NEW ENGLAND
September 2015 / // Issue 100
WI TH A LEX ROBSON • FELT TI P TH E AT R E CO MP ANY
www.armidalecentral.com.au 2 new england focus focus.
focusteam. team. focus
Welcome to the November edition of New England FOCUS.
Welcome to the September edition of New England FOCUS.
O W
n this month’selcome, front New cover is Barbara Albury,It’s a England. who stars in Areally Streetcar special Named Desire,issue showing this at TAS Hoskins centre from the 21st it’s of our month; November to December 6th. This event 100th edition! has “stella” cast andover will eight be sure to Ouracentenary marks years impress. of bringing amazing stories, beautiful INSIDE picturesTHIS and ISSUE so many fun times - to Practicing local accountant for 40 your doorstop. This September is no years, Bob Locke tells us how advancexception - spring is upon us, flowers in es in technology have veryweather big bloom and a sign thathad theacold impact on the way business is done is on the way out. We have an extra these days. special issue for your reading pleasure We talk to Lachie Sewell about why he this month … chose to stay in Armidale; he tells us ON THE COVER there are many job opportunities here Felt Tip Theatre is presenting Alice for the younger generation. in Wonderland, showing at the TAS We catch up with born bred ArmiHoskins Centre. This is and going to be dale lady Monique Howe, who shares amazing! On the front cover we have her becomeand an “Alice” actress theambitions “Queen oftoHearts” and tells us about the exciting mo-and read all about when, where, who ments from her career so far. Monique how inside this edition.
studies Screenwise Acting EDITION School INSIDEatTHIS CENTENARY - Australia’s and for TV school We have leading so manyfilm stories you for actors. this month ... too many to name them We speak wonderful Ade-To all.also You’ll havetotothe read for yourself. laide author Sue Panagaris, who has name a few, we have … justNorma released her third book for Mills J’s, the iconic ladies fashion &outlet Boon has titled Falling Dr December, closed herfor doors, for a little with the story set in the New England while only, as she has a dream story (taking place in both Armidale and which goes to show that if you put in Uralla). We you at FOCUS werefor very your best, can reach theexcited stars. to have a chat with Sue and also happy For all you avid gardeners out there, that England we she’s have showcased a few storiesthe to New get you area to the world. budding. The Heritage Rose Garden is We alsoinstalled travelledattoSaumarez the UrallaHomestead, Bowling being club, where Lyn Ferguson has recently and Lynne Walker of the Australian taken over the dining room as head Garden History tells us more. chef, producing satisfying and Plant this date in your diary:moreish on the meals whole family to Guyra enjoy. for 17th for andthe 18th October, visit Lyn hasgreat comeinsights back tointo the the Newhard England some work region because she loves the mounthat goes into preparing your gardens. tains freshin air.Guyra Another change Fourand gardens will big be opening istheir the name of the restaurant in thesmell gates for you to look, learn, Uralla Bowling Club, now titled the and listen - find out more inside. Hill
St Brasserie. Charles Ovenden tells us about And finally, read how aand localcooling, golfing Geo-thermal heating community has come together to save which uses pipes installed underground the Uralla Golf Club. to heat and cool your home. This WELCOME JAMES BROOKS eco-friendlyTO idea is perfect for anyone New England FOCUS is very proudbills. to who wants to slash their power welcome James “Jimmy” Brooks to We focus on Liam Kelleher, an inour team.local James has joined the team spiring who trains himself and the aslocals an advertising consultant as well as in a special martial art. helping out with photography, so FINAL us SAY please give James aare callbehind if you have any “When people you stabenquiries. bing you in the back, remember they’re FINAL SAY behind you for a reason” - Maxim “You Drygin.can’t depend on your eyes, when your imagination is out of focus”- Mark Twain.
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reasonableefforts effortshave havebeen beenmade madetototrace tracecopyright copyrightholders.Information holders.Informationappearing appearingininFocus Focusisisbelieved believedtotobebecorrect correctatatthe thetime timeofofgoing goingtotopress presshowever howevernonoliability liabilitywill willbebeheld heldfor forinaccurate inaccurateinformation informationapproved approvedororsupplied suppliedbybyadvertisers advertisersoror AllAllreasonable contributors.While Whileallallcare careisistaken takenit itisisrecommended recommendedthat thatreaders readersconfi confi rmdates, dates,times, times,prices pricesand andany anyother othermaterial materialincluding includingadvice advicewith withindividual individualbusinesses businessesand andindustry industryprofessionals. professionals.New NewEngland EnglandFocus Focusisisproduced producedand andpublished publishedbybyCreative Creative contributors. rm HousePublications PublicationsPty PtyLtd LtdABN: ABN:62128786005. 62128786005.Material MaterialininNew NewEngland EnglandFocus FocusisisCopyright Copyright©©Creative CreativeHouse HousePublications PublicationsPty PtyLtd Ltd2012 2012and andmay maynot notbebereproduced reproducedwhole wholeororininpart, part,ininany anyform, form,without withoutpermission permissionofofthe thePublisher. Publisher.AllAllrights rightsreserved. reserved. House
new england focus focus. 33
inside this
Issue 100 - September 2015
5.
Jennifer Butler. Jennifer Butler, Registrar and Conservator for the NERAM Collections, tells us about the Operation Preservation exhibition now open at NERAM.
26. Liam Kelleher.
14.
With decades in the martial arts industry, Liam Kelleher tells FOCUS about his exciting role, teaching students in and around the New England. We were interested to know more about the subject, and Liam explained the many facets that form the art of Iai.
31.
Garden Showcase. Lock Rogers “Wattletop”, John & Helen McKemey “Willow Park”, Don & Anne Woods “Calga” and Robert & Julia Woods “Briarfield”, will showcase their beautiful gardens on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October as a fundraiser towards the restoration of the back yards and equine facilities at the Guyra Showground.
usual suspects.
the
16. what’s on for September 18. eat featuring local restaurants 48. star guide with Terri
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4 new england focus.
focusinterview.
OPERATION
PRESERVATION JENNIFER BUTLER • NERAM COLLECTIONS
NERAM’S EXTRAORDINARY COLLECTIONS OF ARTWORKS ARE KNOWN TO A LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE. FROM EXHIBITIONS IN ARMIDALE TO THE ROYAL ACADEMY IN LONDON, THESE ICONIC WORKS FORM AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN ART TO THE PRESENT DAY.
H
owever, within the works themselves, a different story is hidden from view, one which has a significant impact on the future of the collections. Jennifer Butler, Registrar and Conservator for the NERAM Collections, tells us about the Operation Preservation exhibition now open at NERAM. How did the Operation Preservation exhibition develop? In March 2015, NERAM launched the Adopt an Artwork Campaign, an ongoing fundraiser, to assist with the conservation and preservation needs of the works held in its collections. NERAM has over 5,000 works in its care, many of which have come to the museum after years in less than ideal environmental conditions. Often, visitors to the museum share stories of studying at the Old Teachers College here in Armidale and make a comparison between the careful care the works now receive, and the years of life in drafty corridors, full sunlight or damp corners. Those years have taken their toll on the works, which will continue to deteriorate if dedicated preservation action isn’t undertaken. This exhibition was developed by our Registration and Curatorial department to support the Adopt An Artwork Campaign, offer a different insight into the museum, and open the opportunity to the community to play a more personal role in the future of NERAM’s Collections. What is Operation Preservation about? Operation Preservation attempts to explain
the role of preservation in museums and to to see our permanent collections, they are look at the factors which cause deterioration seeing the works beautifully presented to show in collections. Environment plays the most the works at their best. This exhibition takes important part, with factors such as light, the opposite approach and will intentionally temperature, humidity, pests and handling highlight the problems many of the works requiring strict controls. NERAM’s biggest task have, showing moldy or torn areas normally is to provide an environment for the collection hidden from view, illustrating all of the factors works which remains stable at all which damage works and cause their times - a huge task in a region deterioration over time. The with seasonal weather exhibition is one of contrasts changes - and also to the extraordinary beauty of Those years manage the effects of the works alongside the r have taken thei previous environments everyday factors which , toll on the works on the collections. not only take away from inue which will cont How do you that beauty, but destroy it to deteriorate identify which over time. if dedicated works need care? Why would looking tion preservation ac In 2012, with at mouldy pictures be .” isn’ t undertaken money awarded from interesting? the Community Heritage Every work tells a story Grants, a Preservation Needs - not just the image that is Assessment was made of the presented as its face, but the Hinton and Coventry Collections. This condition of the work and unseen assessment was really an overview of the features which make it individual. This collections, their storage, the temperature, exhibition allows the viewer to experience a humidity and lighting controls in place, different way of understanding artworks - and and the building fabric itself. The assessment ask questions: Why did the artist choose those gave us a Priority Listing to identify which materials? How has the original image changed works within those collections are most in over time through being exposed to light? need of urgent attention, and which works are Have the pigments and paper altered through relatively stable. Sadly, it also identified works chemical change to give the appearance of in the collection which are now too fragile for a different time of day or season? How has exhibition, and must remain in museum storage the choice of hanging a work in a particular until conservation treatment is possible. frame affected the length of time that work What is different about this exhibition? might last? How do we use the materials and Usually when visitors come to the museum information behind the image to piece together
“
additional information on its provenance? Through this exhibition, visitors can gain a greater understanding of the daily link between art and science and apply it to their own collections. People love to collect things. Understanding how to look after the things we collect is important, not only for the future of the past, but the future of the present also. What will be the community benefits from this exhibition? There are already strong community connections to NERAM’s extraordinary collections and historical links to a wider community and network of institutions. The Adopt An Artwork Campaign, and Operation Preservation, allows those links to develop at a more personal level. We have been fortunate in forging a new partnership with International Conservation Services (ICS) to undertake conservation treatments of the adopted works, largely due to the interest and support of ICS’s Managing Director, Julian Bickersteth. This has generated a plan for “in-house” conservation workshops in 2016, where visitors will be able to observe conservation treatments in process by trained conservators and graduate conservation students from Melbourne University. Thanks Jennifer.
the plug! Operation Preservation runs from 14th August 2015 - 18th September 2016. new england focus.
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WITH ALEX ROBSON • FELT TIP THEATRE COMPANY
6 new england focus.
FOCUS TALKS WITH ALEX ROBSON OF FELT TIP THEATRE COMPANY ABOUT HIS NEW PRODUCTION, ALICE IN WONDERLAND. ALEX TELLS US WHAT WE CAN EXPECT ...
A
lex, could you share with us your experience in the theatre industry... After studying theatre at UNE, I went on to co-found the Felt Tip Theatre Company. Since then we have run weekly youth drama workshops, and staged numerous small and large-scale productions in theatres in Armidale, the great outdoors, Sydney, Port Macquarie, and across the region. Last year we took a play I wrote called A Short Guide to Shakespeare to the Sydney Fringe Festival, where it was listed as one of the "must see" shows of the Fringe, and subsequently toured across the state. When you’ve had sell-out shows in Limbri and Narrabri, you know you’ve made it! What has inspired Felt Tip to produce an adaptation of Alice in Wonderland? I have been desperate to stage a full production of Alice for many years. For the HSC, I devised a monologue about the socalled Mad Hatter - the book never calls him this! - and for Favourite Shorts I revisited the character again, from a more cynical and philosophical angle. Both were received very well. And now I am playing the Hatter yet again, in another performance of my design. I was also for a time so poor, I lived mostly off tuna - which probably gave me chronic mercury poisoning, which is what drove the Victorian hatters mad when Lewis Carroll first wrote his story about Alice. Suffice to say, I am mad for Alice in Wonderland. What can your audience expect? They can expect Carroll’s story, largely intact, with only slight abridgement and adornment. This is not just a show for kids, and whilst it will most certainly appeal to them, this is theatre for all ages. Carroll’s work (and perhaps mine by extension) is remarkably witty and intelligent, with some of the puns and references easily going over children’s heads: then and now. Audiences can expect a bit of wonder, and to be delighted by it. Tell us about the cast and people involved? Felt Tip has a reputation for youth theatre and younger casts, but with this production there is a real mix. We have actors aged between 5 and 50 (and a few beyond, but I won’t name names), and it is extraordinary
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watching them work together - such a mix writing the play, the hours upon hours of of experiences! Age and maturity are such rehearsals, there is the physical making important themes in the book that it was of the stuff. A real highlight of this very important to me to see them reflected, production, as with most of Felt Tip’s to an extent, in the casting. You will see shows, will be the costumes designed by a few familiar faces, but some completely Margaret Sims. She has really outdone new ones, which is tremendously exciting. herself. Whilst some are on loan, a lot have Charlotte Charteris playing Alice is a been made from scratch. The Queen of complete delight, and has maturity and Heart’s costume alone is likely to steal the focus beyond her years - which is useful, as show. she virtually doesn’t leave the stage! The It is that lamentable aspect of theatre casting of the equally tall, thin and talented that you work on a thing for months and Kyle Donnan and Kyle O’Donohue as the months, and then it is over in twinkling, a Tweedles was a no brainer, and Torsten mere five performances! We are working Strokirch’s White Rabbit will having you on providing a school’s only matinee on unconsciously twitching your Friday 30th October, so if your nose for weeks to come. school is interested, please A special mention get in touch! must go out What are the plans I was also for a to Matthew for the future? time so poor, I Whittingham, Before Alice, tuna , lived mostly off ve who, in addition we are taking a ga which probably ry to playing the show to this year’s cu me chronic mer is Executioner - you Sydney Fringe: ch poisoning - whi an ri to ic V will never find the Telling Stories by e what drove th is w Le n he w mock executing Jobi Strike, which ad hatters m te his of small children audiences were Carroll first wro ” e. lic A t ou ab so endearing - has treated to a sneak y stor designed virtually all of preview of in last Felt Tip’s posters, and this year’s Favourite Shorts. is potentially his best work yet! Then immediately after Alice How much work and preparation is CAPERS. Then an end of year goes into a production of this concert for my drama students. Then calibre? a Sydney project or two, which are on the In a word: lots. Aside from the boil. And then … who knows? agonising process of adapting and Thanks Alex.
“
They can expect Carroll’s story, ith only largely intact , w t and en em dg ri slight ab is is not just adornment. Th and whilst a show for kids , ainly it will most cert is is th , em th to appeal es .” ag l al r fo e tr thea
“
the plug! Alice in Wonderland from The 29th of October to 30th of October – one week only! SHOW DATES 29th Oct @ 7:30pm 30th Oct – Schools Matinee 30th Oct @ 7:30pm 31st Oct @ 1:30pm 31st Oct @ 7:30pm www.felttiptheatrecompany.com Tickets $25 adults, $20 concession, $15 children
new england focus. 7
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Not the end of and era but a change of direction for Armidales Iconic Norma Arnold from Norma J’s
NORMA J’S NOT THE END OF AN ERA, BUT A CHANGE OF DIRECTION FOR ARMIDALE’S ICONIC NORMA ARNOLD FROM NORMA J'S in Armidale, and what do you love most about ow long have you lived in Armidale, and what do you love your business? most about living here? June and I had the most wonderful start to a new I was born in Armidale and business your could ever imagine twenty five years attended primary school here ago. June retired to Yamba fourteen years ago, and before moving to Sydney to I continued on. It was then that my sister, Jeanette, complete my secondary education. joined my business. What a wonderful decision that When did you first get involved in the retail was for both of us. Jeanette and I are very close and fashion industry, and what are the biggest work perfectly as a team. We both love a good chat changes you have seen over this time? and enjoy the challenges of retail. It was in Sydney when I began What I love most about my business my career in retail Broadway. is the satisfaction of achieving high After spending 10 years with to goals and when our customer e lik ld We wou r Grace Bros, my husband and I ou of leaves our store looking good, l al thank d an s thought it would be a woner feeling good and returns with om st loyal cu g tin or pp su derful idea to move back to r fo three of her friends … that s friend d an ss ne si Armidale for a total change bu r says it all! ou e in lifestyle. ourselves all thes ard Norma J's is changing forw years and look After only two weeks back soon; tell us more about d to your continue in Armidale, I was offered this? support.” the very prestigious position Recently I sold my business to as fashion buyer for Richarda very successful company called son's Department Store, commonly Swish. I have been associated with referred to as the "David Jones" of the Swish for over twelve years. Jeanette and country. I spent fifteen most enjoyable years I will work for Swish on a part-time basis, and working for a beautiful family company, J.RichI will continue to do the buying for the store. So as ardson & Co. Sadly the business sold, and pretty you see,not a lot will change. soon after there was an opportunity for a beautiful Along with their own label, Swish will also carry friend, June Grattan, former office manager from several of our top fashion labels such as GoondiwinRichardson's and myself to begin the journey of di Cotton, See Saw, Seven Sisters, all of our current Norma J's. knitware labels and more. Jeanette and I are excited How long has Norma J's been operating here to begin a new venture with Anita Carmody, Direc-
“
8 new england focus.
tor/Owner of Swish. What do you do outside of work? My interests outside of work are everything related to the outdoors, like camping, fishing, bush walking and of course, gardening. My husband and I are fortunate to also have a beautiful home at South West Rocks. I am looking forward to spending a little more time to enjoying all of these things once I get to have a couple of days off a week. Who would you like to thank, and what are your plans for the future? We would like to thank all of our loyal customers and friends for supporting our business and ourselves all these years and look forward to your continued support. Also a big thank you and a Woof! Woof! from my seventeen year old Jack Russell, Cody, who has joined me in the shop for the last ten years. When he is not sleeping in his basket, you'll see him peeping around the door in the back, making sure everything is OK. He knows he is not allowed in the shop. Not a lot will change in the future - only the name. Thanks Norma.
