AUTUMN 2023
with
Sarah Galbally MP reveals
path to parenthood Steve Biddulph
on kids voting
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2 AUTUMN 2023
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
About Us
Autumn is here! AFTER an unseasonably cool summer, we have to admit we’re looking forward to watching the leave change colour and the crunch of leaves under foot. There is something so magical about taking the kids for a walk through local parks with the autumn chill in the air as the sun warms your soul. It’s the perfect weather to mix and match the kids’ wardrobes, too – it’s not just their ‘summer’ wardrobe to choose from anymore, it’s cute leggings with T-shirts and slacks and tops.
Autumn is also the perfect time to go exploring. There’s nothing like falling leaves, dropping gumnuts and pine cones all around and the chance to see more wildlife, out foraging for food before the winter. So sit back, relax and read about a local mum who left a big gap between her two kids, and a Victorian MP who struggled to fall pregnant and won an election with a newborn.
We’ve also got the wonderful and insightful Steve Biddulph pondering the question “What if kids could vote?” and another yummy recipe from Lucy’s kitchen. We have so many wonderful stories to share with you this edition, so grab a warm drink, sit by the sunny window and enjoy.
We also speak to a mum whose daughter needed delicate skull surgery but has been kicking goals ever since.
Stonnington Boroondara Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays. Stonnington Boroondara Kids
CONTENTS
Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777
IT’S YOUR LIFE
PARTY
REALITY BITES
What if kids could vote?
Food to get the party started
Girls just want to have fun
PAGE 4
PAGE 19
PAGE 26
Time to get on your tummy
EDUCATION
PAGE 5
Unlock academic potential
Book ‘changes the game’ for online safety
Family life on the road
PAGE 20
PAGE 26
PAGES 6-7
‘Superfood’ for young brains
Angie’s Catchup with lawyer Sarah Galbally
Herb and feta quinoa patties
PAGE 21
PAGES 27-29
PAGE 8
Parents and experts align on early-years policy
BOOKS
Play is crucial for kids PAGE 9 Susie’s still smiling PAGES 10-11 MP juggles Parliament and parenthood PAGES 12-13
Stonnington Boroondara Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication.
New autism guidelines welcomed
PAGE 30 Discover new children’s books
PAGE 22 Everyone has a place
Mum speaks on ‘hidden shame’
Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan @starnewsgroup.com.au Photography Rob Carew Group Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: 5945 0608
Teaching kids to tackle bullies
PAGE 22
PAGE 23
Editorial
PAGE 30
CALENDAR
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.
What’s on this autumn PAGE 31
AUTUMN 2023
PAGE 14 Mum loves seven-year age gap PAGE 15
HEALTH How to beat niggling nits PAGE 16
with
The magic of breastmilk
Sarah Galbally
PAGE 17
MP reveals
path to parenthood
DENTAL
Steve Biddulph
Children’s oral health under microscope
on kids voting
PAGE 18 Protecting kids’ enamel Cover Lily, 3, enjoys time in the fresh autumn air. Picture: Louisa Jones
PAGE 18
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It’s Your Life
What if kids could vote? What if kids could vote writes STEVE BIDDULPH THIS weekend I was talking to a young couple in their twenties. They had decided not to have children, because of their fears that the future would be a terrible place to live. They looked like a really loving pair who would have made great parents, and it made me very sad. But I could understand where they were coming from. And as I drove home I got more and more angry at what we have done to our world, that this was the situation. That climate change especially was leaving our kids with a future of great danger, because of what my generation had done to the planet. Angry, and also guilty, because I used to often fly to Europe several times a year on book tours, and thought nothing of it. And I know plenty of people who have had weddings where they and all the guests flew to Fiji or Phuket, or went ski-ing in Japan or to sport games right across the country. And all the other ways we wasted the planet. Some friends and I this week started an organisation called SUFTY, which is short for Standing Up For The Young. We have a single goal, and that is to lower the voting age - everywhere in
4 AUTUMN 2023
the world - to 16. Does that idea shock you? Well, when I was a teenager, Gough Whitlam became Prime Minister, and one of his first actions was to lower it from 21 to 18, because young Aussies of 18 or 19 could die in wars that they hadn’t even had a say in. It only took an act of parliament. We never even blink at it now. And already 11 countries have done it - from Scotland to Austria. New Zealand is looking into it.
Democracy is based on fairness as its key idea. Everyone is equal. In the past we thought that adults would and should vote on behalf of their children’s interests. (Once it was argued that men could vote on behalf of their wives interests - an idea which I am sure makes your blood boil). In fact we have simply failed to do that in the 30 years that climate change has been widely known about.
When you were sixteen would you have liked to be able to vote?
I have worked with refugee rights for a long time, and so can use that with confidence as an example. There have long been around 100 million refugees in the world at any one time. They find safety, eventually, but new ones come along. But lately climate emergencies, famines and wars caused by those, have ramped that up. By 2050 there are predicted to be one billion refugees from climate collapse. One in eight of the human race will be on the move. That is not a world we would want our kids to live in.
Would you have cared about who ran the country? Kids today really do, the kids in Schools Strike for Climate are seeking the vote. And many mental health professionals like me are arguing that it is needed because having some power, some say, is an antidote to depression and anxiety. Its too late to protect teenagers from the knowledge that their lives are in danger. And there is plenty of research that its making them very unhappy. The main argument people make against having a 16 year old vote is “would they have the maturity?”. I have to laugh when I hear this, because, while its a reasonable question, if you have ever worked in a polling booth, or handed out how to vote cards, you soon realise that maturity is not the basis for getting the vote! Age is no guarantee. As the author of Raising Boys, I know that maturity doesn’t arrive sometimes until about 25! And sometimes it never does!
leave fossil fuels in the ground, the science says nothing else can have enough impact. That means giving our government the electoral cover to stand up to the fossil fuel vote. And guess what - there are half a million Australians aged either 16 or 17. That could make a real tipping point to get a democratic solution to all of our biggest fears. I am betting on it, and I hope it makes sense to you too. Steve Biddulph Is the author of Raising Boys, and Raising Girls His books are in six million homes around the world. More information about SUFTY is on his website www.stevebiddulph.com.
Add 27 to your child’s age, and that is how old they will be in 2050. SUFTY will be a network of older people fighting for young people to feel supported and given some say in who runs the country. The only way to stop climate change is to
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Time to get on your tummy
Nadeshka Withanage with daughter Chanel Sacco. Chanel Sacco heads outside for tummy time.
By Casey Neill
“Read books together, or even use glossy magazines in the early months.
TUMMY time is the best way to help your baby get moving.
“You can use a yoga mat in front of a mirror.
Glen Iris physiotherapist and mum of two, Nadeshka Withanage, says tummy time can be performed safely from birth.
“As they get older, you can get more creative. Fill a shallow pan with water and add plastic toys.” Try pushing a car past or rolling a ball past your baby, encouraging them to turn their head.
“Your baby lays on their tummy and they’re supporting their own body weight through their own forearms,” she said.
“You can get siblings involved and other family members,” she said.
“It gives baby the opportunity to use and strengthen their neck, back and shoulder muscles for moving, rolling, then crawling.
“My favourite thing is to go outside for tummy time. “For a baby to see leaves blowing on the trees, the garden plants moving, the breeze on their face can be very beneficial.
“Tummy time is one of the first things you can do with your baby to set them up for an active and healthy start to life.”
“Bring a picnic rug to a park. Set baby up on their tummy, even when you’re out socialising.”
Ms Withanage said it was also shown to prevent flat spots from long periods spent sleeping on the back, and extended periods in prams and cars “which tends to happen now that we’re all on the move so often”. “Some parents can get discouraged by a lack of head and neck control in early weeks,” she said. “But even when a baby is held against a parent’s body, lap or forearm in the early days it can count towards time spent on their tummy.” During the first few months she used a rolled-up towel under her baby’s chest with their forearms in front of the towel. “That can help minimise the effect of gravity and make it easier for your baby to maintain that activity,” she said. Incorporate tummy time when baby is alert and hasn’t recently been fed, to avoid reflux and vomiting. “You can start with 30 seconds and www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
build up,” Ms Withanage said. “Try several times a day, and aim for 30 minutes across the entire day until baby is well and truly crawling. “Don’t get discouraged early on. “Change the way you do tummy time regularly, change it up. “You’ll find there might be particular ways that your child is really engaging in tummy time. “If you still have concerns or you’re really struggling to find an appropriate time, speak to health nurse or GP.” She recommended a back massage after a shower as one way to incorporate tummy time with a reluctant bub.
Parents can also lay flat on their back with bubs on their chest or tummy. “This can let them feel safe and not so alone during it,” she said. “I think that’s often why babies often don’t like tummy time - it’s hard work, and it often feels like a very independent activity.” Get down on your own tummy and have a conversation with your baby. “Face to face interactions are valuable and fun,” Ms Withanage said. “You can chat to them about anything, from dinner options, to weekend plans, to nursery rhymes. “Use colourful toys or even shake a rattle on floor level.
Ms Withanage said the The World Health Organisation suggested not restraining your baby for more than an hour at a time, in a pram or stroller, or even strapped onto your body or in a high chair. “They don’t recommend screen time as a way to get your baby to focus or do tummy time that way,” she said. “Additional devices such as walkers and exercise jumpers that claim to help your baby with walking or reaching developmental milestones are not encouraged and in-fact can delay the natural progression of development. “They have also been shown to cause injury due to overuse and tightening of muscle groups, and increase the risk of accidents around the house as babies are moving around too quickly. “Floor-based play including lots of tummy time is the safest and best way to reach overall total development.” AUTUMN 2023 5
It’s Your Life
Family life on the road By Casey Neill
“He booked himself in for his six months’ long service leave.
“EVERY day I’m mindful of keeping what we created on the road at home.”
“We’d just bought a caravan like two months before Covid hit.
Travel was just what the doctor ordered for Corio mum Lauren McDonnell, her partner John Kendall and daughter Lennie, 5. “The first time we went was because Johnny was made to take his long service leave,” Lauren explained. “He was working in Altona at the refinery there. “Because of Covid and they weren’t producing any fuel for the planes, they asked everyone to take whatever leave they had.
“There was no plan at all.
decisions, really loves meeting people. “She’s been the easiest part of travelling, because she is so cruisy and laidback. “She’s just made it a whole lot easier.
“We just packed the essentials. We packed two Coles bags’ worth of clothes and that was it.
“Both of us being able to experience so much time with her before she leaves for school was great.
“We tidied up and made the house livable for a house sitter.”
“Johnny worked a lot and I was quite unwell when I had her.
