Kids Voice March 2015

F R E E MARCH 2 01 5

S C H O O L H O LI D A Y FU N - TEEN AGERS B EHIND CLO SED D O O R S Y O UR C H I LD ’ S I M M U N IS ATION S A N D DEN TA L HEALT H - W HAT ’S O N YO U R F R E E PARENTING MA GA ZINE FO R THE GEELONG REGION

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COOL FACTS 4 KIDS 1. Did you know that the human

WELCO M E

nose can remember up to 50,000 different types of scents.

2. You have no sense of smell when

you’re sleeping!

3. You know you can see your nose

all the time but somehow your brain always ignores it!

4. You will be amazed to know that

50% of human DNA is the same as in banana!

5. About 200 muscles are used

when we take a single step!

6. Your tongue has 3,000 taste buds.

7. Do you know your brain is 80% water?

8. There are more stars in the sky

than all of the grains of sand on Earth.

9. Cheetahs are the only big cat that

can turn in mid-air while sprinting

10. Dog nose prints are as unique as

KV TEAM

BUSINESS MANAGER Michele Mitten

GRAPHICS & LAYOUT ARTIST Elise Blach

EDITORIAL The A Team

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Alan Barber

SALES & MARKETING Carly Boyce

COVER MODEL William Wright

PO Box 54, Ocean Grove Victoria, 3226 Phone: 03 5255 3233 Fax: 03 5255 3255 FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/Kids Voice Geelong www.kidsvoice.com.au

human fingerprints and can be used to identify them.

No part of this magazine, including the advertisements, may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

The opinions expressed within Kids’ Voice magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher, but those of individual writers.

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CONTENTS 7

Kids Corner

9

Adventure Kids

11

Behind teenage doors

14

School Holiday Fun

17

Tip on starting secondary school

20

Grovedale Toy Library

21

Weetbix Thriathlon

22

McKillop Family Services

24

Music & Arts: Fraser McCallum

27

Cooking & Craft

28 Reviews 30

7

20

21

24

27

30

THIS ISSUE’S COVER BOY...

NAME & AGE?

William Wright, age 5

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TOY?

A ball, lightning McQueen race car, playing with my Play Station

FAVOURITE MOVIE? Ninja Turtles

What’s On

...AND MUCH MORE

FAVOURITE SPORT? Soccer, cricket and AFL

FAVOURITE FOOD?

Pancakes, pizza, fish and chips and ice cream

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 5

Are your child’s immunisations up-to-date?

Keep track of your child’s immunisation history on the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). This national register records vaccinations given to children under seven years old.

Your child’s immunisation history on the register can help you when you need proof of immunisation. You can get: •

An immunisation history statement to use as proof of immunisation for school enrolment. The Australian Government Department of Human Services will send you a statement when your child turns 18 months and

once they receive their four year immunisations or turn five years old • A statement anytime using your Medicare online account through myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app.

• Immunising your children, visit humanservices.gov.au/immunisation

To find out more about:

• Registering for a myGov account, visit humanservices.gov.au/mygov

• The vaccine plan by age group, visit the National Immunisation Program Schedule

• The ACIR, visit humanservices.gov.au/acir

• Express Plus Medicare App, visit humanservices.gov.au/expressplus

Child Dental Benefits Schedule – all you need to know The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) provides eligible children with benefits for basic dental services, capped at $1,000 per child over two consecutive calendar years.

x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions.

To be eligible for the CDBS, a child must:

It’s important to remember that CDBS services will not count towards the Medicare Safety Net or the Extended Medicare Safety Net thresholds. In addition, you can’t claim a benefit for the same dental service under the CDBS and from a private health insurer.

• Be aged two to 17 years for at least one day of the calendar year • Be eligible for Medicare, and • Receive, or be part of a family receiving, certain Australian Government payments.

Your child’s eligibility will be determined each calendar year.

If you don’t use all of your $1,000 benefit in the first year of eligibility, you can use it in the second year if your child is still eligible. Any remaining balance will not be carried forward at the end of the second year.

Services that receive a benefit under the CDBS include examinations,

Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work or for any services provided in a hospital.

If your dental provider bulk bills, you do not need to submit a claim. If your dental provider doesn’t bulk bill, you will need to pay the account and claim your benefit from the Department of Human Services at a later date.

How to use the Child Benefits Schedule 1. Confirm your child’s eligibility and balance amount by accessing your Medicare online account through my.gov.au or calling the Medicare general enquiries line on 132 011.

2. Make an appointment with either a private or public dental provider and let them know you’re eligible for the Child Dental Benefits Schedule when making your booking.

3. At the time of the appointment, the dental provider must discuss your child’s treatment and any associated costs with you before providing the services. After this has been discussed, you will need to sign a consent form.

When the dental provider has provided the services agreed for your child, they will either bulk bill you or charge you directly for the services. If they charge you, you need to pay the account and then claim the benefit back through us.

Submitting your claim You can submit a claim in one of the following ways: • Electronically at the dental surgery if your dental provider offers electronic claiming • By downloading the Medicare claim form at humanservices.gov.au/customer/forms/pc1 and either Posting it to: Department of Human Services GPO Box 9822 in your capital city Placing it in the drop-box at a Department of Human Services Service Centre: In person at your local Department of Human Services Service Centre, or by calling 132 011.

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Welcome to Kid’s Corner!

We showcase local kid’s creative pieces every edition. So if you know of any child who loves writing, poetry, art, photography, basically anything creative, get them to submit their work to editor@kidsvoice.com.au LINC McCALL, 5

MAYA HALL-DAVIS, 9 - ANGLESEA

- OCEAN GROV

E

CORNER

Kid’s

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- MARCH 2015

We were blessed to be granted the opportunity to be parents of a beautiful baby girl three years ago with ease; it had never occurred to me that in the future we may be faced with the pressures and stress of wanting a second child that didn’t come so easily. While enjoying one beautiful baby girl and watching her grow over the past few years, it has played on mine and my partners mind about giving her a sibling, a smaller age difference was definitely preferable for us and something we always desired when starting our family.

When you receive that exciting news for the first time the emotion and feeling is truly unexplainable and once you have decided to work on the next one, not receiving that news for quite some time can be a huge weight on your shoulders. It seems as though while you’re waiting to fall pregnant, everyone around you seems to be sharing their pregnancy news with you first. As time goes on, the stress and disappointment wears you thin leading to other issues which turn your life into havoc.

How do we even begin to reduce that level of stress to ease the situation? The first thing the doctors tell you when you begin to plan your family is to not put a huge focus on it, and to make sure there’s a low level of stress involved which usually improves the entire situation. But how? I never thought I would end up stressing about a situation like this. After several issues, things are proving a little more difficult this time around and I had absolutely no idea how to take a step back from what I wanted so much.

I found myself watching my cycle tracker on my mobile several times a day, entering data and double checking dates etc. When it came to that time of the month and I was one day out of line, I instantly was hoping that I would have some news to share with my partner, but several months went by and I had nothing except disappointment.

After months, I decided I just couldn’t deal with the ‘upset’ any longer and decided to stop using my tracker, except if I thought my cycle was running late. By separating myself from this I found my stress level reduced and I was able

to just go on, month by month and see what happened without putting too much pressure on myself around fertile weeks and likely ovulation.

It did become tough to share in friends and family’s excitement while sharing their baby news with us as it was something I wanted to badly, but eventually that wore off and I was able to share their excitement as well as my own experiences with them and enjoy being part of their unique journey.

Personally, I think the pressure of it all for us was initially caused by the issues dealt with throughout the year, which instantly lead me to believe this might be a grey area now. As soon as things didn’t go my way, I jumped to the conclusion that something was wrong and maybe I would never conceive again naturally. It still plays in the back of my mind, but I have now figured, if and when the time is right I will be blessed with the opportunity again. If things don’t go that way, I still have a beautiful little girl, which is more than what many people can say.

Carly

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ACTIVE OUTDOOR ESCAPE FOR FAMILIES AT

ADVENTURE KIDS FESTIVALS

Following the success of the standalone event in April 2014, the Adventure Kids Festival returns in 2015 as a series of four events, offering children from the ages of four to 12 nature-based adventure activities across a multi-day getaway.

The Adventure Kids Festivals, hosted in different locations boasting the best of the Victorian outdoors, kicked off at Mt Hotham over the Australia Day long weekend. Amidst growing concerns that Australian kids are spending increasingly more time in front of screens than participating in physical activity, the Adventure Kids Festivals aims to promote the benefits of outdoor activity and adventure play for families with walks, runs, climbs, obstacle courses, bike rides, orienteering and more.

The events are accessible and affordable with all sites located close to the convenience of transport and amenities. A wide range of packages and choices are on offer at each venue. Tent city camp grounds will be established at most sites, allowing kids and their families to stay in tents without the requirement of owning all their own gear. From camping to selfcontained apartments with panoramic views of the bush, there is an accommodation solution for all budgets.

Mt Baw Baw will host the Adventure Kids Festival from the 28-29 March providing a pristine natural

environment to explore, with its many trails climbing the tree-covered slopes and crossing the beautiful meandering alpine streams. Falls Creek’s relaxed small town feel offers the perfect setting for the Festival over the Easter long weekend (4-5 April) with its trail network and views across the shimmering waters of the Rocky Valley Lake.

The final instalment of the Adventure Kids Festival series coincides with Victoria’s Nature Play Week, an initiative as part of the Premier’s Active April which challenges Victorians to be more active, more often.

