SUMMER 2022
Yummy
summertime recipes Raising boys with
Steve Biddulph Sunny reprieve from
sickly viruses
It’s Your Life
Kidsafe urges pool checks Kidsafe urges families to check pool barriers and help save a life
KIDSAFE Victoria has joined forces with Olympic champion Matt Welsh to launch its annual ‘Safe Barriers Save Lives’ campaign, calling on home pool and spa owners to ‘help save a life’ by checking their barriers before the warmer months. The call comes as figures from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s (RLSSA) National Drowning Report show that in 2021/22, 17 Australian toddlers drowned. Swimming pools were the leading location where these incidents occurred, accounting for 35% of all toddler drowning deaths. As an Olympic swimming champion, Matt Welsh knows the benefits that learning to swim and growing up around water can provide for children. As a father of six, he also acknowledges the risks that swimming pools and spas can pose if strategies aren’t put in place to help keep children safe. “With the summer months just around the corner and families spending more time in and around water, it’s important to be prepared. By checking that your pool barriers and
gates are in good working order, you could save a life”, said Mr Welsh. While toddler drowning rates reduced by 29% compared to 2020/21, Jason Chambers, General Manager of Kidsafe Victoria, said that drowning remained one of the leading causes of accidental death for Australian children under five. “Toddlers are attracted to water, however they don’t yet understand the dangers that it can pose. Toddlers can drown quickly and silently - a split second is all it takes for them to gain unsupervised access to the water area and find themselves in trouble.” Josie Costanzo knows just how quickly this can happen - her threeyear-old son Justin drowned in a neighbour’s pool in 2000 after the gate had been propped open with a rock. “Justin died in under 20 seconds with one mouthful of water, 125ml to be precise, in his lungs. I still had his dinner plate in my hand when I heard a call from my daughter and looked out the window to see him in the pool. That’s how quickly it can happen. I was
numb”, said Ms Costanzo. While safety barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of drowning incidents, evidence suggests that many drowning deaths involve barriers that are faulty, have not been maintained, or are non-compliant with Australian standards. Chris Samartzis, CEO of the Master Pool Builders Association of Australia (MPBAA), said barrier checks are an important part of a regular routine for all pool and spa owners. “Adding a pool or spa to your home provides endless fun and healthy activity for any family. Pool barriers are constantly exposed to the extremes of weather, so it’s important to regularly check for any rust, loose or missing bolts, and general wear and tear.” In addition to regularly checking and maintaining pool barriers, Mr Chambers highlighted a number of other actions which are vital to help keep children safe in and around water, including: ■ Active adult supervision: having an adult within arm’s reach of toddlers
at all times when in or around water. ■ Water awareness: participating in water awareness and learn to swim classes helps children to become familiar with water, learn about water safety and learn how to swim. ■ CPR/First Aid: Kidsafe encourages all parents and carers to enrol in a CPR/ First Aid course and regularly update their skills. Doing so will equip them with the tools to respond in an emergency. Top 5 issues with pool and spa barriers ■ Gates or doors that are no longer self-closing ■ Gates or doors that are no longer self-latching ■ Gates that are propped open for convenience – allowing children unsupervised access ■ Gaps, holes or spaces in and under the barrier which a child can get through ■ Climbable objects near the pool barrier e.g. BBQ’s, outdoor furniture, eskies, trees etc.
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Toys and Costumes aussietoysonline.com.au 2 SUMMER 2022
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About Us
It’s time to get back outdoors! LIKE so many of you, we sure are excited to leave the wet winter and spring behind for some glorious summer weather. The sound of cicadas, beautiful sunsets and warm nights make some of the best childhood memories, and like all of you we are looking forward to making them with our families. The kids are finishing school for the year and we are busy running around in preparation for Christmas Day and the holiday season.
For many, the summer holidays can’t come fast enough. We have a wonderful edition for you - so many beautiful families have shared their stories with us. We speak to a mum who struggled to breastfeed, another who reclaimed her identity by returning to work, and medical professionals about what feels like the endless run of viruses many households are experiencing.
author Steve Biddulph, and Lucy Stewart with yet another yummy recipe for us to try. The warmer months are here and it’s time to get outside and explore the world around us and there is no better place to be than where you live. From all of us at Kids Today, have a Merry Christmas and an awesome start to 2023. Happy holidays!
Kids West Today will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays. Kids West Today Unit 6/1-9 Thomsons Road, Keilor Park Phone: (03) 8318 5777 Group Advertising Sales Manager Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au Phone: (03) 5945 0608
We have our regular special guests as well, including world-renowned
Editorial Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan@starnewsgroup.com.au
Contents IT’S YOUR LIFE
EDUCATION
HEALTH
Check pool barriers to save lives
Scholarships support Wesley students
SupportSystem Options
PAGE 2
PAGE 12
PAGE 18
Raising boys around the world
Crafting an exemplary education
Call for private cover shake-up
PAGE 4
PAGE 13
PAGE 19
Motherhood empowering Meaghan
Educators nurture young voices
Hope for a virus reprieve
PAGE 5
PAGE 14
PAGE 20
Angie’s Catch-Up
A dynamic secondary college
PAGES 6-7
PAGE 15
BOOKS
Making music happen
Be curious, become brilliant
PAGE 8
Tips to stop study distractions
There’s not one ‘right way’
PAGE 16
PAGE 9
Many opportunities for all
CALENDAR
Gut-loving mango jelly gummies
PAGE 17
What’s on this summer
PAGE 10
Kids West Today magazine is a Star News Group publication.
Sales Gayle Williams gayle.williams@starweekly.com.au
Published by Star News Group publication ACN 99 006 310 498. 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.
SUMMER 2022
Discover new children’s books Nazeem Hussein’s hy-larious hi jinx PAGE 21
PAGE 22 Yummy
Craigieburn Central’s Christmas spirit
summertime recipes
PAGE 11 Raising boys with
New early parenting centre
Steve Biddulph
PAGE 20 Sunny reprieve from
sickly viruses
Cover Lucy laps up the sunshine. Picture: Rob Carew
kidswest.com.au www.KidsWest.com.au
facebook.com/kidswestmagazine
instagram.com/kidswesttoday SUMMER 2022 3
It’s Your Life
Raising boys around the world Raising boys around the world, writes STEVE BIDDULPH A COUPLE of months ago, I received some amazing news. The sales of my book Raising Boys in its Chinese translation had just passed a million copies in just one year! This brought my worldwide book total to six million, making me the top selling parenting author - so far - in the 21st Century. For a shy psychologist living in country Tasmania, this was rather hard to take in. The last century’s star performer of parenting books was of course Benjamin Spock, who put me well in the shade with 50 million copies of his book Baby and Child Care sold in his lifetime. Spock is my hero - he was the first writer to really respect parents, telling us that we should trust our own instincts first. And he went in to bat for a generation reared with his books, by opposing the Vietnam War and the nuclear arms race, arguing that as a paediatrician he had to care for the
4 SUMMER 2022
lives of all children everywhere. I’m a natural worrier, and so my first worry was whether the ideas in Raising Boys would help in a Chinese setting. But back at the time of the translation, I had already been talking to many Chinese parents here in Australia who knew the culture back home, and I was much reassured - not only was the message appropriate, but it was very much needed. What are the key messages of Raising Boys? Well the first has to be that boys need to be around their dads a lot, to receive affection from them, and really know them in a deep way as they grow up, so they see that men have feelings too, and can be vulnerable and loving. Single mums can raise boys very well, and they have done for thousands of years, but in my work I talked to thousands of single mums over the years, and found that part of their secret was in making sure their son met good men along the way, to role model what healthy masculinity was like. It might be a school teacher, grandad, the gay man next door, or a guitar or karate teacher - as long as they were safe good men who a boy could get to know well and imitate and learn from. Because of their often greater muscle
strength, and the poisonous messages sent by porn culture and the long history of sexism in our world, boys need to see respect shown to women especially their mother by their father. And as they get a little older, to be explicitly taught never to hurt, exploit or sexually or otherwise misuse girls or women. The book also broke new ground in sharing research that boys’s brains were slower growing. So they might not be ready for school at the same age as girls, especially if they were born later in the year. We began to discover that males in fact are the weaker sex, that their delayed development made them more socially awkward, more prone to separation anxiety, and perhaps because of this, suicide and prison rates were many times higher than for girls. But this could be prevented affection, not rushing them into school, helping them with reading and talking, and allowing their energy to be expressed in lots of activity rather than calling them naughty for just being physical. One astonishing much quoted piece of research was the hormonal change at age 4, when their testicles begin to lay down testosterone making “Leydig” cells, and they often become super
active and drive their quiet loving parents quite crazy. Mums and dads were so relieved that their boys were not naughty, but like having a large dog - you just had to run them around a lot. The great discovery of this century of course is that no two boys are alike, and they are on a testosterone spectrum, some boofy and a bit slow to learn language, and some sensitive and more gentle, that there a many different ways to be a boy. Understanding what you have got is your first job - you can read lots of stories and have lots of quiet chats alongside your boofy boy, while helping your quiet boy to know how to stick his chin out and sound loud when necessary, but otherwise know that he is just a much a boy as any other! The final message which was so taken on around the world was the boys must learn housework - that by age nine they should be making at least one meal a week for the family cleaning their room, helping around the house - brought smiles, and hopefully a generation of far more likeable men in families of the future. Less men in jail, more men happy in their relationships and in their own skin. I couldn’t be happier that this might be the case in China as well!