They dodged interstate closures and made their way to Queensland then continued north, chasing the weather.
“It was really important to have that time with her.
A change of bed and routine took then-3-year-old Lennie some getting used to.
“It’s definitely moulded who she is. She’s taken the best of both Johnny and I.”
“On the first trip it took her about a month to get into the swing of it,” Lauren said.
They pushed that first trip out to eight months, and while they were away found out that the refinery was closing.
“She was quite a shy, really timid little girl before we left.
“We came home so Johnny could finish his job and he got made redundant,” Lauren said.
“Now she is confident, just makes really good
Two days after they returned home, Lauren had an ankle reconstruction.
The nurse and graphic designer spent eight weeks on the couch “doing nothing”- except travel research. “I didn’t feel like I was done,” she said.They got a new caravan built and made a rough plan to do Western Australia. “No plan is a good plan,” she laughed. “There’s no need to book things in and stress about dates. “Just go 100 per cent with the flow. “You need to be super relaxed - you can’t be anxious about dirt or eating set foods.“Not everything is a stunning filtered photo. Just embrace the beauty as it is in front of you, without your phone in front of your view.” They all experienced health benefits from the lad-back journey. “The amount of outside time, how good fresh air and sunshine actually is for you, and you’re out doing lots and lots of walking,” Lauren said.
Lennie came out of her shell on the road.
Lennie and her parents spent lots of time outdoors.
Lennie’s confidence grew while travelling.
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Loz, Lennie and Johnny.
Loz and Lennie out exploring.
“Because you’re active all day you sleep very well at night.
“It was always sand, sticks - whatever you could pick up outside.”
“There’s no stress. You forget how good it is on our bodies.
Little Lennie was always learning.
“I’m a big social person so I absolutely loved meeting new people on the road and finding out about their story and where they’d come from. “It was the best way to find out about the best camps and beaches.” Lennie became more confident by the day. “She’d say ‘Hello, I’m Lennie. Do you want to play?’ and they’d be off for a couple of hours,” Lauren said. “We made life-long friends on the road. “Some of the nicest people we’ve met are 60-plus. “They’d ask if Lennie could come over to bake bread or have a cup of tea.” When they packed for the second trip - admittedly a little better organised than the first - Lauren gave Lennie four small baskets and asked her to fill them with what would make her happy. “Then we did a lot of swaps at op shops with toys and books,” she said. “The majority of the time the op shops would do it free of charge, or for a gold coin donation. “When you are meeting a lot of travel families on the road, once you get to know people, everyone’s got clothes to hand down. It’s just a forever exchange. “You don’t need to buy special things. To be honest, she hardly even used any of her toys.
“It’s always been a part of our travel life that when we go to a town, we go to the library,” Lauren said. “We do all the sessions. Whatever free resources we know are happening in a town we attend. “We carry books and things in the caravan, the whiteboard books that you can wipe clean. “On rainy days we would get them out. “She was asking us to read signs, information signs. She’s very inquisitive.
“Every day it was just verbal encouragement, telling her what school would look like and how the school day goes.
“But after that we’ll start planning some more overseas travel again.
“It’s such a massive contrast to ‘let’s spend all day hiking or at the beach’.”
“I definitely want to get back to overseas travel.
They don’t have any new travel plans - yet.
“I just want Lennie to experience as much of the world as she can.”
“I think I’m up to maybe 50 overseas countries. I did a lot of that pre-Covid.
“Probably in 12 months’ time there’ll be a plan,” Lauren laughed. “We want to look at a three-month trip to Tassie. Lennie made loads of friends on the road.
“The informal teaching on the road is so broad. “You can point to a map and tell them where you are and the name of the place. “You can tell them how many kilometres you’ve travelled from one place to the other.” A work opportunity for Johnny brought them home just in time for Lennie to start Prep. They’d agreed to home school for Prep and maybe Grade 1, but to get Lennie into the school system by Grade 2. “But the job opportunity came at a really good time,” Lauren said. “She was asking a lot about her little best friends at home. “It felt like exactly the right thing to do. “We only found out about a month before that she would be going to school.
Educational Toys & Equipment Including: Austalian Made Products; Swings; Art & Craft Kits; Vehicles; Train sets; Construction Sets; Tea Sets; Tactile Toys; and much much more!
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AUTUMN 2023 7
It’s Your Life
Lucy Stewart in the kitchen with her son Otis. Picture: Studio 74 Photography
Herb and feta quinoa patties HERB AND FETA QUINOA PATTIES Makes: 20
in the kitchen
Prep time: 10 mins + 1 hour Cook time: 20 mins Ingredients: ■ 2 ½ cups pre-cooked quinoa
with Lucy Stewart
■ ½ cup rolled oats ■ 4 free range eggs
DID you know herbs can pack in just as much nutrition as vegetables? Just like green leafy vegetables, fresh herbs are a good source of vitamins A, C and K and contain polyphenols – powerful plant compounds that have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs are also alkalising and help support the bodies natural detoxification processes. Growing herbs is a great way to help kids understand where their food comes from and research shows that children who are involved in the preparation of their food – especially vegetables – develop a more positive attitude towards, and preferences for, those foods. You don’t need a big garden to grow them in either, just a few pots on the window sill will do. Some of my favourite herbs for kids to grow include: mint, basil, dill, chives and parsley. Their fragrance and mild versatile flavours mean kids can happily pick, smell and eat the leaves raw or sprinkle them over some of their favourite dishes - even just a small amount goes a long way to giving the a nutritional boost. 8 AUTUMN 2023
■ 180g feta cheese ■ 4 shallots ■ 1 cup chopped fresh herbs – parsley, dill and mint work well ■ Zest of half a lemon ■ Olive oil for frying Instructions: 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, oats, eggs, feta cheese, chopped herbs, shallots and lemon zest and mix together until everything is well combined. Place in the fridge to set for one hour. 2. Using a tablespoon of mixture, form 20 small patties with your hands.
The finished product.
These little herb and feta quinoa patties are full of freshness and make a great lunchbox addition or vegetarian burger option. Quinoa is high in protein and fibre, two important nutrients that work to keep kids tummies feeling fuller
for longerand their energy levels stable.Lucy Stewart is a mum who is nutritionist specialising in babies and kids health, and a recipe developer. You can find more of her recipes at https://lucystewartnutrition.com
3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the patties and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. 4. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Play is crucial for kids ONE in eight parents believe play is mostly a waste of time. According to the latest Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll, Australian families: How we play, most parents enjoy playing with their child. But two thirds say they often find playing with their child hard or boring. Dr Anthea Rhodes, paediatrician and poll director, said the findings showed that while parents recognised the importance of play, there were still some knowledge gaps. “Play is a crucial part of children’s learning and development, with so many benefits for physical, mental and social health,” she said. “However, our recent study shows that some parents believe play is fun but not essential and one in eight parents believe that play is mostly a waste of time. “Most parents do enjoy playing with their child but we found many parents admit that they don’t always know how to play with their child and one half of parents are not confident that they could help their child to play.
“It’s about allowing children and young people to have experiences that challenge and test them, without putting them in danger.
Most parents (94 percent) recognise play is important for a child’s health including physical wellbeing and brain development.
“That line will be different for every child.”
years, with two-thirds saying play was better when they were growing up than it is for children today, and threequarters believing it is good for children to be bored sometimes,” Dr Rhodes said.
The survey explored differences in types of play, as parents reported on outdoor play, digital play and play away from the home.
“Many parents find their kids are ‘stuck to their screens’ but may not realise that using digital devices can also be a form of play.
The most common type of play was play with digital devices, with more than half of children playing inside on a digital device or screen most days of the week.
“It’s really about how the technology is being used.
Less than half (45 percent) of Australian children play outdoors most days, and 80 percent of parents would like their children to spend more time outdoors. Time, safety concerns and weather are among the leading barriers to Australian children spending more time playing outdoors. A third of parents believe play should always be supervised by an adult (38 per cent) and say it is not good for play to involve risk (32 per cent).
“Parents feel that play has changed over the
“Children can express their imagination, curiosity and creativity through screen-based play.”
The survey found 80 percent of parents would like their children to spend more time outdoors.
“Trying to navigate risk is an important part of play and can be beneficial for children’s learning,” Dr Rhodes said. “It can sometimes be challenging to identify the difference between a healthy level of risk and a situation that is hazardous, when it comes to children’s play.
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“We also found that two in three parents sometimes find it hard or boring to play with their child, with dads more likely to find it boring or hard than mums.”
The poll surveyed 2036 parents between September and October 2022, providing data on 3351 children aged between one month and 17 years.
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
AUTUMN 2023 9
It’s Your Life
Susie’s still smiling By Melissa Meehan
This gave her a pointier, more triangle shaped forehead.
SUSIE Cullen has always been a happy and easy going baby.
There is no evidence as to why this happens and only occurs about 1 in 3000 births.
She is always smiling, laughing and making those around her laugh. And her favourite thing to do is dance around the house and play with her brother Wes. Looking at her now, you wouldn’t know Susie was born with a birth defect called Craniosynostosis. A condition when the sections of a baby’s skull fuse too early. The ‘cracks’ in a baby’s skull are called Sutures, and in Susie’s case the Metopic Suture that runs down the forehead was fused at birth.
Her mum Donna McGowan hadn’t heard of the condition when a midwife first raised concerns about Susie’s “unusual” forehead at birth. A paediatrician assessed her when she was one day old and referred them to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne plastics department.
“We had a consultation when Susie was three months old. The surgeon took one look at Susie an confirmed she had Craniosynostosis and would require Bi-frontal orbital advancement surgery between 11 and 14 months of age,” Donna told Kids Today. “Neither of us had heard of it before, but chatting to friends and family we soon realised it was fairly common and many people we spoke to knew of someone that had it.” Susie’s prognosis was good and her surgeon was confident that surgery would be successful and generally improve her quality of life. It was clear that he was very experienced, saying that he did this
kind of surgery twice a month, and the success rate was very high “Our hearts sank when he said surgery,” Donna said. “The thought of our tiny baby having a General Anaesthetic and such an invasive surgical procedure that would require her brain to be exposed for a period of time and a blood transfusion had us terrified. “But Susie’s surgeons comforted us and they had our full trust.” Without surgery Susie’s brain wouldn’t have had the ideal space to grow into. Her forehead would have continued to grow in a pointy shape and she would have looked noticeably different and would have had to live with everything that comes with that. They waited eight long months to be given a surgery date. And while they tried not to think of it too much, Donna would get upset when she did. “I couldn’t help having mum guilt and wondering if it was something I did during pregnancy to cause this,” she said.
