This past year has undoubtedly been one of unprecedented times with many challenges met along the way including fires, floods and a global pandemic.
In 2021, WE RISE.
The last 12 months has equally seen separation and togetherness. We have found new ways to connect and the human spirit has played a pivotal role in allowing us all rise again when feeling isolated, lost and unsure.
The power of people and communities to rise together and support others to overcome adversity and inequality is important to celebrate on the annual Mardi Gras event. This year, we're celebrating rising again and rising to the the challenge of being our true selves, of loving who we love and of discovering our own identities.
There is great power to be found when people come together.
We connect. We overcome fear. We emerge from hard times stronger together.
See what TEAM BOODY said when we asked them what do they rise for?
Together, let's create a platform for #EveryBoody to rise.
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Interviews
An Interview with Tracy Bevan From the McGrath Foundation
Everyone needs a friend like Tracy Bevan. Her official title is McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director. However her favourite title is Jane McGrath’s best friend. As a community partner with the McGrath Foundation, we had the honour of getting to know her. What is your role at the McGrath Foundation? Tracy Bevan, McGrath Foundation Ambassador & Director. My favourite title is Jane McGrath’s best friend. I helped set up the McGrath Foundation in 2005. As a Director and member of the staff of the McGrath Foundation, I spend most of my time engaging and connecting with the community to raise awareness about the vital role the McGrath Foundation plays in funding McGrath Breast Care Nurses in the community. Tell us a bit about the McGrath Foundation and why it was founded? The McGrath Foundation was co-founded by Jane and Glenn McGrath. Jane’s public experience with breast cancer and the impact of her own breast care nurse set her commitment and the mission for the Foundation: to ensure that every family experiencing breast cancer would have access to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse no matter where they lived – for free. The McGrath Foundation now funds 171 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities right across Australia, who have supported over 100,000 families since 2005. What is the role of McGrath Breast Care Nurses? A McGrath Breast Care Nurse is a specialised, registered nurse who acts as a patient advocate, for free. McGrath Breast Care Nurses help individuals and their families affected by breast cancer by providing invaluable physical, psychological and emotional support, from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment. How can Australians support McGrath Breast Care Nurses? Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, so our McGrath Breast Care Nurses are needed more than ever. It costs around $140,000 to fund a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for a year including training and development. We need another 79 more McGrath Breast Care Nurses to ensure that no one misses out on care. There are many ways for Australians to support, whether it’s becoming a regular giver, becoming a corporate partner, hosting a pink fundraiser or volunteering at the Pink Test. For more ways on how you can support, visit mcgrathfoundation.com.au. What's your one message you want us to pass on women and men? 55 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every day this year. It is important that we all take control of our own breast health and get to know what is normal! If you notice any changes don’t wait, book an appointment with your GPLearn more about the Mcgrath Foundation here. To learn more about how to check your breasts and signs to look out for, follow here.
Interviews
An Open Letter on Mother’s Day
A letter to the women who gave me life and the daughters I birthed into this world. All having an impact and shaping me into the woman I am right now; the mother, the daughter and the granddaughter. My daughters Millie bobby & Lakey Boh, words can't describe the way I feel about you both and the unconditional love that fills my heart knowing you are mine. One of my biggest dreams growing up was to be a mum; to fall in love, have a family and live a happy, healthy, well balanced life. I feel so blessed that my dream is now a reality. Falling pregnant with you both brought me so much joy and excitement.To experience life dancing inside my womb was magic and birthing you was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I thank my lucky stars you girls chose me to be your mum. I promise to be there for you and help guide you through life, but allow you to find your own path. I will teach you and encourage you both to live life to its fullest, dream big, stand strong for your beliefs, show kindness and love. Love life, love hard and love yourself. As girls who will grow into women, you may come across challenges, you may have your heart broken, you may question yourself, you may find yourself lost. Just know that I am here and you are capable of anything. My girls, I want you to know that You are beautiful You are smart You are worthy You are kind You are loved You are like no other You are you And that's truly all you need to be. My world lies with you. Forever your biggest cheerleader. I love you with every part of me. Love your mummy My mum,Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done and continue to do for me. Only now as a mum myself I truely understand. All the sleepless nights, the cooking to ensure we ate well, the cleaning and never ending laundry, personal taxi driver, unconditional love and the worrying that comes with the role. I feel so blessed to have you and our family. You worked so hard to give myself and my brother so much growing up and continue to give as I have my own family. I appreciate you, your giving nature and willingness to help when needed. From minding my girls, picking up groceries, cooking for us or giving a helping hand around the house. Now a Nonna to my girls, I thank you for your guidance. Millie adores you and enjoys her days with you. Nonna being one of her first words it was evident you had a big impression on her early on. Millie and Lakey are so lucky to have you and I'm so happy I get to watch your relationship with them. You areMy inspiration. My mentor.My friend . I love you To my grandma and Ma to my daughters,We have always just clicked; our love for arts and crafts, our love for a good chat, our love for outdoors and the ocean and our love for family. I've always felt special being your first grandchild and Pa's princess. I have so many good memories growing up at your house, outside playing with Ben (dog) or swimming in the pool. It was my second home and I loved it. You inspire me in many ways, You yourself, a mum of 6, it blows my mind. What a super woman you are. And now a grandma to 15 and a Ma to 2, such a big achievement. You should be so proud. You are a woman of routine, rain hail or shine. In the early hours of the morning you swim in the rock pool with your community of friends and fellow locals. I love this so much and enjoy telling others what a routine to have. What a way to feel alive within the ocean. Pure bliss. I'm so proud of you this last year after the passing of your loving husband, my pa. You are so loved by everyone around you and know I'm always here for you. I love you deeply Mother Nature,It seemed fit to include you in this letter as I have so much to thank you for. I am so blessed to have grown up and currently still live in a beautiful area called the Sutherland Shire. It is such an amazing area to live, grow up and watch my girls grow up in. After becoming a mother for the very first time, I was introduced to a natural way of living. Choosing plants over chemicals, choosing to become aware of ingredients and do research into the products my family use. Choosing safer natural alternatives where possible. Choosing health, wellness and happiness. Choosing to share my journey and build my community. Choosing to make a difference. The last 2.5yrs I have empowered myself and given my daughters a better start to life knowing I'm reducing their toxic exposure. I am connecting with like minded people and small businesses. It has been an eye opener and I am forever grateful. LoveLara Lara wears our Shaper Crop Bra and Classic Bikini. Shop now Follow Lara at @theessentialcoPhotos by @tashwhittyphotography
Interviews
An interview with Marlee Silva, Tiddas 4 Tiddas Founder
Marlee Silva, also known as the ultimate multi-tasker is the force behind Tiddas 4 Tiddas, a writer, a podcast host, and a published author. Marlee launched the Instagram platform Tiddas 4 Tiddas ('tidda' is an Aboriginal word for sister) in November of 2018 with her sister, Keely.
