Betty magazine October 2022. Issue 7

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16 27

WELCOME

AS WOMEN, we are often taught to be soft, to be small, to be quiet. To look and behave a certain way.

For years I pondered why I simply couldn’t fit the mould — I was shorter than most, a little rounder in the hips and man, did I have opinions.

Growing up with a single mum and a house full of sisters, following societal conditioning was never on the cards for me — no matter how hard I tried.

But now, I’m incredibly grateful for this.

The women around me have forever held immense power and strength. Although at times this came with harshness, it gave me an appreciation for independence and resilience.

This edition of Betty captures just that: the strength in women when life gets tough.

Like Karli Heggart who was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer, and after rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, she begrudgingly shaved her head — something she never thought she’d have to do. The story on page 56 shows her path to creating her own wig business, The Karli Kollection.

From page 11, the powerhouse that is Daina Winch shares her secret to staying afloat over the past decade under the load of running multiple businesses, moving across the state

several times and starting a gin company, all on top of raising three children.

In light of the overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States, Betty delves into the discrepancies between metropol itan and regional areas in seeking an abortion. See page 32.

And in these tough times, laughter along the way is crucial. For a fun girls’ night out, we’ve got you covered on page 58 with a group creative outlet — complete with a glass (or bottle) of wine.

Betty tells the stories of mothers, grandmothers, daughters and sisters — of all women, through some of their toughest times and beyond.

Heading into my mid-20s, I’m still grappling with the idea of becoming my own woman.

Though this person changes yearly, monthly — look, prob ably even daily — she’s loud, she’s forever an empath and a bit silly, but she’s strong, and it’s other women like those in the pages beyond who keep me inspired to do better and to be better.

Caitlyn Grant Editor

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Blazing their trails

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT PHOTOGRAPHY: RECHELLE ZAMMIT

FOUR TRAILBLAZING FIRST NATIONS WOMEN HAVE COMPLETED PHDS ON YORTA YORTA COUNTRY.

THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE’S DEPARTMENT OF RURAL HEALTH AND THE POCHE CENTRE FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH GRADUATE RESEARCH PROGRAM, THE WOMEN WERE ABLE TO CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES WITHOUT LEAVING THE REGION.

BETTY MAGAZINE SAT DOWN WITH THREE OF THE WOMEN WHO GRADUATED IN AUGUST TO TALK THROUGH THEIR WORK AND WHAT IT MEANS TO THEM, BUT ALSO TO THE WIDER COMMUNITY.

“Diabetes is a pandemic now, not only for Indigenous peo ple, but everyone has been affected by diabetes because it’s about lifestyle.“

Yorta Yorta woman Sharon Atkinson-Briggs’ PhD — Inte grated Diabetes Education and Eye Screening — was based on de veloping a novel way of delivering diabetes education to First Nations people with type two diabetes.

Sharon worked as an accredited diabetes educator in the Northern Territory prior to beginning her research, and so her passion was already alight.

“I was really interested in learning more about diabetes and in particular, ways to get the message across to Indige nous people,” she said.

“Especially with type two diabetes because it’s lifestyle, it can be reversed — it can’t be cured, but you can reverse it.

“I was interested in finding ways to tell the message that was unique to the patient.“

Part of researching diabetes education was incorporating retinal imaging, in which patients would have their retinas photographed in order to detect any diabetes damage.

“You can’t feel diabetes, it’s silent,” she said.

“So until you start later on down the track, 20 years time you start to get filled with symptoms and neuropathy, reti nopathy and other complications.

“You can be walking around pre-diabetic for about 10 years, damage has already started.”

Sharon said she would “eventually like to get back in the field of health”.

“Health research is what I’m passionate about.

“It’s learning more about chronic disease and looking at ways where we can help.”

Dr Sharon Atkinson-Briggs

Dr Karyn Ferguson

In completing her high school education at Mooroopna Secondary College, Yorta Yorta woman Karyn Ferguson left school early.

Now, three years in the making, Karyn has completed the highest level of postgraduate studies.

“A PhD was never in my realm of thinking,” she said.

Karyn’s PhD — Gana Burrai: Applying population data linkage to generate an Aboriginal maternal and infant dataset in the Goulburn Murray Region — provided a comprehensive view of maternal health and birth outcomes across Yorta Yorta Country.

Linking data from hospitals, councils, Indigenous medi cal services and the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriag es, Karyn was the first to collate the data within Yorta Yorta boundaries.

This covered four local government areas, two Victorian health regions and spanned two states.

“To look at Yorta Yorta health in a total population lens is very difficult,” Karyn said.

She said the lack of accessibility to data in the region was a driver in completing her thesis.

“Even when I was doing my literary review chapter, it was really difficult to find regional localised statistics specifically for this region.

“So part of that was using Yorta Yorta boundaries to give us a really in-depth look at what’s happening here.”

Karyn’s findings showed patterns and trends of Aboriginal birth outcomes and maternal health, all led by Indigenous researchers.

She said among the results, there was an undercount of correctly identified Aboriginal births.

“Some of the social determinant factors were concerning, like smoking during pregnancy,” she said.

“And things like birth weight were quite good but then when you looked at things together, there was some trends.

“Like having a baby in one location compared to another, this seemed to indicate women were more likely to have a poorer outcome depending on which hospital they birthed at.”

The study reported that Aboriginal births on Yorta Yorta Country for years 2008 to 2017 represented 8.71 per cent of all births.

Completing her PhD, Raylene Nixon of the Gungarri Na

Dr Raylene Nixon

tion had more than a handful of reasons to be exultant.

She never imagined she would be in a position to do so and looking back, she feels a sense of pride.

“Historically, when you have a look at my mum’s genera tion they were not allowed to get a mainstream education,” Raylene said.

“So really, my generation was the first ones to actually go through mainstream schooling, and even we still experi enced a lot of racism and discrimination, and Aboriginal peo ple were still not expected to go to university but given the opportunity, it’s been amazing.

“The opportunities — there’s a whole other world out there that you actually don’t even know exists until somebody opens the door.”

After three years, Prosperity on Country: How to reposition the social, cultural and economic value of Indigenous people in the Goul burn Murray region, was born.

Raylene’s thesis was through the Kaiela Institute, an organ isation leading change for First Nations communities.

After attending several Close the Gap forums, Raylene re alised the extent of the work that was occurring right on her doorstep.

“The work that they’re actually doing here at the Kaiela In stitute was really aspirational compared to other communi ties around Australia,” she said.

“I was lucky enough to sit here for three years over my PhD and capture some of the work that they’re doing.”

The research sought a solution to “address the disparity be tween Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples from one re gional community’s perspective”, focusing on the use of defi cit language and the Institute’s Regional Governance Plan.

In the PhD’s abstract, Raylene wrote: “Indigenous peoples are predominately identified as ‘the problem’ and positioned as the agents who need to ‘fix it’, which ignores the influence of dominant culture in maintaining the current position of Indigenous peoples”.

She said The University of Melbourne’s approach was “real ly innovative” in allowing the women to complete their stud ies in a cohort.

“I can honestly say, I don’t think I would have been able to finish if I didn’t have the support of the three other women that went through it at the same time.”

Making breast cancer support

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia for women, with one in seven at risk of being diagnosed over a lifetime. We are lucky enough to have the support of two Breast Care Nurses, Michelle Parish and Melissa Gilmour at GV Health, who urge women to check their breasts. Early detection is crucial.

Women aged 40 and over are eligible for a free mammogram by contacting your local BreastScreen Provider on 13 20 50.

you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and need advice or assistance, please contact GV Health

on 5832 3777.

Labour of love

KEEPING ALL THE BALLS IN THE AIR IS A CONSTANT JUGGLING ACT FOR WORKING WOMEN — BEING AN EFFECTIVE EMPLOYEE OR RUNNING A BUSINESS, CARING FOR KIDS, FINDING TIME FOR SELF-CARE. ONE SHEPPARTON BUSINESSWOMAN AND MOTHER SHARES THOSE CHALLENGES WITH BETTY

THERE’S ABOUT a decade of Daina Winch’s life she de scribes as a blur.

Those days were filled with running multiple restaurants, a function space and a food store, while raising three children.

