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Dog-Friendly Beaches in and around the Melville area

Melville Mums

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February 21, 2022

Dog-Friendly Beaches in and around the Melville area

Next time you’re planning a trip to the beach, there’s no need to leave your furry family member at home. We’ve listed some of the local dog friendly beaches in and around the City of Melville that you can take the whole family to!

The very mention of a trip to the dog beach will usually send tails wagging. The magic of a day at the beach is not lost on your dog. There is something about the freedom of an off leash run and all that socialising that makes your dog’s smile just that little bit bigger.

Helpful Tips for Taking Your Pooch to the Dog Beach

You can let your dog off the leash at most of the dog-friendly beaches we’ve listed, but remember you must still have control of your dog. Here are some other things to keep in mind when planning your next beach trip with your dog.

Make sure you pack plenty of poo-ch pouches.
Check that your dog has its collar on and their ID is attached to it.
Bring fresh water and a dog bowl for after a long run on the beach.
Look out for rips or rough waves when you arrive at the beach if your dog likes to go for swim
If the sand is too hot for your bare feet, it’s probably too hot for your dog’s paws.
Before you jump back in the car, rinse the salt water off your dog’s coat to stop them from licking the salt and to prevent them from itching. Some of these beaches may have outdoor shower facilities you can use.

Attadale – Point Walter (Dog Friendly Area)

Address: Burke Drive, Attadale

Parking: Yes – verge parking and some marked bays

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes and usually quite well stocked

Café: No (Walters River Café is nearby but no dogs allowed on Point Walter)

East Fremantle – John Tonkin Reserve (Dog Friendly Area)

Address: Riverside Road, East Fremantle

Parking: Yes

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes but supply level can vary so take your own if possible

Café: Yes – Zephyr’s Café

Other info: Great playground next to the river on the reserve next to the café, where dogs are allowed on the leash.

Kwinana – Kwinana Dog Beach

Address: Rockingham Beach Road, Cockburn Sound

Parking: Yes

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes and usually quite well stocked

Café: No

Other info: There are public toilets and showers. Yes, this one’s a little further afield but it’s usually quiet and after your beach walk you can take the very short drive in to Rockingham, for a stroll (dog on leash) along the foreshore and have lunch outside at one of the cafes or a picnic whilst the children play on the playground.

North Coogee – C.Y. O’Connor Dog Beach

Address: Cockburn Road, North Coogee

Parking: Yes

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes and usually quite well stocked

Café: No

Other info: There are public toilets and showers. You can see a bronze statue of C.Y O’Connor and his horse offshore, as well as the Omeo Shipwreck.

North Fremantle – Leighton Beach Dog Beach

Address: Leighton Beach Boulevard, North Fremantle

Parking: Yes and there’s some verge parking when it’s busy

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes and usually quite well stocked

Café: There’s sometimes an ice cream van that also serves coffee and has EFTPOS facilities.

Other info: It can get extremely busy in the summer months so go early.

South Fremantle – South Beach Dog Beach

Address: Marine Terrace, South Fremantle

Parking: Yes

Poo-ch Pouches: Yes but supply level can vary so take your own if possible

Café: There’s a coffee van on the weekends and also the cafés along South Terrace are only a short away with your dog on the leash.

Other info: It can get extremely busy in the summer months so go early.

If you’d like to know about dog-friendly parks and reserves, have a look at our blog for suggestions.

Getting to Know Charisse Parnell – The Dance Collective

Getting to Know...

Melville Mums

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February 16, 2022

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Getting to Know Charisse Parnell – The Dance Collective

In the latest Getting to Know blog post, we chat with Charisse Parnell, Director of The Dance Collective. We talk about all things dance, community and managing the mental load as a busy mum.

Hi, Charisse. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your business.

Hi! 😊 I am a mother of two boys (11 and 13) and wife to a Behaviour Specialist … definitely comes in handy raising a family! We moved to Melville from White Gum Valley in 2011 just in time for Finn to start kindergarten at Melville Primary School.

Before starting The Dance Collective, I completed degrees in Marketing and Primary Teaching and worked in both fields, lived and trained in dance overseas, built a successful dance program at Rossmoyne Senior High School, taught at-risk students and simultaneously freelanced as a choreographer/teacher.

What inspired you to start The Dance Collective?

In the beginning it was something small and fun I created outside of my high school work hours to call my own and bring a community of dancers who I had been teaching together.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love connecting people and making people feel part of something special. I love when people are surprised at how far they’ve come or how much they’ve grown, whether it be in dance or confidence. When I hear dancers are happier, their lives have changed, they’ve found new friends, or doing better at school or work because of what they are learning at TDC, I realise this is what I am meant to be doing.

