NEW ENGLAND
February 2016 // Issue 105
Feature Story
Opera in the Paddock
MP Adam Marshall with residents Shirley Cook, Fay Cluley, Kerrie Reeves and Area Manager Kate Pigram
CONFIDENCE IN RETIREMENT LIVING
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ate last year, Oak Tree Retirement Group hosted their grand open day to more than 100 guests over the two day event. Feedback from local seniors and supporting family members was extremely positive. For many first time visitors to witness the quality built homes and tour the recreation facilities was extremely impressive. The recreation facilities, which includes a purpose built Community Centre and bowling green, is the hub of the Oak Tree community. With beautiful décor throughout, the centre features large iconic landmarks as homage to the Armidale area. It also offers a centralised point to engage
with fellow residents and enjoy regular social activity and events. “The Community Centre is an extension of our residents home, so it needs to be comfortable, warm and inviting.” Managing Director Mark Bindon said. For the Oak Tree Management team, open days provide an opportunity for the public to casually look around and receive quality information to ponder in your own time at your own pace. No pressure to ‘buy in’ as they say as each resident who has made the move to an Oak Tree village has on average been contemplating a move for at least twelve months. “When the time is right and they are ready, we are here to help them make the right move.” Mark Bindon said.
The decision to move to a retirement village is usually triggered by an event; property maintenance becomes overwhelming, the sense of security is fading or lost within the community or perhaps the loss of a partner. Whatever the reason, Oak Tree is here to offer guidance and help throughout the process. With over 50 percent of stage 1 and 2 now sold, the village will commence stage 3 construction in March to meet the growing demand. If you are considering your future and would like to learn more about Oak Tree Group, join us for the upcoming Open Day event or pop down to see Village Manager Kate Pigram 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday. Call 1300 367 155 for further information.
OPEN DAY RETIREMENT VILLAGE
89 MARTIN STREET, ARMIDALE
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th February 9am – 1pm 1300 367 155
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www.oaktreearmidale.com.au
focus team.
focus team.
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O T H
Welcome to the October edition of New England FOCUS.
thegoNovember New England FOCUS. EAM NOTE Welcome toWe in-depth withedition all that isof NERAM: for 35 years by New England locals. Welcome one, the new café - Studio 52, Packsaddle, Walcha Mountain Festival is in its Welcome February edition of School New England FOCUS. n this month’s front to the at to Screenwise St Brasserie. welcome all to edition andstudies we talk the new Acting Director. eighth year now, with this year set to cover is Barbara Albury, - Australia’s leadingfeature film and And finally, read how a local ng 101. You are about Our Dream Home is TV set school to impress. Held over two days,golfi it will ello and welcome to Inside we showcase some other local not to be missed. It stands taller than stars in A Streetcar for actors. community come together toMounsave towho embark on another impress, with many of the fantastic include the has Westpac Helicopter our fabulous February recent weddings that were provided to most houses and is truly an amazing Namedinto Desire, Webusinesses also speakshowing to the wonderful the Uralla Golf Club. Billy Cart Derby, journey the showing lives of at local you howAdetain Bike Challenge, edition for 2016, and of us via our Facebook call out. sight. Hoskins centre from the 21st laide author Sue Panagaris, has WELCOME TO JAMES BROOKS locals,TAS businesses and what’s happening to create your next extension who or new farmers’ market and trash and treasure what a great edition we INSIDE THIS ISSUE We also catch FOCUS up with Peter Howe, to December This event house just build. released her third bookeasy! for Mills New England very toa in andNovember around this marvellous6th. region. Building made New market. This event is isfun forproud the whole have planned for you In addition to our wedding feaborn and bred local who has been has alook “stella” cast and will be sure & Boon titled Falling for Dr December, welcome James Brooksand to a We alway forward to bringing youto England FOCUS have your renovations family, with free“Jimmy” face painting impress. with story in theto New England our team.castle, James hasyears. joinedPeter the team all this month! month is columns, all about ture, wethe have ourset“Back Business” Celebrant for many us the best stories,This features and on lock-down. jumping and something atells little INSIDE THISayou ISSUE (taking place Armidale and as anaadvertising as well asis weddings. Inside will position find almost feature. have aboth special house of for what day in egg theconsultant life of a Celebrant so, grab yourself comfy and With aWe day oninthe green destined different - an throwing competiPracticing accountant for 40 We at were very excited helping us out with photography, so everyyourself aspect some oflocal a wedding: planning, theUralla). month, “Oliver Avenue” by Marty give “you time”! New England, weFOCUS thought it apt to fea- like. tion! years, Bob Locke tells us how advancto have a chat with Sue and also happy please SAY give James a call if you have any photography, venues, celebrants and Lawler ofof Goodwood Projects; he tells FINAL ON THE COVER ture one the most iconic musicians FINAL SAY es in technology have had a very big that she’s showcased the New England enquiries. more. We speak bridesPacksaddle. and grooms FOCUS all about this-new for “You you’re love when I This month we to feature in Australian culture Darylbuild Braithwaite. “I amknow so clever thatinsometimes on the way business is done area to the world. FINAL SAY aboutimpact their on, weddings. Armidale. you can’t fall asleep, because reality is Thirty years and Packsaddle is still Braithwaite’s influential songs have don’t understand a single word of what these days. We also travelled to the Uralla Bowling “You can’t depend on your eyes, ON THE COVER We have a new column from finally better than yourWilde. dreams.” - Dr. going strong! For those who aren’t au I am saying.” - Oscar been on many a playlist and his Dan well We talk to Lachie Sewell about why he club, where Lyn Ferguson has recently when your imagination is out of fofait, Packsaddle an annualwe fund-raisknown as The Horses, In the theme of isweddings, have and Tomsongs, of thesuch Welder’s Dog, whoare tell Seuss. chose to stay in Armidale; he tells us taken over the dining room as head cus”- Mark Twain. ing exhibition for the New England now anthems. a lovely local couple, Starlena and us about everything craft beer. there are many job opportunities here chef, producing satisfying and moreish Regional Art tied Museum (NERAM). Has beenof 35ayears already? Well, Adam, who the knot on theFind 14th Ever itheard “Geodesic Dome”? for the younger generation. meals for the whole family to enjoy. out why, who, what and when inside. to the team at Hubbard Hire, time flies November 2015. This image was taken Sam Hodges, a local resident, has built We catch up with born and bred ArmiLyn has come back to the New England INSIDE THIS ISSUE when you’re having fun! FOCUS talks in pouring rain, fog and whatever else a portable dome for hire ... Wait until dale lady Monique Howe, who shares region because she loves the mounThis month we have all sorts of wonwith thethe team at Hubbard Hirea and the elements could throw at them! youtains see is truly her ambitions to become an actress and images; fresh air. itAnother bigstory change derful stories, including Anthony Kelly, finds out more about this service, that and tells us about the exciting mois the name of the restaurant in the smashing and setting world records. has been proudly owned and operated ments from her career so far. Monique
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Uralla Bowling Club, now titled the Hill
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ADAM BRAND AND THE OUTLAWS.
Twelve time Golden Guitar winner Adam Brand is joined by country music stars Drew McAlister, Travis Collins, Matt Cornell and Mike Carr. Together, they make up country’s newest supergroup, Adam Brand and The Outlaws ...
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I S S U E
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F E B R U A R Y
8. WHAT’S ON FOR FEBRUARY 10. SOCIAL SCENE KATE MITCHELL 14. TOURISM UPDATE WITH KATRINA GEORGE
THE EVENT DOME. You may have noticed a very large dome in the backyard of the Armidale Club; you may even have been lucky enough to be inside it. FOCUS chats with Sam Hodges, a Armidale local who has created one of the largest geodesic domes for event hire in Australia.
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PRODUCERS, MAKERS AND CREATORS.
Tara Toomey from Seasons of New England tells FOCUS about the Producers, Makers & Creators Expo, Saturday 19th March, Hampden Park, Uralla.
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16. WEDDING GUIDE IN THE NEW ENGLAND 35. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI HALL 38. BACK TO BUSINESS SPECIAL FEATURE
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focusinterview.
IN T HE P ADDO CK
P e t a
B l y t h
FOR A RURAL COUPLE BASED AT DELUNGRA, NEAR INVERELL, THE IDEA OF STAGING AN OPERA IN A PADDOCK ON THEIR PRIVATE PROPERTY COULD HAVE BEEN PERCEIVED AS AN ACT OF UTTER MADNESS ...
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nstead, growing this opera performance into a world-class event has been something else completely. The development of Opera in the Paddock, from its humble beginnings into a significant annual regional event, has been remarkable. For Artistic Director and soprano Peta Blyth, together with her farmer husband Bill, their passion and unwavering tenacity to produce this unique performance has seen Opera in the Paddock become synonymous with an exceptional event of unparalleled quality in regional NSW. So, what’s the secret that sets this production apart from so many others? Perhaps it is the idyllic surrounds of the paddock that strips away the pretention often associated with the “high art” form of opera that audiences find so captivating. The ability to deliver this magical experience, without compromising the quality and standard of the performance, has remained at the absolute forefront of the event for its creators, Peta and Bill Blyth. To their credit and against the odds, Opera in the Paddock continues to grow in reputation and scale. Not only does it attract the greatest singers performing in Australia and internationally today, 2016 will see the event expand to include two performances to meet demand. On Friday 1st April, an exclusive performance of Opera in the Paddock will be held in Armidale, the first time that a performance of the worldclass event will be held outside of the paddock at “Mimosa”, Delungra. For those accustomed
to the magic of the much-loved rural setting, the by over a quarter of a million people during its performance will still take place in the paddock national tour. on Saturday 2nd April. As his hectic schedule for the past twelve Opera North West is delighted to announce months attests, Teddy Tahu Rhodes is in constant that acclaimed opera star Teddy Tahu Rhodes demand. Since April last year, he has appeared in will return to star in Opera in the the title roles of Don Giovanni for Opera Paddock in 2016. Artistic Australia, Melbourne and Sweeney Director Peta Blyth said, “We Todd for Victorian Opera, as well are delighted that a stellar as starring as Mephistopheles We are delighted artist of the calibre of in Faust for the State Opera t tis that a stellar ar Teddy Tahu Rhodes is of South Australia and the y dd Te of of the calibre le able to return following West Australian Opera. ab is es od Tahu Rh g in w llo the cancellation of the Among a string of other fo rn tu to re of the event due to extreme performances, Tahu Rhodes the cancellation treme event due to ex weather last year.” also managed to squeeze in ar.” weather last ye With one of the most a sell-out national tour From recognisable profiles in Broadway to La Scala, starring music today, Teddy Tahu alongside Lisa McCune, David Rhodes is an artist who has Hobson and Greta Bradman. conquered both the operatic and Artistic Director Peta Blyth takes us musical theatre worlds. On the back of the behind the scenes and responds to a number stratospheric success of the productions of questions in relation to the event: South Pacific, Don Giovanni and The King and I, Opera in the Paddock has been running Tahu Rhodes has well and truly earned his star for many years; what’s different about this status. year’s event? Teddy Tahu Rhodes was born in Christchurch, This year for the first time, we will be New Zealand to a British mother and a New presenting two performances, one in Armidale, Zealand father. The Maori word Tahu means “to as well as in the paddock at Delungra. This is set on fire.” As his recent appearances for Opera testimony to the demand and popularity of the Australia attest, Tahu Rhodes has been setting event and reinforces how Opera North West box office ablaze. has cemented its reputation as a world-class Smashing all box office records, The King and enterprise. It allows us to reach wider audiences I holds the title as the highest selling show ever and provide them with the opportunity to staged at the Sydney Opera House, with Tahu experience an international star, such as Teddy Rhodes playing opposite Lisa McCune in the lead Tahu Rhodes, which is an extremely rare occasion role in the musical. The production was seen in the bush.
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So, is Teddy Tahu Rhodes really all that he’s cracked up to be? Have you ever seen him with his shirt off? (Laughs.) His abs are quite famous! But seriously, he truly is an extraordinary performer, an amazing voice and a compelling presence. He has such a busy schedule; what prompted him to return? I think his sense of commitment; he is a very genuine and generous person. Who else will be in the line up? It truly is a stellar cast that also includes acclaimed tenor Bradley Daley. In 2016, Bradley will sing Siegmund in Opera’s Australia production of Der Ring des Nibelungen, as well as make a major role début as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly for Opera Queensland. Soprano Elizabeth Lewis will also return for Opera in the Paddock. Elizabeth enjoyed great success in 2015, winning the prestigious Opera Foundation Australia Lady Fairfax New York Scholarship. The prize will go towards study with vocal, language and movement coaches in New York. Timothy Sexton, Artistic Director of State Opera of South Australia, will return to conduct the Mimosa Orchestra, which will be led by Jenny Nickson, Deputy Leader of the Covent Garden Orchestra, London. It really will be a spectacular event. Opera in the Paddock will be held at Lazenby Hall, UNE, Armidale on Friday 1st April and at “Mimosa”, Delungra on Saturday 2nd April. Tickets and further information: www.operainthepaddock.com.au Tel: 1800 240 301. Thanks Peta. new england focus. 5
focusinterview.
