Bella magazine by McPherson Media Group

Edition 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; October 2016

Riverine

Herald

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Contents

Issue 5, October 2016

20 36

On the cover 29

Rhiannon Campbell: Every woman's pin up

Inside 10

You can run, but you can't hide

Paul Kelly colours Riverboats 2017

Eight days a week

The amazing, accidental Eva Baker

The dog, the dogged and the doggone dopey

Don't get too comfortable old girl

Our queen of the country tracks

Hair raising opportunity helping so many women

Our piece of heaven

There is a calm amidst the storm

Maggie's a mini (and multi) business mogul

Knocking everyone into shape — any shape

Career shuffle came out of the blue

Community outdoes charity on any day

Memories made of those magical moments in time

You can't take the country out of the doctor — thank heavens

The kid with a career in mind

Still chasing the dream

There's nothing he Cohen do in the kitchen

Waste, waist and whatever's next — it's a lot for a girl to digest

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

72 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: Bella Considine, Brendan Cain and Adele Dhillon COVER: Model: Rhiannon Campbell; Makeup by Willow Tree Beauty Lounge's Samantha Morgan; hair by Mintme Salon owner Bec Coote; flower crown by Riverport Florist owner Sarah Newman; and accessories by BohoEssence.

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Welcome to Bella B

ELLA'S SITTHIXAY DITTHAVONG has been named one of Australasia's photographers of the year.

into an engaging space where women can think freely about any and every issue that is important to them.”

Sitt's pictorial feature on aerobatic pilots Adrian Van Der Sluys and Michael Jones was named the best feature and lifestyle series in the annual Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers Association (PANPA) awards in Sydney early September.

The next cover was a hair shoot with Chelsea Leslie. The emphasis was on colour.

It is a credit to him but it comes as no surprise here at Bella HQ. All you have to do is take a look at our previous four covers (or five if you include this one) and you will see he is deserving, to say the least. Take the first issue for example. Sitt photographed Cassidy McGill half under water. It was a four-hour shoot and race against failing light after two weeks of planning. “Tyla and I agreed it had to be edgy, something a little different — I really didn't want a cover image that could be easily ignored,” Sitt had said at the time.

My instructions to Sitt were fluffy at best. I wasn't sure what I wanted him to pull off but he could do it, right? “I acknowledged these instructions with a smile and a nod, as a knot the size of a softball started to form in my stomach,” Sitt had said. “To make bare images like this work, one needs to pay meticulous attention to every aspect of the image — Am I the optimum distance from the subject? Is the eye drawn to the most important part of the frame? Are the highlights bright enough without being distracting? Tough to do when we don't have a studio.” Then there was the next cover — and my personal favourite to date — Edie Haley and that paint and that pose.

“My personal hope is the magazine evolves

Sitt — against all the odds (and there were lots of them — including two incompetent journalists throwing paint from either

be affordable so that everyone could be involved.

HERE IS NO doubt Sitt's photography has made Bella come to life but I must say without the teamwork which comes from everyone at the Riverine Herald Bella certainly would not be the amazing publication she is today. Twelve months ago Bella didn't even have a name and was a crazy idea that I had to bring to the women of Echuca-Moama. It had to be different and fun and it had to

Today, five issues in, we have created just that. If you mix the beautifully written articles from our entire editorial team, a display of artistically designed ads that everyone in the advertising department contributes to (with the help of our extremely talented graphic artists) and Sitt's amazing photography, you

side) — had pulled it off again. Then we tried ballet and then finally this month's cover. I use the words 'we' loosely because it's really always just been him and my 'loose' instructions, made much better by his technique. This month we had to go above and beyond. Rhiannon Campbell's story is the most touching story Bella has had thus far. I needed Sitt to reflect her personality — strong, resilient and courageous. He did all those things, not surprisingly. Now that all has been said and done and we have another incredible cover image and Sitt has been recognised for his talent. I think it's time to say thanks. This magazine would not be what it is were it not for Sitt's photography. So thanks Sitt for understanding all the instructions I never say.

Tyla Harrington Bella editor

have Bella magazine. Every two months she keeps getting bigger and better. This can all be attributed to the amazing team we have here at the Riverine Herald. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Carly Richardson Bella advertising executive

Carly Richardson and Tyla Harrington.

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You can run, but you can’t hide SOPHIE BALDWIN talks to Lindy Leyonhjelm about the tragedy that gave birth to Run 4 Wayne and how rescuing her late husband’s legacy also gave her, finally, the chance to find a new purpose in a shattered life.

INDY LEYONHJELM IS starting to emerge, ever so slowly, from the depths of grief.

“I was probably getting 2–3 hours sleep and once I hit the 12 month mark I thought things would just magically get better.

It has been two years since Wayne Rickard, the love of her life and father of her six-yearold daughter Imogen, died after an 11-month battle with gastric cancer.

“In fact they got worse because I had to deal with my own emotions. I was a single mum and the person who I shared everything with, my best friend, was gone.

She is brittle and she is raw but she is still quietly going about rebuilding her life one small step at a time.

“The nights were the worst; they just seemed to go forever.”

“I have had to find myself again. My goals and dreams are all different and I have had to work out what they are now,” Lindy said. “Nothing is ever black and white and it's easy to get stuck in a story but it is also important to move your way through it, no matter how long that may take,” she said. “There is no set path to grief.”

The turning point for Lindy came when she took on the organisation of Run 4 Wayne, in March this year. Run 4 Wayne was first organised in 2014 by a group of friends as a fundraiser for the family. The run has continued every year with a different worthy recipient chosen as beneficiary of the funds.

“The original organisers moved away and the run was in danger of finishing. I didn't think I had it in me to get it off the ground but with the help of a great committee we But she now knows the importance of lookmade it through. ing after herself. “It really was a turning point for me and my “When Wayne was sick I had to give up self-confidence and I think I just started to everything to care for him and I certainly get back into life and I didn't want to be so don't regret a single moment of that, it was sad anymore.” an honour, but it does take a toll on you Lindy and Wayne met as teenagers, dated after a while and after he passed, I was just off and on but moved on to separate lives. lost. Like most mothers Lindy chose to focus on the care of her daughter Immy, neglecting herself and pushing her feelings aside.

“For the first 12 months I was barely holding myself together. I wanted to keep my life the same, just without Wayne in it.

In 2005 after relationship breakups the couple met again and in 2010 they shared the joy of Imogen. >>>

>>> In 2012 Wayne started to become ill. Initially the couple blamed it on stress and a busy lifestyle but as his symptoms worsened they knew it was more than that. Then in 2013 they were given the shattering news Wayne had cancer and any treatment was limited. After hearing about a new option that had some success in China (sono photo dynamic therapy) the couple made the brave decision to travel there and use the treatment in conjunction with western medicines including chemotherapy and radiotherapy (money raised from Run 4 Wayne was used to help fund part of the treatment). “The food was awful, the smog was terrible, but the people at the hospital were amazing. “We lived there for three months and the results were awesome,” Lindy said. “Within a week he was eating better, then he started to look better and there was talk about putting him on a maintenance program.” Unfortunately the good health was short lived and cancer was rediscovered. “There is no doubt in my mind the treatment Wayne had in China helped prolong his life. “I will be forever grateful to all the fantastic people in the community who helped raise money for us and gave us the greatest gift possible, more time with Wayne.” And Lindy said people will never truly understand how grateful she was — and is. “It was the little things people did along the way that made all the difference,” she said. “When we came home from China family and friends had fixed up our front garden as a surprise and that was just amazing. “Wayne was very social and he had many visitors over the time and people were just so kind and caring.” And that is why Lindy has decided to continue with Run 4 Wayne, so she can give back to the community and help other families. Cath Hughes, this year's recipient, lost her husband Brett to the same cancer that claimed Wayne although at just six weeks his battle was brutally, and shockingly, short and he left behind three young children. Run 4 Wayne has now become a permanent fixture on the calendar for the first weekend in March. Not only will it give back to the community it also keeps the memory of Wayne alive. Lindy is sure he would be stoked to know his legacy is living on and helping somebody in the community. “Wayne was a very caring person, who just attracted people. He made them feel comfortable and had the knack of communicating with everyone. “I think he would be looking down a very proud man.” 

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Paul Kelly colours Riverboats 2017 David Frazer is proving something of a miracle impresario as he keeps upping the ante with star acts for the Riverboats Music Festival — but in 2017 he has gone for Australian music royalty.

Paul Kelly and Charlie Owen.

ROM LITTLE THINGS big things grow.

And some of them get to just the right big — and then just keep getting better.

Last year Riverboats Music Festival organisers hailed the three-day event the best yet when 10,000 people (in its humble naissance numbers were barely half that) packed Echuca-Moama's Aquatic Reserve. So when Paul Kelly, the man of Australian music, takes the stage come February, that better is very close to being the best. Kelly will be joined by Charlie Owen in a double act, supported by Hoodoo Gurus and James Reyne. If you are looking for a more definitive, and spectacular, Australian line-up it's going to be hard to find. RMF executive producer David Frazer said his team had been chasing Kelly's signature for six long years. “We're all so pumped,” Frazer said. “It's been a long project. It's interesting when you secure the calibre of Kelly or Missy Higgins (last year's headline act) you have to sell them the product. “We are so thrilled Paul finally agreed to come up.

Mia Dyson.

“He will be singing his new stuff with Charlie, plus a swag of his original classics as well,” “It's something for everyone and they are all he said. first class acts. It takes six to seven months to get acts. We've never had a filler. They all “It is one of only three festivals over the fill venues independently. summer months he will be performing at, all over Australia.”

“Every year we like to say we want to do things bigger and better,” Mr Frazer said. Riverboats has been home to the likes of Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan, The Cat Empire, “On my end it's about improving every Pete Murray and Tim Rogers in recent years, component of the event. From the food and will return for its sixth incarnation from we offer to the venue, we try to make Friday, February 17 to Sunday, February 19. everything better.

This year's line-up will include Mia Dyson, “We really want people to walk through Husky, Shane Howard, Cash Savage and the Tuesday morning, not knowing a festival Last Drinks, William Crighton, Melody Pool, had been there. Mighty Duke and The Lords, Karl S. Williams “For the past three years we've had the and The Meltdown. event at absolute capacity for that space. Mr Frazer said the acts secured this year We've sold out. We could have a few more would have to be one of the best yet. people but we don't want to detract from the experience.” “Music is a subjective art form,” he said. “For me it's certainly incredibly strong. The great thing about Riverboats is that it's not genre specific.

Riverboats has cemented its place on the calendars of music fans across Australia for its natural setting, relaxed family-friendly

atmosphere and the phenomenal artists that perform every year. “Riverboats 2017 promises to deliver in spades yet again,” Mr Frazer said. “With its single stage under a canopy of river red gums and with the sound of historic paddlesteamers meandering past all weekend, there is truly no better setting to experience Australian live music this summer.” A highlight next year will be a Murray River cruise, thanks to a partnership with the Pride of the Murray. Festival goers have the opportunity to take part in a one-hour cruise down Australia's longest river with festival artists Mia Dyson, William Crighton, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks and The Meltdown. The much-loved annual festival breakfast will return to the Beechworth Bakery on February 19 from 9.30 am to 11.30 am, with live sets by The Meltdown. >>>

Hoodoo Gurus.

>>> But what really sets Riverboats aside from the rest? “I certainly think the location is a huge factor,” Mr Frazer said. “It has been reported by The Age and music journos as one of the most picturesque places in Australia. And that's full credit to the town and the shire. “It's just considered a superb place. “Another thing is that it manages to foster a warm and friendly audience.” Tickets are on sale www.riverboatsmusic.com.au

now

from

“We always encourage festival goers to get in early,” Mr Frazer said. “At $135 for three days, with these bands, we think that is incredible. And there are day tickets available too.” 

Husky.

James Reyne.

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Eight days a week Domestic goddess, farm worker, book worker, retail worker You might know someone busier than Sandi Marsh but writer IVY WISE reckons it's highly unlikely. Even more unlikely, they won't be juggling anywhere near as many balls.

AISING FIVE DAUGHTERS, doing the accounting for the family's earthmoving business, running a farm — and now having launched a glutenfree store is all in a (very busy) day's work for Sandi Marsh.

Gemma, Lana, Lily, Rosy and Ella Marsh.

