MoreTimes Vermont

times SUMMER 2015/16

MY HOME Why Michelle’s kitchen rules

POOLS Bring the holidays to your home

LIVING Taste of perfect entertaining

MUM IN THE SUBURBS Lines that must not be crossed

LOCAL BUSINESS Sharpie’s tips for a top summer barbie

WHAT’S ON A big list of everything local

PUZZLES A crossword and a hard sudoku

ELLA

swings INTO

SUMMER

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 three serene settings – Riverland, Bona Vista and Fernville – each of which offers a diverse aspect and wide frontage blocks. These fully serviced blocks range from 550sqm to 2000sqm.

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 2000sqm+ 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.

NEW LAND RELEASE • Stroll to the Hawkesbury River • Architecturally designed homes • F ully serviced – water, sewerage, gas, electricity & NBN • Easy access to the M2, M7 and train lines • Be part of an established community • Space for unchartered imagination

WHEN IT COMES TO WATER...

Our friends at Flow Systems independently manage Vermont’s unique sustainable water network for recycled and waste water services. The network harvests water from homes, recycling it and providing a secure water source for the Vermont community.

In order to connect to the water services, you will need to set up an account with Flow Systems. Its team can work with your builders and architects to make sure your home is connected with ease and efficiency. We recommend you give Flow Systems a call on 1300 803 803 to discuss your requirements during your design phase.

For more information visit pitttownwater.com.au

WE WANT YOUR THOUGHTS Johnson Property Group is committed to the Vermont Community and investing in its success and growth in the future. We’d love to hear from you about what you would like to see happen or change at Vermont that we can potentially help play a part in.

Please email your feedback to Marketing Director Kristy Lee at kristy@johnsonpropertygroup.com.au or call 8023 8801.

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor: Kathryn Vukovljak (kathryn@citynews.com.au) Journalist: Kate Meikle (kate@citynews.com.au) Graphic designer: Janet Ewen Photographer: Phil Johnston 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.

2

The local voice is being heard Welcome to the “More Times” summer edition.

As you turn the pages, you will see it has taken a different direction in that the publication is becoming a voice and a way of reflecting all the great things about the Vermont community.

When I think about Vermont, the initial thought is my pride in the community that’s been created. More than 500 land lots have been sold at Vermont and the majority now have houses on them.

I don’t know the precise number of residents living at Vermont, but at an average of three people each home, the community encompasses at least 1500 people of varying ages, interests, careers and origin.

However, there is one common theme that binds all those 1500 residents and that’s they have chosen to live in this amazing estate called Vermont.

The astonishing level of pride all residents take in their homes can be seen in the dedication to amazing landscaping and the designs of the homes.

In this edition we meet Michelle, a resident of the Fernville estate at Vermont, who has invited us in to showcase her kitchen.

When I speak of pride in the home, Michelle is an

SUMMER 2015-16

absolute testament to this concept. I thank Michelle for her co-operation and encourage any other residents, who would like to share that “something special” in their home with current and future residents, to simply drop a note to Kate via email at kate@citynews.com.au We are bringing additional land lots to market at Vermont and the response to the releases has been extremely positive from new entrants to Vermont as well as from existing residents. This all bodes well in ensuring that the community Vermont continues to grow.

In closing, I wish you all every joy over the festive season and trust that you enjoy this refreshed edition of “More Times”.

Until the next edition.

Kindest regards, Keith Johnson, Managing Director

AT HOME

Michelle’s kitchen rules A relaxed, Balinese-style vibe with modern finishes and high-gloss appeal

M

ichelle Timbs and her family have been happily settled in their home ‘Santai’ (meaning rest and relaxation in Indonesian) in Fernville since completing their build two years ago.

The kitchen, named the ‘Santai Cafe’, is at the heart of the home, overlooking the family dining area and the extensive alfresco entertaining area which leads onto the Balinese-style pool.

For Michelle, a keen entertainer and cook, the kitchen design was very much her call. Having already built three homes, Michelle knew exactly what she was looking for in a kitchen.