TWELVE TIME GOLDEN GUITAR WINNER ADAM BRAND IS JOINED BY COUNTRY MUSIC STARS DREW MCALISTER, TRAVIS COLLINS, MATT CORNELL AND MIKE CARR; TOGETHER, THEY MAKE UP COUNTRY’S NEWEST SUPERGROUP, ADAM BRAND & THE OUTLAWS. RELEASING AN ALBUM AND KICKING OFF ON A NATIONAL TOUR, FOCUS CAUGHT UP WITH FRONTMAN ADAM BRAND …
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i Adam. Take us back to your first memories of having an interest in music; what was it that first captivated you? My dad and my uncles had a band; my dad was the singer, my uncle was a drummer, and one of my other uncles was a bass player. My other uncle couldn’t sing or play to save himself, so he was the dodgy manager! My first time on stage was when I was three years old with that band singing How Much is That Doggy in the Window? So if you want to go back to the beginning, that’s where it all started. All through my life ... I was playing drums, I loved music; it was just always something I wanted to be a part of. What is is about country music that you love, and why did you choose to write and play that genre of music? I grew up listening to Springsteen and Mellencamp and Chisel, Fleetwood Mac, all that sort of stuff. Country music is just so easy to connect with - it’s easy to listen to a lyric and go, “Yeah, I get it. I’ve been through that; I’m going through that”. I suppose it really does cover everything from having a big night out with your mates at the pub dancin’ on the bar, doing nudey runs down the street, right through to standing up in honour of people who have served and make the ultimate sacrifice for our country ... and it’s just very, very real stories and things that we can all relate to. I didn’t grow up listening to music about living on the outback sheep station or cattle station or those types of things, but I When you do grew up smaller country towns, so I something you el like sing about things I can relate to. For love , it doesn’ t fe hing me, it’s being able to find something work! It’s somet g, in do that connects me with my audience. that you love re u’ yo Being such a musically inspired something of five individual artists, all t, and passionate abou man, how do you keep your e rc fo coming together to form one to you don’ t have creative side alive? ” it. band. They’re all accomplished, yourself to do You hear this a lot - maybe it’s a they all have amazing careers cliche, but its absolutely true: when and in those amazing careers you do something you love, it doesn’t feel they’ve all had albums, all had like work! It’s something that you love doing, number ones and top tens, made videos something you’re passionate about, and you don’t and toured for years ... have to force yourself to do it. It’s you, you want to do So there’s such a wealth of knowledge and it - you get up in the morning and you want to listen to exprience in the band. It’s made up of Travis Collins, music. Most people just have conversations, but when I’m who’s nominated this year for his last album for male vocalist; talking and someone says something that’s interesting, highest selling Drew McAlister, who’s half of McAlister I go: “Oh, that’s an idea for a song!” So I write down Kemp, a huge duo and band; Matt Cornell, who’s played in a line, and it could be a seed that starts a song. I think everyone’s band over the years from Baby Animals to Richard when it’s something that’s just engrained into your heart Clapton; Mike Carr, who’s won ARIA awards for Buddy Goode and your soul, keeping that motivation going is pretty - the comedy artist - as well as written hit songs over the easy. years, including ones for me! There’s just so much diversity in Introduce us to your latest venture, Adam Brand the band. and The Outlaws. How did you come together, and This is an idea I’ve had for over 10 years ... and what’s the who makes up the group? foundation of this? It’s that these guys are all great mates of The unique thing about this group is it’s made up mine and we’ve all worked together in some capacity over
ADAM BRAND & THE OUTLAWS
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the years, so it’s great to be able to put that together and say, “Fellas, let’s take a break from our normal careers and go out and do this thing”. The idea behind the songs that we’re doing is that they’re party songs - let’s get together in a room and jam on all of our favourite songs, the kind of songs we would want playing if we were at a party or a BBQ at our house that we all love to sing along to - great anthems. So that’s the idea for the album and the shows: five artists, all on stage singing their favourite songs that everyone else knows ... And a party! Thanks Adam.
the plug! Catch Adam Brand and The Outlaws Thursday, February 25 at Inverell RSM, Inverell NSW. Venue (02) 6722 3066 - $39.80 www.offbeatoperations.com.au
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focus_What’s On New England
February 2016
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WALCHA FARMERS’ MARKET
BODY MIND SOUL EXPO Natural therapies, personal development, organic products, psychic readings, fun workshops and much more ... When 30th January to 31st January, 10am - 4pm. Cost adults $10, kids under 16 free. Where Armidale Town Hall.
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Something for everyone! Stalls / fresh produce / homemade goodies / plants. Entertainment @ every monthly market. Where McHattan Park - 8:30am - 12:30pm. When Saturday 20th February 2016 and the 3rd Saturday of the month. For more information, go to www.walchafarmersmarket.org.au
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THE GREAT ARMIDALE JERK OFF
WALCHA CUP & RACES
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Beef Jerky Competition - with special guests, “Miracle” Mal Johnston and TK “Big Sports Breakfast”. This event is a fundraiser for Armidale Tour De Cure Riders. When Friday, February 12 at 2pm. Where St Kilda Hotel, 102 - 104 Rusden St, Armidale, Australia.
CAMP QUALITY TRIVIA NIGHT Auction and lots of prizes to be won at the Armidale City Bowling Club, Dumaresq Street. Tickets $20 pp (finger food provided). When Saturday 20th February; 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Dress Code Pirates. Book @ the Armidale City Bowling Club, (02) 6772 5666.
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Indulge yourself in a fun-filled day under the shade of the Elm Trees at the picturesque Walcha Racecourse. Have a dabble on the horses, a quiet beer or some sparkly bubbles. Enjoy a BBQ lunch or other catered delights and bring the whole family on Saturday, with kids’ activities on offer. When Friday 5th February Walcha Cup. Saturday 6th Februrary - Walcha Races and Family Day.
FIRST SATURDAY CHATS
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Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Christopher Serow (Principal Solicitor, Notary Public, Migration Agent) from 10am to 1pm at our offices on Saturday 6th February 2016. As this is a popular programme, bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100.
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ANTIQUE & COLLECTABLES FAIR The Antique Fair is the major fundraiser of the hard working Armidale High School P & C. Funds raised will be used towards projects throughout the year. When Friday 19th, Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st February. Where Armidale High School Auditorium, Butler Street, Armidale. More info 0428 722 705.
THUNDERBOLT SHOW, SHINE AND SWAP Presented by Uralla District Show Society. Proceeds to local charities. Camping available by arrangement. Catering and bar on site. Proudly Supported by Shannons. Share the passion. When Sunday 21st February. Where Uralla Showground, King Street, Uralla. Entry adults $5, family $10, under 12 free. Contact Matt Pennycuick: phone 0409 783 242.
focusinterview.
NEW PAINTINGS BY STUART BOGGS OPENS AT GALLERY 126 ON FRIDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2016. THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE STUART’S 4TH SHOW AT GALLERY 126.
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tuart Boggs is a local contemporary and ease in his mark making, as the landscape had landscape painter who has exhibited become more ingrained into his mind. In these new extensively, both in this region, works he has pared back the mark making and Sydney and overseas. He paints colour palette to the bare minimum to interpret the mainly with acrylics, occasionally with landscape. Revisiting the area many times over the oils and usually incorporates other two years enabled a fresh, uncluttered view, which mediums such as charcoal, carbon, and oil sticks. is evident in the artworks. His style is very loose and is an interpretation and Paintings in this exhibition are predominantly emotional response to the landscape, rather than a works on paper with some canvases, including snapshot of the environment. a large canvas, which could be seen as the His painting over the last two years has culmination of the smaller works. All are been focused on a collaborative welcome to attend the opening of the project with three other artists, exhibition at 5pm on Friday 19th Rowen Matthews, Frances February, where Stuart will be The Alter and Robyn Jackson, available to discuss his works. immersion which concluded in an New Paintings by Stuart d in this project an exhibition, One Work, in Boggs will continue through e in the landscap October 2015 at NERAM to the end of March. itself provided (New England Regional an abundance of Art Museum) in Armidale. inspiration for .” The exhibition included future paintings a large work made up of 24 canvases which was the collaborative part, as well as smaller works produced by each artist. The project was based on the coastal environment of the Yuraygir National Park, mostly centred on the small township of Diggers Camp near Wooli. The immersion in this project and in the landscape itself provided an abundance of inspiration for future paintings. While working on the smaller works, Stuart found a new direction
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Kate MITCHELL from Armidale Live
The Jimmy Craz band performing live at the Wicklow on Christmas Eve - Photo by Erica Attwood.
The Wicklow New Year’s Eve party - Photo by Erica Attwood.
Route 67 performing at the Wicklow on New Year’s Eve Photo by Erica Attwood.
Armidale locals, the Jenkins family, coming from as far as North Queensland to reunite and get their cultural fill at the Archibald exhibition 2015.
Fire twirlers at the Armidale Drumming Circle presented by Beyond Empathy.
A group sharing the music at the Armidale Drumming Circle held every month at Civic Park.
SOCIAL/SCENE
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n a lot of ways, we have seen a bit of a social change happening in Armidale that is pretty exciting. The Wicklow made good use of its patio with a view to entertain returning Armidilians for Christmas and New Year’s, offering a beer garden full of sun and live music for both. The Armidale Club hosted Armidale’s first beach party for NYE, with many attendees hoping it won’t be the last, while Armidale Dumaresq Council held the annual New Year’s fireworks, that were entertaining to all ages. NERAM held the Archibald exhibition for 2015 and was a great place for visiting families to meet for breakfast at Harvest and make their way through the exhibition. While all that was happening, the National Parks finally got their rain and the waterfalls started flowing, much to the delight of tourists. What’s been super exciting about the last couple of months in Armidale, are the social and business groups that are opening their doors to encourage people with similar interests to join. The Business Chamber has been inviting newcomers to town and people of all industries to join them for the
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THE LAST MONTH HAS BEEN A MONTH OF RECONNECTING WITH VISITING FAMILIES AND FRIENDS; AND FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T GROW UP IN ARMIDALE, IT HAS BEEN A MONTH OF CREATING NEW WAYS TO CONNECT WITH PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY OVER A TRADITIONALLY FAMILY ORIENTED TIME OF YEAR.
end of month drinks. Group’s like “Armidale’s a supervised jumping castle for the kids, with all Drumming Circle”, and the “Multicultural Choir proceeds helping to support the Mickerts family; at Kent House” presented by Beyond Empathy, The Body Mind Soul Expo, the first of its kind held have opened up an opportunity for people in Armidale, will be held on the 30th and to bring their instruments (or not), 31st January, with an expected 40 create music, meet new people stalls and more free workshops and celebrate old friendships; appealing to anyone with NERAM held and a Music Connect group an interest from yoga, to ld’ ba hi rc A ‘ e th has opened up to connect drumming, to Astrology, to 15 musicians for new ideas and health and fitness, organic exhi bition for 20 place and was a great local hangs. Coming from produce, and healing. The es for visiting famili t a larger city, where these Guyra Lamb and Potato kfas to meet for brea groups and ideas of social Festival will be holding ake at Harvest and m connection are a given and stalls and hosting live music h their way throug often hard to find in smaller events, while the Tamworth .” the exhi bition cities or country towns, it’s Country Music Festival steals been really heartening to see, several of Armidale’s best artists and I do encourage anyone who for 10 days of sun, music, and has a group or social idea to post on friends; and the Opera New England ArmidaleLive.com. are holding three performances over 20th This coming month there are several events 22nd January. we are looking forward to. The Mickerts’ Remember to send in all your pics and stories Family Fun Day held at the Armidale Racecourse to armidalelive@gmail.com from these events or on Australia Day, will have Terra Firma and Rick others you have planned, so we can see your smiley Cuthrel performing live, auctions, food stalls and faces in these pages.
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COOPER & CO. At Cooper & Co we pride ourselves on being one of Armidale and the New England’s most established salons. Opened in 1995 under the name Hairtrekking and consecutively D-fine Image, 2016 brings about our 21st birthday.
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anelle and her team strive to deliver a fully tailored experience in a boutique setting. With clients who have been with us for more than 36 years, you can guarantee that our guests’ experience
and beautiful hair are our number one priority. Our philosophy of premium training ensures that we are able to deliver on-trend styles and a personalised holistic experience - from our signature herbal tea and relaxation massage, individual scalp
diagnosis and beautiful hair, as well as make-up and specialised skincare. Janelle and the team at Cooper & Co would like to thank our clientele - both past and present - and welcome new guests to experience our salon.
THE 12TH ANNUAL ARMIDALE
ANTIQUE & COLLECTABLES
FAIR
The 12th Annual Armidale Antique & Collectibles Fair will be held over the weekend of Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February in the Armidale High School Auditorium, Butler Street, Armidale.
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here is ample parking, and wheelchair access is available. The Fair will open at 2pm on Friday ‘til 8pm, on Saturday from 10am ‘til 5pm and on Sunday from 10am ‘til 4pm. There will be 12 reputable dealers in attendance - some old favourites and some newcomers - with pieces on display including early colonial and imported European furniture,
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estate, modern and costume jewellery, fine china, silverware, medals, coins, stamps, militaria and fine bric a brac. All will be available for sale. Appraisals will be available for a small fee for those interested in finding out more about their heirlooms. Prior booking is advised. There will be lucky door prizes each day, including a Royal Doulton figurine and dealer vouchers.
A canteen will be operating, and light refreshments will be available throughout the weekend. The Antique Fair is the major fundraiser of the hard working Armidale High School P & C, and funds raised will be used toward projects throughout the year. For further enquiries or to book your appraisal, call 0428 722 705 after hours.
