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Frederick Baldwin Park (Kardinya) – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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December 10, 2021

Frederick Baldwin Park (Kardinya) – Playground Review

Two playgrounds are located at Frederick Baldwin Park, Kardinya. Both playgrounds are surrounded by a beautiful man-made lake with two fountains. Ducks swim merrily across the lake while the corellas pick their meals on the grass. One playground faces Sanders Loop, while the other faces Le Souef Drive.

There is limited parking in the carpark at Le Souef Drive facing the park, but there is a little carpark beside it that houses a few eateries and the hairdresser. Even though North Lake Road is not too far away, the sound of the water fountains and chirping birds drown out the noise from the traffic.

The playground equipment at the first playground facing Sanders Loop boasts monkey bars, climbing frames, a rock climbing wall and a spidey web swing. The equipment is in white sand, making it easier for little ones to play without getting hurt. It is partly shaded by tall trees, but a hat and some sunscreen would be advisable depending on the time of the day.

Even though the playground is more suited to little ones, the playground is close to a basketball court for older kids to play.

Across the lake is another playground with swings; regular and baby. The swings are situated in sand for kids to kick off their shoes and dig their toes in the sand before swinging them up high. There is a bench beside these swings for a bit of rest. Next to the swings are stacked logs for adventurous little ones to walk on. There are also timber logs for nature play.

Unfortunately the playgrounds and the swings are not fully fenced. However, there is ample green grass space for mums, dads and carers to watch the little ones. It doesn’t hurt that Dutch and Arley nearby on Le Souef Drive makes amazing coffee and food. There are no toilets around but the Kulungah Myah Family Centre is close by on Le Souef Drive. The centre houses among other activities, a toy library, a fully fenced playground and First Steps Prekindy.

This park is definitely one not to miss as it packs in two playgrounds, two water fountains, watching ducks and corellas, swings, nature play and a basketball court. The open green space is definitely something to look forward to with a picnic mat and a coffee in hand!

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Essential Info

Fenced? No

Toilets? Nearest toilets are in the Kulungah Myah Family Centre

Picnic tables? No

BBQs? No

Nearest coffee: Arley & Dutch Café

Location: 150 Le Souef Drive Kardinya

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section

12 Christmas Treats You Can Make with the Kids

Melville Mums

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December 8, 2021

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12 Christmas Treats You Can Make with the Kids

These delicious, easy to make tasty treats should keep your kitchen bustling over the festive season and bursting with colour.

Chocolate Bark

Chocolate bark is so easy to make and you can make so many different flavours. They are great as a gift too! Head over to Crazy for Crust for the recipe.

Christmas Balls

This is another super easy recipe, not many ingredients and only 3 steps, such festive colours too! You can find the recipe here on Taste.com.au.

Brownie Christmas Trees

Everyone loves brownies! These would make a great centrepiece on any dessert table. This is another recipe from Taste.com.au

Santa Hat Cheesecake Bites

Who doesn’t love cheesecake? These mini versions of a strawberry cheesecake are so cute and simple! Find the recipe here at delish.com.

Christmas Swirl Fudge

With another simple recipe, Betty Crocker brings us this delicious looking fudge, they would make a great gift too.

Christmas Oreo Pops

These Christmas Oreo Pops are so adorable, make sure you read the instructions before you start creating. Check out the recipe on It’s Always Autumn.

Pretzel M&M Hugs

These hugs are so colourful and festive! Cooking Classy has the recipe here.

Christmas Gingerbread Reindeer

This is a cute take on the Christmas staple – the Gingerbread man. The kids will have fun making these. Find the recipe here on Kidspot.

Tiny Teddy Santa Sleigh

These are definitely a spectacle! Your older kids will enjoy helping create these. This is another one from Kidspot.

Healthy Santa Skewers

These fruit skewers might still have a little sugar but at least you’ll get some fruit in to their tummies! For some more healthy Christmas snack ideas, head over to Clean and Scentsible.

Santa Strawberries

Everyone will love these! Super simple to make too. Check out the recipe on Leanne Bakes.

Shortbread Stars

It’s not Christmas without Shortbread Stars! This easy recipe can be found at Bake Play Smile.

Enjoy your Christmas baking! Don’t forget to post a photo of your festive treats in the Melville Mums Facebook group.

Bibra Lake Regional Playground – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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November 30, 2021

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Bibra Lake Regional Playground – Playground Review

Situated next to the picturesque Bibra Lake is the incredible Bibra Lake Regional Playground, with something for absolutely everyone. The playground is fully fenced and incorporates loads of nature play amongst heaps of equipment to suit all ages and abilities so children can explore, learn and play all day.