“There were probably 10 years where I was a shell and just so tired,” she said.

“When the kids were babies, in between working, feeding, getting kids to school; it’s a blur.”

The Shepparton Brewery co-owner has been in the hospi

STORY: ANNA MCGUINNESS PHOTOGRAPHY: RECHELLE ZAMMIT

tality business, alongside partner of 24 years Matt Milsome, since she was in her mid-20s.

When they returned to business with the brewery in 2019, Daina decided she would take a step back and do things a bit differently.

After working in hospitality, it was natural for Daina and Matt to step out on their own.

They built a great reputation and client base with a kitchen lease at a Nagambie winery and even after they moved back to Melbourne, decided to return to the Goulburn Valley.

Daina was 26 when they opened Teller in the old Mooroo pna bank building.

“Matt’s six years older and he’s the chef side of it — it was just the perfect storm, front of house and back of house, that’s quite traditional with hospitality owners,” she said.

They also opened The Chairman’s Kitchen in Fryers St, Shepparton, across the road from The Vic hotel.

“We were trying to run two places and I had a five-monthold baby and then someone approached us and wanted to buy it as a bar,” Daina said.

“We ended up deciding to move into Shepparton, just as the next step for our business, and we built The Teller Collective.”

During that time Daina recalls saying, “that’s it, I’m never having another restaurant”.

Famous last words.

They had three children aged under five, running restaurants and function space the Vault, and then, the shop next door came up for sale which became the Food Store.

Albi, Ava and Austin are now 15, 13 and 11 respectively, and all grew up in the restaurant — when they weren’t with their grandparents in Cobram or family day care.

But the nature of the work meant while Daina and Matt were often run off their feet, they still had time with the kids.

“Matt would start at five o’clock to make all the bread and Albi would just walk downstairs as a five-year-old and have porridge with Dad at six,” Daina said.

“It’s those little things you wouldn’t get in a normal work life.”

Whether it was a baby sleeping on a shelf in the kitchen, being passed to the least busy staff member when they wouldn’t settle, or strapped to Daina while she was making coffees — they made it work.

As the business grew, Daina and Matt brought in business partners before eventually selling out and moving to Beechworth.

Daina managed Brown Brothers restaurant for a few years and she and Matt had a “role-reversal”, as he worked around the kids’ schedules.

“We decided, we’re out — that was it,” she said.

“But I think it’s just in your blood.”

So, in April 2019 they opened Shepparton Brewery and 11 months later the pandemic arrived, delivering a crushing blow to business owners.

“In that first year of the pandemic, if the government wasn’t propping us up with grants for people with liquor licences, you just wouldn’t be here,” Daina said.

“We obviously have a lot of experience in business; I can’t imagine being us at 24 and having our back to the wall the way that we did then and trying to get through [COVID-19].”

And while the world tries to move on, the situation is still fraught with staff shortages, fuel prices and interest rates.

The couple has plans to take their new gin venture, Side Hustle, to another level but are still feeling the after effects of COVID-19.

“A couple of weeks in the past month or so, we’ve been down three staff and I’ve had to replace them with my 15-year-old and my 13-year-old — three staff with two kids,” Daina said.

“Customers have been great, but the damage that could have done to the business — people understand, but they’re only going to understand so far.”

Giving back to the community is important to Daina and Matt, whether it’s through their Community Chest nights or Christmas meals.

When the couple first opened in Mooroopna with mediocre kitchen equipment that was all they could afford, they were blown away by people’s generosity.

“One day the oven door fell off and I had a function coming in and the café was going, and I just had to say, ‘this is off the menu, I can’t do it’,” Daina said.

“I’d been bawling my eyes out, Matt’s cracked it — it’s pretty high pressure — and this couple said to me, ‘Daina, we’ll buy you an oven’.

“People were just so kind and we didn’t take them up on the offer but to know you were backed like that.

“This community has taken us in as a business and I feel grateful we’re here — we do try to filter that back when we can.”

These days, when Daina’s not working at the Brewery, she has a few days a week doing the paperwork, picking up the kids from school and being home for them.

“You’re constantly ‘on’, but that’s just part of being in business — same as being a mum,” she said.

Daina’s advice to anyone thinking of opening a business is to enjoy it, and “do it because you love it”.

“And never ever count your hourly rate because you just don’t want to know.”

Caring for the Goulburn

Valley’s women

Go about your pregnancy the right way

THE PROCESS of preparing for the birth of your child is a big task.

Clinical maternity educator Penny Laidlaw knows how stressful it can be preparing for a baby and said the midwife ry services at GV Health were designed to make the transition to parenthood easier.

“Pregnancy is most often an exciting new experience for women, but it can also bring about some challenges. As mid wives, we hope to be able to provide women and their fami lies with the information and support they require to ensure their pregnancy journey is a positive experience,” Penny said.

“To ensure women receive thorough pregnancy care and early access to pregnancy-specific education and support, it is essential they link in with their GP as early as possible. This also allows for timely referral to antenatal care services at GV Health.”

After connecting with your GP, they will refer you to mater nity support services within GV Health from approximately 12 weeks onwards.

GV Health is able to provide obstetric care to both high and low-risk pregnancies. There are several models of care avail able to women depending on individual needs. One of the

most popular models is the Midwifery Group Practice, avail able to women who have a low-risk pregnancy.

“It’s an incredibly popular program because it does provide that continuity of care. Women are supported and cared for by the same midwife throughout their pregnancy, labour and birth, and postnatal period,” Penny said.

If your pregnancy is deemed high-risk, you will be referred to the consultant medical clinics where you will be seen by an obstetric doctor at every visit and a midwife or relevant healthcare provider.

GV Health also offers antenatal education classes during pregnancy, which include sessions on how to look after a baby and birthing classes.

After discharge from the hospital, GV Health provides domiciliary midwifery care where postnatal care is provided in the home in the first few days after birth to make sure the baby is settling in well, parents are up to date with the correct education and parents are connected to community services for ongoing support.

If you want more information or need to connect to mid wifery services at GV Health, visit their website or talk to your GP for a referral.

Clinical maternity educator Penny Laidlaw and midwife Milly Foster are there to support women of the Goulburn Valley in their pregnancy journey.

Time for a heart health check

HEART ISSUES are common for both men and women. However, there are some key differences in how cardiac dis ease affects women, which GV Health cardiologist Dr Jennifer Coller explains.

In recent years, there is increasing awareness in the com munity that less typical symptoms of heart attack occur more frequently in women. While most women do still report classic chest pain, there are some who develop less common symptoms like arm pain, upper abdominal pain, nausea or breathlessness.

Women concerned about these types of symptoms are en couraged to seek medical review early.

Fewer people are aware of the higher risk of heart disease for women that previously developed issues in pregnancy –including pre-eclampsia (which causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine) and gestational diabetes.

“We now realise that women with these issues during preg nancy have a higher risk of heart problems later in life,” Dr Coller said.

“For example, women with pre-eclampsia often have con tinuing issues with high blood pressure even after their baby is born. They also have four times the risk of heart failure and twice the risk of heart attack or stroke later in life”.

Women with a history of these issues are encouraged to follow up regularly with their GP over time so that cardiac risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol can be assessed and treated where necessary.

According to Dr Coller, eating foods that are low in saturat

Early detection is key

WHEN IT COMES to breast cancer, you can never be too safe, which is why it’s important check your breasts every month according to GV Health’s breast and gynaecology nurse Melis sa Gilmour and McGrath breast cancer nurse Michelle Parish.

“One in seven women will develop breast cancer before they’re 75, regardless of family history,” Michelle said.

“The majority of our women are in that 50 to 75 age group, so that’s why we have our breast screening targeting women in that area. However, breast cancer can occur at any age. Our youngest patient was 24, and our oldest patient was 100.”

Other non-modifiable risk factors, aside from age, can in clude being a previous breast cancer survivor or having early menstruation before the age of 12 or late menopause after the age of 56.

However, there are some risk factors that people can con trol. Having children and breastfeeding lowers your chance of breast cancer as well as staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, minimising alcohol consumption and not smoking.

When it comes to how and when you should be checking your breasts, Melissa says all that matters is that you’re doing it the same way every time.

