Hibernate AU Autumn 2021

Hibernate AUTUMN EDITION 2021

MALAYSIAN CUISINE

DISCOVER VICTORIA

DOG&BOY DESIGNS

Lily’s love language is cooking for others.

Getting out and about in autumn.

Where storytelling meets timeless fashion.

n m u t u A the air! is in WELCOME TO HIBERNATE, OUR AUTUMN EDITION Hi there, fellow autumn lovers! Join us as we avoid blinking for the coming months because autumn is already taking over Victoria’s gardens, streets, and parks.

Deep reds, rusty coppers, vibrant oranges, bright yellows. This autumnal palette awaits you, whether you’re strolling through a local reserve or relaxing at home.

If you’re still reeling from our fly-by summer, here’s a reminder of the delights awaiting you in autumn. Chocolate eggs! Oh, you want more? How about crisp mornings, clear days, cosy clothing, golden leaves, seasonal festivals, weekend markets… and chocolate eggs. Flip to pages 6 and 7 for events, activities, and an authentic Italian dining experience you can enjoy at home.

A season for reflection and living consciously, autumn is full of opportunities for self-care. Matt Leacy explains how getting dirty in the garden can help us lead healthier, more balanced lives. Settle in for Matt’s practical yet entertaining advice on pages 8 and 9.

Wellness comes from many sources, with nutritious food near the top of the list. Lily graces our pages with an introduction to Malaysian cuisine.

She shares her personal cooking history on pages 12 and 13 and recipes from her kitchen on pages 14 and 15.

With full bellies and planted gardens, it must be time for a stroll under the turning leaves. Flip back to pages 10 and 11 for Victoria’s prettiest parks during autumn. And be sure to check Abby Button’s scarf styling guide on page 16 before you brave the cooler temperatures.

Once you’ve returned from your adventure, curl up with a hot drink and turn to pages 18 and 19. Sonya Michele shares her incredible journey founding dog&boy, the scarf label creating special moments for women through one of a kind storytelling.

Thanks for joining our colourful autumn adventure, Victoria!

Kylie And the adventurous Ryman Healthcare team.

CONTENTS

06

04

A JOY FUL AU T U MN An everyday pioneer, Joy creates community everywhere she goes.

09

SE A S ONA L GA R D EN ING

OUT AN D ABOUT Hot spots, seasonal festivals, and weekend markets to visit.

07

A TASTE OF ITALY Explore the flavour and aromas Lygon Street has to offer.

Or have it delivered!

11

G ET LOST

We explore the most visually stunning autumnal gardens in Victoria.

These nutritious vegetables will happily grow in the cold.

16

WRAP U P WA R M

13

R EC IPES FROM M A L AYS IA Ready for a holiday? Let your tastebuds take a tour of Malaysia!

18

LIFEST YLE ONLINE

Stylist Abby Button talks scarves. Practical and stylish, they’re about to become your go-to autumn accessory!

Visit our blog rymanhealthcare.com.au/lifestyle for seasonal lifestyle articles.

Recipes, book reviews, travel destinations, décor crafts, and much more.

D O G & BOY Blending original storytelling with quality fabrics has put this fashion label on the map.

Be in to win a $150 dog&boy voucher in our winter warmer prize pack valued at over $600! Competition entry details on page 19.

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Meet Joy Bubbly and upbeat, Joy tells it as it is with an infectiously positive point of view. At the heart of that positivity?

Community and family.

T“ here’s colour ae’rlel around us. Wby trees! ” surrounded 4 | Hibernate

Joy spent the past 50 years helping to build and grow her local rugby league club – and with it, her community.

A mission of the club is “to focus on improving the lives of children and families within our community”. And Joy personally tended to this throughout her club tenure. On the field as a front-row forward, in the kitchen, and at after-match functions, Joy was there to brighten the day and keep everything running smoothly.

When describing what community means to her Joy says, “This is what we do”. For her, it’s as simple as that. Giving to others and forming connections is second nature - it’s what she does. Taking in kids who need a helping hand, cooking hams for her neighbours and baking treats to share are Joy’s everyday acts of kindness. Lately, she’s been rallying the troops to ensure there are enough game tables set up in her community social area for everyone to have a go. Determined and resolute, Joy gets things done!

