Birthday Greetings – the difference between girls and boys

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Newschick

It’s my birthday today – Happy Birthday to me!

I love celebrating my birthday and I stand by the reasoning that life throws too many curve balls our way, so if there’s cause to celebrate, grab it with both hands and shake it damn hard.

One of my favourite parts of a birthday celebration is getting birthday cards from my children. Or from anyone, in fact. I’ve hoarded a sentimental stash of them from when I was six years old. Even better, I’ve forced my kids to MAKE hand-made cards for me for years, and it’s such a treat when they rush into the bedroom in the morning with presents and cuddles, to see what they’ve come up with each year.

This year proved an exceptional vintage from my offspring. It might sound sexist, but I think the cards from Veronica and Tom reflect a general attitude from the female and male species, about birthdays. Take a look for yourself:

(1) Veronica’s card: She spent hours, painstakingly decorating the paper with glitter glue, cut out textured paper and birthday iconography.

Ronnie’s birthday card

Her message inside is also heartfelt and sweet – although open to interpretation. To say that ‘God doesn’t make mothers like you anymore’ isn’t necessarily a compliment – although I do think she meant it as one. And she did also point out that I DO have ‘flaws’. We’ll debate that one later.

Ronnie’s words

Tom, on the other hand, went to an ENORMOUS amount of NON-effort. Take a look at this. From a (believe-it-or-not) FIFTEEN year old. Black texta on white paper and a stick figure??

Tom’s birthday card

Does this mean he couldn’t care less about birthdays? Doesn’t he love me at all? Hang on – read the message inside and judge for yourself. Food for thought indeed…

Tom’s witty words

I think it’s actually a clever way of excusing ones self from being incredibly lazy, But it did make me laugh.

Given what I am doing for Tom tonight, though, I think I deserved more. I am making a grand sacrifice. On my birthday night, when I SHOULD be celebrating with friends, I am GOING TO CHURCH!!! Yes, ME, going to CHURCH on my birthday!

That’s because Tom’s school has very inconveniently organised a house Chapel Service and dinner tonight, without taking my birthday into account. So thoughtless… What we do for our kids… All I can say is that Tom had better come up with a bloody brilliant card next year.

My Kinky Mother’s Day Present

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Newschick

When I first saw the mother’s day present Fletch had chosen for the kids to give me this year, I can’t really tell you what I thought… I took off the wrapping paper to reveal a weird looking S-Shaped purple plastic device – what the hell???

Fletch holding the Backnobber

Fletch held it out proudly, declaring he’d discovered the solution to my back pain woes. He’d bought me a BACKNOBBER. And not just any Backnobber. It was the Backnobber MARK TWO. I smiled nicely, trying to appear enthusiastic and failing. How on earth could something so simple actually help with the complex physical condition I was enduring that related to disc issues and nerve endings? What a STUPID present… It didn’t even come with batteries.

Sure, I’ll give it a go…???

But it was a mother’s day present. I had to try. It took a while to get the positioning right, but after several attempts, it started to make sense. If you hold one end of the S-shaped device in one hand and get it on the right spot where you feel the discomfort, then pull down on the curve in front of your body, the pressure applied actually DOES have a massaging effect.

Applying the Backnobber pressure…

You can also move the Backnobber around very easily to treat various spots on the back and feel the instantaneous relief. I was amazed. It actually worked! Sometimes the key to a successful gadget really does lie in its simplicity.

So THAT’S how it works…

So why, might you ask, have I decided to blog about something that was a gift WAY back in May? Well, it just so happens that I’m on holiday right now with the kids and didn’t pack my Backnobber and my back is missing that simple purple device. Which must be proof that it actually does work. Given that 80% percent of the world’s population suffers from back pain at some point in their lives (according to Dr. Jeffrey Katz, M.D., M.Sc., a leading back specialist at Harvard Medical School) then I reckon there’s plenty of readers who might like to know about this. Fletch first learnt about the amazing Backnobber from his on-screen wife, Jackie Woodburne (aka Susan Kennedy), and let’s face it if TWO wives of a well-regarded doctor think something works, then we MUST be on to something.

Backknobber II

If you’d like to find out more about the Backnobber, Fletch bought it from The Massage Warehouse in at 361 North Road, South Caulfield, Victoria. (PH: +61 (03) 9502 7693) Or you can visit the company website on http://massagewarehouse.com.au and order a Backnobber on-line. Right now, they’re on sale – reduced from $65 to $56. And no, I don’t get a commission. I’m just sharing because I hope it helps. Good luck.

California Dreaming… at Paramount Studios

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Newschick

There’s a new chapter about to open in my life and one that I’m pretty excited about. It’s the reason I haven’t been ‘Blogging’ as consistently these past few months and that’s because I’ve been investing a lot of time in several projects that mean I’ll be taking on a new role in the world of film production – behind the scenes as a writer and producer.