I also love that I’ve been able to combine my marketing, education and dance experience into one role. All the knowledge and skills collected throughout my life has all come into one place. I get to use both sides of my brain – the creative and the analytical!

Finally, the people! TDC brings together the most beautiful humans. We operate and look after each other like family. We all love dance and that love is transferred to care, kindness and acceptance across the company. It’s very special.

Is there anything new/exciting coming up for The Dance Collective?

We’ve got auditions soon for a huge event at Crown in April. It’s for Oasis Ball 25 Year Anniversary – Western Australia’s media and advertising awards night and our client wants dancers from all walks of life – all ages, all sizes and all ethnicities. It’s going to be a great vibe bringing our dancers together and putting such diversity onto a corporate stage.

What are some of your favourite places or things to do in the local area?

We’ve just discovered a gorgeous dog beach at the river near Zephyrs. Our 1-year-old bull terrier Winston loves it there! Mai Thai is hands down our favourite place to eat as a family. My boys always order Massaman Beef and Scott loves the Red Duck Curry.

Do you have any advice for mums looking to start their own business?

Start small. Trying to do it all at once can be overwhelming. You can upskill as your business grows. I am forever learning new skills to improve the way I do things.

Don’t always make choices for profit. Some of my best decisions are made because they need to happen.

Choose something that is your passion. It can be become difficult at times but if you’re doing something your truly passionate about you will have the courage to push through.

Any other words of wisdom for our mums?

The mental load mothers are under is enormous. Two books I highly recommend which may help!

1) Buddhism for Mothers (Sarah Napthali)

2) How to hold it together when you’re doing it all (Felicity Harley)

And nothing better than sharing how you feel with mothers or business owners in a similar position. You realise our challenges are universal. You are not alone!

To find out more about The Dance Collective, head to their website, Facebook page or Instagram feed.

If you loved this post, check out our Getting to Know… blog series, which features local business owners who share their stories with us.

WIN a family day pass to Adventure World + $250 Visa gift card (CLOSED)

Melville Mums

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February 14, 2022

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WIN a family day pass to Adventure World + $250 Visa gift card (CLOSED)

IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!

Thanks to our friends at MGP Property, we’re giving one lucky City of Melville resident the chance to WIN a Family Day Pass to Adventure World ($200 eGift card – valid for 3 years) AND a $250 Visa Gift Card! This is a massive prize – entry is via Instagram and/or Facebook for multiple chances to win. Good luck!

How to Enter on Instagram

1. Like the giveaway post on our Instagram feed

2. Share the post to your stories (if your account is private, we’ll ask for a screenshot if you’re selected as the winner)

3. Be following @mgpproperty & @melvillemums

4. Tag 2 friends in the comments (1 comment = 1 entry)

How to Enter on Facebook

1. Like the giveaway post on our Facebook page

2. Leave a comment telling us how you’d spend the $250 gift card

Please refer to the Terms & Conditions below for the full eligibility criteria.

Make sure not to miss out on future giveaways and competitions! Complete the form below and sign up to our newsletter to get the latest news and updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Family day pass to Adventure World + $250 Visa gift card giveaway – Terms & Conditions

To be eligible, entrants must be 18+ and live in the City of Melville (proof of address may be required).
Melville Mums and MGP Property employees/contractors and their family members are ineligible.
Closing date for entry will be 12pm 28 February 2022. After this date, no further entries to the giveaway will be permitted.
No responsibility can be accepted for entries not received for whatever reason.
The promotion is a Game of Chance, and the winner will be selected at random on 1 March 2022. There will be one (1) winner.
Prize details: 1 x Adventure World Family Day Pass and 1 x $250 Visa gift card.
The winner will be announced on the Melville Mums social media pages and will be contacted via message.
The winner agrees to the use of his/her name and image in any publicity material, as well as their entry. Any personal data relating to the winner or any other entrants will be used solely in accordance with current Australian data protection legislation and will not be disclosed to a third party without the entrant’s prior consent.
Prizes are not transferable and not redeemable for cash. If the winner does not accept the prize by the time stipulated, Melville Mums reserves the right to select another winner.
Entry into the competition will be deemed as acceptance of these terms and conditions.
The promoter reserves the right to cancel or amend the competition and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of the promoter’s control. Any changes to the competition will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram.
The Promoter is Melville Mums (ABN 78 247 134 183).

