Ruby - Issue 6

Relax & Rejuvenate ...

Summer is here

Packed full of features to make the most of the summer festive season.

EDITOR

Remembering the good old days Davina Montgomery, Ruby Editor

When I was a kid, summer holidays meant weeks of hot, balmy days reading beside the pool (this was the 80s, when EVERYONE had a pool), walking down to the beach and a bit more reading beside the pool.

S

omewhere in amongst those lazy days was the frenetic week of Christmas, when Mum would manically clean the house, and rope myself and my brother in to polish furniture, clean mirrors, wet dust a sideboard heavily cluttered with very breakable ornaments. We would whine, she would yell, and Dad would bypass the house and go and clean the pool or mow the lawns… Ah, good times!

Every Christmas Eve we would pile in the car and go to Carols at the local park, where we would ditch our parents the moment the engine switched off and sit with our friends and spend a fun-filled couple of hours rolling our eyes at the people who took their singing a little too seriously and burning leaves, grass, and occasionally each other with our candles.

On the short drive home the jittery excitement of what the next day would bring (presentwise, of course) would start to build, and as I read my book in my bed, I would think about all the things that I so desperately wanted.

I knew from TV that in most families it was the kids who would be lying wide awake, sleepless in anticipation of what might be under the Christmas Tree, before giving in to the excitement and jumping on their parents bed to wake them up. In my family, it was my Mum who just couldn’t wait any longer. Well before dawn, she would be shaking us awake to come and open presents (and she would take photos, that would later get put up on the fridge for everyone to see, until we got tall

enough to take them down and hide them).

The present opening stuff was always great fun (apart from the photos, which were hideous – please don’t do this to your children), with my brother and I getting seriously spoilt, and Dad always having some over the top surprise for Mum hidden around the back of the tree.

But then, depending on whether Christmas lunch was at our house or at one of the Rellies, we would have to pack everything up (which as kids meant just throwing everything

“Well before dawn, she would be shaking us awake to come and open presents...” on to our beds) and get ready for the onslaught of visits/visitors. If it was at home, that meant Dad out the back putting the pork on the Weber and yelling at Mum for lifting the lid every 20 mins to look at it, which she did in between obsessing about the potato salad and finger marks on the mirrors.

The various aunties, uncles, cousins and grandparents would arrive, everyone would eat too much, the parents would drink too much, the cousins would all head out to the pool amidst dire warnings of drowning if we

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didn’t wait half an hour before swimming, and the babies and toddlers would happily spend hours in front of the carefully polished floor to ceiling mirror patting their reflections with sticky baby fingers (the inevitability of which never got me out of mirror polishing duty!).

There would be another wave of visitors for tea – which would always be cold ham, leftover pork, another potato salad hidden at the back of the fridge, green salad and buttered break sticks, and the obligatory fruit cake, fruit salad and trifle. Then there would be the clean up – guess who got mirror duty – because the next day was the extended family Boxing Day event at my Dad’s cousin’s house, after which everyone was exhausted until New Year’s.

New Year’s Eve was special in our house for two reasons, the first being that it was (and still is) my Dad’s birthday. The second is that my parents really did love a good party, which meant plenty of opportunity for us kids to go running around the streets banging pots and pans, and eating lollies, chips, popcorn and pizza and turning up the stereo as loud as we wanted. Yep, good times!

I hope your summer is every bit as enjoyable as those when we were kids.

Davina Montgomery.

PUBLISHER - Maureen Tayler ISSN: 1838-1456 MANAGER - Caroline Tayler EDITOR - Davina Montgomery davina@adcellgroup.com.au Adcell Print Group.

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CONTENTS

Ruby Crew

4

A Bloke’s View 13

Fashion

26

Ruby Tuesday

6

Spotlight

14

Food

33

Psychology

8

Money

16

Kids’ Summer Fun

42

Ruby Living

10

Fitness

19

Summer Feature

47

Interiors

12

What’s Hot!

24

Noticeboard

52

On Page

54

36.

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Ruby | 3

RUBY CREW

Our Christmas memories Davina Montgomery, Ruby Editor

In order to find out a little more about the Ruby crew, we decided to ask those that would submit to impertinent scrutiny about what Christmas and summer holidays were like for them as children.

Maureen Tayler: Ruby Publisher/ Adcell Managing Director/ a.k.a. The Boss!

“I spent my childhood in the UK so we had a white Christmas, which was lovely. A few days before Christmas, a huge hamper filled with Christmas goodies would arrive and it was always a huge excitement when it came.”

“Every summer when I was little, which for us was in July and August, we used to go hop picking with my mother, my sister, and my mother’s sister. Each morning, we would get on to the back of a big horsedrawn dray and go to collect the hops.

Lunch would be big chunks of cheese and fresh bread and strawberries. It must have rained some of the time, but all I remember is perfect days with the best blue skies.

And I remember when I must have been around 5 or 6 years old, I had this dress that I used to love. It was royal blue with yellow flowers, and I wore it every day. It must have been filthy by the end of the summer!”

4 | Ruby

Caroline Tayler: Principal/ Operations Director/a.k.a. Little Boss “Christmas usually meant a big dinner at home and spending time with the family, and being able to have holidays. It started with putting up the Christmas tree a few weeks before Christmas. We’d go and get a tree, a real tree, which meant Dad would go

“Christmas usually meant a big dinner at home and spending time with the family, and being able to have holidays.” and cut one down somewhere – stealing someone’s tree, off their property somewhere down in the Otways! We’d get home and all put the decorations up.”

“Summer holidays just meant a lot of time at the beach for us. I remember Mum packing up everything that you could possibly take to

the beach for the day – chairs, tables, umbrellas, sandwiches, cordial, chips, cricket set, all of that sort of stuff.”

Trina Currie: Sales Executive “In our family we have a running joke that we are like the Griswold family from the National Lampoon’s movies – something always goes wrong. Dad once had the lawnmower on fire in the front yard and we had to call the fire brigade. Another year my brother broke my trampoline. I looked out the window and could just see his head and arms sticking out and him yelling… Just summer at The Griswolds’!”

Chris Downey: Graphic Designer “We would all go to my grandparents’ house and my Grandpa would play Santa, handing out all the presents under the tree. Every second year my Dad’s sister and my cousins would come as well. We’d have the big lunch, then my cousin and me would go out and play an epic game of backyard cricket usually ending with him cracking it and not going out.”

RUBY CREW Bree Noonan: Graphic Designer “I love Christmas - it’s always been my favourite time of year. Being from Wyche (Whycheproof) there was always a lot of kids who would come to the town, and it was good to get to know them. On Christmas Eve, the whole family would go down to the park and Santa Claus would come by in the fire truck, and you’d get your Supa Dupa and your bag of lollies. Then you’d go home and wait for Santa to come with presents for the morning. Christmas Day would be the usual celebrations, then on Boxing Day we would do something like go yabbying.�

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IIndividual ndividual touches that make a difference.

Allen Pollock: Printer “Every year for the first nineteen years of my life we would go camping at a farm down at Gippsland. We would all go down – my grandparents, us, my aunties and uncles, cousins. Where we camped was next to a river so we did a lot of fishing. There were a lot of eels in the river, and rabbits and wombat holes on the farm.

We actually had to stop going because trees started falling on us – my Grandma got hit by a tree when she was sitting under a tree reading a book, she was okay, just needed a few stitches. My cousins and I used to dare each other to climb into the wombat holes and see who had the most nerve to go in the furthest. I remember going in until my cousins could just see my feet, before a corner in the tunnel, but when I looked up there were all of these weird-looking bugs – like spiders crossed with grasshoppers – so I got out of there pretty quick.�

Simon Johnson: Print Finisher “I remember having to wait for Mum and Dad to get up before we could open presents. I’ve got two brothers and a sister and we’d be up really early and they wouldn’t get up until 7 or 7.30, but our little sister was always allowed to open up her stuff early. After we did get to open our presents it would be getting ready and into the car to have lunch at my Dad’s mum’s, then tea at my Mum’s mum’s. We’d basically spend the whole day travelling, eating and visiting and you couldn’t play with anything you got until Boxing Day. Occasionally it would be our turn to have Christmas Day at our house and that was good because you got to play with your presents.�

James Hart – Accounts Manager “I remember making a lot of backyard movies on the summer holidays. We used to make all sorts of stuff, but particularly we made a series called “I Hate Violence� that was really violent. There was a lot of tomato sauce, dummies thrown off roofs and a lot of pretending to beat each other up. We tried to make it like an action movie. Recently I converted it onto DVD (digitally remastered!) with some cover art. It was pretty funny watching it again.�

[Final Editor’s note: it should be noted that both the Editor and the Sales Manager are missing from this little insight into the Ruby crew: the former because she has shared enough already and is trying to stop; and the latter because she didn’t want to share ‌ she was an only child!]

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Ruby | 5

RUBY TUESDAY

All grown up Tuesday Jones

When I was a teenager, all I wanted to do was to wake up one morning, look in the mirror and see a grown up looking back at me.

Twenty years later, I’m still waiting for that to happen.

M

aybe when I grow up I will find out all those important grown up secrets, like where the other socks go, how to walk gracefully down stairs and why fart jokes really aren’t funny – all those things I don’t know, can’t do or just don’t understand.

The more I think about it, the more I realise that I hardly know anyone who fits the mould of what the teen-Tuesday believed a grown up was. We got older, we got our driver’s licences, we got partners, jobs, mortgages and kids – but we still jump on the bed in our pyjamas, singing and dancing to really loud music; we still eat leftover pizza for breakfast and we still wake up with headaches on Sundays and laugh about what we did the night before – we just do it a lot less than we used to (well, except for the pyjama dance parties anyway!).

I have an older brother that has a very grown up job that he, in a very grown up way, left Australia to pursue overseas around ten years ago. He has travelled all over the world attending very grown up meetings and conferences. On the surface, he is a grown up. But really he’s a soap opera character with a fancy job title.

Over the years, there has been a revolving door of girlfriends, with more than a few of them overlapping each other. There have been different mobile phone rings for different girls being ‘juggled’, and while he gets older every year, the girls kind of stay the same age. A couple of years ago, he declared that it was ‘time to grow up and settle down’ and started dating a lovely woman his own age. She was an MD, successful, obviously intelligent, kind and caring, and even more annoyingly, was beautiful, with a bikini model figure (my beloved husband, who normally clings to the doona on weekends with a vice-like grip would leap out of bed at the crack of 8am to get breakfast when they came over to stay – nothing at all to do with the

6 | Ruby

girlfriend-in-law’s very short Hello Kitty nighty – bless!)

Everything seemed almost normal, until a recent return to form. During a brief ‘we’re on a break’ period, this lovely woman dropped past my brother’s inner city apartment to grab a few things, only to find a young twenty-something in her very recently vacated bed.

After hearing all this during a very sheepish phone call, we were not surprised that my brother came for his last visit alone (much to the disappointment of my two little ones, who on their last visit had followed around the girlfriend-in-law like adoring puppies, and had spent the intervening months telling us that they ‘lubbed her’).

My brother meanwhile was making daily

“I have an older brother that has a very grown up job...

But really he’s a soap opera character with a fancy job title.” trans-hemispherical calls to this new, much younger girlfriend. While we were doing the dishes one morning, he very seriously told me that his new girlfriend was a really nice girl, and that we had a lot in common (something I have heard many, many, many, many times before), because, like me, this girl worked in the media … well, she did a radio spot from underneath her doona. He must have clocked the very startled expression that followed this bizarre statement, because he quickly explained that the doona provided sound insulation. I won’t trouble you with what I had thought it meant – but I’m pretty sure you can imagine!

This kind of stuff had been going on around my brother for years, so I wasn’t surprised. Many, many years ago, his first

serious relationship ended after an American exchange student caught his eye.

The fact that the exchange student was staying in our house at the time caused some pretty explosive scenes. I might even have found it all funny, except that I was very fond of my brother’s girlfriend, and I was already stroppy with the exchange student because she had worn my best jeans without asking and stretched them with her huge rear end - all right, so maybe it wasn’t huge, but it was a lot bigger than mine, and my jeans couldn’t take the strain!

After a couple of weeks of taking it easy, going to the beach and catching up with the family, I could sense my brother getting restless. The phone calls increased and he started to talk about going home a week earlier. The plane tickets were changed and before I knew it, I was driving him to the airport.

It’s become something of a tradition with us that we have a bit of a deep and meaningful on the drive. I pretend to be a grown up and he pretends he wants to be one. The theme of this one was about insurance and investing some of his large income instead of blowing it all on shopping trips to New York and yacht cruises around Turkey (all the while thinking that I would WAY rather be shopping in New York or lazily cruising around the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean – who wouldn’t?). We had recently had a lot of natural disasters in Australia – with fires and floods – and I told him he should be protecting his assets, even if he is only renting the apartment.

He told me that his building had a state of the art security system and a doorman, so there was nothing to worry about. We just had time for a quick recap on how much crazier our parents had become in the year he’d been gone, before we arrived at International Departures and it was time to say goodbye.

A few days later, my brother called to let us

RUBY TUESDAY

know that he had arrived safely. I jokingly asked him if his flat had been broken into while he was away. He paused – never a good sign – and said, “Well, there’s a funny story about that.”

It seems that having arrived back in the chilly UK, he had walked into his flat and found a stranger sleeping on his couch. So much for the uber-security system!

Apparently there was a lot of yelling, calling of security and the young guy trying to explain what he was doing there.

Everything became a little clearer when my

brother’s ex-girlfriend emerged from the bedroom. Apparently the young guy worked with her, and when the city became snowed in and the trains stopped running, she had used her key to stay in his innercity flat so she could get to work and had offered the couch for a few weeks (until my brother’s expected return a week later). For once, it sounded like my brother actually had a reason for bouncing up and down on a high horse, but had thought better of it as he had walked in the door with the new girlfriend in tow – the same girl that his

ex-girlfriend had found him in bed with.

I’m sure that at the time it had all been very dramatic and serious, but hearing all this over here in sunny Australia, well, I was in tears. I laughed so hard I ended up with hiccoughs, with my three year-old stroking my hair and asking me what was wrong.

If being a grown up means you don’t get to hear stories like these, then I don’t want to be one. In fact, I’m pretty sure that being a grown up is over rated – avoid it if you can.

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Ruby | 7

PSYCHOLOGY

Wishing you a realistically happy Christmas Charmaine Morse, Psychologist

‘Twas the month of Christmas, and all through the lands, good folk were anxious and wringing their hands. Sound familiar?

Christmas is supposed to be the happiest time of the year.

W

ell that’s what most of us are brought up to expect. If you listen to all the hype then you can expect a time of joy, of increased hope and an opportunity to reconnect with family.

The above three components are touted as the essence of Christmas. So how hard can it be to achieve the perfect ho ho ho on Christmas day? Ha ha ha, damn near impossible! If you tend to be joyouslychallenged for 364 days of the year, don’t hold your breath. As for hope, the best you may be able to hope for is paying off the credit card in time for next Christmas. Then we have the plethora of family members who don’t always want to reconnect, despite our very best intentions. When we combine this gathered group with a hearty dose of the proverbial Yuletide punch you have a recipe for disaster on your hands. Think you are alone? Not by a long shot! None of us is immune to the dreaded Christmas stress.