(But more about that later… )

So naturally, I was very happy to be heading off to Los Angeles two weeks ago for a combination of personal and work reasons. While I’ve been to LA many times over the last decade, this trip was doubly enjoyable because a pack of Melbourne buddies were there at the same time which meant we could hang out, shop and play. Last week we decided to do a very ‘touristy’ thing – take a tour of Paramount Pictures studios.

With Kate McGrath and Anna Byrne at Paramount Studios

I was as excited as a child visiting Disneyland. The history and filmic achievements of Paramount are epic, so with my absolute passion for film, it was akin to visiting a holy temple. I knew it would be fun, but in fact, I was blown away by the gorgeousness of it all. An experienced friend advised us to take the 2-hour tour, as opposed to the much more expensive four and a half hour version, and he was right – it was just the right amount of time to soak up the magic and history.

Touching the gates for good luck…

On arrival, we were greeted by our tour guide, Katy, who directed us to a buggy and we set off. First, through the majestic Paramount gates which we are touched for good luck – a Paramount tradition. (We’re all confident we are now headed for epic success!)

The famous Paramount Theatre

To list all of Paramount’s famous movies would take weeks, but just a handful include the likes of Rear Window, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Psycho, Love Story, The Great Gatsby (1972), Terms of Endearment, American Gigolo, the Godfather movies, Pretty in Pink, all the Star Trek movies and Titanic.

The foyer of Paramount’s Theatre

Most of the them probably had a screening at Paramount’s famous on-site theatre, where we stopped and sat inside to hear a very entertaining history of the studio from Katy. Even the foyer of the theatre is stunning and is often used in movies where a bit of stage dressing can turn it into a hotel lobby.

A buggy ride took us everywhere bar New York

Driving around in our buggy, we packed in a full tour – the only section we couldn’t see was the New York area, which was locked off while a TV commercial was being filmed. I also liked the fact that our tour was quite intimate. The three of us and another family meant there were only seven people demanding Katy’s attention.

The door to what was once Katherine Hepburn's dressing-room...

The door to what was once Katharine Hepburn’s dressing room…

We stopped at many famous doors along the way. And while it was disappointing not to actually venture inside, I still appreciated seeing them and learning the history. Here’s the door to what WAS Katharine Hepburn’s dressing room. She’d apparently ride to work on her bicycle, taking an alternative entrance to the studios to avoid the paparazzi.

The door Lucille Ball had concreted…

And here’s a door we couldn’t have walked through even if we’d tried… It was cemented up after Lucille Ball discovered her husband Desi Arnaz’s philandering ways.

Katy gives us the low-down on the back steps used for the beach house scene in Top Gun

Here are some steps you might recognise. Remember Top Gun? These were used for the scene where Tom Cruise (Maverick) sits on the back patio of Kelly McGillis’ (Charlie’s) beach house while they talk and drink wine.

Sitting on Forrest Gump’s park bench

And I just had to have a photo, sitting on the very park bench where Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump) delivered his famous line, ‘Mama always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.’

It was incredible to see the car park which can be turned into an ocean, filled with water from the massive tank above – it takes nearly a whole day – with projected images of beaches or other locations coming to life on the huge screen to the left. Of course, the cars have to park elsewhere on those days… The magic of cinema indeed.

The car park that can be transformed into an ocean…

For those who love a good ghost story, you’ll feel a tingle passing the allegedly haunted STAGE NINETEEN. Child actor Heather O’Rourke, who died from cardiac arrest at the age of 12, is rumoured to haunt the studio as her filming days were apparently the happiest of her tragically short life. Heather was discovered by Steven Spielberg at the age of five and went on to star in the 1982 horror movie, Poltergeist, as well its two sequels.

What’s being filmed at Paramount

Nowadays, there’s more TV shows than movies being filmed at Paramount. Here’s a look at what’s being filmed on site right now.

We stopped briefly at Dr Phil’s door and peeked inside the studio…

The door to Dr Phil’s studio

All Glee props and staging are kept under wraps

And while I’m not a Glee viewer, I’d happily have shown you the set. Except that it’s one show that keeps everything strictly under wraps. Even the props that are left outdoors are covered in black plastic so passers-by can’t guess from the sets, what might be coming up in the story-lines. Sorry…

Ah yes, a memorable day indeed and one I would highly recommend to anyone visiting LA.

Paramount Pictures is legendary – who could resist it’s magic? Even the tour tickets are beautiful, featuring the shot below. And this is how I will end my story because who could say it better than Cecil B DeMille?

Cecil B DeMille’s famous quote

Which Celebrity Chef is lending a hand to save children in Cambodia from trafficking?

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Newschick

TV Celebrity Chef, author, naturopath and all-round good soul Janella Purcell first learnt about the charity, Connecting Hands, when they contacted her to see if she could contribute to their celebrity cookbook.

Janella Purcell

‘It’s a really beautiful book. They did a great job with that. People love cookbooks and it looks really pretty,’ she said. The book was launched last November and includes recipes from a range of high profile chefs, including Maggie Beer, Neil Perry, Poh Ling Yeow, Pete Evans and Marion Grasby.