Her girls are aged between 10 and 16, the youngest being twins, so getting them up and ready at the bus stop by 8 am means an early start for the Strathallan mum. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are spent at the shop, which she operates from the farm, and Thursdays and Fridays at the office of her family business — or on the farm marking or drenching sheep. Saturday is another early start as Sandi and husband Kevin cart all five girls off to netball games across the district before finally arriving home about 4 pm. Sundays are spent getting all the washing done in time for school, housework and gardening — and sometimes she even opens the shop. Mondays she tries to keep free. Whew. But it's not for a day on the couch with some chocolates and a good book. "I usually do a Pilates class Monday morning, do the weekly shop, clean up the house or get all the weekend's washing away and cook for the week's school lunches, plus working from home with ordering and organising products for the shop," she said. Asked how she manages everything, Sandi, 42, admits that once upon a time she didn't. It's crazy some days just trying to cram everything in, and she said her main priority was the kids. “So every night I'm usually heading to Echuca to run kids to work, sport or dance plus all the extra stuff the kids have at school or socially," she said. "Some nights we aren't home until 8.30 so it can be very exhausting." To make matters even more challenging, one of her twins, Lily, was diagnosed with coeliac disease in 2007.

Photo: Rhys Leslie

The immune system in people with coeliac disease reacts abnormally to gluten, causing small bowel damage. Ironically, the family's farm produces glutenrich wheat and oats, lucerne and canola and grazes lambs. "I don't think many realise how sick people with coeliac can get when they eat gluten," Sandi said. "Lily vomits for hours. She then takes a few days to recover and all the while this has damaged her stomach. "If a coeliac doesn't eat gluten free all the time, it can cause so many side effects." It was because of Lily's condition that Sandi opened Riverine Gluten Free on December 18 last year. "It was always tricky getting the products I wanted," she said. "The supermarkets were great but they kept changing products or discontinuing something that you really liked." The store sells countless gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo products, as well

as fermented foods and stomach health products. Products include gluten free cakes, slices, fresh pasta, dim sims, dumplings, pies, noodles, taco shells, pizzas, coconut and almond milk ice cream, dairy-free chocolates, frozen vegan products, kombucha, kefir and living elixir drinks, fermented vegetables, bone broth, gourmet foods and sauces. Opening two days a week, Sandi says business is still unpredictable. "I'm only very small so getting enough money in so you can order more products is the only way to manage the ordering," she said. "When I first opened, I had a lot of healthy products but people didn't buy them. "Most want the frozen products the most, like pies, dim sims, easy ready-made products. These are my hardest products to get here as well. "But the nicest thing for people is they can come to my shop knowing everything is gluten free." 

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It is not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself and to make your happiness a priority … it is a necessity! At Rich River Health Group we have a great range of female allied health services PAP SMEARS

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Settle in smoothly and enjoy this beautiful stage of life with your new baby, with the help of the team here at Rich River Health Group.

Cervical cancer is one of few cancers that can be largely prevented through screening (Pap tests), yet over a third of women do not have them regularly. Most women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had regular Pap tests. Having a Pap test every two years is the best way women can protect themselves against cervical cancer — regular Pap tests can prevent around nine out of 10 cervical cancers. Please ring for an appointment. There is a small charge for this service which is not rebatable from Medicare.

DIABETES EDUCATOR

Do you have diabetes? At Rich River Health Group we are fortunate to have fully credentialed diabetes educators, Heidi Williams and Annita Joseph. They are passionate about positive outcomes for people with diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes, there are many steps you can take to manage your condition. Here are a few tips: • Test your blood glucose levels regularly. • Always take your medications. • Be active as often as you can. • Adopt a healthy eating plan. • Keep a positive mental attitude. • Have regular blood tests. A diabetes educator can be of enormous benefit in helping you manage your condition and monitor your blood glucose levels. Heidi works Monday to Thursday, 9 am – 3 pm. Annita works Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5.30 pm.

During your pregnancy it is important to have regular health checks to monitor your baby’s development and your own health. Once you have seen your GP, they will arrange ultrasound scans and screening tests at the appropriate times within your pregnancy. At approximately 10–12 weeks you will start your journey with Marg Berryman our antenatal care midwife. Marg is our exceptionally experienced midwife, she is a wealth of knowledge and has specialised in antenatal care here at Rich River Health Group for the past six years. She enjoys nothing more then being a part of the miracle of life with impending families and is here to guide, lead and empower you throughout your pregnancy. You will have 10–12 antenatal appointments in conjunction with your scheduled GP appointments. Visits will include: • Thorough assessment of your medical history and lifestyle. • Communication with your GP to ensure a comprehensive level of care. • Information for healthy eating and exercise. • Assessing fetal heart rate and fetal growth. • Monitoring maternal health. • Encouragement of family centred care. • Referral to Allied Health if required. • Discussion and support in all facets of pregnancy, including and problems that may occur.

ASTHMA EDUCATOR Marg Berryman & Kathy Cosgriff — Asthma Education Nurses

DIETITIAN SERVICES

Asthma isn’t something you have to deal with on your own.

Andrea Soh

Eating well plays a crucial role in maintaining our health and general wellbeing. That is why Andrea is passionate about working closely with people to assist in making the best food choices. During an appointment your dietitian will: • Ask about your current diet, exercise habits, general health and lifestyle. • Offer advice and information on eating to improve your health and wellbeing. • Work with you to develop an individual eating plan to meet your needs.

In partnership with your doctor and our asthma educators you can achieve good asthma control and live a full and active life. Asthma control can be improved with appropriate treatment, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a written asthma action plan, self monitoring and regular asthma reviews.

Make an appointment today, phone 5480 6700.

Andrea works Wednesday to Friday 8.30 am – 5 pm.

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The amazing, accidental Eva Baker From truck driver to rockabilly rebel Eva Baker has blazed a fiery trail across the glam world of the big screen and TV then gave it all up to move to Echuca-Moama and surrounds. She tells SOPHIE BALDWIN how she moves to her own beat — regardless of how often the tune changes.

I'm a rockabilly rebel from head to toe I gotta keep a-rockin' everywhere I go Everybody join us, we're good company

hairdresser who served her clients martinis on club sofas, with Frank Sinatra crooning in the background ignited her passion).

Be a real cool cat, be a rockabilly rebel like me.

“I didn't even realise there was such a thing as a subculture at the start,” Eva laughed.

Matchbox 1979

“I was doing hair and makeup and weddings and then I began offering hair and makeup workshops and then I started working at rockabilly festivals, and it just grew from there.

VA BAKER IS, literally, a breath of fresh air.

was, making over women and still heavily involved in the wedding industry. “I never thought I would be a hair and makeup artist, let alone a successful one,” Eva said. “The first wedding I did up here was for Amanda Welch, who has since become a great friend,” she said.

“She wanted a completely authentic 1950s bridal party and the photo she showed me "I eventually established my own vintage-in- for her inspiration was of my best friend, it spired makeup line called Dolls and Dames was then that I thought 'OK, I can still do and my work has been published exten- this'.” sively in places such as Germany, England, And therein lies the beauty of Eva, her job Spain and Poland. But Eva is more than just skin deep, get to means so much more to her than just a way know her and you realise her real beauty “I have styled some high-profile clients in to earn an income. comes from within, she is even more photoshoots for the rockabilly scene. “I love the transformation I make to my gorgeous on the inside than the face she “My makeup line won best makeup at Viva clients, not just on the outside but on the presents to the world. Las Vegas, which was pretty awesome, and inside too. She has lived. I have worked on the TV drama A Place to “I have had clients go through marriage Call Home and Australia — The Story of Us.” And like all of us, she has at times been breakups, stress and just generally feeling scarred by life. It is pretty fair to say this was the rise and low. She has tasted success and failure, person- rise of Eva Baker. “You do their hair and makeup, put on a ally and in business, but through it all she Then at a rockabilly concert in Newcastle in beautiful outfit and their confidence just has never lost focus, determined, driven and 2013 she was introduced to an entertainer grows. always working hard to achieve her goals. called Scotty Baker and her life then took “We live in a challenging society where another dramatic turn. Oh, and modest. people think you have to be beautiful on She lived in Sydney and he lived in Tongala, the outside, but it is just as important to be She has travelled the world as a stylist something had to give and somebody had beautiful on the inside, that is where true and hairdresser, making over the rich and to move. beauty comes from, the rest is just a mask.” famous, in her signature 'rockabilly style.' Her physical beauty performs in harmony with her raunchy rockabilly style — flaming red lipstick, glamorous coiffed hair, classic car and her own flair on clothes right out of the '50s.

Her services are already booked out well into 2017 and yet she adds all that as a bit of an afterthought. Eva kind of fell into hairdressing, not just to the stars but for common folk like you and me. “I used to drive trucks for my dad's courier service — I was actually a bit of a tomboy,” Eva recalled. “When I had had enough of that, and was about to become a nail technician, I got offered a job at the best hair salon in Wollongong,” she said. “It was a total accident but I am ever so grateful because it has led me on this crazy ride for the last 20 years.” She found the rockabilly sub culture 10 years ago; although without realising it she had been channelling it herself for quite some time. (Working with an eccentric

“When Scotty told me 'Echuca was a wedding mecca,' I wound everything up and moved here and I haven't regretted it at all.” When she says 'wound up', she actually spent 18 months travelling back to Sydney to honour previous styling commitments. Initially Eva found life for a city girl in rural Tongala difficult — and a bit of a culture shock. She was convinced her career would end up taking a back seat, but she soon found people to be “accepting and lovely”. She now loves rural life; she loves her home and spending any of her spare time in her beautiful big garden. “I honestly didn't think anyone in this area would want what I did and I fully expected to be closing my business.” Instead her career, like her life, took another turn and today she is as busy as she ever

Eva's own journey has included divorce. “There was a time there where I lost myself and had to redefine who I was. “Now I am strong, I am independent and I am empowered, and even though I love the 1950s era I have a very modern mindset. I am me and I won't be anyone else and there is more to me than my physical appearance. “I am a workaholic because I love my job. I am an entrepreneur at heart and I always have 50 million business ideas on the go, sometimes I can't sleep because I have so many ideas going on inside my head and I can't write them down quick enough. “I have embraced all my life, it is such a journey.” And it is a story Eva is still writing, with successes still to come and this striking woman will continue to radiate her inner beauty as she takes it all in her stride. 

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Rhiannon Campbell: Every womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pin up The dream, the nightmare, the reality TYLA HARRINGTON meets a mother who has endured loss beyond description but who has always got up, cleared her mind, and fought on. It is a story of such sadness and the triumph of the spirit.

HIANNON CAMPBELL HAS lived every mother's worst nightmare.

Incredibly, so incredibly sadly, not just once but three times. She has experienced a depth of loss most people could not comprehend, which even she struggles to fully articulate. Today Rhiannon is smiling. But at the same time you can't help notice her eyes occasionally look past you, seeing things that will never fade away. Seeing her premature twin Braith lying on her chest, skin against skin; feeling his undeveloped chest battling for every breath, feeling its warmth on her face. Then nothing. Just a stillness. And the eyes of people in the delivery room turned away. Tears. A baby on her chest, his twin still trapped in her womb. >>>

>>> wanted a child, so they tried again.

“I was basically flat on my back for seven months.”

And her own body finally surrendering. Unable to continue the labour, she battled massive blood loss and agony before Brax was born the next day.

“I fell pregnant,” Rhiannon said.

But there would be no warmth, no tiny breath on her face, it had all been too much for the second twin's fragile body and he was gone before he was born.

“At 22 ½ weeks we lost our little girl Clancy,” “It was a day by day process,” Rhiannon said. Rhiannon said. “I stayed in Echuca and would visit every “I went to the same midwife that was looking week. after me with the twins. She said it was a

Rhiannon tells her story. When she does move her eyes and meets yours there is no mistaking her determination, or her strength. Because not many people would have the strength to relive that story. “I moved to Echuca 10 years ago,” she said. “I was only going to be here for a little while but three days after I moved here I met my now husband Guy Campbell.

And it happened all over again.

She had her cervix stitched to stop her baby from coming early.

year to the day that I lost the twins.”