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BIMBLEBOX ART • SCIENCE • NATURE
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he Bimblebox Nature Refuge is located in semiarid, desert uplands environment approximately 50 km north-west of Alpha in Central Queensland, comprising 8,000 hectares of native bushland, most of which has never been cleared. While legally recognised as a Nature Refuge and part of the National Reserve System of Protected Areas, Bimblebox is under threat from coal mining. Over the past few years Bimblebox has been the site of a number of artists’ camps, where contemporary artists have explored the challenging subjects of coal mining, global warming, diminishing biodiversity, the changing sociocultural dispositions of regional communities and the role of creativity in that process. Bimblebox: art - science - nature is a new exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum about the Bimblebox Nature Refuge, its environmental, social and scientific significance and artist’s creative response to their experience of this unique and threatened environment. The exhibition is rich, dynamic and diverse, including artworks in installation, works on paper, painting, artist books, photography, digital media and sound. Curated by Beth Jackson from a project initiated by artist Jill Sampson, the exhibition also incorporates aspects of scientific and environmental research and social history of the site. Bimblebox: art - science - nature is on show at NERAM from 5 February - 24 April 2016, and you can find out more at www.neram.com.au
Luke Roberts All Souls Day (Tree) 2009 Photographic performance from the series Pigment ink on cotton rag paper
CAMP QUALITY
TRIVIA NIGHT FUNDRAISER
On 20th Feb, the Armidale volunteer group will be holding a pirate themed trivia night at the Armidale City Bowling Club at 6pm.
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amp Quality is gearing up for a night that is sure to be filled with lots of FUN and FUNraising. There will be something for everyone, with auctions and many exciting prizes to be won! The aim of the night, however, is to raise much needed funds for children living with cancer between the ages of 0 - 13 years. We currently have 12 families in Armidale that need your help. All money raised will go back into supporting these local families. To purchase your ticket, head to the Armidale City Bowling Club; tickets $20 pp (finger food included). If you would like to become involved in Camp Quality as a volunteer, please contact our CQ office on (02) 6651 4486 or melissa.bell@ campquality.org.au Camp Quality is the children’s family cancer charity. Our purpose is to create a better life for every child living with cancer in Australia. The services we provide for children living with cancer and their families help them build optimism and resilience. http://www.campquality.org.au new england focus. 13
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with Katrina George from the Armidale Visitor Information Centre
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with Dan Emery and Tom Croft
tourism UPDATE
KATRINA GEORGE
ARMIDALE’S SUCCESS ARMIDALE WAS BUSTLING WITH DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL VISITORS OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD, AND DURING THIS TIME WE SAW A DAILY AVERAGE OF 250+ VISITORS THROUGH OUR DOORS.
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ollowing on from last year’s success, The Christmas Lights Tours were run on two consecutive evenings utilising the Heritage Tour Bus and were once again very well received by visitors and locals alike. The children may be back at school, but there are still plenty of daylight hours and sunny weekends to be out and about exploring our region. It is a great time of year to pack a lunch or picnic dinner and try some of these ideas: Wooldridge Recreation and Fossicking Reserve is located approximately 6 km from Uralla and has picnic tables, wood fired BBQs, toilet facilities and fresh drinking water. It is a great place for a swim, with a lovely sandy shore for relaxing and playing with the kids. Don’t let anyone tell you that the country’s rivers and streams no longer contain gold. Every year storms and heavy rain bring more to the surface, continually renewing nature’s supply. It’s all there for the taking, and the gold pan is still the best way to find it. Gold pans are available for hire from the Uralla Visitor Information Centre. Pets are allowed to join in the fun; however, owners are requested to keep them on the leash at all times. Dumaresq Dam has a permanent Orienteering Course that has been set up by the Northern Tablelands Orienteering Club. This is a fun, free, family activity that will challenge the kids and improve their map reading and problem solving skills. The maps are available from the Armidale Visitor Information Centre. Alternatively, if you would like to try your hand at canoeing on Dumaresq Dam, kayaks can be hired from Armidale Outdoors located on Rusden Street Mountain biking is a very popular sport for all ages and abilities. Take a ride along
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Armidale’s bicycle track from the University of New England, along the creeklands to Erskine Street East. There are some wonderful mountain bike tracks to explore at the Pine Forest. No bike, no problem - mountain bikes can be hired from the Armidale Bicycle Centre on Beardy Street or Bicycle Central on Marsh in the Wicklow complex. The Armidale Visitor Information Centre can provide maps for you and your family. Riding the Highs motorcycle tours are locally owned and operated and provide locals and visitors the opportunity of touring the New England High Country on a Harley-Davidson motorbike. They will cater for any occasion and have gift vouchers available. For more information, contact the Armidale Visitor information Centre on 6770 3888 or Bill West on 0403 192 211. Yarralong B&B recently launched “Sliding at Yarralong”. Experience riding a slide (type of sled) pulled by two beautiful draught horses - that we hear perform tricks. Once you reach your destination alongside the river, the billy is boiled and morning tea is enjoyed. For more information, please contact Yarralong on 6775 5581. The Armidale Tourism event calendar is jam packed with a huge variety of events. For details on these events and more, please visit www.armidaletourism.com.au/events. If you would like a weekly “What’s On” emailed to you, please contact us on 6770 3888 or email us at tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au; this will ensure you never miss an upcoming event! The Armidale Visitor Information Centre currently has opportunities for new volunteers. If you are passionate about Armidale, have a good local knowledge and love helping people, then please contact Katrina George on 6770 3906.
dan & TOM - the welder’s dog BEFORE WE GET INTO IT, A LITTLE ABOUT OUR BACKGROUND. WE GREW UP IN INVERELL BEFORE MOVING TO ARMIDALE FOR UNIVERSITY. UNBELIEVABLY, THAT WAS WELL OVER TEN YEARS AGO NOW.
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ni was a blast, and it’s there that we seems to be popping up every week - much to first talked about starting our own our delight. business and working for ourselves. So what is all the fuss about? How is it It’s funny, back then we didn’t different from normal beer? Put simply, it’s have much taste for good booze and were beer that is made on a smaller scale than suckers for great marketing, believing that mainstream beer, it is much more labor a hard earned thirst needed a big cold beer intensive, more complex, it usually uses more and the best cold beer was … now not worth ingredient and is made with love by beer lovers mentioning. - not to mention it’s just a whole lot more Fast forward five or six years after university, delicious. Think of it like your Nanna’s home we were travelling through Canada made soup versus a mass produced soup and it was here that we noticed that’s been sentenced to the can. No a big difference in their beer comparison. culture. It seemed nearly It’s really great to see the every town we visited local scene getting some It is much more e, labour intensiv had its own brewery. momentum too; by now, it , ex pl They still had a few everyone would have more com e usually uses mor ade mainstream brands heard of New England is m ingredient and available in pubs and Brewing. We have er lovers with love by be s bars, but nothing like also just had another it’ - not to mention back home where it nano brewery start out e mor just a whole lot was predominantly the Argyle Road called Gara delicious .” same beers everywhere. River Brewing, one has We began to get a been approved out near the taste for these bigger and university and will hopefully bolder flavoured beers and in get going later this year, Deepwater turn tracked them down, one bar after brewer Marshal Wiles has a cult following another. Little did we know, each craft around here with his sublime brews, Bellingen beer we discovered sowed another seed has a nice little brewery as well ... and who of inspiration for the Welder’s Dog. knows what else might pop up this year? Fast forward an additional five or so years So over the next several months, we aim to and a mild interest in craft beer has evolved bring you the latest news in the world of craft into a fascination and obsession to find the beer, locally and nationally, we’ll probably road latest and greatest beers available, which test a few while we’re at it, all in the line of there is no shortage of. The craft beer scene is duty. Until then, we’ll leave you with our motto now flourishing in Australia, particularly in the and the motto of most in the industry: “Drink southern states as well as WA. A new brewery less, taste more”.
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producers
expo TA R A T O O M E Y F RO M S E A S O N S O F N E W E N G L A N D T E L L S F O C U S A B O U T T H E P RO D U C E R S , M A K E R S & C R E AT O R S E X P O -
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he anticipation has been building for your fourth event. What can patrons expect at the Expo? The event has evolved to be so much more than a market; it has become a meaningful forum for people to discover the New England, as well as for New England based enterprises to be discovered by a whole new customer base. The line up for the 19th March at Hampden Park in Uralla includes over 80 stalls already and is brimming with handmade talent, bespoke creations and gourmet delights. One of the many innovations for this year is the inclusion of a much larger range of “drinks” stalls. The Seasons bar has become a signature of the event, and we have a very tempting variety of tipples for the bar. Superb craft beer from New England Brewing Co., world class gin and whisky from Dobson’s Distillery, the one and only New England Cider Co, and a selection of the best New England wines from Zappa Wines, Toppers, Wright Robertson and Merilba. And our two favourite non-alcoholic options are the beautiful handmade cordials from Lazy Magpie & Pukeko Preserves, as well as the amazing Grumpy’s ginger beer. Our gourmet producers are always ahead of the pack when it comes to innovation, and the recognition received by Sommerlad’s Poultry in Delicious Australia magazine (for Outstanding Innovation) recently is worth noting. They are supplying their table birds to a couple of our foodie stalls, and it will be worth seeking out. Locally made cheeses, handmade pastries, nougat, salted peanut caramel, cupcakes and baked treats, vegan and vegetarian delights both sweet and savoury, local trout, amazing
S A T U R D AY 1 9 T H M A R C H , H A M P D E N P A R K , U R A L L A . burgers, handcut hot chips made with local spuds, ice cream, gelato, Thai food and so much more. Our producers often team up to produce complimentary tasting plates, and we will have details of those available soon, ready to share on our website and Facebook page. Dale’s Downtown Meats are always coming up with something new for Seasons, and they have been working with New England Brewing Co. on a special new brewery sausage, The line up for and the rather special the 19 th March rk in beer they use will at Hampden Pa er ov es ud cl in also be on tap at the Uralla and y ad re al ls al 80 st Seasons Bar. ith w is brimming Tell us about New nt , handmade tale England Unearthed? for the very tiny people ns and tio ea cr e bespok A great day out s.” ht amongst us, through lig de et m gour is created by the to toddlers and older atmosphere, and we children. are really thrilled by the And I’m pleased to say talented people who come out that there are some very clever of the woodwork to take to the stage dressmakers coming along, with a talent at Seasons. They are all New England based for dresses, skirts and shirts - including performers, and having them involved has some beautiful shirt designs for girls AND always made the day something really special. guys. Woodworking skills, from the retired The feedback about the musicians who came craftsman or woman lending a hand at the last year was overwhelmingly positive, and it’s Uralla Men’s Shed, to the professional artisan great that his has led to more exposure for taking orders for bespoke items are all on them too. display. Handmade candles using unique There’s a huge creative movement scents, great creations for the garden, heading to Seasons; what can you tell us heirloom seeds and a range of home decor about it? and art that is both original and beautiful. The sewers, knitters, weavers and designers With a creative hub at Kentucky with are forming a strong line up for the Expo, with the GoCreate studio, there’s lots of creative some beautiful, unique products for people to inspiration to discover. enjoy. There are a number of people creating Where can we learn more about the Expo, a very different range of handmade clothing the businesses involved and the other that is particularly exciting. There’s something events happening in Uralla on the 19th
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March? The Seasons of New England website and social media pages are full of information, and this includes a growing listing of the businesses involved in the Expo. The afternoon and evening rolls on with some quintessentially New England dining options, a full bar, live music, the Uralla Lantern Parade and Grand Finale Bush Dance - featuring a live bush dance band no less! Information and tickets for the meals can be found on our website too. This is a great opportunity to enjoy an inspirational day out and discover many of our local businesses, the entrepreneurs, the people with ideas, the small businesses, the creative talent in our midst that starts on the kitchen table and can become so much more. www.seasonsofnewengland.com.au 0434 408 163. Thanks Tara. new england focus. 15
New England Wedding Guide
Ultimate BBQ Ultimate BBQ Catering is a company focused on barbecue food from around the world, established in 2013. We offer an alternative service for those looking for something different for their wedding or special event. Ultimate BBQ Catering offers a range of barbecue food; from tacos to paella to American style low and slow barbecue. Our speciality, however, is Argentinian asado, where we butterfly a whole lamb, pig or goat and cook it over open fire. This method creates a dramatic spectacle, and the resulting meat is succulent and delicious. We also have a range of vegetarian and vegan offerings, and a variety of salads, sides and sauces. Ultimate BBQ Catering can cater for up to 150 guests. We have an outdoor kitchen, so we are able to cater anywhere, from backyard to paddock. Our service includes preparation, serving, and cleaning of anything related to the meal. We have been catering events within a 200 kilometre radius of Armidale. We have different catering packages available, from finger food menus to tacos and sliders to a full sit down meal with lots of sides. Ultimate BBQ specialises in relaxed and unique events. We cook fresh, vibrant food with spectacle, flair and quality.
The Welder’s Dog Event Bar The Welder’s Dog mobile style. Did you know that The Welders dog can come to you? That’s right, we can bring our portable bar and skilled staff to your function/event. Our go anywhere bar can cater for big and small crowds and with our superb range of craft ales, we can cater it to suit all occasions and tastebuds; our portable unit could be the perfect addition to your special day. Our stylish setup includes a freestanding bar that can be placed just about anywhere from the paddock to the boardroom and everywhere in between. We use the highest quality components, and our friendly staff will go the extra mile to make sure you and your guests have a superb event. We also have a marquee, which allows us to operate in most weather conditions. If you are wanting to do something special for your wedding or next event, give us a call; we are happy to tailor a package to your budget, style and most importantly, taste!
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EVENTO
Domes
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Sam Hodges
You may have noticed a very large dome in the backyard of the Armidale Club; you may even have been lucky enough to be inside it. FOCUS chats with Sam Hodges, a Armidale local who has created one of the largest geodesic domes for event hire in Australia.