Donna, Susie and Wes are all smiles. Pictures: ROB CAREW
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www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
“Once we had the date the nervous butterflies really kicked in as now it was time to have imaging and blood tests done.”
While in hospital, Brendan did his best to keep Wes’ days as normal as possible with kinder and a sleep over at his grandparents.
But when it was time for surgery Donna pulled herself together to be strong for her little girl.
They would also video call Donna from home, but didn’t show Susie as they didn’t want him to worry.
It was during peak Covid-19 times. So only one parent could attend and because Donna had more knowledge of general anaesthetics through work, seeing hundreds of kids go under anaesthetic she was the chosen one.
Brendan says he found it difficult not being with her as much as Donna was.
“I knew I had to be strong for her, to show her there’s no reason to be afraid and everything would be fine,” Donna said. “I was fine until just after she went to sleep, then I broke down and all the emotions I had kept down for her came out and didn’t stop for the next 6 hours.” The surgery consisted of removing the forehead section of skull, breaking it into pieces and putting it all back together using dissolvable pins and screws. “I remember going into recovery to be with her for when she wakes, seeing her incision line, puffy and different looking face and cords coming out of every arm and leg - it broke my heart,” Donna said. “=It was nothing I could have prepared for. But within hours she was sitting having bottles and smiling and my heart was no longer broken but was filled with pride, that such a tiny human went through such a massive ordeal.” Within 24 hours after the surgery Susie’s swelling kicked in – both eyes swollen shut and it was obvious she was uncomfortable.
He found himself stressing at nights but he busied himself with caring for Wes. He even treated him to tram rides and McDonalds dinner. Susie’s surgeons were very pleased with how the surgery went. And her 3 months post op check her surgeon was very pleased with the new shape of her head and how she was healing. He doesn’t expect any future issues or need for more surgeries. She is now on annual checks and will be until 16 years of age. Donna and Brendan’s words of advice for parents about to go through the same thing: “As hard as it is, don’t blame yourselves. Push that parent guilt aside! Kids are tough, its incredible how much they can cope with,” Donna said. “I would recommend joining a Facebook group and chatting to families going through similar things or who have been through it already.”
But within three days she was well enough to go home to her brother Wes and dad Brendan.
Are you an Expectant or New Mum? Motherhood can be an exciting yet challenging time. Let Caring Mums’ volunteers be part of your ‘village’ by providing you with additional emotional support. We are a free, confidential and non-judgemental program for new and expecting mums, whether you are entering motherhood for the first time or you already have children.
No woman should have to feel alone in her journey of Motherhood.
Susie and Wes share a wonderful bond.
For more information please visit www.ncjwavic.org.au/caringmums
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AUTUMN 2023 11
It’s Your Life
Ruairí the lucky last By Casey Neill GABRIELLE Williams always had in the back of her mind that she “probably couldn’t have kids”. “As a protective mechanism I worked from the assumption that I couldn’t, and therefore tried not to want it too much,” the Dandenong MP and State Government Minister said. “As I got older and then made the call to do IVF, I wanted it a lot more. “With every failure and loss and with the clock ticking, that longing grows. “I also began to think it was less and less likely.” She was approaching 40 and over 5.5 years had been through multiple IVF cycles to circumvent her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). “I’d already made the decision that I couldn’t keep going, I couldn’t keep doing it, so that was it,” she said. Then Ruairí came along. “He was the last embryo,” Gabrielle said.
“I’d ended up with five or six, which was a pretty good haul of embryos, but by the time I got them tested, that wiped out all of them bar one. “I was convinced it wasn’t going to work and almost moved on the minute I’d had it done. “I went straight back to work from the clinic and got on with my day.” “I was less manic about that round. “It wasn’t occupying every minute of my thoughts the way that every other round had.” A self-described “chronic pregnancy tester”, Gabrielle took an at-home test five days post embryo transfer. “It came up positive and I thought ‘oh yeah, I’ve been here before though and it’s faded’,” she said. She tested again on days six, seven and eight and that line kept getting darker. “But I was still not ready to get too excited yet,” she said. “Then we got into the world of scans and he was there
and confirmed.
option for her.
“Then I thought I lost him at six weeks. I was convinced I’d lost him.”
“We do have a donor shortage so the list is pretty thin. Sometimes you have to wait quite a while for the right one,” she said.
She’d had a bleed but it was the weekend, so her specialist told her to come in on Monday. But one of her sisters wouldn’t let her wait under the worry. She drove Gabrielle to Monash Medical Centre and waited outside for her, in the midst of Covid challenges.
She waited a few weeks, requesting the list of potential donors at 7am every morning. “If you found one that was appropriate you had to be really quick at requesting it,” she said.
“I hadn’t at any point heard the baby’s heartbeat before then, and I wasn’t expecting it would be there,” she said.
“There’s legislative caps on how many families each donor can have. We’ve just changed it from 10 women to 10 families.
“I’d kept it together until then, but I completely fell in a heap when I heard him and he was fine.”
“It’s a bit of a competition to land your donor.
Despite having her age and PCOS as risk factors, Gabrielle’s pregnancy progressed well. “It was hard getting to him, but when he was there it seemed to run fairly smoothly,” she said. Gabrielle had started the IVF process while she was married, but when the relationship broke down she was determined to continue the process alone. “That meant going through a sperm donor, which is not an easy process,” she said. She thought hard about whether to ask someone she knew but decided an anonymous donor was the best
“Because I’m raising him as a single mum - it sounds a bit silly, and perhaps it is silly - but I wanted him to feel as connected to me as he could. “So I was looking for someone with the basic attributes that I had - brown hair, brown eyes, but hopefully a bit taller. “That is what I found, basically. I even found a donor that said he had wavy hair as well.” There’s no compensation for sperm donors. “And it’s not an easy process because you’ve got to provide a lot of information about yourself, there’s genetic screenings,” she said. “So men who commit to doing this, it’s a big commitment.
Gabrielle and Ruairí in her elecorate office. Picture: Rob Carew
“I find myself now always having conversations with friends who fit the eligibility criteria, saying ‘you should do this’, it’s really helpful and it changes someone’s life for minimal inconvenience to them in the greater scheme.
Gabrielle and baby Ruairí.
12 AUTUMN 2023
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
Gabrielle and Ruairí in her elecorate office. Picture: Rob Carew
Gabrielle on the campaign trail with baby Ruairí.
“Statistically, there are more and more women having children on their own.
was still alive and he was still looking happy and I was OK I thought ‘I can do this’.
“There’s going to be more of us, not less, which means the role of donors then becomes more important.”
“It was a good crash course, those first 24 hours.”
Gabrielle made a “calculated decision” to become a single mum. “I weighed up the reality of doing it alone pretty heavily and had conversations with my family about it,” she said. “For me to be able to do it, I had to make sure I had plenty of support from them. “I’m very blessed to be one of four girls so I’ve got three big sisters. “I knew I had their support and they were very eager to give me that support.” Her parents are also a huge support. But the reality of entering motherhood solo? “It’s a shell shock for everyone,” she laughed. “My mum was in the delivery room with me. He was born first thing in the morning. “You get to the end of the day and you’re in bed and mum’s gone home and I remember having him lying in the bassinet next to me and thinking ‘oh wow, what now?’. “It was just me and him. “It was a very big jump in the deep end, not having anyone with me that first night. “I thought ‘it’s never going to be quite so hard, in a way, as it is tonight’ because it’s all new, I’m confined to the bed because I’d just had a caesarean. “By the time the sun came up and he
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
Ruairí was four months old when we spoke and, like most mums, Gabrielle was still in the thick of figuring out motherhood - and how to make it work alongside a demanding career. “What works this week might not work next week, so I’m having to build that uncertainty into my diary and into how I work,” she said. “There’s a serenity, almost, attached to the fact that you can’t change it and it is what it is. “I’m fortunate enough to be in a job that does give me some flexibility.” Breastfeeding and pumping mean carting a pump and other supplies around Parliament House, and instigating a parenting room. “I’m very lucky that I’ve been able to feed and it’s happened quite easily for me, which isn’t the case for everybody,” she said. “But feeding is a challenge, it’s a challenge that I continue to navigate. “You never master it. “I do find that there’s a calm in just accepting that you can’t predict it.” Gabrielle has great support from her electorate and ministerial staff.
Newborn Ruairí.
weeks after he was born and he came with me,” Gabrielle said.
reminder of why we’re here and what we’re doing.”
“I had to be doing it and it was important.
Gabrielle was reluctant to give any advice to other women battling infertility.
“I tried to target what I was doing.” Previously she would have spent every day at pre-polling booths, from open to close. So she cut back the hours. “The upside of having him when I’ve had him is on the back of Covid, we’ve got a lot more used to doing things online,” she said.
She’s acutely aware that everyone’s situation is different. “Be kind to yourself, no matter what decision you come to,” she said. “You can’t be influenced by whatever anyone else says. It’s not their experience.
Gabrielle was first elected in 2014 and never considered stepping away from the seat.
“The only advice I can give is you’ve got to listen to your own circumstance and make the call yourself.
“I’ll always do this job as long as I’ve got the passion for it,” she said.
“You’ll get pulled in different directions
“Having him didn’t change that.
“Keep checking in with yourself.
“If anything it’s made me more impatient for change.
“You can get caught on the roller coaster of it.”
Ruairí was born just weeks before the 2022 Victorian State election.
“I can see in my own domestic circumstances the impact of what we do and in very real terms the idea that you want to leave the place better than where you found it.
Watching Gabrielle hold a smiling Ruairí on her lap while we chat, it’s obvious that every low on her roller coaster was worth it.
“I did my first press conference two
“He’s another inspiration point and a
“They’ve all had to learn how to do their jobs a little bit differently,” she said. “But they’ve ridden the journey with me as well. “Now that he’s here they’re all rapt.”
“He’s everything I could have hoped,” she said. AUTUMN 2023 13
It’s Your Life
Ruby with son Gabriel.
