Yellow Summer Edition 2021

yellow SUMMER EDITION 2021

A.BCH It’s ethics over profit for this fashion label.

VICTORIA WALKS Ben shares Victoria’s lesser-known walks.

URBAN BEES The duo bringing nature back to the city.

e m o c l We mer edition

ot our sumyellow of

Birds are chirping, bees are pollinating, and sun-lovers are bathing.

As our days flood with warmth and sunshine, there’s no better time to step back and look at how we choose to live.

You’ve likely heard of conscious buying where consumers shop ethically, causing less harm to the environment and people. And sustainable living where people adopt earth-friendly habits. Well, combine the two and you have conscious living. Which is what this summer edition of yellow is all about.

We’ve scoured Victoria for conscious living leaders. Courtney, the driving force behind ethical fashion label A.BCH, is choosing people and the planet over profit (page 20).

Aboriginal artist Mick Harding designed the logo for Ryman’s Deborah Cheetham Village (page 16). Mick features living creatures in his work to communicate their important roles in our ecosystems. And Michelle Kerrin’s work explores her connection to Country and the young people in her community (page 18).

Chantel and Matthew Sweeney are brightening communities across Melbourne with Urban Bee Project. Matthew’s humorous start to beekeeping was unintentional, but he quickly learnt how valuable bees are to our environment and was hooked (page 8).

We’ve been inspired by these remarkable people and many more! We hope you are too. But if you’re ever feeling short on inspiration, simply lace up your shoes, step into nature, and take a deep breath. Victoria Walks is happy to show you the way (page 6).

Kylie and the Ryman team.

In this issue 04

GLOBE TROTTING

06

THOUGHT YOU’D WALKED ALL OF VICTORIA?

Peter has completed 12 epic walks in different countries around the world.

You may need to think again.

08

WE DISCOVER THE IMPORTANCE OF BEES with Urban Bee Project.

06 14

10

AUSSIE LEGEND MATT LEACY wants you to foodscape your outdoor area.

12

DELICIOUS PLANTBASED RECIPES with Ryman’s very own carnivore, Chef Troy.

10

14

18

WE’RE OFF ON AN ADVENTURE with seasoned road trippers Ross and Eleanor.

16

ABORIGINAL ARTIST MICK HARDING designed Ryman’s Deborah Cheetham Village logo.

20

FASHION DESIGNER COURTNEY HOLM is proving that a circular economy works.

alking W the world

RY M A N R ES IDENT P ET ER H AS B E EN EV ERY W H ER E, MAN.

It all began in the year 2000 when Peter and his wife Judy walked 315km across England in 13 days.

Peter has always walked. It’s how he unwound after a stressful day as STIHL’s Australian Finance Director.

“I loved it. I worked there for 30 years and travelled around the world 39 times.” But the role was stressful so Peter and Judy would go for a walk when he got home each evening. “It’s how I would clear the head. 5km every night.” Then one evening, the pair mused ‘why don’t we walk somewhere else?’

Since retiring in 2007, Peter has completed 12 epic walks in different countries around the world. The key is, as Peter says, to hike in comfort.

“We never carry our house on our back. The goal is to get to the next destination, so we carry a day pack and have our luggage transported between the accommodation.

We call it 3-star hiking!”

Judy prefers to stay local, so Peter takes off each year with 10-13 other blokes for an epic international walk.

He laughs that “most of us are happy to share rooms but we’ve had a couple of bad snorers who have been banished to solo accommodation”.

Each hiker has a role. “I’m the accountant so I take care of the administration and coordination.

Other people are responsible for choosing restaurants each night, the wine list, accommodation.”

Peter laughs that he’s also the mediator, which comes in handy when disputes arise on the trail courtesy of too many leaders and not enough followers in the group.

“The racehorses at the front can miss turnoffs, so it’s my role to manage disputes and make a call.”

The 16th-century Alpine houses of Hallstatt village on Lake Hallstatt in Austria's mountainous Salzkammergut region.

4 | yellow

The crew meet at a pub in Richmond with their wives to propose routes and vote on their next destination.

Some of the wives join the crew at each finish line and Peter chuckles that they’ve been known to pressure

It’s just the “camaraderie,

talking about life at dinner each night.

Walking stories from obe around the glj SKELLIG ISLANDS, IRELAND

”

Peter with a backdrop showing Kaub township and the Rhine River.

The group below Mount Ossa, the highest mountain in Tasmania.

their husbands to choose a location they’d like to explore while they wait.

There are two things to know about Peter. He’s always wearing shorts – rain, hail, or shine. “I got sick of wearing a suit and like the freedom of shorts when I’m walking.”

And any time he comes across a body of water he has to duck behind a bush, throw on his swimwear, and take a dip. “I like to have swum in all these different countries in the world.”

And he’s not finished yet.

A resident of Ryman’s John Flynn Village, Peter is loving how easy it is to take off on an adventure, worry-free. “As much as I loved the garden and house, we were getting older and didn’t need the extra workload.” He and Judy are loving their new low-maintenance lifestyle.

“12 kms into the Atlantic ocean is a 6th century monastic settlement. The water is usually so rough you can only get out there once a month. But at 5pm, the night before we were due to arrive in that town, word got out that the local fisherman thought a trip the next morning would be possible. So we headed out to climb the steep, windy 250 metres with no handrails. There was a wailing gate halfway up where parents could wave to their sons before they disappeared forever into the monastery.”