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et’s start by telling us what a geodesic dome is ... A geodesic dome is a truly ingenious way to enclose space! Basicaly, it is a hemispherical structure made up of triangles with the vertices all aligned with the surface of a hypothetical sphere. It is this combination of triangles and the spherical alignment of the hubs that make the dome so strong. The frame can easily hold well over 1,500 kg evenly distributed. That’s more than three times its weight! Ok, so it’s one of the largest in Australia. Why a dome and not a normal marquee? The geodesic dome is one of the most efficient ways to enclose space ever conceived! I chose to build a dome mainly because of the space advantages and aesthetics. It is a free span structure; that means no internal supports. That combined with the structure’s strength, and you have a super versatile space! It’s a space which is also super attractive before any decorations are added! The perfect canvas for a perfect event! How big is it actually? Our dome stands an impressive 8.5 m tall and 14 m in diameter at the base; its circumference is 44 m, and it has a floor area of 144 m². That’s huge! How many people could you fit into it? That’s enough space for up to 300 - 350 standing, and seating for 150 at round tables 18 new england focus.
and 200 in rows. What inspired you to build such a structure? I was originally attracted to the geodesic dome as a project, as I was in need of a large portable tent for recreation. I chose bamboo for the members and poly irrigation pipe that I heated and squashed for connectors. It took a heck of a lot of persistence, but six months later I had erected my first dome! Standing just over 3 m tall and 6 m Our dome wide, it was quite stands an the prototype! tall impressive 8. 5 m er Immediately et and 14 m in diam there was huge at the base; its 44 m interest in the circumference is ea ar or flo a s dome. and it ha ²” m 4 of 14 I saw the potential of domes for weddings, concerts, made for the dome ... trade shows and more! The next task to overcome Through the week I am a was the cover. As you could carpenter for Goodwood projects, imagine, you can’t just walk into a Armdiale’s premier solar passive builder shop and buy a dome cover. Even finding - a skill that certainly came in handy someone to custom make a cover for a building domes. On the weekends I structure that big and with such an unusual run an event lighting business, lighting up shape was an epic task! weddings, functions, concerts, etc. I eventually found a company in China that The dome was the perfect addition to really had domes down pat. They made my my lighting arsenal! A lighting truss with a cover from super tough total blockout, difference! 850 gsm vinyl canvas with a clear front and Tell us about the cover you had custom when it arrived on our shores .... it fit like a
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glove! I was as pleased as punch. I had very expensive white icing on the huge cake I baked! It’s pretty amazing to look at from the outside; it looks spectacular inside as well. Tell us about some of the customisations you can do inside? When it comes to making a particular event perfect, the versatility of a dome vs a traditional marquee really shines. The modern yet elegant design lends itself to any decor or style, especially when it’s lit up inside and out. Lighting options inside and outside
New England Wedding Guide
Once it’s up, t this dome is no is It ! re he yw going an 0 km wind rated to 12 d is an an hour winds oof, pr er th totally wea y in ra a r fo perfect wedding day. ”
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the dome really are endless! From simple coloured uplighting outside and chandeliers and candelabras inside, to full 3D mapped projections transforming the outside and inside into anything imaginable - a portable IMAX theatre! Any mood can be both achieved and accented. Silk drapes can be hung in a myriad of ways, and combined with long (up to 6m) chandeliers and festoon and fairy lights to achieve heavenly effects. The dome can be divided into smaller spaces or left open, depending on the function. So it protects guests against the elements? Once it’s up, this dome is not going anywhere! It is wind rated to 120 km an hour winds and is totally weather proof, perfect for a rainy wedding day. And if the sun should start to shine, it will come streaming in the huge clear front window, giving you the best of both worlds, whatever the weather! What events can be held in the dome? Our dome is perfect for any event, anywhere! A stellar way to make your wedding/event extra special! Thanks Sam. new england focus. 19
New England Wedding Guide
Courtneys Jewellers Courtneys have been very proud to serve the people of Armidale and districts in our trade for 46 years. Over the years, generations have trusted us with their wedding and engagement ring selections, and it is honour to have shared these special moments with so many locals. Choosing the ring After the couple has decided that an engagement is right for them, they should begin to consider choosing an engagement ring. In some cases, couples choose the ring together, while in others the bride-to-be may hint about her preferences but let her groom-to-be make the final choice. No matter how the ring is eventually chosen, couples should consider: • Engagement ring prices, including their available budget for the ring • Engagement ring designs, including types of metals, diamond shapes, and carat sizes • Whether or not an heirloom engagement ring is appropriate or desirable • Stone type: most couples opt for traditional diamond rings, but non-diamond engagement rings can be lovely alternatives. Courtneys Jewellers can source just about any ring to suit different styles and tastes.
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New England Wedding Guide
Marissa Cross Ella Baché
Coffs Harbour Racing Club On your special day, we would like to ensure it is a memorable occasion that you will look back on and cherish for years to come. At Coffs Harbour Racing Club, you can celebrate in style, with three venues to choose from.
Wedding
MAKE UP
Tips
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Simply say “I do” to the following bridal makeup rules and prepare to wow!
o: 1. Make sure you have your trial at least three weeks before the wedding. If you plan on using fake tan for the big day, have a test run before your makeup trial, so that your artist can see what colour your skin becomes with the tan. 2. Wear a white T-shirt if you’re having your makeup test in a store, so that you can see how the makeup looks against a pale colour and take a picture of yourself in daylight (with no flash) to see how it looks. 3. Bring references to your makeup trial. Start looking for images of makeup that you really like and bring them with you on the day. But be realistic. A lot of photos from magazines and social media are heavily air brushed and photoshopped. 4. Remember that bridal makeup needs to have enough colour to compensate for the whiteness of the dress. There’s a big difference between everyday clothes and a wedding dress, so there should be difference in your makeup too. Don’t: 1. Be scared of going a bit brighter.
can be sure they’ll stay where you put Neutral, brown, and pale lip colours can look washed out in photographs, so them. choose a lipstick that’s one or two shades 3. Go too glossy or too matte. It’s best brighter than what you would normally to avoid lipsticks at either end of the wear. If you usually wear a neutral hue, it texture scale; too glossy and they’ll only should be worn as a base, with last five minutes, whilst too a pink or rose colour on matte and they may top. If you typically leave your lips dry wear dark lipstick, and cakey by the use that as Remember that time it’s the s need the base, bridal makeup moment to kiss and apply enough colour
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to have
for the your groom. A a brighter to compensate ess. dr e th of ss ne moisturising, te pink on top whi difference g bi a e’s er Th satin-y finish to give the ay clothes between everyd colour a lift. lipstick is best so s, es dr and a wedding e nc re Pinks, roses ffe di for a wedding there should be o. ” to and plums are - this kind of in your makeup all great, classic formula will keep choices for brides. your lips looking their 2. Forget to decide best and will wear off what kind of maintenance the most evenly and naturally; you’d prefer for the day. For several thin layers, blotted between example, are you happy to check applications will give the most longyou’re looking okay throughout lasting finish. the day, or do you want to just 4. Rush. Allow at least 45 minutes to forget about your makeup once it’s on? Waterproof mascara is an obvious requisite, but it’s also worth considering cream eyeshadows that really set - you
an hour for make-up application on the wedding day. Marissa Cross.
Our property offers a serene and tranquil setting for your reception, with magnificent views of the picturesque Dorrigo mountain ranges in the background. Situated just minutes away from Coffs Harbour city centre with ample off-street parking, our three venues vary in style and size so as to suit your specific needs and budget. As part of our services, you may hold your ceremony onsite, with the mountains as an idyllic backdrop. Whether you are wanting a casual finger food style, a full three course dinner or a specialty themed extravaganza, we provide a full range of delicious and healthy menus using the freshest produce, with special dietary needs catered for. So let us take the worry out of organising your special day. Our events team can assist you with planning, designing or provide contact details for contractors to create your uniquely memorable experience. We look forward to the opportunity in giving YOUR wedding reception the WOW factor it deserves.
The Ultimate Event Experts Catering for the intimate to the imposing, for 50 to 750 guests
We’ll ensure YOUR Special Day is a memorable occasion you will cherish for years to come
Catering for all your needs and any budget - from casual cocktail styles to 3 course plated dinners.
Ph: 02 6652 1488 E: events@coffsracingclub.com.au www.coffsracingclub.com.au new england focus. 21
New England Wedding Guide
Jen & Chris Shephard 05.12.2015
Georgina & Phillip Franklin 24.01.15
Wedding held at TAS and our reception was at Echidna Gully. We arrived by chopper and had an 8 minute fireworks display, which both were surprises for our guests! Photographer: Simon Scott Photography.
Wedding was held in a marquee at Mum and Dad’s ("Ellowera") and done by the Bowling Club. Photography: James Day.
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LovE Birds Chantelle & Robert Waters 07.11.2015
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Natalie & Dominic Bower 21.11.2015
Wedding held at the Gostwyck chapel. Photographer: Karrie Bourke
Wedding held at Mary and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Photographer: Rachel Deane. Finishing Image: Photography Tamworth.
Carlee & Peter Ince 07.11.2015
David & Sarah Farmer 28.03.2015
Wedding held at Saumarez Homestead. Photographer: Peta Cooper.
Wedding held at the Uniting Church in Echidna Gully. Photographer: James Brooks.
New England Wedding Guide
Celebrate your Wedding in Style All you need is Love and Flowers The team at Rosemerin love flowers. We are dedicated to providing exquisite flowers for your special day. We take the greatest care in sourcing the freshest supplies to create beautiful designs at affordable prices. From bouquets to buttonholes, centre pieces to floral crowns, our experienced staff take great pride in the work they produce and relish utilising their artistic flair. No matter how simple or elaborate the requests, we have a budget to suit everyone. Working with different styles from vintage right through to contempory design is a specialty for our experienced team. Seasonality of flowers can be a complication; however, with the help of our wonderful local producers, and our devoted suppliers from all over Australia, we are able to source most
requests year round. Hiring items for your special event is made easy with our extensive choice of vases, table mirrors, urns, topiary trees, candelabras, and even a wedding arch! We have a supply of battery operated candles, fairy lights and beautiful cut glass tea candle holders for hire, which look stunning in all settings. For those who like a memento from their wedding, we can supply quality silk flowers in many varieties and colours for bouquets and arrangements. As we are a family owned business, we love being part of the local community and in extension love to be involved in your special day. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see some of the beautiful flowers and wonderful creations that we produce.
A wedding celebration should be a stylish event to remember, and style is what the Quality Hotel Powerhouse is renowned for. With several wedding spaces and a team of experienced and professional event managers, the Powerhouse offers a sophisticated setting for a celebration of exquisite food, wine and service. The Quality Hotel Powerhouse caters for wedding ceremonies, receptions, as well as engagement parties, high teas and bridal showers. The function rooms, set up with red carpet, fresh flowers and decorations suited to your taste and wedding style ensures the event is a class above. Our bridal suites, beautifully presented with champagne, strawberries and chocolates and rose petals across the king bed, spa, dining room or living room - are just a taste of the luxury and thoughtfulness provided at every turn. We also invite you to experience delicious cuisine
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showcasing the finest fresh, local seasonal produce. All wedding set menus have been created by our executive chef, David Hill, and feature beautifully cooked dishes that will appeal to every taste. Choose from a range of set menus to suit your wedding style and budget that we know will delight your guests. We ensure every taste is catered for - we’re flexible and treat every wedding individually. Bridal Shower High Teas are available at the Powerhouse. You can look forward to this stunning bridal package experience, with exquisitely beautiful High Teas, set with antique china and tiered cake-stands with a delectable array of delightful, appetising treats, French champagne, coffees and handcrafted French teas. For more information, please call our friendly professional team on 6772 7788.
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focusinterview.
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Celebrant
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PETER O
HOWE
FOCUS catches up with born and bred local, Peter Howe, as he talks about his passion for being a Celebrant and more ...
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ow long have you lived in the area? Tell us about your family ... I was born in Armidale and have lived here all of my life. Being a local and having nurtured many friendships and acquired many valuable colleagues during my working life, serving the community in my role is a daily honour and privilege. My parents were local and raised nine children. Mum was an active member of the Church, St Vincent de Paul and Legacy. Dad spent many hours tending both the hospital and Teacher’s College vast gardens. The depth of their community involvement was a great inspiration, and I am ever grateful for the example they set to be actively involved. I have two older sons. My wife, Joy, and I have two daughters. When and why did you become a Celebrant? After over 30 years in the retail sector, with the primary focus on providing customer service, I made a career change and started work as the Accounts Manager with Piddingtons. Soon after, an opportunity arose to fulfil the role of Principal Celebrant with the Company. That is where it all began. Many people then asked why I didn’t celebrate weddings - something I hadn’t thought about. After enough persuasion, I decided to do the Marriage Celebrant Course, and that’s how my totally celebrancy began. What type of ceremonies do you do? I celebrate weddings, officiate at funerals, commitment services, renewing of vows and naming ceremonies. Having also completed my Certificates in Grief Counselling in 2014, I am able to assist those who have suffered the loss of a loved one and may be struggling. Your family are also involved in some of these functions; tell us more? My daughter, Bridgette, manages the music and PA System. She ensures that 24 new england focus.
once the couple have chosen the music, it is downloaded and available for immediate use. She accompanies me to all wedding practices and the actual ceremony and controls the PA system, making sure the microphone is at the right volume and the music is played at the correct time. This is vital and timing is crucial, as it sets the mood and affects the whole ceremony. Bridgette is very professional and pedantic. Sometimes it feels like I am working for her! Monique attends Macquarie University, Sydney, but eagerly assists in all aspects of ceremonies The best part is lp when home. being able to he ll A . le op Joy ensures all and relate to pe e ar do I s the ceremonie of our equipment particularly during ople’s milestones in pe le , is clean, highly such a difficult time, ab lives - all memor presentable and when emotions are d some happy an ” is my chief editor. d. sa running high. I find it joyous , some She has an artistic an honour to be chosen flair and great eye for to help give a beautiful detail. Everything from and memorable farewell to the paperwork to the signing a loved one - to capture and table is just right. We use relevant highlight the important things they props such as doves, a feather quill pen, treasured in life to showcase their life a framed romantic quote and beautifully in the short time span of a funeral service. adorned chair covers to add to the bride How many times have we thought we knew and groom’s special day. Joy also prepares someone so well, to learn an amazing fact the special keepsake folder of the ceremony about their life from a eulogy? and covers desktop publishing tasks. Weddings are such a special celebration; How would you describe the feeling of again, it is an honour to be the person “out being a part of these special ceremonies, the front”, assisting couples, being part of this and what do you love most about what special time in their lives. I have met many lovely you do? people and witnessed this important event It’s actually very humbling and very rewarding as two young lives start this unique journey to become so close and be part of people’s together. lives. People remember the way you treat Tell us about some of your fondest them and the way you make them feel, and moments over the years ... always of how you deliver the service; they The best part is being able to help and know you genuinely care and are concerned relate to people. All the ceremonies I do are about what they want. With regard to funerals, milestones in people’s lives - all memorable, I treat people as I would like to be treated some happy and joyous, some sad. Just being
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able to help people, even organising a funeral - I spend as much time talking to the family and make it a celebration and thanksgiving for the person’s life, thus making each ceremony personal. This comforts families and takes as much pressure off them as possible in their sadness; this they really appreciate. As for weddings, it’s their special day and to see the couple from the first meeting to their day of marriage is very rewarding. All ceremonies are rewarding; a lot of satisfaction is gained from being part of these events. People are very appreciative, and I am constantly in awe at their responses. Plans for the future? As long as I am able, I will continue what I am doing, to reach and assist as many people as I am able. To travel further afield, maybe celebrate interstate - widen my circle. To hone and update my Celebrancy skills to consolidate my expertise. To grow my business. To continue to be part of people’s lives in an active way. To be able to give the answer to everyone who asks the questions: who am I serving? Who am I being good to? Who am I lifting up? Thanks Peter.
