AT HOME
The good life for the Goodways
NEWS
Local land values soar
EATING
For the love of autumn fare
LIVING
Get the best from your barbecue
WHAT’S ON
An autumn list of everything local
PUZZLES
A crossword and a sudoku
Passionate slice of life
Buy an organic loaf from TV star ZOE NAYLOR at the local markets
WELCOME TO CENTRAL
JOHNSON Property Group is thrilled to announce our acquisition of land, in Pitt Town. This new area is known as Central and will form part of the Vermont Estate. We are currently taking expressions of interest on the blocks of land, which range from 1500m2+, centrally located, fully serviced lots and at an affordable price.
More information at vermontliving.com.au or call 1300 888 888.
RIVERLAND RELEASE
Our new land release at Riverland gives you the opportunity to live now not later. Building a home at Riverland is a bold statement of character and distinctiveness. The sought-after blocks range from 2000m2 to three hectares, with elevated never-to-be-built-out views and riverside access on your doorstep to a private, picturesque section of the Hawkesbury. Unwind, explore and have the lifestyle you’ve always dreamt about.
More information at vermontliving.com.au or call 1300 888 888.
ABOUT VERMONT
At Vermont, we believe more is more. Which is why we’ve gone the extra mile to include everything you could possibly want at an affordable price. We have bigger blocks, wider streets, more access to services and more lifestyle choices. Beside the Hawkesbury River and situated near the Hills District, Rouse Hill and Norwest Business Park, Vermont encompasses four serene settings – Riverland, Bona Vista, Fernville and Central – each of which offers a diverse aspect and wide frontage blocks. These fully serviced blocks range from 550m2 to 3 hectares.
Our community is ideal for growing families who want to spend more time together outdoors in a natural, safe and healthy environment. Expect more space, more community, more friendships and more living.
Our latest land release at Riverland offers you a unique opportunity to build your ideal home a stone’s throw from the Hawkesbury River. Our 2000m2+ blocks of land accommodate big dreams – whether that means room for a big family, somewhere to rest the boat when you’re not enjoying the water, or creating a private sanctuary for your family to explore, anything is possible.
As a master-planned community and part of Vermont, Riverland offers picturesque views in a tranquil surrounding, within walking distance to the Hawkesbury River.
COVER photo by: Nick Wood
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor: Kathryn Vukovljak (kathryn@citynews.com.au)
Journalist: Kate Meikle (kate@citynews.com.au)
Graphic designer: Janet Ewen
Proof reader: Glenda Anderson
Proudly published for Johnson Property Group by Macquarie Publishing Pty Ltd on 6262 9100.
Johnson Property Group is one of the largest private developers of residential land in New South Wales, combining a passion for creating vibrant and sustainable communities with a vision for the future.
A truly special place to live
VERMONT comes into its own in autumn; the colours of the natural landscape, the river views and the fresh, crisp air, making it – and The greater Hawkesbury River region – a truly special place to live.
Existing residents know exactly what I mean and for anyone considering a Vermont lifestyle, you won’t be disappointed in what the season brings.
At Vermont, we have a clear vision to create a vibrant community with lovely homes, beautifully landscaped grounds and parks.
We are only one side of the equation and while we provide the infrastructure and the guidelines, it is the residents within the community who control the other side.
However, without hesitation, I can say that the residents have not only delivered on what I had envisaged, but have exceeded it!
There is an infectious level of pride in and around Vermont that has ensured it has become that truly special place to live.
In recent market analysis, I was pleased to read that the
median sales price for the Pitt Town area increased by 46 per cent year-on-year in December, compared to 12.5 per cent year-on-year in December, 2014.
There are many factors that contribute to this outstanding outcome ranging from market conditions, supply-and-demand metrics, lifestyle choice and competing properties in the Hawkesbury region.
Vermont has, without doubt, been a significant contributor to the amazing growth in prices in the region especially when compared to other prices achieved in the Hawkesbury LGA.
Until the next edition, kindest regards,
Keith Johnson, Managing Director, Johnson Property Group
AT HOME
The Goodways discover the good life
‘We love the house! I love the quasi-country feel and little country roads around Vermont’
HOME certainly is where the heart is for Iain and Debi Goodway and their 15-year-old son, Jaryd who were the first residents to move into Pastoral Street in October 2013.
Iain says that the South African-born family made the big move to Sydney to build a better future for Jaryd who was six at the time.
“During our first year here we discovered Vermont as we drove around on the weekends,” says Iain.
“There weren’t any houses here yet, but we always liked it. At that stage it was financially out of our reach as you press the restart button when you move countries,” he says.