Unfortunately, there is no known inoculation to be had for surviving Christmas Day. Although, some may disagree – a deserted tropical island comes immediately to mind.

As you have come to expect from me, I am now about to deliver words of wisdom to save your sanity. Let’s begin with lowering your expectations. For example, try to look thrilled when you receive a kitchen appliance and not the silver bracelet you had so subtly hinted at. Next, don’t try to be all things to all people, you are not Master of the Universe (contrary to what you may personally believe).

Moving right along, eat lots of saturated fats and sugar and worry about it tomorrow.

Unless absolutely and positively provoked, don’t quarrel with, bicker with, or squabble with your guests and, above all, don’t slap someone else’s child. I see the latter could easily be made into a mini-series if you are not vigilant. To summarise, eat, drink and be merry and don’t lose your sense of humour – it’s just another day.Now in the interest of keeping Christmas in perspective, here comes the don’t-lose-your-sense-ofhumour bit, as mentioned above. I thought

8 | Ruby

the following poem, An Intellectual Night before Christmas, was rather clever and worth sharing. However, it may bore you into oblivion (hence the abbreviated version – Google for entirety) or evoke a smile. I am hopeful of the latter. Research indicates that there isn’t a more parodied poem in the English language than Clement Clarke Moore’s – A Visit from St. Nicholas or better known as The Night before Christmas. Here goes…

‘Twas the nocturnal segment of the diurnal period preceding the annual Yuletide celebration, and throughout our place of residence, kinetic activity was not in evidence among the possessors of this potential, including that species of domestic rodent known as Musmusculus. Hosiery was meticulously suspended from the forward

“As you have come to expect from me, I am now about to deliver words of wisdom to save your sanity.” edge of the wood burning caloric apparatus, pursuant to our anticipatory pleasure regarding an imminent visitation from an eccentric philanthropist among whose folkloric appellations is the honorific title of St. Nicholas.

The prepubescent siblings, comfortably ensconced in their respective accommodations of repose, were experiencing subconscious visual hallucinations of variegated fruit confections moving rhythmically through their cerebrums. My conjugal partner and I, attired in our nocturnal head coverings, were about to take slumberous advantage of the hibernal darkness when, upon the avenaceous exterior portion of the grounds, there ascended such a cacophony of dissonance that I felt compelled to arise with alacrity

from my place of repose for the purpose of ascertaining the precise source thereof.

Hastening to the casement, I forthwith opened the barriers sealing this fenestration, noting thereupon that the lunar brilliance without, reflected as it was on the surface of a recent crystalline precipitation, might be said to rival that of the solar meridian itself - thus permitting my incredulous optical sensory organs to behold a miniature airborne runnered conveyance drawn by eight diminutive specimens of the genus Rangifer, piloted by a minuscule, aged chauffeur so ebullient and nimble that it became instantly apparent to me that he was indeed our anticipated caller. With his ungulate motive power travelling at what may possibly have been more vertiginous velocity than patriotic alar predators, he vociferated loudly, expelled breath musically through contracted labia, and addressed each of the octet by his or her respective cognomen “Now Dasher, now Dancer...” et al. - guiding them to the uppermost exterior level of our abode, through which structure I could readily distinguish the concatenations of each of the 32 cloven pedal extremities...

Allow me to interrupt and check in dear reader. Are you: a) still with me; b) eyes glazed over; or c) turning the page?

…Without utterance and with dispatch, he commenced filling the aforementioned appended hosiery with various of the aforementioned articles of merchandise extracted from his aforementioned previously dorsally transported cloth receptacle. Upon completion of this task, he executed an abrupt about-face, placed a single manual digit in lateral juxtaposition to his olfactory organ, inclined his cranium forward in a gesture of leave-taking, and forthwith effected his egress by renegotiating (in reverse) the smoke passage. He then propelled himself in a short vector onto his conveyance, directed a musical expulsion of air through his contracted oral sphincter to the antlered quadrupeds of burden, and proceeded to soar aloft in a movement

PSYCHOLOGY hitherto observable chiefly among the seed-bearing portions of a common weed. But I overheard his parting exclamation, audible immediately prior to his vehiculation beyond the limits of visibility: “Ecstatic Yuletide to the planetary constituency, and to that self same assemblage, my sincerest wishes for a salubriously beneficial and gratifyingly pleasurable period between sunset and dawn.�

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Ruby | 9

RUBY LIVING

Is it time to buy?

Michelle Winckle, hayeswinkle AGENT

What is the best suburb to buy into in Geelong?

As an active Geelong Real Estate Agent, I don’t believe you can go wrong in any suburb in Geelong.

H

ow blessed are we? Surf Coast within a 20-minute drive, the Bellarine Peninsula only 20 minutes away and easy access to Melbourne. With a trip from one side of Geelong to the other virtually traffic free in 30 minutes – it’s hard to complain about that! With a wonderful Waterfront constantly being updated by Council and improved with cafes and restaurants along the Esplanade, it’s easy to see why Geelong is definitely a real estate hot spot, no matter which suburb you are buying into.

Over the past few years, Melbourne buyers have been cashing in on what this wonderful

town has to offer. Geelong buyers need to be aware that our market is strong and will remain strong for years to come, whereas Melbourne prices look as if they may have reached their full potential for the time being. It is remarkable to still be able to buy a family home in Geelong with views for just over $500,000 - something that would be unheard of in Melbourne.

Buyers will always speculate on the market crashing, particularly with the global economy as it is. The knock on effect of this has not – and, it seems, will not - affect the real estate market within Geelong. Our market is strong and, as always, reliable.

I believe that those that are holding out will regret they did and will miss an opportunity of a lifetime. Our market is stable and is consistently picking up due to the opportunities and infrastructure being developed and funding being spent around us on building our magnificent city.

Geelong purchasers waiting for the market to fall may find they’ve been waiting for something that just isn’t going to happen. My advice would be to buy now, before those that are looking from out of town see Geelong for what it is - a fabulous town, and a genuine real estate hot spot.

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10 | Ruby

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RUBY LIVING

Enjoy the great outdoors Kellie Mantella, Lifestyle4U

When it comes to great outdoor style, the rules have changed. Whether your style is casual, elegant, modern or retro, bring your indoors out this summer with some simple tips from outdoor style expert, Kellie Mantella.

I

t used to be that a Staghorn fern on the wall and a rubber tyre swan planter were the epitome of outdoor style in Australia.

These days, we have evolved our idea of what outdoor style means. Browse any magazine rack and you will see an array of tomes dedicated to tastefully styled outdoor spaces – usually replete with a stunning pool and a boardwalk deck across to the full outdoor kitchen. For most of us, the closest we will get to those multi-million dollar gardens is quietly coveting them in the pages of magazines. But that doesn’t mean we can’t create a beautiful, functional space of our own in which to enjoy the great Australian outdoors.

One of the key drivers of the changing style of outdoor spaces is our increasingly busy lifestyles. We still want to enjoy our backyards – but we don’t want to have to spend precious leisure time every weekend maintaining gardens. And, ever a practical bunch, we also want to enjoy our outdoors all year round, and since we don’t have the balmy weather of Northern Australia, that means shelter!

Enter ‘the alfresco’ – outdoor places to entertain, or just to sit and relax, outdoors and under cover. But how you do turn a small outdoor area into an inviting sanctuary or enticing entertaining space? The simplest way to approach what can be a daunting task for reluctant decorators is to treat it as another room of your home. Whatever style you have inside should be carried outdoors (within reason and allowing for the weather!). If you have a casual modern interior accented with

blues and browns, using that same style and those same colours outside is the simplest way to create a space that will make you and your guests want to head outside.

There is an enormous range of practical outdoor furniture that is both stylish and comfortable. Weatherproof rattan outdoor settings are incredibly popular, whether as feature chairs, outdoor lounges or as dining settings.

To make your outdoor space to feel like an inviting outdoor room, it only needs a few a

read, focus on shade and comfort. If you love to cook, create an inviting dining area. If you love to play with the kids, create fun activity spaces with kid -friendly gardens, blackboards and shady spots for games. If you love to relax with friends, go for comfy chairs and a good size occasional table for resting your drinks and nibbles.

Although, with retro styling dominating interior trends, there is no reason not to indulge in a little kitsch chic with a cheekily placed car tyre swan!

“One of the key drivers of the changing style of outdoor spaces is our increasingly busy lifestyles.” design touches. Think hanging steel pieces of wall art, coloured glass lanterns and bowls, a few beautiful decorator touches and some outdoor cushions can easily and affordably transform a basic barbecue area into a beautiful alfresco entertaining space.

Only have a small space to work with? An inviting outdoor space can be as simple as a comfy chair and footrest in a shady spot with a small side table to hold your cuppa and book.

The important thing to remember however is that outdoor spaces have to reflect how you want to spend your time there. If you love to

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Ruby | 11

INTERIORS

Fuchsia & Raspberry!

Susanne Anthony, livingetc

Summer is the ideal time to experiment with colour in your home.

My favourite colour at the moment is pink - not princess pink, but deep, seductive hot pink.

P

antone, the world authority on colour for almost 50 years, declared “Honeysuckle” the colour of 2011.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color, perfect to ward off the blues.”

Honeysuckle is a dynamic red-toned pink.

We all know pink is created by mixing red and white; Honeysuckle, however, has a more than generous splash of black, giving it its rich deep colour. Even the smallest touch of this colour can have impact if used correctly.

Whilst Europe has been enjoying this colour throughout their summer, it’s now time for Australia to shine with Honeysuckle.

Painting a Honeysuckle wall in your entry is an inexpensive way to add immediate impact with colour. This dramatic colour works well with blacks, whites, charcoals and silver greys. Continue the theme throughout your home with an odd cushion, some glassware, place mats or candles in the same colour.

Bold pink works well with chrome and stainless steel also, making it perfect for towels, bathmats and candles in a modern bathroom.

My plan this Christmas is ditch the red and silver table decorations and embrace the spirit of an Australian summer by going Honeysuckle Pink!

There are also some really magnificent permanent flowers in vibrant pink to display when fresh flowers are unavailable. The golden rule with artificial flowers is to buy only the best silk artificial flowers, these look and feel incredibly life like, offer a bright burst of real colour and will have your guests asking the question, ‘Are these real?’

I may even leave a pair of raspberry Haviannas at the front door… And, come Autumn, I can retire my pink and bring out Pantone’s 2012 colour of the year.

If I love it that is! *NOTE: Pantone Honeysuckle is C-4, M-75, Y-24, K-O

What better colour than pink to introduce to your outdoor entertaining area? Hot pinks are perfect teamed with cool greens. Use colourfully striped director chairs and bright outdoor beanbags.

Also, outdoor cushions that have UV and mould resistant properties are now available, so are easy to scatter on outdoor dining chairs for a burst of colour.

Cnr High St + Mt Pleasant Rd Belmont

Ph: 5241 2664

www.livingetc.com.au

12 | Ruby

A BLOKE’S VIEW

I don’t know what to do Clint Jennings, Australian Business Development Centre

This article is about a recent client, but let us call her Nina, and soon you will see why I choose to use a false name. Nina wanted to start a business and came to the office shining bright with her new idea.

S

he was a 30 something pocket rocket. Australia has something like 2.7 million small businesses now, so most markets are crowded and to succeed an owner has to be prepared for competition.

and pulled the neck down. I could see dark red lines – perhaps they were scars. Nina’s jaw was clenched and her words were strained when she explained that she had run away from her ex. She could not go into the public arena with any business.

Nina started well, but in truth, her idea fell in the expected range of mild ideas. That isn’t a problem, because most businesses start in the middle of the market and then, after research, move to a more appropriate niche.

Nina was busy with her two young girls, but was putting the required energy and thought into her business development.

Okay! I am officially out of empathy. Stuck…

Empty… Actually, at the time you could see that I was empty because my jaw had dropped and my mouth was open, with my brain stuck in this eternal loop of “What to do here – no answer, what to do here – still no answer”.

Then, perhaps two months down the track, we stumbled on an unexplored market niche that looked to have huge potential - even worldwide potential. I can remember the exact moment when we discovered this opportunity, because I couldn’t take the grin of my face and when I turned to Nina she was crying. Not tears of joy and relief, but real heart wrenching sobs.

So, in my full male strength and through the utter power of my empathy I said, “Huh!” In between paroxysms she said that she couldn’t do it. By this time I had been working with Nina several hours per week over several months. She wasn’t experienced in the world of business, but she was bright and very dedicated. Sure, some days she was exhausted from the triple workload of children, household and part-time work, but even on those days she was a tiger for understanding and learning the most intricate details. For me, willingness to learn beats business experience any day. So what caused this huge reaction?

Again I resorted to my empathy talents, and as you can imagine I was running low, because I had used my yearly quota (see above). I explained to her that she had the skills and fortitude and that we would support the business in the background if needed.

She looked at me - square to my face and slowly reached up to the edge of her blouse

The next hour was filled with the story of the psychological abuse and physical harm and the desperate attempts to flee. And then, when Nina had moved to a different place, her ex had followed her. Her next move was

“Australia has something like 2.7 million small businesses now... to succeed an owner has to be prepared for competition.” interstate, but to live in fear that around the next corner, or that one day when walking the local streets, she would see her belligerent Ex… She was a couple of years down the track, and things had settled to some degree. She could walk down the street without cringing.

As her story unfolded I could see her visibly growing and straightening, as each increment of power would slowly seep into her body.

I am a big man - most would say obese - and I have fears too. I have a fear that one day I will trip and be unable to get up. I fear the bird flu and Tony Abbot being taken as a serious person, and many other vague and nebulous fears, but never have I feared for my life. In fact, I don’t know any of my male

friends that have feared for their life other than in the theatre of war, at the perigee of a bungee jump or the moment of commitment at a wedding ceremony.

I acknowledged Nina’s fears, but I didn’t understand them.

My mind started to race; where do I take this consultation?

I could imagine where a pat on the back and the old buck-up and face your fears and ‘Go forth young lady’ conversation would go.

Actually, it didn’t even work in my mind, so I didn’t think that it would work in real life.

I could imagine saying that, “You can do this business when you are ready” and then showing her the door to the office. But that seems weak and defeatist. In the end I realised I either had to phone a friend or ask the audience, so I asked for advice from five women. Gee, was that an experience!

Three of the five looked at me with that knowing expression and said that knew exactly what she had been through. They had that ‘been there done that’ look. One of them said she obviously hasn’t even told you half of what is going on.

The advice was varied; some said that Nina has to face her own demon in her own time, others suggested a local counselling service, and one member of my consulting group told me to slow down and take small steps that would allow Nina to grow at her own pace.

All agreed on one piece of advice, and that was that Nina needed to be in control of the process.

But at the next session, Nina hung her head down and said the she was stuck and despondent – locked and unable to move on.

I asked about seeing a support service but she just shook her head. Where to go from here?

I’m still thinking, but the next move is not yet apparent to me.

Australian Business Development Centre www.abdc.com.au

Ruby | 13

SPOTLIGHT

Listen to your heart Judy Baulch

Every day, almost 30 Australian women die from heart disease.