DORDOGNE, FRANCE

“Construction is almost done and we’re looking forward to the centre opening up – the facilities will be great.”

There’s no doubt that Peter will need to take a dip in the new village pool!

While travelling overseas is a current challenge for the walkers, Peter and his crew aren’t resting on their laurels.

They completed the Great Ocean Road between Apollo Bay and the 12 Apostles in November.

Special thanks to Peter for sharing his walking adventures.

“We’ve only had one real injury. We were warned that the French locals near Malefon don’t like hikers entering their town, although we do spend money there.

One of the days we were told to be wary of loose, aggressive dogs in a particular town. One of the guys had sore feet from the day before so was meeting us at the halfway point. But a couple of dogs worked in tandem to attack him in the back blocks of town. In the next town, the hotel owner took him to the doctor for the usual dog bite injections. We laugh about it now.” yellow | 5

Walking throughVictoria

BEN ROSSITER SHARES VICTORIA’S BEST KEPT WALKING SECRETS. LOOKING FOR PICTURESQUE HIKES AND ACCESSIBLE TRAILS? BEN KNOWS WHERE THEY’RE HIDING!

Victoria Walks was founded in 2009, supported by funding from VicHealth. Ben and his tight-knit team have built Australia’s primary organisation leading the push for walkable communities. Their goal is simple. “To get more people walking every day.”

According to Ben, people don’t need motivation to walk.

All they require is information about where the walks are, what they offer, and their accessibility level. “People often don’t travel to an area to walk, but it’s the first thing they want to do when they arrive.” As Vice President of the International Federation of Pedestrians, Ben knows what he’s talking about.

He points out that walking is often undervalued by the tourism market. “While they’re accessible and free, walking trails have remarkable benefits for a destination.” He notes that visitors stay longer when their days can be broken up with walks, leaving more time for tourist activities.

Lakes Entrance

Being out and about is also important for mental health.

“Blue and green time – by the water or in the bush – is very important.” Ben’s passionate about how walking forces people to step away from life’s distractions and connect with nature and each other.

“It’s multi-generational, the whole family can spend time together while walking.”

An evidence-based organisation, Victoria Walks has a focus on research and actively contributes to policy.

“We want government to seriously invest in walking whether it’s recreational, for health, tourism, or walkable communities so that people can walk wherever they need to go each day."

hen you walk time slows. You see “ Wmore, you feel more, you smell more.

The world gets bigger. ” 6 | yellow

Welcome to base camp for East Gippsland’s scenic tracks. The local council and community groups have improved Lakes Entrance for walking by reducing traffic speeds and adding points of interest. Enjoy great walks in town and more a short drive away.

THE ENTRANCE WALK 5.16KM RETURN

This stunning loop follows the coastal bush track to the actual lake 'entrance'. Watch out for plenty of highlights along the way. Return along the same track or via wildly beautiful Ninety Mile Beach. walkingmaps.com.au/walk/4954

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Lakes Entrance and Bright / Myrtleford are both in the Shires (East Gippsland and Alpine). These regions were badly affected by the 2019/2020 summer bushfires.

Every visit booked to enjoy these beautiful areas helps the local community recover.

Bright /Myrtleford

Looking for a walk?

Victoria’s alpine region is a popular snow skiing mecca but less well known as a walking destination in warmer months. Stop by Bright for riverside walks or drive to Mt Buffalo to expand your horizons.

Visit walkingmaps.com.au and enter your location for up-to-date information on walks nearby.

Learn more about Ben and Victoria Walks at victoriawalks.org.au or join over 100,000 Facebook followers at facebook.com/ victoriawalks

CHALWELL GALLERIES 2.4KM RETURN

This fun walk near Lake Catani features beautiful scenery and rock scrambling adventures.

Especially for those happy to squeeze into small spaces! The region is abundant with wildflowers through spring and summer. walkingmaps.com.au/walk/4837

Phillip Island

Cape Woolamai is an exciting walk for those seeking an exposed coastal experience while the very popular George Bass Coastal Walk is not far away. This dog-on-lead friendly walk will take you 7km one way to Kilcunda.

CHURCHILL ISLAND LOOP 2.58KM RETURN

A calmer walk, this loop explores lovely little Churchill Island with views over Western Port Bay, the first farm in Victoria, and native forested areas. Stop by the beautifully restored 1850s homestead for a history lesson. walkingmaps.com.au/walk/4816

Warrnambool Melbourne Parks 11.31KM RETURN

Walk from the Shrine of Remembrance to the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton via the Botanic Gardens, crossing the Yarra over the Morell Bridge, past the MCG, through Fitzroy Gardens, and onto Carlton Gardens. Then reward yourself with coffee on Lygon St! walkingmaps.com.au/walk/4346

This regional centre boasts a spectacular coastline, beautiful parks and gardens, and the unique Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve – an extinct volcano with an abundance of wildlife. Visit neighbouring Port Fairy via the Mahogany Trail or an inland rail trail.