“It is recommended that women who are menstruating should do it seven to 10 days after they’ve completed men struation and women who are postmenopausal should set a date each month to do those checks as it’s important to know your breasts,” Melissa said.

“It can be as simple as your skin feels a bit thicker in one area, you might notice a node, there might be nipple dis

ed fats and sodium and replacing them with fresh fruit and vegetables, high fibre foods and plant-based proteins, along side maintaining regular exercise, is key to avoiding cardiac problems in the future.

GV Health has a variety of services available to support peo ple suffering from cardiac problems, including cardiology outpatient clinics, cardiac rehabilitation and chronic disease management programs.

Your general practitioner can advise about your cardi ac risk and refer on to a specialist if needed. Heart Health Checks can be done through your local GP.

Call triple 000 immediately and ask for an ambulance if you develop severe chest pain and it’s getting worse or has lasted for 10 minutes.

charge or an inverted nipple if somebody normally doesn’t have any inverted nipple or even breast pain.”

If you develop any unusual changes in your breast, it’s im portant to go to your GP and get a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, which are available at GV Health.

GV Health also offers a breast screening service for women aged 40 onwards which can be organised by calling 13 20 50.

If you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and require advice or assistance with treatment, contact the GV Health Oncology unit on 5832 3777.

Breast and gynaecology nurse Melissa Gilmour and McGrath breast cancer nurse Michelle Parish are advocating for women to be proactive and check their breasts once a month.

Cardiology nurse coordinator Jemma Rigby and AF clinical nurse Catherine Maulion are encouraging women to keep on top of their heart health checks.

blooming in style

Fashion and accessories: Graham Hill Eyecare, Shepparton; Pampens Boutique, Mooroopna, pages 18, 19, 20, 24; Capitol Clothing Co, Shepparton, cover, pages 17, 18 20, 21, 22, 23, 25; Purdeys Jewellers, Shepparton.

Make-up: Esaje Makeup & Beauty.

Hair: Lash Tan + Blowwave Bar.

Models: Gill Hall and Jayne Law.

Location: Hydie Blooms, Mooroopna.

Photography: Stay Focused Photography by Allyssa Geraghty.

THINKING OF SELLING?

Residential & Lifestyle Sales

Julie Ryan brings a well-received female influence to the sales team at Kevin Hicks Real Estate. Julie is highly organized, has a very good eye for detail and prides herself in effective communications.

Our industry is very rewarding, I enjoy helping others change their lives, achieve their dream of buying that first home, taking that next step to a bigger property, or finding their retirement home. Seeing the satisfaction & happiness on my client’s face when a property is finalised, is a great reward.

“ ”

Call the team to trust

Julie Ryan

Healing from within

STORY: ANNA MCGUINNESS. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

AFTER FINDING A WAY TO COPE WITH HER OWN PROBLEMS, ONE SHEPPARTON WOMAN WANTS TO HELP AS MANY WOMEN AS SHE CAN TO FEEL AS EMPOWERED AS SHE DOES NOW.

THREE YEARS AGO, Melissa Rachele woke up with her head spinning.

She didn’t know it at the time, but it was one of the symptoms she was experiencing of burnout.

The Shepparton mum-of-three visited neurologists, ENTs and doctors, but no-one could give her an answer.

She started to experience ongoing dizziness, migraines, headaches and joint pain, which led to panic attacks and left her housebound.

“It was debilitating,” Melissa said.

“On the outside I looked fine but inside I was like, ‘something’s not right’.”

All her tests came back normal and medication just made her feel worse, so Melissa started her own research.

She said she was amazed by the results she was getting from doing simple things like a body scan meditation every day.

“I started to change the thoughts in my head.

“I was doing my own studying and that’s when I went on to study holistic coaching.

“When I found out about the mind-body connection, I was just amazed at what a difference your thoughts can make, especially with things like joint pain and migraines.

“Even though it was really debilitating, it was a gift in the end because it’s led me to this.”

Now, Melissa is helping to empower other women through her business, Soul Mind Body, putting to use an interest she has always had in psychology.

“I specialise in helping women with anxiety and overwhelm — my goal is to provide them with powerful mindset tools they can use every day,” she said.

“It is a dream of mine to help as many women as I can to feel empowered as I do today.”

Melissa knew she had anxiety growing up but said it didn’t really affect her until she became a mum.

Being a stay-at-home mum for 10 years, Melissa said not asking for support from others had contributed to her feeling overwhelmed and becoming burnt out.

“I think in our society these days we try and do everything ourselves, and it’s just not realistic.”

She said she helped women who don’t feel like their usual selves to experience more peace and calm.

“I think as a mum, sometimes you feel like you lose yourself.

“There’s this misconception that if we’re not busy, then we’re not doing enough.

“But the reality is, I want to teach women that when we slow down, we can achieve more because our mind is clear.”

During the one-on-one sessions Melissa runs, she asks questions to dig down to the cause before giving women tools to move forward, including breath work and transformational meditations.

Melissa has been running her sessions with women over Zoom, having launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is looking to expand to host small group sessions on her Shepparton property.

“I want to create a little community where women can get together and empower each other.”

Melissa can be found on Instagram @melissarachele_ coaching and on Facebook at Melissa Rachele Coaching or contact her by emailing melissarachele40@gmail.com

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Colour your world

REGISTERED NURSE AND MOTHER-OF-TWO, MEGHANN

TALARICO, CALLS HERSELF AN “AVID DIY-ER” AND LOVER OF ALL THINGS INTERIOR DESIGN. HER STORE, OAKRIDGE DESIGNS, IS A COMBINATION OF BOTH PASSIONS.

STORY: LAUREN FORMICA. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

LOCATED IN the heart of Tatura, Oakridge Designs is home to an array of beautiful homewares, giftware and its very own chalk painting studio.

“I have always had a passion to create a welcoming home on a budget with DIY projects,” owner Meghann Talarico said.

“My dad was an interior painter, and I grew up learning about painting from him.”

Starting initially as a hobby and relaxation from her parttime job as a nurse, furniture painting soon became a re warding outlet that allowed Meghann to decorate her home for a fraction of the price.

But her passion for chalk painting, specifically, began when she attended her first chalk painting workshop in 2014.

Now, Meghann runs her own chalk painting workshops, one Saturday a month, and welcomes private group book ings.

Chalk paint is a speciality paint that gives a matte finish and has made its presence known in the home, heightened by the popularity of the distressed time-worn appeal, perfect for that shabby chic, French provincial or Hamptons style.

“I find it empowering to give other women the skills and confidence to be able to refresh their own home as I did for a fraction of the cost of buying new,” Meghann said.

“Especially with the cost of living on the increase, every body loves a welcoming home without the expense.”

The home she shares with her husband and two daugh ters is a 116-year-old cottage full of combined provincial and Hamptons-style furniture pieces that she has brought back to life.

“To be able to give your existing furniture a refresh with paint is truly rewarding knowing you did it all yourself and, on a budget.”

In 2021, after outgrowing her home-based studio, Meghann decided it was time to relocate and expand the family-run business.

Oakridge Designs relocated to new premises with the per fect space to continue running workshops, as well as the op portunity to have a boutique home and giftware store all un der the one roof.

“This was the perfect combination to be able to merge the love of furniture paint with homewares to completely redec orate homes,” Meghann said.

She said the risk of opening a store in the middle of the pandemic was a “huge leap of faith”, but the support of the local community had made it worth it.

“It’s been a pleasure meeting new faces and feel that real sense of common interest with our customers.

“I don’t see this as a job because it’s a passion of mine to empower others through creativity.”

Geography hurtS

women’s

AS REVERBERATIONS

FROM THE OVERTURNING OF ROE V WADE IN THE UNITED STATES ARE STILL FELT MONTHS LATER, IT RAISES THE QUESTION — WHAT IS HAPPENING IN AUSTRALIA WHEN IT COMES TO PREGNANCY TERMINATIONS?

PREGNANCY termination processes are legal across Austra lia and appear to be staying that way, but there is still a large disparity between regional accessibility versus metropolitan.

Dr Margreet Stegeman of Shepparton Women’s Health Centre has seen first-hand the challenges women living re gionally face when accessing an abortion.

