While the Winter Olympics came to a close last Sunday, many viewers are getting ready for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April. But what most people miss out on is the Winter Paralympics, running from 9 to 18 March and holding competitions in six Winter Paralympic events. Including alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ice sledge hockey, snowboarding and wheelchair curling. There are 80 medal events with over 500 athletes competing, with 13 of them from Australia.

The co-captains of the Australian team is two-time Paralympian Mitchell Gourley (Para-alpine skiing) and Joany Badenhorst (Para-snowboard). The team will comprise of four Para-snowboarders, seven Para-alpine skiers plus two sighted guides.

The Australian Paralympic Committee Chief Executive Lynne Anderson said that, “the Australian Paralympic Committee is extremely proud of this team and excited to see what they can achieve together. I’d like to congratulate each athlete on their selection,”

“It is a relatively young team compared to Winter Teams at the past few Games which means it is a golden opportunity to really make a name for themselves with some breakthrough performances. Of course, there is an experienced core of athletes who will lead from the front but there are also a lot of fresh faces ready and eager for their Paralympic debut.”

“One thing I know they all have in common is that they are proud Paralympians seeking to reach new heights at the most important event of their careers,” she said.

Australia’s most successful Paralympic Games was back in Lillehammer in 1994, winning nine medals in total. Overall Australia is in 18th place on the Winter Paralympic all-time medal table.

Published on March 5, 2018 on She Society

Tamar Krebs has stepped outside of the box, creating a new standard of living for the elderly. She noticed that

the dementia units that were being offered felt inhumane and wanted to improve the level of care.

So she set about creating her own version of homes for dementia patients, envisioning a place that didn’t restrict residents and allowed them to go about their lives in the most normal way possible. From this idea, Group Homes Australia was born, breathing life into an age-old industry.

“I personally couldn’t live in a dementia unit so why would I place someone I love there. Australians deserve a better way to age in a place that is a real home not being locked away in an institution.”

With between 6 to 10 people in each home, Group Homes Australia offer resident’s a less stressful and less structured environment, catering to their resident’s needs and helping them to live fulfilling lives.

“Group Homes are real homes in the local suburbs, residents don’t have institutional routines,” said Tamar.

“Rather they wake up when they want and get involved in real life – cooking baking gardening shopping, going to the local library. We focus on the residents abilities and life choices not on their disability. We have pets and get involved in the local community, no matter their dementia,” Tamar said.

Creating a flexible work environment for her employees was another important aspect of the business for Tamar.

“Identifying that we have a new generation of employees. Gen-Y need flexibility, so they have self scheduling rosters that create empowerment and autonomy,” she said.

Tamar stepped outside of her role as a Rabbi’s wife (Rebbetzin) where her duties included, hosting communal events, teaching and counseling, to create her dream business.

“The driving force that motivates me is that I love what I do and I know that I’m making a difference to so many peoples end of life journeys.”

Tamar’s claims that while nothing is free in business, having integrity and holding onto that throughout the business journey is very important, as well as the ability to separate between the stories we tell ourselves and the facts.

She hopes that there will be a group home in every suburb that caters for cultural specific groups, and that the homes will be fully funded by the government.

The best advice that Tamar’s received, “Listen more than talking – that’s why we have two ears and one mouth. Stay humble.”

Published on March 7, 2018 on She Society

Let’s face it, we’re all obsessed with Married at First Sight, from Troy’s outrageous laugh, to Nassar’s two faced behavior. While most of the couples are having a hard time falling in love, Australia has undoubtedly become smitten with the show. As the episodes fly by, we’ve noticed quite a lot of odd behaviour from four of the most controversial men on the show.

But undecided on who is the creepiest guy out of the four in the She Society office, we’ve handed the decision over to you.

We’ve detailed all their misdemeanor’s in a handy list, so have a read through, check out our poll on Facebook and vote for who you think is the creepiest man.