A hidden shame By Casey Neill RUBY Crane’s journey to motherhood was “36 months of awful”. The nurse and husband Shermal had a hard time falling pregnant, trying for a year before seeking help from specialists. Her mum and sister had no trouble conceiving, and Ruby had no reason to think she’d struggle. But doctors discovered she has the celiac gene, despite showing no symptoms of the autoimmune condition. “Whenever something foreign comes in, your body is really toxic to it,” she said. So she cut gluten from her diet. Scans, ultrasounds, pills, injections and IVF followed, a process Ruby described as “traumatising”. From tube flushing to egg testing - it’s not how she thought she’d become a mum. Many external factors triggered a flood of emotions along the way, with Mother’s Day atop the list. “It’s the worst day,” she said. 14 AUTUMN 2023
“I think that would be the peak of the worst day for people who are trying. “I think people need to be more sensitive. “But going through it makes you have a much greater appreciation for other things and makes you take a step back. “There are much bigger things to give a s*** about.” When Ruby finally fell pregnant with son Gabriel, who was 8 months old when we spoke, she didn’t share the news on social media. She could too easily imagine herself on the receiving end of similar posts just a few months earlier. Four friends fell pregnant while she was battling infertility. “You don’t feel like a woman, you don’t feel feminine. You feel that you’ve failed somehow,” she said. “It’s like you’re a kid and there’s a club and you’re not in the club. You’re the kid standing outside. “It’s a real silent thing. It’s a hidden shame of women. “It probably needs to be more openly discussed. “When I did talk about it, the majority
of the people were struggling but nobody wanted to talk about it.”
“They’re fine - it doesn’t matter how they come out.”
She put miscarriages in the same basket as infertility.
Ninety-minute breastfeeds, the constant stream of nappies…
“No one talks about it, ever,” she said. “But maybe that’s how they’re comfortable dealing with it.” Ruby had always assumed she’d become a mum one day. “I think it’s like a rite of passage,” she said. “I don’t know if I had a maternal instinct to want to do it.” She finally welcomed Gabriel via emergency cesarean 72 hours after her waters broke - and then parenthood enveloped her and Shermal. “It was strange. We were not really there but we were there,” she said. “It was really overwhelming.
“No one tells you any of this stuff,” she said. “Why is the feeding taking so long? I thought it would be five minutes.” Shermal is also a nurse and they both thrive on schedules. “Babies don’t have a schedule,” she said. “They’re constantly unstructured and consistently inconsistent.” Ruby said becoming a mum was “pretty much the hardest thing you ever do in your life”. “It’s a lot of pressure on a relationship. I can see now how people break up,” she said.
“The time went so quickly between naps, you couldn’t do anything.
“It really defines you. It takes over your entire life.
“I was really pissed off that everyone focuses on the birth. “There’s way more other things.
“The second you think you’ve got it sorted, the four-month sleep regression hits.”
“They made it out like the birth was going to have some physical and mental effect on their life.
But when Gabriel wakes from his nap and Ruby sweeps him up in her arms, her joy is obvious. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Maeve.
Emily with baby Maeve.
No second thoughts By Casey Neill EMILY SEXTON was nervous about having a second baby seven years after welcoming her first. “I was really content with what I had,” she said. “I had an amazing child and I loved being a mum of one, so I guess I was nervous. “We had a lot of intimacy when it was just one of them. “I think I was trepidatious about that, and perhaps losing some of that closeness.” But she needn’t have worried about sharing her time between Marlowe, 7, and Maeve, 8 months. She feels like she has time for both, and they have all the time in the world for each other. “Because Marlowe is older there’s not that competition for attention,” she said. “It’s on the whole been way easier than I feared it would be. “Marlowe’s an excellent big brother. “Maeve thinks Marlowe is the funniest, most amazing person in her whole life. “The relationship between the two of them is pretty joyous.” Emily thought she and husband John Bailey would either stop at one child, or have a big gap between babies “mostly for career reasons”. Unlike many mums, she didn’t feel the pressure to hurry up and give Marlowe a sibling - mostly thanks to her mum. “She said ‘what you have is amazing’. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
“She just took it away as a feeling of pressure. It was very kind.
share that for them, family was taking a front seat over career for a time,” Emily said.
“Once mum and I had that chat I just didn’t worry.
“It was such a unique conversation for him.
“It was like she made the decision for me and I really loved her for it.
“It’s been seven years for him to be able to have that moment.
“Lockdowns just made it feel like there was space for another child.”
“It would be amazing to have the structural support for it to be more of a common occurrence.”
That’s all,” she said.
Covid restrictions also helped with Emily’s return to work. “Things have shifted in terms of work flexibility more generally,” she said. “I have a lot of control over how I execute my three work days. “Both times I’ve gone back to a job share arrangement and I really love it. “I learn a lot from that other person and it just takes the pressure off.” Emily is the co-artistic director at North Melbourne theatre venue Arts House. She started with Melbourne Fringe Festival, ran Next Wave and moved to The Wheeler Centre before landing at Arts House in 2018. “I’ve always worked in the arts,” she said. “My partner is the primary carer, one of 7 percent of men in the country who are like that. “I think there’s some interesting flow-on from that. “For fathers it can be quite an isolating experience, especially when you consider that that 7 percent includes gay dads as well.” A recent lunch with an old friend in a similar role was helpful for John. “They both felt really validated to
Maeve attends childcare next to Marlowe’s school. “It unlocks such capacity in your life,” Emily said. “We’re very fortunate that they’ve made such a big investment in that Footscray learning precinct. “Melbourne’s growing. The more we follow that infrastructure with childcare that’s affordable, the more successful those communities will be as a whole, not as individuals. “Once your kid goes to school that unlocks most of your neighbourhood and it’s so great.
watch movies and waddle around and mentally prepare yourself. “When I was younger the transition into being a mum felt pretty full on and I felt quite acutely how I was missing out on stuff.” But now her friends are in a similar life phase and she’s more embedded in her community. “I think the best part has been a knowing, an understanding of time that whatever you’re going through it ends and that everything’s a phase and that if you’re finding something hard, very shortly you’ll be onto the next thing,” she said. “I’ve loved the second time around because I just don’t worry like I did the first time around.”
“The way zoning works, it’s your neighbours that your kid goes to school with.” Emily was 33 when she had Marlowe, which was quite young among her group of friends. “The actual birth was on the day I finished work, so that was not ideal,” she said. “This time it was pretty awesome to get that mat leave time where you can
Maeve adores big brother Marlowe. AUTUMN 2023 15
Health
Outwitting the pesky nits WHILE some of the challenges of a new school year are easy to deal with, one of the biggest facing parents is the ever-present threat of head lice. Lice seem to be part-and-parcel of the school experience for many children. Catching head lice does not mean your child has done anything wrong or is not hygienic. Statistics vary but about 20 to 30 per cent of primary school students are likely to get head lice at some stage. A single infested head can successfully infest a whole classroom and when the children return home, they often unwittingly pass on the infestation to the rest of the family. Head lice are wingless creatures which cannot fly or even jump, but move from host to host by crawling or climbing. Close contact between children therefore gives them great opportunities to spread but it is important to understand that head lice are not confined to children.
Anyone can get head lice but they are more common in children because of their close contact.
In fact, anyone can get head lice but they are more common in children because of their close contact. Head lice do not carry disease, but we need to get rid of them. If your child has head lice, you might notice them itching and scratching, especially around the back of the neck and behind their ears. A bad case of head lice can lead to itchy dermatitis on the scalp, crusted sores and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. But this isn’t common, and your child can avoid it if you treat their head lice as soon as possible. You might see small, oval-shaped, white or brown-black nits attached to the root of the hair, near the scalp. Live head lice move fast, so to spot them you might have to part your child’s hair very quickly. Your community pharmacy stocks special combs as well as shampoos, conditioners, creams and other products to treat head lice infestation.
The perfect place to meet the oe of your life
There are chemical-based treatments available as well as a number of treatments which are based on essential oils such as anise, rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil. There also are a range of herbal products. Head lice are very adaptable and can develop resistance to some chemicals, so it is important to talk to your community pharmacist about the right product. After selecting a treatment, it is important that following its use, you test to see if the lice are dead.
While resistance is an issue, many treatment failures are due to inadequate time in contact with hair and scalp, inappropriate application methods, or the use of ineffective products. If the lice are dead, treat again in seven days using the same product. If the treatment has worked, the lice will be dead within 20 minutes. Whatever head lice treatment is chosen, a fine tooth comb is essential to get the nits out. - The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
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Health
Breastmilk - the white stuff By Melissa Meehan THE female body is a marvellous thing. Not only can it grow life – but it can also produce milk to nourish them. But for many premature babies, they burst into the world before their mother’s body can produce milk of its own. With the help of donated breast milk, these premature babies can receive the medicine they need that provides nutrition and promotes growth and development. Nurse Crissy Blasseti donated her milk to the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank when she had her second son. She had first heard of the ability to donate milk while working as a nurse and again while staying at the Mercy Hospital, in Heidelberg, when she had her eldest. “I guess I just decided that I am going to do it, it was my second time around and I was hell bent on doing it,” Crissy told Kids Today. “With my first I had a very healthy breast milk supply and I knew I could have enough to donate.” So Crissy would collect milk once a day to donate. It was a great experience for her knowing she was helping mums and babies who needed it. Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank unit manager Chelsea Webster says not everyone can donate milk and it’s quite a rigorous process. But the donated breastmilk can often be a stopgap until the mum’s milk comes in or can be a huge help if the mother has issues with milk supply. “We know that breastmilk has real health benefits for babies, providing the nutrients they need for growth and development,” she said.
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
“More than 1,000 babies have benefited from breastmilk provided by the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank since its establishment almost a decade ago.” Almost 4,500 litres of breastmilk has been donated by 440 women. In 2020 alone, the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank fed 161 sick babies and premature babies. Only women who give birth at Mercy Hospital for Women, the Royal Womens Hospital in Melbourne or Monash Clayton can donate their breastmilk. And very premature babies are the only ones who qualify to receive the milk.
She said breastmilk donors are not paid for their donations and there is no charge for receiving donated breastmilk. The Mercy Breastmilk Bank is hoping to further expand the service across Victoria and needs to purchase muchneeded equipment, including freezers and pasteurising machines, to make that possible. Donations to the Mercy Health Breastmilk Bank Appeal can be made through the Mercy Health Foundation, www. mercyhealthfoundation.org.au
AUTUMN 2023 17
DENTAL Dental caries imposes a large cost on the Australian economy.
Tackling tooth decay UNIVERSITY of Adelaide researchers will conduct a wide-ranging nationwide four-year study on the extent and causes of tooth decay in Australian children. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) said the study would also look at the resultant mental health, education and financial impacts. The results of the, the ADA said, will be compared with findings from the last time this project was undertaken in 2012-14.
what was found in the most recent study in 2012-14,” Professor Jamieson said. “We will be able to test, model, evaluate and disseminate evidence that will enable important questions around child oral health, social and emotional wellbeing, school performance and economic productivity to be answered. “This is incredibly important so that we can understand how deep and widespread tooth decay is, and what actions policy makers can take to ensure children and parents have the right support available to them.”
The study is intended to look at the state of child dental decay, which is the most common childhood infection in Australia.
