SUMMER 2019/20
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About Us
Summer reading to enjoy WELCOME to the bumper summer edition of Casey Cardinia Kids. I am filling in on this edition for regular editor Melissa Grant who is on maternity leave spending precious time with her new baby boy. Mel finished up the Spring edition of Casey Cardinia Kids and little Brayden arrived two days later. I too am a mum. My daughter is 11 and finishing her last year at primary school (where do the years go?) and my son is 7. Like most mums, I am constantly trying to juggle the responsibilities of work and family life, while trying to enjoy these precious years as my children grow and mature. I have thoroughly enjoyed stepping into Melissa’s shoes and pulling together the summer edition of the magazine. I think we have an interesting mix of articles, highlighting the joys and challenges of parenthood. I hope you agree. New kids writer Rachel Hickingbotham caught up with Married at First Sight contestant Jono Pitman and his lovely partner Rebecca Pattison
and new son, Max. Jono turned to the popular television show hoping to find a partner, but instead found love with an old friend. The couple is now settling into life as new parents, totally in love with their new son. I have written a piece for this edition about letters I write each year to my children. Young lives are captured on film and in photographs constantly, but I wanted a more personal way of recording their childhood. So each January I sit down and write them a letter each capturing the year that has past. I will give them their collection of letters on their 21st birthdays Family therapist and world renowned author Steve Biddulph is back again in this edition. Steve has written a thought provoking column about providing our children with a safe and, importantly, slow childhood. We all know what it feels like to be crushed by the mental load of modern life. Add to this parents who both work, and a full schedule of after school and weekend activates and it is easy to see why families are time poor. Steve addresses this modern malaise and says
governments and employers need to be on the side of parents in helping achieve that elusive work life balance. There is so much happening in the Casey Cardinia Region over summer. I know my diary is already full of holiday activities I want to share with my family and friends. In this edition we have some great ideas for things to see and do over the summer months, not least the amazing new water adventures at Gumbuya World. Make sure you keep this edition handy as the long weeks of the school holidays unfold as you never know when you need some inspiration to get out and about and explore our fantastic region. Wishing all our readers a merry Christmas with loved ones and a happy and safe New Year.
Baby in a hurry
All aboard Puffing Billy
Playschool live on stage
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Living Li Liv iv with Rett Syndrome
Kids day out at Cranbourne Turf Club
Rayner’s Orchards
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Paul Sadler Swim School
Born to Perform
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HEALTH
Painball and Big Gooze
GLOW Clinic
PHILLIP ISLAND
PAGE P PA AG A G 8
Cherish Your Sleep
RSL and Wildlife Coast Cruises
St John of God and Greensoul
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Grand Prix Circuit
DENTAL
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Beaconsfield Dental and South East Orthodontics
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Living with autism
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Renew Dental
New World Honda
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PAGE PA PAG P A AG G 9 Splash S Sp Spl pl into Gumbuya World PAGE P PA PAG AG 10
Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.
Cover Friends Jesse, Danny and Eagle were among the first to try Gumbuya's new water slide. Picture: Stewart Chambers
SUMMER 2019/20
Baby love for Married At First Sight star
Phillip Island Nature Park
Insta ideas for fun
REALITY BITES
Fantastic prizes inside
Summer fun
Born to Party PAGE 44
PAGE 16
Casey Dental Group
Kids night at the races
PAGE 32
PAGE 17
Rob Carew Stewart Chambers
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Teaching Te T ea ea kids the joy of giving
Editorial Melissa Dorries melissa.dorries@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666
Mandy Clark
ENTERTAINMENT
Letters L Le et to my children
Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777
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ACTIVE KIDS
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Casey Cardinia Kids
Advertising advertising@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0666
IT’S YOUR LIFE
Steve St Ste te ev v Biddulph on slowing down
Casey Cardinia Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays.
Photography
Acting editor,
CONTENTS
T Th The h Murray family
Casey Cardinia Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.
at A Star News Group Publication
How to talk about the birds and the bees
EDUCATION
PAGE 45 PAGE 46
Kids bedroom ideas
Berwick Lodge PS and Rivercrest Christian School
PAGE 20
PAGE 33
PAGE 47
Summer outdoor furniture ideas
Kool Kidz and Scope
Summer fashion
PAGE 22
PAGE 34
PAGE 48-50
PAGE 54
Reality TV star becomes a dad
How to read report cards
Gardening with kids
PAGE 24
PAGE 35
CALENDAR
PAGE 51
Eden Rise and Springhill Plaza PAGE 18
caseycardiniakids.com.au
Australia’s biggest family Holiday advice for grandparents
BOOKS Kids books PAGE 53 Let us help you
Games and gadgets
Summer events calendar
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PAGE 55
facebook.com/caseycardiniakids
instagram.com/caseycardiniakids
It’s Your Life
Mykaelah and Xavier
Baby in a hurry By Rachel Hickingbotham
“He was not coping well at all," said Mykaelah.
“I could hear other babies crying but I didn’t have my baby."
THE last thing that Mykaelah Thorne thought she would be doing when went into work in May this year was to be diverting to hospital. Pakenham mum, Mykaelah still had three weeks before her maternity leave was even about to start, but after experiencing significant back pain, she was advised to go to Casey Hospital. Four hours later, she was informed that she was already 2cm dilated and that she would need to stay in the birthing suite.
“I was in pain and getting a lot of back contractions and we didn’t know what was going on."
Xavier stayed in hospital for two weeks, while his parents went home to an empty house. They made daily visits to see their baby, a strange way to start the parenting experience. Fortunately they felt very supported at the hospital.
“It was quite an unexpected thing!’, said Mykaelah. “Nothing was discussed that anything was wrong, until they broke my waters and I was 8cm." Doctors noticed a large amount of blood which may have been a concealed placental abruption, which is when the placenta prematurely separates from the wall of the uterus. Her partner, Corey who was by her side during the labour, found it difficult.
Ten hours of labour and only half an hour of pushing later, baby Xavier arrived at just over 2 kilograms. “They put him in the humidicrib and brought him over for me to say Hi. Within a minute they were saying ’We’ve got to go now!’“, explains Mykaelah. Corey followed his new baby son and later heard that Xavier’s heart rate was very fast, at around 280 beats. “That was a very daunting situation for Corey, they just told him to sit in the chair while they did everything they needed to to do, and before they explained anything." As a new mum, the first night in hospital with a newborn can be hugely overwhelming. For Mykaelah it was horrible, as she lay in bed in the maternity ward without her baby.
“They were all great but there were a couple that made us instantly feel more comfortable“. Little Xavier has been thriving now, apart from hernia surgery at 8 weeks old at Monash Childrens. Hernia surgery is quite common for premature babies. Mykaelah and Corey raised over $500 participating in Walk for Prems in October. “The main reason we wanted to do it was to raise money for Life’s Little Treasures and support other families that are not as fortunate as us and don’t get to take their babies home“. Life’s Little Treasures Foundation is Australia’s foremost charity dedicated to providing support, friendship and
information, specifically for families of premature or sick babies. The foundation’s services are available in hospitals and in the community when families come home. As first time mum, not to mention a mum with a premature baby, Mykaelah says that it was really helpful to have people around her when when she was home without her baby. Corey was fortunate to be able to take leave from his work at Dulux as much as he needed. “They were really supportive of him to take time off“, explained Mykaelah. The couple are definite that they would love baby Xavier to have a little brother or sister. “At the back of my mind, I wonder if I will be able to bring my baby home straight away“. It is a worry that is easily understood. In the meantime, the couple continue to watch little Xavier thrive and have hope for the future.
Kids Mornings Free every Tuesday 10am – 1pm, near Target westfield.com.au/fountaingate
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4 SUMMER 2019/2020
FOUNTAIN GATE
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It’s Your Life
Living with Rett Syndrome By Jessica Anstice
at the Royal Children’s Hospital where it was confirmed she had Rett Syndrome.”
In 2017 Longwarry mother Kylie McCormack found out her daughter, Stevie, was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.
Stevie is a “very happy little girl” who will forever require 24/7 care.
Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic mutation that affects the brain and nervous system of predominantly girls. The disease, which is estimated to affect one in 9000 people, has prevented five-year-old Stevie from ever being able to crawl, walk or talk. Stevie was born with Rett Syndrome but unfortunately the effects of the mutation don’t become visible until six to 18-months-old which is when most children are diagnosed. With Rett Syndrome a child will develop ‘normally’ - rolling over, crawling, walking and talking, until regression starts. This is when they start to lose all ownership of their own bodies. Everything is affected from their hand movements to their speech and most cases, their ability to walk. “As there isn’t a great deal of awareness of Rett Syndrome there were lots of symptoms but as she is A -Typical she didn’t quite tick all the boxes,’ Ms McCormack explained. “We were all given a blood test which was sent off to the genetics department
“She has her moments like most five-year-old children and can have a tantrum but generally if she’s upset there’s something wrong,” she said. “The hardest part for us would be she is unable to communicate. When she is upset she cannot tell you whether she has a pain the stomach, has an itch or is feeling unwell. It’s a guessing game. “It can be something as simple as her fingers are stuck underneath her and have gone numb but unless you move the blanket back and see it she can’t tell you. It’s hard to see her so upset and not know why.” The young girl understands everything that is said to her however struggles with the response. “She’s very smart. Stevie’s communication comes from her eyes. She will look at what she wants and generally that’s the easiest way to tell,” she added. At this stage there is no cure for Rett Syndrome but professionals are working “extremely hard” to find one. A few medical trials are underway with Stevie’s name down for a paediatric trial next year.
Five-year-old Stevie was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic mutation that affects the brain and nervous system of predominantly girls.
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SUMMER 2019/2020 5
It’s Your Life August is
birthday month for the Murrays
By Rachel Hickingbotham IT’S not that unusual to meet the love of your life in a city on the other side of the world from your home. But what are the chances of meeting someone from your own country who also has the same birthday as you? Ten years ago, Wayne Murray originally from Dublin, Ireland, was on a two week holiday to China. There he met Lynda, an Irish expat living and working in Shanghai. “We had a holiday romance“, says Lynda. It is not common to meet other Irish people in Shanghai, and even rarer to meet someone with the same birthday as yours. The two are both born on August 31st. The couple hit it off and were more than happy to share birthdays from then on, After keeping in touch via Facebook and Skype for 8 months, Lynda moved to Australia to live with Wayne, where he had settled. “We got engaged, got a dog, got another dog, two kids. Back seat is full“, said Lynda in her gorgeous Irish accent. “It’s funny to meet a guy in China, from Ireland with the same birthday as you. And now we live in Australia. Sounds complicated,“ she added. The Murray family now live in Narre Warren with their two adorable children and two beloved dogs. When they had their first baby, Elora, it was a pleasant surprise that she was due in August. And then, without any prior planning, their son, Fionn, was born on 30th August exceedingly close to his parents’ joint birthday. “We didn’t plan to have August babies!“ exclaimed Lynda. August is now birthday month in the Murray household. “It’s now more expensive than Christmas!”, laughs Lynda, who plans to head back to visit family in Ireland for Fionn’s first birthday next August.
“The big birthdays like 30ths and 40ths have preference when it comes to celebrations,“ she explained. Wayne celebrated his 40th two years ago and Lynda laughs “I am not sure I got acknowledged“. “I think in the future we will have one big family birthday. But I will still hold out for me getting my own big 40th birthday“. Before babies came into Lynda and Wayne’s lives, they devoted all their attention to “their original fur babies“, two designer-bred “cavoodles“, Nacho and Bella. “They are part of the family; they go everywhere with us”. Sadly, the dogs are not August born (I had to check). “That would be just crazy!“, exclaims Lynda. The Murrays are yet to decide if they will have any more children. “If I am brave enough I will go again
for three kids. But as I said, my back seat is full with two kids and two dogs!“. When asked if they will try for another August child, Lynda says that
she is happy to “leave it up to chance”. If I was the gambling type, I know which month I would put my money on.
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When asked what it was like to have to share your birthday with your husband, Lynda admits that “It is good and bad“.
Lydia and Wayne Murray with children Elora and Fionn.
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6 SUMMER 2019/2020
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It’s Your Life
How parenting has changed I’M minding the house of some friends, near the beach in Hobart. It’s about 7.00 in the morning, and there is only the sound of the waves, and seabird’s cries. Then suddenly, on the street outside, an angry male voice rings out. “Get in the car you little shit!”. I go to the window and can see a dad, huge and red faced, standing beside his SUV, and a small boy five metres away, and backing away further still. Another child watches on, and I can make out a toddler already strapped into their seat. My heart is suddenly divided - I know what it feels like to wrangle small children, seatbelts, and cars, and be running late. But I feel for that little child especially if this is a dad who regularly talks to his kids in this way. World renowned author Steve Biddulph
that we haven’t taken into account.
We’ve come a long way in parenting, in the last 50 years.
We check in with them to help them stay on an even keel, and are open when we have to rush things, so they understand.
When I began working as a family therapist in the 1970’s, the aim was a very simple one.
Pressure of time is still the thing that can undo us - it is probably behind 90% of all behaviour problems.
The parents who came to our clinic often had kids with serious behaviour problems - at school, or when a bit older involving courts and the police.
In my talks and books, I help parents to see that the problem of overbusyness isn’t in us, often, but in the crazy way that life expects us to be always on the go.
Almost always, these families had developed a pattern of escalating negativity. Hitting, hurting, shouting, calling kids terrible names, might get them to comply out of fear, in the moment, but rarely worked for very long. The thing was, these were not bad people, but parents who loved their kids deeply, and wanted them to have happy lives. But the only tools they knew were negative ones - the same that had been used on them. We would talk about their own childhoods, as a way of creating empathy for the experience of their children. And begin to nudge into safer, more positive ways to get kids to behave, calm down, and be happy. My first book The Secret of Happy Children came out of this learning. Interestingly the country it sold most copies in was Germany where a generation of young parents absolutely rejected the childrearing methods of their past. Today parents are very different. We show affection and warmth, lots of cuddles and quiet chats, and we let our kids know we love them, and that they are great. When we set boundaries, we are more likely to keep calm. It doesn’t mean we don’t have stressed out moments, but we understand that often kids are also stressed, or needing something from us www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
We live in a society that claims to be family friendly, but is actually the very opposite. It wants us earning and spending, with no time in between. This month on my facebook community, I shared some news articles about the terrible effects that the government’s ParentsNext program was putting onto families who were in income stressed, especially single parents. Some terrible stories were shared in the comments section, backing this up. I believe we have a right to parent, to do it in our own timetable, and not be forced into working - or not working - by outside forces. Kids who are mentally healthy, don’t get into crime or drugs, and are good parents themselves, only happen when their childhoods are safe and slow. Governments, and employers, really need to really be on the side of parents, which they are not at present. All the same, try not to call your children little shits. They do take it deeply to heart. Steve Biddulph’s two books Raising Boys in the 21st Century and Raising Girls in the 21st Century are available in audiobooks for dads who don’t read a lot. His final round of talks will be in Melbourne and Sydney between August and October. Visit www. stevebiddulph.com for details.
Perfect Gift Ideas
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I know from years of being a therapist that kids take a clear message from what parents say, especially if its accompanied by anger. There are few things more terrifying than an adult, ten times your size and weight, who has clearly lost control.
When you purchase a Q & A SmileSolar watch, a portion of the proceeds is dontated to TABLE FOR TWO to deliver school meals to children in Africa and Asia
DRYSDALES – the Jewellers Quality jewellery is forever 2 Blackburne Square, Berwick VIC 3806 Phone: (03) 9707 2647 SUMMER 2019/2020 7
It’s Your Life
Letters filled with love By Narelle Coulter EACH January I sit down and write a letter to my children. My daughter is 11 and my son 7. The letters are not for them now. When I am finished writing, I seal the pages in an envelope, write the child’s name on the front, date it and then pop it in a special box kept on the top shelf of the wardrobe in my bedroom. On their 21st birthdays I will open the box and give them 21 letters, one for each year of their life. In this digital age, childhood is documented and recorded like never before. Photographs, some of them taken professionally, start when baby is still in the womb. When he or she emerges, cameras and smart phones are constantly at hand ready to record not only milestones like birthdays, christenings and first days at school, but also ordinary, every day moments. Images of our children are not only
filed away in albums the old-fashioned way, but posted on social media, mounted on canvas, printed onto calendars and mugs and distributed by email and text to family and friends. I do that with my children too.. But I didn’t want pictures and video to be the only record of their formative years. The letters started from a deeper desire to capture not only what they look like, say and do, but who they are as individuals. Childhood is a time of rapid growth and change. Each year I try to capture what each child is like at a particular age. I write to them about their likes and dislikes, new skills they mastered that year, funny things they said, discoveries they made about the world around them and tell stories that illustrate who they are. I always write in pen on nice note paper. It’s much easier on a computer. However, I want my handwriting to be
a connection to me from the past. In my son’s letter last year I wrote about his first year at school. How proud I was to see him eagerly hoist his enormous school bag on his back and eagerly follow his sister through the school gate as a proper school boy. In my daughter’s letter I wrote about her maturing social relationships, her generosity and her role as a problem solver and healer among her friendship group. I also wrote about how perplexed she was by the changing relationships between boys and girls as she approached those critical pubity years. I write about the games they like to play, the television shows they watch,
what they like to wear as those things change as surely as their bodies change and grow. In one letter I remind my son about that how when watching Play School he would call out to me to guess which window the presenters were going to look through that day. Both my children are born in January so it is the perfect time to write about the year that has gone, who they are at the age they are about to leave behind. Ultimately, I hope my gift will be one of the most special they ever receive. A humble collection of love letters from the past.
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It’s Your Life
More Giving, less receiving By Rachel Hickingbotham “REMEMBER that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more” - H. Jackson Brown Jr. Is giving is better than receiving? Adults might say yes, but I wonder what our kids would say? Sadly, our guess is that most kids would disagree. But it’s not their fault. Perhaps it is because they have not experienced the joy that comes with giving. If the happiest people in the world are givers, then logically we should give our kids the opportunity to experience giving to others. At Christmas time there is an abundance of receiving for most children. Gifts are usually not in short supply. So much so that sometimes children get so much that they lose sight of the thought and money that has gone into the gifts they receive. As parents, Christmas can feel like a barrage of spending obligations and some days it feels like money is gushing outwards quicker than it is flowing inwards. Combine that with the end of year wrap up that seems to take weeks and we can begin to lose sight of some of the essence of what Christmas could be spent pondering over.