But one major challenge isn’t initially what comes to mind.

“The first barrier there is, and a lot of people seem to forget this, the thoughts within the woman herself and then per ceived reactions of the immediate family and support per sons,” Margreet said.

“Women do not take the decision to have a termination lightly, they always have very good reasons why they come to the conclusion that this is the only solution, the only way out for them.

“That is the first and hardest barrier to overcome.

“Once they have made this decision it should be smooth sailing, but unfortunately that is not the case, even in Aus tralia.”

Though it’s not a new problem by any means, with fur ther strained services due to COVID-19 paired with the lack of health professionals in rural areas, more people seeking a termination are facing explicit accessibility issues.

Financially, geographically and time — it can be a race against the clock.

While Greater Shepparton is among three regional areas that will receive a sexual and reproductive health hub over

choices

the next four years, current resources are lacking.

Margreet said while there are some options in Shepparton, there are not enough — especially in the public health system.

“In general, it would be good if more nurses in the town were trained in the medical termination option — other towns have done this,” she said.

“More public options for women would be ideal, with eas ier and quicker access, especially with a view to the medical option.”

A 2021 report showed an estimated 2850 of the 41,000 GPs in Australia are registered to prescribe for medical abortions.

Margreet said local hospital facilities have also struggled to maintain services largely due to the pandemic causing staff shortages, but also due to other factors.

“There are opportunities for GPs to be trained in medical termination services, and some are trained, but not enough are taking this up,” she said.

“But the medical option only works for women comfort able or eligible for this.

“If they want to or have to go with surgical termination — for instance, if they are over nine weeks which is the cut-off for medical terminations — then we need operating facilities and they are scarce at the moment.”

A medical termination is a two-stage process, which in cludes ingesting medication 24 to 48 hours apart and can be given up to 63 days gestation, though the process may not be suitable for all within that time frame.

Costs of a medical abortion in Victoria can vary from $100 to $600 in the public system.

A surgical termination is generally performed as a day pro cedure under general anaesthetic, with costs ranging from $200 to more than $1000.

At Shepparton Women’s Health Centre, a referral from a patient’s regular GP is necessary, together with a blood type report and an ultrasound report to confirm the number of weeks of pregnancy.

“We try to see women certainly before their options are limited, so if they are referred we will try to see them within one to two weeks so the medical termination is still an op tion,” Margreet said.

One in four women will undergo an induced abortion throughout their reproductive lives.

But despite the prevalence, Margreet said there was still stigma attached.

“I don’t think you ever hear anyone say at a dinner party they had an abortion,” she said.

“It is usually ‘confessed’ to in hushed tones amongst wom en when they know they are in equally thinking company.

“It can be a hard decision to make for women, some will feel guilty about the decision they have or had to make and then to be criticised is the last thing you need, even if this crit icism comes 10 years after the fact.”

Take control of the message

WITH THE RISE OF SOCIAL MEDIA MAKING TABLOID MAGAZINES OF THE EARLY 2000S LOOK LIKE CHILD’S PLAY, IT’S NO HUGE SURPRISE WOMEN ARE FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT THEIR BODIES.

AS AN ACCREDITED practising dietician, Rebecca Monk has owned Ripe Health since 2013 and has worked in the region since 2007.

In that time, with 80 per cent of her clientele female, she’s seen an increase in women presenting with disordered eat ing.

“There’s a lot of pressure,” she said.

“It affects women of all ages massively.”

Rebecca said negative body messages fed from social me dia have become “deeply ingrained” in women, and from a young age.

Images of Photoshopped women, videos showing ‘a day on a plate’ barely going over a toddler’s calorie intake, and hundreds of filters covering reality are all at the fingertips of viewers from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep.

“It’s about using social media, but to your advantage,” Re becca said.

“I have clients open up [social media] and I say, ‘you’ve got to delete that, delete that, delete that’ because that’s all they’re getting shown.

“And that can impact on their self-confidence, even their relationships, sexual relationships with their partners and what they’re achieving in life, because they are led to believe how they look is their value.”

Rebecca advised following sites that iterate body positive messaging and working on deciphering which health mes sages are genuinely helpful.

She said while she believes people sharing information on social media and other platforms are “genuinely trying to do what’s best”, it can have damaging effects.

“I think we don’t know enough about basic nutrition be cause there is so much information out there, and we don’t trust our bodies anymore.

“You need to look at some fairly simple things to learn to trust your body, and to love your body.

“It is always about what you can add in rather than what you need to cut out of your diet.

“And it’s really important to acknowledge some amazing things about your body, and this doesn’t have to be physical.

“Think about what your body can do for you, rather than what it can’t.”

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

Thursday, October 27

PINK RIBBON

Sunglasses Expo

Join us in support of the Oncology Department at GV Health and celebrate Spring in style. Our expo will showcase over 500 models of sunglasses from the current season of Gucci, YSL, Oroton, Tom Ford, Le Specs, Guess, Maui Jim, Ray Ban plus many more. Many of these sunglasses will be offered outside Melbourne for the first and only time.

at Graham Hill Eyecare 98 Maude Street, Shepparton

Supporting the GV Health Foundation

ALL sunglasses will be 20% off on the day with all proceeds donated to the GV Health Foundation to support the Peter Copulos Wellness Centre.

Event ambassador Vicki Scott

STORY: ANNA MCGUINNESS. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

Fashioning our social history

THE MORE THAN 10,000 pieces in the Loel Thomson Cos tume Collection span nearly 200 years, transcending fashion to become a showcase of women’s social history.

MOVE collection manager Stacey Short said Loel Thomson started the collection in the 1980s when she lived at Noorilim Estate at Wahring.

“For the most part, Loel tried to collect what she called or dinary streetwear, so the things normal Australian women, and men to a smaller extent, would have worn on an ordinary basis,” Stacey said.

The collection had previously been housed in a former computer warehouse in the Melbourne suburb of Bulleen.

“Loel had it on display but it wasn’t open to the public all the time,” Stacey said.

“She would just take group bookings and donate the pro ceeds to various charities, so this is the first time it’s been open to the general public.”

MOVE custom-built the display and storerooms specifi cally for the collection, which required temperature and hu midity control and to be as sealed and dustproof as possible.

It’s not just clothes on display. Loel collected all sorts of ac cessories — jewellery, parasols, homewares, shoes, handbags and more.

“The breadth and depth of this collection is huge,” Stacey said.

“The amount of different things Loel collected over the years is just mind-blowing.

“It’s a reflection of what normal, ordinary people would have worn at various times.”

With recognisable Australian designers including Jenny Kee, Prue Acton and Sally Browne, there are also stores syn onymous with local, everyday wear such as Target and Myer.

“People walk in and go ‘wow’ — it’s been fantastic,” Stacey said.

“We get people coming in and pointing out things they remember or things their mum had — there’s a big reminis cence factor.”

There are also some items of significance among the collec tion, including timely to the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II — the dress and hat worn by Lady Mayoress Nancy Vibert when she met the Queen during her visit to Shepparton in 1954.

So whether it’s for a trip down memory lane or an eye-opening fashion journey, visit MOVE at 7723 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla, open daily from 10am to 4pm.

The grey silk dress and matching hat made for Lady Mayoress Nancy Vibert to meet the Queen in Shepparton in 1954.

Focus on wellbeing

IT’S DIFFICULT FOR WOMEN TO PRIORITISE THEIR HEALTH AND WELLBEING WHEN THEY’RE SO BUSY LOOKING AFTER EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

MONIQUE CAMM, owner of GV Body Rejuvenation, knows how hard it is for women to find time to look after them selves.

The mother-of-four worked as a registered nurse for 15 years but decided to open GV Body Rejuvenation when she noticed a lack of accessibility to high-end, proven clinical treatments in the Goulburn Valley.

“I decided to combine my passion for health as well as physical and emotional wellbeing by founding GV Body Re juvenation,” she said.

It’s the first clinic in Shepparton to offer clinically tested and proven treatments such as EMSCULPT, EMSELLA and EMTONE.

Each service is referred to as a walk-in walk-out treatment,

using non-invasive technology — which means no pain or dis comfort.

“Being a nurse, my forefront is healthcare,” Monique said.