The ADA’s Australia’s Children and Young People Oral Health Tracker indicates that tooth decay among children remains a pressing issue.
It has support from the ADA, the South Australian Dental Service, Queensland Health, ACT Health, Northern Territory Government, Tasmanian Health Service, Department of Health, Department of Health NSW, and Department of Health WA.
“Children who are in socially vulnerable situations are also more likely to be hospitalised for dental conditions that could have been prevented. “These are the types of situations we hope this study can shed some light on.” The ADA said the research has been supported by a grant of $1,499,998.80 from the National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Project scheme.
Professor Jamieson said the study hoped to establish “whether there has been an improvement in the oral health of children in Australia over the past 10 years since the last study was conducted”.
Professor Lisa Jamieson, Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health director, is leading the study.
“Dental caries imposes a large cost on the Australian economy. That cost is estimated to be up to $1 billion per year,” she said.
The research centre is part of the Adelaide Dental School, at the University of Adelaide. “With the use of oral examinations and questionnaire data, we will be able to put the results side by side against
“It also has a direct correlation to poor school performance, inadequate nutrition, problems with sleeping and adverse social wellbeing.
Protecting kids’ enamel UNIVERSITY of São Paulo researchers found that anti-inflammatory drugs might be associated with dental enamel defects (DED) in children. The Australian Dental Association (ADA) reported that this research into the condition, which affects about 20 percent of children globally, “studied the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the biomineralisation of enamel in male mice”.
It found that after four weeks of exposure to NSAIDs celecoxib and indomethacin, teeth showed “decreased levels of calcium and phosphate and lower mineral density, and they fractured more easily”. Corresponding study author Dr Francisco Paula-Silva, an associate professor of paediatric dentistry at the university, said the research promised increased understanding of the
prevalence of DED in children. It was triggered by an intriguing possible correlation between the timing of DED in the first years of a child’s life and the administration of antiinflammatory drugs to combat sickness during this period. “Right now, the study at least offers us a clue to the identity of a new player that may be involved in the
development of DEDs. Hitherto we’ve been totally in the dark,” Dr Paula-Silva said. The ADA said the researchers next intend to conduct a clinical study, with hopes it will play a role in determining appropriate treatment protocols for administration of anti-inflammatory drugs in children.
‘Family Dentist’ 03 9882 3366 www.drbobcvetkovic. com.au
681 Burke Road, Camberwell VIC 3124 12590467-JC11-23
18 AUTUMN 2023
This research could help to protect kids’ enamel. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
Party Time
Food to get the party started Jelly orange wedges THESE gorgeous and bright jelly wedges are fabulous for any occasion and for all ages. One of the best things about these is that they are completely preservative, additive, chemical and also gluten free and loaded with wholesome goodness (may also be suitable for vegetarians and vegans by using an alternative gelatine).
To make the orange coloured jelly and orange rind cups: Ingredients: ■ 500ml freshly squeezed orange juice from 6-8 oranges. The orange rind cups will be used to hold the jelly mixture. ■ 1 x 12 gram satchel of Queen gelatine powder Method: ■ Cut oranges in half and juice each one, then strain the juice (no pulp) and juice more oranges if needed to reach 500ml cups.
■ Place the rind cups in muffin tin holes, this will keep them steady and upright when filled with the gelatine mixture.
To make the pink, yellow and purple jelly: Ingredients ■ 500ml Cranberry Juice ■ 500ml Blackcurrant juice ■ 500ml Pineapple Juice ■ 3 x 12 gram satchel of Queen gelatine powder Method: ■ In a small saucepan, bring 250ml of each juice to boil. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of gelatine into each juice, until dissolved then add remaining 250ml of each juice and stir well (as per the above steps). ■ Pour liquids into rind cups, to fill the rest of the cups. ■ Carefully place the muffin tray in the fridge to set, ideally overnight for perfect firmness. ■ You may have leftover gelatine mixtures from each colour, just pop them into glass cups or disposable
Jelly orange wedges will add some colour and fun to the party.
cups, set overnight and enjoy them too. Notes: ■ Alternatively use packet jelly crystals, preparing them as per box instructions. ■ Replace standard gelatine with a collagen rich variety, for a fantastic
hit of inner health. ■ Create frog in an orange pond by popping a Freddo frog in the centre of the half orange shell and allowing it to set. ■ Experiment with a variety of delicious and wholesome juices; fresh or bottled.
The birthday trend getting high fives By Melissa Grant ARE you planning your child’s birthday party but dreading that you’ll end up with a pile of unappreciated toys. You might want to consider throwing a ‘fiver party’. What is a fiver party? Well, it’s a pretty brilliant party concept that’s growing in popularity. Basically, each guest inserts a $5 note in a card for the birthday boy/girl.
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However, before deciding to host a fiver party, you need to consider whether your child will appreciate the concept. How old are they? Are they used to opening up a huge pile of gifts on their birthday? Do they have an understanding of money? Obviously a fiver party probably isn’t the greatest idea for a 4-year-old. However, a 10-year-old saving for that special something is likely to give you a high five!
It’s brilliant because it cuts down the number of unwanted toys and takes the pressure off parents when it comes to buying gifts. Mums and dads don’t need to spend a small fortune or struggle to come up with a gift idea, while the birthday child gets to put some money towards something they really want. But asking for money can be awkward, you say? Well yes, but it’s only $5 and you can ask for it nicely on the invite. You just need to write something like “Mia is celebrating her 10th birthday with a fiver party. Mia has her heart set on (insert expensive toy here) so instead of buying her a gift please put a $5 note in a birthday card. Thank-you.” AUTUMN 2023 19
Education
Unlock academic potential Genazzano FCJ College’s early learning centre provides a secure foundation for your child’s future learning. Our priorities ensure Genazzano’s highly experienced and caring teachers introduce fun and play to educational activities, to help your child develop a life-long love of learning. Our unique approach will nurture your child from their very first day, to grow their confidence, educationally and socially. Grange Hill, our junior school, offers an innovative, diverse curriculum from ELC to Year 6. The college fosters your daughters’ critical thinking and academic potential, where they are encouraged to lead and inspire.
The junior school curriculum is supported by literacy and numeracy teams, learning enhancement programs, and specialist teachers for languages and the performing and creative arts. The college is currently an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program candidate school which offers global teachings around history, geography, health, civics, citizenship and religion. The school offers stimulating co-curricular programs including STEM, the arts, social justice, languages, and an inventors club for budding entrepreneurs at appropriate year levels. Genazzano FCJ College is located on 7 acres in the heart of Kew. Grange Hill students are introduced to a wide range of sporting facilities. The generous grounds provide a large oval, indoor heated 25 metre pool, indoor basketball court, seven tennis courts, three netball courts, and an elite physical performance centre. Genazzano’s commitment to parents
is to ensure every aspect of your child’s education, their personal wellbeing and academic potential is realised, so they are ready to take on the future and go confidently into the world. Selected places at the early learning centre and junior school are available. Genazzano welcomes you to experience its unique qualities. Open mornings are held on 29 March, 2 May and 29 May. Join a college tour followed by a delicious morning tea and meeting with the college leadership team. There are selected places available for ELC, Prep and Year 5 in 2024. Bookings for open mornings are essential. Visit www.genazzano.vic.edu.au/ enrolments or contact the Registrar on 8862 1207 or registrar@genazzano.vic.edu.au.
Genazzano’s teachers introduce fun and play to educational activities.
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NURTURED in contemporary Catholic faith, Genazzano FCJ College, in Kew, is a progressive, vibrant community where girls learn to view the world critically, embrace our diverse cultures, our history, social inclusion and the environment.
Selected places at the earl y learning centre and junior school are availab le.
Education
‘Superfood’ for young brains
Mini Maestros can help your child become more capable, creative, resilient, and aware.
WANT to unlock your child’s potential and give them the best start in life?
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Try Mini Maestros Music and Movement Classes for babies through to 5 year olds.
Mini Maestros harnesses the impact of music on the brain to develop the whole child; language, listening, physical, social and emotional skills.
Their age-specific classes provide the perfect environment for your child to explore their creativity, build confidence and develop essential skills.
What’s more, the social interaction and classroom environment prepare the way for kindergarten and school.
By harnessing the power of music and movement, Mini Maestros can help your child become more capable, creative, resilient, and aware - setting them up for a bright future.
Want to have fun and learning at home as well? Mini Maestros also has online courses for babies to 5 year olds which you and your child can enjoy at home.
Because making music involves multiple brain functions, making music is ‘superfood’ food for a child’s developing brain.
In the past two years alone, Mini Maestros has received 1000+ excellent reviews from parents.
Neural activity is at its highest and fastest before the age of 6 and so babies and toddlers who actively learn music are in a much better position to achieve
Get ready to watch your child or grandchild thrive! You can enrol in Mini Maestros Music and Movement Classes or find out further information at minimaestros.com.au or call 9850 5566.
The social interaction and classroom environment prepare the way for kindergarten and school.
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Accelerate Your Child’s Development & Prepare Them For School
Music & Movement Classes for 0-5s
Plus At Home
At Mini Maestros your child will learn how to participate and co-operate with others in a classroom setting. They’ll also learn how to listen and follow directions, and get a headstart on important literacy and numeracy skills.
Mini Maestros also has Online Courses for babies to 5 year olds, so that you have the opportunity to share the learning and fun with your child at home in your own time.
ENROL NOW Support Your Child to Thrive!
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We welcome you to visit our website to find out more and arrange a tour. www.stpeterselc.vic.edu.au
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School Readiness
Mini Maestros has been providing fun, educational and active music classes for 0-5’s for nearly 40 years!
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Trusted Brand
St Peter’s Early Learning Centre is a Catholic, co-educational setting where children are given the opportunity and time to discover and explore, to question and predict, to wonder and to dream. The wider world becomes the child’s world.
AUTUMN 2023 21
Education
Parents and experts align EARLY-CHILDHOOD experts and advocates are hopeful the federal government’s plan to prioritise child development will give Australian kids the best start to life.
are not relegated to the background, that they are brought out front and centre,” she told reporters in Canberra.
About 100 childhood development experts gathered at Parliament House for the national early-years summit.
Former Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins and children’s author Mem Fox were among attendees, along with Thrive by Five director Jay Weatherill and The Parenthood chief executive Georgie Dent.