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It’s Your Life
Baby Thomas.
She felt amazing support from the women in her life during her early days of motherhood, as well as pregnancy. “It was a very empowering experience,” she said. Recovery was “a lot” and breastfeeding was “a little bit of a challenge”. She was grateful to have Pete by her side and support from her church. “We were really cared for, and it was a good little lesson in saying ‘yes’,” she said. Meaghan and her son Thomas.
Pictures: Joe Mastroianni
Motherhood’s empowering Meaghan By Casey Neill
overnight and went in for a check-up in the morning.
Pete was calling the hospital for advice as her labour progressed.
FINDING out she was pregnant with son Thomas was “such a happy day” for Meaghan Young.
“The hospital system, I feel so much for them. It was just frantic,” she said.
“I remember they got quite regular and I thought we should be heading in, and they said to labour at home as long as possible,” she said.
“I couldn’t believe it. I went for a swim down at Williamstown,” the Footscray West mum said. “It was September so it wasn’t that warm. “It was such a momentous day and I just wanted to be in the water. “I’ve always loved families, I’ve always loved being part of a family. “But I don’t think I have always wanted to be a mum. “It’s been such a pleasure to take that chance and be like ‘I think this is an identity that I’d like to have’.”
“We ended up being in emergency for eight hours, which was a long time and really stressful.” She finally went in for a scan and was told she’d be induced. “That was something that I was really hoping to not have happen,” Meaghan said. “I just burst into tears. “I asked ‘would you consider giving me a window to go home and relax and see if it happens?’. “I felt really listened to. “I went home, tired and stressed, and really relaxed for the night.
Meaghan’s pregnancy was “pretty smooth, aside from a bout of Covid” but made her think about the invisible work going on around her.
She got Hungry Jacks, watched trash TV and went on a walk.
“It made me think about being kind to others,” she said.
By 10pm her contractions started in earnest, and she laboured in her living room and kitchen.
When her waters broke at 40 weeks plus five days, Meaghan called the hospital and was advised to call back in the morning. She had some mild contractions
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“We used to do a waddle every night over to the local station,” she said.
“Having received all that help, it really has inspired me to be that person for other people.” A history teacher, Meaghan had been working at Victoria’s youth justice centres before going on maternity leave. “So far I’ve been really pleasantly surprised by how much I’m just enjoying this time,” she said. “I was worried I might find it isolating or boring or just tiring, really laborious. “But it feels like such a privilege to be able to have this time taking care of him. “When I think about work, I think initially I imagined I wanted to be back after a year, but now I’m like ‘will I?’. “It blows my mind a little bit. “At the moment I’m just really enjoying this.
“Within an hour of that I felt like I needed to push.
“I feel like stepping back from paid work has also given me the chance to think about how I am in different roles.
“They told us to pull over and call an ambulance if we needed to.
“I’m learning more about myself and what things I find energising.
“I was just in the zone. “Poor Pete, every stop light he was panicking.” When she arrived she was fully dilated and immediately sent to a birthing suite. “It was a dream I got to labour pretty well at home and then go in and go into birth mode,” she said. “I feel like this part went really quickly, but it was probably three hours of pushing. “He was nearly coming the whole time. “I felt like I could do it.”
“I did a lot of walking and groaning,” she said.
But it took an episiotomy and vacuum to bring Tom into the world.
“My contractions were really regular but not very strong.”
“And it was sweet relief and joy,” Meaghan said.
“I’ve learnt a lot more about myself than I expected. “I’m hoping that when I go back into paid work that I’ll be able to keep some of the learning from this time.” One of her best pieces of advice for other new mums came from her sister, Jess: “strike while the iron’s asleep”. When your baby is sleeping, prioritise. It can be tempting to put on the washing but grab that snack. “You need that snack,” she said. “We’re so addicted to being productive. “I’m feeding Tom from my body at the moment, so that takes a lot of work. “You can feel tired at the end of the day if all you did was feed him and bop him and help him sleep. “It’s about reframing the to-do list.”
SUMMER 2022 5
It’s Your Life
LeeAnn is kept busy with her business and twins Joshua and Evie.
Pictures: Louisa Jones
Facing challenges head on in business, family By Angie Hilton
achieved great results in all my subjects.
37 YEAR old Lee-Anne Campigli is a walking advertisement for her business ‘You’re Gorgeous Hair and Beauty’. A natural stunner, Lee-anne is always impeccably groomed and glowing… oh and on top of that she’s super kind, friendly and smart. Aaargh!! By the way she presents, you would never imagine that behind the scenes she’s juggling being a single mother of 4 year old twins all whilst running a thriving business and recently winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards.
I loved dance & performance as a child & have continued with this as a hobby into adulthood.
But for all the glamour and success, Lee-anne is also the first to admit that a person’s façade can mask what’s under the surface. Diagnosed with clinical depression last year, she believes in the importance of being open about mental health conditions in order to encourage others to do the same. Let’s go back to life before children. Can you give us a snapshot of life before babies? Childhood, school life, work life? I grew up as the youngest of 3 sisters, my parents owned businesses so I was always driven to be a high achiever & believed in my own abilities to achieve this. I was a good student & always 6 SUMMER 2022
I started working in hairdressing at 16 while I studied & completed VCE then continued into my apprenticeship before purchasing my own salon a couple of years after I qualified at 23 years old. On to your beautiful babies. How did you go carrying twins It was a shock initially to be carrying twins after struggling to fall pregnant for a couple of years. I didn’t enjoy pregnancy a lot as it was very uncomfortable carrying two & trying to work & renovate a new salon in the same time period but it was all worth it. It’s one thing to carry them and another to give birth to them. How was that experience? The twins arrived at 33 weeks after going into an early labour at 32 weeks. I had a caesarean so it was a longer recovery but an amazing one. I made some incredible friends in the nursery where they spent 4 weeks before coming home & continue these friendships today.
What’s the best thing about having twins? Having a boy & girl I have the best of both worlds & did it all in one go so it’s been great. They’re so different so it’s been amazing seeing them grow into little people. They have a beautiful connection and immediate best friends & playmates. What’s the hardest thing about having twins? From birth until now it’s all about time management and sharing the love between two. It’s demanding and challenging so neither ever feels left out. Also trying to be on time anywhere is definitely a struggle!
Now on to your fabulous business… When did you start your business and was that a big decision? I purchased my salon You’re Gorgeous Hair & Beauty at 23 after needing a challenge and wanting to push myself to succeed in my own capacity. It was definitely a big decision and a risk but I’ve always believed I had the ability to do well and life. I also think that growing up with quite a severe anxiety disorder, I’ve always tried to channel that energy in a positive way rather than let it define and limit me. It’s really about risk taking and learning along the way even through the ups & downs.