But while most people would think they’d done enough by contributing a recipe, Janella has gone above and beyond in terms of helping Connecting Hands in their mission to help free children and women from trafficking and give them a future.

The Food for Life Cookbook

Since the book was published, Janella’s involvement has escalated to the point where she’s just returned from a trip with the Connecting Hands team to Cambodia, plus she hosted a cooking workshop in Sydney yesterday where all funds raised from ticket sales went to the charity as well.

Janella was keen to go to Cambodia so she could see for herself how Connecting Hands’ latest project – building a teaching cafe in Cambodia – was progressing.

The idea is that, once completed, the cafe will give the girls training in hospitality, employment with on-going jobs, and a safe place to live.

The Connecting Hands message – excerpt from Celebrity Chef cookbook

For Janella, it was an unforgettable experience. ‘A lot of people just put their heads in the sand over this, because it is a really hard issue to look at. I love what Connecting Hands is doing – the practicality of it. This cafe is really going to make a difference.’

When the cafe is finished, Janella says she’d like to return to Cambodia, possibly for three months, to help train the girls in hospitality. I asked her why she was so passionate about the cause.

‘Where do you start?’ she said. ‘What’s the difference between those young girls and our own children? I mean, we’re all the same. I believe in equality and injustice really upsets me at every level. They’re not being given a fair chance and that’s just appalling. And no one really wants to know about it – it’s all too hot for them to touch and I’m not scared of those sorts of things.’

Like myself, Janella wants to know why governments aren’t stepping in to do more. ‘The sexual trafficking of children is actually one of the biggest money-spinners on the planet. It makes more money than anything else. I don’t really understand why we don’t hear more about it. That’s a lot of money and a lot of children.’

‘It’s a really hard issue and I think a lot of people just want to pretend that it isn’t happening. Why else could it be?’

Janella Purcell

The title ‘celebrity chef’ is something Janella thinks first began with the success Masterchef. In her view, she’s really a naturopath who’s also a foodie. Still, she has been on TV continuously for fifteen years now, (Channel Nine – Mornings with Kerri-Anne Kennerley; Channel Seven – Good Chef, Bad Chef, and Channel Ten – Biggest Loser) so she’s well and truly earned the title.

Now living in the Hinterlands in Byron Bay, Janella runs clinics near home and in Sydney. She regularly writes magazine articles and her diary is packed with media commitments. But it’s her work in the clinics she finds most rewarding. ‘Consulting clients, one on one. It’s really beautiful, I love that work,’ she said. ‘I deal with all sorts of health issues, from cancer and libido-immune deficiency issues to fertility and skin problems.’

Can naturopathy really address all these complaints? ‘Of course,’ said Janella. ‘We make people better. It’s not that hard. For so many people, it’s a matter of taking chemicals out of your life – from your food, your skincare, your cleaning products. So many people become well once they do that. Chemicals are causing so many problems in our life. And then take out all the processed food from your diet.’

Janella’s top tip for natural skincare is the Pure and Green organic range. She also prefers to buy organic wine. And while it’s her preference to go organic generally, it’s not something she’s fanatical about.

After our chat, I was starting to feel quite exhausted. How does she keep up the pace, fitting all these commitments into her life? But wait, there’s more!

Janella Purcell

Janella is also working on her own TV show. It’s a show focusing on eating food without using meat and refined foods, but still making meals that are beautiful to taste. (watch this space!)

AND she’s working on her next book. It will be called Whole Foods for the Whole World, with recipes for every age, from babyhood to the elderly.

AND she’s shooting a TV commercial for OxFam about awareness about food waste.

Little wonder she has been named in the top 40 inspiring women in Australia, in Prevention Magazine.

If you’d like to do just a little something to help Connecting Hands, here’s a couple of ideas. You can still purchase the cookbook by going to the charity’s website at http://connectinghands.com.au

And you can buy tickets to Connecting Hands annual fund-raising dinner, at which I will be MC. It’s in St Kilda at The Great Provider on Saturday, October 19th. I’d love to see you there!

An inspiring story from MakeupFree Me Day…

Posted on August 31, 2013 by Newschick

I’m often surprised and delighted to hear from friends from distant places who come across my Blog and get in touch as a result of some of the stories I write.

Yesterday though, I was doubly thrilled to hear from my 18-year-old step-niece in Sydney, Rebecca Pearse, who’d read my Blog from last week about the Makeup Free Me campaign. Not only had Rebecca taken up the challenge and gone ‘makeup free’ for the day, she’d raised $529 along the way for the Butterfly Foundation.

Congratulations Rebecca! I am full of admiration for this young woman who took time out from her heavy Year Twelve workload to raise money for such a good cause. Mind you, I’m also pretty envious of someone who looks so totally gorgeous both with AND without makeup.

Rebecca with makeup

Rebecca without makeup

I wasn’t so successful in taking up the challenge myself… although I did give it a decent shot. With a heavy workload this week in the lead up to heading off overseas, I knew it was unlikely I’d have time to jump on the fund-raising bandwagon full throttle, so I decided just to dip my toe in to test the waters this year, and I vow to do this properly next year!