Summit outcomes will inform a national strategy, due to be released in October, to improve early-years development in Australia for newborn babies up to five-year-olds. Catherine Liddle, chief executive of the the national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children SNAICC, told AAP the summit showed a willingness to think differently about how best to support children. “There is a shared vision about how we can create the best start to life and the barriers that are often overlooked,” she said. “The next step is to hear from people on the ground and get the consultation right so that government is informed in its policy making.” Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth plans to hold round tables across the country to help inform the strategy. She said this would ensure the biggest gaps in services were identified and show what was needed to help children and parents access support. “We need to make sure that children
“We’re listening to families and mapping out where we can do better.”
Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly said the summit brought together experts, advocates and parents to discuss ideas to ensure no child was left behind.
childhood and adolescence, with children affected by parental mental illness being at particularly high risk,” she said.
Mr Weatherill said the summit could not “tinker around the edges” but must lay the foundation for a new approach to the early years.
Ms Dent called on the government to be ambitious to ensure the best models of early-childhood development, education and care were adopted.
He called for federal and state legislation to ensure every Australian child had guaranteed access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care.
She said one in five Australian children arrived at school developmentally vulnerable. In rural areas, that number rises to two in five and is higher still for Indigenous children.
- AAP Minister Amanda Rishworth (in pink) said expert knowledge had to be combined with parents’ voices. Picture: Mick Tsikas/AAP Photos
“This is an amazing opportunity for us to set a trajectory for Australian children now and into the future,” she said. Child psychiatrists want government to address gaps in funding, availability and access to professional mental health services for children and their families. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Professor Valsa Eapen said too many children in need of support were missing out but early intervention was crucial. “Most adult mental health problems have their origins in
Autism guidelines welcomed CHILDREN with autism should have their neurodiversity embraced rather than it being seen as something that must be cured, new national guidelines say. The federal government recently released Australia’s first national
practice guidelines to promote the education, participation and wellbeing of autistic children and their families. The guidelines feature 84 recommendations for practitioners to ensure there is effective and consistent support available to children up to the age of 12. One of the recommendations is that supports should be neurodiversityaffirming, embracing each child’s understanding of other people and the world around them. Practitioners should also not seek to cure a child’s autism, instead finding ways to help them acquire skills that are relevant to their participation in meaningful daily activities.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the guidelines, which were developed by 15 experts, were about bringing evidence-based supports for autistic children.
“For too long there has been misinformation and a lack of evidencebased practice when it comes to autism therapies and practitioners,” she told AAP in a statement.
“Our government has a clear and dedicated vision to improve the lives of all autistic people,” she said in a statement.
“We welcome these new guidelines and hope they are quickly adopted as standard practice.”
“By working closely with the autism community and making sure their voices are at the centre of policy making, we are committed to improving research and supports and to ensure no one gets left behind.” Autism Awareness Australia chief operating officer Elizabeth Sarian said the guidelines were game-changers and long overdue.
Amaze Australia chief executive Jim Mullan also supported the new guidelines, saying the advocacy group would work hard to support their implementation. About one in 70 Australians has been diagnosed with autism. Work has started on a national autism strategy, which will support the implementation of the guidelines. -AAP
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the guidelines, which were developed by 15 experts, were about bringing evidence-based supports for autistic children. Picture: Lukas Coch/AAP Photos
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Education
Everyone has a place CARLOS the Concrete Truck wants to work with the big trucks and join them on their adventures, but everyone tells him he’s just too small.
“They sense the excitement in the air and the fast pace of the work,” he said.
Carlos wants to fit in more than anything, and his attitude and determination belie his size.
“I like making people smile, and being a catalyst for positive change in their lives.
Elsternwick concreter-turned-author Anton Bialylew created Carlos following the birth of his first child, as a reminder that everyo ne is unique. “Th e story of Carlos evolved from my passion in my concreting business,” he said. “The ideas and illustrations in the book reflect the challenges and hard work that this trade demands. “It’s not only tough physically but it’s also very unforgiving - no second chances when pouring concrete!
“My hope for young kids reading Carlos the Concrete Truck is that it builds their confidence and sends the message that even if you feel different - you are worthwhile and you will in time find your unique skills and strengths.”
Concreter-turned-author Anton Bialylew.
“I’ve always been a creative person who loves working with my hands and pushing my physical abilities to the limit. “I also find that concreting can be a very creative and meditational experience if undertaken with presence of mind.” It always puts a smile on Anton’s face when children stop their parents to watch the big concrete trucks roll in and spin and splutter concrete out.
Carlos is small but determined.
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www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
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t o g e t h e r
At Kingswood College we believe students should learn as they live – as young people together, side by side. Learning together prepares students for a world that has changed beyond imagination. Ready to succeed in a world of work that requires the confidence and skills to communicate, collaborate and problem solve. Plus the self-assurance to bring their own unique perspectives to the table, regardless of gender or cultural experience. Learning together celebrates difference and nurtures students to become well-rounded individuals who contribute as equals.
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Kingswood College is a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community where every student belongs.
Kingswood College is an independent school where students from kindergarten to Year 12 develop confidence and skills for lifelong learning. www.kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au or call 9896 1700 CRICOS PROVIDER NO 00150G 24 AUTUMN 2023
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
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AUTUMN 2023 25
Reality Bites
Girls just want to have fun Nearly two thirds of those who left reported their main reason for stopping – especially for teenagers – was because they were not having fun.
Researcher Professor Rochelle Eime said at a time when community sport clubs were desperate to attract members and keep them, the findings revealed many retention issues, but ones that were easy to fix.
“Clubs can focus too much on pennants and medals, yet the research shows players mainly want to have fun, especially at the crucial adolescent stage when we lose so many young women and girls.”
Other major reasons included losing interest, having an unfriendly coach or official, injuries, or feeling too old.
“Clubs need to ensure what they offer aligns to the reasons girls and women get involved in the first place,” she said.
The types of volunteers who tend to get involved in community sport can create club cultures that value winning and competition above everything else, said Professor Eime.
By Melissa Meehan
participating, and the other half were still involved with their sport.
WHEN it comes to playing community sport – it seems girls just want to have fun. Victoria University research tracked more than 5,000 females who participated either in community club gymnastics or football (soccer) around Australia from 2019 to 2021.
“Most members are not there to enjoy themselves - not to win or get the top award.”
About half the survey respondents had stopped
The main factor for younger girls aged under 12 dropping out was cost – a decision that would likely be made by parents, said Professor Eime. For women aged over 18, the main reason was COVID-19. However, not having fun was also a major reason to leave in both cohorts – similar to the teenager group. Professor Eime said COVID’s devastating impact on community sport memberships in recent years provided real opportunities for a major overhaul of the ways clubs attracted and kept members.
Girls would rather play sport for fun, than an pennant - research shows.
“Volunteer groups are often dominated by people who are either very good at the sport, or have children who are,” she said. “They want their child to be the next player for the Matildas and forget about others.” Professor Eime said the strict, timetabled way community sport is presented hasn’t changed in generations, in contrast to the less organised alternatives girls and women can choose for fun and fitness. For example, females who join a pilates class or take dance lessons have more flexibility about when and how often they participate, and a wider choice in skill levels, she said. The report found community sport clubs could improve membership retention by: ■ developing strategies and programs that focus on fun and enjoyment in the sport ■ ensure training and competitions allow all players to improve their skills, not just elite members ■ assist with costs by re-purposing equipment or uniforms, or offering discounts to volunteers.
New AFP book changes online safety game By Melissa Meehan
encourage help seeking behaviours,” acting Assistant Commissioner Sirec said.
IT’S not every day that Australian Federal Police release a children’s book.
“Jack Changes the Game has been created as a resource to start conversations with 5 to 8 year olds in a simple, yet effective way,” acting Assistant Commissioner Sirec said.
But it tells an important story and will hopefully help children become aware of the dangers of online grooming. The first-of-its-kind picture book ’Jack Changes the Game’, written by Tess Rowley and illustrated by Shannon Horsfall, has been developed by the AFP’s ThinkUKnow program, in partnership with the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) .
A reference group comprising four of Australia’s leading experts in education and child protection was engaged to provide subject matter expertise and guidance on the development of the book. Professor Kerryann Walsh from the School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education at the Queensland University of Technology said that children’s books were an effective education tool.
The book is based on a real report to the ACCCE and gives age-appropriate advice on how to recognise online child sexual exploitation, including online grooming, and how to take action and make a report to police. In the book, Jack meets a new online friend called ‘Footy Boy’ through his favourite game. But soon, ‘Footy Boy’ starts asking for things that make Jack feel uneasy and he begins to wonder if his new friend is the person he claims to be. With the support of his sister and friend, Jack finds the courage to tell his parents and together they make a report to the ACCCE and implement online safety measures at home. AFP acting Assistant Commissioner 26 AUTUMN 2023
The AFP is changing the game for online grooming.
Hilda Sirec said the book was a powerful resource and one that will help families around Australia begin important conversations. “Around half of parents and carers regularly talk to their child about online safety. With children spending more time online, it’s important we teach them about safe practices and
“One of the great things about children’s picture books is that they involve adults and children in a shared reading experience where everyone can learn about new things together.” “Jack Changes the Game provides adults with very useful tips on how to talk to children about online safety and in particular, about online grooming.” Dr Andrea Baldwin, Service Development Leader at the Queensland Centre for Perinatal & Infant Mental Health, said that stories about children are a great way to engage children. “Jack learns to cope with a
threatening situation and to put trust in his family, the police and other adults. Unfortunately children Jack’s age are a target and there aren’t many resources around empowering children themselves to stay safe online.” Professor Susan Edwards, Director Early Childhood Futures at the Australian Catholic University, said Jack Changes the Game is a much needed book and important resource for children, families and schools. “We know that children are active on the internet and we know that as adults we really should do our very best to support and educate them around the practices that will help keep them safe.” Survivor of child sexual abuse, author and advocate Kelly Humphries said the book was an intervention for young children at a key age. “It is an opportunity. A vessel for parents, teachers, caregivers, or anyone to have these tough conversations through a non-confrontational, relatable medium.” Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.accce.gov.au/report. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
Reality Bites
Sarah Galbally’s putting her kids first I was studious at school. I really enjoyed reading, history, literature, drama, languages.
SARAH Galbally’s putting her kids first I listen to lawyer Sarah Galbally talk and all I can think is ‘I wish I could download your brain for a day!’.
What motivated you to become a lawyer? As my surname suggests – I had no choice!!
Effortlessly intelligent, she can switch between, fun, loving empathetic mother-of-two into shrewd, savvy boss-lady that you definitely wouldn’t want to mess with in a legal battle.
No, no, to be serious, it was not my initial intention to become a lawyer. I do come from a family of lawyers, however it was not a path that I thought I would pursue - well, not initially.
Sarah comes from a long bloodline of famous Australian lawyers, well known for landmark court cases. Just google Frank (grandfather) or uncles David, Paul and Francis Galbally and you’ll see what I mean.