Calling on her professional catering skills, Joy celebrated Matariki this year with an oven hangi and delicious Māori fry bread with cream and jam for her neighbours. In September, Māori language week was celebrated with mussel fritters, corn fritters and fry bread, of course!

Community and food intertwine for Joy – a good meal is a reason to gather, connect, and spend time.

For Joy and her husband Peter, their village is one big, happy family. “We moved here after 51 years living just down the road. We brought up our children then the grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived. So, we sold the house and came over here to have some fun!” Joy laughs that she was “sick and tired of cutting lawns, tending gardens, and being too short to reach the windows”.

With autumn on her doorstep, there’ll be plenty of chore-free time for Joy to share, play, cook, and sing with her family of friends and neighbours over the coming months.

Special thanks to Joy, a resident at Ryman’s Murray Halberg Village, for sharing her stories. Joy has also shared a delicious steamed pudding recipe that she says tastes best when shared.

You can try it at: rymanhealthcare.com.au/lifestyle.

Embracing Autumn

Joy

with

Traditionally a busy time of harvest and social connection, we asked Joy how she makes the most of autumn.

WHERE’S A GREAT SPOT TO ENJOY AUTUMN LEAVES NEARBY?

Right outside my window. There’s colour all around us. We’re surrounded by trees!

And there are lots of old trees across the road that look great in autumn.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS SEASON?

Preparing for winter and looking forward to the rugby league season and all the good things that go along with that.

HOW DO YOU GET TO KNOW ALL YOUR NEIGHBOURS?

We see new people move in and we go talk to them with our name badges on.

I asked everyone in the building if they wanted name badges and everyone did, so I arranged it and we wear them proudly at social events.

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON SPENDING THE COOLER MONTHS?

We’ll do a lot of walking outside because we enjoy that and we’ll spend time with family – we often go to nearby parks.

Also, bingo and cards!

Sitting in the front row, second from the right, Joy is one of Ryman’s latest Pioneers and can be found gracing billboards across Victoria.

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g n i t a r b e l e C ant vibr

a i r o t c i V

Autumn days may be cooler but they’re often clear and bright. Perfect conditions to hit the road or enjoy some al fresco online shopping from your balcony. Supporting local is more important than ever – which means plenty of gift giving via online stores and (fingers crossed) coffee and adventure breaks outdoors.

a d l i K St ns #2

i u g n e P

Famous for more than ice cream and sunbathers, St Kilda has a penguin colony. The penguins decided that the St Kilda breakwater would make a lovely home in the 1970s and have continued to arrive just after sunset every night since.

All the penguins ask of us is to treat their families and nesting sites with respect. stkildapenguins.com.au

#1

CASTLEMAINE DIGGINGS NATIONAL HERITAGE PARK, CASTLEMAINE Travel back to the 1850s and explore the mines and gullies of what was once the richest goldfield in the world. Castlemaine Diggings is a must-see for insight into the goldrush. Discover settlement life, the unique characters who lived there, and their incredible finds.

It’s worth setting aside plenty of time to explore the Park’s fascinating landscapes and remains.

These feature huts, puddling machines, sluices, quartz roasting kilns, crushing sites, and burial grounds.

That is, if you’re not too busy bushwalking, cycling, picnicking, or gold prospecting!

If travel isn’t an option right now, start planning a future adventure here: visitmelbourne.com/ Regions/Goldfields/Destinations/Castlemaine 6 | Hibernate

#4 Fallen Giants, Halls Gap Planted on the eastern slopes of the Grampians in 1969, Fallen Giants features red clay loom soil dating back 380 million years. This vineyard invites visitors to stay awhile and enjoy its amazing views over the Grampians and grapevines. The cellar door offers wine tasting plus a playground for the kids. If your tasting turns into a purchase, picnics are encouraged with blankets provided to sit on and enjoy the wine with local produce.

South ne r u o b l Me Market Be a ‘local #5

#3

A treasured city landmark since 1867, South Melbourne Market bursts with goods from local farmers, artists, designers, and makers. This is a place for food, drink, conversation, and entertainment. The permanent stalls let you plan your weekly shopping while the pop-up shops present exciting opportunities to discover new talent. A destination for not only the local community but all Victorians, the market features live music, events, and activities for all ages. If it’s your first time, book a guided tour for ‘behind the scenes’ access and samples, samples, samples! southmelbournemarket.com.au

tourist ’ for a day !

