Latest news with #Maddi
News.com.au
15-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Australian Olympic swimming champion Cam McEvoy shares baby news, name revealed
Australian Olympic champion Cam McEvoy has announced the birth of his first child, much to the delight of the sporting world. Sharing the wonderful news on Monday, the 31-year-old swimmer said Maddi gave birth to their son, Hartley, last week. 'We walked into the hospital at 4pm, not knowing we were just hours away from meeting our son,' McEvoy said in a post on Instagram. 'Maddi was so calm that everyone in the room was shocked when they found out she was 8cm dilated. We had a well-thought-out birthing plan because of Maddi's heart which basically involved as little pain as possible to keep her heart rate down. 'But Hartley seemed to have different plans. Before we knew it, he was earth side in our hands before 7pm.' Maddi was born with a pulmonary valve defect which required four open-heart surgeries and she had a replacement pulmonary valve put in when she was still a teenager. But McEvoy confirmed that the delivery went well and both mum and bub are well. 'Words do so little for how much we love this little guy already,' he posted. 'Mum and baby are both doing exceptionally well.' The post was quickly flooded with well-wishes for the family from fellow Aussie champions. 'He's beautiful Cam! Congratulations to you both,' eight-time medallist Cate Campbell commented. 'What a beautiful boy, we will have the cutest fan club,' three-time champion Sarah Sjostrom said. 'He's already a stud,' Australian swimming legend Grant Hackett said. While McEvoy is in the middle of preparing for the World Championships later this month, he put his training on pause to be by his wife's side for their big moment. When he takes to the pool in Singapore he will set a new men's record for most appearances by a member of the Australian team. McEvoy will compete in the 50m freestyle – the event he won gold in at the Paris Olympics. During the Australian Trials in June, McEvoy finished first in the final with a time of 21.30. It remains the world-leading time this year and he will like his chances of claiming another gold later this month.
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
West Vancouver family cycling Cypress to raise funds for cancer research
A West Vancouver family will soon bike up a local mountain for pancreatic cancer research. Anthony Thomas, his wife Carolyn Bliss and their daughter Emily Thomas will be pedalling 12 kilometres up Cypress Bowl Road as part of the annual Capilano Volkswagen Cypress Challenge, raising funds for pancreatic cancer research at BC Cancer. 'I felt like it was a good idea that we do this,' Thomas said, after hearing about the challenge through Maddi, his eldest daughter who will be cheering them on the sidelines. 'Everybody in the family was all for it, so we decided to join on.' The challenge is a personal one for the family. When Anthony and Carolyn were driving back from the B.C. Interior over the Labour Day weekend, he started to feel intense pain in his lower back. Carolyn urged him to get it checked out. They stopped at a hospital in Whistler, where doctors took a CT scan and found a kidney stone, but also two masses on Anthony's pancreas and liver. After an MRI scan, doctors discovered Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. 'Things looked really, really bad,' Anthony said. Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers due to few symptoms appearing in the first stages , making it more challenging to diagnose early. The Canadian Cancer Society estimated in 2024 that 7,100 Canadians would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and 6,100 will die from the disease. For pancreatic cancer, the five-year survival rate is 10 per cent . However, hope turned around for Anthony after a biopsy. Doctors found a neuroendocrine cell, which has a better prognosis. 'It was a big lift for me,' he said. 'I really started focusing on trying to get better because up until then, it just seemed like a doomsday scenario.' Anthony then had surgery in November, removing most of the cancer. The family feels thankful for the positive trajectory, but also the amount of support they've received from the community. 'It was great to have friends and community and good doctors around to support us,' Carolyn said. 'Especially in that first month when we thought it was terminal, it was quite overwhelming.' Maddi and Emily echoed their mom's thoughts, saying they admire their dad's resilience. 'It's really brought us all much closer together in a way,' Maddi said. 'I think it makes you just feel much more grateful for life, and the ability to spend time together.' As the days count down for the challenge, the family is practicing biking up and down the route, so they'll be ready to go on July 27. Since the challenge launched in 2008, cyclists have raised more than $5.2 million to support more pancreatic cancer research through the BC Cancer Foundation. The Thomas family has raised more than $44,000 to go towards pancreatic cancer research. People interested in donating to the family can do so on the Cypress Challenge website . Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Perth Now
