Family Australia Magazine
Circa 2014

This was an earlier website for Australian Family Magazine which was formed in 1999 with the vision of providing critical parenting information and samples of products to parents of children aged two to eight. The current website for Australian Family Magazine was at: australianfamily.com.au/, but as of 2020 that domain no longer exists.

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2019 Update: I was just beginning to get myself organized for our move back to Australia when my sister sent me the url of Australian Family Magazine. There was an article she wanted me to read. I loved the online magazine. While I was online I also did a google search for a moving company in Baltimore that could also handle international moves. Fortunately I found a local company Von Paris Moving & Storage, a family-owned and operated moving and storage company since 1892. They have a whole division that handles international moves. Von Paris International not only provided specialized international packing, wrapping, crating and containerization of all household goods, but also will take care of the many other details associated with an international relocation. Three months later we were in Australia. The move had been smooth and without any glitches. It was nice to be back home.

Update 2020: What a year this has been so far. The Covid 19 pandemic has been catastrophic across Australia. All sorts of restrictions were put / are in place. Travel into Australia remains restricted to Australian citizens, residents and their immediate family members only. And Australians are not able to travel internationally at this time to avoid having people return with the virus. I was delighted  when  I read the newsflash that the Queensland borders will open to all of New South Wales and Victoria from Tuesday 1 December 2020. We will plan to visit our relatives, probably spending the time socially distancing but still together outside to be on the safe side. We were all thrilled when Queensland finally reached Stage 5 and lots of restrictions were eased including being able to attend weddings, funerals, indoor events, outdoor events, going to restaurants, visiting loved ones who are receiving residential care at a mental health or drug and alcohol service, etc. Life is still far from normal, face masks are required as is social distancing, but at least the curve for new cases has flatten.

Yet despite the social distancing restrictions that drastically reduced the number of patrons allowed inside at one time, pubs and clubs across Queensland raked in almost $300 million in July via gambling, a very popular past time here, if you don't know!. A Queensland Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation spokeswoman said they had worked with industry and gaming help services in the lead-up to pubs and clubs reopening, to ensure those at heightened risk had support. Still, I have decided not to visit my local pub until a vaccine is available. During the lockdowns and restrictions, I simply played pokies online at my two favorite virtual casinos, Fair Go and Uptown Pokies. I plan on continuing to do so, even though I miss the camaraderie of my fellow punters.

Sad to say that the Australian Family Magazine is no longer online. Nevertheless, do enjoy a nostalgic trip back to 2014 by reading the content below.

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The content below is from this site's 2014 archived pages.

 

Family Australia Magazine is created by Vickie Nicholls, with the help of a loyal and talented team of writers who bring you the latest in parenting, education, medical, health and wellbeing, business, travel, recipes, book reviews and more.

Family Australia Magazine is a popular and interactive online magazine published quarterly, covering a wide range of topics and showcasing the latest products on the market, making online shopping easy - just click and buy! In each issue we take you to a different destination to explore, and find fabulous places for you to visit with loads of information on how to get there, where to stay and what to do - all with click through links for your convenience. Family Australia Magazine is fresh, fun and modern – bursting with colour and beautiful imagery to make your reading experience enjoyable.

While you’re here, pop into our store. Here you’ll find a beautiful selection of home wares, furnishings, gifts, jewelry, skincare and stationery – all carefully sourced from Australia and around the globe.

If you want to keep up to date with the latest on families and lifestyle, then check out our blog where we highlight what’s happening and show you our latest finds.

Your online magazine! Family Australia Magazine is proudly published by Guava Creations 


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2014 Blog Posts

Billie Baby Giveaway :)

September 10, 2014
We have a fabulous Billie Goat Soap gift pack to give away from their Billie Baby range! 

This gorgeous gift pack contains the essentials to give your baby beautifully nourished and soft skin - with one 250ml bottle of Baby Wash, one 250ml bottle of 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner plus an adorable goat soft toy!