But I did go for a full DAY without makeup! It sounds superficial, but for me, this is a big deal. Don’t forget, I began working in the TV industry at the tender age of just 20-years old, where a full face of make-up wasn’t just for vanity’s sake, it was an on-air necessity. I learnt all the tips of the trade from our highly skilled make-up staff and still love the artistry involved.

I do though, however, fully support the concept behind the Makeup Free Me campaign – encouraging women in to go ‘makeup free’ for one day to show the world you can step out and be confident about who you are without any artifice.

Especially because the campaign is also about raising funds for that excellent organization – The Butterfly Foundation, which promotes positive body image and helps those with eating disorders.

So here’s how I survived the day…

Hiding from view…

First, it was a matter of being brave enough to face the world…

My daughter chased me with the camera until I finally let down my guard…

Exposed!!

Yeah, it’s a bit ghoulish… But I went about my day ‘nude-faced’ and became less and less self-conscious as the hours passed by. I was a little miffed by my local doctor though, when I explained my lack of make-up was because of this campaign and he just looked at me and said, ‘Right…’ nodding his head, sympathetically. I mean, seriously, he could have told a weeny white lie and said,’ But you look fabulous!’ – couldn’t he?

My stumbling block was the evening. With a ‘date’ planned with Fetch, as a ‘romantic evening’ before I head away, I caved. I couldn’t face turning up at the glamorous Stokehouse restaurant without my lippy. I spent hours debating the issue in my head. But in the end, I wanted to have a great night without niggling self-consciousness getting in the way of our fun. So I justified my cowardice by saying it was more important to put my relationship first. Plus, as I said, I didn’t have any sponsors and fund-raising issues to answer to this year.

Next year, I promise to be braver and go the full distance. Really, I will! If Rebecca can do it, so can I.

COULD YOU GO WITHOUT MAKEUP FOR ONE DAY?

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Newschick

When I first heard about this upcoming MAKEUP FREE ME campaign, I thought ‘Nice concept, but not for me.’ It’s all about encouraging women in to go ‘makeup free’ for one day – NEXT WEEK, Friday, AUGUST 30^th – to show the world you can step out and be confident about who you are without any artifice.

The art of makeup

Gwyneth Paltrow goes makeup free

It’s also about raising funds for an excellent organization – The Butterfly Foundation, which promotes positive body image and helps those with eating disorders.

And while I agree it all sounds lovely, I’m just not sure I’m brave enough to take part. I mean, it’s all well and good for the fresh-faced twenty-somethings out there, but for me? Just the thought of putting my face forward into the world without makeup is pretty terrifying. Okay, so I wear very little make-up to the gym – but at least a coat of mascara and a dash of eyeliner make me feel human.

The woman helping to promote it all is Merissa Matthew, who gave up a high profile marketing job about a year ago when she decided she’d rather ‘make a difference’ in our society. Negative body image is an issue she’s passionate about.

‘The campaign is not about makeup being bad but rather it’s about encouraging women to step out in confidence and show the world that beauty is more than just skin deep,’ said Merissa.

Cynical me had to ask, ‘But surely a lot of women are saying, HELL NO!’ ??

Funds raised go to The Butterfly Foundation

Nup. Merissa says it’s exactly the opposite. ‘Women absolutely love the Makeup Free Me concept and the positive body image message that is being promoted. Many women have jumped straight into the challenge whilst others have been a little hesitant. But that’s absolutely fine; it’s supposed to be challenging – to encourage us to stop and reflect on where we find our self worth,’ she said.

Well, I don’t value myself according to the foundation I put on my skin – I just think it looks a helluva lot better with the foundation on it. That’s all. And yes, I CAN do without foundation, but giving up mascara??? Hmmm… I’ll have to think on it. And if I DID go makeup free, should I post a blog and show everyone? EWWWWWWW…..

Merissa admits there are some women who HAVE said ‘No’. ‘Yes, some women who have said that they don’t feel comfortable going makeup free for the day and that’s okay. I recently received some really great advice from Travis Garone, founder of Movember. He said to me “Movember welcomes all but Movember is not for all.” He then proceeded to say that I must always remember that not all women will get involved and that I need to be okay with that. Wise words indeed, but I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less from such a great man.

But let’s get to the WHY part of the campaign. And this is the bit where, if like me, you were initially reluctant, you might start to change your mind.

Merissa explained the facts and figures. Here are TWO that stood out:

– 90% of Aussie girls aged between 12-17 are on a diet of some type. (yep, that’s NINETY per cent!!!)
– Only 4% of women around the world can call themselves beautiful.

Merissa found these statistics shocking. ‘I had to ask myself the question as to whether I sat in the 4% of women? If I’m being honest, I would have to say that I probably fall into the 96%. I am on a journey, however, in discovering my value in who I am rather than what I look like and I want women and girls across the world to walk in this knowledge as well.’

