New England Focus i127

new england

December 2017. issue 127

DAN AND TOM

Feature Story Slow Fashion

Oak Tree recognise that today’s for the exclusive use of residents gets easier. retirees are looking for affordable and guests. accommodation options Seniors looking for an improved You wil find Oak Tree ST A Y STAY Ret i r e ment Vi l a ge i n Ar m i d al e conveniently located in their lifestyle often find that communal INDEPEN INDEPENDENT the western end of Beardy homeAT town. ThiOAK s is whyA each OakTREE T living represents theO most cost atAK Tree vil age is close to community effective option. In many cases, Street. Display vil a is open RR and medical facilities. Coupled downsizing to a vil age releases 10am - 2pm on weekdays or with the security of a gated capital locked up in the family you can visit the website at community and recreational home for residents to enjoy. www.oaktreegroup.com.au

facilities, Retirement Village living General maintenance and repairs etirement Villages etirement Villages is far removed from the notion of are managed by Oak Tree staff can be mistakenly can be mistakenly withwith a Manager to oversee all aged care. associated with aged associated aged aspects of the Village finances care facilities when in fact Residents downsizing to a when care facilities in fac t and operations.

Maintenance they offer the opportunity to Retirement Village do not need they offer the opportunity costs are shared by residents downsize and live an easier to compromise on comfort. downsize and live easie throughan the payment of a low Each Villa contains a comfortable lifestyle for active seniors.

lifestyle

for active seniors . weekly fee.

The fee also covers all balance between size and operating costs including council As we age, our family homes often function. Built in storage, full As we age, our family o rates, water,homes building insurance don’t suit our changing needs and size kitchens, spacious living and don’t suit our changing and gardening. needs in Retirement Villages the design, covered outdoor patios are a key in Retirement Villages the desi The Oak Tree Retirement Group convenient location and offer of consideration of each design. convenient location and offer o can attest that you don’t stop managed maintenance become Oak Tree communities include managed maintenance living when you becom move into a an appealing option. purpose built recreation facilities an appealing option.

Retirement Village – life just for the exclusive use of residents Oak Tree recognise that today’s gets that easier.

Tree recognise today and guests. retireesOak are looking for affordable retirees are looking for afforda You will find Oak Tree accommodation options Seniors looking for an improved accommodation options Retirement Village in Armidale conveniently located in their lifestyle often find that communal at the western of Beardy conveniently located in end their home town.

This is why each Oak living represents the most cost Display villa is open Tree village is close to community home town.

This why each O effective option.

In many cases,isStreet.

10am - 2pmcommun on weekdays or and medical facilities. Coupled downsizing is to a village releases Tree village close to you can visit the website at with theand security of a gated capital locked upfacilities. in the family medical Coupled community and recreational www.oaktreegroup.com.au for residents to enjoy. of with the home security a gated

STAY 89 Martin Street, Armidale 1300 367 155 INDEPENDENT

www.oaktreegroup.com.au

community and recreational

89 Martin Street, Armidale

1300 367 155

www.oaktreegroup.com.au

89 Martin Street, Armida

2 New England focus.

Armidale Focus ADV_Stay Independent_340x275mm_FINAL.indd 1

7/11/2017 3:16 PM

focus_ team.

team From the

Welcome to the December edition of New England FOCUS.

I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! With the year coming to an end, we are racing to the finish line in style! We ventured out to find all things Christmas around the area.

This month, we’ve a great guide to some shopping ideas that will suit even the fussiest of people. So, deck the halls with boughs of holly and get your silly season sorted!

ON THE COVER The Welder’s Dog, a landmark of craft beer in the New England, are celebrating their 3rd birthday, which is, of course, their 21st in dog years! This little powerhouse for craft and boutique flavours has become a haunt for many and a household name to all. If you have visited The Welder’s Dog, chances are you have seen these two gents. Tom Croft and Daniel Emery are the owners and ideas men behind the Dog. Congratulations, fellas; thanks for bringing your tasty beverages and awesome culture to our region.

INSIDE THIS EDITION This month we got to meet some fantastic and amazing people of the New England …

contacts.

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus?

Contact us for more information.

With a major hail storm hitting the New England the night before our interview, Josh Osborne, local Controller of the Armidale Dumaresq State Emergency Service, tells FOCUS what’s involved with his role. Josh is a passionate volunteer and hasn’t gone unnoticed, winning the 2015 Youth Volunteer of the Year.

Karen Lawlor is on her way to compete next year in the World Beauty, Fashion and Fitness Federation event. With a extremely strict training regime, Karen’s dedication is second to none. FOCUS talks with Karen about what it’s like counting the reps and calories on her way to the world stage.

Steph Lloyd has been a true battler after losing her leg in an accident over 20 years ago. Recently she has undergone a osseointegration, which basically makes her a bionic woman. Find out how this has changed her life for the better.

FINAL SAY Coming to you every month, producing beautiful local lifestyle content is something we strive to excel in. It wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated readers, advertisers and current teams. From Tracy, Di and Jimmy along with the entire design team that makes our publication possible, we would like to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Slow Fashion. What is it? This unique movement at the Black Gully Music Festival has started awareness of us to be mindful of where our clothes come from.

Slow Fashion can be spending more on a quality piece of clothing that you will keep and hand on for years to come. It can be rejuvenating your wardrobe by changing the buttons or removing the sleeves, and it can be attending or hosting a clothes swap like the one at Black Gully Music Festival last month.

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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

We can offer you a range of services: Improved daily living skills in the community.

Improved relationships.

Increased participation.

Improved life choices.

Transport to access daily activities. 

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joey Dable

tracy@focusmag.com.au

Ascent specialises in providing services and support to adults living with disability, to achieve their goals, increase their independence, and participate as a valued member of their community.



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

Signing out for 2018 - the FOCUS team.

Life skills and Community Participation

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.

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02 6776 8977 ascentgroup.org.au

New England focus. 3

issue

Meg Mac.

inside this

Issue 127 - December 2017

The

Christmas A special focus feature

Regulars 8. WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 52. STAR GUIDE WITH TERRI 54. BUSINESS MINDS INGRID ROTHE

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facebook.com/newengland.focus www.twitter.com/focusmag www.focusmag.com.au/eat

No matter where you are in the world, read Focus for free online every month @ www.focusmag.com.au

RY EVE

Meg Mac is on tour with her new album, Low Blows, and will be performing at Festival Of The Sun this December in Port Macquarie. FOCUS catches up with Meg, to find out all about her latest tour.

9

Todd McKenney.

Renowned from his performance in the Boy from Oz, and also from his time judging the TV show Dancing with the Stars, Todd McKenney still loves the music of Peter Allen after 20 years of singing his songs.

24 48

16 10

Josh Osborne.

Decorated local controller for the Armidale Dumaresq unit, passionate thespian and all-round great guy, Josh Osborne tells FOCUS what it’s like to be in his role at such a young age. Winning a 2015 youth volunteer award, Josh loves being an active member of the State Emergency Service and making a difference in the community.

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• Pre-Christmas delivery on selected models and colours.

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• Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

• For a limited time only.

• Offer only applies to the Original and Global Collections.

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PLUS! $100 from every seat sold during this period will be donated to the Clown Doctors Humour Foundation.

4 New England focus.

New England focus. 5

focusinterview.

Slow

fashion

Black Gully Music Festival (BGMF) was a start to a movement. A community scale slow fashion movement. But, what is slow fashion? FOCUS talks with Sara Schmude about what it actually is ...

C

an you tell us a little about what slow fashion is and how it works?

The Slow Fashion movement is a global community initiative to move towards more conscious and mindful choices.

It’s about asking the questions; where do my clothes come from; who made them; and where do they go when I have finished with them? It’s about reducing the impact of our choices, thinking more about quality over quantity, thinking locally/regionally produced and about caring for our belongings in responsible ways.

Slow fashion can be spending more on a quality piece of clothing that you will keep and hand on for years to come. It can be rejuvenating your wardrobe by changing the buttons or removing the sleeves, and it can be attending or hosting a clothes swap like the one at Black Gully Music Festival last month.

Why, do you believe, has the need for slow fashion arisen?

Of late we are increasingly made aware of alarming stats, such as 500,000 tonnes of fabric going to landfill in Australia annually.

And that it takes 2,700 litres of water to produce ONE cotton T-shirt. And in Asia, rivers are turning toxic with the latest colours from the fast fashion industry. The advent of the internet has empowered people to become more aware of the impacts of their lifestyle

6 New England focus.

choices, and change that happens locally can have a global impact.

Change can be as simple as saying to yourself, Utilising fast fashion is part of “Do I need another pair that journey, because we see of red boots” or happily repurposing and being receiving hand-mecreative gives you more overs from friends and from across the region options and saves you family. And change is enjoying shopping needing to fill your cupboards occurring - you only need with a difference. We up with more stuff! to see the traffic on a had a range of special BuySwapSell site to know stylists on hand to give the level of investment in individuals advice on preloved goods. how to mix up items and Can any garment be revitalise their wardrobes. used in slow fashion? You had a slow We heard many talk of holding their own fashion swap meet at BGMF; did it exclude swaps and to us, that is gold! fast fashion items?

Do you think that being mindful of slow The beauty of the slow fashion movement is fashion makes for a more sustainable that you are only limited by your imagination ideology, in that it may have a trickle and ability to experiment. The slow fashion down effect to a consumer? E.g. slow Black Gully (SFBG) collective is a bunch of food... vibrant people interested in making fashion When I think of sustainability, I think a creative process, that embraces individual responsibility, and this works across all levels expression in an environment of acceptance of society, be it related to food, energy, health, and non-judgement. Utilising fast fashion transport, housing and fashion. And so, raising is part of that journey, because we see awareness around being responsible for our repurposing and being creative gives you more actions and decisions, I believe, brings about options and saves you needing to fill your a more conscious, vibrant and sustainable cupboards up with more stuff! community. At the SFBG gathering, we were The clothing swap at Black Gully last joined by the local high school community in month was a huge success, with people showcasing the upcycled fashion and furniture

wares they had worked on in their Textiles, Design and Technology classes during the year.

The results were outstanding and gave us the impression that the slow movement is one that is not just for the 30 somethings - the next generation are getting involved.

Will this movement be only for a once a year trade at the BGMF? With the outstanding support we received last month, we are sure to make this gathering happen on a yearly basis. Our hope though, is to inspire people to take up the opportunity to host their own - be it in their lounge room, garden, at school, on the bus … the possibilities are endless. The recipe for success is simple - keep it slow.