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Anita Carmody
The inception of Australia’s most loved boutique brand, Swish, occurred in early 2002, when owner Anita
Carmody decided to embark on a new adventure to provide stylish and high quality clothing for the more voluptuous woman.
swish
W
ith a few helpful allies and an ambitious dream, Swish was underway to becoming the unique and cherished fashion hub it is today. It is now with great pride and excitement that Swish is thrilled to announce the opening of their 10th store in Armidale! Swish is proud to be 90% Australian made and is one of the last men standing in local manufacturing. This enables Anita and her small team of experts to keep a closer eye on quality and ensure the best result for their loyal customers. With a full heart, the Swish team continuously strives to provide the best fit, quality and styles, having a joint experience of over 100 years in the fashion industry. Swish is recognised as Australia's premier plus size brand, now also catering for smaller sizes due to much demand. Swish provides sophisticated and stylish designs with a generous and comfortable fit. Specialising in making you look and feel great, the designs
Swish
comes to Armidale
are unique, colourful and full of fantastic piece collection. prints. How would you describe Swish in one If you're looking for something a little sentence? different, every day essentials or for that Swish is stylish yet comfortable special occasion, Swish has you clothing for the elegant covered! Swish Black Label woman. now caters for occasion What can we expect ve wear including mother of ha to see in the new I d an a m Nor an d ng lo the bride and guest of Armidale store? a d ye jo en p, as hi ns wedding. Following in tio la re l tfu frui from Q&A WITH SWISH Norma J’s footsteps, the brand grew th OWNER AND the Armidale strength to streng to e or st r he DESIGNER - ANITA store will still offer within the become one of CARMODY. Norma’s most loved ds she an br most valued When and why did brands, including carried.” you form Swish? Seesaw, Elliman, I was working as a busy LaGenda, Fields Woman fashion agent in Sydney and and Goondawindi Cotton, was continually asked by my clients to name just a few, and of for plus size shirts. It became apparent to course a large selection of Swish me very quickly that this market was not ranging from sizes 10 - 26. being well catered to. This prompted me Why open your next store in Armidale? to cross over from my sales and marketing Norma J’s was one of my very first background into design and manufacturing. customers to buy Swish. Norma and I have My first 20-piece shirt range back in 2002 enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship, as has now evolved into a fully coordinated 250 the brand grew from strength to strength
“
within her store to become one of the most valued brands she carried. When the opportunity arose to acquire Norma’s store, it seemed like the perfect evolution for both of us. We are thrilled to still have Norma at the helm along with her trusty assistant, her sister Jeanette. What does Swish offer? We cater sizes 10 - 26 for both casual and dressy day wear through to mother of the bride or guest of wedding. My passion has always been to work creatively with quality fabrics and eye-catching prints in beautiful colours. We offer an array of premium fabrics, including linen, cotton, silk and of course, our much loved stretch jersey, which encapsulates our vision for comfort and versatility. Who is the ideal Swish woman? We aspire to dress the discerning 40 plus woman who appreciates style, quality and takes pride in her appearance. My joy and sense of achievement derives from seeing the fruits of my labour decked out on a happy Swish customer. Thanks Anita.
new england focus. 9
focusinterview.
ADVENTURE R I D E R S ’ C O N G R E G AT I O N
THE INAUGURAL ANNUAL ADVENTURE RIDERS’ CONGREGATION IS COMING TO THE NEW ENGLAND IN MID-SEPTEMBER, AND TONY BENNETT FROM ARMIDALE ADVENTURE RIDERS GROUP IS PLANNING TO USE THIS EVENT TO PUT ARMIDALE ON THE MAP AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FINEST ADVENTURE RIDING DESTINATIONS.
Essentially, s Adventure Bike rt di n ee are a cross betw s ke bi bikes and ro ad erably and vary consid eds ne e th to g accordin r.” de ri of the
“ hat is Adventure Riding? Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman put adventure riding in everyone’s eye with the television series Long Way Round a few years back. From there, it’s gone ahead leaps and bounds as a means of travelling on everything from highways to dirt tracks in relative comfort, whist also enabling the rider to enjoy the thrill of off-road riding. During the G.F.C., whilst motorcycle sales plummeted, Adventure Bike sales held their own, as it became obvious that Adventure Bike riding had found its rightful place as an enjoyable and relatively inexpensive leisure activity. Essentially, Adventure Bikes are a cross between dirt bikes and road bikes and vary considerably according to the needs of the rider. At one end of the spectrum are the 1200 cc monsters, which are capable of propelling the rider, passenger and a swag of gear from one side of the country to the other. Others prefer to 10 new england focus.
ride smaller bikes of 650 cc or less and take them to the end of the world and back by the roughest track possible. Adventure Riding is suitable for licensed riders of all age groups, and it’s not uncommon to see riders from three generations enjoying their time together. The smaller bikes are mostly learner legal and provide new riders with the opportunity to quickly gain confidence and skills far away from city traffic. What is the Adventure Riders’ Congregation? Kurt Quambusch, publisher of Adventure Rider Magazine, felt it was about time that the hundreds of adventure riders from around the country had an opportunity to gather for a nonprofit weekend of sharing and socialising. He then contacted the Armidale Adventure Riders for assistance with the planning and organisation of the weekend.
The gathering will be
to discover how much safer and more enjoyable
held at Moredun Ponds,
riding in the country can be when shared with
smack in the middle of
others.
what was once Moredun
Who are the Armidale Adventure Riders?
Dam, the largest log and rock dam in the southern
The Armidale Adventure Riders first started as a small group of BMW GS riders who organised
hemisphere, on the weekend
monthly rides via email about six years ago. Since
of the 19th and 20th September.
that time, the group has rapidly grown to include
Everyone with an adventure bike is
riders of all types and sizes of Adventure Bike.
encouraged to attend. There will be various
About twelve months ago the group became a
talks and activities on the Saturday evening, and
Facebook group for ease of communication and
a small fee of $30 covers camping, dinner and
sharing experiences, photos and general rubbish.
breakfast. For more information you can logon
The group is not a club or official organisation,
to advridermag.com.au/forum and if you decide
rather a group of like-minded individuals who
to attend, you will need to logon to eepurl.com/
gather to share the experience of Adventure Bike
bqn21P to reserve your place.
Riding.
Members of the Armidale Adventure Riders
Anyone who respects the environment and
group are putting together several rides on the
feels they may be interested in connecting with
Saturday to highlight the fabulous riding and
other Adventure Riders is most welcome to
resources that this region has to offer. They
join the group at www.facebook.com/groups/
will depart from Armidale at various times and
armidaleadventureriders/
plan to all finish at the venue around 4pm. The
For further information, Tony Bennett can be
weekend will provide a great opportunity for
contacted on 0419 787 872.
anyone in the region who has an Adventure Bike
Thanks Tony.
GLEN INNES SO CLOSE, YET A WORLD AWAY
WHEN YOU GET TIRED OF THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY THIS SUMMER, REMEMBER THAT GLEN INNES IS SO CLOSE, BUT WORLDS AWAY. GLEN INNES IS 1,062 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL.
O
ur area has one of Australia’s Llangothlin Nature Reserve. Washpool coldest climates outside the and Gibraltar Range are part of the World Snowy Mountains and Tasmania. Heritage National Parks, which is indicative of What this means in summer is the richness of their flora and fauna. Within that Glen Innes is a place to escape from it all! the National Parks there is ample opportunity Our highest recorded temperature was 37 for swimming, bird watching, experiencing degrees in early 2014, but a temperature like beautiful waterfalls, bush walking, mountain that is a rarity in Glen Innes. With an average bike riding and more - you can do all of this in high temperature of 26 degrees in January, a world devoid of humidity! Glen Innes is the place to go when it all gets Another wonderful activity to enjoy in too hot and steamy! If you can’t summer is fishing. Fabulous fun beat the heat, come to Glen for the whole family, and Innes! no-one will complain Glen Innes has a about being hot and wn You will cool do diverse range of bothered! Glen Innes t as soon as you ge r accommodation options has an outstanding ith ou to Glen Innes. W like to for its visitors. We reputation for Murray we alpine climate, as er m have a large number Cod. However, refer to our sum u Yo d. ne tio di of motel rooms, other species are being air-con in ge an ch e th boutique B&Bs, farm about, like Rainbow e will notic as on so as re tu ra stays, caravan parks and Brown Trout, tempe ” e. riv ar with cabins and caravan Yellowbelly, Silver u yo and camping sites, and Perch, Redfin and Catfish. camping is available in the Pack a picnic and find National Parks. National Parks a cool, shady place by Rocky also have cabins available. So you don’t Ponds Creek, or go and enjoy the have to worry about a place to stay in Glen peace and quiet of the Standing Stones. Innes - regardless of your requirements, we Soak up the history and do a historic walk have you covered and we look forward to through town and end the day at the Land welcoming you. of the Beardies and History House Museum. You will cool down as soon as you get to Take your picnic and enjoy a drive through our Glen Innes. With our alpine climate, we like to stunning countryside, stopping at a country refer to our summer as being air-conditioned. tavern for a cool drink. You will notice the change in temperature as Glen Innes - so close yet worlds away. soon as you arrive. Escape the heat by coming to the airSome of the wonderful reasons to come to conditioned summer of Glen Innes. For Glen Innes in the summer include our National information or to become a Destination Glen Parks. We are surrounded by the most Innes Club Member and be always up to date, beautiful National Parks, including Washpool email us on destinationgleninnes@yahoo.com. and Gibraltar Range, Kings Plain and Little au or send us a message via Facebook.
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new england focus.
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focusinterview.
H E R I TAG E
Rose Gardens With one woman’s passion for roses and her generosity in sharing them with the public, Armidale now boasts one of Australias most unique Heritage Rose Gardens. Local member of the Australian Garden History Society Lynne Walker tells us more.
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ow did the idea of a Heritage Rose Garden come about? The evolution of this garden began with one woman’s passion for roses and her generosity in sharing them with the public. Miss Catherine MacLean has been a gardener all her life, but it wasn’t until later in life that collecting members of the rose family began and she filled her small city block with over one thousand roses. Over the years she has continued to build her collections of roses, and her garden today is an amazing mix of all the members of the rose family. When it got to the point that there was just no more room, it was suggested to Catherine by a local AGHS member that she might like to have her collection housed in a public place where the collection could be admired and learnt from, and she readily agreed. Why Saumarez? It was essential that the collection be housed in a secure location, so a public park was out of the question. Saumarez, as our local national Trust property, seemed the outstanding candidate, so local AGHS members liaised with the Advisory Committee of the National Trust of Australia, Saumarez Homestead, to provide a space for the garden to be established. This meeting culminated in the former orchard at Saumarez being made available to the AGHS 12 new england focus.
e The second stag of es ri se a will be hi story beds telling the at uring fe d an se of the ro ian al significant Austr ch hi w , rose breeders ar ’s will open in a ye time.”
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for the heritage rose garden. In 2013, a meeting was held at Saumarez between the local AGHS heritage rose sub committee and the National Trust. As a result of this meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was drawn up to clearly delineate roles and responsibilities of the two groups, with a final document agreed and signed in April 2014 - the first of its kind, in Australia, between the two organisations. Tell us about the design ... One of our local AGHS member and renowned botanist Ian Telford has drawn up a plan for the garden in two stages. The first stage, which will be completed when we open on November 1st, is based on a Tudor rose design, comprising a series of concentric beds divided by both radial and concentric paths which formed the basis of a garden of 44 beds. Interestingly, what we didn’t realise at the time was that the original City of Armidale Coat of Arms, plus the Arms of the University of New England and the Arms of Mary White College all have Tudor roses incorporated in their designs. The second stage will be a series of beds telling the history of the rose and featuring significant Australian rose breeders, which will open in a year’s time. How does this garden compare with others in Australia?
I don’t think you can ever compare gardens anywhere, as each one is unique and has different strengths, but I think both the design, and the number of roses - ultimately over 800 - are two of the strengths of this garden. Its location at Saumarez with wonderful views over the New England countryside also makes it very special. This will be the only public rose garden north of the Hunter Valley in NSW, and ultimately we plan to be part of a nation wide rose trail, starting in Tasmania at Woolmer’s Rose Garden and travelling up the coast visiting significant public rose gardens in Adelaide, Renmark, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Cessnock, Maitland, then us, and ending at Toowoomba. Then it’s just a “short” hop across the Nullabor to the fabulous rose gardens in WA! Who was involved, and whom would you like to thank? All the local businesses and service clubs who have worked on the site have done a magnificent job, and they have all been so enthusiastic about the project. There have been so many people and organisations involved, it’s difficult to know where to start, but first thanks must go to Catherine MacLean, the National Trust of Australia and the Armidale/Dumaresq Council. Thanks also to all the donors who
Matt Hellyar, Drone Photography
have provided funding, many of whom have been AGHS volunteers who have also worked tirelessly on the site for two years making it the picture it is today. A special opening is planned for November 1st; what can we expect? Lots of roses flowering, our Patron The Countess of Wilton will travel up from Melbourne, teas and lunches provided by the wonderful catering volunteers at Saumarez, demonstrations by the PawsUp dog team, and local garden author Liz Chappell will be there to sign her recently released book on New England gardening. Entry to the garden by donation - National Trust Saumarez is generously waiving its normal entry fee, and all proceeds from Sunday 1st go to the Heritage Rose Garden. Open 10am until 5pm. How can FOCUS readers see the garden and/or get involved with the garden history club? Come long on November 1st. After that the Heritage Rose Garden will be open during normal Saumarez hours - 10am 5pm on weekends. Entry fee $8 for adults. To become involved with the Australian Garden History Society, ring our Secretary Helen Wilson on 6772 7586 or visit the AGHS website www.gardenhistory.org.au Thanks Lynne.
NEWLING
Public School THE WEEKLY TRANSITION TO SCHOOL PROGRAMME AT NEWLING PUBLIC SCHOOL DELIVERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A SUSTAINED EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE AT SCHOOL AND PROVIDES THE BEST POSSIBLE START TO A CHILD’S FORMAL EDUCATION.