That’s about one woman every hour, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.

K

ellie-Ann Jolly, the Foundation’s Cardiovascular Health Director for Victoria says “Many people don’t realise that heart disease kills more than four times as many women as breast cancer. While breast cancer is an important health issue, the Heart Foundation wants Australian women to be just as vigilant about their heart health. Seventy-eight per cent of Australian women aged 30-65 are not aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and that needs to change.”

Although the age group most affected is aged 45-65 year olds, the risk of having coronary heart disease over her lifetime is 1-in-3 for a 40 year-old woman.

“The biggest risk to your heart health is the gradual clogging of the arteries that supply blood to the heart,” says Kellie-Ann. “This clogging process is called atherosclerosis. It begins in younger years and can be well advanced by middle age. Fatty and scar-like materials containing cholesterol build up on the inner walls of the arteries and form plaques. These plaques make the arteries narrow and can reduce the blood flow to the heart.”

There may be no outward signs of atherosclerosis until a heart attack or some other problem occurs. Atherosclerosis can also affect the arteries supplying other vital organs such as the brain and legs, leading to an increased risk of conditions such as stroke and lower limb (peripheral vascular) disease.

“The good news is that heart disease is, to a large extent, preventable and the risk can be greatly reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle,” Kellie-Ann says. “Risk factors for heart disease include cigarette smoking, high blood cholesterol, physical inactivity, diabetes, high blood pressure, being overweight, depression and social isolation.

“Getting older, being a male, having a family history of early death from coronary heart disease or being postmenopausal also increases the risk of developing heart disease.”

The more risk factors you have, the greater the risk. Importantly for women, smoking, diabetes and some blood cholesterol patterns are even more potent risk factors for heart disease in women then they are in men.

Making healthy lifestyle choices can often reduce the risk of heart disease.

The Heart Foundation’s top five tips are: Have regular heart check-ups: See your doctor for ongoing heart disease risk assessments.

Get to know your numbers: Find out your cholesterol level, blood pressure and waist circumference and check these regularly.

Don’t smoke: Kicking the habit is the single most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease.

‘Partnering with you to achieve financial wellbeing’ Wellbeing Financial Solutions.

255 Moorabool Street Geelong, Phone: (03) 5222 7466 Email: info@wellbeingfs.com.au

14 | Ruby

Nicole Pertzel*CFP , DipFP ®

Financial Advisor SMSF Specialist Adviser™ *Nicole Pertzel is an authorised representative of Australian Unity Personal Financial Services Limited (ABN 26 098 725 145) AFS Licence No. 234459, 114 Albert Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205.

SPOTLIGHT

Enjoy healthy eating: Eat a variety of foods from the different food groups.

Be active every day: Regular, moderate physical activity is good for the heart. The Heart Foundation recommends you include at least 30 minutes of exercise or more on most or all days of the week.

For more information on how to apply these tips to your lifestyle, call 1300 36 27 87 or visit www.heartfoundation.org.au where you can find a wealth of practical information on sticking to a healthy heart lifestyle, including Mums United, a Heart Foundation campaign to help Australian families take easy steps towards a healthier, more active life. The Foundation also runs the Go Red for Women campaign each June to raise awareness about the risks of heart disease for women and supports local walking groups to help women get active in a fun, supportive environment.

In Geelong you can try:

Westfield Walkers of Geelong: The group walks for 60 minutes at a medium pace every Tuesday at 7.45am. Contact Claire Stevens, Marketing Assistant, Westfield Geelong on 5215 4022 for more information.

Curvie Chicks Geelong: Walk for 60 minutes on Thursdays at 9am. The group meets at Curves Geelong, 69 Pakington Street, Geelong West. Contact walk organiser, Faye, on 0407 761 102.

“Many people don’t realise that heart disease kills more than four times as many women as breast cancer.”

Adams Court, Eastern Park Gardens East Geelong, VIC P: (03) 5226 2121 E: gcc.functions@aus.salvationarmy.org

www.gcc.net.au

Ruby | 15

MONEY

The right travel insurance is no accident Melissa Vella, Allsure Insurance

‘Tis the season to be travelling … tra la la la la, ooops, crash, bang, stumble, ouch!

As soon as you make any travel bookings or pay a deposit, make sure you also take out travel insurance.

P

olicies are as wide and varied as the types of holidays you can take. Be sure to get the right advice from an insurance advisor. Remember, having the right insurance is no accident!

Here are some things to ponder about travel insurance: Your policy starts straight from the moment you pay your deposit / bookings. If you became ill before your travel date and could not travel, your cancellation costs that you can’t recover are covered, including travel agent cancellation fees. If a connecting flight is delayed your insurance may cover meals and accommodation. Some companies offer 24 hours a day 7 days a week free assistance help lines. Your camera, phone and personal items could be covered. If you are injured, your medical expenses could be covered.

Remember, not all countries are like Australia and have good health care; your insurer might want to airlift you home for your own wellbeing. They pay the bill! How about if you were hijacked or mugged? Some insurers will pay you compensation. Hiring a car? Your travel insurance may even pay your excess if you have an accident.

If flying doesn’t scare you enough, how about this fun travel fact - 25 million pieces of luggage go missing every year! That means one in every 100 passengers will have their luggage lost, misplaced or damaged. Many show up a little later, in the meantime however, it is a big inconvenience. If you have travel insurance, most providers supply you an allowance to purchase emergency supplies.

Here is one I bet you haven’t thought of. You accidently poke your umbrella into someone’s eye. You have no liability cover once you are out of Australia (most householder’s contents insurers would pay a claim for you if you were held liable whilst in Australia) your travel insurance has a liability component that would protect you in such a case. Without travel insurance, you are on your own.

Not travelling overseas this year? You can also buy cover for travel within Australia, which is really worthwhile, especially if you

“25 million pieces of luggage go missing every year! That means one in every 100 passengers will have their luggage lost, misplaced or damaged...” are hiring a car (remember the hire care excesses!). There is often restriction in cover to any pre-existing medical conditions, so make sure you check in with your insurance adviser.

Last, but never least, read the PDS (product disclosure statement); it will give you what is covered or not covered, the limits and the conditions for the insurance. Remember, when it comes to insurance, the silliest question is the one you didn’t ask.

Still wondering if you really need travel insurance?

The Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website smartraveller.gov.au shares a few travel tales handled by the department that just might change your mind: A young man worked in a US ski resort for four months, then took time off to travel around the US. He permitted his 12-month travel insurance policy to expire just a few days before his departure for home. He was hit by a car while crossing a road and suffered serious head injuries. He was admitted unconscious to intensive care and required highly intensive, sophisticated care until he could be flown back to Australia. He was still unconscious and returned on a stretcher. The cost to the family for the medical evacuation alone was $80,000.

They have taken out a second mortgage on their house to raise the funds.

A young Australian surfer went to the United States for a surfing competition. Although an experienced surfer, he unfortunately chose the wrong wave during a practice session. The wave dumped him on a reef and he sustained serious injuries. He was flown to a local hospital and immediately underwent two major operations.

The hospital bill was AU$290,000. Fortunately the young man’s parents had insisted he take out travel insurance before he left Australia.

The insurance company covered the bill, and the young man and his family were able to focus on his recovery.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for guidance only, and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. Neither the writer, publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this article.

Is Insurance a chore?

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Call us now to take the hassle out of Insurance

Your Local Insurance Specialists Shop 1/125 Melbourne Rd Rippleside PO Box 1086 Geelong VIC 3220

www.allsure.com.au

16 | Ruby

Aaron & Melissa Brother & Sister Team

Auth Rep # 320289

P: 5278 6808

MONEY

Preparing for the New Year Renée Jovic, Jovic Bantacs Accountants Pty Ltd

As many business owners would agree, now until the start of the New Year is an incredibly busy time. For retailers, 50 per cent of their sales may come from this period. Other service businesses can be equally overwhelmed.

F

or others, the year end can be one of the slowest times of the year. Clients might be away, employees aren’t around to finish projects and the phones don’t ring. That makes this a perfect time to take care of some end-of-year tasks.

Start working on your 2012 marketing plan. Review your best sources of leads and make a list of the people to contact. Include some key referral sources and compose emails to send in the first week back.

Create a contact database. Go through your piles of business cards and address books to find any old customers you may have dealt with. Purchase some software to organise your contacts and enter all your contacts in an up-to-date database for the New Year.

Remember, the best source of a future customer is a past customer.

Clean out your office. Clear off your desk and archive important documents and file away your tax receipts.

Go shopping. With all of the Christmas deals around, the end-of-year is a great time to make business purchases. Get that new computer you have wanted, update aging office equipment, upgrade software programs, stock up on office supplies and replace those broken desks that are falling apart.

Look for new networking opportunities.

Check your local newspaper for businesses and community organisations, search for upcoming events to attend and make reservations for January. You will want to have

Specialised Services

Renée Jovic

• Property Investment • Accounting • Taxation • Business Solutions

a calendar full of potential business-building activities ready for the New Year.

Redecorate your office. You may decide to paint the office or even just re-arrange furniture and clean off the conference room table. Working in a pleasant, inviting environment helps keep both you and your employees motivated and makes each day more enjoyable.

Make a donation. As business owners, we make many contributions to our communities

“Timing is crucial: getting the timing of a transaction or investment right can minimise your tax obligations.” and nation; we create jobs and invent new products and services. But we also need to remember those who are less fortunate, especially in these challenging economic times.

Do some mid-year tax planning. Call your accountant and discuss ways to reduce your tax liability. This year may be a particularly challenging one, so you will probably need professional help more than ever.

Level 1, 80 Pakington Street, Geelong West E: admin@jovicaccounting.com.au P: 03 5222 6962

One thing is certain - when it comes to planning for taxation, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Steps taken by the Government to simplify taxation in one area invariably leads to complications in another. The new carbon tax is a perfect example. Business owners need to be more vigilant than ever, especially directors, with the new laws relating to taxation liabilities - if passed - this year.

Combine this with business owner expectations for next year, which suggest reduced sales and profitability, and we are all in for an interesting and challenging year.

Like all challenges, they are best managed in pieces.

Timing is crucial: getting the timing of a transaction or investment right can minimise your tax obligations. Even though we are only reaching the halfway point in the financial year, it is a good time to stop, catch a breath and review the last six months and set goals for the next.

Set time aside to plan and discuss your thoughts on business and personal finances with your accountant, financial planner and family. Step back from all the little things of everyday life to look at what you want to achieve.

Finally, enjoy time with family and friends and have a happy and healthy holiday season!

DISCLAIMER: This article is for guidance only, and professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. Neither the writer, publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this article.

“Providing Solutions to Businesses, Individuals and Property Investors.

With a Personal Approach”

Web: www.jovicaccounting.com.au and www.bantacs.com.au

Ruby | 17

TM

Exclusive in Geelong to Fernwood Waurn Ponds

See page 21 for further information.

Fernwood Waurn Ponds 3/2-26 Rossack Dr Call 5243 2577

FITNESS

Summer Ready Fernwood, Waurn Ponds

“One of my clients lost 22 centimeters and two dress sizes” Users of cell IQ have reported up to a 30 per cent reduction in their fat layer after just a single session. So what is this ‘miracle treatment’ that is now available in Geelong?

M

iffed with your muffin top?

Stressed about stubborn thighs? Did you know there is a proven treatment that, in conjunction with exercise, can help you lose those inches faster? In a nutshell, cell IQ uses a laser to disrupt and reduce your fat cells, which you then burn off with exercise.

A typical treatment has two phases. In the first phase, a practioner will apply laser pads, which emit low levels of energy on your problem areas. This is a painless process, which lasts between 20 to 30 minutes. The second phase is entirely up to you. For the treatment to be effective at least 30 minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise then needs to be completed to convert the targeted fat into energy.

“I have worked with many different laser technologies in Australia and overseas, but cell IQ is by far the best fat deduction machine I have used, in terms of results, customer satisfaction and safety,” says Chelsea Williams, cell IQ manager at Fernwood Gungahlin.

Cell IQ uses very low doses of light, so the risk of complications are minimal. The precise targeting of laser ensures the surrounding areas are not affected and, unlike other laser treatments, which can depend on the level of melanin in your skin, this can be used on all skin types.

“The treatment is completely painless and completely safe,” explains Chelsea. “I have been in the beauty industry for 19 years and

I cannot speak more highly of it.” There are no after effects so you can complete the treatment in your lunch break and head straight back to work.

The treatment is especially suitable for people who have been unable to reach their fat reduction goals despite regular exercise and good diet. “The results speak for themselves, our clients are getting results they never thought possible,” says Chelsea, who graduated as a Skin Specialist with honours at the University of Grayson, Texas, specialising in laser therapies and practices.

“In a nutshell, cell IQ uses a laser to disrupt and reduce your fat cells, which you then burn off with exercise.”

For noticeable results, eight treatments are recommended over the course of a month, two a week.

“The satisfying part for me is that results can be seen straight after the treatment.

Even if you exercise regularly you will not be able to spot reduce specific areas.”

Some clients have reported losing two dress sizes over the course of eight treatments, however it is critical that you stick to a healthy diet and disciplined exercise program, says Chelsea.

The treatment is exclusive to Fernwood, but non-members are now being offered the chance to experience it as well. Come in for a free consultation to find out more. One of Chelseas clients lost 22 centimeters and got back into her pre-pregnancy clothes. If you have stubborn jiggly bits that just will not budge, cell IQ is certainly worth considering.”

Summer Offer Fernwood Waurn Ponds is currently offering a cell IQ lifestyle package for non-Fernwood members.

This includes:

- 8 cell IQ Treatments - 4 weeks Fernwood - 4 personal training sessions - 4 Food Coaching (weight management program) sessions - 4 Food Coaching shakes - Napolen makeup instruction session - Lorna Jane Gift Voucher - 1hr luxury massage at Eulung day spa Contact Fernwood Waurn Ponds on 5243 2577.

Ruby | 19

FITNESS

Play golf like Superwoman Martin Stolz, Caddie’s Golf & Sport for Women

Do you play golf?

If sport is played by athletes, and we agree golf is a sport; doesn’t that makes you an athlete?

T

oday’s women golfers are more determined than ever to stake their claim on the golf course and a higher standard of performance.

Much overlooked in the quest for a perfect golf swing is the requirement of athletic ability. But before we all run off into the night screaming, this concept of athletic ability is relative. After all, we can’t all be young tour professionals. Some of us might have ‘matured’ a little. Whether we have gained a few kilograms or developed some aches and pains in our bodies, it doesn’t matter what shape we’re in now, your inner athlete can be nurtured to helping you lower your scores. In fact, I guarantee it!

Golf is long overdue to benefit from the application of the three pillars of fitness. The benefits of strength, flexibility and stamina are well worth the effort of sticking to a regular golf fitness regime designed for women golfing athletes, just like you.

Flexibility Women tend to be more flexible than their male counterparts and from a golfing

20 | Ruby

perspective, this is a great advantage.

Maintenance of your flexibility using Yoga, Pilates or swimming allows you a full range of motion which creates a full swing. That’s a great start!

Strength Strength in golf is essential and most women would be well served to place

“...your inner athlete can be nurtured to helping you lower your scores.