Two years later when they were in a position to buy, Debi says she was excited when she discovered a house-andland package that suited their budget.
Iain says he picked the block because of its location in the middle of the street, it was flat and wasn’t a major through-road.
“Our experience of the build was excellent! We liked working with Johnson Property Group and McDonald Jones Homes. We signed the plans in April and moved in October,” he says.
Iain says the family just loves living here.
Jaryd enjoys watching TV and playing Xbox with his friends in the front media room, Iain says he loves cooking in the kitchen as well as his barbecue and fire pit in the backyard entertaining space. And Debi says her favourite place is the living room, where she can relax and have quiet time after a busy week at work.
The family’s major modification to the plans was to include a third garage space, a must for Iain who enjoys off-road 4x4 driving on the weekends with Jaryd.
Their advice for new builders is to consider putting in extra electrical sockets, think ahead about internal and external lighting needs and add doors into open doorways to give you the option to contain and close off the rooms, especially if you have noisy children!
“If we could change anything we would add a bigger patio
space and make the ceilings higher,” says Iain.
“We were first-home buyers and wanted to get into the market. We love the house! I love the quasi-country feel and little country roads around Vermont,” he says.
Debi says she never wants to move again, and when they returned to South Africa to visit family and friends, they truly felt that Australia is now their home.
“After moving halfway across the world and then moving house every year we realised that renting is not fun. We are so happy we have our house and we can do what we want!” says Debi.
The Goodway family officially became Australian citizens this January, at an Australia Day ceremony by the Hawkesbury Council, which was the last step in their nineyear journey, says Iain.
“The ceremony brought home the fact that everyone comes from somewhere. There were 42 people from 22 countries at the ceremony. That is what makes this country great, people coming from everywhere bringing different views and cultures,” says Iain.
Iain and Debi Goodway with their 15-year-old son, Jaryd… “After moving halfway across the world and then moving house every year we realised that renting is not fun. We are so happy we have our house and we can do what we want!” says Debi.
Jaryd Goodway gets his citizenship certificate from Hawkesbury Mayor Kim Ford. The newly naturalised Goodway family at the Australia Day ceremony held by the Hawkesbury Council.
WHAT’S ON
this autumn
MARCH 12-13
The Hills Home Show and Lifestyle Expo
Bernie Mullane Sports Complex, Marella Avenue, Kellyville
THE Hills Home Show and Lifestyle Expo will have on display products relating to renovating, building, decorating, design and lifestyle.
Source information and discuss your projects with the experts with seminars full of hints and ideas on decorating, design, property investment and reducing clutter around the home. Competitions, prizes and free giveaways will be on offer with many exhibitors giving away fabulous prizes.
MARCH 13 & APRIL 10
Rag Trade and Recycle Market
10am-2pm Gleadell Street, Richmond
COME along and fossick through an eclectic mix of vintage, new, designer, recycled, preloved and hand-made quality clothing, jewellery and accessories. From people clearing out their wardrobes, new businesses with new unique and designer goods, to collectors who sell vintage and one-off pieces, the Rag Trade and Recycle Market has it all!
MARCH 20, APRIL 17 & MAY 15
Jazz at The Pines
12.30pm-4pm 656a Old Northern Road, Dural
JAZZ at The Pines brings together great jazz bands to perform monthly live outdoor shows on the lawns of The Pines at Dural. Enjoy live jazz under the shade of 100-year-old pines against the backdrop of historic Roughley House, built in 1856. Bring a picnic rug or folding chair, picnic lunch and drinks or enjoy fabulous home-made afternoon teas from the visitors’ centre.
APRIL 1-MAY 22
Exhibition: “Women, the Home Front and War”
Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre, Level 1, 300 George Street, Windsor.
THIS exhibition brings the perspectives of contemporary artists to the role of women fighting on the home front in World War I, reflecting on their role in society at the time, and the nature of the war. Though some women were involved as nurses and in other active service duties, the expected role of most was to manage the home and raise children, while dealing with shortages, their fears for the future and the grief and trauma of losing loved ones. The exhibition includes historical artwork and objects, and a look at the role of organisations such as the Red Cross and the Country Women’s Association.
Arndell Anglican College’s headmaster, Gareth Leechman… “When I took this job on in 2010, I didn’t want to be the fly-in head. Our family made the commitment to live here.”
The head’s all at home in Vermont
After living and working at Sydney’s lower north shore, to the tip of northern NSW, Arndell Anglican College’s headmaster, Gareth Leechman and his family couldn’t be happier to now call Vermont their home.