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Aussie Olympian announces birth of first child, reveals name
Australian Olympic gold medallist Cam McEvoy has announced the birth of his son, and he has revealed the name choice holds a special meaning. On Monday, the 50 metre freestyle champion confirmed the news on Instagram to his 152,000 followers. Hartley James McEvoy was born on 10th July, with McEvoy saying the name is 'an ode to the strength of the heart'. The moniker is a tribute to his wife Maddi, who has endured heart problems throughout her life. Born with a pulmonary valve defect, she has had four open-heart surgeries - including a valve replacement when she was 17. McEvoy shared that her medical experiences were fresh on their minds during the delivery of their baby. 'We had a well thought out birthing plan because of Maddi's heart which basically involved as little pain as possible to keep her heart rate down,' McEvoy said. 'But Hartley seemed to have different plans - it was fast, wild, calm, and beautiful all at the same time.' The Olympian ended his announcement post on a sweet note, after telling followers that 'mum and baby are both doing exceptionally well'. 'A little H(e)art goes a long way ❤️❤️.' The Olympic swimmer shared a photo of him holding his son. Credit: Instagram The comments were quickly flooded with well-wishes for the family from fellow Olympian swimmers. 'He's beautiful Cam! Congratulations to you both,' eight-time medallist Cate Campbell commented. 'What a beautiful boy, we will have the cutest fan club,' three-time champion Sarah Sjostrom said. 'He's already a stud,' Australian swimming legend Grant Hackett said. Back in February, the Paris 2024 medallist stunned many of his followers when he revealed he had secretly wed Maddi. The couple shared the happy news with a single photo of them on their wedding day, captioned with the word 'eloped'.
The Advertiser
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Upcycled towels and a sewing machine: Hunter mums launch kids clothing business
A SECOND-Hand sewing machine and a DIY video on social media were enough to kick-off a blooming business for two Hunter mums. Grace Willis and Maddi Callaghan launched sustainable clothing label Wilder in April this year. The business makes one-off pieces from second-hand towels, targeting the kids clothing market. "Every single Wilder piece is made from an upcycled towel, so no two are ever the same," Maddi explained. "We're not just making cute clothes, we're giving pre-loved materials a new life, creating kidswear that's durable, playful, and gentler on the planet. "And everything is handmade by us, right here on the coast." The idea began when Maddi saw a do-it-yourself video on Instagram on how to make toddler shorts and decided to give it a crack. "The next day I bought a second-hand sewing machine and a bunch of fabric. I couldn't stop. I made my son multiple pairs of shorts and pants," she said. "Pretty quickly, I found myself in Vinnies looking for second-hand materials and came across some really funky towels. I grabbed a few, made a pair of shorts, and shared them on Instagram. The response was wild. People started messaging asking if I could make some for them too." She decided it was time to call for back-up and contacted her bestfriend Grace and just like that, a business was born. The two mums were both on maternity leave at the time, so making kids' clothes seemed like the natural choice for the business launch. "We started by experimenting with a few pairs for our own kids," she said. "Once we saw how popular they were, we began madly sourcing vintage towels. We love the nostalgic look of vintage prints, but realised people were just as excited about our bold block colours. "From there, we built a small collection, took some photos, launched our Instagram, built a website and went live." Like any new business owners, the pair had to quickly refine certain skills, particularly sewing. "I learned to sew thanks to my nan and mum," Grace told Newcastle Herald. "Maddi's grandma taught her when she was little, but she hadn't touched a machine in about 15 years. We've definitely had to level up, especially with finishing pieces to a higher standard. Threading an overlocker is a mission on its own. "Beyond sewing, it's been a full crash course in small business; fabric sourcing, pattern making, photography, building a website, social media, marketing, the works." The towels are sourced through op shops, markets and donations. They are washed before each towel is prepared separately to ensure it is still in good condition before it becomes usable fabric. The website launched on April 28 with a mix of shorts and pants. Since then, skirts have been added to the product line, and there are plans to expand this further with whispers of matching sets for parents too. Dresses and bags for the summer could be on the cards but Grace said they were "focused on keeping things small, slow, and sustainable. "We're still running after little ones behind the scenes, so it's all about balance," she said. The business releases small drops of about 20 clothing pieces at a time and the duo said they usually sell about half within the first few days. Just two months in and the business has already sold pieces all over Australia, with a few international orders thrown in the mix. "It's still just the two of us making everything by hand, so things are growing in a really organic and intentional way," Grace said. They plan to grow into a little studio space in the future, but for now online sales on the Wilder Store website are the focus. "We're really proud to be part of a shift toward more sustainable fashion and to be showing our kids that creativity, care and circular thinking can genuinely make a difference." Speaking of DIY... it does seem like Bunnings can help you do almost anything yourself and the company is now taking this can-do attitude to the solar energy market. 