James makes his mark on fashion industry
Barooga amputee James Parr is making his mark on Melbourne’s fashion industry.
Leaving behind life in the country in June this year, James is fast becoming recognised for his talent on the catwalk and as an influencer on social media for a photographic studio, while also writing an online lifestyle column with Urban List. In fact, it’s all happening for this guy.
Now mixing with the rich and famous of the fashion industry and with a manager steering him in the right direction, the 26-year-old recently did a live podcast for the Beyond the Valley music festival with paralympian Dylan Alcott. The pair has also joined together in television advertising for Rexona.
James is also an ambassador for Lululemon, makers of high-end yoga and active wear.
Next year could be even bigger with modelling jobs anticipated to come in with some big international brands.
“It has been a very good decision to move to Melbourne where it’s all happening for me,” said a delighted James.
The former triathlete and teaching assistant now lives in the leafy suburb of Kew and is living the dream he envisaged many years ago, success in whatever he chose to do.
Twilight Makers Market
Talented craft makers showcased their wares last Friday evening at the old Saint Joseph’s Hall where locals came along for a chance to grab some great Christmas gifts at Cobram’s Twilight Makers Market.
On a lovely Cobram evening it was such a treat to wander between the stalls boasting an eclectic mix of handcrafted items and picking up a little treasure or two while enjoying some relaxing leisure time.
Cobram and district has some very talented and innovative people and mother-and-daughter team of Caitlin and Annette Cossar, attending their very first market, is proof of those talents. “It is so exciting. This is our first venture and I am so happy with the response from everyone tonight,” Caitlin said.
Caitlin showcased her artistry by creating stylish resin designs on a variety of wooden platters, coasters and serving plates and also showed a variety of handcrafted planter pots and mugs.
Youth art/poster competition
Cobram winner of the recent Lions Club Youth Art/Poster Competition Miller Simpson entered her winning poster alongside the best in the country in the final of the competition held in Melbourne.
The overall winner of the Peace Poster, which saw 65 clubs Australiawide represented by 1455 aspiring young artists, was an entry from the Lions Club of Vermont V5.
It is envisaged that the Lions annual competition will grow in years to come and Janet Austin, secretary of Cobram Lions, thanks Moira Shire for the initial grant and local sponsors for their support.
Congratulations to all entrants in the Cobram event, particularly the winner Miller Simpson for her unique poster design.
Kellion Medal awarded to Karen
Each year in Melbourne an awards day is conducted by Diabetes Victoria to recognise those who have achieved 50 years of living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Each participant is presented with a certificate and a Kellion Victory Medal, signifying a special milestone in their lives which began more than 50 years ago, often when they were just toddlers.
Koonoomoo resident and Type 1 diabetic Karen Rentsch and husband Peter, her carer, were unable to attend the official function in Melbourne in October owing to district flooding, however Karen was assured that she would receive the Kellion Victory Medal personally and she did.
Last Thursday, Carla Northmore, Diabetes Victoria-philanthropy coordinator, travelled to Koonoomoo to present Karen with her medal and certificate together with a certificate for Peter for his important ongoing role as Karen’s carer.
Karen was 16 when diagnosed with Type 1 after attending a chiropractor for a sore back and later a urine sample indicated she had high blood sugar levels.
Karen never revealed to anyone that she had diabetes. “I didn’t want to appear different to everybody else so I never told anyone,” she said.
She learnt to give herself insulin injections three times a day at mealtimes and if she was to eat a piece of cake or something sweet? “I would just use more insulin,” she said.
Over the years Karen learnt so much about the disease and was to discover that she often knew more than some of the medical staff she saw regularly, after all she was the one living with it each day and discovering her body’s reaction to not only food but emotions too which can play havoc with a person’s sugar levels.
Under Professor Michael Wood for many years, Karen has been well educated on diabetes, yet in Dr Wood’s words, “Everyone is different with diabetes and can react differently in situations and to certain foods”.
Jelly beans are recognised as being the standard fix for diabetics when their sugar levels are low, however for Karen, “It’s savoury shapes I want when I am low,” she said with a laugh.
“Is about keeping a balance on everything, eating, drinking and doing. After a breakfast of yoghurt and toast, some times it is high, however by the time I come in from the garden or have been exercising I have worked it off.”
Despite suffering two strokes, a year apart, some years ago, which appeared to be stress related, Karen’s general health is good and with the help of Peter she leads a good healthy life and regularly attends exercise classes.
When Karen cooks at home, her levels are fine, however dining out can be stressful as she can never be certain of what is in a dish, even when posing the question of hospitality staff.
“It’s about doing what you think is right for you! Try it and then question!” said Karen.
“I am proud to be awarded the Kellion Victory Medal as I never thought I would live this long with diabetes. In the ‘bad old days’ using a syringe three times a day to using the FreeStyle Libre today, it has made life so much easier. The device is worn on your upper arm and the automatic sensor can detect hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and is undoubtedly a new generation, continuous glucose monitor (CGM). It gives readings 24 hours a day, it’s water resistant and possesses an alarm, while results and data are stored in a separate reader.”
Karen attends a local GP and also benefits from a close association with diabetes practitioner Kelly McLean in Cobram. “Kelly is very knowledgeable and it’s great to be able to discuss things with her,” said Karen.
Karen has three children, a son and two daughters, plus five grandchildren and the day she was presented with her medal, Karen’s daughter Tamara and two of her granddaughters travelled from Geelong to watch proudly as she accepted this notable recognition for a life spent fighting the disease and living a life she never anticipated she would have.
Travelling overseas is on the agenda for the future and discussion and preparation is often the topic of conversation in the Rentsch home.