And lastly, who are the SFBG collective?

The collective is made up of a bunch of adventurous types - they are Georgie, Tanya, Bec, Jane, Rach, Kate, Sam, Kass, Tim, Kyra, Katinka, Sorrel and Rachel … and they all love swapping clothes and having a good time doing it, so it’s a pleasure being amongst them!

Thanks Sara.

New England focus. 7

focus_What’s On New England

D E C E M B E R

25 Weemala Pottery Christmas Shop Rick and Suzanne Hatch open their 28th annual exhibition and sale on Saturday 25th November until December 24th.

Open Weekdays 9:30am - 5:30pm; Saturdays 9am - 1pm; Sunday 26th November and Sunday 17th December, 9am 1pm. Where 171 Beardy St Centre Mall, Armidale (Near the fountain). For more info phone (02) 6772 5371.

Culturefest

7

Come and experience what the Armidale International Community has to offer! Listen to live band music, sample international cuisine, enjoy cultural performances and browse the cultural displays of Mexico, Iraq, Thailand, Ethiopia, Greece, Philippines, Nepal and many more.

Participate in Rangoli and Dwali! There will also be a Kids’ Corner with activities and popcorn! When Thursday 7 December, 5pm to 8pm. Where The Armidale Mall.

Cost Free entry. For more info contact Dunya Alruhaimi at The International Hub on 0484 595 457.

Guyra Christmas Party Lighting of the Christmas Tree, market stalls and local food, meet Santa and much more, including THE CAT IN THE HAT LIVE SHOW. When Saturday 2nd December from 4pm. Where Bradley St, Guyra.

Phone 1300 136 833.

4 8

First Saturday chats

Our next First Saturday Chats will be hosted by Amelia Brayley (Solicitor) from 10am to 1pm at the Legal Minds offices at 157 Beardy Street, The Mall, Armidale on Saturday 4th December 2017. As this is a popular program, bookings are essential on (02) 6788 1100.

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The Christmas Show!

An exhibition of prints, textiles and paintings by 25 local artists. When Opening night Friday, Dec 8, 5:30 - 7pm.

Exhibition runs from Dec 9 - Jan 30. Where The Uralla Print Gallery, 66 Bridge St, Uralla.

16 Markets in the Mall This month the markets will be celebrating the end of another busy year in style - with a celebration in the Mall, to coincide with Kids Day. When Saturday 16th December. Come along to experience what’s on offer!

16

Walcha Farmers’ Christmas Market

Don't miss the Walcha Farmers’ Christmas Market on Saturday 16th December, which includes gourmet and organic fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, meat, bread and baked goods, dairy, poultry, condiments, wine, coffee, teas, spices, honey, olive oil, edible by-products, plants and flowers, hampers, handmade gifts and much more, just in time for Christmas. Where South Street Corner of Fitzroy Street, Walcha. More info info@ walchafarmersmarket.org.au or walchafarmersmarket.org.au

focusinterview.

Meg Mac is on tour with her new album Low Blows and will be performing at Festival Of The Sun this December in Port Macquarie. FOCUS catches up with Meg, to find out all about her latest tour.

D

escribe your journey since winning the triple j Unearthed competition in 2014 …

I uploaded my first song to triple j Unearthed and it started to get some radio play, so I just kept making music and releasing songs from there.

It turned into an EP, then a tour, and I headed overseas after winning the Unearthed Artist of The Year Award. I’ve been back and forth, touring and recording, but I’ve just released my debut album this year.

You perform on stage at massive festivals, as well as doing more intimate gigs on tour. Is there a different mentality that goes into preparing for each of these situations?

Yes, definitely with the intimate shows you get to have more of the special moments. I get to play the keyboard by myself and I like to do songs where I play on a loop pedal, so it’s just me playing. When I do an intimate venue, it’s quiet enough to have those special moments.

When you do the festivals, we try to keep everything high energy and with so many people buzzing around, you have to keep up the energy. I do like both events; in the intimate gigs you get to talk to the audience more, where in the festival events it’s harder to do that.

With your current tour, how is it all

going; how are your piano demo I’d written fans responding? at home and play with When I write my songs, I’m I’ve been playing the band; it was actually always writing them pretty much the whole way more exciting in with harmonies in mind. album on this tour, and the studio - as in, we’d With so many vocals all it’s really nice telling the play a song live as a over my album, I really need stories about the songs band, recording them the live singers to be there with and having people know live, so I kinda had to me, to make the tracks feel alive. what I’m talking about throw myself into it. or singing along. I’ve Your sister, Hannah, got my band touring sings in the band too. with me, but also have What’s it like having a moments in the show friend, confidant and where it is just me and my keyboard or me sister working with you? and my loop pedal playing songs that have It’s fun. I guess people say siblings always never been recorded. sing well together; it’s always really easy to For such a softly spoken person to just sing. There are so many harmonies in my transform into a vocal powerhouse, songs. When I write my songs, I’m always what’s your routine before a show? writing them with harmonies in mind. With so Yes, I’ll always warm up before a show to many vocals all over my album, I really need get my voice ready. But, I guess the singing the live singers to be there with me, to make is kinda where I feel more comfortable. the tracks feel alive.

I’m not nervous about singing; I feel more Tell us about the track, Kindness, on your comfortable when I’m doing that, and it’s not new album. It has a very different sound as scary as having to do interviews! and seems to pay homage to past divas.

You recorded and released your new Yeah, I was singing it and having some fun album, Low Blows in the US. Did you find with the delivery; it’s not as emotional, maybe. the process more immersive than having It’s kinda got some attitude. It actually came recorded it in Australia? together with two different song ideas, which Well, I chose to make the album in Niles is pretty obvious when you hear the chorus City Sound in Texas, and I wanted to make come in. I had heaps of fun with that song, the album with those guys because together because I have never really written a song like we brought my songs to life. We’d take a that, and it has a really fun aspect about it. I

can’t wait to do that one on tour.

On tour with D’Angelo in the US, you adopted some new accessories, aka the signature hat. On your recent travels, have you picked up any new styles or stitches?

Well, at Splendour I wore a cream suit, like an all cream suit (with a hat of course), and I always wear black or dark colours. I don’t know why, but I was like, I want to wear a white suit. So, I feel I may be kind of getting into suits lately? That might be my latest thing. But, I’m still doing the hat!

What's the hardest thing about what you do?

Well, I guess you just have to keep going; it never stops. I can’t finish at the end of the day and go, "OK, it’s time to go to bed now" ...

You’re just continuously thinking about it, or you wake up in the middle of the night to get up and write something down; it’s constant.

But, that’s one of the best things about it too.

When you’re not performing, what’s Meg Mac doing?

Well, besides singing a lot at home, I love op-shopping - finding cool things for two dollars. I end up wearing that stuff on stage.

There’s a shop near me that has a rack that usually has stuff I’d wear on stage; however, I went back to that rack recently and it didn’t have anything, so I guess it’s not my rack anymore!

Thanks Meg. New England focus. 9

focusinterview.

TODD McKenney Sings Peter Allen - The Piano Sessions Renowned from his performance in the Boy from Oz, and also from his time judging the TV show Dancing with the Stars, Todd McKenney still loves the music of Peter Allen after 20 years of singing his songs.

Todd will perform Peter’s massive hits, including I Still Call Australia Home and I Go to Rio, plus many other songs, on his extended regional 20th Anniversary Tour. You can see Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen - The Piano Sessions at Port Macquarie and Tamworth in December … And, it’s a show with a “twist”!

H

i Todd. Whereabouts in the world are you today, while we’re busy chatting?

I’ve just stepped off the treadmill at the gym! I’m also about to go and do a training session.

I’m in Pymble, Sydney.

That’s multitasking! You’ve been performing Peter Allen’s songs for many years now.

How much does the man’s music still inspire you?

(Laughs. ) Yes! His songs still inspire me very much … It’s the whole spectrum, rather than just churning them out, because they’ve been the backbone of my career for 20 years. I’m very aware of that, and I like the songs.

What can you tell us about the show, Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen - The Piano Sessions?

Because it’s not a scripted show, and it’s a show I’ve put together myself with my band, apart from the massive Peter Allen hits (which we do every single show, because the audience would lynch me on the way out if I didn’t do them!) we have a lot of other material we can choose from.

Peter had a massive songbook, so we pick and choose the songs we put in the show each night - we don’t really ever do the same show twice.

We also never do the same chat twice, and the chat, for me - as it was to Peter Allen - is as important as the songs. This changes every night, because the audience is different every night.

The show is only loosely scripted, and we tend to fly by the seat of our pants, depending on what mood the audience is in. This keeps everything fresh!

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You mentioned the band; who are the various members?

There are four of us on stage. There’s Michael Rohanek, my boy-wonder, genius piano player.

We call him the delinquent of the group (laughs) because he’s one of those nutty-genius piano players. He can play anything … There’s a real comedy element to the show, and he’s quite a character on stage …

Lisa Callingham is my amazing backing singer; she did The Boy from Oz with me 20 years ago, and she’s been doing my shows for the past four or five years.

Then there’s Ralph Marshall, who’s the bass player and another backing vocalist. He plays a beautiful upright double bass, two electric bass guitars and keyboards, to provide strings or horn parts as needed.

It’s a much fuller sound than just a piano.

We’ve been working together for so long, the four of us, so we can change the show every night - we all know the songs, and we can go with the flow. When you have a huge band, it can be much more rigid; there’s more flexibility with this show.

You mentioned the chat, so the show is quite interactive. What are some of the more unusual questions audience members have asked you?

I get everything from, “What’s Sonia Kruger really like?” to “Why did I score Nikki Webster a ‘one’ on Dancing with the Stars?” You get it all … “What was Pauline Hanson like?” Pauline was the first contestant ever on Dancing with the Stars, and people remember that. Now that she’s back in the spotlight, people ask me about her.

In the second half of the show, it’s relaxed and the audience really opens up - and sometimes it’s very moving. The audience ask things like,

“Did you ever meet Peter come to the Tamworth Allen, and what was it shows. I have a strong The show is only loosely like?” I have some stories connection to Tamworth. scripted, and we tend about this. It can also be Peter and his family also to fly by the seat of hilarious and completely had a strong relationship our pants, depending random - it’s a part with this area. on what mood the of the show we look Final say … audience is in. This keeps forward to the most.

We decided on this everything fresh!