This year the Newling “Little Stars” Transition programme has been operating since April, and the students are currently attending two full school days each week to allow them to become increasingly comfortable in the school environment. New enrolments are welcome, but it is advisable to enrol soon for children to experience the complete benefits of the transition programme. “Our Transition programme aims to make school, including the environment and the expectations, comfortable and familiar for incoming Kindergarten children,” states Newling School Principal Mr Murray Cox. “The Transition to School programme offers astutely planned school experiences over an extended period of time, unlike the traditional one or two Orientation days.” The programme is specifically designed for
preschool age children and is based on the playbased philosophy of early childhood education. The national curriculum framework Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia has guided the design of the learning experiences provided. Our Transition teacher Ms. Tania King has designed a tailored programme for her students based on their interest and needs. It’s so important to engage children in the excitement of learning from the start. “Watching the children develop positive learning habits which prepare them for lifelong learning is exciting,” says Mr Cox. “You can see they are getting off to a great start.” Music, books, digital stories and creating works of art are all part of the exciting programme. Children are able to express themselves in a carefully structured environment.
Learning early literacy and numeracy strategies enable a smooth start to Kindergarten. Parents may also take advantage of having younger children attend the Playgroup, which operates at the school each Thursday in the school hall hosted by Armidale Family Playgroups. “A complete school experience is assured each day,” says Principal Murray Cox. The Transition students follow the normal school times, practices and are paired early with ‘buddies’ as part of the ongoing peer-support programme when the children start Kindergarten. Children experience all aspects of curriculum, including computer technology, language (Mandarin) classes with Ms Joanne Liu and music lessons with Mrs Bekk Baumgartner through our NECOM partnerships. One of the important aspects of the transition programme is having the children involved in whole school routines. This enables the children to become acquainted with the school
routines; having older children around, attending assemblies, having a canteen and moving around and playing in large spaces. It places the child at ease with the environment and ensures an easy settlement into school routines and life. “I notice a big difference in the children coming into Kindergarten who have participated in our transition programme. They are well prepared with essential skills from the day they first walk through the doors for school,” Kindergarten teacher Mrs Elizabeth Peasley has noted. “As their prospective Kindergarten teacher, I am able to gain thorough knowledge of the children and their learning needs from the very start.” Newling offers children an exciting and structured Transition programme to school. The programme is open to all children who are planning to start school in 2016. If you want your child to have a successful school beginning, then Newling “Little Stars” Transition programme is a great place to start.
new england focus.
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focusinterview.
With decades in the martial arts industry,
Liam Kelleher tells FOCUS about his exciting role, teaching students in and around the New England. We were interested to know more about the subject, and Liam explained the many facets that form the art of Iai.
T
ell our readers where you cut the opponent down with the katana (long are from … sword) in a single smooth motion. The katana I’m originally from Sydney, are either shinken (sharp steel swords) or bokken but have lived in Armidale for (wooden swords). Obviously, for safety reasons, most of my life. Iai training begins with familiarising oneself with So, what is the sport/art that the bokken, before moving on to the shinken. you practice, and how long have you been Training involves both individual and pair work training? exercises, and classes are combined to cater for The martial art that I study is called Komei students of all ages and abilities. Juku Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu (or Iai I have been involved with Komei Juku “ee-ai” for short). The art itself is one for over a decade. During this time I have of the oldest in Japan; it is over 450 been fortunate enough to train with years old and has an unbroken the school’s 21st Grandmaster, lineage with consecutive Sekiguchi Komei, on many Grandmasters (Soke) occasions, in both Australia Training throughout this time. In and Japan. In fact, involves both its day, Iaijutsu was an Sekiguchi Komei regularly pair individual and effective means of selftravels overseas, sharing and work exercises, defence for the Samurai his knowledge of Iai with bined classes are com ts as they went about his students across the en to cater for stud their daily business; world. of all ages and however, in the modern What attire and abilities.” world, there is thankfully equipment do you have/ no need to know how to need/require? fight with long blades, so we When training, we wear train to improve ourselves and to traditional Japanese clothing, which preserve the traditions, discipline, and consists of a shirt (keikogi) over which we fighting techniques of traditional Japan. Iaijutsu wear a belt (obi) wrapped many times around is a method in which you draw quickly and the body. Over the top of this uniform we wear
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focusinterview.
In the past I have travelled to t test wha tournaments to d have I have learned an hi es op tr y gathered man my best ith w s, and medal cond results being a se ate St place in the NSW fourth g in Finals and plac Titles.” in the National
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a pleated and divided pair of pants (hakama) and for footwear we wear tabi (socks with a woven bottom). For training a weapon is also required, with the bokken (wooden sword) being used in all classes. When the time is right, it is highly recommended that students get a shinken of their own, but it is not a necessity. It is also recommended when training to wear soft knee pads, as a majority of the techniques (waza) start from a seated position. Have you won any awards? In the past I have travelled to tournaments to test what I have learned and have gathered many trophies and medals, with my best results being a second place in the NSW State Finals and placing fourth in the National Titles. Due to conflicting schedules, I haven’t been able to compete for a couple of years; however, next year I look forward to getting back into the tournament scene. Have you travelled for your martial art? Why? Yes indeed, quite a significant amount, with many international and domestic trips for training seminars and tournaments. I get to Japan as often as possible to train directly under Sekiguchi Sensei and the other senior members of the school. It was just a couple of years ago I travelled to Madrid to train with Marcos Sala Ivars Sensei, who is the Shibucho for the entirety of Spain. In late January next year I and other students from Australia and around the world will be converging in Japan for an eighteen day extensive training seminar, which happily coincides with Sekiguchi sensei’s seventieth birthday. On a domestic level I have gone as far as Townsville to Adelaide and everywhere in-between, so that I don’t miss opportunities to train with the other great teachers who are a part of Komei Juku. In fact, a seminar in which Sekiguchi sensei was flown out to Australia to teach only recently concluded at the end of August in Brisbane.
Now you are teaching? Please tell us more … Where do you teach? I have been teaching Iai for many years now, with my students ranging from seven years of age, all the way up to those in their sixties. I am holding classes at the amazing facilities of our local Armidale PCYC and would like to thank Demian Coates and all the wonderful staff there for providing such a welcoming, safe, and clean environment for all involved. Class times are from 6pm 'til 8pm Monday and Wednesday evenings, with the first lesson being free and ten dollars a session after that. Next year I will be flying Sekiguchi Sensei out to Armidale in April for a training seminar, which will be held at the PCYC. This will be amazing, as Sekiguchi Sensei has not been to Armidale in about ten years. I have also had the wonderful opportunity to teach some year ten classes at O’connor Catholic College, and would like to thank Melissa Killen and David Lush for facilitating such an enjoyable and productive experience. Are there many "schools" around Australia and abroad? Komei Juku is quite a small school of martial arts but still has a good coverage of dojo across Australia. Starting from the north and working down there is Townsville, Brisbane, Toowoomba, Armidale, Newcastle, Sydney, Adelaide, and Port Lincoln. Internationally, Komei Juku has a very wide representation, with schools all throughout Europe, Asia, and in the Americas (north and south). Thanks Liam.
Class times are from 6pm y 'til 8pm Monda ay sd and Wedne e evenings , with th g in be on ss le first rs a free and ten dolla .” at th r session afte
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the plug! To get involved or to know more, please contact Liam Kelleher. Phone. 0415 454 275 Email. seizaisshin@gmail.com
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AROUND THE REGION //SEPTEMBER 2015
First Saturday chats Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Morgan Quaife, Solicitor from 10am to 1pm at our offices on Saturday 5 September 2015. As this is a popular programme, bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100.
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Saumarez Garden fair
Market stalls specialising in garden tools, accessories and of course plants and shrubs for sale. Special guided house tours, gold coin donation, of ground floor decorated with flowers from Mary’s Garden, the Picking Garden and Volunteers’ gardens.
An evening with Armidale community of schools
KENTUCKY SEASONAL Craft & Produce
A fabulous night of entertainment not to be missed. Tickets available from Reader’s Companion from Monday 17th August (CASH ONLY).
Featuring local Kentucky businesses, local produce and locally made crafts, each market will be held in the Kentucky Memorial Hall on the 2nd Sunday of each season, with a 9am start and 1pm finish.
Time: 6:30pm Foyer Art Show, 7pm Concert. Date: Wednesday, 2nd September. Venue: Lazenby Hall, UNE Cost: $15 adults; $10 children.
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When: 13th September 2015. Contact: Anne-Marie Ward, KPA Market Coordinator Phone: 0407 345 908 Email: wards71@bigpond.com
Catering: Devonshire teas on the Homestead verandah, Dumaresq Lions BBQ and Saumarez Café with light lunches and Daily Ritual specialty teas and coffee. When: 12th and 13th September 2015. Entry: Free entry to gardens and grounds. Special talks: by Myles Baldwin - Australian Horticulturalist and Garden Designer. Bookings required: adults $20, concessions $15 per lecture. Both lectures: adults $30; concessions $20. Contact: Saumarez Homestead on 6772 3616 or email Saumarez@ nationaltrust.com.au
focusinterview.
Denise ELDERING
flowers
You may recognise Denise from Armidale Market Fresh, greeting customers with her gorgeous smile and the stunning flowers she provides. This month we caught up with Denise to hear about her love for all things nature …
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doing before you came to Armidale … i Denise. Tell us a little bit about yourself; how I used to work for a firm in Sydney, and we used long have you lived in our to do all the corporate functions, so we’d go in and beautiful area, and how long change over the foyers of the Regent Hotel and have you been operating as the Sebel, we’d do huge weddings and things like a florist? that. It was more commercial floristry than high end I’ve been operating as a florist for 40 years, which skilled floristry. makes me sound really old! (Laughs.) I actually Where do you like to source your flowers started doing it at a really young age, and I’ve been from? Do you try to source them as in the area for five years. locally as possible? What first inspired your interest in We are now trying to source them a floristry? lot more locally, so we are trying to I just like nature; I like colours get the Peony grower to come and Mother Nature amazes me at on board and things like that, s er how she can reproduce exactly w but the majority of it comes flo Spring y ad re g in the same beauty each time. It’s tt from the Sydney markets. ge are s er w flo h incredible; it makes your day is We’ve just gotten hold to flour tiful and cheers you up when you of another grower who’s that have a beau si as ee perfume, like Fr d see flowers. amazing; he’s got lots an and Anemones Armidale Market Fresh of different foliages and Jonquils . ” welcomed you to their greeneries, which I’m really business early this year. How happy with - beautiful gum do you think your services nuts and unusual sorts of complement their business? things, kale, pretty foliage leaves, I just think that flowers complement fruit unusual things that you can put in and vegetables. It’s an experience to come in and different vases in your house. purchase fruit and vegetables and purchase yourself What are your favourite flowers to work with a nice bunch of flowers as well. and why? What do you specialise in? Oh, that’s a tough question! I like ones that sit I mainly worked in the corporate world down in and do as they’re told, that’s for sure! (Laughs.) Sydney, but up here I specialise in weddings. No, I guess it would be foliage; I like working with foliage, and I like unusual flowers. Tell us a little more about what you were
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What do you love most about working with the team at Armidale Market Fresh? It’s a very happy environment; you find when people come in to buy their fruit and vegetables and flowers it’s nice, and people are on a bit of a high. It’s a nice experience, because you’re buying something for yourself, for home, and if you’re a cook and you’re enjoying that aspect of it, it’s a lovely thing that you can come in and look at the fresh ingredients and then you can buy yourself a bunch of cheap flowers for your kitchen. That’s what I looked for and what got me in here originally; I used to come for that reason, to look and to buy little things for myself. Would you say that there’s a favourite season of the year in nature, that you love the most? Definitely spring! Spring flowers are getting ready to flourish - flowers that have a beautiful perfume, like Freesias and Anemones and Jonquils. Is that what is coming into season now? Yes, although it’s very hard with seasons now. Australia purchases from overseas so much now that you can get anything at anytime of the year basically. If people are interested in your services apart from what you’re doing at Armidale Market Fresh, how can they get into contact with you? Pop into Armidale Market Fresh and I’ll look after you. Thanks Denise. new england focus.
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stacker burger - double beef, double bacon, double cheese and onion rings with hickory smoked BBQ sauce from The royal hotel.
download our eat. dining guide for iPhone & Android www.focusmag.com.au/eat
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Pork Ribs
The royal hotel The Royal Hotel is the place to meet. From a cold drink after a hard day’s work, to a delicious meal in our bistro or even a tasty bottle of wine from our bottle shop, we’ve got all your needs covered. The start of spring also sees the Royal kick off its Saturday morning breakfasts. So start your Saturday the right way and come enjoy a smooth coffee and a mouthwatering breakfast from 8am. Only at the Royal Hotel Armidale.
Head Chef Lennard Tanner.
107 Beardy Street Armidale (Crn Beardy & Marsh street) 6772 1444 royalhotelarmidale.com.au 7 days from 10 ‘til late. Lunch 12pm - 2pm Dinner 6pm - 9pm.
Confit duck leg, braised pork belly, white beans, pork sausage, garlic crumbs
aqua the westport club Enjoy exciting new options in Aqua with our winter menu whilst relaxing in our stunning, fully refurbished surrounds. Aqua now offers a full wine and dine experience with an emphasis on Australian Wines at our new Aqua Bar. A new menu, a new restaurant feel combined with our classic Hastings River view and friendly service. Bookings are recommended.
Chefs de Cuisine Chris & Luke
25 Buller Street, Port Macquarie 6583 1499 thewestportclub.com.au 7 days. Lunch 11:30am– 2:30pm. Dinner 5pm – 8:30pm. new england focus.
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URALLA’s THUNDERBOLTs FESTIVAL
AZKA RESTAURANT WINE AND TAPAS BAR Uncover and enjoy the delights of Azka Restaurant, Wine and Tapas Bar located downstairs at the Quality Hotel Powerhouse. This Armidale foodie and wine pocket is similar to a metropolitan laneway bar, but with upmarket comfort and style. You can select from 40 exciting drops by the glass and taste delicious tapas dishes without leaving your cosy seat by the fire! Azka Wine and Tapas Bar is open every day and will satisfy your appetite for great food, wine and atmosphere!
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Treat your dad this Father’s Day to an amazing feast at Azka Restaurant. Dad will love the sensational farmhouse style dishes - 10 hour slow roasted grass fed beef ribs with Jack Daniels BBQ sauce and 14 hour slow roasted grass fed shoulder of New England lamb. Local grass fed beef is also a house specialty and will make dad happy! To book, call Azka Restaurant on 6772 7788 or visit qualityhotelpowerhouse.com.au Azka Restaurant is open daily from 6:30am ‘til late!
13/08/2015 10:23 pm
Starting at 10:30am with the street parade along New England Highway, to our beautiful Alma Park with market stalls and the major attraction, Rampt Mini FMX freestyle Motocross bike performances. These guys perform extreme acrobatics on mini bikes using a 15 m ramp with a 70 m run up and are sure to wow the crowd! There will be Solid State Circus acrobatic performances, Paws Up dog high jump demonstration, rock climb wall, bouncy boxing, giant slide, jumping castle, hula hoop competition and merry-go-round. No gate charge; kids just need a $2 wristband to enjoy all the activities all day! Plus face painting and live band “Stormy Weather featuring Shirley Smith”. Fleet Warbirds will be providing the 1st prize in our major raffle, with one lucky winner being treated to a T6 Texan or Boeing Stearman
adventure flight. In conjunction with Uralla Thunderbolts Festival, the Thunderbolt Rough Stock Rodeo will be on Saturday 17th October and is the fourth action packed rodeo for the energetic Uralla rodeo committee. This year the committee will continue with the success of the bareback and saddle broncs, raising money for Friends of McMaughs. On the 24th October the Oxley Riders will be holding the Bail Up Poker Run, Bike and Custom Car Show. The Poker Run will start at 10:30am and will lead the street parade through Uralla then proceed to tour around the local area and be back in Uralla around 4pm. The Bike and Car Show will then be held in Hill St and this year features vintage and antique bikes. There will be market stalls, live music and a Rotary BBQ. www.thunderboltsfestival.com.au
focus_travel
with Vicki Kembery from Travel 195
Vicki Kembery Planning a holiday can be a daunting task, with a myriad of questions you’re trying to find answers to and so many places to look for that answer.