WARRNAMBOOL BEACH WALK 5.75KM RETURN

Journey from the city centre to the Warrnambool Breakwater via the foreshore and beach. walkingmaps.com.au/walk/4385 yellow | 7

All hail the

Matthew Sweeney was talking to a retiree beekeeper in 2013 when he politely took an interest in the man’s hobby. Two weeks later the man rang Matthew who was working as a concreter at the time and said, ‘wake up, get dressed, I’ve got a beehive coming your way’. “I woke up in a panic. I didn’t know what to do!”

The hive arrived and Matthew was left with a significant responsibility. “At the time I didn’t know what was going on, I just went with the flow.” The beekeeper returned to maintain the hive and Matthew started asking questions. “I figured that if this thing was in my yard, I had better learn about it!”

CHANTEL AND MATTHEW SWEENEY RUN URBAN BEE PROJECT. THIS EXCITING BUSINESS SLASH MOVEMENT IS COMMITTED TO HELPING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND HOW VALUABLE BEES ARE TO OUR ENVIRONMENT.

Fast forward to 2018 when Matthew launched Urban Bee Project Australia with his wife Chantel. The couple work to increase the number of bees in our urban suburbs in order to create a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy. “And occasionally enjoying a little of the beautiful honey they give us in return.”

humble bee

While Matthew was stung in the early days courtesy of a lack of protective gear, Chantel has never been stung. “We have our bees one meter away from the BBQ and they’ve never bothered anyone. They come in quite high and dodge the activity.”

Self-taught beekeepers, the duo built their urban beekeeping operation from one beehive to six over five years. When their backyard reached capacity, they began housing hives in the yards of friends and family. These were their first Bee Hosts. Matthew’s employer at the time “got interested and put me through training programs, pushing me to turn it into a sustainable business.”

But the reason Matthew and Chantel chose to expand was simple. “We noticed a stunning lack of bees in the city suburbs. The eastern suburbs are lush and green but the new western suburb developments look like a concrete wasteland in comparison.” They decided to do something about it.

Our bees are “ bringing nature

back to the city.

One hive at a time.

”

8 | yellow

Their bee hosting program was the answer. “People with land in the urban environment host a beehive free of charge.” The Sweeneys believe that conservation is a mission and “it’s not sustainable to ask people to fork out money” to be involved. So Urban Bee Project sells the honey from their hives to fund the growth of their hive program. “We now have 42 beehives and we’ll have grown to 100 by the end of this year.” That will make Urban Bee Project the second-largest bee hosting program in Victoria.

While the bees are busy pollinating to ensure a healthy natural environment, Matthew and Chantel are busy educating their community on how important bees are. “We take our food sources for granted. But people who purchase our honey can walk the neighbourhood and see which flowers the bees that made their honey visited and the positive impact they’re having.”

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO HELPING BEES

3

1

Become a beekeeper by joining a bee club and finding a mentor. It’s important to see the beekeeping process firsthand because it’s not for everyone.

Host a beehive in partnership with an organization like Urban Bee Project.

4

Tend to your little patch of paradise so your plants are healthy and flowering.

2

Think carefully about what you’re spraying on your gardens and lawn because chemicals and pesticides are dangerous for bees.

5

If your budget is tight opt for seeds and grow your garden from the ground up.

Urban Bee Project has attracted a like-minded community. “We work with so many wonderful people. Our bees are happy – but they work us to the bone!” Matthew says that running the business is no walk in the park.

“We live in a little unit and the garage is dedicated to bee equipment. It’s definitely more a social mission than a business – we’re pouring more money into it than we get out. But the feedback has been phenomenal.

Seeing the impact makes it worth it.”

People reach out because they’re looking for an opportunity to contribute to their neighbourhood, while others notice a lack of bees nearby and are concerned. And it’s a

the bees

There's one garden the bees won’t pass by.

Peter and Diane have planted a flower-filled oasis in their Ryman retirement village garden. While it’s the smallest garden they’ve designed, every square meter has been carefully considered. Having spent decades developing gardens in both Australia and New Zealand, it’s no surprise this one’s a showstopper.

Matthew says that the most important thing anyone can do is to look after their own backyard.

“If everyone made their little area greener, that would go a long way toward helping the bees and making all our lives better.” The key is to provide nutritious food sources for the bees so they can do their important work. “Good years are really good but in bad years they need help from us.”

Urban Bee Project monitors the weight of their beehives to ensure their bees have enough stores. If the bees need a helping hand, they’ll get one. “But if we see a pattern where we’re feeding more than once in a given area, we’ll relocate them to a better area where they can find natural food sources.”

Feeding

good thing they get in touch because the urban environment is uniquely suited to bees. “We have some beehives in rural settings and most in the city. Our hives in the city always outperform the rural hives.”

Matthew explains that the variety of food in the urban environment makes a significant difference to bee health.

“In an orchard, the apple trees might flower for a couple of weeks. That’s like saying to a human ‘eat only potatoes for two weeks’. That’s not good for us, or the bees.” The wealth of flora available in the urban environment gives bees a wide variety of essential nutrients. And in return, they keep our natural environment healthy and share their delicious honey.

Learn more about Urban Bee Project at urbanbeeprojectaustralia.com

“Some days we’re out in the gardens for five or six hours a day”, says green-fingered Diane. But she explains that “it doesn’t feel like work when you enjoy it so much”.