I believe you even tour to offer the audience encourage the something entirely audience to bring different, and we were score cards and rate scratching our heads your performance. That’s pretty brave! deciding what we should do. So, what we (Laughs.) I didn’t actually encourage them! decided to do was put one table and two chairs They just do it! I think it’s great, because if you on the stage, and we invite two of the audience can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! members up on the stage every night to enjoy It’s a very weird little by-product of Dancing the first half of the show - so they see the show with the Stars, and it makes me laugh. I get from our point of view. everything from a one to an 11! It happens at We give them things like a cheese platter, every single show, without fail. some Twisties and a bottle of red wine - it’s What other surprises are in store? completely random, and people just love it! We Helen Richey will actually be joining us on don’t make fun of them; we just have them stage for our Port Macquarie show, because she’s celebrate the show with us. We choose people living up that way now. I suggested she go and out of the audience every night … So this could look at Port Macquarie , because it’s one of my be something anyone who comes to the show favourite places on the entire planet. I love it that could enjoy. much! And now, she lives there! I wouldn’t even Wonderful! You’ve just mentioned my three be surprised if I end up there … Town Beach, favourite food groups: cheese, Twisties and and that walk around the boardwalk. It’s heaven red wine, so I’ll be in that! Thanks for your on Earth! time, Todd - we look forward to you visiting Of course, you’re also stopping in at soon! beautiful Tamworth. When’s the last time It’s been a pleasure - thank you. you visited this area?

I was in Tamworth about 18 months ago.

Part of the reason I’m doing this regional tour is because I like driving. I love getting in my car See Todd McKenney Sings Peter Allen and driving in the country - I love the drive up to The Piano Sessions at The Capitol Theatre, Tamworth. It truly is the real Australia!

Tamworth on December 1st @ 8pm.

I have friends in Gunnedah too, so they all Tickets capitoltheatretamworth.com.au

Killen’s S M A S H

H

ow long has Killen’s Smash Repairs been serving our community ?

Paul Killen first started panelbeating and spray painting in partnership with David Reid, trading as Killen & Reid in 1970; they operated out of a workshop on Ohio Street (now occupied by Bob Greene Auto).

Killen’s Smash Repairs began operating at its current site 246 Mann Street in 1975, operated

by Paul & Gwen Killen. The business is now operated by their son, Michael Killen, with his wife, Natalie, and a third generation has joined the company, with Cameron Killen a first year Panel Apprentice.

The business currently employs 15 people and since 1970 has trained over 25 Trade Apprentices.

Killen’s is very proud to be part of the Armidale business community and supports many local charities, events and sporting clubs.

There are changes that consumers should be aware of when choosing insurance for their vehicles; tell us about this?

Insurance companies have a big push at the moment to direct customers to “preferred or recommended” repairers; this is purely based on controlling cost and allows insurers to put

R E P A I R S

huge pressure on contracted shops to reduce costs of repairs in many ways. Some of these are: fixed price, used parts, non genuine parts etc.

There are a few things that I would like to make policy holders aware of as a result of this; modern motor vehicles must be repaired to manufacturers’ standards and procedures, and every repair is different. As the owner of a vehicle that requires repairs, you should be made fully aware by the repairer of what is going to be done; you should also be provided with a copy of the quote. Many insurers and repairers don’t want to provide this, as it can reveal the true extent of what will or won’t be done.

If you have an interest in how your car is repaired or who repairs it, you need to ensure that you have “Choice of Repairer” on your policy.

How can I be sure that all repairs to my vehicle have been completed properly?

Knowing and trusting whoever repairs your car is the first place to start. As stated before, the process and what parts will be replaced, what will be repaired, what will be painted and a copy of the quote is critical to understanding and having control in the process. Ask to see images of the repair in mid stage, before paint

etc. You should be permitted to inspect the car mid repair if you wish.

Although insurers are legally required to warrant the repairs that they authorise, the repairer is the one who has to guarantee their own work; check that they have a documented warranty policy and paint warranty coverage and a presence in your town, so that if there is an issue you can return to have this attended to.

Remember - insurance companies don’t repair cars; it is the repairer who must have the knowledge, equipment and training to ensure that repairs are completed effectively.

If you have a repair completed and are unsure if it is OK, take it to your choice of repairer to be checked.

Why is it so important to stick to manufacturers’ repair methods?

Motor vehicles are, for most of us, one of

the most complex things that we own. They are manufactured to very fine tolerances and will often need to be electronically measured and realigned to ensure that the full safety and function is restored. High strength steels and alloys are used in all vehicles these days and cannot just be straightened or repaired like they used to; often they must be replaced using manufacturers’ documented procedures, and this can involve a number of different processes i.e. resistance spot welding, bonding, riveting.

It is often said that “they don’t make them like they used to” ... This is true, and modern vehicles do suffer more obvious damage, because they outer panels and plastics are generally lighter and thinner. However, the actual structure is incredibly strong and passenger protection levels are safer than ever; this is why any structural repairs are so critical.

New England focus. 11

focusinterview.

Dog the

Welder’s

DAN AND TOM

12 New England focus.

focusinterview.

Dog the

Welder’s

DAN AND TOM

Tom, Amy, Jade, Beans, Jake & Dan. Lilla & Giac (away)

The Welder’s Dog, a landmark for craft beer in the New England, are celebrating their third birthday ... Which is, of course, their 21st in dog years! This little powerhouse

of craft and boutique flavours has become a haunt for many and a household name to all. FOCUS chats with Tom and Dan about “The Dog”.

O

ver the past three years, how has the Welder’s Dog settled in to the New England?

From originally thinking we would just be serving beer, it turned into more than that. The New England has really taken ownership of the Dog. Every customer has become a friend, and in a way we feel like a friend to the entire town!

Ever the hard workers, you decided to start the Tamworth Welder’s Dog this year too?

Well, we saw that Tamworth needed something too. They needed an alternative place for people to go. We have a few friends up there and had a chat with them, and they were really keen. We probably wouldn’t have done it if we hadn’t found the building - once we saw it, we fell in love with it. We think it will have the personality it does here.

Tell us about some of the local produts you use.

Without a doubt, Dobson’s is the highest selling spirit in the bar. Whenever we have local kegs on, they always go really quickly.

We’ve found that whether it’s tourists or locals, everyone seems to support the local brews.

Farmhouse Ginger Beer?

Well, it has evolved over time. We started trying all the available ginger beers on the market and the common feedback was that, “It’s nice, but it’s too sweet”. So, we researched if we could find a ginger beer that

everybody liked and that was properly brewed.

Generally speaking, a lot are carbonated sugar water or a wine sprit with flavouring. Ours has 100% natural fermentation; this gives it all those little characteristics that happen in a brew. Also, it’s chockablock with fresh ginger.

Ramping up the production line is no small feat. Enter the Welder’s Dog “Brew House”…

After about 18 months of research and work, talking to other brewers, importers, and brewery manufacturers, we tried to overcome any errors they may have experienced. We also weighed up if it was good to have a side business. Since we’ve started production, we’ve been welcomed in, as we aren’t creating a competing drink.

So there’s nothing like it on the market.

Can you tell us about the recipe?

Well, Phil must be given credit; he’s the technical man. Early on, we realised that we are pretty time poor. While having dabbled in some home brewing, we needed someone with a scientific background. Phil worked long and hard on the recipe. Jeez, I reckon we went through so much ginger; every time Coles got a new batch, we’d be in buying it all up.

We blew up many blenders - we borrowed Mum’s blender, blew it up, among with a bunch more. We were brewing it on Phil’s stove at the time, in 5 L batches. We were doing it small scale, but we still had big plans.

The process is all fresh ingredients and grain derived ingredients to meet the definition of brewed beer. All handmade, no additives,

Early on, we realised that we meant to be starting flavours or preservatives. are pretty time poor. While Clean and fresh. two businesses within a having dabbled in So what’s your six month period; it just some home brewing, supplying capacity happened like that. We we needed someone now? have a really tight-knit with a scientific Well, now we have crew at the moment. background. Phil worked a large scale brewing Even when are not long and hard on the recipe. capacity in the shed. But working, they’ll come before we go too hard, in and have a beer! we are really trying to What’s next? dial in and fine tune the We are still very recipe before we get out there too much. At much in the early stages. We seem to come the moment we are struggling to keep up with up with a million ideas a week, and we’ve demand, which is a good thing! had to step back and tell ourselves that they What would you pair this beer with? are a distraction. We are conscious that it is Oysters. Seafood. Lots of Asian dishes go still early days and want to focus on getting great with it. We’ve got a lady cooking pork these running smoothly. We really would with it this weekend at the Dog! We’ll be love a beer garden upstairs; at the moment it taking it to a few festivals, in the near future. isn’t possible. Possibly some food? Growing a But I’d eat it with a steak, or a piece of lettuce bigger team? All of these are important ideas (laughs)! that could be possible.

How are you guys juggling running two Congratulations fellas. Any final words? bars, the brew shed and all the other things that go along with that?

We have awesome staff that we can rely on. We let them get on and do their stuff and they have really taken ownership of the place.

They are the face of it. It’s really not easy, so we really have to thank them. We never really

Thanks for the support. Thanks for getting behind the culture, supporting live music, local business and helping us make places where the locals enjoy. Huge thanks to all the food vendors that have been involved too! As always… Drink Less, Taste More.

New England focus. 13

focus_contributor

WITH SUSIE DUNN

Icing ON

CAKE

Alice Cairns and Justine Kavanagh

wine Stoppers and

Pourers Just in time for the SILLY season from Things With a Difference

YOUNG and FOOLISH

Christmas celebrates the story of the arrival of a baby born in a cowshed in what is now known as the West Bank of the Palestinian Territories.

T

his baby grew up to a future with a lasting, world-wide effect. Celebrations within our region are just beginning in this special season of the Australian year.

Adults (generally) care passionately about their children, wanting them to live the best life they can. But - and I’m guilty of this - we often think that we always know best, and we fail to listen.

So we miss things. Young people embody our hope for the future. Dean Martin sang Young and Foolish - but the song does end I wish that I was young and foolish again.

I thought I’d ask the ARC’s Youth Council (ages 12 to 24) how they felt. Should we be providing drop-in centres? Is there really nothing to do here? Is it all a problem? Cara Barnes is the ARC’s Youth Services Co-Ordinator, with Laura and Citi sharing the Chair, and because of the HSC, the meeting of eight was smaller than usual. I met them by first names and thought they were sensible, sensitive and with a sense of fun, and on this sampling, incoming generations will work it out. Just like the rest of us. Since then, I’ve asked around. Not all people are the same and many problems call for shared solutions and understanding. Generational change appears politically evident in an increasing number of “western” countries. Let’s sit and listen more. They will inherit the world we leave them, and judge us.