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ong Kong or Singapore guarantee there will be no hidden costs when for a stopover? A hotel or you actually get there to pick up that car or rent apartment in London? Left that room? Can you do it as quickly as someone bank or right bank in Paris? who does this day in and day out, goes to all Qantas or British Airways? the training, reads up on all the latest news and 10 hour bus ride or one knows all the right companies who not only have hour flight? Visa ... what visa? the best reputation, but also offer the best rates? Type any of these questions into a search enIf you want some bullet-proof answers to a legine and you’ll get answers - a myriad of them! gal, financial or medical question, do you Google But who exactly is giving you those answers? it or go to a professional? Some people might And can they answer all your other questions or say a Travel Agent isn’t needed when you’re even answer the questions you didn’t know you planning that holiday but in fact, according to had? Which one of those webpages do recent research it seems that now more you click on, or do you spend the than ever, Australians value the next 10 hours clicking on all advice and experience of a of them to get the “right” travel agent. According to to ng answer? And, in the end, the research, in the last di or cc A , it did you in fact get the two years the number recent research ore m w no at right answer? of travellers who view th s seem ians al tr us A , er ev There is one person agents as “a trusted than and ce vi ad e th e lu who can help you and source of safety and va travel a of ce en ri pe ex whom you can trust. And travel advice” is around agent.” they can not only answer 73%. your questions, but can But what a lot of even book it for you, offer people who pride themyou the best deals, make sure selves on their online nous all your bases are covered, and all the don’t realise, is how techno-savvy while save you a great deal of time, effort and your humble Travel Agent really is and angst. This person is, of course, your travel the incredible access we have to all the latest agent. travel technology. Yes, we have the know-how Ha! I hear you say - especially if you are under and experience, and we offer the traveller a 30 and techno-savvy with all the latest computer safety net should something go wrong, but a lot wizardry - in this day and age I can do it cheaper of people thinking about travel simply don’t care online. But can you? And more importantly, can about these safety nets. you trust the unseen being at the other end of But what if I tell you that I have access to techthe internet connection? nology that allows me to search for everything As a Travel Agent, I receive up to 100 offers you can (and then some) and I can probably do it every day from various hotels, airlines, tour operten times faster, thus not only saving you money ators, cruise companies all reminding me of their but also saving you that other precious thing you latest deals, offers and specials. And this means I want more of - time. don’t have to go searching online for them - they So next time you’re booking your holiday are all at my fingertips. They also send reminders visit your local Travel Agent and let them do the when their deals are nearing their use-by-date. work - it really won’t cost you any extra and they So can you put together a package that really do want to make sure you have the best will save you more in the long run? Can you experience you can.
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new england focus.
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curry • CELEBRATING
10 YEARS •
AS IF THE LURE OF SUN, SAND AND BEAUTIFUL BEACHES WASN’T ENOUGH, THERE’S ANOTHER REASON THE LITTLE COASTAL TOWN OF WOOLGOOLGA IS GARNERING MORE AND MORE ATTENTION FROM RESIDENTS IN THE NEW ENGLAND AREA.
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n 2015, Woolgoolga - on the northern reaches of the Coffs Coast - will again be home to one of Destination NSW’s celebrated flagship events, Woolgoolga
food and cultural festival that has grown into a flagship event. Curryfest features curries from all over the
on the evening of September 25. On the big day, Saturday, September 26,
The festival also coincides this year with Woolgoolga’s renowned Lillipilli Art Exhibition,
the festival begins at 9am. Entry is only $4
celebrating regional artists in a number of
world, ethnic foods, Punjabi music, dancing
per adult; kids are free. There are more than
formats.
Curryfest. This year, however, has a difference
and other cultural displays … a feast for the
100 stalls, two stages with lots of cultural
- they’re celebrating a massive 10 years of the
eyes, ears and for the stomach. Organisers have
and traditional entertainment, cooking
a half hours, locals could make a day trip
celebrated community festival.
promised that 2015 looks to be the biggest and
demonstrations, mindfulness and meditation
to Woolgoolga, but why not make a long
best event yet.
workshops, kids’ activities, henna tattoos,
weekend of it and enjoy the wonderful beaches
market stalls and lots of opportunities to try
of the Coffs Coast! It’s the start of the school
Just a scenic drive over the mountain, yet a whole world away, the town of Woolgoolga
This year the fun begins with the “Tastes of
With a drive time of just over two and
is home to the biggest Australian Punjabi
Woolgoolga” restaurant experiences, starting
and buy curries and spice products for you to
holidays, and don’t forget the festival has
Sikh population outside of capital cities.
with a banquet on September 5, followed by a
take away and experiment with in your own
a kids’ zone plus all the usual Coffs Coast
Woolgoolga’s population is only 5,000, but the
Moroccan night on September 12.
kitchen. There will also be lots of other ethnic
kids’ attractions - the Big Banana, Dolphin
food for those whose tastes lie elsewhere.
Marine Magic, The Butterfly House - are only
town boasts two Sikh temples and hundreds
Woolgoolga The Bollywood Musical will wow
of citizens for whom Punjabi is their first
audiences on September 24, and the warm up
Buy a Curryfest raffle ticket, and you might
language. On September 26, the whole town
for Festival Day on September 26 is the much-
win a return flight to India compliments of Air
au for accommodation and further festival
celebrates its unique heritage with Curryfest, a
loved Bollywood on the Beach outdoor movies
India. Tickets are only $2.
information.
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minutes away. Head to www.curryfest.com.
Icing on the cake with Susie Dunn
Icing ON
cake THE ROAD TO PARIS …
C
an we afford to miss the bus? That’s what an Armidale-targeted campaign is asking about the upcoming climate talks in Paris. I’ve never woven a basket in my life, nor ever lived in Balmain, but I certainly know that the climate here has been changing and I certainly don’t want us to do anything that might accelerate the trend if we can help it. Renewable energy seems so sensible, and certainly preferable to finite, older, dirtier options.
NIGHT THIRD
REDINEG F INCLU AST BREAK
F
It’s embarrassing to contemplate that Australia might not act in the most responsible way at the Paris Summit (Nov. 30 - Dec. 11) which aims to keep global warming below two degrees Celsius. This shouldn’t be politics - it should be common sense, surely. The Kiwis will end coal-burning power generation by 2018. Adam Marshall’s recent launch of NE Wind’s programme using SODAR’s state-of-the-art wind monitoring unit is one step. He also reminded us that the grid still had a part to play. ADC Mayor
Laurie Bishop showed another trend by telling us his house is totally self-sustainable for both energy and water. This year’s National Aborigines Day theme is “We All Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect & Celebrate” - that’s a pretty good general message for everyone, surely. A new Canadian study says, “More trees on your street help you feel years younger… healthier … equivalent to increasing income by $10,000”). Goodness! The dedicated hard work of the Armidale Urban Rivercare Group over the years - working from the Sport UNE playing fields to Cooks Road - has made a literally growing impact, and more people are now visually aware of it. What a pity that what I call the “gutter”, where the creek is confined through the centre of the Creeklands hasn’t been softened (removed?) yet. Some thoughtful planting with Council’s guidance and a more natural look would surely enhance it. I always like this district to buzz. Sadly, bad news on the world buzzing front is that the bees are doing badly, being wiped out in many areas. Diseases, but also some pesticides, have definite fingers pointed. Implications for the fertilisation of crops and plants generally are on red alert. Can research facilities somewhere provide answers? Thoughtful analysts seem to agree that if we thought technological change has been a mind-blowing revolution, we have no idea of the shockwave (thanks for the word image, Jack) coming towards us. This is why innovation is not just a fashionable word - for future jobs we have to create new industries with an entrepreneurial spirit. I was talking to someone
The lifecycle of the Southern Humpback takes them up the east coast of Australia… But it’s the calm waters of Hervey Bay where they take time out to indulge in a little people watching.
manning a supermarket checkout the other day. He understood. We haven’t all comprehended our advantage with the NBN and should come to terms with it, letting go down that slippery slide into the future. Remember the saying that the jobs of the future haven’t been invented yet. (I’ve just learnt that to say “IT” is SO yesterday. Now it’s ICT or IOT, but by now that’s probably SO yesterday too.) One of the exciting things I relish here is constantly meeting local people who are doing fascinating things. Educated in Armidale at school and UNE, John Walker is Macquarie Bank’s Executive Chairman in South Korea and Head of Infrastructure for Asia. He says his home in Armidale is his “bolt-hole”. John says he and Mike Creagan - CEO of the Business Enterprise Centre - have been best friends since they were four. Mike organised John’s talks to the Chamber of Commerce and the University. Great fun, clearheaded and definitely cutting edge, John’s full of suggestions for Armidale’s NBN and is talking with UNE’s Graduate School of Business. He’s also a pretty good singer. Good to see that the Costa Group in Guyra is now set to produce 70+M tomatoes annually, while Inverell’s Bindaree Beef, identifying accelerating global demand for beef, is expanding. And winter reminds us there’s nothing like wool - and now you can wear it year round. We want to keep icing on our cake. Susie Dunn. P.S. COMING - UNE’s Natural History Museum! And the Armidale Club has a surprise jazzman friend of mine playing on August 29.
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HO DEALTS
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res@kingfisherbay.com www.kingfisherbay.com *Conditions: Subject to availability, valid for travel 1 August to 31 October 2015
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A WOOLF AT THE DOOR It all started with a quote by Virginia Woolf, who had some good advice for young women wishing to succeed in a career. In a 1928 lecture at a women’s college, she said: “A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” From this beginning flowed the idea of the rest of the programme - a group of plays on the feminine perspective. Hence we have Woolf’s dramatised lecture, A Room of One’s Own; the surreal Stolen Heart and; from the BBC TV series Talking Heads, the bittersweet comedy/drama A Lady of Letters. Performers: Barbara Albury, Jan Wyles, Anita Brown, Mark Lawless and the Three of Hearts singers. Directors: Chris Cunningham, Jenni Ford and Alex Taylor. Seven performances over two weeks Week one: Saturday 17 Oct, 2pm and 8pm (opening night). Week two: Friday 23 Oct, 10am (schools & community matinee) and 8pm. Saturday 24 Oct, 2pm and 8pm. Sunday 25 Oct, 3pm. Tickets: $25, $20 (concession), $5 (school students), $12 Friday matinee. Bookings: Carr’s Newsagency Central Mall (02) 6772 3534 or highcountrytheatre.com Enquiries: Barbara Albury, bhalbury@bigpond.com or 0427 729 529 www.highcountrytheatre.com
JETS flyin &
INSPIRE
YOUTH
When the Newcastle Jets A-League football team came to Armidale last month, they organised a special meeting with a local organisation that helps local young people.
T
he Jets were told about the work of BackTrack by one of its supporters, the Greater Building Society. Greater Armidale branch manager Wendy Ng said the Jets jumped at the chance to meet the young men and women BackTrack works with, giving them access to a private training session and meeting them afterwards. A 15 year old BackTrack participant and football player said the visit was
inspirational. “It is great to see that it is possible to make a living from doing what you love and are good at,” the young man said. BackTrack is an Armidale based not for profit organisation, established in 2006, to give local young people, who have lost their way practical skills to improve their job opportunities. Programmes include AgLads, The Paddock Classroom, Iron Man Welders, the Paws Up dog training programme, and Links
to Learning. The Jets came to the New England to meet fans, run coaching clinics and held a training game at UNE. It was part of a 1,000 km Northern NSW tour to connect with fans and the community as well as inspire young footballers. The Greater is the major community partner of the Jets Connect programme. The Club said it would return in 2016 and hoped to hold a game against another A League team in Tamworth.
LOCAL
READ
LIZ CHAPPELL
Celebrate the Seasons GARDEN MEMOIRS FROM NEW ENGLAND
A
n essential book for coldclimate gardeners, this personal journey of making a garden around a heritage homestead is set in one of the coldest areas of Australia, the New England region of New South Wales. Share garden walks through historic properties, exotic woodlands, traditional English style herbaceous borders and contemporary prairie plantings. Advice from key gardeners of the district is presented as a month by month guide to gardening activities. When Liz Chappell returned to the New England area of northern New South
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Wales, to a garden cultivated by her mother and grandmother before her, she found Australian gardening advice did not prepare her for the challenges of this climate. Plants hardy to drought would not withstand frosts to minus 15 degrees, in spring as well as winter. Torrential summer downpours drowned many more. Few Australian native shrubs could adapt to the severe cold conditions. Over twenty years Liz has created a diverse and much admired garden of abundant roses, perennial borders and exotic trees and learned there is indeed a wealth of ornamental plants which will thrive in her garden. Along the way, Liz kept a journal of gardens visited, plants admired and of course, every addition, trial and triumph in her garden. Now she brings this experience and the collective wisdom of many other gardeners across New England together in Celebrate the Seasons. This gardening memoir is like chatting to a
friend over the kitchen table. Kim Woods-Rabbidge brings the perception of an artist and gardener to her sensitive photographs, capturing the nuances of changing seasons in many of the finest gardens of New England: from spring bulbs thrusting through icy ground, the relentless sunshine and sudden storms of mid-summer, gentle mellowness of autumn leaves, to the austere, frost-rimed winter gardens.
the plug! Celebrate the Seasons will be available October 2015. See: www.lizchappell.com.au. Soft cover, 240pp. with over 200 colour images, botanical charts and index. RRP $40. For further information: Liz Chappell, (02) 6734 4143, liz.chappell3@gmail.com Kim Woods Rabbidge, (07) 3899 9863, kimwr@bigpond.com
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The Walcha FArmers’ markets
N
New Era for NERAM
ERAM is embarking on a new era with a new director and a new and revamped café. Robert Heather comes to NERAM from the State Library of Victoria, where he was manager of events and exhibitions, and before that he was director of Artspace in Mackay and executive director of the Regional Galleries Association of Queensland. He has also worked at Cairns Regional Gallery and the Queensland Art Gallery. He is very enthusiastic about coming to Armidale,
and his breadth of experience in both large and small galleries will stand him in good stead at NERAM. One exciting synergy will be his interest in artists books, developed at Mackay and through Artist Books 3.0, and the Museum of Printing at NERAM. At the moment Robert is busy immersing himself in what the museum holds, gaining some familiarity with over 5,000 works. It will be exciting to see how Robert injects his own interests and personality into the programmes and activities of NERAM and enables the
wonderful NERAM collections to be seen and displayed through a new perspective. At the cafe end of NERAM David Thomas and Phil Tutt are opening Studio 52. Dave and Phil come to NERAM from Trina’s in Uralla, where they established a fine reputation for great food and service. They are looking forward to providing the same quality service and delicious and varied menu at NERAM for visitors to enjoy great dining and great art together. Studio 52 is open during NERAM’s opening hours and open for breakfast on the weekends.
HERITAGE-STYLE
CHICKEN
T
Look forward to all the usual stalls and enjoy fresh espresso coffee and exotic teas, or cool home-made refreshments, along with pastries, egg and bacon rolls, gourmet lamb pies, sweets, fresh produce, honey, oils, plants, beautiful by-products and a whole range of other scrumptious delights!
The Walcha Farmers’ Markets are held the third Saturday of the month (except during the winter months) from 8:30am 12:30pm in McHattan Park, near the Walcha Visitor Information Centre. For more information, visit their website on www.walchafarmersmarket.org.au or call (02) 6777 2448.