Their low-maintenance lifestyle means more time than ever to get their hands dirty. When they’re not working on their own garden, they give other residents a hand and tend the village’s main entrance garden.

It was this increase in spare time they were seeking when they moved to the village after buying a townhouse off the plan. And Diane is delighted.

“I just love it here. I’ve been happy since day one.”

Special thanks to Peter and Diane for sharing their love of gardening. yellow | 9

Foodscaping Aussie landscaping guru Matt Leacy explains why edible gardens are taking over Victorian backyards and how to create your own.

Aussies love the outdoors but many of us live in suburban townhouses and apartment buildings with very little outdoor space.

Not that we let that stop us. Every summer, there’s a boom in outdoor entertaining and BBQ sales as we head outside to enjoy our gardens in the warm weather.

And foodscaping has joined the frenzy.

Edible plants are being incorporated into small space gardens across Victoria, striking a balance between enjoying the outdoors and sustainable living. They’re convenient, space-saving, earthfriendly, and economical.

I’ve noticed a surge in the popularity of growing food

Ma�’s edible garden tips

at home. And people are finding creative ways to use whatever space they have available.

If a separate vegetable patch isn’t an option, incorporate edible plants into your garden design – whether you have garden beds, planters, or pots.

And if you’re lacking floor space, look up! Climbing varieties like pumpkin, tomatoes, grapes, and beans are happy growing against a sunny wall or overhead.

Homegrown food is more than convenient, it’s visually attractive as well.

Creating a well-balanced design with colour and scale can brighten you garden, balcony, or deck.

t’s worth planning ahead to “ Iselect plant types and colours that complement each other – and your kitchen menu!

”

10 | yellow

DESI GN B When designing thin courtyards and balconies, don’t reveal the entire space at once. Angle the decking, play with paving patterns, and position potted plants to draw the eye to different parts of your space upon entry.

Levelling is a great way to divide an area into different zones for a more expansive feel. From different height planters to wall climbers to hanging pots.

Levelling as you transition between seasonal food harvesting keeps things tidy.

Playing with scale and size is also important. Positioning large things in small spaces can create the illusion that a space is bigger and provide a sense of drama.

Consider factors like sunlight, shade, and wind when determining which landscaping structures and plant varieties you use. Trellis can be used as a windbreak when paired with a climber like grape vine, scarlet runner beans with their ornamental flowers, or jasmine.

If you live in a high wind zone, be sure to plant in heavy pots so the plants don’t blow over!

“Chat

with your neighbours about starting a community garden.”

SHARE GROW Foods like spinach, iceberg lettuce, snow peas, kale, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are great staples in edible gardens. They’re visually appealing and will flourish almost year-round.

Chinese greens thrive in the warmer months and pak choi (also called bok choy) will be ready to eat in only six to eight weeks.

Herbs like perennial basil, mint, parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, and chillies are all good choices for summer growing, as well as those with known health benefits such as turmeric, ginger, ginseng, echinacea and maca.

The key to a “ successful small space garden is to design your space well.

”

When foodscaping in smaller spaces, consider growing ground cover plants and hanging pots or vertical gardens. Start with edible flowers, rosemary trimmed into balls, cranberries, a wild or alpine strawberry, mint, thyme, and oregano.

If your space is limited, consider speaking with neighbours about utilising the shared spaces around footpaths and in common areas to create a community garden. You may also need to seek council approval, so I encourage researching before planting.

When planned and regularly tended, community gardens can be very productive and add to the street appeal. They’re also a great way to get to know your neighbours. Everyone can join in, from planning to maintaining a maintenance roster. And, of course, the whole neighbourhood will benefit from harvesting and sharing the foods you’ve grown together.

If you live near a council organized community garden you can count yourself lucky.

These usually have compost bins for the community to deposit their green waste and return it to the earth. If you don’t have one nearby, contact your local council and get them thinking about it too.

How to create a bountiful, functional, beautiful foodscape

Create interest

Use geometry and structure to maximise your space.

Choose colour

Opt for heirloom varieties like purple kale and blue cabbage.

Layer for visual appeal

Layer different foliage, flowers, and textures.

Create more space Utilise planters, tiered garden beds, pots, and herb walls.

Reduce Screen your and create watering shade

The soil in larger pots and planters holds moisture better.

Many fruitbearing trees come in small varieties.

yellow | 11

A plantbased

feast

Chef Troy is a passionate advocate for plant-based eating. He’s also a carnivore.

Troy grew up in India where vegetarian diets are common. As a Ryman village chef, he’s committed to providing nutritious and delicious vegetable dishes.

And they’re proving to be a hit with the residents.

Maharashtrian P OTATO D U MP L IN GS ( BATATA VA DA ) Serves 4 INGREDIENTS

250g potatoes, peeled and diced 15g ginger 4 cloves garlic 2 green chillies ½ tsp mustard seeds ½ tsp cumin seeds 10 curry leaves, roughly chopped 1 tsp turmeric 2 cups chickpea flour ½ tsp asafoetida ½ tbsp chilli powder Salt, to taste Chopped coriander (optional)

" This was my favourite street food growing up in Mumbai" 12 | yellow

" This dish is a really good vegan dip that originated in Lebanon"

METHOD

1. Steam (or boil) the potatoes then mash roughly. Set aside.

2. Make a paste with the ginger, garlic, and chillies and set aside.

3. In a frying pan, add oil and fry the mustard seeds until they crackle. Add the cumin seeds and the curry leaves. Then add ½ the turmeric and the garlic, ginger, chilli paste. Lightly fry.