“I hadn’t enjoyed wiping down the streaks left on our laminate cupboards in our previous home, so this time I opted for polytech high-gloss cabinets without handles. I wanted a seamless look,” she says.

“I have c-channels in all the drawers and a soft-close feature was a must. Although it can be frustrating when you actually want to slam a door for effect!” she says.

Michelle’s favourite part of the kitchen is the generous pantry, although for her next home, she says she would love to have a butler’s pantry which can be closed off for cooking away from the open-plan kitchen and dining, and used as a storeroom for appliances.

“It’s not until you move in and live in the home that you realise you can never have enough storage space!” says Michelle.

Michelle recommends that plenty of powerpoints are included in any kitchen design. Her island bench space also has powerpoints and an exhaust fan, which she says is very handy for times when she is cooking using an electric frypan.

With two teenage boys, Michelle says she loves the lifestyle that Vermont offers her family.

“It’s quiet and safe here. The boys enjoy playing with their friends at the park or having them here for a swim.

“We have got our house the way we want and we are very happy.”

SUMMER 2015-16

Fernville homeowner Michelle Timbs... “I wanted a seamless look.”

3

WHAT’S ON

this summer

DECEMBER 4

Twilight Markets 5pm-9pm The Australiana Pioneer Village, Rose Street, Wilberforce.

Visit The Australiana Pioneer Village in the night – see the Christmas lights and see how The Village takes on a completely different look. Santa, Mrs Claus and some little helpers will be visiting, there will be food stalls, choirs, carriage rides and a Christmas raffle.

DECEMBER 5-13 Plants With Bite!

9.30am-5pm Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah.

Delve into the sticky world of meat-eating plants!

Over many thousands of years, these incredible plants have evolved ways to trap and digest insects and other animals when they can’t get enough nutrients from their environment. See if you can spot the trapping mechanisms on the carnivorous plants in our spectacular display. But don’t get too close - these are plants with bite! Includes plant sales, information sessions and documentary screenings.

DECEMBER 12 Richmond Lions Club Markets

Pre-schoolers Cohen King, Addison Riley, cover girl Ella Campbell, Harley Hogbin, Vegas Clark and Harry Dunn.

Little graduates get ready for big kindy

A

s the beginning of a new school year approaches in late January, there’s always some tears when little ones are sent off to kindergarten for the first time.

they were babies.

Centre Director, Nadina Elias, says that the pre-school hosts an annual graduation ceremony at the Anglican Church as an opportunity for children, staff and parents to say thank you and goodbye.

8am-1.30pm Hawkesbury Showground, Clarendon.

With around 170 stalls, including plants, crafts, fruit and veg, lavender products, bric-a-brac, these markets have everything you need.

To help ease the transition for children and parents to ‘big school’, Pitt Town Pre-School has established a new ‘Life Long Learning’ school readiness program.

“Throughout the last year of pre-school, we focus on getting the children socially ready and more independent,” says School Readiness teacher, Charmaine Clark.

“The children dress in graduation caps and gowns. They do a performance and we bring them up on stage to shake their hands and present them with a diploma for completing pre-school,” says Nadina.

DECEMBER 13

“This includes learning how to cooperate with peers, talking in front of a group and taking responsibility for personal possessions,” she says.

“The teachers and parents all cry together! The kids generally can’t wait to start ‘big school’ and wear their school uniforms for the first time.”

“We have a letter of the week, and introduce them to colours and numbers. And yes, we do teach them how to tie their shoelaces!”

Pitt Town Pre-School was established in 1985, and over the years has grown from a family day care to a centre with six rooms and three open playgrounds on a six-acre block.

The team admits that it can be very hard to say goodbye to the children who they have cared for since

Pitt Town Pre-School, 62 Cattai Road, Pitt Town.

Phone 4572 3013.

Rotary Carols 6pm-10pm approx Richmond Park (opposite the rail station), Corner of Windsor St and East Market St, Richmond.

Join your community for a great festive family event in the heart of Richmond. Electric candles, glow sticks and glowing bracelets will be available for sale on the night. Sausage sizzle and cold drinks available to purchase. Come down and sing along to all your favourite Christmas carols.