We suggest that you try and get the obligations out of the way so that you can make time to immerse yourself in the good parts of the festive season. Buy your presents, wrap them and tuck them away. Stock up on party food and drinks in the fridge and get all your Christmas break ups locked into your calendar. Then set all that stuff aside, collect your kids from the last day of school for the year and help them to fix their focus on GIVING. Giving does not need to cost a cent. You could take your kids to visit a sick or elderly relative. Spend time with grandparents helping them to put up their Christmas tree. Have a baking day making shortbread, mince pies and other treats and drop them in to friends and neighbours. Help them to understand that every year there are children who don’t get the chance to write their letter to Santa and maybe they miss out on gifts. It may be unimaginable for them that children in their own city could wake up on Christmas morning without excitement and without presents. Take them shopping, but not for themselves. Get them to choose gifts that they would love themselves and donate it to a child their own age.
Where to donate
■ Wed from 12.00pm until late
DONATE gifts for children aged 0-16, gift vouchers for teens as well as non-perishable and festive food to the locations below. All gifts should be new and left unwrapped. All locations are accepting donations until December 24th.
Cranbourne Salvation Army
Casey North Community Information and Support Service 2/30-32 Verdun Drive, Narre Warren ■ Mon to Fri 9.30am to 4.30pm
■ 1 New Holland Dr, Cranbourne ■ Mon to Fri 9.30am - 3pm All libraries in Casey Cardinia Located in Cranbourne, Doveton, Emerald, Endeavour Hills, Hampton Park, Narre Warren and Pakenham, Bunyip, Cockatoo, Garfield, Gembrook, Koo Wee Rup, Lang Lang, Maryknoll, Tynong and Upper Beaconsfield.
at th the he h e heritage e Shopping Centre
PROFESS PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS WI WITH SANTA 14-24 Dec 10:30am-4:30pm 1 daily
CHRISTMAS HORSE CARRIAGE RIDES 11-24 Dec, bookings essential
Visit www.theheritagesc.com.au for more details 12429729-SG51-19
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SUMMER 2019/2020 9
It’s Your Life
Gumbuya expansion makes a splash GU GUMBUYA UMB MBUY UYA A World Worl Wo rld d has has le leve levelled vell lled ed u up p in tthe he awesome stakes and definitely one for your summer bucket list. Gumbuya is not just one world, but four. There’s Oz Adventure, with rides that don’t require you to get wet; Outback Explorers for smaller rideenthusiasts and Wildlife Trail, where you can get up close to over 50 species of Aussie animals. The fourth “world” is the section everyone is going crazy over, called Oasis Springs except now doubled in size. On Melbourne Cup weekend, phase 2 of 3 expansions opened to the public. The brand new $10 million water park upgrade of Oasis Springs boasts the state’s most impressive heated family wave pool. The massive pool called 'The Break', has been dubbed the ‘beach in the South East’, giving families endless water fun over summer. There is also a stand-alone kid’s area, ensuring even the little ones can enjoy the new wave pool. Six new water slides are also included in the expansion including two gigantic twister slides and four lanerally race rides. These slides add to the already epic collection of water slides. You and your family can enjoy the exciting Typhoon Island, a 300 metre Lazy River, heated rock pools and Surf’s Up for surfing sessions. Oasis Springs also has 15 new cabanas, plenty of sun lounges, day beds and a dedicated group area and new outdoor showers.
treat themselves with a cocktail at Brett’s Beach Club, while the kids enjoy the rides and soak up the summer fun.
When you get hungry you can find delicious, quality options at Wal’s Fish and Chip shop and Gumbuya’s famous foot long dingo dog. Adults can even
The redevelopment of Gumbuya World will continue over the next three years. The theme park will offer 50 new attractions as well as a range of onsite
These four friends were among the first to try Gumbuya's new attraction, The Break.
accommodation, new cafes, shops, a chocolate factory and a microbrewery. Plans also include Indigenous, dinosaur and wool shed precincts for educational programs. By 2022, it is anticipated that Gumbuya World will attract a million visitors each year from around Australia
and the rest of the world - ensuring tourism remains strong in Victoria and the Gippsland region. The park is located on the Princes Hwy in Tynong. Gumbuya World is less than 15 minutes from Pakenham and 50 minutes from Melbourne.
Kids team welcomes baby boy THE Kids team is excited to welcome a new member to the family. Writer Melissa Grant, her husband Ben and daughter Emmy are proud to announce the safe arrival of Brayden James. Brayden was born at Casey Hospital on 15 September, weighing a healthy 3.75kg.
He arrived nine days early and just two days after mum started maternity leave! The family is looking forward to celebrating their first Christmas as a family of four. Casey Cardinia Kids writer Melissa Grant with her children Brayden and Emmy, who recently met Santa. Picture: Stewart Chambers
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SUMMER 2019/2020 11
It’s Your Life
USE INSTA to fire IMAGINATIONS By Melissa Grant COMING up with ideas to keep the kids entertained at home can be difficult. Children typically get bored of new toys pretty quickly and there are only so many times you can draw and paint together. Also, you don’t want to spend a fortune (otherwise you would just go out, right?). This is where Instagram can come in handy. The social network features a number of impressive accounts where creative mums share their best play ideas. Some have attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. The pages feature a wide range of do-it-yourself play ideas, including craft, word building activities, water activities and cardboard modelling. Some even giveaway toys and crafts to followers. Many of the popular pages have been created by mums with backgrounds in early education. Jennifer Simpson started her page @
little_play_ideas while on maternity leave from her early education teaching job. The mother of two, based south of Perth, has more than 129,000 people following her Instagram page. She says her most popular posts tend to be simply do-it-yourself activities. “A lot of my followers are just like me - parents of preschoolers, looking for ways to keep the kids busy without spending a fortune,” she said. “I love sharing ideas that involve using everyday items from around the house because saving money is always a win and I know so many people are going to find it really useful. “My most popular post to date involved spoons and pegs.” So how does Jennifer, whose daughters are aged 2 and 5, come up with her play ideas? She says years of teaching have definitely helped give her an understanding of learning through play and early childhood development. “I consider what the girls are interested in or need to work on first, then I create or find an activity to suit,”
Sat 7 Dec 12pm - 3pm Free fun for all the family! A visit from Santa, craft activities, face painting & costumed characters
A baby plays with a sensory scarf. Picture: @little_play_ideas
she explained. “So it’s really the kids that inspire the activity ideas more than anything else. She started her Instagram page after friends praised the play ideas she had been posting about on her personal account. “I had a lot of mummy friends telling me they found the ideas really useful for their own kids, but felt like I was spamming everyone else with endless baby photos,” she said. “So I decided to make a second account under the name @little_play_ ideas to keep all the play activities in one place. “I had no idea it would end up being useful to so many people!” Great Instagram accounts to follow for play ideas: ■ play_at_home_mummy
Intagram accounts with play ideas can open up a whole new world of fun. Picture: @little_play_ideas
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the_paige_diaries busytoddler toddleractivitiesathome adelines_hearts_and_crafts
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WHAT’S ON AT OPERATION OUCH LIVE! Are you ready for crazy experiments and astounding science facts? Dr Chris and Dr Xand are coming to Bunjil Place and they’re bringing an action-packed show full of amazing facts about the human body! Tuesday 14 January, 1.30 pm & 4.00 pm Wednesday 15 January, 10.30 am
NEW SHOW ADDED
Tickets A-Reserve $49.90 or $45.00 per person in a family of 4, 5 or 6 B-Reserve $39.90 or $35.00 per person in a family of 4, 5 or 6
FREE FUN FOR THE FAMILY
FESTIVE FUN AND CRAFT
PIXEL PARTY FLICKS
Pixels Saturday 7 December, 6.00 pm
Nothing says Christmas like free festive crafts in the Plaza. Join us over three Fridays in December as we prepare for Santa’s arrival with some awesome art fun! Free for all, no registrations required.
Grab your picnic rug, pack a dinner and enjoy Saturday night flicks under the stars at our place. Free in the Plaza over three Saturdays in December.
The Lego Movie Saturday 14 December, 6.00 pm
Friday 6, 13 & 20 December, 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Ralph Breaks the Internet Saturday 21 December, 6.00 pm
COMING IN MARCH
AURORA
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Circus Oz
Victorian State Ballet
Let your spirit soar with a host of silly and loveable arctic characters all performing spectacular acrobatic feats and hilarious physical comedy that will leave you gasping and laughing with delight.
One of the world’s most loved fairy tale classics retold through classical ballet and choreography that honours the spirit of this magical story. Inspiring, impacting, entertaining and a memorable experience for the whole family!
Friday 13 March and Saturday 14 March
Presented in partnership with
Saturday 28 March, 7.30 pm
See website for session times.
TO BOOK: Visit bunjilplace.com.au, call 9707 9700 or drop us an email at bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov.au Service fees apply to phone and online bookings.
Includes Relaxed Performance Includes Audio Described Performance
bunjilplace.com.au 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren 3805
T: 03 9707 9700 #BunjilPlace
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SUMMER 2019/2020 13
It’s Your Life
Life with an autistic child By Sarah Booth
... but once it happens it’s so worth it,” Mr Barnett said.
IT has been more than a year since Glen and Krystal Barnett raised funds to purchase their six-year-old son, Rhys, a therapy dog.
Sometimes it even happens the other way around.
Rhys, who is on the autism spectrum, can struggle with sensory overload in simulating environments - such as bright, busy shopping centres - and changes to his routine.
When his children saw their dad crying after a long work week, they told him “daddy it’s okay, take your deep breaths.” “My kids are amazing ... to have a two-year-old and a six-year-old do that,” Mr Barnett said.
While he is yet to be matched with a therapy dog, Mr Barnett said his son had “made really great progress in the last twelve months.”
The parents also encourage their children to have emotions, telling them it’s ok to feel angry or sad, their reaction just shouldn’t upset others.
Mr Barnett lists a number of strategies which have helped including keeping a regular routine and giving Rhys instructions in small blocks (‘get your school bag and then your shoes’), rather than all at once.
“We’ve found that has helped them to understand what they’re feeling, but also to understand how it can affect other people, and then just taking responsibility for their emotions,” Mr Barnett said.
The couple also taught Rhys and his sister Aria to “take their three big breaths,” when they are upset.
But a recent experience with horse therapy has given them hope about the further benefits a therapy dog could bring for Rhys.
“It doesn’t always work ... .it takes time, and you’ve got to have patience
Rhys had to learn to calm down so
BASKETBALL SKILLS ACADEMY GET A FREE CLASS
Glen Barnett with his son Rhys.
he could build a relationship with the horse. “When he finally got to ride the horse, he was so excited, it was a really beautiful moment,” Mr Barnett said. While they hope Rhys is matched with a dog soon, there is one other thing Mr Barnett would like to change. The judgement from other parents. “His tantrums can be quite overwhelming ... and once they get to a certain point you can’t stop them,” he said. “There’s been a couple of times where he’s had one in the shopping centre ... and there’s nothing I could do.
With almost 140 years as the number one breeding ground for sporting greatness in the USA, Australia’s talented youth athletes now have another pathway to achieve their sporting dreams.
PRIVATE GROUP TRAINING
The AAU’s arrival in Australia not only strengthens the pathway to elite levels for thousands more aspiring pro-players, it highlights the importance of dedicated skill enhancement training services such as those provided by Envision Basketball, a local skills training academy.
CAMPS & CLINICS
Led by USA Trainer, Kareem Drayton, (trained and mentored by a renowned NBA Skills Trainer), Envision Basketball is built around the advanced training as offered with NBA players and NCAA college players.
www.envisionbasketball.com EMAIL help@envisionbasketball.com CALL 0466 842 775 or 0422 909 674 12433462-CG51-19
14 SUMMER 2019/2020
“You don’t know their family story, what’s going on at home, how their kids behave ... so you can’t judge,” he said. Next time a parent is struggling with their child, Mr Barnett suggests giving them a smile or offering to help - even if it’s just to carry their bag. “You don’t need to understand, you just need to accept,” he said.
Dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports, its groundbreaking charter provides opportunities for Australian youth to play regional and national tournaments.
s Narre Warren s Cranbourne s Berwick s Lyndhurst s Rowville
CLASSES (BEGINNERS TO ELITE)
Autism is different for every child, so he said he doesn’t expect parents to actually understand the situation, but “just accept it.”
EARLIER this year, the USA’s Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) organisation expanded to Australia - the first of its kind globally.
Available at:
PRIVATE SESSIONS
“You can see people thinking just pick him up and drag him out, but (they) don’t understand.”
Slam dunk for local basketball
AAU Australia kicked things off with the Spring Madness National Championship basketball tournament at Dandenong Stadium in October 2019, giving basketballers a chance to experience an American-style play.
Ages 8 - 18 years+
Picture: Rob Carew
Over the years, Kareem has not only trained copious numbers of kids worldwide, but has been dedicated in providing important developmental pathways to help students compete and dominate at international levels. It was
USA Trainer Kareem Drayton with Nem Soliven who participated in the Spring Madness National Championship.
no surprise to find two of Kareem’s elite under 16 year old students in the Spring Madness grand final, in opposing teams. Kareem explains that by creating a platform for students to perform at their highest level, while being seen by college coaches and international scouts is key. “That’s why AAU Australia is absolutely necessary! It’s this type of exposure that helps ballers get recruited to colleges and much more.” Contact Envision Basketball at help@ envisionbasketball.com or call 0466 842 775. For more information about AAU Australia, visit www.aauaustralia.com. au. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
T T O I MARR
W
S R E T A
21 DECEMBER Christmas Parade with Santa & friends* 11am-2pm ** *Fireman Sam, Elf, Nutcracker, Ballerina & Face Painter
Thompsons Rd &, Marriott Bl Blvd, lvd, Lyndhurst Lynd dhurst VIC 3975 www.marriottwaterssc.com.au www.marriottwaterssc.com.a au
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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
SUMMER 2019/2020 15
Family driving at
New World Honda
TO keep your family safe on the road, trust the team at New World Honda in Narre Warren. New World Honda is part of the Patterson Cheney Motor Group, which has been family owned and operated since 1915. New World Honda was established in 2002. The staff are passionate about working with your family to find the perfect car - one that is safe with the flexibility to suit the shifting needs of growing families. New World Honda has stayed true to the values and passions that have made it so successful for more than 100 years. Aside from being one of Australia’s most awarded Honda dealers, New World’s true measure of success is its reputation. New World Honda is known for its personal, professional and innovative service that, at the same time, still has the intimacy and warmth of the small, family business it started out as. Sales manager Steve Brown says when it comes to family friendly vehicles, the CR-V and Odyssey are a sure bet. “Come in and talk to myself or one of my friendly sales team about these two fantastic vehicles,“ Steve said. “We can talk you through all the safety features that make these vehicles so appealing to families. We want our families to be safe on the roads and we want to take good care of yours too.“ The Odyssey and CR-V have ample
New World Honda sales manager Steve Brown.
seating perfect for larger families, those with busy sporting commitments or those who like to invite friends on road trips. The CR-V comes in a seven seat model and the Odyssey is available as a 7 or 8 seat model.
the highest rating possible.
They also boast an impressive list of cutting-edge safety systems. Both vehicles have a five star ANCAP rating,
“And the great advantage of buying locally is the close proximity of professional after sales service and care.“
“These vehicles are great for families. Combined with our personalised service at New World Honda, you won’t be disappointed,“ promised Steve.
The knowledgeable staff at New World Honda are always happy to have a chat about your family car needs and answer any questions to ensure you find the right vehicle for your family. Call or visit today at 6 Prestige Place, Narre Warren. Phone 8794 0000.
ODYSSEY
CR-V
Go in luxury, space & safety with a 5 Star ANCAP Rating.
Go everywhere with everyone with 5 or 7 seat options.
VTi Eight seats Touchscreen Display Audio Multi-view reversing camera One-touch power sliding door 5 Year Warranty^
Vi 2WD 17-inch Alloy Wheels Reversing camera Bluetooth connectivity LCD instrument cluster Full-size spare alloy
Drive Away From
Drive Away From
$42,200*
$29,990*
*Drive In Voucher available with the purchase of a new or demo Odyssey or CRV only. Must mention this ad at time of purchase. Valid until March 30 2020.
NEW WORLD HONDA 6 PRESTIGE PLACE, NARRE WARREN NEWWORLDHONDA.COM.AU
8794 0000
*Pricing correct at time of printing & is subject to change. ^5-year unlimited kilometre warranty available on all vehicles except those used for a Commercial Purpose, where a 5-year/140,000 kilometre (whichever occurs first) warranty is applicable. “Commercial Purpose” means the purpose of carrying passengers or goods in the course of business or trade, and includes, without limitation, a vehicle being used at any time, as a taxi, or for hire, rental, delivery, courier, ride sharing, driving school, tourist or security purposes. Please speak with your Dealer or visit honda.com.au/warranty for full terms and conditions. 12433464-SG51-19
Race in for a great night out DEDICATED to kids, the Pakenham Racing Club’s Kids Night Out on Thursday 23 January 2020 is the perfect event to bring the whole family to for Summer school holiday fun! Let the kids run around on the front lawns, enjoying all the FREE kid’s activities to keep the kids entertained all evening, whilst the adults enjoy the relaxed country racing action. With a long list of activities such as ’Win A Bike’ Kids Competition, Face painting, Animal Farm, Jumping Castle & Kelly Sports activities; it will be sure to keep everyone entertained. The club will also be giving out FREE kids backpacks (T&Cs apply) courtesy of Country Racing Victoria and Swimming Victoria. Aligned Leisure will also be providing a free-swimming pass - a great initiative to encourage children to understand water safety from a young age.
Racegoers are encouraged to embrace country casual; where you can enjoy backing a winner from our spacious lawn and bar areas or try taking on the local bookmakers on course. With plenty of seating and the covered Deck Bar, we have everything for those looking to watch the races outside. Parking is free and dining packages are available with great views of the racetrack. We look forward to welcoming you to Racing.com Park! Children 17 and under are free, accompanied by an adult. Adults are $15 per person. Concessions at the gate. Purchase tickets at pakenhamracing. com.au or visit the Pakenham Racing Club Facebook page for more information. For further information, contact Pakenham Racing Club on 5940 6600 or email info@pakenhamracing.com.au
Kids Night Out thursday 23rd january 2020 GENERAL ADMISSIOn
15
$
Per Adult
Families FREE Perfect for
KIDS ENTRY
‘win a bike’ kids competition FREE kids activities & entertainment summer racing action
12433101-NG51-19
Kelly Sports
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
PAKENHAMRACING.COM.AU Visit us! Racing.com Park, 420 Nar Nar Goon- Longwarry Road, Tynong
Email us! info@pakenhamracing.com.au Call us! (03) 5940 6600 SUMMER 2019/2020 17
A festive shopping hub THIS Christmas Springhill Shopping Centre will host Santa and his elf minder as well as festive face painting and balloon twisting. Entertainment will be live at Springhill from Monday 16 December to Friday 20 December from 12pm to 3pm.