There’s equipment for all ages and abilities, with a flying fox, water play, in-ground trampolines, a giant tree-top walk, several climbing obstacle courses, balance beams, see-saws and swings, tunnels, a Diprotodon “fossil” sand pit dig and so much more.

The playground is also designed to be fully accessible to families with a disability and includes supportive seating on swings and the flying fox, lie-on swings, sound and water play, and heaps more.

The playground is both naturally shaded and has shade sails, however there are still a lot of spots in the sun so you’ll need a hat and sunscreen. We also recommend some bug spray or patches for the mozzies and a change of clothes for the water play areas.

Located along Progress Drive with beautiful views of Bibra Lake, there’s plenty of dedicated and on-street parking. It’s also a short drive to the Bibra Lake Skate Park on the opposite side of the river.

Within the fenced areas you’ll find all the important facilities including tables and chairs, toilets and barbecues, making it a great place for parties and catch-ups. It does get busy and no areas can be reserved, so be sure to plan ahead.

Grassy play hill and tunnels inspired by Aboriginal stories

If you get hungry there’s a food van with coffee, drinks, hot meals and more located at one entry to the park, otherwise pack a picnic or BBQ and make a day of it. There are a few shaded BBQ areas as well as picnic tables with riverfront views.

No more white lies; this park actually does close! The massive outside gates on either end of the park are open from 8:30am – 9pm, every day of the year.

Essential Info

Fenced? Yes
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Nearest coffee Food van at the gates
Free parking Yes
Opening hours 8.30am – 9pm daily

Location: Progress Drive, just south of Hope Road, Bibra Lake.

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section

Anthony Dodd Reserve (Melville) – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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November 22, 2021

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Anthony Dodd Reserve (Melville) – Playground Review

A small local park, Anthony Dodd Reserve in Melville is a shady, quiet spot with a playground great for cautious toddlers (and budding tree climbers).

Located on a quiet suburban street, it’s often empty making it the perfect park for tentative toddlers to get used to the bigger equipment without needing to worry about the bigger kids running around.

If you do have older ones, there are plenty of trees perfect for climbing.

The play equipment features climbing, a big and little slide, tunnel, monkey bars, bridge walks and sandpit.

There’s also a set of swings with a baby and regular seat a little walk away from the playground, within the reserve.

The park is naturally shaded with plenty of trees however your little ones might need a hat on in the playground itself.

It’s a short drive (or walk, if you’re game) from the cafes along Marmion Street, or in the opposite direction you’ll find (uphill – you’ve been warned!) there’s Melville Reserve featuring the skatepark and library.

Bring your own coffee and set out a picnic rug under the trees.

Essential Info

Fenced? No
Toilets? No
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? No
Nearest coffee BYO
Free parking Yes

Location: 30 Luffingham St, Melville WA 6156

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section.

Kadidjiny Park (Melville) – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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November 13, 2021

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Kadidjiny Park (Melville) – Playground Review

When you drive past Kadidjiny Park in Melville not much can be seen through the surrounding trees save for the iconic red and white stripy poles. But looks can be deceiving – the area is almost four hectares in size!

Frequently known to locals as the Dr Seuss Park due to the red and white stripy poles, it is a firm favourite in the area. With lots of spaced out play areas, as well an oval and exercise equipment, you can spend all day playing. The best part of all? It’s fenced!

The brightly coloured play equipment and rolling hills make this playground a fun place to be. There are lots of different play spaces and equipment including two double storey slides, traditional swings, a nest swing, spider web climbing frame, spinning fun, musical equipment, and loads more.

The sand play, including the excavators and funnel, are a little tricky for younger ones (and tired Mums).

The equipment is definitely more suited towards older, confident kids however there’s a nest swing, plus a rocking boat and sandpit area for young ones. The rolling hills are also great for practising those gross motor skills and ground level changes (just be careful of skinned knees as it looks softer than it is).

Toddler spot with rocking boat, turtle, softer flooring and sandpits. Bring a hat!

The playground is naturally shaded with trees and a few sails, but you’ll definitely need a hat and sunscreen as you move around the equipment and different areas.

Located right next to Melville Primary School it tends to get busy around pick-up time, however there’s always plenty of room to play. You’ll find free parking along both Kitchener Road and Curtis Road.

There’s BBQ facilities with picnic tables both within the fenced playground and out, making it great spot for birthday parties.

Outside of the fenced playground you’ll find toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, a large oval for kicking a footy, an amphitheatre, and heaps of different exercise equipment zones. The paths make great scooter and bike practise tracks, too.

