SPRING EDITION 2012
By Louise Mackay
15 September 2012
15 September 2012
When Life Makes Plans of its Own
I was 18 and a week out from starting a Communications degree at the University of Newcastle, doing all the things teenagers do, managing a part-time job delivering pizzas, going to parties and hanging out with friends. But one night I really struggled through a shift, so tired that my boss sent me home thinking I might have glandular fever. A blood test showed it was cancer - acute lymphoblastic leukaemia to be exact. I’d never even heard of it. I wasn’t even sure how to spell it. Suddenly, all of my plans were on hold.
At first, all I could think about was my hair and it falling out. Then I started thinking about dying. It was a pretty confronting time for anyone, let alone a teenager. I underwent three years of treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It put a huge strain on everything. I fell out with friends, I had to rely on my mum to help feed me because I was so nauseated and I struggled to get out of bed. I was feeling pretty low.
At the end of the first year of treatment I joined Hunteract – kind of like a youth Rotary Club. It was then that I discovered my passion for fundraising and holding events. I helped out with a number of charity events and then eventually held a fashion parade to raise funds for charity. It was so much fun I decided to strike out on my own and hold more charity fashion parades. Fashion and fundraising – they’re two of my favourite things! The first two parades raised about $10,000 that I put towards a cause close to my heart – providing laptops for hematology patients. It’s pretty isolating when you’re having tons of treatment and can’t keep up with friends lives on Facebook. The charity work helped give me back my positivity. Suddenly I had something else to focus on rather than my cancer.
In 2009, I organised the first ever Newcastle Fashion Week. It was pretty daunting to do something so high profile and at such a young age. But I just went for it. The other parades had given me a taste for organising an event and so I just went for it. I’d tell any young person not to get hung up on their age – how old you are doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact. I think also a healthy amount of fear is pretty motivating as well! I had a great committee that helped me and I poured a ridiculous amount of time into courting local designers, talking to the local newspapers and just running all the behind-the-scenes stuff.
All the money raised at fashion week went to the Cancer Council, where I’d been volunteering on the side. After three years volunteering, I eventually got a job there as a community relations coordinator. Although I’ve since moved on, I still am very involved in the Cancer Council and help support their various fundraisers including Daffodil Day.
Newcastle Fashion Week continues to go from strength to strength. This year I’m recognised on the cover of the Newcastle White & Yellow Pages under the theme A Helping Hand, The Aussie Way for my work organising it. We’ve held a few fashion weeks now and I’m currently planning our next. Although the fashions might change, it will always raise money for charity.
When I look back I think how I always wanted that job in fashion when I finished high school, but I could never have imagined being involved in fashion the way that I am – from a charity angle. And I could never have anticipated the route that I have taken to get here. While I’d love to have not had cancer, it gave me the ambition and drive to chase my goals and make a difference. I hope that my story might help other young people diagnosed with cancer see the light at the end of the tunnel and think positively about the future.
By Toni Tattis
15 September 2012
15 September 2012
Baby Miracle
When I decided to have children, I never imagined it would be difficult. I certainly never imagined the journey to giving birth to my beautiful daughter Isabella would be full of so much sadness.
It is pretty full on when you put it on paper – over three years I had five miscarriages and lost my newborn identical twins, Jacinta & Madelin who suffered from twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, when one was two hours old and the other three-and-a-half days old. When Isabella was born it was a miracle.
Throughout my journey I’ve found a strength I never knew existed. I like to think it is from my babies’ love and beauty and the many other gifts they gave me that I have survived. I never thought there was ever such a thing as peace after the loss of a baby. I never thought I would be here, years after. But sharing my story and helping others through my charity Bears of Hope, is my mission. I hope that no family ever feels alone in their grief again.
So how did I get to where I am today? After I got married in February 2001 all I wanted to be was a mother and my husband was excited to start a family also. We thought we would be trying for at least six months, but within a month we had fallen pregnant with our first baby! I was 25.
I remember the excitement of being pregnant for the very first time. My heart was exploding with even more love, my life became more fulfilled, and my mind was overloaded with dreams of what it will be like having our own baby. What made it even more special was that our baby was due on my father’s birthday.