In fact, I guarantee it!” emphasis on building muscle strength to be more competitive. You should place emphasis on strength of the posterior muscles of your lower back, glutes and hamstrings as well as the abdominal muscles. Additionally - and very importantly - your hands and wrists and shoulders are critical in a good golf swing. As a female

golf coaching specialist, I frequently see weak hands and wrists as a significant physical drawback to many women improving their game.

Very briefly, here are some of my favourite exercises for improving your game: Wide stance squats - excellent for a strong foundation at set up and for holding your form throughout your swing. Just place a lightweight bar on your shoulders behind your head and squat down keeping your back straight and your bottom out.

Crunches - building strength in your torso will produce great power gains for you.

There are heaps of variations of this exercise, but the key message is: if your torso is strong, you will deliver better rotational power in your swing.

Back arches - By lying face down on a posture ball with your hands on your temples, lift your shoulders upwards and arch your back. By adding to your torso strength your golfing benefits will include power and control of the club throughout your swing.

FITNESS Push ups - even on your knees, your upper body will grow more power for your golf and strengthen upper torso muscles generally.

Shoulders - The military press involves moving a bar or dumbbells from shoulder height and lifting above your head until your elbows are straight. Also known as an overhead press, this will strengthen shoulders and other muscles giving more golfing power and balance. Do this exercise standing with feet the same width as you golf stance.

Wrists - Great exercises for this are wrist curls and extensions with mid weight dumb bells. Support your forearm on a bench with your palm up and allow the weight to hang over the edge. Then curl your wrist upwards as much as possible. If you do 15-20 with each hand daily for a few weeks, you should see your club head speed improve dramatically. With a lighter weight, turn your hand over and do the same.

Another simple way to help hand strength is to squeeze a rubber or tennis ball for a few minutes each day. You can even do this while watching TV! Stamina Fatigue is a real killer of many great rounds of golf and an average round is a walk of about 8kms. Having better endurance will make you feel better and give you the physical and mental stamina to see the journey through.

Excellent exercise for this is as simple as regular brisk walking. Better still; find some hilly country or a soft sandy beach to give your legs a harder workout. As this is a stamina exercise, try and make your walks last for an hour or more and get your heart rate up. This is easy to do but the benefits will be greater than just playing better golf.

For the right advice on which exercises are best for you personally, you can ask at your gym or even try a session or two with a personal trainer. Your local PGA pro might be able to help, but a fitness professional is best.

Ruby | 21

FITNESS

Train like a man to look like a woman Bri Bateup, Personal Trainer Jetts Fitness

There is a certain social stigma associated with women and strength training. Most women believe that strength training is unfeminine; it will make them “big” and is only for men.

C

ommon trends in the way females train involve tireless hours on the treadmill trying to burn away as many calories as possible.

Usually the weights area is timidly avoided, and if any weights are attempted, it generally involves very light loads in the attempt to avoid “getting big” and in hope of achieving optimal “tone”.

weight, however limb girth measurements usually decrease, which means you have achieved body tone. Increasing lean muscle will increase your overall metabolic rate, meaning you will burn more calories.

The concern is that these common misconceptions are keeping too many women away from strength training and is preventing them from training in optimal ways. The truth is, women should strength train in the same way as men, using the same program design, exercise intensities and volumes, relative to their body size and level of strength so they can achieve the maximum benefits and body changing results.

“...if you really want to change the way you look and feel... training like a man is the way to go.”

Common Myths Myth 1: Strength training causes women to become “bigger”: In truth, strength training actually helps to reduce body fat. Since muscle weighs more than fat this may result in a slight increase in overall

Myth 2: Women should use different training methods than men: A common misconception is that if women do similar

exercises to men (for example free weights, explosive exercises and body weight exercises) they will get injured. The fact is, if proper technique and instruction are used, injury risk for both men and women is significantly reduced. Fuller body movements that involve the use of several muscle groups (chin-up or a step-up), are superior to single-joint

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22 | Ruby

movements (leg curl or bicep curl), as they result in a higher energy expenditure, which ultimately means your body is burning more calories.

Myth 3: Women should avoid lifting heavy loads: Women commonly lift loads that are lighter than necessary to illicit significant physiological changes. In order for women to achieve the benefits from strength training (increased bone density, increased joint stability, increased functional strength, increased lean body mass, higher metabolic rate and improved self-esteem) the load needs to be high enough so that the last few repetitions are difficult to perform.

So, if you really want to change the way you look and feel, as well as greatly improve many facets of your health, training like a man is the way to go. Of course, you can spend more time coordinating your shoes to match your singlet…

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24 | Ruby

Jermaine & Jade, Here are two little gems you may not have expected to see from Ziera - delightful dress shoes.

Still with all the wonderful comfort you’ve come to expect but in the ultimate dress shoes and the latest fashion colours.

Delight yourself in a pair of Ziera-Heels

Kumfs

177 Moorabool Street, Geelong Ph: 5229 5866

DISCLAIMER: Price and product availability accurate at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

Livingetc Natural woven bamboo lighting from Laguna range.

Natural woven bamboo dining table with hidden wine bottle drawer.

(Chairs sold separately).

Livingetc

Corner of High street & Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont Ph: 5241 2664 www.livingetc.com.au

National Visual Designs Australia Juliette.

Combining top stone glass bowls and hardwood timber drawers, to combine a sleek and standout feature.

Hand made porcelain bathroom vanity basins.

Huge variety of designs available. Create your own look and style.

National Visual Designs Australia 32b Gordon Ave, Geelong West Ph: 5221 1213 www.nvda.com.au

Lifestyle 4U Alfresco Setting.

Natural Wicker Table Setting, available as a 9 or 7 piece.

Outdoor Lounging.

Poli Resin Wicker Sun Day Bed.

Lifestyle4U

20 Pakington Street, Unit 2, Geelong West.

Ph: 5222 8035 www.lifestyle4u.com.au

Brax Window Treatments Duette Window Shades The ultimate in versatile light control, privacy and style from Luxaflex.

See these and more market-leading window solutions at Brax Window Treatments.

Brax

332 Pakington Street, Newtown Ph: 5221 5533 www.braxwt.com.au

Ruby | 25

FASHION

Dress to the max(i) Judy Baulch

The maxi dress has been a key look for several seasons now, and this summer is no exception. Its versatility and ability to adapt to and suit a range of different body shapes makes it the ideal summer fashion item.

I

t can be hard being cool, comfortable and stylish in the summer heat, but that’s where the maxi dress comes in.

The long and flowing shape covers up all manner of fashion evils.

The maxi dress is your friend at Christmas celebrations because it helps hide the postfeast food baby (for those of you never afflicted by the condition, a food baby is a cute and fluffy name for what looks like a second trimester pregnancy, but is actually just too many roast potatoes and pieces of fruit cake - not to mention pre-dinner nibbles and those tasty edible Christmas decorations).

The maxi dress is also your friend when you haven’t made it to the salon for a pre-Chrissy wax down and the only razor you can find is so jagged you decide to preserve the skin on your legs (not to mention other places) instead.

If you are tall and glamorous, with impossibly long willowy legs, you already know you look fabulous in a maxi dress - not to mention everything else. But for the rest of us mere mortal women, the maxi if flattering, comfortable, can be dressed up or down and it can be worn by all ages. So if you don’t already, learn to love the maxi this summer.

“Maxi dresses are the must have summer piece this season as they are versatile, easy to wear and suit a range of different body shapes,” says Target Business Manager of Ladieswear, Amanda McCabe Phillips.

The trick is to find a style of maxi dress that suits you. Some are quite voluminous, while others are more fitted. Necklines also vary, with strapless, halter necks, shoestring straps and styles that accommodate a more supportive bra all in the mix.

“Team your maxi dress with a fedora and jewelled sandals or coloured flats for a casual daytime look, or add a strappy sandal or wedge and layered accessories such as bangles and necklaces to turn your look into the perfect evening outfit,” suggests Amanda.

“Maxi dresses are the must have summer piece this season as they are versatile, easy to wear and suit a range of different body shapes...”

“A lightweight, loose fitting jacket is a great layering piece to add if the weather turns slightly cool on those balmy summer nights.”

Maxi dresses are not the only way to stay cool this summer, however.

“Feminine and floaty tops are another great essential this summer, as they are stylish and available in a range of colours, prints and fabrics,” Amanda says. “Maxi and midi skirts are also a great and easy to wear piece this season.”

Oakdene...come for the food, stay for the experience

www.oakdene.com.au

26 | Ruby

255 Grubb Rd Wallington

Ph: 5255 1255

Waurn Ponds is Christmas

D

on’t know where to start this Christmas?

Why make it hard for yourself when Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre has everything you need in one easy location – and FREE PARKING! After you have found your gifts, for a gold coin donation per gift, you can have them wrapped at the RELAY FOR LIFE gift wrapping station outside Target. When you spend $25 or more in one transaction at ANY store in the Centre, take your recept to the Santa photo site outside Target and receive two FREE photos (terms & conditions apply, see Santa site for details). You can also order all your Christmas meal essentials – from fresh seafood and meats, to platters, baked goods and nibblies – all at the one convenient location. With all that taken care of, it will be time to relax and have a coffee, before heading home to tell everyone how incredibly organised you are this year!

For fun-stuff galore, and with no computer games in sight, Mind Games stocks a huge range of card and board games, collectible models, remote control models and much more. Store owner, Michele Bent, says everything is participatory, “Puzzles and games make you communicate – they’re educational but also a lot of fun.

Christmas Trading Hours

Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed

15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec

9am-9pm 9am-9pm 9am-9pm 10am-5pm 9am-9pm 9am-9pm 9am-9pm

And we have things for babies right through to 90 year-olds.” Michele says Waurn Ponds is a unique centre, with a genuine community feel amongst the retailers that caters for people of all ages.

Don’t know what to get that hard to buy for person? Nutshack franchisee Cathy Wei says she has you covered.

“Our hampers are a wonderful gift idea – especially for those really hard to buy for people, and of course, our nuts are fresh, with no preservatives or additives. We also have some lovely small gift ideas and stocking stuffers, and our high quality chocolates are very popular.

The gift of entertainment is always popular, and Josh Stevenson, Store Manager at Sanity, says there are some great gift ideas in store.

“We have our 3 DVDs for $40 all year round, which is great for presents, and just in time for Christmas we have a great deal of 2 TV series on DVD for $45, and we have heaps of box sets this year.”

When you’re looking for something for the Apple-fan of the family, iSpeak IT has everything from the new MacBook Pros and iPad 2 through to Mac accessories, Apple TV and much more. And it’s the gift that keeps on giving, with iSpeak IT providing everything Apple, including service, support, in warranty and out of warranty repairs as well as in-store seminars.

Thurs Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed

22 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 27 Dec 28 Dec

9am-9pm 9am-9pm 9am-5pm CLOSED 10am-5pm 10am-5pm 9am-5:30pm

Thurs Fri Sat / 2012 Sun Mon Tues

29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Dec

9am-7pm 9am-9pm 9am-5pm

1 Jan 2 Jan 3 Jan

10am-5pm 10am-5pm 9am-5:30pm

Ruby | 27

For Him PRICELINE, Waurn Ponds

$14.99

Eco Pure Man Essentials Gift Set DICK SMITH, Waurn Ponds

$248

Sony Handycam DCR-SX65

For Her $9.99 $39 $39 $34 $24.95 $9.99

FEMME CONNECTION, Waurn Ponds Caroline Morgan Maxi Dress #D89599 (Purple)

$29.99

SPENDLESS SHOES, Waurn Ponds ‘Loaded Silver’ Sandals ‘Mantra White’ Wedges

$29.95 $39.95

HAIRHOUSE WAREHOUSE, Waurn Ponds GHD Christmas ‘Scarlett’ Edition

$309

LIFESTYLE BAGS & LUGGAGE, Waurn Ponds Bazaar Tote Bag (Brown) Bazaar Trolley Case (68cm - Brown)

28 | Ruby

Von Zipper Sunglasses ‘Fulton’ (Assorted)

$179.95

PRICELINE, Waurn Ponds Indian Orchid & Orange Hand Cream Heidi Klum Shine (50ml) Elizabeth Arden Red Door Gift Set Kylie Minogue Dazzling Darling Revlon Burst of Colour Gift Set Vanilla Spice & Amber Body Butter

TONIK, Waurn Ponds

$49.95 $139.95

Quiksilver Cap ‘Podium Trucker’

$19.99 Hurley Cap ‘BS Flexfit Trucker Hat’

$25.99 SPORTSCO, Waurn Ponds Adidas Soccer Ball (Blue) Nike Pegasus Men’s Trainers

$20 $160

Festive Bling GORGEOUS FASHIONISTA, Waurn Ponds Gorgeous Fashionista Flower Hair Clip (Blue)

$14.50 Simone Dennis Designs – Glass Flower Ring

$29 Simone Dennis Designs – Glass Flower Necklace

$38 Bangle (Multi Strand; Gold/Turquoise)

$29

For the Kids The Reject Shop, Waurn Ponds Felt Christmas Stockings (Assorted) Red Soldier Nutcracker (45cm) Christmas Snow Dome (Small)

$3 each $15 $5

SPENDLESS SHOES, Waurn Ponds

$9.95

‘Manu’ Boys Sneakers

LIFESTYLE BAGS & LUGGAGE, Waurn Ponds

$19.95

Bells Beach Backpack (Black) MIND GAMES, Waurn Ponds Schleich ‘Smurfs’ Collection Bruder Cattle Truck Bruder Cement Truck

$10 each $130 $135

MIND GAMES, Waurn Ponds Sylvanian Families Figurines PUZZLE - Ballerinas

from $10 each $30

(63 pce; G0735328761) Target, Waurn Ponds Young Ones Wooden Tambourine

$9

TONIK, Waurn Ponds Roxy ‘Sunset Stripe’ Tankini

$55.99

Ruby | 29

Giftwrap for a Cause The gift wrapping station is run by the Geelong RELAY FOR LIFE team, who have raised vital funding for the Cancer Council over the past four years.

Barb Ward, who heads the team says, “Nearly everyone we know has been touched by this disease and it’s incredibly liberating to know we can make a difference.”

For a gold coin donation per gift, you can have them wrapped.

The gift wrap station will be open on Saturday 4th December for Santa’s Arrival between 11am and 4pm and then daily from Saturday 10th to 24th December between 11am & 4pm.

For more information, be sure to visit www.waurnpondssc.com.au for full details.

Santa Claus is coming to Waurn Ponds...

What’s more, this year at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre kids can have professional Santa photos taken for FREE! When you spend $25 or more in one transaction at ANY speciality store in-centre (excludes supermarkets), present your receipt to Santa’s Helpers at the Santa photo site located outside of Target and you’ll receive two FREE 5”x7” professional photos valued at $15. (terms & conditions apply - see Santa site for details or www.waurnpondssc.com.au).

Santa will be in-centre Sunday 4th to Saturday 24th December, 10am to 5pm daily.

Gifts for Everyone NUTSHACK, Waurn Ponds Christmas Hamper (Large) Christmas Hamper (Small)

$84.95 $24.95

DYMOCKS, Waurn Ponds Visit Dymocks Waurn Ponds for this Summer’s Hottest Titles.

