8-15 March 2015
“T.E.A.M. – Together Everyone Achieves More”
In 2015 we’re acknowledging the teams that are involved in helping to raise twins, triplets or more and showing how, by working together, we can help families to thrive, not just survive.
Many people are unaware of the mental health benefits of joining a support group; support groups can be a great place to access a community, find services, practical tips, resources and social events with like-minded people. Multiple Birth Awareness Week (MBAW), 8-15 March 2015, aims to raise awareness of the important work done by the Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA) and local clubs around Australia in supporting families and the community.
The theme for 2015 is “T.E.A.M. – Together Everyone Achieves More”.
Everyone from the immediate and extended family, friends, friends of friends or even the kind person you meet in a shop who asks if you are OK is part of the team. Some families don’t have access to a team, which can be quite upsetting or daunting when faced with a multiple birth, and that’s where AMBA can help.
“Building a team and learning to say yes to help while pregnant with my triplets made a world of difference to our family”, says Ali Mountifield, mother of triplets and AMBA Communications Director.
“Most parents will tell you bringing home a new baby is life-changing, but two babies, or three or even four babies at a time, well, that can be really tough. There is research showing that mothers of multiples have almost twice the risk of developing depression due to a number of factors, including social isolation. Fathers or partners can also experience mental health problems around this time. To reduce or prevent that, we joined our local AMBA club for advice and, as a result of that advice, we pulled together a team of 10 volunteers to help care for the babies.”
“AMBA has a growing list of events including Australia’s equivalent of Twinsburg, the Twins Plus Festival, for MBAW around Australia; we invite you to contact us or go to www.amba.org.au/clubfinder to find a contact for your local AMBA club or to organise a photo of a local family with twins, triplets or more.”
AMBA is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation comprising of multiple birth families. The organisation provides support, resources and education to multiple birth families from “those who know”. Ali Mountifield, AMBA Communications Director [email protected] Mobile: 0411 250 758 www.amba.org.au
Events
Here is a link to the media release for more information.
ACT
Canberra – 9 March – Playdate
Meet at Boundless Playground from 10am onwards, BYO kids and morning tea. Wendouree Drive, Campbell.
Canberra – 2.00-5.00pm, 14 March – Fun Day
The Annual CARMBA Family Fun Day will feature fun for the whole family including jumping castles, reptile display, a visit from Kenny Koala, Rural Fire Service and much more. A fantastic opportunity for the family to relax and enjoy each other’s company. A CARMBA members only event. $20/family which includes most activites and a sausage sizzle. RSVP [email protected]
NSW
Abbotsbury – 15 March – Fun Day at the Farm
Nepean and North West Sydney MBA will be celebrating at Calmsley Hill City Farm, 31 Darling Street, Abbotsbury. Email for more information [email protected] or [email protected]
Albury – 11 March – Morning Tea
Albury Wodonga MBA will celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness week with a public morning tea on March 11 at 10am. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Bateman’s Bay – 7 March – Park Play
Meet at Corrigans Beach Reserve from 10.00am.
Burrill Lake – 15 March – Park Play
Burrill Lake Lions park Sunday 15th March. 10am-12 midday. All multiple families welcome. Bring a plate of nibbles. Bring kids bikes and scooters as there is a great bike path around the play equipment.
Hunter Valley – 8 March – Family Picnic and miniature trains
11.00 at Walka Water Works, Oakhampton near Maitland. At 1 pm we are hiring the services of a clown to entertain the children and from 11 am until 3 pm families have the opportunity to purchase tickets for miniature train rides at a cost of $3 per person with children under the age of 12 months free. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Newcastle – 15 March – Picnic Day
Newcastle Multiple Birth Club Inc (NSW) – we will be celebrating Multiple Birth Awareness Week with a Picnic Day at Warners Bay Park, Cnr Lake Street & The Esplanade Warners Bay NSW. From 10:30am, BYO picnic – just look for the club’s blue & yellow banner. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Sydney – 8 March – Lower North Shore MBA Family Fun Day
Lower North Shore MBA are holding a Family Fun Day on Sunday 8th March from 10am-2pm at West Lindfield Hall, Cnr Bradfield Rd & Moore Rd, West Lindfield. There will be FREE Jumping Castle, FREE Face Painting, FREE Animal Petting Zoo, FREE Pony Rides, FREE Sports Fundamental session, Fire Truck arriving at 11am, Police Car on display, Coffee Van, Cake Stall and BBQ & Drinks. All family members are welcome! Bring along grandparents, aunts, uncles etc. If you are attending please RSVP to[email protected] by Tuesday 3rd March. Further details can be found on our Facebook page.