The love soaring through my whole being was the most beautiful feeling I’ve ever had. Rubbing my belly every morning and night became a special little ritual where I would lovingly talk and sing to our baby. It was our special time for bonding; I just had so much love ready to give. I thought it was great that I wasn’t feeling sick, even though I had all the other early symptoms. I would get these shooting pains in my side now and again, but I had heard this was a normal part of early pregnancy. I was on an absolute high; it was the happiest time of my life.
It wasn’t to be though. I had a miscarriage at 11 weeks. It hurt physically and emotionally. I went back to work the following week and carried on in life how I thought everybody expected me to. But deep down my soul was torn apart, and as time moved on I felt extremely lonely in my thoughts and feelings, and any sort of normality I had previously, felt like a stranger to me now. Somehow a mask of “coping” slipped across my face, but inside, I was crumbling day by day.
Time marched on and with every exciting pregnancy came the heartbreak of miscarriage. It was too much to bear. When we were told we were expecting twins, it was heartbreaking to learn they weren’t well and while watching my belly grow, feeling them move, it was hard to hear of the full situation, which required serious medical treatment in utero, twice. At 24 weeks I gave birth to two beautiful girls – identical twins Jacinta and Madelin. Our world came crashing down around us when they passed away. Saying goodbye to them was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. All the joy and hope was sucked out of me, leaving pure agony and devastation. It was the raw emptiness my husband and I felt leaving the hospital without our two gorgeous girls in our arms that shattered us.
I know there will never be a day where I don’t think of them both. They are a bigger part of my life now that most people can’t imagine or even understand. That’s why it is now so very important to me to honour their little lives in a way that would make them proud to have me as their mummy.
In 2008, I founded charity Bears of Hope to support families who lose a baby during pregnancy, birth or infancy. Today, Bears of Hope volunteers provide more than 2500 support packages, including a soft bear of hope, to hospital patients suffering the loss of a baby. When not providing a sympathetic ear to grieving families, running parent support groups, coordinating fundraising, managing the day-to-day running of the organisation, or chasing after Isabella (born in 2005!), I help educate medical staff and the community on the emotional effect of losing a baby so they can better support families who suffer the loss. I’m hoping to reach even more families in need this year, after being selected for the cover of the Muswellbrook White and Yellow Pages – hopefully it helps get the word out.
Having Isabella also shifted my focus a little. As well as helping families I also aspire to help children who have experienced the loss of their baby sibling. I have just launched my first children’s book ‘I Have a Baby Sister in Heaven’. This story acknowledges and honours the special connection a grieving, young girl continues to have with her sister who now lives in heaven. I hope it helps children like Isabella who are also experiencing this grief.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but I am grateful for the opportunity to help others through my experience. If Bears of Hope or my book helps even one family, then it gives purpose to my babies brief but precious lives.
By Allan Simms
15 September 2012
15 September 2012
35 Years, Fulfilling the Dream of a Mate
For 25 years I served as the unit’s communications leader alongside a fantastic bunch of people. We had a wonderful controller in a man named Ivan Wilkinson. Ivan and I were great mates until he was killed on 11 May 1990 in a plane crash on Mount Emerald.
The plane crash was devastating to the local region, with 11 people killed – many of them councillors who had been attending a local government conference at Airlie Beach. The small jet crashed just south of Mareeba on Mount Emerald, which was covered by low cloud and driving rain. It was a dreadful evening. I responded to the crash with the SES and it soon became clear that we had a very personal connection with the tragedy. I coordinated communications out in the field, managing communications between search and rescue teams and helicopters, and stayed at my post through the evening in terrible conditions until the next morning.
Knowing Ivan had been killed – along with six other people I knew – was incredibly tough to take. That night was a terribly long night and I found it very difficult to deal with what had happened. It is still a very sad event that affects me today.
Before Ivan was killed, he and I had been inspecting an old school building gifted to the SES, planning how we would renovate it to become a state-of-the-art base for our volunteers. Ivan and I had all sorts of plans. After he was killed, I made it my mission to see the project through in honour of his memory.
