start for baby is a healthy start What is best to eat for you and baby?

What food should be avoided?

The importance of good nutrition through pregnancy will help keep the baby healthy and the mother. Certain nutrients are needed more during this time. Weight gain is normal during a pregnancy and depends on the mother’s weight pre-pregnancy.

When pregnant our immune system becomes suppressed — so it’s harder to fight an infection off. Pregnant women are at risk of food-borne illness from listeria, campylobacter and salmonella. It can be dangerous to the health of the baby

The following nutrient needs increase during pregnancy: 1. Iron • Iron is needed to form red blood cells for the pregnant lady and baby. • It helps to carry oxygen and aids with growth. What you eat and drink may stop your body using iron from the diet. You should limit your intake of these: Drinking tea or coffee with meals. û Taking an iron supplement with a meal that includes û milk, cheese or yoghurt. Eating more than 2 tablespoons of bran. û You can help your body get iron from food by: I ncluding vitamin C with meals (e.g. citrus fruit, ü

capsicum or tomato). I ncluding animal protein with leafy greens. ü U sing antacids sparingly. ü

2. Iodine • Important for the baby’s growth and brain development. • Dietary sources include: vegetables, bread with iodine, seafood and eggs. 3. Folate • For growth and development of your baby. • Dietary sources include: green leafy vegetables, bread and cereals fortified with folate. • It is also recommended that a folate supplement be taken prior to conception and for the first three months of pregnancy to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

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

To avoid food-borne illness during pregnancy eat foods that have been freshly cooked or prepared, wash food and utensils and avoid: • buffets, salad bars and sandwich bars. • meats that are raw or undercooked, cold deli meats, packaged/ready-to-eat meats including cooked cold ready-to-eat (unless reheated until steaming hot). • pre-packaged or pre-prepared fruits and vegetables. • chilled seafood eg. raw oysters, sashimi, sushi and cooked, chilled prawns or smoked salmon. • soft or ‘wet’ cheeses like brie, camembert, feta and ricotta. • unpasteurised milk products and juices. • refrigerated paté, meat spreads or smoked seafood. • raw or undercooked eggs. • avoid raw sprouts.

How Echuca Moama Family Medical Practice can help? • Did you know EMFMP now offer routine antenatal appointments with our practice midwife? • You will see the midwife for an hour twice during your pregnancy. • This is done in collaboration with your general practitioner and antenatal appointments with midwife are at no extra cost to you. • Provides an opportunity in early pregnancy to discuss what to expect throughout your pregnancy. • Discuss care options available to you in the Echuca-Moama area. • Provides continuity of care with a postnatal appointment also offered at two weeks. • Provides a safe and comfortable space to voice any concerns and will endeavour to link you in to appropriate support services in the community. • Good option for those who choose to see their GP for the duration of their pregnancy but still wanting some midwife involvement.

Echuca Moa ma Fa mily Medical Practice helping fa milies live healthy lives.

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Getting a laugh is a serious business — mostly

ONICA DULLARD LOVES a laugh. Mostly she likes laughing at other people’s discomfort — discomfort for which, mostly, she is responsible. But is just as happy to laugh at herself.

And has had plenty of practice because before she became a professional comedian — and occasional librarian — she was the class clown in a class of clowns. “Form Three at St Joseph’s was a notable collection of clowns,” the comic said.

Monica Dullard on stage at the Rochester art show — a local girl poking fun at a roomful of locals is a winning formula.

schedule Monica has maintained a parttime role with Port Phillip Library Services in Melbourne, where she is now based.

Dewey decimal system, the art books start at 759.1 — from there on you know everything.”

It also helps, she conceded, put food on the table when the gap between gigs, or pay cheques, is a little longer than she would like.

“I love taking Moira to country towns, chatting to people before the show starts, because you always find something you can use on the stage that they will then connect with,” Monica added.

In Rochester in April she actually turned up as Sister Wendy, a British hermit, consecrated virgin, and art historian who became well known internationally during the 1990s when she presented a series of documentaries for the BBC on the history of art.

“The funny thing is, years later, one of my teachers from that year was at a gig where I was performing and he came up after my set and told me I had waved my finger at him and said school wasn’t for me, I was going to be a professional comedian.

And the proud possessor of some of the world’s most bucked buckteeth.

“He simply didn’t believe I would, or could, he told me; that a comedian would come from Echuca.

So in her Sister Wendy incarnation she drifted around the 300 items, giving guests her enlightened take on any particular piece.

“So we had a good laugh about that too.”

Monica said her Sister Wendy alter ego was something she could really get her teeth into.

