Yarra Ranges Kids Summer 2017

Things To do & places To go for families

focus on

dare to

foster

steiner education

SUMMER 2017/2018

care OF

A Mail News Group Publication

GUMBUYA WORLD OPENS IT DOORS

BOOK ONLINE **

gumbuya.com.au

12370361-47-17

Follow our journey

GLAM TRIBE

Win glam WANT to make your child’s party dreams come true in 2018?

To celebrate the New Year, Glam Tribe is giving away a Day Spa Dreamer package valued at $450.

party of your dreams

Win an amazing pamper party for your child and nine friends valued at $450, thanks to Glam Tribe.

Your child and nine friends will receive the royal treatment with a foot soak with rose petals and toe polish, a mini-manicure with your choice of colour, mini-facial treatment, magazines to read, pink lemonade, popcorn, personalised party invitations and Glam Tribe Beauty Bags for each child to take home.

The party package is for 1.5 hours and is recommended for 5-12-year-olds.

Glam Tribe’s team of pamper party professionals will come to your home, set everything up prior to the pamper session, pamper your child and their guests and then pack up and take everything away.

The party must be held before 1 July, 2018 within the Yarra Ranges council area.

Local women Michelle and Tozzy started Glam Tribe in July 2017. With experience in beauty therapy, children’s entertainment and management, Glam Tribe was a natural fit.

From pre-teen pamper parties complete with braids, luxury bathrobes and pink lemonade, to hen’s nights, baby showers and ladies’ nights in with pedicures, massage bars, manicures

and hair styling, the Glam Tribe has something for everyone.

For your chance to win a Glam Tribe

Day Spa Dreamer party for your child, head to www.yarrarangeskids.com.au/ competitions.

Enter now for your chance to win – winner will be notified on 16 January 2018.

Children’s Pamper Parties We bring the party to you

Mention this Ad when you book and your birthday girl gets pampered for free!!

Teen Makeup Workshops and Ladies Pamper Packages Now Available www.glamtribe.com.au | M: 0448 667 636 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 12371864-EPJ50-17

4 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

about us . . .

Jam - packed for

summer

SUMMER’S here and it’s time to celebrate – and our gift to you is this edition of Yarra Ranges Kids!

This edition is jam-packed full of news, features and competitions, and we’ve got a fresh new look to boot.

We’ve got the latest news on Gumbuya World, which is opening in Tynong this month. If you have memories of visiting its predecessor Gumbuya Park as a kid, be prepared to be amazed – Gumbuya World is going to be like nothing this area has seen before. Read all about this must-do family destination on page 6.

December always seems to go in a flash; there are gifts to buy, parties to attend and a cascade of Christmas break-ups. If you need some gift inspiration, check out our feature on Shapeeze on page 32, complete with 15 per cent discount for Yarra Ranges Kids readers. Have a look at the latest

fashion from Sage & Sunday, which stocks beautiful children’s clothing, shoes, furniture and homewares with an ethical bent.

If tricky family situations have you dreading the festive season, check out our tips from Relationships Australia Victoria on page 7.

Once Christmas is done and dusted, we’ve got some ideas to get your New Year off to a great start. If your New Year’s Resolution is to give back to your community, check out page 9 to learn more about the possibilities of fostering a child.

If you are looking for a new school for your child in 2018 or planning ahead for your pre-schooler, head to our bumper education section and read all about Steiner education on pages 22-23. We’ve also got information about Out of School Hours Care and Vacation Care from Cire on page 25, which could help you

juggle work and the kids throughout the year.

Make sure you enter our Glamtribe competition on page 4 for your chance to win an amazing party for your child worth $450 – tell all your friends! We’ve also got our CFA colouring competition on page 28, with great prize packs on offer from the CFA. Like us on facebook @ YarraRangesKids for lots of great give-aways and competitions this summer.

That just a snapshot of what’s in the magazine.

From all of us at Yarra Ranges Kids, we wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays – see you next year.

Page 23

Health

Win glam party of your dreams Page 4

Family health, the gentle way Page 14

Circle of care Page 25

Mindful of mum’s wellbeing Page 14

Reality Bites

Wild new adventure park Page 6

A fix for ‘accidents’ Page 16

Sweet song for River Pages 26-27

Cushion the stress…’tis the season of good cheer Page 7

Party Time

Fashion

Finished to perfection Page 17

Ethical summer fashion Pages 30-31

Understanding the dangers of button batteries Page 8

Entertainment

Games and Gadgets

Guided fruit tour Page 20

The shape of things to come Page 32

Call is out for carers Page 9

Meet Santa at the York Page 20

Close to their little hearts Page 33

Hit the slopes for summer fun Page 10

Education

A wheely good pram walk Page 12

Callum well on board Noah’s Ark Page 21 Steiner Education gaining ground Page 22 Growing inquiring minds

Yarra Ranges Kids 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, Vic 3777 Phone: 5957 3700 Fax: 5957 3777 Editorial Jade Glen jade@yarrarangeskids.com.au Phone: 5945 0666 Advertising Noami Gibson naomi.gibson@mailnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5957 3708 Creative Creative Services Manager: Chris Beale

Published by Mail News Group Pty Ltd ACN 99 006 310 498. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Mail News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.

Competitions

Tips for the best possible start Page 12

Yarra Ranges Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.

Design Mark Dinnie Virginia Hester

contents

It’s Your Life

Yarra Ranges Kids magazine is a Mail News Group publication.

Cover

Felicity and Lacey Soroka enjoy some thrills during a sneak peak of Gumbuya World. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO FOR FAMILIES

focus on

dare to

foster

steiner education

care

Road Trips Hit the road for summer adventure Page 34

Calendar Sensational summer Page 35

SUMMER 2017/2018

OF

A Mail News Group Publication

GUMBUYA WORLD OPENS IT DOOR DOORS

Gumbuya World's Typhoon Island.

It’s

your life

W il d n e w

k r a p e r u t n e v ad GET ready to explore a wild water park, worldclass rides and up-close animal encounters VICTORIA’S newest theme park, Gumbuya World, opens its doors this month just in time for the summer holidays.

Phase one will unveil the highly anticipated Oasis Springs water park, Wildlife Trail and the Oz Adventure and Outback Explorer zones, with further phases to open throughout 2018 and beyond.

Oasis Springs will cater for both the thrill seekers and chill seekers, with sheer drops on the exhilarating Taipan and the Lazy River for those wanting to soak up the rays.

Enjoy close encounters with furry friends on the Wildlife Trail, exploring the Critter Cave and have the perfect snap taken with the lovable koalas and dingoes.

Time to dry off and take a spin at Oz Adventure - hold on tight as you ride the runaway Mining Race Coaster, or buckle up as you’re launched into the air on Rush Hour.

Outback Explorers caters for the not-so-big ones. Spin until you can spin no more on the Berry Twirl, but save some energy for the Outback Pirate Ship - ahoy there!

Gumbuya World is committed to driving the growth of Melbourne’s South-East with the support of the Cardinia Shire Council and government. The theme park will be a leading local and tourist destination and will continue to evolve through future phases to attract visitors to the South-East from Victoria, Australia and around the world.

Gumbuya World will also offer special events, corporate conference facilities and education programs.

Gumbuya World will see a significant rise in employment, focusing on offering roles to local residents. Gumbuya World plans to grow this to approximately 125 at the time of opening, with a target of 500 employees within five years.

Phase two is planned to open in mid-2018 and will include an Indigenous cultural centre, Walking With Dinosaurs exhibit, a 400-seat auditorium and a host of new rides and attractions.

The vision for future phases of the Gumbuya development will include

a retail village, Eco Bush Resort, chocolate factory and microbrewery, just to name a few.

The ownership group behind Gumbuya World is making a significant financial contribution to the region’s economy with an investment of over $50 million. Gumbuya World is investing in state-of-the-art equipment, training and safety to provide an amazing guest experience.

Acquired in September 2016 from a local family who had owned the park for the past 38 years, Gumbuya World is the vision of a group of Victoria entrepreneurs consisting of Gerry Ryan, Wal Pisciotta, Adam Campbell, Brett Murray, and Ray and Ron Weinzierl to re-imagine a place that they enjoyed with their families when they were younger and to leave a legacy for future generations.

Whether it’s spending endless hours in the water park, getting up-close and personal with wildlife or enjoying the rides and attractions, Gumbuya World has something for everyone.

Online bookings only, please visit www.gumbuya.com.au to book your tickets today.

Alpine dingo pups Kiata and Nara are looking forward to their custom-built new home at Gumbuya World.

the little things ...like caring teachers who know when a child needs a little extra attention and welcoming staff who are happy to help when a parent has their hands full of bags, toddlers and towels.

At Kingswim, we know it’s the little things that make all the difference.

Let us find the perfect time for your FREE introductory lesson

kingswim.com.au Chirnside Park • Wantirna

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6 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

It’s

your life

Cushion the stress: ' tis season of good cheer

By Jade Glen ‘TIS the season to be jolly - or stressed.

Christmas is a whirlwind of gettogethers, gifts and good cheer; on the flip side it’s also a time when emotions and expectations can run high, old family tensions can be inflamed, and time and money can feel in short supply.