Lee-Anne Campigli Occupation: Business owner/ hairdresser Children: 4 year old twins. ■ Joshua- Cheeky, intelligent, caring ■ Evie- Sassy, affectionate, sensitive Quirky habit:Very tactile, I love to Pat anything soft like faux fur haha Go to karaoke song: Don’t cha Pussycat dolls A book you love: My sisters keeper. A movie you love: Erin Brokovich An embarrassing moment: Falling down stairs in public Mantra: I create my own happiness. A quote you love: Better to have loved & lost than to never have loved at all. Life changing moment: Giving birth to my children 3 people you’d like to invite to the salon for bubbles - living or passed? My Nan, the queen & the Dalai Lama www.KidsWest.com.au
What do you think are the key ingredients to making a successful business?
Do you have a parenting philosophy?
How many staff do you have and how do you keep the enthusiastic and happy to come to work?
Create children that have opportunities to be individual and confident in themselves. To do this I think you need to be a supportive parent of their needs, but also show them the importance of values and boundaries. I think it’s important for them to learn their place in this world with respect to peers & kindness to all things living.
We currently have 9 of us within the salon after originally starting with 3 including myself.
What did you learn from your own parents that you do or don’t want to pass on?
Creating an environment that’s supportive and positive while offering great opportunities for growth & education is key to keeping a long term happy team. A lot of my team have had similar challenges as mental health or tricky life experiences, so I really try to create a nurturing environment where we can all be open and care for each other.
Being supportive of your children and their passions is so important for their growth and confidence, so I do try to give opportunities to them that I didn’t have myself & I’ll continue to do that into the future. I think it’s really important *especially with twins) to recognise them as individuals with different needs, allowing & supporting those needs to help them grow into confident individuals.
Did you have a mentor to guide you through tricky patches?
What advice would you have for new parents?
I have a beautiful manager and staff that always help when times are tough as well as support from our suppliers and business coach seminars that have pushed us through the hardest times of late.
Rest when you need to and make sure to reach out to others around you when times are tough. No parent is perfect and each child is so different, so it’s important to know you are doing a great job and most importantly - be kind to yourself.
Having a business plan & goals, a positive mindset, excellent support network & supportive team is vital to achieving success within the business.
I was actually diagnosed with major depression last year which made it extremely challenging to run a business. I’d be driving into work having panic attacks so I’d often had to pull over and take deep breaths. In times like this it really comes down to mindset and who you have around you. I really like to encourage others who are experience those feelings to really use it in a positive light rather than let it overcome you. How did you feel when you recently won Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the GBEA? It was really an honour to be recognised for this award after recently launching my own brand of hair extensions, Temptress hair extensions. I love to share my experiences & skill set with my co-workers and to be a mentor to help them achieve success in their lives too. So to be able to share that & be acknowledged for the efforts & hard work over the years is truly humbling. How do you manage work life and parenting? As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child so it’s important to have a supportive network around you to be able to juggled the day to day management of work and home life, but I’m lucky I do have great people around me to be able to do this. www.KidsWest.com.au
SUMMER 2022 7
It’s Your Life
Making music happen for kids in the West By Melissa Meehan MUSIC for Max focusses on supporting kids across Melbourne’s West and Geelong to get involved with music, when they would otherwise be missing out – because of social or financial hardship. It’s essentially a scholarship and grants vehicle to help those less fortunate to pursue their dreams in music, in partnership with Artists for Kids
Culture (AKC), a registered charity which provides monetary grants for children to participate in artistic and cultural activities. It can help pay for instruments or music lessons for kids who live in the West between Footscray and Geelong.
Max was a musician, playing in numerous bands in high school. His passion for music extended beyond high school and he was renowned amongst his friends for his eclectic music taste.
He was 25.
Kids can get up to $1500 years. In February this year, Music for Max held a music event at the Westwood Hotel in Footscray, in honour of their friend, Max Lee-Ack.
“He loved music and grew up in the western suburbs.”
Max died by suicide and this event aims to raise awareness about mental health struggles among young men, while also providing community support and creating positive avenues of expression and creativity for other young people. Karla Livingstone–Pardy said friends wanted to do something in his memory.
Making playlists and mixtapes for everyone he knew.
“We wanted it to be about him, rather than how he died,” she said.
Search for Artists for Kids Culture to apply.
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8 SUMMER 2022
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It’s Your Life
There’s not one ‘right way’ By Casey Neill WHEN Tahlia Azaria’s first son Rafferty was three months old, her husband Joe Toohey returned home from work and asked what she’d done that day. The Coburg mum regaled him with a tale about spying her neighbour putting something into their bin, and the stare she threw to let her know she’d spotted her devious act. “Joe said ‘I think you need to go back to work’,” she said. Tahlia agreed. “I like to be in control of my life, I’m very goal-oriented,” she said. “I chose to let go of that control when I went into labour, trusting that my body knew what it needed to do.” But her difficult labour ended in an emergency caesarean. “That set us up for our first few weeks together with a background of trauma,” she said. “The bond didn’t happen immediately. “It set the scene for me for my first year.”
Rafferty and Spencer.
Tahlia met her mothers’ group when Raffy was about six weeks old.
“You can do anything, whatever gender you are.
“I was having a really difficult time, I wasn’t enjoying it,” she said.
“Gone are the days where it’s not expected that mums would achieve things outside of their families.
“I said ‘who’s looking forward to going back to work? Because I’m really looking forward to going back to work.’. “I felt like I had three heads. “That seemed to be perceived as not something that you say. “No one else could relate. “It caused me to isolate myself further.
“I had done most of it before Raffy was born and I had two subjects to finish. “I did them while on maternity leave and it kept me connected to the outside world. “I had three hours with adults talking about topics I was interested in.
“I was talking to a counsellor at that time, trying to reconcile my identity.
“I was able to do that because I had a supportive partner.”
“You can’t predict one day to the next. That was a big adjustment for me, having gone from being a full-time employee in a profession I really loved and was passionate about and achieving things, to maybe being able to have a shower.”
Tahlia and Joe’s second son, Spencer, was born during Covid times and she got back to work sooner thanks to working from home.
Six months after welcoming Raffy into the world, Tahlia returned to work.
“If I had to be physically with people all day and then come home and be with my kids before they go to bed, I don’t think I’d be able to function as well as I’m able to.
“I sort of found my purpose again, which is not to say I wasn’t fulfilled by my child,” she said. “Some people are built to be a stay-at-home parent. “I have so much admiration for that skill set. I don’t have that skill set. “I don’t have the creativity and the imagination to spend that time with a child and give them the stimulation they need. “Each experience is different and it’s up to that person or that family to decide what works for them. “There shouldn’t be one way to do things.” Tahlia completed her MBA when Raffy was 18 months old. “I feel like it’s a real example for him,” she said. www.KidsWest.com.au
“The way that I’m wired is I get my energy from being alone,” she said.
“I’m very fortunate to have found an incredibly supportive workplace, and manager in particular, who understands that I have these demands on my life, and that for me to be really effective at my job my work environment needs to be conducive to that.”
Tahlia Azaria with husband Joe Toohey and sons Rafferty and Spencer.
had to know what was happening, and I had to exhaust all options to know why it wasn’t happening. “I very quickly lost the perspective of ‘if it happens, it happens’.” She feels fortunate that Spencer was conceived with their first embryo transfer. Motherhood has helped Tahlia better understand her strengths and skills. “And it also showed me in real time the value of child care and how valuable it is for different kids,” she said. “Spencer is an extrovert in a family of introverts.
The age gap between the boys is almost five years, following trouble conceiving.
“He needs to go to child care to be around people all the time so that he’s constantly being entertained.
“I’m really glad that it happened that way. Now we have a 6-year-old who is such a big help,” Tahlia said.
“Raffy, he’s also a bit introverted, he’s really calm, he’s really happy to occupy himself.
“We started on that journey going ‘we’re really happy with one child, if it happens, it happens’.
“It helped him find his confidence and learn social skills.
“It got so far down the line that I just
Pictures: Rob Carew
“It’s for education as much as it is for child minding.”
