Mental health nurse and author, Andrea Mizzi, tells Zoe Moffatt about her connection to Mount Macedon.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I am a mum to three young daughters, aged nine, eight and six weeks. I have been a mental health nurse for over 20 years and have a passion for educating children about how to care for their mental health and in turn improve their wellbeing.
What’s your connection to Mount Macedon?
I am a local and share a deep affinity with Mount Macedon for its serenity and energy. The first day I visited the mountain I instantly felt a connection and knew that this would be my home.
What do you like about where you live?
I am a fitness enthusiast for both my physical health, but just as importantly for my mental health.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I would like to experience shorter winters, but have more snow and warm evenings to sit outside and enjoy those beautiful breezes only the mountain can provide.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
I very much enjoy the ambience of Mount Towrong Vineyard and I am a regular at the local Mount Macedon Trading post where the staff are always warm and welcoming, and where I feel a sense of belonging.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
My taste in music is something else. .. From old school R’n’B, to rock and then to meditation. It is very dependent on my mood and something I very much enjoy with my girls, as it often turns into a dance party in no time. We love to boogie at home, in the car and anywhere else that we get a chance to.
You just launched a book, tell us a bit about it..
My book, Marshall the Brave Knight is about an exquisite fun loving meerkat who, like any child, wants to simply go out and play. In order to play safely however his mum reminds him of how to keep himself safe, and in turn Marshall becomes a fearless knight as he is now equipped with this knowledge. My story is aimed at parents, teachers, and caregivers of children who wish to start the conversation with their child on personal safety.
My book was inspired by becoming a mother myself and wanting to educate my children on safe guarding their personal safety and well-being. I wanted to do this in a fun loving way while encouraging their confidence to enter this world free from harm and allowing them to experience the world around them. I strongly believe it is our duty as adults to educate one of the most vulnerable persons in our community on personal safety in order to prevent harm from occurring.