'Zelora' is a program that allows customers to buy and install solar energy and battery packages for their homes from Bunnings and manage the system with a subscription. The installation is, of course, completed by a professional, but the program is hoping to unlock jhome solar for more people. Newcastle will pilot the program from late June and then it will be expanded across greater Sydney from July. Bunnings has partnered with digital energy management specialists Intellihub to provide the subscription service. "Our new offer gives customers access to a broader range of solar and battery packages - including larger rooftop systems and home batteries - all available through a simple subscription model and supported by an app," Bunnings' chief operating officer, Ryan Baker said. "Many customers find home electrification complex and may not be aware of the benefits it can offer. " Intellihub executive general manager in Australia, Alastair McKeown, said the program also removes the "big upfront cost that often comes with solar and battery systems". A not-for-profit charity dedicated to empowering under-represented young women and helping them to reach their potential is launching its first Newcastle program in August. The Warrior Woman Foundation has, over the past five years, used mentorship, life skills and mental health support to help close to 200 young women Australia-wide through the Young Warrior Women Program. It matches women aged 17 to 28 with local mentors who support, guide and walk alongside them for six months. A different topic is covered each week, and there are lots of opportunities to connect with a local community of positive female role models. Leah Kennedy, a counsellor, is responsible for rolling out The Warrior Woman Foundation program in Newcastle. She grew up here and moved away when she was 17. "Reflecting back, part of the reason I [moved away] was to avoid many of the presenting concerns that the young women our foundation supports are coming to us with," she said. "Loneliness and isolation, low confidence/self-esteem and mental health challenges were all part of my story, and having returned to Newcastle almost 20 years later, I feel so honoured to be part of a team that is supporting young women in a way that I would have truly benefited from all those years ago." Ms Kennedy says it is women who have supported, guided and encouraged her to keep moving forward during some of the "more challenging moments" of her life. "Giving back to a program that celebrates the power of these connections and the magic that happens when women share stories, celebrate and support one another is such an honour," she said. "As a single mum to two young children, I am so aware of the value of 'the tribe', and to be able to work within a foundation whose aim it is to build such a community for the young women we support could not feel more important. "I am so inspired to work within a team that is providing the continuity, stability and cheerleading that so many young women find themselves without. "Newy has such a wonderful community feel, but for many reasons, so many of us find ourselves feeling more disconnected than ever before. Programs like this help connect us as women, and offer a space where everyone is welcome, celebrated and valued." Common challenges faced by young women include: feelings of isolation and loneliness; low self-esteem and confidence; unhealthy relationships; self-limiting beliefs; a lack of non-judgmental women role models; and feeling overwhelmed by the cost of living. The Young Warrior Women Program offers online and face-to-face workshops with experts in their field, plus the opportunity for mentors and mentees to connect each week in a safe, collaborative and supportive environment. "Having a cheerleader to walk alongside us in life's trickier moments is something we could all use," Ms Kennedy said. "If a mentee walks away from the program feeling more confident in their direction, connected to their own values and with the skills they need for the next part of their journey, we have done our job well. "If you are feeling a little lost, unsure of your place in the world, or just simply searching for your tribe, our Young Warrior Woman Program would love to have you." Applications are now open for Newcastle women who want to make an impact on the lives of young women by signing up as a "Wise Warrior". Details at A SECOND-Hand sewing machine and a DIY video on social media were enough to kick-off a blooming business for two Hunter mums. Grace Willis and Maddi Callaghan launched sustainable clothing label Wilder in April this year. The business makes one-off pieces