Monica was back in her old stomping ground in late April, helping open the Rochester art show but it has been a long path from that Echuca classroom to starring on the stage. “I guess I started in 1992, after I came back from some time in London,” she said. “That was a little bit of a false start but I got going again two years later and have been at it ever since.” To keep a little normality in her hectic

She is also the author respected works on art.

numerous

“But it’s not all laughs, a big part of any comedian’s impact is their research, you really need to know your target market, what sort of ad lib will work with them and how far you can go.” She also does a lot of convention work and, understandably, library events for kids (and frequently their parents). And has a soft spot for any country or regional fundraiser. Monica can also often be found working with fellow funny man Dave O’Neill, a self-described man of leisure (and laughs). But one gig which is a particular favourite is the MCG members before a Friday night football game.

“I love art, and my Sister Wendy has a comment on everything and anything,” “You get paid to perform, and then they give Monica said. you two tickets to the game,” Monica said. But Monica’s best-known character is Moira, “Fancy paying someone like me to sit in the a part-time librarian. members — what a laugh.” “Moira is also an authority on books, art and, Well of course it is, because that’s what she of course, libraries,” she said. does, even if sometimes she is the only one “For example, she knows that under the to get the joke.

Thirty Something

If you work in a nuthouse, you haven’t been to my office I

F YOU HAVE friends like mine you will know several of them have problems.

Serious problems. To the extent they almost certainly need therapy. Take Jaime, for example. You and I have wardrobes for, well, for our wardrobe. My pal Jaime, however, has wardrobes just for her shoes. Lots of wardrobes. And that’s still not enough room to fit all that footwear. But even with these overflowing racks, with shoes pushed under beds and as many as five or six pairs in a current rotation, which means they are scattered from her front door to the bathroom — and every room in between — she dreams about her next pair. Her dog, meanwhile, delights in greeting you at that front door with a random shoe in his mouth, hoping you will throw it down the passage for him to chase. Then there is Susie. Susie is addicted to the internet, and to internet shopping. “Do you know how much money I save,” she trills every time three or four more packages arrive at her office desk. Never mind, if you drop around to her home for a coffee, you see multiple boxes stacked against walls in every corner of every room. Mostly unopened. Is she insane? “What’s in them?” I have demanded on more than one occasion, as any friend who is the same dress and shoe size would. “To be honest,” she laughs, “I’m not sure I can remember.”

Duh. For some years I have been convinced there is an opportunity here, but I have just never been able to just point blank ask if she wanted to lighten her wastrel load. Working on the theory if I bring it up enough, drop in enough and throw dagger looks at this airhead she will get the message. I’ll keep you apprised of any progress. But I have saved the best for last. Every circle of friends these days has at least one single mother — and ours is outstanding. Rene has two little girls (so cute because I can mostly follow their development on Facebook and have always been able to excuse my way out of babysitting) and to say she indulges them would be to suggest Madonna is a decade or two past see-through outfits on the red carpet. Jaime, I have decided, has a fetish. Susie , on the other hand, has a problem. Rene, God bless her, is a different kettle of fish.

“These were all on sale, the girl’s needed some new clothes for (insert season), or had to have something new for (insert event) and they go back to school next week and just had to have (insert whatever she dreams up here),” she announces, still waving the bags around her head. “And I really needed some work clothes; the gear I have been using is just about falling apart.” This signals the onset of the reveal, as one outfit after another is seductively lifted from the bag, a full description offered (as if we were all blind) and the excuses for the ‘investment’ follow each item. The purchases took a good 60 minutes, the reveal wastes another 15–20 and then Rene blows 30 more with phone calls and Facebook posts sharing her good fortune with the rest of the world. By which time our editor finally notices absolutely nothing is being done. With a self-satisfied smirk I hit send on my column and report I am going for a drink.

She is the textbook compulsive shopper with just enough intelligence to always have a smooth story justifying her latest waste of a week’s wages.

Jaime can’t make it, she has blown a heel and needs a pit stop at home — might make it later if we are still there.

If I didn’t know her as well as I do I might even fall for at least one or two of her smooth stories from time to time.

Susie would love to join me but she has too many boxes for the train so she’ll need a cab and that’s going to cost big bucks.

She will go down the street at lunch to do something as mundane as, for example, renew her driving licence, or pay her rent.

Rene, as always, is desperate to join me, after wasting money she loves nothing more than a red wine.

That 10-minute trip turns into a baffling 60-minute absence before she explodes back into the office, bags lining both arms and a beaming smile on her blessedly beautiful face, which disguises such a vacuous mind.

But not surprisingly, she is skint. After all, it’s nearly 24 hours since she was paid. With the usual sigh I offer to buy her a drink, after all, it’s cheaper than therapy. For her and me.

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