Be sure to BYO coffee and snacks and take advantage of the many picnic tables or pull up a blanket under the trees, as the closest spots for food are a short drive away on Marmion Street or North Lake Road.

Essential Info

Fenced? Yes
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Nearest coffee BYO
Free parking Yes

Location: 70 Curtis Road, Melville

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section

What is the ultimate number of kids to have?

Tash Hanham

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November 9, 2021

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What is the ultimate number of kids to have?

As a mum of three, I’ve pondered this very question many times.

I am the eldest child of five. There are 10 years between myself and my youngest sister. My parents had four girls and one boy. As a child, I remember our house being full of laughter, food and children. There was never a dull moment and there was always someone to play (or fight) with. My mum’s philosophy was ‘the more the merrier’ – so, in addition to her own five children, there were always more kids in the house. It was a constant hive of activity. We also had a people mover, in the form of a Mitsubishi Starwagon, so we had the ability to take extra kids anywhere we were going. I loved my childhood and I vowed to have lots of children too. The magic number in my mind was four. I would tell anyone who asked that I was going to have four children.

My hubby and I had our first baby in 2012 and the reality of motherhood hit me like a ton of bricks. Our beautiful daughter was born via emergency ceasearan section at 38.5 weeks. This was the first of many parts of motherhood that didn’t go to the plan in my head. Our little girl suffered from reflux, she would scream anytime she was laid on her back – nappy changes, pram rides, being laid down to sleep. By six weeks, I was a bit of a mess. Mother’s Group was a bit a saving grace for me, particularly after the Child Health Nurse identified that our daughter had ‘reflux’ and encouraged me to see my paediatrician for treatment.

My desire for four children shriveled pretty quickly once I became a mum. I would jokingly tell people that one was plenty, although I was never totally serious about this. Sure enough, after we had moved through the reflux newborn days and into more of a pattern, we decided to try for another little person. Two and half years after our daughter, we welcomed a son into our family.

No reflux this time, but this one didn’t like sleep! From the very beginning, he craved touch and wanted to be held as much as possible. His best sleeps were in the baby carrier on me or when the pram was moving (anyone else relate?!). He woke frequently at night and didn’t sleep through until he was close to two and a half years old.

Needless to say, it took a while for us to decide if we wanted a third. Despite the sleep deprivation, I couldn’t shake the feeling that we weren’t ‘done’ yet. Hubby was more on the fence, but wasn’t a hard no on the third, so we eventually decided to go for it and try for a third. This pregnancy was not meant to be. I experienced what is known as a missed miscarriage – my body didn’t realise that I was no longer pregnant, so I continued to have pregnancy symptoms. A couple of scans around 10 weeks revealed there was no heartbeat and after a further few weeks waiting for my body to recognise this, I was admitted to hospital for a D&C. This was a pretty traumatic period for me, but we were still keen to try for another baby, so about four months after our miscarriage, we found out we were pregnant again. In July 2019, we welcomed another boy into our family, and our family of five was set.

Our youngest is now two years old. Although I am content with our three beautiful children and don’t plan on having any more, I keep waiting for the feeling of being ‘finished’ – something I have heard other friends talk about. When snuggling someone else’s new baby or watching a couple with their newborn, I feel the familiar tug of longing – maybe we could have a fourth?

Then I realise that I am pretty well at capacity with three. I ponder what bringing another baby into our family would look like. I feel like with two, we managed pretty well, with three I am just hanging in there! It is certainly true that my hubby and I are outnumbered – attending to the children’s needs now becomes more of a triaging system – who really needs us and who just has to wait or cry until we get to them?

I’ve read lots of articles that suggest that three children is the most stressed you will get. The theory goes that with one or two children, you can manage and you’re not outnumbered, but with three, you’re still hanging onto control but, being outnumbered, it becomes a much more difficult task. I read that from four children and beyond, you start to bring the eldest in much more as a helper, plus you have to let go of the control of having it all together all the time – in essence, you are forced to just relax and let go a bit more. But I can’t truly comment as I can only come from my base of three.

I often ask my mum (a proud mumma of five) – ‘how did you do it Mum?!’. I have friends ask me the same question all the time. What I’ve deduced is that she is definitely a superwoman. I also think that based on your individual circumstances, everyone will find the perfect number and it’s not something Google can tell you!

With all this in mind, I’d love to know, what do you think is the ultimate number of kids?

If you enjoyed reading this blog, please check out my other blogs about motherhood, life and everything in between at Tash Diaries.