“From 20–24 weeks I spent in Melbourne. And so Rhiannon had to relive the night- Because that's when I lost the twins and Clancy. It was a very emotional time for me. mare, and again there would be no little In the past that's where it all went wrong. baby on her chest. Like her brother Brax before her Clancy's tiny body had nothing “Then I went home and rested.” to give.” When Rhiannon reached 34 ½ weeks she “We had to do a lot of rebuilding after Clancy, started contracting. both personally and as a couple. We were “It was all ready to go,” she said. both looking for answers where there were “We started monitoring her every day. never going to be any found.”

“We were married in November 2009 and after a while we thought we would try for the next stage.”

But their search did take them to a Melbourne-based obstetrician who was able to identify some of Rhiannon's own physical challenges.

“I had about three weeks of contractions. The nurse said they were off the Richter scale but I think my body got used to the pain.

Rhiannon fell pregnant with her twin boys but at 23 weeks everything started to go downhill.

“He was amazing. He started from scratch and went through everything,” Rhiannon said.

“They couldn't intervene because the boys weren't 25 weeks yet. I don't understand the details of it but they couldn't do a great deal,” she said.

“He found I have a unicornuate uterus, which basically means I have half a uterus, and I have an incompetent cervix.

“The doctors removed the stitches at 36 weeks but I didn't go into labour like they thought until at 37 weeks my waters broke and I gave birth naturally.

“I was not in a good place after that. I think I was pretty traumatised.”

“I think all the trauma I went through when we lost the twins wasn't great for the body.

In 2011, on March 29 and 30, Rhiannon and Guy's twins died.

“Further tests also found I only had one kidney and I only had half the internals through my mid-section.

Rhiannon had two birds tattooed on her right shoulder to remember them and spent the following six months with a psychologist.

“I am not going to say for sure that it was why I lost our three babies but it does all point to it.

“Eventually I saw the light,” Rhiannon said. “We did get an autopsy on the boys but there were no answers. We just put it down to an unexplainable thing. It was tough but there wasn't much we could do.” But Rhiannon and Guy were strong. They

“We wanted kids and we wanted them desperately.” Rhiannon fell pregnant for the third time. “I was under care for the whole pregnancy. There was a very precise routine I had to follow,” she said.

“She was small — 5lb 13oz.” But she was healthy and she was alive. Jamison Rain arrived on October 9, 2014. “We call her our Rhiannon said.

little

rainbow

baby,”

For the first time, and only time, as she talked, Rhiannon wavered. Tears slowly spilled down her cheeks when asked to remember what it felt like to hold her healthy little girl. For which, amazingly, she apologises. “I'm sorry, it was just the happiest moment of our lives,” Rhiannon said. “She was just beautiful, a perfect little baby. Nothing in the whole world could describe

>>>

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>>> that moment we held her in our arms. “We could not believe we had got there.” And so Rhiannon was initiated into the sisterhood of mothers.

had pulled a nerve while breast feeding. “I went to the physio twice, thinking it would rectify itself, but it didn't get better.” Rhiannon decided to go to her doctor who referred her to a neurologist.

“I experienced all the joys, it was amazing,” “I had an MRI on a Monday and on the she said. Tuesday was given the news,” she said. “She slept so well and fed well. We couldn't “At that point I had 13 lesions on my brain. It have asked for a more perfect baby.” was surreal. The happy parents were, finally, poised for “I had only heard of the MS through its funda normal life. raising Readathon as a kid. I didn't know Until the day Rhiannon fell. And fell hard what it was and they couldn't tell me how Then fell again. aggressive it was. Reeling, clutching for balance.

Jamison Rain Campbell.

At age 32, right in the middle of the prime age, Rhiannon was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“All cases are different; it really depends on the individual. I was told only two per cent of people experience what I did for my first relapse, so I'm different already.”

For whatever reason nature, genetics, misfortune, take your pick, had singled her out for yet another painful odyssey.

Rhiannon went back to her beautiful girl and tried to live what normal life she could, monitoring her illness as she went.

One that will be with her for life.

“In July I relapsed,” she said.

Like her memories.

“This time it was to my vision. They call it seeing 'floaties'. I had two more lesions to the optical part of my brain.

MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system but a year later, and with a much better understanding of what she can now, and now not, do Rhiannon at 33 is determined nothing will defeat her. At this part of her story those eyes are now full of hope, and of strength. Rhiannon certainly does not look defeated. She may have lost three babies and been knocked to the ground more times she would like to count — but she is smiling.

“I was told to start medicine sooner rather than later and if I don't relapse again, my next MRI is in December.” Rhiannon has a long road ahead of her. But it is not her disease she thinks about; there is only one thing on her mind. “It's my little girl,” she said. “I just can't fault her.

“Jamison was seven-months-old and I woke up and the right side of my face and scalp was numb,” she said.

“And Guy, he's great too. He really has been there every step of the way. I couldn't wish for a more perfect husband or a more perfect girl.

“I didn't think much of it at the time. Maybe I

“I'm happy, I feel great.” 

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The dog, the dogged and the doggone dopey Or yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks Dog owner TYLA HARRINGTON thought she was the one in charge — until she sat down for a few lessons in reality from teacher turned dog whisperer Kathleen Kemp.

F COURSE EVERY dog deserves a home. It's just that not every home deserves a dog.

Animal behaviourist (and Association of Pet Dog Trainers' dog trainer of the year) Kathleen Kemp has been officially training dogs for about five years. But it was long before that she realised most issues people have with their animals are quite often issues they should be having with themselves.

Kathleen is a mathematics teacher at Moama Anglican Grammar School (although she has neither confirmed nor denied all her students sit on command) by day and a dog trainer by night.

they are one, even if they shouldn't be. “I thought it was really important I get a qualification to recognise that I was qualified. I received an internationally recognised qualification.

She's trained hundreds of dogs throughout the years and while her modesty forbids any admissions, all who know her would tell you she's the dog whisperer.

“It was through Canada's Companion Animal and Science Institute online course, which went for about one year.”

Kathleen will tell you it is positive reinforcement training and the help of some roast chicken that has dogs at her heel.

Growing up she befriended every animal in the neighbourhood.

Kathleen has always been an animal person.

“There is no worst dog that I've trained,” “At the moment I've only got a couple of Kathleen said. clients a week because that's all the time “It's usually more to do with the owners. So I've got, especially with two teenagers my job is to give owners ideas and skills to myself,” Kathleen said. manage and train their dog in a way that is enjoyable for all involved. However, there “The thing I'm really interested in is how to teach human beings or animals how they have been dogs that have been so damaged can be taught to understand while enjoying by past experiences, the owners have to it at the same time.” train and manage their dog's environment for the lifetime of their dog. Kathleen can't tell you her favourite dog

“I was always hassling my parents to have an animal,” Kathleen said.

“You can teach a dog anything. They learn very quickly how to manage a human family home.

breed — she loves them all — but because she has an Australian Shepherd at the moment named Jazz, she'll go with them.

Kathleen said positive reinforcement was the most effective method of training any animal including dogs.

“I've worked with some wonderful families but I have also worked with some who start suggesting things won't work straight away and you see they're not on board.

Kathleen grew up in Melbourne and moved to Echuca with her husband Grant.

She said zoos and wildlife parks all over the world were using positive reinforcement training with the wild animals in their care.

“They want the quick fix. Like shock collars and choker chains because they do seem to fix things in the moment but now there is a lot of research and practical evidence that shows the fall-out and in the long-term they don't work.

“I started training horses years ago,” she said. “At that time a lot of people were saying you have to show the horse who's boss. I was not happy with this theory so I started experimenting with positive reinforcement with some great success. “Anyone who has a horse usually has a dog, so I started training dogs too.

“I think probably one of the biggest messages that I would like to get across is “And then I decided once we had two chilremembering dogs don't think like humans,” dren and I didn't have enough time to do horse training so I downsized and started to Kathleen said. do more dog training.” “They very much live in the moment, they By this stage Kathleen, who already had don't regret, they don't plan for the future a qualification in horse riding instruction, and they don't hold grudges. decided to be qualified in specific dog train“We have to remember they don't under- ing too. stand us. It will look like they do but more “I ended up getting a qualification in animal often than not they are just reacting to our behaviour and animal training,” she said. behaviour. “I got that qualification officially at the “So let's find what motivates them to make beginning of 2012. our ideas their ideas. Prevent as much as possible, manage any situation and take the “Because it's not regulated people can wake up and decide they want to become a dog time to do your positive training because trainer, start a website and all of a sudden later on you won't be doing any catch-up.”

And every time a stray stepped into her schoolyards she was there to tell the children it was hers and she would look after it.

“I was just always interested and then when I went to Monash University to study mathematics I also did minors in psychology and zoology.”

“If it works for long term behaviour change with lions and tigers why wouldn't it work with dogs?” she said. “The trouble is life these days is so busy. Training our dogs to fit in human life makes it really difficult when we don't have the time to cope with doggy behaviour. “Positive reinforcement is all about reinforcing behaviours you do want so that behaviour happens more and more. “The trick with that is to reinforce (with a treat or play with a favourite toy) your dog's behaviour when they do behaviours you want them to repeat but don't then smack them when they do things you don't want them to do. “Because the difficulty with that is you end up harming the relationship you have with your dog. We want our dog's default to be coming to us, so they need to know we are their 'safe haven' always. “And also dogs live in the moment so by the time we smack them it's way too late and

they have no idea why that's happened, they just learn that sometimes you hurt them. “I think it's really important people are aware of dog training fallacies,” Kathleen said. “The dominant myth is a big one but in actual fact what it ends up doing is causing side-affects. “When you've got an unruly dog and you start smacking it and saying 'no' all the time it is not forming a very good relationship.” Kathleen said owners should start training their dogs not long after they've been born.

Good breeders will have started the training before you take them to their new home, according to Kathleen.

one routine you have to work really hard to find the motivating thing. Food is always good.

“Pups will get lots of positive experiences with being handled correctly and sensitively,” Kathleen said.

“Often I get people saying 'I don't want to use food — they should do it because I tell them to do it'.

“All experiences you give them have to be positive otherwise they can remember bad experiences for a long time, particularly if it's during that one of the two fear periods. If it is it can impact them for the rest of their lives.

“But why should they?

“The fear period happens about 8–12 weeks and varies between dogs, and again at 6–14 months. The second period lasts a bit longer. It is crucial they experience lots of positive things during both these times.” Kathleen also debunked the myth you can't teach an old dog new tricks. “You definitely can,” she said. “The interesting thing about that is when you're training early on you're teaching your dog how to learn. “But if you've only ever taught them

“They're a dog they need to be motivated. “I have re-trained quite a few old dogs over the years. “About 99 per cent of dogs will do anything for roast chicken but in the off chance that doesn't work I use toys.” Kathleen has a lot of tricks up her sleeve. Such as waving, shaking hands, teaching a dog to go to their mat or to play dead (but she doesn't like this one), or spinning and kicking the footy. “There's all sorts of different tricks,” Kathleen said. “I taught one dog to sit at the table because their family wanted to do that. And while I was a bit reluctant for obvious reasons it worked out well. The dog ended up sitting in the chair and not jumping up onto the dinner table. “The great thing about teaching dogs tricks is that you're actually spending time training them, and it is excellent mental stimulation for them. Particularly if you're using positive reinforcement it's going to be good for everyone. “All of a sudden you start to have a very positive relationship with your dog. “People say 'Sometimes you've got to tell them off' but what they don't realise is that dogs are very different to us. “Take the other day for example. I knocked over a container and it made a very loud bang. “It startled my husband and he jumped at the noise but my dog Jazz didn't move from her mat so I gave her a treat. “My husband said 'So you give Jazz a treat and I don't get anything?' “And I said 'Yes, that's right. Because I can say to you that it was only a container, it's not going to hurt you and everything is fine. But if I say that to Jazz, she will have no idea what my words mean.' “I gave Jazz a treat and immediately she has a good association with loud noises.” Finally, Kathleen warned people to not fall for some training myths, particularly on the internet. “If something looks like a quick fix then it is probably not worth listening to — or doing,” she said. “There are no quick fixes.” No, there are not. But with hard work and some patience you might be surprised at just how much your dog (and you) learns. Then we will really find out about who the old dog is and who's learning the new tricks. 

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D comfortable old girl Or how I learnt to stop worrying and go online Our suddenly single SOPHIE BALDWIN is now marching to the beat of a different drum and (by and large) finding it's a tune she could come to enjoy.

ET'S TALK ABOUT comfort zones and the fact that once you separate, they cease to exist.