Taking place at Lake Mountain from the 18-19 April the alpine haven offers day trip facilities, flying foxes and rollerskiing.

“Adventure Kids Festivals are not just about kids being active with their families,” said Event Director Grant Seamer. “It’s also about instilling a sense of appreciation for the outdoors in our kids that Victoria is known for. Hopefully they will walk away with a stronger desire to further explore what our many outdoor and wilderness areas have to offer.”

ADVENTURE KIDS FESTIVALS Mt Baw Baw: 28-29 March 2015 Falls Creek: 4-5 April 2015 Lake Mountain: 18-19 April 2015 To book, please visit www.adventurekids.com.au

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When your child starts spending more time in the bedroom behind closed doors...

DO YOU GIVE THEM SPACE OR ASK THEM TO LEAVE THEIR DOOR OPEN? natural occurrence and needs to occur in privacy and with trust that they will come to you as their parent when they need answers.

If you are worried about your child participating in things that concern you, have an open and honest conversation with them. Choose a neutral space such as the kitchen.

Enquire about your concerns without jumping to conclusions. Adolescence is a time of sensitivity. Be aware that although you may not mean to sound accusing, this may be how it’s interpreted so take care and choose your words wisely so you can continue the conversation. If your child DOES tell you they are involved in something that worries you, offer to support them, for example to access appropriate services you keep the lines of communication open and be available to listen and be there for them, nonjudgementally.

Adolescence is a time of change and transition, for both the young person and their parent. It can also be a time of confusion and conflict for all involved. It’s important to remember that as an adolescent it is normal to want to retreat from parental supervision and have more ‘alone’ time. Knowing that will help a parent understand that young people need time and space to develop into mature well rounded young adults.

Give them space AND open the door to check in now and then.

Some parents worry that ‘my child is getting up to something’ behind closed doors and their desire to monitor this. It can be confronting to hear ‘you’re probably right they may be getting up to something’. Parents also need to hear that they can’t and shouldn’t try to control this.

Young people are likely to be exploring their bodies and the changes that are occurring, as well as exploring their increased sense of independence and identity. This is a

Some parents become involved in everything their child is doing – social media, friendships, school and social activities. Some are not being involved at all. Choose a balanced approach at this crucial time. Allow your teenagers to gain responsibility and freedom while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.

When your child reaches their teens, gradually increase their freedom and responsibilities. Something as small as ‘If you cook dinner one night a week you can also choose the meal we all eat’ can be effective. This encourages the responsibility of cooking for the family, but also provides the freedom to choose what they and everyone else eats – balance! This will not only build their self-esteem but also their independent skills to problem solve. It may even build their respect for the skills needed to manage a household.

Young people crave praise. When your child does something well, let them know you noticed. Rewards do not need to be expensive or unreachable. Choosing the Friday night DVD or getting the front seat over their siblings in the car can be useful rewards. In doing this you are teaching your child the value and importance of

communication.

Being consistent and open is also very important for young teens. Not only are their bodies developing, but so are their brains and they rely on their parents and significant adults to help guide them through the realm of rational decision making.

It can be useful to set clear limits on curfews, internet use and times, and set expectations around respectful dialogue. It is just as important to treat your teenager with the respect that a young adult deserves and to provide trust and belief that they will ‘be ok’ without you holding their hand. Research conducted by Wyder and Bland* in Brisbane, QLD in 2014 found that if young people learn to manage their own level of “distress and stress” and take on an increased level of responsibilities they will feel empowered. Knowing you are there for them and that you trust them enough to let them make some mistakes, they may come to you with their worries or when they can’t make an informed choice on their own.

If you’re still worried or just need to chat to someone, contact a youth counsellor through Headspace Geelong.

Bellarine Community Health have a youth dedicated allied health team located at Headspace Geelong – Drysdale.

The multi-disciplinary team environment ensures a holistic approach to the management of a person’s condition, from head to toe. If you would like to see someone, please phone for an appointment.

If you are 12-25 years old, you can find us at Headspace Geelong – Drysdale, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale, Ph. 03 5253 0400.

If you are not feeling yourself, are sad, anxious or depressed make an appointment to see your GP. In addition, Barwon Medicare Local runs free and confidential health services for young people aged 12-25 through headspace Geelong and Corio 03 5222 6690 and Drysdale 03 52530400.

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GEELONG BAPTIST COLLEGE Principal: Mrs Trudy Knol - Primary Principal Mr Neil Wetmore - Secondary Principal Public/Private/Independent: Independent School - Foundation to Year 12 Address: 590 Anakie Rd, Lovely Banks, Victoria 3213 Phone: 03 5276 1674 Number of students: 290 in total, 115 in Primary, 175 in Secondary Number of teachers: 22 in total - 8 in Primary including specialist teachers.

Describe the school’s sport program: In primary, each year level has 2 lessons of physical education per week, one with the classroom teacher and one with a specialist PE teacher. The College holds its own athletic, swimming and cross country carnivals and students in years 3-6 then go on to participate in inter school competitions. Upper primary students also participate in Lightning Premiership and round robins.

In Term One all primary students are involved in a two week swimming program.

Describe the school’s music drama/arts program: Students from Foundation to Year 6 have one set music/ drama lesson per week. Music and drama are often incorporated into other curriculum areas as well. For the second half of the year, students have an additional two classes for Creative Arts which allows more time for a range of activities including, choir, drama, visual art, performing acts, preparation for concerts and a range of performances.

Students have a double lesson for Visual Art. Classroom teachers often link the art lessons and skills to their classroom studies.

Describe the schools IT program: We embrace technology and strive to support students in this area through the provision of various technologies

in the College. The College does not have an individual laptop system. The College has four computer rooms.

One of these is predominantly for primary. Each of the teacher’s classrooms also has a few computers as well as an interactive whiteboard.

All year levels have a double session for IT and then another double session in the computer room for other curriculum areas.

What kind of camps and outdoor education programs are offered: In primary, a camp program is run every second year for students in Years 4 to 6, whilst students in Year 2 – 3 participate in a sleepover at school and other planned associated activities.

What is your school philosophy: We strive to provide a high standard of education.

This is done within a framework of Christian values and beliefs. We recognise that while families might not share all of our beliefs, we are confident that they share our values. To this end, we have developed a secure, harmonious environment, which allows students to aspire to high academic achievement.

Opportunities are provided which support our students’ dreams, attempting to keep them accountable. We seek to assist our students to achieve success, regardless of varying abilities and interests.

Our dedicated staff works diligently to develop and deliver an inclusive curriculum that addresses learning that is meaningful, engaging and relevant.

As the curriculum is progressing towards the National Curriculum, we remain at the cutting edge of changes as they occur.

The College wants the best for our students and we strive to assist students to gain a balance of academic rigour and personal well being as they seek to balance all that life throws at them in their journey to maturity.

Geelong Baptist College shows no bias and maintains

LS SCHOO US IN FOC

an open enrolment policy, allowing all families the opportunity to attend and become a part of our vibrant learning community.

The College provides a seamless education from Foundation to Year 12 where students are in the same community from the beginning to the end of their schooling. This is unique to our school, enhances our student community through many cross-age learning opportunities and assists students in their transition from primary to secondary.

Curriculum: The purpose of the curriculum is to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs to deal with life beyond school. The focus is on literacy, numeracy, learning for life, thinking skills and developing independence and genuine ambition in ongoing learning.

• Teachers are committed to providing students the best environment with varied opportunities and experiences for achieving success and they will endeavour to assist students to achieve their full potential.

• The curriculum is taught within the Christian context and Biblical principles.

• At times, special programs are run to ensure that students of all ages meet and learn from each other.

Teachers encourage and challenge students: • To take responsibility for their own learning.

• To develop independent and group learning skills.

• To take risks without fear of failure.

• To pursue excellence.

• To put into practice those things that they have learned.

• To engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate.

• To achieve their potential.

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 13

OF

TALK

THE

TOWN LOVELY BANKS North of Geelong you will find the friendly community of Lovely Banks (with a population around 6,700), a quickly developing residential area adjoining Bell Park, Corio and Norlane. Thanks to Lovely Banks’s geographical layout, there are lookout points that provide stunning views of Corio Bay and the city of Geelong. And the origin of the name is thought to be descriptive of the area as the land to the west rises quite quickly from 30 to 100 metres above sea level which gives it an expansive view of Geelong and Corio Bay. Lovely Banks is a beautiful area which gives off a farm land vibe but incorporating the views of the coast. During construction of the Geelong Ring Road By Pass Lovely Banks was semi-separated from its closest neighbourhoods with the closures of Purnell and Goldsworthy Roads, to accommodate the new freeway. Lovely Banks can be accessed via the new Anakie Road overpass.

The perfect place to bring up or start a family, the community is situated close to a number of adjoining towns which have so much on offer. Lovely Banks was identified in the G21 Regional Growth Plan as a Further Investigation Area, The G21 Regional

Growth Plan, approved by the Minister for Planning in April 2013, sets the land use and growth planning priorities for Geelong and the surrounding municipalities to 2050. The new community will include a town centre, neighbourhood activity centres, private and public schools, childcare, Improved transport and services infrastructure, improved landscaping and open space and will be pedestrian and cycle friendly Geelong Baptist College is situated in the friendly town and provides quality education for both primary and secondary requirements continuing on with an excellent reputation. While it is Lovely Banks’s only school, there are many other educational facilities in the surrounding suburbs, including Geelong Grammar School and Kardinia International College. Just minutes from Lovely Banks you will find neighbouring communities which have a large number of preschools/day-care centres, kindergartens and other primary and secondary schools.