Christmas Wonderland at
Eden Rise
VISIT Eden Rise from Saturday 14 December until Saturday 21 December from 11am till 2pm for a Magical Christmas Wonderland at Eden Rise Village. Santa and his elf will be there as well as daily craft activities plus free Santa photos on Saturday 21 December from 11am till 2pm! Eden Rise Village has everything you need this Christmas all in one convenient location. Eden Rise Village offers a fantastic shopping experience with a choice of both Coles and Aldi supermarkets, over 30 specialty shops, a medical centre, gym and some great cafes and restaurants perfect for a quick bite, a family meal or to catch-up with friends. Designed by award winning architects, Eden Rise Village is designed to be a pleasure from the moment you arrive. You’ll find abundant parking
and direct access to the centre. With the major retailers and specialty shops all on one level you can walk straight in from the carpark providing easy access for wheelchairs, prams and shopping trolleys. The fantastic kids' playground is unique in the area and is fully fenced so kids can play safely giving mum and dad the chance to relax and enjoy a well earned coffee.
Springhill Shopping Centre will also be offering free photos with Santa on Friday 20 December from 12pm till 3pm. At Springhill Shopping Centre you can enjoy the friendly community feel of a neighbourhood village shopping hub, with the caring customer service and convenience that you appreciate and the retail choices that you love. From supermarket shopping at Coles, to starting your day with your favourite coffee, the centre's retail specialists have what you need. The centre's cafes and food outlets serve up hot foods and sweet treats that look after your hunger from morning until night (and everything in between). And with fresh fruit and vegetables, plus freshly-baked bread your pantry
and fridge will be well-stocked with food that is nutritious and delicious. But there’s more… If you need to manage your health with the trusted advice of an experienced pharmacist, get professional medical attention at the centre’s dedicated medical clinic or commit to a fitness regime to get your body in brilliant shape. Springhill Shopping Centre has everything you need to feel great. When it comes to all the other details your busy lifestyle demands from lottery tickets to mobile phones, birthday cards to school stationery, skin care to leave you feeling pampered it’s waiting for you at Springhill, with easy parking and friendly staff. Shop locally and support your community. To keep up to date with the latest news and events at Springhill Shopping Centre follow the centre on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ springhillshoppingcentre/
According to centre manager Trevor McCoy "the centre is a place that caters for all the things a family needs”. "There’s always something happening at Eden Rise Village, with regular kids' activities and events plus weekly specials from our retailers." Eden Rise Village is a great place to shop. To keep up to date with the latest news and events at Eden Rise Village follow the centre on Facebook or go to www.facebook.com/edenrisevillage
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND IS COMING TO EDEN RISE Join in the festivities this holiday season at Eden Rise Village, Clyde Rd & O’Shea Rd, Berwick. Featuring Santa Immersive Zone with daily Santa Meet & Greet with his Elf. FREE Santa Photos on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st December (limit 1 per customer). Dates: Saturday 14th December to Saturday 21st December Times: 11am to 2pm, next to the playground Find out more www.edenrisevillage.com.au
COMPETITION
Simply Like and Share the Competition Post and Like the Eden Rise Village Page for your chance to Win 1 of 12 $100 retailer vouchers*.
/edenrisevillage
12433362-FA51-19
IMMERSIVE ZONE
*Promotion begins 1st December and closes Friday 20th December at 11am. (See Facebook & Website for details). 18 SUMMER 2019/2020
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
at A Ce Arena Shopping Centre
Santa Paws Pet Photography
Professional photos with Santa
Includes FREE goodie bag for your pet!
30 November till Christmas eve, 10:30am-4:30pm daily
Visit arenashoppingcentre.com.au for all the festive details.
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SUMMER 2019/2020 19
It’s Your Life Top tips for styling
teen bedrooms Storage Teens need smart storage solutions to keep floors clear and clutter at bay. Storage boxes or ottomans can be ordered in same matching fabric as the bed. It can also double as a bench seat under a window which can be used as a ‘hang out space’.
WITH AVELYN MIRANDA
THESE days, teenagers are much more like adults, often choosing neutral colours and more mature furniture. Teens also try to fit their whole lives into their room. Bedrooms need to be multi-purpose; a space where they sleep, study and entertain their friends.
Beds Fabric covered beds are very popular, with teens choosing beds in shades of silver, grey, charcoal and even linen and taupe shades. When you start with a good quality neutral bed, it is then easy to change the colour scheme of the room with bed linen and soft furnishings as tastes change. King single and double beds are preferred over queen sized beds unless the teenager’s room is extra big. A smaller bed gives more room for other furniture they need such as a desk, wardrobe, tall boy and seating area.
Bed Linen In summer, natural linen is recommended for sheet sets and doona (quilt) covers. We suggest cotton all the way. With Melbourne weather being so bizarre, you can’t go past a woolen doona. Modern woolen doonas are very lightweight and surprisingly cool in summer. Choose a good quality ‘allseasons’ weight woolen doona and your teen will be set all year round. Layering is key if nights get cool. Cotton mattress protectors are recommended for all beds to lengthen the life of your mattresses. These are sold as well-fitted sheets that don’t move or pull off the bed if your teen tosses and turns. Both the protectors and doonas are machine washable and are dryerfriendly; perfect for when you need to freshen up the bed linen.
Tech solutions Teens have devices, which means charging cables. Look for clever storage solutions and charging stations to keep cables under control. Alternatively
check out our range of beds that have a USB port as a part of the bed. It’s definitely the way of the future.
Decorating With neutral furniture as a foundation, teens can personalise their space with the colours of their bed linen, cushions and throws. Many teen boys like navy blue, greys and white and bold florals are popular with teen girls right now. Prints are another way to decorate a bedroom as these are easy to swap out as children grow up. With Christmas around the corner, your teen may love a bedroom facelift as their Christmas gift. Come and see us in the bedding department at Harvey Norman in Fountain Gate. We love to help young people design their bedrooms.
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SUMMER 2019/2020 21
The Tonic 6-piece dining package.
Family living heats up SUMMER is a great season for families to spend time together outdoors enjoying bright sunny days and warm balmy evenings. And there is no better place to enjoy quality family time than in your own home. Transform your outdoor living area this summer thanks to Harvey Norman, the outdoor furniture specialist. Furniture proprietor at Harvey Norman Fountain Gate Jules Tennant says this summer's range of outdoor furniture is stylish, modern and durable. As every parent knows, durability is important when it comes to selecting furniture that can withstand the rigors of family life. Take the Tonic 6-piece dining package for instance. Coming in a
versatile bench and chair combination - with a quality PE wicker weave on the cushioned armchairs - this dining setting comes with a GRC hand-painted tabletop on an aluminium frame, making it easy to maintain. If you are looking to create the ultimate beach-inspired outdoor space you will love the Petrus Extension Dining Table – with enough room to fit the entire family. This outdoor dining table extends from 220cm to 340cm to accommodate any extra guests who might pop-around and features a beautiful Teak slatted tabletop with a natural oil finish. The durable powder coat and rust-resistant framing make it the perfect addition to your alfresco area.
Neo Kitchen 6 Burner LPG Island Module BBQ.
You can mix and match chairs to go with the Petrus table, letting you put your own stamp on the finished product. Harvey Norman Fountain Gate has a huge range to choose from. Complete the look and protect your family and friends from the scorching summer sun with Harvey’s range of umbrellas which are available in a range of colours. No outdoor family entertaining space is complete without a barbecue. For the ultimate in outdoor kitchen barbecues you can’t go past the Neo Kitchen 6 Burner LPG Island Module BBQ. The BBQ is constructed from 304 grade stainless
steel and features 6 powerful 15mj burners, helping it cook delicious food just the way you like it. Boasting a total cooking surface of 109.5 x 47.5cm and a 50% flat and grill plate area, the Neo Kitchen 6 LPG Burner Island Module BBQ has plenty of room for cooking different meals. The BBQ is equipped with a built-in sink, storage space, a warming rack, a BBQ set and a 208L 2 door beverage cooler. For all your outdoor furniture and barbecue needs this summer head to Harvey Norman Fountain Gate and speak to Jules Tennant and his team.
sharing too much online
Warning for parents MOST parents in the digital age share photos, highlights, funny stories or celebrate their child's birthdays on their personal social media accounts. But a Deakin University law academic believes parents might want to think twice before sharing too much personal information of their child online, or risk infringing their child's human rights.
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In a submission to the UN, Deakin Law School associate lecturer Cassandra Seery questioned how children's rights might be negatively impacted with a new generation whose every milestone is published online by their parents. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is seeking public submissions to inform a 'General Comment' it plans to release about child rights in the social media generation. Recent research found three in four parents frequently post photos and videos of their kids online. 22 SUMMER 2019/2020
In the submission, she said it's not illegal for parents to share these sorts of things online. "But the evolution of the digital environment, in particular the rise of social media, now allows adults to share a child's personal information in an instantaneous and unregulated way," she said. She warned that it was impossible to tell how the data shared online could be used. "Today's children are also the first generation to have their personal information shared online from birth. "Both public and private sector agencies are in a unique position to have access to lifelong digital records of a child's personal information, opening the door to its use in determining access to public services such as social security, access to justice, and the provision of healthcare, including access to affordable insurance." www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
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SUMMER 2019/2020 23
It’s Your Life
Jono Pitman (formerly from Married at First Sight reality TV show), has his first child with love of his life, Rebecca Pattison.
Jono finds his true
loves
By Rachel Hickingbotham THREE years ago, life was very different for Cranbourne North local, Jono Pitman. He thought he was ready to settle down, fall in love and get married. So much so that he applied to go on the reality show, Married at First Sight. After experiencing the complexities of being ‘paired up with’ a partner that was supposedly best suited to him, Jono realised that this was not the way to love for him. Fast forward to the present, when Jono’s name in the reality TV circles has all but disappeared and he is feeling on top of the world. “Everyone has sort of forgotten the ‘entertaining’ series that was on for three weeks”, Jono said. He is pleased that that time of his life is well and truly over. “My series was quite short, but the person I was paired with continued to stay relevant. And when that happens, you get dragged into it, whether you want to or not”. After looking for love in the wrong place, Jono was blessed to reconnect with an old friend, Rebecca Pattison. She hadn’t watched the series, but once they started dating, Rebecca says “I looked at a couple of episodes to see what is was all about”.
Jono met Rebecca nine years earlier and he admits that it didn’t go as well as he hoped. “I fancied her, and I got her contact details, but she did not want a bar of me in the slightest!”, he said laughing. It was definitely not ‘love at first sight’. However, when they crossed paths again, it was a different story. Perhaps more like ‘love at second sight’. For the past 5 months, Jono has been overflowing with love. In July this year, Jono and his partner, Rebecca welcomed the birth of their gorgeous son, Max Thomas Pitman at St John of God Hospital in Berwick. Jono said the team at St John of God were “ fantastic, just amazing. Every single one of them”. Rebecca agreed that “all of the midwives were amazing”. “Everyone was extremely positive and extremely caring. We took all of their advice on because we had no idea what we were doing”, laughed Jono. In hindsight, it’s clear that Rebecca knew exactly what to do. She trusted her body, bravely endured a speedy four-hour labour and birthed their healthy son Max. Although the birth went well, Jono admits that he personally found it “horrific”. With honest and careful words, he clarifies what he means.
“I don’t mean that in a way that males speak about it, like a joke. More in terms of standing there for four hours watching the love of my life in so much pain and not be able to do anything about it. I can’t describe it." And yet, he explains it perfectly. Clearly, he is in awe of the mother of his child. Jono is refreshingly honest about how he feels about Rebecca. “I have always had the upmost respect for her, and a ridiculous amount of love. But after the birth, it just grew, because she was just unbelievable." When asked how these past months have been, Jono is keeping it real. \ “It has been really hard. We knew it was going to be challenging. We thought that ‘We’ve got this’, but it was a lot harder than we thought it was going to be. We’ve adapted now and it’s fantastic." The hardest thing of all? “It would be sleep”, agreed Jono and Rebecca. Like many parents, the couple are sleep deprived, but are working together as a supportive team. “But in saying that, if that’s the hardest thing, we’ve got it pretty good”, he said, laughing. “When you have a child, it’s like a
rollercoaster; one second you’re up the top and life’s great and the next second you’re down the bottom. When we are up the top we talk about extending the family and when we are at the bottom, we think ‘sorry Max, you’re going to be an only child!’ “To be honest, Rebecca and I have a lot more love to give, so I think we will have more children”. Rebecca has settled into being a mother, despite her lack of sleep. “I’m finally starting to get used to it. He’s starting to smile, he’s worth it. I love him”, said Rebecca. And they are spoilt for choice when it comes to babysitting with both sets of parents both retired and both keen to look after Max when Rebecca goes back to work next year in maternity administration at the Epworth Hospital. With this much love in the air, it is natural to wonder if marriage is in the air too. “We have a beautiful bundle of joy who is taking up all of our time, all of our money and all of our love”, said Jono. “But I don’t want to be with anyone else in my life”. It is a heartwarming story of love that will undoubtedly go from strength to strength. With or without (another) wedding.
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Entertainment
All aboard for a summer train ride STEP back in time at Australia’s favourite steam train, Puffing Billy, located in the Dandenong Ranges. Puffing Billy is one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world and operates every day of the year, except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers. The excitement begins from the moment you arrive at the station with the sight of the historic locomotives, the smell of the steam and the sound of the train’s whistle.
the Belgrave township. After boarding, Puffing Billy chugs away while you and your family take in the spectacular scenery of the beautiful Sherbrooke Forest, a superb temperate rainforest with native ‘Mountain Ash’ trees. Within minutes, you will cross Puffing Billy’s most famous landmark - the iconic Monbulk Creek trestle bridge. Start at Lakeside (Emerald Lake Park)
The railway was built in 1900 to serve the local communities that lived in the hills, carrying anything from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants.
Escape the crowds and enjoy a family outing aboard Puffing Billy from Lakeside (Emerald Lake Park) to Gembrook.
Today, Puffing Billy Railway is a major tourist attraction and invites visitors to come and experience a century old tradition. Ride in the open sides carriages as the historic steam trains continue to run on their original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, in the natural surrounds of the magnificent Dandenong Ranges.
Emerald Lake Park is the perfect spot to enjoy for families before or after their journey, and offers BBQ facilities and picnic tables, playground facilities, a wading pool and paddle boats for hire.
Start at Belgrave
Once your journey is underway, Puffing Billy skirts the unspoilt Wright State Forest and as the train climbs towards Gembrook, there are spectacular views of rolling farmlands and distant mountain ranges.
Belgrave Station is the headquarters of the railway and only a short walk from
For more information go to www. puffingbilly.com.au
Train driver Graham Knight invites everyone aboard.
Puffing Billy is one of Victoria's iconic tourist attractions.
Australia’s Favourite Steam Train
Save 10% off Family Fares Travel Lakeside to Gembrook Use promo code CASEY to redeem online* Book Online Today
W\MÄUNIPSS` JVT H\ *T&Cs apply. 10% off family fares, Lakeside to Gembrook only between 9 Dec 2019 to 29 Feb 2020. Not available on Public Holidays. Available online only. 12433780-FA51-19
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
SUMMER 2019/2020 25
Entertainment
Kids summer carnival TWO exciting kids’ events will be held in Cranbourne over the new year period. Don’t miss the Kids Day Out on 29 December and the Kids Night Out on 3 January, 2020. Thanks to Kelly Sport, Cranbourne Turf is able to offer this Kids Summer Carnival - the ultimate in summer school holiday fun for families and children of all ages. Both events feature four hours of free kids rides, activities, giveaways and much more Both events feature free entry for kids 17&U. Adult admission is $10, concession is $7. People may bring their own picnics and non-alcoholic
beverages into the racecourse.
■ Mini pirate ship ride
Parking is free and there are plenty of food and beverage outlets available on course.
■ Jumping castle
There is plenty of outside grandstand seating for those looking to watch the races from a great undercover spot.
■ Pony Rides
CRANBOURNE HARNESS RACING CLUB - KIDS DAY OUT on Sunday 29 December Free Kids Activities including: ■ Kelly Sports ■ Dodgem cars ■ Tea cup ride
CRANBOURNE RACECOURSE
KIDS SUMMER CARNIVAL SUNDAY 29 DEC 2019 GATES OPEN 12PM
FRIDAY 3 JAN 2020 GATES OPEN 5PM
FREE Admission & Activities for Kids! Dodgem Cars • Jumping Castle • Animal Farm • Pony Rides • Face Painting & MORE
■ Animal Farm ■ Face Painting Gates open at 5pm at 50 Grant Street, Cranbourne. CRANBOURNE TURF CLUB KIDS NIGHT OUT Experience Kids Night Out under the stars at Cranbourne Turf Club on Friday 3rd of January as the Mercedes-Benz Mornington Night Racing Season continues.
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26 SUMMER 2019/2020
■ Kelly Sports ■ Dodgem cars ■ Tea cup ride ■ Mini pirate ship ride ■ Jumping castle ■ Animal Farm ■ Face Painting ■ Pony Rides and more Gates open at 5pm at 50 Grant Street. Go to www.cranbourneturfclub.com.au for more information.
Free festive activities WAVERLEY Gardens Shopping Centre is getting into the Christmas spirit with a range of free activities for the whole family, while also supporting families in need; partnering for the third consecutive year with non-for-profit organisation, Very Special Kids. Last year, Waverley Gardens was elated to raise over $1,500 through various channels for Very Special Kids, to support over 900 families across Victoria and contributing to the $8.5 million it takes for the charity to operate each year. This Christmas at Waverley Gardens, Santa Claus will be in his workshop, located opposite Coles, ready for ‘Santa Snaps’ with the whole family, including all-new fur-baby friendly ‘Pet Pics’; whether pets of Waverley Gardens have two legs, four legs or no legs, they can have a photo with Santa. In addition to the popular ‘Santa Snaps’, the shopping centre will be running complimentary Christmas Kids activities and play host to various musical performances from local schools, community groups, and students from Waverley Gardens’ Alpha Omega Education. The centre will be introducing its Christmas Funpix in the lead up to the 25th, opposite Woolworths. Each week will see a different Christmas design for shoppers to take their own snaps and give the illusion they are part of a fun 3D image.