from second-hand towels, targeting the kids clothing market. "Every single Wilder piece is made from an upcycled towel, so no two are ever the same," Maddi explained. "We're not just making cute clothes, we're giving pre-loved materials a new life, creating kidswear that's durable, playful, and gentler on the planet. "And everything is handmade by us, right here on the coast." The idea began when Maddi saw a do-it-yourself video on Instagram on how to make toddler shorts and decided to give it a crack. "The next day I bought a second-hand sewing machine and a bunch of fabric. I couldn't stop. I made my son multiple pairs of shorts and pants," she said. "Pretty quickly, I found myself in Vinnies looking for second-hand materials and came across some really funky towels. I grabbed a few, made a pair of shorts, and shared them on Instagram. The response was wild. People started messaging asking if I could make some for them too." She decided it was time to call for back-up and contacted her bestfriend Grace and just like that, a business was born. The two mums were both on maternity leave at the time, so making kids' clothes seemed like the natural choice for the business launch. "We started by experimenting with a few pairs for our own kids," she said. "Once we saw how popular they were, we began madly sourcing vintage towels. We love the nostalgic look of vintage prints, but realised people were just as excited about our bold block colours. "From there, we built a small collection, took some photos, launched our Instagram, built a website and went live." Like any new business owners, the pair had to quickly refine certain skills, particularly sewing. "I learned to sew thanks to my nan and mum," Grace told Newcastle Herald. "Maddi's grandma taught her when she was little, but she hadn't touched a machine in about 15 years. We've definitely had to level up, especially with finishing pieces to a higher standard. Threading an overlocker is a mission on its own. "Beyond sewing, it's been a full crash course in small business; fabric sourcing, pattern making, photography, building a website, social media, marketing, the works." The towels are sourced through op shops, markets and donations. They are washed before each towel is prepared separately to ensure it is still in good condition before it becomes usable fabric. The website launched on April 28 with a mix of shorts and pants. Since then, skirts have been added to the product line, and there are plans to expand this further with whispers of matching sets for parents too. Dresses and bags for the summer could be on the cards but Grace said they were "focused on keeping things small, slow, and sustainable. "We're still running after little ones behind the scenes, so it's all about balance," she said. The business releases small drops of about 20 clothing pieces at a time and the duo said they usually sell about half within the first few days. Just two months in and the business has already sold pieces all over Australia, with a few international orders thrown in the mix. "It's still just the two of us making everything by hand, so things are growing in a really organic and intentional way," Grace said. They plan to grow into a little studio space in the future, but for now online sales on the Wilder Store website are the focus. "We're really proud to be part of a shift toward more sustainable fashion and to be showing our kids that creativity, care and circular thinking can genuinely make a difference." Speaking of DIY... it does seem like Bunnings can help you do almost anything yourself and the company is now taking this can-do attitude to the solar energy market. 'Zelora' is a program that allows customers to buy and install solar energy and battery packages for their homes from Bunnings and manage the system with a subscription. The installation is, of course, completed by a professional, but the program is hoping to unlock jhome solar for more people. Newcastle will pilot the program from late June and then it will be expanded across greater Sydney from July. Bunnings has partnered with digital energy management specialists Intellihub to provide the subscription service. "Our new offer gives customers access to a broader range of solar and battery packages - including larger rooftop systems and home batteries - all available through a simple subscription model and supported by an app," Bunnings' chief operating officer, Ryan Baker said. "Many customers find home electrification complex and may not be aware of the benefits it can offer. " Intellihub executive general manager in Australia, Alastair McKeown, said the program also removes the "big upfront cost that often comes with solar and battery systems". A not-for-profit charity dedicated to empowering under-represented young women and helping them to reach their potential is launching its first Newcastle program in August. The Warrior Woman Foundation has, over the past five years, used mentorship, life skills and mental health support to help close to 200 young women Australia-wide through the Young Warrior Women Program. It matches women aged 17 to 28 with local mentors who support, guide and walk alongside them for six months. A different topic is covered each week, and there are lots of opportunities to connect with a local