Tahlia Azaria had a difficult start to motherhood. SUMMER 2022 9
It’s Your Life
Gut-Loving Mango Jelly Gummies Ingredients Picture: Studio 74 Photography
■ 1 cup diced mango ■ 1 cup filtered water ■ 3 Tbsp gelatin powder ■ 1 Tbsp maple syrup or honey *optional, if your mango is tart
in the kitchen
Instructions 1. Combine mango, water and maple syrup in a blender and process in to a puree.
with Lucy Stewart JELLY gummies are a cheap, easy and fun way to include the ancient superfood, gelatin, in our kids diet. They’re just like jelly lollies but without all the sugar, colours and flavours that you’ll find in the store-bought ones – they’re the kind of lollies you’ll be happy for the kids to eat, by the handful! Gelatin is derived from collagen found in animal bones, skin and cartilage that’s been dehydrated and ground in to a flavourless powder. It’s nutritionally the same as collagen, just a more refined version of it. Collagen works from head to toe in our bodies to: help repair and restore the lining of the gut, support muscle, hair & nail growth and repair, keep joints flexible and
2. Pour mango puree in to a saucepan and sprinkle over gelatin 1 Tbsp at a time, allowing it to bloom (turn in to a jelly blob) in between. bones strong – everything kids need to support them during their rapid period of growth and development. Gelatin also promotes healthy liver detoxification, nourishes our adrenals, and is a major component of skin, so don’t think these jelly gummies are for the kids alone to enjoy. Because they’re loaded with protein they also help to balance blood sugars, provide a steady release of energy and keep kids tummies feeling fuller for longer.
Making these jelly gummies is so easy and a fun way to get kids in to the kitchen and involved in the cooking process. We’ve made the most of the in-season mangoes in this recipe, but you could easily replace the mango with berries. You’ll find gelatin it stocked in most healthfood stores – favour one from pasture-raised Australian or New Zealand cows. Unfortunately, the gelatine at the supermarket doesn’t carry the same health benefits
3. Gently heat the mixture over low and stir until the gelatin has completely dissolved. 4. Pour mixture in to moulds or a baking tray (you can slice in to squares once set), then place in the fridge to set for at least 2-hours. 5. Remove gummies from the moulds and store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5-days – if they last that long!
Well Fed Kitchen is a range of healthy snacks for kids that you can make at home. Created by Nutritionist and mum, Lucy Stewart, they’re made with only real wholefood and plant-based ingredients – no additives, nothing artificial, and without nuts, dairy, soy and wheat. Well Fed Kitchen provides an easy snack alternative to the sugar-laden, healthy pro- cessed options, guaranteed to fill kids tummies, satisfy their hunger, provide a steady release of energy and some essential growing nutrients too. www.wellfedkitchen.com.au @wellfedkitchen_snacks 12562706-MS36-22
10 SUMMER 2022
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It’s Your Life
Sharing the festive fun
Don’t miss the Christmas spirit this year at Craigieburn Central.
THIS Christmas, Craigieburn Central will transform into a place that will bring Craigieburn’s diverse community together to participate in shared festive magic. Everyone’s invited to join in for a festive season full of fun for everyone. There’s loads of FREE festive fun for the entire family, including weekly kids craft activities, meet and greets with the Grinch himself, and for the seniors there
Picture: Supplied
are morning melodies with a Rock N Roll Christmas Show featuring Eddie James and Sister Diva. Don’t miss out on having a delicious Breakfast with Santa and his friends from the North Pole at Billy’s Boulevard – book now via the website to avoid disappointment. Be sure to stop by Santa’s Wonderland (located in the Big W Quadrant) to snap a family photo with
the jolly man himself. There’s also limited Sensitive Santa and Paws with Claus photography sessions available. Craigieburn Central is the ideal location to complete your Christmas shopping, with over 160 stores including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Kmart, Big W, Best & Less, TK Maxx and more. The wonderful volunteers from The Salvation Army will also be offering Christmas
gift-wrapping from 1st December for just $2 per item, with all funds raised going towards struggling Aussies urgently needing help and support this Christmas. For more info regarding the Christmas schedule or to book an activity, please visit www craigieburncentral.com.au. Craigieburn Central is located at 340 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn.
AT CRAIGIEBURN CENTRAL
SANTA’S ARRIVAL PARADE
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
KIDS CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
Saturday 19th Nov
Sunday 20th Nov Saturday 24th Dec
Tuesdays; 29th Nov, 6th & 13th Dec
Big W Quadrant
10am - 1pm Big W Quadrant
11am Commences in Coles Quadrant Welcome the jolly man himself with a festive parade featuring friends from the North Pole, as well as Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol. FREE
Book your 2022 Christmas photo with Santa. Limited Sensitive Santa sessions and Pet photography sessions also available. PACKAGES FROM $24.95
MEET THE GRINCH
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Sunday 4th Dec & Sunday 11th Dec
Saturday 10th & Saturday 17th Dec
#FriendsOfCraigie
11am - 2pm Big W Quadrant Meet the mischievous thief of Christmas himself and snap a fun photo.
™ & © 2022 Dr Seuss Enterprises, L.P. All Rights Reserved.
Join us in the lead-up to Christmas for a new festive craft each week. Suitable for pre-school aged children. FREE
MORNING MELODIES:
ROCK N ROLL CHRISTMAS SHOW Wednesday 21st Dec
8am & 9.30am Billy’s Boulevard
10.30am Kmart Quadrant
Enjoy a delicious festive breakfast with Santa and a few of his friends from the North Pole. Book now via craigieburncentral.com.au
Enjoy the great Christmas songs from Elvis Presley, The Ronettes, The Beach Boys and more performed by Eddie James and Sister Diva.
FREE
$5 PER CHILD
FREE
Head to www.craigieburncentral.com.au to find out more about our Christmas schedule this festive season.
craigieburncentral.com.au | 340 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn, VIC 3064 | 03 9643 0677 12576693-SN48-22
www.KidsWest.com.au
SUMMER 2022 11
Education
Scholarships at Wesley College THE Wesley College Scholarship Program supports an open-entry and inclusive community at Wesley. Every year, scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who will benefit from, and contribute to, the incredible academic and co-curricular programs on offer at the College. Applications for students entering 2024 are open now and include Academic Excellence scholarships, for students entering Years 5, 7 and 10 who demonstrate outstanding performance through evaluation of an academic test.
The competitive and highly sought after scholarships are awarded on merit, recognising students’ existing talents, achievements and academic performance, as well as their potential to contribute to the College community. Former scholarship recipient, Sara Pisacane’s family comes from humble beginnings and she was awarded a General Excellence Scholarship and studied at Wesley’s Elsternwick campus. “I was thrilled to achieve the highest possible ATAR of 99.95 in 2021,” Ms Pisacane said.
The Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarships for Girls, awarded to students who demonstrate a strong aptitude for science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) entering Years 7, 9, 10 and 11.
“It shows that determination and drive to succeed really does pay off.”
General Excellence scholarships are awarded to students entering in Years 5-11 who demonstrate excellence in academic and cocurricular endeavours.
“I have immense gratitude for my teachers, the Wesley community and family and friends who have supported me throughout my journey.”
Lastly, Boarding scholarships – for boarders entering Years 9-11 who demonstrate excellence in both academic and cocurricular endeavours.
Wesley College recognises the significant commitment an education with them means and through the generosity of their alumni, parents and
Ms Pisacane has now graduated and is studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, with future dreams to study medicine.
friends, they’re able to offer these scholarships. The consideration of a means component of our scholarship program seeks to provide additional support for families with demonstrated financial need and relevant personal circumstances with the opportunity for a Wesley education. Applications for a Wesley College scholarship can be made online at wesleycollege.edu.au/ scholarships Applications for 2024 entry close on 27 January 2023.
Former Wesley College Scholarship recipient, Sara Pisacane Picture: Supplied
2024 EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIPS
Excellence scholarships for 2024 entry are now open
Apply now
Scholarship opportunities include: •
Academic Excellence Scholarships (for Years 5, 7 and 10 for entry in 2024)
•
General Excellence Scholarships (for Years 5 to 11 entry in 2024)
•
Rennie Coutts STEM Scholarships for Girls (for Years 7, 9, 10 and 11 entry in 2024)
Applications close Friday 27 January 2023
Scan here to learn more about scholarships
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www.KidsWest.com.au
As a diverse community, families come from many different countries and Community Liaison staff work closely with families, providing translations and information sessions, further implementing their values.