Exclusively developed and bred by the Sommerlad family at “Kildare” Tenterfield, in the New England highlands of NSW. Free Range Pasture Reared. We rear our chickens in small groups, using free range pasture rearing methods. Portable shelters and very low stocking densities ensures our birds always have access to vegetation, and the land is continually improved by the nutrients and aeration the chickens return to the soil. As well as foraging through the paddock, our chickens select between a mixture of Australian whole grains and our natural protein concentrate. They are never given antibiotics; their hardy genetics, along with whole grains and grit from the earth, naturally improves their gut health. This artisan combination of unique breeding and hand rearing produces gourmet quality table birds, with outstanding texture and flavour. Slow and low cooking will perfectly complement your bird, and our family’s favourite slow roast cooking instructions are available on our website. We have recently moved to our new farm “Kildare” to expand our poultry breeding business, and our beautiful
September will be their Stepping into Spring market, including all the plants and flowers coming into bloom, face painting and jumping castle for the kids, spring competitions, music and a cooking workshop.
We invite community members to bring along their homemade relishes, cakes, fresh produce, plants and so on, to the Community Stall. It’s so easy, as the committee sell your produce on your behalf!
SOMMERLAD
oday, nearly all Australian chicken farmers (whether conventional, free-range, organic, or RSPCA approved), rear the same fast growing meat chicken strains: Ross and Cobb. These strains, also known as broilers, are developed overseas specifically for intensive farming, and they do not cope as well outdoors as the hardier table poultry strains did before them. Seeking a fundamental welfare change, we returned to some of our country’s original table poultry breeds, such as the Australian Game, Light Sussex, Croad Langshan and Plymouth Rock, to develop a robust slower growing meat chicken, specifically suited to free range pasture rearing. Sommerlad Heritage-Style ChickensTM grow slower than modern white broilers, avoiding the welfare issues associated with their extremely fast growth rate. Our birds also have balanced body confirmation, with a more elongated body shape compared to breast heavy conventional broilers.
The Walcha Farmers’ Markets are set to recommence after their winter hibernation on Saturday 19th September, in the picturesque McHattan Park. The committee have planned an action-packed and fun season full of kids’ activities and competitions, cooking and gardening workshops, live entertainment and a themed market for each month.
Spring Farmers' MARKET SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
table birds will be available again in the New England from the end of spring onwards. We work with the following New England meat retailers: The Food Shed Armidale, The Meating Place Armidale and Funky Munky Inverell. We also have authorised family farmers who grow, process and distribute Sommerlad Heritage-Style Chicken in other regions of Australia. Please visit our website for further information. www.sommerladspoultry.com.au Michael 0427 070 863
JUMPING CASTLE - KIDS COMPETITIONS - FACE PAINTING COOKING WORKSHOP - LIVE MUSIC . . . PLUS LOTS MORE! Come and enjoy live entertainment, workshops, fun games and competitions, and a wide selection of gourmet produce and beautiful by-products at all of our markets.
UPCOMING MARKET DATES : Sat 17th Oct, 2015 ; Sat 21st Nov, 2015 : Sat 19th Dec, 2015 ; Sat 16th Jan, 2016 : Sat 20th Feb, 2016 ; Sat 19th March, 2016 : Sat 16th April, 2016 ; Sat 21st May, 2016
Kathryn 0427 300 771 info@sommerladspoultry.com.au www.facebook.com/sommerladpoultry new england focus.
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Artists' Q&A
GALLERY 126 EXHIBITIONS
& HILARY POLLOCK IS THE NEXT EXHIBITOR AT GALLERY 126. THE ARTIST AND THE OLIVE, AN EXHIBITION OF PAINTINGS AND LITHOGRAPHS, WILL OPEN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4.
W
hat was the inspiration for your next exhibition at Gallery 126, which opens on 4th September? Last year I spent the month of April drawing in the ancient olive groves of Puglia, Southern Italy. This experience inspired the work for the exhibition which I call The Artist & the Olive. Being amongst those huge, gnarled trees, many of which are centuries old and some even thousands, was quite awe inspiring and caused me to focus on the seemingly humble olive. On most days, the evocative sounds of bells from the grazing goats and wind in the olive trees were the only things which broke the silence. The juxtaposition of the young shepherd sporting an iPod while tending his flock in the traditional way, unaware of me working nearby, was difficult to fully appreciate.
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The technique I erstudied was wat is Th . hy ap less lithogr nted process was inve Nik t, tis by Canadian ar ay w a Semenoff, as toxic to eliminate the printby ed us ls ia mater makers.�
“
What medium have you used for this work? I have done large and small acrylic on canvas paintings, a favourite medium for me, and I have also included lithographs. While in Italy last year I attended a printmaking workshop in Florence at "Il Bisonte", which is a well known studio where Picasso and Henry Moore were involved in the 1960s. The technique I studied was waterless lithography. This process was invented by Canadian artist, Nik Semenoff, as a way to eliminate the toxic materials used by printmakers. The dangerous substances are replaced with readily available materials to produce images hand drawn onto aluminium plates.
What approach do you take to your creativity? Experimentation is the key word. I like to experiment with a variety of mediums and different approaches to my subject matter. Process is the important thing, with struggle, excitement and energy contributing to the sheer pleasure of creating. Can you tell us something of your history and plans for the future? Born and raised in Quirindi then Tamworth, I have been fortunate to live in Sydney, London, Tuscany, Armidale and Warren on the Western Plains and the Blue Mountains of NSW. We returned to Armidale in 2006. I have worked as an artist since graduating from the National Art School in Sydney in
1974, both in industry and freelance. My first solo show was here in Armidale in 1986 at the Gallery Image, focusing on paintings inspired by the local landscape. Since then, I have been able to maintain a modest exhibition programme locally, nationally and internationally in England, Germany, USA, Italy and China. Two highlights have been studio residencies overseas. The first was a month in a studio in Beijing in 2008, and the second was in a studio in a hilltop town in Umbria, Italy, in 2009. The latter was the inspiration for my last exhibition at Gallery 126 in 2010. Next year I have plans to travel to Italy again and do some Plein Air work with several other artists, most from Armidale, in a tiny hilltop Italian village in Tuscany, followed by a group exhibition. I have also been invited to exhibit again in the Dobell Gallery at the New England Regional Art Museum towards the end of 2017.
EXPERIENCE The Manning Valley has it all, and we would like to open our doors to you so you can experience the perfect seaside escape. Just three and a half hours south-east of Armidale, you can experience a world where spectacular coastline and pristine beaches meet rustic countryside and adventurous mountain trails - a destination where you really can have the best of both worlds. The Manning Valley…naturally offers nine stunning National Parks and Reserves, the mighty Manning River and 45 kilometres of pristine coastline. There are also 26 seaside and hinterland towns and villages to explore, each with their own unique vibe and offerings. Wherever you stay, you will be perfectly positioned for day trips to enjoy our beaches, waterfalls, fishing, bushwalks, lookouts, four wheel driving and water play.
Naturally
REFRESHING Best known for our river and rainforest, Manning Valley’s coastline is equally impressive, with over 45 km of pristine white sand beaches for you to explore, have fun on and relax your days away during your visit. MANNING VALLEY BEACHES
HOOK, LINE AND SINKER Harrington, Crowdy Head and Manning Point attract fishermen from all over Australia with the lure of great fishing from the breakwall, river estuary, ocean or protected boat harbour.
In the Manning Valley you’ll be surprised to find some of Australia’s most sensational beaches. Visit our seaside villages of Crowdy Head, Hallidays Point, Old Bar, Manning Point and Wallabi Point to soak up our surfing culture, take a refreshing dip, relax amongst the dunes, or enjoy the simple pleasures of a walk along the beach. For those who like to get off the beaten track, many of our beaches also have 4WD access. You’ll explore remote sparkling coastlines where you may find you’re the only humans in sight! Permits are available from the Visitor Information Centre and local tackle shops. For those travelling with their furry four-legged friends, many of our Manning Valley beaches are dog friendly, so they can also enjoy a run on the beach or roll in the surf. MANNING RIVER As Australia’s only double delta river system, the Manning River delivers remarkable opportunities for adventure experiences. Canoe, kayak, water-ski, sail, paddleboard, kite surf or swim… the 150 km of navigable waterways provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy your choice of boating, water sports or fishing activities. new england focus.
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FOOD & WINE
Naturally
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
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DELICIOUS
With 26 seaside and hinterland towns and villages, the Manning Valley is the perfect place to base yourself to do as little or as much as you like.
Originally founded on agriculture, the Manning Valley is renowned for fresh local produce and is a foodie’s delight. From melt in your mouth organic beef from the hills of Wingham to the fresh seafood and oysters direct from our streams and oceans, there is something to suit any palate.
INVITING
Produce straight from local farms has inspired chefs in the region to create awe-inspiring and tantalising menus. The Sicilian in Taree is well worth a visit, as they use fresh local produce to dish up the finest Southern Italian cuisine, with hearty flavours to tempt those tastebuds. Also try the award-winning Bent on Food in Wingham, Flow in Old Bar, Harrigan’s in Harrington and Rosie’s in Johns River for beautiful food featuring local products.
If it’s an ocean view you’re after, you’ll love some of our contemporary beach apartments, resorts and family-friendly motels, which range from beach-chic through to five-star luxury. Here you won’t have to stray far to relax by the beach, hit up the surf or try your luck with a fishing rod. For those who prefer a little serenity, immerse yourself in our gorgeous countryside … from resort-style country retreats, to rustic farm stays and cabins, through to B&Bs hosted by our
friendly locals, you’ll enjoy a simpler lifestyle surrounded by farm animals, fresh produce, and rolling scenery. Or if getting back to nature’s your thing, the Manning Valley is a camping haven, with well-appointed camping areas scattered throughout the region, many of which are close to the beach! For caravanners, try one of our many caravan parks, which also offer on-site vans and cabins, and a range of family-friendly facilities. For the more adventurous travellers, you can even stay in a 1970s 30 ft Airstream fitted out with all the luxuries of a modern hotel!
SHHH … IT’S A SECRET Want to know one of our best kept secrets? Some of the most popular outdoor camping areas in NSW State Forests are located within the Manning Valley!
e p a c Es
TO THE MID NORTH
COAST Colonial H O L I DAY PA R K
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www.colonialhp.com.au 28 new england focus.
The Manning Valley also plays host to numerous farmers’ markets over the weekend, where you will be able to pick up tasty mushrooms, juicy tomatoes, crunchy macadamias, the freshest eggs, sweet berries and other produce straight from the farm.
Event Calendar
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Naturally
SEP
CREATIVE
OCT
The Manning Valley inspires and nurtures creative talent, and we want to show it off. As you venture through the valley, be sure to take in as many of our local cultural attractions as you can - from quaint tea houses featuring handicrafts, markets, galleries showcasing award-winning artists and our regional history museums. Many of our galleries add a cafĂŠ experience and garden settings, so you can enjoy fresh coffee and fine food as you browse. For a true touch of culture in your holiday, visit the Manning Regional Art Gallery or treat yourself to a night out at the Manning Entertainment Centre. EVENTS
Killabakh Day in the Country Akoostik Festival Old Bar Beach Festival Taree Show
DEC
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
JAN
Tagged Fish Round Up
MAR
Easter Powerboat Spectacular Full markets and events calendar can be found at www.manningvalley.info
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ENTERTAINING
The Manning Valley plays host to a diverse range of festivals and events throughout the year - from rodeos and powerboats to music and cultural festivals, there is something for everyone. Two of the most popular events in the Manning Valley take place in October each year and include the Akoostik Music Festival (tickets now available) and Old Bar Beach Festival. The three day Akoostik Festival is a feast for music lovers, with an evergrowing array of performers, workshops, quality food and market stalls. This grassroots festival, held from the 16 - 18 October, has been awarded Community Event of the Year and Regional Flagship status as a key tourism event on the NSW calendar. These fabulous events attract thousands of people every year who are able to experience what the Manning Valley has to offer during their stay.
Wingham Music Festival
at the Wingham Showground
Joe Camilleri The Black Sorrows
The Backsliders with Rob Hirst Bill Chambers and Harry Hookey plus 30 more artists
akoostik.com.au
on
auspiced by
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NATURE AND OUTDOORS
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TOURIST DRIVES
Tourist Drive 2
OUTDOORS The Manning Valley is an area rich with natural assets and unexplored forests. From the coast to the hinterland, the Manning Valley offers nine stunning National Parks, State Forests and Reserves that conceal some of our best kept secrets. There are endless amounts of bush tracks, mountains and lookouts that can be walked on, climbed up, cycled across or flown over. Take a walk, drive or cycle through the stunning natural beauty that is our backyard and keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife we know lies within. ELLENBOROUGH FALLS At 200 metres, Ellenborough Falls is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the Manning Valley’s biggest natural attractions. Admire the natural beauty from the viewing platform at the top, or for the more adventurous, take the 641 timber steps to the bottom of the valley, where you’ll get so close you’ll feel the spray and hear the roar of the falls. There is something magical about swimming underneath a waterfall, so make sure you also visit Waitui and Potaroo Falls while you’re here. WINGHAM BRUSH Wingham Brush is a subtropical lowland rainforest, one of only a few remnants of this rare rainforest type in Australia. Giant Moreton Bay Figs dominate the Brush, along with one of the largest permanent breeding populations of Grey-headed Flying Foxes. If you get to the Brush on sunset, the sight of thousands of flying foxes heading out for the evening meal is awe-inspiring. During the day stand under the canopy and meander through the gently winding boardwalk, where you’ll see thousands of flying foxes hanging above you.
• Taree • Tinonee • Krambach • Gloucester • Stroud • Raymond Terrace Distance 149kms Along the Way On one of the oldest tourist drives enjoy Tinonee Museum, Krambach Golf Course, Mograni Lookout, Barrington Tops.
Tourist Drive 6 • Rainbow Flat • Forster /Tuncurry • Pacific Palms • Seal Rocks Distance 85kms Along the Way Beaches: Hallidays Point, Black Head, Red Head and Diamond Beach, Wallambah River, Wallis Lake, Smiths Lake, Myall Lakes, Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, see the tallest tree in NSW in the Myall Lakes National Park.
Tourist Drive 8 • Taree • Wingham • Bobin • Elands • Comboyne • Wauchope Distance 99kms
CATTAI WETLANDS Another hidden gem of the Manning Valley, Cattai is a beautiful coastal wetland that provides a sanctuary for over 170 different species of birds, kangaroos, wallabies, goannas and koalas. The wetlands are part of the traditional lands of the Biripi Aboriginal people, and the area contains a number of recorded Aboriginal heritage sites. While you’re in the area, stop by Crowdy Bay National Park, where you can get close and personal with our native wildlife.
If you love views and vistas, then a visit to one of our inspiring lookouts is a must do while you’re in the valley: • Flat Rock lookout • Newbys lookout • Rowley’s Rock lookout • Ellenborough Falls • Brown’s lookout • Apex Lookout • Blue Knob lookout • Big Nellie Volcanic Plug • Vincent’s lookout
VISITOR INFORMATION 21 Manning River Drive, Taree NSW 2430 Phone: 1800 182 733 Email: tourism@manningvalley.info
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#manningvalley
Along the Way Bent on Food, Wingham Brush, Wingham Museum, Red Tail Wines, Ellenborough Falls and Timbertown.
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•IN THE•
GARDEN GUYRA COUNTRY GARDENS
Lock Rogers “Wattletop”, John & Helen McKemey “Willow Park”, Don & Anne Woods “Calga” and Robert & Julia Woods “Briarfield”, will showcase their beautiful gardens on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October as a fundraiser towards the restoration of the back yards and equine facilities at the Guyra Showground.