Billie Goat Soap makes quality goats milk body products from Australian goats milk and their range includes body bars, moisturisers, shampoo/conditioner, massage lotions and bath soaks. Their Billie Baby range is designed specifically for the sensitive skin of babies. The unique combination of natural ingredients and lack of "nasties" is the reason so many mums believe in Billie.

To enter all you have to do is "like" our Facebook post about this giveaway and put your name in the comments.  Easy!

Giveaway closes Tuesday, 16 September 2014 and is open to residents of Australia only

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Do your kids get enough space?

September 02, 2014
Learning to ignore your child - a very underrated skill to develop as a parent.  Before you gasp with horror at the thought of this, take time to consider how well your child can function without you, and for that short period of time will actually thrive both emotionally and developmentally. It won’t mean that they don’t need you, of course all kids need their parents, but it will mean that they can grow to be individuals and not be dependent. There’s a big difference.

I remember when I was a kid being allowed to play alone in the backyard, lying on the grass looking up at the sky and watching the clouds turn into different shapes, chasing the dog, playing with friends - we weren't in our parents faces all the time.  We were allowed to just "be".

Dr Scott Dunlop, our medical expert, sheds some light on this in our last issue which you can read here.  As is typical of Dr Scott, it is written in a candid, entertaining way which I'm sure you'll enjoy reading.

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Rock your jeans!

July 23, 2014
We all love our jeans, and we all love kids too....  and Jeans for Genes Day is the perfect excuse to combine our love of both and help raise funds to discover treatments and cures for birth defects and diseases such as cancer, epilepsy, and a range of genetic disorders.

Friday, 1 August 2014 is Jeans for Genes Day.  It's a day when workplaces, schools and streets become a sea of denim in a united stance against childhood disease. You can show your support by rocking your favourite jeans on this day and help raise funds for our children. If your workplace, school or organisation hasn't organised anything yet, this can be done by registering here, and direct donations can be made here.

Every dollar raised on Jeans for Genes Day helps scientists discover treatments and cures to give every child the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Because every child in every generation deserves to be healthy.

To find out more visit www.jeansforgenes.org.au


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Add a zing to your day

July 16, 2014
Introducing the Citrus Zinger....
Get the benefits of drinking water with the added goodness of your choice of citrus.

We’re all trying to make more health-minded choices at home, at work, or while on the go. Water plays a major role in our health, and quite often we select beverages containing artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and juices.

The Citrus Zinger offers an easy way to extract juice and flavour from citrus fruits and infuse them directly into your water bottle, creating delicious lemonades, limeades and orangeades enriching your water with Vitamin C and flavonoids.

The Citrus Zinger bottle is BPA/Halogen/EA and Phthalates free and is easy to use and easy to clean. Simply unscrew the bottom cup of the Zinger, flip the vessel on the top cap, and press a citrus half into the reamer. Screw the bottom lid back on, add water through the cap opening, shake and enjoy.

As a special offer to our readers, we are offering 20% off all Citrus Zingers in our store until the end of the month. All you have to do is use the relevant discount code for your choice of Citrus Zinger:

For the Pink Citrus Zinger, use Discount Code:    pinkzinger

For the Green Citrus Zinger, use Discount Code:    greenzinger

So now you can enjoy your water with a touch of goodness!

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Staying healthy this winter

July 09, 2014
> Winter seems to be the time when you're most likely to catch a cold or flu, and spending more time indoors with others with all the doors and windows closed to keep the chill out, sure doesn't help!  There are a few things you can do yourself though, to avoid getting sick with a cold or flu (or at least to reduce the impact of it if you do get sick!)

Warren Maginn, who is a Clinical Nutritionist specialising in the treatment of chronic health concerns, shares his advice on various effective ways of staying healthy during winter in our current issue, and some simple and quite different home remedies seem to do the trick.

Warren's article on Staying Healthy this Winter is on page 28 and is well worth a read if you want to get through these winter months without falling victim to the cold or flu.

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New in store

July 02, 2014
These beautiful Buckley & Phillips soy melts and oil burners have just arrived and are in our store now. They are affordably priced and are a delightful way of creating warmth and ambience in your house during winter.


