new england
October 2017. issue 125
Feature Story Walcha Mountain Festival
to the jobs that you can no manage.
come for our residents is me to enjoy their retirement end quality time with family
THE UPSIDE OF DOWNSIZING
S
eniors in the Armidale area are seeing the upside to retirement when they choose to downsize at Oak Tree Retirement Village.
Offering affordable independent living in quality homes, Oak Tree Retirement Village provides an attractive lifestyle choice for those wanting an easier way of life and a smaller property to maintain.
“Our purpose-built homes are designed with an independent, low maintenance lifestyle in mind,” says, Kate Pigram of Oak Tree.
have to enjoy doing the things they love,” she said.
an end to the jobs that you can no longer manage.
Sizable and comfortable, the fully self-contained homes offer everything needed. A spacious kitchen and living areas, a choice of two or three bedroom homes with ensuite bathrooms and a separate powder room, alfresco patios and attached garages.
The outcome for our residents is more time to enjoy their retirement and spend quality time with family and friends,” she said.
Because they are priced affordably, purchasing a villa at Oak Tree often sees residents with residual savings in the bank after the sale of their family home.
All gardening and home maintenance is managed by the Village Manager at Oak Tree which further simplifies life for all residents. “Instead of mowing the lawn, climbing ladders to clean gutters and bending over to pull weeds, residents can use their time to build new found friendships in the Village and participate in social activities in the Village Centre,” said Kate.
jobs that you can no ge. “Many seniors who make the move to Oak Tree do so because they are tired of tending to a large family home. The house work, gardening and the building maintenance just get to be too much if it is an older property.
“Our residents choose to use their savings in many ways. Some will treat themselves to new furniture to suit their new home. Others decide to opt for a smaller vehicle for easier parking, reliability and cost savings. Some will also travel more” said Ms Pigram.
When residents settle into their new villas they often remark about the ease of keeping the home clean and how much spare time they now
“It’s all part of the downsizing process. Simplifying life by clearing out the things that you no longer use, moving from the large home that you no longer need and putting
89 Martin Street, Armidale
1300 367 155
“There are countless upsides to downsizing with Oak Tree and we are open on weekdays for you to come and see for yourself,” she concluded.
To start your retirement journey visit Oak Tree Retirement Village Armidale or phone Village Manager Kate Pigram on 1300 367 155.
for our residents is 2 New England focus.
www.oaktreegroup.com.au
focus_ team.
team From the
W
Welcome to the October edition of New England FOCUS.
ith the Armidale Regional Council elections completed, it marks a point of change and new beginnings for our region. Let’s hope the momentum that’s been gained over the past year and a half adapts to continuously create a forward momentum for our beautiful region. Let’s all work together to help our new constituents settle in to the roles and help build on the foundations that have been laid.
On the Cover
This month we have dedicated our cover to Uralla. If you’ve dined in Uralla, chances are you have been to the Top Pub. This month we speak with the iconic owners and children, Matt, Leigh, Ruby and Jack Campbell, who have been a massive part of the Uralla community for over 25 years.
Inside this edition
Our Unique Uralla feature is your guide to some of the fantastic shopping, galleries, food and more. With so much
contacts. Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.
culture, it’s hard not to love this little town, that’s billowing with heritage style and Uralla uniqueness. Do you have children that are obsessed with cars? If they are over twelve, they can actually drive them in a safe, slow speed course here in Armidale. Reaching its 50th year, Motokhana allows children as young a twelve to drive cars around a safe short course at the Armidale skidpan. The Packsaddle team are back again this year and delighted to open their thirty second Packsaddle exhibition at the New England Regional Art Gallery. Artist Amanda Penrose Hart will open the ceremony and is delighted to be a part of this year’s festivities. The Walcha Mountain Festival is gearing up for another action packed weekend. Listen to live music, enjoy the entertainment under the shade of the beautiful gardens and picturesque backdrop at Langford Homestead. In 1986, the Oorala Aboriginal Centre was established. Thirty years on and
Final Say
“It’s just two people in love with one another. What’s the issue?” - Janet Jackson.
Tracy Le Messurier
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jeff Cowan
SALES MANAGER Louise Beaumont ADVERTISING CONSULTANT Di Johnston diane@focusmag.com.au
MANAGING EDITOR Jay Beaumont jay@focusmag.com.au
ART DIRECTOR Dylan Gaul dylan@focusmag.com.au
Ascent Community Care operates programs in the Uralla Shire for older people living in their own homes. The Ascent programs include:
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joey Dable
tracy@focusmag.com.au
Ascent Community Care
EDITION CO-ORDINATOR ADVERTISING CONSULTANT
louise@focusmag.com.au
ADDRESS 5/164 Beardy Street, Armidale PHONE 02 6771 5551 FAX: 02 6772 5551 WEB www.focusmag.com.au FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ne.focus TV www.focustv.com.au
with over 800 enrolled students in 2017 marks a huge growth from the humble beginnings of this fantastic institution. FOCUS finds out about how Oorala will be celebrating its 30th year. Young Life Armidale has been connecting with young people and making a difference to many lives over the years. Pancake breakfasts, lunchtime activities and proving support to students inside and outside of the school environment is just a small part of what is involved. FOCUS chats with Brendan Hatte about what Young Life does in the community.
Centre Based Day Care Social Support Community Transport Minor Home Maintenance & Gardening Service
joey@focusmag.com.au jeff@focusmag.com.au
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Rathbone kyle@focusmag.com.au
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael Marchment michael@focusmag.com.au
COPY EDITING Rite ‘n’ Rong Media Services rnrmedia@bigpond.com
PHOTOGRAPHER James Brooks james@focusmag.com.au
Comments and opinions of our contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinion or view of the Publishers or Editor. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.Information appearing in Focus is believed to be correct at the time of going to press however no liability will be held for inaccurate information approved or supplied by advertisers or contributors. While all care is taken it is recommended that readers confirm dates, times, prices and any other material including advice with individual businesses and industry professionals. New England Focus is produced and published by Creative House Publications Pty Ltd ABN: 62128786005. Material in New England Focus is Copyright © Creative House Publications Pty Ltd 2016 and may not be reproduced whole or in part, in any form, without permission of the Publisher. All rights reserved.
Want to learn more?
02 6776 8977 ascentgroup.org.au
New England focus. 3
issue inside this
Issue 125 - October 2017
Regulars
38
8. WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 37. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 54. BUSINESS MINDS INGRID ROTHE
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from ss e l s s Stre
The Preatures.
12
Rowen Matthews.
FOCUS met with well known artist Rowen Matthews, who exhibits at Gallery 126, and he tells us all about his great art escapes at Little Kickerbell …
36
After a turbulent 12 months, the Preatures have released their new album, Girlhood. FOCUS chats to guitarist and producer Jack about the new record and their impending FOTSUN gig …
17
Greg Windred.
Local tree changer musician Greg Windred is a passionate performer who is making waves in the soundscape throughout the New England. FOCUS caught up with Greg to find out a little more about the man behind the music …
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4 New England focus.
ageless living Margaret and Richard, Newling Gardens residents
Find your perfect home at Newling Gardens
RELAXED AND SECURE LIFESTYLE
Newling Gardens is one of Armidale’s most sought-after retirement living communities, offering residents a relaxed and secure lifestyle amongst beautiful landscaped gardens. The warm and welcoming village currently has a fantastic range of brand new independent living villas available starting from $395,000*
VILLAS AVAILABLE FROM $395,000
The new villas are ready, the refurbished community centre is open, and the kettle’s on the boil, so there’s never been a better time to make a home of your own at Newling Gardens!
Phone Jeremy on 0401 508 801 to book a personal village tour
retireaustralia.com.au/newlinggardens
FULLY-REFURBISHED AND EXPANDED FACILITIES
*Price correct at time of printing
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focus_What’s On New England
7
O C T O B E R
First Saturday chats
29
Our next First Saturday chats will be hosted by Christopher Serow (Principal, Solicitor Director) from 10am to 1pm at the Legal Minds offices at 157 Beardy Street, The Mall, Armidale. When Saturday 7 October 2017. As this is a popular program, bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100.
Markets in the Mall
7
Walcha Mountain Festival
Antiques & Collectables Fair This year more than 20 local exhibitors from Armidale, Walcha, Manilla, Warwick and Gatton will showcase a vast assortment of furniture, books, vintage clothing, bric-a-brac, glassware, crockery, stamps, coins, badges and model cars, to name a few. The entry fee is a gold coin donation. When 7 - 8 Oct 2017. Where RSL Memorial Hall, 27 Salisbury Street, Uralla. Contact Carol Barnden. Email carol.barnden@hotmail.com Phone 0428 433 392.
14
Watercolour art prize & exhibition
Treat yourself to a feast of watercolour art from across the New England and beyond, at the Official Opening of the Daphne Young Watercolour Art Prize. This year’s entries are guaranteed to amaze; and they’re all for sale. Free entry - all welcome. When Official Opening 6pm Saturday 14 October; enjoy wine and nibbles and meet the artists. Exhibition continues to Friday 3 November. Where Armidale Art Gallery, upstairs in the Beardy Street central mall near the post office.
8 New England focus.
Spring is well underway, and the markets in the mall are ready to celebrate. Come down for some contemporary fashion designs at our clothing stalls. Also, as a celebration of spring we look forward to welcoming new wine, beer and spirit traders selling their local beverages. Come down and celebrate spring in style with the Mall Markets on Sunday 29 October. 8am to 1pm.
The Walcha Mountain Festival is a fabulous two-day festival held annually during the month of October in the beautiful town of Walcha, part of the New England high country. When October 21 and 22. Info: contact Susie or Lisa at the Walcha Visitor Information Centre (02) 6774 2460 or email council@walcha.nsw.gov.au
31 28 Oorala 30 Open Day
Thunderbolts Festival
Celebrating our 19th year in 2017, the festival theme is Fairies and Elves, and the Fairy Lady will feature in a dazzling display which will magically float to Alma Park. Thunderbolts Festival will be held on Saturday 28th October. The street parade commences at 10:30am and will be led by the local motorbike group Oxley Riders. More info www.thunderboltsfestival.com.au
An Educational and Community Open Day. Take a break from your routine and join us at our major event, Oorala 30 Open Day - Celebrating 30 Years, to be held at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Be welcomed and join us as we celebrate our successes amidst a day of live music, art, dancing, market stalls, workshops, talks, short films, campus tours and kids’ activities. When Tuesday 31 Oct, 10am - 3pm. Where University of New England, Oorala Aboriginal Centre. More info Tess Cullen on 0421 990 336.
focusinterview.
focusinterview.
The
Walcha
MOUNTAIN - F E S T I V A L -
The Walcha Mountain Festival is on again, and we are gearing up for another fantastic, fun weekend on October 21st & 22nd. The event has only become stronger since moving to the new location for the Sunday festivities, in the gardens and grounds of Langford homestead. Langford is ideally suited to festival style events, offering the perfect backdrop and atmospheric surrounds.
A
truly gorgeous place to kick back, listen to live music and enjoy the other entertainment under the shade of a tree with a bite to eat and a glass of local wine or craft beer in hand. Susie Crawford tells us more ... A few years ago The Walcha Mountain Festival moved to its current location, in the grounds of historic Langford House. How has this affected the success of the festival? The generosity of Beverly and Barry Marshall, opening up their home and garden to us, has had an immensely positive effect on the Walcha Mountain Festival. Langford is an imposing Edwardian two storey home which causes much intrigue from inquisitive passers-by; it is a natural lure. The festival has gone from strength to strength in the past three years since being held there. Guided tours of the house are conducted hourly at the festival, the owners are knowledgeable on the history of the building, its previous owners and the surrounding land, so you’re guaranteed an informative and enjoyable tour - with the odd story of the original owners' lifestyles of extravagance popping up! Tours can be booked in advance if you want a specific time or have a large group who want to do a tour. Do any aspects of the Walcha Mountain Festival have a large continued following, and why do you think this is? The Quilt Exhibition has a bit of a cult following, drawing people in from far and wide! The Walcha Quilters group do a fabulous job of displaying their quilts in the Langford Woolshed, hanging them in aisles from the rustic rafters,
creating a colourful patchwork maze. The quilters have made a quilt for the raffle, have morning tea on offer and are having an opening night with wine and nibbles on the Friday night from 6 - 9pm. All proceeds go to the local Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The remote control model ships, made to scale with amazingly realistic graphic detail, also attract great interest. They are motored around the Langford Lake by their operators. I’m not sure who has more fun, the spectators or operators! I think these two things attract a heavy following as they require so much attention to detail, skill and patience - something we all long to have. You can’t help but admire the workmanship involved in these crafts. Is anything new and exciting happening at this year’s festival? Previously we’ve had vintage cars and motorcycles on show at the festival; however, this year Armidale are hosting The Classic and Specialist Car Club of Northern NSW - Great Eastland Rally, and they are bringing their cars to the Walcha Mountain Festival on Sunday. We are expecting 80 - 100 rare and unique cars, which will be quite spectacular. We are also hosting a regional premiere of Hester Fraser’s latest GOLDHEIST album, REALM, with the initial launch at the Sydney Opera House in September; we are honoured to have been approached by Hester to host this regional premiere. What about entertainment on Sunday at Langford? For the first few hours, Hester Fraser‘s
The Australian Wool Fashion
GOLDHEIST will play a on Sunday, supporting the Awards (AWFA) are also premiere concert for Westpac Rescue Helicopter. presenting two fashion their album, REALM. Both of these events have parades, showcasing their GOLDHEIST employs a had changes made this wonderfully designed unique blend of folk, year. woollen fashions. The pop and classical music. Saturday, October 21st AWFA parade always delivers Following this brings the PKF Walcha unique and creative garments. performance, we Road Ride Challenge, are excited to have a 75 km loop through popular band The picturesque countryside BopCatz playing for and surrounding villages. the remainder of the day. The BopCatz are a Due to a newly sealed section of road we have rockabilly blues band from Armidale, described also been able to introduce a slightly shorter as - a dash of swamp gothic, mud-country blues 56 km Challenge … The PKF Walcha Road Ride and voodoo groove! "Schmallenge" … There was always going to be What a lovely way to spend a Sunday naming consequences for the introduced softer listening to a few bands in a beautiful garden, option! with delicious food and a craft beer from New Sunday, October 22nd brings Carlo’s IGA England Brewing Co. or boutique wines from Captains Ride, supporting the Westpac Rescue Whyworry. Helicopter Service. This format is completely The Australian Wool Fashion Awards (AWFA) different to the past few years. PREVIOUSLY are also presenting two fashion parades, the mountain bikers had to do loops of a fairly short but treacherously steep route - THIS YEAR, showcasing their wonderfully designed woollen the Captains Ride will take you out and about fashions. The AWFA parade always delivers on trails around Walcha, escorted by Westpac unique and creative garments. Rescue Helicopter staff. Morning tea will be There are market and food stalls, some supplied, and the riders will be back in time for new and some repeat stalls who have enjoyed lunch at Langford. Their non-participating family previous years at the festival. Free kids' activities members can enjoy the festival whilst waiting are also on offer: an awesome climbing wall, for their return. jumping castle, face painting, lolly scatter, bush A fabulous weekend of events and activities croquet and more. for the whole family at this year’s Walcha Now down to business … The bike riders. Mountain Festival. More info at What are they up to this year? www.walchamountainfestival.org As part of the Walcha Mountain Festival we or phone 6774 2460. hold two separate bike rides: the Road Ride Thanks Susie. event on Saturday, and Mountain Bike event New England focus. 9
focusinterview.
ARMIDALE COMMUNITY OF SCHOOLS
SCHOOLS FOCUS catches up with Brad Hunt from the Armidale Community of Schools (ACOS) and finds out why public education is so important in our New England community.
G
ive us a brief overview of the Armidale Community of Schools (ACOS). The Armidale Community of Schools (ACOS) involves 15 public primary and high schools in the Uralla and Armidale areas. Our schools range in size, from small schools, large primary and high schools to K - 12 central schools. The ACOS group also encompasses the wonderful Thalgarrah Environmental Education Centre. The ACOS group is a network of Principals who design programs, initiatives and events for students K - 12. Armidale and surrounds provide a huge option for families in regards to public education. Tell us about our public and high schools. Our public and high schools provide dynamic, 21st Century learning approaches based on futures education pedagogy and are resourced to provide outstanding approaches to all learning programs. Each school is unique in character and offers students a range of approaches in the main subjects, including English, Maths, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Technology (STEAM). All schools have embedded strong wellbeing policies, where programs exist to support young people in their educational and emotional 10 New England focus.
high school is built in the next few years. Focus growth. ACOS schools pride themselves on groups are currently meeting to discuss options the notion that we know all our students. and proposals from all aspects of the Armidale We know how they learn, and we cater for community to build a true, “futures focused”, individualised programs. A nurturing and caring 21st Century learning facility for students. environment in our schools ensures students What an amazing opportunity for our students feel safe and secure coming to school each day. and our town! Public and high schools are for ALL students How important is a parent’s role in their in our community, from Kindergarten to Year child's education, 12. regardless of the As part of the Armidale school they attend? Community of Schools We encourage parents (ACOS) group, we are and carers to be involved fortunate to have the Working with your in their child’s education Thalgarrah Environmental child at home on and welcome clear Education Centre, where assessment tasks, homework, communication between students from across other school tasks or simply home and school. Our Northern NSW are listening to your child read public and high schools able to access handsat night, is essential in see education as a on approaches and a child’s educational three-way approach, programs in science and development. where students, staff and environmental education. parents are all involved These can be in the form in providing quality, of day or overnight stays stimulating options at the centre. Thalgarrah for students to achieve their personal best. has a full-time Primary Teaching Principal Working with your child at home on assessment employed to design, coordinate and deliver the tasks, homework, other school tasks or simply programs on offer. listening to your child read at night, is essential As most people are aware, students in in a child’s educational development. Armidale will have access to one of the most We encourage all parents to maintain clear advanced high schools in NSW when the new
communication with their child’s school, regardless of year group or age. Can you tell us about the recent major event, “An Evening with ACOS”? “An Evening with ACOS” is the major event for our ACOS schools held every two years. It is a massive creative arts production where every school in our area, K - 12, has students involved in choir, orchestra, dance, music or some other form of creative arts. This year, over 500 students participated in the most successful show we have ever staged. The success of “An Evening with ACOS” is testament to the solid working relationship our public and high schools have in the Armidale and Uralla areas. Do you have any comments to families regarding enrolments for 2018? As we move into the last term of the school year, all schools have started the process of looking at student enrolment applications for 2018. I encourage all families to make an appointment to speak with the Principal of your local public or high school to discuss enrolments for next year. Our schools offer outstanding opportunities for children and young people as we prepare them for the challenges of the 21st Century and beyond. Thanks Brad.