Surrounding Lovely Banks are excellent health care facilities ranging from dentists suitable for the whole family to physiotherapists, medical centres and hearing specialists. Nearby you will also find a number of community centres which provide support, facilities and services to the community.

If your kids or family are interested in extracurricular activities such as horse riding, tennis, taekwondo or exploring the beautiful surroundings and nature, then you can be certain that Lovely Banks will have something to suit. The beautiful surroundings are sure to impress and the casual vibe is definitely popular amongst locals.

The culture and nationalities are varied, creating a diverse community who are able to treat each other with respect and grow together. The community have a range of different social/culture clubs and associations which provide the locals with networking and relationship building with residents of similar nationalities and cultures.

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L A D O Y H i School Fun Art’sKool at The Studio @54 - A Cool New Business Comes to Ocean Grove

Art’sKool is an exciting unique Art School that offers art and music programs for toddlers, art for kids and adults in Ocean Grove (The Studio @54) and Geelong (Create on Ormond). The classes are a lot of fun and they build the students creativity and more importantly self-esteem. Our students begin to appreciate art and music expression and develop their own art style as kids and adults. Our young artists have been very successful in exhibitions and have won awards nationally. One of our programs ‘Being E-Kids’ (Entrepreneur Kids) involves reproducing their artwork and selling limited editions at the annual Art’sKool Exhibition.

Over the Easter school holidays we are running 3 workshop days (Kids Holiday Club) for children between the ages of 6-14 years where the kids can create lots of exciting art. Also come and try our 2 to 5 yrs ‘Little creatives’ Minimaestros music and art activities. All at ‘The Studio @ 54’ on Grubb Road Ocean Grove.

Kids Holiday Club: Wednesday 1st of April 9am-3pm $35 lunch provided.

Kids Holiday Club: Thursday 9th of April 9am-3pm $35 lunch provided Little Creative Minimaestros: Wednesday 8th of April 10.30am-11.15am (Bookings essential) Do you want to trigger the artist within your child? Give Kaz McGlynn a call today!

Email: kaz@kazworks.com.au | Website: www.kazworks.com.au | Phone: 0437 582 772

MARKET SQUARE Youngsters all around the country will be jumping into bed with joy this autumn, with Cotton On KIDS re-launching its new and improved sleepwear range, available in stores and onlline from March.

The new collection comes as a result of customer feedback on the fit of the sleep sets, which have been redesigned to slide on with ease- ensuring little ones have room to move and are comfortable while sleeping.

Customers will be spoiled for choice with a wide-range of new, playful and on-trend designs, including a special Easter print as well as classic polka dots, florals and love hearts for girls, and motorbikes and dinosaurs for boys- all incorporating bright pops of colour for added fun.

Head to www.cottononkids.com.au to check out the full range.

ROLLERWAY - Rollerway in Newtown offers lots of fun skating activities for children during the school holidays - regardless of the weather.

With roller skating undergoing a resurgence and rollerblading still as popular as ever, kids will be keen to pull on their skates and join in the games to great music and an awesome lightshow. Extra holiday session times will be running this holiday and Rollerway is even open on Good Friday! Rink operator Raul Aparicio says the sessions are always fun with music videos, lights and lots of games and activities throughout. “It’s a really fun and safe activity for kids of all ages,” Raul says.

Rollerway also has a separate indoor skate park for skateboarding, scooters and BMX riders. “Our skate park is very popular and a great alternative to outdoor parks,” Raul says.

The centre is also available for children’s functions, even during the school holidays.

“We have lots of birthday parties at the centre, and we are also very popular with scouting and other groups, with many taking advantage of either the rink or the separate skate park or even both,” Raul says.

In-line roller hockey is another feature at Newtown, with Geelong boasting Australia’s biggest independent roller hockey league, and also the home of many State, National, and International team players, as well as hundreds of social mixed league participants.

“Our social hockey leagues are currently playing finals with the new season starting up the first week after the school holidays,” Raul says. “The centre offers kids and adults a chance to get a bit active and have fun regardless of the weather.”

Rollerway Newtown is at 6-8 Lambert Avenue, Newtown. More information is available at www.rollerway.com.au.

MINI MAESTROS

Winter will soon be upon us! What activities will you and your child try in Term 2? Come and try a FREE Mini Maestros class these school holidays to get a taste of our exciting and interactive music program!

Mini Maestros provides fun and educational music classes for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Australia’s leading music education program for preschool children, Mini Maestros will help children foster an appreciation of music to last a lifetime. Our classes enhance the child’s development while they have fun. Singing, dancing, playing percussion instruments and musical games stimulate their creativity and imagination.

Based on our philosophy of ‘learning through play’, our carefully planned, sequential program introduces musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, dynamics and form. Our program also develops the whole child by encouraging speech development, listening skills, social skills and physical skills.

With venues in East Geelong, Geelong West, Grovedale, Highton and Ocean Grove, there is sure to be a class near you! Our classes are limited to 10 students to ensure maximum participation and enjoyment for all.

Please contact us to secure a place in our FREE school holiday come and try classes.

Bookings are essential.

We are also taking enrolments for Term 2. Class times and locations can be viewed using the ‘find a class’ option on our website: www.minimaestros.com.au. For more information please contact Mini Maestros-Geelong: mm.geelong@minimaestros.com.au or 0424 047 822

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 15

L A D O Y H i School Fun BOOK GROVE

Bookgrove is a modern, independently owned and locally operated bookstore on the Bellarine Peninsula in the heart of Ocean Grove, Victoria.

We have a strong range of titles for children of all ages from junior fiction, young adult fiction, activity and colouring books, and children’s picture and board books.

We invite many children’s authors to bookgrove to talk about their books and we encourage all children to come. We have hosted Andy Griffiths, Graeme Base, Claire Saxby, Jacqueline Harvey and many more. Author events are free, but we encourage bookings.

Saturday March 21 at 1.30 pm, Tristan Bancks, the author of The “My Life” series is at bookgrove.

“My Life” is about a boy called Tom Weekly, who has a history of delinquency, whether it’s helping his pop escape from the old people’s home, or masterminding a nit outbreak so that the entire school gets out of exams, he spells trouble. Tom is a boy who has kissed dogs, defrauded students with a playground freak show and who regularly frames his dog for crimes the canine clearly did not commit.

“My Life” are perfect for reluctant readers and will be enjoyed by all children aged 8–12.

‘Who doesn’t like a good story about farts?’ says Tristan – although he admits that there is only one story about butt burps in the latest collection.

So come along, meet Tristan, learn all about his character Tom Weekly in the My Life series, buy some books and Tristan we personally sign them for you.

We look forward to seeing you all. - Stacey Moore

PLASTER BARN - HOLIDAY FUN Meet the Easter Bunny on Thursday 2nd April 2015 Keep an eye out on our facebook page and website for information.

School holiday program at Plaster Barn Runs for 3 hours and is only $30 (That’s just $10 per hour) Ages 5 and over (drop off and pick up) Limited spaces Bookings essential Whats included??

Facepainting Jewellery marking or pirate patch making Plaster craft painting Bubble disco, Easter craft activities Tuesday 31st March 10am - 1pm Wednesday 1st April 10am - 1pm Thursday 9th April 10am - 1pm Please contact Amanda on: 0488 704 904 or amanda@plasterbarn.com.au to make a booking or for more information

CREATE ON ORMOND Your one-stop destination for creativity, Create On Ormond, offers more than 3,000 unique products, including plenty of art stamps, patterned papers, ribbons, washi tapes, and embellishments to help customise your next handmade project. Come in and visit us these school holidays and check out our scrapbooking, cards and album kits…and remember to ask about our After school Art and Craft that is run by well renown art educator Kaz McGlynn.

We are taking bookings now!

Create On Ormond is your goto source for inspiration these holidays!

BLAZING SADDLES Blazing Saddles has been operating for over 20 years and has plenty of riding opportunities for all ages.

We are only 45 minutes from Geelong between Angleses and Lorne, and are open every day.

We offer great beach and bush rides, lessons, school holiday clinics, overnight rides for adults and kids, byo horse experiences, pony parties/pony rides and a kids playground for any littlies or non riders to sit and enjoy our bush setting.

Qualified guides, fantastic horses and a beautiful environment are all waiting for you, bookings are essential!

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L A D O Y H i School Fun KELLY SPORTS

As obesity and lifestyle trends impact on the health of children and become a critical factor in society, Kelly Sports can assist you to take positive action. We believe we can inspire children to develop fundamental skills to continue sports, actively participate in life and build self esteem.

Who is Kelly Sports? Kelly Sports is the largest provider of sports programs for primary school aged children in Australia. Our motto is ‘Life Long Love of Sports’ and participation in our upcoming holiday program offers children positive, skill based learning in an enjoyable and safe environment. The Kelly Sports Way is a unique way of gaining respect for and from the children. We educate our staff to understand and constantly reinforce this philosophy.

Situated in East Geelong our fun & exciting Holiday Program will operate from Monday March 30th until Friday April 10th excluding weekends & public holidays. Our structured activities will commence from 9am each morning and conclude at 4pm while before and after these times children will engage in free supervised activities.

Come and join our trained & experienced Kelly Sports coaches who will run a variety of sports activities that your kids will love. Enjoy sports including basketball, cricket, soccer, footy & many more. There’s also plenty of crazy games on offer such as parachute activities, tug of war & paper plane competitions!