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Fabulous prizes to be won!

April 22, 2014
We're running three fabulous competitions in our current issue - a pamper prize pack (just for you); a pair of designer sunglasses from Naked Specs; and a Billie Goat Soap baby prize pack. To be in the running to win one of these prizes, just send in your entry before it's too late!  Details are on Pages 8 and 9 of our current issue.  Good luck!

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Welcome Annette :)

May 30, 2014
We're happy to welcome Annette Sym to the team, who will be sharing her delicious (and healthy!) recipes in each issue of Family Australia Magazine (commencing from our next issue) for everyone to enjoy and benefit from.

Annette is the bestselling author of the "Symply Too Good to be True" series of cookbooks, Australia's No. 1 low fat cooking expert, award-winning businesswoman and an international motivational speaker.

Her recipes are not only tasty and suitable for the whole family, but also healthy and low fat, and approved by Diabetes Australia.

FAM in the media

April 04, 2014
This morning I woke up to find masses of emails in my inbox from all over the world enquiring about our magazine. So why the sudden and massive interest? We normally get a lot of emails on a daily basis, but to be inundated with so many was really quite staggering!

To my surprise, I discovered that Family Australia Magazine has appeared in the British media, along with four other leading Australian parenting publications, as a magazine recommended for the overseas market. The other publications mentioned are My Child, Every Child, Nurture and LittleONE. We're so happy to stand alongside these beautiful magazines, and it makes us realise that all the hard work that goes into creating each issue of Family Australia Magazine is well worth it!

The article in which we appear is below.

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Autumn edition out now!

Autumn 2014 edition has just been published and is online now!

In this edition we feature an interesting and informative article from Australia's own celebrity midwife, Midwife Cath, on how to prepare your first-born child for the arrival of a new baby; we show you how to treat your feet and have them not only feeling good but looking good too; and we keep you entertained with a thought provoking article about mothers and daughters. We've also got lots more for you to read in our regular sections:  education, parenting, medical, business, events, travel, competitions, book reviews and more!

We've introduced a new section to our Online Shopping called Mama rocks! - showcasing practical and stylish outfits for Mums on the go, complete with click-through links to take you straight to the item.

So why not grab a cup of coffee (or tea!) and have a read...

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School lunches that even the kids will love

February 11, 2014
Coming up with something tasty and nutritious for school lunches continually can get a bit tiring, so we've rounded up a few delicious and easy lunch box recipes that will have your kids actually eating their lunch and not throwing it in the bin!

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Starting high school

January 16, 2014
With school starting in just a couple of weeks (in most states) there's a lot of focus on our little ones starting school for the first time.  Equally important are our 'big' kids who are about to make the leap from primary school to high school!

Below is an article by Jodie Maher, from Kids Learning is Fun, which appeared in Issue 7, about how to make this a smooth transition ....

"Going to school for the first time is always a big step for our young children. They leave the daily routine at home or childcare and spread their wings, learn many new things and grow into well rounded young people. The years at primary school somewhat protect our children as they have the same class, the same teacher and the same classroom for the whole year each year. High school is the next big step our children face and they may feel the same trepidation as they did starting primary school for the first time.

 High school begins a new phase of their life. It requires our children to be more organised and independent. Multiple classes, numerous teachers, timetables and assessment plans are all there awaiting our children. Many things up until now our child has not experienced. In order to understand how best to prepare our children for high school, I asked Head of Special Education and high school teacher of over 35 years, Vicki Allen, her top tips for preparing ourselves and our children for the first day at high school.