Apparently young city people are becoming increasingly open to the idea of moving to the country. Let’s target this market, working to show them a lifestyle they can relate to, boosting our population.

UNE’s Oorala recently celebrated thirty years of existence serving Aboriginal students, and this year there are over 800 of them. Lynette Riley was the first Director and previous Vice-Chancellor; Ingrid Moses drove the construction of the purpose-built headquarters, another of the university’s great assets. Days of celebrations had something for everybody, including visits from Isaiah Firebrace, beautifully voiced Winner of The X Factor 2016, and Clayton Donovan, acclaimed 14 New England focus.

Indigenous chef.

It’s also good to see the return of Aboriginal representation on the ARC, with the arrival of new Councillor Brad Widders. Aboriginal people are taking their rightful place in the nation’s life and showing just how much Walking Together enriches us all. Listen.

The Swire Group is “a multinational, multi-disciplined commercial group” for which I happen to have great admiration. It’s interesting to note in their latest magazine that “For businesses everywhere, sustainable practice and environmental protection are no longer an option but an essential part of doing business in the modern world”. I wish those words were engraved over the entrances to our Parliament Houses!

On so many fronts there are new advances.

A friend here has just finished his new house. I thought I was on the ball with double glazing, soundchek, solar panels etc. but he has new “bonded” glass windows and doors (cheaper, better looking and potentially more effective), new heated flooring solutions and all sorts of environmental, renewable tricks! He’s definitely on the ball!

I don’t know how many readers are tired of certain words - innovation, change fatigue, disruption, politics, elections … I think I’ll just talk about magpies apparently winning the battle over the predator currawongs in town. I love magpies and their serenading and haven’t had problems, recognising that at breeding time the males have a protective instinct best respected by avoiding them.

As a passionate supporter of UNE, and despite general feelings of seasonal goodwill, I am nonetheless furious that their current ads give the distinct impression that only online study is the way to go. An on-campus education offers special opportunities that can influence students for life.

University education is more than passing exams.

Perhaps next year we can see that message spread. Meanwhile, with Christmas markets and general goodwill, let’s give thanks for what we have and hope for - and above all, be kind to each other.

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

2017 CHRISTMAS COFFEE BLENDS ‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, all the creatures were stirring a lovely cup of coffee.

Christmas Blend includes Nicaraguan El Penon Blueberry Candy, Daterra Full Bloom, Costa Rica Terrazzu Volcanic Hot Springs, Guatamala Finca El Tambour and Rwanda’s Lake Kivu Gihombo Red Bourbon.

Finally, we have added 12% of a great Australian, Byron Blue EMU Paddock Natural, with its full body and flavours of chocolate, caramel and creamy Brazil nuts.

This designer coffee is a perfect balance of natural bean flavours and a controlled roast cycle ending at 222.3°C and final drop at 223.2°C for an optimum flavour experience.

Available in 250 g Christmas Cylinders.

Where

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is the best of Blue Mountain coffee, noted for their mild flavour and lack of bitterness.

Over the past few decades, this coffee has developed a reputation that has made it one of the most expensive and soughtafter coffees in the world. Over 80% of all Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is exported to Japan. In addition to its use for brewed coffee, the beans are the flavour base of Tia Maria coffee liqueur.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is a globally protected certification mark, meaning only coffee certified by the Coffee Industry Board of Jamaica can be labelled as such. Available in 100 g Christmas Cylinders.

Find out more about other quality blends at www.dailyritual.com.au

advertorial INTRODUCING PETER MAILLER, COUNTRYMINDED CANDIDATE IN THE UPCOMING NE W ENGL AND BY-ELECTION. PETER IS A CO-FOUNDER OF THE PART Y COUNTRYMINDED, ALONG WITH HIS UR ALL A-BA SED BROTHER, DAVID MAILLER AND ARMIDALE-BA SED METHUEN MORGAN. PETER IS A FARMER FROM BOGGABILL A, MARRIED WITH FOUR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN. ALONG WITH HIS WIFE, CL ARE, HE RUNS A 7000-ACRE GR AIN AND CAT TLE ENTERPRISE.

M I N D E D

W

hy are you running?

I believe that our regions have been taken for granted for far too long. Competition is the key to good politics. Marginal seats get all the political attention, and safe seats get next to none. I am running to try and bring genuine competition to this election and focus the narrative on real issues, like energy, employment, health, education and infrastructure.

CountryMinded Candidate Peter Mailler has boldly called for the New England to become a Renewable Energy Hub, setting out a model that would then set the precedent for an Australiawide implementation.

It is a disgrace that our politicians are hijacking the debate on renewables and climate based on paid for big coal allegiance. Getting serious about renewables is not just a play to popular opinion; it makes good economic sense. The National Party strategy of building more coal fired power will lock in power prices for the next 50 years.

The New England is blessed with excellent resources for renewable energy production: wind; hydro; and solar. If elected, I am committed to delivering a New England Renewable Energy Hub - a renewable energy hub designed for the region, by the region, to meet the energy needs of the region. Putting clean generators next to

energy consumption will to give small business the significantly reduce the cost same rights as consumers Essentially, we are a of energy production over under the Competition better reflection of time. The New England and Consumer Act - a the changing norms Renewable Energy Hub relatively simple change, in our community will be a working model that would make it more than the major parties are for other regions to follow, difficult for big business able to achieve. improving energy supply and to exploit small business affordability. and address the significant Where do you stand on power imbalance that support for small business? currently fosters anti-competitive behaviour by Infrastructure and investment for rural and big business. regional Australia must be determined based on The party has described itself as the economic contribution of the region to the economically conservative and socially economy, not just population - or more cynically, progressive, but what do you mean by that? the number of voters who live there.

Essentially, we are a better reflection of the Small business accounts for approximately two changing norms in our community than the million businesses employing over seven million major parties are able to achieve. We believe people - about two thirds of the Australian in people being empowered by Government workforce. to solve their own problems, rather than being Increasing demands on small business constrained by it. We believe in investment that administration and compliance do nothing to stimulates and rewards private sector investment. improve productivity or profitability, adding cost We are an inclusive, values based organisation. to the business and de-motivating the sector.

CountryMinded believes in social equality The Act assumes all consumers are commercially and opportunity and is strongly opposed to incompetent and aggressively protects them. any persecution or prejudice towards anyone Conversely, it does not differentiate between based on race, religion, sexuality or ability. We large or small business. are approaching politics with old fashioned I am calling for reform of competition policy statesmanship and a nation building culture.

OK, some quick questions.

Do you support marriage equality?

The simple answer is yes.

And medical cannabis?

Aside from the obvious treatment benefits, I see a tremendous opportunity for New England to lead and benefit from an Australian medicinal cannabis industry. Like the renewables opportunity, it just requires a political champion and collaborative approach.

How do you answer criticism that you don’t live in the New England?

My state member is Adam Marshall, I live in the Northern Tablelands, my parents met and married in Armidale and I have close family in Uralla, but it’s not about the ever-changing lines on the electoral map. This election, every election, no matter the circumstances should be about the issues. I am asking the people of the New England to vote for me on the issues that are important to them ... Because they believe that I will provide them with honest and fair representation ... Because the New England deserves a better deal.

Any last words?

Make sure your vote counts. The sheer size of the field means there is a much greater chance of informal voting. Make sure to number all the boxes, 1 to17.

ADVERTISEMENT

New England focus. 15

Bistro 1879 - Railway Hotel Armidale

Brew REVIEW. with Same from Armidale Coffee House

Brew REVIEW.

Di Bella Coffee at Armidale Coffee House, Armidale Plaza with Sam from Armidale Coffee House

The Railway is one of Armidale's oldest pubs, serving the local community for over 130 years.

This grand old dame has renovations underway, with our new bar and dining area nearly completed and ready for use in December. With The Railway is one of Armidale's oldest pubs, top notch pub grub from the 1879 anyears. serving the local community forBistro, over 130 independent bottle number of spaces This grand oldshop dameand has arenovations underway, with our bar and dining area Hotel nearly is for functions andnew events, the Railway andstaff readyare forfriendly use in December.

With the placecompleted to be. The and ready top notch pub grub from the 1879 Bistro, an to make you our top priority, so come and pay independent bottle shop and a number of spaces us a visit during the warmer months. We look

lla Coffee from Brisbane has a Crop ongoing development and quality assurance. ogram which is dedicated to the So you don't have to go all the way to Di Bella Coffee at Armidale Coffee House, Armidale Plaza ethical sourcing of speciality grade Brisbane to experience Di Bella Coffee; just ans. Di Bella staff travel to coffee pop into the Armidale Coffee House in the Our Di Bella Coffee from Brisbane has a Crop ongoing development and quality assurance. ommunities around the world to Plaza for your next drop. love to Cup program which is dedicated to the So you don't We havewould to go all the to way to gside farmers and communities see you and look forward to serving you our ongoing, ethical sourcing of speciality grade Brisbane to experience Di Bella Coffee; just coffee beans. Di Bella staff travel to coffeeDi Bellapop into the Armidale Coffee House in the e their goals of sustainability, special Coffee when you do. growing communities around the world to work alongside farmers and communities who share their goals of sustainability,

forward to seeing you and are ready and waiting for you to experience all we have to offer.

Bistro 1879 - Railway Hotel Armidale

for functions and events, the Railway Hotel is the place to be. The staff are friendly and ready to make you our top priority, so come and pay us a visit during the warmer months. We look

forward to seeing you and are ready and waiting for you to experience all we have to offer.

222 RUSDEN ST, ARMIDALE (02) 6772 3109 BOTTLESHOP OPEN 7 DAYS SUN - MON: 10AM - 7PM & TUES - SAT: 9AM - 9PM 222 RUSDEN ST, ARMIDALE (02) 6772 3109 OPEN EVERY DAY FOR LUNCH (12NOON TO 2PM) AND DINNER (6PM TO 8.30PM).

Plaza for your next drop. We would love to see you and look forward to serving you our special Di Bella Coffee when you do.

ET THE MEE T T EE MH TE A M TE A M oretwe nty fou r on mo ore tw en tyf ou r on mo

The team at TwentyFour on Moore have been an integral part of

e team at TwentyFour their on Moore been an integral part of recenthave renovations and rebranding. their recent renovations and rebranding.