community of positive female role models. Leah Kennedy, a counsellor, is responsible for rolling out The Warrior Woman Foundation program in Newcastle. She grew up here and moved away when she was 17. "Reflecting back, part of the reason I [moved away] was to avoid many of the presenting concerns that the young women our foundation supports are coming to us with," she said. "Loneliness and isolation, low confidence/self-esteem and mental health challenges were all part of my story, and having returned to Newcastle almost 20 years later, I feel so honoured to be part of a team that is supporting young women in a way that I would have truly benefited from all those years ago." Ms Kennedy says it is women who have supported, guided and encouraged her to keep moving forward during some of the "more challenging moments" of her life. "Giving back to a program that celebrates the power of these connections and the magic that happens when women share stories, celebrate and support one another is such an honour," she said. "As a single mum to two young children, I am so aware of the value of 'the tribe', and to be able to work within a foundation whose aim it is to build such a community for the young women we support could not feel more important. "I am so inspired to work within a team that is providing the continuity, stability and cheerleading that so many young women find themselves without. "Newy has such a wonderful community feel, but for many reasons, so many of us find ourselves feeling more disconnected than ever before. Programs like this help connect us as women, and offer a space where everyone is welcome, celebrated and valued." Common challenges faced by young women include: feelings of isolation and loneliness; low self-esteem and confidence; unhealthy relationships; self-limiting beliefs; a lack of non-judgmental women role models; and feeling overwhelmed by the cost of living. The Young Warrior Women Program offers online and face-to-face workshops with experts in their field, plus the opportunity for mentors and mentees to connect each week in a safe, collaborative and supportive environment. "Having a cheerleader to walk alongside us in life's trickier moments is something we could all use," Ms Kennedy said. "If a mentee walks away from the program feeling more confident in their direction, connected to their own values and with the skills they need for the next part of their journey, we have done our job well. "If you are feeling a little lost, unsure of your place in the world, or just simply searching for your tribe, our Young Warrior Woman Program would love to have you." Applications are now open for Newcastle women who want to make an impact on the lives of young women by signing up as a "Wise Warrior". Details at A SECOND-Hand sewing machine and a DIY video on social media were enough to kick-off a blooming business for two Hunter mums. Grace Willis and Maddi Callaghan launched sustainable clothing label Wilder in April this year. The business makes one-off pieces from second-hand towels, targeting the kids clothing market. "Every single Wilder piece is made from an upcycled towel, so no two are ever the same," Maddi explained. "We're not just making cute clothes, we're giving pre-loved materials a new life, creating kidswear that's durable, playful, and gentler on the planet. "And everything is handmade by us, right here on the coast." The idea began when Maddi saw a do-it-yourself video on Instagram on how to make toddler shorts and decided to give it a crack. "The next day I bought a second-hand sewing machine and a bunch of fabric. I couldn't stop. I made my son multiple pairs of shorts and pants," she said. "Pretty quickly, I found myself in Vinnies looking for second-hand materials and came across some really funky towels. I grabbed a few, made a pair of shorts, and shared them on Instagram. The response was wild. People started messaging asking if I could make some for them too." She decided it was time to call for back-up and contacted her bestfriend Grace and just like that, a business was born. The two mums were both on maternity leave at the time, so making kids' clothes seemed like the natural choice for the business launch. "We started by experimenting with a few pairs for our own kids," she said. "Once we saw how popular they were, we began madly sourcing vintage towels. We love the nostalgic look of vintage prints, but realised people were just as excited about our bold block colours. "From there, we built a small collection, took some photos, launched our Instagram, built a website and went live." Like any new business owners, the pair had to quickly refine certain skills, particularly sewing. "I learned to sew thanks to my nan and mum," Grace told Newcastle Herald. "Maddi's grandma taught her when she was little, but she hadn't touched a machine in about 15 years. We've definitely had to level up, especially with finishing pieces to a higher standard. Threading an overlocker is a mission on its own. "Beyond sewing, it's been a full crash course in small business; fabric sourcing, pattern making, photography, building a website, social media, marketing, the works." The towels are sourced through op shops, markets and donations. They are washed before each towel is prepared separately to ensure