New England Wedding Guide
new england focus. 25
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Sweet Love ÄÄ
Coffs Coast Wedding Guide
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Nicole slater
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Wedding Cake Artist
Ever wondered what it takes to design a delicious and amazing wedding cake? FOCUS caught up with Nicole Slater from Sweet Love Cake Couture to find out how she takes her clients’ descriptions and turns them into delicious culinary creations.
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ow long have you been creating wedding cakes? I discovered the art of cake decorating around 12 years ago and initially dreamt of nothing more than creating fun and funky kids’ cakes. Around five years ago though, I fell in love with sugar flower artistry and have specialised in weddings ever since. Can you briefly describe the process of creating a wedding cake? It’s exciting! And yummy! And hard work! The process begins with our first contact with the client. The most important thing is that the cake is personalised for their love story. This is where the design comes in. Then, the exciting part is bringing the vision to life. First the cake is baked the way grandma did ... from scratch and with love ... no packet mixes and production lines here. Cakes are then torted, filled and covered to lock in the freshness and moisture. All up, that’s a three-day process. Then there’s the decoration, which can take as little as an hour or two, or as long as a week. What ingredients are used to make a
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wedding cake? Only the very best! Not all cakes are created equal, and the ingredients are where it all begins and where it all ends. We source only the freshest, finest quality ingredients to produce the mouth-wateringly delicious cakes we’ve become renowned for. It’s such a cliché in the industry, but a look at our testimonials reflects that our cakes really do taste as good as they look. We even keep free-range heritage breed chickens who lay the eggs used in our cakes. What’s the favourite cake you’ve created? Without a doubt, it’s our “Nature’s Lovebirds” cake. In 2015, this cake saw us credited as one of the leading trendsetters in cake design (on a global stage) by industry peers. What’s even better is that many couples have chosen this design for their wedding. It’s pretty special to know that something that came from my heart and soul plays such an important part in the start of a couple’s journey together. How long does a cake take to create on average?
G one are the days where the ch fondant is an in e ar s ke ca thick. Our t an nd fo in covered nd ou ar is which s 3 mm thick, so it’ ” e. bl ea barely notic
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Hmmmm, well that’s a difficult one to answer, because there’s no such thing as an average wedding cake. Mind you, it’s a question I get asked a lot ... So if I was to put a timeline on it, I’d say around three days. What are some of the options that people have when they order a cake? Oh gosh, there are lots! There’s more to a cake than first meets the eye. But when you break it all down, there are three main elements - size, flavour and design. Size and flavour are easy, but design options are limitless. Some clients bring us a picture of their dream cake. Others like different elements from a number of cakes. And some choose to have a cake designed exclusively for them. The good news is, we can work with any of these options. What have been some of the stranger requests that you have had? There’s not much that surprises me anymore. One request was too naughty to print, but some other “unique” requests include zombies, skulls, Day of the Dead and dragons. What was the most extravagant cake that you have ever made? There’s been a trend in the industry for a little while for naked cakes. While this style of cake
is popular, particularly with our relaxed coastal lifestyle, clients either love them or hate them. For weddings though, there’s no escaping the captivating romance of a decorated cake. Gone are the days where the fondant is an inch thick. Our cakes are covered in fondant which is around 3 mm thick, so it’s barely noticeable. Savvy brides are sending us photos of cakes from internationally renowned designers such as Cotton and Crumbs, Peggy Porschen, Maggie Austin Cakes and Faye Cahill Cake Design. Do wedding cake trends change? Even in the relatively short time I’ve been in the industry, I’ve seen trends change. But the good thing is, there’s really no right or wrong. Everything goes, as it really is about a reflection of the couple. What are your plans for the future? An entire wall in my office is taken up with a quote from Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do”. This is the mantra for the business, and I plan to continue loving what I do. Thanks Nicole.
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with Vicki Kembery from Travel 195
VICKI KEMBEREY
HOT PLACES TO VISIT IN 2016 WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF TRAVEL FOR 2016. WHAT WITH ALL THAT IS HAPPENING IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE WORLD AT THE MOMENT, TRAVEL MAY WELL BE THE LAST THING ON YOUR RADAR FOR THIS YEAR, BUT DON’T BE PUT OFF – THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF GREAT PLACES TO VISIT IN 2016.
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ere is a snapshot of some of the “hot” (and by that I mean, “great and exciting”, not “dangerous and deadly”) places that organisations such as Lonely Planets and National Geographic have recommended as THE places to visit in 2016. Botswana in Africa seems to get the nod for its great wildlife experiences and when you can boast the magnificent Chobe National Park the heart of elephant country, as well as the Okavango Delta and the vast Kalahari Desert, you can easily see why this sometime forgotten gem of Africa is high on the list of must visit destinations for 2016. This “smallish” country (at least by African standards) has savannah, deserts, salt pans and wetlands, each offering its own unique experience. Best time to visit May through to November. For something totally different, Japan is also high on the list of must visit countries for 2016. This might be because in 2019 it will host the Rugby World Cup and in 2020 the Olympics, so now might be a good time to visit before they get caught up in the hype of upcoming sporting events. Japan offers the traveller a blend of old and new, with traditional shrines and temples rubbing shoulders with vast shiny skyscrapers, neon signs and bullet trains. You can visit Japan anytime of the year - skiing in December - January, Cherry Blossoms in March and April, the summer festival season from June to August, and then the beautiful autumn colours in September and October. The USA National Park Service is celebrating its 100 years of service on August 25 this year, so this year could be the year to visit Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion or any of the other 404 national parks in the US. The Service is stating they want people everywhere to explore, learn,
be inspired or simply have fun in their national parks across the country. And they have some of the most spectacular national parks anywhere in the world. Staying in that part of the world, you might like to consider a visit to Cuba in 2016. With the United States getting rid of the embargo against all things Cuban and making it easier for US citizens to visit Cuba, now is the time for Aussies to get there first. Until the Cubans can increase and improve their tourism infrastructure to cope with the suspected influx of visitors from the States and elsewhere in the world, soon it will become nigh on impossible to find accommodation. It’s still a bit convoluted getting there, but if you get there sooner rather than later you’ll get to experience the Cuba of old, before it’s overrun with tourists. This year Greenland is hosting the Arctic Winter Games in March, which are open to young athletes from the Arctic regions of North America. It includes winter sports such as alpine skiing, ice hockey, cross country skiing and the Inuit games competition, where competitors compete in One-Foot High Kick, Two-Foot High Kick, Alaskan High Kick, Kneel Jump, Sledge Jump and Triple Jump, Arm Pull, the Airplane, One Hand Reach, Head Pull and Knuckle Hop. If you’re not into winter sport watching then remember, Greenland is one of the best places in the world so see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Other suggested “must visit” spots for 2016 include Palau - for divers and snorkelers; Latvia and Poland for something different in Europe; Uruguay as an alternative to the usual tourist haunts in South America and closer to home, Fiji is still a favourite. Anyway, don’t forget Travel 195 will send you to wherever you want to go! new england focus. 27
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focusinterview.
S SCHEME• •NDI
PETER WESTBROOK THE ASCENT GROUP
THE NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME (NDIS) IS AN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SCHEME THAT BRINGS EXCITING CHANGES AND CHOICE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY IN AUSTRALIA.
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fter two years of development in trial sites in each state, the NDIS will commence a phased national roll out from July this year and will be fully implemented by
July 2018. The New England Region will be included in the first stage, with the NDIS available from 1 July 2016. The Ascent Group is excited that the transition to the NDIS for all the people currently being supported will be happening this year. Our commitment is to “Provide quality support to people with disability that enables the pursuit of their dreams, aspirations and goals.“ We will continue be a significant provider of support and options in the NDIS to enable a brighter future for people with disability in the region. What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? The NDIS will support people with a permanent and significant disability affecting their everyday activities. The NDIS will give people with disability more choice and control over how, when and where supports are received, and certainty of receiving the support they need over their lifetime. How will the NDIS work? Eligible people will receive an individual funding package, assessed on an annual basis, to purchase reasonable and necessary supports that will allow them to pursue their goals, achieve increased independence and help them to participate in their community both socially and economically. The support can include education, equipment, health, well-being, employment and social participation. Who will be eligible? The NDIS will provide funding to people who
are 0 - 64 years of age, who have a significant or permanent disability and who need help with everyday activities. This includes people whose disability is attributed to intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical impairment, or a psychiatric condition. What is the assessment process? The pathway for accessing support will depend on an individual’s situation, goals and choices. As a first step, an online application called “My Access Checker” can be completed on the NDIS website at www.ndis.gov.au/my-access-checker. If eligibility is apparent, after 1 July 2016, the National Insurance Agency can be contacted to arrange an appointment to: • Meet with a planner to confirm eligibility; • Develop an individual plan to provide the reasonable and necessary support needed to achieve goals and aspirations; • A local area co-coordinator can help choose the supports based on the individual plan, and can include choosing support providers; • From time-to-time, the planner will review the plan to check whether the plan is working. What about people currently receiving support? People who are already accessing disability services support will be contacted by the National Disability Insurance Agency to start working with them to transition. In the New England region, this will happen before 1 July 2016. Governments have committed to ensuring people with disability who are currently receiving services are not disadvantaged in the transition to the NDIS. Need more Information? Our friendly staff are available to provide personalised advice on eligibility and access to the NDIS. Phone 6776 8977. new england focus. 29
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he weekend of events includes aquathons and triathlons for all ages and abilities held around Coffs Harbour’s picturesque foreshore, making it ideal for competitors and spectators alike. The bcu Coffs Tri includes children’s events on the Saturday for ages five to fourteen. And on the SunON THE 5TH AND 6TH MARCH, TRIATHLETES day, there is the choice of an “enticer” triathlon (375 FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY WILL DESCEND m swim/10 km cycle /2.5 km run) and the headline ON THE MID NORTH COAST FOR THE ANNUAL Olympic-distance race (1.5 km swim/40 km Cycle/10 MULTISPORT FESTIVAL, THE BCU COFFS TRI. km run), with the option of competing as an individual or part of a team. 750 competitors took part in the 2015 event and organisers are expecting to eclipse that, with numbers already double compared to the same time last year. Yamba’s Lindsey Wall took out the Olympic distance triathlon and said it is one of the most spectacular courses he has ever raced on. “This race is as good as they get the swim is in the stunning harYou don’ t have bour and takes you out around te le to be a triath the iconic Coffs Jetty; the ride is u bc e th to compete in on fast, fully closed roads out as ng lo s Coffs Tri. A ow to the Coffs Harbour airport; kn , im sw you can d an ke bi and the run takes you out to a de ri how to you’ ve n, ru the end of the Jetty, then loops or k al w n ca s.” around to the end of the newly got all that it take revamped break wall. It’s one of those events where it can be hard to focus on the actual race, because the scenery and atmosphere is so incredible.” Event organiser, Village Sports, is offering a total prize purse of AU$4,500 for the top three overall male and female placegetters and is expecting
BCU COFFS TRI
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to attract a high calibre of professional athletes again this year. Brad Kahlefeldt won the 2014 event, with Michellie Jones claiming victory in the enticer distance the same year. Other well-known triathletes who have raced the bcu Coffs Tri course include Clayton Fettell, Mitch Dean, Rachael Paxton (2015 female winner), Matilda Raynolds and Anna Cleaver. While the event attracts the elite of the sport, it is open to all levels, from those doing their first triathlon to those stepping up from the enticer to Olympic distance event, or those just wanting to improve on a previous time. Event director Sinclair Black said, “You don’t have to be a triathlete to compete in the bcu Coffs Tri. As long as you can swim, know how to ride a bike and can walk or run, you’ve got all that it takes. And, if you’re not up for all three legs, the Olympic distance event has a team option. “Triathletes often have to travel long distances to compete on a quality course,” he said, “and Coffs Harbour is very fortunate to be able to host a world class race that is easily accessible to those living in regional NSW. “We have also ensured the entry fees are kept low whilst delivering a very safe and scenic course. “This year’s event will incorporate the recently completed Jetty Walkway, and it is a great opportunity for Coffs Harbour to showcase its beautiful harbour and foreshore area to visitors.” Village Sports donates all proceeds from the event to local charities and community groups, and to date has raised over $200,000 for the Coffs community. For more information about the bcu Coffs Tri and to enter, visit www.villagesports.com.au
focusinterview. The introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an exciting time for people with a disability and a major change for the entire disability sector. But what does it all mean? And when is it coming to the New England region? FOCUS talks with Denise Aldridge from House with No Steps to help shed some light on this major change.