Southern Sydney – 8 March – Picnic
Southern Sydney Multiple Birth Association’s first event to kick off MBAW is our MBAW picnic on Sunday March 8th from 10am onwards at the Australian Botanic Gardens in Mt Annan. This is a fabulous venue with a large enclosed playground which caters to all ages of children, room for a picnic and a coffee shop right next to it for those who need their shot of caffeine! We had a fantastic day last year so I hope to see you there again this year! Please don’t forget to RSVP at https://bitly.com/1yxYM1ppassword ssmba, so we can keep an eye out for you on the day and save you a cupcake! Contact [email protected] for more information.
Southern Sydney – 15 March – Picnic
To round off MBAW Southern Sydney MBA will be holding a second MBAW picnic on Sunday March 15th from 10am onwards at the bottom playground in the Camellia Gardens, Caringbah. The new enclosed Alice in Wonderland themed play area is terrific and there are always the ducks for those kids that enjoy a wander! We will have cupcakes and a face painter again this year so don’t forget to RSVP at https://bit.ly/1AvlVhv with the password ssmba to let us know you are coming! Contact [email protected] for more information.
Wollongong – 22 March – Parkplay and Sausage Sizzle
Integral Energy Park, Darkes Rd, Dapto from 10.30-2.00pm.
VIC
Ballarat – 10 March – Playgroup
Ballarat and District MBA are holding a playgroup Open Day for MBAW on Tuesday, March 10 from 10-11am at Russell Square Community Sports Centre, Humffray Street, Ballarat for any families with twins, triplets or more in the Ballarat area. This is a free event with morning tea provided for both adults and children and a fun craft activity for the kids. Expectant parents of multiples and siblings of multiples are also most welcome to attend. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Casey & District – 8 March – Social Walk and Family Picnic
Bring the family, bring your friends and join us for a Social Walk in celebration of raising our multiples together as a team. If you can’t join us for the walk please BYO lunch and join us for a social picnic afterwards. Walk meets at 10.15 and lunch is 11.30am. Contact 0409 174 899 or [email protected]
Geelong – 11 March – Playgroup
Celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness Week with “Playgroup at Rippleside Park” on Wednesday 11th March from 10am to 11.30am
Knox – 15 March – Family activity and picnic day
Knox Multiple Birth Association are holding a family activity and picnic day on Sunday 15th March from 11am onwards at Jells Park, entry off ferntree gully road. BYO picnic, activities and fun supplied. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Knox – 13 March – Special Coffee Morning
Bring your TEAM with you to celebrate MBAW or just have a coffee with the KMBA TEAM! 9:30-11:30 at 17 Haering Road Boronia, morning tea is supplied. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Waverley – Sunday 15th – Miniature Railway
Waverley Multiple Birth Association is celebrating MBAW at the Box Hill Miniature Railway, Elgar Rd, Mont Albert North on Sunday 15th February, 11am -2:30pm.
BYO picnic, every WMBA member will get a complimentary ride on the railway. Please note closed-in shoes are required to ride the railway, and occasionally soot or dust will get on clothes, so dress appropriately! In case of inclement weather, please check our Facebook page for updates on the day.
Wodonga – 11 March – Morning Tea
Albury Wodonga MBA will celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness week with a public morning tea on March 11 at 10am. Contact [email protected] for more information.
QLD
Brisbane – 8 March – Picnic in the Park
1.00pm at Whites Hill Reserve (fenced park), Boundary Rd, Camphill. BYO Picnic and blanket. Games and activites supplied.
Brisbane – 8 March – Park Playdate
Multiple Birth Awareness Week park playdate – Sunday 8 March 2015 at 10am, Pine Rivers Park Strathpine. For more information please contact [email protected].
Brisbane – FREE playgroups for the week
Tiny Tots Chermside – Tuesday 10 March 2015 – 10am to 12pm, Chermside Kedron Community Church
Northlakes all ages Playgroup – Thursday 12 March 2015 – 12.30pm to 3pm, Axis Church Northlakes
Multiple Mayhem Teddy Bears Picnic – Friday 13 March 2015 – 9.30am to 11.30am, Chermside Kedron Community Church. For more information please contact [email protected].