“I tell people, how you feel about your body and your men tal health is equally an important part of healthcare.”

“For example, if you don’t feel good about your abdomen and if it really affects you, the things that affect you mentally are equally as important as the things that affect you physi cally.”

GV Body Rejuvenation is also a safe space for patients with kids.

“I know I felt a lot of the time going to appointments can be difficult with kids, which is why I felt it was important to create a safe and friendly environment.”

CreatingSpring Vibes

Our aim is to ensure our customers will be inspired. Visit us for our new and unique range of furniture, homewares and accessories. Something For Everyone!

wellbeing

WHAT IS EMSCULPT?

EMSCULPT is designed to both build muscle and burn fat at the same time.

The treatment helps resolve abdominal separation because it can create new muscle fibres, perfect for women who have had children or anyone with abdominal separation.

The areas EMSCULPT treats are: biceps, triceps, calves, buttocks and abdomen.

“You can reduce your abdominal separation over a long period of time with correct exercise, but the benefit of EMSCULPT is it does that for you in just a short period of time,” Monique said.

WHAT IS EMSELLA?

EMSELLA helps patients to painlessly restore the control of their bladder, pelvic floor muscles and eliminate incontinence or any kind of intimate discomfort.

A walk-in walk-out fully clothed procedure, EMSELLA is the perfect machine for those on the go, whether it be in your lunch break or between completing errands.

“EMSELLA is a chair that you sit on fully clothed, and it uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to rebuild the strength in the pelvic floor muscles,” Monique said.

The 30-minute session is equivalent to 11,000 Kegel contractions, in each session, rebuilding the pelvic floor quickly and efficiently.

EMSELLA can help treat:

• Weak pelvic floor.

• Incontinence — stress and urge.

• Post-prostatectomy.

• Post-menopause pelvic weakness.

• Erectile dysfunction — male pelvic floor dysfunction.

• Post-childbirth recovery.

• Decreased vaginal lubrication and laxity.

• Mild pelvic prolapse.

WHAT IS EMTONE?

EMTONE is a cellulite reduction and skin tightening machine, using a combination of thermal and mechanical energy, reducing cellulite while also improving skin texture, through radio frequency.

Treatment areas are: upper arms; abdomen; flanks/love handles; buttock; front, back and inner thigh; and lower buttock and upper back of thigh.

Monique offers a free 15-minute consultation for all patients prior to their first treatment.

And, for a limited time only, GV Body Rejuvenation is offering 20 per cent off all EMSULPT and EMTONE combo packages from now until November 13.

167 - 169 High Street, Shepparton

Phone: (03) 5831 2500

Email: sabaconhigh@gmail.com

Feel lighter on the inside

TACKLE YOUR HEALTH ISSUES FROM THE INSIDE OUT WITH A NEW SERVICE BEING OFFERED IN SHEPPARTON.

ALTERNATIVE, holistic health methods changed Lisa Georgeson’s life.

So much so, she made a career change and in August opened the Happy Colon Clinic in Shepparton, meaning people no longer have to travel to Melbourne or Bendigo for colon hydrotherapy.

Achieved by a gentle infusion of filtered, temperature-con trolled water into the colon, Lisa said the process helped to vacate waste matter, mucus, bile, parasites and more.

“Most of my clients on the table have significant digestive issues, some have chronic constipation and it’s genuinely providing relief,” she said.

“This is only week five of the business and already I’ve seen some clients three times, so the treatment and the results speak for themselves.

“The benefits are huge; it helps with glowing skin, clearer eyes and feeling lighter and brighter.

“Even weight loss — you can hold a fair bit of waste matter in the bowel, kilos of it.”

Lisa completed her training in Melbourne and aims to cre ate a relaxed and cosy environment for the treatment.

“We’ve got spa meditation music playing, you get a nice bel

ly rub and people often take a peppermint tea with them at the end,” she said.

When it comes to who should get the treatment, Lisa said everyone would benefit.

“It’s not just about those digestive issues, although that’s probably 80 per cent of my clients, but there’s many other health benefits.

“If you are worried or nervous, those are completely nor mal feelings, but I guarantee once you have the treatment done you will be like, ‘it’s not that bad’.

“We build it up in our heads but there’s nothing in it.”

It’s a closed system service, meaning the treatment is with a therapist at all times, and Lisa said down the track more ser vices could be added to the business.

“Health is wealth. I encourage people with any sort of gut issues, digestive issues, brain fog, constipation, bloating, IBS ... come talk to me and we’ll see what we can do.”

The Happy Colon Clinic is located at 159 Maude St, Shepparton and can be contacted on 0417 631 644, email admin@happycolonclinic.com.au or visit www.happycolonclinic.com.au

STORY: ANNA MCGUINNESS. PHOTOGRAPHY: RECHELLE ZAMMIT

TOGETHER, WE CAN CREATE OUTSTANDING

Build your career at GV Health

Lynn Morcom is a Critical Care Unit Liaison Nurse who has been with GV Health for 26 years now.

Whilst working in the Critical Care Unit at GV Health, Lynn completed graduate and post graduate studies and has been the CCU liaison nurse for 12 years.

Passionate about opportunities within GV Health and CCU, Lynn has seen the benefits of progressing in a career at GV Health. “GV Health has many opportunities whether it’s education, a wide variety of experience, a mix of presentations or even a selection of specialist rotation opportunities,” Lynn said.

“Critical Care course is fantastic, it provides learning opportunities, career progression and growth. GV Health also offer ED and CCU rotations and direct ED pathways for nursing staff.

“I really enjoy the job and love being close to family & friends. No two days are ever the same and the liaison job provides flexibility and autonomous work alongside the opportunity to work with various teams and get involved with nursing education.”

As a local to Shepparton, Lynn has experienced the unique challenges regional healthcare can present but after 26 years there, Lynn wouldn’t change a thing.

“There’s a real benefit to working regionally and it’s been so rewarding being a nurse at GV Health and helping extremely unwell patients recover through the stages,” Lynn said.

“We deal with wider community presentations too and it’s great that we get to help them here and help them transition back into their community as they recover.”

Accountability

CREATE. Outstanding.

Support you to reach your potential We want you to be engaged, inspired and challenged by the work you do.

Grow in a dynamic and everchanging environment Join us as we grow.

CREATE Outstanding in everything we do

Our people are incredibly diverse with different ambitions, backgrounds and perspectives.

Instil a culture of care

It’s about the ‘feeling’ you get when you work here.

Help you to create balance

Our people work hard at GV Health and to say thank you we offer a range of benefits to support and enhance your financial, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Together we can experience the ‘Great Things’ that happen in our region

The very essence of the Goulburn Valley is family, friends, food and amazing cultural diversity.

Study and work locally

Jeane Aison Cayas is a Registered Nurse and Critical Care Student at GV Health and is currently completing his post graduate degree in Master of Nursing Critical Care Specialisation and started at GV Health in 2020.

For Jeane, completing his course whilst working in the field, has helped him gain confidence and provide better service to patients.

“I’ve felt supported by GV Health to work and study at the same time and the education team has been very supportive of my upskilling,” Jeane said.

“Undertaking my studies while working here was the best decision of my life. It will help me progress my career at GV Health and by completing a specialisation I can apply for leadership

opportunities. It opens a lot of doors for me.”

Working across ED and Critical Care, Jeane is exposed to a variety of clinical experiences that are able to satisfy his career ambitions.

“I’m exposed to challenging and stimulating work all the time. I’m really satisfied with the experience I’m gaining at GV Health and how I’m progressing in this career pathway,” Jeane said.

“The comradery here is very good and there is lots of support. You feel like you’re included and a critical part of the team.

“Being a nurse at GV Health is a really fulfilling and rewarding job, it’s a way to help the community and I’m really passionate about that.”

Making scents

A WHOLE LOT OF TIME, CONSIDERATION AND MONEY — IF YOU’RE NOT CAREFUL — CAN GO INTO CHOOSING THE RIGHT PERFUME FOR YOU. SHEPPARTON AMCAL PHARMACY GAVE BETTY THE LOWDOWN ON FAN-FAVOURITE FRAGRANCES.

Floral

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium, from $110.