Education
Their Year 7 Transition program has been endorsed strongly by students who during primary school years have the opportunity to attend college events, participate in peer tutoring and meet teachers early. Copperfield College also has a 2-year scholarship program for students starting Year 7, with three areas, Academic Excellence, Performing Arts and Leadership/ Community Scholarships. Students who demonstrate excellence in their field are encouraged to apply. Priding themselves on positive retention rates, every student is part of the Copperfield family and nurtured to realise their full potential, leaving as a well rounded, caring citizen with a positive life pathway. “Parents and students choose Copperfield College because of our success. Make Copperfield College the first choice for your child.
Picture: Supplied
Exemplary education COPPERFIELD College’s mission is to ‘empower every student to aspire and achieve’; Living their values of collaboration, inclusiveness and growth, they invest in people who provide wrap-around support for each child. As a large school they have an
advantage in being able to offer a huge range of course options; With 37 VCE subjects available and 33 Vocational Education and Training (VET) options. Copperfield College’s award winning VCAL program was even used as a
model for other schools and the new VCE Vocational Major (VM). Across three campuses and highlighting their motto of ‘one family, three homes’, students have the benefit of being within a smaller cohort, so they are not only seen, they are known.
“We support students to create and realise their individual learning pathways through our expert and caring teaching and support staff. We invest in people to meet students’ needs. “With excellent VCE results, we are noticed as having one of the highest rates of students successfully completing Year 12 in our community. “I am proud that all of our students are supported to optimise their learning growth and leave the College as young articulate adults, confident about their place in the world. “I encourage you to consider a rounded education at Copperfield College as your first option.” Pip Griffiths - College Principal
EMPOWERING EVERY STUDENT TO ASPIRE AND ACHIEVE
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Copperfield College provides multiple pathways so every students finds success. We empower students to maximise the range of opportunities available to them and ensure our teachers and staff are applying the most up to date educational research. Our two junior campuses at Kings Park and Sydenham for Years 7 and 10 students and a VCE/VCAL campus for Years 11 and 12 students provide age appropriate learning environments. In Years 7 and 8 and then 9 and 10, small teams of teachers work collaboratively to understand and support the learning needs of each student, thus promoting positive relationships with students and their families and carers. I invite you to book a tour of our Campuses and meet our wonderful students and staff. Pip Griffiths College Principal
https://copperfieldcollege.vic.edu.au Delahey Senior Campus Goldsmith Avenue Delahey 9307 5555 www.KidsWest.com.au
Kings Park Junior Campus Kambalda Circuit Kings Park 9365 4111
Sydenham Junior Campus Community Hub Sydenham 9361 3888 SUMMER 2022 13
Education
Educators nurture young voices By Casey Neill “I believe every child has a voice, and that voice deserves to be heard.” This belief drew Niño Early Learning Adventures Lalor principal educator Emma Sherring to her role. “I wanted to help give children the best opportunities early in life and give them the chance to flourish and be the best version of themselves,” she said. “I really enjoy when children have been working towards a skill or a goal and they accomplish it. “It’s a constant and tangible reminder that the work we do everyday with the children matters and makes a difference.”
Niño ELA takes great pride in celebrating the wonder of early childhood education and strives to offer an inspiring environment for professional educators who care for children. Ms Sherring found it hard to choose just one moment from her role that most warmed her heart. “I did have a child in my room earlier this year who took sometime to get used to his surroundings,” she said. “I continued interacting with him every day he attended, made time for one-on-one activities and tried my best to understand his needs. “The other day he came running up
Niño ELA’s Debra Smith and Emma Sherring.
to me and gave me a giant hug. “My persistence had really worked with this young child and he felt cared for and safe with me and his surroundings.”
passionate about what they did each day. “They have a positive outlook and want the best for all the children and families in their care,” she said.
For Ms Sherring, Niño ELA is also like a second family.
“A wonderful educator can leave lasting memories on a child.”
“I am greeted every morning with open arms from my co-workers and the families that attend the centre,” she said.
Mrs Smith said educators could grow and extend their career, make a difference to young children, make friendships and be supported by co-workers.
“Niño ELA has also always presented me with opportunities to better develop my skills, work collaboratively with like-minded people and options for career growth.” Niño ELA mentor and leadership manager Debra Smith said an ideal educator was nurturing, caring and
A unique and nurturing early learning environment, discover a place dedicated to the wonder of early childhood education. Niño Early Learning Adventures has centres across Melbourne. Visit ninoela. com.au for more information.
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Family-owned and developed, Niño ELA has aesthetically gentle, homelike architectural spaces; child-led learning curriculums; nature playgrounds; and nutritionist-developed seasonal menus.
Working with families, educators create individual learning programs that consider interests; physical, personal, social and emotional wellbeing; and cognitive aspects of learning.
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Education
In addition to this, each year, the college has a number of students who choose to access a university course whilst completing their Year 12 studies. Outside the classroom, students are offered a range of opportunities including, but not limited to, performing arts where our students have been nationally praised for their skill and professionalism. Winning Story of the Year in 2019, and countless more awards at the Wakakirri Performing Arts event. Leadership qualities, evident in Hoppers Crossing Secondary College students, are cultivated with successful contributions to many events from local youth forums and public speaking programs to interschool debating and state youth parliament events. The vibrant sporting program offers the chance for students to compete in a wide range of sports, with individuals and teams representing the college and achieving success at regional and state levels.
A dynamic school HOPPERS Crossing Secondary College is a dynamic school, where students are presented with boundless opportunities throughout their schooling journey.
The College develops students who are competing at the highest levels possible in the state across a range of
areas. Offering a range of programs catering to students looking to excel academically and foster a growth mindset focused on continuous improvement. They are proud to acknowledge their Year 12 graduates who consistently achieve study scores of 40+ and ATAR scores over 90, giving them access to a range of career pathways and tertiary education options.
This wonderful news is recognition of the great work that has been achieved at the College over the last few years. To find out more about the College, families are invited to attend open days in 2023 and virtual tours available on the Website. Keith Halge, College Principal
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The college places great emphasis on developing innovative and challenging educational programs for students of all abilities and are entirely committed to continuing to improve the life and education of each student enrolled at Hoppers Crossing Secondary College.
The colleges goal is to see each student become a happy, self-confident, and knowledgeable lifelong learner who can demonstrate independence and a sense of career direction. Ultimately they aim to see each student growing as a worthy, contributing member of our community.
In November 2020, we received confirmation from Sarah Connolly, the state member for Tarneit, that the school would be receiving $10 million in funding in the state budget to assist with the re-modernisation of the College. A school master plan has been developed and stage one of works involves a new competition grade gymnasium with retractable seating for 300, as well as a retractable stage.
www.KidsWest.com.au
SUMMER 2022 15
Education
Be curious, become brilliant NESTLED within easily accessible North Melbourne, St Aloysius College is dedicated to nurturing the brilliant and diverse young minds enrolled there for over 135 years. Encouraging curiosity, the college seeks to understand each student’s unique qualities, offering a wide range of subjects and supporting students throughout all year levels, especially those in their VCE years. With intentionally smaller classes, educators spend more time getting to know the strengths, growth areas and personal passions of each student,
providing a high quality education and laying the foundations for students to succeed in their adult lives. Each student is also supported in their wellbeing with an on-campus nurse and psychologist available, the college strives to amplify student voices and respond to the real needs of students. Fortnightly wellbeing classes are held with each year level based on their individual requirements and trends of their age group, delivering the best support for mental health and student wellbeing.
Taking a bold step to the future, St Aloysius will become co-educational in 2023.
Paving the way into future careers, a dedicated Careers and Pathways Adviser assists students from Year 9 onwards to plan ahead and discover personal passions to pursue.
Offering three different language classes St Aloysius has partner schools across Kyoto, Japan, Milan, Italy and Geneva, Switzerland, the international opportunities are boundless.
For students keen on sports, St Aloysius features a fantastic program with a keen focus on physical education and health in the curriculum; Boasting partnerships with North Melbourne Football Club and Essendon rowing, along with an impressive student gymnasium.
2023 is shaping up to be an incredible year at St Aloysius as the college takes an innovative step toward the future of catholic education in Melbourne and commences a coeducational curriculum.
