Kids Voice August 2015

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F I R S T T R I P T O T H E D EN TIS T - HEA L THY S M IL ES F O R YO UNG PEO PLE Y O UTH H O M E LE S S N E S S - A L C OHOL & EN ERGY D R INK S - 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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WELCOME

COOL FACTS 4 KIDS

BUSINESS MANAGER

1. Did someone say desert? Not to be confused with the lovely sweet dish that people eat after dinner (which is dessert), but the big dry pieces of land. Australia has 10 deserts (although Australians do eat lots of desserts). The biggest such desert is the Great Victorian Desert. It is located in Western Australia and it covers 5% of the state. While this may not sound like much, Western Australia is 2,645,615km², meaning the desert is in fact 348,750 km², making it just a little smaller than Germany and 1.4 times bigger than the UK!

Michele Mitten EDITORIAL The A Team ADVERTISING Ann Wojczuk 0497 704 084 ann@thevoicegroup.com.au GRAPHICS & LAYOUT ARTIST Elise Blach STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Alan Barber COVER MODEL Bella Angus PO BOX 54, OCEAN GROVE VICTORIA, 3226 PHONE: 03 5255 3233 FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com /KidsVoiceGeelong KIDSVOICE.COM.AU 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.

2. Big man eating crocodiles. Let us get one thing straight, they eat more than just men. So if you are a child or a woman, we are sorry to have to say that you are not safe from crocodiles either. Tropical northern Australia is home to the worlds largest species of salt water crocodile, and they can grow as big as 6.7m (22 ft). Almost every year there is at least one fatal crocodile attack in Australia 3. The land down under. Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere.

Water flushes/spirals in the opposite direction compared to water in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is from December to February, meaning it is hot at Christmas time. All the stars are upside down compared to the stars in the Northern Hemisphere.

4. The first official World Surfing Championship was in Sydney in 1964.

5. Surf clothing. Popular surf clothing brands such as Quicksilver, Billabong, Roxi, and Rip Curl all come from Australia.

SUBMIT YOUR PICS HERE... design@kidsvoice.com.au

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CONTENTS

13 Waurn Ponds Winter Wonderland

23 Crafts & Cooking

14 Geelong book for teenagers

24 Reviews

6

Your child’s first visit to the dentist

17 Holding a party for a teenager

27 What’s On

7

Healthy smiles for young people

18 Breakwater Eagles Soccer Club

...AND MUCH MORE

10 Preventing youth homelessness

TH I S I S SU E ’ S

C O VER G I RL. . .

20 Music & Arts: Jack Attard

NAME & AGE:

Bella Angus, 2½ years

FAVOURITE FOOD? BBQ Chicken

FAVOURITE TOY? My stuffed elephant

FAVOURITE THING TO DO? Ballet

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13

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Alpacas of the Bellarine

There is something for everyone to love about alpacas.

They feel incredibly soft; the gently humming they make is soothing and they are easy for children to handle. Add to the list that their soft feet are gentle on the environment and they instinctively guard vulnerable livestock against fox attacks, it is little wonder that alpacas are the all-round farm animal, guaranteed to pass on a warm fuzzy!

Once a month on a Sunday, the alpacas at Sensuri Alpacas Wallington wait patiently for their young handlers to arrive.

The young members spend the next two hours gaining the alpacas’ trust, asking them to follow them over obstacles: into tyres, over bridges, under low lying branches and onto unfamiliar surfaces. It is fun and rewarding to see the confidence building in each team of alpaca and handler.

The vibe was highly focussed for our Alpaca Parader’s at the Royal Melbourne Show.

Handling alpacas teaches valuable lessons about your own behaviour. It’s a chance to learn about the different ways we communicate without words. As a flight animal, alpacas respond to the handler’s breathing, posture and movements, and are very sensitive to loud voices. When handlers change their behaviours, the alpaca trusts them and follows their leader. It’s a fun way to learn about behaviour and begin to develop leadership skills.

Out of the alpaca paddocks, Cath and Brendon Lukin, owners of Sensuri Alpacas in Wallington are both musicians and educators and first saw the potential for involving young people with the alpacas when they came across an article from Sweden, where an Alpaca breeder was very excited about the connections teenagers made with alpacas and how the experiences improved their lives. American specialist, Marty McGee Bennett sums up what excites the Lukins about founding Bellarine Alpaca Youth (BAY)

Kate O Brien takes Suri Alpaca, Aimee through the practice course at Wallington

“The point is not to lead a bomb-proof alpaca over some obstacles without hesitation, the idea is to demonstrate real handling ability along with understanding, communication and compassion” Marty McGee Bennett, USA Quite a bit has been published about the benefits of animals for child development. In this electronic age, it is becoming ever more challenging for young people to have the opportunity to experience farm skills and interact with larger animals such as alpacas on a regular basis, so BAY is filling a much needed gap as an engaging outdoor programme. The relationship between animals and humans pre-dates civilization. The study of this relationship, know as Anthrozoology is a modern interdisciplinary science which overlaps several areas, including social work, psychology, veterinary medicine and paediatrics. A prominent area of research is looking at the positive effects of human-animal relationships on both the animal and the

handler. This is also related to the associated discipline of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). In USA, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, AAT has been practised for many years and there is increasing interest in demonstrating its effectiveness through research. Overall, AAT is associated with improved outcomes in four areas: Autism-spectrum symptoms, medical difficulties, behavioural problems and emotional well-being.

Recognising that it is important to provide young people with opportunities to get together, share experiences and come away with a sense of progress and achievement, the Youth Development Reference Panel of the Australian Alpaca Association developed a nationally recognised Alpaca Youth Paraders event. There are currently five Youth Parader events held in Victoria, several in NSW and QLD and a National event held each year in September.

The Alpaca Youth Parader’s event includes two divisions.

1. Showmanship 2. Stockmanship Showmanship focuses on developing the presentation skills required for handlers of livestock in an agricultural show.

Stockmanship tests the skills of the handler and the level of trust developed between alpaca and handler by negotiating a course of challenges. Each challenge represents an everyday situation that might be encountered on a farm.

Watching teams of alpacas and young people negotiate the obstacles and succeed is gripping stuff for the onlookers and participants alike. Everyone holds their breath, wanting each team to succeed. There is a very positive spirit about this competition.

BAY members flung themselves confidently in the deep end, by competing at the Royal Melbourne Alpaca Show.

Everyone had a great time soaking up the atmosphere, completing all the challenges required and received awards ranging from Highly Commended to Reserve Champion.

We took home our very first show ribbons after only one month’s training!

Bellarine Alpaca Youth (BAY) is first and foremost an opportunity for young people to have fun sharing the alpacas and choosing their own level of involvement in the group’s activities. There is no expectation that members will own alpacas and competing in events is optional.

You are welcome to join us and find out more. To receive details, please email sensurialpacas@gmail.com or like us on facebook (Bellarine Alpaca Youth) and leave a message.

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Your Child’s First Visit to the Dentist

on age) or sit on a parents lap in the chair. The child may have a ride up and down in the clinic chair and see that there is a bright light that enables the dentist to count their teeth. These little valuable interactions reduce the fear associated with visiting different and new environments.

There are many strategies that we, as parents, can also adopt that will help your child enjoy their first visit: • Make the appointment for after your child’s scheduled nap or early morning so that they feel well rested.

The Australian Dental Association recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist should take place within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. Many parents think this recommendation is more about making money for the industry, and that around the age of three is more appropriate for a first visit.

Either way, at some point your child is going to have his or her first visit to the dentist, and their experience, whether frightening or enjoyable, is likely to set the pattern for their visits from that point on.

The purpose of this article is to provide your child with the best possible chance of their first visit being an enjoyable one, and establishing a positive pattern that will lead to a range of positive health benefits for the rest of their life.

• When you’re playing with your child make a game out of “going to the dentist”. Let them look at your teeth and then you can ask them to open their mouth wide. Count their teeth, then switch roles and encourage them to count your teeth.

and quick oral examination. However, the most common response in a two year old is “no”.

3 year old Children 3 year old children are usually happy to jump into the dental chair for the dentist to have a look but would want their parent present for any restoration work like a filling.

4 year old Children Most 4 year olds are happy to sit separately from their parents for exams and treatment procedures although they would still want their parents in the room.

• Read a book to them about going to the dentist.

When the time arrives to attend your child’s first dental appointment, some good strategies are: • Try not to display any signs of fear or anxiety. Fear and anxiety are contagious and we can transmit our fear and anxiety to our children

• When referring to the dentist keep your language positive. Don’t use negative words or phrases like “It won’t hurt”, or talk about “injections” or “drilling teeth”. If you appear relaxed and comfortable when talking about a visit to the dentist, your child will assume it’s nothing to worry about.

• Bring your child’s favourite comfort toy along to the appointment • Be physically and emotionally present in the consultation room. Engage with the dentist and ask questions about your child’s oral hygiene (avoid spending the time on your mobile phone)

At the first visit, give the dentist your child’s complete medical history and inform the dentist, prior to the appointment, if your child has stubborn, shy, defiant or fearful traits in other life experiences. Parents generally know their children well, and are able to anticipate their child’s possible responses to certain situations. This ensures the dentist won’t be caught off guard by your child’s reactions, and can plan the most helpful strategies and responses.

• If your child is comfortable in the chair, try not to hover.

Allow your child to initiate the level of support they feel they need e.g. hand holding or words of reassurance.