It’s an especially difficult period for those that have recently lost a love one, gone through a separation or divorce, or are navigating their first Christmas as a blended family.

Jayne Ferguson, Relationship Australia Victoria’s assistant manager and senior clinician, said it was normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed at any time of year, especially during Christmas and the holiday period.

“The Christmas and holiday season can be a difficult time for lots of families.

For many families, it is a time of stress, with a sense of obligation to host or be a part of family and end-of-year activities and celebrations.

“In some instances, the Christmas period is the one and only time that www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

families come together, often in large family groups, and this can cause tensions or anxiety about being in the same space as others they may have difficulties or issues with.”

Here, Ms Ferguson shares some tips to help you navigate some Christmas challenges.

IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY SEPARATED “Be mindful that while this time of the year is promoted as a joyous and positive time where we spend time together, this is not always possible or the case for all families. For some children, sharing time and holiday periods between parents is the reality and this can be unsettling and sometimes conflictual, depending on the relationship between the separated families,” Ms Ferguson said.

“Parents need to communicate the plans for children clearly and respectfully, and maintain a sense of fairness for the sake of the children.

Children should always have a voice in the situation and can even be involved in the planning - where age appropriate - regarding their wishes and desires for this period.

“If parents are struggling with the conditions around access and unable to reach an agreement that looks after the best interests of the children, they can seek assistance from family dispute resolution or mediation services, such as that offered by Relationships Australia Victoria.”

IF IT’S YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS AS A BLENDED FAMILY “It is perfectly fine to continue or retain family traditions, events etc., after a family has separated or is blended. It is also important though, to consider new traditions that honour the new family dynamic.

“Naturally, parents should be equal and fair in all aspects of Christmas - from gift giving, to time spent together.

“A new step-family or blended family provides a great opportunity to be creative with new and different traditions or events for the Christmas period.”

IF YOU HAVE TENSION IN YOUR OWN FAMILY “Parents should always keep any issues or tensions they have with their own family of origin separate from their

children. Parents need to be responsible in sharing information to their children and be respectful in their communications - indicating that they find it difficult to be with their family/ families over these significant times, but to not allow it to impact the season for them or their children. If their issues or the tension is difficult or challenging, then people need to seek support to manage their grief, anger, anxiety that being with their family may evoke.”

Ms Ferguson said Christmas was a time of expectation, especially regarding spending time together, money spent, gifts and holiday destinations.

“Families need to be clear on what works for them, what they can afford and to make choices that minimise stress and any negative impact on them and their children,” she said.

Relationships Australia Victoria provides a range of services to support individuals, couples and families, including counselling and family dispute resolution. To find out more or to make an appointment, call 1300 364 277 or visit www.rav.org.au.

SUMMER 2017/2018 7

It’s

your life

U n de rs ta n di n g TH E dan ge rs o f

button batteries Button battery

safety tips ■ Look for devices in your home that contain button batteries.

■ Examine devices and make sure the battery compartment is secure.

■ Keep button batteries locked away out of the sight and reach of children.

■ Dispose of old button batteries immediately and safely.

■ If you suspect a child may have swallowed a button battery, call the Poisons Information Centre urgently on 13 11 26 for expert advice on what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

■ Tell others about the dangers and share these steps.

THEY may be tiny, but button batteries can be lethal.

More than 1000 Australian children present to emergency departments every year because of button batteries.

When swallowed, the batteries can become stuck in a child’s throat and burn through the oesophagus in less than two hours. The burning can lead to serious injury requiring surgery, or death.

Kidsafe Victoria president Erica Edmands said button batteries were found in many common household items including remote controls, calculators, bathroom scales, car keys, toys, watches, talking books and cards

and flameless candles.

complications,“ Dr West said.

“Children often have easy access to these common household items. The button batteries can also be invisible to parents and carers as many devices come with the batteries already installed,“ Ms Edmands said.

Kidsafe Victoria is urging all parents and carers to undertake a button battery survey of their home, including areas such as desks and drawers where spare or used button batteries may be stored.

Director of Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Monash Children’s Hospital Dr Adam West said early detection and removal was vital.

“Injuries from button batteries can require multiple surgeries - the damage can be severe and any delays in removing the batteries can lead to serious and life-threatening

mono vector

logo

If you suspect a child has ingested a button battery, the advice is that time is critical so don’t wait for them to show symptoms.

“If you believe a child has ingested a button battery, the new advice is to call the Poisons Information Centre urgently on 13 11 26 for expert advice on what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week,“ Ms Edmands said.

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Closed 22nd December - 18th January for Christmas break www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

It’s

Call is out for carers

By Jade Glen AT this moment, almost 10,000 Victorian children are in out-of-home care.

Many of those children will be in kinship care - that is being permanently cared for by a grandparent or relative - a tiny percentage will be in residential care facilities, and about 35 per cent will be in foster care.

Foster Care Association of Victoria (FCAV) CEO Katie Hooper said there were just over 1500 foster carers in Victoria, with a need for more on the books.

Ms Hooper said almost anyone could become a foster carer.

“The majority (of carers) have, or have had children. Then there is also same-sex couples, single people, older people whose children have grown up.

“I know a carer who is deaf, a carer who is in a wheelchair.

“You just need to pass the police check and Working With Children check.”

Ms Hooper, herself a foster carer, said there were different types of care.

“Respite care is normally a planned break for other carers. We do regular respite for two little kids that are with their grandparents. Emergency care is when something happens and it’s not planned.

Then there is short-term and long-term care, and permanent care orders.

“Our current legislation says that if a child can’t be returned home within two years, then a permanent solution will be found.

“Foster carers can really determine what they can offer.”

Ms Hooper said there was a particular demand for carers able and willing to care for sibling groups and teenagers.

“There is a real need ... I don’t know many families that have spare bedrooms and a car that will fit their own children plus another two, three or four.

“With the over-12s, even if they don’t have challenging behaviours, many people have that perception of teenagers. But if you enjoy spending time with teenagers, they are just amazing.”

Support for carers is available through FCAV, the individual foster care agency and financial support was provided by the Department of Human Services.

Ms Hooper said she found foster caring rewarding.

“I just love being around children and young people. We have got two little ones coming to our place this weekend - we’ll go to the zoo and go bike riding. Just having some fun times with little ones is what I absolutely love.”

If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a foster carer, head to fosteringconnections.com.au or call 1800 013 088.

CRYSTAL BROOK

12336224-ACM13-17

your life

TOURIST PARK Crystal Brook Tourist Park is a perfect combination of a city park with the atmosphere and natural attractions of a bush park and its wildlife. It’s the perfect base from which to explore some of Melbourne’s and Victoria’s great attractions and events. It is located within an easy drive of the CBD of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley and has public transport at the front gate.

FEATURES AND FACILITIES INCLUDE: • Range of cabins and villas • Powered, ensuite and tent sites • Heated alfresco BBQ area • Camp Kitchen • Fully equipped laundry

• Jumping pillow, games room • Heated pool • Pet friendly sites and cabins (Conditions apply) • We welcome group bookings • New Off Leash Area

Crystal Brook Tourist Park 182 Heidelberg - Warrandyte Rd, Doncaster East 3109 (Melway Map 34 F3) www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Phone: 03 9844 3637 Email: info@cbtp.com.au Web: www.cbtp.com.au SUMMER 2017/2018 9

It’s

your life

Hit the slopes for

summer fun LAKE Mountain Alpine Resort is full of fun and adventure this summer.

The Summer Activities Program is sure to thrill all that visit - with laser skirmish, a dual flying fox, 100-metre tube run, and more than 20-kilometres of mountain bike trails, there is something for everyone.

Opening 27 December through to 14 January and again over the Australia Day weekend, activities will run from 9am to 4pm daily. Tickets will be available to purchase daily on the mountain and depending on what you participate in, will range from $10 to $50 per person.

The dual flying fox is sure to exhilarate.

Strapped into a full body harness, clipped onto a single wire, individuals must find the courage to take the leap off the platform solo. Or, the beauty of the dual line is it provides the opportunity to hold onto a friend’s hand and take the leap side by side or simply race each other to the end. Fly 240-metres through the air and enjoy the views.

Take a slide down the 100-metre tube run, hold on for a wild ride while spinning around and hurtling up berms.

Alternatively, go down with a friend in one of the larger tubes or make a train ... any way is fun.

Join in a game of laser skirmish, a combat team sport similar to paintball but without the bruises. After being fitted out with laser tag guns and hats with built in sensors, work together in teams. There’s multiple game options available which all work well in the alpine environment. Explore the resort’s extensive track and trail network on foot or hire a mountain bike.

The single track mountain bike trails continue to grow and develop with over 20 kilometres ranging from beginner to advanced. Alternatively, the crosscountry ski trails are open for some wide, easy riding ideal for families. The Lake Mountain Cafe has a range of different sized bikes available for hire, which all include a helmet. The cafe is open for refreshments everyday throughout the activity programs and is also home to the giant indoor Jurassic Jumping Castle.

Lake Mountain has something for everyone. The beautiful alpine environment is a stunning backdrop to soak in some fresh air, spend time with family and friends and explore all the resort has to offer.