it is still in good condition before it becomes usable fabric. The website launched on April 28 with a mix of shorts and pants. Since then, skirts have been added to the product line, and there are plans to expand this further with whispers of matching sets for parents too. Dresses and bags for the summer could be on the cards but Grace said they were "focused on keeping things small, slow, and sustainable. "We're still running after little ones behind the scenes, so it's all about balance," she said. The business releases small drops of about 20 clothing pieces at a time and the duo said they usually sell about half within the first few days. Just two months in and the business has already sold pieces all over Australia, with a few international orders thrown in the mix. "It's still just the two of us making everything by hand, so things are growing in a really organic and intentional way," Grace said. They plan to grow into a little studio space in the future, but for now online sales on the Wilder Store website are the focus. "We're really proud to be part of a shift toward more sustainable fashion and to be showing our kids that creativity, care and circular thinking can genuinely make a difference." Speaking of DIY... it does seem like Bunnings can help you do almost anything yourself and the company is now taking this can-do attitude to the solar energy market. 'Zelora' is a program that allows customers to buy and install solar energy and battery packages for their homes from Bunnings and manage the system with a subscription. The installation is, of course, completed by a professional, but the program is hoping to unlock jhome solar for more people. Newcastle will pilot the program from late June and then it will be expanded across greater Sydney from July. Bunnings has partnered with digital energy management specialists Intellihub to provide the subscription service. "Our new offer gives customers access to a broader range of solar and battery packages - including larger rooftop systems and home batteries - all available through a simple subscription model and supported by an app," Bunnings' chief operating officer, Ryan Baker said. "Many customers find home electrification complex and may not be aware of the benefits it can offer. " Intellihub executive general manager in Australia, Alastair McKeown, said the program also removes the "big upfront cost that often comes with solar and battery systems". A not-for-profit charity dedicated to empowering under-represented young women and helping them to reach their potential is launching its first Newcastle program in August. The Warrior Woman Foundation has, over the past five years, used mentorship, life skills and mental health support to help close to 200 young women Australia-wide through the Young Warrior Women Program. It matches women aged 17 to 28 with local mentors who support, guide and walk alongside them for six months. A different topic is covered each week, and there are lots of opportunities to connect with a local community of positive female role models. Leah Kennedy, a counsellor, is responsible for rolling out The Warrior Woman Foundation program in Newcastle. She grew up here and moved away when she was 17. "Reflecting back, part of the reason I [moved away] was to avoid many of the presenting concerns that the young women our foundation supports are coming to us with," she said. "Loneliness and isolation, low confidence/self-esteem and mental health challenges were all part of my story, and having returned to Newcastle almost 20 years later, I feel so honoured to be part of a team that is supporting young women in a way that I would have truly benefited from all those years ago." Ms Kennedy says it is women who have supported, guided and encouraged her to keep moving forward during some of the "more challenging moments" of her life. "Giving back to a program that celebrates the power of these connections and the magic that happens when women share stories, celebrate and support one another is such an honour," she said. "As a single mum to two young children, I am so aware of the value of 'the tribe', and to be able to work within a foundation whose aim it is to build such a community for the young women we support could not feel more important. "I am so inspired to work within a team that is providing the continuity, stability and cheerleading that so many young women find themselves without. "Newy has such a wonderful community feel, but for many reasons, so many of us find ourselves feeling more disconnected than ever before. Programs like this help connect us as women, and offer a space where everyone is welcome, celebrated and valued." Common challenges faced by young women include: feelings of isolation and loneliness; low self-esteem and confidence; unhealthy relationships; self-limiting beliefs; a lack of non-judgmental women role models; and feeling overwhelmed by the cost of living. The Young Warrior Women Program offers online and face-to-face workshops with experts in their field, plus the opportunity for mentors and mentees to connect each week in a safe, collaborative and supportive environment. "Having a cheerleader to walk alongside us in life's trickier moments is something we could all use," Ms Kennedy said. "If a mentee walks away