Except that Merissa sent me through a photo of herself without makeup and well, HELLO, she’s stunning. I really hope she’s a long way into that journey because Merissa, if you read this, you ARE beautiful!

Merissa Matthew, Founder Makeup Free Me

I had another question, which is a bit superficial. Why the hell pick a FRIDAY when most people go out that night of the week and might decide NOT to do the campaign for that reason?

‘That’s a great question,’ said Merissa. ‘The reason a weekday was chosen was because we wanted to ensure that we didn’t just hide away, makeup free in our homes on the weekend (which might be tempting). Specifically we chose a Friday because it gave us the extra challenge as most of us do head out and socialise with our friends.’

Right. Merissa is big on those challenges… Could I? Will I? Should I??

Hang on, surely it’s going to be an annual event. Could I do it next year instead? Is it going to be an annual event?

‘That’s definitely the plan. Now that the foundations are in place we can focus on increasing awareness each year and encouraging more Australian women and girls to participate. We also know however that negative body image is not just an issue in Australia. Our ultimate goal is to expand to other countries so that we can empower women and girls across the world to develop and nurture positive body image (but let’s not get ahead of ourselves),’ said Merissa.

And what about some fun stuff? Are there any events taking place? If I’m going to be going around scaring people without makeup, it would be nice to get together with some other nudie-faced chicks so we can all feel self-conscious together.

‘We have the Makeup Free Me Girls Night event on the Friday at Rivers Edge in Melbourne,’ said Merissa. ‘Whether women are registered for the campaign or not, we’re encouraging them to join us. Tickets are only $55, which includes canapés, drinks, giveaways and lots of entertainment.’

Of course all the proceeds go directly to the Butterfly Foundation and Channel 10’s, Natalie Hunter will be guest MC for the night.

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.makeupfreeme.com.au/events.

And if you’re interstate or overseas, why not organize your own Girls Night Out with a fund-raising game attached – and see if you can meet the challenge – NO MAKEUP for just one day.

If you’d like to register to take part, go to: http://www.makeupfreeme.com.au/register

I’m still thinking about it. But I AM leaning towards doing it. What do you think?

Watch this space.

The new ladies in Doctor K’s life…

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Newschick

I’ve had to endure my husband having many relationships with different women over the years. Of course, he’s had his on-screen Neighbours wife, Susan, for more than 18 years and that’s been easy because Jackie Woodburne is such a wonderful human being and good friend.

Then there was Nicola Charles (Sarah) and Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Izzy) who were love interests on the show for a spell and also both gorgeous, so I can’t complain. Natalie has also become a close pal.

Jackie Woodburne, Fletch and Natalie Bassingthwaighte

But now, not only is Fletch surrounded by stunning women on set, he’s embarked on a musical project that means he’s going to be working closely with THREE beautiful and highly talented young women. I mean, really, if they weren’t so damn nice, I might be feeling a little bit over it all…

Alan first met The Pacific Belles when they came along to a regular gig where his band Waiting Room was playing at The Elephant and Wheelbarrow in St Kilda. From there, Alan learnt about their unique musical style and plans for a collaboration grew. You see, The Pacific Belles aren’t any old girl group. They’re a retro swing trio that emulates the harmonies of The Andrews Sisters from the 1940s.

The Pacific Belles performing at The Paris Cat in Melbourne

We went along to The Paris Cat in the city one evening to see them perform and were blown away. Not only is their repertoire tight, pitch perfect and entertaining – they mix up the old with the new – even singing a jazz influenced version of Wonderwall. Impressive.

Laura Monaghan (pictured above centre) – better known as ‘Betty Belle’, is the lynch pin of the group and the mastermind behind the concept. She firmly believes she was born in the wrong era, which probably accounts for their authentic sound. ‘I came over to Australia from the UK and I’ve always wanted to sing in a trio,’ she said. ‘I love singing harmonies so I thought, “Let’s do a 1940s singing trio.” That’s the music I’m really passionate about. It’s a glamorous era. I love the fashion, the lipstick, the hair – everything.’

The Pacific Belles

They’ve definitely got the look down pat. Quick frankly, listening to them sing downstairs at The Paris Cat, I really did feel like I’d been transported back to another era…

They’ve already built up quite a following in Melbourne – playing at functions, popular venues, weddings and events. Tonight they’ll be performing at the launch of Melbourne’s Fringe Festival with shows booked during the festival as well.

A vintage tea party with The Pacific Belles

‘Our next public performance dates will be during the Melbourne fringe festival at Madame Brussels on the 22nd of September and then again on the 5th and 6th of October. Our show is called Sing, Swing, Get in The Mood and we’d love everyone to come along for the afternoon tea and a show.’

As for Fletch’s new musical collaboration with The Pacific Belles, that’s under wraps for the moment, but I’ll give you a hint. It might have something to do with Christmas…

Fletch and Belles

They make a good team, right? Oh, and the Pacific Belles will be back at The Paris Cat in November. In the meantime, they’ve also got an album and video clip to finish. Ultimately, they’d like a hit song in the UK charts. I can’t wait to hear the finished product!