Old Melbourne Gaol It’s not uncommon to let attractions in your own backyard slip through your fingers. If you haven’t visited the Old Melbourne Gaol before, it’s well worth adding to an itinerary for when you’re ready to explore the region.

Now a museum, the building operated as a prison from 1842 to 1929 and doubled as the execution site of many of Australia’s most infamous criminals. 133 prisoners, including Ned Kelly himself, were executed here. Step into the cells and appreciate the incredibly hard conditions the prisoners endured.

#6

LYGON STREET ITALIAN PRECINCT Our very own taste of Italy, Lygon Street is set in a leafy suburb beside Melbourne CBD. The rich café culture found here helped influence Melbourne’s renowned coffee status. And after coffee, you’ll find world-class Italian dining from lunch till late. For the full experience, take a stroll from one end to the other as the staff try to coax you in with wine deals and delicious aromas wafting from their kitchens.

If you’re not heading outdoors tonight, order from Lygon Street favourite brunetti.com.au for an Italian-inspired evening at home.

Considered to be haunted by some, the museum’s ghost tour promises an unforgettable experience! oldmelbournegaol.com.au

Visit our blog rymanhealthcare.com.au/lifestyle for more seasonal activities.

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Muddy toes & healthy bodies

with Matt Leacy

Aussie garden expert and horticultural celebrity Matt Leacy writes about how getting dirty in the garden can have positive health benefits, both physically and mentally.

Garden-based work continually ranks high on lists of jobs that make people happy. I consider myself very lucky to love all aspects of my job. But I find that I’m happiest when I’m outdoors on-site, seeing my designs come to fruition. And spending time in my own garden with my family on the weekend.

From planning, digging, and planting to caring for and watching flowers bloom, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the garden. Here are just some of the many health benefits you can enjoy while spending time in your garden or tending to your balcony planters and pots.

“Soaking upn the vitamin D pi s build garden hel ty.” bone densi

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WHY ARE MY MUSCLES SORE? I’VE ONLY BEEN GARDENING!

Incidental exercise is rife in the garden – it’s not hard to work up a sweat when you’re busy tinkering in the soil. Pruning and weeding can burn around 250 calories per hour, which is the same amount burnt during moderate exercises like swimming and walking.

LET YOURSELF DRIFT AWAY WITH THE GARDEN FAIRIES

Known for helping people with mental illness and general anxiety, gardening is a highly relaxing activity. It can be done solo or socially with family and friends.

Monotonous tasks like weeding have the power to calm your mind. You might notice your breathing become more regular and feel your mind drift calmly among the leaves and flowers. Welcome to gardening meditation.

Over time, you’ll be able to enjoy the calming and deeply satisfying task of patiently watching and waiting as your plants sprout, grow, and thrive.

Get some dirt under your nails Good bacteria in soil have been found to release mood-lifting serotonin to help relieve anxiety and boost immunity.

Seasonainl g garden tips with

Matt

Autumn is the perfect time to finish off any nagging gardening jobs so you can enjoy a relaxing winter.

1/ Trimming hedges and shrubs

now will give you a winter off pruning. Consider where the sunlight will shine through during winter and trim branches to allow more sunrays where you need them.

HOMEGROWN VEGETABLES TO KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY

Here are my favourite immunity-boosting foods to plant and grow in cool seasons.

• Snow peas, kale, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.

If you eat less salad in autumn, add tomatoes to soups and pasta bases.

• Onion, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, carrots, broad beans, and garlic all grow well in cooler seasons.

• Spinach leaves grow lush in full sun with regular watering. Sauté with garlic and olive oil for a quick side dish.

• Chinese greens thrive in a temperate vegetable patch. Pak choi (bok choy) is perfect in stir fry, oriental soup, and pad thai.

2/ Add nutritional value and

water-holding capability to your soil by cultivating garden beds with organic compost and slow-release fertiliser.

3/ Remove any weeds and

cover garden beds with a thick layer of mulch. Around 100mm depth is ideal to provide insulation and minimise water loss.