For the best possible chance of the first visit to the dentist being a positive experience, it is important to ensure it occurs prior to the need for any intrusive dental work, when the visit is only for a check-up. This means the visit can be brief, interesting, pain free and fun, and most parents Below is a brief guide to help prepare you: don’t realise that decay can begin as soon as a child’s teeth Teething - Symptoms that indicate that your baby may be erupt. teething include: Child friendly private dentists generally charge a minimal • Red or swollen gums fee for a first examination, as their preference is for young • An increase in saliva production children to feel positive about oral hygiene and regular • Anxiety and feeling “out of sorts” dental checkups. In fact, if the parents visit a dentist • A change in oral habits eg biting regularly and initiate a consultant for their infant’s first visit, • Lack of appetite often there will be no charge at all, as good family dentists • Difficulty with sleeping value the opportunity to educate parents about the best Children aged between 10 and 24 months techniques for cleaning and monitoring their child’s oral They may experience separation anxiety and become health. upset if taken from their parents for an oral examination.

Visiting early allows your child to familiarise themselves Sitting the child on your lap while the dentist has a look with the clinical setting. At their first visit your child will works well for this age. get to see people wearing unusual clothes, and possibly Children between the ages of 2 and 3 years wearing facial masks. The dentist will often encourage They may cope with a brief separation from the parent your child to either jump up in the dental chair (depending and may even be happy to jump up in the chair for a ride

Remember, most of our fear about visiting dentists is in our mind, so if you appear relaxed about visits to the dentist and if your child’s first experience of the dentist is a positive one, you are likely to set your child up for a lifetime of positive experiences at the dentist. This in turn will lead to more regular checkups; earlier detection of problems; less intrusive interventions; and a reduced likelihood of costly problems later in life.

At Bellarine Community Health in Point Lonsdale, we have a friendly team of dental professionals. All children under the age of 12 years can be seen with no waiting period.

Call our team on ph: 52580828 for a caring, honest and affordable approach to dental care.

Glenys Blomfield - Bellarine Community Health With five centres around the Bellarine Peninsula, Bellarine Community Health(www.bch.org.au) provides health services to families across the region. The Child Health and Development Team offers a family-centred service focussing on the well being of children aged 0-12 years.

The team includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, physiotherapy and dentistry.They can be contacted through BCH Intake –Telephone: 5258 0812 or Email: intake@bch.org.au

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Healthy Smiles for Young People

Why can’t I just use mouthrinse instead of brushing?

Remember how plaque is a sticky layer? Well mouthrinse doesn’t work well on the plaque stuck to teeth. You need to rub the plaque away with your toothbrush. A soft toothbrush works fine and is best for your gums.

Mouthrinse just cleans up some bacteria floating about on your tongue and cheeks, it doesn’t really get to the sticky plaque on your teeth. The advertising for mouthrinse can be a little misleading.

How did I get a hole in a tooth?

Tooth decay (holes or cavities) is caused by the plaque that you haven’t brushed away and sugar you eat. The plaque germs “eat” the sugar and then make acid. It’s the acid that makes holes in your teeth. So if you brush well and try to minimise sweet snacks and drinks, you should avoid decay. Also, fluoridated (tap) water and fluoride toothpaste toughen up your teeth so the acid can’t attack them as much.

Hi teens!

Looking after your teeth once you reach high school is extra important, because you probably have all your adult teeth. These adult teeth will help you smile, speak and eat for the rest of your life if you look after them. Below are some common tooth questions asked by young people. Of course everyone and their teeth are unique, so for more information about your situation, visit your dentist.

Why is it important to brush my teeth every day?

Humans have bacteria (germs) living all over our bodies and usually they don’t cause any problems. However, the bacteria on our teeth can be harmful when they build up into a sticky layer called “plaque”. You can’t see plaque well because it is a creamy colour just like your teeth. Your dentist can tell you about products that dye the plaque on your teeth, to make it easier to see and brush away (disclosing tablets). Plaque causes tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. Brushing your teeth removes the plaque… but it starts to grow again just after you brush! So that’s why you need to brush regularly.

What foods are tooth-friendly?

Savoury snacks are best for your teeth. Think dip and crackers, cut up vegies, nuts and toasties with ham, tomato and cheese. Fresh fruit is also good because the sugar is low. But in dried fruit like sultanas, the sugar level is much higher and not so tooth-friendly. Plain milk and water are the best drinks for your teeth. My go-to snack is a bowl of porridge with milk and slices of banana.

Why should I visit the dentist if I don’t have any pain?

Tooth decay happens without pain because it’s a slow process. If a tooth starts aching it’s a very bad sign. Aches are often because a hole in the tooth has gotten really large, maybe even too big to fix. If you see your dentist regularly they can check your teeth for very small holes that are easy to fix. But if don’t go regularly the decay will keep getting bigger and harder to repair.

What are wisdom teeth?

These are the big chewing teeth (molars) that grow right at the back of your mouth. Some people are naturally missing wisdom teeth, so if you want to know about yours, ask your dentist. You might need an x-ray for the dentist to be able to tell you if you have them. The x-ray above shows all 4 wisdom teeth (arrowed), and the bottom ones are impacted (stuck).

If there is enough space, wisdom teeth grow into the mouth at about age 17-20. Often, there isn’t enough

space so people have them removed. If you need your wisdom teeth out, a dentist might recommend you see an oral surgeon. An oral surgeon is a specialist dentist who has years of extra training in removing wisdom teeth (and other important stuff like fixing broken jawbones and helping people who have cancer in their mouth).

Why do some people have crooked teeth and how do braces work?

There’s no easy answer to why some people have crooked teeth. But luckily, if you have a tooth that’s in the wrong place, or you don’t like the look of your smile, there are BEFORE BRACES treatments.For many teenagers, the fastest way to get things straightened out is with braces.

Braces use gentle pressure on the teeth to slowly and safely move them through the jawbone.

AFTER BR ACES The end result is that teeth should be straight and bite together well. If you visit a specialist orthodontist about your crooked teeth, you are seeing an expert with years of extra university training after being a dentist. Orthodontists don’t do check-ups, tooth cleaning or fillings, but do love helping people straighten out their smiles!

Online dental health resources you can trust: Dental Health Services Victoria www.dhsv.org.au/dental-advice/ general-dental-advice/young-adults Australian Dental Association: www.ada.org.au/oralhealth/default.aspx Dr Amanda Leen Specialist orthodontist at Geelong Orthodontics and Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne

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The Ladder of Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness can be a complex issue, partly due to the causes, the age of the people it impacts on and the fact that it is often referred to as ‘invisible homelessness’.

There is no one fix as each person’s experience with homelessness is different – there may be similarities but it is a personal experience, and can often be isolating.

Every night in Australia there are over 26,000 young people aged 12 to 24 who are homeless.

Family breakdown, domestic violence and abuse in the home are some of the main reasons for youth homelessness. The 2011 Census estimates that 6,117 young Victorians aged 12-24 will be homeless tonight.

Many young people who are homeless are ‘couch surfing’ which is when they stay with friends or family, often on the couch, and can spend weeks or if they’re lucky, months doing this before they wear out their welcome which can lead them to refuges, rooming houses or on the street.During this time, they’re rightly concerned with finding somewhere safe and secure to live which can severely impact school or work.

Ladder is an organisation that was established in 2007 by three AFL players who believed that AFL players and the broader AFL industry could make a significant impact on the issue of youth homelessness. Each AFL player donates $25 to Ladder when he steps onto the field and since 2008 they have collectively donated $1million to Ladder.

In 2013 Ladder formed a partnership with the Cotton On Foundation, Geelong Cats, Barwon Child, Youth & Family and Yarra Community Housing to provide an integrated service aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and enabling a young person to live independently.

The Ladder Geelong program follows the foyer model which provides a young person with access to affordable housing; support and security; education and training; and work experiences and job opportunities. There are currently 12 young people in Ladder Geelong, each for up to two years. Each member of the Ladder partnership has an area of expertise to ensure a holistic program is provided.

Ladder’s contribution to the partnership is our unique development program that focuses on the young person’s future. When a young person joins our program we don’t ask where they have been, other

services do that, we want to know where they want to go and then set about working with them to help them achieve their hopes, dreams and aspirations.

The Ladder development program is comprised of services we call Game Plan, Health & Wellbeing, Leadership Skills, Mentoring and Education, Employment and Training Support. The Geelong Cats assist Ladder with our Health & Wellbeing, Leadership Skills and Mentoring services with current and past players helping our program coordinators to run sessions with the young people. The Cats also support the program by providing access to the Deakin Cats Community Centre at Simonds Stadium for sessions and meetings.

The Cotton On Foundation has been supporting the program by funding the rental subsidy program.

Young people in the program are required to pay rent (Ladder subsidises a portion) which gradually increases over time so they are able to improve their financial management and have a rental history when moving into independent living. Recently Cotton On Foundation has increased its support with a trial internship program which sees a young person enrolled into a certificate in hospitality course and provided with a traineeship in the café at their head office. They have also been assisting Ladder in helping to facilitate casual and part time work in their retail stores.

Referrals to the program come through Barwon Child, Youth & Family.

There are a number of easy ways for the community to support Ladder Geelong program. One way is through our Homepage for the Homeless website (homepageforthehomeless.org) where you click on one of the keyholes and a percentage, up to 15%, of your total purchase will be donated to Ladder by the retailer at no additional cost to you. Participants include Amazon, Wotif, Expedia, Hunting for George to name a few.

Another easy way to support our work is by buying The Unite Project water when you’re at a café or your local Bendigo Bank in the Geelong area. The Unite Project is a collective made up of the Cotton On Foundation, Emma & Tom’s, Fluid and Ladder. The Unite Project will be donating all proceeds from the sales of water in Geelong to support Ladder Geelong.

For more information about Ladder or to make a tax deductible donation, please visit ladder.org.au.