With 80 per cent of students coming to Arndell from the Hawkesbury region, and their Vermont bus full each day, Gareth says the school’s good old-fashioned focus on comprehensive education, a strong community and Christian values means that Arndell is very much an integral part of the Vermont community, not to mention the fact that he lives here, too!
“When I took this job on in 2010, I didn’t want to be the fly-in head. Our family made the commitment to live here,” says Gareth.
Gareth says that life at Vermont is working out well for the Leechmans. With his three daughters at Arndell, his wife actively involved with the Anglican Church and community, and only seven minutes drive from home, Gareth says it gives them a great work/life balance and says his proximity to the school is the reason he can invest so much of his time and energies in it.
Their first house was at Bona Vista and Gareth laughingly says they made the big 500m move more recently to their six-bedroom house in Fernville. The larger block gives the family the opportunity to host interstate relatives, entertain groups of friends and make sure their three girls don’t fight over the bathroom each morning!
Gareth says his home offers him a balance of public and private time, and enjoys relaxing in their theatre room
and parents’ retreat when he needs to recharge.
And there’s loads keeping him busy at Arndell! The school has seen unprecedented growth in student enrolments with now 1100 students attending from kindergarten to year 12 and there’s no reason why it won’t continue to grow in coming years, says Gareth.
The school has acquired the next door’s two-hectare block which will be developed as their new agricultural science centre, with cattle, chickens and vegetable patches. The new program will resonate well with the kids, says Gareth, who also mentions that the community’s love of the outdoors is reflected in the school’s success in equestrian events, BMX, netball and rugby.
Set on 20 acres of beautifully maintained lawns and ovals, the school has plenty of space for the kids to enjoy. Gareth says that the school has strong academic performance and aims to be the best HSC performing local school, but the school also prides itself on striking a balance between academia and more practical TVET subjects such as hospitality, with a number of students also graduating at year ten to pursue successful apprenticeship positions.
“We love Vermont, right from the outset we loved the blocks and when an opportunity arose to purchase we didn’t think twice. There’s such natural beauty here and semi-rural charm, with plenty of space for our family,” says Gareth.
“As Vermont develops, it’s not losing that charm, and more opportunities are coming to the area for our young people,” he says.
Local land values soar
LAND prices in Pitt Town rose considerably last year, according to a report from the Valuer General for the “Hawkesbury Gazette”, stating typical land values for a selection of Hawkesbury suburbs.
The analysis shows that typical land values rose across most Hawkesbury locations during the 12 months to June 30.
According to the report, the typical value of a large lot of residential land measuring 2.1 hectares on Wells Street, Pitt Town, rose the most, growing 68 per cent.
“The typical value of a piece of rural residential land measuring 7.3 hectares on Speets Road in Oakville rose 60 per cent.
“Also in Oakville, typical valued land on Midson Road rose 56 per cent, and land on Old Pitt Town and Wolseley Roads rose 33 per cent,” says the “Hawkesbury Gazette”.
Local real estate agent, Hamish Rogers, says that in all his 15 years in Pitt Town, he never foresaw such growth.
“I am still comprehending the great demand and enthusiasm for the area, which is beyond expectations!” says Hamish.
Hamish attributes this to the economy of Sydney and the
Hills District. He says that semi-retirees and successful young families are particularly attracted to Vermont’s larger land blocks, larger streets and more fresh air.
“The proximity to the river is another major drawcard for buyers,” he says.
“The good thing about Pitt Town is that we will never be part of a ‘super city’. Pitt Town is surrounded by natural acreage and the river and floodplains act as a “moat” to ensure we will never have another developing suburb on our doorstep,” he says.
This will help keep the numbers down and the prices up, says Hamish.
THE Windsor-based Hawkesbury Regional Museum exhibition
“Flood!” has picked up the award for Best Exhibition in the 2015 IMAGinE awards, presented annually by Museums & Galleries of NSW.
Museums & Galleries of NSW is the peak body representing 500 museums, galleries and Aboriginal cultural centres across the state.
The winning exhibition, “Flood!”, raises awareness about what it means to live on a flood plain and how flooding has shaped the Hawkesbury community.
Creative visual displays illustrate what has happened to people in the Hawkesbury in the past, and what could happen in the future.
In 1869 the first volunteer flood brigade in the country was formed at Windsor and the exhibition tells stories of heroism and tragedy.
The exhibition has a strong
educational element, looking at why floods happen, and the history of flood rescue, including a presentation by the State Emergency Services on how to protect your home, business and family in times of flood.
Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford, says: “I would like to congratulate the museum on winning this very prestigious award. This exhibition is very relevant to Hawkesbury. I urge everyone to see the exhibition.”
Since its opening in 2008, the museum has won several awards, including tourism awards, an award for its volunteers, and an award for cultural infrastructure.