W
hat inspired this These four beautiful country gardens fundraiser? will be open between 10am - 5pm both The back Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October. All yards and equine gardens are within 26 kilometres of Guyra facilities are in on the eastern side along the Ebor and much need of Wards Mistake Roads. Garden direction signs repair. Over the past few years the will be visible from Guyra along the Guyra Campdraft has had to Ebor Road, with tickets available rely on the generosity of at “Wattletop”, “Willow Andrew and Sally White Park” and “Calga” to lend their portable gardens. S EN D R A G A LL panels to hold the Cost will be $25 IN H IT W E AR cattle in for their for all four gardens ES R ET M O IL 26 K TH E N annual campdraft. O or $10 per garden. A R Y U G F O Guyra has one of Morning tea and lunch EA ST ER N SI D E R O the most beautiful will be available both A LO N G TH E EB TA K E IS M S D R A W showgrounds days. Graham Bray AND ROA D S.” around, which is metalwork, Eliza Rogers centrally located to the Floral Demonstrations, town in the heart of the Mara’s Plant Stall and Dino’s New England region. With stone wall demonstrations will funds raised, we hope to restore be added features of this fabulous the yards for future events. weekend. The newly formed Campdraft We would like to sincerely thank the Committee are working together with Rogers, McKemey and Woods families for the Guyra Pony Club, Guyra Show Society their support to this wonderful fundraising and Guyra Shire Council to hopefully secure event. funding to further enhance the facilities at For further information, contact our beautiful iconic showground. Donna Davidson 0427 792 748 or Mara Tell us about the gardens on show for Grills 0447 758 340. this event?
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LOCAL DENTIST DR PETER ELFAR RECENTLY RETURNED FROM AN INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL MISSION, PROVIDING DENTAL CARE TO THOSE IN DESPERATE NEED IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
MEDICAL MISSION
Dr Peter elfar
D
r Elfar, tell us about this volunteer mission. Last year I travelled with 30 other dentists from the American Dental Implant Association to Santo Domingo and other areas of need in the Dominican Republic. This was my second trip with the group, and I am the only Aussie to be involved. We provided dental care and surgery services to local residents in desperate need. During the trip we treated more than 300 patients over three 12 hour days, and provided over two million US dollars of implant dentistry. How did you come to be involved with the group? In 2013 I became the first Australian dentist to complete the Advanced Implant Masters Series Course in Miami. I flew back and forth to the United States nine times that year while studying, and I am sure ASIO had me flagged! The Garg Dental Foundation volunteer trips are organised by Dr Arun Garg from Miami Beach, whom I came to know during my studies. There is a great comradery, as we all band together to bring our expertise to people who are in great need. The Dominican Republic is a long way from home. Why is that the chosen destination? The Dominican Republic in the West Indies has a high incidence of poor oral health, and
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given its proximity to my extractions and implant to It’s so rewarding le op colleagues in Miami, placements. pe help give the they organised a series To use the surgical to , their smiles back idence , nf of volunteer trips. I was and implant skills co r increase thei d an th al he r given the opportunity that I have spent ei improve th in es iti un rt po to join them, and op years developing open up lives .” d an s er re jumped at the chance to to help people in ca r thei contribute. need achieve healthy Tooth loss in the smiles was a wonderful Dominican Republic is a opportunity. common occurrence due to tooth Where else has your training decay and gum disease. These patients taken you during your career? have no option but to have their teeth After I graduated from the University extracted, and over time they end up with of Sydney in 1997, I joined the Royal no teeth left to chew effectively. Ultimately, Australian Air Force as a dentist, and was they suffer nutritionally because of this. stationed in Richmond and Point Cook. I The people we treat on these trips are not spent some time working in a regional dental able to afford the type of dental work they practice in Armidale before moving to the receive, and it’s a credit to Dr Garg and his United Kingdom to work as a school dentist foundation for putting these expeditions on the Isle of Man and in a number of private together and gathering some of the best practices, while continuing studies at the dental implant surgeons in the USA to give University of Bristol. their time and expertise to the cause. I also travelled to Switzerland to study It’s so rewarding to help give the implant placement with Straumann, and people their smiles back, to increase their regularly attend education courses in the confidence, improve their health and open up UK, United States and Europe. I recently opportunities in their careers and lives. completed my Masters in Advanced What sort of dental services did you Implantology with the Garg Institute. provide? To be able to learn from the best in the We provided surgery services that will world and then bring these technologies and help people regain bone, and we placed skills back to help the people of New South dental implants so these patients can eat Wales is what makes my job so fulfilling and properly and improve their overall health. worthwhile. These included bone grafts, sinus lifts, Are dental implants one of your areas of
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expertise? Yes, at Sundial Dental we specialise in dental implants and periodontal care, as well as providing preventative dental care for the whole family. We have built up a practice that uses the very latest technology to provide the best dental solutions such as CEREC crowns, implants, teeth whitening, 3D xray, Invisalign, extractions, root canal therapy and LANAP laser gum therapy. You were the first dentist to bring LANAP to Australia. Can you tell us about that? LANAP is “Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure” and involves the use of a precision laser to treat periodontitis and gum disease, and regenerate bone, ligaments and gums without the need for traditional gum surgery. It has been used and perfected over 15 years in the US, and I first introduced LANAP to Australia in 2011. Since that time I have had hundreds of happy patients travel far and wide seeking a faster, more effective, less painful treatment that increases their likelihood of holding onto their own teeth. You can read more about our services at www.sundialdental.com.au and laser gum treatments at www.lanapaustralia.com.au Thanks Peter. To be able to learn from the best in the world and then bring these technologies and skills back to help the people of New South Wales is what makes my job so fulfilling and worthwhile.
new england focus.
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healthprofessionals
Health Tips from the
DOUGLASS HANLY MOIR PATHOLOGY Pathology is the branch of medicine that involves studying and diagnosing diseases. By looking at changes in tissue, blood and other body fluids, it is possible to find the causes of disease, show a condition’s severity and monitor the progress of treatments. Pathology underpins modern medicine. More than 70 per cent of all medical diagnoses are made in a pathology laboratory. Every single case of cancer in Australia is diagnosed by a pathologist. Testing is performed by scientists using sophisticated instruments and advanced technology. Results are interpreted by pathologists and medical practitioners who have undertaken specialist training in the field
of laboratory medicine. At Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, our specialist pathologists are
Dai Fu
leaders in their field and are supported by over 2,500 staff. They work in quality, state-of-theart laboratories in regional and metropolitan areas and are committed to providing timely and accurate pathology results. Quality is a reassuring smile. Drop in and see our friendly and professional team at the Armidale collection centre. Our pathology collectors are qualified with Certificate III in Pathology Specimen Collection and can look after all of your pathology needs. www.dhm.com.au
I
THE SPRING IS SPRUNG, THE GRASS IS RIS’, I WONDER HOW YOUR LIVER IS.
’m sure that there are a lot of people out there letting out a sigh of relief as we move from winter into the warmer spring weather. Interestingly, sighing is seen in Oriental Medicine as the liver releasing trapped energy. In Five Element theory, the liver and gallbladder are the organs of the wood element, which is associated with the season spring.
and organising and its partner, the gallbladder, relates to decision making. The modern Western world is moving at a phenomenal pace, where great demands are placed on us to plan and make decisions. This, along with all the chemicals and toxic material that we ingest, inhale and absorb places incredible stress on the liver.
The good news is that there are some simple The wood element is about rebirth and things you can do to make life more harnew beginnings. In nature, this is monious for your liver and make this spring clearly illustrated as we see all the a season of positive change and spring blossoms coming to forward progress in your life: life and bulbs bursting into • Immerse yourself in some dramatic colour after sort of creative pursuit, This is a great their long winter sleep. such as painting, writing, time to make I love to get out on singing, dancing, phote changes and crea our my motorbike in the tography or even just in new beginnings spring and immerse getting out into nature. A bove everyday lives . myself in the rebirth • Regular physical ason of all, this is the se that is evident in the exercise for pleasure, creativity ... ” surrounding countryrather than trying to side. break sporting records and
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Pathology Collection Centre
210 Rusden Street, Armidale Open: Mon – Fri Hours: 8.00am – 4.00pm Phone: 6771 5424
This is a great time to make changes and create new beginnings in our everyday lives. Above all, this is the season of creativity, and doing things of a creative nature is certainly one of the best things we can do right now to improve our general health. Each of the emotions is related to the various elements, with anger being the emotion of the liver (wood), hence the expression that someone is “liverish” when they are angry. The liver, however, is also responsible for moving Qi, so if we are stuck in any of our emotions, the liver will be affected. Expressing and releasing any of our emotions in an appropriate way is a healthy thing, just as supressing our emotions leads to stuck energy and is a precursor to disease and ill-health. The liver is the organ associated with planning
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achieve demanding physical goals. • Eat fresh, healthy food and try to avoid food additives and chemicals as much as possible. • Minimise alcohol, coffee and other stimulants. • Whilst many people have demanding and stressful jobs, it is important to remember that we work to live, we do not live to work! One of the most important and often neglected duties is “me time”. If you live out of a diary, this should be included every day. • Don’t bottle up your emotions or react in anger. Take a deep breath, calm down and communicate rationally and meaningfully. • If this all seems too hard, a bit of gentle Japanese acupuncture might help you along your way.
healthprofessionals
ELLA BACHÉ ARMIDALE One of the best ways to rejuvenate
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from September. Take advantage of our special “35-Minute Extreme Regeneration & Resurfacing Treatment” and/or purchase the Resurfacing Peel 50 ml or any Ella Baché exfoliant/mask product and receive a free Ella Baché Skin Resurfacing Application Brush
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new england focus.
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focusinterview.
OPENING A DOOR TO CHILDREN IN NEED
With more than 17,800 children and young people unable to live at home, we always need more carers. A timely reminder with Foster Care week (13th – 19th September), which aims to celebrate and acknowledge the work of foster carers.
athfinders programme, Pathways, have an established Out of Home Care programme in Armidale and Inverell, group homes, intensive and generalist foster care. We are currently seeking people interested in becoming foster carers in our communities. Have you ever thought about becoming a foster carer? Foster carers play a vital role in giving these children safe and caring homes, helping to change their lives for the better. Pathfinders are looking for passionate carers from a wide range of backgrounds. Carers must be at least 21 years old and can be single women or men, cohabiting, married or same-sex couples, with our without children. There is no prerequisite for being a carer, just a commitment to support and advocacy of children and young people in need of a caring environment. Pathfinders Pathways Foster Care programme are seeking caring, committed people to become foster carers for our organisation in the New England area. We are seeking people for long term, temporary and respite care for children and young people aged 0 18 in the care of the Minister of Community Services. Why are children placed in foster care? Children are placed in foster care when their families are not able to care for them.
This could be because of abuse, neglect, drug home. and alcohol problems, physical or mental What types of foster care are there? illness, domestic violence, family breakdown Temporary Care or any other reason that means a parent is Sometimes children come into temporary not able to care for their child. care due to parental illness, crisis or family Who can be a foster carer? breakdown. The goal is often to Many different types of peorestore these children to their ple make good foster carfamilies over a period of ers. We need carers from time. We are seeking a range of backgrounds Permanent Care people for long in order to meet the Children in permaand term , temporary needs of children nent care have been n care for child re ite sp re requiring care. Foster placed in care by the le aged and young peop the carers must be at Court usually to age of re ca e 0-18 in th ity un m least 21 years old and m 18. These children/ Co of r te Minis can be single women young people require .” es ic rv Se or men, cohabiting, marstable long term placeried or same-sex couples, ments to help them reach with or without children. their full potential. Can I be a foster carer if my Intensive Support Care children still live at home? Some children/young people who Yes. It can depend on the age of your come into care require a high level of supchildren and the needs of the child you port due to a range of issues. These children foster. Children who need care may have can be challenging and require dedicated complex needs and require a great deal of carers who have no young children of their time and attention. Fostering a child is a big own. change, so it is important to talk to our caseRespite Care worker about your particular situation. Caring for children can be challenging. Can I be a foster carer if I work? Respite care allows full-time carers to have Yes. It can depend on the needs of the a break. This is a good way to experience foster child and the type of care you are fostering if you are not ready for a full-time providing. A carer with school aged children commitment. and adolescents can work full-me; preschool Young people aged eight and older are the and younger children may need someone at most in need when it comes to stable foster
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families. Older children and sibling groups remain high priority for foster placement. There are a lot of carers willing to take the 0 - 4 age group, but once they get a bit older, there’s the assumption that their behaviours are going to be too challenging, so they don’t want to go there. The young people have a case worker that works directly with all the child’s needs and maintains the relationship between the child and their parents. Foster carers are also supported from the moment they begin training. It extends to constant support, ongoing training and a place to debrief. From a foster carer … “Changing a young person’s life and opening your home to young people you don’t know, there is real satisfaction in seeing them change when they are with you. Hopefully they can return to their own home, but in the meantime you have given them somewhere stable until they can. Sometimes this is not the case and it is really special that over a short space of time they become like family.” - Luke. “Getting to know them all is very rewarding. It has its challenges, but they are great all the same. It’s rewarding when you can make a difference. There is no better thing you can do than to help children. There is no better feeling than knowing you have made a difference in a child’s life. Do it; it’s awesome!” - Sharon. To learn more about becoming a foster carer or respite carer, phone Pathfinders on 1800 314 199 or www.pathfinders.ngo new england focus.
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reflections
HAIR STUDIO
Samantha Dell has taken over the Reflections Hair Studio in July an exciting venture for herself and a new beginning for the studio. FOCUS talks with Sam about all things hair, colour, and the magic she uses to give her clients a new “do” ... How long has Reflections Hair Studio been operating?? Reflections Hair Studio itself has been operating for over 20 years. For the last seven years I have co-owned the salon with Rebecca Smith. As of July this year, I took over the Salon on my own, which is a very exciting venture for me. I am very excited to now offer the same amazing service with a high level of experience and professionalism to accommodate to your every hair need. Rebecca still works part-time for me. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rebecca for her partnership and now look forward to our continued relationship in working together! We are located at 114 Jessie Street in Armidale, right next door to the Jessie St Drycleaners. We have easy car parking and easy access into the Salon off the street. How long have you been in the industry? I have been a hairdresser for nearly 12 years now, having been trained by one of Armidale’s
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top hairstylists. I feel very privileged to have been trained by the best. I continue to learn, train and teach complex techniques, to pave the way here in the New England. I have also been employed by Hairjamm Australia as a Colour Technician for Davines and Pure Colour and their products; this involves training other hairdressers We Specialise in colour in our region how to and cutting Services, foilr Reflections Hai use our colour and ing, tinting, blondes and s ha f el its io Stud products. colour correction, also for over been operating Do you take on new providing the highest e last 20 years. For th clients? quality hair repair and ve coseven years I ha ith We are always detoxification treatments w owned the salon taking on new clients, for the hair and scalp! ” Rebecca Smith . providing the highest We see you have a quality professional great range of product standards in our work. I am lines in store; what are you a very passionate stylist and offering? absolutely love what I do, making We have a large range of products each client feel and look amazing every time. available in the salon. Our two main lines What services do you offer at Reflections? are Davines and Pure; both these ranges are
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sulphate and paraben free; they work on being completely sustainable in our environment. Our Davines range are high-end zero impact hair and skin products that are made from high grade natural ingredients, respecting the environment with our eco friendly packaging and sustainability ethics! Within our Davines line we have Essentials Haircare for everyday use, More Inside Styling and Natural Tech for scalp and hair conditions. Our Pure range is based on the Pure Organic Complex, which is a unique blend of organic extracts and vitamins that give strength, nourishment, protection and moisture to the hair and scalp.
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focusinterview.
GEO-THERMAL HEATING C H A R L E S
O V E N D E N
EVER HEARD ABOUT GEO-THERMAL HEATING? A SYSTEM THAT USES UNDERGROUND PIPES BURIED IN THE SOIL TO BE USED FOR HEATING, HOT WATER AND COOLING OF YOUR HOME? THESE SYSTEMS CAN SAVE YOU UP TO 70% ON YOUR HEAT/COOL AND HOT WATER BILLS AND ARE INCREDIBLY ECO FRIENDLY. FOCUS CHATS WITH CHARLES OVENDEN OF NEWLINE PLUMBING, WHO EXPLAINS THE BENEFITS TO YOUR DWELLING AND THE ENVIRONMENT.