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Preventing Youth Homelessness When many hear the word ‘homeless’, their immediate thought is of life on the street. Many of us consider it a problem amongst adults and older people, and we recognise only the visible aspects of homelessness of those who are sleeping rough outside in all weather.

But homelessness is also a silent and invisible epidemic, gripping the lives of children and families across the country. And sadly this epidemic is growing. Between the last 2 censuses there has been an increase of 17% in the number of young people classified as homeless.

It’s a trend that has to be halted.

Kids Under Cover is a not for profit organisation dedicated to preventing youth homelessness, and in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast area alone they have directly assisted 21 at-risk young people. Kids Under Cover recognise that when a young person becomes homeless this is generally because they feel there is simply no other option..

CEO of Kids Under Cover, Jo Swift, is very clear about homelessness and how complex its root causes are.

“Causes of homelessness are many and varied,” said Jo. “In addition to family breakdown, physical neglect, sexual abuse, sibling conflict, substance abuse, there are issues of family violence, mental health problems, and housing affordability and conflict. All of these elements can be exacerbated by the simple fact of overcrowding in the home.”

Research both domestically and internationally shows early intervention and prevention programs are cost effective tools to helping prevent homelessness in the first instance. However Kids Under Cover believes because young people at risk are invisible and the pathways to homelessness complex, it makes discussion about prevention more difficult.

“Overcrowding is the fastest growing risk factor for homelessness,” explained Jo. “Sadly the combination of overcrowding and extreme overcrowding constitutes 50% of all homeless in Victoria.”

By drawing attention to the invisible yet at-risk group of young people, and tackling issues related to overcrowding, Kids Under Cover is preventing many young people from ending up on the streets.

Kids Under Cover implements a simple and effective studio program that is delivered through a partnership with more than 70 Community Services Organisations across the country. The studio program installs temporary and secure housing in the form of a relocatable studio into the backyards of family and others who are taking care of at-risk young people – the studios are a welcome respite for the young person and family alike, providing a valuable safe space and opportunity to remain connected to home. The studios are secure housing for young people who are living in insecure environments, living temporarily with family and friends, those in unfit or nonconventional environments and those who are subject to extreme overcrowding.

“We firmly believe the most effective way to reduce the number of young people experiencing homelessness is through prevention and early intervention,” Jo said. “We also believe preventing youth homelessness must start with accommodation. Our intervention focuses on those at risk due to inadequate or insecure housing.”

Kayla is 18 years old, and living on Melbourne’s outskirts with her extended family. Following the death of her mother when Kayla was younger, and the inability of her father to take care of her and two siblings –Kayla moved into a three-bedroomed house with her grandparents and two cousins - some of whom struggled with mental health issues.

The overcrowding in the small family home was extreme, with three young girls at one stage sharing a small room and Kayla reporting, “you had to slide your back along the wall to get out of the room”.

It was not a space conducive for study or for completing schoolwork, and relationships could often be fractious.

Kids Under Cover installed a small studio with a bedroom and toilet into the backyard, immediately providing the family with breathing space.

“As an individual, having the studio from Kids Under Cover has been really important,” said Kayla. “Our entire family is really grateful. I know that as people we all need space for growth, to truly find yourself and be the person you need to be. This is true for kids who just have regular issues of growing up, and haven’t had additional pressures of hardship or trauma.”

For Kayla the studio was vital to help her through her final years of schooling, and help her complete her Certificate

III in Community Services. She knows that her pathways, without the studio, would have been very different.

“It relieved the pressure. It relieved the struggle,” said Kayla.

installation of the studio in their backyard.

“There would be quite a battle for the studio if I ever gave it up,” laughed Kayla. “Everyone, including my granddad, wants it!”

“The importance of our studio program is that it gives a young person freedom to choose to remain connected to their families and support networks,” said Jo. “It provides them with a vital and personal sense of safety and space, and once it is no longer needed the studio is relocated to accommodate another person in need.”

But for now, Kayla is busy focusing on her studies and plans on enrolling in a Diploma of Community Services.

Kayla’s studio, once the family no longer needs it, will be moved on to assist another family. In total the studio may help up to four different families, preventing a significant number of young people from ending up on the streets.

None of these ideas were on the table a mere five years ago, when Kayla’s family was struggling to deal with their issues of overcrowding. Today, Kayla and her extended network happily welcome visitors to the studio, including a recent visit by Carly and Leighton the runners-up of the Channel 9 reality TV Show ‘Reno Rumble’.

“It’s crucial across the sector we direct investment to early intervention,” explained Jo. “Beyond the devastating cost to young people themselves, figures from 2012 calculate that each homeless person costs society on average $29,450 per year, and $705,264 over that person’s lifetime. Funding that supports early intervention or prevention of youth homelessness is always an important, long-term investment.”

Kayla and her family are not thinking of the financial cost of homelessness, but rather they are thinking of the brighter future the whole family now has a result of the

“I wouldn’t mind doing a traineeship or volunteering until I get into the course I want. I do need to learn working skills and I need practical skills work within the parameters of the service.”

Kayla wasn’t fazed by the visit from the celebrities who had come to show their support for the charity Kids Under Cover.

“I had to do a mad clean before they visited,” explained Kayla. “But that’s not a new thing. I have people come and visit me in my home all the time, to see just how wonderful and useful the studios are for young people like me.”

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 11

forward and open their home and heart by becoming her foster family.

Ayana’s case workers all believe that the sooner she can find a stable foster home, the more it will mean for her future.

“She is unbelievably positive and resilient, just the most lovely girl,” said her support worker Gemma, from MacKillop Family Services.

Help Ayana Fifteen-year-old Ayana loves to paint and draw, attends school full-time, likes hanging out with friends, and volunteers with young children in the Geelong area.

Someone meeting her for the first time would never guess how traumatic her past has been, or how uncertain her future still remains. They would have no idea that she has no permanent home to call her own, or that a stable family environment is the thing she longs for the most.

Ayana has just recently come out of a long history of abuse at the hands of the people she should have been most able to trust. It is her greatest hope, and that of her caseworkers, that someone in the Geelong area will come

“Ayana is a very sweet child, and loves to be around young children. She gets along with everyone and would absolutely flourish in a family environment, but we haven’t been able to find one for her yet due to the high number of children in the system. She needs a very compassionate person, couple, or family who can nurture her, let her go at her own pace, and be her own person. A calm, stable environment will help her to work through past trauma and express her emotions, and we have very high hopes for her future. ” MacKillop staff would work closely and provide an exceptionally high level of support to any potential foster carers who could offer Ayana a loving home. A team exists to support Ayana and her carers completely and is dedicated to providing carer training or anything else to assist the right family to create a good home for her.

Ayana is in many ways a typical 15-year-old girl; she loves the colour pink and having her nails painted. She also thrives on being nurtured and will often seek out a staff member for a cuddle or to read together.

Her support workers say she can come across as shy when introduced to new situations and will sit quietly until she feels comfortable; however has a great sense of humour once she adjusts to a new person.

Jasmine Perry, MacKillop’s Manager of Carer Development, urged anyone who is considering becoming a foster carer to come forward.

“If anyone is interested but has any specific concerns or limitations, I would urge them to get in touch with us by calling 1300 791 677 or visit our website www.mackillop. org.au. Chances are that we could work out a good solution for everyone involved,” she said.

“Please talk about this with your friends, neighbours, anyone you think might be a good fit for Ayana. Maybe you or someone you know could lead to a home for her.

She has already been through more than most of us can imagine and dealt with it better than many adults ever could have, and she is waiting every day.”

Sadly, Ayana’s story is not unique.

The most recent statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW, 2015) show that there are over 43,000 Australian children living in out-of-home care, and that number has risen every year over the past 10 years, increasing 20% from June 2010 to June 2014.

Now is the time to act.

If you think you can help Ayana or someone like her, or just want to know more, there is no obligation— just get in touch via our hotline (1300 791 677) or website: mackillop.org.au, and you could change a life.

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SRC Congress The Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC) is the peak body representing secondary students in Victoria. As a member of the VicSRC Executive team students consult with students across the state, promote and represent student voice at all levels of decision making including their school, community and at a state level, meet with the Minister for Education and other senior members of the Education Department, develop their public speaking and presenting skills, have access to training, two camps and skill development, communicate student’s views to relevant state bodies and help set up state-wide projects and planning for state meetings like the VicSRC Congress.

Congress 2015 was held from 8 – 10 July at the University of Melbourne and two students – Nina and Kayla Denham – from Bellarine Secondary College attended the event.

“VicSRC Congress 2015 really is something to remember. Staying at the beautiful Ormond College in Melbourne, 170 students from across Victoria took part in a three day camp as part of the official 2015 VicSRC congress. We got to meet students from all across the state who shared the same passion for student voice as my sister Kayla and I both do. We got to attend workshops on the first day to build up our skill set before moving off into issue groups to discuss our motions that we wanted to pass through congress. For a little bit of a twist on our opening night a Harry Potter themed gala dinner was held, and everyone who was anyone was dressing up for the occasion, there was live music and a great meal and it really started congress off with a bang!

On the second day it was the official opening of congress and each of the eleven issue groups went up to present their ideas and issue to the rest of the delegates. Then it was debated over and a vote was held. In the end eight of the eleven issues were passed through congress and would be the centre and starting point for the group of students called the VicSRC Exect to source solutions for in the coming years. On the third and final day each issue group proposed their action plan on their motion, this was to be done in a creative way such as a skit or musical number; all in all it was a great way to conclude congress. Congress was such a great experience and we will take a lot away from it, it gave us vital skills and knowledge that will now help us and our school to progress and turn up the volume on our student’s voices!” Nina Denham (Student Government Senior Member, Year 10 Bellarine Secondary College) At Congress 2015, delegates discussed, debated and decided on the Belief Statements that form VicSRC’s advocacy platform for 2015-2016. These Belief Statements included: • FACILITIES: The VicSRC believes that all schools should meet required standards that ensure equipment and facilities are professional, safe, modern and well maintained. All teachers, students and classrooms must have their needs catered.