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb Nectar, from $188.

Dior Hypnotic Poison, from $102.

Lancome La Vie Est Belle, from $112.

Vanilla Fruity Top picks

Dior J’adore, from $184.

Lancome Miracle EDP, from $110

Estee Lauder Beautiful Magnolia, from $105.

Gucci Guilty Femme, from $159

Giorgio Armani Si Intense EDP, from $120.

Dior Miss Dior EDP, from $116

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, from $158.

Giorgio Armani Beauty My Way, from $105

DISCLAIMER: Indicated prices are

Burberry My Burberry Blush EDP, from $157.

Viktor and Rolf Good Fortune, from $114

Giorgio Armani Si, from $109.

Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris EDP, from $110

prices and subject to change.

GLAM IT UP

Get your smile back

KARLI HEGGART FELT LIKE SHE WAS LOSING HER IDENTITY. THE SHEPPARTON SINGLE MUM OF TWO BOYS WAS A FEW ROUNDS INTO CHEMOTHERAPY WHEN HER HAIR STARTED FALLING OUT. TO TAKE BACK CONTROL, SHE DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO SHAVE IT ALL OFF AT THE HAIRDRESSER, WITH THE HELP OF HER ELDEST, 11-YEAR-OLD JESSE.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNA MCGUINNESS

WHEN KARLI Heggart found a small lump in her left breast, she sat on it for a couple of months.

But when it didn’t go away, she went to get it checked and even after being told it looked suspicious she was still think ing, “it’ll be fine”.

So confident of it being nothing to worry about that she booked the phone appointment to get the biopsy results from her doctor while she was at work.

“In my head, cancer didn’t even come into it,” Karli said.

“[The doctor] told me it was cancer and I pretty much just dropped the phone and started bawling my eyes out.

“From there I drove to my sister-in-law’s house and she didn’t leave my side after that.”

That was June 24, 2021. She’d been diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer at 42 years old and was heading into surgery a week later.

During the procedure, the doctor found a second lump which hadn’t shown up on the scans and that the cancer had started spreading into two lymph nodes.

This meant Karli had to do chemotherapy as well as radi ation therapy and received both treatments in Shepparton.

She decided to be as positive and happy as she could to get through it.

“I just remember going through the chemo — there were so many laughs because we just stayed positive the whole time, I felt like I needed to do that to get through,” Karli said.

“In saying that, there was also the tough times as well.”

“You look in the mirror and you don’t know who you see.”

Karli works in administration and finance at St Luke’s Pri mary School and said the school community rallied around her family, making meals and helping with her boys — Jesse, 11, and Harley, 9 — taking them to footy training or wherever they needed to be.

“St Luke’s was so supportive — I was lucky enough to be able to have flexible working hours from home,” she said.

Karli had decided to get on the front foot going into che motherapy, chopping her hair to shoulder length — but when it started coming out in clumps, she shaved it off.

She started looking for wigs “straight away”.

“Each to their own, some can handle losing their hair but I couldn’t,” she said.

“You’re going through all this and you just want to feel nor mal.”

Karli said she couldn’t find anywhere locally to go and try on wigs and ended up going through three she had found on line before she found a colour, size and style that made her feel like herself again.

“When I put this wig on, the feeling that it gave me was something I can’t explain — I just felt so happy again on the inside.

“To put something on and get your smile back — everyone needs to be able to do that.”

In June, Karli started her small wig business, The Karli Kol lection, with the hopes other local women wouldn’t have to go through what she did.

“There’s not much around here at all. You could go to Mel bourne but after chemo, shopping was the last thing I wanted to do,” she said.

Having just been through her own expensive cancer jour ney, funding has slowed the progress for the business, as well as another health setback for Karli.

After months of feeling completely exhausted and not being able to understand why, she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease — an autoimmune disorder causing an underactive thyroid.

Still, Karli hopes to work towards having enough stock where women can come in and try on different wigs until they find the one for them.

Looking back on the past 12 months, Karli said it had been important to be positive and use her support network.

Her family, in particular brother Paul and sister-inlaw Shelley — who came to appointments with her when COVID-19 restrictions allowed — had been invaluable to her.

“I also had a couple of close friends who would message me while I was in chemo,” Karli said.

‘While I was physically alone , I wasn’t ever alone.

“The breast care nurses, and all the oncology nurses, at GV Health are worth their weight in gold.

“I often had to go to treatments by myself due to COVID-19.

“The nurses always went above and beyond to make me feel supported and put me at ease.”

She said she also couldn’t have got through her treatment without Jesse and Harley, who made her little gifts and wrote positive notes to keep her motivated.

Now she has finished treatment but receives monthly in jections and will be on medication for years.

To other women, Karli stressed the importance of getting any changes or lumps checked straight away, even if you think nothing of it.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which high lights the importance of funding research into the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.

Anyone interested in The Karli Kollection can con tact Karli on 0439 370 007 or through the Instagram page @thekarlikollection

HARRIS

More than an

STORY:

Artist Renee McEntee will guide you through your Pinot & Picasso experience.

art

PINOT & PICASSO bills itself as ‘a creative experience built on connection and good times’ and if photos are anything to believe, it certainly is just that.

Pinot & Picasso Shepparton studio manager Rhiannan Hollister explained since the first studio opened in Penrith, in Western Sydney, in 2018, they have welcomed a huge variety of age groups and demographics.

“Our predominant demographic is from ages of early 20s up to 80s and 90s,” she said.

“It’s just a lovely experience where we offer two-to-three hour sessions and our artworks are designed for beginners so anyone can participate.”

Participants first book into their preferred session online, which have a predetermined artwork they’ll be guided through painting by the resident artist instructors.

Pinot & Picasso provides all the painting supplies and glassware, but attendees can bring their own food and their preferred alcohol to drink.

“Our artists go through the artwork for the night, basically releasing their inner Picasso,” Rhiannan said.

“Our artists will say ‘that’s what we’re doing’ but you can do your own spin, we’re here to help you create your vision.

“They can mingle and talk in the space as they come through and people are so happy and welcoming. It’s more than an art class.”

Sessions are held throughout the week on selected evenings, but family-friendly weekend sessions and school holiday opportunities are also on offer.

For events such as birthdays, hen nights and other special occasions, private sessions can be booked. Pinot & Picasso has even hosted divorce parties.

“We create specialised experiences that will bring everyone back,” Rhiannan said, adding lots of people have returned for repeat sessions once they’ve been introduced.

“I’ve had so much good times myself, it’s my home and my happy place.”

Rhiannan said there were some exciting upcoming special events at the Shepparton studio, with more one-off occasions on the way, including drag queen hosts.

“Every person who comes through our doors, old or young, they laugh at it or they love it.

“They walk out happier than when they walked in.”

MELISSA RACHELE COACHING

Empowering You To Live Your Best Life!

Mindset

This style of Coaching is for you

A GLASS OF WINE, A PAINTBRUSH AND CANVAS. ADD SOME FRIENDS AND YOU’VE GOT A FUN NEW ACTIVITY RIGHT HERE IN SHEPPARTON.

STORY: ANNA MCGUINNESS

RECHELLE ZAMMIT

Let the sunshine in

A PINK RIBBON EVENT WILL MIX FUN, FASHION AND FLAIR WITH FUNDRAISING FOR CANCER CARE IN THE GOULBURN VALLEY THIS MONTH. AND FOR SOME OF THOSE INVOLVED IN ORGANISING THE EVENT, IT’S PERSONAL.

VICKI SCOTT knows just how important quality cancer care close to home is, after she received the news no-one wants to hear.

After noticing something wasn’t quite right, Vicki was di agnosed with bowel cancer in March, with tests uncovering it had spread to her liver and was stage 4.

Vicki has been able to have her chemotherapy and radia tion treatments in Shepparton, only needing to travel to Mel bourne for liver surgery and a bowel resection.

“When I did my radiation, it was 25 days, every day and you’re only on that bed for about 10 minutes,” she said.

“So, if you had to travel a long distance to have that, where as I was able to work it around my job and everyday life.”

Vicki is the ambassador for the upcoming Pink Ribbon Sunglasses Expo in October.