Here are the contenders:

Dean – Besides his complete disrespect of Tracey and his inexcusable behaviour with the Davina situation, we’ve found various ways his personality has exceeded cringeworthy. His rapping ‘skills’ and his rapper name, Visionz, also the fact that he thought that for their date, Tracey would enjoy watching him skateboard.

His unnecessary wife swapping comments and though while surely edited, we can’t look past the mother’s comment on last night’s boys night episode. Last but definitely not least has to be his breakdancing skills, but we’ll give him props as he is closing in on 40.

Nassar – Nassar sure has a penchant for vacuuming whether it be in his underwear or fully clothed, you might call it an addiction. He even went so far as to vacuum Gab’s suitcase as soon as she walked in the door.

Along with claiming the rental house was possessed, the fact that he talks in third person and constantly switches between King Nassar, life of the party to controlling, arrogant Nassar as soon as he and Gab are alone.

Troy – We don’t know what’s worse, his attempts at seducing or his cooking skills but let’s say that both have left him burnt more than once. His lackluster cooking skills deserve a list of their own, what with his camembert cheese, butter confusion, how he managed to peel an avocado, his spag bowl with no pasta and the fact that he was tossing a salad in a sink.

Let’s not forget his constant inappropriate comments about Ash’s mum,“ I wonder what she’s going to look like” had to be the cincher in his odd obsession with his mother in law. The intense almost narcissistic fascination with his appearance and his hair and just that weird ab routine does it for us.

We can’t forget that unexplainable moment where he forgot about his mum being coeliac after saying that his parents can eat anything. Last but certainly not least is his over infectious, manically sounding laugh, that alone should be crowned as one of Australia’s most iconic moments of 2018.

Justin – Last night was the episode where Justin came into his own, trying on mesh lingerie and leopard print underwear when in fact he was supposed to be shopping for his wife. He sent the offending photo to Carly in response to a sexy text, and she was understandably underwhelmed.

There was also the time when he took Carly to the jetty in anticipation of seeing his boat when in actual fact he’d just sold his boat. Lets just say that for a millionaire, his office could really do with an upgrade and put it down to nerves but that ferris wheel outing was all kinds of awkward. While the kiss on the couch was a complete 360, it was almost as cringeworthy as that whole hand holding situation.

So, what’s your verdict, who takes the wedding cake for the most oddly behaved husband?

Published on March 7, 2018 on She Society

It’s International Women’s Day today and what better way to celebrate being a woman then to promote the successes of other inspiring women. Women who are breaking barriers and ascending into stardom by working hard and aiming high.

Samantha Kerr was our Young Australian of the Year for 2018, the Matildas striker has a stellar reputation, being the first Australian women to be named a finalist for the FIFA Female Player of the Year as well as claiming awards as the Australian Sportswoman of the Year, the ABC Sports Personality of the Year and the MVP of the USA National League.

At only 24 years of age, Sam is considered to be one of the best female soccer players in the world. A constant champion of equality, Sam was recognised for her work advocating for women’s sport.

……

Another great powerhouse is the women behind The Australian Women in Music Awards, Vicki Gordon. Speaking at the Brisbane Powerhouse she said that, “we need it because, in the Australian music industry, women’s contribution continues to be sidelined in too many areas,”

“Too many boards still deny women their rightful place as ­decision-makers on our national music industry peak bodies.

“Too often the visionary contribution of women historically has been derogated, and still too regularly, women are overlooked at our most prestigious awards ceremonies.”

……

Kelly O’Dwyer is our Minister for Women and is set on creating equality and disrupting the status quo. Identifying strongly as a feminist she’s recently called out support to establish a fighting fund. Where Coalition women who want to enter politics have the financial backing to run effective campaigns.

…..

Our 2018 Australian of the Year, Michelle Yvonne Simmons is a professor in quantum physics, pioneering research that could revolutionise computing. She’s transformed the University of New South Wales Quantum Physics Department into a world leader creating the world’s first transistor made from a single atom, along with the world’s thinnest wire. She’s a woman on a mission, ready to change the world.