Schools should be provided with adequate and equitable funding through communication with the school community, areas which require improvements may be discovered and clarified.

• STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS: The VicSRC believes that the foundations of the relationship between a teacher and a student must be built upon mutual trust, respect and unwavering support. Each party must be able to communicate effectively to ensure a healthy environment for learning.

• SCHOOL LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE: The VicSRC believes that there should be mandatory student involvement in decision making processes by partaking in high level policy meetings including, by not limited to, school council meetings.

• STUDENT WELLBEING & WELFARE: The VicSRC believes that all students must be able to feel safe in the school environment.

Students should readily have access to support including counsellors and teachers. This establishes an environment that promotes student wellbeing and welfare to reduce the incidences of negative experiences.

• SCHOOL FUNDING: The VicSRC believes that the distribution of funds should be measured and monitored fairly through a needs basis and to the standard of the VicSRC. • SCHOOL CLUSTERS: The VicSRC believes in an educational community that works together, sharing good practice and supporting each other in their work. Colleges should be supported by programs and initiatives that use clustering.

• ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: The VicSRC believes that all Victorian Schools should endeavour to reduce the negative factors that contribute to environmental issues in schools and promote a more sustainable step for the students of tomorrow.

This can be placed in a bigger picture by raising awareness and educating school communities, with the support of the government, with this learning being tested using a ranking system.

• CURRICULUM: The VicSRC believes that students should have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of interests in specialised curriculum. Schools should be accommodating to the needs of the students and should be more flexible towards individuals providing the opportunity to participate in a wider range of subjects from a younger age.

Further information about the VicSRC can be found at www.vicsrc.org.au

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 13

WINTER WONDERLAND

at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre held a Winter Wonderland over the school holidays. Visitors were entertained with an opening ceremony on Saturday 27 June featuring ice queens, snowmen and more. During the holidays ice skating was on offer, along with craft activities and the opportunity to have a photo taken in the snow globe.

PAGE 14 - AUGUST 2015

Geelong Book for Teenagers My name is Rachel Drummond. I’ve been a nurse for almost ten years now. I’ll admit freely that nursing, as much as I love it, was not my first choice. Writing has always been my first passion. I remember swapping spiral notebooks with my friends at high school, each adding a chapter of invented worlds, incredible spaceships, fantastical creatures and imagined rituals.

Everything that popped into my twisted head found its outlet through my pen. I don’t think it ever occurred to me that someone else might want to read that too.

My mother must have recognised something in me though. She made a deal with me and my two siblings.

The first to publish would earn $100. It took me 20 years, but I finally claimed that prize!

Although she would definitely be my greatest support and my biggest fan, I would probably name my grandfather as my inspiration, not only in writing but in life. He had a sense of humour that would have the whole room hanging on his every word; not that I understood most of what he said. He barely spoke a word of English, and I knew very little Serbian.

Still don’t if I’m honest. I remember begging mum to translate his stories over and over for me, I’m sure in the end she could recite them by rote. I can picture him clearly seated behind his typewriter, piles of paper stacked haphazardly around him in the guest room as he immortalised his stories and poems in words I didn’t recognise. I knew that I wanted to do that too.

It wasn’t until he died a few years ago that I pursued that dream in earnest though. I like to think that he would be as proud of my efforts as the rest of my family ­immediate and extended­have been so far.

I have a feeling the topic may have raised that eyebrow that spoke clearly through any language barrier. I’m sure that zombies never once made an appearance in those stacks of paper. So why did I choose that to be my debut topic? I am an unashamed geek, and an avid reader. Zombies have been my go to book since I learned what a library was for. I did notice however that there was a surprising lack of zombie and postapocalyptic books that were based in Australia. While I could understand that to a point, most known horror writers being based in America, I wanted to write about

something closer to home. As soon as it was pointed out to me that the CSIRO was based in my backyard, the story all but wrote itself. I had already done what every good prepper does and pinpointed my bug out plan from as many points in the town as I could, and now I had the chance to put it in paper and see if it could actually work in an (imagined) emergency. I wanted to invent a virus that could, in ones wildest imagination actually happen, then guide a small group through this new horrific landscape. I wanted to write the book that I wanted to read in a setting I knew intimately. It must have worked, because the most frequent comment I get from people who don’t even read that horror genre, is that they loved the fact that they knew exactly where they were supposed to be as they read it. All the comments and reviews I have had so far have been incredibly supportive and encouraging, the best feedback I get though is from the young people and teenagers who I wanted to write this for. This is the group that is possibly hiding the next J K Rowling or Dean Koontz. I love it when I sell the book to a young person on day one of a convention and they come back the next day, raving about how they finished it in a night, they couldn’t put it down. Until now I haven’t had an answer to their plea for the release date of the next book. Now I can proudly state that by SupaNova in 2016, there should be two covers on the table for sale.

I love hearing from teenagers who still get excited about reading books. It doesn’t matter if that’s via a paper based book, on the kindle, or through audiobook. Books stimulate the imagination, and if I can encourage one person to publish those notebooks that they’ve been scribbling in for years, I’ll consider myself successful.

As for advice that I can pass on, aside from the knowledge that it will take patience and perseverance to endure all the knock-backs you will be sure to get before someone sees that gem you’ve been hiding, I’ll leave you with two thoughts.

1. Editors are absolutely worth their weight in Gold 2. Never stop reading!

SEE PAGE 26 FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SIGNED COPY OF THIS BOOK!

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 15

Why Fiction Plays a Critical Role in Fostering Wellbeing, Resilience and Empathy in Children

Researchers have finally found evidence of what we’ve all known for ages— that reading fiction improves a reader’s capacity to understand what others are thinking and feeling. Specifically, fiction that portrays dynamic characters that grow, change and develop emotionally and socially; fiction that explores the psychology of characters, their relationships, their motivations and actions, their emotions, their vulnerabilities, their warts and all.

And we all want to raise emotionally resilient children because resilient children can pick themselves up and recover. They can persevere against the odds. They have a good social support network and know when to ask for help, advice or opinions. They learn from their mistakes and have a good sense of humour. They continually build and refine their problem-solving skills, and they value exploring hobbies, pastimes, passions and ‘me’ time.

Narratives where main characters’ minds are not fully formed but rather ‘works in progress’ provide opportunity for readers to fill in the gaps, to reflect on characters’ feelings, emotions, intentions and actions. They force readers to step into that world, into that character’s shoes, into their minds and hearts. This interaction and awareness stays with the reader long after the story’s end and goes with them into the real world, supporting them in their interactions with real children. These characters can teach readers vital values and understandings about social and emotional behaviour.

And if this isn’t enough to put those worthwhile fiction titles into your children’s hands then consider this: researchers have also found evidence that children who read for pleasure do better academically as well!

Even better still, characters that implicitly model the characteristics of resilient children: effective conflict management skills, problem-solving techniques, friendship-building skills, positive thinking, growing independence, and responsibility for one’s actions; can enable readers to further develop and maintain a healthy wellbeing and emotional resilience.

Helping children develop healthy thinking habits is also critical to a sense of wellbeing and resilience. And when fiction portrays characters that ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ through the course of their experiences: • How to keep things in perspective.

• How to face a hard and challenging moment and still have a go regardless.

• That they will and do make mistakes but that it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the word.

• That things are sometimes not much fun and possibly incredibly frustrating but still need to be done.

• That working at something over and over to achieve it even though it might not be fun at all whilst you’re doing it, is necessary!

• That it’s okay to get things wrong and that what’s important is learning from those situations.

• How to have a go at something new whilst still being true to myself; Then fiction goes a long way in supporting and fostering lifelong emotionally resilient human beings.

Reading fiction is a win-win! To help your child get hooked on reading consider these top five tips for making lifelong readers: 1. Strive for that perfect match between reader and text. A book pitched perfectly to give a child reading confidence is a book that can be read with about 90% accuracy. Anything harder will more likely turn them off reading. One new word in every ten ensures comprehension, enjoyment, and further building of literacy skills and vocabulary.

2. If it grabs them and takes reading to them on their terms, it’s gold! Content is king.

3. At a young age, a book that is pleasing to the eye as well as the soul makes for a compelling read, and compelling reads make life-long readers. Consider the suitability of the format and the layout. Is your child drawn to the illustrations?

4. Try not to get caught up in other children’s reading abilities. It’s all about your child and their reading journey!

5. Read aloud to your child, read along with them, read with them. Stop and recap along the way. Ask questions about the story.

Louise Park is the author of the Harriet Clare series. A unique fiction series for newly independent readers that hijacks the popular and compelling diary format to take the reader’s capacity to understand what others are thinking and feeling to a whole new level. A level where the reader become Harriet’s confidante and best friend and is asked to participate in the writing of her notebooks. Published by Hinkler books.

To find out more go to: www.harrietclare.com.au

PAGE 16 - AUGUST 2015

Alcohol and Energy Drinks Growing up in a country where everything from hatch to dispatch is celebrated with alcohol it is probably worth making time to have a discussion with your children about the drug, its effects, the facts and myths that surround its use and of course your expectations as a family as to what your expectations are.

Of course parenting is a personal choice and in the end it is up to families to make decisions about behaviours relating to alcohol for their children, but to do this it is always good to have the facts.