Why Date Nights Are A Necessity & 15+ Date Night Ideas

Melville Mums

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February 9, 2022

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Why Date Nights Are A Necessity & 15+ Date Night Ideas

For the majority of mums who are reading this blog, dating has led you to where you are now, being a proud mum. As your life as a parent rolls along, everything can seem to get more hectic and stressful. Time, money, waistlines; they all get a little tighter and parenthood can become overwhelming. To regain your sanity and keep your marriage solid, date nights are a must, not just a nice-to-have for other couples to enjoy.

Date nights by definition are unique experiences that you share with your significant other without ordinary distractions – something fun for just the two of you! They’re a chance to take a break from your normal routine and daily stresses. A chance to do something special with your partner.

Parenting is a tough job and one that requires a village of support and encouragement around you. This village starts with you and your partner. Friendship is a huge part of a committed relationship which needs to be fostered so it is not taken for granted. By taking the effort to regularly spend time with your partner, you strengthen your bond, find that spark again and realise how amazing parenthood can be.

How often should we go on Date Night?

Start small, maybe once a month and work up to weekly dates if it’s feasible. The more regularly you can schedule “dates” with your partner, the more of these below benefits you and your whole family will enjoy. It’s a win-win situation!

Increased happiness: After spending time with your partner, being listened to and connecting with them you will naturally feel happier. A happy mum means a happy house.
Lower stress levels: Without any distractions, you can talk through any misunderstandings or miscommunications you’ve had with your partner in a less emotional way. Your more relaxed vibe will be well received by your kids.
Rekindled intimacy: Away from the kids and normal family life, you can relight that romantic spark and have some fun too.
Better communication: Date Nights allow you the time and space to talk about things that are important to you as a person and as a couple. You can catch up on what’s happening in your partner’s life because some days you can feel more like “passing ships in the night” than partners. Communication is a muscle that needs to be worked on otherwise it will get weaker.
Modeling good behavior for your kids: By taking time out for yourself as a couple, you are showing your little ones that family is about different relationships, not just the parent-child relationship. It builds a sense of WE in the family unit, instead of a sense of ME.
Stronger commitment and resilience as a couple: When you regularly work on your relationship by doing something as simple as “date night”, you increase its strength and resilience for handling the tougher times.

It’s too hard to organise!

It may seem like work at first to organise and schedule regular date nights, but just remember the fun the two of you can get up to. Because date nights are a necessity, plan them together and do something you both enjoy to make the process more fun. You can try something as simple and inexpensive as walking to the local park or as extravagant as a weekend away at a spa. Here are some ideas to get your date night diary started, whether you are looking for a night out, a night in or a “date day”.

It doesn’t matter so much what you do on date night but what you feel that is important.
Anon

Date Nights or Date Days out of the house

Catch a movie either indoors or outdoors
Sweat it out together; bike ride, beach walk, surfing, ice skating, hiking
Try sightseeing in a new part of town
Grab a picnic rug and relax
Enjoy a long leisurely grown up breakfast
Share a laugh at a comedy show
Listen to live music
Book a table at a romantic restaurant
Check into a day spa
Have a weeknight getaway at your favourite hotel
Go to a sports game

Stay at home Date Nights (Once the kids are in bed)

Order in from your favourite restaurant and stay up chatting
Find a new TV series on Netflix and snuggle up on the couch
Play for washing up privileges over a games night
Grab a wine and go on a virtual tour anywhere in the world. Virtual museums, zoos, aquariums and art galleries can all easily be found online.

For even more inspiration, here’s a list of 20 at-home date night ideas to help re-ignite that spark!

So put on your favourite slippers, sneakers or heels and send your partner an invite to a date night. Relax and have some fun, we all deserve it!

Q & A with James Priestly (MGP Property) – 2021 highlights + what to expect in 2022

Melville Mums

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February 8, 2022

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Q & A with James Priestly (MGP Property) – 2021 highlights + what to expect in 2022

What have been some highlights for MGP Property from 2021?

2021 was a wild year for us at MGP. Not only did we open the new Applecross office, we also managed to build some great relationships in the community including our work with Melville Mums, our sponsorship of Kids are Kids!, and the numerous local businesses we worked with over the year. We also created an intern program with Curtin University, and we had a number of record sales during the year.

I think more importantly though, we’ve started making a dent in our objective to redefine the way local real estate agents service their clients and the local community. This was our main objective when we started – we really wanted to set a new bar for real estate agents. The feedback from those that we have worked with last year was very pleasing to hear – it confirmed that we are on the right track.