4/ Plant and grow immunity-

boosting foods. Plenty of herbs and vegetables enjoy cool conditions. Right when we need them the most!

5/ Try food-scaping for small

Visit our blog rymanhealthcare.com.au/lifestyle for more gardening tips and tricks.

space gardens. Simply add edible plants into your garden design. And for increased accessibility, use pots or raised garden beds.

Hibernate | 9

Gold trees and where to find them

A stroll upon dewy grass under falling leaves offers a special type of serenity. Gorgeous warm hues and fresh air are what we all need before the cold snap of winter arrives. When you’re ready to venture outdoors you’ll find that Victoria is a visual feast just waiting to be enjoyed! First stop? Our top three autumn gardens.

e d a l G Forestdens Gar MOUNT MACEDON

Prepare yourself to be dazzled by the refined elegance of these gardens. Open year-round, there’s a small fee to enjoy the grounds.

Originally owned by wealthy Melbourne residents, the gardens feature 6 hectares of exotic trees, a bonsai garden, beautiful woodlands, and an enchanting fern gully.

ALFRED NICHOLAS MEMORIAL GARDENS, DANDENONG RANGES

Capturing all the magic of autumn in one, these free gardens deserve to be at the top of your autumnal adventures list.

Located a short hour away from Melbourne, it’s a perfect day trip destination. Tree lovers will enjoy beech, maple and ash leaves as they come alive with vibrant yellows, deep reds, and playful oranges.

Set against nature’s vibrant backdrop, the gardens feature picturesque waterfalls, sculptures, bridges, ponds, and the delightful sounds of the 130-plus native bird species residing in the Dandenong Ranges. Listen carefully for distinctive kookaburra calls and delightful rosella chatter as you wander.

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You’ll feel a childlike sense of discovery as you explore their hidden treasures. Statues, water features, sweeping lawns perfect for picnics, heritage buildings, and meandering pathways are manicured to perfection. And come autumn, the Maple Walk in the northwest corner of the gardens lights up with dazzling colour.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, MELBOURNE CBD

Situated across the river from Melbourne CBD beside popular Southbank, these expansive gardens are spread across two sites: Melbourne and Cranbourne. Free to wander any day of the year, you’ll find visitors, workers on lunch breaks, and runners in equal measure.

t s r i f d a e h l l a “F n e d l o g e h t o t in e k a m d n a n o s a e s ” ! t i f o t s o m e h t

Beloved by Victorians, the Gardens are also an important site for Australia. They house the largest herbarium collection in Oceania, the State Botanical Collection, which includes 1.5 million preserved plants, algae, and fungi.

The impeccably designed outdoor gardens offer an array of colour every season. Autumn is no exception with radiant golds, reds, and oranges. Thanks to jaw-dropping views in every direction, you’ll have no trouble finding a quiet spot to watch leaves fall, enjoy a picnic, or spend a moment with a good book.

A remnant of a natural water system that pre-dates European settlement of Melbourne.

The view from Guilfoyle’s Volcano back over Melbourne City.

Built in 1876 this reservoir was originally used to store water for the Royal Botanic Gardens.

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A CULT U RAL TASTE EXPERI ENCE

Like no other Lily’s favourite part of cooking is seeing the joy in the faces of her family and friends as they eat her food.

SEE P.14 FOR THE FULL RECIPE

12 | Hibernate

With Chinese heritage and life spread from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne, Lily’s cooking is a beautiful fusion of cultures and personal taste. So long as people are enjoying her food, Lily will happily cook for them.

After moving to Australia 45 years ago, Lily spent a lot more time in the kitchen than she does these days.

She was determined to take care of the meals so her children could focus solely on their studies – the reason for leaving Malaysia in the first place. She laughs that this resulted in “my son calling me up asking how to cook this and that for a long time after he left home”.

It didn’t take long though – her children and now grandchildren are impressive home chefs. “My grandchildren don’t need me to teach them, they learn new recipes on YouTube. They’re smarter than me!”

Cooking with love For 20-30 people at a time.

A well-practised host, Lily used to cook a monthly meal for Malaysian ex-pats she helped adapt to Australian life.

“I would cook, everyone would gather, and people would enjoy the food – it was good fun.” But when Lily and her husband moved to Ryman's Nellie Melba Village, she said ‘no more entertaining’, “because it’s quite stressful"!