What we know That the brain is still developing right into our mid 20s so the later we can introduce a drug such as alcohol the more chance our children’s brains have of fully developing.

Health professionals promote the message that delaying the consumption of alcohol for as long as you can with your teens is the best bet. If your teens are drinking at an early age, ensure they have all the facts, that they understand the myths and have people in their lives that they can talk to if they feel they need to.

The importance of rolemodelling From an early age our children learn from watching us. As parents and carers we often underestimate how important we are to our children and how much they look to us when they are developing their own identity.

Things to consider • How do we consume alcohol and energy drinks in our homes • Do we ever celebrate family milestones without alcohol • When we serve alcohol is it with food • When we consume alcohol do we always ensure we have water on the table • Check in- do we know what alcohol means to our children Don’t wait until your children are teens to consider the impact of role modeling, remember children start playing tea parties and mums and dads from a very early agewhere do you think they learn this?

An easy way to start the conversation make your kids the experts By asking your children about the behaviour of other children their age it gives you some insight into their knowledge as well as what they perceive the behaviour of their peer group to be. These conversations can be great ways to introduce questions about the facts and myths around alcohol and energy drinks .

a stimulant therefore can increase the drinking time and frequency. It can also mask the effects of alcohol.

Conversations starters ‘A friend from work was saying that some of the kids at her kids school are starting to drink alcohol at parties, is this something you are seeing?’

How do we feel about our children promoting the product with stickers on their skateboards, surfboards, scooters?

‘I read an article the other day about kids mixing energy drinks with alcohol, is this something you think kids your age are doing?’ ‘’I read something about a young girl being sexually assaulted when she was drunk by her boyfriend, do you think kids your age understand consent?’

Energy drinks- they don’t really give you wings With the country focused on stimulant drugs such as meth amphetamine /ICE I am often perplexed at the lack of focus on a stimulant drug that is readily available to our children in the form of energy drinks. As parents and carers this is a product we need to be talking about more with our families. The exposure to advertising through sponsorship, product placement and the extent of availability within the community is mind-blowing, to counter this we need to be ensuring young people have information about the product.

Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s ok for young people to be consuming, I remember a time when I could legally purchase a pack of ciggies at the corner store as a kid, unheard of today – research eventually caught up but not until a generation was hooked on the habit.

There has been a steady increase in the number of people consuming energy drinks and it comes as no surprise that many of them are young people.

Some countries are already recognising the negative impact of these products and have begun legislating against underage sales.

What we do know is that there are no nutritional benefits of consuming energy drinks. In fact the contents of energy drinks can be harmful, especially to a developing body.

High sugar and caffeine content are some of the big concerns.

A major concern is young people developing a taste for the product and in turn mixing it with alcohol, this we do know can have dangerous side effects. Energy drinks are

We know children are beginning to experiment with energy drinks around the age of 10 and the behaviours are very similar to those their parents generation had with cigarettes- passing a container around having a sip.

Again role modeling is critical. If we choose to consume the product are we doing it in front of children.

When our children watch athletes endorsing the product are they aware that very few top athletes would actually consume such a product.

The non negotiables of creating conversations No matter what the conversation is your children need to know • You are approachable • You may not know all the answers but you are always prepared to go on the journey with them • That if they don’t feel comfortable you give them permission to speak to someone else • That everyone makes mistakes, it is what you chose to do next which is important • That no matter what you will always love them • Most importantly- NOTHING IS SO BAD WE CANNOT TALK ABOUT IT Websites to check out with your children www.theothertalk.org.au www.druginfo.adf.org.au/fact-sheets/energy-drinks-dothey-really-give-you-wings-web-fact-sheet www.headspace.org.au/is-it-just-me/find-information/tipsfor-a-healthy-headspace/harmful-effects-of-alcohol-anddrug-use www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/search/site/alcohol www.goodsports.com.au/resources/articles/tips-for-talkingto-kids-about-drugs-and-alcohol/ www.nutritionaustralia.org/sites/default/files/Caffeine%20 and%20Energy%20Drinks.pdf Leigh Bartlett Regional Youth Affairs Consultant Barwon Adolescent Task Force www.facebook.com/pages/BATForceBarwon-Adolescent-Task-Force/1747867 PH: 9588 2658

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 17

HOLDING A PARTY FOR A TEENAGER? Concerned about Alcohol or Uninvited Guests?

Teenage parties don’t need to be the scary event they are often made out to be. Due to the negative coverage in the media, many parents are hesitant when planning their teenager’s party, however for every party that has gone wrong there are many more that have gone right.

The most important thing to remember is that you need to ensure you are providing a safe environment for your child’s guests, so planning and discussions with your teenager is important.

• How will you handle gatecrashers if they turn up?

Minimise entry points to help prevent this and monitor them throughout the party. Refuse entry to gatecrashers and call the police if they don’t leave.

These days, most invitations are posted on social media such as Facebook or they are sent out via text or email.

Although your child may have only sent these invitations to invited guests, please remember that these types of invitations can be forwarded on to other people, which increases the chance of gatecrashers. This is in turn can lead to an out of control party, with unwelcome guests, violence and alcohol/drugs. Discuss this with your child and ensure that invitations are never created as “public” events on social media.

• Do you need to hire professional security or have extra adults at the party? Ensure that supervising adults mingle with guests. It doesn’t mean you have to take over and be the embarrassing helicopter parent, however you will be able to determine how much mingling is required.

Consider registering your party with Victoria Police Partysafe, at least one week before the event, online at www.police.vic.gov.au or by filling in a form and dropping it in to your local police station. Notify your neighbours either in person or by letter and comply with the EPA residential noise restrictions. Amplified sound has a restriction after 11pm on a Friday and Saturday night.

• What will you do in a medical emergency? Will you have a list of parents/guardians names so that you can call them if necessary? Injuries may arise unexpectedly and may be accidental. Identify hazards and prepare for such emergencies. Ensure the party area is adequately lit and have a well-stocked first aid kit.

Questions to consider in your planning stages: • How many quests are you inviting and do you have a mix of over 18 and under 18?

• What is the start and finish time? Don’t forget the noise restrictions mentioned earlier. Unreasonable noise is the most common reason for police attendance at a party.

• If you have a mixture of ages, will you be serving alcohol? If so, how will you control it? Have a responsible non-drinking adult serving the alcohol from a dedicated bar area and ensure that there are plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and drinks with a lower alcohol content on offer. Peer pressure to drink may be experienced by teenagers – teach them to stand up for themselves and that they don’t need to be pressured into drinking more than they want to. Don’t forget – not drinking alcohol is a safe and respectable option.

• It is illegal for a child under 18 years old to drink alcohol and according to the Victoria Police Partysafe handbook, if you plan to supply alcohol to an underage person, you are required by law to obtain consent from the parent or guardian. However, it is important to remember that you hold the responsibility as host to ensure the safety of your guests.

• Food is an important party item to include, especially when there is alcohol available. Make sure it is easily accessible and try and get your guests to eat before drinking.

• How will you handle violent or drunk behaviour? Stop serving alcohol to intoxicated guests and send home any guests who do not meet the acceptable standard of behaviour.

• Encourage your teenagers to be good mates and look after their friends. Remind them to never let their friends go off alone with someone they don’t know.

• How are your guests getting home? Encourage parents to pick up their children.

• Ensure that litter is cleaned up on the street. Check the streets the next morning if necessary.

Parents of guests – provide your child with safety advice and plan the night with your child. Contact the host and get more information about the party. Most teenagers are sensible and look after each other, it is still your role as a parent or guardian to guide your child, especially with regards safety and alcohol. Where possible, drop your child off and pick them up after the party. Speak to the host to let them know whether or not your child can have alcohol at the party.

For further information, the following websites may be of interest.

Youth Central - www.youthcentral.vic.gov. au/health-relationships/safe-partying Victoria Police - www.police.vic.gov.au/ content.asp?Document_ID=9566 Parenting Strategies www.parentingstrategies.net/ Information provided by Barwon Safe Parties (COGG) and Victoria Police website

PAGE 18 - AUGUST 2015

Breakwater Eagles Soccer Club Soccer has always been my most favourite sport and I consider it to be a big part of my life. I play for a local club in Breakwater, called the Breakwater Eagles. I have been playing soccer for six years of my life and I have played for Breakwater Eagles for the past three years. I play for the Under Seventeen Men’s Division where we play a game every Sunday and have training on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week. I have certainly enjoyed playing for Breakwater, because they have developed my skills and knowledge on soccer a whole lot more. Breakwater Eagles is one of the best soccer clubs in Geelong, in my opinion, and I have always loved playing for them. The club is organised, friendly and above all fun yet they take the game very seriously. I believe this makes a great soccer club giving the club a very positive atmosphere when you are playing for them and it is inviting for new members. The White Eagle House is the home of Breakwater Eagles Soccer Club with three soccer pitches.

These cater for our Juniors, Seniors and Women’s for practice and match day purposes. On weekends the public are more than welcome to watch games played.

I spoke to Tanya Jeynes, Breakwater Eagles Club secretary and asked her these questions: How long has the club been around for?

The club has been around since 1964, but has had different names in that time.

What is the payment for membership?

Annual membership ranges between $150 - $290 depending on age group.

How often do teams practice?

Teams usually train twice a week, with “miniroos” being age groups under the age of 11 training once a week.

Where do the teams practice?

The teams practice at White Eagle House.

What are the certain age groups that are played?

Age groups we have are u7, u9, u11, u13, u15, u17, senior women and men’s division 1 & 2.

What competitions does the club play in?

We play in Geelong Sunday league.