Glasson Park (East Fremantle) – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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October 31, 2021

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Glasson Park (East Fremantle) – Playground Review

Glasson Park in East Freo looks deceptively small from the outside, but there’s loads to keep kids entertained for hours. It’s shaded, gated, close to coffee and has so much to offer.

The double-storey playground is the instant attraction for confident toddlers and older kids with heaps of different and challenging equipment. They’ll be delighted by flying foxes, wobbly climbing obstacles, stepping stone challenges, spinning see saws, multiple slides and more. There’s even small pretend/imagination play areas and sand play.

For the little ones the dinosaur double slide will delight, as will the sand funnel and stencils. Just be prepared to explain why you can’t go play in the Kindy area next door!

It’s really well shaded with loads of leafy trees as well as shade sails over all the play equipment.

There’s even a half basketball court, with a backdrop for tennis fans of all ages to practise their backhand, too.

There are lots of grassy spots to set out a picnic mat and relax under the trees (with a coffee from across the road) while the kids play.

With two BBQ’s as well as picnic tables and toilets, it’s a great location for parties and mother’s group catch-ups.

Dogs are also allowed within the gated park on-leash, with water bowls attached to the drinking fountains.

Located on George Street and Glyde Street there’s free (limited) street parking, plus a few places to eat across the road, including Hubbles Yard Cafe and Young George.

Essential Info

Fenced? Yes
Toilets? Yes
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Nearest coffee George Street (across the road)
Free parking Yes

Location: Corner of Glyde Street and George Street, East Fremantle

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section.

The Teal Pumpkin Project – Inclusive Trick-or-Treating

Guest Post

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October 25, 2021

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The Teal Pumpkin Project – Inclusive Trick-or-Treating

The Teal Pumpkin Project - Allergy-Friendly Trick-or-Treating

Halloween can be a tricky time for families managing food allergies, with many traditional Halloween treats being unsafe for children with life-threatening food allergies.

In Australia, food allergies are estimated to affect 1-2% of adults and 4-8% of children under 5 years of age, according to the South Australian Department of Health.

The most common triggers of allergic reactions in childhood are egg, peanuts, tree nuts and cow’s milk. Unfortunately for many Australian children, this rules out many sweets, lollies and chocolates offered to little ghosts and ghouls trick-or-treating at Halloween.

About the Teal Pumpkin Project

The Teal Pumpkin Project, initiated by the Food Allergy Research Organization in the United States, encourages people to raise awareness of food allergies and promotes inclusion of all trick-or-treaters throughout the Halloween season. The now worldwide movement offers an alternative for kids with food allergies, as well as other children for whom candy is not an option, by encouraging households to offer a combination of food and non-food treats.

Australian-based website TrickorTreatMe is supporting the Teal Pumpkin Project by allowing households to nominate as an allergy-friendly household offering non-food treats. Those households are displayed as teal pumpkins on the TrickorTreatMe map.

“Halloween is becoming more popular every year in Australia. The Teal Pumpkin Project allows kids with allergies to participate freely in the fun of trick-or-treating, without feeling like they are missing out.” said TrickorTreatMe creator, Krista Davies. “As the parent of a child with food allergies, I am keenly aware of how much they miss out on, and so I’m very proud to support the Teal Pumpkin Project.”

Allergy-Friendly Alternatives

Non-food treats recommended by the Food Allergy Research and Education Organization include glow sticks, pencils, pens, crayons or markers, bubbles, erasers or pencil toppers, mini slinkies, whistles, kazoos, or noisemakers, bouncy balls, spider rings, vampire fangs, mini notepads, playing cards, bookmarks, stickers or fake tattoos. The project does not aim to replace lollies as the traditional Halloween treat, but homes wishing to offer both are encouraged to keep the two in separate bowls.

Households keen to participate should register on TrickorTreatMe.com as a Halloween-friendly household, and tick the Allergy Options box along with their visit times. Their homes will display as a teal pumpkin, and families with allergic children can choose safe trick-or-treating options.

If traditional trick-or-treating isn’t your thing, check out our post What’s On This Halloween in and around the Melville area.

Purple Bra Day: A local mum shares her breast cancer journey

Melville Mums

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September 15, 2021

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Purple Bra Day: A local mum shares her breast cancer journey

After learning about local mum and business owner Kate Petersen’s experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 47 and her efforts to help raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Care WA, Melville Mums reached out to help share her story and raise much-needed funds.