Looking to university, I was interested in pursuing a career in journalism or script writing. Because of my love of literature and humanities, I applied for a Deans Arts scholarship at Monash University, and at the end of Year 12 I was offered a place for a double bachelor’s degree in arts and law.
They’re known for taking on some of the toughest of tough cases. So boy does she have some handy mentors. Her resume is impressive to say the least - with more than 15 years’ experience in the law, working for big names such as the AFL, Cricket Australia, Fox Fm and Triple M - and I must say I was pretty excited to hear about her having middle of the night legal talks with Taylor Swift and a quiet convo legal chat in Melbourne with Kim Kardashian. Originally from bayside Melbourne, Sarah has called Geelong home for the past 10 years and is now director and principal lawyer of Neon Legal law firm in Pakington Street. www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
Let’s go back to life before children. What was life like in the Galbally house for you growing up? Growing up in our house was great fun! My brother Nick and I were, and still are, super close. Childhood with him was always happy. He is a very smart and kind person, and Tom reminds me so much of him, even to look at, so much that sometimes I call Tom, Nick! Perhaps I am lacking in sleep on those days! My parents took us on lots of holidays throughout Australia and to Europe.
As kids we spent summers in Sorrento and Point Lonsdale, and Septembers were spent on the beach at Broadbeach and Noosa. Hence my love for the beach! I think that same spark for the ocean and beach trips with my kids is from how I remember growing up and I have always taken my kids on holidays to Queensland. What were you like in school? I loved school. I went to small girls school, St Catherine’s, in Melbourne from kinder all the way through to Year 12.
It was my mum who said to me that I should at least give the first year of arts/ law a try and see if I enjoyed it. Once I started it just all fell into place. It was certainly the path I was meant to take, and I never reconsidered my decision. I genuinely love my work, and the interesting and creative people that I work with both in my own law firm and our clients. It’s given me such an interesting and wonderful career, and I know the future is always exciting in my line of work. AUTUMN 2023 27
Reality Bites I particularly love the entrepreneurial side to my clients that take us into specialised areas of marketing and consumer law, and I have loved working in talent and creative spaces as a lawyer, the big rights deals, and acting in negotiations for clients…there is always something exciting and interesting that we are working on for our clients. Neon Legal is such a fab name! Tell us about your business? Neon Legal is a law firm I founded. I now have a business partner, Shannon Landers, and we have created a dynamic law firm that is not traditional. We offer flexible in-house style legal services. Sometimes we work as part of an internal legal team, remotely, and sometimes our lawyers take client work similar to a traditional law firm, on demand. Some businesses outsource their entire internal legal services to us, like a freelance general counsel. We have a top tier brand – our lawyers have high calibre experience in both in-house teams and private practice. We are that hybrid for business as usual and project-based legal work. We work with large Australian household brands, and even startups. Why did you decide to start Neon Legal and how has it grown? Well there is a bit of history to why I started Neon Legal back in 2016. It was primarily for lifestyle reasons and all came about because I became a mother. Ultimately it was a very positive next step into the next stage of my career. We are a modern law firm because I wanted to create dynamic landscape to act for interesting clients. It was a practical decision but it was ultimately my desire to do it in a way that I could see scope for innovation and that drove my decision making and gave me the impetus to start Neon Legal.
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I mix with a diverse range of businesses and people that are innovative and it was a path that I wanted to follow with them – a far more interesting path than the nine-to-five corporate gig in a black suit. When I worked at as a national senior lawyer for Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), Australia’s largest entertainment company, I loved every day in my six years there. I was surrounded by not only music but a diverse world of creativity. That is what interests me and excites me. And that sparked my desire to more away from the traditional law firm to a more stimulating world. To go back, I was pregnant with my first child, and working at SCA I was commuting to Melbourne from Geelong five days a week, and to Sydney each fortnight as part of my legal team were based in Sydney and I needed to be visible. As a media and entertainment commercial lawyer, I was up and ready to ‘legal’ breakfast radio for Triple M and Fox FM nationally – primarily for Melbourne and Sydney stations. The early hours of breakfast radio meant that my days started about 4.30am because of a daily commute to Melbourne. This was fine before I had children! But then, the circumstances in which I had Tom played a big part in my life decisions and made me think that the next stage of my career had to adapt to the way I wanted to live my life as a mother and still have a creative interesting career as a lawyer. I had Tom at 32 weeks of my pregnancy – early! Due to sudden onset of pre-eclampsia. It was very unexpected. We both spent some weeks in hospital in Melbourne and eventually I was able to take my little 4-pound premmie home.
It because obvious to me that having a young baby and commuting to Melbourne for work was not going to provide me with flexibility I needed in my life as a new mum. While on maternity leave I decided that I would resign from Southern Cross Austereo and start Neon Legal. It was a necessary next step in my career and it was so exciting to me. I started Neon Legal as a sole practitioner and I had core clients in the areas of sport, entertainment and technology. About two years later I had my second child, Sadie. My pregnancy with her was high risk as I had medical complications that were being monitored by various specialists. During this time I managed to adapt work to accommodate home life. Soon Sadie arrived. Again it was high drama, emergency... (I don’t like drama!). This time I had a medical complication from a variant form of preeclampsia and after a brief stint in ICU in Geelong, but I was very fortunate to leave hospital with another healthy little 36-week premmie. An opportunity presented for me to manage an alternative legal services business in Melbourne with Lawyers on Demand. It was an exciting prospect and as a sole practitioner I had missed the action of a busy law firm environment. So with day care and some family help in place, I decided to try part time work and I put Neon Legal on pause. Life was very organised to make it all work and it was not without pressure… and then the pandemic hit. The pandemic reminded me how much easier life was to be local and flexible, without commuting.
So with that, my two-year stint of part-time commuting to Melbourne and working from home was complete. In 2020 I decided that it was time to reinvigorate Neon Legal, it was a very deliberate next step in my career. With Tom starting school in 2021 it was the perfect time to build the law firm and have the flexibility that my home life needed to manage school hours and allow me that flexibility to be a mother and make it work for our lives. Shannon joined me in 2021, and again it was a natural progression to have a business partner with the same mindset to work and life. She also has an entrepreneurial spirit and we have been friends for some years – she was head of legal at Cotton On for many years and used to brief me in work. Our life priorities align and we love the exciting opportunities that business presents. I am sure that my story – to find that balance so you can be a mother in that way you want to and yet have a great and fulfilling career - is a similar story for so many women. Again, I simply chose to put my children first and build the life that I want to live, a happy life, that is balanced so that I can be present as a mum and continue to pursue an interesting career. You are a single mum, running her own business and raising two gorgeous children. How do you make it all work? I make a conscious decision to make it work. Literally. I am very conscious of making decisions to make life the way I want to live it, for me and for my children.
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
I always put what works for us, for me and for the children, first. And that’s not negotiable. And when it doesn’t all work, I have learnt to simply embrace the imperfect. Sure, I might have to get groceries delivered at the last minute (I just did!) or I may have been able to pre-organise meals for the entire week and be very organised in a routine. Either way, I simply choose not to worry about it. I also try not to over-complicate things and not to over-commit. Home time is calm space, its relaxed and happy, we enjoy the simple things and prioritise time with family and friends. Actually, we have a disco light that we often put in the kitchen and we just play music, have a crazy dance and laugh. Those times of play and joy with little kids are so fun. Sure, it is a busy life for me in many respects, but it’s very balanced and my focus is on my children. I think a big part of it is that I am not ‘in a rush’. I love those little conversations with my kids about the world and having the time in the present to have those chats is so special. My business plays a critical part in making it work. I have made a conscious effort to set up my commitments with work and the business so that it all works to our life, for me, as I need it to. I am able to drop and pick up from school – if I were commuting for work that would not be possible, so its really wonderful that Neon Legal is able to provide that life for me and the kids, and I work hard to ensure that it continues.
The pandemic certainly helped that shift in mindset for our clients – we need to be contactable and we have strong relationship with our clients to make that work for their needs, too. It hasn’t mattered where we were based, we can deliver what they need remotely. What do you think are the key ingredients to making a successful business? The success of our business to date has been that we are different from the traditional law firm because we believe that being dynamic is of value to our clients. The way we deliver legal services to our clients that are not traditional and it works for our clients – best of all it works for us. That is a unique proposition in our industry, but its been necessary for us, and we have shown that it works. We have creative and interesting clients who are innovative, and we have shown that we have a similar mindset by turning a traditional law firm model into something that has adapted for a modern way of working and lifestyles. Our business is well… very busy. The adage is still true – find a busy lawyer, it’s a good sign of their skills and value when they are in demand.
Whether we are working remotely for Ashai or Carlton United Breweries, or locally for Cotton On or the City of Greater Geelong on site, all the way to the Western Bulldogs Football Club to multi national cyber encryption organisations, its been important for us also to be connected to start ups in the local region and develop our local ties to emerging entrepreneurs. We have also made good local networks in our industry with an Internship program with the law school at Deakin Uni, and we have good local clients who we have worked with for a long time to the extent that we feel like part of their business. Do you have any future goals you can share? Well it’s 2023 and both my kids are now at school – I cannot believe it! I have a few goals planned out for us at home, a few creative projects for the house and some holidays. I have plans for Neon Legal to develop over the next two years which we are working on now. We currently have a team of five and hope to further expand soon. Actually, I recently embarked on a very cool new opportunity which I am quietly confident will take shape in the next few years and open a new business path for Shannon and I. Keep an eye out, we have only just started! If you have a small business or side hustle that you want make your primary gig, you can find Sarah and her legal team at www.neonlegal.com.au.