Cairns – 8 March – Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day to be held from 10am to 12pm. FNQ MBA will provide a sausage sizzle for members. Hoping to have the local paper photographer attend to get some publicity on the day too! Thinking Yorkeys Knob Playground on the beach. Email [email protected] for more information.
Cairns – 12 March – Coffee and Play Morning
Thursday 12 March – Coffee and Play Morning to be held from 9.30am to 11.30am. Open to everyone (advertised in local PakMag for parents) to be held at Gecko’s Play Centre, Smithfield Shopping Centre, Smithfield. Email [email protected] for more information.
Cairns – 14 March – Ladies Night
Saturday 14 March – Ladies Night to be held from 7.30pm at Bayleaf Restaurant (only open to members). Email [email protected] for more information.
Emerald – 8 March – Fun Day
Come & Celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness Week with us & Sign-On for the new membership year. Being held at: Emerald Botanic Gardens. Sausage sizzle provided. Take home an information pack & membership form. BYO: hats, sunscreen, chairs. For more information go to the Facebook page.
Gladstone – 14 March – Fun Day
Come & Celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness Week with Rockhampton MBA and sign-On for the new membership year. Being held at: East Shores Parkland.
Sausage sizzle provided. Take home an information pack & membership form. BYO: hats, sunscreen, chairs. If you would like your children to swim please provide your own towels etc. For more information go to the Facebook page.
Gold Coast – 8 March – Family Breakfast Get Together
Sun 8th March 8am at Nobby’s Beach Surf Club, 25 Albatross Ave Nobby Beach. Verandah seating. Enquiries please contact, Jill Fischmann, 0408755694, GCMBA President
Gold Coast – 10 March – Play and Chat morning
Kurrawa Fenced Beach Partk, Tue 10th March 9am-12, Park is south of Kurrawa Surf Club at Broadbeach. Enquiries please contact, Jill Fischmann, 0408755694, GCMBA President
Ipswich – 10th March – All Ages Playgroup
Our playgroup will be held at Just Jump at Redbank, and as a special treat, our Ipswich Multiple Birth Association Members will get free use of the jumping castles and all indoor activities including cars, scooters and playhouses (outdoor trampolines extra). This playgroup will commence at 9:30am. For more information contact [email protected]
Ipswich – 12th March – Tiny Tots Playgroups
These playgroups are designed for multiples (or their siblings) under two years of age. We have a lovely lactation consultant and paediatric nurse who can answer any questions you may have and weigh and measure your babies. Morning Tea is also provided by the club. For more information email [email protected].
Ipswich – 14 March – Family Picnic
Queens Park’s Playground from 9.30am. BYO morning tea. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Mackay – 7 March – Fun Day
Come & Celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness Week with Rockhampton MBA & Sign-On for the new membership year. Being held at: Bluewater Lagoon. Sausage sizzle provided. BYO: hats, sunscreen, chairs. If you would like your children to swim please provide your own towels etc. For more information go to the Facebook page.
Rockhampton – 15 March – Miniature Trains
Come & Celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness Week with Rockhampton MBAW and Sign-On for the new membership year. Our membership year runs from April-March.
Being held at the Miniature Trains, Cnr Cambridge & Campbell Street, Rockhampton.
Sausage sizzle provided. Take home an information pack & membership form.
BYO: hats, sunscreen, chairs. CLOSED-IN SHOES must be worn to ride the mini trains. For more information go to the club’s Facebook page.
Townsville – 8 March – Family Picnic
Casual family picnic in the park. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Townsville – 10 March – Plagroup
Multiples playgroup at Lollipops with 2 for 1 twin entry (and 3 for 1 for our triplets). Contact [email protected] for more information.
Townsville – 11 March – Wildlife Demonstration
Demonstration by Hands on Wildlife to both preschool and school aged kids (with a multiples theme … i.e. animals who have more than one infant/lay more than one egg etc or groups who raise infants collectively). Contact [email protected] for more information.
Townsville – 13 March – Playgroup
Playgroup with celebratory theme. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Townsville – 13 March – Dinner and Disco
6-8pm dinner and disco at Lollipops. Older kids encouraged to invite a non-multiple friend along for the fun (and to show what life as a multi is like). Contact [email protected] for more information.