Jump online at www.kellysports.com.au to book your place or contact us to find out more.

CENTRE COURT INDOOR TENNIS - TENNIS AN ACE SPORT FOR KIDS

Tennis is the ideal sport for kids of all ages and abilities. It’s non-contact, increases hand eye coordination and is a great family activity.

At Centre Court Indoor Tennis, we love everything about tennis and so do our Hot Shot and Junior Coaching kids. They have a ball out on court learning to serve, smash and volley.

ANZ Hot Shots - The ANZ Hot Shots program uses modified equipment to enable children as young as 4 years old to learn the basics of tennis. Our qualified and experienced coaches make sure our Hot Shots enjoy discovering tennis in a fun and safe environment designed specifically for young players. Saturday 9.00am – 11am, Monday 4.00pm – 6pm, Tuesday 4.00pm – 6pm, 30 minute sessions Junior Coaching - weekdays from 4pm - As their skill level and confidence grows children will move onto full size courts with regular tennis balls in either group or private coaching sessions. Private and group coaching is available for children after school and on weekends by arrangement. Our group classes have a maximum of 4 players so every child receives the attention they need to develop their tennis game.

Junior Beginner Match Play - These sessions are ideal for developing a junior player’s knowledge of match play, scoring, coaching, court etiquette and preparing for competition.

Saturday 11.30am - 75 minutes Don’t forget to ask about our adult coaching and ladies midweek competition. You never have to worry about the weather at Centre Court Indoor Tennis, Geelong’s ONLY indoor tennis centre.

Find us on Facebook and online at www.geelongindoortennis.com.au

HEY DEE HO MUSIC - We are very proud to welcome Geelong local Hayley Dridan to

lead our hey dee ho Geelong team! Hayley has been singing from an early age and studied voice at secondary school. Whilst studying music business at university, Hayley sung tenor for and was performance manager of the Geelong Harmony Chorus and taught private singing lessons at multiple primary schools across Geelong. Heavily involved in cheerleading, Hayley was instrumental in the development of the cheerleading program at the Geelong YMCA and was fortunate enough to travel to the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation National Championships in the Gold Coast last November.

The opportunity to take on the Geelong franchise of hey dee ho combines all of Hayley’s passions and she looks forward to sharing the joy of music with many more Geelong children and families.

The aim of hey dee ho is to expose children to a broad musical experience, in a structured program, appropriate to each age group. Every activity, song, action, sequence and theme has been carefully designed to provide maximum impact on a child’s developmental needs.

These include fine and gross motor skills, turn taking (interactive social behaviour), spatial awareness, listening skills and more. We teach musical concepts of beat, rhythm, tempo, pitch and dynamics and we include visual, tactile and auditory stimulation, using a felt board, puppets and percussion instruments.

Participating in hey dee ho music is directly impacting on your child’s cognitive, physical, mental and neurological pathways, developing their language, focus, coordination and brain matter. Provide a developmental advantage to your child, in a nonthreatening, FUN atmosphere, all while singing and enjoying MUSIC.

PICNIC TIME It is exciting to announce that Picnic Time, a local, family owned café, has finally opened!

Picnic Time is a very kid and grown up friendly cafe, offering an indoor playground to keep the littlies occupied so the big kids can enjoy their specialty coffee and yummy homemade foods. Gourmet ice cream, sweets, childrens giftware and kids birthday parties are also offered everyday of the week.

Unlike any other cafe, Picnic Time has found the balance between children’s play centre and trendy, young café. It is the first of it’s kind in Drysdale and all of the surrounding suburbs, but is already a favourite of young families in the area. They have successfully created a warm, inviting atmosphere where parents have full visibility to supervise their children, who are always safe and having fun!

Unlike a typical play centre, entry into the play area is always free, however donations are encouraged. Every month half of the donations are spent on maintaining the play equipment, while the other half is donated to a local charity. This business has worked hard to source local products and services so their customers know that supporting them also means supporting their community.

There are often fun events and craft days for the kids scheduled on weekends and school holidays, so keep up to date on their website and facebook page. Picnic Time is open every day of the week so drop by to take a peek and say hello!

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 17

Selecting Secondary Education Pathways Graduating from primary school to secondary school is a significant milestone in all families, generating excitement, nerves and the realisation that ‘our babies are growing up’. This moment is so important for many reasons, most of which have nothing to do with money, grades or career prospects. These are however, very important factors that we cannot romanticise or neglect when making decisions about our child’s future education provider.

Unless you have been living under a rock you will hopefully know that secondary education in Australia covers six years of formal education. This is divided over years 7-10 of general subjects and selected elective pathways, followed by two years of senior education, in Victoria known as the VCE. Choosing which school will best suit your child can be a confusing venture as we are lucky in Australia to have so many options for our children.

With so many options available, how do we make the best decision for your child’s future? Let’s consider and weigh up the key selection criteria with regards to your families and more specifically, your child’s circumstances.

One of the first considerations for parents when deciding their child’s education pathway, is to establish whether their child will attend a Government or non-Government institution.

Government schools undoubtedly are the most inexpensive option, offering quality education and support to your child without dictating any religious or specialist subscription. Australian government schools have access to all of the same post-Secondary education pathways

as non-Government institutions and are most often nonselective, meaning that students of varying background, religion and ability are provided for.

Non-Government (also called independent) schools offer more specialist pathways through your child’s secondary education. The schools are able to tailor their subjects, curriculum delivery and extra-curricular activities to the school’s goals. In Australia, non-government institutions include those that are Religious, Private, Selective or Pathway specific.

If your family has a strong faith it is not uncommon for multiple generations of a family to attend the same school. Also, if your child has attended a religious primary school then continuing their religious education may be your choice. With an emphasis on your faith’s values, religious schools can offer moral guidance, partnerships with religious institutions and opportunities to engage in your religion’s practices outside of the school and in your community. As religious schools in Australia are independent, families are sometimes required to pay higher fees. These fees can often become evident in better teacher to student ratios and infrastructure. However, that’s not always the case, so it’s best to attend open days or contact the school to arrange a private meeting.

For some families, similar to generations attending religious schools, attending a private school is the expected norm. However, others will save or borrow to ensure their child can attend one of these schools. When considering a private school pathway it is vital to consider not only the substantial school fees, but also the other financial and physical commitments over your child’s six years. Private education providers will have higher costs associated with uniform, sporting and technological equipment, school camps and excursion and compulsory extra-curricular commitments. In saying this, private schools can offer exclusive pathways and connections to community and business opportunities that other schools cannot. Furthermore, due to your financial contribution, their infrastructure and facilities available to students are often far superior to many other education providers.

Private institutions will often have a range of scholarships available to student’s deemed to be disadvantaged in some way (location, financial etc.) or who excel in particular areas. They are worthy of exploring, should you wish to send your child to a private institution and are concerned with the related financial costs.

Similarly, selective schools are those that require a more substantial financial contribution from the family for tuition

and extra-curricular commitments. They vary from private schools in that they are exclusively for children who are consistently achieving academic excellence. There are a host of application procedures including meetings, tests and collecting references before finding out if your child has meet the school specific criteria.

For children who are passionate about a particular field such as performing arts, sports or language, they may relish the opportunity to attend a specialist subject school.

Children must submit an application form and may be required to audition/try-out to gain a position at these schools. Schools such as these can be great for boosting children’s self-esteem as they can focus on an area in which they excel, while still getting a traditional education.

As they are non-Government schools there will be higher fees and often due to their specific nature they are not found in large numbers, so associated travel time and cost may be a contributing factor to your decision.

Most secondary schools will offer open days to come in, see the facilities and meet with staff. Should a school you are considering not offer such an opportunity, call to arrange a private meeting. Ultimately, finding a balance between academia, interests, affordability and accessibility that your family and child is comfortable with is key. Talk to your child and listen to their opinions and validate their concerns, as high school is not solely about education.

Still confused about what you’re looking for? Consider these questions: • What facilities are available?

• How is technology utilised?

• How many children attend this school and how many children are there in each class?

• Are there programs for special needs: eg slow learners or gifted students?

• What kind of extra-curricular activities are on offer?

• Are their any compulsory extra-curricular activities or family contributions required?

• What are the school’s academic/sporting/arts results?

(Specific to your child’s interests) • Does the teaching staff present a genuine interest in their students?

• Does the school seem well-maintained and inviting?

• Most importantly, will your child feel safe, welcome and supported in this community?

Samantha Boyce - BSc., MTeach.

GRACIE ALLEN St Margaret’s PS

HUNTER PYLE Mt Duneed PS

P RE PS

FI RS T D A Y

PAGE 18 - MARCH 2015

ARCHIE UNDERWOOD & PHOEBE CHISHOLM Christian College Bellarine

TOM CHAPMAN Leopold PS

BAILEY CLELAND Manifold Heights PS

LUCY FITZGIBBON Belmont PS

GEORGIE & LUCINDA ROBERTSON St Margaret’s PS

MAELEIGH OLIVERI Nazareth Catholic PS

ELIJAH BARAN Christian College Bellar ine

REMY ADAMS Grovedale West PS

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 19

JAKEB DOVE Christ the King PS

ZARA BELLINGHAM PS Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic

MARIELLA WEARMOUT H St Thomas Catholic PS

EDEN BAINBRIDGE Barwon Heads PS

ELLISON CAMPBELL Portarlington PS

EK & CHARLI PAVLIN CHLOE BOWYER e Bellarin Christian College

EVIE KENT

FI RS T D A Y

BEDE CLARKE Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic PS

Catholic PS

P RE PS

MILLER WELLARD Our Lady Star of the Sea

L LINCOLN McCAL e Sea Catholic PS th of ar St dy La ur O

PAGE 20 - MARCH 2015

GROVEDALE TOY LIBRARY

HITS THE BIG THREE OH!