 ·         Be involved in transition programs in the year prior to starting high school. These programs are run between the primary schools and high schools. Children visit and participate in high school activities over a number of days, giving your children a sense of the school before they attend.
·         Have a map of the school and familiarise your child with it. Visit the school on a weekend and walk your child through the map. If you haven’t already got one, you may be able to get a copy from the school’s website.
·         Get a copy of the school’s timetable – allowing children to see how the day is broken up.
·         Speak with a family member or friend who already attends high school. Allow them to have a chat with your child, explaining their experiences of high school and how they organise themselves.
·         Go through the Policies and Procedures Handbook with your child (you may find it on the school’s website or get a copy from the school’s office) – looking at the differences between high school and primary.
·         Be aware of how the tuckshop operates. It is very different to primary school. Maybe leave tuckshop for a week or two until they are able to see how it works and how much items cost.
·         Look out for the Term Assessment Planner – this outlines your child’s assessments and due dates. Having this will allow you to help your child organise their term and assessment workload. Help them create a calendar with all the important dates on it.
·         Be prepared for your child to be exhausted for the first month as they are constantly moving from class to class and taking in lots of new information.
·         Be prepared for your child to be a little less confident in themselves as they have gone from being the eldest in primary school to the youngest in a school of much older children.
·         It is also very important for high school children to get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast.
·         Set up a study place at home for your child. Make sure you talk about a homework timetable – allowing them time for play, rest/relaxation time and time for getting homework done.
·         Lastly, if your child has any special needs or learning difficulties make sure you see someone straight away so they may get the support they need.

 Parenting is a difficult job and we don’t know all the answers. As you enter each phase talk about it with your child, ask questions and be informed. Schools, teachers and other parents, particularly those with older children at the school, are very approachable and willing to answer questions. Above all, you know your child best. If you are positive about their new journey, they will be comfortable and ready to enter this new phase with enthusiasm."
Jodie Maher

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Back to school.... with Stationery

January 13, 2014
The back to school shopping guide today features stationery from a variety of different outlets.  Our favourite would have to be the robot USB!  To purchase, or to find out more details, just click on the links below which will take you straight to the point of sale for each item.

With school beginning in just two weeks in some states, there's not much time left to get your shopping done!  Feel free to add any suggestions or other products which you would like to share :)

 

More Background On FamilyAustraliaMagazine.com

 

FamilyAustraliaMagazine.com was once the digital home of Family Australia Magazine, a colorful, lifestyle-focused, quarterly online publication designed for modern Australian families. Though the website is no longer live today, it remains remembered through archived snapshots, interviews, media mentions, and historical traces that highlight its impact on family-oriented digital media in Australia throughout the early and mid-2010s. The publication stood out as a vibrant mix of parenting advice, health guidance, travel features, lifestyle tips, product reviews, online shopping, competitions, and interactive content, all crafted and curated for parents raising children across Australia’s diverse cultural and geographical landscape.

During its operational years, the website cultivated a loyal audience, connecting families with practical information, expert perspectives, and curated products designed to simplify everyday living. Supported by a small but dedicated editorial team, the publication blended creativity, community engagement, and consumer awareness—offering everything from baby-care tips and winter wellness advice to educational articles, travel ideas, and seasonal gift guides.

What made FamilyAustraliaMagazine.com unique was its interactive structure and its shopping-enabled features. Many issues included click-through links for families looking to purchase items showcased in its articles, reflecting its pioneering approach to integrated digital publishing at a time when online shopping was just beginning to accelerate in Australia’s mainstream market.

Today, FamilyAustraliaMagazine.com survives primarily through archived pages, testimonials, and its lasting reputation among readers who appreciated its mix of practical content and upbeat modern design.

Ownership and Editorial Direction

Family Australia Magazine was founded and overseen by Vickie Nicholls, who served as its editor, curator, and public voice. Under her leadership, the publication collaborated with a network of writers, health experts, educators, and lifestyle contributors—each bringing specialized insight to the magazine’s various sections.

The magazine was published by Guava Creations, a small Australian creative publishing entity involved in digital content development, product curation, and online retail. Guava Creations supported many of the publication’s operational structures, including layout design, online shopping integration, special promotions, and partnerships with product manufacturers.

Ownership characteristics included:

  • Small, independent, female-led editorial team

  • Expert contributors across fields such as nutrition, pediatrics, educational consulting, travel writing, and consumer product evaluation

  • Partnership-driven content, often featuring Australian brands, health products, and local designers

  • Community engagement through competitions, giveaways, and social media participation

This approachable ownership structure allowed the magazine to maintain a warm, friendly editorial voice that resonated with everyday parents seeking reliable, practical advice without corporate stiffness.