New England focus. 11
. ie w rv fo cu si nt e
Preatures GIRLHOOD
After a turbulent 12 months, the Preatures have released their new album, "Girlhood". FOCUS chats to guitarist and producer Jack about the new record and their impending FOTSUN gig …
ou’ve just dropped your new album, with knowing what not to do sometimes. I didn’t need Girlhood. Tell us about the writing to whip the band on this album; I needed to be really process; is this a bit of an insight into mindful of the fact that there was a big idea that we were Izzy’s womanhood and growing up? all trying to write out, and to make sure there was enough Yes, that’s definitely part of it. I was room for us to be able to explore that, but also to be very conscious of what Izzy was needing able to push our identity as a recording group as a band to work through as a woman, as a songwriter, as a person on record ... Because the first album was a blip - it just in this part of our lives, and part of being a group and a happened. partner in a creative force. It was really clear to me that I think in a lot of ways it wasn’t a she needed to say a lot of these wholly reflective thing to do; it was things and write down a lot of this like, get in there and do it and get stuff. on the road. And with this album I It’s also about us growing definitely wanted to make sure and My whole focus for this album up together as a unit, all the pushed for us having a little bit more was to elevate what we’ve already experiences that we shared in this time to do it. created and give it another series city and all the music that we’ve It has come with heaps of of layers of depth or meaning or witnessed and shared together and responsibility - a lot of that has to do purpose, and for it to be OK the things we continue to share, all with nurturing pain and wrestling for us to spend some time the things that happened in the last with difficult emotions and difficult being able to walk away four years - it's a pretty big time for situations ... Things that cannot and reflect on it. togetherness, but also the vacuum necessarily be described as pleasant. that you get into when you’re But on the whole, making records is touring a record. the coolest thing - just its greatest We work so hard and are so challenge is keeping focused fortunate that all that hard work gave us all of this time especially over 12 months. to run the record Blue Planet Eyes out, but also gave us Having prior experience with the recording process, the time to write Girlhood. I think it’s cumulative - just a one could say you’re quite seasoned now. How did reflection of a lot of things that have passed, in what's you find the recording process this time round, as really not a very long period of time. opposed to previous times in the studio? Being a producer as well as the band's guitarist, how This one was a real endurance record in terms of do you balance the two? a lot of things. We weathered a lot of emotion, we By just keeping my sh*t together. It’s got a lot to do weathered a member leaving, we weathered a lot of 12 New England focus.
change, we weathered a pretty serious injury in the band. We weathered a lot of things that might be considered setbacks, but really, what they were is great opportunities for change, and I think part of what I’m really good at is being very in the moment. I’m also a big picture person, and I can never really take my eyes off the distance, I guess, and for me I always envisaged that this record would help us evolve to those things. It was obvious that we were going to have to face that and the writing was going to reflect that, whether we were aware of it or not. My whole focus for this album was to elevate what we’ve already created and give it another series of layers of depth or meaning or purpose, and for it to be OK for us to spend some time being able to walk away and reflect on it. You’re finishing up the year playing at FOTSUN. What are you looking forward to about being a part of our sellout festival? Exactly that! We’ve heard a lot about it and think it's one of those dates you kind of hope you’ll get asked to do. It's a really cool festival, and we’re excited to get there and see our friends, to get amongst it and just cap our year off in a good way! Thanks Jack.
Don’t miss the Preatures at this year's Festival Of The Sun. December 7th, 8th & 9th 2017. Tickets and info www.fotsun.com
Meet Council’s new Service Leaders
Council
Greg Lawrence
Nathalie Heaton
Economic Development and Marketing
Governance, Risk & Corporate Planning
Krista Schmidt
Ambrose Hallman
Community & Customer Service
Sustainability & Development
Rob Shaw
Kim Bryan
Roads & Parks
People, Safety & Communications
Leah Cook
Keith Lockyer
Asset Planning & Design
Finance & Procurement
FOCUS caught up with Armidale Regional Council CEO Peter Dennis to discuss the changing landscape of Local Government and the need for Council to be more more connected with the community.
S
erving the Community ... In Local Government we have a long history of serving the community. Councils are a vital and integral part of the
going forward is to have the discussion with the community around “levels of service”. We need to be really good at working with community on exploring the future vision for our community in terms of affordability,
communities we serve. Councils are incredibly
liveability and sustainability. A crucial part
unique institutions, and you would never
of this is articulating the future options
rationally set up a business with such a diverse
and the associated trade offs (costs) to
and wide range of
facilitate a consensus
customer service
on the way forward.
offerings.
This is challenging and
The landscape and community expectations of Local Government is changing at a fast pace, and now more than ever there is an imperative for us to
Our role is to provide our community service that meets or exceeds community expectations.
A vital part of this is understanding and managing community expectations. Any level of
service can be provided at a cost.
requires great skills in strategic and economic planning, communication (particularly listening) and stakeholder engagement. It is about having a meaningful discussion about the level of service
be connected with
and then being excellent
our community. Our
at delivering it.
community needs to
Keeping the community
be front of mind in everything that we do,
“front of mind” is all about the many small
and our workplace culture needs to harness a
things we do each day when interacting
community service ethos.
with the community. Everything we do has
Our role is to provide our community
“touch points” with the community and
service that meets or exceeds community
opportunities to excel at supporting the
expectations. A vital part of this is
community we serve. Building trust and a
understanding and managing community
reputation in the community for a friendly
expectations. Any level of service can be
and customer focused service will always be
provided at a cost. One of our key challenges
important.
www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au New England focus. 13
CO OL
WITH SUSIE DUNN
TH IS
IS
focus_contributor
Icing ON
CAKE
Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh
Summer ever SWEETEST
COLLABORATION
A primary definition of collaboration is "the action of working with someone to produce something".
T
hat’s basically what I believe voters in the recent Armidale Local Government elections want as the trademark of the new State-determined Local Government Council . We all been gifted a very tasty cake here - it’s up to everyone to spread the icing. I voted for the Armidale region. Let’s hope that’s what our new Councillors have at the front of their minds. With some from previous Councils, there are mostly fresh faces. All will, let’s hope, give their public service to the region, not just their own pet agendas. Readers know I feel we’re at a critical turning point, either seeing consolidation and advancement or sad decline. That would be tragic. Things done for many of the past years haven’t really cut through - sorry, cruel but true. Good intentions aren’t enough. Let’s hope this Council can look beyond old formulas. At writing, I don’t know who will, as Mayor, be leading this drive for change from September 27, although Ian Tiley certainly seems well ahead on qualifications. The elections have shown up another problem in our changing world - the informed distribution of information and where to find it. The Express certainly tried its best, but things move fast and choosing what to print has its problems. Social media like Facebook has scattered pieces of mostly unmediated information; radio and TV depend on the luck of catching relevant broadcasts. FOCUS, our monthly glossy, did a great job within its time limitations. I wonder how many voters really knew the 48 candidates and their skills in serving the public as Councillors? Our local State MP, Adam Marshall, is a great proponent of the benefits offered by renewable energy. Our Federal Member, Barnaby Joyce, is generally far from convinced - but in rather a cleft stick locally with the tremendous New England investment! Having fought the losing fight with a group of other locals against the "goldplating" of the transmission system, the development of renewables seems to me an obvious way to go
14 New England focus.
for the future of our families as we phase into a completely new era and new jobs. Encouraging work on energy storage will close that circle and take us to a new chapter. Burying their heads in the past buggy age didn’t help then. With Adam Marshall State Minister for Tourism, it’s definitely time to lift our game and profile in that market. Time to leave tired old formulaic, clichéd approaches behind and streamline our splash as we hit the ground running. Come on, modern marketers! People are in all sorts of teams and when new people come to town, we hopefully "fold them in". Often, of course, they’re also part of domestic teams and Robert Heather (NERAM) and his partner Edwina - proud parents of two young children - are an example. As Director of NERAM, Robert has already make his mark locally. His partner, Edwina, has her own set of skills, and it’s taken her rather longer to find her way in and now on track - we must remember the teams who choose to come here and try to ensure that everyone can offer their contribution. Perhaps try volunteering to start … There’s good news that what’s thought of as Liz Foster’s baby, The Australian Wool Fashion Awards, are returning to Armidale, with Presentation Night on July 7 in the marvellous venue of Hannas’ Arcade. Guided by Liz and the Board, former winners Lucy Vigona and Mary Carter are event managing. Change is often about attitude. A recent funeral notice said "he always saw the glass half-full and was never disappointed". So … Moving along. I’ve been so busy thinking about elections and some unexpected trips that I’ve missed a lot of things on the local scene. Impossible to do them all, but managed to get to High Country Theatre’s classic The Red Balloon, the Sanctuary Group’s fundraiser Constance on the Edge (about Sudanese refugees in country towns) and the Multicultural Happy Women’s Dinner - as well as some hugs with family and friends. Oops - no more space yet again … Susie Dunn.
Step up your summer game and bring it to the backyard with outdoor entertaining essentials from Sunnylife. Pop, sip and slurp in style with the Sunrise Icy Pole Moulds. From Things With A Difference, Centre Mall, Armidale 6771 9668.
focustea
W I T H R O S S F R O M D A I LY R I T U A L A R M I D A L E
Blend
month of the
UN-BREW-LIEVABLE This is the reason why you put milk in tea … And it has NOTHING to do with the taste. Adding milk is a tradition here in Australia, but have you ever wondered why other countries don't follow suit? Here in Australia, tea making is a serious business - but have you ever wondered why we add milk to our brews, when so many other countries don't? Well the answer dates back to the 18th Century and, for the most part, has nothing to do with the taste. Unlike the rushed office tea rounds of today, tea was traditionally brewed in a pot. Milk was added to a china cup and the tea
Where
was poured in after, before being stirred. And it turns out the primary reason for the milk has nothing to do with taste. Ross Patch from Daily Ritual at a recent tea talk explained that it was all to do with preventing the cup from cracking under the heat. "When tea was first imported to the UK in the 18th Century, lots of people couldn’t afford the fine bone china services. "The cups available couldn’t withstand the heat of the boiling water and would shatter, so milk was added first." Also another myth: to have redheaded children, milk comes first.
Find out more about other quality blends at www.dailyritual.com.au
ST. PETER’S GARDEN WEEKEND
Spring Here On the 4th and 5th November 2017, the St Peter’s Garden weekend is on again in the Armidale and surrounding areas. The spring flowers are now starting to bud beautifully, and as usual, the spring will be magnificent in Armidale. Our garden owners are busy preparing and are excited to share their wonderful gardens with visitors.
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s usual, we have a wide range of gardens, from developing to established, cold climate and native gardens along with smaller
the weekend, displaying beautiful floral arrangements. At 12pm on Saturday 4th November there will be special commemorative service held by the 12th/16th Hunter River Lancers in the Cathedral, to celebrate the 100
year anniversary of the town gardens and Battle of Beersheba and sprawling out of town to honour the men who gardens. Please look fell on October 31st 1917 at our website http:// Please look at our website www.armidalegardens. during the battle. www.armidalegardens.org.au org.au to read the The great news is our to read the owners’ stories and owners’ stories and see some photos. We are so prices are the same as last see some photos. We thankful for the garden year : $5 per garden or are so thankful for the owners who not only open $40 for a weekend ticket garden owners who their gardens, but also share or $45 for daily coach not only open their their knowledge and gardening tips ticket (Saturday only). gardens, but also share to the many who visit. Bookings are essential for their knowledge and the Saturday coach ticket. gardening tips to the many who visit. Tickets are available at We also will have the usual stalls and the Carrs Newsagency in the Armidale Mall. If you plant stall in the St Peter’s Cathedral Hall and need more information, please contact Coral grounds on the Saturday morning, with the Thrift on 0407 537 016. native plant stall out in the native garden Spring in Armidale is always lovely, and the open over the weekend. Morning tea, lunch New England gardens bring much joy to locals and afternoon tea will be available at various and those who come to visit for the weekend. locations over the weekend. Please check the So come, invite some friends who don’t live in events programme in your weekend booklet or the region and enjoy the beauty and share in on the website. The St Peter’s cathedral will be open over the joy and the fun of the weekend. New England focus. 15
Kiri Steele Chapel Street Bridal. FOCUS chats to Kiri Steele about her new venture for brides to be … What can a bride expect when coming to Chapel Street Bridal? Well, a bride won’t see rows and rows of wedding gowns! What you will see is a lovely inviting space to come into and have your dream gown created. I will take all the correct measurements, and we will determine your body shape and what styles will suit you best. You will be able to see and feel some fabrics and/or find a fabric you have been dreaming of and have a sample sent, to determine if it is indeed what you want. This similar process would, of course, apply to anyone having any type of gown made, no matter what the occasion. I can do bridesmaids, mother of the bride or groom - really, any ladies’ formal wear for life’s big events. How can people find you? I am available by appointment only; this usually happens outside normal working hours, to suit the customer. The best way to contact me is by phone, email or via my Facebook page. I would love to see anyone who is after a dress that will fit them perfectly for any special occasion.
16 New England focus.
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FOCUS met with well known artist Rowen Matthews, who exhibits at Gallery 126, and he tells us all about his great art escapes at Little Kickerbell …
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i Rowen; tell us about yourself … I am an artist/painter with history as a teacher - secondary art, running workshops, and working with the teacher training at University of New England. I also have a practice of my own, which involves exhibiting, being in regional shows, regional galleries, touring exhibitions and so on. Now, I am running a residency and workshop program from the old property we’ve bought, Little Kickerbell, and that’s what I’m really excited about at the moment. What can people expect if they come along to Little Kickerbell? We have our first residential workshop next weekend. What I think is special, is that it’s fully catered; my wife is a professional caterer, so people come here and we cater the event. Accomodation is in the bedroom wing of this beautiful homestead that dates back to the 1830s, and it’s a gorgeous space to provide the experience. Having led workshops in the past, I found people would come for the weekend and need to find their own food, lunch and somewhere to stay. I thought if we could get a model going here, where that’s all scheduled
Rowen
Matthews
in and there’s fantastic food, we’ve got a good thing happening. People can then focus on the art. A package experience! So, often will you run these workshops? I’m hoping we can run them seasonally, mainly in spring and autumn, because you’re not dealing with extreme weather. I’d like to run about one a month with breaks at different times. It’s possible to do it here, because we fell in love with this old homestead and the bedroom wing - they must have had a lot of kids, because there’s lots of bedrooms! They’re all renovated and comfy now. It’s ideal for such a thing. What will participants come away with? Will they learn your style of painting? Good question. It is Plein Air Painting, so painting outside, dealing with the landscape. We’re on the Liverpool Plains, which is a very dramatic landscape: black soil and hills in the distance, and all these colours that come out to them. Liverpool Plains is on one side and the Great Dividing Range on the other, and I like the idea of people responding to the land, rather than me teaching my own style. Many workshops teach a particular process, but I’m more interested in hooking into how people actually respond to the environment they’re sitting in
It’s the type of workshop anyone can do. Beginners will get
a lot from this, because and encouraging their work with certain everyone has a response own style. So if they’ve brushes and things to a landscape when already developed a style, they’ve used before, they see something quite I’m wanting to identify so they tend to bring dramatic. Even if you’re a how they’re comfortable those along, and I’m complete beginner and haven’t working and support that. happy to work with picked up a brush for years, you This way, they will come that. will get something out of it. away with something that So what sort of art is a more personal, rather expertise levels are than just someone else’s you catering for? technique. It’s the type of workshop anyone can do. Wow, that’s a new take on some of the old Beginners will get a lot from this, because art workshops. For those who don’t know, everyone has a response to a landscape when your style is quite different … Where do they see something quite dramatic. Even if you class your style of painiting? you’re a complete beginner and haven’t picked It’s gestural, because I respect the physical up a brush for years, you will get something gesture as a response to the landscape. Rather out of it. This workshop really caters for those than doing small works, I like to just get a lot of two groups: beginners, and people already movement in, so it’s an expressionist work. on the path of working out how they like to For the people who are coming, is everydo things. Whether they want to be more thing supplied? intricate, or more expansive, I don’t see a huge Yes, art materials are supplied, and with acdistinction with levels of competencies with comodation, all linen is provided too. As far as something like this. art materials are concerned, some people like So what is the best way to get involved? to have special art materials they use normally, The Little Kickerbell Facebook page is but if people don’t have such a thing, I’ve got probably best, or my website email is rowen@ materials here that I’ll provide. My experience rowenmatthews.com for enquiries. of running workshops is that people like to Thanks Rowen.
