The Transition Handbook

The Transition Handbook
Creating Local Sustainable Communities Beyond Oil Dependency
by Rob Hopkins

Australian & New Zealand Edition
Finch Publishing

Do you have an great idea that will help your community become more sustainable but are unsure about how to bring the idea into action?

Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network, can help you realise your dream. The Transition Handbook is an entertaining and inspirational read. However, the books greatest strength lies in the guidance the author gives groups who want to follow the steps taken by several communities in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Hopkins shares experience in working with community groups, potentially sparing new initiatives some of the more common difficulties faced, be it working with government or overcoming fears and negativities. The book is full of tips on things like how to write a press release and how to make the most of public events. A must read for any group looking to bring their vision into reality.

Reviewed by Michele Dennis for Kindred.
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Does My Head Look Big in This?

by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Pan Macmillan Australia

Sixteen-year-old Amal is like any other girl growing up in suburban Australia. Her parents drive her crazy with their over protectiveness and nagging, she worries about her looks and if her wardrobe is current enough and she has a crush on her science partner.

There is only one thing that Amal worries about that most girls in her class don’t have to think about-should she wear the hijab or not?

The thought of wearing a veil in public-especially to school scares Amal to death but when she finally decides to go for it, she gets the support of her friends and parents. Having those she cares about behind her gives Amal has the courage to wear the veil, but the idea is still pretty daunting. What will the cool crowd say? Will she be quick enough with her comebacks? And what about Josh, will he still talk to her? What if she applies for a job? Or even shopping at the mall, will people stare?

This is only part of what Amal has to think about, her friends have problems of their own and she wants to support them. The lady next door is crazy, blaming her for every small thing that happens on the street. And she has more homework than she can even imagine getting done.

Does My Head Look Big in This? is a charming book and readers will immediately relate to Amal. Abdel-Fattah has amazing insights into the teenage mind and an ability break down cultural barriers. This is a captivating story, you never feel preached to, important lessons are picked up naturally through getting to know the characters.

Michele Dennis
Kindred Book Reviews
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'Ready to Move' DVD Review

'Ready to Move' DVD from the Australian Physiotherapy Association

The movements your baby makes in their first year contribute to the development of their muscles and structure later in life. This short and informative DVD put out by the Australian Physiotherapy Association gives parents and caregivers easy and practical ideas on how to incorporate different positioning and gentle touch into their regular daily routines. The subtle changes in position will encourage babies to use their muscles in different ways throughout the day, which will have a positive and long lasting impact on your babies overall health and well being.

DVD available through the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

reviewed by Michele Dennis

Do Mobile Phones Cause Cancer?

If you own a mobile phone, you must see this.

For years, the experts have been arguing over them. Some say they're perfectly safe, others claim they fry your brains.

An international team of doctors, including two of Australia's finest surgeons, have just released their latest, comprehensive research.

They say prolonged use of mobile phones could double the risk of malignant brain tumours. The deadliest of all cancers, the kind that leaves no survivors.

With an entire generation now growing up hooked on their mobiles, that could be absolutely devastating....more

Andrew Potato Face

Andrew Potato Face
Written by Debbie O’Connor
Illustrated by Leonie Windle
Produced by White River Design

“Eat your Vegetables!” Everyone can relate to that comment, either hearing it or saying it to your own children. We are constantly being told how important it is for people to eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh vegetables. Things sometimes just don’t go the way we want them to and parents end up in a battle with their children at the dinner table.

Here’s a fun solution, invite Andrew Potato Face over for dinner. This book is colourful and fun, it has a good message without sounding like it is trying too hard or preaching a message to your little ones.

Available through White River Design www.whiteriverdesign.com


Michele Dennis
Kindred reviews
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Breastfeeding Mamas

Hi Kali (& friends),

Thought you would love this!

I am very proud of our 'breastfeeding mumma' cover this month, so couldn't wait to get to my framer today. I must really thank you for sending the extra covers, thank you for supporting breastfeeding and thank you for being so brave with your publication. I have had one framed for Danielle also, I will drop it into her tonight, signed of course!

Thanks again and power to the breastfeeding mumma's!

Monica:)


You can contact Monica Renaud at STUDIOFIFTYSEVEN
- Kindred magazine

Action Alert - Australian Homebirth

In February this year, the Federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, released a report recommending changes to our current maternity services.

It recommends the need for increased collaboration between GPs, Obstetricians and Midwives and promotes an increased role for midwives in maternity care.

The report does not support federally funded homebirth. While midwives working together with doctors will have access to professional indemnity insurance, Medicare and PBS, midwives in private practice are precluded from attaining any of these.

In fact, if we do not act now homebirth will be illegal by 2010!

The lack of action by the government to provide equal choice for those women wanting a homebirth is discriminatory and irresponsible.

You can tell the government that the choices of all women are to be honoured.

Sign the petition, write letters to Nicola Roxon and your local state and federal members. Letters to politicians do not need to be complex, just let them know what you think and feel.

Vicki-lee McAllister
Northern Rivers Maternity Action Group