I have been out of mine many times in the past nine months, but if flew off the Richter scale recently when I went out on my first date since 1992, and yes, thank you, I am well aware that is 24 years ago. One of my many kind and caring girlfriends gave me the push I needed one night while we were sitting in the car at netball training: “Sophie you need to get out there and look around” was her sage advice. Laughing (slightly hysterically) and (very, very) reluctantly I agreed. Anyway to cut a long story short I did what constitutes for dating in 2016 and found an online site for old people, (my children sniggering Tinder wasn't quite the site I was looking for) and off I went, filling in my profile and trying to find a photo that didn't make me look like I was 100. And I really do know how to brush my hair. I must say the fact I have to strike up conversations with people I don't know every day as part of my job as a journalist did come in handy when it came time to finally meet my date.

being chopped up by a serial killer? I thought if we don't like each other it doesn't even matter, we just don't see each other again. So I am happy (and somewhat relieved) to report he was a nice guy and I lived through the experience. The one thing my marriage breakdown has taught me is life is way too short to take life for granted.

“

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, WHOSE IDEA WAS THIS REALLY? TALK ABOUT KILLING YOURSELF TO MAKE A POINT.

”

I absolutely refuse to be bitter and let my life pass me by and while sometimes it might seem daunting to let go, there is a whole wide world out there and it is waiting for me.

But I don't recall a racing heart and shaking knees when I drop in to interview a pig farmer.

New experiences are uncomfortable but they are also how we learn and grow and you never ever know if you never have a go. Well right now that's the theory I am running with.

I just kept saying to myself, what is the worst thing that could happen to me — besides

Speaking of new experiences I have just booked myself a trip to New Zealand in

November, which includes a six-day cycle trip from the alps to the ocean, and I can't wait. My girlfriend wants to go to New York next year for her 40th and after consulting me, myself and I, it took me about two seconds to decide that yep, I might as well do that as well. Another thing off the bucket list. GO ME! In July I ran Run Melbourne as part of Johnno's Run, raising money for Community Living and Respite Services — and what an honour to support your community. It was a great run, a good course and I pulled up pretty well from the knees up, it was also great to have my daughter at the finish line to give me a hug at the end. With the sun starting to shine I am reacquainting myself with my bike, and my half ironman goal is looming ahead. Maybe Shepparton in November but definitely Port Macquarie in May next year. I just need to get some serious miles in these little old legs. Recently I completed 46 km on two wheels and then ran 6.5 km on two legs. I only have to add a 2 km swim another 44 km on the bike and a 14.5 km for the run and I'm there. Holy mother of God, whose idea was this really? Talk about killing yourself to make a point — lol. 

Our queen of the country tracks Who also stars in the city Everyone in bush racing knows the name Gwenda Johnstone but when JESS GLEDHILL caught up with the Echuca-based trainer she discovered she has been a star in the making since she was 14 years old.

ACING IS A seriously blokey business, but in the midst of all this testosterone one woman is shining brighter than most.

Her first win as a trainer came with Be My Pride, a horse owned by former Moonee Valley Race Club chairman Bill Stutts.

Echuca racehorse trainer Gwenda Johnstone is happily continuing on her winning run — and doesn't look like slowing down anytime soon.

You never forget your first winner but since then Gwenda has had more than 2300 starts and more than 260 winners, includ- “Some need a little extra preparation before we can think about racing them,” she ing a group one with Shadoways, taking explained. out the $500,000 Goodwood handicap at Morphettville in Adelaide in 2008. Despite the horseracing industry being largely run by men Gwenda said nothing While everyone loves a winner Gwenda's stands in her way of success. mind is constantly on the next race and that

After becoming the 2014–15 Victorian Ladies Trainer of the Year — her state title — Gwenda has established herself as one of the regionally-based greats. As a breeder and trainer Gwenda builds a strong connection with all the horses she races and gets a lot of satisfaction out of being with them from the very beginning. And said a significant slice of her success was training homebred horses from her own mares. “It just depends on the horses you have in winning races,” she said. “It's all about looking for better horses during the season and specifically we breed a fair few of our own from the mares that have retired from racing." Her love of animals encouraged her to find employment at Shovell Lodge when she was 14 (and which she now runs with husband Mick) and under the guidance of Joe Harrington took the first steps on the ladder from mucking out stables to running them. At 21 Gwenda applied for her trainer's licence to work in her own right and in 1989, following the death of her mentor, acquired a further licence to be able to train for other owners. “That started the journey for me and it sort of rolled along from there,” she said.

doesn't leave a lot of room for celebrating. Even as her horse Pravro was winning the $35,000 Barmah Hotel Handicap at Echuca in late August she was already planning her next visit to Moonee Valley for her first 955 m dash for cash with Rocket Tommy. But perhaps the horse, and the win, which she holds dearest, is Theresnothinglycra, which took out the Oaks Day Greys' Race at the 2006 Spring Carnival at Flemington to become her third winner in the event. With greys making up only three per cent of the world's thoroughbred racehorse population it's even more impressive that Gwenda also prepared the 2003 and 2004 winners — Shadowmaker and Shadowpark respectively — both bred from her own grey mare Be My Pride.

But it's not as simple as it sounds, some horses might come back broken in but they can also come back with serious attitude, or as Gwenda says, come back “a bit fiery and naughty”.

“There's a few of us lady trainers and we just go along as we are,” she said. “I'm still of able body and mind and I'll be looking to race and train horses for as long as I can.” With a few wins under her belt already this season there's a chance of Gwenda taking out the award for a third time. While success in town is what every trainer is after — and both Flemington and Moonee Valley have been good to her — Gwenda rates Echuca, Swan Hill and Donald as her best bush tracks. “We've just seemed to have a fair bit of luck in races at those places,” she said. But she doesn't have a lot of time to dwell on that, a trainer is only ever as good as their next winner — and winning is what the business is all about.

“I probably get emotional when I think it's been one of my own that's grown up from “Hopefully we can get another one like a little foal and turns out to be that good,” Shadoways,” she said. “We'll just keep sendshe said. ing the mares away and hope we find one at sales that's got a motor and can run." “A lot of hard work goes into training. You start handling them as foals and then they're sent to breakers to be broken in and after they come back we give them a little more time to mature before racing.”

With Pavro in foal for the second time it's possible the mare could produce the next group one winner for the trainer and continue her golden run. 

“

A LOT OF HARD WORK GOES INTO TRAINING. YOU START HANDLING THEM AS FOALS AND THEN THEY'RE SENT TO BREAKERS TO BE BROKEN IN AND AFTER THEY COME BACK WE GIVE THEM A LITTLE MORE TIME TO MATURE BEFORE RACING.

”

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

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Hair raising opportunity helping so many women Cancer treatment can ravage the body, from debilitating exhaustion to hair loss — which is what prompted one of Echuca-Moama's hair experts to lend a helping hand. SOPHIE BALDWIN talks to Felicity Collins about her role in Look Good Feel Better. >>>

Katie Eldridge.

>>>

OR MANY WOMEN it's not just the diagnosis, even prognosis, of cancer — it's the collateral damage. Most battle bravely through the emotional trauma, the treatment.

But then there's the public face of the disease, your hair's gone and much of your confidence with it.

and I guess I never forgot that,” Felicity said. “When I first saw the program and realised it was only offered in the big cities I thought 'Why can't we have that here in Echuca?' “I signed up to be a wig facilitator and it has gone from there.

“To be involved in something like this is one of the most rewarding things I have ever Enter Look Good Feel Better, an Echuca- done. To help someone by offering such a Moama volunteer program designed to simple thing is just awesome.” help women with their physical appearance, The program offers women the opportunity including wigs, scarves, makeup and skin to come into the salon and discuss their care. options before chemotherapy takes their Even better, the twin towns has Felicity hair. This involves ordering in a few differCollins, from Hakkas Hairdresser, who has ent wig choices, trying them on and then been heavily involved as the wig facilitator customising the chosen wig. in the program for the past nine years. “Some women choose to have wigs, while For Felicity it has been her most fulfilling others like scarves. It is always a personal role, and while she downplays her contribuchoice but most seem to go with a similar tion her help and sensitivity during what is look rather than something out of character. such a tumultuous time has left the women involved in Look Good Feel Better with “Some women are private and some are outgoing, the experience is entirely dependnothing but praise for her. ent on the individual. “My nan had cancer for 46 years and she always said being made to feel beautiful “Others throw a party with champagne to try and make the process as positive as was the best form of treatment you could possible.” ever have because it gives you confidence

Whatever the choice, Felicity treats the women not just as clients but more importantly as friends and she goes out of her way to make the process as positive as she can. Felicity is quick to point out she couldn't do what she does without the wonderful support of salon owners Sue Ottrey and Toni Ridge, who jumped on board with the idea from day one, along with the Girls Night Out committee, which provides financial support via the Echuca Regional Health Oncology Supportive Care Trust Fund (Girl's Night Out). As part of the program four workshops are held each year at Echuca Regional Health. These offer advice on skin care, makeup and wigs, but perhaps more importantly they also provide an opportunity for women to network and share their experiences. Felicity, along with four other volunteers, is involved in the workshops. The Look Good Feel Better program was initially set up by the Cancer Support and Chemotherapy Nurses at ERH — enabled by the financial support of the Oncology Supportive Care Trust Fund (Girl's Night

Out) committee to purchase the initial packs and set up for the program to be run locally. Over the past year the program has helped 46 women from Echuca-Moama and surrounding areas. Katie Eldridge was one of them. In 2015 she was just 32 and diagnosed with breast cancer — her world was turned upside down.

Luckily for Katie she was put in touch with Felicity before her treatment began and she was able to organise her wig well before her hair fell out. “My hair started to fall out literally 14 days after my first round of chemotherapy and without hesitation Felicity came around to my house and shaved off the rest. We had a laugh and a drink with my girlfriends and she did that out of hours, in her own time for me, and I was just so touched.

Still breast feeding Katie, her then three- “She turned what could have been a really month-old daughter, she had developed traumatic experience into something fun.” mastitis. Katie said while the bigger picture was When the lump didn't go away, and instead always about getting better, having got bigger, a visit to the doctor soon the opportunity to look and feel like confirmed her worst fear and she was herself throughout her treatment helped plunged into the uncertain world that is enormously. cancer. “Family and friends knew it was a wig of “A lot happens to you in such a short time course, but it did save me a lot of questions and it is all incredibly overwhelming,” Katie and those looks from random strangers, said. and because it was fairly close to my natural hair it worked for me. “There is a lot to take in, it is so daunting, and to lose your hair on top of all that is terrify- “It allowed me to go into situations without ing,” she said. feeling self-conscious — and that was very

important to me. “I didn't want to be treated any differently.” Katie said she also attended one of the workshops and while she was the youngest by about 20 years, she said it was a positive experience and she “met some very nice women”. “In fact throughout this whole experience I have been blown away with the amazing kindness and generosity my family and I have received. “I am at the end of my treatment now and fingers crossed I am going to be ok, but I have been given so many gifts and learnt so much about life and I have walked away a much stronger person because of my journey.” Katie has gone back to work and is looking forward to just living. “I am enjoying life with my family and friends with no restrictions other than regular check-ups for the rest of my life. “And I am looking forward to getting my life back to normal — whatever that means.”

When the cosmetic really counts L

OOK GOOD FEEL Better is a free service dedicated to teaching cancer

patients how to manage their appearance, helping them face their cancer diagnosis

with more confidence. Rhonda Snelson is the facilitator for Echuca. She not only liaises with, and trains, the program's volunteers, she is one herself, providing skin care and makeup advice to program participants.

Hospital liaison officer Nicole Walker co-ordinates referrals to the program along with the oncology nursing staff, who discuss the program with all new patients. People can self-refer and register for the program via the Look Good Feel Better website. When registering for this free program people should select the town and dates of programs available will be listed for people to select.

In Australia, more than 125,000 people have participated in the program, which annually delivers 1000 workshops in more than 180 venues. The program also relies heavily upon a team of 1500 trained and certified cosmetic; beauty and hairdressing professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to deliver the workshops which are only made possible by the generosity of the community. 