Grovedale Toy Library celebrated their 30th anniversary last weekend to co-incide with the grand opening of a brand new purpose built rooms in the Grovedale Community Hub in Heyers Rd. The celebration attracted past and present members of all ages, including several past Presidents.

To celebrate this milestone a grant had been received to fund a free mini festival with facepainting, playdough, balloons, crafts and large outdoor toys set up in the sunshine along with cuppas for the grown ups and a big 30th birthday cake with matching cupcakes for the children. Councillor Andy Richards attended and said a few words, along with the President Kerrie Charlesworth, to officially open the new rooms and thank all those past and current members who continue to make the Grovedale Toy Library a fantastic service to the community.

From humble beginnings in the 1980s, until recently they were only known as the Paddington Toy Library. Grovedale Toy Library has grown from a handful of members operating out of a small cupboard in Greenville, to their very own permanent two rooms with custom shelving housing over 1000 toys.

They are a not for profit, volunteer organisation, attracting members from the local areas and surrounds operating solely on membership fees, fundraising and the occasional community grant.

Saturday mornings during school term between 9.30-11.30am are a buzz with parents, grandparents, carers and playgroup leaders returning and borrowing items chosen usually by their children and often re-borrowed again at a later date if it proved to be a popular item around home or playgroup.

New members are always welcome.

Membership does require one volunteer duty per term per family for the two hour Saturday session. A single membership including joining fee is $60 and includes the loan of one large and two small toys per fortnight. A double membership, concession rates and group rates also apply. Please visit their website www.grovedaletoylibrary.org.au or call 0468 693 795 for more information.

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 21

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON! Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon

Geelong kids have just weeks left to register for the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon event when it comes to Geelong.

rate of 3% to 5% per decade since 1970 with Aussie’s listed as the third worst in terms of our screen-time levels on television, computers and videogames.

An anticipated 1150 kids are expected to swim, cycle and run around the specially designed course, held at Eastern Beach on Sunday 15 March 2015.

The inactivity of our nation is reflected by the current obesity crisis. While nearly two-thirds (62.8%) of Aussie adults are overweight or obese , a quarter (25%) of Aussie kids aged 5-17 years are overweight or obese.

The Australian overweight and obesity levels, across all age groups, is predicted to increase to 66% of the population in the next decade.

The series is also set to become the biggest under 16’s triathlon series on the planet with over 40,000 kids planning to swim, ride and run their way into the World Record Book in 2015!

AFL legend and Weet-Bix Kids TRY Hero, Joel Selwood said that “smashing a World Record is not just for the fun of it!”

“Inactivity continues to be a big problem for Aussie kids and I believe that getting kids engaged in exercise where they are rewarded for participating, like the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon, is part of the solution,” said Selwood.

Australia finished 14th of 15 countries studied in the Global Report Card on Kids’ Physical Activity Worldwide, children’s fitness has been declining at the

The estimated overall cost of obesity to our Australian society and government is $58 billion .

Despite this trend, the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon continues to grow in number of participants and significance in our community.

• 94% of parents surveyed believe the program boosted their child’s self-confidence .

•

A third of parents surveyed report their child is spending more time being physically active since participation in the Kids TRYathlon and less time in front of electronic devices

Now in its 17th year, the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Series continues to buck this trend by encouraging more Aussie kids to get healthy and active while building confidence to “give it a TRY” in a fun and rewarding environment.

TRYathletes will be cheered all the way to the finish line at their local event by one or more members of our TRY Hero team that includes Brett Lee, Stephanie Gilmore, Tim Cahill, Joel Selwood, The Block’s Kyal & Kara, James Magnussen and Caroline Buchanan, just to name a few.

The Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is designed for kids aged 7-15 no matter what their abilities or experience.

Every participant is a TRY Champ and receives an official Weet-Bix Kids TRY gold medal and a Champion Certificate.

Online registrations for the Geelong Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon events close at 11:59pm AEDST on Sunday 8 March 2015.

Hurry to register as events fill up fast! It’s easy, go to www.try.weetbix.com.au to register or for event information.

PAGE 22 - MARCH 2015

A HELPING HAND

WITH MACKILLOP FAMILY SERVICES

MacKillop Family Services have been providing services for vulnerable children, young people and their families in the Geelong area since 1857.

Helen Jacobs knew from a young age that one day she would be a foster carer, and over the past six years has welcomed several children into her home.

Today we provide a range of youth and family services for those who have experienced disadvantage, abuse and neglect. MacKillop constantly responds to the local needs of the Geelong area.

“Quite often after a tragic event has occurred in the home of a young person, we often wonder ‘how can we as a community let these things happen? but when I hear that I think it’s more like how can other people let that happen?”

Currently in Geelong there is a desperate need for more foster carers to look after the growing number of children who require love and support. Due to this urgency, many children are being placed outside the local area and are taken away from their schools and extended families. This contributes to their already traumatic and unpredictable lives.

“As caring people we may feel horrified that such an event has taken place but just how many of us take that extra step to be a part of a solution ‘before’ tragedy strikes?” Helen explains.

You can help address this crisis by becoming a foster carer.

Foster care is the care of a child or young person who is not able to live with their own family. They can be from any background and between the ages of zero and 17 years old. Foster carers give a child the chance to experience a different kind of life, where they feel safe, nurtured and loved.

Ideally, where appropriate and possible, the child or young person is eventually reunited with their family.

There are different types of foster care available: • • • •

Emergency care – from one night up to one month Short-term care – from one month to two years Respite care - generally one to two weekends per month Long-term placements – two years plus

“By being a foster carer and providing a supportive environment you could just be saving a life but importantly you’re helping a young person onto a path of becoming the best person they can be.”

The Ocean Grove local is a driving instructor by day and began her foster caring journey as a weekend carer for a young girl, and then took in a teenage boy before he turned 18.

“I love being able to provide experiences to young people that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to have,” Helen says.

“Plus as a single person I also get to do a lot of the fun things that young people do that I wouldn’t otherwise get to do!”

Helen is a keen surfer and likes to encourage the children in her care to give it a go.

Children and young people in foster care are unable to live at home for various reasons through no fault of their own.

They may have experienced serious neglect, abuse or ongoing mistreatment at home or may have been impacted by their parents’ drug and alcohol misuse, relationship problems, domestic violence or mental health issues.

Helen has introduced young people in her care into her local surfing community with one young person participating in surfing competitions and winning awards. Like Helen, MacKillop foster carers come in all shapes and sizes and bring something new and different into the lives of young people.

MacKillop ensures that all foster carers, no matter what type of foster care they are able to offer, undertake comprehensive training to best equip them to alleviate any concerns they may have.

There is currently an urgent need for more foster carers across Geelong, Bellarine and the Surf Coast region, with many local kids being placed outside the local area as a result.

Unfortunately there are hundreds of local children, some who may even live on your street, who require the love and support of a foster carer.

MacKillop foster carers have varied backgrounds, lifestyles and family situations. But all share a passion for improving the lives of children and young people.

MacKillop is currently recruiting and training foster carers.

MacKillop provides all foster carers with ongoing support, regular training so you are always prepared, and regular breaks for both you and your foster child.

In this edition of Kids’ Voice, we speak with a current MacKillop foster carer Helen Jacob.

Helen Jacob lives in beautiful Ocean Grove, on the Surf Coast of Geelong. She has been a foster carer with MacKillop for the past six years.

To find out more about becoming a MacKillop foster carer please call 1300 791 677 or visit mackillop.org.au/fostercare or find us on facebook.

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 23

LONG JUMPER - LIAM MULLEN -

Liam has always been a very keen sportsman, even from the age of 7-8 yrs old. It wasn’t until grade 3 when children are allowed to start competing at Landy Field (Geelong) to do all track and field activities, that Liam started to really love the competiveness of trying to win (do his best) at each event.

In grade 6 Liam’s PE teacher noticed how great he was at long jump and recommended he get some coaching. It just so happened that one of the teacher’s husband is a jumps coach and trains kids in Geelong (Nick Hodgson). We started taking Liam to training once, sometimes twice a week at Landy Field. He loved it and was learning that with training you get to jump further, achieve your dream.

In Grade 6 Liam got to state finals at Albert Park coming 2nd, which then got Liam into the Victoria team for Nationals which was held in Brisbane over five days. This is when it started to costs lots of money and we had to decide in 15 minutes if he was going or not. It was going to cost $1500 to send him. We said yes.

Surfside Primary School helped by doing a fundraiser and gave us $400 towards his journey. My sister in law did a fundraiser and gave us $180. We also had raffle tickets to sell in four weeks If we sold them all we got $400 taken off. The Ocean Grove Cricket Club was very generous in buying a whole book and we managed to sell the lot!!! Yeh Liam had a great time making new friends and enjoying the atmosphere, it helped make him grow, it was like a mini olympics. Liam managed to place 3rd in Australia with a jump of 5.14 in long jump.

Since then Liam has kept up with training every week, strengthing his muscles for the next season ahead. Athletics goes from about October through to March.

This year Liam has excelled once again in long jump but also in triple jump as well, always bettering his personal bests. Liam made it through to States again last year (2014) and won gold for long and triple jump. He was lucky enough to get his medals presented by Steve Hooker at Albert Park. Also it’s great that Nick (his Coach) is always there to help and encourage him.