For further inquiries or group bookings, call Lake Mountain Alpine Resort on 5957 7201.

has a variety Lake Mountain Alpine Resort family. le who of bike trails to suit the

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10 SUMMER 2017/2018

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27 December 2017-14 January 2018 Australia Day weekend 26-28 January 2018 Experience the exhilaration of a 240 metre dual

slide down the Tube Run or join in a game of Laser Skirmish. Explore the resorts

Flying Fox,

ski and walking trail network on foot or hire a

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mountain bike from the Lake Mountain Cafe open for refreshments and home to a giant Jumping Castle!

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 11

It’s

your life

Tips for the best possible start the teacher in the classroom, such as the Roger Pen. These microphones amplify the teacher’s voice over background noise, which will help them lip read or understand better. If you do use this equipment, always make sure it is charged up the night before class.

STARTING school is a critical time in your child’s education. Australian Hearing has six tips to ensure your child has the best possible start.

1. Meet with teachers and tour the school before starting This is a great way to get to know the environment which your child will be learning in. It’s also good to meet with the teachers to discuss what’s best for your child and how they can help.

4. Encourage them to get out there A great way of helping a child make friends is by encouraging them to join a club or group. It is also important for them to relax, socialise and take time for hobbies.

2. Make sure they get the right support for their level of hearing loss Children with a severe-profound hearing loss can be entitled to support in class, such as a note taker, interpreter or classroom assistant.

This can be discussed with school prior to a new school year. Without support, children with hearing loss can struggle in classroom situations, and it can impact their grades and they might not achieve their full potential.

5. Store spare batteries If your child’s hearing aid uses batteries, make sure to pack extras to store in their bag or locker. Better to be over prepared than under prepared.

6. Participate in a sport

3. Invest in equipment to improve their learning There is some great technology available that can help understand

Participating in a sport not only boosts a child’s confidence, health and fitness, it also creates a sense of belonging. Being part of a community can boost a child’s self-esteem and lead to greater achievements at school. And it’s a great way of making friends.

Early Years Community Support Officer Michelle Lehmann, Clare Barr, Robyn Adderley, Adelle Topalovic, Maternal and Child Health Nurse Annie Tubb and Alysha Richter at Burrinja on the first Wheely Good Pram Walk on Tuesday, 19 September. 17326

A wheely

good pram walk

By Wendy Williamson

Studio grade

MAKING new friends while you stroll with your pram in the sunshine is the promise of a new pram walking group in the hills.

Kids wireless headphones FEATURING Healthy ears®: Volume-Optimized Ear Protection Ear protection never sounded so good

Parents with newborns or toddlers are invited to join the Wheely Good Pram Walk at either Belgrave South or Upwey.

The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Kids Wireless Headphones promote Healthy Ears by protecting hearing in the following ways: Our unique volume governor limits the sound output to 85 dB on most portable devices for peace of mind

It’s free, no bookings are necessary, and walkers are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, hats in summer and a water bottle.

The Puro Balanced Response® a frequency curve designed to closely mimic a flat, in-room speaker response, equally balances bass, vocal and highs to deliver clear vocal reproduction without excessive volume

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12 SUMMER 2017/2018

A Wheely Good Pram Walk is held at Birdsland Reserve in Belgrave South on the first Thursday of each month. Meet at the barbecue hut near the lower car park from 9.30am for a 2.3km walk around the lakes, taking about 40 minutes.

Another walk takes place on the third Tuesday. This group meets at 9.30am in the sun court foyer of the Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre in Upwey for a 2.1km walk to

morning tea at the Burrinja cafe.

Including the walk back, it is roughly a two-hour round trip.

The group receives a 10 per cent discount at the cafe on walking days.

Yarra Ranges director of Social and Economic Development, Ali Wastie, said either walk would be a chance for new parents to meet people who are going through the same stage of life and make new friends.

“Our Maternal and Child Health nurses spoke to families and identified the need for more social connections between parents with young children,” Ms Wastie said.

“These events will be a relaxed and informal way to get in touch with other parents in the hills community, while embracing the warmer weather and getting active.”

Toilet facilities will be accessible and dogs are not permitted on the walks.

For more information, email earlyyears@yarraranges.vic.gov.au. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

BANANAS IN PYJAMAS CHRISTMAS SHOW WITH YOUR HOST JIMMY GIGGLE, PLUS SANTA’S ARRIVAL! Date: Saturday November 25th Show Time: 10.30am (approximately 40 mins) Location:

Near Target

MEET AND GREETS Dinosaur Train: 11:00am, 11:40am, 12:20pm, 1:00pm and 1:40pm.

Located near Big W (each session approx. 20 mins) Bananas in Pyjamas: 12:00pm, 12:45pm and 1:30pm.

Located near Target (each session approx. 20 mins) Jimmy Giggle: 11:15am - 1:00pm.

Located opposite Gloria Jean’s

© Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2017.

© Australian Broadcasting Corporation, licensed in association with Southern Star Entertainment 2017 Original song by Carey Blyton.

We cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to meet the characters or Jimmy Giggle during the meet and greet sessions. One photo per family and cameras must be ready to ensure we can provide the meet and greet to as many families as possible.

TM & © 2009 - 2017 The Jim Henson Company.

Sparky Animation Pte Ltd.

12370291-HM50-17

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 13

Healesville Walk Pharmacy has a huge range of Brauer Natural Medicines for babies and children.

Mindful of

family health, mums' wellbeing THE Federal Government has launched a new online mental health resource to support new mums and mums-to-be through a range of perinatal support programs.

The new MumSpace website offers free access to evidence-based mental health support tools, apps, helplines and resources.

These include two online programs that help new parents build practical skills and learn more about caring for their babies and themselves.

For women who need a little extra help with their emotional wellbeing, the free MindMum mobile app helps new mothers to track their mood, calm themselves with guided relaxation and plan enjoyable activities, learning strategies to improve their relationships and build confidence in parenting.

The website also includes the MumMoodBooster online tool, a selfdirected cognitive behavioural therapy treatment program for women with, or at risk of, perinatal depression.

12359466-LN37-17

Suitable for pregnant women and new mums, MumMoodBooster includes six interactive online treatment sessions complemented by text message advice

and encouragement.

At least 40,000 Australian women are affected by perinatal depression each year. It affects up to nine per cent of pregnant women and 16 per cent of women following the birth of their child.

Good mental health is particularly important for mums and mums-to-be.

Early intervention can be the key to reducing the duration and severity of mental health issues and these new online resources announced today will provide mums with tools to get help.

MumSpace was created by the Perinatal Depression e-Consortium (PDeC), led by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) in partnership with Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA), Jean Hailes Research Unit at Monash University, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and Queensland University of Technology.

The Federal Government provided $800,000 to support the delivery of MumMoodBooster, and the development of MumSpace and MindMum.

the gentle way

MAINTAINING your family’s health with gentle and natural products is as simple as a visit to Healesville Walk Pharmacy.

The pharmacy stocks a wide range of Brauer Natural Medicines, an Australian-made and owned company built on homeopathic principles.

Brauer natural medicines and personal care products have no hidden nasties, and are suitable for babies, children and adults.

Retail manager Maureen Keys said the teething, calm and reflux solutions had proven to be very popular with parents.

“They also have an extensive cold and flu range, and for children, saline, aspirators and products for hay fever and congestion.

“It’s all natural with no nasties.

“For adults, we have full cough, cold, hayfever, focus, hayfever, allergy,

calm, sore throat, Snore Eze, the detox and anxiety range.”

Ms Keys said one of the adult favourites over the years was arnicaeze, which came in cream and tablet form.

For babies, they have full skin care options, from bubble bath, shampoo and massage oil.

Unlike some other pharmaceutical products, much of the range is suited for babies as young as six months old.

Healesville Walk Pharmacy also stocks a range of sunscreens including La Roche-Posay, designed to offer the highest protection from the sun while also being non-comedogenic, and free of fragrance and parabens.

In addition to all your regular health and first-aid needs, the pharmacy also has hats, sunglasses, natural toothpaste (flouride-free), giftware and jewellery.

For more information visit www. mumspace.com.au

Reformer Pilates 5 Sessions for only $55 (New Client offer, valid for use for 2 weeks from first booked session) *conditions apply

2/329 Main Street Lilydale, 3140 www.solestudios.com.au | E: mail@solestudios.com.au 14 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Healesville Walk Pharmacy Open 7 Days a Week Not Your Average Pharmacy Extensive Vitamin Range Natural Herbal Remedies Organic Skin Care Natural Baby Products Sun Care Range Designer Fragrances Brands Home Wears & Gift Sunglasses & Hats Kids Toys & Gifts Instant Digital Photo Medication Compounding Free Blood Pressure Checks Free Heart Checks 12358863-JV37-17

ALL YOUR BABY NEEDS

Emergency prescription can be arranged if you run out while away Healesville Walk Shopping Centre (next to Coles) Moroondah Highway Healesville

5962 4165

Soul Pattinson Chemist www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 15

A fix for

By Jade Glen IT’S a wee problem that affects one in three mothers - but you don’t have to put up with it.

Urinary incontinence - otherwise known as poor bladder control - is a common condition associated with pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and a range of chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or arthritis.