Green Door Café @ THE COMPLETE GARDEN

Relax in tranquil surrounds as you enjoy freshly brewed coffee, moorish cakes and slices, mouth-watering lunches @thecompletegardenechuca TRADING Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm

Saturday 9.00am – 3.30pm Sunday & public holidays 10.00am – 3.30pm

ECHUCA 258 Pakenham Street, Echuca. Phone 5480 7797

The hidden and uncomfortable truth behind THRUSH! Candida Albicans, more commonly known as thrush, is an irritating yeast infection which tends to affect warm, moist areas of the body such as the vagina, penis, mouth and certain areas of the skin. Oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections are the most common yeast infections. Usually the body’s immune system is able to keep the candidiasis growth under control due to the limited number of microorganisms inside and outside the body but under certain circumstances the excessive growth of candida can develop faster than what the body can control the organism and as a result the yeast infections occur.

diabetes are more at risk of suffering from thrush than men are. Vaginas provide an appropriate environment with it being moist, a source of glucose excretion through the mucous of the vagina,

These symptoms cannot just be present during the onset of diabetes, but also during the course of diabetes when our glucose levels and hence diabetes is not being managed appropriately. Despite efficiently controlling Thrush is an uncomfortable problem. Occasional our diabetes with lifestyle episodes are not serious. However, regular modifications and/or episodes which are left untreated can lead to medication our diabetes can more serious infections. Furthermore, as it is possible get out of control as times to transmit between partners during sexual especially intercourse it can initiate a vicious in the case of cycle. Type-2 diabetes Thrush is often treated with over-theas it is a progressive counter creams or pessaries which disease due to a really only alleviate the symptoms. declining production of insulin Similarly wearing loose-fitting pants, which then increases the bloodand avoiding the use of scented glucose level due to not enough soaps will help in reducing the Sarah Phillips credentialed insulin transporting the glucose symptoms of thrush but will not diabetes educator from the blood to the muscle prevent the onset of thrush. cells. Prevention of thrush involves considering the cause Another vicious cycle presents with people who of thrush. Antibiotics can trigger an onset of thrush. struggle to maintain good control of their bloodAs it kills the associated infection it also kills the glucose levels may have difficulty in fighting microorganisms that usually prevent thrush. infections. The stress of not being able to eliminate Symptoms of thrush can vary from irritation, redness, to pain, itchiness or a white curd like discharge most commonly described as cottage cheese in appearance. Oral thrush presents with creamy white coloured patches in the mouth, cracks at the corners of the lips, bitter taste.

“Thrush can often be a sign of undiagnosed diabetes”

However, the main cause of thrush is high blood glucose. Hence the reason it is common for people with diabetes. The reason we develop high blood glucose levels is related to having too much sugar in our diet and that coupled with a loss or decline of insulin production inhibits the movement of glucose from the blood into our muscle cells Furthermore, it is often a symptom of undiagnosed diabetes. It is widely known that excessive thirst and frequent urination are common symptoms of diabetes. But we refer to the most common symptoms of diagnosis as the “4 Ts”. That is Thirst (excessive thirst), Toilet (frequent urination), Tiredness (feeling lethargic), and Thrush. Because of vaginal yeast infections being one of the most common that is why women with

the thrush continues to increase the blood-glucose levels which in turn continues to accommodate the environment thrush likes to survive. Best management of thrush is prevention. In the case of diabetes, best management is to maintain good control of your blood-glucose levels. This ultimately prevents the build up of glucose from the secretions in the vagina. People who have recurrent episodes of thrush should discuss their symptoms with their GP as they could have diabetes which left undiagnosed and untreated will exacerbate the thrush. Similarly those with diabetes may need to have their current treatment regimes adjusted and be provided extra support and education from a credentialed diabetes educator.

Echuca Moa ma Fa mily Medical Practice helping fa milies live healthy lives. 1 Martin St, Moama 179–183 Annesley St, Echuca

(03) 5480 2933 (03) 5480 6001

If you have any of the above symptoms call to book an appointment with your GP or discuss with our credentialed diabetes educator.

20 years on and travelling strong Justine Apps and Allison Yeates reflect on what 20 years in local business looks like. IF YOU’VE EVER TRAVELLED overseas before you’d likely understand what drives Justine Apps and Allison Yeates to get up each morning.

With a passion for exploring distant lands while balancing the workload of owning and running a successful local business and raising families in their downtime, the girls have lots to celebrate. This year even more so. Between Echuca Travel Centre’s 40th birthday and a 20 year milestone each, the pair have taken some time to reflect on how much they have achieved. “I never would have imagined that 20 years on I’d still be here” said Justine who started at only 16 years of age. Although Echuca Travel Centre now sits amongst the leading agencies in the network, the most rewarding moments for them come from the strong relationships with their clients. “I find a lot of joy working in the travel industry and particularly in the Echuca-Moama community where everybody is so supportive and accepting” explained Allison. “At the end of the day it’s not about how many tickets we’ve sold, it’s about how many dreams we’ve delivered.” As a means of thanking the community for the support over the last 20 years, the duo try to give back as often as possible to local sporting, social and charity groups. Although, as with every business, there are hurdles to overcome Justine and Allison are confident that they will be sticking around for a little while longer.

Justine Apps

Allison Yeates

Alex Smith

Rebecca Healy

Molly Leech

Claudia Turvey

Jake Morris

Our piece of heaven W

ALKING INTO ECHUCA'S BohoEssence is an assault on the senses — but in the most beautiful way possible.

Their vision? To free the bohemian inside everyone, by providing independent fashion, art and homewares to mums and their babies.

It's like visiting Morocco, Rio and India — all at once and all the while staying right here in Echuca-Moama.

And it's certainly paid off.

Fragrant notes of coconut, lime and rose waft from artisan candles scattered around the Pakenham St store, richly-coloured fabrics drape the walls and custom timber furniture, while crafted homewares and independent Australian fashion fills every other spare inch of the bustling store. Textured pillows, silk shirts and hand-made children's toys hang between bundles of boho jewellery usually found only in the shaded alleyways of Marrakesh while local art and homewares decorate the walls. But nothing beats the warmth of welcome from mother-daughter owners Gabby Schumann and Jess Hoskins, who launched the store just over a year ago to fill what they saw as a big gap in the Echuca-Moama market. “Of course we greet everyone with open arms,” Jess said. “We're in a small town, and really value our customers. “You need to provide a personal service and go above and beyond — that's where the difference lies.” The self-confessed drifters — originally from Harrietville — set up shop here after years of slowly falling in love with the river. “But as a mum I struggled to find the quality, Australian-made and designed kids wear and toys I was after,” Jess said. “I'd have to go to Melbourne for it, but I'm a huge advocate for supporting the local economy and really noticed that was another thing missing here.” So with little experience managing retail stores, the hairdresser and her mother (who had spent decades working in the food industry) took a leap of faith and BohoEssence was the result.

“We're passionate about showcasing small businesses and eco-friendly products,” Gabby said. “If we can give a platform for 'mumtrepeneurs' or young artists and designers, we will definitely do that. “We get inspiration from everywhere and enjoy blending it together and seeing what we come up with.” What they create is nothing short of a masterpiece. Browsing the space is like touring a gallery of crafted wares. “We were determined to exhibit as much Australian and local product as possible,” Gabby said. Holiday Trading and Co, Samantha Wills, Stevie May, Kivari, Bell a and Lace, Kip and Co, Jaase, Duke of London and Casette Society are just some of those Aussie brands. “We really think about our customer when buying,” Jess said. “She's ageless, humorous, quietly confident and self-assured. Size is just a number, it never matters in here.” Navigating a mother-daughter relationship in the workplace certainly comes with its challenges, they admit. “Sometimes we don't agree on things,” Gabby laughed. “But we've worked out how to manage it. “We have the same taste in relaxed, but luxury, clothing and homewares and love picking the children's items, there's so many incredible brands to choose from.” The one thing they always agree on? “There's a little bit of a boho in everyone,” Gabby smiled. BohoEssence is at 205 Pakenham St, call 5480 1317. 

Willow Tree Beauty Lounge offers you a wonderful range of natural and organic beauty solutions for your skin health. Utilising both Skin Juice nutracuticles and The Beauty Chef inner beauty range, we are able to strengthen and boost your skin with all the skin loving vitamins and minerals it needs. We can then introduce you to our more advanced treatments such as L.E.D light therapy, I.P.L skin rejuvenation, Nutra Peels or microdermabrasion to really target your concerns and help you to get to the results you want, naturally and effectively. All without the use of harsh skin care and the long-term side effects that they can have on the skin flora. We also offer a wide range of natural and safe solutions through pregnancy ensuring that the ‘mummy to be’ is taken care of whilst teaching a home care treatment to help with connecting with bub whilst preventing stretch marks. Regular workshops have become quite a ‘thing’ here at Willow Tree Beauty Lounge. We want to ensure that you are well educated and know how to take care of yourself the best possible way. Some of our workshops include: Relaxation & Essential Oils, Gut Health & Skin Connection, Skin Juice Workshop, Makeup and many more...

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Gymnastics for all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities

Acrobatic Gymnastics Tumble Bubs Aerobic Gymnastics Team Gym Cnr Echuca and Martin Streets, Moama NSW 2731 Contact: palmerstumbletots@gmail.com | Mobile: 0428 990 819 Website: palmersgym.com.au tumble tots echuca

eisforemma

There is a calm amidst the storm Phoebe Barnes is like that little rabbit on TV — she never runs down. LANA MURPHY tried to keep up but found the only time she was in the hunt was yoga because after that it was all go, go go.

ECHUCA'S PHOEBE BARNES is one of those people who make you feel exhausted just watching them. They seldom slow down, they ricochet from passion to passion — and succeed at everything. Which is the perfect description Phoebe — she's a lifelong achiever.

“Yoga is happiness for me,” she said. “The movement, breathing, reflection, I love it. To me it's just another extension of myself,” she said. “I was always aware of my body; yoga is just another tool in which to generate positive internal flow in myself and others, that's my mission.”

So it was no surprise to her friends and family when she launched a teen girl wellness program in Echuca-Moama and then took it on the road to Melbourne.

For her, yoga is all about the mind body spirit connection, a way of life, another form of dance — and a simple way to contentment.

But first step back a few years, when 12-year-old Phoebe decided she wanted to dance seriously.

But dance, well that was always the chance for Phoebe's personality to explode onto the stage.

So she enrolled at the Australian Youth Dance Company in Canberra — meaning dad Paul, her biggest supporter, did the four-hour round trip from country NSW every Saturday.

She admits she was never very technical but said her love of movement and her sheer enthusiasm compensated for any lack of skill.

At 18 she wanted to see the world. So she slung a backpack on and signed up to Camp America — mentoring teens when she was barely an adult herself, waking with the sun, spending hours teaching water sports and guiding girls through those awkward years. “That changed my life,” she said. It pushed her to study teaching and dance — moving to Queensland for three years. And it was there she discovered yoga, and finally found what she was meant to be doing with her life.

“I just loved it — but I was never that kid up in the morning stretching, I could never catch a netball and I was okay with that, I just did what I did and didn't give it much thought.” Her skills have taken her around the globe and to many spectacular events — including “one of America's most precious cultural assets”, the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, a three-month marathon of dance and movement. Working as a high school teacher was confronting for free-moving Phoebe and she realised if she was to mentor teens she had to do it in her own way. So she launched Teen Girl Power Hour — a

584 High St Echuca 56

10-week wellness program for girls between 14–19 years old. It's designed to empower and educate through fitness, nutrition, yoga, meditation, goal setting and open conversations. “It's a way I can teach the things I want to, like self-belief and self-love,” she said. She originally teamed up with influential Echuca-Moama women like psychologist Cara Tucker, chiropractor Ellen McNeil, GP Sophia Gordon and dietitian Danielle Paterson who acted as mentors throughout the program. When she moved to Melbourne this year to take a teaching role at Caulfield Grammar School she took the program with her, with leading yoga studio Power Living jumping on board to host it. “It's so vital for young women to have a helping hand when navigating adolescence, Power Hour is all about educating and developing attitudes and relationships for the girls to help their future selves,” Phoebe said. And while conquering the big city has certainly been a highlight for Phoebe, there is no place like home. “There is so much support here,” she said. “If I put a dance concert on by the river, I'd probably get 300 people there, that's just how it is. “I feel really lucky to have had the opportunities I've had and just want to be able to pass that onto others.” 