We also gave away nearly $10k worth of prizes throughout the year, which is probably unheard of for a new real estate agency. What can I say – we like giving stuff away for free and I’m certain everyone else likes it too!

How did the local property market fare through 2021?

It was a bumper year for prices right across the City of Melville. The City of Melville region started with a Median House Price of $775k in January 2021 and that reached a Median Price of $850k by October 2021. We’re still waiting for November and December’s data to be confirmed, but, even to October, it was already around a 10% price growth, even after the strong growth through 2020 as well.

Several City of Melville suburbs were also top performers throughout the year. Of note, Bicton recorded 40% annual growth in prices, and Booragoon and Willagee both achieved over 20% growth. They were among plenty of other strong performers as well.

We also saw increasing sales volumes with 2,573 sales across the City of Melville in 2021. This was up from 2,130 in 2020 and 1,800 in 2019. Much of that volume was weighted to the more affluent suburbs such as Applecross, Mount Pleasant, Bicton and Attadale, all with around 200 sales or above, although Kardinya, Melville and Palmyra also achieved pretty strong volumes.

All in all, it was a well overdue year for the local property market and it’s really good to see this trend continuing from 2020. All we need now is a little more stock to hit the market so the buyers out there have more to choose from.

What are the predicted market conditions for 2022?

It’s so difficult to predict what will happen this year with any sort of certainty when there are so many variables at play, but let’s have a little look at things as they are now. We entered the year with low levels of stock for sale and for rent – almost identical to what we saw at the start of 2021. So this certainly sets the scene for more price growth this year. There’s a good chance that interest rates will rise at some point this year but overall, I don’t think that will be enough to deter price growth given the apparent imbalance between supply and demand and the probability of population relocating to WA from the eastern states.

Clearly, the borders will stay shut a little while longer, but I think the writing is on the wall for the State Government to open the borders 3 or 4 months after that initial date of 5^th February to coincide with the waiting period for booster shots. Once open, there will be a whole new wave of demand, but it will be from buyers that aren’t sellers. So, watch out for more competition and more pressure on prices if this happens.

I don’t think we will get much relief in stock levels until we see some sort of narrative change across the news and social media. If everyone decided to just put their homes up for sale, then there would be plenty of stock to choose from. However, we all see the news and hear the stories of lines around the block at home opens, multiple offers to compete with, homes selling before the home opens, and so on. This means people are a little more hesitant to list as they’re afraid they won’t be able to find anything to buy. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg thing.

To sum up my view, I think stock levels remain largely the same as 2021 and we also continue to get price growth this year, albeit at a more sustainable level around the 10% mark. There are plenty of strong indicators for growth beyond 2023 but let’s wait and see how 2022 plays out before we start looking beyond. Population growth on a state level, and all the things that drive that (think jobs and mining) will be a huge factor in what happens to the local property market this year and next.

What’s coming up for MGP Property in 2022?

There is so much on the horizon for us, I really don’t know where to begin. From a business perspective, we will continue to focus on that core objective of setting a new bar for the industry as it’s just so overdue in my opinion. So there will be lots of branding and messaging from us this year. Of course, we will continue giving things away – I feel like this will become something we are known for, so I don’t want to let anyone down. We are also expecting to get out more in the community too. We have another community sponsorship lined up for 2022 but I’m staying tight lipped on this one for now.

In the office, we are building on our team this year and right now we are on the lookout for a marketing coordinator to help us continue to build our brand. If you hear of anyone, please send them my way!

Oh! And last but certainly not least, here’s a big one. My beautiful partner Aimee and I are due to welcome our first baby at the end of July. I can’t believe I’m actually saying this out loud, but I’m going to be a Dad! We are both excited (and just a little nervous too) but are looking forward to meeting our baby, and Aimee is looking forward to becoming part of the Melville Mums community.

If you want to have chat with James about selling your home subject to buying your next home, he is happy to help. He is best contactable via email at james@mgpproperty.com.au or on 0447 120 125.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Kids

Melville Mums

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February 7, 2022

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Valentine’s Day looks a little different when you become a parent. It’s usually a little louder and less intimate than when it was just the “two of you”. Valentine’s Day with kids can however give your family a great excuse to show each other how much you care. Here are some suggestions on local family-friendly events and DIY ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day with kids.