Liam then went on to Nationals in Adelaide (December) to place 2nd in long jump and 9th in triple jump, but he did have a leg injury at the time due to a cricket mishap.

Liam also does senior athletics in Geelong each Saturday afternoon. He loves this as he gets so see how his jumps are improving. In the coming weeks he has two more comps at Albert Park.

Junior Vic champs and Open Vic champs then we are off to Sydney for Junior Nationals in March, hopefully to win gold and smash some personal bests (records).

If you really love something, pursue your dream as it can take you a long way, also you need dedicated parents!!

This is Liam and coach Nick at All Schools when he got 2 gold medals.

Apart from athletics Liam has done very well in cricket. In his second year in under 13’s he won the batting average. Now in his third year playing under 15’s cricket he has represented Bellarine Region against Colac and then was selected to represent Geelong Region to play against Western District in Hamilton on the 14th February in under 14’s. He has played Country week cricket which he loves because he gets to make a lot of friends.

PAGE 24 - MARCH 2015

MUSIC So who am I? Well… I am Fraser McCallum, a 20 year old trumpet player from just outside of Ocean Grove, and I’ve been asked to talk about myself as a musician and how I have come to where I am now and where I am going.

I never really discovered my love for music it was always just there from an infant. In saying that my life has been a journey of musical discovery. From the moment I was born I was making noises, moving around and waving or tapping my limbs on whatever I could find. Though it wasn’t just my inability to sit still, my parents have told me I would react to sounds, be it music or machinery. My mum tells the story of me as a toddler at the Queenscliff Music Festival; whenever a really great groove was playing I would get excited; bopping and tapping along and funnily enough, nothing has really changed.

Now obviously to go from loving the vibes and sound of music to playing, has been a long journey of discovering what works for me musically. I started off on the piano when I was really young but found it wasn’t my thing. It wasn’t until I started playing the drum kit that I found it really just worked. I had a natural aptitude towards rhythm, clearly all that tapping as a child helped.

You’re probably wondering how I became a trumpet player, if I was so keen on the drums? Around age 11, I was playing the piano, drums and flute. It took a music class

ARTS

where I was given a trumpet to play by Wayne Bowden the trumpet teacher at my school and two years of him trying to convince me and then moving schools for me to start formal lessons with Wayne. He has been a big influence, without him I wouldn’t be playing the trumpet today.

Now my journey as a trumpet player to a Jazz trumpet player was a bit different because I didn’t fall in love with Jazz until I started having singing lessons with a Jazz singer by the name of Michelle Benjamin, who would give me something new to listen to each week. Some weeks it was Marvin Gaye, a smooth heart felt soul singer or the next, Maceo Parker, an intense and very famous Funk Alto Saxophone player. It was that constant feed of soul filled and funky black music that led me to Jazz and great trumpet players like Chet Baker, James Morrison, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis and my biggest influence at this very moment, Wynton Marsalis, probably one of the best Jazz trumpet players still alive. You may think that I’ve been playing jazz on the trumpet for years, but through high school I played mainly classical because I was learning from Andrew Dunlop, a classical trumpet teacher. At Kardinia International College there were very few Jazz bands for me to play in. Most of my school life, I played in funk and soul bands, concert bands and orchestras.

The only avenue for me to focus on improvisation was the Funk and Soul band “Square One” which was run by the

school and gigged around the area. The best classical experience for me was playing in the Melbourne Youth Music Wind Symphony in Melbourne every Saturday morning through year 12. It allowed me to be a part of the amazing standard and quality of young musician out there and what they could produce together. Not only did I learn an immense amount, it also fuelled that burning passion for music inside me.

But Jazz is my number one love and in my heart I felt that it was what I needed to study. I couldn’t do anything else so I had to give it a crack. There was a problem when I finished, in that I was a classically trained trumpet player with very little jazz experience, trying to get into university against hundreds of other young musicians, who had been playing Jazz their whole lives. In 2014, I took a gap year and spent the year intensively studying with Tim Neal, a local Jazz musician, and Paul Williamson a Jazz trumpeter and lecturer at Monash University, to get myself prepared for auditions and learn the language of Jazz Improvisation.

All my hard work has paid off, and I have been accepted into The James Morrison Academy Of Music in Mt Gambier studying Jazz Improvisation. I’ve been lucky enough to have parents that have, no matter what, supported and encouraged me to pursue my music and hey I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m looking forward to every single bit of it!

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 25

Can you tame a Drop Bear?

I was an animal-kid. You know the type. The ones who drag home abandoned kittens, hatchlings fallen from nests, birds with broken wings, even half-dead lizards.

Nowadays, I see the kids like me when I visit schools.

Their hands shoot up in the air if I ask if anyone wants to be a vet when they grow up. They’re not the only kids who love animals, but their passion is palpable.

As an animal-kid I pestered my parents for pets – puppies, kittens, ducklings, budgies, mice and, of course, a pony. I guess my parents thought that pets would teach me care and responsibility, which they did (though I never did get a pony). But I wonder now if I didn’t learn more important lessons from the wild and wounded creatures I brought home, hoping to heal them and release them.

They weren’t endangered native mammals. I suspect most of them were pigeons and only a few survived. I had enthusiasm but little knowledge, and if wasn’t for a nearby vet who gave advice over the phone, probably none of them would have made it.

Through those creatures – tiny and insignificant as they may have been – I learned that loving an animal doesn’t always mean taming it and making it a pet. I learned to love the wildness of those creatures, and let them go when the time came. So when I read that the little prince chose not to tame the beautiful fox, it struck a chord of memory.

All this came back to me when I sat down to write Dexter The Courageous Koala, a story about 13-year-old Ashley, a city kid who’s desperate for a puppy of her own, and what happens when she misses out on a puppy and instead becomes caught up in rescuing an injured mother koala and her young joey ‘Dexter’.

In reality, few kids will be rescuing injured native wildlife – such as koalas, kangaroos, possums or bats –and there aren’t many chances for kids to learn about these creatures outside of zoos. It doesn’t seem right somehow – these are the creatures that live wild in Australia, and their survival in the future may rest on peoples care and concern – their willingness to take action to protect these creatures and their homes.

But stories shouldn’t preach. So rather than telling kids what they “ought” to know about koalas and the threats facing them, I threw my young heroine right in the middle of a difficult koala rescue so she could learn about courage, loving an animal, and the importance of NOT always taming it. Through the story Ashley learns to love young Dexter and ultimately let him be free. And along the way, young readers can absorb a bit about the perils facing koalas – and what to do if they find injured native creatures

– without feeling like it’s a lesson on capital E Environment.

The story came out of my own delight in seeing wild koalas. In the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to see them in my garden in northern NSW. Our favourite koala, “Elsie”, had symptoms of chlamydia, a disease that eventually killed her. Through trying to rescue Elsie I learned about Friends of the Koala and their amazing work trying to save injured and diseased koalas like Elsie.

I discovered that caring for injured or orphaned native creatures (not only koalas) is a tough job. It takes many hours, days and weeks of sometimes round the clock care, and it can often end in tears. But the joy that carers feel when their charges survive and go back to the wild is inspiring.

So – if you’d like to share a different kind of Australian animal story with the animal kid in your life, Dexter The Courageous Koala might be the one for you. At the very least check out the Australian Museum’s spoof page on “Drop Bears”: carnivorous marsupials that kill by jumping from above and biting the neck of their intended prey, including humans. (http://australianmuseum.net.au/dropbear). As far as I can see, no one has been able to tame one.

Top five tips on involving kids in caring for native creatures • Do you have pet dogs and cats? Keep them inside at night, put bells on your cat’s collar, and keep your dog on a leash if wildlife is about.

• NEVER pick up an injured wild creature before checking with an adult. You might get hurt, and so might the animal.

• If it’s safe, move the animal away from danger and into a quiet, dark environment such a cardboard box with a small towel inside. Don’t offer food or water.

• Write down where you found the creature – it should be released back in the same area.

• Know the number of the nearest wildlife rescue service.

You can also take native creatures to the nearest vet for help (for no charge).

• Remember - only licensed carers can look after native wildlife. But everyone can keep an eye out for creatures that need help.

Dr Jesse Blackadder is an Australian author fascinated by landscapes, adventurous women, animals and very cold places. She wanted to be a vet from the age of five, but ended up becoming an author instead and has published award-winning books for adults and children. www.jesseblackadder.com

PAGE 26 - MARCH 2015

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 27

CRAFTS AUTUMN LANTERNS

COOKING HOMEMADE PLAYDOUGH

DIRECTIONS

1. First you will need to gather your autumn leaves. Make sure they are

dry, they also may need to be left under some books over night to flatten them out.

2. Gently remove the stalks on the leaves and gather your jars. These

can be anything from Vegemite/jam jars, coffee jars or pasta sauce jars.

3. Cover the outside of the jar with PVA glue with a paint brush. You may

want to water down the PVA glue a little so it will dry quicker and clearer.

4. Place leaves on top of glue and reinforce with another layer of PVA

over the top.

5. Once dry simply place your tealight candle inside and see the

METHOD

1. Mix all ingredients in the saucepan.

2. Cook on medium heat for three to five minutes,

stirring contantly until the mixture becomes stiff.

3. Leave to cool and store in an airtight container or

zip lock bag in the refridgerator.

Note: The playdough should last for a couple of weeks! As gross as this would taste it is also comforting to know exactly what’s in this mixture if your child decides to have a nibble when your not looking!

beautiful warm autumn glow.