Fat Goose Crossing Fat Goose Crossing Fat Goose Crossing would like to take this

you all in 2018.

you all in 2018.

Fat Goose Crossingtowould like to take this opportunity wish the whole of Armidale and surrounding districts merry opportunity to wish the wholea very of Armidale Christmas and a happy holiday season. This and surrounding districts a very merry want our staff to look forward to coming Having owned the café for almost 12 is our seventh year of operation, and we and a happy holiday season. This to work each day, and think of them as partChristmas months, owners Iris and Lauren rely on couldn't have done it without your amazing want our staff to look forward to coming owned the café for almost 12 SHOP 48 - 51 ARMIDALE PLAZA, ARMIDALE is our seventh year of operation, and we of our family. We are so lucky to have such their staff to not only provide outstanding support - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30AM TO 5PM; SATURDAY to work each day, and think of them as part s, owners Iris and Lauren rely on have done it without amazing dedicated and wonderful people to work couldn'tTHANK service to their customers, but also bring YOU, and we lookyour forward to seeing 8:30AM SUNDAY 9AM TO 3PM. SHOPTO483PM - 51AND ARMIDALE PLAZA, ARMIDALE of our family. We are so lucky to have such aff to not onlyjoyprovide outstanding with!” and positivity to the workplace.

“We support - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30AM TO 5PM; SATURDAY dedicated and wonderful people to work to their customers, but also bring THANK YOU, and we look forward to seeing 8:30AM TO 3PM AND SUNDAY 9AM TO 3PM. 16 New England focus. with!” positivity to the workplace. “We

gland focus.

Armidale Coffee House At Armidale Coffee House we love great coffee and even better food!

Christmas is just around the corner, and we would love to help you celebrate. We have a range of Christmas Party Packages to choose from, with prices starting at $15pp.

All packages include bottomless Di Bella coffee and a traditional Christmas lunch. We also provide catering for outside events and parties. Please see Sam for all booking and

Two Goats Café and Baa

catering enquiries.

Live and Local ARMIDALE PLAZA (02) 6771 9725 MON, TUES, WED & FRI - 8AM - 5:30PM THURS - 8AM - 6:30PM SAT - 8AM - 4:30PM SUN - 8AM - 2:30PM

Two Goats loves a bit of live music - so much so, there are many live acts in December, including: • Honey and Knives Album Launch - Fri 1 Dec • Yhan Leal - Fri 8 Dec • Oliver Downes and Imogen Pemberton Thurs 14 Dec • Out West - Fri 15 Dec • The Empty Pockets - Fri 22 Dec • Jess Ribeiro - Sun 24 Dec • Finger Pickin Good w/guests - Fri 29 Dec

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 - 12:30pm

85 MARSH ST, ARMIDALE (02) 6771 4052 TWOGOATSCAFE@GMAIL.COM

TwentyFour on Moore ( formerly Rene on the Mews) Owners of TwentyFour on Moore, Lauren and Iris, invite you to come and enjoy their seasonal menu put together by their experienced head chef, Dan, and their delicious coffee, roasted daily in house. With a newly renovated interior and a beautiful outdoor seating area, it is the place to be this summer. TwentyFour on Moore also provide catering for day and evening events. It's a great location for end-of-year Christmas parties. Open for breakfast, lunch and until 5pm on weekdays, TwentyFour on Moore

incorporates their love of coffee with yummy food and great service.

24 MOORE ST, ARMIDALE 0467 512 876 MONDAY - FRIDAY: 8AM - 5PM SATURDAY: 8AM - 2PM

Bistro on Cinders Night time dining is in full swing at Bistro on Cinders every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 5:30pm. If you are after unique Australian flavours with a touch of Asian inspired food, made from the freshest ingredients, beautifully presented, then we would love to see you at Bistro on Cinders for breakfast, lunch or dinner (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights only). We are taking

bookings for Christmas parties and if you have a special event you need private catering for, we can do this too. Find us in Cinders Lane behind the post office.

1/14 CINDERS LANE (BEHIND THE POST OFFICE) (02) 6772 2828 TUESDAY TO SATURDAY 8AM - 2PM THURS, FRI, & SAT 5:30PM - 9PM

New England focus. 17

The

Christmas A special focus feature

New England focus. 13

A special focus feature

The Christmas Table What does Pete's Mount View Butchery have for our Christmas tables this year?

chicken in a duck, in a turkey, yum! If you

If you are after locally sourced, free range meat, prepared with love, we have it all for you at Pete's Mount View Butchery. It takes twenty hours to cook, and smoke the hams we sell made from carcass pork supplied by Yeoman's Pastoral Company at Bundarra. We have rolled loin pork, shoulder and leg roasts available, along with chickens, and ducks from Baiada.

refrigerator full of the most flavoursome

Not to forget, the age old favourite, whole turkeys or turkey rolls from Quast Turkey Farm in Tamworth. We can even make you a Turduckin for your Christmas table, and for those not in the know, this is a boned

pork or beef on to it, so it is ready to go. We

are after beef, we have our dry ageing meat and tender meat. If lamb is your pick for Christmas, we can supply you with any cut of meat you are after, as all our meat comes in carcass form into the store.

We can also do up spit roasts for those big family and friend gatherings - you supply the spear, and we can bone and roll the lamb, look forward to taking your Christmas order this year; don't delay - order today. We even have gift vouchers for those hard to buy for people!

New England focus. 19

A special focus feature

A season of festive fun is underway!

The

Christmas

Irresistible Style Christmas and Irresistible Style - what a combination …

With Christmas around the corner, what are your favourite items this year for the New England shoppers?

As always, we do all things underneath to make women feel super special this Christmas; we also have a large range of gorgeous sleepwear.

If you are after beautiful pure cotton nightwear, you must have a look at the fantastic French Country range that we have in stock, including girls ages 4 to 14. The other lovely nightwear labels are from Yuu, Givoni and Schrank, that have a large range of styles, colours and fabrics in nighties, pyjamas and

The festive season is underway and Council is hosting a series of events to add to the fun. The countdown to Christmas kicked off with Armidale’s Christmas in the Mall on Thursday 23 November and the Guyra Christmas Party on Saturday 2 December. Christmas lights are on!

K

ids Day in the Mall will be held family movie screening in the Mall. on Saturday 16 December.

“The community is then invited to bring a “This is a day for the whole picnic to the Creeklands to celebrate New Year’s family - but especially children!”

Eve,” Mr Lawrence said. said Greg Lawrence, Council’s “It promises to be a relaxed and enjoyable Service Leader - Economic evening under the stars Development and accompanied by live Marketing. music performed by local “The day includes jazz bands - and family creative, fun and entertaining activities A highlight of the day fireworks at 9pm!” for children and young will be the ‘Minions’ Once Christmas is out people, as well as Dance Party - followed of the way, it will be time performances, live music by a meet and great for to pencil in Australia Day and entertainment.” young fans! activities to your 2018 Children will have calendar. an opportunity to work “Nominations are with local artists and open for Australia Day craftspeople to create some unique Christmas gifts. And the whole community can experience a showcase of performances that will be provided by some of Armidale’s talented local young people.

“A highlight of the day will be the ‘Minions’ Dance Party - followed by a meet and great for young fans!”

“Minions” will present their singing and dancing live show for children on the Mall Stage at 10am, 11am and noon.

On 21 December, Council will host a free 20 New England focus.

Awards,” said Mr Lawrence.

“There are many people who make a positive difference in our community; now is the time to recognise some of those quiet achievers.”

Nominations close Wednesday 20 December.

Forms are available on Council’s website and at Customer Service.

More information and event updates can be found by following Armidale Regional Council’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/arc2350

brunchcoats.

If you are after underwear sets as gifts, you cannot go past ranges from Heidi Klum, Bendon, Berlei, Fayreform and the sporty selection from Calvin Klein, plus our extensive range of camisoles and matching briefs from Essence and Jockey, and also boxed hankies for men and women and socks.

If you are still unable to choose, of course we have gift vouchers available for those who may be a little difficult to buy for.

Come in and see us at Irresistible Style; we would love to help you shop this Christmas.

And remember, we will wrap your purchases so they are ready to pop under the Christmas tree.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Thrills Metal Eagle Muscle $49.99

Rip Curl Lola Slim Stone Watch $299.99

Windsor Smith Inka Slide $39.99

Adidas Superstar Vulc $130.00

New Era 9Forty New York Yankees Cap $35.00

Urban Originals Moontide Wallet $49.95

Afends Volume Cut Muscle Tee $49.95

Stormriders Sea Swim Trunk $45.00 Crisp Blaster Scooter $170.00

Capitol Starburst Complete $99.99

Stormriders Circle Tee $29.99

Volcom Single Stone Leather Wallet $50.00

We have a huge range of gifts for all the family. And if you still can’t decide, you can purchase one of our Gift Vouchers in store or online.

Phone (02) 6772 6648 | stormriders.com.au Shop 22, Centro Armidale Shopping Centre, Armidale

A special focus feature

Christmas from

Daily

Ritual A temping array of quality gifts and tasty treats is on offer at the Daily Ritual, just in time for Christmas! Whether you are a coffee or tea connoisseur, we are sure to have something to delight.

O

ur New England Tea range offers a traditional handmade puddings. Don’t be real treat for the tea aficionado. The disappointed and shop local. A gift box selection New England Breakfast took out the of four 140 g puddings is sure to delight. bronze at the International Golden Duck Creek Macadamias is an artisan grower Leaf Awards. The range features Thunderbolt’s and producer of premium macadamias. Roasted Campfire, a traditional blend with a smokey and coated in rich coverture chocolate, dipped campfire tea taste, the award-winning Saumerez in pure honey, flavoured, and hand packed with Soothe, a refreshing zingy green tea with a care, these award-winning treats are the perfect refreshing soothing after taste, Heritage Rose, a indulgence. naturally flavoured black tea with heritage rose We have introduced stunning new cast iron petals, and rounding out our locally blended tea sets to our range, and we proudly stock teas is the Glencoe Green, an Australian grown Nina’s handmade chocolates and the delightfully Sencha green tea with full-bodied flavour and quirky Cecily giftware. Available all year round sweetness. is an array of quality coffee and tea making This Christmas we have accessories. introduced some lovely Our extensive range of new products.

Keep Cups in a variety of The Hunter Valley Olive sizes and colours is the As a special treat we will Co features the highest perfect gift for those with quality olives, capturing an interest in sustainability be serving pudding and and preserving the natural and like their coffee custard right up until goodness and flavours on the run. We are a Christmas. Now if that of the fruit. Our range responsible café, offering doesn’t get you into the includes Lemon and a discount to customers Christmas spirit, nothing Pepper, Garlic and Herb, bringing their own cups will!