Name: Sarah Galbally Occupation: Lawyer (and #BossMum) Kids: ■ Tom – “He is my kind and quiet studious achiever, lover of footy cards, and passionate about playing soccer.” ■ Sadie – “She is certainly filled with kindness and joy. If you squeezed her, glitter and unicorns would spill out.” My happy place is… Anywhere by the water, at the beach, with my kids. Having access to so many fabulous beach spots just a short drive away is a huge benefit of living here. Favourite coffee in Geelong: On the weekend we love to walk to our local Funk. We can sit out in the garden with a milkshake and coffee. The guys have delicious home-made treats and it’s a lovely way to start the weekend with fresh air and calm vibes. Check it out – that’s my tip! My hidden talent is… I suppose it’s that I speak French, although I am rusty! My stats on Wordle are looking good at the moment! Chocolate or cheese? Most definitely it is both! I have a sweet tooth and Tom has certainly inherited that from me. He even has managed to pull a lollypop out of his pocket today I see….kids! A book you love: As a lawyer, my days are filled with reading, so it is not my go-to unless I am on holiday. I have a few books on the bed side waiting to be opened not sure if or when that will happen! A movie you love: I love movies – I have a few that I watch on repeat. But recently I have been known to binge a TV series in record time. Succession, Veep, The White Lotus, Schitts Creek. Mantra: ‘Your girlfriends make the world go round!’ I am a huge believer in the strength of the women in your life being so important. It is always the women who get you through all the different stages of your life, and I know it to be true. I don’t now what I would do without my mum, my daughter, my business partner and my best girl friends - they are all so important to my happiness. What advice would you have for new parents? My business partner Shannon is soon to have her first baby – which is so exciting! So I was actually thinking about this in the last few weeks and the primary thing that I always come back to is: Don’t read all the baby books when you’re pregnant! Certainly learn and educate yourself, speak to your friends who have been mums recently, but do what works for you and your child, and what works for your family. Put what works for you before what people say is the ‘best way’ to do something. What works for you may not be what works best for the next person, and that’s OK. Don’t overload yourself with parenting books and information. The mental load of the huge volume of advice alone will give you anxiety! Take it day by day and do what works for you and your child.
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
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Books
Blocking bullies CHILDREN, parents and therapists alike can learn a thing or two from a little dog named Harry. Armadale psychologist and bullying expert Evelyn M Field wrote Harry the Bully Blocker to empower anyone being bullied - child, teenager or adult. Harry’s tale is written as a rhyming poem to help readers remember the words. In a dream, the shy, bullied little dog meets some friendly animals who teach him useful bully-blocking skills. Mia the meerkat tells him the best ways to respond to bullying. Ollie the owl emphasises eye contact. Gerry the giraffe explains the importance of good posture. Harry is told that “when you block others politely, they feel confused and stuck. They don’t know what to do or say, and become dumbstruck”.
It takes away their power, the other wise animals tell him, and they become surprised and embarrassed. “You need respect, they realise,” the book says. “Everyone knows that being embarrassed is a real pain. “You can be sure that they won’t try to bully you again!” Harry puts his new skills into practice and welcomes the results. The story is based on the therapy model Evelyn developed to train psychologists, and on years of teaching bullied people of all ages to manage their basic survival instinct. “Harry the Bull Blocker can help anyone who feels like a bullied child learn how to block bullies and build important social skills,” Evelyn said. Harry’s tale is written as a poem.
Children’s books...
Little Treasure
Jamie
Hello, Emma Memma
Chanelle Cosper & Jennifer Goldsmith
A beautiful and uplifting story from L.D. Lapinski, author of The Strangeworlds Travel Agency, about how to make your own place when the world doesn’t think you fit anywhere. For readers of Alex Gino’s Melissa, and Benjamin Dean’s Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow.
Introducing Emma Memma!
A tender picture book that will touch the hearts of children and parents alike, with its poetic observations about the unbreakable bond between mother and child and its reminder to treasure every moment together. Perfect for Mother’s Day. Lothian Children’s Books $24.99
Jamie Rambeau is a happy 11-year-old non-binary kid who likes nothing better than hanging out with their two best friends Daisy and Ash. Orion Children’s Books $16.99
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Join Emma Memma for a magical story time as she says hello to the world. Here she is! The wait is finally over, beloved children’s entertainer Emma Watkins’ next chapter has been unveiled as she makes a joyful transformation into Emma Memma. Sing, dance and sign with Emma Memma! Puffin $19.99
Ratbags 1: Naughty for Good
Can You Get Rainbows in Space?
Shiloh Gordon and Tim Harris
Dr Sheila Kanani
From award-winning bestselling author and funnyman, Tim Harris, comes this stupendously rat-tastic new series. These are the Ratbags. They have pizza, and they are NOT afraid to use it.
Why is blood red? Why are carrots orange? Who invented the lightbulb? Why is the world ‘going green’? Is the sky really blue? And what is ultraviolet light?
Let’s face it – rats are mischief. Rats are rule-breakers. Rats are ratbags. They’re all the same. All, that is, except one...
You’ll discover the answers to these questions - and many more - in this incredible collection of scientific facts about colour.
When Jigsaw runs into two of the most ratbaggy Ratbags known to rats, his orderly world is turned upside down and he pulls off one of the best pizza heists EVER! Will his newfound pizza obsession make Jigsaw the naughtiest Ratbag yet? Or will Jigsaw figure out how to be naughty – for good?!
Keep reading to discover why leaves change colour in the autumn, why your veins look blue but your blood is red, and how the language we use shapes the colours we see . . .
Puffin $14.99
Puffin $32.99
And you’ll even be taught by a real astronomer, Dr Sheila Kanani, exactly how to make a rainbow - in space.
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
Kids Calendar
What's on this Autumn UNTIL 24 MARCH GLOBAL FLAVOUR FEAST Stuck for that Friday night dinner? Grab the family and head down to the Bunjil Place Plaza Friday nights through March for this year’s exploration into some of the rich cultural diversity Melbourne and the Southeast has to offer. Find food plus cultural performances and demonstrations from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.
UNTIL 10 APRIL JULIAN OPIE: STUDIO FOR KIDS This interactive exhibition for children and families was developed in collaboration with Julian Opie, one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists, and invites visitors to create portraits. National Gallery of Victoria hosts this free event.
UNTIL 31 MAY MINI MAKERS Little hands and feet can play with paint, glitter, paste, sand, clay, slimy spaghetti, chalk, and much more. National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool Street, Geelong, is hosting several sessions, 10.30am to 11.15am. Tickets are $6 for kids and free for accompanying adults
UNTIL 31 DECEMBER FITZROY GARDENS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Entertain the kids by taking the outdoor adventure challenge in the heritagelisted Fitzroy Gardens. Starting off at the Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre, kids will collect their map and then head off on their hunt to answer 12 questions around the gardens. Suitable for primary school-aged children, but adult assistance is necessary. Remember to bring a pen or marker. The Visitor Centre is open every day except Christmas Day in Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. This is a free event and bookings are not required.
DAILY
HOLLAND FESTIVAL
8 APRIL
CHILDREN’S GALLERY MELBOURNE MUSEUM
Visit Akoonah Park, Berwick From 10am to 6pm for kibbeling, stroopwafers, ollie bollen and more.
BARWON RIVER DUCK RACE
Children can explore, play and learn at the Pauline Gandel Children’s Gallery at Melbourne Museum.
Visit www.hollandfestival.org.au for more information..
Excavate fossils in a dinosaur dig, traverse the discovery garden, and boogie at a ‘camouflage disco’.
23 MARCH
The exhibitions combine hands-on exploration and discovery, open-ended play-based learning, extraordinary immersive environments and unique museum collection objects.
Psychologist and bestselling author Evelyn M Field presents Bully Blocker for Kids in this online workshop, 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Suitable for babies to five-year-olds. Melbourne Museum is at 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. Book at museumsvictoria.com.au/ melbournemuseum/whats-on/ childrens-gallery.
9-12 MARCH MOOMBA FESTIVAL CARNIVAL Now running over five days, this event has rides to suit both big and little kids. Enjoy the fun at Birrarung Marr. Tickets are priced from $7 to $20.
12 MARCH BELLARINE AGRICULTURALSHOW The 31st Annual Bellarine Agricultural Show is a traditional country show and it’s got something for everyone. Head to Portarlington Recreation Reserve, Boat Road, Portarlington, from 9am to 3pm. Tickets are free for kids, $7.50 for seniors and $12.50 for adults. VIsit www.bellarineshow.com.au.
18 MARCH CASEY KIDS CARNIVAL From noon to 5pm the Old Cheese Factory will host face painting, roving singing sailors, rides and inflatables, music and dance performers, stilt walkers, circus performers, gymnastics activation, AFL activation, a petting zoo, and much more. There will also be displays by Ambulance Victoria, Victoria Police, Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) and the City of Casey Waste Team and Road Safety Team. Entry is free but bookings are essential. Visit tickets.bunjilplace.com.au/ casey-kids-carnival.
www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au
BULLY BLOCKER FOR KIDS
Raise money for Ocean Grove Rotary, Barwon Heads Primary School, Barwon Heads Scouts and the Barwon Heads Association. From noon, ducks will make their way from the Barwon Heads pedestrian bridge to the finish line at the Ozone Jetty. Entry is $10 per duck, with prizes up for grabs.
The session will cover: What is happening in schools today, how this impacts students, and how parents can empower their children. Visit www.stonnington.vic.gov.au for more.
25, 26, 30, 31 MARCH, 1 & 2 APRIL OBANG ArtPlay is hosting this performative installation space designed for babies aged 6 to 18 months along with their care-givers, and is inspired by the traditional Korean concept of Obang. In this work, Obang refers to five primary colours and explores the spatial meaning of home. You are invited to a Korean grandmother’s home for a meal. Together you will experience her daily life, including cooking, washing and singing. Tickets are $15 for one child and an accompanying adult.
11-15 APRIL HAMLET: PRINCE OF SKIDMARK Playhouse is hosting this cheeky, irreverent riff on Hamlet made especially for children from The Listies. Tickets are priced from $25 to $35.
21 APRIL THE FISH THAT WANTED TO FLY The Fish That Wanted to Fly is about having the courage to pursue something even if it seems likely you will never reach it. Bunjil Place in Narre Warren will host the show at 10.30am and 12.30pm. It’s recommended for 3 to 8 year olds. Tickets are $8.
30 APRIL & 1 MAY 1, 12 & 13 APRIL
ARE WE THERE YET?
MR STINK
Bunjil Place in Narre Warren presents this play based on Alison Lester’s book at 2pm on 30 April and 10am on 1 May. Join 8 year old Grace and her family on their adventurous and often funny expedition around Australia. Tickets are $16.
Mr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well. Lonely Chloe makes friends with Mr Stink, the only person who’s ever been nice to her and hides him in her garden shed. What happens next?
28 MAY
Suitable for ages 6-plus and their adults. Shows run at 2pm and 5pm at Costa Hall, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, on 1 April. Tickets are from $22. Shows run at 6pm on 12 April and 10.30am on 13 April at Bunjil Place, 2 Patrick NE Drive, Narre Warren. Tickets are $18.
MILLION PAWS WALK Celebrate the joy dogs can bring, take a walk in the fight against animal cruelty, browse pet-centric exhibits and sample delicious foods. Runs 8am to noon at Eastern Garden Circuit, corner Podbury and Eastern Park drives, East Geelong. Tickets priced from $17. AUTUMN 2023 31
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www.StonningtonBoroondaraKids.com.au