Location and Geographic Relevance

Although the publication was digitally distributed across Australia, its content frequently reflected themes relatable to families living in major population centers such as:

  • Sydney

  • Melbourne

  • Brisbane

  • Adelaide

  • Perth

  • Hobart

  • Canberra

Its articles, shopping suggestions, school-related advice, and travel features often considered Australia’s climate variations, cultural norms, and long-distance travel needs, making it especially useful for families living in suburban and regional settings. For example:

  • Coastal travel guides highlighted Queensland and New South Wales destinations.

  • Winter health articles acknowledged colder climates in Victoria and Tasmania.

  • School-transition features applied broadly to all Australian educational systems.

Because the magazine was online, its reach extended beyond national boundaries, drawing interest from expatriate Australians, international parents, and overseas readers curious about Australian family life. Its appearance in British media as a recommended parenting resource further boosted its visibility abroad.

Popularity and Audience Appeal

Family Australia Magazine built a steady following by appealing to a broad segment of Australian families—particularly mothers aged 25 to 45 who were balancing parenting, work life, health, and household management. The magazine’s accessibility was enhanced by well-designed digital layouts, bright imagery, user-friendly navigation, and content that balanced light entertainment with practical guidance.

Popularity factors included:

  • Quarterly publication schedule, making each issue feel substantial and curated

  • Interactive digital shopping options

  • Frequent product giveaways, including baby-care items and homewares

  • Health and parenting columns written by experts

  • Seasonal guides for back-to-school, winter wellness, and holiday planning

  • Strong presence on social media, particularly Facebook

  • Media attention that widened its audience internationally

Readers responded positively to the magazine’s upbeat tone, visually rich presentation, and its ability to simplify everyday challenges faced by parents.

Editorial Focus and Goals

The magazine’s goals reflected a commitment to supporting Australian families with accurate information and enjoyable lifestyle content. Its editorial mission prioritized:

1. Parenting Guidance

Offering practical support for raising children aged 2–8, the publication presented tips on developmental milestones, emotional health, school readiness, family relationships, and behavior management.

2. Health and Wellness Advice

Through expert contributors such as nutritionists and pediatric specialists, the magazine covered:

  • Winter immunity strategies

  • Baby skincare recommendations

  • Nutrition guidance

  • Mental wellness and stress-management

  • Home remedies and preventive healthcare

3. Education and School Support

Topics included:

  • Navigating the transition to high school

  • Organizing school schedules and assessments

  • Helping children stay independent and confident

  • Lunchbox ideas and healthy meals

  • Learning activities and enrichment

4. Travel and Lifestyle Inspiration

Each issue typically included a featured travel destination, highlighting:

  • How to get there

  • Where to stay

  • Family-friendly activities

  • Tips for traveling with children

5. Product Spotlights and Reviews

The magazine regularly spotlighted newly released products, including:

  • Baby formulas, baby wash, shampoo, and conditioners

  • Household goods and home fragrances

  • Apparel and accessories for mothers

  • Kitchen tools, gadgets, and health products

6. Shopping Integration

The website included an online store offering curated homewares, gifts, jewelry, skincare products, and stationery sourced from Australia and abroad. This model allowed the publication to blend editorial content with e-commerce convenience.

History and Evolution

Founding and Early Development

Family Australia Magazine began in the late 1990s as a concept focused on strengthening families through accessible content, but its modern digital presence grew most prominently in the early 2010s. Its official website evolved into a colorful, well-organized digital magazine.

2013–2015: Growth and Engagement

During its most active period:

  • Quarterly issues were published reliably.

  • Expert contributors were featured regularly.

  • The blog saw steady posting, with articles covering current events, giveaways, and product launches.

  • The magazine gained momentum through social sharing and contests.

The publication also offered a curated “Mama Rocks!” fashion section, expanding its lifestyle coverage to include style inspiration for mothers on the go.