Lime and Ginger, and to take away.

Caramelised Balsamic Looking for a respite Vinegar. from Christmas shopping?

The Ruby Red Shoes Take a break from the bone china and melamine range based on the stresses of holiday preparation and treat yourself gorgeous little series of early readers of the same to an award-winning coffee, our vast array of name is sure to please. This year Ruby goes to loose leaf teas, handmade chocolates, light London, where perhaps she will meet the Queen meals, or choose from our selection of great and take tea. cakes and tempting gluten free offerings.

The Daily Ritual is also introducing for We will be serving pudding and custard Christmas only a selection of Christmas tea instore right up until Christmas. Now if that blends, and a one-off specialty blend, Jamaica doesn’t get you into the Christmas spirit, Blue Mountain Coffee. nothing will!

Looking for a next level gift for the coffee Offering Armidale’s only multi-award-winning lover in your life? Look no further than the coffee, as well as an extensive selection of over Barista Essentials Gift Pack, including coffee 200 finest loose-leaf teas, the Daily Ritual is the tamper, cocoa shaker, tamper mat and a knock New England’s most awarded tea and coffee box (available in red/black). exhibitor, and all our products are of the highest New in 2017 is mango and brandy, and rum quality. and plum ... Once again, available exclusively Pop into the Daily Ritual in-store or online; in Armidale are Pudding Lane’s high quality, you are sure to find something to delight.

22 New England focus.

focus_contributor

L U S Y I A N N A S E T R A F R O M A Z K A R E S TA U R A N T

summer

Celebrate

Cayenne Spiced

Prawns WITH AIOLI

Ingredients (Serves 5) 1 kg green prawns (peeled, with tails) Oil for deep frying 350 g plain flour 350 g breadcumbs or panko crumbs 4 eggs, lightly beaten 2 tbsps each of Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika & salt (mixed) 1 lemon, sliced into wedges Aioli Makes 3 cups 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tsp salt 2 egg yolks 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice 2 tsps Dijon mustard 1 tbsp water

Chef Lusyianna Setra

Azka Restaurant, Wine & Tapas Bar

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Tapas | Coffee

Quality Hotel Powerhouse 31 Marsh Street, Armidale NSW 2350 Phone (02) 6772 7788

OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL LATE

Method For the aioli, place garlic, salt and egg yolks in a

flour, then egg wash and breadcrumbs. Place

food processer and blend well. Slowly add olive

oil in deep fryer on high heat and cook prawns

oil to form a thick mayonnaise. Stir lemon juice,

until golden. Dust cooked prawns with Cayenne

mustard and water into the mayonnaise and

pepper, smoked paprika and salt mix. Serve

transfer to a serving bowl. Dip prawns in plain

prawns with aioli and lemon wedges.

QHP0215

31 Marsh Street, Armidale | T 6772 7788 | qualityhotelpowerhouse.com.au

/AzkaRestaurant

qualityhotelpowerhouse #QHPG @qualityhotelpowerhouse

QHP0215_Azka_Nov Focus 2017 317x125_Final.indd 1

11/11/17 8:24 am

New England focus. 23

A special focus feature

Culture

fest

UNE’s International Hub was only established last year, but already it has made a huge difference to the lives of international students in Armidale and has won a major award.

N

ow it is set to make a colourful contribution to Armidale’s cultural life, when it hold its inaugural Culture Fest on December 7. Here, International Hub project officer Dunya Alruhaimi talks about the organisation’s activities and the plans to make Culture Fest an annual event.

What is the International Hub, and what is its function?

The International Hub is a StudyNSW partnership project funded by Study NSW, Bupa and UNE International. It was established in 2016, with the aim of enhancing engagement between the international community and the local community in the New England area. The project provides a range of health and wellbeing programs for international students and their families.

It offers opportunities to learn about the Australian way of life, laws and culture by encouraging them to engage in programs that explore multiple aspects of life in a regional community.

The project supports: • Family school visits • National day events which provide information about different cultures through exhibitions of traditional customs, dress and cuisine • A positive parenting program • Free driving lessons, to assist with road safety and to learn about Australian road rules

24 New England focus.

and conditions • International ladies group, which brings together international women and Australian volunteers fortnightly • Swimming lessons for women, men and children to promote water safety • Tennis classes for adults and kids • Closed fitness classes for women • A variety of subsidised fitness classes, such as yoga, Zumba and Bellifit • A subsidised first aid course • Hosting multicultural days for local preschools and schools • An improved international student information app and website.

The International Hub has just recently been awarded the StudyNSW International Student Community Engagement for Business and Community Group Award for 2017.

Why is the International Hub important?

The International Hub is important, as it provides opportunities not only to international students but also to their families. Isolation and loneliness can be an issue when new families arrive in Armidale, and the International Hub is a means to reach out to these families and welcome them into the Armidale community, meet new people and make long lasting friendships by getting them involved in one of our many programs or events.

What nationalities does the International Hub cater for?

The International Hub caters for all

The Culture Fest promotes

diversity and harmony nationalities that are (ISAP) to provide within the Armidale currently within the the New England community and provides New England Area.

Community with the local community with Our National Day the opportunity to the opportunity to see just events in particular participate in Diwali (the how vibrant and special this aim to showcase the Hindu festival of lights) community is. wonderfully diverse and Rangoli (traditional range of nationalities Indian decoration and that we have here in our patterns). community and to share The Armidale with the local community their culture, their community is a multicultural community, and customs and of course, their cuisine. an event like Culture Fest is one of the ways Tell us about the International Hub that we can build those bridges and form Culture Fest. those bonds between all of our community The Culture Fest, which will be held on members.

December 7 from 5pm - 8pm in the Armidale What is the future of the International Mall, is one of the International Hub’s major Hub? events. The Culture Fest will showcase 12 The International Hub will continue to countries from our community, including, support the international community in the Nepal, Iraq, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, New England region. We aim to build on Greece, Egypt, Mexico, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, our existing programs and to introduce new China and India. programs as the need for such arises.

The Culture Fest promotes diversity and We would also like to engage with more harmony within the Armidale community local businesses and community groups in and provides the local community with the supporting the international community. opportunity to see just how vibrant and special We also aim for Culture Fest to become this community is and to really engage with a major event on the Armidale community cultures that they may not otherwise have the calendar, promoting cultural awareness, chance to. community engagement and the amazing Culture Fest will feature live music, cultural multicultural community that we have here in performances, a kids’ corner with a jumping Armidale. castle and face painting. In addition, the Thank you Dunya.

International Hub is partnering with the For more information, visit International Student Ambassador Program www.theinternationalhub.org

A special focus feature

Elders New England The Christmas period is more often than not a time filled with fun, family and much deserved over-indulgence. However, whilst these things are all well and good, making sure your home insurance policy is up to date over the holidays is crucial if you want to really relax and enjoy the festivities.

Here are some things to keep in mind during the Christmas period: • After you’ve put in the time and effort to find the policy that’s right for you, it can be incredibly easy to file away the paperwork and dismiss it. However, one key thing that people tend to forget is that your home and contents cover may need to be amended if you have continually gathered more items of value over the Christmas period.

• If you’re hosting the entire family over the Christmas period, chances are that space will be at a premium. If you have recently undertaken renovations or added an extension to your property, informing us is vital.

• Ensuring your home and contents cover is at its most competitive is key at any time, but it’s only amplified over Christmas. Elders Insurance can offer both accidental damage and defined events cover, which could well be perfect for those with ever-changing needs.

Call us for a policy review today 6775 4577.

New England focus. 25

A special focus feature

The

Christmas

Come and see our friendly team...

W

LifePharmacy

Holiday health tips from Life Pharmacy ... Your community pharmacy.

...we’ve got Christmas covered!

28 Rockvale Rd Ph: 02 6772 7557 Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 6.00pm Sat: 8.30am - 12.30pm www.lifepharmacygroup.com.au

26 New England focus.

ith the festive and holiday season just around the corner, it’s easy for us to eat too much, drink too much, and generally have too much of a good time! We’re not here to be the fun police, but we can give you some tips to keep your digestive system in good shape.

The digestive system is responsible for turning the food we eat into energy needed to survive and carry out our normal daily activities. When the digestive system is functioning properly, the lining of the digestive tract acts as a filter to allow all good nutrients, vitamins and amino acids to enter the bloodstream and prevent toxins and waste products from entering, keeping them in the bowel so they can be eliminated.

There is a continual balancing act in the digestive system between the “good” and “bad” bacteria. In order to maintain a healthy digestive system, we need to ensure that we have lots of “good” bacteria for producing vitamins, relieving the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, increasing the resistance to infections and regulating the immune system, detoxifying chemicals and preventing the overgrowth of “bad” bacteria. However, the number of “good” bacteria can be disrupted by excess alcohol, too much dietary fat, low fibre intake, excess stress or the use of

antibiotics.

When undertaking a detox, there If you find you are experiencing poor are certain dietary restrictions to ensure digestion, it might be beneficial to substances that are likely to increase speak to your pharmacist or health care workload of the digestive organs and professional about the following natural cause irritation are reduced. Dietary supplements. restrictions include alcohol, smoking, Probiotics are friendly bacteria needed caffeine, and fatty and processed foods. for good health These restrictions and vitality and will help your may improve digestive tract to uncomfortable simply “rest and digestive digest”.

Digestive enzymes symptoms such as Milk and herbs help bloating and mild Thistle targets promote good diarrhoea. Probiotic the liver in digestion and prevent supplements can particular, which problems such as flatulence be consumed on a is the largest and indigestion. daily basis to boost organ of the the number of human body and “good” bacteria in plays a vital role your body and assist in digestion and in the prevention of disease. Be sure detoxification. The liver is responsible to consult your healthcare professional for the metabolism of carbohydrates, about which probiotic is best for you proteins, vitamins, fats and many other and your symptoms. compounds used by the body and also Digestive enzymes and herbs help supporting the removal of toxins. promote good digestion and prevent And finally, the age old advice problems such as flatulence and drink plenty of water! It’s easy to get indigestion. These enzymes are those dehydrated during the hot Australian in the gut that help break down food summer, so try to get into the following to smaller particles, so they can be habit: readily absorbed. They aid the digestion • Drink two glasses of water when of all the food groups - proteins, fats, you first wake up carbohydrates, cellulose and lactose.