DECEMBER

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Peach picking 10am-4pm The Bilpin Fruit Bowl, Bells Line of Road, Bilpin.

The shop also sells peach pies made from peaches grown in the orchard.

For more information phone 4567 1152.

JANUARY 26 Australia Day The Australiana Pioneer Village, Wilberforce.

Including entertainment, rides, displays, penny arcade, and the ‘dunny races’!

4

Local teacher wins excellence prize

G

eography teacher at Arndell Anglican College, Matthew Oakes, was recently recognised for his excellence in teaching by the Teachers’ Guild of NSW.

Given to teachers in their early years of teaching, Mr Oakes was presented with a certificate of excellence for being an outstanding teacher, in recognition of his teaching practice skills, student engagement, extracurricular involvement and future plans for professional growth.

“Mr Oakes has made a significant contribution to the wider school community,” says James Milford, Director of Teaching and Learning. “He is involved in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, coached the champion Junior Girls’ Futsal Team and is also proactive in the college’s K-12 Pedagogy Committee.”

Mr Oakes says: “I feel honoured to be recognised by Arndell, and the Teachers’ Guild, which has a long history of promoting quality teaching in NSW. “My purpose as a teacher is to help young people deepen their understanding of the world around them.”

Teacher Matthew Oakes (centre) receives his award.

SUMMER 2015-16

A moment with Mr Mayor WHAT’S ON Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford, has lived in the area for 40 years and just loves living here! He tells us why.

Best summer memories?

Some of my best summer memories are of playing and coaching softball and tennis with my children, as well as sharing community and friendship in the Yarramundi Rural Fire Brigade.

What’s it’s like to live here?

The best way I can describe living in the Hawkesbury is that it is like a country town where everyone knows everyone and there’s plenty of space to move about.

Best part of living here?

The best part of living here is the people – especially the neighbours.

What is the community like?

Our community is very giving as volunteers participate in every aspect of life in the Hawkesbury.

this summer

EVERY SATURDAY

What does the Vermont community bring to the area?

Richmond Good Food Market

A new community like Vermont brings families, younger children and new ideas. An assured future.

How can we get involved with the community?

New residents can get involved by joining local groups like the progress association, sporting and interest clubs, community Councillor Kim Ford centres, and by joining volunteer groups like the SES and the RFS to name a couple. New residents may even want to be involved with local political parties and have their say.

Visit the Council’s website at hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au for information about the Hawkesbury Local Government Area.

7am-1pm Richmond Park, Windsor Street, Richmond.

Richmond Good Food Market is a place for local farmers and quality food producers to showcase their wares and interact with the community. Since local foods do not travel far, they can be picked when ripe and most flavourful. Fresh is best. Fresh and local is even better!

EVERY SUNDAY Windsor Mall Craft Market 9am-3pm Windsor Mall, George Street, Windsor.

Weekly market in the the nearby historic township of Windsor.

Quality handmade homewares, arts, crafts, fashion and fresh produce.

Local bands and buskers offer great entertainment.

EXHIBITIONS 12 FEB - 27 MARCH Awesome Achievers: Stories from Australians of the Year 10am-4pm weekdays, 10am-3pm weekends (closed on Tuesdays and public holidays) Hawkesbury Regional Gallery, Deerubbin Centre, Level 1, 300 George Street, Windsor.

Owner Jane Stephen

Café celebrates first birthday

T

he Vintage Pantry café turned one on November 15, celebrating a successful first year at the Pitt Town shops, says owner Jane Stephen.

“It’s been an amazing year! We are so lucky to have had such great support from locals who have become amazing regulars of the café,” she says.

The café has 18 staff members who have all loyally stayed with Jane over the year, helping to make The Vintage Pantry a success. She says her staff are all like family to her, and includes a few actual family members!

“Our menu has changed twice so far, and we always take the time to ask our customers about their experience

and get their feedback. Everything we make is with love,” says Jane.

The Vintage Pantry is thoughtfully decorated, with a rustic-style charm and many vintage pieces that Jane has collected which have special meaning to her.