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Insurance scheme DENISE ALDRIDGE • HOUSE WITH NO STEPS
hat is the NDIS? The NDIS is a new system of providing support to people with a disability, their families and carers. Launched in 2013 by the Australian Federal Government, the NDIS uses an insurance approach similar to Medicare, meaning the costs for disability care are shared amongst the wider community. The NDIS is being progressively rolled out across Australia under the management of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The rollout is due to be completed by 2020. Essentially, the NDIS has been designed to give people with a disability greater choice and control over the support they receive providing eligible individuals with funding based on their personal needs and life-long goals and aspirations. Why was the NDIS introduced? Before the NDIS was introduced, it was widely recognised that disability support in Australia needed to change. An enquiry found that the support available for people with a disability varied according to a whole range of factors - and not everyone was getting a fair go. The Federal Government agreed that people with a disability deserved a fairer system and more control over the services they receive. So in July 2013, the NDIS was
The Federal G overnment le with agreed that peop ed rv a disability dese d an a fairer system , the er ov l ro more cont ive.” ce re ey th services
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introduced. What does the NDIS mean for people with a disability? For those eligible, the NDIS means gaining greater choice and control over the support services you receive, and even the course your life takes. Through the NDIS assessment and planning process, you can determine what reasonable and necessary supports you need to live your life and achieve your personal goals. You’ll then receive individual funding to pay for these services. With the NDIS, you not only get to choose what type of supports you receive, you also decide when, where and how you receive them - and which service providers you’ll work with. You even have control over how your funds are managed. When and where is the NDIS rollout happening? The NDIS will be available in the New England area from July 2016. It was initially launched in July 2013 in four locations, followed by another three in mid2014. It’s planned that by 2020, the NDIS rollout will be complete and running across all Australian states and territories. Who is eligible for the NDIS?
There are several factors that decide whether you’re eligible to receive funding under the NDIS, including: your location - to receive NDIS funding, you need to have been living in an area where the scheme is currently operating, on the day that it was launched. However by 2020 the scheme should be available right across Australia. Your age - in most areas where the NDIS has launched, you simply need to be under 65 years at the time of your application to meet the requirements; however, there are a few exceptions. Your residency status - to receive NDIS funding you need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen who holds a Protected Special Category Visa. Disability requirements - you may receive individual support from the NDIS if you have a permanent disability that significantly affects how you can communicate, move, care for yourself or manage your life. Early intervention requirements - you or your child may be given individual support if there’s good evidence that early intervention would substantially improve functioning (for example if you have Autism, Cerebral Palsy, sensory impairments or an acquired brain injury). Similarly, you’ll be offered support
if early intervention will delay or decrease a decline in functioning (for example if you have MS or Parkinson’s Disease). You can also check your eligibility by using the NDIS Access Checklist tool at http://www. ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist What will the NDIS cover? The NDIS will fund reasonable and necessary supports that help someone with a disability to: • Pursue their goals, objectives and aspirations; • Increase their independence; • Increase social and economic participation; • Develop their capacity to actively take part in the community. This support may include education, employment, social participation, independence, living arrangements and health and wellbeing. How will my funding be managed? You can choose to manage your funding through one of the following four options: • Self-management • A plan “nominee” • A registered plan management provider such as House with No Steps • NDIA. You can find out more about the NDIS at www.ndis.gov.au or on the House with No Steps website at www.hwns.com.au/NDIS Thanks Denise. new england focus. 31
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Icing on the cake with Susie Dunn
Icing
Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh
ON
cake PETER PAN
“SECOND STAR TO THE RIGHT, AND STRAIGHT ON ‘TIL MORNING …” WERE PETER PAN’S UNFORGETTABLE DIRECTIONS TO HIS HOME IN NEVERLAND. IMAGINATION GIVES YOU CLEAR IMAGES OF THINGS THAT, THEY SAY, ARE NOT REALLY THERE.
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can’t imagine a world without imagination, and it would be unspeakably sad if devices and manufactured virtual worlds took the place of our own imagination - particularly in the minds of children. Armidale’s Fairy Lady can certainly take (not only children) on a spell-binding journey into another special and magical world she can conjure up, capturing us within the kind and exciting world she inhabits (with Mr. Gnome as back-up). I for one am certainly a willing traveller straight on ‘til morning with her. From imagination comes resourcefulness, creativity and the road to that innovation our Prime Minister is so keen to see. Never underestimate the importance, power and comfort of imagination to change and improve things. (I do admit to a downcast moment recently when I saw in the SMH’s Company Notices a “Winding Up Order and Appointment of Liquidators of Dreams Come True (NSW) Pty Ltd.” I have no idea - and don’t want to know - what the company actually did, but the notice struck a pang in me.) Balancing life is a good guide ‘til morning, remembering that imagination needs room to work. We all have times that can have a “pinch of magic and a sprinkle of stardust”. The beautiful, talented Deidre Rickards led a strings performance at the end of last year at PLC that was one of my golden moments for 2015. From the small girls and their small violins, the concert built up to the most stirring finale with the tiny ones, through the Juniors and Seniors to some ex-students now at Conservatoria in Sydney and Brisbane. It lifted our hearts - and the roof off at the same time. And I can’t claim to be musical. 2016 has cranked up, and we are well into the 21st Century. Fingers crossed this year shows the blossoming of possibilities for the
malls in Armidale. The opening of new fashion boutique FRAMED gives an edgy international city style, and choices for different markets in fashion and food in our malls offer us a blend of something for everyone. And of course, established locals such as Concepts and Turners both hit the spot for their very loyal markets. I’d again like to float a discussion point from an elephant sitting in an armchair in the corner of our room. Should we be thinking of trialling a mix of retail examples from many other places (including Gloucester and Uralla)? Some places in Armidale already follow this pattern. Reality tells us the biggest market for the sort of special “recreational retail” available in certain precincts may not be 9 - 5, Mondays to Fridays in the world’s changing economy. What’s the point of creating marvellous specialist shops and cafés, when their market is often unavailable to take advantage of them? When can most people find the time in busy working weeks for recreational dining and shopping with family and friends? Give people what they want, and they turn up. Wages based on hours worked are welcomed by those who look for more flexible ways to manage their lives. Would it be advantageous for some businesses to close for two different days - say, Monday and Tuesday, or to stage their opening hours? Just a bone to chew without anyone needing to panic politically or shoot from the hip before thinking through the various alternative directions and opportunities for particular businesses. Or not. Just musing … Finding that balance in life and surrounded as we are by the ever-present natural environment, gives us perspective on the realities of our beautiful, fragile world. Our imagination can surely give us the perfect launch pad for our thoughts, plans and ideas to flourish. Susie Dunn.
house with no steps and the nDis House with No Steps has been involved with the NDIS since the very beginning. We’re a registered service provider in NSW and the ACT, where we’re already seeing come great outcomes for the people we support. Beginning your NDIS journey If you’re just starting your NDIS journey, there will be a few things you need to consider. House with No Steps can support you to: • Understand the NDIS and how it works • Find out if you’re eligible • Identify goals that the NDIS may fund • Guide you through the application process • Gather the documents you’ll need to complete your application. Our goal is be there every step of the way and help make your NDIS plan a reality. Choosing House with No Steps as a service provider Once your NDIS application is approved, House with No Steps can offer you a range of services. We can assist with:
• Accommodation or tenancy • Managing life stages, transitions and supports • Finding and maintaining employment • Integrating into school or education programmes • Household tasks you’ll encounter in group or shared living situations • Daily personal activities and life skills • Travel and transport arrangements and training • Assessing, preparing and training you for assistive technology • Early intervention support for children • Participation in community, social and civic activities • Physical wellbeing activities • Therapeutic and innovative supports • Specialised assessment on skills, needs and abilities • Managing your NDIS plan and funds. Contact Denise Aldridge on 0424 036 182 to find out how House with No Steps can help you get NDIS ready.
“The NDIS really gives people the chance to set a goal and do what they want to do in their own life. Now I’m doing everything I want to do.” Leigh, NDIS participant
At House with No Steps, we have been supporting hundreds of people like Leigh to realise their goals and dreams through the NDIS.
Talk to Denise Aldridge on 0424 036 182 to find out how we can support you. www.hwns.com.au
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uralla
Women’ s Association JUST FOUR YEARS AFTER THE INITIAL FOUNDING OF THE COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA IN 1922, THE URALLA BRANCH WAS FORMED. NOW IN ITS 90TH YEAR, IT’S STILL GOING STRONG, SUPPORTING AND SERVING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY...
OCUS caught up with branch President Karen Dusting over scones with jam and cream to talk about this huge milestone and reflect over 90 years of CWA ... Take us back to the roots of the Country Women’s Association; when and where did it all begin? “CWA was formed out of a desperate need. Country Women were fighting isolation, an appalling lack of health facilities and constraints of a male dominated society. The Association was built by women who had to watch helplessly as their children died from minor illnesses. These women realised they had nowhere to turn but Themselves - and the result was staggering.” (Quote from Serving the Country - written by Helen Townsend.) The first conference was held in April 1922, during the Royal Agricultural Show in Sydney. Within a year the Association was unified, baby health centres were set up, bush nurses were funded, maternity wards were staffed and built, hospital, schools, rest homes, seaside and mountain holiday cottages and much more. Crookwell was the first branch, but many more followed. Mrs Grace Munro was the first State President of CWA of NSW. When was Uralla Branch formed, and who were its initial members? Uralla CWA was formed in 1926 (four years 34 new england focus.
after the forming of CWA Resolutions are sent to CWA of NSW). Founding of NSW and then on to Uralla CWA e executive were: relevant departments in ag tt co a in started d an President Mrs H M Government - white lines lla ra U , et in Hill Stre ial or Croft; Secretary Miss on the side of the road, em M e th to moved e th r M Skewes; Treasurer speed signs on the road te af te itu Inst e hotel Mrs W Gostelow. - when it changes i.e. rebuilding of th wn. ” Uralla CWA started 60 kph - 80 kph etc. and that was burnt do in a cottage in Hill many more! Street, Uralla and moved Who are your oldest and to the Memorial Institute youngest members? after the rebuilding of the hotel Murell Carter, Therese Post and that was burnt down. Uralla CWA Eileen Elks are our oldest (you never ask was a major contributor to the cost of the a woman her age!) rebuilding, along with Uralla Red Cross. Youngest members - Katie Austin, Suzanne There must have been a myriad of Wright and Georgia Stewart. highlights over the past 90 years. Tell How can fellow women of the community us about a few of the most memorable become involved in CWA? moments ... Ask a CWA Member! The most memorable moments were: the Go to the website: www.cwaofnsw.org.au ability of the members to raise half the money Contact Secretary Fay Winters on 6778 3881. needed to rebuild the hotel, so it could become Look for the “Chicks with Attitude” sign in the Memorial Institute and the ability to help Uralla. The branch meets the fourth Friday of the community - i.e. baby health centre, which the month,10am, at the Institute Building, CWA started in1934 and continued ‘til 1985 when Rooms - just follow the noise. taken over by Government - Department of What is the importance of the CWA in rural Health. areas, and how do you give back to the How rewarding is it to be part of such a community? group? The objects of CWA of NSW have not changed Most women enjoy CWA for friendship, since the start in 1922, and these are still fun and doing something for the community. important.
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• To improve the welfare and conditions of women and children in the country and provide better education facilities. • To arrest the drift of population from the country to the city. • To draw together all women, girls and children in order to make life more attractive. • To welcome newcomers to the district. • Encourage women and children to take an interest in handicrafts. • Promote International understanding. We give back to the community by donating to McMaugh Gardens aged care home. Sponsoring with Bundara CWA the Youth Art Prize run by Uralla Rotary at their art show held every Easter. Raise money for medical research - this year Lyme’s Disease. We sent money to Westmead Children’s Hospital, Far West Children’s Homes, and Can Assist Uralla Branch. Plans for the future? Hopefully increase our membership to continue to support women and children in need for the next 90 years. Is there anything the general public may not know about CWA? Uralla supports CWA of NSW when funds are needed for international work - earthquakes, floods and cyclones in the Pacific area - also, when the state sends money for floods, fires and drought in Australia. Thanks Karen.
with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343
FEBRUARY 2016
with Terri
Academics, Musicians & Artists Girls
AQUARIUS.
January 21 - February 19 Relationships will provide ample opportunity for self-awareness and growth at present. Enjoy a mutual project with a loved one and experience a new found level of love. See your own divinity in your relationships for self-approval. Rose Quartz is a beautiful loving crystal, helping us to feel our unconditional love.
GEMINI.
LIBRA.
May 22 - June 22
Now is a great time to learn something new. Your thoughts are centering around the bigger picture in life and helping you to achieve the excitement of connecting to something that you were born to do. Think about a gift or talent you would like to play with, and take action. You’ll be surprised with the outcome. Clear Quartz helps us to reach our true potential.
September 24 - October 23 Don’t allow delays to deter you from a long set goal. Instead, try visualising yourself walking the walk and feel the potential excitement this offers. It will restore your faith in the bigger picture, lessoning any likeliness of sabotage. Try not to lose the passion for your pursuit. Appophyllite helps us visualise.