THE REJECT SHOP, Waurn Ponds Christmas Mugs (Assorted) Christmas Wreath (Small)

$2 each $5

Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre

173-199 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds Tel: (03) 5244 2580

www.waurnpondssc.com.au 30 | Ruby

DISCLAIMER: Price and product availability accurate at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

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$/ )4 9/523%,& 3!6% 3UPPLIED ,OCALLY BY 'EELONG /WNED #OMPANY p: 03 5222 2288 | f: 03 5221 2688 | a: 108 Barwon Terrace, South Geelong | e: info@readykitcabinets.com.au

NEW SHOWROOM: 3 Sharon Court, North Geelong

Time i spent iin the h kitchen ki h preparing food can be one of life’s great pleasures.

Oakdene Vineyards Restaurant - Cellar Door Accommodation - Events - Functions BELLARINE PENINSULA, GEELONG 255 Grubb Road ,Wallington Phone 03 5255 1255 | Fax 03 5256 3881 Email: info@oakdene.com.au

Ruby | 33

Slow Cooked Kurobuta Pork Belly (Serves 8)

For the pork

For the apple

2kg Pork Belly, bones removed, skin on

2 granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced finely

2 litres Pork/Chicken stock

2 tablespoons sugar

Salt the pork belly over night and wash thoroughly next day.

30g unsalted butter

Place belly in stock and totally submerge, place a plate on top to keep it under the stock at all times.

Simmer for approximately 2-3 hours until pork is tender. (Tip: insert small stainless steel skewer into the meat and if there is no resistance remove from the stock.)

Place on a tray and place another tray on top of the pork belly to press the meat. Place a weight on top of the tray to keep the pressure on the belly, which will make the meat lay flat (Tip: use a heavy saucepan or large bag of sugar).

Refrigerate over night.

Cut into 5x3 inch strips and put to one side.

Discard the really fatty pieces.

For the prunes 20 prunes ½ cup honey ¼ cup brandy Place in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 mins and remove from heat. Leave in a warm place over the stove for 24 hours.

34 | Ruby

Cook all together for 5 minutes until apple becomes transparent. Blend until smooth.

For the wild rocket emulsion 1 packet of fresh wild rocket (washed) 75g grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup water Blanch rocket leaves in boiling water for 1 minute. Strain as much water as possible and transfer to blender. Add all other ingredients and blend until smooth. Season to taste

For the cabbage ½ red cabbage finely shredded 8 eshallots finely shredded 5 cloves garlic finely shredded 1 small red chilli finely shredded ½ cup caster sugar 40g butter 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt & pepper Heat the oil in heavy based saucepan. Add cabbage, eshallots, garlic and chilli and cook

on high heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring constantly. When cabbage starts to wilt, add the sugar and butter and cook on a high heat for another 10 minutes until the cabbage has absorbed all the liquid. (Tip: if there is excessive liquid, pour the liquid off and cook until tender and caramelized).

Keep warm until ready to serve.

To assemble Place the pork belly strips skin side down in a non-stick frying pan. Cook on a low heat for approximately 15 minutes. DO NOT turn over. If the pork is cooking too quickly and the skin is getting coloured easily, then turn the heat down. It is important to let the skin crisp up while in the pan.

When the pork skin is crisp, turn over and sprinkle liberally with sea salt. Transfer to an oven warmed to 190 degrees for 7 to 8 minutes.

When the pork has 3 minutes left to cook, divide the cabbage between the plates, add a spoon full of apple puree and swipe with the back of a teaspoon to create a smear on the plate.

Fill the apple puree swipe with the wild rocket puree so it is neat in appearance.

Remove the pork from the oven and place on top of the cabbage. Place 2-3 prunes on top of the pork and pour over some of the honey and brandy syrup. Serve immediately.

Banana, Tiramisu For the sponge 200g butter, softened 200g caster sugar 150g self-raising flour 50g cocoa 4 eggs, beaten

For the mascarpone mix 4 eggs, separated 100g icing sugar 500g mascarpone 100ml Irish Cream liqueur 100ml cold strong black coffee Cocoa for sprinkling Toasted sliced almonds sprinkled with icing sugar Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees (gas mark 6) Grease and line a 33x23cm Swiss roll tin and set aside

For the cake Put all the ingredients in a bowl and beat together with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until smooth and glossy. Transfer to tin and level with spatula. Bake in oven for 15 to 20 minutes until risen and firm to touch. Turn out on wire rack and cool

For the mascarpone mix Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks and set aside. Put egg yolks in a separate bowl with icing sugar and beat with a mixer until evenly blended and creamy texture. Add the mascarpone and Irish Cream liqueur and mix well. Gently fold in the whisked egg whites until evenly incorporated.

You can use either individual clear serving dishes or one large one for this dish. I prefer the individual ones as they add a more special feel to the dessert. Pour the coffee into a dish and cut circles out of the sponge using a glass or pastry cutter.

Spoon the mascarpone over the sponge and repeat the layers until all the mix is used up, ending with a layer of mascarpone. Sift cocoa over the top and add the toasted icing sugar almonds slices. Chill for 3 hours before serving.

To garnish, slice banana into discs and coat with caster sugar, place on a tray under the grill until caramelized. Arrange on the top of the dish and serve.

Tips for a little less stress over the Christmas cooking Christmas should be a time of celebration and sharing quality time with family and friends, but we all know that if you are the cook in the house, sometimes the only Christmas cheer you get is if anyone pops into the kitchen to say hello. Time spent in the kitchen preparing food can be one of life’s great pleasures – but, all too often, by the time the revelries begin you are too worn out to enjoy them. Here are a few simple tips to help ease some of the strain.

1. Start Now if You Can Now means any time you decide or plan to do something. One guaranteed way to create stress is procrastination. Do it or write it down, because once written down it is out of your head - and there’s such a relief in ticking off completed jobs.

2. Menus Draw up menus for all the meals you plan to make over Christmas. Involve the kids in simple recipes that can be made before the day, there are tons on the Internet.

3. Recipes Found the recipes you want? Read the recipes; then read them again. There’s nothing worse than realising on Christmas Eve – or worse yet, Christmas morning that you are missing a vital ingredient. No one wants to end up with the equivalent of Bridget Jones’ Blue Soup Scrambled Eggs and Marmalade.

4. The Shopping List Shopping is one of the biggest jobs at Christmas, so to simplify the task make a

master-shopping list of everything you will need, including any new cooking equipment. Then delegate!

5. Don’t be Overambitious This is one area where many fall down by taking on too much to do in too short a time. Pull back and be realistic.

Remember: this is family time, not an episode of Masterchef!

This is your Christmas as well. Allow time during or at the end of cooking to chill out a little, get ready or have a drink, and don’t be afraid to get the whole family to muck in … this can be the best time of all.

Merry Christmas,

Ruby | 35

Oxfam’s vision is a just world w Oxfam’s O without poverty. We envision a world in which people can influence decisions which affect their lives, enjoy their rights, and assume their responsibilities as full citizens of a world in which all human beings are valued and treated equally. q y

The purpose of Oxfam is to help create crea lasting solutions to the injustice of poverty.

We are part of a global movement for change, one that empowers people to create a future that is secure, just, and free from poverty.

Our work seek seeks ks one overall ou outcome: to bring about positive change in the lives of people living in poverty.

Photo Credit: Janna Hamilton Oxfam.

36 | Ruby

Amongst the barely suppressed panic (and the occasional outbursts of full blown panic) that seems to engulf the days leading up to Christmas, try - at least for a moment - to take pause and consider what it would be like if you had no means to buy presents, or prepare a feast of too much food. magine what it would be like if you couldn’t afford to feed your family, or to watch your children suffering from illness and disease because you have no access to basic medicines or sanitation.

Every day, there are close to 1 billion people who go hungry. It is a staggering fact that in a world where there is enough food and enough money to feed and house every single man, woman and child on Earth, so many are living in abject poverty.

Andrew Hewitt is the Executive Director of Oxfam Australia, one of the country’s leading international development agencies. He has seen first hand the devastating affects of poverty, hunger, conflict and natural disasters around the world. But he has also seen the extraordinary difference some very simple programs can make to the lives of people living in need.

“There are a lot of people still living in poverty. Things have improved a lot for a lot of people in terms of getting access to some of the things that we take for granted, but there remains a sizeable proportion of the world’s population who are living in absolute poverty – frequently going without food, not having sufficient

shelter, not having a real livelihood, often at risk of conflict.

“We still have a very large number of people who living on less than what is seen as the measure for absolute poverty, US$1.25 per day. How people experience that poverty varies from country to country, from context to context. But it usually means that people are lacking the things that we literally take for granted in a country like Australia - Australia being one of the richest countries in the world. We can go and turn on a tap and water will flow. We can go to the toilet and we can flush the toilet. We can properly store our food in a fridge. We presume that there will be a roof over our head. They are the things that people living in poverty can’t have the same confidence about.

“A very large number of people, literally millions of people, have no access to clean water or effective sanitation on a regular and reliable basis. There is still about 75 million school-aged children who don’t get to school, and we know how critical each extra year of attending school is for a person’s life prospects, their prospects around livelihoods, for women to be able to control their fertility and the like.”

Oxfam is not in the business of simply

providing handouts to people in need however. As an organisation that works within communities, they know that real solutions to overcoming hunger, poverty and violence have to come from within those communities. It’s not a new idea – it’s the ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’ concept, but on a very big scale. And it’s often not the men they are teaching to fish; it’s the women, because the sad reality is that 70 per cent of the world’s poorest people are women.

And it’s a lot more than fishing; it’s education, sustainable agriculture, sanitation and healthcare, building and maintaining safe water supplies, preparing for disasters and being able to advocate for themselves and their communities.

“I think what is also extraordinary to realise is that the majority of the world’s hungry are food producers themselves – they live in food bowls,” Andrew said. “There you are getting into issues around people’s capacity to access the market, their capacity to store food because basic refrigeration or other storage mechanisms are not in place. But it also reflects that governments, including both national governments and donor governments like Australia, have just not invested in agricultural development. One of the things Oxfam is doing in our advocacy work is to

Ruby | 37

urge for a much greater focus on agricultural development – and in particular a greater focus on small-scale farmers, many of whom are women.

“The social position of women frequently means that they can often by illiterate or have very limited literacy. They have limited political power and a sense of being able to access those resources that may be available. And frequently they have limited legal rights, and that particularly applies to property rights. So the way that inheritance laws might operate, for instance, will particularly limit their capacity to feed themselves and their families.

“There is no universal rule – the circumstances of women living in poverty

dangerous journey by foot from their homes in Somalia across the border into Kenya seeking refuge.

“Frequently it’s just women and children who make that journey and about 85 per cent of the residents of that refugee camp are women and children. Often people are attacked, raped on the way as they make the journey. They get to the refugee camp, and you would hardly call it a safe refuge, but it providing a refuge. It’s giving them a roof over their heads – albeit a canvas roof – but that doesn’t mean there are plentiful supplies of water and, at most, they are getting 15 litres of water a day. We are helping to provide that by drilling boreholes and distributing water,” he said.

Oxfam first began as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief in England in 1942 to campaign for food supplies to be sent through allied naval blockade the women and children who were starving in enemy-occupied Greece during World War II. Oxfam Australia was formed from the merger of Community Aid Abroad and the Australian Freedom from Hunger campaign, and is a founding member of Oxfam International. For over fifty years, the organisation has been fighting poverty and injustice around the world, funding long-term projects aimed at giving poor people control over their own futures and helping them to solve their own problems.

The sheer scale of global poverty – the

Oxfam Australia’s Executive Director Andrew Hewitt in Northern Kenya.

Photo Credit: Chee Chee Leung Oxfam.

varies from situation to situation, and how their social and economic position plays out will vary from country to country, and often within countries. But if you’ve got a female-headed household, generally that means that theirs is in a weaker economic and social position than a male-headed household. I regret to say that I think that is still the case in Australia.”

Andrew described a recent trip to Northern Kenya, where the land is in the grip of a horrific drought. The drought is also affecting Somalia and Ethiopia, and increasingly, parts of Uganda – putting at risk between 12 and 13 million people.

“I spent some time in a refugee camp called Dadaab that is now home to some 460,000 people; it’s the third-largest city in Kenya. Basically, about 110,00 of those people had fled from Somalia this year, and had made a very hazardous,

38 | Ruby

Photo Credit: Angela Smith Oxfam.

“There were people I met with elsewhere in Northern Kenya who hadn’t seen rain for three years; they were nomadic pastoralists, who lead a very difficult and hard life at the best of times, and this clearly not the best of times. So these are the people at the very bottom of the pile in terms of poverty.

“But what you find also is that it is the people who are living in poverty that are hit hardest by humanitarian disaster, by conflict, because they have the fewest resources to fall back on, they’ve got the least political power to be able to influence decisions which are affecting them. So it can often mean that what we refer to as external influences compound their poverty and condemn them to even more years of lacking access to basic human rights.”

numbers of people in need of help – is overwhelming. Sadly, this means that the big picture of poverty can dehumanise those people affected by it. Organisations like Oxfam are well aware of this, which is why their campaigns bring personal stories of individuals and families living in poverty, and how simple relief programs can make an enormous difference to the quality of life for ‘the faceless masses’ living in poverty.

“Yes. These are real people we are talking about. They have real ambitions and they share the basic needs as any of us and they are entitled to the same basic human rights that we have here in a rich country like Australia. But it is true that the numbers can be overwhelming. I said, for

instance, that in Somalia and Kenya there are 12 or 13 million people affected – that’s more than half the population of Australia. The floods in Pakistan last year affected 20 million people, which is to all intents and purposes the equivalent population to Australia. There are nearly 1 billion people going hungry every day.

“It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the numbers, but it is important to put a human face to poverty. It’s important to recognise the things we have in common with people, wherever they may be; that they do have those same ambitions, they do have those same concerns for their children, they want their children to be well looked after, and they want their

the first campaigns he worked on with Oxfam in his 20 years with the organisation was a disaster relief program in Bangladesh following what is known as a ‘super cyclone’. The death toll was in the order of 300,000 to 400,000 people, and even as recently as the late 1990s, the death toll from super cyclones in the region reached close to 400,000. But now, things are changing.

“About twelve months ago, I visited Bangladesh. Now people in Bangladesh are living in quite difficult conditions.

These cyclones still happen, and if anything they are happening more frequently, but the death toll is greatly reduced. In the most recent super

Photo Credit: Jerry Galea Oxfam.

children to have access to education.

They want their children to go better than they have been able to, and that’s a pretty common ambition that we have here in Australia. One of Oxfam’s roles is to draw those connections and make those linkages to help that empathy and that understanding.”

Bangladesh – a densely populated, richly fertile country with plentiful water and prime farming land – is also one of the world’s poorest nations. Over half of its 156 million population are deeply entrenched in poverty and living on less than USD$1 per day. Low-lying and crisscrossed by over 700 rivers, Bangladesh is highly susceptible to the effects of cyclones – it floods. Andrew said one of

being respected. They are the drivers. It’s not us from the outside making the difference.