Hawkesbury Regional Museum, 8 Baker Street, Windsor. Free entry, open six days a week, 10am-4pm (closed on Tuesdays). Open on selected public holidays from 10am-4pm (closed Good Friday).
WHAT’S ON this
autumn
8am-4pm, Saturday, April 9 & 9am-4pm, Sunday, April 10
Hawkesbury Race Club, Clarendon
MORE than 70 specialist nurseries descend on the Hawkesbury Race Club, unloading the biggest range of plant material anywhere in Australia, say the organisers. See beautiful plants, meet the growers, sip coffee and take a treasure home.
Racecourse Road, Clarendon
THE 130th Hawkesbury District Agricultural Association’s show brings a huge schedule of fun to town. Competitions and displays include cooking, art, horticulture, photography and craft. The main arena will host show jumping, a grand parade, fireworks and the amazing car show by the leading freestyle Motocross Team Showtime FMX Honda Freestyle Team Extreme Motor X. Radio personality Alan Jones will open the show at the Grand Parade on Saturday, April 16.
9am-2pm
St Monica’s Church Hall, Richmond
AN interesting array of stamps, coins and collectables available from clubs and dealers such as stamps and covers, accessories, souvenirs, books, ephemera and vintage tins. Food and drinks available.
5 TO 26
4pm-5.30pm
Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre, Level 1, 300 George Street, Windsor
THE Regional Gallery hosts weekly art classes for school-age children. Each week a new medium will be explored and children will learn new techniques with easy-to-follow instructions and fun projects. $50 for a term of four classes with all materials provided. Bookings are essential, call 4560 4441.
The flooded main road through Windsor, 1961. Image: Hawkesbury Local Studies Collection.
A fresh look at shopping
LESS than 20 minutes’ drive from Vermont is the picturesque and historic Richmond Park, that plays host to the weekly Good Food Market. For two years, Vanessa Hanna and her family have organised this farmers’ market, with an emphasis on quality local produce.
“We have always been foodies,” says Vanessa. “My parents and I used to go to farmers’ markets wherever we travelled but noticed a gap when we got home.
“The Hawkesbury is the original food bowl of Sydney and the markets are a place to meet and support local producers,” she says.
From fruit and vegetables, Angus beef, apple cider, condiments to coffee – the markets have a relaxed, friendly vibe. With live music, the historic cricket oval as a backdrop and a playground just next door, everyone in the family will enjoy doing the weekly food shop!
First stop on the agenda for a Saturday morning is a great cup of coffee. Ali Hainey, of the Little Blue Bean Coffee Co., has 17 years’ experience in coffee and the hospitality industry. She says she always came back to coffee and is loving being out on her own for the past two years, creating great coffee out of a cute vintage-style blue caravan at several Sydney markets throughout the week. Ali’s latest creation is cold brew – which she describes as coffee brewed with cold water which is more easily absorbed and has 40 per cent more caffeine! She has paired the cold brew with coconut water, which Ali says is more hydrating, improves circulation and blood flow to the muscles
and a perfect pre-workout drink.
Gina Porteous runs Bilpin Bush Honey, locally-sourced raw, natural honey from the Blue Mountains. Her specialty is jarring the honey with vanilla beans or walnuts to infuse the flavours. Also at the stall is pure beeswax candles - natural, dripless candles that carry a smell and essence of honey.
Jaggard’s Dressings by Michael and Heidi Jaggard, owners of Apple Bar restaurant at Bilpin, have launched a range of dressings, oils and soft caramel sauce.
“It’s hard to get good dressings from supermarkets. People come to us as they are looking for dressings with local, handmade ingredients,” says Heidi. Actor, Zoe Naylor, who is pictured on this edition’s cover, runs the organic bread stall and says she gets up at 4am to travel to Botany to pick up loaves and croissants from supplier, Brasserie Bread.
Zoe has graced our small and cinema screens for the past decade and is best known for her role as Regan McLeod in the much-loved TV series “McLeod’s Daughters”. Also an accomplished MC, writer, voiceover artist and producer, six months ago Zoe started her blog, Kaftan Mama, which she is currently creating as a TV series.
“I see the stall as a great way for me to share my journey of wellness, and the gateway of that is food!” she says.
Zoe says that she wants to promote a way of living that inspires wellness and a holistic vitality, having experienced her own personal challenges with addiction.
“Kaftan Mama” blogger and television star Zoe Naylor… “I see the stall as a great way for me to share my journey
Market organiser Vanessa Hanna… “The Hawkesbury is the original food bowl of Sydney and the markets are a place to meet and support local producers.”