Women’s and children’s health should always be one of our highest priorities as a community. When we have good services for women and children, it benefits families and our overall society.

Our future generations depend on us to improve these health services. That’s why I, along with the community, have long advocated for a Mother Baby Unit (Early Parenting Centre) to ensure our new families get the very best start to life.

Congratulations to ConnectGV on the completion of its new building.

I was delighted that we were allocated $25 million to build an Early Parenting Centre in our latest budget. This will mean so much to families who need this service in their children’s rst

few weeks and months. New parents will no longer have to travel to Melbourne to access early parenting care, which will allow them to settle at home with their families and receive the best care for their growing families.

ConnectGV has provided a wonderful service to Goulburn Valley residents for decades. This new building will help the organisation continue its important work in our community into the future.

We will be watching closely to ensure the new centre is developed in a way that suits the particular needs of our community.

The expo, by Graham Hill Eyecare in Shepparton, will feature more than 500 pairs of sunglasses from high-end brands to everyday wear, raising money for the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre through the Goulburn Valley Health Foundation.

Graham Hill Eyecare director Mark DePaola was motivated to organise an event under the Pink Ribbon banner after the Biggest Blokes Lunch in August.

The annual Pink Ribbon event in Shepparton has been on hold due to COVID-19 and the GV Health Foundation hopes to take the event on from 2023.

“In the meantime we’re excited to do our part to keep the event going and make sure as an organisation we show our appreciation to GV Health and the Peter Copulos Centre,” Mark said.

“Like hundreds of others, our family has had first-hand experience of discovering how valuable it is to have a local treatment facility with the associated care and professionalism of the people there.

“We’re hoping to bring some joy into springtime with some flair and fashion — and utilise that energy for a great cause.”

Vicki bought her very first pair of glasses at Graham Hill Eyecare when she was 15 and has been a customer ever since.

“When [Mark] reached out and talked about doing something where the funds would go back to the Peter Copulos Centre, I was extremely supportive of that,” she said.

“I would feel quite lost without having that centre here in our community, so I’m more than happy to be supporting the initiative to promote what a great facility we have in our own backyard.”

Everything to date has been successful for Vicki, with further chemotherapy this year before ongoing monitoring, with an important five years ahead.

Age is the biggest risk factor for bowel cancer, which is why even healthy people with no symptoms are sent a screening test between the ages of 50 and 74.

Vicki was only a few weeks off her 50th birthday when she noticed something wasn’t normal.

She said there shouldn’t be any stigma around getting any-

thing out of the ordinary investigated and encouraged people do so if they notice something isn’t right.

Every dollar spent on sunglasses during the expo will be donated to support the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre.

Director Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the Goulburn Valley Health Foundation was grateful to have strong community ambassadors such as Graham Hill Eyecare.

“Monies raised directly benefit our community and support the important work GV Health is doing to ensure residents of our region receive the best possible care,” she said.

“It is testament to the generosity and passion in our community that businesses and individuals are always prepared to stand up and do what they can to maximise the fundraising opportunities.”

The sunglasses expo is being held at Graham Hill Eyecare at 98 Maude St, Shepparton on Thursday, October 27 from 10am to 7pm.

There will be a 20 per cent discount on sunglasses with national representatives from Gucci, YSL, Oroton, Tom Ford, Le Specs and Guess on hand to showcase their range.

The event will feature products Mark said wouldn’t make it outside of Melbourne otherwise.

A coffee van will be onsite with bubbles from 5pm, and while there is a focus on women’s fashion, everyone is welcome.

People who require prescription sunglasses are encouraged to book an appointment prior to the event so their prescription is ready.

The GV Health Foundation is currently looking at a schedule of fundraising events and partnerships, so anyone whose business may be able to assist or has any ideas is asked to contact Claire at claire.ewart-kennedy@gvhealth. org.au or go to the Facebook page.

“Like hundreds of others, our family has had first-hand experience of discovering how valuable it is to have a local treatment facility with the associated care and professionalism of the people there.”

– MARK DEPAOLA

Event co-ordinator Jill Maude, ambassador Vicki Scott, GV Health Foundation director Claire Ewart-Kennedy and Graham Hill Eyecare director Mark DePaola.

To bling or not to bling

THE

SURE

Dressing your baby bump

STORY: ANNA MCGUINNESS. PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNA MCGUINNESS

THE SHEPPARTON mum-of-two launched Bundle Bou tique, offering comfortable and stylish clothing for mums and mums-to-be including dress hire for special events or photo shoots.

“Your body changes so much and even new mums as well, whose bodies aren’t how they used to be before the baby, they might not feel as comfortable in some thing they did pre-baby,” Laura said.

“A lot of the one-size dresses are flowy but re ally flattering and there’s lots of ways to wear them and style them.”

During her pregnan cies, Laura said it had been important to her not to lose herself or her style.

“For me, yes it’s about comfort, but if you can, try and have a bit of fun and style with it as well,” she said.

“It is a really fun time — I loved having my bump.”

Laura’s style tip is high-waisted items that can comfortably fit over a bump, but also look really flattering and can be worn after the baby is born.

“I’ve just had a new release of high-waisted pants made from bamboo that have been really popular,” she said.

“I love the bamboo because it’s soft and forgiving so you can wear it with a bump and also without — you’re not spend ing a lot on something you can only wear while pregnant.

“That’s something I really tried to do with the pieces I choose, so you really get the value for money.

“Especially women who are pregnant if they can find a top that is breastfeeding-friendly they can wear while pregnant and afterwards then that’s a win.”

Laura said it was nice to feature a colour or pat tern in an outfit and team it with something more basic.

“Coming into the warmer months it’s nice to have some colour.

“A few things as basic as some pants you can dress them up and down with different shoes — even with a bump.”

When Laura launched Bundle Boutique, she reached out to brands she had liked wearing during her pregnancies, includ ing Ripe Maternity, Sun days The Label and Zion.

“I realised in our area there was a bit of an op portunity for something like this,” she said.

“I could find basics, but as far as anything nicer, online is great but if it’s not exactly what you want you have to send it back.

“Local women are wel come to come here to try on any design or style that they like.”

Bundle Boutique is based at Laura’s home and she also stocks items at Emporium 3630.

Find out more at www.bundleboutique.com.au or Insta gram @bundleboutique_au

BUNDLE BOUTIQUE

Bump friendly styling to celebrate all things Mumma and her bundle of joy. Based in the Goulburn Valley. Shop online at www.bundleboutique.com.au and follow us on social media. bundleboutique_au Bundle Boutique laura@bundleboutique.com.au

LAURA BOWMAKER WANTED TO KEEP HER SENSE OF STYLE WHILE SHE WAS PREGNANT, BUT SHE DIDN’T WANT TO BUY LOTS OF CLOTHES SHE WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO WEAR AGAIN.

Fit for life

ABOUT ONE IN THREE WOMEN ARE AFFECTED BY INCONTINENCE AFTER HAVING A BABY. BUT IT CAN BE AVOIDED WITH THE RIGHT EXERCISES DURING PREGNANCY.

STORY: ANNA MCGUINNESS. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER

INCONTINENCE is one of the potential issues Shepparton physiotherapist Tina Pesavento aims to help women with through her pregnancy education classes, run in conjunction with Fix Movement Performance.

Tina has been specialising in pelvic health for women, men and children for more than 20 years.

“Encouraging exercise in pregnancy is recommended, as long as their healthcare provider says there are no medical risks, which is very rare,” Tina said.

“It keeps you fitter for pregnancy but also prepares you to endure labour better and recover more quickly.

“Regular exercise also encourages the brain to release its own pain-relieving hormone.”

Issues after birth can include back and pelvic pain, abdom inal muscle separation, incontinence — bladder and bowel, urgency or frequency — and pelvic organ prolapse, which af fects one in two first-time mums.

Tina encourages women to have a postnatal assessment to identify any issues that need rehabilitating and to ensure a safe return to exercise.

“The importance of postnatal recovery is for the future — to prevent prolapse, incontinence, and allow them to be able to continue to exercise and decrease co-morbidities in the fu ture,” she said.

“You have women in their 50s who probably have got really bad prolapse or incontinence and don’t exercise.

“So you address those issues early and teach good habits that helps people continue good healthy habits in the future.”