New England focus. 17
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JA
CKSON COOK
HOUSE of
17 21-22 OCT 20
MARKETS IN THE MALL
N PARK
McHATTA SATURDAY @ M P
8:00AM -1:00
56km HA 75km & S E PKF WALCE G CHALLEN ROAD RID
RBY BILLY CART DE T MERS’ MARKE WALCHA FAR OP E AT FUN CLOWN SH R U S A E R T & H TRAS 9AM - 4PM ION AT LANGFORD IT IB H X E T IL U Q
NGFORD SUNDAY @ LAPM
One of the great things about the Mall Markets is the community spirit we aim to foster.
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for three years, having started sewing five
fabric designer. He is busy reinventing his
years ago. Jackson enjoys making unique
range - looking at ecofriendly products
and practical products. He makes hats,
and planning a Christmas line. Jackson
the mall. House of Jackson is the work of
pencil cases, bag tubes and beautiful
hopes to follow his passion in the textile
a 15-year-old, Jackson Cook, who has a
quilts. He sells these at the Armidale
industry by becoming a fabric designer.
passion for all things sewing. He is a Year
markets. One of Jackson’s favourite
Jackson regularly posts on social media,
10 student who has won prizes at all the
items to make are quilts, which he is
so you can check him and his products
local shows for his wonderful fabric work.
busy perfecting. He has a passion for
out on the House of Jackson Facebook
Jackson has been a regular at the markets
quilting and one day hopes to become a
and Instagram accounts.
Regional Australia Bank CEO Kevin Dupé says, “It’s an absolute pleasure to be coordinating the Suicide Prevention charity dinner, as sadly all too often we hear of regional Australians taking their own lives, as suicide is preventable.”
higher rates of suicide, such as higher
Ms. Sue Murray CEO of Suicide Prevention Australia, echoes Mr. Dupé’s comments: “In every state in Australia, the rate of suicide among those who live outside the greater capital cities is higher than that for residents who live within them. There are unique life stressors for many people living in regional and rural areas which may contribute to
to identify local strengths and build
e are a non-exclusive market that allows anyone with something to sell to come to
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9:00AM - 3:00
ER SE RV IC E U E H EL IC O PT SC RE C A TP W ES RIDE 70KM SU PP O RT IN G
A CAPTAINS L CARLO’S IG A - FINISHING AT FESTIVA IG STARTING AT
ION QUILT EXHIBIT OUSE TOURS LANGFORD H CLES S & MOTORCY R A C E G TA IN V MODEL BOATS MENT LIVE ENTERTAIN “THE BOPCATZ” & “GOLDHEIST” OOL FASHION W N A LI A TR S AU DES AWARDS PARA KET STALLS QUALITY MAR BEER & WINES FOOD, CRAFT G WALL ROCK CLIMBIN VITIES FREE KIDS ACTI
40 Years
www.walchamountainfestival.org
OR CALL US ON 02 6774 2460 18 New England focus.
Australian Golfng Great
Craig Parry COMES TO ARMIDALE
On Friday 13 October the Armidale Golf Club will host Regional Australia Bank’s inaugural Suicide Prevention Dinner with Special Guest golfer Craig Parry.
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his charity event signifies the launch of an ongoing commitment from Regional Australia Bank to improving mental health for Regional Australians. Kicking off with a fantastic dinner Australian Golf Great - Craig Parry will share some of his stories from the world’s most prestigious courses and competitions. Parry was the 2007 Australian Open Champion with 21 PGA tour golf wins worldwide and was winner of the 2004 Championship at Doral, USA with one of the most memorable shots in USPGA history.
occupational risks, isolation and poorer access to services. As well as better understanding these challenges, we must learn from great examples of regionally led work being done across the country capacity for suicide prevention.” Tickets Friday 13th October, Armidale Golf Club, 6pm. Pre-sale tickets only $35. https://www.trybooking.com/318919
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Horse
power AT N E R A M
A
Discover the story of the Australian Light Horse in The Great War.
century ago, young Light Horsemen from the New England region found themselves on the other side of the world fighting against the Ottoman Turkish army from Egypt to Lebanon. The historic Battle of Beersheba in October 1917 is one of the most famous encounters in this campaign, which pushed men and their horses to their limits. Horse Power: Light Horse in Palestine - to Beersheba and beyond is a new exhibition at NERAM that provides us with an opportunity to look at the day to day life of these soldiers through their own images and words. The New England Regional Art Museum has been working with Guest Curator Bill Oates, University Archivist at the University of New England to research and develop this exhibition, which will launch the program for the New England
commemorations of the Centenary of the Battle of Beersheba, which will include events in Armidale and Tamworth. “Many Australians would have heard about the Battle of Beersheba in October 1917 and the historic charge of the Australian Light Horse one evening to capture the water so desperately needed by the horses and men,” said Bill Oates, exhibition curator. “Fewer people would know about the long preparation leading to that moment in October 1917 and the additional year of successful campaigning that followed this day. “Many New Englanders served in this campaign, and their recollections and collections provide us with detail of the logistics and effort required to reshape the region as the Ottoman Empire was defeated.”
Horse Power draws upon local historical collections, including the UNE Archive and the 12/16 Hunter River Lancers, as well as some loans from the Australian War Memorial, including a painted portrait of General Sir Henry Chauvel and a sketchbook by war artist George Lambert. The exhibition will include never before exhibited photographs, diaries and memorabilia from local private and family collections, which will help us tell the story of the deployment to Palestine and the historic Battle of Beersheba from a number of perspectives. On display from Friday 29 September 2017 until 11 February 2018 at the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale. Presented in partnership with the University of New England. Further information: www.neram.com.au
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LOCALS 4 LOCALS
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he lucky winners in September include Barry Voysey and Jarrod Gray for shopping at Jackson’s Quality Meats, Emma Frost enjoying all that Bakers Delight has to offer, Sharon Ribeiro for shopping at Forty Winks, and Tianna Kelly for making the most of the driveway service at the Beardy Street Servo. All these winners each won $100 in Locals 4 Locals Gift Cards.
Winners every month! It’s easy to see Locals 4 Locals love giving cash and prizes to you and me September being no exception! Winning cold, hard cash has never been easier; all you need to do is shop and enter at your favourite shops. The more times you enter, the more entries you have to win.
With October 2017 underway, Locals 4 Locals are ready to continue supporting local businesses and the local community by continuing this amazing service of finding five lucky winners. With so many Locals 4 Local members located in town, you’d be hard pressed to shop anywhere else! Not only does it boost our local economy, businesses spend dollars in the community too! That’s a winner for everyone.
When you spend your hard earned dollars, why not spend them where it matters? Look for the Locals 4 Locals sign in the shopfront of your favourite stores. Simply spend $25 or more. Register your entry at the counter. That’s it! You have one entry in the L4L prize pool. The more times you shop at participating businesses, the higher your chances to win! New England focus. 19
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Christmas planning is well underway, with a cracker program planned for the region this festive season.
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rmidale Regional Council’s program of free, community activities to celebrate the 2017 Christmas and holiday season will include a diverse program of fun, festive events throughout November and December. According to Greg Lawrence, Council’s Service Leader - Economic Development and Marketing, the program of events and activities offers something for everyone. The fun will begin early this year, with Christmas in the Mall to be held on Thursday 23 November between 5pm and 10pm in Armidale’s Central Mall. “Christmas lights throughout the city centre will be turned on to mark the start of the holiday season,” said Mr Lawrence. “The whole community is invited to be a part of the celebration and enjoy the evening of activities.” Armidale shops will be open late - trading alongside market stalls by local and visiting stallholders and offering the community a chance to sneak in some Christmas shopping while enjoying the activities and entertainment on offer. “There will be live music throughout the evening thanks to a great program of popular well-known local acts,” said Mr Lawrence. “And of course, special guests at the event will be Santa and his elves!” The Guyra Christmas Party will be held on 20 New England focus.
Saturday 2 December. “We are excited that the Guyra Christmas event is coming back to the main street thanks to the shared efforts of Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Guyra Preschool and Long Day Care Centre and various local service clubs,” Mr Lawrence said. “From 4pm there people.” will be a fun evening of Armidale shops will be open late Other community events Christmas fun, including trading alongside market stalls by being planned include pool lots of activities for the kids, local and visiting stallholders and parties at the Monckton Aquatic scrumptious local food, a offering the community a Centre and the Guyra Swimming Christmas movie and of chance to sneak in some Pool and free Christmas movie course, a visit from the one Christmas shopping while screenings. and only Santa Claus!” enjoying the activities and “Each of these free On Saturday 16 December, entertainment on offer. community events promise between 9am and 12pm, to add some seasonal cheer Council is hosting "Kids' and fun while bringing the Day in the Mall". The day community together over the will include creative, fun holiday season and a great opportunity for our and entertaining activities for children and young community to shop locally,” Mr Lawrence said. people, as well as community performances, live If you would like to hold a stall or are a music and entertainment. community group interested in being involved in “Children might take the opportunity to work any of these events, please contact Council for with local artists and craftspeople to create some more information. unique Christmas gifts,” said Mr Lawrence. More information and event updates can be “And the whole community will have a chance found by following Armidale Regional Council’s to experience a showcase of performances that will Facebook www.facebook.com/arc2350. be provided by some of our talented local young
Planning for a ‘cracker’ of a holiday season! Start marking dates on your calendar. There will be a full program of activities and events for you to join in! Stay tuned for updates on... Kids Day in the Mall, Christmas Movies, Pool parties and more!
Armidale
Christmas in the Mall
Thursday, 23 November
Guyra
Christmas Party Saturday, 2 December
Lighting of the Christmas Tree Market Stalls & local food
Meet Santa
Back in the main street
Lighting of the Christmas Tree Live music & market stalls
Meet Santa & his elves Shops will be open late
Follow us for more updates! facebook.com/ arc2350
@armidale regionalcouncil
@ARC2350
New England focus. 21 www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au
Join us at #CULTURE17 NENW. RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY
focusinterview
Coping with change in the workplace is one of the biggest problems organisations face - not surprising, when 70% of change initiatives fail.
Changing
“We need a culture where people recognise change as the norm.” - Director of HR.
C H A N G E
“The biggest problem is that the bosses say one thing, then do another.” - Team Leader. “Our people don’t want to change, but our viability needs it - our toxic culture and working in silos is hurting our bottom line.” - CEO. Success or failure: the ability to embrace change, is undeniably influenced by Company Culture and Leadership. #CULTURE17 NENW; COMPANY CULTURE & DISRUPTIVE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT, 8 NOVEMBER 2017, TAMWORTH Join us at our third one-day Summit and join thought leaders and change agents who are making a difference to their results. Our speakers: Leaders from successful organisations such as Service NSW, UNE and Sigma Aerospace, who have created sustainable, high performing company cultures by embracing change, positively impacting their bottom line results. Their talks: Insights from their leadership journeys: the mistakes they have made, their successes as disruptive leaders, and the strategies they use every day to develop and maintain their company culture. Take away actionable insights and tools.
22 New England focus.
Julie Alexander and Diane Gray, directors of Changing Change International tell FOCUS readers about their next Summit, to be held in Tamworth.
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hat is Changing Change International (CCI)? We are sought after by companies who want a partner to help them realise solid bottom line growth - we specialise in helping our clients attune their culture, systems AND people to create lasting culture transformation that goes beyond leadership development, diversity and employee engagement programs. Our focus is creating change-ready and change-resilient people and teams, which means we help them: • stop silo mentality through creating “one team”, increasing engagement and teamwork; • stop reactive problem-solving and decision-making through developing team initiative, and proactivity; • stop revolving door recruitment through adopting culturally-aligned recruitment and retention and developing employer brand equity; • stop drowning in bureaucracy through optimising culture-led systems to work for the people and the business. We change the way change happens, and we love it! Di and Julie, please tell us about yourselves? Diane: I’m a wife, mum and young grandma who loves to see people enjoy their working life, achieving and growing beyond what they thought was possible. From running swim schools to executive management, my expertise is in HR, marketing, business strategy and quality assurance. I enjoy giving back to the
community, and I’m involved with NIAS, Armidale Business Chamber and Special Olympics. Julie: I’m the one with the “dodgy accent” - originally from the UK, I’ve made Australia home for the past 9.5 years with my partner and my black Labrador. My background is in big corporate and creating high performance teams, with a focus on unleashing business performance, and I love all things human behaviour - I'm passionate about partnering with businesses that treat their people as an asset. Like Di, giving back is a passion, so you’ll find me raising funds for the homeless at the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, skydiving to support Project Futures stop human trafficking, and gardening or serving up Christmas lunch for the disadvantaged. You are hosting a Summit in November; what is it about, and what can audiences expect from an event like this? Yes, the one day #Culture17 NENW Summit is our 3rd Company Culture and Disruptive Leadership Summit. Being held in partnership with NSW (NENW Region) Business Chamber, it’s on 8 November in Tamworth, and the theme is “How Culture and Leadership Impacts Transformational Change”. Leaders who have walked the path of building and maintaining sustainable, high performing company cultures, and seen the impact of their efforts on their bottom lines will be sharing their insights, the highs and the lows of their leadership journeys, as well as the strategies they use every day to develop and maintain their company culture.
Each element of the Summit is designed as an experience, to get people thinking differently about how they engage their teams. How you can take your everyday experiences and give them a twist? Be prepared to be immersed, not just inspired, with lots of practical, actionable steps and insights to help attendees immediately change their results! Through the Summits we aim to positively impact 100,000 people by creating a ripple effect. Who would this event appeal to, and how can readers attend? #Culture17 NENW isn’t just for HR professionals or big companies - it’s a collaborative space for everyone passionate about impacting and building company culture because of what it does, not just for the bottom-line, but also for people. Corporates, SMEs, owner-operators and those just starting out will love the event. At our previous Summits we had skeptical founders, disillusioned managers who thought they’d seen it all before, largely disengaged employees who still had some hope, and those enjoying a fantastic culture, who want to take it to the next level, and leave a legacy. Several were HR leaders, looking for fresh ideas and fresh perspectives. Tickets can be purchased online: www.cultureincorporated.com.au/2017summit-nenw Plans for the future? Partnering with more great companies to transform their company cultures, producing solid bottom line results - and stopping more people from having one of those days at work! Thanks Julie and Diane.
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A R M I DA L E
Ministers Fellowship The Armidale Ministers Fellowship (AMF) is made up of the Ministers in Armidale who represent the Christians and churches of our town.
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ith all the negative and divisive things which have recently taken place (including the things that have happened under the banner of the church) the AMF is holding an event to display the unity and the love of the churches. As the ministers, priests and pastors of all the churches in Armidale, our heart is to be a blessing and a positive influence in the community. We are holding a combined churches “picnic in the park” for anyone who would like to attend. What is the Armidale Ministers Fellowship? The Armidale Ministers Fellowship (AMF) represents the combined Christian churches of Armidale. Pastors, priests and ministers from all Christian churches in the city are involved in the Fellowship, which aims to work together to practically be a blessing to the city and to the wider community. Under the banner of the AMF, we can work together to support various programs and projects that are able to make a great difference in people’s lives. We believe that in working together we can achieve great things. Why are there so many different churches
in Armidale? time and attention on our differences, but We like to see it that we are all the same, it’s a whole lot more beneficial for us to be but each with a different flavour. Some focused on the things we have in common. churches are traditional, while others are more As the leaders in our churches, we believe contemporary. Some of our churches have this has to start with us. That’s why the AMF hundreds of members, while others have a is so important; it’s an opportunity for us smaller congregation … to meet together and Each church is unique discuss ways we can and has a different reach work together. This and different appeal … has fostered a great And that’s the beauty of relationship between us, Under the banner of the AMF, it. But at the same time, so that we are cheering we can work together all of us have a heart for each other on in what to support various people to hear about God has called each programs and projects the great news of Jesus church to do, rather than that are able to make Christ, to find a loving, point fingers at what we a great difference in accepting and welcoming would do differently. people’s lives. We believe In what ways do you environment to belong that in working together, we practically demonstrate to and to be involved can achieve great things. this unity? in sharing the message In the last few years of hope to others in the in particular, we have community. Whoever you are, whatever your personal preference, there is made a concerted effort to partner together in various initiatives that help to demonstrate a church in Armidale that would suit you. our unity at a city wide level. The AMF works With different denominations represented, together to equip and resource Scripture in how do you maintain a unity among the both local primary and high schools, while also churches? It’s easy for us to focus and spend a lot of supporting various prayer initiatives. What we
are really excited about is our “Love Overflows” initiative coming up in November. We are encouraging all the local churches and whoever else would like to attend, to join us for a picnic in the park to enjoy each others’ company and enjoy this beautiful city of ours. Information on all our events can be found on our inter-church website: www.armidalechurches.org.au How can churches benefit the greater community? Every church is Armidale has a firm commitment to helping people in whatever way we can. It’s one of the main reasons why the Church exists! Many of our churches run care initiatives ranging from food pantries, providing hot meals, counselling, mentorship and support. Our churches’ role in the community extends way further than just weekend church services. Unfortunately, the stigma around “church” has been a negative one for some people in the community, but through being open, generous and united we hope to change that perception and to demonstrate the true heart of God through the actions of the Church. Thanks everyone.