Dinner at Dusk, Bicton

Where: 5 Honour Avenue, Point Walter Reserve, Bicton

When: 4.30 – 8.30pm

Website: Dinner at Dusk

Spend time with your loved ones at Dinner at Dusk Point Walter! Enjoy a night under the stars with the best range of food trucks, live music and an ambience you will love. Bring a blanket and set up with family and friends on the grass, or take up a seat at one of the complimentary tables and chairs.

Summer Screens, Bicton

Snuggle up with your loved ones and watch a family movie under the stars this Valentine’s weekend. Hawaiian’s Melville is hosting a FREE Summer Screens series so pack a rug, cushions and picnic dinner, or treat yourself to a delicious dinner from one of the delicious food retailers, and enjoy the show!

This is a free event but please register to attend – details can be found on the website.

Where: 380 Canning Highway, Bicton

When: 6.00pm – 9.00pm

Website: Hawaiian’s Melville

Melville Summer Music, Melville

The City of Melville’s free Summer Music series will feature performances from some of the best artists in WA across four stunning outdoor spaces in Melville. The concerts will run from Saturday, 13 November 2021 through to Saturday, 26 March 2022.

The family-friendly concerts celebrate the best of summer – outdoor picnics, food trucks and live music, all against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset.

Where: Yagan Mia Wireless Hill Park, Kadidjiny Park, Limestone Amphitheatre and Piney Lakes Reserve

When: 5.00pm – 7.00pm

Website: Melville Summer Music

South Perth StrEats, South Perth

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day! There will be live music by Jacob Pihema Music and a host of delicious vendors including:

Oishii Modern Japanese Street Food
Peter’s Cà Phê
Merlion Seafood Street
Hot Jam Doughnuts
murphys.spuds
Juice Station
Jumplings

So, if you’re celebrating Valentine’s, or just want a great vibe with delicious food, head to South Perth with family and friends, relax by the river with views of the gorgeous city skyline.

Where: Sir James Mitchell Park, Coode Street, South Perth

When: Wednesdays to Sundays 5.00pm – 8.30pm

Website: South Perth StrEats

Remember to download the SafeWA App and be Covid safe.

Before leaving home, check the WA Gov Covid website for any updated requirements
Stay home if you are unwell
Observe good hand hygiene and use the hand sanitiser where provided
Maintain social distancing
Check-in upon arrival, using the SafeWA app – look out for the QR codes around event or use manual check-in if available

DIY Valentine’s Day Celebrations

If an organized family outing isn’t feasible, we have listed some ideas to help make your Valentine’s Day celebrations with your kids just as special as they are.

Talk about Love

Take the opportunity to tell your child how much you love them and what love means to you. You can also ask them questions to get them thinking about family, friendship, and love. What do they love? How do they show their family that they love them?
Write love notes filled with what you love about your kids and tape them to their bedroom door for them to wake up to
Give each other 10 compliments throughout the day
Read stories about love

Bake with Love

Make pink heart shaped pancakes for breakfast
Put a bit more pink or red in your little ones lunch boxes
Bake heart shaped cookies or a Valentine’s Day cake with the whole family
Create a love themed mocktail to enjoy together – use cranberry juice to make it red

Make “Lovely” craft

Make Valentine’s Day cards together
Each paint a picture of someone you love
Give out vouchers for a one on one date with Mum or Dad
Paint love hearts on rocks
Make these cute Fingerprint Heart Poem Keepsakes from Simply Today Life
Design a Valentine’s Picture Frame – take inspiration from Design Improved

Spend time together

Go for a picnic
Enjoy a special meal at home – dress everyone in their best clothes and use the good plates
Go for a walk as a family – head to the beach, King’s Park or find a new bush walk to try
Take a trip to the Swan Valley and enjoy some time in a family-friendly winery
Book a staycation for the whole family & relax

However you choose to spend Valentine’s Day, we hope it’s filled with lots of love, hugs and kisses xx

For more local events, head to our What’s On page.

16 Parenting Podcasts That Are Worth a Listen

Melville Mums

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February 2, 2022

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16 Parenting Podcasts That Are Worth a Listen

Do you love listening to parenting podcasts? Maybe you haven’t discovered the world of podcasts yet? Perhaps you can’t find the time to listen to podcasts or you haven’t found the right one? Well, we’ve listed some great parenting podcasts that are definitely worth listening to.

Whether it’s whilst you’re cooking dinner, cleaning the bathroom, going for a run, grabbing some me-time with a cuppa or doing the school pick up; there’s something here for everyone.

1. Parental as Anything with Maggie Dent

Maggie Dent, one of Australia’s favourite parenting authors and educators gives you practical tips and answers to your real-world parenting dilemmas.