It’s not just important for women who have a vaginal birth either. Tina said women who have a caesarean may still be af fected by the hormones released, the baby weighing on the pelvic floor, abdominal muscle separation and overactive muscles.

“We talk about back care because of the changing body shape and the hormones released can result in pelvic girdle pain,” Tina said.

“Stronger ladies are also better postnatally lifting prams into cars and lifting toddlers.

“But the other thing is to teach people what can occur after birth in regards to the pelvic floor, but not to be fearful.

“Sometimes they only find out they’ve had this nasty tear after the baby, but if you’re informed about the effects we can address these and rehabilitate.”

The one-hour classes also address general birth skills — po sitioning, breathing and mindfulness — strengthening and general mobility, and correctly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor.

The classes are held every six weeks at Fix Movement Per formance and are suggested for women after 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Tina is based at the Shepparton Urology Group at 32 Wyndham St, Shepparton.

Kicking goals

THE DOORS ARE OPENING WIDER EVERY YEAR FOR GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN WANTING TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS OF PLAYING FOOTBALL. SHEPPARTON’S GRACE EGAN TOOK THE LONG WAY ROUND TO PULLING ON HER BOOTS, BUT SHE KNOWS IT’S GOING TO BE EASIER FOR THE NEXT CROP OF PLAYERS.

SPORT WAS a big part of Grace Egan’s childhood — but the AFLW player didn’t pick up a football until she was 15 years old.

“As a kid I was playing netball and basketball and get ting into the basketball state team and things,” Grace said.

“One day when I was 15, a friend asked me to fill in on her local footy team. That was the first time I ever played footy.

“I grew up watching it and barracking for Geelong, but I didn’t know how to kick a footy.”

Once the boots were on it was hard to stop.

“After that I switched to playing just netball and footy. You could do that because netball was on Saturdays and footy was on Sundays,” Grace said.

“I did both of them until the end of Year 12.”

Grace played for the Shepparton Football Netball Club (the Bears) every day of the weekend.

Grace admitted she “sort of fell into” playing for the AFLW.

“Once I finished school, there was nothing left in net ball, but I still loved sport.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do for work and it was actually my mum and dad who picked me up and said I should chase footy in Melbourne.

“Growing up I loved sports. I was always involved in sports and my parents knew it was something that in terested me.”

Not a lot of parents would do the same, but Grace’s father Leigh Egan is a world champion BMX rider and knew the benefits of chasing a professional sport — even if it didn’t pay the big bucks.

Grace said her parents’ awareness of opportunities for a female footy player would’ve “fed into” their deci sion to encourage her towards Melbourne.

“I ended up moving to Melbourne to pursue my foot ball. I got into the Richmond VFLW team and played for a year, then Carlton got me for their AFLW team.”

Grace spent three years playing for Carlton at the pinnacle of Australian Rules football before making a

return to Richmond in mid-2022 — this time on their AFLW line-up.

“That move back to Richmond just happened. I was looking elsewhere because I didn’t want to stay at Carlton for another season and Richmond really pushed to have me in their team.

“The one thing I take away from my experience in the women’s league is the opportunities that come from it that aren’t always related to sport.

“You meet so many people and there are women rotating in and out of the club, there are nurses and teachers turning

managers are understanding and support me,” she said.

The AFLW is built around the players’ full-time jobs — train ing is weekdays, 3pm to late.

“On a good day you leave at 9pm, on a bad day it’s 11pm,” Grace said.

“You’re not doing regular hours like the men or other ath letes are.”

This year the AFLW benefited from a big player wage in crease.

“We had a 94 per cent increase in our wages this season, which was amazing,” Grace said.

“There are four different salary tiers and some girls are able to live off their (athlete) wages.”

This season, the minimum player annual salary increased to $39,184 (up from $20,239 in 2021) and the best-paid player — of which there are two per club — are receiving $71,935 annually (up from $37,155).

up for training and physios and media people working with you.”

This exposure to professionals can be a massive boost for unsure school-leavers like Grace.

“I was fortunate to find my current job through football. It was through knowing someone, I told them I was interested in real estate and that turned into a job.”

Grace now works full-time as a real estate agent in Mel bourne alongside her full-time footy career.

“The job and footy definitely clash all the time, but my

Grace said despite the higher wages, taking up footy fulltime was still a risky move for the players.

“It’s not a replacement for a wage ... especially if you know footy isn’t your forever goal. You don’t want to lose several years in your other career.”

On top of this, the late training hours are inconvenient for women who want to solely focus on football.

Grace said at the moment people either loved or hated the AFLW — but in 10 years, the league will be unrecognisable.

We can’t wait to see it.

Photo: Wayne Ludbey.

“The one thing I take away from my experience in the women’s league is the opportunities that come from it that aren’t always related to sport.”

on a reputation

Building excellence.

Development Edge is the innovative company behind some of Shepparton’s and the Goulburn Valley’s most exciting residential developments.

MICHAEL LEWIS, Director

Co-Founder and Director of Development Edge

Michael has more than 25 years’ experience in civil engineering and infrastructure facilitation in both local government and private practice. Michaels’ industry experience, knowledge and innate ability to problem solve has been key to our portfolio of developments’ success and enables Development Edge to successfully source development opportunities and acquisitions and see them through to completion.

PETER MINTERN, Director

Co-Founder and Director of Development Edge Peter has more than 25 years’ experience in the building industry. Peter is the cornerstone of the Development Edge team being organised, motivated and driven. Peter is highly regarded by colleagues, key stakeholders, business partners and Development Edge investors and has a strong emphasis on getting the job done.

RUSSELL ALLEN, Director

Russell is a Chartered Accountant with over 40 years’ experience in the accounting profession. Russell provides the expertise to Development Edge to assess the financial viability of projects, projected returns and cash flows and address the multitude of tax issues associated with property developments.

Formed ten years ago, the group is a collaboration of professionals who share a passion for creating beautiful spaces for people to live.

The Development Edge team draws on the expertise of its members to complete projects from the due diligence prior to land acquisition stage, through to design, construction, sale and ongoing maintenance.

Seven Creeks Estate, Providence Field, The Vines, Woodlands Estate and Sanctuary Park form part of the Development Edge portfolio.

CONTACT US

We work with landowners to provide the experienced resources to realise the full potential of a property.

Celebrating

TEN YEARS SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Development Edge was formed in 2012. We value relationships and aim to deliver high quality development outcomes that benefit the broader community and the environment while facilitating an outstanding outcome for the landowner, partners, and investors. We work with landowners providing the professional experienced team to realise the potential of a property.

We offer a comprehensive development management service from pre-commencement, due diligence and feasibility analysis through to funding, tender procurement, government management, project planning, development design, construction, marketing, sales and after-sale support.

ROSS & HEATHER GANGE

Development Edge offer landowners a host of options that can be customised to suit their circumstances. Development Edge can straight out purchase at an agreed value or enter into a joint venture, Development agreement with the landowners to share in the project profits or manage and deliver the development project on behalf of the landowner or the deal could be customised with a combination of options to suit the landowner.

When we decided to develop part of our property (The Lemon Tree Stud), where we have lived for 43 years, we quickly realised undertaking a residential development was going to be daunting and certainly overwhelming. Due to those negatives, we came to the conclusion we were out of our depth and needed assistance, so we approached Development Edge’s Peter Mintern and Michael Lewis to undertake the subdivision totally themselves.

They were in the process of developing Seven Creeks Estate which adjoined our property. With their extensive expertise, networks, knowledge and experience we were able to structure a contract of sale that resulted in the development of our land.

From our first meeting with Peter and Michael we both felt instantly comfortable with them undertaking this project. We were impressed with their open communication, attention to detail and professionalism.

When Development Edge became involved, the project was expedited and all the blocks sold extremely quickly. They took care of everything. We couldn’t be happier as we would not have achieved the final positive outcome ourselves. We are extremely proud of the finished product, Sevens View in the Seven Creek Estate.

If you are a landowner and would like to explore your options with Development Edge give Michael a call on 0417 168 025 and we can have a chat.

SEVENS VIEW IN THE SEVEN CREEKS ESTATE

Property owners – Ross & Heather Gange