Her favourite items are the collection of vintage couches and chairs in the middle of the café.

“I picked them up individually over many years. There is one couch I found in Melbourne and another from the Hunter Valley. Amazingly they all match!” she says.

A Pitt Town local, Jane says she loves meeting new Vermont families.

“It’s great to see people who have just moved in, are building, or looking to buy here come in for a coffee,” she says.

“I am so blessed to have such lovely customers who are so positive about the café.”

The Vintage Pantry, Pitt Town Shops. Open seven days for breakfast and lunch

SUMMER 2015-16

From the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, this must-see exhibition celebrates our highest achievers as depicted by the nation’s best painters and photographers.

Kerrie Lester, Fred Hollows, 1993, courtesy National Portrait Gallery

Interesting Objects: 60 Years of the Hawkesbury Historical Society’s Collection 10am-4pm daily (closed on Tuesdays) Hawkesbury Regional Museum 8 Baker Street, Windsor.

In 2016 Hawkesbury Historical Society turns 60, making it one of the oldest historical societies in Australia. For this exhibition members were asked to nominate the most interesting object in the Collection, and why it means so much.

5

ALL ABOUT POOLS

It’s safety first while swimming S

wimming is an essential part of Vermont life and a vital skill, says Pitt Town swimming instructor, Danielle Coyte.

“Where we live, there are pools everywhere and of course there’s the river,” she says.

“Swimming is a vital skill, which kids will have for life. It might not only save your child’s life but your child could help save another life.

“The river has strong currents, and many hazards which would seem dangerous to someone who wasn’t a confident swimmer.”

Bring the holida

Danielle runs Pitt Town Swimming and has five years’ experience as a Swim Australia accredited instructor. She runs classes for children from three months to teenagers, as well as individual adult classes to work on fitness and stroke technique.

Danielle and her team can also provide family classes in your home pool.

Swimming classes resume in the new year on January 26, but Danielle also offers school holiday intensive programs from early January.

“We focus on getting kids ready for their school carnivals. We help them gain confidence and teach them how to dive and build stamina so they are confident and ready to compete!” she says.

Danielle encourages Vermont residents to enjoy the summer and make the most of the river.

“The river is a great spot to swim. It’s great for the local kids who are on the river every weekend and enjoying water skiing – but make sure you always wear a life jacket,” she says.

“Being familiar with water is crucial. I like to say swimming isn’t a hobby like dancing or tennis, it’s a skill that every little person needs to learn!”

Pitt Town Swimming, 424 Cattai Road. Phone Danielle for more information on 0423 910 586.

What if yo longer tha more time landscape

Life is busy children, a we are find create a ‘h home, the

This mean provides a them to en ‘on holiday

How is this

Well, like m thorough p bit of savin holiday of skimp on t

Danielle’s top safety tips • Don’t ever assume your strong swimmer is safe.

• Always stay within arm’s reach, and take away distractions like phones when supervising children in the water.

• Get rid of hazards like eskies or buckets which can fill up with water easily and children can fall into, as drowning doesn’t only occur in the pool.

• If you’re unsure of the water, the currents and depth, don’t swim.

6

W

i s t extra dayli

SUMMER 2015-16

Things like landscape solar pool heat sourc

Keeping the pool in top condition W e’re heading into a scorching summer, weather forecasters predict, and that can play havoc with pool hygiene, says Chris Fitzmaurice, Australasian manager of Swimart.

“According to Bureau of Meteorology reports, this year we may suffer the hottest summer on record, as a result of the rare convergence of two significant weather events, one in the Pacific Ocean and the other in the Indian Ocean, leading to an El Nino event,” says Chris.

“That means extremely dry, hot weather, so pool owners need to be especially vigilant.”

Chris says the weather may also fluctuate from cooler temperatures one day, hail storms the next, to humid, hot days.

“This can really muck up your pool chemistry, which means pool owners need to keep a close check on their pool water,” he says.

“Water balance is key to a healthy pool and to chlorine working effectively,” says Chris.

“If the pH is too high, chlorine becomes less effective and the water can become dull and cloudy. This can be addressed by adding acid to the water.