H
i Charles. What can you advantage is that the heat can be used for domestell us about Geo-thermal tic hot water integrated within the same system. heating? How is it installed? Geo-thermal heating is any The main heat pump can be internally or exterform of heating system which nally; however, in the New England district it is aluses energy extracted from the ways preferable to have protection inside from the Earth. The type of Geo-thermal heating available cold winters, adding efficiency. The found loops for household is increasing steadily. The most com(pipes) are installed underground to a collection mon type uses ground loop, run either vertically or field. This is usually with horizontal trenches as the horizontally to extract the heat from the Earth. The most economical option. Vertical drilling can be loops are buried in the soil around 1.7 metres. The used in smaller collection areas; however, it does soil temperature remains constant at this level. increase the installation cost. Another option is to What benefits does it have? use a bore and bring the grounds heat to There are a number of a heat pump by recirculating the bore benefits with a Geo-therwater through to the heat pump mal system. The system and back to the bore. The air A G eo-thermal can be used for both ducting or hydronic pipework system can be heating and cooling as can be installed most economie way used in the sam the earths temperature cally in a new home; however, r ai e cl as any reverse cy is around 17 degrees it is possible to retrofit to an It . em st conditioning sy d te at the depth used. In existing dwelling. en em pl can be also im ed ss winter, the temperaNew England areas have pa d an er at to heat w in or s ture is well above air a harsh winter; does this or at di ra though ” temperature, so with the effect output? g. in at he slab use of modern heat pumps, The great advantage of these it is much more efficient to type of systems is that the harsher extract heat from the higher winters have no effect on the output of temperature. In the summer the earth the system. These systems are use extensively is cooler than the outside air temperature, in Europe and North America, where the ground so efficiencies are an added bonus. can be frozen down to a depth of 1.8 metres in the There are a number of ways in which winter. The only inefficiency is in the insulation of heating and cooling can be distributed throughout the dwelling, which effects the heat loss through a dwelling. A Geo-thermal system can be used in walls and roof etc. the same way as any reverse cycle air conditioning This would be an eco-friendly heat/cooling system. It can be also implemented to heat water option? and passed though radiators or in slab heating. An These systems have an advantage in that
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although they do use electricity, the amount used for a standard dwelling can be reduced by up to 60-70% for heating, cooling and hot water. Another system that is available, can be run by two 100 watt pumps. It is a hybrid system comprising of Geo-thermal and solar power, in that solar energy is gathered throughout the summer months and stored in ground for winter use. This is a perfect idea for dwellings that are “Off the Grid”, as it can be easily run off an onsite solar electrical system.
the plug! For more information please contact Charle Ovenden at Newline Plumbing PH: (02) 6772 5900 or www.newlineplumbing.com.au
sunnycove village A NEW OPPORTUNITY - NEW UNITS
SUNNYCOVE VILLAGE ARMIDALE - THE NEXT AND FINAL STAGE IS ABOUT TO BE COMPLETED. SUNNYCOVE VILLAGE HAS NOW BEEN OPEN FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS ONE OF THE PREMIER VILLAGES FOR RETIREMENT LIVING IN ARMIDALE.
It is highly successful, and it has virtually 100% occupancy all year round, with a waiting list of clients. Now we are entering the final stage of development! The Village first opened in 2004. Since then it has endured the GFC, a Property Recession and massive changes to Government Policy on seniors living. But Sunnycove Village has weathered all of these storms due to a quality environment, quality units and good management. Crownhall now have been approved by Council to finish the Village with 12 new units that will have the “over 55” age restriction lifted and provide an exciting new addition to the Village. And there is a huge bonus for occupants and owners confirmed in the last week.
Developers Crownhall Pty Ltd are now delighted that Margaret and Michael Hill have secured the Management Rights to the village. Their commitment to the residents over the last 10 years has been outstanding. Their management skills are second to none - personal, caring and efficient! Congratulations Margaret and Michael! Now Crownhall is going to finish the project it first started in 2002 by completing the development of the last units in the Village Strata. Crownhall has lodged a Development Application with the Armidale Dumaresq Council to build 12 one bed plus study units on the balance of development land in the Village. We hope to commence shortly. The new units will be part of the strata of the village and under the care of Margaret and
Michael. The units will: • Be about 68 square metres in area - internal living area • Built to a higher quality than most other offerings in Armidale • Have a second room as a study or bedroom • Have a separate fully enclosed laundry/ storeroom • Have a large private recreation space - fenced • Include large skylights into the living area for south facing units • Have covered private entries • Have stone benchtops and luxuriously fitted out bathrooms and kitchens • Have their own private covered parking spaces - on Title • Have a separate access to the new units and their private carparks via Martin Street • Have extensive landscape areas surrounding the units • Have no deferred management fees • Have reasonable levies
• Have full access to the existing Village facilities Crownhall has designed units that meet the demand that potential Village owners and occupants have indicated they want in order to join the Sunnycove Village community. These units will meet also the demands of potential investors. The units will be available for around $255,000 and will attract rental returns of around $260 per week - a conservative estimate! This will be perfect for fly in academics. When completed and on stream, these units will cause a reduction in the levies across the whole village. This is because the financial structure of the village has always been based on the build out of the site and completion of these units. Their completion will benefit all Village owners - particularly owner occupiers! Talk to Margaret and Michael at Sunnycove Village - they have all of the details - talk to them quickly for the full story.
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Thinking Housing – with Chris Curcuruto
THINKING HOUSING
T
he New South Wales Community Services Minister Brad Hazzard has proposed new laws to Parliament in an effort to crackdown on anti-social and criminal behaviour within taxpayer-funded, public housing premises. Seeking to amend current tenancy legislation, the proposed laws will give public housing landlords more power to evict tenants found to be using their premises for an illegal purpose, as well as implementing a three-strike system to regulate recurrent bad behaviour. The provisions are aimed at protecting public housing communities, requiring the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), which is vested with the jurisdiction to determine tenancy disputes, to take into consideration the impact of any alleged behavior on neighbors or other effected persons. Social housing landlords may also submit neighbourhood impact statements for the Tribunal’s consideration which will include unidentified accounts from complainants. The move is in keeping with Premier Mike Baird’s re-election campaign earlier this year to crackdown on “people who don’t play by the rules and who make other people’s lives a misery”, during which he stated that “public housing is a privilege, not a right”. Interestingly, upon implementation of Queensland’s three-strike behavioural management policy in 2013, the then Housing Minister Tim Mander made similar statements regarding the privilege of public housing. In Western Australia last year, after having implemented a comparable system, then Minister for Housing William (Bill) Marmion echoed the sentiments of Member for Balcatta Christopher Hatton that “public housing is a privilege, not a right”. Article 25 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights recognises the right to housing as being fundamental to the right to an adequate standard of living, but does that extend to a right to public housing and if so, does that right come with qualifications as to circumstances when such a right might be revoked? Whilst the new laws have been greeted with relief by some, the Tenants’ Union of NSW has indicated it holds strong concerns, primarily around issues of procedural fairness. In particular, the new laws will limit the discretion 42 new england focus.
of decision makers in the eviction process which, while imposing an objective approach to the determination of these matters, may also prevent the proper consideration of individual tenants’ subjective circumstances. Anecdotal evidence from Western Australia suggests that a threestrike system is vulnerable to perversion with cases of victims of domestic violence and people with disabilities being made to answer for behaviour which is beyond their control. The public housing system is intended to provide relief from homelessness for society’s most vulnerable. As most public housing tenants do not have the capacity to sustain a private rental, termination of their housing agreements is likely to result in homelessness and should therefore be regulated delicately. Whilst this is primarily a social justice concern, a study by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute has also shown it to be an economic one with effective homelessness prevention programmes yielding substantial cost savings, particularly in relation to health, justice and social welfare services. An additional area of reform regarding residential tenancies relates to strata schemes with strata legislation currently under its first major review since its enactment in 1973. A key area of interest will be changes to make it easier for owners’ corporations to manage issues such as pets and parking. The NSW government is currently accepting submissions before finalising new legislation. Regardless of whether in the private or the public sector, housing disputes are not uncommon. Many issues which arise include disputes over rent (increases or arrears), repairs and maintenance, privacy and access, termination and bond disputes. The landlord/ tenant relationship requires a balance between the different and sometimes competing interests of property ownership and investment, and security of tenure, which tenancy legislation seeks to regulate. It is understandable that all parties to a tenancy agreement will wish to have their interests protected. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord it is important that you know your rights in relation to housing matters. Talk to us. You'll be inspired. Christopher Curcuruto Solicitor.
SMALL BIZ MATTERS IN THE NEW ENGLAND
ROBERTS && MORROW MORROW ROBERTS Roberts && Morrow Morrow recently recently welcomed welcomed Roberts their newest newest Partner, Partner, Nathan Nathan Gilbody, Gilbody, to to their the Business Business Services Services division. division. the
Simon Croft Croft and and was was admitted admitted as as aa member member Simon of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in
Nathan has has lived lived in in Armidale Armidale for for 27 27 years. years. Nathan After finishing finishing secondary secondary school school and and travelling travelling After overseas, he he attended attended the the University University of of New New overseas, England to to study study aa Bachelor Bachelor of of Commerce Commerce England Degree. Degree.
Nathan has has aa keen keen interest interest in in primary primary proproNathan duction taxation taxation advice advice and and experience experience in in duction
He commenced commenced his his career career in in the the accounting accounting He industry at at aa local local Chartered Chartered Accounting Accounting firm, firm, industry working primarily primarily with with business business and and rural rural working clients. He He has has continued continued to to maintain maintain aa focus focus clients. on the the provision provision of of accounting accounting and and business business on advice to to primary primary producers. producers. advice In 2010 2010 Nathan Nathan joined joined Roberts Roberts && Morrow Morrow as as aa In senior accountant working for Senior Partner senior accountant working for Senior Partner
2012. 2012.
providing advice advice on on blended blended businesses businesses with with providing complex structures. structures. He He provides provides taxation taxation and and complex business advice advice in in plain plain language, language, to to ensure ensure business clients understand understand his his advice advice and and believes believes the the clients most important important thing thing in in aa client/accountant client/accountant most relationship isis communication. communication. relationship Nathan isis pictured pictured here here with with Simon Simon Croft Croft Nathan welcoming him him into into his his new new role role at at the the firm. firm. welcoming Roberts && Morrow Morrow would would like like to to congratulate congratulate Roberts Nathan on this achievement. Nathan on this achievement.
Why Digital Technology Matters for Your Business. Only 40% of Australian small businesses are profitable, the remaining 60% operate at break-even or are struggling. However, a study by Deloitte Access Economics* found that “Small businesses making full use of the internet … enjoy better business outcomes, with a … 20% increase in annual revenue”. They also found small businesses with a high digital engagement are: twice as likely to be growing revenue; four times more likely to be hiring; three times more likely to have growth as a business objective; and are doing more than just creating a website.
the chances of your business growing from 45% to 62%. Don’t just rush out and engage a web designer or launch a Facebook page. To maximise the return on your digital investment, you need to consider your business’ priorities and goals carefully. Just taking one more step on the path to digital engagement could lead to more customers, an increase in sales or jobs, and more free time. Whether you are just starting out online or wanting to introduce more advanced digital marketing strategies, we can help. Our Small Business Mentoring and Coaching
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business take advantage of growth opportunities in a supported environment. BEC, helping small business grow their *Deloitte Access Economics “Connected Small Business”, April 15, 2013.
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www.rm.net.au www.rm.net.au 026774 67748400 8400 02
newengland englandfocus. focus. 43 43 new
Public Liability Policies Public liability policies can cover a wide range of events, including injury or damage to a client or other person’s property, and financial loss (because of your work) to a client or other person. If your business is ever accused of causing injury or damage to others, a business liability policy can aid you in covering associated costs. Elders insurance will help you to determine exactly what your company is liable for, and will make a decision whether to opt for a financial settlement before the case reaches a court based on this. In the event that you are taken to court for causing injury to people or property, your Elders insurance provider will be responsible for paying whatever compensation is awarded by the judge. It is a good idea to regularly review your company’s liability policy to make sure you know exactly what you are covered for, and update this if necessary. If you would like more information about setting up public or business liability insurance, contact Elders Insurance New England today on 6775 4577 or call into our new office at 97 Faulkner Street, Armidale.
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Sandra, Marilyn (Supervisor) Kara and Lynette
Lock up Your Home
the aboriginal culture centre The Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place will open three exhibitions on Thursday 24 September at 6pm. The community is invited to attend the opening. The first exhibition is Maningrida Works on Paper by female artists from the Maningrida Region. These works celebrate the strength and vibrancy of women’s art. The works depict bold handling of subject matter traditionally dealt with and discussed by men, making a voluble statement and a resounding impression whilst celebrating the strength and vibrancy of women’s art from remote Australia. The female artists who contributed to this collection are Jay Rostron, Lena Kuriniya, Susan Marawar, Annie Mulunwanga, Vicky Brown and Mary Marabamba. The second exhibition is called Women and their toolkit. This exhibition comprises of coolamons, dilly bags, yam diggers and other specialised women’s tools. The collection will focus on items that form part of traditional women’s everyday life. The third exhibition will showcase winning artworks from the NSW Fair Trading art competition. Since 2008, NSW Fair Trading has been running a NAIDOC Week Art Competition targeting local Aboriginal school students in the New England/North West areas of NSW. This year the winning works will be exhibited at the Armidale Aboriginal Cultural Centre. These three exhibitions will be on display until the 21st November 2015. The community is invited to join us for the opening.
Hi, I’m Marilyn from NRMA Armidale. My friendly team and I would like to call for Armidale residents to remember to lock up, with thieves on the hunt for your technology valuables*. Our claims data shows that burglars target easy to grab items like laptops, tablets, MP3 players and digital cameras, as they tend to be light to carry and easy to pawn. With NRMA Insurance, you’re covered even if you forget to lock your door, because we know anyone can accidentally leave a window or door open. However, it’s always good to take some security steps to make sure you’re protecting your home: • Lock the house every time you go out • If you are going on holidays, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your house; collect the mail and newspapers; • Don’t leave tell-tale packaging for big ticket items - tear it up and put it in the recycling bin; • Keep your home looking lived in with open blinds and timer switches on lights; • Don’t share your whereabouts on social media; • Keep your car keys safe and not in any obvious places burglars could steal your car. So visit our friendly team at NRMA Armidale located outside the Armidale Plaza in Dangar Street. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5pm or call us on (02) 6771 1322. Marilyn, Sandra, Lynette and Kara. * Based on NRMA Insurance Home Contents claims data sourced for Financial Years 2012 to 2013.
COVER EVEN IF YOU FORGET TO LOCK YOUR DOOR You’re covered for theft, because we know anyone can accidentally leave a window or door open. HOME INSURANCE, NRMADE BETTER
NRMA Armidale located outside Armidale Plaza, Dangar Street 6771 1322 Things you should know: Cover is subject to standard underwriting guidelines and policy terms. To see if our Home Insurance is right for you, always read the Product Disclosure Statement from the product issuer, Insurance Australia Limited trading as NRMA Insurance. new england focus.
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GILLY DAVY
TALKS PARKINSON’S RUSDEN ST PHYSIOTHERAPY
GILLY DAVY, A PHYSIOTHERAPIST SPECIALISING IN NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, IS VISITING ARMIDALE IN SEPTEMBER AT THE INVITATION OF THE RUSDEN ST PHYSIOTHERAPY AND THE ARMIDALE PARKINSON’S ENCOURAGEMENT GROUP.