WHA T YOU NEED ...

AUTUMN LEAVES - JARS

- PVA GLUE - PAINT BRUSH - TEALIGHT CANDLES

1 CUP SALT - 2 CUPS SIFTED FLOUR - 4 TBS COOKING OIL - 2 CUPS OF WATER - FOOD COLOURING - SAUCEPAN

ING RED IENT S...

*PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN USING SHARP OR HOT OBJECTS. ACCORDING TO kidsafevic.com.au “THE HOME IS THE MOST COMMON LOCATION FOR CHILDHOOD INJURY. THEREFORE IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT WE MAKE OUR HOMES AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE.”

PAGE 28 - MARCH 2015

childhood marred by fear and uncertainty, Anne sees education as her lifeline to freedom.

Anne Gorman - Randomhouse (Adult) After graduating from university, she’s set to This is the memoir of a truly remarkable take on the world. But her plans come unstuck Australian woman, Anne Gorman and is an when she falls in love. Marrying a farmer and unforgettable memoir of heartbreak and triumph. becoming a mother of five was a life she never Anne provides a unique and personal snapshot imagined. Yet in this alien landscape she finds of Australia over several decades, including the love and a sense of belonging. When her emergence of feminism, the sexual revolution husband becomes gravely ill, Anne has to find and the advent of the contraceptive pill. When the courage to keep the farm and her family she is five, Anne Gorman’s family disintegrates. afloat. Against a backdrop of dramatic historic change, The Country Wife is Anne Gorman’s After thirteen pregnancies and the death of touching memoir of her journey from an two children, her devout Catholic mother has uncertain young girl to a woman of substance. a breakdown and Anne and her sisters are Her story is a tribute to the resilience of the placed in a convent. Struggling to survive a Australian women who led the way.

THE COUNTRY WIFE

THE LAST LEAVES FAILING

AN ARMADILLO IN PARIS

Sarah Benwell - Randomhouse (Young adult)

Julie Kraulis - Randomhouse (Child)

Japanese teenager Sora is diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Lonely and isolated, Sora turns to the ancient wisdom of the samurai for guidance and comfort.

But he also finds hope in the present; through the internet he finds friends that see him, not just his illness.

This is a story of friendship and acceptance, and testing strength in an uncertain future.

ALL FOR STILTON, STILTON FOR ALL! Geronimo Stilton - Pan Macmillan Australia (Child)

Geronimo, Trap, Pandora, Benjamin and Patti return to the era of Louis XIII on the trail of the Pirate Cats. At Fontainebleu Castle they enroll in Richelieu’s army of mousketeers and are commanded by the cardinal to oppose two brigands in the area. The mice discover that the brigands are no other than Cattardone and Tersilla who have replaced Louis XIII with Bonzo!

Our heroes must find the real Louis XIII and and put him back on the throne.

A winsome armadillo from Brazil takes a trip to Paris in this delightful new picture book from Julie Kraulis. Arlo is an armadillo who is always up for adventure.

His grandfather, Augustin, loved adventure too. When Arlo was born, Augustin wrote travel journals about his favourite places for Arlo to use when he was hold enough to go exploring on his own. When Arlo reads about Paris and the one the French call La Dame de Fer, or Iron Lady, he decides it’s time to strike out on his first adventure. He travels to France and, guided by Augustin’s journal, discovers the joys of Paris: eating a flakey croissant at a café, visiting the Louvre, walking along the Seine and, of course, meeting the Iron Lady... But who is she? Each spread has a clue about her identity, and kids will see hints of her scattered throughout the book.

This book is like a gorgeous stroll through Paris with an adorable new friend--a stroll you’ll want to take again and again.

THE BURNING SEA Paul Collins and Sean McMullen - Ford St Publishing (Child) There is no lower rank than cabin boy on the warship Invincible. But Dantar knows he is important, because anyone who threatens his life gets turned into a pile of ashes. His older sister Velza is a shapecasting warrior, in a world where only men fight. Until now. Together they must solve the mystery of broken magic and escape the dragon.

BLUE MOON Tricia Oktober - Ford St Publishing (Child) “Cat kneads and treads, weaving a dream mat.

All cats make them... to sleep on and to dream.” Each blue moon, cats come together in a fabulous dream that lasts until dawn.

Follow Cat’s adventures in the fantastical garden and see if you can spot the famous cats, fishbone ferns, the pussy willows and tiger lilies. And could that be a meerkat tangled up with Cat’s dreams?

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 29

SHOPKINS SERIES 2 SO COOL FRIDGE Moose Enterprises

PROVIDED BY

Shopkins are super cute, fun, small characters that live in a big shopping world Over 100 different Shopkins characters per series brought to life as the cutest collectible characters Find your Shopkins inside adorable shopping bags Aisles of fun shopping themes to collect New characters every 3 months Look out for the special finish Ultra Rare characters All Playsets have movable, interactive features. Playsets connect together to create one large supermarket. Display and play with the ‘So Cool’ Fridge Playset Includes an ice dispenser, an egg seesaw, fridge stickers and removable trays for plug and play. This Playset also comes with 2 exclusive characters, 6 mini Shopkins eggs and a collectors guide.

SWIMWEAR - White Soda Add a splash of personality to your kids’ wardrobe with White Soda (www.whitesoda. com.au); an Australian made swimwear brand featuring fresh and contemporary designs with a modern-day fizz! Made from chlorine resistant stretch PBT material, lightweight and breathable fabric technology, all White Soda garments carry the highest possible sun protection rating of 50+ to block the sun- not the fun, fade or stretch.

Available in sizes 00-8, our little beach babes can select from Rash Tops; Briefs and Shorts; One-Piece costumes; Tankini Tops and Girls Briefs! Boys can mix ‘n match from the Bold Nautical range (soft navy blue, aqua green and WS side stripe); Nautical Sea Breeze (soft navy and pale blue with WS side stripe) or the Surf Dog ranges (WS Surf Dog print- packed with so much attitude!). White Soda Girls includes Pink Lemonade Daises and Stars (contrasting bright pink and white stars pattern; Dahlia Purples (striking daisy and butterfly design); Soft Navy Hearts (navy and pink); Turquoise Stripes and Retro Mint Tie-Dye (minty green and pink lemonade colours combined with white).

The practical adjustable straps will help our l’il swimmers stay comfy without compromising on style. Let’s splash!

MOVIE REVIEWS S P ONS ORED BY

GEELONG

HOME In cinemas: 19th March, 2D & 3D When Oh, a loveable misfit from another planet, lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from his own people, he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl named Tip who is on a quest of her own.

Through a series of comic adventures with Tip, Oh comes to understand that being different and making mistakes is all part of being human.

And while he changes her planet and she changes his world, they discover the true meaning of the word HOME. Cast includes Jim Parsons as the voice of OH, along with Rihanna, Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Matt Jones.

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER In cinemas: 26th March, 2D & 3D SpongeBob goes on a quest to discover a stolen recipe that takes him to our dimension, our world, where he tangles with a pirate. Cast includes Antonio Banderas.

PAGE 30 - MARCH 2015

FAMILY FUN AT DRYSDALE 15 MARCH For a fantastic fun day for the whole family, head to the Bellarine Peninsula for the annual Rotary Kids Fun Runs and Great Rail Runs.

The Rotary Kids Fun Runs on the Bellarine Rail Trail gives kids up to 12 years the chance to run alongside a steam engine at the Drysdale Railway Station. The event starts at 9.40am and has eight age-specific heats over distances suited to the age of the kids.

Adults can also get in on the fun and run the Great Rail Runs, a 17km run along the Bellarine Rail Trail from Queenscliff Railway Station to Drysdale Railway Station. Runners get to try to beat the steam train full of passengers to Drysdale in time for the Kids Fun Run. If 17km is a bit much, there’s also the 10km Suma Park Run and the Great Relay Run. Throughout the day runners and families will enjoy family focussed entertainment including train truck rides, face painting, crazy hair, an animal farm, jumping castle, easel painting as well as exhibitions by local organisations. There is also entertainment including the popular Gee Whiz Kids and Dazzling Dan the Magic Man live on the centre stage.

The Rotary Club of Kardinia organises the day, in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, the Bellarine Railway and PB Events and with support from sponsors including Bay FM, Snap Geelong, Lake Imaging, Davidsons, Faggs Mitre 10 and many others. The major beneficiary of the event is the Kids Plus Foundation, a local organisation that provides intensive therapy to special needs children with brain related disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy.

Find out more and register at www.

AnnualKidsFunRuns.com.au for the kids event and www.GreatRailRuns.com.au for the adult run.

Follow the kids event on Facebook at www. facebook.com/FamilyFunRuns and the adults event at www.facebook.com/TheGreatRailRuns | rotaryfamilyfunrun2@gmail.com

BELLARINE AGRICULTURAL SHOW - A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT ON THE TRANQUIL PORTARLINGTON BAY.

Things to do – climb a ROCKWALL, ride a pony, small rides for small children, pat baby animals in the Animal Nursery. Throw a gum boot, roll a hay bale, hammer in a nail.

Bring your dog on a lead and see how you go with most obedient, best trick or best dressed dog. Got an old gumboot? Decorate it in any style. These can be entered on the day.

Look at horses competing, cows, chooks, flower arrangements, many craft items and art/photography.

See how vintage machinery works, including a steam engine and a chaff cutter. Watch a fish being filleted, a sheep being shorn and cat’s fur being spun!