“If too low, the water will start to hurt eyes and skin and make you feel itchy. It can also cause scaling on the surface of your pool and salt chlorinator.

And here’s how to do it...

• Check the chlorine and pH level every two days. Pay particular attention after a period of heavy usage of the pool or after a very hot day.

• Check and clean your skimmer basket and hair and lint pot in your filtration pump weekly.

ays to your home

ith the onset of warmer weather and the summer holidays drawing nearer, it’s natural to spend more time outdoors enjoying the ight hours that this time of year brings.

ou could extend this outdoor experience for an the summer months and enjoy spending e at home? With a well-designed pool and area, this is a definite possibility.

y these days – long work days, commuting, after school activities, the list goes on, and ding that many homeowners are looking to holiday at home’ haven where, once they are ey can stay there and relax.

ns creating a space that is functional but also all members of the family with elements for njoy and help them feel that they are in fact ys’.

• Operate the filtration system six to eight hours a day.

• Regularly check sanitiser levels, ideally on a daily basis.

• Check the Total Alkalinity (TA) weekly.

• Have your pool water checked at your local pool shop every two weeks.

Matt O’Brien

• Thoroughly backwash your sand or DE filter or remove and clean the cartridge from your cartridge filter, depending on pool use.

Exterior Landscape and Pool Creator

mean that you’ll be able to enjoy your pool area for longer into the cooler months.

• Maintain the water level at least half way up to the skimmer box opening.

• Clean the pool and vacuum the walls and floor of the pool regularly.

Well-designed outdoor living spaces all contribute to create a coordinated and stylish space. Pool areas can include spaces to relax in, such as spas and beach areas, as well as areas to entertain and eat, like lounge areas, BBQ and outdoor kitchens, through to simple features such as shade/umbrellas fixed sneakily into the landscape, or even inclusion of play spaces for children that can be easily converted as your children grow.

So where does one start when it comes to creating a space like this?

most holidays, it is achieved mostly with planning and design. There may also be a ng up involved too…but if you’re saving for a a lifetime, you want to make sure you don’t the details!

The best place is to source an experienced landscape architect/designer and they will be able to consult with you, evaluate your site, and with your wish list in mind, prepare a pool and landscape design specific to your space and needs. From this, you will receive plans and details that will help you envision what your finished ‘haven’ will look like – and you can also request 3D drawings to help with picturing this space.

e well-planned placement of your pool and elements to take benefit of your aspect, heating, expertly positioned lighting and ces such as outdoor heaters and fire pits

An expertly prepared pool design is important on many fronts, not only in helping you picture your finished product, but this is also what you will need to submit to your local council for approval of your pool.

s done?

• To re-balance pool water, take a sample from elbow depth away from the pool returns to your local pool store to be professionally tested.

This documentation is also very useful in obtaining quotations for the construction of your pool and landscape – it helps the pool builder/landscaper get a thorough understanding of what you want to create, as well as ensuring that you can be confident that you’re getting the works priced correctly.

So, if you’re thinking about a new pool, then it’s a great time to incorporate a revamp of your existing yard, transforming it into the inviting space you have always envisaged.

If you have a new property, then even better – you have a blank slate from which to create your ‘holiday at home’ haven.

SUMMER 2015-16

7

Lines that must not be crossed Sonya Fladun mum in the suburbs

R

ecently, I unearthed a wealth of unfinished projects – things I had started but never completed and some never started at all.

I always have the best of intentions and no shortage of ambition. I am a great one for buying lots of fabric to make all sorts of things, useful and decorative. I have enough balls of wool to clothe a regiment in every colour under the sun.

I have some lovely papers and hat boxes for decoupage nor shortage of paints for the most ambitious of art projects (there are spare canvases and an easel).

I’ve got a big box of beads and wire, all ready for when I restart my attempts at jewellery making.

There are unfinished tapestries and an old table I’ve always intended to restore.

The computer’s hard drive is clogged with half-finished drafts of kids’ books and novels.

Having recently packed up and then unpacked our home, all these things have been looking accusingly at me, reminders of a persistent failure to complete holiday projects.

