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Year in review: Feature magazines 2024

Shepparton artist Christine Broersen’s artwork will be heading to the moon next year after landing a spot on the Lunar Codex project. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Art off to the moon

Early next year, when gazing at the luminous moon in the night sky, Shepparton artist Christine Broersen will be able to say, “A part of me is on the moon”.

It might sound unbelievable, and even she acknowledges the surreal nature of it, but it’s true — a collection of her art right now is in preparation to make its way there.

Lunar Codex is the name of the ambitious project founded by Canadian physicist, artist and entrepreneur Samuel Peralta, and it’s a project that is being talked about all over the world.

The feature article appeared in the revamped and combined Betty & Don magazine in October this year.

A journey home

Returning to a place once called home can stir deep emotions, connecting you to your roots and where the heart always feels a pull.

For 26-year-old Tina Mukasa, returning to the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Tanzania, where she once called home and lived as a refugee, was a profound reminder of how the heart can truly find its way back.

This feature article outlining Tina Mukasa’s journey home to her motherland country was featured in the Betty & Don magazine in October.

Her inspirational story sheds light on her life journeys, inspiring others to get out at travel no matter the circumstances' life may throw your way.

Tina Mukasa with her grandmother Mbanga Balongelwa in the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp in Tanzania. “I prayed and dreamed about this day for so long to see my beloved grandmother, aunties, uncles and cousins in the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp.”

From reality TV to real love

From Farm to Forever is the tagline of the Australian TV show Farmer Wants a Wife, encapsulating the enduring love, friendship, and connection each farmer hopes to find.

For Kyabram farmer Harry Lloyd, who appeared on the twelfth season in 2022, finding that forever person became a reality after ending the season declaring his love for Melbourne girl Tess Brookman.

Finding love on national television is a leap few are willing to take, but for Harry, it was a risk worth embracing.

Features reporter and photographer Kelly Carmody caught up with the couple on Harry’s Kyabram farm to see how their love story was going.

Safe to say all was well off the TV set too.

Their love story featured in the Betty & Don magazine in October, and lit up the cover of the revamped magazine.

Harry Lloyd and Tess Brookman found love on the twelfth season of Farmer Wants a Wife. There love story was shared in the revamped magazine Betty & Don in October. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Whimsical wonders

Imagine a world where magical creatures, mythical birds, poetic plants, and a sense of both real and imaginary life and objects exist.

A place where colours intrigue you, shapes and patterns converge like silhouettes in the sun, and wondrous thoughts are brought to the forefront of your mind.

Well, imagine no more because talented contemporary artist Gus Leunig has brought this world to life in his pieces and earlier in the year his work and story was shared in Our Home.

Gus’ abstract work; offers another insight into his imagination and mind.

His professional career as an artist launched in 2009 with a sell-out show at Art Sydney, followed by yearly successes in solo exhibitions.

Our Home magazine got a glimpse into the works of talented contemporary artist Gus Leunig. Photo by Kelly Carmody

A leap of faith

Sometimes, the most incredible adventures begin with a single leap of faith.

For Deb Bower and Robert Candlish, purchasing the old Murchison Bank in 2019, just three months into their relationship, was indeed a leap taken with courage.

Embracing uncertainty, they followed their hearts, trusting in their shared vision. However, their journey has had its challenges.

From navigating the intricacies of historical preservation to learning the ropes of renovation, each step has tested their determination.

Yet, fuelled by their shared passion and unbending perseverance, Deb and Robert have poured their sweat, tears, and countless hours into the neglected building and surrounds, which today breathes new life.

Deb and Rob’s incredible renovation story made the cover of the winter edition of the Our Home magazine and spread across quite a few pages inside.

Together, they created a canvas that reflects their love and trust for each other and their shared belief in the power of possibilities.

Deb Bower and Robert Candlish’s renovation story appeared in the winter edition of the Our Home magazine. Inspiring others to take a leap of faith. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Love at first sight

Chris and Monica Mepham fell in love with their 1930s Shepparton home at first sight, drawn to its vintage charm and unique layout.

Monica’s childhood admiration for the house deepened their connection, and the couple embraced its original character during renovations.

Over six months, Chris led the restoration, preserving key features like high ceilings, chimneys, and quirky room transitions.

Furnished with inherited and repurposed vintage pieces, the home reflects their love for timeless design.

The couples renovation story appeared in the winter edition of the Our Home magazine, and while their renovations continue, the Mepham’s relish creating memories in their dream home.

Monica and Chris Mepham’s renovation story appeared in the winter edition of Our Home. Photo by Kelly Carmody

Fostering brighter futures

Becoming a foster carer is a very fulfilling experience for all those involved.

Helping out children of all ages get the support they need can be a very rewarding experience, and one that Berry Street strives to offer.

For Fiona Francis, a foster carer for Berry Street, who has opened her home to children and young people in need for the past 12 years her experience has been nothing but rewarding.

She shared her story with the Betty magazine earlier in the year, with the hope to inspire others to get involved.

Berry Street foster carer Fiona Francis shared her story with the Betty magazine earlier in the year. Photo by Megan Fisher

Georgie is kicking life goals

With two black belts already under her belt, Georgie Waser is a force to be reckoned with.

The 21-year-old is dominating karate competitions, and as she geared up for another world competition, she caught up with journalist Georgia Tacey to share her excitement.

The feature article appeared in the Betty magazine earlier in the year, and although her nerves where already setting in, she was doing everything she could to be prepared for the competition.

Georgie first competed internationally in 2015 for an Asia and Oceania competition before going on to the 2017 World Championships.

Karate champ Georgie Waser opened up on her karate journey with journalist Georgia Tacey for a feature article in Betty earlier this year. Photo by Megan Fisher

Cancer battler sums it up

Kellie Salter never found a lump.

The one thing they always say to check your breasts for signs of breast cancer is a lump.

But Kellie never had one.

“I was sitting on the couch having a beer, wearing a singlet top, and I noticed a dent in my breast,” she said.

“I went to the GP, and she said she couldn’t feel anything, so I went and had scans, and did a biopsy right there and then.”

Kellie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the start of 2020 and shared her unique journey in the Betty & Don magazine in October.

Her story also highlighted the Ladies Who Lunch event that returned to Shepparton in October, to raise funds for women’s oncology services in the Goulburn Valley.

Kellie Salter’s cancer story highlighted not only her own personal battles, but the importance of the Ladies Who Lunch event that returned to Shepparton in October. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Overcoming the odds

Jarvis Atkinson tried his first drug when he was only 14 and had his first drink at just seven years old.

Today, he stands six years sober at 40 years old, overcoming decades of trauma, a completely different person than he used to be.

But the journey wasn’t easy.

Jarvis shared his story with the Betty & Don magazine in October and now works as an engagement project officer with the First People’s Assembly of Victoria for almost two years, after studying Alcohol and Other Drugs at Swinburne University.

His story was a highlighted feature article across the 2024 feature publications and touched many people who read it.

Jarvis Atkinson’s honest journey on the hardships of overcoming his drug addiction touched many readers. His story was shared in this years first magazine edition of Betty & Don. Photo by Megan Fisher