'accidents’

stretch the pelvic floor again. You can help protect your pelvic floor muscles by not pushing down on your pelvic floor during this period. Some steps you can take include: * Try to squeeze, lift and hold your pelvic floor muscles before you sneeze, cough, blow your nose or lift ■ Cross your legs and squeeze them tightly together before each cough or sneeze.

Poor bladder control can range from the occasional leak when you laugh, cough or exercise to the complete inability to control your bladder, which may cause you to completely wet yourself.

■ Avoid lifting heavy loads.

Other symptoms include the constant need to urgently or frequently visit the toilet and subsequent ‘accidents’.

■ Don’t get constipated, or if you suffer from constipation, manage it as best you can.

Sue Blinman, National Continence Helpline manager and continence nurse advisor with the Continence Foundation of Australia, said there were different types on incontinence with a number of possible causes.

Will incontinence get better after childbirth?

“Urinary incontinence can be caused by many factors, of which pregnancy and child birth is one, but it can be treated, better managed and in many cases cured. For this reason, it is important to talk to your doctor or a continence advisor about your symptoms to get on top of them,” she said.

For some women, incontinence can be an unwelcome legacy of a seemingly straightforward pregnancy and birth.

“Some women seem more likely to have bladder and bowel problems, even if they have had quite an ‘easy’ birth. We can’t yet tell who these women will be.

“Women who already have bladder or bowel symptoms, such as irritable bowel syndrome or an urgent need to pass urine (also called ‘overactive bladder’) will be more likely to have this problem worsen or gain new problems.”

If you have just had your first baby, a large baby, a long second-stage of labour, or a difficult vaginal delivery with stitches or a vacuum or forceps delivery, you are more likely to have bladder and bowel problems.

“A caesarean birth might reduce the risk of severe bladder control problems from 10 per cent to 5 per cent for a first baby, but after the third caesarean there may be no difference at all,” Ms Blinman said.

Urinary incontinence is a problem faced by one-in-three women who have given birth.

■ Avoid bouncing exercises such as weights and running.

■ Do pelvic floor muscle training to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

Don’t lose heart. Even very poor bladder or bowel control just after giving birth will often improve in the first six months as the pelvic floor tissues, muscles and nerves mend.

Regular pelvic floor muscle training kept up over the long-term, as well as the right advice, will help.

In many cases, incontinence can be prevented by adopting healthy diet and lifestyle habits, including: ■ Drink well - 6-8 cups/2 litres of fluid per day (Tip: Don’t reduce your fluid intake if you have a bladder control problem, as this will concentrate your urine and make the problem worse).

■ Eat a healthy diet high in fibre.

■ Lead a positive lifestyle - aim for Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or less and stop smoking.

■ Get active - aim to exercise for 30 minutes most days.

Don’t forget to look after yourself at a time when it is easy to neglect your own needs.

If things are not getting better after six months, speak to your doctor, physiotherapist or continence nurse advisor. To find a service provider in your area, visit the continence service provider directory athttps://www. continence.org.au/service-providers.php Where should women go to seek help?

How can women manage incontinence?

You should always seek help for bladder and bowel problems, as the symptoms will not go away on their own and may worsen over time.

“Childbirth can stretch a woman’s pelvic floor muscles. Any ’pushing down’ action in the first weeks after the baby’s birth might

For further information speak to your doctor or a continence nurse advisor on the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.

Mums and Dads!

Call Today for Details

9736 2919 16 SUMMER 2017/2018

Children’s Karate www.edgemartialarts.com.au Mt Evelyn, Chirnside Park, Woori Yallock

12358801-PB37-17

Get your child to become more confident and focused with Edge Kids Karate!

Trial 4 Weeks Classes for only $39.95 Plus Uniform

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Finished to

perfection

By Jade Glen

bakers to cover the traditional silver or gold foiled boards with icing.

WHETHER you are an accomplished baker or a complete kitchen novice, Choice Cakes in Chirnside Park will be able to help you achieve an amazing cake for your child’s next birthday.

“Our cake mixes are delicious, easy to prepare and pretty much fail-safe,” she said.

Tanja Cober has been managing the business for about two-and-a-half years - it was purchased by her parents, Fred and Landy, in 1994, and has been going strong ever since.

“I grew up watching my mum make beautifully decorated cakes and even went along to a few cake decorating classes with her. When my dad bought the business nearly 23 years ago, I instantly got involved and have been working in the family business on and off ever since.

“We make special occasion cakes to order, (and) we have almost everything you need to create a cake from start to finish. We offer a range cake decorating classes and workshops. Some of these include our very popular buttercream course, as well as cookie and cupcake decorating classes.

“We also cater for the tradies - we have a small cafe with hot pies and sausage rolls, a selection of cakes and, of course, coffee.”

Tanja said some of the most popular items included tall cake boxes, which accommodated on-trend tall drip cakes and tiered cakes, and white cake boards, which eliminated the need for

Tanja at Choice Cakes is the expert here to help with all your cakerelated questions.

party time

“The number or worded acrylic and wooden cake toppers are super popular these days and are a great way to finish off a decorated cake. We also have a massive range of cake tins available for hire in all different shapes and sizes.”

Tanja is able to help customers plan their cake.

“We often have customers come into our shop with a picture of something they want to re-create. We take great pride in helping our customers gather everything they need as well as offering tips and tricks along the way.”

Tanja said superheroes such as the Avengers, Batman and Spiderman remained very popular with the boys, while rainbows and unicorns were very popular with the girls - and Paw Patrol was a popular option for both.

“We have a large range of icing cupcake decorations for almost any theme. Edible images are also a big hit, and an easy and cost effective option for last minute cakes,” she said.

For a custom cake, Tanja recommends ordering two to three weeks in advance, but they are sometimes able to accommodate last-minute orders.

For more information head to www. choicecakes.com

89a Switchback Rd, Chirnside Park www.choicecakes.com

12370447-HM50-17

Phone: 9735 5375

Large range of cake decorating supplies and special occasion cakes www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 17

directory 12

1. AUSTRALIAN HEARING CROYDON - CROYDON, KNOX & LILYDALE

17. YORK ON LILYDALE

138-148 Main Street, Croydon Ph: 9237 4100

Cnr York & Swansea Roads

425 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South Ph: 9837 8100

Mt Evelyn

9 Castella Street, Lilydale Ph: 9738 8400

9736 4000

www.hearing.com.au

www.yorkonlilydale.com.au

2. LITTLE YARRA STEINER SCHOOL

16. EDGE MARTIAL ARTS

205 Little Yarra Rd

17 Hereford Rd, Mount Evelyn

Yarra Junction

Shop 3, 25 Fletcher Rd Chirnside Park

Ph: 5967 1953

Ph: 9736 2919

www. lyss.vic.edu.au

www.edgemartialarts.com.au

14 13

3. GHILGAI SCHOOL 15. PIP SQUEAKZ RECYCLE

295 Liverpool Rd Kilsyth

8/10 York Rd, Mount Evelyn

Ph: 9728 5819

Ph: 9736 2211

www. ghilgai.com.au

www.pipsqueakz.com

5

8

1 2 4 6 7

2463 Warburton Hwy, Yarra Junction Ph: 1300 835 235

1 10

20 Old Hereford Rd, Mt Evelyn Ph: 9736 1457

Healesville Walk Pharmacy

1

9 11 4.CIRE SERVICES -YARRA JUNCTION & MT EVELYN

17

14. HEALSVILLE WALK PHARMACY

4 15 16

Healesville Walk Shopping Centre (Next to Coles) Healeville Ph: 59624165

3 14

www.cire.org.au

www.soulpattinson.com.au

12 13. YARRA VALLEY MIDWIVES

5. SOLE STUDIOS

2/329 Main St

1

254 Maroondah Highway

Lilydale

Healesville

E: mail@solestudios.com.au

0410 692 292 / 0448 866 655

www.solestudios.com.au

www.yarravalleymidwives.com.au

6. GYMBAROO MOOROOLBARK

Mooroolbark Community Centre, Brice Ave

12. LAKE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Mooroolbark Ph: 9726 8740

IllustrativeTrail maps

Regional Tourism websites

MAP PROVIDED COURTESY OF

• visitdandenongranges.com.au • visityarravalley.com.au • visitwarburton.com.au

www.gymbaroo.com.au

• visityarravalley.com.au/places-to-go/top-trails

1071 Lake Mountain Rd, Marysville

• visitdandenongranges.com.au/places-to-go/top-trails

5957 7222 | lakemountainresort.com.au

Wantirna & Chirnside Park

8. KINGSWIM WANTIRNA

9. NOAH’S ARK INC.

10. SAGE AND SUNDAY

11. CHOICE CAKE DECORATING

141 Mountain Highway, Wantirna, Ph: 9800 2555

Kimberly Place

Shop 5 66-68 Maroondah Hwy,

89a Switchback Rd,

8/96 Manchester Rd, Mooroolbark

www.kingswim.com.au/wantirna

33 Kimberly Drive

Croydon

Chirnside Park

Ph: 9726 9283

286-288 Maroondah Highway, Chrinside Park

Chirnside Park

Ph: 8288 1321

Ph: 9735 5375

www.speechtree.com.au

Ph: 9727 5800 | www.kingswim.com.au/chirnside-park

P: 1800 819 140

www.sageandsunday.com.au

www.choicecakes.com

7. SPEECH TREE PATHOLOGY

18 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 19

Entertainment

Meet Santa at

The York

IF you feel like a night off cooking and the kids would like to dine with Santa, head to the York on Lilydale. On Thursday nights children eat free, with one free kids meal per adult meal purchased.