Students also compete weekly with other catholic schools across Melbourne within the association of co-ed schools, giving them a chance to exercise healthy competition and socialise with other young people across the district.
Expanding their already diverse student base, the college will have its first intake of Year 7 boys in 2023 and become fully co-ed by 2028. For details on enrolments and to organise a campus tour visit www.aloysius.vic.edu.au
Picture: Supplied
Now Enrolling for Year 7, 2025 and beyond Co-education enrolments now open We invite you to join us for a tour of St Aloysius College to discover our inspirational environment, meet our leadership team and learn more about the exciting transition to co-education from Year 7, 2023.
Book your tour today
The future belongs to the Curious www.aloysius.vic.edu.au 31 Curran Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 P 03 9325 9200 12562047-DL48-22
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Education
Many opportunities for everyone Sunbury Downs College has educational opportunities available for all students to thrive and grow. Picture: Supplied
SUNBURY Downs College is a vibrant Year 7 to 12 coeducational secondary college in Sunbury, offering a rich educational experience in an environment that encourages excellent outcomes for all students. The college offers a wide range of programs catering for all students, with a strong emphasis on developing individual wellbeing and positive interpersonal relationships. The curriculum provides a comprehensive teaching and learning program in core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Health and Physical Education, Arts, Technology and Languages (Italian). The college also offers a range of VCE subjects, including Vocational
Education and Training (VET) together with a structured and rigorous VCAL program in Years 11 to 12 which caters for students with an interest and passion for applied learning. Sunbury Downs College is the only secondary school in the area that offers an Accelerated Curriculum and Enrichment (ACE) program, extending students through a challenging curriculum including early commencement of VCE. The ACE program is a select entry course with enrolment from the feeder primary schools for students in Years 7 to 9. The college offers a wide range of inclusive activities and programs which cater to all students, including debating, public speaking, maths club,
drama club and choir. There are year level and specialised camps and excursions, including a bi-annual overseas Italian study tour. It also offers instrumental music and presents a highly acclaimed musical production, enabling students to excel in an environment that fosters participation, responsibility and teamwork outside the classroom. Sunbury Downs College is proud of the work and support provided to students and the college community by its wellbeing team, learning support team and careers coordinator. Wellbeing programs complement teaching, learning and extra-curricular programs. Learning support focuses on assisting students with additional
needs while the careers coordinator provides valuable advice as students transition to university, TAFE and the workforce. The college values of Respect, Resilience, Ambition and Community are embedded within the school’s teaching and learning practices. These core values support a culture of participation and excellence based on developing positive relationships and personal growth by all community members. Sunbury Downs College is located at 148-174 Mitchells Lane, Sunbury. For more information or to book a tour, visit www.sunburydowns.vic.com.au or phone (03) 9744 0500.
Sunbury Downs College ‘Confidence to Achieve’ • VCE results consistently at or above state average • A safe, inclusive and secure learning environment • Supporting student’s wellbeing by understanding the needs of each child
• Recently modernised & upgraded facilities • Accelerated Curriculum & Enrichment (ACE) program • Students are known and cared for as individuals
Our work is underpinned by our College values:
Respect | Resilience | Ambition | Community A co-educational school with dedicated teachers who implement innovative ideas to stimulate learning Contact 9744 0500 or sunbury.downs.sc@education.vic.gov.au
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www.KidsWest.com.au
148-174 Mitchells Lane, Sunbury VIC 3429
SUMMER 2022 17
Health With an abundance of services available, Support System Options can help you live your best, most independent life. Picture: Supplied
Support where you need it SUPPORT System Options is an NDIS approved Service Provider established with the aim of providing specialised services; they coordinate and connect individuals with mainstream disability support services.
assist in gaining further independence.
Their team of experienced professionals strives to improve quality of life, with a view to maximise an individual’s independence, consistent in advocating for the rights of their recipients.
When things feel overwhelming, they can help with individual therapy, assist in contacting self-help groups, organise recreation and holiday programs and even host family respite or peer support programs.
Their services aim to assist individuals in pursuing their goals, objectives and aspirations without barriers.
That team at Support System Options ensures their recipients personally understand how the NDIS works, they’ll work with their clients to be assessed and recognised by the NDIA to access the most suitable support available.
They hope to increase personal independence and ensure every person has the capacity to be an active member of their community. Specialising in attendant and personal care, they provide a variety of services, including therapy support, community access services, case management and local coordination and development. Support System Options also have the capacity to provide specialised disability accommodation (SDA), support 24/7 independent living, provide in and out of home respite and work through life skills development to
Experienced in working with family units as well, they provide early childhood behaviour and specialist support, family and group counselling services and carer respite support.
They can also help develop a plan with NDIA, deliver services within that plan and connect individuals with other NDIS providers. Liaising with, coordinating and connecting registered NDIS participants with support and specialist service providers they’re based right in the heart of Footscray for ease of access. To make a counselling appointment or find out more information, visit supportsystemoptions.com.au
WE AIM TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE By providing you with a team of professionals Support System Options is a NDIS approved Service Provider established with the aim to provide specialised services, coordinate, and connect you with mainstream disability support services. Our services are: • Attendant care/Personal care • Therapy Support • Early Childhood/Behaviour/Specialist • Intervention • Individual/Family/Group Counselling • Community Access • Advocacy/Information • Mutual Support/Self-help Groups • Learning and life skills development • Case management • Local coordination and development • Recreation/Holiday Programs • Host Family Respite/Peer Support • Respite both out a home and in - home • Support Independent living - 24/7 • Specialised Disability Accommodation (SDA) • Support Coordination SupportSystem Options 1/123 Hopkins Street, Footscray VIC | 3030 | Australia 0412 781 686 • www.supportsystemoptions.com.au 18 SUMMER 2022
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Health
Parents choose public WHEN it came time for Bridget Crowe to have her babies, she was among an increasing number of Australian parents turning to the public hospital system.
sexism” for women to face significantly higher private health insurance costs in order to be covered for pregnancy and birth.
The Melbourne mother-of-three couldn’t justify the high out-of-pocket hospital fees - and specialists say she’s not alone in shunning the private system due to cost.
“And Medicare isn’t blameless in that either - we’ve had a Medicare rebate freeze for specialists for six years,” he said.
National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists president Gino Pecoraro told AAP the nation was “witnessing the virtual collapse of private obstetrics”. Part of the problem was that Australia’s birth rate had fallen to a record low, while the majority of women giving birth elected to use the public system because of the cost of private health cover, the Brisbane-based specialist said. “People who are having babies are all being forced to go to the public sector, which was never designed or intended to do all of the work,” he said. In 2016/17, 23.7 per cent of childbirth procedures carried out in hospitals took place in private facilities but the share has steadily fallen to 21.8 per cent in 2020/21. Dr Pecoraro said a reboot of the entire sector was needed, with a particular focus on Medicare and private health insurance. Dr Pecoraro said it was “cruelty and
Melbourne obstetrician Bronwyn Hamilton agrees. “Unfortunately, if out-of-pocket costs didn’t exist we would actually lose money for each patient we took on for their pregnancy and birth,” Dr Hamilton said. The Medicare rebate of $329.70 towards charges for the ‘planning and management’ of a pregnancy does not cover her costs, such as staffing, insurance and rent. Dr Hamilton said many of her inner-city private colleagues were struggling for business due to the push towards the public system. “Although we have a world-class public system with highly qualified midwives, it is now under severe strain and under-resourced,” she said. “That strain has been caused by more people being unable to afford private care even though many of them would like to.” In 2019/20, 69 per cent of private patients with insurance who gave birth vaginally without complications did not
face any out-of-pocket doctors’ costs, according to the federal government’s Medical Costs Finder. The remaining 31 per cent typically paid $350 in out-ofpocket fees, while 57 per cent of patients whose babies were delivered by Caesarean section faced out-of-pocket doctors’ costs typically worth $420. However the figures don’t include hospital charges such as accommodation or theatre costs, which usually reached into the thousands of dollars and might not be fully covered by insurers. Ms Crowe and husband Matty initially planned to go private but changed their minds because of the out-of-pocket costs. “We originally increased my private (insurance) coverage to include pregnancy when we were thinking of trying for our first (child),” she said. “Then I was told the out-of-pocket cost for the majority of doctors in my area started around $5000. “This cost alongside the increase in our premium was significant for us. So we decided to go with the public system.” Rachel David, the CEO of private health insurance industry body Private Health Care Australia, conceded out-of-pocket costs often turned people off private maternity care but added the system was difficult to navigate due to the Medicare Benefits Scheme. Private health insurers were often not
allowed to co-fund outpatient care if a Medicare benefit was payable, she said, adding that the system as a whole was “too rigid”. “What we don’t want to happen is for private obstetrics to disappear, the workforce to disappear and then have a very big load on the public hospital system and create some bottlenecks which actually impact patient care,” she said. A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said cover for pregnancy and birth was mandatory in top-tier health insurance plans, however it was a commercial decision for insurers if they included similar cover in cheaper policies. “The benefits paid for pregnancy and birth are generally of a significant amount, which require higher levels of premiums to cover,” she said, adding that these benefits reflected fees charged by doctors and hospitals over which the government had no authority. - AAP
More than just 20/20 At Eyecare Plus Altona, we understand that vision is much more than just seeing 20/20. Our examinations assess eye function as well as eyesight and eye health. Assessment of eye movements, eye alignment (using two eyes together) and focusing skills are crucial to understand how well our visual system is working, especially when visual demands are high. An eye test in early childhood, before starting school and during the school years ensures that your child has strong visual skills that are needed to learn efficiently. The ReadAlyzerTM is an eye movement analysis technology that records and understands how eyes perform when they read. It produces a complete eye tracking analysis when reading, looking at whether reading speed, eye movement accuracy, and comprehension, are inefficient or normal for age.