The Pacific Belles

For Bookings and enquiries please contact Betty Belle –
Tel: 0448 698 900
Email: [email protected]

Inspirational Life Changes – Airline Pilot, Captain Emma Youngman

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Newschick

Captain Emma Youngman

The more we encourage young women to think about aspirational careers – and careers that have previously been the domain of men – the better. Which is why I thought catching up with airline pilot Emma Youngman would be valuable to show girls what you can achieve if you want to (literally) ‘fly high’ on leaving school. Emma is at the top of her field, recently becoming a Captain at Virgin Airlines.

I’m not sure how many careers advisors at high schools put forward this option to women, and Emma says it certainly wasn’t a job she considered when she was in Year 12. ‘I really wish that I’d had more focus in school in those final years,’ she said. ‘Even when I started to learn to fly, it didn’t occur to me that I could do this commercially. I’m annoyed it wasn’t presented to me at school as a viable option.’

When you hear Emma’s family history, you might wonder why she didn’t. Emma’s grandfather flew in World War One and was a founding director of Ansett Airlines, and her father flew privately. Emma grew up in southwest rural Victoria, near Hamilton, where her father had a light aircraft on their property.

‘From nought to five, I spent a lot of time in Dad’s plane,’ said Emma, smiling as she remembered. ‘Sometimes I’d take the cat for a fly, or we’d take the dolls. It was a great form of entertainment back then.’

‘You were allowed to take the cat on the plane?’ I asked. ‘That was lovely of your Dad.’

‘It was,’ said Emma. ‘But it didn’t work out so well. The cat freaked out and poohed everywhere. So that went down like a lead balloon obviously.’

Sadly, Emma’s father died when she was just five years old, so the flying stopped. ‘It wasn’t until after I left school that I flew in a small aircraft again,’ she said. ‘It was the first time I’d been back in a plane and I couldn’t work out why I felt this strange attraction to it but it felt like it was home.’

For Emma, that light bulb moment was life changing. ‘I felt, oh my God, I have to do this,’ she said. ‘So I quit my job as a secretary at a sports marketing company and went back home to the farm to learn to fly at Hamilton.’

Emma (centre) and the crew at Virgin Airlines

Even while Emma was training, she didn’t think about making a living from flying. Half way through her course, the instructor said she should think about getting a commercial licence. ‘I still didn’t really understand. I think I asked him what that was! It was still so far from my thinking that I could be a commercial pilot. So then he explained further and I followed up to see what was needed.’

At 19-years-old, Emma was on a mission. More courses were needed and weren’t cheap. She had a small business on the side, training and selling horses to help fund the lessons and her mother chipped in as well. ‘Mum’s always been incredibly supportive of any hare-brained scheme I’ve come up with. She was one hundred per cent behind me,’ she said.

After finishing her commercial licence, Emma flew for freight companies to build up her flying hours. She describes it as a tough business, where, twenty years ago, pilots were pushed to fly in unsafe conditions and there were many accidents. ‘It was quite confronting. You’d often come to work and a friend and his plane would no longer be there because he’d crashed the day before.’

‘So you lost a few friends?’ I asked.

‘Yes, many. It was hideous.’ We sat for a moment, while Emma reflected. It was a tough learning curve that left lasting lessons. ‘It reinforced to me that safety is critical. Don’t be cavalier and don’t let people push you around.’

Was it a bloke’s world back then? Did they accept women flying? ‘They did, although it was only seven or eight years before (1979) I started flying that Deborah Wardley won a case against Ansett to allow her to fly as a pilot. I was only seven years after that. I mean, fancy being told as a journalist you can’t do that? Deborah is an amazing lady.’

Now, Emma says the flying world is completely fine as far as equality goes. ‘We work in one of the most protected industries,’ she said. ‘As soon as I’m in a cockpit, all our conversations are recorded. We have a dialogue that is almost scripted. Often we have an all-female crew.’

Emma in the cockpit

The only disappointing reaction Emma occasionally receives is from passengers. ‘Ninety-nine per cent of people are encouraging, but sometimes you get comments. Probably because traditionally it was a male-dominated industry.’

Yet still the number of female pilots is ridiculously small. ‘It used to be one per cent. Now overall, it’s about five per cent,’ said Emma. ‘Although Virgin are quite pro-active in this area, so we probably have about ten per cent of pilots who are women.’

I asked Emma about the academic challenges of getting a pilots licence and surprisingly, she said that while an appreciation of maths and physics can help, she believes it’s more like studying for a law degree. ‘Technically, it’s not difficult,’ she said. ‘But there is a vast amount of theory. There’s a whole other language and set of rules to learn. The strongest trait needed for a pilot is common sense.’

For Emma, the hard work has paid off because flying is her passion. ‘I still, to this day, love the physical sensation of flying an aeroplane. It’s an addictive feeling of freedom. To see the sunrise, the sunsets, it’s just a straight out love of flying.’