New England focus. 23
scott
WA L L AC E
lion
Scott Wallace, an Armidale local, and Bistro 1879's fabulous head chef is known and loved for his ability to produce mouth watering food.
We are incredibly blessed at Bistro on Cinders to have our chef, Lion. Previously Lion was a sushi chef in Sydney, and he moved to Armidale for his wife's study at UNE. Lion is passionate about food and is always interested in creating new dishes using fresh ingredients. Not only is the quality of his food of the highest standard, every dish that leaves the
kitchen has his signature presentation. Lion's meals not only taste great, but look good too! For food with flavour and presentation, Bistro on Cinders is a definite must visit café destination!
Scott spent time in Sydney learning his trade at the Ex-Services Club under the supervision of Hilton Haddon. He then moved onto the RSL in Hornsby to further his experience and worked in different cafés and function centres, including fine dining establishments. Scott has been
back in Armidale since 2014, and we have been lucky enough to have him at the Hotel Bistro for the last two years. Scott is unflappable and can often be heard singing in the kitchen with his team, Mark Doyle (2nd Chef), Mike Baker (Chef) and Nick Cathcart (1st year apprentice).
MEXICAN THIRST S QUENCHER
Brew REVIEW. with Liam from Two Goats Cafe and Baa
Two Goats Café and Baa, Marsh Street, Armidale Pablo's Cantina & Taqueria - 1/146 Marsh St Armidale Mexican is what we do best at Pablo's Cantina & Taqueria, and that includes the drinks! Refreshing is always a word used when referring our refreshments at Pablo's. We have both alcoholic and non alcoholic Mexican Thirst Quenchers, from Jarritos soft drinks to our signature Margarita and Tequila Sunrise. Jarritos come in an assortment of 24 New England focus.
unique flavours, including guava, fruit punch, mandarin, and so many more! Of course, we have a variety of Mexican Beers, including Mexicoli, and Modelo. And there is always Tequila! If you are looking for a drink with a Mexican flavour, imported from Mexico, we would love to see you at Pablo's.
At Two Goats Café and Baa we serve the fabulous coffee from Glee Coffee Roasters, located on the Central Coast of NSW. This coffee is produced with an artisan approach, ensuring the guys and girls from Glee source, roast, and provide the ingredients for coffee with a hand crafted quality. Glee Coffee has carefully curated their house blend, which is affectionately known as "The Goods". When only the
best milk will do, we use Peel Valley Milk from Tamworth to complement the artisan Glee Coffee.
85 MARSH ST, ARMIDALE (02) 6771 4052 TWOGOATSCAFE@GMAIL.COM
Bistro 1879 - Railway Hotel Armidale Bistro 1879 has a large menu that will tantalise your taste buds with Chef’s Selection and daily specials.
Also don’t forget, Chef will cater to for your functions, birthdays and BBQs; just talk with Scotty and the gang.
Tuesdays are a great day for the chicken full size schnitzel special for only $10, served with chips/salad and gravy. Thursdays are the day for RUMP, 300 g with chips, salad and your choice of sauce for $15. With the weather improving, why not drop down to the Beer Garden, enjoy the sun in a cosy booth with friends and family and have a great meal!
222 RUSDEN ST, ARMIDALE (02) 6772 3109 OPEN EVERY DAY FOR LUNCH (12NOON TO 2PM) AND DINNER (6PM TO 8.30PM)
Bistro on Cinders Bistro on Cinders is passionate and committed to providing Armidale with a fabulous selection of food.
courtyard is the perfect place to catch up for breakfast, morning tea or lunch in a relaxed setting.
Our chefs prepare everything in our bistro from scratch, and our food presentation is just that slightly bit special.
Please join us in Cinders Lane; we would love to see you Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 3pm.
We aim to combine the flavours of Australia with a touch of Asia. With the warmer months upon us, our
1/14 CINDERS LANE (BEHIND THE POST OFFICE) (02) 6772 2828 TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM - 3PM
Two Goats Café and Baa We at Two Goats Café and Baa pride ourselves on providing delicious, local, and fresh produce in a relaxed and friendly environment. Coupled with a great selection of live music provided by touring and local acts every Friday night, we have something for everyone who appreciates the finer things in life. We proudly serve Glee Coffee, coupled with the finest local milk from Peel Valley. Come on in Wednesday through to Sunday for a taste of the best.
Trading Hours: Wednesday 8am - 2:30pm Thursday 8am - 2:30pm & 5:30pm - 9:30pm Friday 8am - 10pm (live music). Saturday 8am - 2:30pm & 5:30pm - 10pm Sunday 8am - 2:30pm
85 MARSH ST, ARMIDALE (02) 6771 4052 TWOGOATSCAFE@GMAIL.COM
Pablo's Cantina & Taqueria If you are up for a Mexican meal with a twist, come and experience what Pablo's Cantina & Taqueria has to offer, Tuesday to Saturday from 4pm. At Pablo's we are all about fresh, authentic and most of all, fun. We make a mean margarita. Our tortillas and corn chips are sourced from a secret supplier who makes them by hand, so the taste is unique.
It's never too early to book your Christmas party, and we have a private room just for your group - so call us today!
1/146 MARSH ST, ARMIDALE (02) 5713 0700 TUESDAY TO SATURDAY - 4PM TO 10PM
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Glenn Miller Orchestra 80th Anniversary
Since the 1940s, the music of the Glenn Miller Orchestra has presented the music of the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and more, which showcase the “Golden Era of Swing”. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary, the orchestra is embarking on its fourth tour of Australia, bringing with it a troupe of 24 singers, musicians and dancers, with Musical Director Rick Gerber at the helm. You can expect a vivid and colourful afternoon of entertainment featuring tunes like Chattanooga Choo Choo, Moonlight Serenade and In the Mood … Rick shares his enthusiasm ahead of the latest tour.
H
i Rick. Where are you calling from today, and what’s it like there? I moved from Los Angeles five years ago to Branson, Missouri, which is right in the heart of the Mid-west United States. It’s one of the worst heatwaves in decades here - it’s almost 8 o’clock in the evening, and it’s still 94 degrees Farenheit [34 degrees Celcius]. It’s very, very hot, with high humidity. On that note, you must be looking forward to visiting Australia - for the fourth time, I believe, to enjoy some cooler weather! What keeps bringing you back Down Under? I guess the people obviously enjoyed what we did during the first three tours, so the phone rang and we were asked if we’d like to do a forth tour. I said, “Absolutely!” We all love Australia; the people are great! You’re a bit of a history buff too … Considering this is the 80th anniversary of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, what are some of your earliest memories about it? When I was a little kid, my dad (during WWII) had a small chain of jukeboxes in some very small farm villages in our hometown in Iowa. My dad was not musical, but when customers wanted to hear a certain song, he’d buy the record. These old records would eventually all make their way home, so I grew up with stacks of these old-time, 78 rpm records. There was something about these old records, and the Glenn Miller Band, even when I was seven or eight years old, that caught my ear. I remember asking my mum, who was a very
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fine piano player, why the Glen Miller Band last studio recordings in Chicago. sounded so different. And she said she didn’t One of Glenn Miller’s famous quotes is really understand it, but it was the different that “a band ought to have a personality”. sound that made him famous. This was over How well do you feel the band still 60 years ago … captures this essence today? Why do you think the music produced by Very much so. We have top notch the Glenn Miller Orchestra has remained musicians and singers from Los Angeles - a popular for so long? lot of them are older and have experienced I don’t know … It’s a phenomenon no a lot of different bands and styles of music, one can really quite explain. The generation including Rock ‘n’ Roll. Working in a band who grew up in the ‘50s are still locked on this size, it may sound clichéd, but it requires to Elvis Presley, and the real teamwork to play generation that came of together to get the age as teenagers in the unique, welded-together, early ‘60s latched on to trademark sound. the Beatles. Here in the It’s so much more than These old records would US, on satellite radio, playing black notes on eventually all make their there are stations that white paper. Through the way home, so I grew up play nothing but the years I’ve seen college with stacks of these oldBeatles, or Elvis Presley, bands and amateur bands time, 78 rpm records. 24 hours a day. try the same transcribed There was something about So, it’s definitely a arrangements, but it’s these old records, and the Glenn generational thing … never quite sounded Miller Band, even when I was There’s enough interest right. It takes real seven or eight years old, that and fascination from pros to achieve that caught my ear. the younger generations homogenised sound that’s led them to when they play together, wonder about the the warmth, the swing … Glenn Miller music. Of Logistically, what are course, it’ll never be like it was in the 1940s, some of the headaches you encounter but the interest keeps the band going with travelling with an ensemble of this size? return tours. We’ve had sold out shows in To start off with, there’s the mandatory big cities and small towns all over Australia, paperwork - like visa and work permits. New Zealand, Singapore, the Philippines and There’s a lot of behind the scenes work with Thailand. It’s great! People really understand paperwork, and with tracking down musicians, and appreciate the music. because many of them may be travelling for The Glenn Miller Orchestra’s music has long periods of time. There are a few new survived for 80 years; in fact it was 75 years faces on this tour - we’re going to be in ago just last week that the band made their Australia for around nine weeks, followed
by a week in Hawaii - and some of my guys from previous tours have too many other commitments and can’t be gone for that long. It’s a word of mouth thing - musicians recommend other musicians. Some of the youngest guys on this tour are in their 40s, but some are in their 70s; they’ve been doing this all their lives. And you’ve been Musical Director for quite a while too - 16 years? What is it about this role that’s kept you enthused for so long? Frankly, I love the music … and if there are people who still want to hear it and the phone rings, I’m ready to go. It’s in my blood; it’s just the way it is. We have very appreciative, enthusiastic audiences in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and so forth … It’s so much fun, and it really gets the adrenaline going to play for crowds like that … We’ve played shows in places Los Angeles, where the money’s real good - but you kind of get the feeling you’re like musical wallpaper; people will be talking and not paying much attention to the band … When we play for sold out shows, we know people really appreciate what we’re doing … Australia also has some of the best theatres in the world, and you should be justifiably proud of them. Thanks Rick - good luck with the tour!
See The Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Conference Centre on October 14. Tickets: www.trecc.com.au
NEGSshines NEGS shines at the Sydney IGGSA grand finals in September capping off a stellar year of sporting achievement for 2017. Congratulations to our incredible students who are the reigning, undefeated Junior Hockey, Junior Netball and Senior Netball champions in all their games throughout the IGSSA competition.
Many thanks to the families and friends who supported the girls and also to our dedicated coaches, Michelle Wilsmore and Josh Cohen.
If you would like to find out more about NEGS' comprehensive sporting programs, please contact us on 02 6774 8700.
S G E N COME AND EXPERIENCE NEGS FOR YOURSELF NEGS provides a unique learning experience for girls and boys from Transition to Year 6, and girls only from Years 7 to 12.
At NEGS we are more than just academic results, we believe in creating a supportive learning environment where our students are nutured to become the leaders of tomorrow.
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Oorala Aboriginal CENTRE
The Oorala Aboriginal Centre established in 1986 is celebrating 30 years of educational programs in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Over the last 30 years, Oorala has grown from a mere handful of students to over 800 enrolled students in 2017, but how did Oorala begin, and what programs does it run to support students?
T
he Story of Oorala The Oorala Aboriginal Centre established in 1986 is Celebrating 30 Years of educational programs in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Over the last 30 years, Oorala has grown from a mere handful of students to over 800 enrolled students in 2017, but how did Oorala begin and what programs does it run to support students? Why was the Oorala Aboriginal Centre established? Aboriginal education has a proud and long tradition in Armidale and the New England. The Armidale Aboriginal Community has been active in promoting equity and access to education for Aboriginal people for many years. On 1 April 1986 the Oorala Centre was opened to “provide an area of study, tutorials and contact between students enrolled at the University”. Oorala was established to provide cultural and educational support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UNE and to improve the participation, completion and retention of Aboriginal students. Oorala plays an important role in connecting the University with the wider Aboriginal community. “Oorala” is derived from the local Anaiwan language and means “camp, a place where people come together”. Oorala, now located in an award winning building, brings the outdoor in, with large double doors flooding the inside of the building with sunshine and light as students meet for social BBQs, study sessions and discussions, whenever there is an event, a meal is always shared. The Oorala lecture theatre brings past, present and future students together in Alumni and graduation events. How does Oorala assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students? The Oorala Aboriginal Centre Student Support
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Team can assist students by providing access how to set goals and work around barriers that to ABSTUDY support, UNE course and student might come up”. The students that attend Youth enquires, scholarships, cultural events such as Development Camps have a chance to not only NAIDOC, and liaise with faculties. Oorala has a learn new skills but push themselves and learn range of support services available with access to that they can achieve their goals. There is no cost study rooms, computers, printing, kitchen, BBQ to attend, all costs are covered by UNE. and common room. Students can also access UNE Experience Days are run on-campus and assistance through a tutor who meets their themed around a particular UNE School or area of needs and who understand the daily challenges interest, these include, Science and Technology, of being a student. It is not all study, as the Humanities and Social Sciences, Business and laughter of students mixed with at times, serious Law, Health and Education and Sports Science. discussion brings students Some activities include and staff together in visits to undergraduate a safe and friendly lectures, hands-on environment to share life’s tutorials, presentations, If we engage a young person journey. demonstrations and a early enough and assist How does Oorala chance to chat to students them on their journey engage with the and staff. The Experience through high school, community? Days complement school their next steps Oorala works within the careers advice and help beyond high school community to assist high students explore career become an obvious school students in their pathways. step and are going to have a career choices through What programs are greater chance of success. Youth Development available to Aboriginal Camps and Experience and Torres Strait Days. Mr Greg Davison, Islander students to Director of Oorala said study at UNE? “it is very important to engage in schools but Oorala Aboriginal Centre offers two programs, also invest in our future students. Particularly in TRACKS Tertiary Preparation Program and a direct their high school years, as we know from the entry program (ISP) to provide access to tertiary literature, that if we engage a young person early study. TRACKS is designed to prepare students enough and assist them on their journey through for an undergraduate degree program at UNE. high school their next steps beyond high school The Oorala ISP is a one-day assessment program become obvious step and they are going to have designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander a greater chance of success.” with professional work or community experience One of the girls from the most recent Youth and any formal qualifications. Brooke Kennedy, Development camp said, “I will push myself who successfully completed the ISP program and harder, even though I don’t want to do it, believe is now UNE’s 2017 VC’s Indigenous Research in myself and not blame myself for other people’s Fellow said, “Oorala provided advice and support mistakes or my own but to continue on in life”. and guided me through the process of how to Another girl commented, “I gained friendship, apply to Abstudy to fund my travel, meals and
accommodation while in Armidale for the ISP assessment day. They also helped me find and pay for a math’s and geology tutor in my first year.” Recently, Oorala students and researchers attended the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education, what was it about? In July 2017 the University of New England, Oorala Aboriginal Centre funded 14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, 4 staff and 5 other researchers to attend World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education (WIPCE) in Toronto, Canada. Aboriginal students and researchers had the opportunity to choose from over 800 presentations over five days focusing on the conference theme of Truth and Reconciliation. The Oorala delegation had the opportunity to share culture and knowledge with nearly 4,000 representatives from other First Nations. Mr Greg Davison, Director of the Oorala Centre, presented a paper on the implementation of a student engagement system tailored to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that provided timely culturally-appropriate support. The Oorala Aboriginal Centre students also participated in the continuing discussion and developments of reconciliation within Indigenous Education. Michael Kirk, a final year Education student at UNE participated in several workshops and approaches to education. He said that “developing a cultural awareness early in childhood allows it to then become part of a child’s upbringing”. The student/staff delegation to WIPCE was the largest delegation from any Australian University who took part in the conference. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who attended will leave UNE with valuable international experience to complement their studies.