…..

Vonda Malone is mayor of the Torres Shire council and has broken a lot of glass ceilings. Being the first Torres Strait Islander woman to work as an Australian diplomat, and the first Torres Strait Islander woman to go to the United Nations and complete the Indigenous Fellowship Program. She was recently named an inaugural winner of the McKinnon prize for political leadership, being recognised for her integrity and courage.

Published on March 8, 2018 on She Society

If you’re looking to travel within Australia for your next holiday, then Far North Queensland is your best bet. Take advantage of the beautiful beaches and tranquil rainforests while you visit Heritage-listed sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest.

The Great Barrier Reef – Known as the world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef is a sight not to be missed on your travels. With over 3000 individual reef systems and hundreds of tropical islands,visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving or helicopter tours.

Wet Tropics Rainforest – David Attenborough describes it as “the most extraordinary place on earth.” Having survived for millions of years since dinosaurs roamed the earth, the Wet Tropics Rainforest is an incredible phenomenon. Home to more than 650 species of vertebrates and 230 types of butterfly, the isolated refuge has allowed ancient species to survive and evolve.

Cape Tribulation – Cape Tribulation is known for its remote, picturesque beaches and being home to the Daintree National Park. While the beaches are great for snorkeling and exploring the reef, the Daintree National Park can be explored by trails, on horses or even by a flying fox.

Cape York – Perfect for camping and four-wheel driving, Cape York is great for the true adventurer at heart. There is a 1200km strip of road that connects

Cairns with Cape York and will take about seven days to drive, ideal if you’re looking for a real adventure.

She Society had the chance to chat to Stack and Mel, two twin cowgirls off of the TV series Travel Guides which is currently airing on Channel 9, where groups of families and friends

travel around the world experiencing the local sites and reviewing their stays. Stack and Mel had the chance to experience Far North Queensland for themselves.

Were your expectations met on this sunny state trip?

Stack: Mel and I were in our element here. It’s an action packed episode that I’m sure will be the best one yet!

Mel: I expected to see crocs and rainforest and open space. An eye-opening experience.

Do you plan on going back? What would you like to do on your next trip? 

Stack: yes I just love it there. It’s a place that never disappoints. Next time I would like to go and rope a Mareeba rodeo as that’s a rodeo I have not done yet.

Mel: We would go back in a heartbeat! Warm weather is the best weather! We would just take time off relax find a nice place just to chill maybe go Barra fishing.
Any advice to travellers going up north?

Stack: If you are heading up to far north Queensland make sure you take a hat and a few tins of bug spray the miggies and mosquitoes are thick!

Mel: Our advice would be to take sunscreen and mozzie repellent and a good hat!! And plan your trip. It will make it a lot easier. A bit of planning goes a long way.How has Travel Guides changed your experience of traveling?

Stack: Travel Guides has changed our experience of traveling in a huge way. When we first joined the show back in series one, we did not have any experience of travel at all. We never left the country! Now you can say we are quite “seasoned”. There are a few places we still would like to go to like Canada and the USA so hopefully one day will get there!

Mel: Travel Guides has definitely changed our whole look on traveling (and the world) as we hadn’t travelled out of Australia prior to joining the show. Wow! Now we’ve been around the world twice. We are so lucky. It has been an amazing adventure!

What has been your favourite experience on Travel Guides?

Stack: My favourite experience on travel guides is the whole experience itself. It’s too hard just to choose one thing as we have been so lucky to see so many different places – like Glaziers in New Zealand, Tabletop Mountain and a safari in South Africa, and many places we have not seen in Australia. It’s been one hell of a ride and it’s amazing to work with such a good crew!

Mel: Our favourite part of Travel Guides would be going to so many new places we haven’t even heard of, meeting new people and working with amazing people (plus it’s nice that the trips were arranged at someone else’s expense).  
What are your number one tips for traveling?