from the program feeling more confident in their direction, connected to their own values and with the skills they need for the next part of their journey, we have done our job well. "If you are feeling a little lost, unsure of your place in the world, or just simply searching for your tribe, our Young Warrior Woman Program would love to have you." Applications are now open for Newcastle women who want to make an impact on the lives of young women by signing up as a "Wise Warrior". Details at A SECOND-Hand sewing machine and a DIY video on social media were enough to kick-off a blooming business for two Hunter mums. Grace Willis and Maddi Callaghan launched sustainable clothing label Wilder in April this year. The business makes one-off pieces from second-hand towels, targeting the kids clothing market. "Every single Wilder piece is made from an upcycled towel, so no two are ever the same," Maddi explained. "We're not just making cute clothes, we're giving pre-loved materials a new life, creating kidswear that's durable, playful, and gentler on the planet. "And everything is handmade by us, right here on the coast." The idea began when Maddi saw a do-it-yourself video on Instagram on how to make toddler shorts and decided to give it a crack. "The next day I bought a second-hand sewing machine and a bunch of fabric. I couldn't stop. I made my son multiple pairs of shorts and pants," she said. "Pretty quickly, I found myself in Vinnies looking for second-hand materials and came across some really funky towels. I grabbed a few, made a pair of shorts, and shared them on Instagram. The response was wild. People started messaging asking if I could make some for them too." She decided it was time to call for back-up and contacted her bestfriend Grace and just like that, a business was born. The two mums were both on maternity leave at the time, so making kids' clothes seemed like the natural choice for the business launch. "We started by experimenting with a few pairs for our own kids," she said. "Once we saw how popular they were, we began madly sourcing vintage towels. We love the nostalgic look of vintage prints, but realised people were just as excited about our bold block colours. "From there, we built a small collection, took some photos, launched our Instagram, built a website and went live." Like any new business owners, the pair had to quickly refine certain skills, particularly sewing. "I learned to sew thanks to my nan and mum," Grace told Newcastle Herald. "Maddi's grandma taught her when she was little, but she hadn't touched a machine in about 15 years. We've definitely had to level up, especially with finishing pieces to a higher standard. Threading an overlocker is a mission on its own. "Beyond sewing, it's been a full crash course in small business; fabric sourcing, pattern making, photography, building a website, social media, marketing, the works." The towels are sourced through op shops, markets and donations. They are washed before each towel is prepared separately to ensure it is still in good condition before it becomes usable fabric. The website launched on April 28 with a mix of shorts and pants. Since then, skirts have been added to the product line, and there are plans to expand this further with whispers of matching sets for parents too. Dresses and bags for the summer could be on the cards but Grace said they were "focused on keeping things small, slow, and sustainable. "We're still running after little ones behind the scenes, so it's all about balance," she said. The business releases small drops of about 20 clothing pieces at a time and the duo said they usually sell about half within the first few days. Just two months in and the business has already sold pieces all over Australia, with a few international orders thrown in the mix. "It's still just the two of us making everything by hand, so things are growing in a really organic and intentional way," Grace said. They plan to grow into a little studio space in the future, but for now online sales on the Wilder Store website are the focus. "We're really proud to be part of a shift toward more sustainable fashion and to be showing our kids that creativity, care and circular thinking can genuinely make a difference." Speaking of DIY... it does seem like Bunnings can help you do almost anything yourself and the company is now taking this can-do attitude to the solar energy market. 'Zelora' is a program that allows customers to buy and install solar energy and battery packages for their homes from Bunnings and manage the system with a subscription. The installation is, of course, completed by a professional, but the program is hoping to unlock jhome solar for more people. Newcastle will pilot the program from late June and then it will be expanded across greater Sydney from July. Bunnings has partnered with digital energy management specialists Intellihub to provide the subscription service. "Our new offer gives customers access to a broader range of solar and battery packages - including larger rooftop systems and home batteries - all available through a simple subscription model and supported by an app," Bunnings' chief operating officer, Ryan Baker said. "Many customers find home electrification complex and may not be aware of the benefits it can