• Drink one glass of water half an Detoxification to support digestion hour before each meal As the digestive tract is one of • Drink one glass of water before bed the main organs of elimination, a It’s easy to do, doesn’t cost much, responsible detox may support your and will make sure your digestive system digestive health. keeps up with you!

A special focus feature

The

Christmas

Oxley Club Chair - $1,895

this is cool Christmas

Cocoa Balls

INGREDIENTS

1 X 250 g packet of plain biscuits (like Marie)

Cargo Lane - Authentic Home - Bellingen www.cargolane.com.au

METHOD Place the biscuits into a food processor and process until they resemble fine crumbs (you could also use a rolling pin instead).

Place the biscuit crumbs into a large bowl.

Sift over the cocoa powder.

Add the coconut and condensed milk.

1 X 395 g tin of condensed milk

Thoroughly mix together all of the ingredients.

1 cup of desiccated coconut

Roll heaped teaspoons of the mixture into balls.

Âź cup of cocoa

Roll in the extra coconut to coat.

Extra coconut for rolling

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

New England focus. 27

A special focus feature

DEC

EMBER @

The

Christmas

C

Gallery 126 is always like Christmas for the senses ... lots of colour, textures & ideas.

ome the 1st December, Claude, the shop mascot, will don his Santa hat, and the Advent Calendar will be stocked with the surprise goodies for the countdown

artists, have a toast to the year that was and to the New Year, as well as view the new works.

If you can’t make the opening, the exhibition will run until the 23rd December. Artworks purchased as gifts will be available before the closing of the exhibition. until Christmas.

More than 20 local artists There are lots of gift will be represented in the ideas for both the creative exhibition, including new and the not so creative landscapes by Robyn M Our Christmas show people, from picture and Jackson, Rosalie Rigby, will open on Friday 15th photo frames to leather Stuart Boggs and Anna December, with lots of new journals, sets of cards, Henderson, to name artworks from our many and skate decks to paint. a few. We are also talented local artists.

There are a multitude of welcoming an artist, sets for drawing, painting, Esther Eckley, who calligraphy and craft. is new to Armidale New individually and Gallery 126 designed and made jewellery pieces by Red Peg with her sill life paintings. What a way Studio, using all upcycled and recycled materials. to end the year.

If you can’t decide on the perfect gift, there is We will be open up to Saturday always a gift voucher.

23rd December for those last Our Christmas show will open on Friday 15th minute purchases. We will then December, with lots of new artworks from our be closed until the 15th January many talented local artists. All are welcome to 2018, re-opening on Tuesday drop in between 5pm and 7pm to meet the 16th January 2018.

28 New England focus.

Movies in the Mall Thursday 21 December

FREE family movie screening

‘Moana’

The festive season is underway!

New Years Eve

Kids Day in the Mall Saturday, 16 December

at the Creeklands Sunday 31 December Bring a picnic to the Creeklands

Live jazz from 6pm Family fireworks at 9pm!

Creative, fun activities for children Market Stalls & Local Food Performances, live music & entertainment

‘Minions’ Dance Party followed by a meet & greet for young fans!

On the Mall Stage: 10am, 11am & 12noon

Follow us for more updates! facebook.com/ arc2350

@armidale regionalcouncil

@ARC2350

www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au New England focus. 19

n i g n i m o

C

y r a u n a J

Ice Skating 5TH JANUARY TO THE 28TH JANUARY $20 per adult and $16 for children and Club Members One hour sessions starting at 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 5pm.

BOOKINGS ARE PREFERRED TO GUARANTEE YOUR SPOT. FOR BOOKINGS CALL 0412 344 941

30 new england focus.

back to our members

137 Dumaresq St, Armidale Phone 6776 0800

www.armidaleservies.com.au

New England’s

Community

Halls Armidale Regional Council manages a number of community halls that can be booked for use by the community.

W

hat is a community hall?

A community hall is a place for people to gather. It is often the traditional centre of a small town’s social life, acting as meeting place, notice board and venue for events, including dances, parties, reunions and weddings.

Some communities have lost halls due to the challenges of maintaining ageing facilities. How has our region managed to maintain its halls?

In partnership with committed local community groups, Council aims to maintain and upgrade halls. Council’s property management team conducts regular safety and maintenance inspections.

When it comes to keeping a hall available and alive, it’s all about the people. An active local community ensures that the hall is cared for!

How are community halls used in this region?

Many of our small halls are in regular use by community groups - including playgroups.

Halls are available to be booked for parties, weddings and anniversaries.

Groups or individuals might book the halls for special events, or for more regular activities like meetings or markets.

Armidale Town Hall is a prominent city landmark. How is it available to the community?

Armidale Town Hall is used for events including musical performances, Harmony Day or ceremonies such as the Volunteer Awards. It is available for hire by community members for functions including concerts, meetings, wedding

Book a community hall today for your next event Dangarsleigh Hall

Puddledock Hall

Tingha Town Hall has been tangible local receptions and a community hub balls. The fully history; many of for many years and equipped kitchen them have been continues to be used is ideal for selfrenovated to ensure for events, functions catering events. facilities are more and indoor sports. Its The art deco than adequate for well-maintained and versatile style building use. facilities include a stage and was completed in For example, kitchen facilities.

1882 and has an Dangarsleigh Hall interesting history. boasts a new As one of the first kitchen, disabled significant buildings access, a small in Armidale, it was the place where the stage, pew and chair seating, and an community met or sought news. It was outside BBQ area. where local ANZACs signed up for the Hillgrove Hall features a small stage, First World War - and it was the place pew and chair seating, kitchen facilities, where the community gathered to disabled access and toilets. It also has had celebrate the end of the war. recent renovations, which include new In more recent years, the Town Hall water tanks and electric heating. has been the venue for performances by Puddledock Hall at Tilbuster offers well-known Australian bands, including disabled access, toilets, a small stage and Cold Chisel. pew seating, tables and chairs and some It has a capacity for 278 seats theatre kitchen facilities. style - and boasts one of the few Sauer Memorial Hall at Wollomombi remaining raked stages in New South has kitchen and BBQ facilities, a children’s Wales! play area, a small stage, pew and chair What can you tell us about Guyra seating, disabled access and toilets.

Community Hall?

Recent additions include a covered Guyra Community Hall has a significant history in the community and continues to outdoor entertaining area, new water tanks and a play area upgrade. be in regular use for meetings, events and Tingha Town Hall has been a community activities, including playgroup. community hub for many years and It offers modern facilities, including a continues to be used for events, functions commercial kitchen and adjacent lunch and indoor sports.

Its well-maintained room. The hall is able to be used for a and versatile facilities include a stage and wide range of activities, including dancing kitchen facilities. and indoor sports. Seating is available, And lastly, where can our readers go and there is disabled access, good lighting for more information? and heating.

To find out more about our community Tell us about some of the other halls halls, or to make a booking, visit the in our region ...

Armidale Regional Council website Armidale region is fortunate to have a or contact customer service on number of safe and accessible community 1300 136 833. halls. They have great character and

Hillgrove Hall

Guyra Hall

Wollomombi Hall

Call: 1300 136 833

for more details on booking a hall for your next birthday party, reunion or family get-to-gether

www.armidaleregional. nsw.gov.au New England focus. 31

LOCALS

LOCALS

Armidale Mower and Chainsaw Centre Stihl Battery Garden Shears - $179

209 Mann St, Armidale Phone. 6772 5405

Westend Sound The latest hands free REVOLUTION for hands free iPhone or

Barbeques Galore Armidale Outdoor furniture, large outdoor umbrellas and barbeques

157 Rusden Street Phone. 6772 9770

32 New England focus.

Android communication & navigation is available at Westend Car Sound ... Ask us how!

13 Wright Place, Armidale Phone. 6772 6099

LOCALS

LOCALS

Armidale Pet Shop & Aquarium Marine Tank Packages from $249.95

109-113 Beardy Street Phone. 6771 1040

Allingham's Removals Weekly pickups from Sydney or Brisbane Retailers, in time for Christmas.

49 Bundarra Road. Phone. 6772 1811

Bakers Delight Traditional Christmas Tree Cake ($9.00) or a Fruit Mince Tart 6-pack ($9.00).

Shop 6, Coles Complex, Armidale. Phone. 6772 8423

The Professionals Armidale

Wishing you a merr y Christmas and a happy New Year.

We would like to thank you for your support throughout the year.

2/117 Beardy Street Phone. 6772 4549

Beardy Street Servo ”All Day, Every Day Driveway Service.”

351 Beardy St. Phone. 6772 9355 New England focus. 33

LOCALS

LOCALS

Hunts Carpets and Blinds Block out the heat this summer with blinds from Hunts Carpets and Blinds.

217 Mann Street Phone. 6772 6766

Inner Path A large selection of common and unusual crystals

100 Barney Street Phone. 6772 3894

Brennan and Smith Keep up with the latest in fashion and designer sunglasses this Christmas.

The Big Light Bulb

180 Beardy St, Armidale. Phone. 6772 5555

Your only independent, locally owned light retailer. Shine the light on Christmas with The Big Light Bulb.

186 Rusden Street Phone. 6772 5205

Rose Valley Steel Works For all your custom made, ornamental, plasma cut steel garden pieces.

284 Mann Street.

Phone. 6771 1486

Hubbard Hire

Dingo Mini Loader - $216 a day!

Perfect for those jobs in the holidays!

263 Mann Street Phone. 6772 7966

Intersport Armidale Inersport gift vouchers make the best presents!

151 Rusden Street. Phone. 6771 2344 Email. Armidale@intersport.com.au

34 New England focus.

LOCALS

LOCALS

Richardson & Wrench Armidale Armidale Plaza Phone. 6771 1776

My Car Sound & Communications

Upgrade your factor y stereo to include a reverse camera, bluetooth, navigation, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. See us for a demonstration #AlpineWirelessCarPlayComingSoon...

Shop 2/11 Marsh Street Phone. 6771 2743 Email. sales@mycarsound.com.au

See what SOLD feels like!

nTech & Communications

Renee Maree

The only phone system your business will ever need.

The Bobble Art range of bags and accessories is great for the little people in your life

Phone. 5732 7877 Email. info@ntech.net.au

this Christmas, and don’t forget our extensive range of bags for the big people too!

Armidale Plaza, Phone. 6772 1881.

Richardson's Home Timber & Hardware Great gift ideas for Xmas now in stock at Richardsons, like the Weber Q2000 for $429.