2017 SChoLarShiPS Applications close 12 February 2016 Exam date 22 February 2016
2017 All Rounder & Boarding Scholarships aPPLy now
Bursaries also available
PISCES.
February 20 - March 20 Total change is likely to take effect. Your need to achieve your life’s purpose is on your agenda. Set some new goals and be realistic, then thank yourself for achieving. Selfappreciation is most beneficial for attracting new success. Rose Quartz is the crystal for self-love.
ARIES.
March 21 - April 20 Relationships will be offering opportunities to learn about yourself. Mirroring yourself in your partner will enlighten you and increase your tolerance and ease disappointments. When someone does something you do not like, find out from looking within why you have a problem with it. Citrine shatters negativity.
Educating successful women of tomorrow in a Christian environment join us on facebook
0 2 6 7 7 0 1700 www.plcarmidale.nsw.edu.au In alliance with PLC Sydney
TAURUS. April 21 - May 21
Time to set some new goals, but be aware of your motive to ensure attracting the best of the best. If you are at a loss when it comes to knowing what to look for, don’t despair. Make a list of emotions that you would like to experience and pray for those feelings to be fulfilled. Selenite shatters fears and encourages positive energy.
CANCER.
SCORPIO.
June 23 - July 23
Now is a great time to recognise your fears, take hold of them and reshape them, so you are in control of them. Once you have become aware of your challenge or fear, try laughing at it. Your subconscious can only confirm, not reason. This technique will shatter the fear very efficiently. Ruby shatters fears.
October 24 - November 22 Making simple choices may seem like a huge challenge at present. Make things easier for yourself by knowing nothing needs to be forever. If you’re unhappy with the change, make new ones. Avoid feeling like life is a one-way street, or your fears could leave you totally trapped. Ruby shatters fears and helps us to feel secure.
LEO.
SAGITTARIUS.
July 24 - August 23 Your mind is vulnerable to becoming bored at present. Also, there is a growing need to pursue your life’s purpose or destiny. If you set some goals centering on accessing a gift or talent that provides learning opportunities, you should be content with the next year’s cycle and elevation in selfesteem. Rose Quartz restores self-worth.
VIRGO.
August 24 - September 23 Now is a great time to pursue a dream from either a long time ago, or a dream you have carried for a long time. Write a list of all the things you will require and take action; getting something on the list will have you poised and ready for the opportunity as soon as it presents. Citrine shatters negative and attracts abundance of positive energy.
November 23 - December 21
Avoid concerning yourself with morbid thoughts of what you believe others are thinking of you. You are very capable of being extremely charismatic; you just need to occupy your thoughts with self-esteem and compliments. Who cares what other people think? Rose Quartz is a powerful self-loving crystal.
CAPRICORN. December 22 - January 20
You may be feeling unsupported at present. Identify any emotion you wish to feel externally and wake it up on the inside by breathing into it and igniting it. By becoming the answers to your fears, you will avoid facing them and having to challenge or grow through them. Ruby is powerful for inner strength.
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DANWILLIAMS Uralla CEN TRAL SCHOOL
FOCUS MAGAZINE TALKS WITH DAN WILLIAMS, RECENTLY APPOINTED HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL AT URALLA CENTRAL SCHOOL ABOUT ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES AIMED AT MAXIMISING THE LEARNING OUTCOMES OF ALL STUDENTS.
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i Dan. You’ve worked at Uralla Central School for a number of years now but we hear that times have been busy of late. I’ll say! I have been employed in a temporary capacity as the Assistant Principal with responsibility for Years 3-6 since 2013; however, earlier in the year the position was advertised on a permanent basis and I was fortunate enough to be interviewed and then subsequently offered the position. In 2014 our relatively new principal, Michael Rathborne, was appointed and he has really been challenging not only the way that we as teachers have been carrying out our work but also the structures that we utilise. As part of that rejuvenation and restructuring my own role has undergone a really progressive shift and from Week 6 of Term 4 I have assumed responsibility, as the Head of Middle School, for the implementation of our Middle School model. Sounds a bit different, can you tell us some more about this? No problem. The notion of a Middle School is not anything new in education but it is new to Uralla Central School. A good deal of current research is showing that when students begin to disengage from their learning is not when they start High School but rather in the last couple of years of Primary School. At Uralla Central School we have introduced a model that encompasses Years 5-8; students study English and Mathematics in classes that have students from all years; in other subjects they can be in Stage classes [5&6
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or 7&8] or in straight Year classes. Electives such as Agriculture, Japanese, Visual Arts, Music and Design & Technology are also now being delivAll of this will ered to these students allow us to r something that Year 5 work towards ou ; of s al go and 6 students would strategic , ng ni ar Le y previously rarely have Qualit ng the opportunity at Quality Teachi and Quality this stage to engage embrace change wholeEnvironment.” with. At the same time heartedly; what I can say we have implemented is that some of our students our Bring Your Own Device were a little concerned but this program from Year 5 up and we was largely about the ‘unknown’. are beginning to see more students Some of the issues were about ‘tradition’ using such technology to advance their and ‘rites of passage’ – for example a Year educational outcomes. 6 Graduation shirt has become redundant but This change aligns with those implementin the end they actually haven’t been around ed at the end of 2014 with our Academy and all that long and we have introduced a Middle compressed HSC delivery model. Our school is School Jersey as a broader alternative. a really vibrant place to be at the end of Term 4 Everyone has been to school and has an idea because all the students have been promoted in their head as to what a school and a classroom to the next academic year and have started new looks like; however, just like us schools grow, learning rather than the long wind down to the develop and change and about the only similarity Christmas vacation that I’m sure most of us can between the schools our children learn in and recall from our own school days. the ones we did is that they both have students What has been the response to these changand teachers. es? The most used response from students now As you would imagine with any changes of when asked about the Middle School and what this nature there can be teething problems – they think of it is – AWESOME! fortunately we have had very few and they have So Dan, where to from here for Uralla Cenbeen of a minor nature; and there is a whole tral School? range of opinions about the validity of them. I We are on a path of constant analysis of what don’t know very many people who automatically we do, why we do it and where we are headed,
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central to that is the critical analysis of our performance data to ensure that we are actually achieving for our students what we say we are. The school structures have been realigned to the point where we have a Junior School (K-4), a Middle School (5-8) and a Senior School (9-Academy II) this is allowing us to refocus, better target the learning needs and expand the learning opportunities for all of our students. The principal has embarked on major refurbishment of learning spaces for example our Learning Centre and our Senior School executive are reviewing our Stage 5 curriculum to radically expand it all of which contributes to the general feeling that Uralla Central School is a place where things happen. All of this will allow us to work towards our strategic goals of; Quality Learning, Quality Teaching and Quality Environment. That will allow us to continue to provide enrichment, innovation, opportunity and success as we have been doing since 1862. As the boss is fond of saying Uralla women and men should ‘Stand tall and walk proud!’ Thanks so much for your time, Dan.
Duval High School Congratulations to our High Achieving Graduates on their outstanding HSC performance & ATAR scores Jol Choct
Oliver Bruhl
Rachel Dawson
Bethany Jedlicka
Distinguished Achiever Distinguished Achiever ATAR 95.85 ATAR 95.55 Mathematics Ext 1 English (Advanced) Mathematics Ext 2 English Ext 1 Music Ext Mathematics Visual Arts Distinguished Achiever
Distinguished Achiever ATAR 96.95 Mathematics Ext 1 Mathematics Ext 2
Samuel Munday
Distinguished Achiever ATAR 93.40 PDHPE Mathematics Ext 2
ATAR 97.6
Lindsay Symons
Ancient History English (Advanced) English Ext 1 Mathematics French Beginners
Distinguished Achiever ATAR 95.1 Biology Mathematics
Emilie Winter
Distinguished Achiever Visual Arts
Distinguished Achiever ATAR 91.6 Software Design & Development Mathematics Ext 2 Music Ext
Community
Madeline Reckord REReckordReckor
Respect
Farihah Islam
ATAR 93.70 Mathematics Ext 2
Distinguished Achiever ATAR 93.55 English (Advanced) Mathematics Visual Arts
Eleanor Logan
Amelia Cowie
Distinguished Achiever Music 1
Safety
Excellence
Brandy Ritch
Distinguished Achiever General Mathematics 2
Teamwork
Armidale students to tobe behighly highlycommended commendedfor forfantastic fantasticHSC HSC results Armidale High High students results
Hayden Dyall Hayden Dyall Band 6 Industrial Technology Band 6 Industrial Technology
Eleanor Parker Eleanor Parker School Dux, Band 6 Advanced School Dux, Band 6 Advanced English English
Claudia Thorne Claudia Thorne Band 6 Advanced English and Band 6 Advanced English and Legal Studies Legal Studies
Jess Main Jess Main Band 6 English Extension 2 Band 6 English Extension 2 and General Maths 2 and General Maths 2
Lucy Cawood Lucy Cawood Band 6 Drama and Visual Arts Band 6 Drama and Visual Arts
Shae Leske Shae Leske Band 6 Music 2 and Music Band 6 Music 2 and Music Extension Extension
Niamh Wood Thomas Mills Niamh Wood Thomas Mills Band 6 English Extension 2 Band 6 Mathematics General 2 Band 6 English Extension 2 Band 6 Mathematics General 2
Armidale results reflect reflectthe thehard hardwork workthey theyhave haveput putininfor fortheir theirachievements achievements with HSC. Congratulations ArmidaleHigh High School School student student results with thethe HSC. Congratulations go go to perfect score scorein inMusic MusicExtension, Extension,and andtotoJess JessMain, Main,also also for a perfect score with English Extension toShae ShaeLeske, Leske, who who achieved achieved aa perfect for a perfect score with English Extension 2. 2. Both region for for these thesesubjects subjectsand andare arepart partofofArmidale ArmidaleHigh’s High’s Distinguished Achievers Armidale High Bothgirls girlsreceived received first first in in the the region Distinguished Achievers list.list. Armidale High is is proud eligible for for aa HSC HSCwith with55% 55%achieving achievingband band5 5oror6 6results results and 4 students with ATARS above proudof of the the 99 99 students eligible and 4 students with ATARS above 90.90.
ADVANCED ADVANCED ENGLISH DRAMA DRAMA ENGLISH EXT EXT 1 ENGLISH ENGLISH EXT EXT 2 ENGLISH MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS MUSIC 11 MUSIC MUSIC 22 MUSIC MUSIC EXTENSION EXTENSION MUSIC TEXTILES TEXTILES VISUAL ARTS ARTS VISUAL
60%of ofstudents studentsachieved achievedaaband band5 5ororabove above 60% 70%received receivedaaband band55ororabove above 70% 100% 100% of ofstudents studentsachieved achievedaaband band5 5 100% 100%of ofstudents studentsachieved achievedaaband band6 6
60% 60%of ofstudents studentsachieved achievedaaband band4 4ororabove above 90% 90%of ofMusic Music11students studentsachieved achieveda aband band4 4oror5 5 80 80 % %of ofMusic Music22students studentsachieved achieveda aband band5 5oror6 6 100 100% %of ofstudents studentsachieved achievedaaband band5 5ororabove above 80% 80%of ofstudents studentsachieved achievedaaband band5 5 85% 85%of ofstudents studentsachieved achievedaaband band5 5ororabove above
Exceptional Learning Learning Opportunities Exceptional Opportunitiesfor forAll All
DISTINGUISHED DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVERS ACHIEVERS Lucy Cawood Lucy Cawood Rhys Christie Rhys Christie Hayden Dyall Hayden Dyall Elsie Lawler Elsie Lawler Shae Leske Shae Leske Jess Main Jess Main Thomas Mills Thomas Mills Eleanor Parker Eleanor Parker Claudia Thorne Claudia Thorne Emily Wark Emily Wark Niamh Wood Niamh Wood
Armi
Hayden Dyall Band 6 Industrial Tec
Armidale High to Shae Lesk Both girls rec proud o
Rhys Rhys Christie Christie BandBand 6 Industrial Technology 6 Industrial Technology
Emily Wark Emily Wark Band 6Band Visual Arts Arts 6 Visual
Elsie Lawler Lawler Band 6 Drama Elsie and Advanced BandEnglish 6 Drama and Advanced English
www.armidale-h.schools.nsw.edu.au www.armidale-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
ADVANC DRAMA ENGLISH ENGLISH MATHEM MUSIC 1 MUSIC 2 MUSIC EX TEXTILE VISUAL A
Except
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BodyMindSoul EXPO Armidale is in for a wellbeing treat, as the inaugural BodyMindSoul Expo kicks off on January 30th and 31st at Armidale Town Hall. With growing public awareness of physical, mental and spiritual health, the expo presents an opportunity to spoil yourself, both outside and in. As a newcomer to Armidale, Event Manager Cara McInerney has found the New England region to be a vibrant community with a diverse range of alternative therapies and organic products. She saw the potential for a community event to showcase the best that the region’s businesses have to offer. The Expo will be a fun-filled day out, with something for everyone. View the stalls and sample the latest products and trends in healing, fitness, nutrition, beauty, home décor, mental health, education, art, music and spirituality. Check out our Psychic Reading Area to answer those burning questions, or relax and rejuvenate with a massage or healing session. Workshops designed to explore your fun, focused or creative side include art therapy, yoga, African drumming, dancing, laughter yoga, labyrinth walking, singing, and circus skills. Adult tickets are just $10, with children under 16 admitted for FREE. So do something for yourselves this weekend. Save the 30th and 31st January for the BodyMindSoul Expo at Armidale Town Hall.
collins BOOKSELLERS What can we look forward to at Collins Booksellers Armidale in 2016? The most important news for 2016 is the continued operation of our ABC Centre. The ABC is still going to produce its range of DVDs, music CDs, children’s toys and clothing, as well as continuing to publish books under the ABC banner. For Collins Booksellers Armidale, and Tamworth, it is business as usual for ABC products. We would also like to remind parents and schools of our extensive range of school texts for Kindergarten to Year 12. It is our intention to expand this range where necessary. Special orders for titles not in stock are welcome, including university texts, which we will happily source. Our prices are competitive, and we readily provide quotes. Of course, we will continue to stock the latest new releases as well as our extensive range of back titles, beautiful greeting cards and wrap, Parker pens, Derwent and Faber Castell coloured pencils and ongoing specials. Browse to your heart’s content and soak up the friendly atmosphere of our wonderful book store.