CRANBOURNE HARNESS RACING CLUB / CRANBOURNE TURF CLUB 50 Grant Street, Cranbourne VIC | 03 5996 1300 cranbourneharness.org | cranbourneturfclub.com.au
There will be Country Racing Victoria activations on the night and free rides including:
“We are so excited for Christmas this year at Waverley Gardens. In addition to our popular festive activities, we have introduced a range of new pop-ups, including our Christmas Funpix and Pet Pics, and can’t wait to see the response
from our customers. We want everyone, young or old, to see that Waverley Gardens is a great place to shop, eat and play this Christmas,” said Cassandra Chatfield, Centre Marketing Manager. “We are also very honoured to be working with Very Special Kids for another Christmas - they are an amazing organisation and the work they do for the children and their families is very humbling.” continued Chatfield. For last minute Christmas shoppers, a gift-wrapping station will be at the centre from 16th December until 23rd December. Shoppers will not only save themselves the headache of last-minute wrapping at home, they’ll also be supporting a great cause, with 100 percent of donations collected going towards Very Special Kids. For more information and trading hours, please visit www. waverleygardens.com.au www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Active Kids
Swim skills for life By Rachel Hickingbotham AT Paul Sadler Swimland, learn to swim classes are offered to children as young as 4 months old and right through to adults. The programs are based on teaching survival skills at every level and equipping swimmers with the skills they need to be safer in the water. With drowning still the leading cause of accidental death of children aged under 5 years*, teaching children skills to swim safer is incredibly important. Particularly when, according to the American Paediatrics and Adolescent
Medicine, participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning.
fun way to introduce babies to the water. They are full of fun activities that focus on water awareness, mobility, safety and survival.
being the equivalent to around 100m in the open water. Hence, the reason our programs encourage all our swimmers to reach their Swordy 1km medal.
Australia is a nation surrounded by open water and being in and around the water is a significant part of our favourite past-times. It's therefore important for children to be prepared with skills to help them swim safer.
From around three years the program provides great opportunities for children to develop life-saving water safety and survival skills and become competent swimmers in a tension free, fun and exciting environment.
With centres in Narre Warren and Carrum Downs, as well as across Melbourne now is the time to get your kids into swimming lessons and have a safer Summer.
At Paul Sadler Swimland, the parent-child program runs from 4 months to approximately 3 years and offers classes for FREE to 4 and 5 month old babies. These classes are a great,
All levels within the entire program are designed to build safer swimmers in all forms of water. The transition from swimming pools to open water is considerable - with 1km in the pool
SWIMMING SWIMMING LESSONS LESSONS SAVE SAVE LIVES LIVES
Call Narre Warren on 8790 5540 or Carrum Downs on 9782 9444 to book in your FREE assessment. ■ SOURCE: Royal Life Saving National Drowning Report 2018
WE TEACH
30K+ SWIMMERS A WEEK!
12430696-ACM51-19
We teach survival skills at every level: 10 minutes per class is spent in deep water. Did you know that 1km in the pool equals 100m in open water? Part of teaching survival skills to older children means building their skills to become confident and competent swimmers in the pool and open water. We’ve guided over 10,000 children to achieve their 1km swim with us via our 14 level program.
GET MOVING
Gymnastics and Swim classes available now Memberships from only $19.95p/w*
Join now!
Mention this ad to receive a free class! *T’s and C’s apply
bkgymswim.com.au Your local BK’s centre is
BK’s Gym & Swim Noble Park Unit 3, 450 Princes Highway, Noble Park North VIC 3174 Ph 03 9729 6516
Proudly partnering with
An initiative by 12423398-RC38-19
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
SUMMER 2019/2020 27
Health Comprehensive care
at GLOW Co-founders of GLOW, Dr Adaobi Udechuku and Dr Lucinda Smith.
PARENTS looking for a holistic level of care for their families can now find what they need under one roof, at GLOW Clinic in Berwick. Prior to starting GLOW, it had become clear to co-founders and psychiatrists Dr Adaobi Udechuku and Dr Lucinda Smith that many of their patients were under pressure, darting from specialist to specialist to receive the comprehensive care they and their families required. To address this, the pair co-founded GLOW in February 2016. The clinic brings together not just psychologists and paediatric services, but also wellness services including yoga, a dietician and physiotherapist, all conveniently in the one space. The cluster of services feeds into what Dr Udechuku calls “the GLOW philosophy”: optimising emotional health and wellbeing in that perinatal period.
“We’re making sure that we cover the entire spectrum, looking at emotional health and wellbeing from preconception all the way through pregnancy to postpartum, and extending that to families that have got pre-schoolers and primary school-aged children,” she said.
GLOW also offers counselling and psychology services for parents who might be experiencing anxiety, depression or other symptoms after birth.
The clinic has since swelled to 13 practitioners, a handpicked team with substantial experience in the perinatal field.
Dr Udechuku said GLOW recognises that fathers can have their own challenges to confront during the preconception and postnatal periods.
The paediatric team is well equipped to support families with their child’s needs, including diagnosis of behavioural and developmental disorders and any therapy required.
Couples’ counselling is available both during and after pregnancy for both partners.
Although medical services including the paediatricians do require referrals from a GP, families looking to access the clinic’s dietician, physiotherapy or yoga are able to simply call and book an appointment.
Comfortingly for families, GLOW’s services are for the whole family mothers and fathers.
While the clinic does not currently have a male psychologist on staff, they are actively searching for one so that their clients are as comfortable as possible. Recently the business achieved success at the Casey Cardinia Business Awards, taking out both the Health,
Education and Wellbeing Award and the New Business Award. “For Lucinda and I, the recognition at the Business Awards was fantastic,” said Dr Udechuku. “It also meant that there was recognition around the importance of this phase of life and getting it right especially in a region where there are so many new families and so many young children.” She said the award also recognises the courage of the parents who, knowing that something isn’t right, take the step of speaking to a specialist to find treatment. “This period of life is vitally important,” Dr Smith added. “It starts with mums and dads being able to look after themselves so they can look after and do the best thing for their children.”
Watch out for wakeful windows HOW do you know if your little one is tired and ready for sleep? A question most mums will ask themselves across the course of time.
An over-tired baby will often get a second wind, almost appear hyperactive, wide awake and ready for play - that is often a sign that the ship has sailed and baby may struggle to fall off to sleep without tears. Being overtired brings about excess levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Over-tiredness can mean
with Lisa Dinnie short naps and frequent night wakings as their little bodies are acting in flight/ fight mode. You may get hysterically crying, screaming and arching their back, throwing themselves back in your arms. Over tiredness is more obvious is smaller babies than in toddlers because most toddlers are super active all the time anyway. Being under-tired, a baby may lay awake in bed happily playing before then falling asleep but only taking short naps because there just isn’t enough sleep pressure to take a long nap.
Email: info@cherishyoursleep.com.au Phone: 0411 640 798 (during AEST business hours)
28 SUMMER 2019/2020
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I always suggest that knowing their babies optimal wake window, watching the clock and knowing their baby’s tired signs will help you get a better idea of how long they can happily stay awake for before needing to take a nice and restorative nap.
There really is a fine line.
■ hiccups too can indicate tiredness
Most babies will show tired signs you don’t want to see TOO many tired signs before prepping your baby for sleep and putting them down for a nap/bedtime.
Toddlers tend to become clumsy, falling over or bumping into things as well as showing SOME of the above signs.
Some obvious signs are: ■ red around the eyes/eyebrows ■ staring blankly or as I call it having wide possum eyes ■ yawning ■ rubbing their face into your chest if holding them ■ hand movements become quite erratic/jerky ■ rubbing their eyes/ ears ■ generally fussy/whingy but not necessarily crying
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My wake windows guide - is just that. A guide that gives you a window as to when your baby may be ready for sleep at certain ages. When babies are taking multiple naps across the day, the wake window generally shorter at the start of the day, lengthening across the day, leading into bedtime. Ideally, your baby, if ready for sleep, will take 5-10 minutes to fall asleep. All babies are different and they change all the time, which can be confusing, but this guide can help you at least understand their nap routine a little more easily.
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Health
A joyful birth journey
Good for the soul GREENSOUL Organics is a one-stop-shop for all your organics including fruits, veggies, pantry, fridge, freezer and natural health products. "Almost 95% of all products that we have in store is certified to be either Organic or Bio-Dynamic," said owner Nawleen Mishra. "In store, you will also find ecofriendly products that promote the ethos of reducing, reuse and recycle, making it easy for ordinary families to do their bit for the planet. "We also have a small selection of personal hygiene, cosmetics and beauty products that are cruelty-free and certified organic." Special dietary requirements are well-catered for including gluten-free, paleo, keto, vegetarian and vegan with plant-based milk and dairy-free products such as cheese and spreads available. "At Greensoul Organics, we source only the freshest and highest quality of seasonal Australian organic produce that is 100% certified organic from nearby farms and the Melbourne Wholesale Market in Epping," explained Nawleen. "Organic foods are not just 'chemical-
free'. It is whole systems or holistic means of growing and handling food. The entire system is linked - soil, plants, animals, food, people and environment. "Our bodies are what we eat, with more and more people becoming aware of the difference between conventional and organic/ biodynamic farming it is helping people make better health-conscious decisions to buy organic and free-range." To make it easier for busy families, Greensoul now offer a delivery service to your doorstep. Customers can place an order by either calling the shop on 9796 1650 or by visiting the website www. greensoulorgancis.com.au. Delivery cycles are twice weekly to Pakenham, Beaconsfield, Officer, Berwick, Clyde, Narre Warren and Cranbourne areas. "Buying from us, you are also supporting our local farmers," said Nawleen. Greensoul is at 46-50, Old Princes Hwy, Beaconsfield. Pop in and also enjoy a coffee, a slice of famous sugar-free banana bread, smoothie or freshly cold-pressed juice while you check out the aisles.
ST John of God Berwick Hospital is proud to introduce its new bundle of Joy- a new lower cost private maternity model. Joy offers privately insured patients a more affordable way to use their cover and access a high end private hospital experience by reducing out of pocket costs. In fact, patients will only be $990 out of pocket*! Joy, oh, joy! Joy is a new option for maternity care at St John of God Berwick Hospital, a hospital which now has two maternity models for patients to choose from. In addition to the Joy package, patients can still choose their own obstetrician with the traditional maternity care package. No matter which package patients choose, they will receive the same exceptional care once they are admitted to hospital, including a single room with bedding for their partner. Joy enables patients to save money by providing a collaborative model of care, where patients will be seen by a whole team of specialist obstetricians and midwives, rather than just one doctor. Joy patients will be cared for and monitored by the rostered obstetrician at each of their appointments and at the birth of their baby. Each of these obstetricians is a joy- compassionate, highly trained and experienced. Delivering a baby at St John of God
Berwick Hospital comes with all the education parents need as they embark on their new family life. Paediatric first aid, sleep and settling workshops and one on one lactation advice are just some of the ways new parents are supported. The Joy obstetricians are Dr Mei Cheah, Dr Jacques Lam, Dr Peter Yong, Dr Jodi Keane, Dr Jorg Kemper, Dr Mark Tarrant, Dr Poonam Arora and Dr Dinesh Epitawela. To access Joy, patients should ask their GP for a referral to the clinic. To learn more about Joy, including the *terms and conditions go to www.sjog. org.ay/berwickjoy or call 8784 5800
Committed to providing quality Certified Organic & Bio-Dynamic produce sourced from local & Australian Farmers! 12427606-DJ51-19
Ő tĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐƵďƵƌďƐ͗ ĞĂĐŽŶƐĨŝĞůĚ͕ KĨĨŝĐĞƌ͕ WĂŬĞŶŚĂŵ͕ ĞƌǁŝĐŬ͕ ůLJĚĞ EŽƌƚŚ͕ ƌĂŶďŽƵƌŶĞ͕ Θ EĂƌƌĞ tĂƌƌĞŶ ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ ŽŶ͗ Ϭϯ ϵϳϵϲ ϭϲϱϬ Žƌ ǀŝƐŝƚ ƵƐ Λ ^ŚŽƉ Ϯ͕ ϰϲͲϱϬ KůĚ WƌŝŶĐĞƐ ,ǁLJ͕ ĞĂĐŽŶƐĨŝĞůĚ ϯϴϬϳ͘ www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
SUMMER 2019/2020 29
DENTAL The clear
alternative to braces The friendly team at South East Orthodontics.
SOUTH East Orthodontics is an ever growing, full-time practice in Berwick and has four orthodontists (Dr Kip Homewood, Dr Theresia Sudjalim, Dr Thomas Lo and Dr John Paul Bradley) who have completed an extra three years of full time study in orthodontics to become Registered Specialist Orthodontists. The orthodontists at the practice are all members of the Australian Society of Orthodontics and offer a wide range of treatment options with Invisalign being just one of those options.
Invisalign clear aligners can be a great option for improving the look of your smile. At South East Orthodontics, staff have lots of experience using this technology to give patients the straight, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted. Plus, because it’s so convenient, Invisalign won’t interfere with your daily life.
■ Invisalign aligners are made of comfortable, smooth plastic, so you don’t have to worry about taking care of metal brackets.
■ Invisalign aligners are clear, discrete and effective at moving your teeth into their ideal positions.
■ Invisalign treatment is covered by most insurance providers, just like traditional braces.
■ You don’t need to change all of your eating habits, because your aligners can be easily removed.
A straight smile makes you look great and improves your self confidence but it also can help you keep the rest of your
■ Invisalign aligners make daily oral hygiene easier, reducing the risk of possible problems.
mouth healthy. Correctly aligned teeth can decrease health issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems and increased wear on the tooth enamel. South East Orthodontics offers interest-free flexible payment plans to make the process even easier. Invisalign can be used by all age groups, so whether you want to improve your own smile or need more information about other orthodontic options, contact the practice on 9796 2794 or visit the website for more information.
Beaconsfield Dental has emergencies covered As well as offering a range of services, the clinic has a unique and unwavering commitment to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. It has been a big few years for the multiple award winning clinic, taking out the 2018 Premier’s Sustainability Award in the Health Category. This year Beaconsfield Dental was a proud finalist in the Casey Cardinia Business Awards for Health, Education and Wellbeing and the Melbourne Awards for Sustainability.
AS the year draws to a close, you can count on Beaconsfield Dental to be open when you’re in need for anything dental related! The clinic will be closed for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and open for patients in the morning on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Be reassured in knowing there is a dentist for all your dental emergencies! The clinic has five male and four female dentists, who offer all aspects of general, family and cosmetic dentistry in a calm, relaxed and friendly environment. There is a playroom full with iPads and a car racing game to entertain all ages. The clinic is open for normal appointments too for general dental work. Additionally, if you have health insurance for dental, make sure you book in your routine check-up by the end of the year. Beaconsfield Dental is a preferred provider clinic for Medibank Private, BUPA, CBHS and HCF, as well as accepting all private health insurance.
The team at Beaconsfield Dental wish their patients a merry Christmas.
Children that are eligible for the Medicare Child Dental Benefit Scheme in 2019 may not be eligible in 2020. Book in your child’s routine check up as their eligibility could change in 2020. If unsure, call the clinic and a friendly receptionist will check your child’s eligibility. At Beaconsfield Dental the staff
believe good habits start young. That’s why it’s so important to teach children about how to properly brush and care for their teeth every day. The entire team at Beaconsfield Dental is committed to showing children how to care and clean their teeth properly and teach them the importance of maintaining good oral health.
Everyone at the clinic supports the environmental policy and are committed to sustainability by regularly engaging in a number of environmentally friendly practices. The team at Beaconsfield Dental wish all patients a wonderful festive season and a happy, prosperous 2020! New patients are welcome, just look for the big smile! Book online on our website - www.beaconsfielddental.com. au or call on 9707 3508.
WE MAKE CASEY CARDINIA SMILE Ask about Invisalign and lingual braces. Orthodontic Treatment for children and adults utilising the latest technologies including SureSmile, Invisalign, lingual and clear appliances.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 5.30 pm 2/ 31 Clyde Road Berwick 3806 9796 2794 | info@seortho.com.au www.seortho.com.au 30 SUMMER 2019/2020
12434843-SN51-19
Correctly aligned teeth can decrease health issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems and increased wear on the tooth enamel.
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
DENTAL Don’t invite sugar this
festive season AS we approach the festive season, it is important to remember to keep our sugar addiction in check says Dr Nick Cheah at Renew Dental Care. "Sugary sweet treats and drinks always seem to go hand in hand with Christmas presents. Although some sweet treats is OK, going overboard may have you paying the consequences for yourself and especially your kids in the new year," Dr Cheah said. Australians on average consume 16 teaspoons of sugar a day. 14 to 18 year old boys consume 22 teaspoons. The World Health Organisation recommends 6 teaspoons of sugar a day. On average, we are consuming 3 to 4 times more sugar than we should. Is it any wonder that half of Australia’s 12 year olds have tooth decay in their mouths, and more than half of 6 to 10 year olds have decay in their baby teeth? More than 26000 Australian children are hospitalised each year for tooth decay problems and is the single largest cause of preventable hospital
stays for our kids. "Reducing the amount of sugar kids consume is one of the simplest steps parents can take to set the next generation up with healthy teeth for life," advises Dr Cheah. "But as with any habit in life, we must be disciplined and determined to actively encourage a reduced sugar lifestyle. With so many temptations each and everyday, we must have a plan to identify which foods and drinks in our everyday diet are contributing to our sugar intake and aim to reduce their consumption. "Not only will we be helping our teeth, but also our overall health. We now know that sugar contributes to increase rates of cancer, obesity and diabetes, as well as other chronic conditions such as heart disease. "Let’s celebrate this festive season with our family and friends, but let’s not invite sugar this year OK?" From the team at Renew Dental Care in Pakenham, have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dr Nick Cheah implores parents to keep sugar to a minium in their children's diets.
Book for your routine check up and clean. Prevention is always the best!
9707 3508 www.beaconsfielddental.com.au
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
12425456-RC38-19
1-3 Cardinia St Berwick
Contact us now 5945 3289 or book online renewdental.com.au 3/106 Henry Road, Pakenham Vic 3810
12425455-RC38-19
We offer affordable general dentistry including dental implants, whitening, wisdom teeth extractions and much more.