Alistair and Angus McLaren, of Paddock to Plate meats... “Small enough to produce good food and keep a track on quality.”
Ali Hainey, of the Little Blue Bean Coffee Co... 17 years’ experience in coffee and the hospitality industry.
Gina Porteous runs Bilpin Bush Honey... locally-sourced raw, natural honey from the Blue Mountains.
journey of wellness, and the gateway of that is food!”
shopping for quality food
“There is a lot of talk about wellness and a lot of superfoods and green smoothies around,” says Zoe. “But there’s not enough emphasis on healing and Kaftan Mama addresses all these aspects,” she says. Zoe will soon be launching her own range of cacao balls at the stall that are sugar, dairy and gluten-free.
Zoe says that the markets are an inspiring venture for the Hawkesbury. “You can do your grocery shop here for two thirds of the price,” she says, “This used to be a sleepy town but since the markets have started here we have become more connected with passionate, energetic people. The locals are appreciating it and travelling to come here,” she says.
Mick West from Bilpin Hobby Farms runs the fresh fruit and vegetable stall. He says the produce was picked only yesterday from various local farms around Bilpin and Richmond.
“A lot of people come back every week for more! They can tell the difference in the quality,” he says. The award-winning Hillbilly Cider is based on an orchard in Bilpin. Using traditional techniques and 100 per cent local apples or pears, the cider recently won the highest scoring Australian cider in the International Cider Challenge in the UK, says Tessa McLaughlin.
Her husband Shane is an experienced cider maker and they launched the brand four years ago, supplying pubs, restaurants, independent bottle shops and selling at the markets.
By
11.30am,
father and son, Alistair and Angus
McLaren of Paddock to Plate meats have almost run out of their popular local grass-fed beef.
“We are small enough for us to produce good food and keep a track on quality,” says Alistair.
“Our end game is producing your dinner. We think of that at every step. We have had an incredible response as people become more concerned about their health and how food is produced,” he says.
Paddock to Plate’s top seller is its mincemeat, which Alistair says is super lean and perfect in pasta and tacos. With a “nose-to-tail” philosophy, Alistair says that their customers come to them to get certain cuts of meat that other butchers can’t help them with.
Angus says that he is also excited to be introducing chickens into the pasture and they will soon be offering fresh eggs, too.
With my arms loaded with fresh produce, and a refreshing, non-alcoholic cider, Vanessa reminds me that for those who can’t get to the markets every week, she runs a weekly delivery service to Vermont every Wednesday of fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables, with a little something extra from the market every week. Life certainly is good!
Richmond Good Food Market, visit richmondmarket.com.au for more information.
The market is held every Saturday, 8am-1pm at Richmond Park, corner of March Street and Windsor Street, Richmond.
To book a home delivery visit the Richmond Good Food Market deliveries page on Facebook.
Heidi Jaggard, pictured, and her husband Michael, owners of Apple Bar restaurant at Bilpin, have launched Jaggard’s Dressings.
Mick West from Bilpin Hobby Farms... He market’s fresh fruit and vegetable stall.
Award-winning Hillbilly Cider... “Uses traditional techniques and 100 per cent local apples or pears,” says Tessa McLaughlin.
and great company at Richmond Park’s weekly Good Food Market...
Richmond Park’s weekly Good Food Market.
Letting your fingers do the walking
Sonya Fladun mum in the suburbs
BEFORE kids, I loved shopping. I loved the whole experience of going out, trying things on and being able to see, touch and not to mention fall in love with and immediately purchase this or that.
Shopping was often accompanied by coffee, lunch and various other civilised diversions. It was all part of the joy of the consumer experience.
But it’s different when you’ve got a family and kids in tow. There’s the hunting around for a convenient parking spot, dragging the kids from pillar to post and making them try on this and that article of clothing. Time is always short, the range of merchandise is often limited and assistance hard to find.
Before the beginning of the current school term there was a search for navy coloured socks and long-sleeved, white school shirts that no department store or shop seemed to stock. There were plenty of short-sleeved shirts, but it’s autumn and winter is coming. There are also numerous demands from the kids for junk food, toys and other distractions. All in all, enough to turn even the most devout of shopaholic shoppers phobic.
But in recent years, online shopping has become especially effective for those difficult niche items – in our case, it’s ice-skating outfits for my daughter, hard-to-get Lego kits for my son and obscure books on Russian history for my other half.
Bizarrely, I’ve found it cheaper to buy school clothing from the UK, and with better quality than what’s on offer locally. In any case, it’s much cheaper than the added costs that mount up when you’re shopping with kids in tow.
So, once a week we do our food shopping, but for just about everything else, I let my fingers do the walking.