Celebrating 30 Years Celebrate with Oorala it will be fun. It will be for everyone, young people and families. It will be spread out over a month long program with choices for all. Communities from across Armidale and the New England region can take the opportunity to connect as Oorala celebrates its 30th Anniversary. Three decades of support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at UNE. Celebration begins with the Oorala Art Exhibition and culminates in the Oorala 30 Open Day on Tuesday 31 October. There will be art, ceremony, food, music, painting, storytelling a cultural performance and of course a concert all of which will stimulate stories, connections & aspirations.
w
What’s on
Oorala Art Exhibition Wednesday 18 Oct – Tuesday 7 November The Oorala Centre transformed with a
richness and diversity of colour becomes a gallery hosting the Oorala Art Exhibition. A collection of paintings, works on paper, weavings and sculptures by local and regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will be on show. There will be a slideshow of images covering the 30 year journey of the Oorala Centre. Bark paintings by respected Arnhem Land artists will sit alongside artefacts on loan from Earl Page College, UNE. A special opening of the exhibition will be held on Wednesday 18 October, 5:30pm. All are welcome. Sunset Opening Ceremony Monday 23 October at 6pm People will gather to the sounds of Anthony Green, local musician and vocalist for Terra Firma, singing and playing his guitar. Elder in residence, Colin Ahoy will deliver the Welcome to Country joined by local didge player Christian Sternbeck and a dance performance. University of New England, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Annabelle Duncan will deliver an Opening Speech and Mr. Greg Davison, Director of Oorala Aboriginal Centre will speak about the valuable contribution Oorala has played in Aboriginal education. As the sun sets ‘Celebrating 30 Years’ events will be launched by the raising of the flags. This promises to be a very special and memorable Ceremony. Oorala 30 Open Day Tuesday 31 October – 10 am – 3 pm
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Oorala Art Exhibition & 30 Year Slideshow
Now the fun truly begins. Everyone is • Museums and tours and plenty invited to join us in placing a hand in the of food ground to create a Sea of Hands in support Isaiah Firebrace Performs of Reconciliation while taking time to savor X Factor winner and Australia’s Eurovision all the Oorala 30 Open Day has to offer. entry, Isaiah Firebrace, will be our special • Performances by Isaiah Firebrace, guest and will perform at the Oorala 30 Rodger & Buddy Knox, Christian Open Day at UNE. The boy from Moama Page, BackTrack –Paws Up, and has been transformed from a small the Duval Deadly Dancers town singer to one of Australia’s most • Cooking Demonstrations with successful artists. Isaiah, who loves the Clayton Donavan energy of the crowd, will surely win the hearts of Armidale when he performs as • Weaving, Painting and Flint part of this ‘Celebrating 30 Years’ event. Knapping Workshops •
Story time, a Sea of Hands and painting for kids
Cooking Demos with Clayton Donovan
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A film and a talk on the importance of language
Clayton Donovan, hatted chef and bush food evangelist, will be sure to tempt you
with his cooking demonstrations. Clayton started learning about native produce when he was four years old while walking with his aunties and grandmothers. He believes cooking is one of the oldest rituals we’ve got and it brings families & communities together. At the Oorala kitchen he will share his passion and love for Australian bush tucker with his exciting fusion of flavours. Locals and visitors have the chance to join in the celebration of Oorala’s 30 Years. Take a break from your routine and join us at the University of New England for a funfilled community event. It will be well worth the visit. For more info: www.une.edu.au/oorala30 or call Tess Cullen on 6773 1702.
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Amanda Penrose Hart Born in Brisbane in 1963, Amanda Penrose Hart holds a Diploma of Fine Art from Queensland College of Art and a Bachelor of Visual Art from Griffith University. She has held twenty solo exhibitions and has shown in many more group exhibitions. She regularly has work selected in prizes such as the Portia Geach Memorial Award (2011, 2008, 2007, 2006) and the En Plein Air Art Prize, and this year she won the 2017 Gallipoli Art Prize.
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er work is represented in public and private collections, including Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney; Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, NSW; Brisbane Polo Club; Gold Coast City Art Gallery; Hawkesbury Regional Art Gallery, NSW; Redcliff Regional Gallery, Qld; Taronga Park Zoo, Sydney; and University of Sydney Art Collection. The Packsaddle team are delighted she will open their thirty second Packsaddle Exhibition at the New England Regional Art Museum in October. You were born and raised in Brisbane. At what point in your life did you decide you wanted to be an artist, and did you have any particular role models? I grew up in a house with sisters who were always painting or drawing. I was the youngest of five, so they were very influential. First role models, then, were my older sisters. I had a fabulous pottery teacher in primary school and my mother was a potter. We had two kilns and a wheel at home. Having access to these possibilities is very influential when you are young. Your work seems to be exploring a great variety of landscapes, from the bushy outback around your studio in Sofala, to the coastline of Sydney’s Northern Beaches where you live. Did you deliberately choose those two very different landscapes to live and work in? The ocean around Pittwater is very beautiful and close - Palm Beach is only 15 minutes away from my house. There are wonderful national parks around me, which look on to Palm Beach. My main studio is in Sofala, a very small country town near Bathurst NSW. The ocean and the scrub are great contrasts. I LOVE THE CONTRAST. You use many different mediums - oil, watercolours, gouache and graphite, to name a few. Why and how do you decide 30 New England focus.
which medium to use each time? too. I like to work in many mediums. If I have to You’ve been to Gallipoli several times travel light, I take drawing materials, acrylics and contributed to the 2015 Gallipoli and gouache for quick-drying purposes. I use Centenary Exhibition entitled Your Friend oils if I’m within Australia, or if I’m away long The Enemy. Dr Brenda Nelson, Director of enough for the paintings to dry. Getting work the Australian War Memorial, described the exhibition as “contributing substantially home safely is important, so sometimes I have to the question Gallipoli asks of every to plan the length of time I’m away around Australian: 'what does this mean to me?’” how long a painting will take to dry. What did it mean to you, Amanda? You have been quoted as saying you aim A great trip to be on. I had never been to to capture the "thought of a landscape”. Istanbul, so I just could not wait to get there. What do you mean by that? The group was good - a nice combination of I guess places have meaning. Many, many painters, sculptors and layers of meaning photographers. It was very Gallipoli for example - I emotional when we got to don't think you could ANZAC Cove. The weather go to Gallipoli and just Hard work is contagious and so was warm. The area was paint ANZAC Cove and if you are on the Western very beautiful and had a not be aware of the Front, for example, and mysterious feel about it. meaning held within the everyone is doing 10 The second trip there in sand and the beach and paintings a day, then you less than a year was less the water. So I "think" try to pick up your act. emotional. Having been about what has gone If everyone is up at dawn and there so recently, we knew on in a place’s history. It painting when the sun gets up, we just had to get into is not just the activity of then you tend to do it too. our work. On the second painting; I paint a certain trip, we had Brad Manera place because of its with us from the Sydney history and its memory. War Memorial. He laid on You have been on history lessons every day - morning, noon and several group painting expeditions with other renowned artists, including last year’s night, if we wanted them. He is a fountain of knowledge. Packsaddle opener, Euan MacLeod. What My grandfather’s younger brother went to do you like about those excursions? I have been on many painting excursions with Gallipoli and died on the Western Front, so it was special for me to go to ANZAC Cove and Euan and also Ann Thompson, Wendy Sharpe, see where my great uncle would have landed Reg Mombassa and Elisabeth Cummings. These and to hear the stories of how they survived, are painting trips with like-minded people who only to perish 12 months later in France. choose to travel together to work. Then earlier this year you were named We are all respectful of each other’s space, winner of the 2017 $20,000 Gallipoli Art and we are very compatible. Hard work is Prize with your work The Sphinx, Perpetual contagious and so if you are on the Western Peace. Describe how that felt? Front, for example, and everyone is doing 10 Wonderful to get the call; I thought I was paintings a day, then you try to pick up your being thrown out of another art prize! act. If everyone is up at dawn and painting You have exhibited widely in Australia, when the sun gets up, then you tend to do it
including at Packsaddle, in New Zealand and in the last few years in Singapore. How did the Singapore exhibitions come about? I was offered a show in Singapore after a collector in Melbourne suggested me to a gallery in Singapore. They offered a residency in Creancey, so I did that and then linked it up with the Western Front tour. The work I did in France is to be shown in Singapore next year. I have a show on in Singapore now, but it is mostly Australian subject matter with only six landscapes of Creancey in it. You’ve had many successes in your twentyyear career. What do you regard as your challenges for the future? It’s very nice of you to say I’ve had many successes! I don’t see things like that. I feel I have such a long way to go. The challenge is to keep going. The challenge is not to let "life" get in the way: meeting deadlines, getting more galleries to show my work, entering the odd prize - I don’t enter many. The challenge is to make the time to look properly at my own work and ask myself: is it good enough? Is it saying what I want it to say? Could I have spent more time on this? It’s a great job being a painter. You can spend your entire life questioning your painting. Thanks to Amanda; we look forward to welcoming her to NERAM.
plug! Packsaddle Program of Events Friday 20 October - the 32nd Packsaddle fundraising exhibition opens at 6pm (viewing from 5:30pm). Saturday 21st October - artist’s talk with Amanda Penrose Hart at 10:30am. Sunday 29th October - a conversation about art with Rowen Matthews and James White at 10:30am. Sunday 5th November - closing drinks and last purchases from noon to 4pm.
Pathfinders Ltd. GET TO KNOW OUR N-G-O
I
f you could sum up what you do in one sentence, what would you say? Pathfinders Ltd is a leading not-forprofit multi-service provider assisting disadvantaged youth and families in the New England North West and Mid North Coast. Where is Pathfinders located? Pathfinders’ headquarters can be found at 87 Beardy Street in Armidale, New South Wales. We have multiple services located in Armidale, Inverell, Glen Innes, Moree, Tamworth, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree and Coffs Harbour and do outreach services to various townships surrounding these locations. If you ever need one of our services, but aren’t sure where we’re located, just head to our website (www. pathfinders.ngo) or give us a call on (02) 6771 1527.
What kind of programs do you offer? Pathfinders offers a suite of programs, ranging from homelessness provision to Out-of-Home Care to in-school educational support. Here’s a brief overview of the programs we offer at Pathfinders: National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program: an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program that provides free birth certificates and registrations. Pathfinders’ Specialist Homelessness Services: the delivery of specialist homelessness services through the Going Home Staying Home reforms, focused on early intervention so people access the right support locally, when they need it and before they reach crisis point. Aboriginal Transition to School Program: a service to provide Aboriginal children between
the ages of three and six years with access to quality, early education. Links to Learning: a targeted program implemented by the NSW Department of Education and Communities to improve outcomes for young people who have left or are at risk of leaving school. Pathways Out-of-Home Care (OOHC): Residential and Foster Care options for young people who are in need of alternative accommodation due to being unable to live with their parents. Non-Placement Support Services: a range of services are provided for children and young people in OOHC and their families with the aim of enabling the children and young people in OOHC to interact with their parents and families in a safe and supportive environment. Ability Links: aimed to assist people with a disability to be valued and equal members of their communities and to help build a society where people with a disability, their family and their carers, enjoy inclusive lives in all spheres; community, public, private and social. Support Your Path: NDIS support services, including assistance with plan management and pre-planning for planning meetings with the NDIS; one-on-one, group and residential supports; and much more.
Inverell Family & Youth Support Service: a program providing a broad range of family support, adolescent and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services focused on developing family environments that value, nurture and protect children. Family Referral Service: providing information and linking vulnerable children, young people and their families to a range of support services in their local areas to address current issues and prevent future escalations. Can people get involved with Pathfinders apart from using their services? Absolutely! We’re constantly growing and offering a range of different employment opportunities across our locations. We also offer field placements and training for local TAFE and university students seeking employment in human services, as well as welcome volunteers and donors to link up with Pathfinders at any time! For more information or to get in touch, feel free to contact us via our website (www. pathfinders.ngo) or find us on social media. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ pathfindersaustralia Twitter: @pathfindersaus Instagram: @pathfindersaustralia
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of their systems. Tell us about some of the events you hold throughout the year. We normally run about six Motoknanas in a year. These are the slow speed track at the skidpan in Armidale. We also hold a Khanacross, which is a longer, EVER WANTED TO EXPERIENCE RACING AROUND A TRACK, more open and higher speed track; SLIDING AND HAVING FUN IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT? USE entrants must be 14 and above to YOUR OWN CAR AND VISIT THE MOTOKHANA TRACK AT THE enter. Khanacross is a faster track, ARMIDALE SKIDPAN. WE GOT SOME SLIDE TIME WITH CLUB but you wouldn’t usually exceed 90 - 100 Kph. Also, we have an For the younger drivers, PRESIDENT RICHARD OPIE AND FOUND OUT MORE … event called Rally Sprints. The Rally it’s a brilliant way of Sprints are held on dirt roads, usually learning how to drive about 6 to 10 kilometres in length. in circumstances that ell the readers a little about is a low speed event, under One car at a time, against a clock. they are not normally Motokhana ... controlled conditions, and They are held out at Echidna Gully going to meet on the Motokhana is an entry level we’ve never had a single on Chinaman’s Gully road. We’ve they road; if they do, motorsport which is run by CAMS problem in the 50 years of also set up another rally outside of have a better understanding (Confederation of Australian running these events. Glen Innes. of how the car will react. Motorsport). Motokhana events are run How many people attend What else will you need? Australia-wide; you’ll usually find an event being held the events? For the Motokhanas, besides in most towns, on a grass or dirt paddock. Armidale Normally we get about 20 the age limit, all you need is a car. is fortunate to have a concrete track, which is not 40 people attending the events Registered or not. If you are bringing a paddy-basher, common. that run on the Sundays. it will need to conform with our standards (steering, Who can participate in Motokhana events? What are some of the benefits of taking part? brakes and exhaust that complies). For the events above Anyone from the age of 12 and up can take place If you are an adult, you can have a bit of fun driving this, like the Khana cross and Rally, more is involved, like in the Motokhana events; however if you’re under 18, around doing something that you wouldn’t normally do. helmets, fire extinguisher. In the Rally, you’ll need a roll you’ll need parent/guardian permission. After joining the It always seems faster when you are behind the wheel cage, amongst other things. local car club, you can get a CAMS competition licence of the car; when you are outside watching, it looks How do readers get involved? at the age of 12, which allows you to take part in the quite slow. For the younger drivers, it’s a brilliant way The easiest thing to do is head to our website events. of learning how to drive in circumstances that they are nescc.com.au and click on the calendar to find out when With the underage drivers, how do you make sure not normally going to meet on the road; if they do, they the next event is on. It’s free to come along and watch. If it’s a safe environment? have a better understanding of how the car will react. you want to drive, fill out the forms, pay your $25 adults Our younger drivers usually start with an adult in My two sons started Motokhanas at 12 and by the time or $15 under 18. It’s quite cheap and because the track the car, to supervise and offer support and advice. We they reached P-plate age, not only did they already have is hosed down and wet, this creates more fun and less often find that after a year, they are quite capable of five years of experience behind the wheel, but when they wear and tear on your tyres. going around the track by themselves driving around the hit the roads, there was no compulsion to go fast or do Thanks Richard. skidpad. You’ve got to remember that the Motokhana silly practices like drifting or burnout, because it was out
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FOCUS chats to Brendan Hatte, the New England Manager of Young Life.
ell us what Young Life is all about and what you do in and around the Armidale community? Young Life is about connecting with young people in their world and making a difference in their lives. We provide positive adult role models that support young people in real ways and give them someone they can count on. Young people often find themselves isolated and without an adult they can trust; that is where Young Life mentors step in. We go wherever young people are and instil in them a renewed sense of confidence and resilience. This year our staff and volunteers have served in six local schools running pancake breakfasts, facilitating lunchtime activities and giving specific support to students. We also provide activities for young people outside of school. Our clubs in Armidale and Uralla are safe places for teenagers, where they have a feed, enjoy themselves and have their values challenged and affirmed by their mentors. Our camps help the mentoring relationship to strengthen; we take young people abseiling, water skiing, mountain bike riding and hiking. In these environments trust develops, and we see young people’s lives change for the better. Peter and Janet Cooke from Richardson & Wrench have sponsored Petelo Tuipulotu; what does this mean?
Richardson & Wrench Armidale have School and Minimbah Primary School, always been keen supporters of Young to prepare some of the younger boys as Life. They continue to pledge $1,000 they transition into their teenage years. from the commission of any sale listed As a builder and carpenter by trade, under their Young Life Partnership Petelo has a lot to offer these young program. This year they have extended guys. Petelo has just taken on an their support and have become one of apprentice, who used to come to Young our Major Business Partners, sponsoring Life himself. It is a nice picture of what Petelo as a new part-time Field Staff Petelo is trying to achieve with all of worker. Petelo is an these young men. outstanding youth His role is really to worker and has auapprentice these thentic and natural young men as they Richardson & Wrench rapport with young step into adulthood Armidale have always been people. He has just and responsibility. keen supporters of Young moved here from Would you like Life. They continue to Sydney, where he other businesses pledge $1,000 from the and his wife, Pip, to be involved commission of any sale served with Young like Richardson & listed under their Young Life Wrench? Life. Partnership program. Absolutely. Our What is Petelo work is growing doing in his new role? locally and regionally, Petelo is conwith projects in new necting with young people through schools and towns. We would like to our established programs at Armidale invite the local business community to and Duval High Schools. He has also collaborate with us and get behind our been mentoring a group of Aboriginal work. boys through our regular club activities. We have a two-tier Business PartnerDuring term four, Petelo and the boys ship Program, which helps businesses to are keen to go on a fishing trip togethconnect with our work and Richardson er, as well as head to the Young Life & Wrench are sponsoring an event on National Summer Camp in Jindabyne. the 18th October at 5:15pm for busiThis camp is the highlight of our year; it nesses to find out more about Young is an incredible trip, which many young Life’s work. If any businesses would like people describe as the best week of more information about the program their lives. or the event, I would love to hear from Petelo is also keen to connect with them. our Chaplaincy work in Newling Public Thanks Brendan. new england focus. 33
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W I T H K AT R I N A G E O R G E F R O M T H E A R M I D A L E V I S I T O R I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E
tourism UPDATE
October Tourism. Armidale is a hive of activity in October, with a wide array of events that are sure to delight locals and visitors alike.