offer. " Intellihub executive general manager in Australia, Alastair McKeown, said the program also removes the "big upfront cost that often comes with solar and battery systems". A not-for-profit charity dedicated to empowering under-represented young women and helping them to reach their potential is launching its first Newcastle program in August. The Warrior Woman Foundation has, over the past five years, used mentorship, life skills and mental health support to help close to 200 young women Australia-wide through the Young Warrior Women Program. It matches women aged 17 to 28 with local mentors who support, guide and walk alongside them for six months. A different topic is covered each week, and there are lots of opportunities to connect with a local community of positive female role models. Leah Kennedy, a counsellor, is responsible for rolling out The Warrior Woman Foundation program in Newcastle. She grew up here and moved away when she was 17. "Reflecting back, part of the reason I [moved away] was to avoid many of the presenting concerns that the young women our foundation supports are coming to us with," she said. "Loneliness and isolation, low confidence/self-esteem and mental health challenges were all part of my story, and having returned to Newcastle almost 20 years later, I feel so honoured to be part of a team that is supporting young women in a way that I would have truly benefited from all those years ago." Ms Kennedy says it is women who have supported, guided and encouraged her to keep moving forward during some of the "more challenging moments" of her life. "Giving back to a program that celebrates the power of these connections and the magic that happens when women share stories, celebrate and support one another is such an honour," she said. "As a single mum to two young children, I am so aware of the value of 'the tribe', and to be able to work within a foundation whose aim it is to build such a community for the young women we support could not feel more important. "I am so inspired to work within a team that is providing the continuity, stability and cheerleading that so many young women find themselves without. "Newy has such a wonderful community feel, but for many reasons, so many of us find ourselves feeling more disconnected than ever before. Programs like this help connect us as women, and offer a space where everyone is welcome, celebrated and valued." Common challenges faced by young women include: feelings of isolation and loneliness; low self-esteem and confidence; unhealthy relationships; self-limiting beliefs; a lack of non-judgmental women role models; and feeling overwhelmed by the cost of living. The Young Warrior Women Program offers online and face-to-face workshops with experts in their field, plus the opportunity for mentors and mentees to connect each week in a safe, collaborative and supportive environment. "Having a cheerleader to walk alongside us in life's trickier moments is something we could all use," Ms Kennedy said. "If a mentee walks away from the program feeling more confident in their direction, connected to their own values and with the skills they need for the next part of their journey, we have done our job well. "If you are feeling a little lost, unsure of your place in the world, or just simply searching for your tribe, our Young Warrior Woman Program would love to have you." Applications are now open for Newcastle women who want to make an impact on the lives of young women by signing up as a "Wise Warrior". Details at
Hans India
20-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
ASR dist sets target of 100% organic farming by 2028
Paderu (ASR District): Alluri Sitarama Raju district collector AS Dinesh Kumar has announced an ambitious plan to achieve 100% organic farming across the district by the year 2028. He urged farmers to make effective use of the agricultural machinery provided by the government to achieve significant progress in the agriculture sector. Addressing a meeting held at the Collectorate on Thursday with farmers who received farm machinery at 50% subsidy during the 2024–25 financial year, the collector emphasised the need for planning at the village secretariat level. He directed officials to conduct a survey to assess the actual requirement of farm equipment across various regions. The collector also interacted with farmers to understand the extent of organic farming being practiced and the use of chemical inputs such as urea, potash, and pesticides. Stressing the importance of awareness, he encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly organic farming methods. He said that steps have already been taken to promote coffee cultivation across 30,000 acres this year. Additionally, under the Employment Guarantee Scheme, saplings of Maddi, Neredu, and Jackfruit will be distributed to farmers. He encouraged land-owning farmers to expand coffee cultivation in the district. District Agriculture Officer SBS Nand stated that a total of Rs 1.26 crore worth of agricultural machinery has been distributed to 351 farmers at a 50% subsidy. This includes Taiwan sprayers for 95 farmers, tractors for 29, power tillers for 59, brush cutters for 13, and power weeders for 155 farmers. Following the meeting, paddy seeds were also distributed to the farmers.
