RIP Jill Meagher

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For nearly a week I was gripped by the case of missing woman Jill Meagher, every morning turning on the news hoping to hear the news everyone else so desperately wanted to hear too that she would be found alive and safe. On Friday morning I sat down and flicked on Sunrise and was confronted with Mel standing there saying that over night a man had been arrested and “charged with the rape and murder of Jillian Meagher”. I looked over at hubby and muttered oh no, a lump starting to form in my throat. I almost felt like I was going to burst into tears.

No, I didn’t know Jill Meagher. I’m not from her community of Brunswick and I don’t work for ABC radio. But I, like many other Australians followed the case of her disappearance and in a way became invested in the story, hoping, praying for a wonderful outcome.

Over the last couple of days I’ve read many online stories and comments about Jill’s disappearance and the subsequent arrest of her alleged rapist and murderer. Many asking the media to stop reporting on it. Many thanking, praising the media, hailing them as the hero in ‘solving’ this case so quickly. Many rubbishing that thought and hailing the police. Personally, I don’t care how this man was identified and caught I’m just glad he was caught. The police obviously did what they do best and no doubt used the media to their advantage, and love them or hate them, the media and public appeal no doubt helped in some way.

The comment was made on a popular women’s website, why do we care so much about Jill? What about all the other ‘less attractive, less fortunate’ people that go missing? Why don’t we give them the same coverage?

To me, Jill could have been my work colleague, my next door neighbour, my cousin, my sister, my brother’s girlfriend, my best friend. She could have been me. And with all that in mind, I think that is why it touched so many people on a personal level.

I read these words on Facebook last night, “Don’t tell your daughters to not step out in the night. Instead teach your son’s better”.

Rest in peace Jill. Thoughts are with your family and friends at this heartbreaking time.

2012 NAB Newcastle Show

Step right up, step right up! The 2012 NAB Newcastle Show is nearly here!

To be honest, I can’t remember the last time I went to a local show! I’ve never been to the Newcastle Show and I was probably about 15 or 16 when I went to the local Tamworth Show, way back when!

I’m really excited to be taking Sophie, even if she is far too young for the rides. But that’s ok with me, given that I’m a bit of a scaredy cat when it comes to things like that. Give me the Merry-go-round and baby animals any day!

And to celebrate the 2012 NAB Newcastle Show, Puff Pieces has 4 tickets to give away! More about that soon.

Now onto the show!

Do you love cooking? Does watching people ‘show off’ give you a bit of giggle? If you answered yes at least once, then you are going to love the brand new live stage show and competition at this year’s NAB Newcastle Show.

“Show Offs”, the newest attraction in the Entertainment Centre, will serve up a feast of entertainment including live demonstrations, tastings and the search for Newcastle’s first “Show Offs” cook.

As well as the competition, ‘Show Offs’ provides Show goers a chance to see, learn and taste an array of local produce and exotic flavours during the event. There will be interesting and informative demonstrations, celebrity cook offs, Healthy Harold from Hunter Life Education, the Bush Tucker Man and much more.

Major sponsors of the event, Newcastle Fishermen’s Co-op, will be highlighting local seafood and showing off quick, tasty and healthy meal ideas. Carrington Place Restaurant and Dairy Farmers will also showcase their culinary talents.

And of course it wouldn’t be a show without all the usual favourites!

Everything for the young and young at heart will be on offer including fireworks, all the fun rides and everyone’s favourite; a big selection of show bags. And let’s not forget the woodchop event, Varley Showjumping, Pickles Auctions Toyota V6 HiLux Heroes or Brian’s Dog & Duck Show, plus all the competitions for everything from cows to cooking.

Children will also be spoiled for choice with Kidz Zone, a fun attraction where kids can pet cute animals, see miniature model trains, get their face painted and much more. Plus NBN’s Big Dog and Hunter Life Education’s Healthy Harold will make a special visit to meet and greet the youngsters.

Now onto the competition! To enter is simple. Just leave a comment on this post telling us your favourite thing to do at the Show.

Entries close on Monday 12th March at 9am. A winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday 12th March 2012 at 10am.

Good luck!

More show info:

The Agricultural Precinct will feature the Australian Year of the Farmer Exhibit plus educational elements such as the Scarecrow and Mini Garden competition. Kids will also have the opportunity to plant their own seed to take home. The PETstock Dog Arena will be a favourite with special Police Dog demonstrations, but the entertainment doesn’t stop there.

While the ladies are enjoying special treats such as the fashion precinct, the boys will be busy with adrenaline pumping entertainment including ARD Motocross and HighVelocity Trick Riding.

Skills On Show will once again bring leading Hunter manufacturers together in the Exhibition Centre to showcase trades and skills. With expanded exhibition space and additional interactive elements such as the BHPB training sandpit and WesTrac interactive module, Show patrons will love the hands-on experiences on offer.

It will also be easy for families to get to the Show this year without worrying about parking. A free bus loop service will be available from Surfest and the Hunter Stadium.

With so much on offer, The 2012 NAB Newcastle Show is a must for all families. Don’t miss the colour, fun and excitement from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 March. Tickets are just $12 and available online with PROticket or at the gate on the day.

Disney Live Countdown…

The countdown is on with only 8 sleeps to go till the Newcastle Disney Live show!! Not that we’re counting or anything. Sophie has been practicing her dancing and I’ve been practicing my polite yet stern ‘stay in your seat sweetie’ Mummy voice.

The Disney Live Fab Four!

At 15 months old this is of course Sophie’s first live concert and I’m a little bit worried about how she’s going to behave, but with the all singing all dancing Disney characters up on stage, I’m sure she’ll be mesmerised from start to finish!

I remember the first Disney show I went to as a kid. My Mum and Nonna surprised my brother and I with a trip to Disney on Ice while we were in Sydney for the school holidays! It was so much fun seeing all our favourite Disney characters in real life and so big!

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival promises to be THE event for kids this Summer holidays – a live concert experience starring their most loved characters and stars, where they can rock out to remixed songs they all know. There’s still some tickets left so be quick! Visit http://www.disney.com.au/disneylive/ for more information and ticket sales.

Stay tuned for all the goss on the live show and pics!