Add the mixture to the roughly mashed potato and blend well.

Optional: add chopped coriander to the potato mixture for added zing.

4. Cool the potato mix slightly and roll it into evenly sized balls.

5. Use the chickpea flour, asafoetida, chilli powder, and the remaining turmeric to make a batter by slowly adding water while mixing.

6. Coat the potato balls in the batter and deep-fry immediately until they float to the top.

7. Drain on a kitchen towel and serve hot with a fried green chilli.

VEGAN DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

View this recipe on our lifestyle blog rymanhealthcare.com.au/lifestyle

Baba ghanoush

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

2 eggplants 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp tahini 2 cloves garlic 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

½ bunch parsley 10g paprika Salt, to taste Flatbread, to serve

T ROY ’S P L A NTBA S E D T I PS FO R

meat eaters

METHOD

1. Grill the eggplants in an oven or on a BBQ, turning occasionally until the skin is evenly charred.

GO GREEN

Always add something green to your meal for its fiber, chlorophyll, vitamins, and antioxidants.

2. Move the eggplants to a strainer over a bowl to drain any excess liquid. Set aside to cool.

COMBINE VEG AND MEAT

3. Once cooled, discard the skin and place the eggplant flesh in a blender with the lemon juice tahini, garlic and olive oil.

Blend to make a paste. Adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice.

4. Chop the parsley and mix it into the paste.

Add vegetables to your meat dishes.

Grated beetroot and carrot with diced mushrooms are tasty in burger patties and meatballs.

MAXIMISE NUTRIENTS

Eat leafy greens as a salad to make the most of their nutrients. They’re easy to overcook and once overcooked, their nutritional value drops.

STEAM, DON'T BOIL

5. Garnish with paprika and serve with flatbread.

Steam your vegetables instead of boiling them so they look and taste better. If they start to lose their colour, they’ve been cooked too long.

CREATE COLOUR

Briefly shock steamed vegetables in ice-cold water to bring out their colour for a vibrant display.

BLEND THEM

Add greens like kale and spinach to your daily smoothie, plus beetroot for its liver cleansing properties.

MIX AND MATCH JAPANESE TOFU AND AVOCADO SALAD

View this recipe on our lifestyle blog rymanhealthcare.com.au/lifestyle

Variety is important for balanced nutrition. When you plan your weekly meals, make sure each day’s vegetables are a little different from the last. yellow | 13

The open road ROS S AND EL EA NOR A RE EXP ERIENC ED ROAD T RIP P ERS .

With his ukulele in tow, Ross and Eleanor have spent years exploring the country in their motorhome. Often travelling in a convoy with friends, they prefer to take the back roads and explore paths less travelled.

14 | yellow

Everywhere we go “ there’s something different. ”

Caravan hot spots

Fishing keeps them busy while on the road, as does walking and e-biking. And for the past 10 years, they’ve been regulars at country music festivals thanks to Ross’s passion for the ukulele.

Ross picked up the ukulele in retirement. He says it’s a common instrument for motorhomers to play. “It’s easy to learn, easy to carry, and they’re small.” Ross started playing at 65. “At the time it was the growing instrument, all the schools were changing to them.” He went on to build his own, keeping some and selling others.

“I hand-built the one I play now 10 years ago.”

His craftsmanship is impressive, but Ross doesn’t have a history in woodworking. “You pick up wood, steel, and you make something.”

These days, Ross is playing less ukulele, choosing to travel more and ride his bike. “I head out every Thursday for a 30-40km ride with a group.” He feels a sense of freedom when riding his bike that mirrors the freedom he and Eleanor feel when travelling in their motorhome. “You can go anywhere in a motorhome. Usually, 2-3 of us head away together, stopping by country music events, balloon festivals, highland games – we go all over the place!”

Ryman village residents, Ross and Eleanor love how their Ryman lifestyle lets them take off whenever they like. “It is a great way to live.

We can jump in the motorhome and go. No gardens to worry about, no lawns to mow, and the house is secure.” Ross is in his element when playing music, exploring the countryside, and trading yarns. “They’re a pretty social bunch, motorhomers.”

Ross and Eleanor make an effort to support smaller towns and less tourist-heavy regions when on the road. “They look after us as well, it goes both ways.” They often park up in secure parks with waste facilities to avoid leaving a footprint. “There are thousands of places you can go.” This flexibility suits Ross and Eleanor’s approach to travel. “We just go with the flow.”

And their relaxed approach to life is well deserved. Ross worked for a port company for 40 years as a skipper on their dredge and pilot launch, and then as a tug master for the last 20 years. “It was a fairly good job, but I didn’t enjoy the crazy hours! We were on call 24/7 with an hours’ notice to get to work. There was always stuff cropping up out of the blue. It was full-on.”

Which explains why he and Eleanor’s lifestyle in retirement is focused on relaxation, freedom, and absolutely no worries.

1.

Macedon Ranges couldn’t be better suited to caravan trips and motorhoming.