And her advice to young women thinking of flying? ‘First, take a ride in a light plane and see whether you love it. You have to be dedicated because the lifestyle requires commitment. You miss a lot of personal events, like births and weddings, with your schedule but for me, it’s worth it.’

For me, the most reassuring part of this interview was when I asked Emma about turbulence. Don’t you hate it when you’re flying and the plane drops ten metres and you feel like you’re about to lose your lunch? I grip the arm-rest with sweaty hands and start praying. But Emma says it really is NOTHING to worry about!!!

Captain Emma stays calm!

‘Oh, no!’ she scoffs. ‘It’s really just like driving over a bumpy road. There have been some nights where you can’t get out of the bumps and it can be quite rough, but they’re pretty rare. And it’s only difficult because you know it’s uncomfortable for the passengers. But it’s much less bumpy up the front than down the back, so we don’t feel it as badly.’

Okay, so there’s the solution. Get rich quick and fly first class or become a pilot. Simple!

SURPRISE! It’s your WEDDING!!! (OR Why I lied to my sister…)

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Newschick

So before you start thinking I’m a spoilt brat who enjoys far too many holidays than she deserves, let me explain. There was a GENUINE reason I HAD to come to Bali this week. I had no choice – seriously. My sister’s fiancé, Pete, phoned me a month ago to say he was going to spring a SURPRISE WEDDING for Jill and wanted me to help with orchestrate the nuptials. How could I say no?

Legian Beach

With Jill being so busy with work commitments, Pete knew it was going to be a tough call, locking in a wedding date. She’s also been married before and knew full well how much planning a wedding would involve. So when Pete tried to get her to set a date six months ago, she jokingly replied, ‘It’s too much to organise. You sort it out and I’ll just turn up.’ I don’t think she thought he’d take her so literally.

When it panned out that many of her friends were going to be in Bali at the same time, Pete thought it would be perfect to organise a surprise wedding. Particularly as it was Jill’s birthday on June 25th. It would be simple to get everyone together for a celebration without raising her suspicions.

I wasn’t so sure. Jilly is SO switched on, it’s difficult to keep anything a secret from her! But on the morning of her birthday, when I offered to blow-dry her hair, (because she should look her best at her celebratory dinner!!) she scoffed at the idea, saying she didn’t care. That’s when I was pretty sure she hadn’t twigged. Surely she’d want good hair if she knew she was getting married??

Pete booked a dinner at Bali’s most glamorous seaside restaurant – Kudeta. None of the guests knew until just hours before exactly what was going to happen. There was always the VERY slim possibility she might say ‘no’… so there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air as we gathered for pre-dinner drinks.

The tricky part was getting Jill to the restaurant by 4.30. We needed to kick proceedings off early-ish to make sure we could take photos before the sun went down. So we told a weeny white lie and pretended we had to get there early to secure the sofa area because it’s peak holiday season and the restaurant needed the space for another group booking, It worked and we managed to assemble everyone pretty close to the planned time.

Then we all held our collective breath as we watched Pete take Jill aside and tell her what was about to happen. They had their backs to us, so it was hard to work out exactly what was going on… the only give-away, when she wiped a tear from her eye.

Will she or won’t she???

Jill with her bouquet

Then she turned around with a beaming smile and I sighed with relief and handed her a bouquet we’d organised. Plus some flowers for her hair. ‘Damn, I would have put some lippy on if I’d known!’ she laughed.

We’d also organised a marriage celebrant, so Pete led us down to the beach, where we met Kim, to officiate the ceremony. And a very celebrated celebrant I might add – as he just happened to ALSO perform the wedding of Australia’s most gorgeous super-model, Jennifer Hawkins, only a few weeks ago.

The aisle was marked out with scattered rose petals and orchids…

Kim not only spoke beautifully, with sensitively chosen words, but had also prepared a rose-petal strewn beach-aisle for the betrothed couple to walk down.

Then, there they stood. Pete and Jill, who have been together for nine years – finally – exchanging vows on Legian Beach in Bali. I couldn’t have been more thrilled for my baby sister. I’ll let the pictures tell the story…

A beautiful beach wedding

Kim, the celebrant, officiates

Married in a heart of flowers

Jill’s son Jesper on stand-by with the rings

Jill’s daughter, Charlie, was the perfect bridesmaid

During the vows, the bride got a tad teary...

During the vows, tears of joy…

The look of love…

Sealed with a kiss…

The happy couple were showered with rose petals as they walked back up the aisle...

The happy couple was showered with rose petals as they walked back up the aisle…

All back to Kudeta to celebrate!

The wedding party.

Just after the group photo, Jill announced it was time to throw the bouquet, so the youngest of the wedding party raced onto the beach to battle it out.

The battle for the bouquet

Jump!

Ronnie with her bouquet

That’s my girl!! Yep, our daughter Ronnie beat the others to the bouquet. Which surely means I can look forward to another Bali wedding?