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junior toughen up challenge The Inverell Toughen Up Challenge is a fun, sometimes dirty and exciting challenge for you and your friends. It is an event set to test the mind, body and spirit to see if you are Tough Enough! With competitive and non-competitive categories in 2016, Toughen Up is catering for all abilities. This year they have an exciting adventure for the juniors Obstacool. Designed with fun and safety in mind, the Obstacool course includes a range of obstacles that are both challenging and fun. Suitable for kids of all fitness levels, the course has been designed to allow participants to run at their own pace. A mix of giant inflatables and other super fun obstacles, the course is guaranteed to have all participants smiling from ear to ear. Why not make it an event for the whole family! Teams travel from as far away as Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Goondiwindi, Tamworth, Armidale, and there’s a whole host of local talent from Inverell. Pathfinders are proud to sponsor this community event, which is passionate about raising funds for the Inverell Community. All proceeds from the day will be channelled back into projects within Inverell. Register now at http://inverelltoughenup.net
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commercial motor Elders Insurance Commercial Motor insurance policy provides protection against accidental damage to the motor vehicles used in your business and in addition, cover for the liability that may arise where these motor vehicles are involved in an accident. We offer comprehensive cover for your commercial fleet, which includes the following additional benefits: · Choice of repairer · Repair guarantee · Emergency travelling expenses · Hire costs following theft of your vehicle · Locks and keys · Removal of debris following an accident · Returning your vehicle after theft, loss or damage · Signage · Towing costs · Trailer cover ... and much more. We also provide cover for fleet vehicles and heavy motor vehicles. Elders Insurance offer a complimentary emergency assistance package for Elders Insurance Motor Vehicle policyholders with vehicles over 5 tonne carrying capacity - Elders Heavy Motor Assist. Call in and see us at 97 Faulkner Street, Armidale, or call us on 6775 4577.
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NSW
JUSTICES AS S O C I AT I O N N O R T H E R N TA B L E L A N D S
support group
JENNY POST AND PETER HUTCHINSON FROM THE NSW JUSTICE ASSOCIATION NORTHERN TABLELANDS GROUP TELL FOCUS READERS ABOUT THE STATE CONFERENCE FOR THE JUSTICE ASSOCIATION TO BE HELD IN ARMIDALE IN APRIL. WE ALSO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT JPS HAVE IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.
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hat is the NSW Justices Association Northern Tablelands Support Group, and how long has it been operating? The NSWJA Northern Tablelands Support Group was formed around 1995 in Armidale, when the then State President of NSW Justices Association, the late Dr Malcolm Buck, wrote to all members of the State Association in our area seeking a Coordinator to establish a local Support Group. It is understood Harold Bradford, a local JP, was the only one to respond to this call, and Dr Buck and his son met with Harold in Armidale, who agreed to take on this role to endeavour to establish a group of current JPs and those interested in becoming a JP. Harold wrote to local JPs in the area from a list provided by The Attorney General’s Department. There was a small response, and the inaugural meeting was held at The Armidale Ex-Services Memorial Club early in 1996. The group met quarterly and changed venues to The Golf Club, where meetings were held over dinner and partners were invited. Around 2001, Harold stepped back due to health issues, and Peter Bannon took over the Coordinator’s role. Harold again took over the reins some time later.
Peter Hutchinson succeeded Harold as Chairman and Coordinator in May 2010 and continues in that role today, with Jenny Post as Secretary. In April, Armidale will be hosting the State Conference for the Justices Association; what does this mean for our community? We are very pleased to have secured this annual event for our city. It is very rarely held outside the metropolitan, Wollongong, Newcastle area. We hope to attract between 100 - 150 delegates and their partners to Armidale, which will be a benefit particularly for accommodation and other retail outlets. The event will be held at The Armidale Bowling Club, with the main conference day on Saturday 30 April with a dinner that night. One of the features will be a two hour training session for current JPs and anyone wishing to become a JP. We also have some excellent speakers organised throughout the day on Saturday. The theme for the Conference is “Justice in Thunderbolt Country”. What is a Justice of the Peace? A person of good character without a criminal record may be nominated by another JP to become a serving Justice of the Peace. There is a handy booklet available setting out the criteria for this role, which is available from our group. Once a Police check has been
carried out and the application approved by The Attorney General’s Department, the new JP has to be sworn into the position in the local court. Until that is done, they cannot act as a JP. The functions carried out by a JP are many and varied. Witnessing many types of documents is the main role. A NSW JP cannot witness documents in any other State of our Commonwealth; however, they may witness a signature of a person presenting a document which had its origin in another State or Territory of Australia whilst the person presenting the document is physically in NSW. Documents JPs are called on to witness include Affidavits, Statutory Declarations and a variety of other documents. We are called on to certify copies of original documents. What services are provided to the community? Our Support Group has a desk in the Armidale Court House, which our members attend on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10am - noon. This is a very popular service, and many people attend for a JP service. We have a core group of seven volunteer JPs on a roster system. It is a very rewarding service, and we receive many expressions of thanks. It is completely honorary, and we do not receive any form of remuneration or reward.
How can interested readers find out about becoming a JP? We encourage anyone interested to contact either our Co-ordinator Peter Hutchinson on 0407 658 358 or our Secretary Jenny Post on 0417 920 726. We have a site on Facebook “Northern Tablelands Justices Association Support Group”, and we are happy to receive comments. We meet quarterly on the second Thursday of February, May, August and November at 5:30pm at the Armidale Bowling Club. There are no fees to join our group; however, it is strongly recommended that JPs join the NSWJA, which provides tremendous support including regular journals, online training and insurance cover whilst volunteering. It is a necessity for JPs to be a member of this Association before working on the community desk at the Court House. Plans for the future? It would be great to expand the days of attendance at the Court House to five per week, but to do that we will require more volunteer JPs to be on the roster. Our group by and large are retirees (who sometimes like to travel) and thus reducing the available pool of our members who wish to serve on the desk roster. Thanks Peter and Jenny. new england focus. 43
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NEW ENGLAND
property guide FOCUS SPEAKS WITH MARTY LAWLER ABOUT HIS AMAZING NEW BUILD IN ARMIDALE. HE TELLS FOCUS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE HOME. AS WE CAN SEE FROM THE PICTURES, MARTY AND THE TEAM HAVE COMPLETED ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL ABODE ...
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ell us about your initial mostly seen, which is in this case to idea for designing the south and the main street. these homes ... Generally, less glazing is With any home, optimal on the south side, d te an w the focus needs to be on as the summer sun can We to build your orientation. First penetrate, causing the es us ho ct pa m and foremost it needs absorption of too much co within the CBD, “solar access”, and heat. I think you should and that usually that is best when the attempt to make your on means building long axis of the building structures beautiful, if not a small block. ” is facing north. Hence, interesting. We wanted to there is usually a lot of build compact houses within glazing on this side, with an the CBD, and that usually appropriate eave to help control means building on a small block. the direct sunlight. The design had to be flexible, as they As well, you need to aesthetically are to be rented long term and, being highlight the building's facade that is compact, this can create issues, as often you
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I always go for the idea that ed your well design be ld ou sh e us ho cheaper to run to for many years ’s at th d an e, com !” good for all of us
“ build in furniture to accommodate the small space. Basically I wanted to have a bit of fun with a “funky” outlook. Therefore, a Kylie Mitchell Design was required! What makes these homes special? The contemporary solar passive design, compact space, the recycling of some products and second hand materials to start with. The fantastic Turpentine logs at the front were recycled from a mate up north. He used them to jack up his house to create an under-storey. The bricks are from the new Aldi site and other demolished buildings in Armidale. Double glazed windows in the rear unit and the tiles in one of the bathrooms are all left over from jobs. I swapped a near-new panel lift door and its motor off a renovation from
a mate's place, and installed a door and Western Red Cedar window for his garage door space. External sliding doors into the garage help make that an interactive space to the court yard, and usable as a studio if you don't have or want to house your car in there. I always go for the idea that your well designed house should be cheaper to run for many years to come, and that's good for all of us! What local trades and resources have you used? The lads helping at Goodwood Projects, Nick Kelly and Sam Hodges (from Loose
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Lighting), always have the highest standards in carpentry and on site manner. Clients are always pleased to have them. Northey Plastering are second generation plasterers. Their quality, punctuality and attention to detail always produces top notch results. Having worked with Jeff at Mcfayden's Hardware before ABS was born, no problem that is ever insurmountable. Their service is great and down to earth, with very reasonable prices. Trend Windows are the “go to” people for the double glazed aluminium windows. Dreamcoat has a large team that are always happy to work with whatever colours and
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finishes people pick. Finally, the Arimdale Tree Group has that local knowledge and passion for helping to landscape and create thriving habitat on all my jobs. What environmentally friendly aspects have you incorporated in the build? It is not necessarily about "environmental aspects" as much as it is good sensible building. To achieve this, you implement solar passive principles. The use of exposed thermal mass - usually achieved in the concrete floors - helps to control the internal ambient temperature. The double glazed windows, maximum insulation in the ceiling and external and internal walls help "cell" the living areas.
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You can then control how you use that externally generated solar energy. Simple fans with ducting in the ceiling can be switched on to drag excess heat into other rooms in order to level out the temperature throughout the house. Good use of double glazed windows by varying their heights promotes ventilation, especially in a double storey. The solar tubes on the roof used to minimise excessive water heating saves costs by up to 50%, according to the energy.gov website. People always comment on how cool or warm our houses are, but the big surprise is how quiet they are inside. The acoustics are always surprisingly good. So, I'm not sure about the “environmentally friendly” concept, because my focus is more about thoughtful design with some practical
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applications that I believe should just be standard practice. What’s next for you? Keep on keeping on, I suppose. Goodwood Projects has worked with some of the finest clients you could hope for, creating some unique and beautiful homes. I work with great young lads who make going to work easy, as do the clients whom we work for.They are keen to step up to the plate, so business as usual for Goodwood. I'm actually taking some long service, so implementing the “work to live” idea. There'll probably be a lot of local excursions down roads we haven't been, revisiting places we have, catching up with friends and rellies a bit ... and an overseas adventure towards the end of the year. Thanks Marty.
Thinking Neighbours and Trees – with Jane C. Pfister (Solicitor)
THINKING
NEIGHBOURS AND TREES
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t is not uncommon for people to landscape their property by planting trees along or near the border of their property. As the trees grow, branches can overhang a neighbouring property and root systems can intertwine with pipes or undermine pathways or house structures. If you reside in Armidale, the Armidale Dumaresq Council requires that trees should not be removed or trimmed without the prior consideration of Council. Although there are circumstances where Armidale Dumaresq Council Approval is not required, (fact sheets are available on the Council web site), it is prudent to seek the advice of council in the first instance. Noxious weeds are managed differently. A list of noxious weeds can be found on the NSW Department of Primary Industries website or by consultation with the local council. Noxious weeds are not to be grown and owners are expected to remove or control the growth of these plants. If an offending neighbouring plant is actually a noxious weed, the local council may be able to issue a weed control notice pursuant to Noxious Weeds Act 1993. It is prudent before any legal action between neighbours is taken to: • Advise the neighbour that owns the tree or has noxious weeds of the problem. • Negotiate for a solution. The court will not make orders unless a reasonable effort to negotiate has been made first. These types of disputes between neighbours are very common and ideally resolved by negotiation. • Request the advice and permission of Council before any tree is pruned or removed. Local Councils protect certain Trees with preservation orders made under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. These orders mean that no one can alter the tree without the Councils consent or they will risk a large fine. • Engage an Arborist. Any damage caused to a tree as the result of trimming or pruning will be the responsibility of the person who prunes the tree. Trimming tree roots may also
undermine the stability of the tree. In some minor cases, an adjoining property owner who is troubled by a neighbouring tree, or tree roots should firstly notify their neighbour of the issue (and propose a solution). After discussing the proposed Tree trimming with the tree management officer at the local Council they may organise to trim the neighbour’s tree branches or tree roots back to the boundary line only. An owner of a tree is not liable to contribute toward the cost of the trimming of their tree back from a neighbouring fence unless an order has been made. If a neighbour is made aware of concerns with a tree but fails to address these concerns and prevent any potential damage, then the owner of that tree may be found liable for any damage subsequently caused by the tree. If after consultation with the Council and all negotiations with the adjoining neighbour have failed to address trees that are dangerous or cause actual property damage, it may be time to seek legal advice to consider an application to the Land and Environment Court to make orders for the trimming or removal of the tree. Council is to be notified and given a copy of the application. This application is made pursuant to The Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 (NSW). The Court will consider Council’s position and authorisation, and any relevant regulation or preservation order, any historical or cultural significance of the tree, the value of the tree to public amenity or scenery, how the tree affects the eco system, retaining wall or soil stability and finally the actual threat of potential damage which could be caused by the tree. The Court can then also make orders to account for any damage caused to the property of others by the tree. A Court can also make orders for the trimming or removal of the tree if required. Heavy fines can be imposed for a failure to comply with Court orders. Jane C. Pfister Solicitor new england focus. 47
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