CHAINSAW sculpture on site – see a lump of wood become art.

Sculptures auctioned later in the day.

NEW for 2015 –the Bellarine Show Discovery Trail – children need to follow a special map collecting items along the way.

Entertainment to enjoy -the Glenn Miller Swing band, Cat Sanzaro, and The Black Sheep rocking on.

See you at the Portarlington Recreation Reserve Sunday of the long w/e March 8th.

MARCH 2015 - PAGE 31

5 MARCH Australian Breastfeeding Association; Western Heights Uniting Church Hall, 27-31 Douglass St, Herne Hill. Chat and play.

10am-12pm. For more information about meetings, please contact Kate on 0403 232726 or abageelonggroup@gmail.com 6 MARCH Apple Fair 2015, Ocean Grove Primary School, Draper St, Ocean Grove. Enjoy all things apple at the Ocean Grove Apple Fair! Twilight event from 4.30pm Friday of the Labour Day long weekend in March.

Delicious food, wine, music, children’s fun activities, carnival rides, silent auction. The Apple Fair is the main fundraiser for Ocean Grove Primary School. 4 - 9pm 6 - 8 MARCH Motor City Music Festival, 79 Breakwater Street, East Geelong. Motor City Music Festival has a dedicated Family Day on the Sunday - so bring the grandparents and the kids! On-site parking is free. There is a wide range of food trucks and stalls and the event will culminate in a huge fireworks display.

8 MARCH Bellarine Show, Portarlington Recreation Reserve, Boat Rd, Portarlington. A family friendly event featuring live animals to see and touch. Craft demonstrations, displays of crafts, cookery, art, photography.

Cattle, horses, dogs, tractors, vintage machinery. A treasure hunt, rock wall, live music, dog competitions. 9am - 4pm.

8 MARCH 2015 Bellarine Buskers Competition, Point Lonsdale Bowls Club, Point Lonsdale Rd, Point Lonsdale. The Bellarine Busking Competition is the perfect platform for amateur artists and groups to showcase their singing and/or musical talents to the Bellarine Region. 8.30am - 2pm. Free 9 MARCH Tuning into Kids Parenting Program, Ariston House, 245 Pakington St, Newtown. Tuning into Kids is a six session parenting program to enable parents to help their children learn to understand and regulate their emotions and subsequently become more resilient. It teaches parents awareness and regulation of their own emotions; awareness of their children’s emotions; to use children’s emotional experiences as an opportunity for closeness and teaching; skills in assisting children to verbally label their emotions and to assist children in problem solving to guide children’s behaviour with appropriate limits.

10 MARCH Parenting Your Teenager, Ariston House, 245 Pakington St, Newtown. This four week program looks at ways to maintain a positive relationship during the ups and downs of adolescence. Many changes occur at puberty; these can be perplexing for teenagers as well as their parents.

This is a time of developing independence for young adults while slowly and safely releasing parental control. Not an easy task!

10 MARCH Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Programme, Warralily Coast, 5 Coastside Drive, Armstrong Creek. This program enables parents to ‘walk in the child’s shoes’ and provides practical help in understanding children’s emotional development, assists parents to develop attentive communication skills with their children and enjoy parenting as a two-way learning journey. Parents are encouraged to reflect upon and understand the meaning of their children’s behaviour, while gaining insights into the triggers that cause strong emotional responses from parents. The insights gained enable parents to develop the ability to contain these reactions and respond more thoughtfully to children’s behaviour.

11 MARCH Australian Breastfeeding Association; 112 McKillop Street, Geelong. Do you need a “breastfeeding plan”? 10am-12pm.

For more information about meetings, please contact Kate on 0403 232726 or abageelonggroup@gmail.com 11 MARCH Grandparenting 1st Time Around, Maternal & Child Health, 29 Reynolds Road, Highton. Are you about to become or have just become a Grandparent for the first time? Would you like to know what has changed since you were a parent? The Grandparenting for the 1st time program looks at what has changed in caring for infants since your own child was a baby, reminders about safety and explores the role of Grandparenting.

13 - 15 MARCH Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta, Barwon River, Geelong. Schoolgirls represent their school from Year 9 to Year 12 in various events run over three days.

Families and spectators can enjoy the atmosphere from Richardson Reserve and support the girls. Free 14 MARCH Color Me Rad 5K, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds. 7.30am - 2pm.

14 MARCH St Joseph’s College P&F Trivia Night, St Joseph’s College, 135 Aphrasia St, Newtown. Grab some friends and come along for a fun night out, great prizes are up for grabs for the winners - or try your luck in the raffle! Tables seat a maximum of 10. Drinks available for purchase on the evening (please no BYO) though you are welcome to bring along some snacks (Brain food!) everyone is welcome. We would love to see you there. 7 - 10.30pm.

15 MARCH Sanitarium Weet-bix Kids TRYathlon, Eastern Beach Reserve, Waterfront, Geelong. A Kids Tryathlon aimed at providing children between the ages of 7-15 years with an opportunity to ‘have a go’ at the sport of Triathlon (swim, bike and run). A family friendly event set in a fun environment on the city’s Waterfront.

Promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and believes that every kid is a champion!

15 MARCH Little River Country Fair, Little River Primary School, 21 Flinders St, Little River. The 26th Annual Little River Country Fair is a significant fundraising event for Little River Primary School and is a highlight for the local community. This year’s event will include: Free Entry; Entertainment starting with a Bagpiper at 10.00am; Auction; Silent Auction; Side Show Alley Games for the children; Animal Farm; BBQ (supplied by the Little River Lions Club); Devonshire Teas, Coffee Van and Ice Cream Van; Produce Stall, Homemade cakes, sweets and lots more. Come and enjoy a wonderful family fun filled day. 10am - 3pm. Free 16 MARCH Tuning into Kids Parenting Program, Ariston House, 245 Pakington St, Newtown. See 9 March entry for more information.

17 MARCH Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Programme, Warralily Coast, 5 Coastside Drive, Armstrong Creek. See 10 March entry for more information.

17 MARCH Parenting Your Teenager, Ariston House, 245 Pakington St, Newtown. See 10 March entry for more information.

18 MARCH Grandparenting 1st Time Around, Maternal & Child Health, 29 Reynolds Road, Highton.

See 11 March entry for more information.

20 MARCH Geelong East Primary School Twilight Easter Fete, Geelong East Primary School, 184 Boundary Rd, Geelong East. A fun evening of rides, stalls and performances.

Unlimited ride tickets available from the school office for $28. Individual ride tickets available on the night for $6. Rides include: Cha Cha, Giant slide, Chair-o-Plane, Jurassic jumping adventure The fun starts at 4pm!! 4 - 8pm. Free 21 MARCH Pants Down Circus, Potato Shed, Peninsula Drive, Drysdale. It’s a long way to the top the big top! Imagine the greatest rock band ever, as a circus. Set to a pumping classic rock soundtrack with acrobatics, juggling, hula hoops, death-defying stunts and incredible displays of agility and silliness, this special show from Australia’s freshest and funniest circus troop is sure to delight.

Licenced bar, cabaret seating, BYO nibbles.

8pm.

22 MARCH WestFEST, Cnr Autumn and Pakington Sts, Geelong West. WestFEST is a free community arts festival set in beautiful leafy West Park in Geelong West. It brings together the people of Geelong West and beyond to profile local artists, creative industries and community groups. Following in the tradition of our previous festivals, there will be a dynamic music lineup on the main stage, interactive demonstrations, come along and try activities, a vibrant children’s area, and a market filled with handmade stalls. There will be something for everyone at WestFEST! 1 - 6pm. Free

23 MARCH Australian Breastfeeding Association; 16 Barleycorn Bend, Armstrong Creek.

Returning to work and breastfeeding.

10am -12pm. For more information about meetings, please contact Kate on 0403 232726 or abageelonggroup@gmail.com.

22 MARCH Lara Food and Wine Festival 2015, Pirra Homestead, 110 Windermere, Lara.

The Lara Food and Wine Festival will showcase food and wine that is available from around the region, and the state (where local vendors cannot attend).

Cooking demonstrations, art show and photo competition, entertainment., (static) children’s activities, local and international chefs and celebrities. This festival provides an opportunity for the community to come together locally to celebrate the best that we have to offer locally and regionally. It is a family event. $5 23 MARCH Tuning into Kids Parenting Program, Ariston House, 245 Pakington St, Newtown. See 9 March entry for more information.

23 MARCH Play in the Park, Botanic Gardens, 1 - 49 Garden St, East Geelong. Free family fun at the Geelong Botanic Gardens and Children’s Playspace during the 2015 National Playgroup Week Celebrations.

Come and join in the fun activities for children and their families: the Mik Maks; Krazy Koala puppet show; pop up creative play; drumming workshops; storytelling; music; face painting; Itty Bitty book van; animal farm; hoola hooping; baby play area; fairy and dragon trail; and lots more.

Activities will be held between both sites.

BYO picnic lunch and enjoy in the pop up picnic area in the Botanic Gardens, BYO BBQ and cook in rotunda near children’s playspace or enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat in the Botanic Gardens Tea House.10am 1pm. Free 24 MARCH Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Programme, Warralily Coast, 5 Coastside Drive, Armstrong Creek. See 10 March entry for more information.

28 -29 MARCH 2015 Victorian Lifesaving Championships; Ocean Grove SLSC, Surf Beach Rd, Ocean Grove. Free 28 - 29 MARCH Day Out With Thomas, Bellarine Railway, Queenscliff. www.bellarinerailway.com.au

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