How can the club be contacted?

Club can be contacted by either Tanya Jeynes secretary 0404054918 or Joe Jakubowski president 0418525215.

Or visit the White Eagle House website: www.whiteeaglehouse.com.au Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is a fun, friendly and active sport that all families can get involved in. Soccer can also be a great sport for kids who may not have high levels of athletic ability, but who would like to participate in a team sport. Clubs such as Breakwater Eagles are very welcoming and enjoy developing the skills of children who love the sport and have a great passion for it. Parent involvement whether it be as a volunteer or just to support the kids in their matches is also encouraged. Get involved and give soccer a go, you may just like it, I do!

By Jack Attard

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 19

Bullying in Sport Every person in sport, in every role, has the right to participate in an environment that is fun, safe and healthy, and to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness. Bullying denies participants these rights and can result in feelings of disgrace, embarrassment, shame or intimidation. Bullying can also affect an individual’s athletic performance, level of enjoyment, work or school life, academic achievement and physical and mental health. Research has shown that one in six Australian students are bullied every week, and are three times more likely to develop depressive illnesses. Bullying can occur both on and off the sports pitch and can involve athletes, parents, coaches, spectators or umpires. It is prohibited by most sporting organisations under their Code of Conduct and can result in penalties and punishments being applied. Some forms of bullying constitute assault, harassment or discrimination under federal and state legislation and are therefore illegal.

What is bullying Bullying is deliberately hurting a specific person either physically, verbally, psychologically or socially. It involves a power imbalance where one person has power or strength (e.g. physical, mental, social or financial) over another. It can be carried out by one person or several people who are either actively or passively involved. In a sports context bullying can take many forms, for example: • A parent telling their child that they are incompetent, hopeless, useless, etc.

• A coach alienating an athlete (adult or child).

• Several people ganging-up on an individual team member.

• Spectators verbally abusing players from the opposition.

• An athlete calling a referee names and using putdowns.

• A parent intimidating a young coach.

Bullying can be a ‘one-off’ incident, but usually involves repeated actions or incidences. It can occur everywhere: at home, school, work, playgrounds, while participating in sport, when using public transport or walking to or from home. An individual may bully their victim face to face or use technology such as a mobile phone or computer.

Types of bullying Bullies may use one or several types of bullying to hurt their victim.

• Physical - pushing, shoving, punching, hitting, kicking, taking away a person’s belongings (this may also constitute assault).

• Verbal - name calling, banter, threatening, teasing, intimidating, yelling abuse, using put-downs.

• Psychological - ganging up, preventing a person from going somewhere, taking a person’s possessions, sending hostile or nasty emails or text messages.

• Socially - excluding, alienating, ignoring, spreading rumours.

Bullying behaviour is damaging to all involved: the bully, victim, family members, those that witness the behaviour and the sporting organisation involved. Athletes, parents, coaches, administrators and sporting organisations all have an ethical (and possibly a legal) responsibility to take action to prevent bullying occurring in sport and manage it, should it occur.

The effects of bullying - why certain people bully and are bullied?

People that bully may: • Pick a victim randomly, or carefully choose their victim.

• Find that they get what they want by bullying (power, acceptance, admiration) • Have been bullied themselves.

• Be arrogant, aggressive or impulsive.

• Enjoy having power over others.

• Enjoy doing it and not care that they cause their victim distress.

• Believe that some people deserve to be bullied.

• Have been influenced by aggressive ‘models’ (at home, in real life or in television or the movies).

• See their behaviour as justified or ‘pay-back’ for some treatment they have received.

Any person can be bullied. Sometimes people who are popular, smarter, attractive or possess obvious sporting ability are victims of bullying.

People can also be subject to bullying if they: • Have not had experience standing up for themselves against bullies.

• Lack assertiveness, resilience and the social skills required to protect themselves against bullies.

• Struggle academically or in terms of sporting ability.

• Appear stressed, anxious or easily hurt or upset.

• Look different or are different.

• Have a disability or illness.

• Lack confidence or are shy.

• Have been overprotected at home.

Signs a person is being bullied A person, especially a child, may not always ask for support when being bullied. They may feel afraid, ashamed or embarrassed and that the person they tell will think they are weak. Victims of bullying may think that they deserve to be bullied or are ‘dobbing’ by telling someone what is happening to them.

The following are signs that a person may be being bullied: • Finds excuses for not wanting to attend training or games (e.g. feeling sick, has an injury, has too much work to do) or talking about hating their sport.

• Wants to be driven to training or matches instead of walking.

• Regularly the last one picked for team or group activities.

• Alienated from social or shared activities.

• Has bruising or other injuries.

• Becomes uncharacteristically nervous, worried, shy or withdrawn.

• Clothing or personal possessions are missing or are damaged.

• Repeatedly ‘loses’ money or possessions.

• Suddenly prone to lashing out at people either physically or verbally.

Managing bullying Bullying is more likely to occur in environments that are highly competitive and promote a ‘win at all cost’ mentality. By emphasising other aspects of sport such as enjoyment, team work, sportsmanship and skill development, especially at the junior level, sporting organisations may be able to prevent bullying behaviours.

Sporting organisations should promote their organisation as one that will not allow or tolerate bullying and develop Codes of Conduct and a policy that addresses bullying behaviours, such as a Member Protection Policy. A Member Protection Policy addresses a range of inappropriate behaviours including discrimination, harassment and abuse and provides a complaints process for dealing with incidents. The policy can also provide a complaints handling process so sports can deal with incidents of bullying in a practical manner that is consistent with other inappropriate behaviour.

Peter Downs, Manager - Play by the Rules www.playbytherules.net.au

PAGE 20 - AUGUST 2015

MUSIC ARTS

Jack Attard My name is Jack Attard, I am a sixteen year old boy, living in Wallington, Geelong. I was born in Werribee and moved to Wallington in January 2012 and commenced Year 7 at St Ignatius College in Drysdale. I am currently in year ten.

I play soccer for Breakwater Eagles Soccer Club, but my real passion is a love for film and movies. I am a big fan of movie genres such as horror, thriller, crime, drama and mystery. My favourite movie of all time is The Shawshank Redemption, written by Stephen King, who is one of my favourite authors as he truly inspires me.

Growing up as a child, I never really had much of an interest for media and film. I was much more of a sports fanatic so to speak. I started playing soccer when I was 10 years old, only at an indoor level. When I turned eleven in 2010, I began my outdoor soccer career for the Hoppers Crossing Soccer Club. That was a very big step for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I played for Hoppers Crossing for two years and I immediately seemed to fit in with the club.

That was until my family moved to Geelong in 2012 and I had to find a new club to play for. I joined a club in Ocean Grove, Surf Side Waves, which was a very friendly club, so after playing for them for a year I was excited to play for them the following year in 2013. However that year they didn’t have an under 15’s team, so I was forced to find another club to play for.

That’s when I found the club that I play for to this day, Breakwater Eagles Soccer Club. This is my third year playing for this side and I am absolutely loving it.

Professional wrestling is also something I enjoy to watch. I had always been a fan and until year 7 that had always been a dream for me. Many wrestlers to this day still inspire me and I watch the sport every day. While I was in primary school I never really considered professional wrestling to be fake. It was only when I moved to high school I started to look backstage and see how everything was run. To this day I

always look at professional wrestling as an art not just a scripted show used for entertainment.

I believe that it is a sport and it involves skill, passion and enthusiasm.

My love and passion for film began when I moved to Geelong and started high school.

Before that movies never really quite inspired me as they do now, although I did see myself as being very creative and unique. I believe that watching wrestling was a big reason for me to develop a desire for media and film.

Watching the storylines in wrestling got me into the dramatic stories that are made for entertainment. One of the first big movies I watched that began my interest was Oliver Stone’s ‘Platoon’. When I watched this extraordinary movie, I immediately became affected by what it was trying to resemble and recreate about the horrors of the war in Vietnam. I realised that movies created emotional impacts on myself that I couldn’t control.

One day I was watching the news and they put on an Academy Awards flashback to 1996 the year that ‘Braveheart’ had won best motion picture. It was a speech by Superman himself, Christopher Reeve that had an impact on me.

He had one of the biggest welcomes I have ever seen. Just seeing him there on the stage in his wheel chair was inspiration in itself. But then he said something that truly inspired me further.

When the applause had died down, Reeve said, “Films could deal with social issues. Now, when you look at films like ‘Platoon’ and ‘Philadelphia’ [and] ‘Lorenzo’s Oil,’ you realise the power of film to bring painful but important issues to the public.” After I heard him speak I realised what I wanted to be and do in the future when I finished school, and that was to make inspiring and powerful movies that have meaning, movies like ‘Platoon’ and ‘Philadelphia.’

As I come closer to leaving school and starting university I see myself further developing my knowledge of film and media, taking on subjects such as Art, Drama and English to grow my understanding, appreciation and love of film.

There are many courses that I cannot wait to take on and have a go at which will hopefully one day finally get me to live my dream!