Stack: Always have bottled water. Make sure you have a safe in your room – put your passport and valuables in there. Also bring some gastro-stop tablets as they are so handy when you’re in another country

Mel: Make sure you do your homework on the destination you’re about to visit (of course, we couldn’t do that because we didn’t know our destination until we arrived at the airport, which meant a trip full of surprises!). Also make sure you keep watching Travel Guides! We’ll give you all the advice you need!

Published on March 16, 2018 on She Society

Here in the SheSociety office, we’ve noticed a certain phrase being used a lot lately, calling out to men to ‘man up.’

We are just as confused as they surely are.

There’s the constant complaint over men being emotionless and not showing their feelings, yet when they do, they are seen as timid and weak and told to ‘man up’.

We saw it on Married at First Sight when Charlene told her husband Patrick to man up after he divulged that he’s scared of being rejected in their final date.

But by Patrick wanting to express his emotions and where he’s head’s at is a healthy way to approach a burgeoning relationship. What he says and how he expresses his feelings shouldn’t be shut down by an outdated phrase. This just makes men more self conscious and unsure of their emotions, and sooner or later the lid on their bottled up feelings will be screwed shut indefinitely.

Men can still be strong whilst displaying emotions, it’s a not an all exclusive offer. Unbeknownst to most, the phrase ‘man up’ can be detrimental and is re-establishing stereotypes that should have been abandoned by now.

Double standards is another issue floating around and what we might not realise is that they can surface on both sides of the gender spectrum.

Just last week, pop singer and American idol judge Katy Perry kissed a contestant, Benjamin Glaze on the lips even after he told the judges that he’d never been in a relationship and that he can’t kiss a girl without being in one.

While Benjamin said that he didn’t feel sexually harassed by Katy Perry, he did say that that he was a “tad bit uncomfortable” because he wanted to save his first kiss for his first relationship.”

If the tables were turned and a male judge decided to kiss a female contestant without their consent then there would be major uproar including dismissal from the show. While Katy Perry may not have realised at the time and thought it was harmless fun, her actions still should be called out.

Double standards are apparent everywhere in each gender and we need to get on the same playing field if we ever want to reach true equality.

The SheSociety team has many wonderful men in their lives; husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and friends and we just want them to know that we have their backs. It seems to be a very confusing time for our male counterparts and to be asked to ‘man up’ is only adding to this confusion. What do you think ‘man up’ means?

Published on March 22, 2018 on She Society

How many times have you had to throw away wilted spinach or brown avocados? We know it’s hard trying to keep track of everything in your fridge, especially when half the time you don’t even know what’s actually in it. You find shrivelled up lemons squashed in behind overripe bananas and you cringe as you tally up how much money you’ve lost by having to throw them away. But here at She Society we know your struggles and have created a handy list of the most common bought fruit and vegetables and how long they actually last both on the shelf in your pantry and in the fridge.

Published on March 26, 2018 on She Society

Harriette Hale can be described as a serial fempreneur, creating her first company when she was only 19 and has continued to set up five more.

Harriette is a certified soul, money and mindset coach, along with teaching and coaching other freelancers and entrepreneurs, she’s also a singer/songwriter.

“I never gave myself an alternative, I never wanted a job, I’ve always been a bit of a rebel, I don’t like to be told what to do, I don’t like to be controlled and I guess that’s why it started.”

“I feel like I can make massive changes in the world and that’s why I’m in business, it’s part of my life purpose and my soul path and that’s what I’m destined to do, that’s why I’m here, to help women step into their power and their light.”

As a Priestess of Light, Harriette explains that she is an energy healer.

“I was a energy healer practitioner and when you get to the point of energy healing where you can impact physical symptoms, it then progresses you on to the next level of spiritually and that can be recognised in many ways.”

“Some women become priestesses, some become shamans. It’s spiritual recognition of a gift, the thing that I channel most for me and that I use for teaching and healing is light.”