Over a period of several years, a fellow SES volunteer Phillip Mansbridge and I donated our weekends to extend and renovate the building. It took us about 2000 hours all up and was extremely fulfilling. The space now meets all of our needs, with storage for our 4WD vehicle, rescue boat, three trailers and emergency equipment. It also doubles as a training facility with two lecture rooms and offices for administration purposes.
Ivan would be really proud of it.
For the past nine or so years I have been deputy controller of the SES and, at 80-years-old, am still very involved. Every Thursday morning I organise a bingo session that raises money for the unit, allowing it to continue the essential work it does in the community – such as during Cyclone Yasi when we were pushed to the limit, covering surrounding areas including Herbeton, Malanda and Ravenshoe as well as Atherton. The local groups in these areas had been called to assist in other areas badly affected.
I have always been very involved in my community. When my children were young, the local Scout group lost its leader. To keep it going I got involved and became a Scout leader for Venturer Scouts, aged 14.5 to 18-years-old. It was a fantastic experience, but hard work – all the activities we did kept me pretty fit! I was very proud that three of my Scouts went on to become Queen Scouts – the first in Atherton for many years.
This year I have been selected for the cover of the Atherton White & Yellow Pages under the theme A Helping Hand, The Aussie Way, recognising my work with the SES and renovating the headquarters. Recognition isn’t something you ever expect, and I’d say that what I have achieved is also testament to the support of the wonderful volunteers in our unit.
I am very proud that I have been able to fulfil Ivan’s vision. If there is one thing that I have learned it is to take life by the reigns and enjoy it.
By Libby Edge
15 September 2012
15 September 2012
Marine Angel
In 2008, I got really mad about the environmental devastation it was causing. It got me thinking about what I could do to make a difference. In 2009, I formed Eco Barge Services – now named Eco Barge Clean Seas. It’s a marine debris removal program that takes volunteers on a day out to the Whitsunday Islands to pick up rubbish.
It was a bit of a leap of faith for me, but I think if you feel strongly about something, then you make these leaps. It really only takes one person to decide they want to do something, to start making a difference. When I first started I told my husband my idea and he just kind of laughed at me because everyone in the area knows about the debris problem, but probably thinks it’s too big to tackle. But my husband been the greatest support, encouraging me to see this dream through and supporting me through his own boat yard business.
In the program’s first year, 180 volunteers took part, collecting more than 52,000kg of marine debris including plastic bottles, bottles of bleach, toothbrushes and other items that have a devastating effect on marine life. We go out early in the morning, pick up debris on the stunning islands – probably the best place in the world to collect rubbish! Then we have a nice lunch and might hit the beaches again later. I have more than 250 volunteers on my register, willing to help out at a moment’s notice. If I ever struggle to fill my barge on a day trip, I post a sign in town, attracting scores of backpackers who want a meaningful day out during their travels.
It hasn’t been easy keeping Eco Barge going. We are a not-for-profit group, non-political and funded by donations. I am lucky because my husband gave me a boat to use for our trips. But each voyage costs a fair bit to run, so I spend a lot of my time chasing sponsorship from local community and environmental organisations. They’ve been really supportive, but Eco Barge is still a big job. If I didn’t feel as passionately about what I do, I think it would be a lot harder than it is.
Presently, Eco Barge goes out on marine debris collecting missions once or twice a month. But to clean up the 33 local islands, we really need to get out three times a month. After each voyage I spend days counting and weighing the rubbish collected, separating recyclables and collating data into reports. These reports help researchers identify where marine debris comes from, informing vital education and prevention programs. It is fantastic to know that all the back-breaking work we do picking up rubbish on these amazing beaches, is making a difference!
This year I was chosen to appear on the cover of the Mackay White & Yellow Pages for my work starting Eco Barge. The theme is A Helping Hand, The Aussie Way and it is a real honour to be recognised!
What really motivates me to do this though is our marine life. The plastic bags and bottle tops out there in our oceans are causing turtles to die slow and agonising deaths. When they ingest the plastic, it ferments in their stomach, they get bloated and can’t dive for their food. They basically float on the top of the water, at increased risk of boat strikes and starve to death. I get upset just thinking about it, so if Eco Barge Clean Seas can help even just one turtle, I feel like we’ve achieved something.