PUZZLES
There’s a track leading back...
THE cooler months provide a wonderful opportunity to explore Cattai National Park by foot. Only a short drive from home, this special sanctuary offers loads of family fun activities.
Mitchell Park is a quieter, more secluded part of the Cattai National Park, featuring largely undisturbed natural bushland with huge forest red gums and a rare remnant rainforest.
The Mitchell Park walking tracks are a great way of immersing yourself in this beauty, with 5kms of walking tracks to enjoy, perfect for an afternoon bushwalk. Mitchell Park also offers picnic areas, bushwalking, fishing and camping.
“It’s the place to be if you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon in the great outdoors. It’s also a good spot for fishing – you might catch carp or bass,” says the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
“If you feel like stretching your legs, the 5km of walking tracks take you through native vegetation, including scribbly gum forest and tall bloodwoods.”
Mitchell Park Walking Track and Picnic Spot, Cattai National Park, open 7.30am-6pm.
Mitchell Park is a quieter, more secluded part of the Cattai National Park, featuring largely undisturbed natural bushland.
Jetty upgrade: first step finished
THE Hawkesbury City Council has completed the first stage of upgrades to the Governor Phillip Reserve Boat Ramp facility in Windsor, as part of a half-amillion dollar state and local government investment project.
The new boat ramp jetty was officially opened by Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford and State Member for Hawkesbury, Dominic Perrottet, unveiling a plaque celebrating the completion of the first stage of upgrades. The improvements to the facility include a new timber
Alan Ferris
Mortgage Broker
Ph: 0409 189 990 aferris@echoice.com.au echoice.com.au/alanferris
Austbrokers AEI
Chad Smith
Commercial, domestic and corporate insurance
Ph: 8913 1635 or 0438 143 616 chads@aei.com.au aei.com.au
Automotive Tyre King Seven Hills
Anthony Ziebell
Tyres, wheels, servicing and pink slips Ph: 9838 8433 sales@tyrekingsevenhills.com.au tyrekingsevenhills.com.au
Beach Designs
Mark Bennett
Decks and Pergolas info@beachdesigns.com beachdesigns.com.au
Belinda Walkom Photography
Belinda Walkom
Professional photographer specialising in family and newborn photography
Ph: 0408 307 309 info@belindawalkom.com belindawalkom.com
Bruce Walton AFSM JP (NSW) Justice of the Peace Ph: 0418 866 771
jetty near the existing boat ramp, stabilising the riverbank and formalising the access pathway between the boat ramp and existing pontoon.
Mayor Ford says: “Governor Phillip is a key reserve containing the Hawkesbury’s main boat ramp and is home to many major boating events.
“The jetty is multi-levelled to facilitate boat access through tidal fluctuations and to improve the capacity of the existing ramp facility during events and peak times.”
“The upgrades have been completed to ensure that they
are accessible for all community members. Ramps have been designed to accommodate wheelchair access and assist those with walking difficulties.
“The upgrades will definitely improve the experience of our residents and visitors, increasing recreational opportunities at the Reserve. The jetty is not just for boats, it can also be used for fishing and a nice walk.”
The second stage of the project, which involves upgrading the boat-ramp car park, is expected to be finished by the middle of the year.
Local business directory
Chem-Dry Austyle
Nathan and Amanda Ward
Carpet, upholstery and leather cleaning Ph: 4587 8318 service@chemdryaustyle.com.au chemdryaustyle.com.au
Code Studio
Anthony Ziebell
Web, applications, software development Ph: 1300 CODESTUDIO admin@codestudio.com.au codestudio.com.au
Douglass Homes
Mark Douglass
Building and Construction Ph: 0412 546 675 mandrdouglass@bigpond.com douglassbuilder.com.au
Exterior
Matt O’Brien
Landscape and pool creators Ph: 1300 735 122 info@exterior.com.au exterior.com.au
Fox n Hound Hand-stamped jewellery
Kirby Will Handmade jewellery and gifts
Ph: 0401 914 014 facebook.com/foxnhoundbykirby
Greener Property Maintenance
Phillip Kustreba
Lawns and gardens, gutter cleaning and gutter guards
Ph: 0410 639 096 enquiries@gpms.com.au gpms.com.au