There is also free children’s entertainment, with kids entertained by a balloonist, magician or face painter.

Santa will be the star attraction during December, visiting The York on Thursday 14 and 21 December.

The kids' play room has indoor and outdoor sections, and includes skill machines and free-to-play games.

If your children are small, you don’t need to fork out for a full kid’s meal.

The menu caters for toddlers, with a $5 toddler menu with fish and chips or nuggets and chips, and even babies you can now order freshly pureed vegetables.

Kid's meals come with a choice of water, juice or soft drink, and there is a selection of children’s desserts available to order.

The updated summer menu has plenty of classic pub favourites and gourmet fare to choose from.

The York on Lilydale will also have a range of family entertainment over the school holidays - stay tuned for details and check www.yorkonlilydale.com. au/kids

Head to Rayner's Orchard to pick your own fruit, enjoy a tractor ride and grab a bite to eat at Peach Cafe.

Fresh from the Farm…

STONE FRUIT SEASON DECEMBER – APRIL OPEN EVERY DAY, 9AM - 5PM OVER SUMMER

Guided

Tractor฀Farm฀Discovery฀Tours฀ Seasonal฀Fruit฀Sales

5964 7654 Cafe฀open฀7฀days฀throughout฀the฀year 60 Schoolhouse Rd, Woori Yallock 20 SUMMER 2017/2018

www.raynersorchard.com.au

12367107-ACM50-17

•฀Now฀over฀450฀varieties฀of฀fruit฀on฀the฀farm!

•฀Fruit฀Tasting฀Tours฀run฀on฀demand฀every฀day ฀฀฀from฀9am฀-฀4pm,฀sample฀up฀to฀8฀varieties฀of ฀฀฀freshly฀picked฀fruit฀during฀your฀tour!

•฀Peach฀Cafe฀serving฀food฀&฀beverages฀till ฀฀฀4pm฀daily!

•฀Extensive฀Fruiting฀Plant฀Nursery฀open ฀฀฀to฀the฀public ฀฀฀Daily,฀stocking฀large฀range฀of฀fruit฀trees฀฀฀฀stone฀fruit,฀apples,฀pears,฀citrus,฀nuts, ฀฀฀berries฀&฀more!

•฀Experience฀Magniicent฀Blossom฀on ฀฀฀tours฀in฀September!

•฀Stone฀fruit฀Season฀commences฀November!

fruit tour

A family run, boutique orchard in the Yarra Valley, Rayner’s Orchard has something for the whole family this summer.

Boasting around 450 varieties of fruit yearly, Rayner’s offers visitors a range of activities including orchard tours, ‘U Picks’ and fruit bottling workshops as well as running their own Peach Cafe and plant nursery.

Led by an expert guide, Rayner’s Fruit Adventure Tours gives guests the opportunity to learn about Rayner’s farming practices and discover what real fruit tastes like.

But for those who want a hands-on experience, Rayner’s Orchard also offers the chance for guests to pick their own fruit within their in-tour U Pick activities.

With fruit varieties alternating throughout the year, all fruit picked on tours is weighed back at the shop and charged at $5 per kilo of fruit picked - so you can pick as much or as little as you like!

Under the guidance of Rayner’s

friendly staff, guests can also book in for a Fruit Bottling Workshop. Fruit is bottled using Fowlers Vacola equipment, stock preserving kits, food dehydrators and other bottling equipment which is also available in the shop for purchase.

Finally, after a day amid the orchards, visitors can stop in at the orchard’s plant nursery which features a large range of fruiting plants for sale, including dwarf, super dwarf and advanced trees.

But if it’s a bite to eat guests are after, the charming Peach Cafe has something for everyone. Serving a large range of delicious farm-style food, all products are freshly made with local and Australian produce - with the desserts featuring delicious fruit grown fresh at Rayner’s.

Rayners Orchard also has a function room available for hire which is perfect for weddings and corporate events.

Rayner’s Orchard is located at 60 Schoolhouse Road in Woori Yallock and is open in summer from 8.30am until 5pm.

For more information, phone 5964 7654 or visit www.raynersorchard.com.au. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Education

Callum well on board

LOCAL mum Catherine describes Noah’s Ark as being invaluable for her fiveyear-old son, Callum.

Lisa, Larry and Lucky the dog’ to live in, while conversing using our ‘L’ words,” Catherine said.

Diagnosed with a severe speech sound delay and delay of fine motor skills, Callum’s key workers have been instrumental in his significant progress since he started with Noah’s Ark 12 months ago.

“Through incidental learning, he was forming sentences, promoting discussion and improving vocabulary without even realising how hard he was working and the milestones he was conquering.”

“Initially, I was not even aware that the Noah’s Ark program existed, nor that I would be eligible for any government assistance as I wasn’t sure his issues were significant enough to qualify. It has been a rewarding and beneficial journey for us both,” she said.

Callum’s current key worker, Simon, brought another dimension to his learning, promoting visual aids to assist his sound development.

“Sarah, our initial key worker visited him at kinder to gain a picture of his interaction with his peers, and although the kinder teacher introduced her generally as ‘someone who visits a lot of kindergartens,’ Callum proudly announced ‘and she comes to my house!’ She also met with the kinder teacher and myself to develop goals for both home and kinder, so we could all complement each other and be on the same page.”

Sarah suggested leaving Callum’s paper and crayons set up permanently at home to encourage free drawing and colouring, in line with his goal to hold his pencils.

“Chloe, our next key worker channelled her skills to his interest of Lego, and we spent countless hours playing with Lego, incorporating whichever letter we were focusing on in speech at that time. We did lots of imaginary play, building houses for ‘Les, www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

for children with disabilities

“Once again, by channelling his current interest of using magnetic letters while playing with his train set we have spelt out the colours of the train we were taking turns in driving around the track he had built, moving the letters closer together to try and conquer the blend ‘BL’ - trying to close the gap in Callum’s pronunciation of black, blue and other BL words.”

Catherine said she had also benefitted from the free parent workshop recently held at Noah’s Ark, which covered the benefits of communication for children with developmental delays.

“This reinforced to myself and the other mums present that there were people out there with similar situations and that we were doing the right thing for our children. Occupational therapist Lou provided some new ideas, with particular reference to reading and promoting it as a positive experience with no pressure to talk.

“Overall, sharing ideas, being open and honest and flexible with new ideas has encouraged resilience, persistence and determination in Callum that will not only be beneficial for his continuation with the Noah’s Ark program pre-school, but no doubt a valuable skill set to take in to his primary school years.”

Do you want to talk to a professional about your child’s development or behaviour?

12353216-DJ25-17

“Due to change in life circumstances, he has had three different speech therapist key workers, which has proved to be a positive advantage as each has brought a different perspective and skill set to aid his development.

Building better futures

Noah’s Ark offers the following services for children with a disability or additional needs: ✓ Getting ready for Child Care, Preschool or School ✓ Supporting Inclusion

✓ Parent Connection and Support ✓ Parent Education ✓ Speaking and Listening

✓ Playing Together

✓ Supporting Positive Behaviour

✓ Coordination of Supports

We’re here to help Call 1800 819 140 www.noahsarkinc.org.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 21

Education

Steiner education gaining ground

By Jade Glen STEINER education is growing in popularity across Australia.

Little Yarra Steiner School Education administrator John Stewart said Steiner offered an alternative option to mainstream schooling that was being increasingly sought by parents.

“Modern parents are much more informed on how they want to raise their children, and people are really looking for an educational approach that is consistent with their parenting choices.”

But what is Steiner?

our students a rich and diverse educational experience, so they can become the best versions of themselves.”

John said Little Yarra offered a broad, multifaceted learning curriculum in an environment that was consciously created for the child.

One of the most apparent contrasts to mainstream schooling is the students’ teacher. Students meet their Year 1 teacher and stay in the same group, ideally with the same teacher, all the way to Year 8.

“The benefit of this is the relationship that develops between the teacher and the children,” John said.

“The easiest explanation is that instead of fitting a child in to a box, we create the box to fit the child,” John said.

There is just one class per year level, so the students form strong relationships through their early schooling years.

“We carefully consider what they need at each developmental stage. By the end of Year 12 we want each student to leave as an amazingly well-rounded, selfconfident, creative individual. We give

“The students truly feel seen by their teachers and become almost like brothers and sisters. We have far fewer social issues such as poor behaviour or bullying than most other schools.”

Part of the emphasis on human interaction means the school is technology free until the secondary years, and the young children learn with natural materials in a calm, carefully planned environment.

The impact of music on brain development and learning are well known. The students in a Steiner school learn recorder in Class One, include a stringed instrument in Class 3 and brass or wind in Class 5. By the time they start secondary schooling, each student can sing, read music and play at least two instruments.