Ph/Fax 5482 1209

LOW IMPACT AQUA AEROBICS There are any number of good reasons to consider including water-based exercise programs in your life. For most people this starts because of an injury or existing health issue. Don’t let that influence your decision, some of the most elite athletes use the water to work out too. Why it works for these two groups is why it will work for you, the resistance varies with your effort. Push hard you get more resistance, go slow and it’s easy, that means it’s for everyone.

Basic Leg Patterns

Tuck Starting with both feet flat on the floor raise both knees in unison until they are at hip height, lower to the floor the same way. To add difficulty, do this in a jumping motion, or start in chest deep water with your feet barely touching the floor, the water depth makes a difference to how this feels and how hard you work.

Star Starting with both feet flat on the floor, slide your feet apart moving both legs to the side as far as is comfortable. Reverse the process to bring your feet together. In shallow water this is done with a jumping motion like old school “jumping jacks”. As you do this movement in deeper water it is almost like you are hovering over the floor in and then out. When you have your feet touching the floor, try to keep them flat with your heel touching. Try something a little different start with one foot in front of the other jump out wide then bring them together with your other foot in front. Good to work your abductors and adductors in a way that is hard to duplicate on land.

Stride (Cross-Country Ski) Starting with both feet flat on the floor this time you move one foot forward and the other one backwards as far as is comfortable. Reverse the process to bring your feet together but continue the movement until you now have the other leg all the way out in front and your front leg all the way to the back. In shallow water this is done with a jumping or running motion, in deeper water it is almost like you are hovering over the floor. When you have one of your feet touching the floor, try to keep it flat with your heel touching. To try something a little more difficult add a tuck in the middle of the stride movement.

Upper Body

Run Starting with both feet flat on the floor raise one knee. Leaning slightly forward and keeping a nice relaxed angle at the knee, bring the knee up to hip height. As you lower this leg to the floor raise the other leg in the same way. When you have one foot touching the floor, try to keep it flat with your heel touching. To try something more difficult, try some deep water running, where you keep the full range of motion but your feet don’t touch the ground.

Funky Gibbon For your biceps and triceps, start with one arm straight out to the side and the other bent down touching your hip or side of your torso. Whilst trying to keep your elbows on the surface, bend your straight arm down to your hip/side and straighten your bent arm all the way out to the surface. Start slowly controlling the movement. In the picture Kim is using buoyancy dumbbells to add resistance.

There are an almost infinite number of variations to your arm and leg movements to adjust the muscles involved. Have fun in the water and get moving for Spring.

Cross-Country Ski For your shoulders, chest and back. Start with right arm straight in front an left straight behind, make sure you have you opposite (left) foot forward to match your front arm. Both arms move down towards your waist, continue all the way past your waist until your arms (and feet) are now opposite, with your left arm straight out in front and right arm straight out behind. In the picture Kim is using buoyancy dumbbells to add resistance. Start with a slow controlled movement before picking up the pace to make it more difficult.

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

Something for everyone at EWMAC GROUP FITNESS

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

FULLY EQUIPPED HEALTH CLUB

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

WATER AEROBICS

Six classes a week including gentle and high intensity options.

FULL FIGURED FITNESS

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

PERSONAL TRAINING

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

SENIORS

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

SWIMMING

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

YOUTH GYM

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

GET READY FOR SUMMER SPECIALS Present this coupon for a

FREE Group Fitness Class Or

FREE 45-minute session with our Personal Trainers Bookings essential. Expires November 30th 2016 Limit one voucher per person.

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

Maggie's a mini (and multi) business mogul From baby steps with a lemonade stand to big steps with an online retail business, Maggie Stewart is in a rush to make it even though, as TYLA HARRINGTON discovered, she is only 16 and still at school.

AGGIE STEWART IS an Echuca teenager, a dancer and (bearing in mind she is just 16) a business owner.

The St Joseph's College student has had more businesses than some adults have in a lifetime. But you wouldn't know it. Her stress levels don't seem to exist. She's the pin-up girl for the bubbly, happy-golucky kid movement. It just so happens by definition she is also a young entrepreneur. “I started Harper + Co in 2015,” she said. “We sell slow burning, fragrant candles and resin timber artworks. But it's resin with a difference — we make resin that tells a story. “Our resin is from an Australian made and owned company, of course. “We do custom-made resin artworks so I take orders about the colours and feelings people want the artwork to reflect. “The timber for our resin artworks is also cut right here in Victoria by a local craftsman.”

friend — Sugar and Spice it was called. But that was very short lived. “It was last year when I was in art class and I was doing a project with resin art and thought 'that's pretty cool'. “And like most young people I looked it up on YouTube then I tried it out with my brother's girlfriend Chloe Michelle. “We did it in the backyard, it was so messy, and I said 'never again'.” Maggie didn't keep to her word. She kept going back to resin art — again, again and again. “First one of my mum's friends wanted one, then one of her friend's friends wanted one, and it just went from there,” she said.

IT MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN AN EPIPHANY OF A MOMENT BUT IT DID BURY ITSELF DEEP INTO HER CONSCIOUSNESS — AND CAUSED THIS LITTLE ENTREPRENEURIAL ITCH THAT JUST WOULDN'T GO AWAY.

Maggie's love for the creative, and combining it with business, started a long time ago (or as long as you can go in just those 16 years). “It started getting to lots of people. When she was four she was selling lemonade at a stall.

“I had a 1 m piece sell for $375, so it does add up.

“When I was younger and races were on, my next door neighbour and I would sell sausages to race-goers walking by,” Maggie said.

“But in saying that I think lots of people think I haven't failed at some pieces and I have.”

That also turned out to be a successful venture, given she lives not far from the home turn at Echuca racecourse. “Then when I was in Year 8 I had a market stall in Moama selling headbands. But that was just for fun,” she said. “I didn't make much money. “I also tried a cake business as well with a

When Maggie's not buried in her business, she's at school or dancing.

“And of course I will still be doing art and when I have some spare time I'm still dancing. “At one stage I wanted to do more classes and my mum said because I was old enough to have a job I was old enough to help pay for the classes. “I had a job at a café. At the time I said 'Well I think there would be a fun way to get money as well'. It might not have been an epiphany of a moment but it did bury itself deep into her consciousness — and caused this little entrepreneurial itch that just wouldn't go away. Maggie's mother Judy said her daughter had been an “independent little old soul” for as long as she could remember. “It's always been “Me do it”,” Judy laughed. “She's never been still — always has to be doing something. “When she was little it was never dolls she wanted. She wanted things she could create with. She loved her tissue boxes.” Maggie said she had some advice for young people thinking about trying out something entrepreneurial, like she once did. “Just go for it because as young people we don't have any commitments. We don't have families to look after, we don't have fulltime jobs and we don't have lots of responsibilities,” she said. “And because we are young, people are willing to help you and guide you. “There's never been a better time.”

But like most teenagers she doesn't yet have one or two favourite subjects — she has lots.

To find out more about Maggie and her business go to 1044070.wixsite.com/ beautiful-resin

“I love art, drama, English, psychology, history — and I get maths but I don't really like it,” she laughed.

“The website is a work in progress. I make changes as the business changes,” Maggie laughed.

“I would like to be a psychologist or a midwife when I'm older.

On that basis she will be spending a lot of time changing the website. 

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Knocking everyone into shape — any shape The Riverine Herald and Moama Bowling Club are bringing the remarkable movie EMBRACE to the twin towns in the cause of giving women young and old an enlightening approach to the demanding modern world of body image. Journalist SOPHIE BALDWIN was the prime mover behind the campaign.

OVIE DIRECTOR TARRYN Brumfitt is all about changing lives.

For the better. As a woman she is also on a mission, crusade even. But if she gets it right she won't just be helping the odd soul here and there, she will be changing — and perhaps saving — countless thousands of women. Women of all ages, shapes, sizes and ethnicity. Because the latest research shows a staggering 91 per cent of women are unhappy with their bodies — so even if you are one of the 9 per cent you are guaranteed your mother, sister, daughter or best friend fits into the 91. So Brumfitt is urging women to EMBRACE their bodies just as they are — and against those numbers it is a pretty big ask. Her personal journey to find that perfect body was the catalyst for her inspiring social documentary EMBRACE. And the Riverine Herald, in partnership with the Moama Bowling Club, is excited to bring this award-winning documentary to Echuca-Moama on October 27. It will include a free matinee for young girls and a charity evening for adults and girls. Every cent raised will go to the Butterfly Foundation. Brumfitt started the EMBRACE campaign by accident, when she posted an unconventional picture of herself online — and claimed she preferred her body post workout. A body heavier and softer rather than the buffed model body she had worked so hard to achieve. The post was seen by more than 100 million people worldwide and led to hundreds of interviews and articles, launching her on her two-year journey to create EMBRACE. As a mother of two teenage girls, body image is an issue very close to my heart. I don't want my girls to be bombarded with images on social media and in magazines of unrealistic and photo-shopped bodies. Why should they spend the rest of their lives thinking they are not good enough just

because they don't have the perfect body — whatever that is — or the right coloured tan or the perfect haircut.

looks back at you in the mirror, into my fifth decade I think life experience has certainly taught me that lesson.

And by the way, who gets to deem what is perfect anyway?

How I look doesn't make me a better person, a better mum or friend, that all comes from the strength I have inside me, not from the clothes I am wearing.

Every single one of us is born different. Our DNA ensures no two of us are the same, why aren't we embracing our own individuality? There is so much more to life than what

Tickets to the charity evening are available at www.stickytickets.com.au/43308 

Career shuffle came out of the blue SOPHIE BALDWIN sits down with a woman who went from hair to healing — a career change she wasn't looking for and never saw coming.

F YOU HAD asked Sally Williams five years ago where her future was taking her she would have just laughed and said “I am a successful hairdresser, where else would it go”?

Well, as it turns out, that would have been a damn good question. A chance meeting with Doreen Virtue and her course on intuition and card reading would spark a journey from hair to healing.

within us and a more meaningful experience of life which enriches us permanently.” Sally said through meditation she had learnt to let go of old hurts, love herself and follow her inner guidance, which is the hardest lesson of all. She said as mothers, people always put everything and everyone else before themselves, but it is so incredibly important to learn to honour our own needs too.

Something that had never crossed her mind, or in which she had any interest.

“If you regularly fill your own well you come from a place of self love and it is easier to But today she says it has been one of learn- give from this place,” Sally said. ing, reward and inner peace which has led “If I can help others by shining my her to oracle card readings, reiki healing, light — working on myself and holding a chakra balancing work, spiritual mentor space of authenticity and love for someone, sessions and most recently meditation it helps them find their own light and I am group sessions for both adults and children. fulfilling my calling,” she said. And that's just her new beginning. She “So many people need support to learn already has workshops for women in plan- how to honour their own dreams and soul ning, an oracle card pack of her own in desires. I truly love this work!” design stage and maybe one day a book to Sally still remembers the day her life write. changed forever. “At the moment I am still hairdressing two “Within five minutes of entering (Doreen days a week but that will come to an end Virtue) I became so emotional. It had such at some stage as I concentrate on my a profound effect on me and on reflection I purposeful career serving others with Sally now know I was totally meant to be there,” Williams — Soul Nurturer,” Sally said. she said. Life today is mad, busy, stressful, technological and draining. Sally firmly believes “I was in such shock as I found I could read instantly for strangers that weekend so I as a society we have lost the ability to turn walked away knowing I had found my true off — because she was once one of those calling,” Sally said. people too. “We have realised the things we were chas- She was prompted to start Sally Williams ing outside of ourselves (big houses, cars, Soul Nurturer and began reading for others the next week. yards and material stuff in general) didn't make us happy,” she said. “I have always been an empath and sensitive to other people's energies, I think that's “We scaled everything down, slowed down what helped make me a good hairdresser. and now focus on what is important to us individually and as a family.” Sally's own personal growth has amazed even herself, she really is a different person from the woman she was five years ago. She resonates calm, is relaxed and has learnt to value herself. The following quote by Dr Wayne W Dyer is something in which she truly believes: “Through meditation we can tap into an abundance of creative energy that resides

“The cards were the first step progressing to level 1 and 2 Reiki Healing practitioner adding Debra King's course on chakra work and this year mentor sessions have been added. “These powerful 30-minute sessions are focused around each person's needs and help them release, let go and strengthen their self worth, self love and passions — perfect for busy people who don't have a lot of time.”