Their dramatic landscapes filled with wildlife and artisan produce offers something for everyone. Park up at caravan parks for laundry and waste dumping facilities to help keep Victoria clean and tidy.

2.

Lakes Entrance can be found on the edge of Ninety Mile Beach. A sight to behold, this is where the Gippsland Lakes meet the Southern Ocean. There are plenty of activities to fill your day and secure parking spots at night.

There are “ thousands of

places you can go.

”

3.

Wilsons Promontory National Park astounds visitors year-round. The southernmost tip of mainland Australia, this coastal destination boasts wildlife, trail walks, and swimming. Rest your engine at a waterfront caravan park for priceless views and convenient facilities. yellow | 15

Intricate nd delicate arelationships Victorian artist Mick Harding uses his talents to tell stories of connection to Country while showcasing the flora and fauna that keep our natural world balanced.

" I like to give them life and an opportunity to shine " 16 | yellow

Mick spends his days doing what he enjoys. He tells stories about birds, fish, and other animals under his brand Ngarga Warendj Dancing Wombat. Every story expresses Mick’s cultural identity and shares his story as a Taungurung Kulin (an Aboriginal man from his Country).

Mick’s art is filled with animals.

“I like to give them life and an opportunity to shine.” He hopes that his work will help people connect with the natural world. For Mick, it's about being aware of other living creatures and understanding that they all have a role to play. “I tell a story about the platypus. If you find a platypus in a waterway that ecosystem is healthy because they won’t reside in polluted waterways.”

Mick was shocked to learn that he was Aboriginal. “I think they lied because they suffered racial taunts and didn’t want us to suffer. They were just trying to get on with life like everybody else.”

As soon as Mick discovered his ancestry, he wanted to know more. “I dove deep into it from then onward.”

Mick designed the logo for Ryman’s Deborah Cheetham Village in Ocean Grove on the Bellarine Peninsula. “Deborah and I go back to the Wilin Centre (for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development). She and I have done a few different things. She has a beautiful soul.” Knowing that Deborah comes from people connected to a major inland waterway through Victoria and New South Wales, Mick made that waterway a feature of the logo design. And the underlying theme was that everyone has value. “Those who come before us are seen as beacons in our culture.

They have stories to tell with knowledge we haven’t gained yet.” The shield shape of the design is a common form used in Mick’s work. “People might link that shape to war, but I see it as something protective. It’s a nurturing symbol that we can hold up to protect people against harm and allow people to become who they want to be.”

An active member of the Taungurung, local, and Victorian Indigenous communities, Mick’s journey of connection to Country began in his mid-20s. Raised to believe he had Māori heritage,

Leon Schoots Photography

He went on to build a career dedicated to his community.

Mick says it took him 10 years to understand who he was. “I look fairly fair-skinned. I don’t have the classic Aboriginal look that everyone identifies, and I still get people looking at me strangely.

These days that’s just water running off my back. I don’t let it bother me too much.”

As chairperson of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Mick is deeply involved in raising the profile of Australia’s Indigenous communities, protecting their heritage, and communicating the relevance of Aboriginal culture.

He was also an integral part of the Treaty Working Group, laying the groundwork for a treaty with the Victorian government. “Things don’t change overnight. It’s about creating understanding and awareness. I hope people get on board and want to be champions because it will make everyone’s lives better.”

Unsurprisingly, Mick grasps every opportunity to share the stories of his people. When he’s not in his studio creating artwork, he even dabbles in poetry. “One of my little stanzas is ‘The magic is ours, the magic is ours to share’. You see, it’s the sharing that makes it magic.

You share it with other people and hopefully, it makes a difference.”

Learn more about Mick and his art at ngargawarendj.com yellow | 17

Akweke stories

Michelle Kerrin is a storyteller. Using striking colours and traditional Aboriginal marks, she paints her culture, identity, and community.

It’s both Michelle’s place and responsibility to tell stories. This is how she contributes to her community. Her business Akweke Stories (akweke is pronounced ah-kook) began 2 ½ years ago during a stint in hospital.

During this hard time, Michelle realized why she was struggling.

“Connection to Country and culture is a big part of Aboriginal wellbeing.

And I was away from mine. I needed to find a way to reconnect and heal in that sense.” She began by drawing passed-down symbols that represent her Country and how she was feeling.

“I found I liked digital design, so I started painting on my iPad and everything came naturally. All the colours, dots, and symbols I had been using combined to tell stories about how I was feeling and the connections I had made to my people, land, and Country.”

When she’s not painting, Michelle works with youth from her community through the Korin Gamadji Institute at Richmond Football Club. She helps First Nations youth connect with their culture and find their unique place in the world.

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As a descendent of the Arrernte and Luritja clan groups from the Northern Territory, Michelle is now cared for by the community in Naarm, Melbourne.

“My art comes from the people I meet in my community. The families I come across. That’s why I work and run my business at the same time, so I can continue making those connections.

I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Humble as ever, Michelle’s reward is knowing that she’s sharing impactful Aboriginal stories. “We’ve got a long way to go but our young people are smashing it.” And that’s evident in how disconnected young people react to her story and artwork. “I see them taking that next step – in whichever way suits their skillset – to connect with their community.” Which is what it’s all about for Michelle. “I have big shoes to fill with aunties and uncles and elders. Success in our First Nations communities looks different to everyone. For me, success is connection and storytelling.”

gives purpose “toItwhat I’m doing

and breathes life into the colours, dots, and symbols I use ... I’m just lucky it looks good.