Hi there, I’m Kate! I’m a 47-year-old, busy working Mum with two beautiful boys, Lachie (aged 12) and Oliver (nearly 10). I run my own home styling business (Kate Petersen Design) and I also work in the mining sector. I love giving back to our community and volunteer as often as I can at both of our boys’ schools and at various sporting clubs. My husband, Justin, and I love keeping active with our boys and as a family we spend as much time as we can in the great outdoors with our dog, Chilli, tagging along! 🌳 ❤️

In June this year I had a routine 2-yearly mammogram (which I have done since the age of 40) and after a series of tests and biopsies, I was shocked to receive a diagnosis of breast cancer. How can this be?! I’m too busy and fit for this to happen and I have no family history of breast cancer!

The months of June and July were a total blur and during this time I had a left breast mastectomy and full axillary clearance of my left arm lymph nodes (during COVID so no visitors except my husband). Much to my astonishment, the pathology report of my left breast showed that it was in fact riddled with cancer and unfortunately it had spread to one of my lymph nodes. I then started chemotherapy on 13^th August.

Normally a private person on such matters, I couldn’t help but share my journey as I could not believe that as a fit, healthy person I had no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. I had in fact run 30kms of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon a few weeks prior so to say I was completely gobsmacked with the diagnosis would be an understatement!

My chemotherapy journey has been a challenging one and that has been very hard on my body physically and mentally. As a result I am having to take a break from work and my usual routines. There have been many highs, lows, tears, meltdowns and laughter along the way! I have been so overwhelmed with all of the love and support of my family, friends (old and new) and the local community. Without this support my journey would be even tougher. All going to plan, my last round of chemotherapy will be in mid-October, a few weeks shy of my 48^th birthday.

The support I have received from my incredible surgeon, oncologist, breast care nurses at Bethesda Hospital, SJOG Murdoch and Breast Cancer Care WA has been amazing. They have, and continue to, support me at a physical and mental health level. For this, I am incredibly grateful as I am still coming to terms with my original diagnosis, let alone the rest of my journey so far.

As I love a good fundraiser, to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer Care WA and to remind women to check their breasts and have regular mammograms, I am participating in the IGA Purple Bra Day on 24^th September 💜

I will in fact be having chemotherapy on this day but decided that I wanted to take back some control as my usually normal life has been completely turned upside down. In mid-August, after my first round of chemotherapy, I actually shaved off my long locks and donated them to the Pony Tail Project. I decided that I would not be dictated by cancer when I would lose my hair!!

Please help to support me and this amazing cause and raise awareness for this silent disease. Remember I had no lump, signs or symptoms and ended up having a breast full of cancer! If it weren’t for my routine check I would hate to think where I would be. Together we can do this and beat this disease 💜

Please share my story and remind all those that you love to have their health-related checks…and to wear their purple bra on 24^th September. Thank you for supporting me 💜

To make a donation, head to Kate’s Purple Bra Day fundraising page. No matter how big or small, every donation ensures that vital funds are going towards providing personalised support and care to West Australians affected by breast cancer.

Len Packham Reserve (Coolbellup) – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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September 10, 2021

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Len Packham Reserve (Coolbellup) – Playground Review

The playground at Len Packham Reserve, Coolbellup, is situated next to the skate park, behind the library, and is a fabulous nature play space, tucked away under the big trees so there’s lots of shade.

There is plenty of opportunity for children to create their own adventure here with a great range of play equipment suitable for all ages and abilities, this includes a stacked log climb, a spiral ladder climb, a net tunnel bridge, climbing ropes, tunnel slide and a dry creek bed with rocks, and much more.

They can explore at ground level amongst the natural materials used such as rocks and recycled timber, or they can climb up to the tree house and let their imaginations take them on a journey, with a great slide if they need to make a quick escape from any invaders!

It’s perfect for little ones and big ones, especially if your older child prefers to play on the skate park, but make sure you have hats and sunscreen as there’s no shade over the skate area. This is another great spot if you need to exercise your dog, with the off lead park next to it. There’s BBQ facilities with picnic tables if you want to cook up some sausages for the next birthday party and there’s additional shaded timber seating around the outside of the park.

There’s a smaller slide for those not keen on climbing to the top deck and there’s a small round about for those that enjoy getting dizzy!

You could spend all morning here, just be sure to BYO your coffee as the closest is the Coolbellup shopping centre. The playground was created in 2020 and is a wonderful addition to the local playgrounds. It is definitely worth a visit.

Essential Info

Fenced? No
Toilets? Nearest toilets are in the community centre
Picnic tables? Yes
BBQs? Yes
Nearest coffee Coolbellup Shopping Centre

Location: Corner of Cordelia Avenue & Tybalt Place, Coolbellup

For more local playgrounds, check out our Parks & Playgrounds section.