Oracle card readings are a powerful mix of intuition and synchronicity so they can receive the guidance and clarity they need to move forward confidently. Reiki is a Japanese healing technique based on the principle where the therapist channels energy to their patient by touch to activate natural healing and restore physical and emotional wellbeing. Chakra work is based on the seven major

“

WE SCALED EVERYTHING DOWN, SLOWED DOWN AND NOW FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO US INDIVIDUALLY AND AS A FAMILY.

” energy centres of the body. Each has its own character and relates to its own aspect of our being. Chakras correlate to the level of consciousness and body function — a blocked chakra is believed to give rise to physiological, psychological, emotional and spiritual disorders.

“Children need to learn how to ground and connect with themselves. They need to learn it's OK to be happy, sad and not try and escape from their feelings,” she said.

Sally recently set up meditation classes for children aged 8–13 in conjunction with Tracy Farrell from Hidden Treasure Therapy and

“If we can teach these kids to love themselves and it is good to feel their emotions, they will grow into more resilient adults.”

has found them to be extremely rewarding and there are plans to expand this into other age groups.

Sally said while technology was awesome some people; including children, were escaping into it and losing themselves along the way. “Meditation helps slow things down and allows the body to connect within. It is a powerful tool and can bring people back from an anxious or depressed state to one of peace and calm.” 

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Community outdoes charity on any day From a Christmas lunch for more than 100 to handing out coats and blankets to the needy in the depths of winter LANA MURPHY discovers there isn't anything this wonder woman won't have a crack at.

ULIE SANDS MIGHT not do it all — but there isn't much she doesn't do.

A mother, admin queen, tax consultant and community house loan co-ordinator by day, Julie spends the little spare time she has caring for others. Running Echuca-Moama's annual coat and blanket drive, Christmas lunch and Target and UnitingCare Giving Box initiative clearly wasn't enough. Julie's latest project 'Crush a can for your Community' kicked off this year; it collects and recycles cans and uses the small refund to generate funds for community projects while protecting the environment and teaching families the importance of recycling. It all goes part and parcel with her role as Echuca-Moama Community Projects co-ordinator — an organisation she founded four years ago (naturally). But don't think for a second she does it for recognition. And it's definitely not charity. “I really hate when people say that,” she said. “This isn't about charity, this is about community. “We all live in the same place, why wouldn't we help each other?” For eight years, helping each other was Julie's full-time job. Working at St Luke's opened her eyes to a world of suffering, inequality and homelessness — a world miles away from her previous life in corporate Australia. “I didn't even know places like St Luke's or Community Living Respite Services Inc. existed in our community,” she admitted.

stone, one they won't ever forget,” she said. The Echuca born and bred woman said she would never live anywhere else. If she did, it's certain the town would feel her absence, but she would never admit that. “I don't like photos,” she said while sheepishly smiling for this Bella shoot. “Actually I don't like any of this, do we have to do an article?” But she knows why her story is important. “If everyone sat back and waited for other people to do things, nothing would get done,” she said. “How would you feel if you saw a mum walking through the door, with no shoes and living in her car?

“

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU CAN DO ON THIS EARTH IS TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THEY ARE NOT ALONE.

”

“For me it might be a little bit of work but it's not an effort, you've got to pay it forward.” Especially on Christmas day, when Julie opens her arms (and the doors of Echuca's Uniting Church) to around 100 people for an annual Christmas lunch. “I was talking to some social workers and it came up that some people were going to spend Christmas alone,” Julie remembered.

“Until I had my own child with special needs “That was pretty sad and after a bit of research I found there was nothing really in and started working in the community the community offering a solution, so, I said sector, then I realised how many incredible services there were but also how desper- 'Let's do something'.” ately they were needed.” And of course she did. And because she had the capacity to help, With the help of her parents, partner and she did. kids as cooks, waiters and Santas's helpers, Echuca-Moama Community Projects pulls “All you need is time; you don't have to off one of the most important events of the give anything else, but if you can give that year. to someone you are providing a stepping

“Everyone has different circumstances, a lot of elderly people can't get to their families living far away, some people just don't have a lot of family, it's not for me to ask,” Julie said. “It's not about whether they're homeless or destitute, they could just be lonely. “But we can provide a safe place for them to feel welcome and empowered, we have lots of volunteer table hosts and that way people can feel like they're contributing to the day, because often they can feel uncomfortable without a task to do. “People have now built relationships over the years, it really can brighten someone's day and it certainly brightens ours.” In 2013, Echuca-Moama Community Projects launched a coat drive, which this year expanded into a blanket drive. Julie paces the pavement of our twin towns, handing out flyers, spreading the word. “You can't imagine how important warmth is until you're without it,” she said. “People in this town are so generous, I still can't believe how many coats and blankets we receive, I was expecting a handful if we were lucky.” It's funny what happens when you put some work in. “I've got the capacity to do these things, I've always loved co-ordinating things, I really don't think it's a big deal, there's no need for acknowledgement,” she said. When asked if people ever took advantage of her generosity, she shrugged. “It doesn't matter,” she said. “Who are we to judge someone taking 10 coats? They could well have 10 children at home, you don't know their story and if you get bogged down in things like that you will drive yourself mad and miss out on helping the people who really need it.” For her, it's all about the snowball effect, living by one quote in particular: One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone. 

The team at Hakkas hair design would like to welcome their new beauty therapist Di. Di is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for all your beauty needs (normal salon hours apply). The beauty room is freshly renovated, with makeup and skin care by Artdeco and tanning products by Oztan.

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

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Echuca Newsagency — more than just a newsagency Did you know we have an extensive range of art supplies for artists of all levels? We stock Art Spectrum, Daler Rowney, Canson, Mungyo, Derwents (all varieties), and much more. If we don’t have what you’ re looking for please ask and we can order it for you! Get in early with all your Christmas shopping — we have lots of new ranges about to land on our doorstep. We welcome lay-by and gift vouchers are available for purchase. What do you buy the person who has everything? Come and see us and we can organise magazine subscriptions, newspaper subscriptions, Tatts scratchie packs, i-tunes vouchers and much more. We are open 7 days a week for all your needs. Pop in and see us we are always happy to help.

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Memories made of those magical moments in time As one mother of two girls to another, IVY WISE understood what Stacey Hinck was talking about when she explained how her first photos of her first daughter would be just the beginning of a shared experience.

TACEY HINCK IS in the business of memories.

For the face behind Stacey Lee Photography, capturing the memories of her first-born daughter Ciana was the reason she took up photography in the first place. "I found my passion for photography after my first child was born," she said. "Like every mum, I wanted to capture those fleeting moments and then photography, which I had thought was only a bit of fun, became much more to me. Something I wanted to put my heart into — and I have. "Back then, I was just a mum with a camera, practising lighting and different angles but after a while decided to offer it to other families and friends who wanted to have those beautiful portraits of their children too. "At first, it was a hobby but now it's my business, my passion, and something I can't see myself giving up any time soon." Self-taught, the Echuca mother of two described herself as a natural light, newborn and family photographer. "I enjoy photographing babies most, the way you learn to read them and their signs. Are they tired, are they hungry, or do they just want to snuggle up and go to sleep?" she said. "I find this is my calm place, my place of Zen. "The thing I love most about my job is that I can supply these beautiful, newborn and family images to my clients and they can cherish them for years to come." Originally from Kyneton, Stacey studied photography in high school, never realising

it would eventually become her career. She and her husband Kieran moved to Echuca in 2010 when Ciana was born, and she was followed three years later by sister Maiyah. "As a mother of two children I know the importance of updating your family pictures regularly, you want to be able to remember your kids as they grow, and you want your kids to be able to remember you in those moments," she said. "As soon as I bought my camera, that was it. I couldn't get enough of taking photos. Not only for practice but to remember. "As they grow up, I think we easily forget some of those moments and I think that's why I'm so passionate about my photography." For Stacey, a great photo is different in each case. "For families and children, I would say connection, either with me behind the camera or with each other," she said. "I like to photograph families and children in a way that we are all having fun. They cuddle, tickle and do silly faces and I think it makes you relax a little bit more. "With newborns, I think it can be from anything. "Family sessions to me are about the connection and fun, whereas newborns are more relaxed and I follow their lead. "My styles have certainly changed over the years and I've learnt to grow and know what I love to photograph — and what my clients also love me to photograph." 

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You can't take the country out of the doctor — thank heavens Being a doctor in rural Victoria was in Helen Rhode's DNA. Her parents were from small towns and while she had a city background she could not resist the pull of country medicine — and Echuca-Moama is all the better for it.

young pregnancies continues to be an issue detection opportunities of mammograms and pap smears, of women taking advan- in every town,” she said. tage of progress in birth control and, “The implant can be done in your doctor's increasingly, of being aware of the spectre And in the end proved irresistible, drawrooms, or you can opt for something such of diabetes. ing her away from Melbourne to Echucaas a three-monthly injection. When the Moama, where she hung up her shingle and “I think the message about pap smears has implant is removed fertility returns quickly went to work as a doctor. if you are planning to get pregnant.” got through, certainly I believe women under 45 are adequately screened,” Helen Today she is one of the region's most expeWhile screening and pregnancy managerienced medicos. And one with a genu- said. ment are educational issues Helen admits ine interest in spreading the message of “But women over 50 are not, and this needs she is also concerned by the increasing women's health. incidence of diabetes — which she said was to improve,” she said. associated with obesity, lack of exercise and She has been practicing here for almost “And while the mammogram and breast poor nutrition. 25 years and been a fixture at Rich River cancer message has pretty widely got Medical Group since 2010. through, I am not sure enough people real- Bringing with them hypertension, osteoarthritis and a variety of associated problems. ise the screening age has been increased to “I preferred to work in the country, I was raised in Melbourne but have so many rela- 75 and that women at 40 can now also be Rich River Medical Group has a dietitian and tested. tions in areas such as Boort and Donald — my two diabetes educators but Helen said the mother came from Donald and father from “Age is a bigger risk factor for cancer than first step on the road to recovery is most Cobden,” Helen said. often with the doctor. family history (referring to breast cancer). ELEN RHODE IS a city girl born and bred — but her strong family ties with the bush run deep in her DNA.

“Moving here was just like coming home, the sense of community, the pace and the lifestyle, it all works for me,” she said.

“Sexually-transmitted diseases (STD) is also another significant, ongoing issue which too often is off the radar.

Just as it works for many women patients who like dealing with a woman doctor.

“Chlamydia is prevalent in the community and if untreated can have such long-term outcomes. While men with the condition will have symptoms, women won't — yet if contracted and untreated it can have serious impact on fertility.”

Helen doesn't hesitate to recognise the difference between male and female doctors. “Women doctors tend to see fewer patients but you spend more time with those you do see, going through a much bigger picture than just the specific ailment which has brought them to our rooms,” Helen said. “There is an empathy there, which I feel is something women doctors really bring to the profession,” she said.

Helen is also trying to get women to take a serious look at how they manage their birth control. In the big scheme the traditional pill is a long way from where research and technology has taken birth control and Helen wants every woman to speak to their doctor about their options.

The other thing Helen Rhode brings to medicine is a steely determination to teach women, of all ages, the necessity, even urgency, of taking responsibility for their long-term health.

“For women under 30 I would not like to see them on the pill — I would much prefer they considered a long-acting alternative such as an implant instead of the pill,” Helen said.

She is a passionate advocate of the early

“There is a failure rate in the oral pill and

“In many cases I like to let the numbers do the talking, when people see them it is amazing the impact it has on their acceptance of their problem — and their attitude to doing something about it.” The numbers are the patient's BMI — or body mass index. When Helen measures a patient and shows them where their figures are compared to a normal, healthy person their age and height the reactions are immediate — “they want to do something about it”. Helen accepts that country towns such as ours still have to rely heavily on major centres such as Bendigo and Melbourne for many medical procedures. But just the same she said the emergence of Echuca Regional Health has been a massive lift for services in the twin towns and surrounding regions. She said it had attracted more specialists, offered better care, had an expanded

imaging capacity and now Echuca also has a private pathology business which she said offered a good service. “What is not so good around our towns now is the drug issue, especially ice, and in the past five years there has been a serious escalation of its use and all the damage that entails,” Helen said. “And from the damage I have seen people inflict on themselves, I just don't understand why they do it, there must be something missing from their lives to want to experiment with these terrible drugs,” she said. But Helen keeps on going, dealing with all the demands of 21st-century life as a country doctor. “Experience helps you to be prepared for the next problem or challenge with which the patient presents,” she said. “But overall I enjoy the long-term relationships and trust that you can develop. “And I like educating people, helping them to make decisions which will make them healthier. “I think Echuca offers a fantastic lifestyle — at university we were told people with country roots were more likely to work in rural Victoria — and I guess I fit that stereotype.” 