”

Akweke in my language “ means 'small, little bit'. Each artwork is a little story. ”

Fill your home with colour

Michelle lost her Aboriginal father to early-onset Alzheimer’s when she was 9. “It gave me a responsibility to fill his shoes and continue my culture and identity every day because he didn’t get to.” The complex emotions she has around loss, culture, identity, and responsibility to her community are channelled into Michelle’s artwork. “It gives purpose to what I’m doing and breathes life into the colours, dots, and symbols I use.

When I have those feelings, I put them on paper. I’m just lucky it looks good.”

Gallery walls

Sharing stories through art, song, and dance is nothing new in Aboriginal culture.

As one of Earth’s oldest civilizations, storytelling is how young people have always learnt Aboriginal culture and identity. Every piece of Aboriginal art holds great meaning and Michelle takes this responsibility seriously. “It’s more than a pretty picture. I’m part of the narrative of educating the wider world as to the importance of our stories and identity.”

And that gives Michelle a significant sense of belonging. “I can heal a little bit through the connection to Country I get from my art.” She explains that storytelling through art is an important part of Aboriginal culture. “We can be ourselves in our artwork. Tell our stories. It gives a sense of belonging – it’s ours. Art has been able to do that for 60,000 years and we’ve got to be able to continue.”

Learn more about Michelle and Akweke Stories at akwekestories.com

COLOURFUL LIVING SPACES HAVE THE POWER TO BRIGHTEN DAYS AND RELIEVE STRESS. WHETHER IT’S AN ENTIRE WALL OR JUST A SPLASH!

for the bold

They’ve been around a long time, and for good reason.

A vibrant, eclectic gallery wall can transform a space. And be updated with ease. The trick is to play with dramatic scale and know that rigid symmetry is never the goal.

Colour selection

for the novice

How do you want to feel in each room? A bold, energising palette will bring a busy dining room to life while bedrooms deserve calming, natureinspired palettes. Think forest, ocean, or desert shades.

Quick fix

for the impatient

If your living space needs a shakeup this minute, peel off your cushion covers to start fresh. The rules are simple. First, choose a core colour plus a handful of complementary colours. Second, remember that you can never have too many cushions!

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A.BCH

where fashion and ethics collide Choosing the planet and people over profit, Courtney Holm has based her business on the principles of a circular economy.

It’s no secret that we’re a society of consumers. The clothing industry in particular has spent decades cutting costs to deliver lower and lower pricing. The problem is that they’ve done this at the expense of people and the environment we live in.

Courtney Holm, owner of A.BCH, is showing the world that there’s another way. And that it’s not too late to change the fashion industry for good. Courtney’s fashion label A.BCH is committed to ensuring a long and full lifecycle for their products.

They start by hand-selecting renewable and traceable materials.

“But it’s also how we build products, design them, and put them together so they have the longest possible life.” While Courtney’s talking about quality, she’s also referring to style flexibility. “We design pieces in classic styles that won’t go out of fashion quickly and in cuts that can be worn with several different outfits.”

Once their products are happily owned by a customer, the A.BCH journey continues. “We extend the life of that clothing by providing tools and resources to help customers care for the products and keep them in the best condition possible.”

And Courtney’s team stands by everything they make in their Melbourne workshop. “We offer free repairs for the life of each 20 | yellow

garment and take garments back at the end of that life where they’re composted, recycled, or enter our end-of-life program” where the team decommissions and shreds the garment back to its original fibres to one day be spun into new yarn for new clothes.

olding on to your “ Hclothing for a longer

period has an impact. That can’t be underestimated.

”

There’s a lot of ‘say but don’t do’ in the fashion industry. And Courtney is exhausted by the hypocrisy. “The fashion industry in its current form is completely unsustainable. For us, it’s really important that we’re not only a healthier option but that we’re changing behaviours and mindsets around fashion.” So, Courtney soldiers on, knowing that while her team can’t save the world on their own, they can provide an example to consumers and the fashion industry.

Ethical clothing businesses can survive – and even thrive – without compromising people and planet for profit. “And our customers are empowered to take part in that circular economy.”

A new kind of

fashion story

While working as a fashion designer, Courtney realized her values weren’t aligned with her work. “It came to a head. I was uneasy with the waste, the opacity of the industry, a lot didn’t sit right.” Courtney realized she had an uncompromising choice to make and there were two options. “I get out of this industry entirely or do something radical to change it.” That was six years ago. A year of research and development followed where she learnt that “nothing in the market ticked the boxes. Brand claims had no concrete evidence, the lack of transparency was very concerning, and there was no mention of the circular economy at the time”.

Courtney teamed up with some friends. “We’re over four years old now and have grown from strength to strength. We’re just making it work.”

Learn more about Courtney and A.BCH at abch.world

Designing the

future of fashion

A.BCH won’t design collections.

Instead, they spend that time refining durable pieces. “Every piece we release represents six months to two years of our heart and soul. We don’t do seasonal collections. Every piece joins our evergreen collection that endures over time.” The team designs, makes, and tests for up to two years to ensure their pieces will last. Courtney isn’t making a garment to be worn once or twice before ending up in landfill.