Then it was time for drinks and dinner. Although sadly I must have put a greasy finger on the camera photo lens at some point, making for slightly blurry pics… oops!

Cathy, Julie and Greg

Sam and Aki

Kim, the celebrant, even hung around for a beer

And let’s not forget it was also Jill’s birthday. So yes, there was cake.

Happy birthday Jill!

THE BACK STORY

Pete and Jill have been together for nine years, so we’ve waited some time for this wedding. But it was definitely meant to be. From the beginning, their relationship has faced some tough challenges – trials you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. That they’ve managed to see these through just made this day an even greater cause for celebration.

Not long after they met at a bayside pub on a Sunday night just before Christmas, Pete headed off to the UK for business for two months. Smitten, he phoned her every morning and every night the entire time he was away. Both agree it was a wonderful way to really get to know each other and cement their connection through conversations that went for hours. Pete racked up a phone bill of more than four thousand dollars.

Then six weeks after Pete returned home, they met with some friends at a local pub. Pete had planned to take Jill on a date that night. As he was riding his motorbike, he told her he would go home and get changed, then return in an hour in his car to pick her up.

He didn’t show.

As time passed, Jill became really annoyed, believing he’d stood her up.

Her mobile phone rang. A man said he was calling from the Alfred Hospital and that Pete had had an accident and was asking for her. Initially, Jill thought it was a bad joke by one of Pete’s friends and told the man to get stuffed. Eventually he convinced her it was true and Jill took a taxi to the hospital.

Sadly, it wasn’t a joke. It was deadly serious. Pete had been hit by a four-wheel drive and knocked off his bike at a major intersection. The car had run a red light. Pete had nearly been killed.

Jill took one look at Pete, his body swollen and bloodied face, as he lay on a hospital bed and she fainted on the spot. He’d lost part of his bottom lip, nearly lost an eye, had two broken legs and a broken arm. He’d also suffered a head injury and was transferred to the Epworth Hospital where he remained for two months. He was then back at the Alfred and in hospital for a whole year, mostly in a wheel chair.

Jill says most of Pete’s friends visited at the beginning but then the visits became fewer and fewer until he pretty much lost most of his friends. But Jilly remained steadfast and never gave up hope that he’d recover and that they would be able to share a life together. And they have.

Pete has never had kids of his own and has also been a wonderful stepfather to Charlie and Jesper.

Jill was thrilled with the wedding day but says if she’d known, she wouldn’t have worn black. And she might have put on a bit of make-up. But overall, the surprise made it such a special and over-whelming day, she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Congratulations to my beautiful sister Jill and my wonderful new brother-in-law, Pete.

The Newly-weds the next day

(P.S. If you’re thinking of staging a Bali wedding and would like to get in touch with Kim, he has a website at http://www.baliweddingcelebrant.com)

Bali dreaming… time to get away.

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Newschick

I’ve been dreaming about this for some time… returning to one of my favourite places on earth – BALI.

Bali

And now finally, the day has arrived. I’m just about to finish some last minute packing, hop in the shower and jump on a plane tonight with the kids. Sadly, Fletch has to stay home to continue working on Neighbours, but hey, I’m lucky enough to have my sister, Jill, and several friends heading over to paradise as well, so I won’t be short of company.

But I thought I should warn you this time. Last year when I went on holidays, (to the U.S., last July) I fully intended to Blog every day about stuff, but then found it all too much. Every day I would chastise myself for being slack and every day I would vow to tap something out, but time slipped by and it never happened. Eventually I just gave up. Happily, I must add. I mean, why take a holiday, really, if you’re not going to have a rest? And I did write two summary travel Blogs once I got home.

The problem is, I really do love writing, so I may WANT to Blog. Or not. Which is why I’m saying – there may be a BIG gap between entries – but I’m just not going to commit to anything. At least this time you’ll know why.

Given the crew I’ll be hanging out with, no doubt there will be plenty of stories to tell and I always enjoy sharing travel tips, so let’s see.

Me wearing a neck brace

At least one piece of travelling advice from our last trip has been taken on board by our son, Tom. He saw how much I benefitted last year from taking a neck brace on planes when travelling long haul economy. It’s the BEST way to keep the head stable and be able to nod off and have a solid nap without waking, feeling like your first stop off the plane has to be at the chiropractors. They really are SO much more effective than those useless travel pillows sold at airports. And they’re only about $10-$15 each. So now Tom and I will be sporting matching neck braces for the journey!

Don’t worry, I won’t wear it by the beach. The sand’s a good enough cushion for me when lying horizontal. And if you’re wondering about the weird colours with that pic above, it’s because I finally found a solution to publishing crap photos of myself. Edit the bejeezus out of it with colour distortion and it hides a multitude of sins. Perfect.

Now, if only I could do that to my body when I’m on the beach…

Farewell for now. Bali, here we come!

Bali sunset

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SURPRISE! It’s your WEDDING!!! (OR Why I lied to my sister…)

Bali dreaming… time to get away.