As a seasoned entrepreneur Harriette had some golden gems of wisdom to share:

Always Have a Why

“Always have that place you can go back to which will remind you why your doing what you’re doing.”

“Starting out in business can be very frustrating and tiring, we always fall into that question of how, how is this going to work, what is it going to look like? When we go back to our why, that’s what will give us that energy boost and the reinspirination that we need to keep going.”

Look for Help

“I would advise people who are just starting out to get as much help as possible, get a coach, get a mentor, just have someone or a group of people who you can call on anytime for support, for guidance and wisdom.”

“It’s a lonely old world and it’s still a world that many people don’t understand, many people have friends and family around them who aren’t fully supportive of their entrepreneur goals. So it’s always nice to have a tribe of people who are on the same page as you.”

Don’t Be Scared

“Don’t be scared to share your purpose, don’t be scared to get your services out there into the world, sharing why you’re doing what you’re doing.”

As a money mindset coach Harriette also explains that net worth is intrinsically connected to our self worth.

“Even if we have the best made business plan in the world, if the mind behind it isn’t fully aligned and isn’t on the same page then that business plan isn’t going to happen.”

“So whatever your financial goals are, make sure your belief systems are fully supporting that goal and there are no belief gremlins that are waiting in the shadows to trip you up.”

Harriette’s biggest lesson throughout her life and business is to always trust herself and to go with her first thought.

“For me the key to success is being prepared to break the conditioning and do what’s right for you rather than succumbing to limiting beliefs and other people’s ideas of success, be willing to do it your own way.”

Published on April 4, 2018 on She Society

Cate Campbell

Cate Campbell is determined to defend her Australian record. The 25-year-old marks her return to international competition at the Games after taking a break in 2017 following her sixth placing in the Rio Olympic 100m freestyle final.

“It’s so exciting to be back and part of the Australian swim team, I definitely missed being a part of it in 2017 and to be back wearing the green and gold it really makes my heart beat a little bit faster,” she said.

Cate will be competing in the 50m butterfly, the 50m and 100m freestyle and the 4x100m freestyle relay.

Taylah Robertson

The 19 year old boxer from Cooroy, Queensland has already made the medal ranks before the games have even started. By drawing a bye in her division she has already won bronze but she is determined to turn it into gold.

Her coach Mark Evans said that “we’ve got a guaranteed bronze but I’m tipping that colour might change.”

“She’s on fire at the moment. She’s going to be very, very hard to beat.

“She’s probably the fittest I’ve ever seen her. She’s so sharp. I was doing pads with her on Tuesday (and) her hand speed was just amazing so she’s ready to go.”

Taylah will be competing in the women’s 51kg division.

Melissa Wu

At only 25 years of age Melissa Wu will be competing in her fourth Commonwealth Games, debuting in Melbourne 2006 at just 13 years of age. As a diving veteran, Melissa has amassed an impressive medal count including one gold, six silvers and five bronze medals.

Melissa will be competing in the 10m platform, 10m synchro, 10m mixed synchro events.

Kurt Fearnley

The Games ambassador Kurt Fearnley will close out his remarkable career with his participation in the T54 Marathon and 1,500m.

Fearnley was the silver medallist in the T54 1500m at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, following on from his gold medal-winning performance in the same event in Delhi.

“Pulling on the green and gold once is special and if that’s all you get, you’re luckier than most,” he said.

“So, to have the honour of representing Australia at a third Commonwealth Games as well as at a few Paralympics, World Championships and Olympics is something else.”

Kyle Chalmers

After bringing home a gold medal at the Rio Olympics, teenager Kyle Chalmers is out to prove that he isn’t a one-hit wonder. The 19 year old become the first Australian man to claim 100m freestyle gold in 48 years. Kyle will be competing in the 100m and 200m freestyle and relay events.

Published on April 5, 2018 on She Society