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he beautiful Blue Wren Gardens and Café will be open on Sundays from early October. This is an idyllic setting for a Sunday afternoon with friends and families. Bookings are essential, so please call Lou on 6775 3850. Saumarez Homestead is open for tours every Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Tours are run at 10:30am, 2pm and 3:30pm. If you would like to embark on a self-guided walk, the Heritage Rose Garden and Farm Buildings are open seven days per week. The Hoskins Centre at TAS will be showing an ADMS performance - Proof - commencing on the 6th October. Proof is a 2001 Pulitzer Prize winner by American Playwright David Auburn. Late October the Veracity Theatre Company will be performing After Dinner at the Hoskins Centre. Critics have called this a “truly hilarious play” by multi-award winning and much lauded playwright Andrew Bovell. Armidale garden enthusiasts are busily preparing their gardens for the hugely popular St Peter’s Gardens weekend on the 4th - 5th November. This event attracts coaches from Inverell, Tamworth, Newcastle and as far north as Toowoomba and provides locals with opportunity to invite friends and relatives to visit Armidale. For more information, visit www. armidalegardens.org.au or pick up a programme from the Visitor Information Centre. The CWA Christmas Spring Garden Fair will be held on the 7th October from 9am - 3:30pm at 112 Eathorpe Road. Come along and enjoy the beautiful garden whilst shopping for Christmas. There will be many craft, plant, cake and book stalls, as well as a BBQ lunch available. Art enthusiasts haven’t been forgotten. The Oorala Aboriginal Centre is celebrating their 30th anniversary and they have gathered artwork by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across the region to be part of a three-week exhibition. This is an opportunity for all art lovers to view paintings, photographs, weavings and sculptures by practicing local artists. Many of these works are for sale. The
exhibition commences on the 18th October and finishes the 7th November. The very popular NERAM Packsaddle Fundraising Exhibition commences on the 24th October. Packsaddle is an annual fundraiser selling artworks from all over Australia. Don’t forget the Walcha Mountain Festival on the 21st October and the Thunderbolts Festival in Uralla on the 28th October. For a complete listing of all the events this
You could be on top of the World! Just north of Coffs Harbour, experience the amazing Sealy Lookout in Orara East State Forest - a pristine, protected area where you can enjoy beautiful subtropical forest, a picnic among the trees and the tranquil sounds of nature. The Forest Sky Pier is the centrepiece, a majestic 22-metre platform delivering a breath-taking sweep of ocean, city and coastline. The walk to its smaller sister, Korora Lookout, showcases Gumgali Track, an Aboriginal cultural interpretive experience telling the story of Gumgali, the Black Goanna. Sealy Lookout is part of a larger protected forest area, recently earning a coveted ECOcertification - a first for Coffs Coast. This
certification means visitors can be reassured minimal impact management principles are applied to the area, including protection of flora, fauna, forest ecosystems, Aboriginal and archaeological values. Managed by Forestry Corporation of NSW, Sealy Lookout (Niigi Niigi in local Gumbaynggirr language) invites visitors to get their bearings on the Coffs Coast while discovering this fantastic forest playground. Getting there: Travel north on the Pacific Highway from Coffs Harbour. Past the Big Banana, turn left at the Sealy Lookout sign. Drive up through banana plantations and ocean views to The Gap. Turn left and follow Scenic Drive to this destination.
month, visit www.armidaletourism.com.au If you have a conference or event coming up, please remember the staff at the Visitor Information Centre are always willing to assist Conference and Event organisers in preparing information packs. You can contact us directly on tourism@armidale.nsw.gov.au or 6770 3888. Alternatively, pop in to see us; we are open seven days per week from 9am - 5pm. Spring is the perfect time to spot platypus frolicking in the water. Gara Gorge has two families of platypuses that have been seen on numerous occasions by Visitor Information Centre staff. The best times to spot them are just after dawn or the hour before sunset. The Armidale Visitor Information Centre has a great range of quality gifts. We specialise in local products such as Aurelias Farm Confectionery, Sunhill Skin Essentials, Glen Olives, Hillgrove Honey, The Sustainable Plate and Freshly Berried. There is a good selection of local books, as well as the lovely Paul Earl Atmospheric New England 2018 Calendar. In addition, you will also find a wide range of Australian made gifts that are light and easily packed into a suitcase to travel overseas. If you haven’t been in for a while, pop on down; we are open seven days per week, 9am - 5pm. Armidale is a very popular caravan and have a positive first impression of our town, we
Find out more: #VisitNSWForests
would like to request that Armidale locals refrain
www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit
motorhome destination. To ensure these visitors
from parking in the Visitor Information Centre caravan and long vehicle parking spaces. New England focus. 35
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Local tree changer musician Greg Windred is a passionate performer who is making waves in the soundscape throughout the New England. FOCUS caught up with Greg to find out a little more about the man behind the music…
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or those who don’t know, who is Greg Windred? I am a singer/songwriter, currently from Armidale, living here for three years. What brought you to this
region? My wife got a job in town. She was worried about what I would do up here and I said, “No worries” - we’d been to Armidale once before and liked it, so let’s go! It’s a lovely place. We like the four seasons; you know you’re alive when you get up on a winter’s morning, and it’s not too hot in the summer time. What instruments do you play and what genre do you class yourself in? I’m a guitarist and singer and consider my main instrument as my voice. I’ve played acoustic, electric, and slide guitar, for many years. My music in many ways defies genre. I like so many different genres myself; it probably has elements of folk, minor elements of country, plus blues and rock. I have an old rock voice and like to tell a folk story in my songwriting. What do you write songs about? When I write I like to talk about real things and themes I feel deeply about. I usually don’t like meaningless cliché music without a message or point to it. I haven’t always been passionate about things such as environmental
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issues, mental health, war and refugees, but as elements recorded in a local space. I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen local, national and Do you have some gigs coming up? global deterioration, and it’s not something I We are playing Saturday 23rd September can let go. I say this in my songs. at Mc Crossin’s Mill, Uralla, which will be When you play, do you have an an exciting gig, because the sound we are accompanying band? producing is really about four musicians I have played intertwining, rather than solo in the past, but singer as central. There’s have also had people some experimentation accompanying me, such and improvisation, My music in many ways as my band here in with an acoustic and defies genre. I like so Armidale. I appreciate electric soundscape. This many different genres and respect these guys, makes the experience myself; it probably has because they are all interesting for us and the elements of folk, minor accomplished musicians people listening to it. elements of country, themselves. What can the punter blues, rock. I have an old Who are they? expect when they see rock voice and like to tell a folk I have Steve Harris you live? story in my songwriting. playing the drums, Mick I like to get the Houlahan playing stand message across and up bass, and Al Finco get people engaged! playing French horn, My music ranges from which is definitely a point of difference - an old gentle, almost melancholy or lilting, through rock singer with a French horn player. I have to folky story telling, through to louder rock always loved cello and the French horn fills a influences. It is a rollercoaster, weaving in similar sonic space, which can be sassy and and out of those moods, which is something mellifluous, calming and haunting. Great to I probably learnt from the first time watching see on stage. Springsteen play. He held an audience in Are you currently recording? the palm of his hands, taking them through I am looking to record in the future, within different ranges of emotions, which is the next few months, hopefully with some something that has always stuck with me, and
I like to do that too. Particularly having a band with me, we can create an interesting journey. Songs can expand and evolve this way, and it’s new and fresh each performance. What does Greg do beyond the stage? You’ll find me visiting family in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, hiking in the bush, or walking my little dog around town. I also enjoy a drop at my favourite bar, The Welder’s Dog. Do you have advice for aspiring musicians? I am not sure I’m in a position to offer advice, but it is difficult to make a career out of music, so one should be prepared that this may not happen. The one way to get through this, is to be passionate about music and love what you’re doing, and sometime’s that is all you need. The business side of music can be cutthroat, so everyone must find their own niche. If it’s meant to be, dive in! Keep creating music and loving what you do. How do we find your music? My album Drought and War is available from all good musical establishments in Armidale, such as Reader’s Companion, Black Dot Music, as well as Band Camp, Facebook. This album has been a journey for me, and I love when people hear this and are touched with the range of messages I want to get out there. Thank Greg.
with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343
October 2017
Menopausal Vaginal Atrophy Treatment Menopausal Vaginal Atrophy Treatment with the Microablative Fractional CO2 Laser
AQUARIUS. JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19
You may be feeling a little unsettled lately. A new move or the discussion of moving is likely to be on the agenda. Avoid rash decisions, wait for what feels right, and you’ll have no regret. New friends are coming into the picture, so relax and enjoy the social interaction. You have a lot of luck surrounding your situation; set some goals and give yourself permission to receive them. Herderite helps us to see our evolution.
GEMINI. MAY 22 - JUNE 22
All the hurts from the past are surfacing, so you can recognise how they have changed you. You do have the choice to become more powerful as a result of experiencing these things. You don’t need pity. Amethyst connects us to our higher knowing and wisdom.
LIBRA. SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23
This month should bring forward good luck and open new doors for further success. Stay focused on the task at hand, to avoid being overwhelmed. A lot of social activity can also be anticipated. Be sure to have plenty of sleep and journalise your dreams. Citrine attracts good luck.
PISCES.
CANCER.
SCORPIO.
FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20
JUNE 23 - JULY 23
OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22
The challenges you’re facing at home stem from not being appreciated or honoured. It’s time you try something new to break the dynamics and re-educate those surrounding you to be a little less selfish and more considerate of your needs. A journey is a strong possibility, resulting in further career success. Rose Quartz is wonderful for self-confidence and appreciation.
You are wise souls, so why not try following your own advice given to others in your circumstance? You do deserve happiness, and your desires are very achievable. Love yourself enough to honour your feelings and choices in life, and the rewards will be well worth the effort. Rhodochrosite helps us find our inner child’s joy. of life. Carry it for a couple of weeks.
Life may seem a little suspended at the moment, because you need to let go of something from the immediate past that has been exhausting you and causing sadness. Don’t be afraid to try something different. Your awareness is being called to recognise your creativity, because it’s through this talent you will be drawing success near. Turquoise is great for self-validation.
ARIES.
LEO.
SAGITTARIUS.
MARCH 21 - APRIL 20
JULY 24 - AUGUST 23
NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21
A holiday will soon settle some restlessness within. Visit a travel agent or look at some travel brochures, to awaken the adventurous you. A fresh, new perspective will be gained, which will reflect positively back on your life. Expect some new friendships too. Carnelian helps us take active steps towards change.
Ignore your insecurities and fears, and concentrate on your strengths. Wake up your enthusiasm and connect with your fire, the mover and shaker within. Set some fresh goals and lighten up for your party season - the warmer weather. Citrine is a powerful joy strengthener.
TAURUS.
VIRGO.
CAPRICORN.
AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23
DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20
Sugilite will connect you to your dreams.
“Enjoy the moment” is this month’s lesson. You have the chance to soul search and look deeply within. Treat your discoveries with respect, as this will help you to grow at a tremendous pace. Self-appraisal should be an honouring process. Kunzite & Hiddenite give us inner balance and harmony. Try wearing some.
Treatment of the above problem with local or systemic therapies give little relief. Using the well-proven ability of the pulsed fractional CO2 Laser for mucosal regeneration, a significant clinically appreciated thickening of the mucosa and collagen synthesis is noted in the vagina. The Pentagon Grand Ultra-Pulse CO2 Fractional Laser is used for three treatments at 2 monthly intervals. No anaesthesia is required for the treatment, with each session taking approximately 30 minutes. A recent Pap smear is a requirement and recovery takes about two weeks with some vaginal discharge needing the use of pads. The treatment is now available at the Plastic Cosmetic Laser Surgery Centre. Please call for more information.
Your brightness in your spirit is strength for others at present. Protect this precious commodity by recognising the things that drain you and avoid them. Physical activity is a must for your body at this time, to maintain this happy vibration. Keep yourself intellectually satisfied as well. Citrine connects us to our creative genius.
APRIL 21 - MAY 21
Complete change is coming. You can expect an answer to a wish made a few months ago. Give yourself permission to receive it. Don’t worry about what others may think - go chase your dream.
Vulvovaginal mucosal atrophy is seen in a good proportion of menopausal women, with symptoms such as decreased vaginal lubrication with resultant dryness, itchiness, dyspareunia and contact bleeding.
Expect total change from your challenging situation. The changes will allow you to experience the feeling of a new beginning so far removed from how it was, that you may feel re-born. Set some fresh goals, and don’t compromise your standards for anyone. Clear quartz is a very powerful amplifier of energy.
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uralla Uralla Veterinary Clinic Uralla Vet Clinic has been privileged to serve the Uralla community for over 30 years. We have been humbled by and grateful for the support we have received from our clients, especially in the three years since Jo bought the practice, and we look forward to serving the community into the future. At Uralla Vet Clinic we treat our clients and their pets as though they are part of our family; the relationships we build with our clients and pets are one of the most rewarding parts of our job. We offer a wide range of services to our dog, cat, bird and pocket pet owners, including vaccinations, consultations and medical workups for unwell pets, preventative health, soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, dentistry, ultrasound, digital radiography, nutrition and behavioural advice. We
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also enjoy working with our local wildlife carers in caring for native animals. Our clinic is also involved in helping educate the vets and vet nurses of the future by having final year vet students “see rural practice� with us and training nurse students. Our large animal patients form a very significant part of our practice, and the vets love the opportunity to get out and about in our beautiful countryside, even in the middle of winter! Our large animal services include: cattle and horse preg testing using ultrasonography, bull fertility assessments (including semen morphology), ovine Johne’s and Brucellosis accreditation, horse dentistry, gelding, surgery, unwell animal examinations and diagnostic testing and herd health and biosecurity programs. We look forward to seeing you at the clinic soon!
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Alina Cooper Complete Conveyancing New England I have always lived in rural New South Wales; I enjoy the lifestyle and the people. My husband and I own and run a property between Kingstown and Bundarra. Over the past 15 years I have worked in various areas of the law, before focusing my attention on obtaining my qualifications as a Licensed Conveyancer. I am very excited to be starting my new business venture and working with the people of Uralla and surrounding area. Complete Conveyancing can assist with all forms of property transactions for residential and rural matters. Clients can be confident they will be provided with comprehensive and professional legal advice about their options, rights and obligations to enable them to make
informed choices about their transaction. Whilst I deal with property transactions every day, a lot of my clients will only buy or sell property once in their lifetime. So, it is a big deal. It gives me great pleasure knowing that I can guide and advise them throughout the whole process with the knowledge to alleviate any concerns and make it as stress free as possible. Conveyancing really is a people business. Every client and every property transaction is different. I enjoy getting to know my clients throughout their matter. It is very rewarding contacting a client to say, “Congratulations, you are now the new owners” and receiving thanks for helping make it a reality.
Chaucer on Bridge Street Gallery It has been a busy year at Chaucer on Bridge Street gallery. A highlight of the year was the exhibition by Hilary Pollock, Julia Hardman and Mary Ann Scott. Their pictures were based on their painting trip to Italy and aroused a lot of interest. Michael Evans has continued to make stunning pieces of crystalline pottery, including large urns, water features and bathroom basins. He is currently restocking, after so many of his pieces have been sold. He also holds classes on Saturdays for interested students. Helen Evans completed an amazing fabric dinosaur book that is available for visitors to look through. It has been published as a
picture book too, and copies are available from the gallery. She is currently making some busy books for preschool children and will have these for sale closer to Christmas. The Celtic jewellery sourced in England by Jenny Evans, and attractive bead work by Farzana Evans continues to be popular with shoppers. The gallery features some pottery by Beth Ley and glass pieces for your home and pendants to wear created by George Hollingshed. He also makes “bloke soap”. Call in to find a gift, or just browse. The team of Helen, Michael and Farzana are always available to explain processes and to fill in details about this historic building at 42 Bridge Street. Coffee is available while you browse.
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Promoting choice, access, exibility and quality of life in our community.
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uralla ablelands Community Support (TCS) are celebrating 25 years of delivering high quality care to people in the New England region.
TCS are based in Uralla and governed by Uralla Shire Council. TCS commenced in 1992, with only one staff member and six clients. Today we have grown to having over 250 clients and 27 staff. Our services now extend to clients throughout the New England area, including Walcha, Armidale, Bundarra, Guyra and Tamworth. The world of Aged Care has evolved significantly since our beginning, and TCS has continued to
Tablelands Community Support adapt and grow along with these changes. A core tenet of our business is maintaining our focus on the provision of high quality service that delivers personalised care to our clients, whilst respecting their individual needs and dignity. We are proud of the staff on our team and the bond that they develop with our clients as they go about their daily routine. We are continuing to meet the challenges of the ever changing world of community services which has recently involved the Aged Care Reform and the commencement of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Both have seen the introduction of greater consumer choice in the selection of their level of care and
their care providers. Throughout this change we have remained the preferred provider of choice, which is testament to the high level of client satisfaction that we enjoy. HCP and CHSP and NDIS The provision of Home Care Packages (HCP) has enabled people to lead an independent, fulfilling life in their own home and to still retain access to their local community either as an individual or on a group basis. It has also allowed individuals to access services that may have previously not been accessible to them. TCS Support Facilitators have a wealth of experience in the aged and disability care service industry and valuable community knowledge.