A melting pot

Of flavour, cultural influence, and ingredients.

“Malaysian cooking isn’t just one thing. There are influences from Chinese, Indian, Malay, and European cuisine”, Lily explains. “We Chinese have adopted some Indian spice, but our food is a lot plainer and uses soy sauce and oyster sauce.” Rice, noodles, vegetables, and meat are predominant, “but we tend to slice big chunks of meat into smaller pieces to stir fry”.

It takes a village

To create a potluck fusion.

Having thrown in the towel on cooking for groups when she retired, Lily decided a potluck would be the next best thing. “It was a lovely way to connect and be together.”

The cause for celebration was Chinese New Year.

“Everyone brought a different dish. There were Chinese, Australian, European – the Italian dish was spaghetti and meatballs!” Fast becoming an annual fixture in the social calendar, the gathering has been held for the past two years. Lately, Lily heard that some of their neighbours have been asking when the next potluck will be!

Lily loves seeing her grandchildren enjoy the food she cooks. Turn the page for some of their favourite dishes, straight from Lily's kitchen.

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F RIE D WONTONS Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

250g pork mince (alternative: turkey or chicken mince) 125g fresh prawns, finely diced 1 tbsp soy sauce (alternative: fish sauce) 1 tsp sesame oil 1/2 tsp white pepper 1 packet wonton wrappers (available at a Chinese grocery) ½ cup water, to seal wonton wrappers Oil, to deep fry

METHOD

1. Add the pork mince, prawns, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper to a bowl. Mix well.

2. Spoon 1 tsp of filling onto the middle of a wrapper. Rub water around the wonton wrapper edges.

3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle.

Press the edges to create a tight seal. Join the two bottom corners so that one overlaps the other.

Press and seal with water.

4. In a pot, heat the oil for deep frying. To test the oil temperature, place a wonton in the oil. If the oil bubbles steadily and not vigorously, the oil is ready.

5. Once the oil is ready, deep fry the wontons until golden brown.

When they float to the top, scoop them out using a ladle with holes and drain dry on paper towels.

6. Serve with chilli sauce or hoisin sauce.

Visit our blog rymanhealthcare.com.au/lifestyle for more soul-satisfying recipes.

14 | Hibernate

Malaysian style

t r o f com od fo

C H ICKEN RICE Serves 4

CHICKEN INGREDIENTS

1 whole chicken Salt, to clean the chicken 10cm fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 4 cloves garlic 2 spring onions, stalks 1 tbsp sesame oil Cucumber slices 1 tbsp chicken stock powder Salt, to taste RICE INGREDIENTS

3 tbsp cooking oil 3 cloves garlic, finely diced 1 shallot, finely diced (alternative: small brown onion) 7cm fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 3 cups long-grain uncooked rice (washed, drained dry) 2 tsp chicken stock powder

CHICKEN METHOD

1. Clean the chicken with salt inside and outside. Rinse well to remove the salt and dab dry with paper towels. Insert the ginger, garlic, and spring onions into the chicken cavity. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Put the chicken in the pot and cover with water. Put on the lid and wait for the water to boil again then reduce heat to medium and cook for 15 minutes. Turn chicken over. Cook for another 15 minutes.

3. Pierce the thickest part of the chicken thigh with a skewer. If the juice is red, continue cooking. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a large bowl of ice-cold water. Set aside for 10 minutes then pat dry with paper towels.

4. Discard the ginger, garlic, and spring onion from the chicken cavity.

Reserve 4 cups of the water used to cook the chicken. Add the chicken stock and salt to the reserved water and stir until dissolved. Set aside.

5. Rub sesame oil over the chicken.

Once completely cooled, cut into pieces and arrange on a serving dish with sliced cucumber.

RICE METHOD

1. In a wok or large pot heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallot, and ginger. Fry until golden brown and aromatic. Add the rice and chicken stock powder and mix well.