Maggie talks to parenting experts from around the world to find practical solutions to the challenges every parent is facing today.

She’ll help you be the parent you really want to be and give you ideas on how you can raise healthy kids who thrive.

Listen to Parental as Anything

2. This Glorious Mess – Mamamia

A twice-weekly look at parenting as it truly is: confusing, exhausting, inspiring, funny, and full of surprises. Join Tegan Natoli and Leigh Campbell for This Glorious Mess Little Kids on Monday’s. And Andrew Daddo and Holly Wainwright for This Glorious Mess Big Kids on Friday’s. It’s all the disasters and delights of parenting with a healthy dose of advice from our trusted experts.

Listen to This Glorious Mess

3. BabyTalk with Penny Johnston

We know babies don’t come with instruction manuals; that just means that there’s a lot to learn and hopefully you’ll enjoy learning about what there is to know about living with your baby from this podcast.

Listen to BabyTalk

4. Birth, Baby & Beyond with Midwife Cath

Created for expectant parents, new mums, new grandparents and for anyone wanting to know more about becoming a parent. Cath Curtin shares over four decades of experience, guiding you through the highs and lows of being pregnant, giving birth and the complexities of parenting.

Birth, Baby & Beyond is a realistic yet gentle conversation aimed to inform and prepare you about the things you don’t yet know – you don’t know! Hear from a multitude of specialists; a paediatrician, an obstetrician & gynaecologist, a physiotherapist, a psychologist, a dad who talks about how life changes for a father, an expert in prams, car seat etc required for new babies, journalist and author Madeline Morris and some very interesting mums who openly discuss the challenges of becoming a mother.

Listen to Birth, Baby & Beyond

5. Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson

The Happy Families podcast with Dr Justin Coulson is for parents who want all the answers but don’t have any time! In each short, easily digestible episode Dr Justin will address a specific topic, offer his expert advice and provide simple strategies that will lead to positive results fast. Dr Justin’s podcast is the quickest way to gain the knowledge and information you need to make your family happier today.

Listen to Happy Families

6. Keep Calm Mother On! with Christy Thomas

Grab your pile of laundry and listen for coaching on how to care for yourself while mothering and walk away with a play idea to connect with your kids. You are the right Mum for your kids. You deserve self-care that isn’t hygiene every day.

Listen to Keep Calm Mother On!

7. The Spot Family Podcast with Heidi Begg

If you have a family, are a teacher, health professional or are remotely interested in child development, health, or learning, this is the podcast for you! We cut through the snake oil, talk to doctors & health professionals, and deep dive into the science behind supporting everyone to reach their potential! So, if you’re looking for tips, tricks and straight-forward tools to get there? You’re in the right place.

Listen to The Spot Family Podcast

8. Gotta Be Done

Two Melbourne mums obsessed with ABC TV’s Bluey, episode by episode! Join ex-journos Mary Bolling and Kate McMahonus as they analyse every episode of the ABC TV cartoon Bluey, with plenty of detours into parenting and childhood memories.

Listen to Gotta Be Done

9. The Art of Decluttering

Amy Revell and Kirsty Farrugia are Professional Organisers and they chat about how they keep their homes organised and decluttered and how they help their clients to achieve the same.

Listen to The Art of Decluttering

10. Parenting in a Pandemic

Founder of the internationally acclaimed Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, Professor Matthew Sanders provides practical and actionable advice to help you steer your household through these uncharted waters.

Listen to Parenting in a Pandemic

11. The Modern Mommy Doc

Wouldn’t it be great to find a podcast for the Modern Working Mum that addresses life as a mum, life as a working mum with an ambitious career and life as a mum who wants to also have time for her own life? That is what the Modern Mommy Doc podcast is all about.

We live in a world where we are supposed to raise kids as if we don’t work and work as if we don’t have kids (and don’t even mention that we may also want to fit in some time for ourselves to read a book or take a SoulCycle class.)

Everyone has an opinion on what it takes to be the perfect Working Mom in today’s society. Most of the advice is unattainable, anxiety-provoking and certainly doesn’t address how the modern working mom is supposed to make time for her own life. The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast helps working moms say “no” to unrealistic expectations for a perfectly-balanced life and say “yes” to what really matters.

Listen to The Modern Mommy Doc

12. TiLT Parenting

TiLT Parenting is a podcast and community aimed at helping parents who are raising differently-wired kids and to do so from a place of confidence, connection, and joy. Debbie Reber (founder) is passionate about the idea that being differently wired isn’t a deficit —it’s a difference. She hopes to change the way difference is perceived and experienced in the world so these exceptional kids, and the parents raising them, can thrive in their schools, in their families, and in their lives.