Beaconsfield Dental Caring for the Community and the Environment
SUMMER 2019/2020 31
DENTAL
Sugar in the gun of dentists WITH teenage dental decay an increasing problem, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) is backing Cancer Council calls to tackle the problem with a range of measures including a tax on sugar and better labelling of products containing added sugar. Around 22 per cent of boys and 11 per cent of girls consume a litre or more of sugary drinks a week according to data from the Cancer Council Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Secondary Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Diet. It backs up alarming findings from the Oral Health Tracker for Children and Young People created by the ADA and Australian Health Policy Collaboration, which showed 73 per cent of teens aged 14 to 18 consume too much sugar according to World Health Organisation guidelines. The Oral Health Tracker also found 48 per cent of adults consume excessive levels of sugar. The upshot is Australians now rate as one of the top ten countries in the world whose population consumes high quantities of sugared drinks.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;This may make teenagers think twice before drinking a bottle of soft drink if the label says it has 16 teaspoons of sugar in one 600ml bottle,â&#x20AC;? said ADA President Dr Carmelo Bonanno. The problem is also that much of the sugar is hidden in foods like muesli bars, cereals and sauces. More transparent labelling would remove the guesswork for consumers.
The friendly team at Casey Dental Group.
Save money on your dental bills
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Better labelling would mean consumers can make more informed choices by being able to separate natural from added sugars like cane syrup, fructose and dextrose on nutrition panels,â&#x20AC;? said Dr Bonanno. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But more needs to be done â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the ADA also wants to see a levy on sugary drinks as well, to increase their price by 20 per cent.â&#x20AC;? There is evidence these measures are effective. A New Zealand study published in June found a sugar tax of 10 per cent resulted in a 10 per cent drop in sugary drink consumption.
COST can be a major deterrent from visiting the dentist.
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The health implications of this are considerable, ranging from tooth decay and obesity through to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers.
The ADA recently called for an overhaul of nutrition labelling for added sugars following pressure by food ministers for Food Standards Australian New Zealand to review the system.
But at Casey Dental Group, orthodontic treatments have never been more affordable.The friendly clinic offers bulk billing, weekly payment plans, family discounts and free check-ups for insurance patients. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being the largest and longest established practice in southeast Melbourne, we can pass our operating savings onto our patients, while maintaining the highest standard of dental care,â&#x20AC;? Dr Jayson McNaughton explains. Casey Dental Group is the preferred provider for major health funds. The clinic offers orthodontics for only $5700, with weekly plans for $59 and family discounts available.
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It also bulk bills for the Medicare $1000 Child Dental Benefits Scheme. For insurance patients, there is no out of pocket charge for a check-up, clean or x-rays. And if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have insurance, check-ups and consultations are free.
In addition, Casey Dental Group offers up to 24 months interest free payment plans on all services, including specialised treatments like implants, Invisalign and half price deals on crowns and cosmetic dentistry. The practice has a special focus on orthodontics for both children and adults, and Invisalign which is available for teens. The friendly team aims to provide the best ongoing dental care with services including digital X-rays, laser whitening, implants, ceramic crowns/ veneers and all other aspects of dentistry. The practice has extended its opening hours to include evening sessions that run until 9pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Casey Dental Group is located at 236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South. For bookings or more information, phone 9705 1755 or visit www. caseydentalgroup.com.au
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Dr Andy Ong BDSc (Hons) Melb, DCD Melb, M Orth RCS (Edin)
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Jayson McNaughton Alina Bratu Harjot Gill Robert Otken
Dr Dr Dr Dr
Sam Navidi Guy Turton Sepand Navidi Shannon Gune
Dr Ragy Labib Mr Joseph Hanna Dr Deon Nguyen Dr David Abdel-Malek Dr Rachel Fong
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236 Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South
Mon and Fri 8am to 6pm, Sat 8amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;1pm, Tues, Wed & Thurs 8am to 9pm Bookings can now be made online through our website: www.caseydentalgroup.com.au
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s !USTRALIAN /RTHODONTIC "OARD #ERTIlED s )NVISALIGN ÂŽ s &AMILY $ISCOUNTS !VAILABLE s NO REFERRAL NEEDED
s â&#x20AC;&#x153;INVISIBLEâ&#x20AC;? ,INGUAL #LEAR -ETAL BRACES s NO FUSS, FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS s "EFORE !FTER SCHOOL APPOINTMENTS
For appointments: CALL 8790 6288 or email reception@eliteorthodontics.com.au www.eliteorthodontics.com.au /RMOND 2OAD .ARRE 7ARREN 3TH /PP !MBERLY 0ARK 3HOPPING #ENTRE -ELWAY 2EF ! ,"
32 SUMMER 2019/2020
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Education
Who are you? By Henry Grossek, Principal, Berwick Lodge Primary School
A school designed for
WHO ARE YOU? That's a question that we sometimes ask of others, if not of ourselves. Identity is at the core of much of our school education, both directly and by implication. Children start school at about five years of age in our country and an immediate focus for them all is their identity within their class and their school. As they progress through school their vision broadens to that of their local community, and expands to that of their identity as global citizens.
IMAGINE a campus uniquely and specifically designed for the conceptual age. Imagine a curriculum that is grounded in 21st century thinking, while still encompassing a strong Christian world view.
There are many aspects to identity from who you are as you see yourself to be, recognition of others in relation to yourself and how you view others. The journey of self-discovery is a life-long exercise with many ups and downs along the way. School is very much one part of that journey, and a very important part at that.
Rivercrest Christian College is where technology is fully integrated into the framework of the curriculum; where the learning promotes critical and creative thinking; where the learning spaces are tailor-designed to facilitate such learning and the graduates will be life-long learners, equipped to play their role in the local and global community.
The twenty first century in which we now live, has brought with it another dimension to the challenge of discovering one's identity; that is the increasingly virtual world. Technological change waits for no-one and schools are caught up in it to their metaphorical necks. These days, in the
the conceptual age
digital world, you can be anyone you want to be, and in so doing be someone no-one anyone else knows. Then there is growing presence of increasingly sophisticated robots - to the point where debate is ramping up on whether human intelligence may even one day be superseded by artificial intelligence. Schools face many challenges - their own identities as places of learning is but one, let alone being the place where children can discover themselves. Breathtaking times!
@berwicklodgeps www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au 139-145 MansďŹ eld St, Berwick 3806 (03) 9707 1766 Principal: Henry Grossek
BERWICK LODGE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Rivercrest students are encouraged to see themselves as global citizens. In addition to acquiring knowledge, they are encouraged to recognise the contribution and responsibility they have to engender greater harmony among the people of the world; to be respectful, compassionate, creative and
critical thinkers, who, although prepared to challenge prevailing ideas, are also sensitive and reflective. Rivercrest students are encouraged to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others. Throughout their years at Rivercrest they will be challenged to become citizens of the world who epitomise Christ's commission to love and serve others Our Primary Campus caters for students from 3 years-of-age (in our Early Learning Centre) to Year 5. Our Middle Years Campus currently caters for students in Years 6 and 7. Additional year levels will open every year, catering eventually for students in Year 6-10. Our Senior Years will incorporate Year 11 and 12. We would invite you to consider Rivercrest Christian College as one which will serve the needs of your children, both now and for the future.
School Tours available Prep/Grade 6 Transition Library Program Physical Education s 6ISUAL !RTS -USIC 0ERFORMING !RTS Sensory & Community Garden STEM Learning s -ULTIMEDIA Robotics & Coding 2ADIO 3HOW 0ROGRAM s Mandarin 12425457-LN38-19
Igniting the mind & spirit...
Preparing students for a bright future Every learner is valued as an individual, and as a member of ou community r
e: harkaway.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au harkawayps.vic.edu.au 12418702-CG26-19
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Call to book a tour
9700 6068
12419888-JV26-19
65 King Road, Harkaway ph: 03 9707 1475
Enrol now for 2020-2021
SUMMER 2019/2020 33
What are the
Education
signs of autism?
A kool place to learn THERE is never a dull moment at Kool Kidz Narre Warren. The early learning centre recently introduced a raft of fun programs, including sports, yoga and music classes. Children can also get up close with some scaly visitors during regular incursions with Reptile Encounters. Kool Kidz Narre Warren co-owner Janette Karavatis says the special learning experiences deliver huge benefits to children.
Janette and Maria love looking after their young charges at Kool Kidz Narre Warren.
“The experiences are a great addition to our curriculum, which focuses on child wellbeing and growth to deliver a high quality early education,” she said.
for more than a decade.
Janette co-owns the centre with daughter Maria Dimoulas.
Staff work with children across seven classrooms - two baby rooms, three toddler rooms and two kinder rooms.
Both women love children and in February they realised a long held a dream to open their own childcare centre. Maria has a degree in early childhood education and a post graduate qualification in teaching children with special needs. She has extensive experience as a kindergarten teacher working at numerous childcare centres over 15 years. Janette has also worked in childcare
The light, bright centre was completely refurbished before the doors opened to new families in February.
All rooms have access to spacious outdoor areas and there are dedicated sleep areas and a separate kitchen. The centre caters for children from six weeks to six years, with capacity for 130 kids. Kool Kidz Narre Warren is open weekdays from 6.30am to 6.30pm at 17 Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren. Phone 9705 1532.
TAKING ENROLMENTS FOR 2020 NOW
MANY parents ponder the question of whether their child is shy or whether their shyness is a sign of autism. That’s because the line between the two can be blurry - some of the behaviours are very similar. For example, a shy child may avoid eye contact, hide behind their parents or not join in at playgroup or in social settings. Likewise, a child with autism may not speak, look at other people or play with their peers. Both shy children and those with autism may appear quieter and more reserved than other children, and may find it harder to make friends. So how do you tell the difference? When it comes to the way a child communicates with others, there are a few subtle differences between shyness and autism. Generally, even though shy children typically avoid eye contact with strangers, they will look to their parent or caregiver for support. Also, a shy child may ‘warm up’ eventually. That is, after watching the action from the sidelines for a while, they will join in with others at playgroup or in the park. Over time, they may open up to more people and show more confidence in new situations. A child with autism, on the other hand, may not ‘warm up’ - even after spending a lot of time with others. Generally, they prefer to play alone. Also, a child with autism probably won’t look to their parent for support in new situations - they may not like eye contact even with those closest to them.
Other signs that your child may have autism: When you’re caught up in early parenthood - and depending on where your child sits on the autism spectrum the signs and symptoms of autism can be difficult to spot. Generally, parents start to notice things at around two years of age; for some, it’s much later. As well as showing signs of shyness or a reluctance to socialise, a child with autism may also show other signs. For example: ■ They may not imitate you when you point at something or clap your hands; ■ They might get upset at some noises, smells or tastes; ■ They may do one thing over and over again, such as lining up their toys in a row; and ■ They may have been developing language, but then stop talking. If you’re at all concerned about your child’s shyness and whether it could be a sign of autism, it’s a good idea to speak to your doctor or paediatrician. They may call in a team of experts, such as a Child Psychologist and Speech Pathologist, to observe your child in a range of settings. Remember, the earlier that autism is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood that interventions are successful. - Article courtesy of Scope. Scope is a registered NDIS provider, delivering a range of services for children and adults with a disability or developmental delay.
Together, we can achieve your child’s goals.
CARING & FAMILY FRIENDLY
NEW Scope centres are in Pakenham, Narre Warren and Lyndhurst
Kool Kidz Narre Warren is a purpose-built Early Learning, Childcare and Kindergarten facility that provides a safe, fun and exciting
Scope’s new purpose built therapy centres provide a dedicated space that is safe, family friendly and conveniently located in your community. Our team of experienced therapists are there to work with you to support your child’s development and achieve their goals.
environment to explore, learn and grow in for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
34 SUMMER 2019/2020
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Phone 9705 1532 to speak with Janette or Maria to ENROL NOW 17 Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren www.koolkidznarrewarren.com.au
Services provided: • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physiotherapy • Psychology Get in touch 1300 472 673
• School Holiday group therapy programmes • Parent Education Sessions
scopeaust.org.au/therapy-centres
12426325-LN38-19
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Education
What reports really means saying your child is bright enough but lazy. If they ‘lack focus’ they aren’t applying themselves. ‘Emerging skills’ tells you there is a glimmer of hope and they haven’t given up on them just yet.
HAVE you just got your child’s end-ofyear school report? Are you wondering what it actually says about your child’s progress? Chances are you aren’t alone. Teachers typically use a range of descriptors to describe how your child is tracking academically - and some need deciphering. School report expert Dr Selina Samuels says some terms clearly indicate your child is doing well, while others indicate there are issues that need addressing. She should know - she proofread end-of-year school reports for several years. “It was immediately obvious that each teacher had their pet words, phrases or grammatical constructions,” the chief learning officer of Cluey Learning says. “Even taking into account individual idiosyncrasies, some terms emerge the winners.” Here, she explains the phrases teachers use in report cards and what they really mean.
■ Very social, bubbly, or engages enthusiastically in discussion: These terms mean your child is likeable but chatty, and probably distracts the children around them.
Report card expert ... Dr Selina Samuels, chief learning officer of Cluey Learning.
Decoding common phrases in school reports ■ Erratic or inconsistent: These words tell parents that little Susan is probably playing to her strengths and ignoring anything not already easy and familiar. It’s also a veiled request to the parents to have a look at the family infrastructure around homework and for more consistency at home. ■ So much potential: If your child’s teacher uses this phrase, then they’re
■ Independent: Students who are ‘independent’ are probably not good sharers. ■ Good listener: This means your child never asks questions or contributes in class. ■ Knows his/her own mind: Your child may be stubborn and uncooperative. ■ But: If your child’s report card is peppered with positive statements followed by ‘buts’ – such as ‘Samson is a keen student but his efforts are not always rewarded’, chances are his teachers are fond of him but a bit exasperated at the same time (you probably are too).
■ Pleasing: If your child’s work is ‘pleasing’, that probably indicates the teacher is writing report comment number 58 and has run out of new adjectives. ■ She/he is a pleasure to teach: If your child’s teacher says this, chances are it’s true. Teachers do not use that phrase gratuitously. Phrases that indicate your child is doing well Phrases like ‘sophisticated understanding’ and ‘confident application’ are strong indicators that your child is working at an impressive level. If he or she has a ‘clear understanding’ and their work is ‘effective’, they are noticeably making progress and you have little to be worried about. If skills are ‘secure’ and there is talk of ‘improvement’, everything is going in the right direction. Comments about your child’s ambition or hunger for learning may also indicate he/she is not being fully extended in class and the teacher wants you to explore opportunities for additional extension.
Scholarships for 2021 Academic and Music Scholarships are now on offer for Year 5 to 11 entry in 2021. Online registration closes: Friday 11 October 2019 Academic Examination: Saturday 19 October 2019 Online registration and information is available at www.stmargarets.vic.edu.au BERWICK CAMPUS, COEDUCATIONAL - ELC to Year 6, GIRLS - Year 7 to 12 OFFICER CAMPUS, BOYS - Year 7 to 12
TICKETS: www.trybooking.com/423187
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Rivercrest Christian College
Î International Baccalaureate World School Î Inquiry Learning with a Christian World View Î New Middle Years Campus Î Year 7 starting 2020 RIVERCREST CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Ferdinand Drive Clyde North Enter via Gate 6 T: 03 9703 9777 W: rivercrest.vic.edu.au 12411865-CG26-19
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
SUMMER 2019/2020 35
Entertainment
KIDS Promotions in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation is excited to announce everyone’s favourite children’s television program Play School is heading back on the road in 2020 with a brand new show “Let's Play Together”. The tour will commence on Friday 6 March in Victoria. The brand new concert is all about fun and games with friends.
Play School live in concert
Set in the Play School games room, the two presenters and helpful toys discover different coloured boxes are filled with surprises.
and over the moon.
With familiar toys Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty and introducing two new toys on their tour debut Joey and Kiya.
As with the television program, everything in the concerts is carefully paced especially for children. There are songs to move to, as well as quiet times to just watch and listen. The familiarity of the material and the presenters combined, totally engage the young
Filled with the adventures of imagination, the show will take children across the sea, up in the sky
Join the fun of new discoveries, delightful games to play, songs to sing and stories to enjoy.
audience and ensure lots of audience participation. Join new and familiar Play School friends in Let’s Play Together, on sale now. For ticketing information visit www. kidspromotions.com.au/playschoollive To win a family pass to Let's Play Together go to caseycardiniakids.com. au/competitions
LOW IMPACT PAINTBALL SUITABLE FOR KIDS 8 YEARS AND OVER IS AVAILABLE
$29.50pp
Includes s PAINTBALLS s ,OW IMPACT PUMP ACTION s PAINTBALL MARKER s 0AINTBALL GOGGLES s /VERALLS 6EST Bookings essential
Paintball Games 12432733-JV51-19
36 SUMMER 2019/2020
1800 813 395 Book online at www.paintballgames.com.au
12411398-MB13-19
3 Locations -Ballan, Cockatoo, Coldstream
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Entertainment The power of gymnastics MOUNT Waverley based Skylark Sports prides itself on creating a fun, challenging and safe environment where young people can explore, learn and enjoy themselves.
Orchard’s
Offering acrobatics, ninja and recreational gymnastics, Skylark will have the perfect class for your child. The classes will help your child develop myriad of physical skills ranging from stamina and strength through to flexibility, balance and coordination.
the pick of the bunch RAYNER’S Orchard offers the opportunity to learn about everyday life on an orchard, how fruit grows and the chance to pick and taste your own fruit.
“We truly believe what kids get out of our programs is important in their development,” explains Director Jasmin Meaker.
Staff run fruit tasting tours and workshops that teach people how to preserve fruit without chemicals or additives.
“What we do makes a difference.” Risk taking is an important part of growing up, giving children the opportunity to develop skills related to resilience, self-confidence, critical thinking, problem solving. Sadly, with the increased time children are spending in front of screens, there are fewer opportunities for children to be physically active and take risks. At Skylark Sports, children will learn how to be physically active safely - whether they’re cartwheeling, rolling, flipping or falling. They will be encouraged to take risks, to persevere and will develop lifelong skills and friendships. Skylark Sports’ focus is to empower children to grow up happy, capable and resilient. 2020 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Skylark Sports, with the opening
Located in the gorgeous Yarra Valley, Rayner’s offers customers over 450 varieties of fruit. The farm shop features preserves, fresh fruit, sauces, preserving equipment and fruit leathers.
of a second centre in Lynbrook. The grand opening will be on 25 January with classes starting the following Tuesday. The new centre will run three of Skylark’s educational programs, KinderGym, Ninja and Gymnastics for young people aged 2-17.
Also available is a function room and cafe which serves farm style meals.