Visit our vision therapy website at www.visionadvantage.com.au or www.eyecareplus.com.au/altona for more information.
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Eyecare Plus ALTONA 90 Railway St. South, Altona I 9398 1344 altona@eyecareplus.com.au
www.KidsWest.com.au
Eyecare Plus SUMMER 2022 19
Health
Hopeful for virus reprieve Parents are hoping winter viruses are on the out
EMERGENCY rooms across Australia have been inundated with children struggling to breathe - and it’s not because of COVID-19. Respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, have been hitting kids more frequently and in patterns not before seen. According to Perth paediatrician Asha Bowen, Western Australia and the Northern Territory are experiencing a peak in RSV cases - something that would usually happen in June. But during the pandemic, RSV surprisingly peaked nationally in January and February. For RSV to climax in September and October, it gives hope that things are moving back to normal and towards the depths of winter - but it’s anyone’s guess if that is actually going to happen, Dr Bowen said. The days of regular peaks and troughs are gone, with practitioners noticing numerous changes in the way viruses are presenting. Couple that with limited immunity, thanks to spending months indoors
during the pandemic, and children seem to be getting more of the viruses out there. “Normally we see RSV and then influenza and then the other spring viruses like rhinovirus, metapneumovirus and others,” Dr Bowen told AAP. “But there has been no sort of usual pattern this year ... they are cropping up whenever now and maybe it is because COVID has left them room. “We found COVID had its peak nationwide in January and February and then the other viruses came.” She said the increased number of respiratory illnesses in children meant an increase in hospital presentations and added pressure on the system. Royal Australasian College of Physicians president and paediatrician Jacqueline Small said it had been a tough winter for all but especially children. “Now we’ve entered spring, we’re hoping for a reprieve from the volume of viruses circulating in the community,” she said.
“We must remain vigilant and remember we can always do more to protect ourselves and our children, such as keeping up good hygiene and staying home if you’re sick.”
prevention and epidemiology at Monash Health, Professor Rhonda Stuart, said everyone was catching up on viruses they didn’t get during the pandemic.
Victoria’s Deputy Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Deborah Friedman said high vaccination numbers helped reduce flu infections in 2022.
There was hardly any influenza and very few other respiratory viruses in 2020 and 2021.
She said the flu season was early, short and sharp in Victoria but more cases may emerge later this year when holiday-makers return from overseas. Influenza peaked in Victoria with about 18,000 cases in May and declined to 350 in August.
“It’s not necessarily immunity,” she said. “These viruses often like to transmit in the winter because we’re all indoors and we don’t physically separate so much, and it’s much easier to transmit during the winter months.
RSV mostly affects younger children, with 42 per cent of cases notified in 2022 aged under three.
“But as spring comes and the doors open, and we have good ventilation, and people are outdoors, respiratory viruses and COVID won’t transmit nearly as easily.”
The number of people presenting to emergency departments with respiratory illnesses other than COVID-19 and asthma increased over the winter months, with children under five making up an increased proportion.
The Department of Health and Aged Care said COVID-19 testing likely had an effect on identifying the number of people with respiratory viruses but it was unable to quantify those statistics as the data was de-identified.
It was overtaken by the number of notified cases of RSV in mid-June.
Medical director of infection
- AAP
New early parenting centre NEW mums and dads will soon have better access to early parenting support in a purpose-built facility, with construction underway on the new Early Parenting Centre in Wyndham. Designed to help families with children aged under four years, the new centre will have 10 residential family units, four day-stay places, a kitchen and dining area, playrooms and outdoor play areas. The new Early Parenting Centre will provide parents and carers with the advice and care they need, including 20 SUMMER 2022
support with sleep and settling, feeding, and extra care for children with additional needs. “This new centre will deliver flexible, targeted services to help new parents in Werribee and the surrounding areas with sleep and settling issues, supporting hundreds of local families a year,” then-Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said. “A child’s first 1000 days of life are critical.” Sleep and settling is one of the
biggest challenges facing new parents, with about half of Victorian parents who attend the centres reporting problems with their child’s sleep. Sleep issues can lead to postnatal depression, isolation and stress for parents and affect a child’s behavioural, mental and physical development. The final designs for the centre, released in September, showcased the facility’s exterior, kitchen, dining area and residential family units, which were carefully considered to create an
environment where families could feel at home. The project’s architects, Brand Architects, consulted childcare experts, local community groups and traditional owners as part of the process, to ensure the design reflected the community it serves. The State Government is delivering the centre in partnership with the Tweddle Child and Family Health Service and Hutchinson builders, with construction expected to be complete in mid-2023. www.KidsWest.com.au
Books
Hy-larious hi jinx By Melissa Meehan COMEDIAN Nazeem Hussain has written a childrens book and takes no responsibility for your children’s behaviour after you read it. The Melbourne-based comedian has just released his first book Hy-larious Hyena, and is still pinching himself to have the opportunity to do so. “It about a very cheeky hyena who is a bit naughty and likes to prank his friends and family, but doesn’t really know the responsible boundaries of joke telling and pranks,” Hussain told Kids Today. “In a way its semiautobiographical… he comes from a pretty large family. He lives with his cousin (who is his best friend) and his mum and aunties. “ Harry’s family is not well off, and struggle to make ends meet – but they do, and have a good time doing so. Hussain says the story is based on lots of experiences he had growing up. “We lived in a family where we didn’t really have everything but we had a lot
of fun and we always made awkward situations funny. Because we all had a good sense of humour,” he said. The father of two said he had an idea of writing a childrens book with characters he had played out with his son. He was approached by Scholastic Publishing but was too busy. And then the Covod-19 lockdown happened and he had time to write. So Harry, his family and nemesis Larry came to life. “One of the themes is that the grass is always greener and we see that with Harry and also his, his nemesis, Larry, the lion,” Hussain explains. “Harry wants to live like lions like Larry, the lion comes from an affluent neighbourhood. They’ve got everything made for that, like it’s all they live in the light. “But we find that maybe Larry thinks the same way about Harry you know, he’s cool. And so really, it’s important to like hear stories that better reflect on things and, you know, growing up.” Since becoming a dad, Hussain says
he’s taken a different approach to life. “When you’re when your dad get to know the highs and the lows and the nuances of your child’s personality,” he says. “Your worldview sort of broadens, so I feel so having thinking about my time before being a parent, you feel like you know it all. And I feel like I’ve just learned so much more about myself but also about the world and how they view the world and all that sort of thing.” Hussain says his words would mean nothing without the amazing illusrations by Heath McKenzie. “In my view, he’s the best illustrator in the country,” he said. Hussain is already working on his second book. Hy-larious Hyena is available from 1st October 2022.