“The sorts of things you would expect to find as additional enrichment programmes in a high quality independent school in Melbourne are built in to our curriculum and available right here in the Yarra Valley,” John said.

The school offers two senior secondary steams. In addition to the Steiner curriculum, students can choose the traditional VCE model that results

in an ATAR or do a one-year research project that includes a 10,000 word thesis and an oral presentation.

John said there were some misperceptions that Steiner education only benefited artistic students or presented a barrier to university entrance, but that this was not the case.

The school offers a breadth of VCE subjects including all three mathematics and a range of science subjects.

“There’s been such a change over the last couple of years, and pathways to university are much more broad and diverse. We’ve always had success getting our students into tertiary pathways and even have a former student doing their PhD at Oxford,” John said.

John encouraged interested parents to look up the school’s web page or call the office to arrange a tour.

“We would love to have an opportunity to show you what Steiner education can do for your child,” he said.

Teaching the whole child....

Yarra Valley’s Independent K - 12 Steiner School Taking enrolments for 2018 in select classes Book in now for a tour to see what makes Little Yarra different

22 SUMMER 2017/2018

Buses to: East Warburton Mt Evelyn Healesville Belgrave

12370459-HM50-17

205 Little Yarra Road Yarra Junction, Vic 3797 t: (03) 5967 1953 e: office@lyss.vic.edu.au www.lyss.vic.edu.au

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Education Ghilgai places importance on children getting outside and enjoying physical activity.

Growing GHILGAI Steiner School offers a broad education that develops the whole person, as per Rudolf Steiner's principles, in a joyful and supportive environment.

Francis Edmunds - an innovator in Steiner Education, who ran the first organised Steiner teacher training in Britain - described Steiner Education as striving to ‘ennoble the mind and to fire the imagination; to fortify the will and to quicken the initiative for life; to sow such seeds as may produce new vision and discovery in the years to come: not to mould the mind, but to enable it to grow to new dimensions. Thus it serves the present for the future and awakens the motivation for lifelong education and self-development”.

Ghilgai Education co-ordinator Ruth Wittig said Ghilgai adhered to this philosophy, with the curriculum unfolding with the child’s development while nurturing emotional intelligence and social responsibility.

“Artistic work enlivens intellectual work and often goes hand in hand with it in order to enrich and deepen the child’s understanding. The curriculum is a continuum where subjects emerge at the optimum time. Foundations are well

inquiring minds “This year kindness has been our life skills theme. Students and teachers have worked to enact a deed of kindness daily. We also embraced the needs of the homeless in our city and gathered

laid and main lessons build upon each other in an ongoing way through the classes,” Ruth said.

“The Class 1 to 3 students develop a rich understanding of their near environment in Home Surroundings.

In Classes 4 to 6 separate strands emerge - History, Geography, Zoology, Astronomy, Physics and Science.”

Ruth said World Literature provided a meaningful backdrop for the development of literacy skills.

“These stories also provide a springboard for artistic work - they touch an inner chord and new understandings may be born through the potency of their images,” she said.

295 Liverpool Rd Kilsyth

Ghilgai has a team of specialists who enrich the children’s lives daily, covering Music, Craft, Phys Ed, Eurythmy, and German.

Tours Monthly www.ghilgai.com.au Facebook: Ghilgai Steiner School 12370800-LB50-17

12361161-CG37-17

WHY? LEAR I t ’s F U N a n d

G NIN

T

!

O O

Steiner School

Enquiries: 9761 8369

“The modern child needs lots of opportunities to be out in the fresh air daily and to move freely and joyfully in order to develop good physical health. At lunch recess the children enjoy lots of fun activities provided by our PE teacher,” Ruth said.

GymbaROO Mooroolbark

Introductory Trial Offer In Your Specific Age Group Bookings Essential

just over $1000, which provided nine people with a sleeping pod.”

Ghilgai caters for children from playgroup through to Class 6, with small class sizes.

Paediatric and Adolescent Speech Pathology Services including: • Speech and Language Assessment and Therapy • Group and Individual Literacy Therapy • Social Groups • School and Kindergarten Funding Assessments • Autism Assessment

AGE APPROPRIATE SESSIONS BabyROO: 6wks - 6mths - 12mths | Toddlers: 1 - 2 & 2 - 3 yrs Pre School: 3 - 4 yrs | School Readiness: 4 - 5 yrs TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY

Mooroolbark Community Centre All Enquiries Welcome – Marion 9726 8740 E: Mooroolbark@gymbaroo.com.au • www.gymbaroo.com.au www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

All Enquiries Welcome - (03) 9726 9283 E: admin@speechtree.com.au www.speechtree.com.au | NDIS services available SUMMER 2017/2018 23

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HOLIDAY PROGRAMS Fun for kids during the school holidays

Badger Creek

WEEK 1 8th - 12th Jan

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Badger Creek Primary School now taking bookings 0499 400 250

k c o l l a Y i r o Wo

WEEK 1 8th - 12th Jan

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WEEK 2 15th - 19th Jan

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WEEK 3 22nd - 25th Jan

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Woori Yallock Primary School now taking bookings 0458 278 228

Mt Evelyn

WEEK 1 8th - 12th Jan

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Mt Evelyn Campus - now taking bookings 0407 695 528

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Education

Circle of OUT of School Hours Care and Vacation Care offers a lifeline for working parents – and the kids benefit from the active play, too.

Melissa said the OSHC program also connected children with others of different ages or in some cases, from different schools.

Cire Children’s Services offers Out of School Hours Care at four locations: Yarra Junction, Woori Yallock, Badger Creek and Mt Evelyn.

“These children become connected to their community – they make new friends and have the confidence to go join the football or netball club where their new friends play.”

Cire director of Out of School Hours Care Melissa Saaghy-Walsh said each location offered OSHC five days a week, with before-school care starting at 6.30am or 7am and after-school care extending to 6.30pm.

The service caters for children from Prep to Year 6, with qualified staff facilitating a program of structured play for up to 30 students.

“It’s a real lifeline for working parents because it is so difficult to find work that is during school hours. This allows parents to go back to work,” Melissa said.

“You know your child is being cared for and getting breakfast, and afternoon tea after school, all in one location.”

The children also benefit from the extra hours of active play, which is proven to contribute to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing of children.

Emily. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

care

Cire also offers Vacation Care, operating throughout January.

Vacation Care is open to all children regardless of what school they attend.

Children will have a ball doing everything from a ninja warrior water course, making kites, tie-dye shirts and ice-cream sundaes, games, themed days and excursions to karate, futsal, parks and Healesville Sanctuary.

Playing outside gives your child the chance to explore their natural environment and have adventures.

Children can play games, test their physical limits, express themselves, increase imagination and build their self-confidence and learn new skills.

The summer 2018 Vacation Care schedule is available online now at www.cire.org.au – book now as places are limited.

Zoe

Riley with the bat, and wicket keeper Archie.

Pictures: ROB CAREW SUMMER 2017/2018 25

reality bites

Sweet song for River

By Jade Glen

Elinor’s pregnancy and birth was supported by Yarra Valley Midwives.

TWO-YEAR-OLD Ash welcomed his baby sister, River, into the world by singing ‘Happy Birthday.’

“We were living in New Zealand for Ash’s pregnancy and birth, and in New Zealand they have continuity of care with publicly funded midwives,” Elinor said.

Home birth was an empowering option for Warburton couple Elinor and Sam. River, their second child, was born in their shower after a restful day at home, with Sam able to ‘catch’ the baby as she was delivered.

River’s arrival was a whole-family affair - Ash was able to witness his sister’s birth and Elinor’s mum was also at home, preparing dinner for everyone.

“They have the option of homebirth or hospital birth. We believed in homebirth, and we thought it was absolutely the experience we wanted to have.”

Unfortunately, Elinor was unable to have a homebirth in the end - as her pregnancy approached 42 weeks, she was admitted to hospital to be induced.

With the family now living in

Warburton, Elinor’s second pregnancy began through the public system, but she craved the continuity of care that she had experienced in New Zealand.

“I was starting to go down that path when at playgroup someone suggested I speak to Yarra Valley Midwives. I called Robyn and remember just being really taken with her warmth - she was really warm and genuine,” Elinor said.

Elinor’s pregnancy progressed normally, and she had antenatal appointments with both Robyn and Lisa.

“With the induction, I really had no idea what the onset of labour was like

and hadn’t really been aware of Braxton Hicks in the lead up to Ash’s birth either. In the lead-up to River’s birth I was having Braxton Hicks that I was really quite aware of. There were days between them so I was trying not to get too excited,” Elinor said.

“Then I woke up and found myself having some lovely regular contractions. I quickly downloaded a contraction timer on my phone and was keeping track. I sent Robyn a message about 5.30am to let her know what was happening. She messaged me back straight away and said she would give me a call at a particular time. It was really lovely to have that chat with her.”

Private Midwives providing personalised pregnancy, birth and postnatal services for the women of the Yarra Valley and beyond. Our beautiful rooms are located in the main street of Healesville with easy access and parking available.

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Book your Breathe Birth preparation for labour & birth classes online today www.breathebirth.com.au

www.yarravalleymidwives.com.au 0410 692 929 - 0448 866 655 Elinor and Sam Cuttiford with baby River and Ash. 26 SUMMER 2017/2018

Pictures: ROB CAREW www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

reality bites

Elinor and Sam Cuttiford with baby River and Ash.