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 21

MUSIC ARTS

Kahlee Weir

did. Oxygen College is a training facility for people interested in music- production or playing, photography and art. Here I studied Certificate 1 in Creative Arts in 2013 and Certificate 3 in 2014. Here I did not play the Double Bass but the Bass Guitar, as a My name is Kahlee Weir and I am 15 years requirement of both courses all students old. would be in a band with 5-7 people where When I was about 5 years old I picked up we would learn and play covers of songs my first musical instrument, the violin. This with the assistance of the experienced staff. did not last too long, but when I was 10 I In Certificate 3 which was about a 3 term started again getting lessons from Cathy long course in our 3rd and final bands, mine Blake. At the beginning of year 6, in 2011, being ‘The Ramblerz!!’ consisting of myself I made the decision to change to the Viola and 4 others we were to record a song in which I then played for 2 years. Getting the College’s recording studios working closer to the end of year 6 I made the decision to give the Double Bass a shot after alongside one of their talented sound technicians Dave Weir. At the conclusion of I saw someone at my school’s music camp the course we performed along with the rest playing it, since then I have continued with the Double Bass and picked up a little Bass of the bands in Certificate 3 and 4 at GPAC. Not only is it a great experience to perform Guitar on the way. in such a good venue but my band was I am not one to compete in solo competitions lucky enough to open the night with our 2 very much but I have competed in different songs; ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley and ‘White ensembles with my school. As a part of Room’ by Cream. school we compete and perform in different I have never really been one to idolise things throughout the year, the most recent famous people and look up to famous being the Victorian School Music Festival people. But my biggest influences would and every year in the Royal South Street definitely be my music teachers and competitions which we tend to do well in ensemble conductors. Since I started winning last year in Middle School Strings. playing the Double Bass I’ve had 4 teachers, My school, Christian College Geelong has Tim Dunlop who I learnt from for about 6 an outstanding music program where I am weeks, Sarah Porter who taught me for privileged to work with not only amazing about a year and a half, Christian Hehir who staff but other talented students who share also taught me for about a year and a half common interests as I. As a part of the and Isaac Barter since early this year, all program I am in 3 different ensembles, who are great teachers and accomplished Senior Strings, Senior Wind Symphony musicians. and Intermediate Stage Band. The As for pursuing music as I career I’m not too music program is very encouraging and sure about that. I am not completely sure helpful, presenting us with many different on what it is I will do, all I know is that I wish opportunities to play and develop, whether to travel the world, and I want to do mission it be going to the annual music camps or work but whether I do that as a career or a attending a Senior Music tour which I have hobby I do not know. not yet done.

The Geelong region presents many opportunities to young and developing musicians whether it be a gig at a festival or market or to develop musical knowledge skills at places like Oxygen College like I

S T I BSERVICES IT

As for other artistic abilities I really enjoy making art, whether it be drawing or painting it has always been something I do when I am bored or am procrastinating about doing homework!

We provide a managed I T support plan for:

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PAGE 22 - AUGUST 2015

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 23

GLOW IN THE DARK JARS

CRAFTS COOKING

SUNDAE BROWNIE BOWLS

METHOD

WHAT YOU NEED

DIRECTIONS 1. Make sure your jars are clean and dry.

Also stir paint thoroughly before using.

JARS

2. Dip paintbrush in paint and start gradually painting dots inside the jar.

GLOW IN THE DARK PAINT

3. Make sure you choose a paintbrush with a long handle if you have a large jar.

It also may be easier if you start at the bottom of the jar and work your way up.

4. Charge up glow in the dark paint by holding it up to the sun or a light bulb.

(According to the directions of your glow in the dark paint.)

5. Then simple watch the magic happen at bed time!

PAINTBRUSH

*if you can’t find the paint at your local craft store try your local hardware store.

9. Top with toppings such as 1. Follow instructions of your chocolate sauce and sprinkles! brownie recipe as per usual.

Yummo!

2. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray and add brownie mixture to each cup until they are each about two thirds full.

WHAT YOU NEED 3. Place in oven and cook as instructed in recipe.

ICE CREAM (Any flavour) 4. While cooking spray the bottom of your second muffin tin with BROWNIE MIXTURE cooking spray. (this can be your 5. Once the brownies are own recipe or a baked, remove from oven and good old packet immediately press the second brownie cake mix) muffin tray on top of the brownies.

2 MUFFIN TINS 6. Keep both pressed down until COOKING SPRAY cooled.

CHOCOLATE SAUCE 7. Remove brownies from tin.

SPRINKLES 8. Scoop ice cream and place in the brownie bowl.

*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 24 - AUGUST 2015

1

HARRIET CLARE

Louise Park - Hinkler Books

In this exciting new interactive children’s fiction series, best-selling author Louise Park invites readers to join the crazy, fun-filled world of Harriet Clare’s Secret Notebooks. Harriet is a normal everyday girl (just like her readers) who really cares for her friends, sometimes gets into trouble, worries a lot, but always tries to do the right thing. She loves skateboarding and writing in her notebooks, and needs a new BFF to solve her mega-huge and awesomely nutty problems - and help complete her notebooks along the way. As Harriet’s new bestie, she’ll ask readers for advice, to draw a picture of their own BFF, or even decorate a cool skateboard.

It’s a visual feast of fun, enticing even the most reluctant readers with charming illustrations, illustrated text and sketching activities. Harriet also encourages problem-solving, self-understanding and empathy, making sure that her new friends learn as much from her as she does them! The first two books in the series, Boys Beware and Pinkie Swear are laugh-out-loud funny and relatable adventures for readers looking for a good friend like Harriet.

2

REVIEWS

1

HERBERT PEABODY

Bianca C Ross - Quikmark Media

Herbert Peabody is a farmer who grows fruit and vegetables in his big, big vegetable patch at Mulberry Tree Farm. When he discovers that his new neighbour, Bee, is having trouble finding enough pollen to supply her family’s hive, Herbie decides to lend a hand to find more flowers. But there’s another concern: The Voice That Belongs to Nobody has taken up residence in the once grand mansion of Huffelton, scaring away anyone who ventures inside the neglected lonely, grounds. Will Herbie be able to find more flowers in time for Bee’s hive?

2 3

And can he solve the mystery behind the voice in Huffelton House?

3

MY BIG FAT ZOMBIE GOLDFISH JURASSIC CARP

Mo O’Hara - Pan MacMillan

Book six in the outstanding My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish series. Frankie was a completely normal pet goldfish . . . until Tom’s evil-scientist big brother, Mark, tried to murder him with toxic gunge! Luckily Tom and his best friend Pradeep shocked Frankie back to life with a battery, and he’s been their zombie-fishy friend ever since. At a medieval reenactment event, some-fin very weird starts going on. One of the knights is acting very suspiciously . . . and Tom is sure he’s seen his evil big brother’s vampire kitten lurking around. Can Pradeep and Tom work out what Mark is up to without revealing Frankie’s secret zombie skills? In story two, a Jurassic carp fossil is found underneath the school playground. Can Frankie, Tom and Pradeep stop Mark’s evil plan before his BEASTLY secret gets out?

4

HELIX AND THE ARRIVAL

5

SAMURAI VS NINJA 3: DAY OF THE DREADFUL UNDEAD

Damean Posner - Randomhouse

Hi, I’m Helix. I’m twelve years old and the worst caveman-to-be that Rockfall has ever seen. I’m even less cavemanly than my lazy bonehead brother, whose hobby is grooming his nose hair.

It’s almost time for my Arrival. I’ll be expected to disappear into the woods and return with something big, dangerous or rare - preferably all three. My best friend Ug is preparing for his Arrival too. He has the strength of a hungry rhinovore so he will no doubt bring back something impressive. And our friend Saleeka would pass with flying colours, except girls aren’t allowed to take the test - a rule that makes her angrier than a sabre-tooth. But me? I can’t even lift a club above my shoulder. Banishment to the Dark Side, here I come...

Nick Falk - Randomhouse

When a traditional festival goes explosively wrong, the samurai and the ninja are thrown into battle once again! The samurai and ninja have made a massive mistake. The ghosts of their ancestors have returned, and are now ruling the sparring clans with an iron fist. The only option to reclaim power? A fearsome fight to end them all. Kiss your katana and chisel your chopsticks - another epic Samurai vs Ninja battle is about to begin!

4 5

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 25

6

CLEMENTINE ROSE AND THE BIRTHDAY EMERGENCY

Jacqueline Harvey – Randomhouse

REVIEWS

Will an unexpected emergency ruin Clementine’s party plans? Clementine Rose is counting down the days until her birthday party.

But first there’s the school sports carnival to attend and a very special race to run. There’s also the all-important party theme to decide on! Amid all the excitement, Lavender doesn’t seem her usual self. A trip to the vet is in store, and now Clementine has butterflies in her tummy for all the wrong reasons. Will Lavender be able to attend the party? And why Aunt Violet is acting so mysteriously?

7

6

7 FRIDAY BARNES BIG TROUBLE RA Spratt - Randomhouse

Friday Barnes has a new case, and this time it’s personal! When Friday’s father turns up out of the blue, he brings his daughter some distressing news - Friday’s mother has been kidnapped! But who would want to kidnap a theoretical physicist? The Headmaster needs Friday’s help too, when Highcrest Academy is thrown into chaos by the arrival of a beautiful new student - Princess Ingrid of Norway. She’s rich, she’s royal and she’s got her eye on Ian Wainscott. Despite heightened security at the school, things start to go missing. It appears Highcrest Academy has been infiltrated by a master thief, The Pimpernel. Can Friday crack the case of her missing mother, reign in a royal brat and unmask the elusive Pimpernel? If it means she gets to ditch PE, then of course she can!

8

8

MINBIE BABY’S TEAT

MINBIE’s baby’s teat is revolutionary and Australian designed. Just as form follows function, the Minbie teat looks distinctly different to the generic baby’s teat design that has been around for about 100 years.

Features of the Minbie teat include a tapered nipple that sits closer to the soft palate helping a baby to create a vacuum for feeding, and a streamlined bulge assisting a baby’s instinctive breastfeeding-action. “Minbie supports a baby’s breastfeeding coordination and stage of digestive development,” says founder, Julia Wilson. Minbie has been specifically designed to complement breastfeeding with all aspects of its unique shape targeted towards the innate feeding reflex of babies. Minbie has been acknowledged by local and international design experts with a Red Dot Design Award 2015, the Good Design Award, Best in Category Baby and Toddler 2014 and the Victorian Premier’s 2014 Product Design Award.