2. Transfer the mixture to a rice cooker or pot and add the chicken water you reserved. Set the rice cooker or bring the pot to a boil with the lid on. Once the rice has absorbed all the water, turn the heat to low and cook for a further 10 minutes. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes before serving.

t a e r g s e t s a t h “ This chickenindeisse bok choy" with Ch

KUEH SARLAT Serves 4 INGREDIENTS

Bottom layer 2 cups glutinous rice (soaked overnight and drained) 2 cups very thin coconut milk (dilute with water, as required) 2 tbsp salt 1 tbsp sugar

Top layer 2 large eggs 1 cup sugar 4 tbsp cornflour 4 tbsp plain flour 2 cups coconut milk Pandan essence (alternative: food colouring)

METHOD

1. Add bottom layer ingredients to a bowl. Mix well. Pour mixture into a greased 9-inch round baking tin. Steam for 20 minutes.

2. Add the top layer eggs, sugar, cornflour, flour, 1/4 cup coconut milk, and 4 drops of pandan essence in a bowl. Mix well. In a pot, bring the remaining coconut milk to a boil. Pour the hot coconut milk over the top layer mixture. Mix well.

3. Pour the top layer mixture over the bottom layer and steam for 30 minutes.

4. Set aside to cool completely before serving.

How to steam a baking tin Place a rack in a wok or pot large enough to hold a 9” round baking tin. Add water until the rack is just covered. Bring the water to a boil and place the baking tin on the rack.

Steam with the lid on.

Hibernate | 15

A SEASONAL WARDROBE

It’s well worth building a collection of scarves in different fabrics. While silk suits summer and heavy knits are designed for winter, linen and cotton scarves offer light warmth through spring and autumn.

Practical style for cool weather Scarves are one of the most versatile accessories around.

Personal stylist Abby Button is here to unravel the world of scarves from chunky knits to those silky numbers.

As a transitional season, autumn bears witness to the shedding of light fabrics in favour of warmer layers in darker shades. But according to personal stylist Abby Button, this doesn’t have to be the case. Enter… scarves!

It’s important to wear colour year-round, but especially during cooler months. Abby says that wearing colour can have a positive effect on your state of mind and lift the moods of those around you.

A scarf is one of Abby’s favourite ways to add colour and visual interest to her clients’ wardrobes. She says that while we tend to gravitate toward darker colours in autumn, it pays to “break away with splashes of colour”.

She explains that, “a splash of colour can lift the spirits!

When you’re wearing colour, you’ll notice that everyone’s feeding off that colourful energy. And you’ll hear their voices lift as they say, ‘you look great’ or ‘that looks amazing’. The impact colour can have on your environment is incredible”.

“Colour is often lost during cooler seasons, so if you’re going to be layering up, add a colourful print to your outfit.” Then simply colour-match your clothing layers and accessories to that colourful print for a delightfully bright outfit from head to toe.

When it comes to colour, choosing the right scarf is an important step. As the star of the show it sits directly against your skin, so choose a scarf that complements your skin tone, hair, and eyes.

For autumn colour on a mild day, Abby suggests wearing a bright scarf that’s light and breathable. This adds a protective layer without contributing too much heat to your body temperature. It’s an easy way to add a playful element to an outfit without sweating your way through the day!

Special thanks to stylist Abby Button and Sonya Michele of dog&boy.

16 | Hibernate

“A colourfulplift scarf can u an outfit!”

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Ryman's Nellie Melba Village residents Malcolm and Noel enjoying a fresh autumn day.

dog&boy

more than a scarf Sonya, the owner of dog&boy, shares her go-to ways to wear a scarf this season.

Learn more on page 18!

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Love and

s e v r a sc

The dog&boy team craft stories that create moments of beauty with their unique combination of original designs and natural fabrics.

Sonya Michele's goal with dog&boy has always been to bring something new into the world. “When I started dog&boy I didn’t want to just make ‘stuff’. I wanted to create something special designed from the heart.”

5 years on, ‘creating something special’ has become an understatement.

A life-long scarf wearer, Sonya’s identity and scarves are intertwined. “I love the textures, the colours, and how a simple scarf can instantly elevate an outfit.” Before dog&boy, she would search for prints that she felt a connection to, but mass-produced scarves were often plain and lacking individualism.

Sonya never intended to own a business. But soon after having her son she was standing in a dog park with a friend complaining about the lack of interesting scarves available. Her friend flippantly suggested she make her own. And dog&boy was born.

t h g u o b s y a w l a “I ’ve h t i w s e c e i p l a speci e r e h w ’s t a h t d n intent a of dog&boy the essence ” came from.