My life lesson is just to go for it. Eco Barge could have been a pipe dream for a long time, but I took the leap and when I think of the rubbish we’ve removed, I’m pretty happy to have done that. I’d encourage anyone else to do the same. It has been incredibly rewarding and personally fulfilling. I believe that eventually Eco Barge will get the exposure it needs to become a full-time marine debris removal program because this isn’t an issue that will go away. Plus, I’m not one to give up!
By Megan Knight
15 September 2012
15 September 2012
Activist for Healthy Living
Single mum of 2 (now adult). My father Ron defeated spirit / alcoholic - Mum Denny left him when I was 2. My children's father Shean defeated spirit /pot smoker - left him twice, as each child turned 2 (left for final time 1989)
Raised children on my own - Dylan, now 28 and Karlie, now 24.
Had a career as a corporate trainer (personal development in the business field via action and adventure training) from 1990 - 2000, working both Australia and Malaysia
Had a relationship 1991 - 1997, married 1994, separated 1997 and later divorced
Became a Christian 1998
Both children had left home 2007 - had 2 years on my own and put some concerted effort in to a little hobby business that I had been working on since approx 2001, amongst enjoying living with me as the focus for a bit
2009 Shean has 2 children livin g with him from a later relationship - Finn, then aged 12 and Callum then aged 10. Shean dies suddenly aged 51 years - on Mother's Day
Mother of these children Georgina "ill" so I take them on (as Shean and Georgina had asked me years ago if I would look after them if anything ever happened). Georgina lives independently but under mental health supervision - has the boys fortnightly for an overnight stay (Georgina also has a daughter, Shinead, aged 22? who is at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, now in the last days of a 4-year Pharmaceutical Science degree). Boys bought up without structure and many other things we take for granted. I internally freak out at suddenly being knee-deep in attitudes and ways I left 20 years previous. Regular job goes lost six moths later (as I was working nights), financial upheaval to a large degree
I have continued with business, Natural Surrender, all this time - always with part-time jobs to keep me afl oat. Had done expo's etc re coconut oil - always animated discussions and some sales but never any repeat business as our authorities state "avoid all saturated fats, esp coconut oil".
God said one day to "go to the top" so I emailed Kevin Rudd 2 weeks before he was deposed and also Justine Elliott, Minister for Health and Ageing. 2 emails., 2 follow up phone calls and 2 month-long waits for their snail-mail replies and we were invited to contribute to the public consultation period for the review of dietary guidelines. Spent a year gathering experts here and in the US and we submitted a large amount of information earlier this year. Will be towards the end of the year before we hear results
Now expanding Natural Surrender website to include more products over the next few months. The idea of Natural Surrender is "selected natural products - caring for you and yours - we have to read the labels just as carefully in the health f ood store these days as we do in the supermarket. We do the hard work for our customers and find the TRULY natural products, free of the many and varied hidden nasties. It is not our intention to have a zillion products - just the choice ones that can complement a whole foods diet and secure a healthy lifestyle
We have found some unexpected ones - as well as premium-grade essential oils, teas, herbals, sugar alternatives, we will also be introducing the HEALTHY Pool & Spa System and an organic fertiliser. With the pool system, I am marketing this one even before it gets on the site, both by phone and the recent Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA) expo where we found people putting up with many issues such as rashes, loss of body hair etc from spending their working hours in chlorine. We are very excited to be bringing this proven non-chlorine, non-salt answer to the public.
Finn & Callum are growing so well - both in hig h school now and (mostly) positive feedback from the recent parent-teacher interviews. They both have part-time jobs and like having money of their own. Finn is presently saving for the school ski trip in July which will be his first big adventure without family. As myself, Dylan & Karlie have all skydived, Callum is reminding me regularly that he wants a skydive for his next birthday in October - his 14th, the minimum age one can skydive
Also in the business plan, God has provided a formula for gathering the masses to make a move AGAINST the industrialised food industry and FOR healthy choices dominating our shopping options. Gathering a database so inviting all who have any interest in healthy lifestyle to contact me to put themselves on our list for action further down the track
By Louise Crossley
15 September 2012
15 September 2012
CLOSET MERINGUE
At first glance, this every day mother of three may seem a tad reserved. But, like the humble onion, I can make your eyes water when you peel the layers away.