Those wanting more information or to register their interest in the Lynbrook centre can call 03 9544 8008 or fill in the contact form at www.skylarksports.com. au/lynbrook/
As owner Len Rayner explained, Rayners Orchard has a welcoming family feel and staff share their knowledge with guests from all over the world. “We have one of the largest fruiting plant nurseries in Melbourne,” Len said.
“We want to encourage visitors to experience the joys of tree-ripened fruit and to educate visitors about everyday farming life, including farming methods and practices, as well as picking, storing and eating a wide variety of fruit.” Rayners Orchard fruit products are free from anything artificial and staff use sustainable farming practices. “We have 40 years of farming experience and our staff include local people as well as three generations from our family. "They all strive to deliver our customers an experience to be remembered,” Len said. Rayner's Orchard will run its annual Fruits of the Yarra Valley Festival on 15 and 16 February 2020. The orchard is located at 60 Schoolhouse Road in Woori Yallock and is open 9am to 5pm over summer (closed Christmas Day). For more information, phone 5964 7654.
Fresh & Fruity Family Fun This Summer /0%. %6%29$!9 !- 0-
7E HAVE 5 0ICK &RUIT !,, 9EAR s FRUIT TASTING ADVENTURE TOURS
Ride around the farm behind the tractor a covered trailer - discover a new fruit, sample tasty fruit in season, Pick your own fruit straight from the tree. Suitable for ALL ages, eat as much as you like taste at least 8 fruit varieties. Tour duration - 1 hour. No bookings required s */). 53 !4 0%!#( #!&% &/2 ,5.#( Visit our farm cafe and check out our latest range of Jams, chutneys, preserved fruit & fruit leathers.
FREE trial class for all new members. Contact us to book yours! www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Find out more at skylarksports.com.au 7 Raylee Place, Lynbrook Ph: 03 9544 8008 admin@skylarksports.com.au
s &25)4 0,!.4 .523%29
Visit our fruit plant nursery located on the farm stocking 100’s of fruiting plants, specialising in dwarf varieties.
5964 7654 60 Schoolhouse Rd, Woori Yallock 3139
12427299-CG50-19
We teach confidence, and we use gymnastics and ninja training to do it. We teach kids to love learning and moving because we know it increases their chances of happiness and success. There is a place for everyone at Skylark.
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Skylark Sports is a Gymnastics Club with a difference.
www.raynersorchard.com.au SUMMER 2019/2020 37
BORN TO PERFORM
NSYNC DANCE ACADEMY
CATHY-LEA
Formerly Jazz Connection Dancing School, NSYNC Dance Academy was founded in 1989, and now offers classes in both Berwick and Cranbourne.
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12435023-SN51-19
For 30 years NSYNC has been offering fun, safe and affordable dance classes for children as young as 3 through to young adults, and take pride in keeping up with latest dance styles and trends. NSYNC provides classes for all genders and abilities in acrobatics, classical, hip hop, tap, jazz and contemporary. Join the NSYNC family and enquire about a free trial today. Contact Paula 0408825293 or Lauryn 0422860457 or go to www. nsyncdanceacademy.com
For the past 30 years, Cathy-Lea has been an innovative leader in performing arts education, offering dance, music and drama classes to students of all abilities from preschoolers to adults in Narre Warren. The academy continues to grow and move with fresh new trends and styles, also teaching traditional disciplines and achieving excellence in international standards of assessment. Staff teach â&#x20AC;&#x153;the worksâ&#x20AC;? in performing arts including: classical ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary dance, commercial jazz, lyrical, acrobatics, pre-school dance, special needs dance, VCE dance, drama, musical theatre, group singing, individual singing, drums, keyboard, bass and guitar.
Classes for all genders and abilities: Starting from ages 3 years and up
s !CROBATICS s #LASSICAL s (IP (OP
s 4AP s *AZZ s #ONTEMPORARY
Shop contact details: Shop 2, 32 Treloar Lane, Pakenham 3810 ph: 03 5941 5713 online: www.openingnightsupplies.com 38 SUMMER 2019/2020
Contact Paula 0408 825 293 or Lauryn 0422 860 457 https://www.nsyncdanceacademy.com/
12434780-CG51-19
Come and join our NSYNC family and enquire about a &2%% 42)!, 4/$!9
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
CRANBOURNE CALISTHENICS
THE DRUM HOUSE MUSIC SCHOOL
Cranbourne Calisthenics is a family orientated club, located in Cranbourne. Students have been performing and competing for over 40 years.
The Drum House Music School is located in Officer/Pakenham and offers an instrumental music curriculum, with one on one lessons that lead toward a group band curriculum. At the end of each term, performance opportunities are offered to everyone, at no extra cost.
The successful club, has a strong history and ethic, catering for the abilities of all students. All coaches are fully qualified Level 1 coaches with Calisthenic Victoria. The club has sections catering for all ages. The youngest section, the Tinies, can commence at 3 years of age through to Masters who are 26 years and over. The club has had strong representation in the Victorian State Team over the years, a testimony to our club and our coaches. All members participate in a number of disciplines, progressing in skill acquisition, confidence, teamwork and then performing on stage. All of our routines are choreographed to music. Calisthenics has something for everyone! Physical strength work, flexibility, dance, singing, marching and apparatus routines. Come and Try Day is on Wednesday January 22nd, 2020 at 5pm at the Cranbourne Public Hall. New members are welcomed in all sections. Enquiries â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 0418 310 536 or Leanne 0402 468 956
OPENING NIGHT SUPPLIES
The school focuses on students becoming well rounded musicians, with the ability to perform any style of music, with and without the use of sheet music. The curriculum incorporates smart technology such as tablets, smart boards, lighting and audio. This gives access to a whole new world of learning. Each student receives the choice to perform songs they know and enjoy straight away. All students are encouraged to write their own original music, and then record it in the studio at no extra charge. This will teach your kids how to create their own original music and in the process, learn how to use professional recording equipment.
The team at Opening Night Supplies have enjoyed getting know the Performing Arts community over the past year, growing their product range to suit your costume and stage ready needs. The year ahead is an exciting one for Opening Night Supplies with a new online store being launched and a shop extension in progress which will include a dedicated fabric and trims area. Ray Rose Ballroom shoes will arrive in the coming weeks and many more fabulous Dance and Calisthenics products are available. Opening Night Supplies services Calisthenics clubs, dancing schools, costume designers and other sporting enthusiasts Australia wide. Owners Melinda Moutsos and Carolyn Grant have been involved in Calisthenics and Dance for over 50 years and love helping performers reach their full potential and shine on
SOUTH EASTERN ALLSTARS SEA is Cranbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest running dance and cheerleading studio. Established in 1995, SEA offers classes in ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, musical theatre, hip-hop, pom, acrobatics and competitive cheerleading. Catering for those aged 2 years to adults, SEA welcomes students of all ages and abilities, whether pursuing for a dance or cheerleading career or coming along for recreation, fun and fitness. Competitive and noncompetitive classes, as well as examination classes are available. As of 2020 SEA is introducing a new and revised preschool dance program, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tiny Dancersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The Tiny Dancers program is aimed for children 2-5 years, and classes will be available in dance, cheer and tumbling. SEAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose-built studio complex has three separate studios, one of which has a fully sprung cheerleading floor, providing students with a safe way to train. The qualified and experienced staff aim to inspire each student to reach their maximum potential. FREE TRIAL CLASS for all new customers! Contact SEA now at info@ southeasternallstars.com.au or phone 5996 2922.
Educator Jamie has been a part of the industry for 12 years and teaches all one on one and group classes. The school offers guitar/bass, drums/ percussion, keyboard/piano and vocal curriculum.
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SUMMER 2019/2020 39
Entertainment
A classic, fun-filled day out IN amongst the eucalyptus, you prowl from tree shadow to tree shadow. You can smell dirt. Your breath is held. Your heart is pounding a bit too fast. You hear a branch crack and fling yourself to the ground – but it’s too late. You’ve been hit and you’re now splattered with green paint. In a world where children are increasingly indoors and in front of screens, getting out into nature and being physically active has never been more critical. Being active and outdoors has
been shown to have a positive impact across emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing for people of all ages. Established in 1988, PaintballGames has been serving up the best paintball experience to Melbourne for over a generation. Paintballing is a real classic day out and something that the whole family can enjoy, including children over the age of eight years. Each of PaintballGames’s three venues is situated in unique landscapes within an easy commute from
Paint a Pot We regularly host adult events for those who love to get creative!
NO artistic abilities required HENS parties BIRTHDAYS CORPORATE team building RESIN ART class RESIN JEWELLERY class ACRYLIC POURING class SIP & PAINT class CHALK masterpieces SPECIAL NEEDS classes
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ADULTS
Factory 4/1 Vesper Drive Narre Warren Ph: 8794 9997 www.paintapot.com.au *please check with our staff if you have any known allergies or are pregnant before booking. Follow us on @paint.a.pot and Paint a Pot Narre Warren
Melbourne. Cockatoo is set in dense rain forest 50 minutes from the eastern suburbs, Ballan combines acres of bush scrub 40 minutes from northwest suburbs and the purpose built paintballing facility in Coldstream, which is surrounded by bushland, is only 30 minutes from the eastern suburbs. Aside from being great fun, PaintballGames gives young people the opportunity to develop skills related to coordination, strength, stamina, agility, strategic thinking, communication and
teamwork. It gives young people the chance to get in amongst the trees; to get dirty and sweaty and use their bodies. It gives them the chance to fall down and then to get back up again. PaintballGames will give your child the chance to build resilience, to develop self-confidence and discover a side to themselves – delightfully paint splattered – that they may not have seen before. Bookings are essential: (03) 9777 0613 https://www.paintballgames.com.au/
New splash park, animals and much more! THE Big Goose is one of the most popular children's attractions on the Mornington Peninsula. Located in Moorooduc, just off the Peninsula Link, The Big Goose is more than an animal farm, it combines old fashioned farm experiences with the fun of an adventure park! Feeling the heat this summer? Fear not, The Big Goose is well equipped to keep you cool during the heat waves! With a plenty of shaded picnic areas, an undercover adventure playground, an air-conditioned indoor cafe and NEW SPLASH PARK there's no better place on
the Peninsula to keep you and your kids happy, safe and cool. If animals are more your thing, we've got plenty of those too! A huge range of farm, native and some slightly more exotic animals all call The Big Goose home. During your visit you will have the chance to get up close and personal with some of our friendly snakes and lizards during the reptile encounter. Check out our sheepdog Dusty as she puts on a show rounding up the sheep, cuddle some of the smaller animals here in our big red petting barn and even
take a relaxing stroll with the kangaroos and deer in our wildlife park! There's even a cheeky camel our two around that love to take a selfie. All of this and so much more is included with your entry to The Big Goose. You will need at least 3 hours to explore the 60 acre farm, there is that much to see and do! If that's still not enough The Big Goose even offers pony rides and an 18-hole mini golf course. The Big Goose.. it really is the place to be!
THE PERFECT MIX OF ADVENTURE PARK AND ANIMAL FARM The Big Goose is one of the most popular children's attractions on the Mornington peninsula. Come on down this summer to find out why! Sheepdog shows Pony rides Reptile encounters Cafe Adventure playground Mini golf GIANT jumping pillow Tractor ride Wild life park Animal feeding Splash park Cana maze
Splash
Play
All this and so much more!
233 mornington-tyabb road Moorooduc
Gift s FEELING THE HEAT THIS herline SUMMER? OUR vouiac ble on va l a NEW SPLASH PARK IS THE PERFECT SPOT TO COOL DOWN!
e
Explor
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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Phillip Island
Summer dining in Cowes FOR great value dining in a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere, you can’t go past the Phillip Island RSL this summer. With its extensive bar and bistro menu, kids' play room, ample indoor and al fresco seating options, the much-loved Cowes venue is the perfect place to catch up with family and friends for lunch, dinner or drinks, any day of the week.
Baby,
you‘re so cute SUMMERTIME is one of the most exciting times to visit Seal Rocks on Phillip Island. November to January is seal breeding and pupping season, and during this time Seal Rocks is teeming with newborn Australian Fur Seals. Born at around 60cm long and covered in thick black fur, the seal pups blend in quite well amongst the rocky boulders of the islands that make up Seal Rocks. Once your eyes adjust to the scene you will start noticing the hundreds of pups in the rocks, sleeping, playing in the rockpools or snuggled up safely on their mother’s side. The adult female seals, also known as cows, nurse their pups for up to ten months, after which the pups will be fending for themselves. During the first few months however, the pups depend on their mothers for safety, and the sounds of their calls to one another is unmistakable, sounding more like sheep and lambs than seals!
Watch the pups explore their surroundings, leaving the safety of the rocks to swim in the rockpools to fine tune their survival skills in the water. Older pups, now juveniles, are confident swimmers and show off their acrobatics in the water and come up close to the boat, just as curious about the humans on board as they are about them! A 2-hour cruise to Seal Rocks is guaranteed to give you an amazing experience up close and personal to these wonderful creatures.
The venue’s Lone Pine bistro is famous for its Gippsland grass fed beef dishes, including juicy 220-gram eye fillet steaks and melt in your mouth corned beef. Locally caught gummy shark and the classic chicken parma are other popular options, along with some great specials for seniors and children under 12 years.
Over at the bar, you’ll find local and boutique wines, craft beers, and all the classics, with friendly staff more than happy to talk you through the range. Displays of war memorabilia and artillery add even more interest to your visit, and serve as a reminder of the RSL’s commitment to supporting the welfare and charitable needs of veterans and their dependents, through a range of services and resources. Booking your bistro table in advance is highly recommended during school holidays. Phone 5952 1004 or book online via pirsl.com.au. For details of upcoming promotions, events and entertainment, follow Phillip Island RSL on Facebook.
Nowhere else in Victoria can you witness so many fur seals in their natural habitat, so why not join a Seal Watching Cruise this summer and be part of this unique wildlife experience! For more information visit: www. wildcoastcruises.com.au To win a family pass to enjoy a Wildlife Coast Cruise go to caseycardiniakids.com.au and hit the competitions tab.
Welcome to the Family Friendly Lone Pine Bistro
225 Thompson Avenue, Cowes
www.phillipislandrsl.com.au
The Phillip Island RSL is a fantastic venue that features modern comfortable surrounds with a great range of food and beverage options. Perfect for any occasions such as birthdays, wedding, functions or just a great night out.
Gippsland beef
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Book online
Bookings essential: 5952 1004
San Remo seafood Phillip Island wines Gluten free and vegetarian options Kids and seniors menus Fully accessible Kids play room Military memorabilia and library OPEN 7 DAYS - Lunch: noon to 2pm - Dinner: 5.30pm to 8.30pm www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
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Phillip Island
Circuit action heats up for summer PHILLIP Island Grand Prix Circuit is the destination for the whole family, with many hours of entertainment and enjoyment on offer during summer. Go Karts and Tandems
motorcycles from the famous Italian marques, Aprilia and Cagiva, with the two-wheel treasures permanently installed as the star exhibit in the History of Motorsport Display.
Strap yourself into the state-of-the-art Sodi Go Karts for an exhilarating session on the 750m replica of the circuit. Push out a series of hot laps and try to set the fastest time.
Slot Cars
For the little ones,Tandem Karts equipped with dual controls enable a full interactive karting experience.
Simulator Race Centre
MotoGP Motorcycle Collection The circuit has a superb private collection of 25 grand prix winning
Race your family or your mates and experience the fun on Australia’s largest four-lane GP Slot Car Track an exact replica of the circuit. Test your skills or challenge your mates to a simulated race on the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Go flat out down Gardner Straight, through ultra-fast Doohan Corner, slide through Stoner,
thread your way through Siberia and slip stream up the back straight. Watch out for the hairpin at the bottom of Lukey heights. Who will get the bragging rights? Guided Circuit Tours Follow in the footsteps of racing superstars on a daily guided circuit tour featuring a MotoGP sound simulation and access to exclusive and restricted areas such as the control tower, media centre, pit roof, and that ‘hero’ photo opportunity on the winner’s podium.
Champions’ Bar and Licenced Cafe After all the excitement, Champion’s Bar & Cafe delivers with its fresh menu. Fantastic coffee and delicious scones, cakes, slices, muffins, pastries, sausage rolls and pies hit the spot.The gift shop at the Visitor Centre has a wide selection of stylish apparel, merchandise and souvenirs to choose from so you can take a memento home. For more information, phone 59 529 400 or visit: www.phillipislandcircuit. com.au
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www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Phillip Island Explore the
WILD side of nature VICTORIA’S famous sand sculpture exhibition has a new home this summer, with the much-anticipated WILD exhibition launching at the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island! From Boxing Day, come and explore the WILD planet we live on and discover over 60 animals from around the world, brought to life in incredible, intricate sand sculptures.
View over 5,000 hours’ worth of intricate sculpting work during the day, then in the evening why not discover the magic of the Penguin Parade? Why not buy a multi-parks pass and experience some of the other attractions the Island has to offer including the Penguin Parade, Koala Reserve and Churchill Island?
Surrounded by the island’s colony of over 30,000 penguins, learn about many of the earth’s wildlife species that are at risk of disappearing from our planet. What a fantastic way to spend the school holidays at one of Victoria’s favourite destinations!
Save money by bundling your tickets with the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies and feel the chill of the Antarctic. Tickets include return shuttle from the Penguin Parade to the Nobbies. Visit www.penguins.org.au/wild for more information.
See some of our planet’s most majestic creatures from the 7 continents, carved into incredible sand sculptures, using over 600 tonnes of sand. Uncover the secrets in the sand and solve the puzzles to find out how we can all help these endangered animals.
To win a family pass to the Phillip Island Nature Parks go to caseycardiniakids.com.au and hit the competitions tab.
Those looking for a more in-depth experience can book a Meet the Artist Guided Tour, and be greeted by one of our professional sculptors who will guide you through the WILD exhibition explaining the process of creating the designs, what the life of a sculptor is like, and answering any questions you may have while viewing the exhibition.
Sandstorm Events presents
Opens 26 December
at the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island www.penguins.org.au/wild #PhillipIslandnp www.sandstormevents.com.au
Explore the WILD side of nature carved into life sized sand sculptures. 12433047-LB51-19
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
SUMMER 2019/2020 43
Party Time
Games to get the party started OLD-fashioned party games still bring squeals of delight to excited children at a birthday party. Here are a few suggestions for your next party.
kids sit in a circle and you play some music. When the music stops the child holding the parcel gets to unwrap it and reveal their prize.