Ash welcomed his baby sister earthside by singing Happy Birthday.

Then my boy started singing

happy birthday.”

Both Robyn and Lisa arrived around 9am, but with the dawn of the day and business of getting Ash ready for childcare, Elinor’s contractions had petered out.

“I didn’t know what I was in for, whether it would be the next few days or the next week or later that day.

“It got to about lunchtime and Robyn and Lisa went to Warburton to get some lunch and suggested Sam and I get out of the house and have a stroll. We went to our favourite cafe and had coffee and cake and then walked along the river. At that stage I was contracting again, fairly irregular, but it was lovely to pause during contractions.

“We came back home and had a chat with Lisa and Rob - I asked if I should be doing anything (to move the labour along)- I will forever be thankful for Lisa saying at the moment no, just go back to bed, go where you are most comfortable and just relax. That was music to my ears, because when I gave birth at hospital they had me walking and walking. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

“So about 2pm in the afternoon, I was just lying in bed, it was a beautiful day, just looking out the window. I had a few different breathing techniques up my sleeve and found one in particular was really effective. I was just dozing in between contractions. At 5pm my mum came over, picked up our boy from childcare and all of a sudden my waters broke in bed.”

Robyn and Lisa were on their way back to Sam and Elinor’s home after picking up some supplies from Healesville.

“I moved to the shower in the ensuite while they inflated and filled the pool. I stayed in the shower and the lights were off. I was with my husband just swaying and rocking through contractions and breathing; I found staying up most comfortable. I knew Rob was popping in occasionally but she was just letting the two of us labour, my husband and I. “All of a sudden I said I have to push!

I felt like I had no control, it was just what my body did at that moment.

Robyn was in the process of taking firewood into the lounge room - she rushed to the ensuite. I remember having a quiet freak-out because all of a sudden I could feel my little girl’s head.

“At the same time my mum had come in with my little boy. He saw the look on my face and he started to get upset. I think in that moment I needed to see that to pull myself together. He was only upset for half a minute or so, then he was calm and within a couple of pushes she was out. My husband was able to catch her and Robyn was there with her non-slip gloves to make sure she couldn’t go any further.

“Then my boy started singing happy birthday.”

With babe-in-arms, Elinor shuffled to the birthing pool where she, Sam and River enjoyed a calm and relaxing bonding session. Ash declined offers of getting in the pool, preferring to watch The Wiggles.

“I think it was about an hour and

then Robyn and Lisa were starting to wonder what was happening with the placenta - they said OK, it might be time to come out now.”

The simple movement of getting out the pool was enough to deliver the placenta.

The following day both Lisa and Robyn came by to visit the family, and their support continued throughout the first few weeks and months.

Elinor said River’s birth was a special memory for the family.

“The day itself was a real gift. It was a stark contrast to Ash’s delivery - and that wasn’t traumatic.

“To be at home, where I could enjoy a bit of the morning and share it with my husband, and to come home and to be told just to relax. I was comforted by the fact that they (Robyn and Lisa) were here the whole time, and they knew what they were doing.

“We all got to have that experience together, in this house.”

SUMMER 2017/2018 27

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Name: _______________________________________________________________________

Age: ________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________________ Email:____________________________________________________

Colour in this CFA fire truck for your chance to win lots of great prizes courtesy of the CFA! Please drop off or post your entry to Mail News Group, 244 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, 3777.

Competition closes 31 January 2018. Winners will be notified by phone or email. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

SUMMER 2017/2018 29

Ethical summer

fashion IF YOU are looking for some fresh new summer threads for your child’s wardrobe or some unique toys or decor, look no further than Sage and Sunday.

The popular Croydon boutique stocks clothing, toys, home wares and furniture that is sure to stand out in the crowd.

Most brands are environmentally friendly and manufactured responsibly and $1 from every sale is donated to human rights charity Hagar Australia, making Sage and Sunday the destination for ethical shopping.

Brands include Pretty Wild, Rylee+Cru, Nature Baby, Acorn, Little Horn, Aden+Anais, Young Soles and Saltwater Sandals.

A visit to Sage and Sunday is sure to inspire and delight - head to Shop 5 66-68 Maroondah Highway, Croydon to browse the range in-store.

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Shop online or visit us in store Shop 5 66-68 Maroondah Hwy Croydon Phone: (03) 8288 1321 www.sageandsunday.com.au www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

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SUMMER 2017/2018 31

Games and gadgets

The shape of things

to come SHAPEEZE preschooler activity pads engage children in the wonders of learning while also preparing them for school through simple craft activities.

Developed in consultation with qualified early learning educators, the activity pads are available for ages 3-6 or 4-7, in A4 size for when you are out and about and A3 size to spread out at home.

Shapeeze activity pads are: ■ Fully self-contained: The pad includes glue stick and colour pencils stored in resealable packs for convenience.

■ Perfect for travel: Pre-cut shapes save time-consuming cutting and removes the need for sharp scissors, making the Shapeeze pack travel safe and friendly.

■ Fuss Free: There is a compartment at the back of activity pad which enables storage of cut outs to be saved for next use, which saves any tantrums of bits going missing.

■ A precursor to writing: shapes aren’t pre-gummed stickers, facilitating the development of fine motor skills as holding and using the glue stick is a precursor to writing.

■ Skill building: each activity builds on skills learned in the previous pages.

■ Child-friendly: the designs use basic shapes rather than graphic drawings to facilitate the primary goal of recognising and identifying shapes and colours.

If you want to get your toddler, pre-schooler or primary-school-age child away from the screens and enjoying some educational play, Shapeeze is the perfect way to do it.

Shapeeze has a special offer for Yarra Ranges Kids readers – head to www. shapeeze.com.au and enter the code YARRA at checkout for a 15 per cent discount off your total purchase – valid to 31 January 2018 .

Travel-friendly ine motor fun.

Free shipping over $45 Enter the code YARRA at checkout for 15% off *valid until January 31st 2018*

www.shapeeze.com.au 32 SUMMER 2017/2018

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r le o o h c s e r p E Z E E P SHA . it k y it iv t c a g in d il u b lil sk

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Games and gadgets

Hayley Marshall with Mia and Nate.

Favourite items from left, iPad, pink ukulele, Italian Cook Book, Champagne, Faraway Tree Book, salt lamp, T-Rex, Aroma Therapy, TeePee and Fit Bit. Pictures: ROB CAREW

Close to their

hearts CHIRNSIDE Park’s Hayley Marshall enjoys the little things - the scent of essential oils or the calming glow of her salt lamps. Mia, 6, and Nate, 3, love music and dance. Here, the Marshall family share a few of their favourite things.

Italian cookbook My family love Italian food and this cookbook has so many of our favourite dishes that we love to cook and eat.

The Magic Faraway Tree book This was my favourite book when I was little and I now read it to my kids before bedtime.

Salt lamp Salt lamps purify the air and help relieve symptoms of asthma, sinus and hay fever. I have two in the main living areas of our home and they give out a warm light and calming glow.

Fitbit My fitbit tracks my daily steps, sleep and calories. It’s fascinating to see how many steps I take when I’m home running around after the kids.

Pink ukulele Both kids love music and dance.

Mia enjoys singing and making up her own tunes on the ukulele. www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

Aromatherapy I love burning essential oils in my aromatherapy diffuser. It makes the whole house smell nice and gives off a positive, calming vibe depending on what oil is burning. iPad I do everything on my ipad from banking, to online shopping to work emails. My kids have their own educational apps they use and it is also a useful thing to take away from them when they are misbehaving.

Champagne I love a nice glass of bubbles when celebrating, catching up with a friend or any mums' night outs!

Nate in his favotite tent and with his favourite T-Rex.

T-Rex Nate is obsessed with dinosaurs, his favourite being the TRex. He can tell a stegosaurus from a triceratops and has to sleep with TRex every single night.

Teepee Both kids love making cubby houses, forts and playing hide n seek in the teepee on rainy days. It was a present for Nate’s last birthday. Sometimes they enjoy having sleepovers in the lounge room watching movies in it.

Mia will her Pink Ukulele.

Mia with her favourite book.

SUMMER 2017/2018 33

Time for a road-trip - just pick your destination, pack the car and hit the road.

Hit the road for a

Summer adventure The warm summer days are here and so are The long, long summer holidays.

BREAK up the weeks and keep the kids entertained by planning a few day trips. Whether it’s just down the road or well out of town, a visit to any of these destinations is sure to keep the kids talking for days.

EUREKA SKYDECK, MELBOURNE Take the kids to enjoy a complete 360-degree, floor-to-ceiling view of Melbourne’s CBD, extending to the Dandenong Ranges.

FUNFIELDS THEMEPARK, WHITTELSEA

ADA TREE, YARRA STATE FOREST Get in touch with nature and take the kids on a hike to see the Ada Tree, a giant mountain ash that is estimated to be 300 years old and is one of the largest known flowering trees in the world.

ARTPLAY, MELBOURNE Let your imagination run wild at ArtPlay, a creative arts studio for kids and their families tucked behind Federation Square next to the Yarra.