“It’s also the case that in places which are less susceptible to those sorts of natural disasters, and less susceptible to big conflict, it’s the investment in local community work and community development that makes the difference – helping people build up local livelihoods, installing basic but effective water supply systems, getting the information out about hygiene promotion to stop the spread of possible diseases. It can often be a small investment that pays off many times over.

I’ve been fortunate enough to see some of that work in places like Timor and Sri

Photo Credit: Chee Chee Leung Oxfam.

cyclone, somewhere in the order of 10,000 people were killed. It’s still an immense number, but when you think that not so long ago it was 300,000 to 400,000, it’s an incredible change,” Andrew said.

“That’s because there has been an investment in disaster preparedness. It’s because we now have early warning systems in place, which means people get warning of when large cyclones are about to come and can move to higher ground or more secure ground. There has been an investment in building both the capacity of the government, but also the capacity of local communities, and it’s paid off. People lives are literally being saved and the value of people’s lives is

Lanka, India, Mozambique, South Africa, Solomon Islands and PNG. We don’t have huge resources, but we’ve been able to make a difference working with the local communities, listening to the local communities and making sure that they are in the driver’s seat,” Andrew said.

He described a program in Laos that is helping provide access to education for children. A three-way commitment between Oxfam, local communities and the government in Laos is seeing communities building local school and a house for a teacher. The community does the building, the government provides the teacher and ensures the teacher keeps turning up and Oxfam provides financial and advocacy support.

“It’s not big dollars, but what it means is that the kids in that community get to

Ruby | 39

school and stay in school, and the government is delivering services which they should be delivering, and it’s literally life-transforming.”

When we think about Oxfam we tend to think about people in need in third-world countries, but many of the issues around lack of education, adequate resources and advocacy are faced by communities here in Australia and in our closest neighbouring nations. Oxfam is a foundation member of the ‘Close the Gap’ campaign in Australia that focuses on the inequality within indigenous health programs and aims to raise the life expectancy and health outcomes within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

campaign to Close the Gap. “They are aware of the human tragedy that lies behind the statistics on Aboriginal health – that babies born to Aboriginal mothers die at twice the rate of non-Indigenous babies and go on to experience higher rates of preventable illness such as heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.”

Giving people the skills and confidence to advocate for themselves is one of the most important things aid agencies can do.

“I think that is becoming more and more important,” Andrew said. “I suppose we see people living in poverty as active – as people who can take initiative and do things themselves. The role of an organisation like Oxfam is to help create

Photo Credit: Jerry Galea Oxfam.

the space for that to happen, but also to give them the resources to do that. It’s not just financial resources, although I don’t in any want to dilute the importance of financial services, but it’s also about training and networking.

Oxfam Australia Director of Policy James Ensor said it was heartening to see Indigenous health bodies – such as the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Australian Indigenous Psychologists’ Association – which played such a leading role in the Close the Gap campaign, move into this new NHLF to work in partnership with government on a new national health plan.

“Another example for me is up in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, with a group of women in the Kup District. For the best part of two decades, their communities had suffered from significant tribal or clan-based violence. The levels of violence were such that people could not access markets – either to buy or to sell.

Kids couldn’t get to school, the people couldn’t access clinics, and basic services like clean water and effective sanitation just didn’t happen. These three women took the initiative themselves to do something to end the violence. They told

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“These three women formed a group called Kup Women for Peace and they challenged the men folk, because it was the men in the community that were doing the fighting. At one point they literally sat between two groups who were getting ready to fight. And over the years they created a culture of peace. They did that themselves – people from the outside wouldn’t have been able to create that change in the culture in the beginning, let

Photo Credit: Chee Chee Leung Oxfam.

On November 3, the Australian Government made a commitment to working in partnership with the new National Health Leadership Forum (NHLF) to achieve health equality for Indigenous Australians within a generation.

He said more than 150,000 Australians were now active supporters of the

me that they should have been enemies, but they realised that the horrendous impact of the violence on the people in their community, and particularly on the young people, meant that something had to be done.

alone make it last. The change is fragile, and things have gone backwards at times, but it’s been a classic case of two steps forward and one step back,” he said.

“What it has meant is that on my last visit to the village, I opened a water tap and the water flowed (you do some strange and wonderful things working for Oxfam!) But that was symptomatic of the changes that were happening in that community. People were able to access the markets, and kids were getting to school, because they weren’t feeling threatened that they would be attacked on the way to or from the school or the market. Oxfam’s role there wasn’t to do that work, it was to support the people there that were doing the work.”

Always with a practical approach to making a difference, this Christmas, Oxfam is not asking what you can do for Oxfam, but what Oxfam can do for you. And the answer is to take much of the stress and struggle out of Christmas present buying. It’s all about sharing the love.

“I think it is sharing the love and we have two big ways we can help people as they tackle those conundrums about what to buy,” says Oxfam Australia Executive Director, Andrew Hewitt.

“One is Oxfam Unwrapped, and we describe that as 44 ways to look good.

It’s a practical but quirky way of both

supporting Oxfam’s work and supporting people working to find a pathway out of poverty, as well as meeting the need of what present to give your aunt, your brother, your sister or your best friend. You can choose everything from a buffalo to a goat, to a chook or whatever; it’s a way of supporting our programs in different areas. The response we get from people is that they regard it as a touch of humour, a bit of quirkiness but it does show you care – care for the recipient but also care for the sort of world we have.

“The other way, particularly for the Geelong audience, we have Oxfam shop, where people can buy fair trade goods from right around the world.

There is a shop in the Westfield centre in Geelong or peo ple can order online.

There is some beautiful stuff there. I’m taking some leave and going to visit family and friends in Europe, and we spent far too much last Sunday at one of the shops in Melbourne, but it solved all my Christmas shopping problems.

“So that’s the two key ways that people can help make a difference, but also meet the need to find a gift for you aunt!”

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Ki ds’

& r e m m u s r o f t u Sch ool ’s o . s k e e w r o f e m o th e ki ds a r e h p e e k o t o d o t t n e Wh at ’s a pa r th e m occ u pi e d?

T

he good news is you don’t have to go too far from home.

There are so many things to keep families with children of all ages entertained in the Geelong region, from simple picnics in our beautiful parks to visiting the numerous tourist attractions located in our own backyard.

A friend returned from travelling overseas with her children with a pearl of wisdom to share about keeping kids occupied on holidays: it doesn’t have to be as complicated as we adults think it does, or as expensive. Kids, especially the younger ones, are sometimes more than happy with a trip to the playground or a kick of the footy in the park. The Geelong region abounds in beautiful parks and there’s no shortage of playgrounds.

Remember, we live in a tourist region.

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Take advantage of it! If friends with children visited you, where would you take them for a day out? Your answer is a clue to where you can take your own children and perhaps discover a new favourite place for your family. If you find somewhere you love so much you know you’ll want to bring the kids back, ask about becoming a member. Zoos and many museums offer this option, which often includes discounted entry and special perks for members.

So, here are some suggestions for keeping kids of all ages occupied this summer, whatever the weather, from free activities to those that cost a bit more, close to home or a little further away.

The great outdoors You can’t kick a ball in the Geelong

Botanic Gardens, but there are plenty of grassy spaces for kids to run, shady trees to rest under and a kiosk for special treats. If the urge to play ball overcomes the kids, remember the gardens sit within the wider area of Eastern Park which also encompasses a sporting precinct, Geelong Playspace, historic mineral springs and picnic and BBQ facilities.

The Playspace, a wonderful area for kids to run, swing, climb, play in the sand and run in the trees, is a short walk from the Botanic Garden and is just one of the great playgrounds in the Geelong region.

You could also try the Adventure Playground at Rippleside Park, Sparrow Park in Geelong West, Barwon Valley Fun Park, or your local playground.

Go for a stroll or take the kids for a bike ride along the Waterfront and Eastern

Beach. This area has it all for all ages – the beautifully restored Carousel for the young and young at heart, a beach, a free public swimming pool, playgrounds, a Youth Activities Area with a skate park, fishing, BBQs, picnic spots and plenty of grassy spots for kids to run.

You can also follow all, or part of, the Baywalk Bollard Walk from Limeburners Point to Rippleside Park along the shores of Corio Bay, taking in Eastern Beach, the Waterfront and Western Beach on the way. Jan Mitchell’s bollards are Geelong icons and a great way to learn some of the history of our area.

There are more than 20km of walking and cycling trails along the Barwon River, stretching from Buckley Falls to Breakwater. Along the way there are playgrounds, including the Barwon Valley

Fun Park, open spaces for running, BBQ and picnic facilities, somewhere to stop for a coffee or milkshake, Balyang Bird Sanctuary and Yollinko Park Aboriginal Garden. Located near Queens Park

“ T h e G e e l on g r e gion a bou n ds in be a u ti fu l pa r ks & ge th e r e’s n o sh or ta of pl a ygrou n ds.”

Bridge, the garden contains middens, the remains of an Aboriginal camping and cooking site and native food trees and plants.

Talk to the animals A 20 minute drive from Geelong’s CBD, Serendip Sanctuary teems with native birds and animals. You might spot koalas, emus, kangaroos and brolgas as you walk near marshlands, ponds and lakes and through the bush. There are free BBQ and picnic facilities and entry is also free.

Although recently devastated by a fire in the koala hospital, the renowned home for injured wildlife Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary is open for visitors.

Bring a picnic or grab some snacks at the kiosk and spend the day learning about our unique wildlife. See www.jirrahlinga. com.au for more information.

While away a few hours exploring the Outback Miniature Farm at Moolap and meeting the pigs, horses, goats, chooks,

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ducks, guinea pigs and their friends on a supervised tour that includes feeding and patting the animals. Pony rides are also available on request. Tours need to be pre-booked: call 5248 7220 for more information.

If your kids are into horse riding, the Geelong region is home to a number of trail riding businesses offering rides through the bush or on the beach and catering to all levels of experience. Try Spring Creek Horse Rides at Bellbrae (www.springcreekhorserides.com.au), Blazing Saddles at Airey’s Inlet (www.blazingsaddlestrailrides.com), Koombahla Park in Ocean Grove (www. koombahlapark.com.au) or Seamist Trail Rides in Wensleydale (phone 5288 7255).

There is also the Saddle On Riding School at Lovely Banks, offering horse riding camps, BMX, buggy and archery activities and an animal farm. Saddle On is not open to the public all the time, so call 0412 773 411or visit www.saddleon.com.au

Fun in the water A lazy day at the pool is the traditional way to spend summer holidays. These days, you can combine a trip to the pool

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and the playground, with fabulous water playgrounds at Leisure Link Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Waurn Ponds and Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre at Ocean Grove. If you prefer an outdoor pool environment try Kardinia Aquatic Centre in Geelong.

If it’s fun of the watery type you’re after and you have a hankering for a theme park, forget Queensland. Our region is home to Victoria’s biggest theme park –

“A l a z y da y a t th e pool is th e tra dition a l wa y to spe n d su m m e r h ol ida ys.”

Adventure Park. The park has 21 rides and attractions, picnic areas and BBQs for hire. Visit www.adventurepark.com.au

Go on safari Werribee Open Range Zoo is home to giraffes, rhinos, hippos, lions, cheetahs, zebras, meerkats and the newly arrived gorillas, to name just a few. Take the safari bus (included in the admission price) for a

45 minute drive across the grassy plains and then walk the trails to see the other animals. There are plenty of kids’ activities along the way, including the chance to dig for dinosaur “bones” or have a go at African dancing.

It’s less than an hour’s drive up the highway and an even more attractive family day out since admission for children under 16 is free during Victorian school holidays, public holidays and weekends. Visit www.zoo.org. au for more information.

If you’re up for a longer day trip, head out of Geelong in the other direction to Weeaproinah’s Otway Fly Treetop Adventures (www.otwayfly.com). Home to the Otway Fly Treetop Walk and the new eco-adventure Otway Fly Zip Line tour, the first of its kind in Victoria, Otway Fly Treetop Adventures is about an hour and half’s drive from Geelong. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, you can walk the Prehistoric Path and check out the dinosaurs, or if you have time, head to nearby Triplet Falls in the Great Otway National Park.

Have a Day out with Thomas & the Bellarine Railway The Bellarine Railway, “Victoria’s second biggest Heritage Railway Attraction”, runs

between Queenscliffe and Drysdale with a number of family events on the calendar.

Thomas the Tank Engine and some of his friends will be returning to the railway in December and January and ticket prices include, among other things, a train ride behind Douglas or Dodge (40 minutes return), Troublesome Truck rides with Thomas, live re-enactments with Thomas and other characters, Thomas movie theatre screenings and photo opportunities galore. You can buy tickets on the day, but you’re advised to prebook, which you can do at www.bpr.org.au or by calling Sir Topham Hatt’s secretary, Monday to Friday, between 10.00am and 4.00pm on 5258 2069.

The Railway also offers Bike Hire and Park and Ride experiences. You can leave your car at Drysdale, take the train to Queenscliff and spend some time exploring, then return by train in the late afternoon to Drysdale. If cycling is your thing, you can leave the car at Drysdale, cycle downhill to Queenscliff on the Bellarine Rail Trail (which runs beside the railway) then catch the train back to Drysdale with your bike carried safely in the Guard’s Van. If you don’t have your own bike, you can hire one from the Railway at Drysdale Station.

For prices, terms and conditions and ideas about what to do and see while cycling the Bellarine Rail Trail visit www.bpr.org.au

Here are some ways to spend your time in Queenscliff: With over 150 years of Australia’s heritage on display, Fort Queenscliff (www.fortqueenscliff.com.au) is one of Victoria’s most important heritage sites and one of the largest and best preserved forts in the country. It’s also an operating Australian Army Base. The Fort Museum holds fascinating military artefacts and visitors can try on the uniforms dating from various points in time. Guided tours are available and take about one and half hours, including a visit to the museum and the magazines buried under the cliffs of Shortland’s Bluff.

The Queenscliffe Marine Discovery Centre provides education and eco-tourism services showing visitors the wonders of the marine environment. It conducts special programs for adults and children throughout the year during school holidays and on weekends, offering a variety of fun activities such as Rockpool Rambles, children’s craft and canoeing trips on

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Swan Bay and Marine Biology Cruises. If you visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fisheries/ education-and-training/marine-discoverycentre you can register to receive a holiday program prior to each school holiday.

Whether you’re a maritime buff or not, the history of our region’s coastline and shipping and fishing industries is fascinating. Much of it is on display at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum. Find out about the the ship wrecks, the rescues and lifeboats, and the Sea Pilots who continue to bring ships safely through the Rip and into port. For more information, visit www.maritimequeenscliffe.org.au or call 5258 3440.

Rainy days They can be a feature of summer in our region, as can days that are too hot and windy to be comfortably outside.

Fortunately, our region has activities that cater for inclement weather.

The National Wool Museum and Ford Discovery Centre are great places for kids of all ages. They have hands on activities for kids and often hold special exhibitions. You can save by buying a combined ticket and visit both in the one day.

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The Wool Museum (www.nwm.vic.gov.au) presents the history of the wool industry in interactive ways that appeal to kids – not to mention the chance to watch carpet being made on the giant 1910 Axminster Jacquard carpet loom. The Museum also hosts regular exhibitions and runs school holiday programs.