9

MOVIES

9

FANTASTIC FOUR

A contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longestrunning superhero team, centres on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

10 THE MAN FROM UNCLE

An adaptation of the 1960’s TV series and set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. centres on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe.

10

PAGE 26 - AUGUST 2015

What Happens When the Lights Go Out? What happens when the lights go out? What makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, check over your shoulder twice or look under the bed? Can you create such a feeling?

Haunted! Student One-Act Play Competition is a new initiative from the National Wool Museum and gpac:ED to explore youth writing for the stage. We are inviting young writers (14-16 years old) to put pen to paper and script a ‘haunting’ experience, ghostly visitations, things that go bump in the night or unexplained happenings. We want students to be creative; the script must be original and the characters and events can be entirely fictional.

Inspired by the historic surrounds of the 140 year old Dennys Lascelles Woolstore young people are encouraged to think about the physical displays, be it a shady shearer’s cottage, a split rail fence, or a 1930s lounge room, as central to their story. They are challenged to think about suspense and atmosphere and the shadows, sounds, and form of a space that can create visceral personal responses.

We want young writers to play with and think about the spaces within the Museum in new ways. Selected scripts will be performed in October 2015 as part of a Halloween experience within the galleries of the National Wool

Museum.

You can enter the competition individually or through your school. A free public writing session is being held Saturday 22 August 2015 at 1pm to workshop your script with a local writer. Scripts must be one act and less than a 20 minute performance. There is no cost to enter. It must include suitable themes that would appeal to young and old, and language and content suitable for an all-age audience.

Entry packs can be downloaded from www.nwm.vic.gov. au or call our Education Officer on 5272 4706 for more information.

Hakuna Matata Hakuna Matata Experience 2015 Music Tour “Dubbed ‘high school musical African style’, St Johns College Zimbabwe music group will certain bring joy and smiles to all. They will be performing Jazz, Marimba and A-Capella. The students from multicultural backgrounds have been conquering high school music awards not just in their home country but even as far as Scotland where they have won Pipe band Championships. The 2015

WI N THIS B O O K WIN one of two signed copies of The South Forsaken by Rachael Drummond.

To win email editor@kidsvoice.com.au telling us where in Geelong you think would be the best location for a Zombie movie

Eisteddfod organised by the Zimbabwe National Institute of Allied Arts saw St Johns obtain honors in Pipe Band, Drum Core, Jazz and choir. Additional awards received at the this year’s Eisteddfods were Best Gospel Choir, Best African Contemporary, Best Traditional Choir and Best Jazz Band. Having gained honours for the previous 5 years the marimba group missed out in 2015 but will be out to prove that they are pure quality during their Victoria tour.

AUGUST 2015 - PAGE 27

1 August - 24 July 2016 Wildlife of Gondwana - Monash University, National Wool Museum, 26-32 Moorabool St, Geelong. Beasts of the Great Southern Supercontinent. The National Wool Museum welcomes some of the most unusual dinosaurs to have ever roamed the planet and they are all from our own backyard. Meet Cryolohophosaurus the Antarctic dinosaur, Megalania the giant lizard and his lunch: Bullockornus the giant flightless bird. Wildlife of Gondwana is an exhibition where skeletons and fossils meet scientists and artists. Where vivid illustrations by Peter Trusler put muscle and skin on bone to give us a glimpse of how some of the most unusual dinosaurs to have ever roamed the planet lived.

Surrounded by life-like environmental murals, the exhibition features real fossils, skeletons and 20 full-scale skeletal casts, many of which have never been on public display in Australia before. Costs.

3 - 7 August Geelong Schools Music & Movement Festival, The Playhouse, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop St, Geelong. Celebrating 69 years of creativity in Geelong Schools. Primary and Secondary students will take centre stage as they sing, dance, do circus tricks, play in rock bands and orchestras for parents and friends in a celebration of the arts.

Costs 6 August Arthouse at Lara Library, Walker Ave, Lara. Arthouse is a social art class running every Thursday of the school term at the Lara Library for young people 12 years old and up. Try and experiment with various art methods mediums to make a new art piece each week. 3.30 - 5.30pm Free 9 August Point Lonsdale Primary School Market, Point Lonsdale Primary School, Point Lonsdale. The Point Lonsdale Primary School Market is held on the second Sunday every month, Easter Saturday and the first Saturday in December. 9am 2pm. Free 9 August 2015 Geelong Campuses Open Day, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds and Geelong Waterfront campuses. Open Day is your day to begin exploring the world around you. You’re free to wander the campus, chat with staff and students, and experience a taste of university life.

With almost 500 courses on offer, we recommend you try to attend a few of the many information

sessions held throughout the day. And please don’t be afraid to ask questions!

We hope you have a fun and rewarding Open Day and look forward to welcoming you as a Deakin student very soon! 10am - 3pm. Free

22 August

Arthouse at Lara Library, Walker Ave, Lara. Arthouse is a social art class running every Thursday of the school term at the Lara Library for young people 12 years old and up. Try and experiment with various art methods mediums to make a new art piece each week. 3.30 - 5.30pm Free

Hakuna Matata Experience 2015 Music Tour, Costa Hall, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street. “Dubbed ‘high school musical African style’, St Johns College Zimbabwe music group will certain bring joy and smiles to all. They will be performing Jazz, Marimba and A-Capella. The literate students from multicultural backgrounds have been conquering high school music awards not just in their home country but even as far as Scotland where they have won Pipe band Championships. The 2015 Eisteddfod organized by the Zimbabwe National Institute of Allied Arts saw St Johns obtain honors in Pipe Band, Drum Core, Jazz and choir. Additional awards received at the this year’s Eisteddfods were Best Gospel Choir, Best African Contemporary, Best Traditional Choir and Best Jazz Band. Having gained honours for the previous 5 years the marimba group missed out in 2015 but will be out to prove that they are pure quality during their Victoria tour. 7pm Costs

20 August

22 August

13 August Arthouse at Lara Library, Walker Ave, Lara. Arthouse is a social art class running every Thursday of the school term at the Lara Library for young people 12 years old and up. Try and experiment with various art methods mediums to make a new art piece each week. 3.30 - 5.30pm Free 15 August Surf Coast Arts Trail 2015. For more information see www.facebook.com/ SurfCoastArtsTrail 10am - 4pm. Free 18 August Drysdale Youth Centre, Springdale Neighbourhood Centre, Drysdale. Check out the youth activity and chill out space for 12 - 25 year olds. Music, activities, food, fun. 3.30 - 5.30pm 20 August

L2P Learner Driver Mentor Training, Torquay Children’s Hub, Grossman’s Road, Torquay. This training is for people who are interested in becoming a mentor with the L2P Learner Driver Program. The training is provided by Vicroads. The role of a mentor is to support a young person between the ages of 16-21 years to gain their 120 hours of driving practice by acting as their supervising driver. Vehicles are provided, as well as supervision and ongoing support. 6 - 9pm Free 21 August Ladies Night Out, Lara Lake Community Pre-School, 25 Darcy Street, Lara. Lara Lake Community Pre School are holding a Ladies Night Out. Pre-purchase your ticket from the Pre-School and receive a FREE Goody Bag. Lots of FREE Door prizes on offer, a glass of bubbly on arrival and over 20 raffle prizes to be won. Pamper sessions, product demonstrations and yummy food to eat... Come along for a great night out! 7pm-10pm $6.00 entry fee

Geelong Baby and Childrens Community Market, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights. Geelong Baby and Childrens ‘Community’ Market has everything from brand new items to original handmade items made by some very Crafty Mums. A portion of what we make goes to GAMBA (Geelong Area Multiple Birth Association) supporting families of multiple births. We also feel we are doing our bit for the environment by encouraging the recycling of products.

9am - 1pm. Costs 23 August Australian Youth Classical Music Competition - Finals Concert, McAuley Hall, Sacred Heart College Geelong, Entrance Aphrasia Street, Newtown. An afternoon concert of fine classical music from three of Australia’s most talented young performers, the Regional Section winner and our special guest artist and adjudicator Professor Clemens Leske.

Pianist Clemens was our distinguished 1992 past winner and is coming to

Geelong to help celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the scholarship. The National Section is sponsored by the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust and the major prize is the $10,000 Overseas Travel Scholarship. 2 - 5.30pm Costs 27 August Arthouse at Lara Library, Walker Ave, Lara. Arthouse is a social art class running every Thursday of the school term at the Lara Library for young people 12 years old and up. Try and experiment with various art methods mediums to make a new art piece each week. 3.30 - 5.30pm Free 27 August L2P Learner Driver Mentor Training, Torquay Children’s Hub, Grossman’s Road, Torquay. This training is for people who are interested in becoming a mentor with the L2P Learner Driver Program. The training is provided by Vicroads. The role of a mentor is to support a young person between the ages of 16-21 years to gain their 120 hours of driving practice by acting as their supervising driver. Vehicles are provided, as well as supervision and ongoing support. 6 - 9pm Free 30 August L2P Learner Driver Mentor Training, Torquay Children’s Hub, Grossman’s Road, Torquay. This training is for people who are interested in becoming a mentor with the L2P Learner Driver Program. The training is provided by Vicroads. The role of a mentor is to support a young person between the ages of 16-21 years to gain their 120 hours of driving practice by acting as their supervising driver. Vehicles are provided, as well as supervision and ongoing support. 9am - 2pm Free

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