Comedian Nazeem Hussain is excited to release his first children’s book.
Children’s books...
GRACE NOTES Karen Comer A debut YA verse novel about what happens when the paths of a young busking violinist and an aspiring street artist collide during a pandemic. Set in one of the most locked-down cities in the world – Melbourne, 2020. Grace Dalfinch is a talented violinist who longs to play contemporary music in bars, but her mum forbids her. James Crux is an aspiring street artist who promised his dad he wouldn’t paint in public until he’s finished school. When Crux witnesses Grace’s impromptu performance on a deserted tram, he’s inspired to paint her and her violin; and when Grace stumbles across her portrait in a Melbourne alley by an anonymous street artist, she sets out to find its creator. Lothian Children’s Books $19.99
THE GREAT AUSSIE EASTER EGG-AND-SPOON RACE Sophie Sayle & Daron Parton A heartwarming Easter picture book featuring Australian bush baby animals, which will appeal to fans of Little Bilby’s Aussie Easter Egg Hunt. Slow, sleepy Echidna is always trailing behind the other bush babies. And now it’s time for their great Easter egg-and-spoon race. Can Echidna keep up with her friends and enjoy all the fun on this special day? Lothian Children’s Books $19.99
MY FEELINGS BINGO
BUSY BETTY
Emily Midouhas & Bee Grandinetti Help children understand and express their emotions while playing a game! A fun and engaging way for kids and adults to talk about their emotions. The gameboard features 48 emotions, ranging from happiness and sadness to anger, apathy and anxiety, as characters illustrated by Bee Grandinetti whose warm and sensitive illustrations have been featured by Headspace and Airbnb. Each player gets a card with sixteen emotions – be the first to get all sixteen emotions on your card to win BINGO! The accompanying booklet by developmental psychologist Dr Emily Midouhas explains each emotion in child-friendly language and gives tips on learning to express emotions and allow them to be felt in healthy ways. Dr Emily Midouhas, a developmental psychologist and associate professor at UCL, specialises in the effects of social and built environment on the emotional and behavioural problems of children and the mental health of children with special educational needs, particularly children with ADHD and autism.
From Academy Award–winning actress, founder, and bestselling author, Reese Witherspoon, comes Busy Betty, a story about a creative, curious, and exuberant young girl who has big plans and an even bigger heart. Busy Betty has always been busy . . . even when she was just a baby! When Betty gives Frank a big hug, she realizes he needs a bath, PRONTO! Her best friend, Mae, is coming over, and Betty can’t have the smelliest dog in the whole world! But giving Frank a bath is harder than she thought and just when everything seems impossible, with Mae’s help, Betty learns she can accomplish anything with perseverance, teamwork, and one great idea. From Reese Witherspoon comes a smart and larger-than-life character who encourages young readers to celebrate what makes them unique and realize that anything is possible! Puffin $19.99
Laurence King Publishing $45 www.KidsWest.com.au
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Kids Calendar
What's on this Summer UNTIL FRIDAY 6 JANUARY
SUNDAY 11 DECEMBER
SATURDAY 24 DECEMBER
TUESDAY 10-FRIDAY 13 JANUARY
MYER CHRISTMAS WINDOWS
MONTROSE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLS
FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVENING ON SOUTH WHARF
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS
Enjoy a relaxed carols event presented by Montrose Church of Christ, from 5.30pm to 8pm at Montrose Community Centre.
Head riverside to South Wharf for a very Christmas afternoon and evening for the whole family - and it’s all free, 5pm to 8pm.
Bring your picnic gear and enjoy a free sausage sizzle, performances by local schools, a visit from Santa, and gifts for all the children.
Enjoy a 60-minute outdoor carol concert by the Australian Girls Choir on the Dukes Walk stage, then make your way to the Common Lawn on the riverfront to watch a family Christmas movie on the big screen.
The Walt Disney Company’s renowned classics have been brought to life in the 67th year of Myer’s iconic Christmas Windows. Windows include Mary Poppins, Bert and the Banks children; Mickey and Minnie soaking up the sun, sea and sand on their Hawaiian Holiday; the coronation of Elsa from Disney’s Frozen; Peter Pan taking Wendy and her brothers on a magical flight across the London night sky; the Lion King’s Simba, Nala, Timon, Pumba, Zazu and Rafiki on Pride Rock; and the famous Disney Studios’ opening sequence featuring Tinker Bell. Visit Bourke Street 7.30am to midnigh
UNTIL MONDAY 10 APRIL JULIAN OPIE: STUDIO FOR KIDS This interactive exhibition for children and families was developed with Julian Opie, one of Britain’s leading contemporary artists.
MELBOURNE CHRISTMAS TREASURE HUNTS From 9.30am to 3pm, follow the clues to discover hidden places and iconic landmarks around the city, with the chance to win prizes. Dress in your best Christmas themed get-up for bonus fun. Plus, every child gets a prize. Visit the Royal Society of Melbourne to pick up your treasure map. Locations are accessible by walking, cycling or public transport within the free tram zone.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT GEELONG This free evening for the whole family will include a traditional carols program with some of Geelong’s best artists and choirs, plus a concert band, and Christmas market stalls. The event kicks off at 3pm, with the concert starting at 8pm. Grab a picnic rug, food and hamper, friends and family and head to Johnstone Park.
Watch the story of the three little pigs, with catchy tunes, colourful costumes and audience participation, at 10.30am and 1.30pm at the Potato Shed, Drysdale. Tickets are $10.50, or $35 for a family of four.
THURSDAY 26-SUNDAY 29 JANUARY FESTIVAL OF SAILS The Festival of Sails combines history with tradition, heritage with technology, tactics with teamwork and is a free event to view. First held in 1844, Festival of Sails is held at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC) and along Geelong’s waterfront. Festival of Sails is particularly famous for its Melbourne to Geelong Passage Race – the oldest sporting event in the Southern Hemisphere – which will be celebrating its 180th birthday in 2023.
SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY
Visitors are invited to create portraits in an inspiring studio setting featuring displays of the artist’s artworks.
MONDAY 12-FRIDAY 16 DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS EVE CIRCUS SPECTACULAR
GEELONG BABY AND CHILDREN’S MARKET
Sessions run 10am to 5pm at National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
SANTA’S LAB
The circus comes to town in this special Christmas Eve matinee performance at Melbourne Town Hall, at 11am.
More than 70 stalls of new and preloved baby and children’s clothing, toys and accessories will be available from 9am to 1pm at Barwon Valley Activity Centre, Belmont.
SATURDAY 10 DECEMBER
Curious kids will love learning through Christmas-themed experiments in these free workshops run by STEM Sisters.
KNOX CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT This free event celebrates the spirit of Christmas, 4pm to 10pm at Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully. Visitors are invited to create portraits in an inspiring studio setting featuring displays of the artist’s artworks. Sessions run 10am to 5pm at National Gallery of Victoria, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
22 SUMMER 2022
Visit Santa’s Lab for all kinds of science fun these holidays, 3pm to 4pm at Library at The Dock, 107 Victoria Habour Promenade, Docklands.
SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVENING ON SOUTH WHARF Head riverside to South Wharf for a very Christmas afternoon and evening for the whole family - and it’s all free, 5pm to 8pm. Enjoy a 60-minute outdoor carol concert by the Australian Girls Choir on the Dukes Walk stage, then make your way to the Common Lawn on the riverfront to watch a family Christmas movie on the big screen.
Children and families will delight in this hilarious circus comedy adventure. Plus everyone goes home with a treat. The performances will be highly interactive. A quiet room and family room will be available. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All proceeds from ticket sales go to Make Room, a project assisting people out of homelessness. Tickets are $5.
Kids enter free. Entry for adults is $3.
SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY PAKO FESTA RETURNS Victoria’s largest free celebration of cultural diversity returns home to Pakington Street for the 41st edition of City of Greater Geelong’s biggest outdoor street party. The theme will be ‘Sharing and Connecting Cultures: The Reunion’ and is about human reconnection.
SUNDAY 4 MARCH KNOX FESTIVAL This free community event will run 10am to 10pm at Wally Tew Reserve, 6 Lyndale Court, Ferntree Gully. www.KidsWest.com.au
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