Open most days after 12 January – check website for bookings.

EMERALD LAKE PARK, EMERALD Not your average park - enjoy a picnic, walking trails, paddle boats, fishing, and the free lakeside pool, then go watch Puffing Billy come steaming in to Lakeside Station.

34 SUMMER 2017/2018

Water theme park with 23 rides and attractions. Make sure you follow Yarra Ranges Kids on Facebook for a chance to win free passes to Funfields this summer!

fishing, water skiing, or just sit back and enjoy the serenity. Day visitor areas have barbecues, shelter, picnic tables, water access and toilets.

LAKE MOUNTAIN ALPINE RESORT, MARYSVILLE Not just for snow bunnies – Lake Mountain Alpine Resort has an exciting summer adventure program from 27 December to 14 January. The kids will love the flying fox.

GUMBUYA WORLD, TYNONG

LONG TUNNEL GOLD MINE, WALHALLA

Victoria’s newest theme park is opening this December! Phase one of the park includes three distinct zones with Oasis Springs water park, Wildlife Trail and the Oz Adventure and Outback Explorer. Enjoy time in the water at Oasis Springs, spend time with some dingo pups and seek your thrills on the roller coaster at Oz Adventure.

Visit the Long Tunnel Gold Mine, which is kept in the same condition as it was when works stopped in 1911 in Gippsland’s historic gold-mining town, Walhalla. While you are there, ride the Goldfields Railway or take the older kids on the weekly Ghost Tour to learn some spooky tales from the town’s past.

NOBBIES CENTRE, PHILLIP ISLAND

LAKE EILDON NATIONAL PARK, EILDON Take the kids bushwalking, boating,

Take a fun and interactive virtual journey into the wonderful world of the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

RAYNER’S ORCHARDS, WOORI YALLOCK Pick your own fruit, enjoy a tractorride orchard tour and have something to eat at the Peach Cafe. More than 450 varieties of fruit are grown at the orchard, so go get your fill!

SCIENCEWORKS, SPOTSWOOD Scienceworks has opened a brand new exhibit for the little ones. Ground Up: Building Big Ideas, Together, helps build tinkering, testing, critical thinking and design skills in babies to five year olds.

WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO, WERRIBEE Embrace the hot weather and pretend you are on an off road safari at Werribee. Enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the savannah as you travel across the zoo’s open plains.

www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

l a n o i t Sensa

r e m sum

December Gembrook Community Christmas Carols, Sunday 10 December 5-6.30pm, Gembrook Primary School, 50 Main Street Gembrook. Free family activities, sausage sizzle at small cost.

Belgrave South Community Family Christmas Party, Friday 15 December, 12pm to 2.30pm, Belgrave South Community House Gilmore Court, Belgrave South. The party is open to the community to enjoy lunch, activities and celebrate a wonderful year at Belgrave South Community House. RSVP essential. Cost is $15 per family, for more information or to book contact the office on 9754 2274.

Healesville Community Carols, Saturday 16 December, 6.30pm - 9.30pm, Queens Park, Healesville. Music and other entertainment, food, coffee, face-painting and of course Christmas Carols.

Yarra Glen Carols by Candlelight, Sunday 17 December, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, McKenzie Reserve, Yarra Glen. Food stalls from 6.30pm, glow sticks and candles available for purchase on the night, and a visit from Father Christmas.

Carols on the Lawn, Sunday, 17 December, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, corner of Swansea Rd and Hull Rd, Lilydale.

Family Fun Time with free sausage sizzle, Jumping Castles and Face Painting. Carol singing starts at 6.30pm and ends around 7.30pm.

Community Carols, Monday, 18 December, 6.30pm to 8pm, Coldstream Community House lawns Kelso Street, Coldstream. Coldstream Primary School invites the community to a pleasant evening of carol singing on the lawns of the Coldstream Community House.

Bring a blanket and a picnic tea.

Summer Adventure Activities at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, running 27 December to 14 January.

Experience the exhilaration of a 240-metre dual flying fox, slide down the tube run or join in a game of laser skirmish. Explore the resort’s track and trail network on foot or hire a mountain bike from the Lake Mountain Cafe, open for refreshments and home to an indoor jumping castle.

Yarra Valley’s Kids Day Out, Thursday 28 December.

Yarra Valley Racing, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen.

There are bouncy castles, chair-o-plane rides, arts and crafts, supervised activities and entertainment, plus a full local race program thundering down the track.

January Make your open gift book, Tuesday 2 January to Wednesday 31 January, Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm except public holidays, at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, 35-37 Castella Street Lilydale. Create your www.yarrarangeskids.com.au

own mini book with stories, pictures, cartoons, poems, songs, raps and puzzles, just as Melba did for Charity.

FREE no bookings required. All Ages Camp Uproar, a five-day leadership, creativity and empowerment camp for 12 to 18-year-olds. Running the 8th12th January. Camp Uproar is all about exploring your creativity, your passions and your identity. Camp Uproar is all about embracing who you are and expressing that creatively. Its about unleashing your voice upon the world. The camp is designed to build self-confidence, and empower young people to use their voice and talk about the issues that matter to them. Camp runs from Monday 8 January 10am until 9.30pm (end of showcase) on Friday 12 January at Casa Palottii, Millgrove. Cost $300 - once registration is complete you will receive an invoice - Payment Plans Available If money is a barrier to attendance - please get in touch as we do have a few limited sponsored spots available. Contact themisfitproject@outlook.com Healesville Cup Day, Saturday 13 January, Healesville Racecourse, Healesville - Yarra Glen Road, Healesville.

The Ringwood Spiegeltent, Wednesday, 17 January 2018 - 7.30pm to Saturday, 27 January 2018 - 9.15pm, between Ringwood Station and the Eastland precinct of Town Square120 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood.

The Spiegel Zelt is one of the world’s oldest original Spiegeltents still in operation. Built in Belgium, in 1919, she has spent nearly a century travelling through Europe and is now bringing some old-school charm to Ringwood. The Spiegeltent is an extravagant canvas big top, lavishly decorated inside with mirrors, stained glass, velvet and brocade. Bookings via http://www. karralyka.com.au/2018-Ringwood-Spiegeltent Theatre Workshop, Thursday 18 January, 9am to 4pm at Arts Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Hwy, Warburton. A 6.5-hour theatre and creativity workshop for 8 to 12-year-olds. Come and play in theatre for the day, as we explore improv, storytelling, musical theatre and more. Bookings essential. Text or call Sarah Ward on 0400 889 9316.

Film-making Workshop, Friday, 19 January, 9am to 4pm at Arts Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Hwy, Warburton For children 10-14 years-old. Booking essential. Text or call Sarah Ward 0400 889 9316.

Musical Theatre Workshop, Saturday, 20 January, 11am to 4pm at Arts Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Hwy, Warburton For children 10 to 14-years-old. Bookings essential. Text or Call Sarah Ward 0400 889 9316.

Fiona Hall: Who Lives Here?, Tuesday 23 January, 11.30am. Duration 30 mins, for ages 4-12. At Arts

Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Highway, Warburton.

Collage activities from exhibition especially for children and teens: Fiona Hall: Uneasy Seasons. Who Lives Here? Explores natural habitat and encourages kids to create an animal and its habitat. Free, bookings essential.

Fiona Hall: Send a Message, Tuesday 23 January, 2pm. Duration 30 minutes, for ages 12-18. At Arts Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Highway, Warburton.

Collage activities from exhibition especially for children and teens: Fiona Hall: Uneasy Seasons. Send a message for teens, encourages young people to express their concerns about the contemporary issues through collaging an ‘emoji’. Free, bookings essential.

Everybody Play, Wednesday 24 January, 11.30am.

Duration 1 hour, for ages 4-18. Arts Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Highway, Warburton.

A table-based board game for two teams (1-3 players per team). Teams roll the dice to journey through the game and challenges including physical, trivia and drawing activities that explore the theme of ‘the body’. Free, bookings essential.

Nonsense, Wednesday 24 January, 2pm. Duration 45 minutes, for ages 4-12. Arts Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Highway, Warburton.

Exquisite Corpse activity from Olga Chernysheva - NGV Triennial artist Olga Chernysheva suggested this surrealist art challenge for the kids. By drawing different bodies on folded paper, kids can experiment with different characters to reveal hilarious results.

Free, bookings essential.

My Contemporary Art Book, Thursday 25 January, 11.30am. Duration 45 mins, for ages 4-12. Arts Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Highway, Warburton.

To coincide with the NGV Triennial, this richly illustrated book shares stories of the NGV Triennial artist’s childhoods and artworks with art activities suggested by artists for children to enjoy. Free, bookings essential.

Everybody | Everyone, Thursday 25 January, 2pm.

Duration 20 minutes, for ages 4-18. Arts Centre Warburton, 3409 Warburton Highway, Warburton.

Children can draw portraits of themselves or a loved one and add together to form an installation. Free, bookings essential.

February Yarra Glen Agricultural and Horticultural Show, Saturday 3 February, Lilydale Hunt Club, Yering.

Summer Race Day, Saturday 3 February, Healesville Racecourse, Healesville - Yarra Glen Road, Healesville.

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