The Ford Discovery Centre (www.forddiscovery.com) is billed as more than a car museum; it’s a showcase of automotive technology and a behind the scenes look at how cars are made. It’s also not just for Ford fans.

Favourite exhibits include real production robots, a behind the scenes look at Ford’s design studio, the world’s first Ute (designed and built in Geelong) and the many hands-on displays and activities.

Geelong Gallery (www.geelonggallery.org.au) has a stunning and varied collection of permanent art as well as special exhibitions. Follow the Art Sleuth through the Gallery to hunt for clues and uncover the hidden secrets of the wonderful world of art during Eye Spy School Holiday Children’s Tours on Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 January, 2012 at 10.30am.

Bookings are essential: phone 5229 3645.

We’re all going on a summer holiday…

Remember the family holiday when you were a kid? Did it involve tents and caravans and hanging out with the kids you met in the queue for an ice cream at the caravan park kiosk?

Do you remember the endless days at the beach and queues for the shower to wash the sand off before crawling into your sleeping bag?

D

espite the fact that every second family seems to be heading for Thailand or Bali, the traditional Aussie family holiday still survives and is becoming ever more popular. Every year, hundreds of families pack up their caravans and tents and head for our region’s fabulous beachfront caravan parks. Many of them have been doing it for years and now have two or three generations coming along. Some are locals and some travel for hours to set up their home away from home each summer. Judy Baulch spoke to one family about what keeps them coming back to their summer family holiday spot.

One summer in the early 1970s, in an effort to avoid “getting into a rut” with family holidays, Ken and Cath Birkett and their children Sue, Linda, Jenni and Ric stayed in a caravan at a friend’s holiday house in Anglesea. They loved it so much, the next year they booked a site at the Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park, then known as the Anglesea Family Caravan Park.

That was about 37 summers ago and the Birkett clan, now numbering 22 and spanning three generations with grandchildren aged 26 to seven, can still be found every January enjoying Anglesea beach and each other’s company. So much for avoiding the rut, but it’s one they all seem more than happy to stay stuck in.

“All our family loved the beach,” says Linda. “As each of us married and had families, we all slowly bought our own van.

We all lead busy lives, so it’s the one time where we can all be together as a family. All our children have been going to Anglesea since birth, nappy buckets and all! Our children love it as much as we do, so why would we stop going?”

At first, the six Birketts travelled two and a half hours from East Doncaster. “There were no freeways at that time and we’d have to drive through the city with our huge van,” Linda recalls. “Dad tried many different routes over the years!”

Sue, who estimates that all those summers add up to two and a half years of her life, was 14 that first summer and

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From left to right: Michael Birkett, Pete Meates, Luke Meeking Jenni Cormick, Jake Cormick, Col Cormick, Ben Meates, Abbey Cormick, Ryan Meeking, Stacey Meates, Ric Birkett (hat), Kara Meeking Sue Meeking, Erin Meeking, Hannah Meates, Danny Birkett (on lap), Pam Birkett, Ross Meeking Caitlyn Cormick, Linda Meates.

Front: Ken and Cath Birkett.

agrees it was the beach that originally lured them back. “That beach is fantastic!

We met lots of other teenagers and surfed or enjoyed the beach for hours every day,” she says.

Ric was six when the family first camped at Anglesea. “Basically, it’s all I’ve known,” he says. “I’m not sure what you do if you don’t go to Anglesea for summer.”

Back then, the family would arrive on Boxing Day and stay until the end of January, as Cath loved to be there for as long as possible. Ken would have some time off work and then travel down on weekends – something that continues as a fairly common arrangement among regular holidaymakers at the park. Even when Cath and Ken moved to Mooroopna (near Shepparton) in the early 1980s and the journey to Anglesea stretched to four hours, the annual trek continued. Linda and her husband Peter and children Stacey, Hannah and Ben now travel from Kialla each year (“With better freeways, it’s a three and a half hour trip”), while Sue and Ross and children Ryan, Kara, Erin and Luke tow their van from Kyabram as they have done since moving there 26 years ago.

“The trek to Anglesea is [still] four hours for us, but the draw of meeting all our family on that gorgeous beach and special Anglesea friends means we don’t blink an eyelid,” Sue says. “We just get up earlier and pack days before!”

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Jenni, now married to Col, has three teenagers, Caitlyn, Abbey and Jake, “who wouldn’t miss Anglesea for the world”, despite the three hour drive from the Goulbourn Valley. “As the years have gone on and our kids have made their own friends, they look forward to catching up each year,” Jenni says. “We have lifelong family friends from Anglesea as well.

Some are still camping each year and some just come back and visit.”

Ric, his wife Pam, and their children Michael and Danny live in Melbourne, but despite having the shortest drive, they still manage to be the last to arrive each year.

“They think we time our arrival to make sure there are plenty of family around to help us get our annexe up,” Ric confides.

“The truth is that we time our arrival to make sure that there are plenty of family around to help us get our annexe up!”

Although the family members now holiday at the park at different times during January, they have two weeks that overlap and look forward to it all year.

“I think one of the special things about Anglesea is that we’ve got so many generations together,” Linda says. “We may not see some of our friends during the year, but catch up on the year’s events in January and see how everyone has changed. Age means nothing at Anglesea.”

“Anglesea time for our family is precious,” adds Sue. “Our families are in contact all

year, but the time at Anglesea is such a great chance to catch up and enjoy each other. This is getting even more important because we live in the country and our grown children are making their own lives, so we can all keep up by getting together for two weeks.”

Ric also considers the annual stay important for keeping in touch with the family. “With all the family in the Goulburn Valley, and us in Melbourne, the two weeks camping at Anglesea each year gives us the chance to really catch up with the clan. It’s especially great for our kids [aged seven and 10] to have the chance to play with their cousins and get spoilt by their aunties, uncles and grandparents. There is never a dull moment for them but, most of all, the majority of the holiday is spent outside and being active.”

For many years, the holiday was spent at the same sites in what came to be known as “Sippy Sip Lane”, named after the traditional five o’clock happy hour gathering that takes place each evening.

Then park policies forced a change and the families are now getting used to new sites, two minutes’ walk from Cath and Ken’s permanent site. The four ‘new’ sites are close enough to each other that the vans (and tents for the kids) can be set up with a communal area in the middle, while still allowing everyone space to themselves. Setting up can take all day – “we keep stopping to talk,” Linda says - as

every year someone brings out something new like a wardrobe or water cooler.

evening drink, which grows as passers by join in. You simply can’t do that in a motel.”

Although there have always been those who brought along all the home comforts, including the kitchen sink and washing machine, “What people bring for their family holiday [now] is amazing and can include plasma TV’s and PlayStations,” says Kristie Walters, Office Manager at Anglesea Beachfront Family Caravan Park.

You could also add laptops, DVD players and the odd satellite dish to the list. The Birkett clan don’t bring televisions, although Cath and Ken do have one in their van that comes in handy when the cricket’s on. However, they have had to roll with other changes over the years.

As Linda says, “No one is alone [on our holiday] unless they want to be. Anyone can be at anyone’s site at any time. We all mix, not just our family, but our friends as well.”

“We had a coin deposit shower made of old stone brick when we first went to Anglesea,” Sue says. “It’s now a resort standard caravan park and very well maintained. We weren’t looking for these improvements, because they come with a cost increase and the need for security and tough park rules, but they are advantageous.

“As teenagers we used to meet so many interesting people. Every day there was someone to surf or share the holiday with.

We boogie boarded for hours on end and only returned when we were hungry! Now the younger families mostly populate the park because there are incredibly good facilities for that stage of family life.

However, it has tightened the ease with which teenagers enjoy the park. Still, we’ve gone with the changes, as the expectations of holiday makers have changed. We love being there together, which is all that really matters.”

Despite the changes, the siblings can see why holidaying in caravan parks is such a popular option for families. “Families would struggle to afford a motel for the length of time we can have at the caravan,” Sue points out, “and meeting people is easy and a pleasure.”

“Caravan parks are a great place for families, you spend so much time outside in a relaxed atmosphere which gives you plenty of opportunity to get to know others and socialise or just simply relax,” Jenni adds. “Families with young children love it, there’s plenty for the kids to do within the park, on their bikes, and the great advantage at Anglesea is that everything is within walking distance – beach, shops, pub!”

For Ric, it’s the ability to set up a communal area. “We’re all within yelling distance and can share meals and an

There are also other things that are traditional to the summer holiday: dinners out with the whole family, a night at the pub, coffees at the shops and walks to Point Roadknight. Cath and Ken’s and Ross and Sue’s wedding anniversaries are celebrated, as well as Cath’s birthday.

Sometimes trips to Torquay or Lorne happen on rainy days, but there have been years when the family has rarely left Anglesea for the whole holiday.

“The weather has always determined the type of holiday we have,” Linda says.

“Probably this year was the worst. Our camp site was flooded out – in the end

“Anglesea time for our family is precious...Our families are in contact all year, but the time at Anglesea is such a great chance to catch up and enjoy each other.” we had to be dragged out of the mud and moved to another site. We thought about coming home as everything was wet and the rain was going to continue, but our kids wouldn’t hear of it!”

Most of the traditions are flexible, Sue says. “It’s just that over the years we have done things we like to do again, so we have various things happen each year: hikes on the cliff tops; a long tea where the whole street eats on one long, long table with three BBQ’s on the go; a seafood meal; sing song with the guitars; and the annual family photo [a tradition of Ken’s that requires much organisation in order to have 22 people in front of the camera on the same day at the same time].”

No matter what they do with the rest of the day though, at five o’clock it’s “Sippy Sip” time.

“We all bring out a plate of nibbles and a drink and sit together to talk,” Linda says.

“There’re always at least 30 people – at times up to 50. Colin even made a street sign, ‘Sippy Sip Lane’, that was up for a few years. The park eventually took it down, but we still call Mum and Dad’s street Sippy Sip Lane. We can have Sippy Sip anywhere; mainly it’s our sites or Mum and Dad’s. And it’s always BYO chairs.”

“Sippy Sip time is mandatory,” Sue says.

“It’s when we share the day. Sometimes the circle is so big you can’t talk across it.

Over the years babies have been fed at Sippy Sip, children’s return from the beach and shower had a ‘Sippy Sip’ curfew and very special announcements have been celebrated.”

Because it’s not only lifelong friendships that have been forged during the Anglesea summers. “We all had the odd boyfriend or girlfriend in the earlier years, but Linda’s story is the best...” Jenni says.

“Pete and I met at Anglesea and announced our engagement there,” Linda explains. “Pete invited his father down and got all the campers in our street together and made the announcement. It was lots of fun.”

“Sippy Sip time is like a baptism of fire for the boyfriends and girlfriends,” Ric says. “If the boyfriends can survive the traditional ‘grilling of the uncles’ and the girlfriends can gain the aunties’ nod of approval, they’re in with a chance.”

“All the boy and girlfriends from home have had the ‘experience’ of camping in the van with the Birkett family. I guess if they survived that they were OK for the next step!” adds Sue. She and Ross have the distinction of “spoiling” one January by getting married on the 16th. “We didn’t even consider the inconvenience at the time. Our family was too nice to bother us with complaints.

[After that] there was only one year we couldn’t go for the usual holiday. We went down for one night because we had to.

Our son Luke was born a few days later.”

For summer number 38 at Anglesea, the plan is the same as the 37 summers before for the extended Birkett clan – family, friends, beach, relax – and they don’t plan to get out of their “rut” anytime soon.

“I think we all realise we have something special here, in being able to spend quality, relaxed time together,” Jenni says.

“Anglesea is simply a part of our lives.

I just can’t imagine not having it.”

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Photo Credit: Lisa Mora www.vintagecaravanmagazine.com.au

It’s cool to caravan

I

t’s official – camping and caravan holidays are cool again. A 2010 survey by Australian recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturer, Jayco, reveals that Gen Y no longer see RV holidays as something their daggy parents would do, with six out of ten 18 -34 year olds questioned saying that caravanning is once more a cool way to holiday.

The online survey, conducted by research company Pure Profile, asked 1004 Australians their opinions on caravanning holidays. The results revealed that while some still prefer the luxury of a five-star break, a larger than expected majority would like to rough it on the road in camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes. More than half would consider buying a caravan for family holidays, rather than using traditional hotel accommodation.

While half of the Gen Y age group had not yet experienced a caravan holiday, 65 per cent would consider caravanning around Australia rather than embarking on the traditional rite of passage of backpacking overseas. The majority of those surveyed said the appeal of caravanning is the freedom it brings: 63 per cent like that you can pack up and go wherever you want, whenever you want; and 47 per cent like

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Judy Baulch the idea of a holiday where their friends can join them along the way.

Caravanning is also seen as economical, with one in two Gen Y-ers believing a holiday in a caravan is cheaper than paying for international flights and accommodation (that’s lucky, because the survey also showed they would rather see more of Australia than travel overseas, even though in the UK “caravanning is now so cool that festivalgoers are using them,” according to one internet enthusiast.)

According to Caravanning News (www.caravanningnews.com), Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia figures show caravanning in Australia is booming.

Production of Australian-made caravans and RVs is at a 30-year high, with over 21,000 new caravans and RVs manufactured in 2010. Sales of second hand RVs are up and companies who specialise in RVs for hire are also doing well from the new cool cred of caravanning.

But why is this style of holiday popular again, especially for families and young people?

Over 70 per cent of respondents in the

Jayco survey believe buying an RV for the family is cheaper in the long run, while 27 per cent have fond memories of their own childhood caravanning experiences, something the marketing for the industry certainly taps into. For example, this from the July newsletter of the Prestige Jayco dealership in Geelong and Bendigo: “Do you remember when you were a kid the joys of caravanning? Sleeping in the annexe, sitting around open fires playing with other kids you just met and making up fun adventurous games? It’s a memory, a feeling that stays with you forever…it’s probably one of the reasons why you now own your very own caravan!”

better equipped than ever before, and there is a make and model to suit every taste,” says Jayco’s Marketing Director, Andrew Ryan. “[They] are comfortable to live in, with all the proper amenities including running water, fridges, microwaves and, depending on the model you have, a shower and toilet.”

And it’s probably part of the answer. How often are camping and caravanning holidays prompted by the nostalgia of parents remembering a time when summer holidays were simpler, filled with long days at the beach and evenings spent playing hide and seek in the dark?

“Do you remember when you were a kid the joys of caravanning? ... It’s a memory, a feeling that stays with you forever...”

However, “It’s [also] because of its cost, freedom and flexibility,” says Rob Lucas, CEO of Caravan Industry Australia, Victorian Trades Division (CIAVic). “Apart from the initial purchase, [caravans] continue to be very a cost effective way to take a holiday for a few days or longer, coupled with a sense of freedom to go where you want at any time. If you decide to go caravanning or camping on Thursday, by the weekend you can be in a number of sensational locations in Victoria, in particular. So it’s not hard to see that all of this contributes to people making memories that last a lifetime.”

Another reason may be that caravans can now truly be your home away from home, with no need to rough it or queue for showers or toilets if you don’t want to.

“Modern RVs are more comfortable and

You can also add air conditioning, iPod connectivity and televisions with built in DVD players.