PASS THE PARCEL
MUSICAL CHAIRS
A classic game kids of all ages get excited about. Beforehand, buy a main prize, a few inexpensive toys and a pack of chocolate bars. Using a newspaper, wrap the main prize first. Then wrap the parcel about a dozen or so times, placing a toy or chocolate bar between each wrapping. To play, the
Another easy game involving music! Set up chairs in a circle (start with one chair less than the number of kids playing). When the music stops, the kids scramble for a seat and the child left standing is out. Take another chair away and repeat until there is only one child left standing!
PIN THE TAIL ON THE DONKEY Another simple game for children of all ages. You can buy kits for this game, or you can use a poster of an animal, a pack of stickers/tails and a blindfold. To play, each child is blindfolded and spun around before being directed to the donkey (or other animal) with a tail in their hand. The child who sticks the tail closest to the spot where the tail should be wins! EGG AND SPOON RACE This one is pretty self-explanatory - put
each child on a starting line with an egg on the spoon. The first to the finish line with the egg still on their spoon wins the race. Make sure you boil your eggs first to avoid messy clean-ups. TREASURE HUNT Kids love hunting for treasure! You could buy some inexpensive prizes or confectionary and hide them around your yard. Or you could hide some tokens so that the child who collects the most can exchange them for one main prize.
Born to party With a great soft play area and hundreds of shapes to choose from, Paint a Pot has the piece of pottery to make your child’s next birthday a memorable one! Paint a Pot caters to kids of all ages – big and small, young and old – with a wide selection of pottery options. The on site cafe allows the grown-ups and spectators to relax, and enjoy a coffee while the kids are in their creative element!
And after they have explored their creativity, they can run off the last of their energy in the soft play area.
the keepsake casting of hands, feet and even little paws!
At the end of the party, guests can choose to take their piece home straight away, or leave it overnight to be fired, for collection the next day.
Look no further for your child’s perfect birthday party venue – Lollipops is the place where kids can be kids everyday!
There are ready to paint ceramics for all ages from pots, plates, bowls and mugs to animal figurines! The studio can be hired for adult art social events. Teachers conduct a range of classes such as resin art, resin jewellery, acrylic pouring and chalk masterpieces. Also on offer are kid’s art classes and
s -ASSIVE 0LAYFRAME s "UILD ! "EAR s #AR 2IDE Indoor Rock Climbing Centre
s $ROP 3LIDE s 4ODDLER !REA
(03) 9862 3400
Ph: 9862 3410 26 exciting & fun rock climbing walls, suitable for all ages from 5 to 95 years www.crazyclimb.com.au
LOLLIPOPS PLAYLAND
BUY ONE GET ONE FREE* *Terms and conditions apply Valid for either venue, one voucher per day. Offer expires 29/02/20
www.noblepark.lollipopsplayland.com.au
Two amizing venues under the one roof, 6 Elonera Rd, Noble Park VIC 3174
Open 7 days a week, Lollipops Noble Park kids parties offer amazing birthday parties in themed party rooms, and you’ll find that party packages have been crafted to suit every budget.
everything: colourful invitations, hats and balloons, fun food, lolly bags, party host, Lollipops birthday certificates and of course…a delicious birthday cake! The highly trained and friendly staff make sure that your child has the ultimate party experience, and a special wristband system is used so that your kids have a great time in a safe and secure environment.
Let the professional party team at Noble Park organise your child’s party while you enjoy a well-earned break.
Also check out Crazy Climb, the most exciting new indoor rock climbing facility in Melbourne! There are 26 different climbs to challenge kids and adults alike.
When you book a birthday party at Lollipops Noble Park, staff take care of
Suitable for ages 5-95, there is fun for everyone at Crazy Climb!
Paint a Pot KIDS
O child friendly venue offers Our a range of activities for kids: - a large range of CERAMICS animals/characters to cater for all children to paint as they wish! - a SOFT PLAY area for kids of all ages - a full CAFE with lots of variety for kids and adults to get through a busy art filled day! - art classes for kids from ages 5-12. - choose from one of our amazing PARTY PACKAGES and let us do all the work so you and your guests can enjoy yourselves!
4/1 Vesper Drive, Narre Warren Ph: 8794 9997 | www.paintapot.com.au Follow us on @paint.a.pot and Paint a Pot Narre Warren
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Paint a Pot Art Studio is a place bringing people together for the shared purpose of being creative.
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PAINT A POT ART STUDIO
Reality Bites Talking about the
‘birds and the bees‘
By Melissa Grant TALKING to your child about sex and reproduction can be pretty awkward. Their questions may make you feel uncomfortable, or you might think it's time to 'have the chat' but don't know how to start it. But there are things you can do to make those 'birds and the bees' talks less difficult. First of all, it's important to understand most parents find these conversations tough. Relationships Australia Victoria senior clinician, Jayne Ferguson, says even experts find it difficult to talk to their kids about how babies are made. "It's an anxiety provoking conversation, even for experts," she said. "Even the term the birds and the bees - it's almost our embarrassed way of saying 'let's talk about sex'. "I have kids and I do feel anxious, because kids can ask the most candid and unexpected questions." Those questions may also begin earlier than you anticipate. Many pre-school aged children will ask questions about their body parts and may even ask what sex is. Ms Ferguson says it's best to be open and honest, while giving age appropriate answers. "A five-year-old might ask 'what is sex?' "You can say 'that's a good question, how did you hear about that?' "Maybe they caught a glimpse of a TV show sex scene or someone at kinder said 'my parents have sex'." Asking what prompted the question can help you answer it. When it comes to making babies, all small children really need to know is that when two people love each other they get their bodies together. Ms Ferguson says you may also want to explain that there are other ways to conceive a baby, such as IVF. What you shouldn't do is make your child feel bad for asking a question or avoid answering it. "The minute we close down those conversations they become shameful," Ms Ferguson said. "What we do know is that when kids aren't given the right information they will go searching for it, particularly if they are in their teenage years." They may type their unanswered questions into an internet search engine, a move bound to yield x-rated results you'd prefer them not to see. If your teen is asking questions about sex, then it's important to have a conversation about contraception. "If that's something happening in their peer group you need to be giving cautionary information," Ms Ferguson said. "They need to understand the consequences. The message needs to be that when they are asked to do it, it needs to be something they want to do and that they are aware of the consequences." But what if your child isn't asking questions about the body and sex as they get older? Well, it's up to you to bring it up. www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Explaining how babies are made can be awkward.
TIPS FOR PARENTS ■ Use appropriate terminology. Referring to the reproductive organs as vaginas and penises from the get-go, makes later conversations easier. ■ Honesty is the best policy. Always be open and honest when your child asks a question about sex or
Relying on sex ed is never a good idea, Ms Ferguson says, as kids can be dismissive of information they learn in the classroom. So how do you broach the topic of baby making? "If you are watching TV or visiting a baby in hospital, it may be appropriate to have a conversation," Ms Ferguson suggests. "Tell your child about their own birth story - as long as you say it with love,
the body. If you aren't sure how to answer, say it's an interesting question and you'll get back to them. ■ Be guided by what your child says and give factual information. ■ Provide age appropriate answers. For children up to five years, for instance, it's appropriate to talk about bodies and how they work.
■ Make body safety part of the conversation. Talk about inappropriate touching and what to do if it happens. ■ Explain that explicit online content is a crime. Your child needs to know that posting 'nudes' can have serious consequences, including criminal convictions.
kids are more likely to be interested if it's about them."
know how much information your son or daughter is ready to digest.
There's also nothing wrong with giving your child a book explaining where babies come from.
"You're much more likely to know what your child will understand," Ms Ferguson explains.
Once you get the conversation started, it's important to keep it going.
"There are no golden rules or specific times about when to have these conversations.
That's because there are many topics to cover, including changes to the body during puberty and body safety. As a parent, remember you probably
"Some parents will find it trickier than others, but you should always have open and honest conversations with your children." SUMMER 2019/2020 45
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Life
On the move with 16 children By Rachel Hickingbotham TRAVELLING in a group of 21, when 16 of them are your own children is not for the faint-hearted. Holidays for the Bonell family, Australia's biggest, are usually short, sweet and on a tight budget, however earlier this year, parents Jeni and Ray Bonell surprised their kids with something extra special. They called a family meeting around the dinner table - "Mum and I have some news", announced Ray "anyone want to guess what it is?". Understandably, many of the children's guesses were "a new little brother or sister" followed closely by hopes of a pet dog. "First things first, Mum is not pregnant ... sorry ... and we are most definitely not getting a dog!", Jeni announced in her family YouTube video. The big news was that the couple had a holiday planned for their children. Everyone was invited including the eldest kids and their new babies. Before long a total of 21 tickets were booked for Port Douglas with promises of a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Bonell Family (with one of their grandchildren) getting ready for their big family holiday.
Jeni's Big Family Packing Tips
"For most of us, this is the first time on a plane!", Jeni said.
1. Make Lists
Jeni Bonell is used to juggling life with her big family.
Get as organised as possible before you go. Give your kids a list of clothes they will need based on the weather forecast.
Her number one tip for travelling with children "is to organise as much a possible before a holiday to make the most of the time away".
2. Plan Outfits Lay out each day's outfit to decide on what you need to take. Take only what you need and do not over pack.
For the Bonells this means lists upon lists. "I am the Queen of Lists", laughs Jeni. "I made lists of all of our bags and what was in each one". Each suitcase had a matching ribbon tied onto it and was well-labelled and numbered.
3. Divide and Conquer
All 18 members of the Bonell family. 16 children ages 5 to 30.
"We count the bags as they come off the airport carousel".
forgot that some of the kids get motion sickness".
Although the Bonell family packed as light as possible, they still had a mountain of luggage.
Jeni is a caring mum but couldn't help giggling when explaining the crazy sight of her and Ray bouncing around the boat on choppy seas assisting vomiting children.
"I put a limit to 10 bags for the 21 of us. Two whole bags were just our 21 beach towels!", explained Jeni. When looking for places to stay, Jeni found searching online for accommodation that would house her entire family was very limiting. "All of the online accommodation companies only allowed her to search for up to 6 children". That's when booking.com came in. "Booking.com was able to help us find enough space for us all. We booked 3 villas with 3 bedrooms each". The holiday involved two buses and one plane ride which sounds simple. Imagine that with a group of 21. "Everyone had a buddy for the bus rides and the plane, so no-one got left behind", explained Jeni. It's safe to say that no matter how organised you are, life will always throw curve balls. On their day trip to the reef, Jeni said that "9 of us found our sea-legs while 13 found sea-sickness bags". In all of her organising, Jeni admits "I
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"Having a big family eliminates your time to sweat the small stuff". Having a big family like this doesn't happen by accident. We were fascinated to hear that when Jeni was married at 19, she didn't want kids. Her husband Ray, arguably Australia's most persuasive partner, is one of 6 siblings and had his heart set on lots of children. He inspired his wife to try for one baby and, before long, Jeni was convincing Ray for a third child. "I agreed to have one, maybe two kids, but it was actually me who asked for number three because I loved being a mum so much," Jeni explained. "It is not for everyone, but it feels right for us". Jeni's love of being a mother grew with the birth of each child. "Each and every child is a gift for us". Now at aged 50, Jeni and Ray have 16 children ranging from 5 to 30 and are more than happy to welcome more babies in their lives. These days they are
fulfilling their craving for baby snuggles as grandparents since their two eldest children have had their first baby each. "These days we have only 13 of them living at home and counting out that few dinner plates still doesn't feel right". Jeni admits that all is right in her world when the entire family comes together for a Sunday roast and 21 plus plates are laid out. The Bonell family shares a big part of their large family logistics on social media including an ongoing series of YouTube videos. Jeni's inspirational rostering system to get their kids helping in their busy home plus tips on saving money by meal prepping are proving helpful to other families, big and small. "We do not put up the posts about our lives to get attention, we do it to share and help others. As mothers we should build each other up not pull each other down". One of the ways Jeni does this is by starting her week by sharing motivational words. Just as she says, her family of 16 did not grow by accident and believes that "people don't succeed by accident either. It takes standards, hard work, dedication, sacrifice and persistence". Her children have learnt this and will carry these lessons throughout their entire lives.
Pack each child's clothes and one pair of extra shoes into named totes/bags or packing cubes. Then pack them all together into a rolling suitcase. Make sure you include a plastic bag for each child to pack their dirty shoes into. 4. Colour-code and Number Bags Tie a bright ribbon in the same colour onto each of your bags. Number each suitcase and make a note of how many bags you need to count off the carousel.
The Bonell Kids Imagine needing to remember them all in order, not to mention their birthdays! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Jesse Brooke Claire Natalie Karl Samuel Cameron Sabrina Tim Brandon Eve Nate Rachel Eric Damian Katelyn
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Reality Bites
Top tips from Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
It's important everyone is on the same page.
School holiday tips for grandparents By Danielle Galvin FOR many Australian kids, spending time with their grandparents over the summer school holidays is a rite of passage. With nearly six weeks off over Christmas and into January, many parents call on their own parents to watch the kids during the week. It's a chance to spend some quality time together, at the beach, heading to the park for a picnic, or a trip to the movies. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, a government funded website and resource has some tips to make sure families stay harmonious. One tip includes being upfront about how many hours you can babysit so that everyone is clear on the expectations. Grandparents Victoria director Anne McLeish agrees and advises grandparents to sit down and have a chat with parents beforehand, to make sure everyone is on the same page.
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
She said a common problem that comes up is who pays for the day's activities, especially when kids have an expectation to be kept busy. "I'd tell (people) to have a face to face meeting, and sit around a table and even write down what the agreement is," she said. "So often we find people have different understanding about what the grandparents or parents agreed to do. "It sounds very formal, but having those points can make things clear to people. "The thing that needs to be addressed is who pays for what.
She said another issue that comes up is parents failing to pick up their kids on time. "Grandparents need to know when they knock off for the night, so to speak," she said. Ms McLeish also suggested sending lunch boxes for kids lunches and snacks, particularly if your child is a fussy eater. Another suggestion is being clear about rules, boundaries and how to handle tantrums. She said in her view the mantra "my house my rules" is a reasonable approach.
"The single most common complaint we have from grandparents is that they pay for far more than what they can actually afford to pay for, particularly over the school holidays when kids want to go to the movies, go out for a picnic or go to McDonald's.
But it's also a lovely chance to build a special bond.
"I'm not accusing parents of deliberately taking advantage, it's another case of it getting lost."
"Child centred play brings grandparents and grandchildren together."
Both children and their grandparents relish in that time together, with a chance to make memories together. "Grandchildren often stimulate the inner child in the grandparents, and it's play that does it," Ms McLeish said.
■ Be upfront about your needs and understand those of the parents so there are no unwelcome surprises or unmet expectations. Setting boundaries around things like the number of hours and days of the week you are available, and the meals you provide can help things run smoothly. ■ All parents will have their own views on things like how much TV time or outside play is best for their child. Finding out what these are and respecting those views from the outset will give your grandchildren a consistent message and avoid potential conflict. ■ If you feel your grandchildren need discipline while in your care, check with their parents first about what they would do. ■ Think about whether you might need to make some changes to your home before children arrive so it's safe for young exploring children. Make sure things such as dangerous chemicals and sharp or breakable objects are well out of reach. For more information about how to access support, setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy life balance visit www. pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/ grandparents. SUMMER 2019/2020 47
Fashion
Breezy fashion for hot summer days THIS Summer season, Billy Lidz have curated a selection of brands in store that represent the Australian summer, playfulness and showcase unique and natural fabrics across the board.
This seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest trends are represented in abundance in store with neutral linen clothes. There are also wooden toys, dolls and keepsakes; aesthetically pleasing silicone bibs and feeding aids. Find gorgeous summery colours, patterned swaddles, blankets
and so much more. There are many gifting options in store outside of the obvious clothing options like keepsake photo books, soft toys, wooden toys like dolls prams and trucks. Also consider pram garlands, teethers, bedlinen, as well as accessories like sunglasses, headbands, shoes and more.
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With some of the most coveted Instagram brands available in store like Two Darlings, Wilson and Frenchy, Quincy Mae, Warren Hill, Rylee and Cru, 7pm Linen, Noc Noc Wooden Toys,
Susukoshi and many more, Billy Lidz brings a unique offering to the Berwick and Casey area.
SUMMER SEASON IN STORE NOW PLUS GREAT GIFT IDEAS OPEN Mon - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-3pm Shop 6, Blackburne Square, Berwick Phone: 9707 5593 48 SUMMER 2019/2020
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
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Reality Bites
Gardening over summer with your kids By Eliza Henry-Jones THOSE summer holidays are stretching ahead. Lots of family gatherings, beach trips, mosquito bites, sunburn and icy pole fingers. Summer is also prime gardening season and you might be surprised at what you can grow! You don't need a giant backyard (although, that definitely doesn't hurt). Gardening has been linked to improved mental health, immunity and mood. Getting your kids involved in gardening is a great move for the entire family. It can be daunting working out Ask yourself (or your kids!) what do your kids love eating? Strawberries? Lettuce? Carrots? That can be a great place to start on your gardening journey. What you can plant over summer around Melbourne: Amaranth, Basil Beans, Beetroo, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel's Sprouts, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Chicory, Chilli, Chives, Coriander, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive Fennel, Kohl Rabi, Leek, Lettuce, Mustard, Greens, Okra,
Onion, Oregano, Parsley, Parsnip, Pumpkin, Radish, Rocket, Rockmelon, Shallot, Siverbeet, Squash, Sunflower, Swede, Sweet Corn, Tomato, Turnip, Watermelon What you need: ■ Seeds or seedlings Seeds can be purchased online through places such as The Diggers Club and Backyard Seeds. Generally, local nurseries will also have a selection. You may prefer to start with seedlings rather than growing seeds from scratch. Seedlings can be purchased from local nurseries and local farmer's markets. ■ Punnets Some seeds require being started in punnets rather than sowing directly in the garden. For these seeds, you'll need punnets and somewhere sunny and warm. Punnets can me made using things like toilet paper rolls, empty milk cartons and even rolled up newspaper. You can also purchase them at nurseries and hardware stores. ■ Good soil Start seeds in seed raising mix. This will give you the best germination rate. Make sure beds (or pots!) have lots of
well-rotted organic matter and give them a dig over to loosen up the soil and prepare the bed. ■ Mulch Mulching will help keep weeds at bay and also plant beds moist and this means less need for watering. There are lots of options for mulch! Consider the "miles" involved in getting mulch to your garden. While sugar can mulch is popular, it all has to be transported down from Queensland. Straw or pea straw is also a good option. Some people will even lay newspaper or cardboard down around their plants. ■ Watering can/hose A hose or watering can will help you keep those seedlings hydrated. Be careful watering seedlings when they're very young as it's easy to damage them with too much water pressure. For the same reason, try not to water seeds after planting until they've germinated moisten soil when you plant them and then cover them so they stay moist. ■ Gardening gloves Gardening gloves are a must especially for children! Most potting mixes advise avoiding contact with bare skin and there are all sorts of
creepy crawlies in the garden. ■ Trowel You'll need a trowel for preparing beds for your seedlings and even digging up weeds. Trowels are inexpensive and a very handy and versatile gardening too. Top tips Start small. If you're new to growing things focus on a few plants and see how you go before investing in more. Follow growing instructions on seed packets or pot labels. If something says grow in winter, chances are it's not going to thrive in summer One of the most eco-friendly ways to deal with slugs and snails in the garden is to head out with torches on a wet night. Pick slugs and snails off plants and either squash them or put them in a bottle full of water with the lid on. Did you know? If you save the root section (and about 2cm above) of a spring onion and leave in water, the top will grow back! Early summer is not too late to grow tomatoes! Pick up a plant from your local nursery, add lots of well-rotted manure or compost to the bed (or pot) and enjoy those delicious fruits.