Hoban Recruitment
Renee McIntosh
Recruitment and HR consulting services
Ph: 02 8834 8977 or 0425 669 831 reneem@hoban.com.au hoban.com.au
Jim’s Mowing Kellyville
Gary Rogers
Garden Care and Lawn Maintenance Ph: 0404 062 148 jimsmowingkellyville@hotmail.com
Limcora
Evan Graham and Alex Nelson
Plumbing and Drainage Ph: 4587 9595 info@limcora.com.au limcora.com.au
Mavbuilt Homes
Glenn Mavin
New home construction Ph: 0497 109 916 info@mavbuilthomes.com.au mavbuilthomes.com.au
Plumb-Rite Plumbing Solutions
Dean Kentwell
Plumbing, gas fitting and drainage
Ph: 0414 288 717 dean@plumb-rite.net.au
Rockit Marketing and Design
Shelley Melville
Marketing consultancy, social media management, website and graphic design Ph: 0416 020 787 shelley@rockitmarketing.com.au rockitmarketing.com.au
Sydney Pressure Cleaning
Phillip Krustreba
Pressure cleaning and exterior house washing Ph: 0410 639 096 enquiries@gpms.com.au sydneypressureclean.com.au
The Art of Joinery
Nestor Porley and Graham Bridges Joinery Ph: 4577 9022
Nestor: 0407 275 527
Graham: 0402 278 660 theartofjoinery@optusnet.com.au theartofjoinery.com
Tranquil Waters Natural Therapies Lorna Cousins Naturopath, nutritionist, remedial massage therapist, beauty therapist Ph: 0419 634 507 lornacousins@hotmail.com
Trent Croft Electrical
Trent Croft Electrician Ph: 0419 223 713 tcr03292@bigpond.net.au
To advertise your local business in Vermont Times please contact kate@citynews.com.au
At the official opening of the new boat ramp jetty… from left, Councillor Bob Porter, Hawkesbury MP Dominic Perrottet, Upper Hawkesbury Powerboat Club Commodore Jon Davoll, Mayor Kim Ford, RMS Boating Safety Officer Jon Moran and Councillor Christine Paine.
AUTUMN LIVING
For the love of autumn fare
Our local food guru, JULIE SULLIVAN, just loves autumn cooking...
Julie’s Marinated Butterflied Leg of Lamb
I have nicknamed this
dish 25 x 25 x 25 – it’s easy cooking times to remember and an unforgettable meal at the end. Enjoy!
Ingredients
1 x leg of deboned lamb
2 teaspoons of lemon zest
¼ cup of lemon juice
¼ cup of olive oil
2 teaspoons of finely chopped rosemary
(or mint, parsley, marjoram)
1 teaspoon of salt and cracked pepper
4 cloves crushed garlic
Place ingredients into a clip lock bag and massage before refrigerating overnight.
Method
1. Heat barbecue plate until hot.
2. Place the lamb skin side down and cook for 25 minutes. If your barbecue has a lid then it should be closed, otherwise cover the lamb with foil.
3. Turn the lamb and cook a further 25 minutes.
4. Remove the lamb, wrap in foil and allow to rest for 25 minutes.
Serve with potato bake and a tossed green salad.
SOLUTIONS
Julie Sullivan Local food guru
Autumn’s seasonal produce...
Autumn is a great time to enjoy lots of fresh produce available from local farms and suppliers. In season now are pears, pink lady apples, quince, figs, citrus fruit, pumpkins, potatoes, mushrooms, cauliflower, fresh herbs and more.
I just love to cook…
My family enjoys pumpkin and, luckily, my summer crop has just ripened so we are about to eat it steamed, mashed, as fritters, in soup, in scones, roasted and fried.
Time to give fennel a try…
If you haven’t yet cooked with fennel, I recommend you give it a go this autumn, it’s available now and beautiful in a range of dishes including slicing it into stir fries for an interesting taste and texture. My favourite way to prepare fennel is to finely shave it then marinate in orange juice, olive oil & salt, it’s crunchy & delicious.
In my garden…
It’s time for me to give my garden a big tidy up and remove all the summer foliage. Hopefully, I will have enough green tomatoes to make chutney or sauce!
Vermont in autumn…
Living here is great all year round, however autumn is particularly special when the nights cool down and the mornings become crisp. Autumn is also more peaceful on the river and my kayaking friends and I just can’t get out often enough. As we glide down the river we see amazing birdlife, kangaroos and water dragons.
Kafta Kebabs
Such a crowd pleaser! Easy to put together and great for family entertaining. I have made these Lebanese Kafta Kebabs many times, especially when catering for large numbers of people, and I have always been asked for the recipe!