This podcasts covers topics such as, ADHD/ADD, Anxiety, Autism, Giftedness, Homeschooling, Learning Differences, Sensory Processing Disorder and so much more.

Listen to TiLT Parenting

13. The One in a Million Baby

This show tells the stories of the children and their parents who find themselves in that one in a thousand, or one in ten thousand, or even one in a million position of having a child with special needs and how they come to cope. Finding those odds apply to you and your child can be one of the most isolating and terrifying experiences of your life. But then sometimes it can also feel like winning the lottery.

Listen to The One in a Million Baby

14. Too Peas in a Podcast

Listen to Mandy and Kate laugh (a lot) and cry as they chat to each other and friends about parenting multiples with disabilities and additional needs.

Listen to Too Peas in a Podcast

15. Unruffled with Janet Lansbury

Each episode addresses a reader’s parenting issue through the lens of Janet’s respectful parenting philosophy, consistently offering a perspective shift that ultimately frees parents of the need for scripts, strategies, tricks, and tactics.

Listen to Unruffled

16. Turning this Car Around

This is one for the Dads… This is a hilarious podcast about fatherhood with Lex Friedman, John Moltz and Jon Armstrong.

Listen to Turning this Car Around

We hope you find one that resonates with you and helps you along your journey. Happy Listening!

Head to the Parenting section on our blog for even more hints, tips and advice from parenting experts and other mums

Carawatha Park (Willagee) – Playground Review

Melville Mums

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February 1, 2022

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Carawatha Park (Willagee) – Playground Review

Carawatha Park playground is everything you need for kids of all abilities and ages. Although personally, I think bigger kids will have a better time than little ones at this playground.

The carpark is small with only one accessible parking bay, however there is heaps of street parking available near the playground.

There are lots of established trees here, making the playground quite cool and breezy, even on a hot summer day! If the day is extra hot, there are a few picnic tables and benches that are also in the shade (or part shade, depending on the time of the day).

There is a fantastic water play area. Little kids love getting water pumped out of the water pump and then watching as the water makes its way down. Just remember to bring a change of clothes.

There is also a sand play area for little kids with a little sand pulley system. Kids can climb up the little bench and pull on the chain or stay down in the sand and shove sand into the little sand carrier. Sand play is good fun, until the kids get into their car seats and then there’s sand everywhere!

Carawatha Park playground has the usual slides but it also has a large slide mound with wide polished concrete custom slide. It’s wide enough for at least two kids to come down the slide together, landing in mulch. There are large rocks beside the slide, teasing and challenging kids to climb up on them.

This playground really is inspired by nature and boasts balancing beams, stepping stones and logs. The beams and stones are in mulch and sand, so a fall can be slightly softened. Kids can definitely practice balancing and improve their agility. There is also a little bridge for kids to run up and down on.

As if the playground does not have enough rocks and stepping stones, it also has lots of blocks to climb. Additionally, there is also an arched climbing frame over a stepped feature log. The landing is soft as the area is mulched.

Another unique piece of play equipment here is the tree deck with a climbing frame. There’s a scramble net for the little spider-man (or spider-woman) to climb through and a bright orange fireman’s pole for them to come sliding down. Bigger kids can climb up the established tree from the tree deck and they would get a bird’s eye view of the playground for sure!

As you follow the footpath towards the back of the playground, you will see the adjoining bushland. Beautiful trees weep down towards the mulch while large logs criss cross each other, inviting little climbers up. There are wood carvings scattered around the bushland and also the park itself.

There are a few outdoor exercise equipment here in the green grass areas. The playground also has abundant garden beds with beautiful native plants and also has a bush tucker theme featuring various edibles and fruit trees like macadamia, lily pily and the irish strawberry tree.

There is a lot of green grass areas for picnics and playing sport. There is also an AFL goal post in the open green space area just before the adjoining bushland. BBQ facilities are also available here. All accessible toilets can be found in this playground too.

Essential Info

Fenced? No

Toilets? Yes

Picnic tables? Yes

BBQs? Yes

Nearest coffee: Little Olive Leaf Cafe

Location: 10 Archibald Street, Willagee

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

Where to find a local Drive Thru Coffee – Melville

Melville Mums

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January 31, 2022

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barista holding a drive thru coffee at Rubra on the Go — Source: Rubra on the Go

The beans are roasting, the coffee is fresh

You’re late for school drop off, the house is a mess

You need some caffeine but there’s so much to do

Look below for your local drive thru

Life can be busy, and a morning or afternoon coffee can be the fuel you need. It can keep you going through napless nap times, toddler tantrums, work meetings, errands and hectic schedules. When you’re out and about either on your own or with children in tow, you don’t always have time to get out of the car, let alone trying to wrangle children in and out of car seats!