Every now and again, when I have some down time (usually January), I’m looking for something to keep me busy that is relaxing, something different and a break from work and stress. But time is always short, especially when holidays are filled with activities with our kids.

Blink an eye and the holiday break is over and the year’s project is heading for a packing box, to be finished in that mythical state of being known as “when I have time”.

However, this year I might try to pick up something I’ve already started, I’ve got my eye on something that might just be achievable.

Adult colouring is a new fad, but I think it’s got a lot going for it.

It can’t be too difficult. After all just about anyone can colour in – even me. The patterns and pictures look pretty cool and there are plenty of ideas available free on the internet.

Pencils don’t cost much, although I’d want to get some good ones because one needs to do things properly.

It’s something I can do with the kids, especially my girl who likes nothing better than colouring in, always very carefully and always between the lines.

It might not be ambitious, but I reckon it’s a good recipe for holiday relaxation. Pencils, a sharpener and an intricate butterfly pattern ought to keep me happy. And who knows, I might just finish something.

The perfect picnic spot Cattai Farm picnic area at Cattai National Park

O

n our doorstep is the beautiful Cattai National Park, which offers loads of activities such as camping, canoeing, fishing, bike riding and bird watching.

A short walk from the Cattai Farm picnic spot is the historical Cattai Homestead. It’s an early colonial building dating back from the 1820s that features convict-built dry stone walls.

Pack a picnic and explore this special spot for a lovely summer’s day out.

And for those ready to paddle and fish, there’s great canoeing and fishing to be had along the Hawkesbury River.

Cattai Farm picnic area is located 2km into the park and is ideal for a barbecue or picnic, and comes complete with a children’s playground.

Cattai National Park, open 7.30am-6.30pm.

“There’s plenty of grass to lay out your picnic rug, or you can set up in one of the large picnic shelters if they are free,” says NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

“You can also book one of the seven picnic shelters ahead of time – they make a great place for birthday parties, family celebrations and reunions.”

Cattai National Park is made up of land originally granted to First Fleet assistant surgeon Thomas Arndell. Today, the park contains a number of historic colonial buildings associated with generations of the Arndell family, who farmed along the Hawkesbury.

PUZZLES General knowledge crossword

Across

1 What are places of interment?

8 Name an edible N American freshwater turtle.

9 Which dish is served at dinner before the main course?

10 What is the diligent and systematic investigation into a subject?

11 Name a style of art, architecture and decoration, of the 18th century.

13 Which term describes equality of measure?

16 What is a deep cleft in the ice of a glacier?

19 Which elastic material is derived from latex?

22 Which small cutting instrument was originally for making and mending quill pens?

24 Name a sweet that is made of boiled-down sugar or treacle.

25 What do we call a person who changes party or principles?

26 A racehorse’s birthday falls on the 1st day of which month?

Down

2 Name the drummer for the Beatles, ... Starr.

3 Which zodiacal constellation lies between Leo and Libra?

4 Name the hormones used by some athletes for body building.

5 Who was the Greek god of love?

6 Name a Japanese system of unarmed self defence.

7 Name a particular type of military movement.

12 Which solid product is the result of distilling coal in an oven?

14 What is a short opera, commonly of a light character?

15 Name another term for a mausoleum.

17 Which term describes feeling sorrow or pity?

18 Name a Scandinavian rover of earlier times.

20 To involve in obscurity, is to do what?

21 Name an alternative term for sharp-pointed duelling swords.

23 Which metallic element has the symbol Fe?

8

SUMMER 2015-16

Sudoku – hard

Sharpie’s tips for a top summer barbie L ocal butcher Martin ‘Sharpie’ Sharp says you can’t beat a barbecue as a casual summer entertaining solution to bring family and friends together.

Sharpie has lived in Pitt Town since 1986, and has proudly owned and run Pitt Town Quality Meats for 23 years.

“You can’t go past butterflied chicken or lamb that can be roasted on the barbecue, or classic New York-style steaks and T-bones,” he says.

For the perfect barbecue lamb, Sharpie recommends asking the butcher to de-bone and butterfly a lamb leg.