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“People say ‘you need to travel to make life special’, but special is all around us – slow down, live consciously with intent and you’ll find it”.

And intent is where dog&boy excel. Customers receive beautifully packaged parcels with thoughtful touches and a postcard telling the story of their scarf and its original print. “I always knew that the dog&boy experience would have to be special. It would have to surprise and delight.”

While scarves will always be enough for Sonya, her customers were asking for more. So, dog&boy THE LABEL was thoughtfully designed and recently launched. A fashion collection, each piece has been designed with both beauty and function in mind.

They’re bright, storied, and incredibly special.

Just like Sonya's scarves.

s t n i r p d n a s e v “Our scar ey’re about tell stories. Th oment m e h t n i g n i v li t a h t g n i y o j n and e ” . l a i c e p s g n i h somet Original, limited-edition designs are vitally important for Sonya. “I always loved something a bit different amid the sameness. That’s why we create newness each season – something original.” Many of Sonya's designs are lovingly plucked from the sketchbook of her talented mother, who passed away just as dog&boy came to fruition.

With a 20-year corporate banking and finance background, Sonya launched headfirst into dog&boy thinking ‘how hard can this be?’. “Oh my gosh, it has been the biggest challenge!” With no fashion or design industry experience, Sonya has learnt a lot on the fly.

A key part of her dog&boy success is a commitment to timeless style. “We’re not trend-driven at all. We design from the heart and tell stories that people connect to – and you can’t tell a story if you’re following a trend.”

Part of the allure of a dog&boy print is the feeling of texture within the design. “Every time you look at our scarf designs, you’ll see something new. And however you fold it, you’ll see a different colour weave.”

Unsurprisingly, dog&boy sell out their limited designs each season and no design is repeated. It's this level of commitment to originality and specialness that sets dog&boy – and Sonya – apart.

Special thanks to Sonya Michele of dog&boy. Explore dogandboy.com for timeless, storytelling fashion.

n i w - inter

a warmer w prize pack

valued at over $600!

We’re giving away a $150 dog&boy voucher, a $300 St Albans throw, and other goodies to help keep you cosy as winter approaches.

TO ENTER:

Visit rymanhealthcare.com.au/winter and tell us your favourite winter activity. *Refer to our website for full terms and conditions.

Competition closes 22 May 2021.

Hibernate | 19

RY M A N P I O N E E R S

TOGETHERNESS Rugby League is a huge part of Joy’s life.

From the time her kids joined, Joy has been fully immersed in her local club as a volunteer, fundraiser, caterer, committee member, and as a player. She loves the camaraderie and community values and considers the club a second family – an honour she now extends to her Ryman village.

The former front-row forward’s league club and her Ryman village have much in common.

Both provide a supportive environment where people genuinely care about each other and where she’s happy to go above and beyond because “that’s what you do”.

Although she’s left the field behind, the tackling specialist fondly recalls how she became a league player. “The men were always at the club on Saturdays - so I got some of the ladies together and said, ‘well, how about the ladies have a team so that the men can have the children for the day’.”

She laughs that “the men weren’t very happy about it, but we did it anyway”.

Joy loves the club community and has always been involved in every aspect. From bottle drives to catering, she was hands-on. It’s the same in her Ryman village where Joy has earned the nickname ‘Camp Mother’.

This term of endearment comes from her desire to care for people. For Māori Language Week this year, Joy made mussel fritters, corn fritters, and Māori fry bread with cream and jam for her fellow residents

rymanhealthcare.com.au

“

Joy

AGE 77

That’s what it’s all abou t – being th ere to help We do that . all the time .

”

“because I thought, well, that’s a nice way of celebrating”. She also did an oven hangi for the residents and staff for Matariki.

It’s more than food though, it’s being present and making connections. And Joy quickly points out that it’s not just her making an effort in her village.

“Everyone’s pretty cool. They all get in there and do things to help. That’s what it’s all about – being there to help. We do that all the time.”

Joy loves her Ryman village and her advice to anyone thinking about moving is to come and have a look around for themselves. “The lifestyle is very good.

You mix with people very easily. If someone new comes in, I say to them, ‘We’re here if you need help.

If you need someone to talk to, we’re open for you’.”