What breeds of dogs are best for families? TRYING to decide on what sort of dog might suit your family best can be a daunting prospect. Temperament, longevity, energy levels and even things like shedding, herding instincts and tendency to bark are all issues that need to be considered. Lorraine Van Orsouw knows all about dogs. She is a sought after dog trainer, canine expert and tertiary educator and - lucky for locals - is based in the Dandenong Ranges. Lorraine gives us the scoop on popular breeds and what to think about when considering whether they'll be a good fit for you and your family. All dogs have their own unique personalities and needs. It's easy to get caught up in fad breeds without really understanding the intrinsic differences between them. "Genetics, prior learning and the environment all play a part in your pet's behaviour," Lorraine explains. "Some are more placid than others. Before acquiring a pet it is important to research the origins and purpose of the breed to see if it will be suitable for your family and lifestyle and the time you have to train them." Working dogs This includes breeds such as Border Collies, Kelpies, Australian Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs. Working dogs were all originally bred to work livestock. "They love having a job to do and can develop behaviour problems if their needs are not met," Lorraine explains. "They have a tendency to nip and can get very excited by the movement and squealing of younger children." www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Larger breeds This includes breeds such as Rottweiler, Mastiffs and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. "They can get along well with children and be protective of their family," says Lorraine. "But supervision and good training is vital." Small breeds This includes popular breeds such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pugs, Poodles and French Bulldogs. "They love human company - it's what they were
bred for," says Lorraine. "Cavaliers are very popular as they are very gentle and sweet natured. This doesn't mean that they should be treated like a toy either!" Lorraine also points out that children lack spatial awareness. "Many of the smaller breeds can learn that growling and snapping can make things go away. It works well for them and they learn they can get away with the behaviour because they are small and not considered dangerous," Lorraine
explains. "But is this is still a behaviour that should be addressed by separation and giving the dog some space." Do you have friends with pets and a similar lifestyle to you? Ask them about what sort of dog they have and how the dog fits in. Spend time with their dogs take them for walks, find out about any challenging behaviours and, if possible, even have them spend some time at your house to give you a sense of how that type of dog might fit in with your life. SUMMER 2019/2020 51
Games And Gadgets
The family love cycling around Narre Warren North and Lysterfield.
A family that plays together By Rachel Hickingbotham THE White family are the outdoorsy type. In their spare time they spend hours frolicking on their 50 acre property in Narre Warren North surrounded by horses and ponies. When they are not at home, they can be found at Lysterfield Lake Park, usually on their bikes or having a dip in the lake. Brooke White grew up around horses in Casey on the other side of Lysterfield Lake and has kept horses ever since. She and husband, Malcolm have been fortunate to lease 50 acres next to their home and use the land to agist 6 horses, as well as 4 of their own. Now the two kids, Logan, 8 and Zali, 6 help care for their two ponies. With Lysterfield Lake Park almost across the road, the family often take off on their bikes for a ride. There is an easy circuit for their kids. “On nice hot days we can play in the lake”, says Brooke. “The lake has a sandy area, like a beach front that is very popular in summer”. The family can catch up with friends and have a BBQ after school on the weekends. Hopefully they will be able to take their new kayak out onto the lake this summer. The kids are fortunate to be growing up around horses and also their own ponies, Bella who is 16 and Sparkles who is 8. Both kids help look after the ponies and Zali is a keen rider. Logan is happy to lead the ponies around and doing little obstacles with them, but not so keen to ride. Brooke is hoping that they will soon be able to take Bella and Sparkles for regular rides around Lysterfield Lake. Brooke says that they have settled
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into a lovely street and have created a life “as close to country living as we could”. In their spare time, the kids love to running about in nature, digging holes and playing down at the creek on the property. Logan, who is Grade 2, is a bit of an inventor and likes to try and make rabbit traps out of rope, boxes and washing baskets. “He’s never caught one yet”, laughs Brooke. When they are not playing on the property or at the lake, they are shooting hoops as both kids play weekend basketball. Malcolm and Brooke love living in their community.
Brooke White and daughter Zali White take their ponies for a stroll stroll.
“Our whole court gets along really well, our neighbours are lovely” says Brooke. The kids on the street are always running in and out of each others’ homes and are able to have street parties. Currently they are living with Brooke’s parents while they wait to move up the street a couple of houses. “Our family are really close”, says Brooke. "The kids are so lucky to be able to see their grandparents and play with their puglier dog whenever they like." “We don’t spend a lot of time inside if we can help it”, says Brooke. But on the days when they have to, Logan loves to draw and make stuff. “Drawing is his main thing”, says Brooke. Six year old Zali likes to take care of ’Baby’, her doll that has her own high chair, pram and even gets to come in the car on errands. “Baby actually looks like a really baby”, says Brooke.
The Whites enjoy Lysterfield Lake.
“Sometimes I end up carrying it when Zali doesn’t want to anymore. If I am not carrying ’Baby’ inappropriately, I can get death stares from others in the store”, laughs Brooke. The family also loves all the How to Train a Dragon movies, which is now a popular series that even adults can enjoy. In their working life, Malcolm is a
plumber and Brooke is a secondary school teacher at St Margaret’s School. Brooke has taken a year off work and is busy on her property and with her kids. And she has literally been “making hay while the sun shines!“. The couple are now set to harvest hay that they have been growing on their farm. What an extraordinary life they have created for their family.
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
Books The book to get you
back into play By Danielle Galvin
and my 2-year-old boy was just not interested in doing craft."
LIKE many great ideas, Alice Zsembery's book 'Real Kids, Real Play' was born from a gap in the market.
In her own words, Alice, a maritime engineer and port planner, is not all that creative.
When the Stonnington mum welcomed her second child, she quickly discovered she needed to entertain her 2-year-old son who was climbing the walls as the newborn slept.
That's why she needed a resource she could quickly turn to.
And she wanted a way to keep him engaged that didn't involve a screen. Real Kids, Real Play has more than 150 quick, easy and "old-school" activities to keep 0-5-year-olds busy and stimulate their creativity. "I had a 2-year-old boy literally pulling the house apart and I was stuck with what to do with him," she explained. "Like many parents these days, I bought him everything he could ever want or dream of, under the misconception that would keep him occupied but he wasn't actually engaged or doing any activity. "It was kind of then that I was looking desperately to find something to keep him entertained. "All I could find was books on crafts,
What she wanted was a book that had it all - activities using basic household items that could be quickly and easily set up. "I was looking for a book that had activities I could do at home with him, it was really simple. I was surprised I couldn't find it anywhere," she said. "That was when I really saw a gap for a coffee table book or reference book, where you could be guaranteed you can do the activity and set it up in a few minutes and that it would be engaging. "It was one of those cases of, it doesn't exist and I believe in it strongly so I thought I'll do it myself." Alice says it has been a labour of love creating the book. She tried and tested 200 or more activities with her own kids, determined to ensure that the activities met all of her criteria. "There's so many misconceptions and
Alice with her children Emily and Tom.
pressures on modern day parents," she said. "There's this myth that the more your child has, the better set up they are or that kids need to entertained constantly or that the best toys are the most fancy. "Kids need to exercise their own imagination." The beauty is in the fact that the book is a simple concept - Alice wanted to see a return to the way many of us used to engage in creative, unbridled play. The book has become a resource for early childhood professionals and has been endorsed by Maggie Dent. "There's quite a big market for people like my mum who have to think about entertaining grandkids," she said.
Picture: Rob Carew
"I get a lot of feedback from people that it's how they used to play when they were little - which is really lovely." The other benefit to the book is the fact it finds ways to reuse and recycle basic items. Alice is passionate about the fact that parents sometimes put too much pressure on themselves to get their child every toy - and so often young children end up with a room full of toys they never play with. She believes there's a lot to be said about less is more. Real Kids, Real Play is available in all good bookstores and online at www. realkidsrealplay.com.au
Children’s books...
Disgusting McGrossface
Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas
Pearl The Brave Unicorn
Rove McManus
Lucinda Gifford
TV personality Rove McManus has ventured into the world of children’s books and the result is a bit, well, disgusting. Rove’s story centres around a creature called Disgusting McGrossface, who reeks because he hasn’t bathed for weeks and has a collection of snot-filled tissues. Kids will love the rhyming text in this tale that spells out all kinds of terrible hygiene habits (some of which your child may have). They will also enjoy Rove’s colourful and animated illustrations. Who knew the TV host was such a talented illustrator?
OOPS they did it again - chicks Whitney and Britney have spent another day dozing! The two glamorous chooks snooze from morning until night as they lead a fun, but tiring, secret double life. Every night they head to Club Sparkles where they perform as Whitney and Britney the Chicken Divas. The clucky pair live with the elegant Dora von Dooze, who is totally clueless to why the two chicks spend their days dozing. But will the chicks’ secret unravel when Dora spots some glitter on Whitney’s wing? A fun read for kids aged 3+.
Sally Odgers & Adele K Thomas
Scholastic, RRP $16.99
Scholastic, RRP $17.99
A CUTE tale about a smart unicorn discovering her magical abilities. Pearl the Unicorn and her Ogre friend, Olive, are throwing a surprise birthday party for their friend Tweet the bird. However, not all goes to plan. First Pearl’s magic delivers a wet birthday cake and froggy balloons. And then Olive is a no-show! The search for Olive takes Pearl and Tweet to places they have never been. A peanut trail leads the pair to their dear friend, who has unfortunately been abducted by gobble-uns. Will Olive make it to the party? Scholastic, RRP $12.99
The Odd 1s Out: How to be cool and other things I definitely learned from growing up James Rallison EVER feel like the odd one out? Many kids do at some stage - even the ones who become famous! In this hilarious book, YouTube star James Rallison shares his stories of growing up as the ‘odd one out’. During high school, Rallison wasn’t in the cool crowd. He wasn’t partying or playing footy like his older brother. Instead, he posted comics on the web. Now Rallison is an internet sensation, with his YouTube channel ‘The Odd 1s Out’ amassing over 11 million subscribers. A funny read for tweens and teens about the trials and tribulations of growing up.
A Flair for Hair By Bilyana & Mauro Di Costanzo A FUN book about expressing yourself through hair styles. Each page features an amusing caricature-style illustration of an animal with it’s chosen hairdo, including a camel with buzz cut and a lion with a curling iron. This lovely children’s book is an excellent early reader for both girls and boys due to the high frequency of easy words and rhymes. A Flair for Hair is both an enjoyable and educational book for ages 3+. New Holland Publishers support the Starlight Children’s Foundation New Holland, RRP $19.99
Scholastic, RRP $19.99 www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
SUMMER 2019/2020 53
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WHAT’S ON FOR THE FAMILY THIS SUMMER Roll down the road to Bunjil Place for the most unreal family entertainment in the south east! For bookings and more information, jump onto bunjilplace.com.au or phone 9709 9700 Information is correct at the time of printing. For current details please check our website.
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PHOTOS WITH SANTA DAILY FROM 14 - 24 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES 11 - 24 DECEMBER
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Kids Calendar
What's on
this summer
6, 13 & 20 DECEMBER
7, 14 & 21 DECEMBER
21 DECEMBER
14 & 15 JANUARY
FREE FESTIVE FUN & CRAFT AT BUNJIL
FREE MOVIES AT BUNJIL
BERWICK CAROLS
7 Dec - Pixels, 6pm
7 pm - 9.30 pm at Edwin Flack Reserve, Manuka Road, Berwick.
LIVE SHOW “OPERATION OUCH LIVE!”
3.30 pm - 5.30 pm Nothing says Christmas like festive crafts with the kids. Bunjil Place invites you to join them over three Fridays in December as they prepare for Santa’s arrival with some awesome art fun! Free for all with no registrations required.
6 DECEMBER
14 Dec - The Lego Movie, 6pm 21 Dec- Ralph Breaks the Internet, 6pm Grab your picnic rug, pack a dinner and enjoy not one, not two, but three Saturday night flicks under the stars in the Bunjil Place Plaza.
12 DECEMBER SENSITIVE SANTA
6pm - 10pm
ENDEVOUR HILLS CHRISTMAS CAROLS
Pakenham library is proud to be hosting Sensitive Santa this year. Perfect for children with sensory issues. Parents will be given a USB of images. Sessions run for 20 minutes from 11:30am - 7:30pm at Pakenham Library, corner John Street and Henry Street, Pakenham.
5pm - 9.30pm
13 DECEMBER
South Eastern Christian Centre, 2-8 Gleneagles Drive, Endeavour Hills. Gold coin entry, features fireworks.
HAMPTON PARK CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
7 DECEMBER
SANTA IN THE PARK Santa is coming to Berwick! Come along to get gorgeous seasonal photos with a beautiful backdrop. 9am - 11am, Wilson Botanic Park, Berwick.
CLYDE CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT 5.30pm - 9.30pm at Hillcrest Christian College, 500 Soldiers Road, Clyde (Gate 3 & 4) Free event, no fireworks.
8 DECEMBER LAKESIDE FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY Santa will be arriving on a fire truck at 11am! Lakeside members free (or $5 per child, $20 to join). There will be face painters, photo booth, raffle prizes, an ice cream van and much more! 10am - 12pm, Dragon Park, Lakeside, Pakenham.
7.30pm - 10pm at Cairns Road Reserve Oval, Corner Cairns Road and Campbell Drive, Hampton Park. Free entry, features fireworks.
BLUE LIGHT DISCO
CAROLS BY TWILIGHT 6pm - 9.30 pm at Max Pawsey Reserve, 340 - 350 Princes Highway, Narre Warren.
29 DECEMBER
31 DECEMBER PAKENHAM WELCOMES 2020 Ring in the new year in style! There will be food vans, face painters, henna artists, activites and giveaway. Children under 10 are free. Entry for adults is $5. 6pm onwards at Toomuc Reserve.
DANCE-O-MAT
13 - 14 DECEMBER TIS THE SEASON A fun-filled Christmas event with magical displays, rides, activities and the opportunity for a photo with Santa. $15 per person. 5:30pm - 9:30pm at the Old Cheese Factory, Homestead Road, Berwick.
13 - 17 JANUARY
14 - 15 DECEMBER
NGV KIDS ON TOUR
A free day out for the whole family with market stalls, a visit from Santa and plenty of seasonal craft activities. 10am - 2pm at Lakeside Square, 9 Village Way, Pakenham. Go to www. lakesidesquare.com.au
Envision Basketball email: help@envisionbasketball.com
Do you like to dance to the beat of your own drum? Bunjil Place is building its very own public dance floor and slapping it smack bang in the middle of the plaza for everyone to enjoy! Start your day with a little guided yoga, enjoy a free performance or bring your device, plug in and pump your own tunes! The choice is yours.
Sausage sizzle from 6.30 pm, carols start at 7.10pm at A’Beckett Road Reserve, Narre Warren North. Gold coin entry, no fireworks.
PAKENHAM WELCOMES 2020 For more info on dates & locations
6:30pm - 9pm. For more go to www.bluelight.org.au
NARRE WARREN NORTH COMMUNITY CAROLS
14 - 23 JANUARY
The Cranbourne Harness Racing Club is hosting a kid’s day out! There will be market stalls, pony rides, jumping castles, face painting and much more. Entry is $10 for adults, free for children. From 12pm - 5pm at Cranbourne Harness Racing Club, Grant Street, Cranbourne.
6 - 24 JANUARY
14 DECEMBER
Are you ready for crazy experiments and astounding science facts? Dr Chris and Dr Xand are coming to the Bunjil Place theatre and they’re bringing a live action show full of amazing facts about the human body! Book online at www.bunjilplace.com.au
KIDS DAY OUT
A safe, fun police supervised night out for children ages 8-14 years in Pakenham. Tickets $5.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
www.caseycardiniakids.com.au
24 DECEMBER
Free entry, features fireworks
CHRISTMAS ON THE FORESHORE Tooradin Foreshore Reserve. Gold coin entry, features fireworks
Gold coin entry, features fireworks
11am - 2pm NGV Kids on Tour returns to Bunjil Place in 2020 with free fun filled art and craft for the little artist in your family. Inspired by contemporary art and design at the National Gallery of Victoria, children and families can enjoy paper-based art making for one week during the school holidays.
1, 8, 15, 22 AND 29 MARCH FAMILY YOGA Does your family need a little more Zen in their life? Round up the gang, throw on your comfy clothes and enjoy free Yoga sessions with the whole family at Bunjil Place every Sunday for the month of March. Nothing beats a bit of family time to kickstart your day! From 9am.
13 & 14 MARCH 2020 AURORA BY CIRCUS OZ Let your spirit soar with a host of silly and loveable arctic characters all performing spectacular acrobatic feats and hilarious physical comedy that will leave you gasping and laughing with delight. Book online at www.bunjilplace.com.au
21 MARCH FLAVOUR FEST Delicious nom noms from around the globe on your back doorstep! Bunjil Place celebrates south-east Melbourne’s rich diversity of food and culture with cuisines from India, Africa, Asia and Europe. Enjoy a meal in the pop-up dining hall or watch a cooking demonstration with samples to taste. Immerse yourself in a cultural performance or enjoy a ‘slower pace’ with a cultural art workshop. There’s something to tantalise everyone’s taste buds! 3pm until 8pm.
28 MARCH 2020 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST BALLET By the Victorian State Ballet. One of the world’s most loved fairy tale classics retold through classical ballet and choreography that honours the spirit of this magical story. Inspiring, impacting, entertaining and a memorable experience for the whole family! Book online at www.bunjilplace.com.au SUMMER 2019/2020 55
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