“You can either marinate or cook it plain, I usually rub it with mint and rosemary and add salt and pepper and a bit of lemon juice,” he says. “Pre-heat the barbecue to 160°C, sear for a few minutes on either side then turn down to 140°C.” “You can either cook for 40 minutes with the barbecue lid up and turn the lamb every five minutes, or keep the lid down and cook for 25 minutes,” he recommends.

“It’ll easily feed four to six people. After resting, slice the lamb into large chunks and serve!”

And to help families out on busy summer days with an easy and hearty takeaway option, Sharpie offers a roast dinner takeaway service.

“Call up before 1pm and on your way home pick up a cooked family-sized roast dinner with vegetables including potato, sweet potato, carrots, onions and gravy,” he says.

“It’ll save you having to heat up your home to cook a roast dinner. It costs an extra $15 on top of the cost of the meat.”

Pitt Town Quality Meats, open Monday to Saturday and until 6.30pm on weeknights.

Martin ‘Sharpie’ Sharp... “You can’t go past butterflied chicken or lamb that can be roasted on the barbecue.”

Local business directory 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

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

Automotive Tyre King Seven Hills Anthony Ziebell Tyres, wheels, servicing and pink slips Ph: 9838 8433 sales@tyrekingsevenhills.com.au tyrekingsevenhills.com.au

Douglass Homes Mark Douglass Building and Construction Ph: 0412 546 675 mandrdouglass@bigpond.com douglassbuilder.com.au

Beach Designs Mark Bennett Decks and Pergolas info@beachdesigns.com beachdesigns.com.au

Exterior Matt O’Brien Landscape and pool creators Ph: 1300 735 122 info@exterior.com.au exterior.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

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

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

Limcora Evan Graham and Alex Nelson Plumbing and Drainage Ph: 4587 9595 info@limcora.com.au limcora.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

Mavbuilt Homes Glenn Mavin New home construction Ph: 0497 109 916 info@mavbuilthomes.com.au mavbuilthomes.com.au

Tranquil Waters Natural Therapies Lorna Cousins Naturopath, nutritionist, remedial massage therapist, beauty therapist Ph: 0419 634 507 lornacousins@hotmail.com

Plumb-Rite Plumbing Solutions Dean Kentwell Plumbing, gas fitting and drainage Ph: 0414 288 717 dean@plumb-rite.net.au

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

SUMMER 2015-16

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Blend and go Breville’s new Boss to Go Blender can create fresh, nutrition-loaded smoothies in seconds with a perfectly smooth texture. It’s a powerful personal blender and can pulverise the toughest ingredients including kale and nuts. The cafe-style cup comes with a handy flip-top lid for taking out and about, and the cup looks stylish enough for any summer table.

Breville Boss to Go, $225.95, available at department stores

Cushioning the fall Pretty florals, vintage designs and playful colour all feature in the brand-new collection of lounge cushions from Wedgwood Home.

Inspired by the archival designs of the iconic Wedgwood brand, these cushions are truly eclectic with each summery floral print being offset with a two-coloured geometric pattern on the reverse.

Wedgwood lounge cushions, $89.95, are available from David Jones department stores and bedlinen specialists

Cute cool treats Give the kids an unexpected surprise with these Zoku Character Pops at summer barbecues. From frogs and bunnies, to birds and princesses, there’s eight different characters to choose from. Experiment with fruit juice, yoghurt and fresh fruit pieces for delicious homemade treats that are perfect for school holiday fun or hot day refreshments.

Zoku Character Pops, $9.95 each, zokuhome.com

Summertime, and the living (at home) is easy...

Bring that holiday feeling into your own home this summer, making comfort and style a priority... and then kick back and relax!

Sweet stoneware

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

In a range of sweet-as-sugar pastels, Aura’s new sublimely tactile, high-fired stoneware will pretty up your summer table. Available as plates, bowls, trays and cups, in hues of marshmallow, peppermint, pink, graphite, coral and yellow, each piece is durable, eco-friendly and has been hand-glazed for a unique look.