A reason to smile Introducing… Shara Wall BOHSc (La Trobe) Oral Health Therapist (Hygienist/Therapist) Shara grew up in Rushworth, Victoria. She has been working/volunteering in the dental field since 2005. After graduating from La Trobe University in 2013, Shara relocated to Perth for work. She returned to Victoria in early 2016 and joined the Campaspe Dental Care team. Shara is passionate about improving all aspects of her patients’ oral health and overall well-being. She remains up to date with the latest techniques and endeavours to build upon her knowledge by attending continuing education courses. Her attention to detail, focus on preventative dentistry and knowledge base allows her to provide the highest standard of dental care to patients.

Our range of services include:

• General exams • Fillings • Implants • Crowns & bridges • Whitening • Hygiene • Dentures • Root canal treatments • Children’s dentistry Contact the clinic on 5482 1217 to make an appointment. www.campaspedentalcare.com.au 525 High Street, Echuca

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The kid with a career in mind Tumbling might not be an Olympic sport yet but that doesn't faze one local 10-year-old who has told JESS GLEDHILL that will be her next step — after she gets to the world championships.

OR JAMISON McFADDEN gymnastics are what defines her.

“It's my thing,” the 10-year-old said with an obvious determination which belied her age. “The thought I can do something that not a lot of other people can.” It's a rush, a feeling like no other. But at 10, despite the immortality of youth, it takes courage, a lot of courage, as well as talent to sprint across the mat and launch yourself into a series of flips and spins, all designed to end up with you on your feet, frozen into your landing. And it all has to be done without falling over.

Well five minutes with Jamison makes it clear courage and talent are the least of her challenges. But her flexibility and flair are more than matched by extraordinary leg, arm and core strength. Something that works just as well on the dancefloor as Jamison squeezes in jazz classes every Saturday, which she enjoys almost as much as tumbling. At the age of three this diminutive dynamo took her first steps down her performance path when she started kinder gymnastics, moving into the development squad at just four.

Her first competition came barely a year later after moving to Dubbo with her family. With mother Kim at the wheel she headed to Maitland in NSW, and aside from the long drive doesn't recall much from her first taste of competition. “I just remember standing there and looking down at the beam,” she recalled. Jamison returned to Victoria and continued her gymnastics career in the artistic discipline at Jets Gym in Shepparton, but knew something was missing. “I was never really good at artistic gymnastics,” she said. “I wasn't enjoying myself or learning any new skills”. >>>

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>>> She found her missing piece at Palmers Gym in Bendigo and instantly fell in love with the atmosphere — and, of course, the air foam pit. This was where Jamison got her introduction to tumbling and she has been on a roll ever since. "I just loved doing flips, it was a new experience for me,” she said. Aside from the new friends she has made at the gym and at competitions, Jamison gained confidence and sense of achievement perfecting new skills — such as the full-twist. “My favourite skill changes every time I learn something different although it sometimes takes me a long time to get them right,” she said. “The full twist took me six months to get right and it was really frustrating because I had just done it for the first time before holidays and when I went back I couldn't get it.” Jamison has a lot of support from the people around her, most importantly her mother who began judging in the sport to learn more about it. Kim defined gymnastics as an “identifying character” of Jamison and is her biggest cheerleader at events. Jamison competed in the Australian gymnastics championships in May/June this year and described the experience as amazing. “I had tried out for it once before and didn't expect to get in, but the second time I found out I didn't only get in, I had come first in the first qualifying round,” she said. She came 14th in the under-13 tumbling event with a total score of 53 and despite having plenty of competitions behind her Jamison admits she still gets nervous before an event. “There have been a few disappointments but I've learnt how to deal with them,” she said. “I just think there's always another year and another competition." And of course an icecream from mum if things don't go to plan.

Always handy in a sport where success is measured in millimetres, in the tiniest buckle of the knee or step back — the smallest mistake can be the difference between first, second and nowhere.

world championships. With tumbling not yet an Olympic sport she has plenty of time for it to gain popularity before she competes.

“You can nail a pass and miss the landing, just by taking one tiny step backwards, and be knocked out of top spot,” Jamison said.

“The thought that I've come so far, I don't want to stop now,” she said. “I don't know what I'd do without tumbling, it's just something I've always done."

After watching gymnastics at the Rio Olympics, Jamison now has a second dream beyond being a great gymnast — she now wants to represent Australia at the Games but only after she makes her debut at the

Jamison now looks ahead to competing in Bendigo this September at the National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival where she will enter in the trampoline event for the first time as well as tumbling. 

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Still chasing the dream Selected for the world championships and forced to withdraw because of health issues, Latisha Painter has not given up on her dreams of performing on the international stage.

YMNAST LATISHA PAINTER has been within a plane flight of the world championships before a health condition left her stranded in Australia — instead of strutting her stuff in Russia.

out until next year if she has made the cut.

And having come so close she can taste it, she is now even more determined to get to the next world championships and claim her place on the international stage. “It's such a hit and miss sport; you only have one chance to do well,” Latisha said. “It's like when you're driving a car, you don't always get a second chance if you crash.”

coaching the sport, with tumbling something she's always fallen back to.

Like Jamison McFadden, Latisha, 19, trains under John Palmer at his gym and has been with him since she started tumbling at four after imitating Cirque du Soleil acrobats she had seen on television.

“You really get to learn a lot about people and it provides a sense of discipline growing up that you don't get in a lot of other sports,” she said.

In her spare time she studies exercise science at La Trobe University in Bendigo with the goal of starting her own tumbling gym in Echuca — and is even looking into incorporating a disability program.

Latisha now has friends all over Australia from her time competing and has even trained with the Shanghai Institute of Sport in Sydney in preparation for a previous national event.

“It would just give people something else to “It's great for fitness and there's such a range try over the basic tennis, netball and foot- of things you can do,” she said. Latisha competed at the Australian gymnas- ball,” she said. Latisha wants to share her tumbling expetics championships as Victorian captain, “There's nothing like it in the area and bringrience with as many people as possible, finishing tenth with a score of 55.5 in the 17 ing it to Echuca would just make it more and knowing firsthand the 'balancing act' and over tumbling division. accessible for everyone.” of travelling to trainings and competitions Now her every competing moment is aimed hopes her dreams of opening a gym closer Latisha still trains on top of her studies to home will make it a little easier for those at qualifying for a berth at the next worlds and hopes to continue competing for a few more years before transitioning into wishing to pursue the sport.  in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 2017. But she won't find

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There’s nothing he Cohen do in the kitchen

ITH NEARLY 30 years in the industry there's not much Rich River Golf Club Resort's Paul Cohen can't do — in the kitchen.

The executive chef, who has called Rich River's kitchen home since 2007, knows what he is about. He said it is the fast pace and energy of a busy service that has him loving his job. That and working with a great young team of chefs and waiters. “It's a career where you can show your skills and be passionate about where the produce has come from and how you prepare and serve the dish,” Mr Cohen said. “Everything is made at Rich River with an on-site butcher, pastry chefs and a team of 15 chefs,” he said. “The James Maiden Bistro currently seats up to 250 people and upstairs in the Tatalia Function Centre we can cater for as many as 400 people.” Mr Cohen said his favourite food was duck confit, closely followed by fresh fish, but he chose this recipe because it's light, simple and flavoursome. And a great starter or a main course.

Salad of hot smoked salmon, Persian fetta, spinach, pickled beetroot, pinenuts and carrot puree Ingredients: • 100 gm Atlantic salmon (skin removed and kept, pin boned) • 50 gm hickory wood chips • 20 gm jasmine tea leaves • 50 gm baby spinach leaves (washed, dried, stems picked) • 10 gm Spanish onion (fine sliced) • 10 gm pinenuts (toasted) • 20 gm Persian fetta (drained) • 10 gm radish (fine sliced) • 50 gm pickled baby beetroot • Honey and lemon dressing Garnish ingredients: • Carrot puree • Micro watercress • Herb oil • Yarra valley salmon pearls • Fish crackling • Anchovy mayonnaise Method: • Rub salmon fillet with olive oil, brown sugar, lime zest and sea salt before letting it rest for 10 minutes. • Add tea mix to a heavy pan, elevate salmon with a cake cooling tray, turn on heat for five minutes until golden brown. • Cool down. • To serve, seal in a pan and add salad ingredients. 

Thirty Something

Waste, waist and whatever's next — it's a lot for a girl to digest S

O THE OFFICE girls and I were having one of those life-changing lunch conversations.

You'll remember the girls, I have discussed their strengths and their, er, foibles, in an earlier edition. But on this occasion we were united in sisterhood. Because summer is just around the corner and that means reaching for the bikinis, girding the loins for the bikini wax and wondering if everything is going to tuck into the right bits of material without any threat of spillage. Inevitably that brought us around to diets, who's on them, who's succeeding with them and who's got the latest way for any one of us to drop 5–10 kg in two days. Obviously we steered away from any diets involving exercise — there's no time for that in our hectic lives. But were instantly attracted to those which said it came in a can, a pre-packaged box or straight out of the freezer. Until new girl Sussie (yes, really, with a double 's' although I would love to see if that's on her passport) said she had been checking out what Princess Kate, aka the Duchess of Cambridge had been doing since before the Royal Marriage (Royals always get capital according to the best women's magazines in the land). Apparently HRH is a fan of the Dukan diet — which kicks you off with high protein for two-to-seven days and then you slowly slip vegies and other food groups back into the line-up.

looks, and how much they would love her stick-thin appearance. Until I called for a halt in proceedings and grabbed the female bible de jour from which our girl Sussie was quoting. It listed the calorific intake of some of the world's most underprivileged women — in the following order: 1. HRH 2. Princess Charlene (of Monaco fame) 3. Princess Mary (the Taswegian turned Dane) 4. I'll skip the locals 5. Margot Robbie (yes, a local, but Hollywood is special) 6. Britney Spears 7. Kim Kardashian (yes, utterly useless but so fascinating that you can be famous for being nothing) “Girls,” I said. “Let's get serious for just a few minutes.” And reached for Google. And here's how it went: 1. H RH — William, Mr HRH, has a net worth of $US2.6 billion. Now I realise he can't spend all the art, or sell all the castles, but I am going to take a punt here and suggest the Cambridges are not short of a quid, have hot and cold running child help, fly first class (or in private jets) and have cooks, bottle washers and house cleaners.

It does not specify if Cadburys is a food group.

2. Princess Charlene — Her hubby, Fat Albert (obviously he doesn't follow her diet advice) is struggling along with about $US1 billion — but he does own the local casino. So once again I doubt organising finicky little feeds are too much of a hassle for good old Charlie.

So then all my airhead colleagues go off in a twitter about how simply stunning HRH

3. Princess Mary — The little girl from Down Under hit the jackpot. Fred and family

top the $US3 billion mark so all Mary really has to do is deliver children (A for effort there), ride her bike around, travel and be waited on hand and foot — and if the same magazine is to be believed from several earlier editions she is. 4. Our Margot — Taking her clothes off and taking on an increasing number of roles already has Ms Robbie at $US10 million and climbing (not including endorsements etc) so once again, with no kids about which to worry, or a lump of a man holding you back because his needs come first her needs seem well covered. 5. Kim Kardashian — Talk about being held back by a lump of a man, her husband seems to fluctuate between debts of $US60 million and a fortune of somewhere around $US125 million. But fortunately she of the ginormous derriere has cash of her own to burn, somewhere around $US100 million. And all the magazines agree she is a prima donna extraordinaire so no way is she having to worry about anything but doing her best (and her best is not quite good enough) to look gorgeous. So Sussie, whose father apparently owns two McDonald's, quickly established herself at the top of our financial pecking order, as she is an only child, and honestly, at that point I started to zone out. Here we had a girl funded by Macca's trying to explain to the rest of us about weight control. Seriously? If nothing else the whole chit chat proved a waste of time, and I am sure Sussie will fit in perfectly with the rest of the girls. As for me, well all talk and no eating meant no lunch that day. My diet is coming along just fine. 

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