During Covid, the drive thru option is growing in popularity as they offer fewer touchpoints, giving mums with little ones more peace of mind.

We’ve compiled a list of local drive thru coffee vendors. We may have missed some, so if you know of any that aren’t listed, please let us know in the comments.

McDonalds (McCafé) – corner Reynolds Road and Canning Highway, Applecross
McDonalds (McCafé) – corner Foss Street and Canning Hwy, Bicton
Rubra on the Go – 180 Carrington St, Hilton
Krispy Kreme – 1-7 Marshall Road, Myaree
McDonalds (McCafé) – Leach Highway, Myaree
Hot Shots Coffee – corner Stock Road and Sainsbury Road, O’Connor
The Salty Gnome – 2/398 South Street, Samson
Port City Roasters – 312 South Terrace, South Fremantle
Exile Coffee – 77 Canning Hwy, South Perth
Coffee Sisters – Wentworth Parade & Malata Cres, Success

If you’re looking for somewhere to go where you can take the children and keep them entertained whilst you sit down for a coffee and something to eat, have a look at our list of Local Family Friendly Cafes & Restaurants.

Getting to Know James Priestly – MGP Property

Getting to Know...

Melville Mums

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January 27, 2022

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Getting to Know James Priestly – MGP Property

For today’s Getting to Know blog, we’re sitting down with James Priestly, Managing Director of MGP Property. We talk about how James is working to transform the real estate experience by always putting service above sales and relationships above deals. Being a lifelong City of Melville resident, James also tells us about his favourite local places to visit when he gets to enjoy some downtime.

Hi, James. Can you please tell us a bit about yourself and what you love about the Melville area?

I was born and bred in Applecross, I lived in the suburb of Melville for the past 5 years, and I’ve just moved to Mount Pleasant so, as a lifelong local, I feel that living in the Melville area gives you a perfectly balanced lifestyle. A home here gives you a taste of nature where you can find peace or adventure nearby, easy access to the action of the city, and then also the culture of Fremantle. Being right on the river also means an endless opportunity for your water activities. Whether it’s jet skiing with the family at Port Walter or catching a few crabs for dinner, we’ve got it all right here. You can’t beat it!

At the weekend, you’ll often find me at either Cheeky Boy or Blend Café for breakfast. I enjoy a run along the river at Tompkins park, and then might head to the beach for a surf before capping off a day with a few drinks at the Quarter Acre or Bad Apples.

What drew you to real estate?

I’ve had a passion for helping people find or build their dream home from early on. You could say it runs in my blood, with my father’s and uncle’s involvement in real estate, property development and architecture over the years.

I really wanted to set a goal early on to open my own development and real estate company and correct the general sense of mistrust I’ve seen in in the industry over the years by setting a new standard for local real estate agents.

With experience, I’ve learned what really works and how to provide the kind of genuine service that people are looking for and deserve. It’s really all about listening to people and having an understanding of why they want what they want… it’s as simple as that sometimes.

How do you see MGP Property doing things differently?

Living in the Melville area for so long, I feel I’ve been able to form a unique understanding of the community and the local property market. This deep-rooted knowledge of the area is what sets MGP Property apart from other agencies, and our biggest priority is building real connections with the local community and our clients.

It’s about relationships over deals for us. We all hate it when dealing with an agent feels like a continuous, unrelenting sales pitch right? You might feel your unique goals aren’t always the priority as they should be. Or you might feel you start to become just another sale target to get up on the board. Well, this is the exact opposite of the experience you’ll have with us at MGP. We spare people the sales song and dance. It’s old and no one wants to hear it. Working with MGP is supposed to be like working with your mate up the road.

So, what’s next for MGP Property?

It’s exciting times for us as we’ve moved into a new office near the corner of Riseley St and Canning Highway so feel free to pop in and say ‘hi’. We’re looking forward to building our team to provide the best possible experience for our clients, and we’re looking to ramp up our community involvement in 2022.

To learn more about their services, please do not hesitate to give James a call on 0447 120 125 or email him at james@mgpproperty.com.au. Don’t forget to mention Melville Mums!

If you loved this post, check out our Getting to Know… blog series and meet other local business owners.