Aura stoneware, from $12.95 for a cup to $39.95 for a serving bowl, aurahome.com.au

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Crossword

Lounging around For the ultimate in relaxation, the deeply comfortable Canasta circular armchair has an aluminium frame and is finished with a nostalgic woven design.

The contemporary look is perfect for poolside – team with a colourful outdoor table and chair for resortstyle luxury in your own backyard.

Sudoko – hard

B&B Italia Canasta 13’ circular armchair, $9,000, B&B Italia Husk outdoor armchair, $4,715, and Husk outdoor side table, $1,910, available at Space Furniture, spacefurniture.com.au

SUMMER 2015-16

SUMMER LIVING

Summer’s playful palette Summer’s all about fresh food, cooling drinks, relaxing and entertaining! This summer, experts say we’ll be seeing china and glassware in a happy, playful palette of fresh and tropical greens to reflect this, paired with soft pinks and muted pastels.

Noritake’s Speedy range of goblets, glasses and carafes will add a beautiful boho hit of colour and pattern to the mix.

IVV Speedy goblets, set of six, mixed colours, $261; IVV Speedy clear carafe, $116, noritake.com.au

Tomato, tomato Think summer, think tomatoes – especially this beautiful French cocotte from Staub that can be used on the cooktop or oven and taken straight to the table. Shaped like a ripe red tomato, it will make a stunning presentation for summer entertaining. You can also fill the cocotte with ice to hold individual serves of gazpacho or oyster shooters.

Staub tomato cocotte, $499.95, available from Peter’s of Kensington and independent kitchenware retailers

A taste of perfect entertaining Julie Sullivan shares her thoughts on the great summer spread Summer produce Tropical fruits, stone fruits and grapes make a welcome return in summer. Mango salsa, peach relish and grape jam are all condiments that I have made to preserve their awesome flavours.

Julie Sullivan Local food guru

My favourite summer memory...

Water-skiing and picnicking with friends and family on the river’s edge.

My favourite picnic spots Cattai National Park and Mitchell Park are ideal picnic spots; there are amenities, bush walks, tables, shade and plenty of room for the kids to run around or ride their bikes. You will need to book a ‘picnic space’ in Cattai National Park as it can get very popular during summer.

My garden My garden has an abundance of herbs, I use so many in my cooking that I really need to know that they have been grown organically. My favourite herbs are basil and parsley. Parsley in particular is a powerhouse of nutrients so I sneak it into everything.

In my picnic basket A good picnic basket will have plenty of fresh fruit sliced up, raw mixed vegetables that can be used in dips and fresh pita bread so that everyone can create their own wrap.

Serves 4 ½ cup wholemeal couscous ¾ cup boiling water (slightly less water is better) ½ tsp mixed spice ¼ tsp each salt and cracked pepper 1 cup finely chopped parsley 2 tbsp finely chopped mint 1 cucumber diced 1 punnet of cherry tomatoes cut in halves

Dressing ¼ cup lemon juice or cider vinegar TIP: substitute balsamic vinegar to make a delicious dressing for a pumpkin, spinach and feta salad. ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup olive oil

Method

Easy entertaining Make summer outdoor entertaining a breeze with marinated meats, cheese, barbecues and salads.

Locally grown pumpkins, broccoli and corn are abundant, so a quick soup with some crusty bread rolls will also make an ideal summer meal.

My pumpkin tip Cube and microwave pumpkin instead of roasting it for a salad. Roasting pumpkin gives a lovely caramelisation, however during summer it’s all about reducing the heat in the kitchen.

Quick and easy tabbouleh salad

Julie sells her produce at the Windsor Mall Markets on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday of every month.

SUMMER 2015-16

Place couscous in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, cover bowl with cling wrap and allow to sit for three minutes only. Quickly spread the couscous onto a tray so that it cools and remains light and fluffy.

Add all ingredients to the couscous, stir and refrigerate.

Combine dressing ingredients and pour over the salad just before serving.

Serve with grilled lamb, chicken or haloumi cheese skewers that have been marinating in garlic, lemon zest, cracked pepper and olive oil.

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