Just before you M-rate my article I had better mention that my intention is not to shock or the horrify, only ‘sweetify’ (to cause acute stimulation to the heart’s ‘taste buds’ through excessive idealism and corny embellishments).
Okay, I’m not a ‘cool potato’, but my antics have elicited reactions. Like the ‘MySpace’ saga, when my daughter registered me in an attempt to make me a cooler mum – needless to say it backfired.
I used MySpace to express my dork status and I sealed the deal with my song choice – the very cool Helen Reddy singing I am woman. Unexpectedly though, I received dozens of friend requests who claimed to be dorks too; liberating ha?
Or, a few years ago I wore my happy shoes to work for three consecutive weeks, in an effort to cheer up the new preps who were missing their mums. Since then, I have been approached by several children who ask me with delightful enthusiasm, if I still have my happy shoes. This has made the odd looks I had received from grown-ups worthwhile.
The piece de resistance is when I organized a ‘this is your life’ birthday party for both my parents. I was determined to concentrate on the edification my parents deserved and not on those in the corner rolling their eyes and tutting ‘trust Louise’.
The truth is, I am too old to hide ‘under the radar’, so here I am!
The other day I watched Never Been Kissed starring Drew Barrymore on TV. My favourite part is when Barrymore waits vulnerably on the baseball field for a reaction to her article – that’s what I’m doing now. Don’t worry though, I won’t be literally waiting anywhere for anyone. I do however, want to come out of the closet - or should I say pantry - as a meringue!
I think the meringue is a perfect metaphor for me – too rich for some and a sugar rush for others. Sure, it would be easier to be subtle shortbread that melts in your mouth or, ever popular chocolate mud cake, but we have enough of them – the world needs variety.
That’s why, to every desserts out there I say, 'Don’t sugar coat who you are. You're sweet enough'.
FROM THE EDITOR
Finally, Hello,
l'll begin by saying sorry for the delay of this TWO YEAR edition but there were some technical difficulties that got in the way.
It has been another roller-coaster three months. A very sad time with the passing of beautiful Tommi, our little hero, but his funeral - which I attended - was uplifting: 'Super Heroes live for ever' his gorgeous mum asked us to say, as we released balloons into the sky.
A time of unexpected experiences: I've had strangers give me their babies to hold; went sailing on a yacht with strangers; had a five minute conversation with someone which developed into an immediate friendship; and have had a number of people connect with me in a way I haven't experienced before. The reason I am telling you this is to highlight the power of bringing life to life. This is indeed the pivotal lesson I have learnt this season that I'd like to pass on. Specifically, when we find a zest for life, it seems it is contagious. This year has been a healing time for me, but the last three months I have felt a breath of life come into me that I don't recognise. I am content with the here and now. I am taking in every moment and appreciating everything that fills that moment. With this new attitude, a new connection with people has generated. It's a great feeling, if you haven't already, please try it.
Wishing you all vivacious life in your lives
Thanks for Coming
LOUISE CROSSLY
l'll begin by saying sorry for the delay of this TWO YEAR edition but there were some technical difficulties that got in the way.
It has been another roller-coaster three months. A very sad time with the passing of beautiful Tommi, our little hero, but his funeral - which I attended - was uplifting: 'Super Heroes live for ever' his gorgeous mum asked us to say, as we released balloons into the sky.
A time of unexpected experiences: I've had strangers give me their babies to hold; went sailing on a yacht with strangers; had a five minute conversation with someone which developed into an immediate friendship; and have had a number of people connect with me in a way I haven't experienced before. The reason I am telling you this is to highlight the power of bringing life to life. This is indeed the pivotal lesson I have learnt this season that I'd like to pass on. Specifically, when we find a zest for life, it seems it is contagious. This year has been a healing time for me, but the last three months I have felt a breath of life come into me that I don't recognise. I am content with the here and now. I am taking in every moment and appreciating everything that fills that moment. With this new attitude, a new connection with people has generated. It's a great feeling, if you haven't already, please try it.
Wishing you all vivacious life in your lives
Thanks for Coming
LOUISE CROSSLY