Media Recognition

The magazine gained international attention when British media highlighted it alongside four other major Australian parenting publications as a recommended resource for overseas readers. This event significantly boosted its email inquiries and readership.

Decline and Discontinuation

By the late 2010s, the website experienced decreased activity, likely due to shifts in digital-publishing economics, competition from emerging parenting bloggers, and the rising dominance of large social media platforms. The domain eventually went offline, leaving only archived snapshots and nostalgic mentions behind.

Known For: Key Features and Offerings

FamilyAustraliaMagazine.com was widely known for:

1. Expert Parenting Content

Articles written by credible specialists such as:

  • Clinical nutritionists

  • Midwives

  • Pediatric advisors

  • Educators

2. Product Giveaways and Competitions

These were extremely popular and frequently featured items such as:

  • Baby care packs

  • Beauty products

  • Designer sunglasses

  • Home fragrance products

3. Seasonal and Lifestyle Guides

Including:

  • Winter health tips

  • Summer travel recommendations

  • Back-to-school advice

  • Holiday gift suggestions

4. Interactive Online Shopping

The in-site store featured:

  • Gifts

  • Homewares

  • Jewelry

  • Baby items

  • Accessories

5. Engaging, Modern Visual Design

The publication’s bright, colorful presentation made it feel both stylish and accessible.

Editorial Sections and Highlights

Parenting Section

Covered emotional development, independence, sleep routines, school preparation, and behavioral issues. Articles often included personal anecdotes and expert analysis.

Education Section

Featured school transition advice, learning strategies, skill development, and interviews with educators.

Medical & Health Section

Focused on colds and flu, childhood wellness, nutrition, and healthy living. Articles often highlighted specific steps families could take during seasonal changes.

Business Section

Included features for parent entrepreneurs and family-run businesses.

Travel Section

Showcased curated travel experiences tailored for families, often including:

  • Accommodation tips

  • Itineraries

  • Packing suggestions

  • Destination spotlights

Recipes

Partnering with cookbook authors and food experts, the magazine published family-friendly recipes, many approved by health organizations.

Audience and Cultural Significance

The magazine appealed to a broad spectrum of Australian families, particularly mothers seeking trustworthy, friendly, and visually appealing content.

Who Read It

Primary readership included:

  • Young families

  • Mothers in metropolitan and regional areas

  • Caregivers seeking health and educational advice

  • Parents researching products for children

  • Families planning travel or lifestyle upgrades

Why It Mattered

Family Australia Magazine contributed to a growing movement of digital-first parenting media that emerged in the 2010s. It helped normalize:

  • Online shopping through editorial recommendations

  • Parenting communities via social media

  • Health and wellness education delivered digitally

  • Online competitions and interactive promotions

Its presence also signaled a shift toward lifestyle-oriented parenting media, blending entertainment with practical value.

Press & Media Coverage

Key moments of recognition included:

  • Coverage in major UK parenting publications

  • Local mentions within Australian lifestyle blogs

  • Partnerships with Australian product manufacturers

  • Engagement from parenting influencers on social platforms

These endorsements solidified its reputation and validated its influence beyond the Australian market.

Reviews and Reader Reception

Readers often praised:

  • The magazine’s approachable writing style

  • Bright, engaging visual layout

  • Balanced mix of advice and entertainment

  • Helpful expert insights

  • Seasonal and practical content

  • Strong community engagement through giveaways

Its friendly tone appealed to parents who wanted guidance without judgment, making it a comforting resource during the busy years of raising young children.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Even though FamilyAustraliaMagazine.com is no longer active, its legacy lives on in several ways:

  • Archived issues continue to be read and referenced.

  • Parents who grew with the magazine still recall its practical guidance.

  • Its early adoption of click-through shopping foreshadowed modern e-commerce trends.

  • It contributed to the growth of online parenting communities in Australia.

The publication remains a meaningful example of how digital magazines shaped early online family lifestyle content. Its influence endures through archived snapshots and community memory.


FamilyAustraliaMagazine.com