“It’s an area that has changed significantly over the past decade,” agrees Rob. “Many people still have the perception that when they go away they won’t have the same mod cons they have at home. If you want

to rough it you can, but if you prefer some of the luxuries of home, this can be accommodated as well. The kitchens in caravans can look like the designer kitchens you find in new homes and, in some vans, the ensuite is just as wonderful. Flat screen TVs, satellite accessories and queen size beds are just a few of the items you can include in your modern caravan.”

Andrew says style and personalisation are becoming more prevalent in the minds of customers buying new caravans. “We are noticing a growing trend towards customers wanting their caravan to reflect their own unique tastes.”

For example, Jayco’s caravan and motorhome ranges include “stylish” timber furniture, European door handles and venetian blinds on kitchen windows.

Vans can be customised by choosing different bench tops and floor finishes.

You can also have a mini-safe installed and purchase “entertainment add-ons” such as an external BBQ and LCD TV. There are also vans designed for those who want to take their “toys” along, such as push bikes, dirt bikes, surfboards and jet skis. These range from the simple addition of roof and bike racks, to vans with the living area at the front and room for the toys in the back.

“The industry is very conscious of the need to be consumer focused all the time, so the design of recreational vehicles has changed and the variety of options is very wide,” says CIAVic’s Rob. “The industry manufactures many types of vehicles and camping equipment to suit all sorts of needs, whether going on or off road. From a camping perspective, tents, chairs, tables, bedding, cooking equipment and the good old esky have all improved, with a clear focus on the consumer’s needs.”

But it’s not just about what your caravan looks like and how comfortable it is. It’s where you can take it, from all around Australia to just down the road to your local beachfront caravan park.

“Caravan parks are now becoming resorts, with plenty of family friendly activities and facilities within a safe environment,” says Melissa Russell, Marketing Manager at the Prestige Group. “They’re also quite social places to meet like-minded people you can spend an afternoon or night with and share your holiday experiences.”

Ruby | 51

NOTICEBOARD

Good to Know: local news There is so much to love about living and working in Geelong, but one of our favourite things is the strong sense of community. So here a few things you should know about that are happening in our community ...

Remembering Amy

Sorting Out A Sticky Situation

Registrations are open for the 6th annual Amy’s Ride Victoria on January 2, 2012.

The recreational ride commences in Geelong’s Eastern Gardens and takes in the Bellarine Peninsula, with distances to suit beginners to accomplished riders, including a Kids Loop Option. Participants can join in with pro riders from all the teams competing in the Jayco Bay Criterium Series, including Robbie McEwen, Stuart O’Grady, Rochelle Gilmore and Belinda Goss.

When the star charts and plastic sheets haven’t worked, where do you turn to tackle bedwetting? In an average sized primary school of 300 children, about 30 children will be wetting the bed regularly. In the Geelong region, that equates to over 2,000 children who wet the bed. And if one parent wet the bed as a child, their own child has a 42 per cent chance of doing the same. If both parents wet the bed as children, the child has a 77 per cent chance of wetting the bed.

Organised by the Amy Gillett Foundation, Amy’s Ride aims to promote safe bicycling in Australia. All participants in Amy’s Ride Victoria will receive a show bag at the end of the ride and are welcome to join in a day of festivities afterwards, including the 2012 Jayco Bay Classic taking place in Eastern Park during the afternoon. A range of entertainment will be provided in Eastern Park, with face painting, a jumping castle, live music and the “Pub in the Park”.

But there is help at hand. The Barwon Health Continence Service has received a welcome boost thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Lions Club of Point Lonsdale. The donation will be used by the service to purchase new bell and pad alarms used in the treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis. The system has a urine sensitive bed-pad that triggers a highfrequency alarm – waking the child – and a monitoring system to monitor their progress.

For more information on Amy’s Ride Victoria and to register, visit www.amygillett.org.au

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While the exact cause of bedwetting remains unknown, there is treatment available for what is a common condition in childhood. Twelve per cent of children aged five will wet the bed;

eight per cent at age seven and four per cent at age 14.

The Continence Service will use the donation to purchase five new bell and pad alarms to help children receiving treatment. The service currently treats 82 children with primary nocturnal enuresis as well as providing advice and treatment for 110 children with a disability. The five new training units will allow the service to help approximately 30 additional children every year.

Continence Nurse Consultant, Shani Hill, explained that bedwetting becomes more of a problem as a child gets older, with the potential to affect their self-esteem.

“Many parents don’t seek help for their child, as it is seen as a common problem and they are usually told the child will grow out of it.

We know that in the adult population there are one to two per cent of people who have not grown out of bedwetting. So when a child is ready to get dry, it is best they have the treatment to do so. It is also better to have a motivated child dry at age seven, rather than have them grow out of it at age 10 or 12.”

NOTICEBOARD To contact the Barwon Health Continence Service, please phone 5279 2766.

Get your group on Addicted to group buying sites or just an avid bargain hunter? Well, you’re in good company – the group buying sector is expected to be generating $400 million by the end 2011. And now you can now pick up a Scoopon, LivingSocial or deal for Geelong.

Launching locally in November, Geelong became Scoopon’s eighth Australian location as the company continues to expand its network. Scoopon General Manager, Jon Beros, said Scoopon had signed on a number of local merchants across the region in preparation for the Geelong launch, saying demand is strong amongst business owners looking take advantage of the power of group buying in promoting their business.

In preparation for its launch Scoopon has signed on a number of local business owners.

Look out for Geelong Scoopons at www.scoopon.com.au.

LivingSocial is known for daily deals, but is now also launching LivingSocial Families in Geelong. The family focused site launched simultaneously in Geelong, Darwin, Canberra, Hobart and Newcastle, offering great deals on family activities such as dance classes, martial arts instruction, zoos, day trips, pet care, aquariums, art classes and more.

“We come up with the ideas, so you and your family can make the most out of your spare time. No planning, minimum stress, just fantastic ways to explore the best family fun on offer in your city,” says Colin Fabig, CEO of LivingSocial Australia and New Zealand.

LivingSocial Families can be found at: www.livingsocial.com/deals/181340

Teens say “No!” to sexual assault Year 9 students at North Geelong Secondary College have developed slogans for a campaign to prevent sexual assault entitled “Sexual Assault, we say NO!” Wristbands, stickers and posters emblazoned with slogans such as “If in

doubt, don’t whip it out” and “Saying I love you isn’t consent” were launched at a Blue Light Disco for year 8 and 9 students at North Geelong Secondary College involving Barwon Centre Against Sexual Assault and the Geelong Police SOCIT at North Geelong Secondary College on the 8th of December 2011.

The campaign has been developed as part of a three-year partnership between North Geelong Secondary College and Barwon CASA to implement the Sexual Assault Prevention Program in Secondary Schools (SAPPSS) for the first time in the region. The program involves training for staff and a Year 9 student curriculum around sex, consent and respectful relationships.

Kerry McFarlane, Client Program and Services Manager at Barwon Centre Against Sexual Assault said, “Sexual assault is a social problem

“The centenary of Victorian women’s first vote in a state election is a timely reminder that the right to vote is the cornerstone of modern democracy.” and we all have a responsibility to work towards its prevention. Working with young people in schools to educate them about respectful relationships is an important part of this process.”

Paul Dawson, Assistant Principal at North Geelong Secondary College said, “In my teaching of this program, I continue to be amazed at the improved attitudes of students involved. Their previous discussions on sexuality and sexual assault have tended to be limited to friends, who may not possess the most informed knowledge. The SAPPSS program is an incredibly rewarding program to be involved in.”

Sexual assault facts: 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men have experienced sexual violence over the age of 15 years

(Australian Bureau of Statistics 2005).

85% of victims/survivors know the offender (Australian Institute of Criminology 2001).

80% of victim survivors are girls and women (Australian Institute of Criminology 2001).

100 Years of Suffragette Legacy You may have been too busy to have noticed (and let’s face it, there are very few women who aren’t juggling a ‘to do’ list as long as their arm at this time of year!) but November 16 marked the centenary of the first female votes in a Victorian election. One hundred years on from that first female vote being cast in our fair state, the role of women in politics has dramatically grown (and it only took 99 years to get our first female Prime Minister!).

While Victorian women gained the vote in 1908, it could not be exercised until the following state election on 16 November 1911.

Celebrating the milestone, Victorian Minister for Women’s Affairs, Mary Woolridge, praised the inspiring Victorian women who have helped shape the electoral landscape over the past century. Speaking at the opening of the League of Women Voters of Victoria event Future Voices, Future Voters forum at Parliament House, Ms Woolridge said, “The centenary of Victorian women’s first vote in a state election is a timely reminder that the right to vote is the cornerstone of modern democracy.”

I wonder what the first woman elected to the Victorian Parliament would have made of it all?

Lady Millie Peacock, the widow of former Victorian Premier, Sir Alexander Peacock, was encouraged to stand for election in her husband’s seat following his death in 1933 by then Deputy Premier, and later the Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Robert Menzies. According to Wikipedia, Lady Peacock stood for by-election reluctantly, and still deeply in mourning, made no campaign speeches. She was sworn in as the first female Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly on 21 November 1933 and retired at the end of her term in 1935 stating: “Parliament is no place for a woman.”

Ruby | 53

ON PAGE

Holiday reading Summer is the perfect time to pull a chair into the shade, turn off the mobile phone and have some serious down time with a good book. With that in mind, here are a few of our favourites amongst the new summer reads.

The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty

D

o our past loves ever leave us?

This question is at the heart of Liane Moriarty’s captivating new novel, The Hypnotist’s Love Story. It is a strange and haunting tale, and is my pick of the new release summer reads.

Ellen O’Farrell is not so young anymore, and while she has had three serious relationships they have all ended – some well, some not so well. Passionate about her work as a hypnotherapist, Ellen finds genuine joy in helping her clients overcome their issues. When Ellen starts seeing a new man, she is surprised to find herself falling hard and fast, but will it lead to real love or just more disappointment?

When Ellen’s new boyfriend confesses that

54 | Ruby

his ex-girlfriend is stalking him, Ellen finds herself more curious than frightened. As the relationship evolves, she finds herself drawn to Saskia and wanting to know more about her obsessive behaviour and what happened to initiate it. Saskia has a high-powered career, she is smart and successful, but her compulsion to follow Patrick – and now his new girlfriend Ellen as well – is ruining her life. Actually, it has become her life, her whole life.

But how much does Ellen really know about Patrick? Has he moved on from the death of his first love? Why did he leave Saskia?

Does he really love Ellen?

I found the Hypnotist’s Love Story to be a fascinating, absorbing, intensely enjoyable read. I hope you do too.

ON PAGE

The Opal Desert

Hazel: My Mother’s Story

For Love Alone

by Di Morrissey

by Sue Pieters-Hawke

by Christina Stead

n the desert, in the heart of opal country, people live a life on the very edge of society. It is a place people go to follow their dreams, or to escape, or sometimes both. In this place of extremes the lives of three women intersect. Like the gems the opal hunters come to seek, the unlikely friendship of these women is unique and beautiful.

andid, intimate, and fascinating, the story of Hazel Hawke, as written by her daughter, is an extraordinary – and uniquely Australian – story. Sue PietersHawke has done what all biographers should do, but many fail to achieve, to honestly tell the story of a life. She explores the highs and lows of Hazel’s history in revealing detail. For years, Hazel passionately fought to defend the rights of everyday Australians.

here should always be at least one classic in every pile of summer reads, and while this may be a lesser-known work of Australian fiction, it deserves the title. Written in 1944 and set in 1930s Sydney and London, Stead’s semiautobiographical heroine, Teresa Hawkins, wants to break free from her staid life as a teacher in Sydney. Following a young scholar to England, Teresa finds herself in a damaged and damaging relationship. Only later does she come to understand the great passions and great compromises of real love.

I

Over the past 20 years, Di Morrissey has written 20 bestsellers in her 20-year career as an Australian author, and Opal Lake will be another - perfect summer reading.

C

Now, in a fight she can’t win against Alzheimer’s, her story is helping to raise awareness of this awful disease.

T

The The Language Spider Goddess of Flowers

The Language Ape House of Flowers

The Language Inheritance of Flowers

by Vanessa

by Tara Diffenbaugh Moss

by Vanessa

by SaraDiffenbaugh Gruen

by

by Vanessa Christopher Diffenbaugh Paolini

ara Moss returns with a delicious Goth-fest in The Spider Goddess.

Wrapped in fog in a hidden corner of Manhattan lies a suburb you won’t find on any map. Pandora English leaves her small town home to stay with a mysterious Great Aunt Celia in a haunted mansion in Spektor.

Here Pandora learns that she will inherit a rare and frightening gift – a gift that just might save New York – the city where killer fashion is earning a whole new meaning…

Moss has done it again.

T

rom the author of Water for Elephants comes this uplifting story of how six bonobo apes change the lives of three humans.

F

T

From poor farm boy to Shadeslayer and Dragon Rider, Eragon and his dragon Saphira, will face their final battle against the evil king, Galbatorix, as they fight to restore justice to Alagaësia.

The Spider Goddess is great fun.

Isabel Duncan, a scientist at the Great Ape Language Lab, doesn’t understand people, but animals she gets, especially the bonobos.

Isabel feels more comfortable in their world than she’s ever felt among humans . . . until she meets John Thigpen, a very married reporter who braves the ever-present animal rights protesters outside the lab to see what’s really going on inside.

he conclusion to this internationally bestselling series arrives just in time for summer and will have fantasy fans rushing the bookshop shelves.

The Inheritance Cycle is suitable for young adults as well.

Ruby | 55

WAURN PONDS SHOPPING CENTRE

YOU’LL FEEL RIGHT AT HOME 80 of your favourite stores all on one level Over 1,100 FREE all day & 3 hour car parking spaces Easy access from Princes Hwy & minutes off the Geelong Ring Road 8-screen Reading Cinema complex Coles & Woolworths supermarkets Fashion, fresh food & cafes Parents Room – young families will enjoy this dedicated space, with private feeding booths, enclosed play area, change tables & wash basin

FREE FUN

GETTING ACTIVE GET MOVING Workshops

MONDAY 2 – FRIDAY 6 JAN 11am to 3pm dailyy - Different activities every day!

dirtgirlworld The Growing Green Activity Centre MONDAY 9 – FRIDAY 13 JAN 11am to 2pm daily - Pot your own plant!

GETTING ACTIVE BACK TO SCHOOL Craft Workshops MONDAY 16 – FRIDAY 20 JAN 11am to 3pm dailyy - Different activities every day!

GETTING ACTIVE AUSSIE ICONS Craft Workshops MONDAY 23 – FRIDAY 27 JAN 11am to 3pm dailyy - Different activities every day!

ACTIVITIES WILL BE LOCATED OUTSIDE TARGET

Visit www.waurnpondssc.com.au/news/whats-on/ for the full schedule of daily activity.

äÎÊxÓ{{ÊÓxnäÊUÊ173 - 199 Pioneer Road, Waurn Ponds 3216 © 2009 dirtgirlworld productions pty ltd and DECODE/Dirtgirl Productions Inc. dirtgirlworld is a trademark of dirtgirlworld productions pty ltd and Decode Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.dirtgirlworld.com