When Courtney looks to the future, it’s filled with small businesses thriving in their speciality. “There are so many opportunities for innovative small businesses – tailors that adjust clothing because bodies don’t fit standard sizing, local alterations businesses extending the clothing lifecycle, made to measure fashion – the stuff people used to do.

If you combine that with the technology and creativity of today, that’s the future. And it’s exciting.”

Customers who have done the research and chosen to buy consciously appreciate the lengths Courtney and her team go to. “They’ve done the work, the research, and have seen the impact fashion has on the environment. They’re looking for an alternative to that and they do care.” Conscious consumers think carefully about what they buy and choose products that are ethical and durable. They know that the fashion industry is deeply exploitative, and the negative impacts are far and wide. From human rights violations to “pollutants, carbon emissions, the rate of natural resource use, stripping land to grow fibres, extracting fossil fuels to make synthetic fibres – which make up 75% of all fibres.”

And Courtney’s living that future. Her in-house team regularly customise and make to order. “We started with relaxed and elasticized – biodegradable, of course – pieces so they could fluctuate with you and fit different sizes.

We’ve taken those principles and allowed our customers some flexibility and creativity to decide what they’re looking for.”

As Courtney says, “we’re tiny, but we can serve as an example that there’s a better way” and that ethical fashion can work.

For Courtney and her team, “planet and people come before profit” and they’re determined to demonstrate that in every piece of clothing they create.

“But we can all do better and we’re always learning too.”

So, what does it take to stand largely alone against a profit-driven industry prone to greenwashing and a complacent buy-buy-buy society? “It’s exhausting, it is. But I’m motivated. If I get a lovely message from a customer, I’m immediately reenergized. If one person is impacted, we’re doing our job.”

Courtney sees A.BCH as part of a bigger story. More people make conscious buying choices every day and it gives her hope.

“Consumers shouldn’t have to spend their time researching and feel responsible for the industry – it’s the brands who should be doing the work. But this is our future and I’m excited by the behavioural changes people are making.”

Clothing care for longevity

Courtney shares her go-to tips for extending the life of her clothing.

Choose styles that can be worn with several outfits Opt for classic cuts that can withstand passing trends Air loose clothing out before washing to gain another wear or two Use gentle detergents that care for both your clothes and the environment Put delicate items and knits in garment bags to protect them Avoid washing your clothes on hot to help extend their life

Photo: Vlad Savin

Our GOTS certified “ fabrics are made from

100% organic materials.

We only use innovative cellulose threads which is nearly unheard of in the fashion industry.

”

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Wrap it up!

Upcycled

Sustainable gift wrap ideas are front of mind this gift-giving season.

Making small changes to how we live our lives can make a big difference.

Sustainability at home might look like a worm farm, planting bee-friendly plants, or mending worn clothes.

And for a bit of fun, we’re sharing conscious gift wrap ideas.

All you need is some old (but clean) paper or paper bags. And a few other simple items found around the house.

“Use a shoebox to store old ribbons, buttons, and the ds pictures from car you receive."

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art

Cut up an old calendar or card to create a striking front cover for your gift wrap. And for a rustic ‘I did this especially for you’ touch, apply paper tape that matches the artwork design.

FROM THE GARDEN Add a scented touch to your gift by plucking a favourite bloom or sprig from the garden. Rosemary, hydrangea, and lavender work just as well fresh as they do dry.

A BOLD BOW Chic and highly sustainable, this gift wrap option makes use of old fabric. Simply cover the back of your gift with fabric, then flip, cross over the leftover fabric, flip again and tie your fabric into a bow.

n extra Atreat The perfect sustainable gift wrap for bottles and candles. Use an old piece of fabric, gather at the top, and tie with a bow. Then sew or tape a few chocolate treats to the outside!

THE SI MPLE GATHE R

Sweet

nothings

Place a gift in an old paper bag then fold it tidily into shape, securing with ribbon. Writing a personal message on a clay tile or piece of card makes for a stylish gift tag packed with sentiment.

This wrapping idea is perfect for smaller gifts. Simply lie your gift on open fabric then gather the fabric in both hands and tie to finish. Tuck in any loose edges for a delightfully rumpled style.

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Deborah Cheetham is a pioneer of the Australian arts. A Yorta Yorta woman, she works tirelessly to lift the profile of Indigenous artists and deliver their talents to the nation.

Highly regarded as a leader in the Australian arts for over 25 years, Deborah is committed to promoting a greater understanding of Aboriginal history in Australia. A soprano, composer, educator, and artistic director, she is known for innovatively pairing the beauty of our Indigenous languages with the intensity of classical music.

As a member of the Stolen Generations, her personal journey took 30 years. Her connection to Aboriginal culture flows through her music and operatic storytelling with determined intent.

“Music is my way of knowing the world and giving meaning to everything in it … The work continues while there are still more barriers to break through. I draw on the strength of my ancestors every day and thank them for the song that lives in me.”

rymanhealthcare.com.au

Pioneering is part of who we are. That’s why each Ryman village is named after a trailblazer. Deborah Cheetham, John Flynn, Charles Brownlow to name a few. We strive to follow their example every day, living with passion and purpose, pushing further, going beyond the ordinary. To pioneer a new way of living, for a new retirement generation.