This enables them to provide sound, practical advice and support to clients in meeting their individual needs. We recognise that not all clients need high level care, and we are able to assist clients with entry level care through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). NDIS - We have experience in the provision of disability support services, including access to a diverse range of community activities designed to promote independence and integration for the client. If you would like to make an enquiry regarding any of our services, please call us on 6778 6350.
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uralla Uralla Pharmacy Little Ladybird Plant Nursery Julie Hicks from Little Ladybird Nursery talks to FOCUS about spring time and the importance of shopping locally for plants … Why is it important to purchase plants from a local nursery like yours? Your local nursery should have staff that know their climate, the soil types, and plants that perform well for the district. We have a qualified horticulturalist on board (Julie), who also has many years’ experience. A successful garden year-round is a mighty challenge, and Julie is here to help with garden ideas, design and trouble-shooting problems. Plants from our nursery are also acclimated - hardened to the season at hand - ready for your garden. What is new at the Little Ladybird Plant Nursery? New hybrids are always becoming available, and we like to have them available, at the right time. Also new in the nursery are a range of stone ornaments and decorative pots from Asia. Another new product is a “garden soil” which incorporates compost with added gypsum and rock minerals. It comes in 25 L and 30 L bags. Spring time is magic in the New England. What do you have in stock this year? This past winter the nursery has been busy gathering an array of bare-root roses (focusing mainly on perfume and disease resistance), semi-dwarf fruit trees, flowering and weeping standards, and ornamental shrubs. An interesting addition this year is the pendulous purple birch tree, a standard Royal Purple Smoke Bush, and the wisteria Amethyst Falls.
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Pharmacist Caroline Sevil and her team pride themselves on offering all the professional services of a big city pharmacy in a small country town. *We offer a medscheck service, where the pharmacist sits with the customer in a private counselling area and provides medication information and advice. Any medication interactions or dose discrepancies are then reported to their GP. *Health checks within the pharmacy allows customers to keep a record of their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which they can provide to their doctor at the next visit. * Medication packing (webster pack) is available for those customers having difficulty with the day to day management of their pills. These are packed by one of our trained pharmacy assistants on a weekly basis and increases patient compliance with their medications. *Wound care is another important service we offer to the public. Particularly with an increasing number of diabetics in the community, advice on the care and dressing of wounds is essential to aid healing and prevent ulceration. We will also dress the wound for the customer. *Other services include: diabetes, asthma and COPD education, influenza immunisation and a home delivery service for the elderly and infirmed. *Also stocking an extensive range of body and gift items for all occasions. *Diabetes Health check - BSL testing, HbA1C test (for a small fee). Advice on diet and lifestyle and preparing for holidays and sick days. Advice on complementary medicines for diabetics. *Medical Certificates available $19.95.
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uralla Emalene Gemmell Solicitor
What started in our guest room at home has rapidly expanded into Offices in Armidale, Uralla and our ‘Mobile Office’ aka red beetle on the road, meeting client’s in Moree as far North-West as Mungindi, NorthEast to Lismore and Coffs Harbour, South to Sydney and Newcastle, and later in the month, to make the maiden voyage to Gunnedah!
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e pride ourselves on meeting clients where their needs are, whether it be in their home, on their property, in their local community or the particular place which is important to them and their case. We have recently welcomed Jane McCarthy to our team. Between Jane and Emalene, someone is always available to meet clients in either our Armidale or Uralla office. What do you specialise in? At Emalene Gemmell Solicitor, our principal areas of practise are Family Law, Children’s Law, Wills & Estates, Estate Litigation, Property & Commercial Law and Rural & Residential Conveyancing. Emalene is also an Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and an Independent Children’s Lawyer. What do your team love most about New
England? Some of us are locals; others have moved to the New England over time. We all enjoy the lifestyle and how through varying local businesses there are rapidly becoming the same opportunities in the country as there are in the city. What feedback have you received from clients drawn to your Uralla Office? We are always truly humbled by feedback, and when it was going to print, some of our clients stopped us in our tracks! “Very good! Double thumbs up!” - dedicated community volunteer. “Thank you - we were never really sure. Without you being in Uralla, we would have never ventured further, and our legal problem would have gone unanswered!” - unsure retiree. “We are so grateful you were willing to visit us in our home. We don’t drive, the bus from
Uralla is sporadic, the train a jolting nightmare, and we can give you our instructions without the headache of trying to rely on someone to transport us to Armidale … We rely on Community Transport to attend our specialist medical appointments!” - aged pensioners. “You want a fighter! She’ll sort it.” aggrieved father. “We’d separated, but just needed it sorted … I was too embarrassed, as I didn’t know where to go. Then I saw the red door walking to buy a loaf of bread for the kids’ lunches, and the rest was sorted!” - nervous ex-wife. “Thanks for the chat; you’ve made me feel better already.” - passer-by. “Thank you, thank you, thank you - you brought the perfect match of Sydney Counsel to our matter; you met us with experience, empathy and teamed together what we needed to face Court.” - grandmother and mother. “Thank you for visiting McMaugh Gardens to see my father! Hugely appreciated; I’ve been
worried about how Dad would sort his affairs for a long time now!” - daughter of ageing parent. “Your services bring the city to the country! I haven’t been to Sydney CBD in over 30 years, but you arranged your staff to guide me, right down to the train I needed to be on to arrive at Wynyard!” - Tamworth worker. “My children don’t exactly know the extent of what my estate includes, but now I know it is secure for them.” - grazier. “Thank you, Jane! You were terrific in explaining the purchase of our home from start to finish. No question was too small or too big to ask; we never felt silly or too embarrassed to ask.” - first home buyer. “What my folks received as a settlement block after the war was the start to my empire, and you have assisted me in securing this for what lies ahead. Before our discussions, I thought the way to go was a kit you received in the mail!” grazier.
New England focus. 45
uralla
focusinterview.
the TOP PUB Uralla FOCUS Talks with Matt and Leigh, Owners of the Top Pub in Uralla, about the journey so far …
T
ell us a little about the Top Pub. Twenty five years ago, we were heading for the coast. Today we are still here in this magnificent little town, and it is a privilege to be part of this community and also to be a part of and to have seen the many changes that have occurred here over the years. In 1995, the Top Pub was a paint peeling white with mission brown doors and shutters, and dining was not even considered an important part of the day to day running of our pub. The smoked filled front bar was still a place to meet up with friends, and the younger patrons would shoot pool, listen to the juke box, fight and play card machines in the other smoke filled room the locals affectionately called the “Zoo Bar”, which has over time been transformed into our restaurant. We laugh about it today, but in those very early days our lunches consisted of rissoles, frozen seafood baskets and a burger and our dinner guests could have a microwaved meal that was actually prepared at lunchtime! We’ve enjoyed seeing our hotel morph over the years to a friendly place where families actually choose to come. So, there have been many changes over the years? Today our talented chefs, Mika, Charlie and 46 New England focus.
Katie deliver outstanding meals over and over again. The way they work together as a team and put love and passion into each dish of our extensive menu - we feel they have been most instrumental in helping make the Top Pub a place for all to enjoy. Over the years we have created a place that we personally would like to come to and relax. When you arrive at the Top Pub, you are guests of our home, with our love, heart and soul on display. What’s owning a business in Uralla like? Living in a small town is like living with an extended family. We know each other and look after one another. Being in business in Uralla is also a bond that all businesses here share. We are in it together, and The Top Pub is only just a small part of all the great little places that Uralla has to offer. Wether people drop into the Top Pub or visit the many quality cafés in town, or stop by all the quirky little shops, Uralla has something different for the public to visit and enjoy. The businesses here are all run by hardworking operators who love what they’re doing and more importantly, genuinely love Uralla. We are lucky enough to have Why Worry and Merilba Estate wineries, Dobson’s Distillery and the New England Brewing Company, a very unique butcher shop, Dale’s Downtown Meats, that is always coming up with something new and supplying us with first class product every time. We use Chooka-look free range eggs, that are all locally
At the end of the day, all we want to do is provide a happy and good value venue for all to enjoy.
produced, fine Milly Hill meats, local liqueur is poured over some of our home made desserts and we also source fresh fish and prawns that are delivered regularly by Hux’s Seafood from Coffs Harbour. What do you think draws people to the area? Outside of the hotel, we have many external influences that also contribute to our town. The Thunderbolt Festival, run by hardworking volunteers, and the Seasons of New England food and produce festival highlights locally made products in the New England region. The Uralla Showground committee also hosts many events throughout the year. At the back of the Top Pub, an annual rodeo is put together by Adam Hone and his crew. This year we are gearing up for the Thunderbolt Rodeo on Saturday 18th November. McCrossin’s Mill Museum holds many weddings, functions and musical events too, bringing many tourists to town. Plans for the future? Running a hotel means there is always
something more to do, which keeps everything interesting and us on the move. We have started renovating the north side of the upstairs area, to provide another space for high tea and accommodation. At the end of the day, all we want to do is provide a happy and good value venue for all to enjoy - “the Top Pub, everybody’s pub”! Any final words? In our hotel, very importantly, it’s our loyal locals that make our pub such a great place to be. Our very friendly and often very funny punters in our front bar, along with our beautiful guests that come to dine in our restaurant and beergarden, all make it easy and enjoyable to be working at the Top Pub. They, along with our caring and friendly staff, past and present, with many becoming like family are the main essence and ingredients of our hotel. We at the Top Pub feel extremely lucky and very grateful to be part of this era in Uralla. Thanks Matt and Leigh.
F O C U S
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U R A L L A
uralla
Thunder Graphics and Defence Models Thunder Graphics and Defence Models, the something different shop … Only in Uralla! What is it you do at Thunder Graphics and Defence Models? We have two businesses here; we like to call it our his and hers shop. The model supplies for him and the lasercut gifts for her, and customised gifts, trophies and engraved awards for everyone. Russ is an experienced and internationally renowned model maker, so it was natural to move into the model supplies market. What new things are happening at Thunder Graphics and Defence Models? As there was a gap in the modelling supplies market, in that there are no other model supplies shops selling the range that we do between Newcastle and Brisbane, we have recently started selling the model supplies that Russ uses in producing his magnificent models he provides under contract to the Defence Industry and governments all around the world. This means that we only stock high quality supplies and kits that we know for sure work and keep on working. What makes Uralla such a special place? Because we are exactly halfway between Sydney and Brisbane, and the highway does not bypass the town, we are in a unique position for travellers to stop and enjoy all the very clever and unique product our region has to offer.
New England Brewing Co. We’re about to bring you cans of our finest! After serving us for nearly five years, we are doing away with long neck bottles. The decision wasn’t easy, but at the end of the day we think that packaging in cans is more sustainable for a regional brewery. Cans are basically completely recyclable, and the recycling process is less energy intensive than for bottles. We can also transport twice as many cans per pallet at a fraction of the weight. But the best bit is that cans are great for knocking around in an esky! We’ll be releasing our Hop Cannon IPA, Flying Ram Lager, Pale Ale, Little Ram and Brown Ale in 375 ml cans. Every four - six weeks we’ll also release a 500 ml seasonal can. Make sure you stop in at the brewery or one of our local bottleshops mid-October. The brewery’s pizza kitchen has been keeping everyone happy for over a year now. Don’t forget, we can cater for small and large groups for Christmas functions over the festive period. The kitchen will be open Saturday and Sunday in December, and we are able to hold private functions on any day of the week.
Properties Uralla What an exceptional 18 months it has been since I opened the doors of Properties Uralla. Thanks to the support of the Uralla community, Properties Uralla has gone from strength to strength. This growth has meant a move to a larger premise at Suite 2/94-98 Bridge Street. This beautiful old building really encaptures what attracts an ever-increasing number of people to Uralla - the history, friendliness, the vitality of our community and the great village lifestyle. A quick walk down the main street will reveal how busy Uralla is becoming. This is reflected in the real estate market, with the rental properties running at near 100% occupancy, plus property prices are rising and there is so much more interest in the more substantial properties. Over the past 12 months I have had buyers from Sydney, Brisbane, North and the South Coast looking to escape the heat and the busyness of the city lifestyles. I believe in the next 12 months we will continue to see Uralla shine, and I am looking forward to being part of this exciting time ahead.
New England focus. 47
F O C U S
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U R A L L A
Uralla and Collectables
Fair
Ural Australia What is Ural Australia? Ural Australia is the importer and distributor for Ural sidecar motorcycles. The business has recently moved into new headquarters on the highway in Uralla, having moved from its previous location at Jon and Vicki Taylor’s farm near Kentucky, following Jon’s recent retirement. These adventure ready sidecar outfits have been flowing in since 2008, and we now have owners who live in every corner of Australia. Why are these bikes so popular around the world? These rugged machines are gaining popularity among weekend warriors and urban dwellers who are drawn to the practicality of the large trunk space for loading up your weekly groceries, and plenty of racks for your luggage and camping gear for that weekend getaway or outback trek. The compact size and reverse gear is useful for parking, and the unparalleled sidecar experience turns on the fun factor for families, or allows you take along your canine pal. These modernised sidecar motorcycles turn dusty, and sometimes wet, country roads and bush tracks into a personal playground, with proven capabilities to adventure off into those far off destinations.
48 New England focus.
uralla
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Don’t miss the next Uralla Antiques and Collectables Fair
ell us about the our event is not to be missed! Uralla Antiques and Do you have an appraiser that Collectables Fair. people can bring their special items The fair is held to, so they can find out the value? Saturday 7th October Yes, there is. A very experienced (9am - 4pm) and Sunday appraiser can advise people about their 8th October (9am - 2:30pm) in the RSL special items. It will cost $5 for one item Memorial Hall in Salisbury St, Uralla. and $10 for three items, limited to three This is the fair’s items per person, fourth year. We so everyone gets to started with 10 have a turn. exhibitors; last Is there an entry year we doubled fee? A very experienced our exhibitors, and The entry fee is appraiser can advise this year we are kept to a minimum people about their special booked out and by only asking items. It will cost $5 for one have a waiting list. for a gold coin item and $10 for three items, What type of donation. There limited to three items per person, exhibitors do is a Guess the so everyone gets to have a turn. you attract? Mystery Item The fair is Competition, a community and like all good themed weekend Rotary Clubs we of stall holders will have a raffle showcasing and offering their found with some great prizes. All profits treasures. We have a good mix of raised from the Antique Fair this year exhibitors, including furniture, books, will go to Uralla Fire and vintage clothing, bric a brac, glassware, Rescue. crockery, stamps, coins, badges and Does the Uralla model cars. We attract mostly local community benefit exhibitors, but some are coming from from this? Manilla, Warwick, Gatton and this year The Uralla community news has travelled - we have an exhibitor does benefit from the from Sydney, because they have heard Antiques and Collectables Fair
in many ways. Our business community benefits from the extra people who come to town to attend the fair, as they access accommodation, shop, or dine at the many cafés and restaurants Uralla has to offer. All the vendor spaces are taken, but if you would like an opportunity to sell your antiques and collectables they can be sold on a commission basis on our Rotary stall. Donated items are also welcomed, and if sold can contribute to the money we donate to Uralla Fire and Rescue. For further information, contact Carol: 0428 433 392.
uralla
Uralla’s THUNDERBOLTS Festival Thunderbolts Festival will be held on Saturday 28th October. The street parade commences at 10:30am and will be led by the local motorbike group, Oxley Riders, with the Bail Up Poker Run, incorporating vintage vehicles and hot rods - the sight and sound of over 200 bikes plus vehicles in the parade is not to be missed! Captain Thunderbolt will be there, Dr Hubbles Bubbles, local fire engines, as well as our local schools and community groups. Celebrating our 19th year in 2017, the festival theme is Fairies and Elves, and the Fairy Lady will feature in a dazzling display which will magically float to Alma Park.
I
s there something special happening in Alma Park? The Fairy Lady will sprinkle her good wishes over the festival and may even grant special secret wishes to little fairies and elves. There will be a Fairy Treasure Garden to delight the young and young at heart.