Townsville – 15 March – Family Day
Family day out at Kirwan Aquatic Centre – entirely free event for our members with BBQ and jumping castle etc. Contact [email protected] for more information.
WA
Bunbury – 21 March – Walk and Play
We plan on a walk through our main street in Bunbury and meeting at a local park. Contact [email protected] for more details.
Busselton – 21 March – Foreshore Play
Busselton members will meet at the foreshore. Contact [email protected] for more details.
Perth – 14 March – New Parent Morning Tea
Morning tea is planned for all members who have multiples under the age of 1.
It’s being held on 14/3 at King Edward Memorial Hospital in the Agnes Walsh Lounge from 09.30 – 11.30. There will be tea/coffee and cakes. Members who attend are encouraged to bring a plate. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Melville & Surrounds – 12 March – Coffee group
9:30 – 11:00am on Thursday the 12th, and every fortnight, at Kadidjiny Park, Melville. Contact Lauren on[email protected] for more information.
Carlisle – 10 March – Weekly Coffee group
Lathlain coffee groups are held on Tuesday mornings and the venue changes weekly. Contact Lauren on [email protected] for more information.
North Beach – 11 March – Coffee group
North Beach coffee group is held on Wednesday (except the 1st Wednesday of the month) during school term 9.30 – 11.30am at North Beach Baptist Church. Contact Lauren on [email protected] for more information.
Edgewater – 11 March – Coffee group
Wednesday, 9.00 – 11.00am during school term at Emerald Reserve Hall, Emerald Way. Contact Lauren on [email protected] for more information.
Midland/Hills – 11 March – Darlington Family Playgroup
Playgroup is every Wednesday from 1:30 – 3:30pm. Contact Lauren on [email protected] for more information.
Kingsley – 9 March – Playgroup
Kingsley Park Playgroup is held every Monday from 9-11am. Contact Lauren on [email protected] for more information.
Rockingham – 9 March – coffee group
Coffee morings are held on Mondays at 9:30am at Jungle Zone, Port Kennedy. Contact Lauren on [email protected] for more information.
SA
Adelaide – 15 March – Picnic
To celebrate, Multiple Birth SA Inc. are holding a picnic on Sunday March 15th (10.30am onwards) at Belair National Park. Please BYO food, picnic rug and drinks. We’ll also be holding a number of races – egg and spoon, three legged etc – and providing activities for the kids. We are booked into the shady Gold Escort Ground, which is within the park and you can get directions at the gate. Entry is free if you use the following pass, which can be printed off. You will need to fill out your details and hand over one at the entrance and leave the other in your car. https://www.natureplaysa.org.au/resources/7/your-free-national-parks-south-australia-vehicle-entry-pass/. For more info contact [email protected]. All welcome.
NT
Darwin – Sunday 15 March – Fun Day
Free Fun Day for Multiple Families. There will be a petting zoo, Hyper the Clown, Yenz Face Painting, Waterplay Jumping Castle, Refreshments, Raffles, Lucky Dips, Welcome Packs for New Members and more… 10.00am-2.00pm Sunday 15 March at Flinders Park, Durack (Palmerston). RSVP to [email protected]
TAS
Launceston – 7 March – Bunning BBQ Fundraiser
Bunnings BBQ Fundraisers in Launceston. For further information, contact [email protected].
Hobart – 7 March – Bunning BBQ Fundraiser
Bunnings BBQ Fundraisers in Hobart at the Rosny store. For further information, contact [email protected].
Clarendon Vale – 11 March – Playgroup
Wednesday 11th March – Southern Branch Playgroup MBAW celebration. 9.30 – 11am Clarence Plains Child and Family Centre, Clarendon Vale. For further information, contact [email protected].
Sandy Bay – 15 March – Breakfast by the Bay
MBAW Breakfast by the Bay – Long Beach Reserve, Sandy Bay. 9.30am. This is always a wonderful event; last year we had over 100 people! Free for members, $5 per family for non-members, or join on the day. For further information, contact [email protected].
Hobart – 15 March – Zanzo Portraits Wombmates Project Exhibition
Zanzo Portraits Wombmates Project Exhibition. Brooke Street Pier, Hobart open daily from 9-15th March, 9am-5pm The Wombmates Project has been running throughout 2014, with all session fees donated to TasMBA. This exhibition will be open to the public all week, and features beautiful portraits or twins and triplets of all ages! For further information, contact [email protected].