Ingredients to make 12 kebabs (serves 6)
½ kg regular beef mince
½ cup finely chopped parsley
½ teaspoon mixed spice
½ cup very finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
12 x bamboo skewers that have soaked in water for several hours
Serving ingredients
6 rounds of Lebanese bread
2-3 cups tabbouleh salad
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 tub of hummus
Method
1. Mix the ingredients together very well.
2. Divide the mixture into 12 equal egg-size pieces.
3. With wet hands mould the meat down the skewer creating a large “finger” of meat.
4. Gently barbecue the meat, making sure not to overcook or it will dry out.
5. When cooked, remove the meat from the skewer and serve with fresh Lebanese bread, spread with hummus, tabbouleh salad and shredded lettuce.
Note: the mixture for the kebabs can be made the day before.
Getting the best from your barbie
WHAT’S more fun than gathering friends and family for a backyard picnic or garden party?
Michelle Rossier, marketing manager at BeefEater Barbecues, says: “With a little planning, you can whip up a simple, yet tasty barbecue meal and turn it into a memorable event.”
“Planning a barbecue party doesn’t need to be overwhelming, in fact it can be fun – you may even surprise yourself with how creative you can be with a delicious barbecue menu everyone will love.”
With a little forward thinking and organisation on the day, Michelle says, you can ensure food is cooked to perfection, guests have a fabulous time, and you get a moment to relax.
Here are her five top tips:
1. Preparation is key. Prepare as much as you can the night before. Marinate meats overnight and assemble side dishes, so the only thing you need to worry about on the day is cooking the meat or seafood.
2. Keep your cool. When it comes to outdoor parties, running low on cold beverages simply isn’t an option. But this doesn’t mean as host you should have to play
bartender all day. Keep the drinks flowing and the guests hydrated by filling colourful enamel bins with ice and assorted bottled drinks.
3. Create a feast. With Aussies becoming increasingly adventurous when it comes to cooking on the barbie, become your own masterchef and expand your culinary skills by testing out easy, yet super-tasty barbecue recipes. Prawns, seafood kebabs or veggie skewers are always a hit with the guests.
4. Release your inner entertainer. Like any appliance in your home, with time, new technologies emerge and new and improved models become available. Whether you have a humdrum patio or neglected deck, there are many mobile and built-in barbecue options available to suit every budget.
5. Tool kit. Apart from the barbecue itself, there are very few tools required to throw a good barbecue. However, if you’re after perfectly cooked meals that will leave your guests impressed, then there are a few additional tools to add to your kit, such as long-handled utensils or a meat thermometer to help you judge whether meat is cooked to your liking, and poultry is cooked through.
Finally, Michelle suggests providing entertainment to keep your guests engaged and mingling.
“It’s always a good idea to have some entertainment to break the ice between new friends,” she says. “Create a playlist the night before so there’s good music and some classic backyard games like badminton or even trivia can really liven up your party.”
Take the kitchen outside
The BeefEater Artisan
WBarbies rule
Be proud of your barbecuing domain with this “King of the Barbie” apron from Annabel Trends.
Black apron, $29.95, annabeltrends.com
Clever designs
Villeroy and Boch’s Ultimate barbecue collection features a range of steak plates with integrated grip handles as well as designated sections on the plate to avoid mixing sauces and condiments.
Enjoy barbecued skewers easier with the specially designed meat platter that includes ridges along the side and base of the plate.
This allows easy placement and transporting of skewers, while the ridges along the base of the plate allow meat juices to drain away from rare or medium-grilled steaks.
RRP from $14.95, Villeroy and Boch
Start with a good cut of meat…
ITH more than 23 years in the business, Martin “Sharpie” Sharp, of Pitt Town Quality Meats, knows a thing or two about how to cook the perfect steak.
He says to start with a good cut of meat as you really do get what you pay for.
“New York steak is my favourite as it’s usually cut a little thicker, but scotch fillet, rump or T-bone are all good. If you want to go a little cheaper but still nice, ask for your butcher to give you the first cuts of round and tenderise them,” says Sharpie.
“Pre-heat the barbeque to a medium-to-high temperature, I season with just salt and pepper because
I like the natural flavour of the meat but anything is fine, garlic, chilli, lemon juice – just use your imagination!”
Sharpie recommends that if you marinate the steak to make sure you lower the heat and turn regularly, otherwise it will burn.
“Drop the steak on the barbecue plate to sear in the juices, one minute either side, then cook for about three minutes before turning for another three for medium rare,” says Sharpie.
“If you like your steak more done just leave it on for a few more minutes. Once cooked to your satisfaction, leave the steak to rest on a plate for a few minutes. Serve, then enjoy!”
Martin “Sharpie” Sharp... “New York steak is my favourite as it’s usually cut a little thicker.”
Bowled over Kmart’s dipped salad bowls from its new Living range feature an elegant palette of pale pastels and soft sorbets, for a stylish and sophisticated feel.
Dipped salad bowls, $10 each, Kmart