Adam Marshall will officially open Thunderbolts Festival and
the fun will continue with pony rides, Paws Up dog high jump and street performer Shep Huntley showing off the skills of Dr Hubbles Bubbles! For only $2, children can have a wristband to use all the amazing rides, including rock climb wall, giant inflatable treasure maze, giant slide, merry-go-round, a huge jumping castle and smaller one for littlies. Meanwhile, mums, dads, grandparents and carers can sit back, relax and soak up the sense of true community spirit that is Uralla. This event is a whole community event, and everyone is welcome. The New England Antique Machinery group will feature restored tractors and working machinery on display, and there will be more than 40 markets stalls amongst the shady trees in Alma Park, selling everything from leather goods, plants, toys, clothing, hats, furniture, crystals, soaps, jewellery, bric-a-brac, jackets and pet mats. Food will be provided by Friends of McMaughs, BBQs by St Joseph’s and Uralla Central Schools, the Lions Club famous fresh fairyfloss and Rocky River School homebaked goodies. Live music will be provided by the ever popular, high energy Jug Addicts, with their unique and quirky mix of jazz, blues and folk music - the perfect vibe for Thunderbolts Festival. There will be face painting and the Billycart Derby, where entrants come from as far away as Tenterfield and Willow Tree. The Festival wraps up around 4pm in Alma Park and the Holy Smoke fireworks finale will be near the Bowlo at 8:30pm. Are there any more details on the Bail Up Poker Run? Yes, the Oxley Riders have decided to try something new for the Bail Up this year, with $800 for the winning hand and
$200 for the losing hand, an initiative which is sure to be appealing! Registrations are from 6pm on the Friday at the Top Pub Uralla, and proceeds go to Bravehearts Foundation and local charities. All motorbikes, vintage vehicles and hot rods are welcome; call Shane 0427 007 969 or Spook 0448 771 046. How does the festival support businesses in Uralla? Thunderbolts Festival hosts not-for-profit groups in Alma Park, and we do not have out of town coffee vans or food stalls. In this way, visitors (and locals) wanting quality coffee are urged to patronise the many fabulous cafés and restaurants in town. This means the local community groups as well as the businesses are all supported by the event, and the vast majority of the economic benefit from the event stays in Uralla. Accommodation is the other major beneficiary, with all motels, hotels, caravan parks and even the RSL Memorial Hall all booked out each year for the festival. Many visitors stay more than one night, and lots of regular patrons who travel long distances for the event stay for up to a week or more. Who are the main sponsors of the festival? The Uralla Shire Council is the major financial sponsor of Thunderbolts Festival; the event would not be able to held without their dedicated support. The Rotary Club of Uralla are the auspicing organisation, and other sponsors include Phoenix Foundry, Uralla Bowlo, Regional Australia Bank, Jobs Australia, Thunderbolt Inn and numerous local businesses and individual sponsors. Fleet Warbirds have pledged their ongoing commitment by again donating a Warbird Adventures joyflight as the first prize in the festival raffle. Tickets will be available at the Uralla Street Stall the first week of October and also on the day of the festival. When will the rodeo be held? The Uralla Rough Stock Rodeo will be held from 4pm on Saturday the 18th November. This is a popular part of
Adam Marshall will officially open Thunderbolts Festival, and the fun will continue with pony rides, Paws Up
dog high jump and street performer Shep Huntley showing off the skills of Dr Hubbles Bubbles!
Thunderbolts Festival and is now in its sixth year. At the back of the Top Pub, the tight arena gets patrons up close and personal to the action. The event offers big prize money and draws cowboys from far and wide for four - five hours
of wild rides. The Uralla Thunderbolt Rodeo is partnered with Friends of McMaughs, another volunteer group who support the local aged care centre, McMaugh Gardens. On the day there will be BBQ and bar facilities. For further information, contact Dave on 0487 765 229. Thunderbolts Festival; there is something for everyone in Uralla! www.thunderboltsfestival.com.au Interview with Leanne Doran. New England focus. 49
F O C U S
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Sandy Phillips FOCUS speaks to Paula Eggins, the Secretary Manager at the Uralla Bowlo ...
W
e hear there is some exciting news at the Uralla Bowlo? Yes, the Uralla Bowlo
caterer, and Sandy had just moved back to the area. Sandy was looking at retiring, but he decided to come to Uralla to get amongst the reputable “Foodie Destination”.
is excited to announce that we have Sandy
For people who don’t know Sandy, tell us
Phillips in our Bistro & Functions department,
a little about him …
doing what he does best. The timing was perfect. The club was looking for a new
50 New England focus.
Sandy first came to Australia in 1972 (he’s originally from Scotland and still sporting
U R A L L A
the accent) with his first job being at the Wentworth Hotel in Sydney, which at the time was one of the best hotels in the country. After another two years of travelling and working around the world tasting and smelling food from Asia and Europe, he returned to Australia working in a range of places like Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, and as the head chef at the Chevron Hilton in Sydney. It was from there that Sandy came up to train staff at the Armidale Ex-Services Club. While he was only meant to stay for around six months, he found he liked the country life so much, he decided to stay. Soon after, Sandy formed the very first cooking course in Armidale for TAFE. He ran cooking classes at the SerVies for students from Sydney up to the Queensland border. Sandy was also at the Armidale City Bowling Club for about 15 years, and it was during that time that certain magazines and newspapers stated that he and the Breakfast Creek Hotel in Brisbane cooked the best steaks in the world. Sandy puts part of the reason for a great steak is the unbelievable quality of the local produce. What sort of food will Sandy be doing at the Bowlo? Sandy came to the club and listened to what the members and visitors were wanting. He has put together a menu which includes his
famous steak, a 400 g Dry Rub Rump, along with starters, chicken, seafood, salads, roasts, curries and a great selection of home-made desserts. Sandy will also be doing blackboard specials and speciality nights, along with catering for special dietary requirements. Sandy also has extensive experience with all types of private functions, from small conferences and dinner meetings to large scale weddings and gala events. What are the plans for the future at the Uralla Bowlo? The board of directors and I have been devising plans to give the members and visitors of the Uralla Bowlo a great place to come and relax. You can visit the club and be guaranteed a fantastic meal, be greeted by our friendly staff, plus we have the coldest and cheapest beer in town. We are creating a multi-purpose room that will also be used as a kids’ zone. Now that the weather is warming up, twilight social bowls will be introduced, along with Saturday afternoon outdoor entertainment. Our BBQ area and our auditorium will both be getting an overhaul and will be available for functions and social events. With the introduction of Sandy, we are confident that we can now cater for all of our members and their events. Thanks Paula.
Forsyths Financial Services Principal Craig Benham is delighted to welcome Alex Thomas to the Armidale office.
2018 Europe Earlybirds 2018 Europe Earlybirds have landed and at Helloworld Travel in Armidale Central, we are excited! Right now, with Trafalgar you can fly for $699 return, including taxes, when booking in conjunction with one of their 95 handcrafted holidays across Europe and Britain.
We + You Forsyths
This means from $2,394.00 you can experience a six day Holiday in Britain, including flights! This is just one of many amazing options across Trafalgar’s guided holiday range!
Leigh will be hosting another Trafalgar Guided Holiday in May 2018. This amazing trip allows you to tick off those bucket list destinations throughout Europe, stopping in Italy, Switzerland, France and England.
From the iconic to the unexpected, Trafalgar connects you with the local soul of a destination like no other.
And when you book your Europe Guided Holiday with Helloworld Travel in Armidale Central on or before 15 December, you’ll also go into the draw to win a $500.00 Cash Passport card!
Have all the details taken care of for you, like transport, accommodation, meals and VIP entry into major sights, enabling you to be free to just be - experiencing the moments and feeling truly inspired.
To hear more about our escorted trip or any of Trafalgar’s amazing deals, come and see us at Helloworld Travel in Armidale Central, right outside Big W.
As one of Trafalgar’s top agencies worldwide, our team has recently had the pleasure of experiencing these trips firsthand and with so many great memories and moments, we have decided to go again!
*Conditions apply; airfares on sale until 02 November or until sold out.
We are often approached by individuals who know where they would like to end up in life, but are overwhelmed by choice or unsure of the steps they need to take to get there. That’s where a Forsyths Financial Adviser comes in. Our Advisers work closely with you, listen to your needs, understand your aspirations and help implement strategies that can turn your dreams into reality.
team to provide financial advice and strategy
Our new Armidale Financial Adviser, Alex Thomas, brings more than seventeen years’ experience to our team and offers a local perspective, as a husband and father and, in his spare time, a triathlete. Alex has joined our
New England. If you are searching for advice
to locals looking for direction and guidance when it comes to planning for their futures. Forsyths was founded in Armidale in 1921 and, today, has grown to become one of the largest accounting, business advisory and financial service firms operating in the New England and North West. While our footprint is large, our heart remains committed to the or services for investment, wealth creation and protection, superannuation and more, contact Alex on (02) 6773 8400 or email athomas@forsyths.com.au
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ON ALL 95 EUROPE & BRITAIN TRIPS*
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Fuel your Spanish soul with our hidden gem.
Introducing Alex. OUR FINANCIAL SERVICES TEAM IS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME ALEX THOMAS TO THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL ADVISER IN OUR ARMIDALE OFFICE.
Alex Thomas FINANCIAL ADVISER
Armidale Central (right outside Big W) 225 Beardy Street, Armidale P: 02 6772 1177 E: armidale@helloworld.com.au *Valid for new bookings created from 13 Sep 2017 - 2 Nov 2017, for travel on selected 2018 Europe & Britain summer trip departures, or until sold out. Subject to availability, departing from ADL/BNE/MEL/PER/SYD for travel between 01 Mar 2018 and 30 Nov 2018. Ask your Travel Agent for full details, or visit www.trafalgar.com/ europe-air TT 177140778
athomas@forsyths.com.au 92 Rusden Street, Armidale 6773 8400 1300 447 007 www.forsyths.com.au
New England focus. 51
focusinterview.
The home that
UNIPLAN built
Building a home can be a daunting task, with so many options of builders, contractors ... And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some take the smart route ... FOCUS chats with Suzanne about her experience with a factory build home.
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hy did you choose a factory built home? To be really honest, I’ve never considered building a factory built home. Thank goodness I did, because I’m just so happy. With the fact that they are built in the factory, there are no building delays, so you are not held up due to bad weather conditions - and the other thing is that you can have a designer built home that fits all your wants, needs, and likes that fits within a budget. Why did you choose Uniplan? My daughter lives in the New England and Uniplan was local, so being a local company my daughter could liaise with the people she needed to liaise with. She could also tell me firsthand what she saw or what she was told. The world is a small place these days, so business can be done over the phone or over the internet - but it made sense to go with Uniplan, because it’s local. What do you like most about your new home? That’s easy; I love the flow. As I sit here and look at my view, I can look at the children playing in the sunroom, and I can sit in that chair and look
SUZANNE BARRET’S TESTIMONIAL right through to my bedroom. I love the fact that - nothing was ever a bother. I think I wrote a note it opens up and is indoor-outdoor entertaining - a to Nelson saying the only problem with the whole great party house. I just love the feel; it’s home. I thing has been me, but really I couldn’t have love it! asked for a better team and service. How was Uniplan’s service? The best part? I found Uniplan’s service to be exceptional, to Looking back, I would have to say I have built the point where I had one of their team members up a friendship with the team here and he downed his from Uniplan; we are all on a tools, which was his pen first name basis, and I feel like and iPad, and he actually they are an extension of my helped me dig a pile of own friends. Looking back, I would have to dirt so I could get passed Would you recommend say I have built up a friendship through Council, and move Uniplan to others? with the team from Uniplan; in by Easter. Oh, I’d recommend we are all on first name I was just more than Uniplan. In fact, I recommend basis, and I feel like impressed with everybody Uniplan nearly daily. I can’t they are an extension of - every tradesperson believe the amount of interest my own friends ... who came through to this house has been shown management. Absolutely by people driving past doing every aspect of Uniplan was drive bys. exceptional. I have been here for Any problems during the process? three or four months now, and there is still a The only thing difficult about the whole thing continual flow of passers-by. I feel comfortable was me. I had a few changes here and there, but in recommending Uniplan, because of my with the help of Nelson and the team and the experience; it has been so professional. architects it was all done with a minimum of fuss Thanks Suzanne. New England focus. 53
focusinterview Business Minds with Ingrid Rothe of VIVID Thinking
Ingrid Rothe VIVID THINKING
For the second year running, Armidale has won five out of the possible eleven categories at the Regional NSW Business Chamber New England North West Small Business Awards. So this month we asked our regular contributor, Ingrid Rothe of Vivid Thinking, to take a slightly different approach to the Business Minds column - and instead asked her to answer the question, what makes an award-winning business?
Elders Insurance Pay by the month at no extra cost with Elders Insurance. At Elders Insurance, we understand that everyone’s financial circumstances are different. That’s why we give you the option to spread your annual insurance payment over 12 months at no extra cost*. Plus, you can make changes to your policy at any time, and your monthly payment will be automatically adjusted to suit. Our local agents are always here to help. So if you’re having trouble making a payment, we’ll do our best to make sure you stay protected in any event. * Monthly instalments are available for all farm, home, motor, boat and landlord insurance, plus selected commercial insurance policies. Contact us today for a personalised quote. 6775 4577.
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54 New England focus.
I
BUSINESS MINDS
ntroducing Ingrid Rothe, Brand Strategist, Vivid They know how, and when, to get professional advice, and Thinking. In 2016 Ingrid won the Armidale Business they know how to assess it. Chamber and the New England North West They don’t try to be all things to all people. They carefully Regional Award for Innovation and went on to hire staff that fit the business’ needs and invest in training represent Armidale at the state level. Ingrid was that staff. They outsource those tasks that are not core to the former Director of Marketing and Public Affairs their business and focus on their clients first and foremost. at the University of New England and prior to that launched Resilience; they are open to criticism. When things Fujitsu PC Asia Pacific into the Australian market. As Hewlettgo wrong, their focus is on identifying the problem and Packard’s Marketing Communications addressing it. Manager for its Enterprise Division, They are prepared to take calculated Ingrid also ran an award-winning risks. They expect some things to work series of launches across Australia/New out and others to not. They learn from Zealand. She also ran the international the experience when things go wrong. They have an investment launch for the first transaction using a They have a growth mindset, and mindset. None of them are wireless application protocol (WAP) at by this I don’t mean necessarily sales frivolous with what is always the New Zealand Stock Exchange. growth; rather, they are never content hard-earned success; however, Ingrid, what makes an awardto rest on their laurels, whether it’s they know the difference winning business? I don’t think there improving their product or their between simply spending is a one size fits all answer. I have had customer service. They are always money and investment. the privilege of working with a number looking for what’s next, what they Their focus is consistently on of inspiring Armidale businesses who could do better. achieving a return on their are also multi-award winning. It would They have an investment mindset. investment. be fair to say that their businesses, and None of them are frivolous with their owners, are all wildly different. what is always hard-earned success; I have therefore given a lot of however, they know the difference thought about what traits they have in between simply spending money and common. Here are my top 10. investment. Their focus is consistently on achieving a return Authenticity; their businesses are their passion. They are on their investment. not as much interested in financial success as in providing a They are all driven. They are committed to seeing their product or service they truly believe in. business thrive. They are also hard workers; the prize goes to They have a unique point of difference, even in very those who show up. Interestingly, they are all givers; whether it’s through competitive fields. They have identified a niche in the market, whether it’s the product itself or the way a service is delivered. sponsorships, engagement in community organisations, and even through social enterprise, they all “give back” in some Expertise; they never stop learning, they continue to learn fashion. about their field of interest, and continually apply this to their Thanks Ingrid. businesses.
thinking reputation
WITH CHRISTOPHER SEROW
thinking
reputation
A
person or small company (“the aggrieved”) may be defamed when someone (“the publisher”) publicly makes or publishes untrue statements that malign the reputation of the aggrieved. An apology and retraction by the publisher of an untrue statement is usually the first step to resolving a dispute particularly where the publisher has made the statement in error. When a publisher does not properly retract an untrue or malicious statement the law of defamation may be invoked to protect the aggrieved party’s reputation. Impact of Defamation Stating or publishing comments without proper enquiry combined with reckless allegations about an individual may be considered as malicious and defamatory ultimately causing a negative impact on a person’s reputation and self esteem disrupting and maligning their achievements in business, social, sporting, political and cultural associations that may have been built up over several years. The emotional impact on the aggrieved person can be overwhelming causing anxiety, hurt feelings, financial loss and depression. Individuals and companies may suffer both economic and non-economic loss. If the publisher is reluctant or refuses to withdraw untrue statements or published material, an aggrieved person may proceed to take action against the publisher. Resolving Matters Without Going to Court In NSW the Defamation Act 2005 (‘the Act”) provides the steps involved in taking action against a publisher of defamatory material or statements. The objects of the Act however, provide that law of defamation is not intended to place unreasonable limits on freedom of expression and, in particular, on the publication and discussion of matters of public interest and importance. Such action may be at common law or may follow statutory provisions. Defamatory material does not have to be in writing and includes slander. The Act also provides for the circumstances in which a defence may be available to the publisher such as where the statement is substantially true or where a publisher may
have parliamentary or other privilege. Under provisions of the Act, not only are individuals entitled to take action in defamation but also not-for-profit organisations and companies that employ less than 10 full time equivalent staff. The first step to resolve defamation matters in accordance with the Act is for an aggrieved person to provide a concerns notice to the publisher. The concerns notice must be in writing and inform the publisher of the false and defamatory allegations that they have attributed to the aggrieved person. This is referred to as the imputations. The publisher then has 28 days in which it may make an offer to make amends either in relation to the matter generally or limited to part of the defamatory imputations. An offer to make amends must be in writing and include an offer to publish in writing a correction or retraction or to tell people that the published or stated material was incorrect and defamatory. The offer to make amends must include, among other things, an offer to pay the expenses reasonably incurred by the aggrieved before the offer was made (such as legal costs). Going to Court If an offer is not provided or does not satisfy statutory requirements, the aggrieved may take formal action to sue the publisher through either the District or Supreme Court of NSW or, in some cases, through the Federal Court system. Defamation matters cannot be filed in the Local Court. An action must be filed by way of a Statement of Claim within 12 months of the defamatory material being published. Apart from any economic loss, the aggrieved may claim compensation up to $250,000.00. The level of compensation however, if any, is ultimately determined by the Court. In addition to compensation the losing party will be usually be liable to pay the winning parties legal costs. Court proceedings for defamation are extremely expensive. Before taking such proceedings individuals should always obtain independent legal advice. Talk to us. You’ll be inspired. Christopher K.C. Serow Principal, Solicitor Director, Notary Public, Migration Agent MARN 0854319 New England focus. 55
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