W
hat is Parkinsons's Disease? In Australia, at least one person is diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease every hour of every day. There is a higher prevalence of Parkinson's Disease than prostate, cervical or ovarian cancer. Parkinson's is a global phenomenon and the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. It is a progressive neurological condition which affects the brain’s ability to control movement and may also be associated with other symptoms including mood, depression and anxiety. What are the causes of this disease? The causes of Parkinson's are not yet known. We do know that people with Parkinson's have reduced levels of a neurotransmitter or brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine allows normal movement to take place smoothly and easily. Over time, people living with Parkinson's have less dopamine, making movement more difficult. Parkinson's is very complex. Obtaining a diagnosis can be difficult, as people with Parkinson's experience many different symptoms and are affected in different ways. Some of the most common symptoms that may develop include shaking (tremor), stiffness, slow movement and difficulties with balance. A person may not develop all of these or other symptoms, and it may take years for symptoms to progress to a point where they cause serious problems. How can it be treated? Diagnosis and treatment by a neurologist usually involves prescription medications which are monitored regularly. Non medical activities that may help with symptoms include improving brain function with exercise, connectedness and creativity. There is new information suggesting that special programmes of exercise, boxing, dancing, cycling and walking have benefits to people with Parkinson's. 46 new england focus.
What support is available? People living with Parkinson's have different needs. Whether you have received a Parkinson's diagnosis, are a partner, carer, relative or friend, the Parkinson's Association understand and can help with an info line, counselling, local support and information of events. All services by the Association are free of charge. The info line is staffed by health professionals and is the first point of call for questions. Contact the info line on 1800 644 189 or email infoline@ parkinsonsnsw.org.au. Armidale has a support and encouragement group which meets on the third Tuesday of the month at Legacy House, Faulkner St, Armidale and hopes to provide information, inspiration and some fun to patients and carers. Enquiries Di Trestrail on (02) 6772 1978. This Parkinson's group grew from the PD Warrior programme and exercises conducted at the Rusden Street physiotherapy clinic. The class is held once a week by a physiotherapist trained in PD Warrior, a specific form of exercise that helps people with Parkinson's. In September, a physiotherapist with the Advanced Rehab Centre in Sydney, which specialises in neurological problems, will be coming to Armidale. Her name is Gilly Davy, and she will be conducting individual consultations at the Rusden St Physiotherapy rooms. Gilly will also be speaking at a public meeting at the Ex-services club at 6pm on Thursday 10th September. The Advanced Rehab Centre has been instrumental in developing an exercise programme specifically for Parkinson's patients with some great results (see www.pdwarrior.com) Gilly will also be available for consultations for patients with other neurological conditions such as M.S. For appointments with Gilly for a one hour consultation and personal exercise programme and information about the local exercise class, please call Rusden St Physiotherapy on ph (02) 6772 1962.
Brown street butchery After spending two months refurbishing, Ian and Andrew have reopened Brown Street Butchery. With over 25 years’ experience, we are committed to providing quality service with an emphasis on traditional style cuts, using only local fresh meat that has not been vacuum packaged. Having entire carcase meats gives us the ability to accommodate individual orders requiring specific items that are generally not available in larger chain stores. Using techniques learnt in a third generation butchery, we cure our meats in an old
fashioned, artisan way that enhances the taste and eating quality of our corned silverside, brisket and pork. Our sausages are made the traditional way using a high standard of ingredients with a casing (not synthetic) to create a superior product. All marinades used are made in store and are gluten and preservative free. Our chicken is exclusively Lilydale Free Range, and we also stock Working With Nature open range eggs. We are looking forward to giving the community a fresh new approach to the loyalty and customs of a bygone era in the traditional butcher shop.
focus
Gardens.
The not so humble gardener. I’m afraid I’m beginning to lose it, and lose it big time. I’m not talking about my receding hairline, my battle against middle age weight gain or even that I’m going bonkers. No. What I’m losing is my sense of smell.
O
f late I have been diving and white flowers in spring. Ordinarily it is planted digging my nose into flowers, singularly, but the effect is much improved when rattling and rolling, sniffing and grown as hedges or massed in groups of odd snorting, inhaling and exhaling, numbers. with diminishing success. Thus, Choisya Ternata has white late spring flowers, I’m determined, with the remaining time afreminiscent of orange blossom and Michelia forded to me, to plant en masse as many highly Figo is a dusk performer, its summer flowers perfumed plants in my garden as possible. speak of port wine and/or ripe bananas. (Hey, Pathways, doorways or anywhere I may my nose got one!) park my widening bum provides Osmanthus Fragrans is often optimum positioning. overlooked, probably due So what is my ageing to its diminutive sized nose beginning to miss? flowers, but its fragrance y So what is m The story is there are is memorable. A newer se ageing no e over 150 essential oils variety with showier Th s? is m to beginning er which can comflowers and a more ov e ar e er th story is hich w ls bine to create the compact habit is oi l ia nt se es 150 create to complex notes that Heaven Scent. ne bi m co n ca s that make up individual Daphne Odorata the complex note al fragrances. Scents offers the richest of make up individu may vary depending fragrances and is refragrances .” markable for its longevity on the flower, the plant, as a cut flower. It’s ideal the hour, the temperature, for mass planting and most the humidity and the individual’s nose. attractive pruned into successive Descriptions of roses show how disballs or as a low hedge. Just keep cerning some noses are: a “fruity fragrance them away from hot afternoon summer with notes of guava, citrus and sweet white sun. wine,” and another of “developing sauOther suggestions include Lilacs, Winter ternes, strawberries and mulberries”. Compare Sweet and Gardenias if offered some frost this with a description of a shiraz: “rich fruits protection. with chocolate overtones and a lingering flavour So regrettably I’ve come to realise that a of plums, caramel and peppery spices”. They future career as a perfumer or wine critic is now all sound rather fanciful to me. What I seek is closed to me. However, I have a few more years a scent turbo-charged; a fragrance which will left to trip the fragrance fantastic, to leap and stop me dead in my tracks; a smell to make me dance, and after that, the creation of an ornamental garden to be proud of. dizzy with delight and demonstrate that nature To love - winter flowering clematis, helleis great and good. bores, candytuft, wallflowers and camellias. Roses top the shopping list. Great candidates To plant - artichokes, asparagus, coriander, include Mr. Lincoln and Oklahoma, Fragrant mustard and kale, spring onions, leeks and Cloud, Big Purple and Ebb Tide, Just Joey and chives, parsley, climbing peas and broad beans, Double Delight. Some of the best David Austin spinach, silverbeet and strawberries. Also peocultivars are Jude the Obscure, Abraham Darby, nies, deciduous ornamental and fruiting shrubs Heritage and Gertrude Jekyll. Many others are and trees, all a must while an extensive range is available at the nursery. still available. Of the shrubs, Philadelphus is a must, with its
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hem f and may al ie h c is m e u Th at the ann continues
with Clairvoyant Terri Hall
ool
nior Sch u J e l a d i PLC Arm
SEPTEMBER 2015
with Terri
AQUARIUS. January 21 - February 19
You may have been feeling left out or abandoned lately. Don’t despair; you were just being given a perfect time out time, to regather your energy and personal power. Work opportunities will soon take you on a new journey. Enjoy! Ruby is very effective for personal power.
PISCES.
February 20 - March 20
in us on
If life still isn’t satisfying you, perhaps your focus is a little too material. Try connecting with the essence of your childhood joy, and allow new adventure into your life. Your intellect will soon be satisfied, as study is a likely influence soon. Citrine brings an abundance of creative energy.
You’re invited to jo
Thursday
5 10 September 201 3.45pm - 6.30pem of the Q & A ec To receive your pi puzzle” y or “hysterical hist 70 1700 on contact 67 for more informati
Educating successful women of tomorrow in a Christian environment join us on facebook
0 2 6 770 1700 www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au In alliance with PLC SYDNEY
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ARIES.
March 21 - April 20 Be patient a little longer; you’re about to step into some happier times, but your attitude is critical. If you can step into the unknown fearless, there will be nothing to worry about. Moldavite brings forward change and higher personal qualities.
TA U R U S . April 21 - May 21
New beginnings surround you at the moment. Dreaming of birth often represents new beginnings too, so don’t be worried if you have dreamt these themes. This year is likely to host a myriad of activities for your social calendar. New acquaintances are entering the picture, so enjoy their company. Mangano Calcite is wonderful for removing potential negative thought patterns and eliminating self-sabotage.
GEMINI. May 22 - June 22
You have recently triumphed over personal challenges and may have begun to recognise new strengths. Now just bring back your laughter and lighten up your energy. New romance, fun and adventure can be expected. Make a wish and see what happens. Rose Quartz brings out our passion for living and our joy.
CANCER.
June 23 - July 23
You are about to tumble into “the adventure of a lifetime”. Enjoy your talents and the wonder of developing them, as this year will present many opportunities to explore them through. Reconnect through your inner child with a personal relationship and enjoy some playful energy. Aquamarine gives us enormous self courage to confidently walk through any situation.
LEO.
July 24 - August 23 This month your awareness is being called towards your usual happy way of processing life. The reason why you are so fearful at present, is because you are currently taking life far too seriously; lighten up and bring back your laughter and watch your fears disappear. Pyrite will bring back courage.
VIRGO.
August 24 - September 23 Congratulations: you have created the way for your success through letting go of anxiety and bringing forth self-confidence. Now rehash what is important to you and why it is, to attract even more reward. Real estate dealings should prove very rewarding. Orange Calcite heals, restores and rejuvenates the mind, body and spirit.
LIBRA.
September 24 - October 23 Stand strong in your own light; someone close to you is trying to grow through their weaknesses, and their insecurities are playing with them. They are learning by your example, so don’t give up. Remember we all react to truths we aren’t prepared for. Blue lace agate lightens the mind and clears thoughts.
SCORPIO.
October 24 - November 22 Total change can be expected to your binding circumstance, as your wish has been heard. Validate one talent today by using it, and watch the wonderful difference this makes to your attitudes. Try a little goal setting. Carnelian is a wonderful motivating crystal.
S A G I T TA R I U S . November 23 - December 21
Now is a really good time to debate your own rules and regulations for life. Your judgement prohibits you from enjoying life to its fullest, so be kinder to yourself. Plan a holiday for yourself and get out of your current circumstance to try a little new goal setting. Citrine will shatter negative thoughts and attract an abundance of positive ones.
CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20
Congratulations: you are about to receive a beautiful reward. Your faith is one of your strongest gifts, and even though you have been through rough times, you were still able to be true to yourself and remained yourself. You may now be showing others how to do the same. Turquoise enables us to receive our rewards effortlessly.
focusmarketing.
ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, THE CHAMBER AWARDS GALA EVENING SAW 23 AWARDS PRESENTED IN 14 CATEGORIES TO A DIVERSE RANGE OF LOCAL BUSINESSES. EACH WINNER HAD BEEN JUDGED SEPARATELY BY PANELS OF INDUSTRY AND CHAMBER EXPERTS - AND ALL JUDGES COMMENTED ON THE OUTSTANDING CALIBRE OF ENTRIES.
winners C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
of the
T O
T H E
CHAMBER AWARDS
Núcleo is proud to be the Gold Sponsor of the Chamber and the Business Awards. We are very passionate about the Armidale business community, and these awards represent the strength and diversity of businesses in our region. Business of the Year, Whitehack, was acknowledged for its achievements in growing from $0 to over $1.5M in under two years, pioneering a world-first Internet security protocol and putting Armidale in the national media spotlight as “the” regional base for IT businesses. The Excellence in Business Award 2015 went to Uniplan, for near-doubling its sales, while the Excellence in Small Business Award was richly earned by Hunting Haven Uralla for its highly successful transformation into online retail. The full list of Awards winners includes • Excellence in Innovation - proudly sponsored by Armidale Dumaresq Council: Winner - Whitehack • Outstanding Digital Innovation - proudly
sponsored by New England North West BEC: Highly Commended - UNE Smart Farm and Winner - Saumarez Homestead • Excellence in Business Ethics Award proudly sponsored by nucleo: Winner - Annie K Communication Matters • Excellence in Mental Health & Recovery Support - proudly sponsored by New England Partners in Recovery: Highly Commended - House with No Steps, TAFE New England and Winner - Centacare • Outstanding Contribution to Community Development - proudly sponsored by UNE: Winner - Seasons of New England • Excellence in Sustainability proudly sponsored by Costa Group: Winner - Armidale Tourist Park • Employer of Choice 2015 proudly sponsored by Best Employment: Highly Commended - Invest Blue, Winner - Moxons Bakery • Emerging Business Leader Award proudly sponsored by Hillgrove Mines: Winner Adrian Wood, Whitehack
• Best New Business of 2015 proudly sponsored by Qantaslink - Pinnacle People Solutions • Business Leader of the Year 2015 proudly sponsored by New England Mutual - Highly Commended Roger Bourke and Winner, Gayle Kee • New England Enterprising Woman of 2015 - proudly sponsored by the Greater Christine Fittler • Customer Service Excellence Award proudly sponsored by Armidale Express: Highly Commended - Grant McCarroll Ford and Winner - Armidale Market Fresh • Excellence in Small Business - proudly sponsored by Crowe Horwath: Highly Commended Rusden St Physio, Turners and Winner - Hunting Haven • Excellence in Business - proudly sponsored by the University of New England: Winner - Uniplan From the entire núcleo team, congratulations to all of the winners and finalists for this year's awards.
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“Wouldn’t
. . . d e r i p s in
it
if... ”
A New England Rail Trail would of raise the profile ew N e th Guyra and trac t at , on gi re England fit ne the tourism and be community.”
“
I
... Guyra had a Ride the Rail Trail
dea Description: In 1989 the last train passed through Guyra Railway Station. Now the New England Rail Trail Group wants the community to come together and utilise 34 kilometres of rail
website (www.railtrails.org.au) that is operated
region and encourage cycling in the local
by a not-for-profit organisation which works
community with associated health benefits.
for the development and promotion of a rail
There would also be opportunities for local
trail network Australia-wide.
business to participate, and it would provide
Rail Trails are not just for cyclists, but for
opportunities for community groups to make
bushwalking, runners and horse riding as well.
use of the trail, not just for cycling.
They provide outlets for local recreation and
How can you help out? Please log in and
benefit local economies through the tourism
vote for this project to show your support on
Guyra and the New England region, attract
they bring and provide green links and reserves
www.heartofourcommunity.com.au
tourism and benefit the community.
for native plants and animals.
You can also visit the New England Rail Trail
Rail Trails are being constructed all over
Community Benefits: A New England Rail
Group Facebook page to see more information
Australia, and there is a National Rail Trails
Trail would attract tourism to the town and
and photos for this project.
from Black Mountain to Ben Lomond. A New England Rail Trail would raise the profile of
be inspired...
54 new england focus.
vote / share
be inspired...
focuseditorial.
Visit heartofourcommunity.com.au to vote for this idea and share it with your friends! Votes so far: 39 New England Mutual would like to thank FOCUS for their support of these inspiring community ideas.
OAKTREE RETIREMENT VILLAGE
Armidale's newest retirement village continues to expand, with commencement of the village centre and facilities along with release of stage two villas. Due for completion later this year, the village centre will provide residents with a wonderful facility to socialise and entertain friends and family along with regular events programmed for senior communities to partake. The impressive facilities include a bowling green, hair salon, consulting room and lounge areas that are the perfect spot to read a book, catch up with others or watch a movie. These shared spaces all contribute to a great atmosphere and help establish the new community centre as the social heart of the wider community. Oak Tree prides itself in becoming one with the broader senior community and looks forward to supporting and hosting events which will include seniors week festivities and a suitable venue for smaller senior groups who currently have restricted access available.
Valuable feedback from early enquiry has inspired a few changes to Oak Trees’ original position; the village will now offer a secure gated entrance, providing residents with additional aces These shared sp peace of mind and a to all contri bute caravan parking for d an e er great atmosph those more active “grey e new help establish th as the re nomads”. nt ce ity mun
“ com
With a firm social heart of th community.” commitment to provide attainable retirement living options in regional communities, Oak Tree expand their footprint across the New England region with the approval to commence in Gunnedah and continued growth in Tamworth which is in high demand and selling fast.
e wider
If you would like to know more, visit Kate Pigram, Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm.
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2015 Armidale Business Awards congratulations to all the businesses who were successful Photos courtesy of David Doyle.
creating communication that works nucleo.com.au