5/7 Bundarra Road, Armidale Phone. 6738 8666 and 16 Fitzroy Street, Walcha Phone. 6777 2699

Things With a Difference Specialising In All Things For Christmas

Centre Mall Armidale. Phone. 6771 9668 New England focus. 35

LOCALS

LOCALS

R O B E R T S Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

36 New England focus.

Roberts Air Conditioning & Refrigeration has been a locally owned and operated business in the New England since July 2010 ...

Why would someone contact you at Roberts

Tell us about your team ... Our valuable staff members, who are great assets to our business, consist of: Kerrie, who is the office administrator; Tim, who is a qualified Eeectrician ana Air conditioning and refrigeration technician; Brodie, who is a qualified air conditioning and refrigeration technician; Blake, who is our first year apprentice; and Jyr, who is a qualified air conditioning and refrigeration technician with over 24 years experience in this trade - 15 years self employed, and seven years operating Roberts Air Conditioning & Refrigeration.

conditioning, refrigeration and electrical, which

As a team, we thrive on giving our customers quality workmanship, expert advice, being punctual and rely on good old fashioned service.

ers a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration? We specialise in all areas of commercial and domestic air includes: maintenance; repairs, cool rooms; freezers; split systems; ducted systems; and electrical work, whether an existing home, business or in the building process. Since relocating to the New England region and establishing our business, we have made and met so many great customers, who have helped continue to grow our business by recommending our business and spreading the word about our quality workmanship.

We would like to thank and wish all our customNew Year and look forward to continuing to provide our services and advice in the New Year.

New England focus. 37

LOCALS

LOCALS

A L L I N G H A M ' S New England Allingham's gives the New England three simple tips and tricks to help prepare for a move by saving time and MONEY! 1. Be prepared, by starting as early as possible and declutter.

Don't pay people to move your unwanted items from your old house to your new one. Our suggestions include having a garage sale, giving unwanted items to charities, and doing a tip run (or two!)

2. Use the right packaging and materials. This can be something most don't realise, but when all boxes are of good quality and the same size, it is a lot simpler and saves time for loading and stacking into and out of the truck at the other end. Not only do uniform boxes make a difference, but also the way the boxes are packed. To help with this we have a range of boxes, tape, paper, bubble wrap and more in stock of only the best quality; because we all know there is nothing worse when relocating than taking the time and effort to pack a box to have it fall apart before or during the move.

3. Label your boxes, so that not only will finding things be easier, but the removalists will be able to identify where to put the boxes on delivery. This will make the process a lot smoother and quicker.

Thanks Allingham's - great tips to save time and money when moving!

38 New England focus.

LOCALS

LOCALS

HUTCHINSON & HARLOW REAL ESTATE

35 celebrate years

What an achievement!

H

utchinson & Harlow Real Estate was established in 1982.

How did this come about?

The business was established in October 1982 by John Harlow and Peter Hutchinson. They purchased an existing insurance brokerage business and established a new company known as Hutchinson and Harlow. For a period of two years they were restrained from conducting any real estate business and concentrated on insurance sales. After two years, Peter Hutchinson returned to selling real estate, but it was a further three years before the property management department was created.

Peter Georkas joined to the firm of Hutchinson and Harlow Real Estate on 5th January 1998 with a bang - selling a home on his first day! He was already an established, award-winning agent after working at Ray White Armidale since 1991 and he brought an enthusiasm to the HH office which has never diminished. This year he has notched up 26 years in the industry.

In 2004, Peter and Meg Georkas bought

John Harlow’s 50% our team knows each share of the business. and every property Hutchinson and Harlow They then sold the we market. We have Real Estate are known as property management four points of quality the Sales Specialists. Our department to become difference; office is one of a kind in the first sales specialist #1 Experience Armidale - we work as agency in country NSW. Quite simply, there a complete team; no one This enabled them to is no substitution for agent “owns” a listing, no focus on increasing the experience in today’s one agent “owns” a buyer. level of service to all ever-changing real estate clients. market. From being Meg started working able to foresee issues in the business in before they arise, to 2005 on a full-time basis, taking over the understanding the various types of real estate marketing, personnel and administration transactions; the team at Hutchinson and roles. In 2008, Peter and Meg purchased the Harlow Real Estate can promote and protect remaining shares in Hutchinson and Harlow your best interests with ease.

Real Estate and continue to own the company #2 Market Knowledge outright. In 2012, after 50 years of working Why buy and sell real estate with an in the real estate industry, Peter Hutchinson agency that doesn’t know the lay of the land? officially retired - a record yet to be matched.

Knowledge of the market - whether buying How has this business grown and or selling - is crucial to your success. From changed over this time? introducing you to up and coming investment Hutchinson and Harlow Real Estate are markets, to advising you on market activity known as the Sales Specialists. Our office in your own city, the team at Hutchinson is one of a kind in Armidale - we work as and Harlow Real Estate have a veteran’s a complete team; no one agent “owns” a knowledge of the area you want to invest and listing, no one agent “owns” a buyer. All live in.

#3 Marketing & Technology As the real estate industry changes, more and more importance is placed on an agency’s marketing abilities and use of technology.

In an age where more than 90% of home buyers start their search online, Hutchinson and Harlow Real Estate have the online presence needed to capture buyers. #4 Resources & Connections Having excellent resources and connections in the real estate industry can mean everything from knowing the right pest and building inspectors, to having Armidale’s solicitors, conveyancers and banking professionals on speed dial.

Plans for the future?

Keep doing what we are doing! We LOVE living in Armidale. We LOVE having a business in Armidale. Our business success is meaningless unless we can pass it back by supporting the community that supports us. We have worked hand in hand with our local community in business, school, sporting and charity events for over 20 years. We have supported hundreds of local community endeavours through financial support, personal participation and committee involvement.

New England focus. 39

focus_editorial.

As 2017 draws to a close, the Mall Markets has celebrated another great year with many great months of seeing the mall come to life.

T

he team wanted to share their thanks to all in the community for continuing support what we do, and for supporting our stall-holders all year round. To finish 2017 in style, the Markets in the Mall will be held for the first time on a Saturday, 16th December 2017, to help celebrate Kids Day in the Mall. All our regular stall-holders will be coming along, and we look forward

ANKS FROM

Markets in the Mall TH

The Mall Markets would like to thank everyone once

again for your ongoing

support, and we look forward to helping Mall on Saturday to seeing you all on Sunday celebrate the 16th December, 28th January 2018. kids of Armidale. and finish the We will have our year with some culturally diverse friends, fun, and foodies offering fellowship. The anything from Thai to Vietnamese, or Mall Markets would like to thank even something more exotic. Of course, everyone once again for your ongoing fairy floss and snow cones are available, support, and we look forward to seeing as well as sweets and pastries to meet you all on Sunday 28th January 2018. your appetite. So, come on down to the

focus_editorial.

SoldierOn LAURA HOOPER

My Name is Laura Hooper, and I am a sixteen year old woman who wants to make life changing moments possible.

I

attend O’Connor Catholic College and just started my final year of schooling. I’m an achieved corporal in the Australian Air Force Cadets, soon to attend my next promotions course.

My first fundraiser was in 2012. I was 11 at the time when I decided to follow my brother’s example and take part in the World’s Greatest Shave. Through the support of family, friends, local businesses and generous strangers, I raised almost $5,000 for Leukaemia research.

My hair was exceeding 50 cm long at the time, so I was also able to donate my hair to the Alopecia Foundation to be made into wigs.

In 2014 I joined the Australian Air Force Cadets as a member of 337SQN Armidale. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to meet countless service men and women who are so willing to share their amazing journeys and stories about their lives.

The defence force is a very tight knit community, so when personnel are separated from this community or experience challenges due to injury, operational requirements or transitioning

40 New England focus.

to civilian life, their journeys can hit a rough patch. SoldierOn is an organisation that offers a range of services to support these personnel. This is why I have chosen SoldierOn for my fundraising, knowing that those who serve are supported and that I can pursue a career in the defence force, knowing this support is available.

My goal is to exceed $10,000, so as to provide life changing moments to defence men and women.

The shave will take place at Armidale Ex-SerVies Club on Thursday 21st December.

I would like to thank you for your donation, as every little bit counts.

To anyone wishing to donate online, you can simply follow this link: https://soldieron.giveeasy.org/campaigns/life-changingmoments/ Cash Donations can be left at New England Trophies and Courtneys Jewellers, both stores located in Dangar St, Armidale.

focus_editorial.

Seasons Greetings from NERAM

Curate your Christmas at the Museum Shop. One of the best places to browse for Christmas gifts is always the Museum Shop at the New England Regional Art Museum, which this year has a fantastic range of art books, jewellery and children’s presents.

T

his year you can give the gift of friendship with a special Friends of NERAM Gift Voucher. This will give your friends or family members a year’s membership. They will join the dynamic gallery community, with invitations to special member functions and dinners, exhibition openings, activities and discounts on NERAM events, art classes and workshops, as well as selected retailers around New England.

as well as picture books by Leigh Hobbs, Bob Graham, John Klassen and Armidale’s own Sophie Masson.

sculptor Bronwyn Oliver combine great

Discover original fashion jewellery, such as the funky new work of Ballina based design duo Kunststoff, whose colourful 3D printed bangles and necklaces are chunky, strong and gorgeous.

The annodised aluminium Kalinowski Jewellery range combines sculptural simplicity, beautiful textures and an unforgettable pop of colour.

You can also take home a gift inspired

Your kids will enjoy a range of children’s books, games, puzzles and toys, including the colourful animals of Barbara Sansori’s BAREFOOT Artisans,

Art books on leading Australian contemporary artists, such as Del Kathryn Barton, William Robinson, Patricia Picinini and Inverell born

images with interesting reading for the more artistically inclined. by the treasures of the Howard Hinton Collection at NERAM, with books, gift card sets and our new high-res digitally printed museum-quality reproductions, which are available in store or online from the NERAM website (online has range of sizes that can be printed on demand and sent anywhere in the world).

For further information, visit www.neram.com.au

focus_editorial.

LOCALS 4 LOCALS

T

he lucky winners in November include: Ken Love, who loves his meat from Jackson's Quality Meats; Tim Phelps, who is lighting up his life with the Big Light Bulb; Luke Armatage, who is looking after his pets shopping at the Armidale Pet Shop; Olive Bourke, who is taking advantage of the great driveway service at the Beardy Street Servo; and Alyssa Lincoln, who is getting ready for Christmas giving shopping at Things

Winners every month! It’s easy to see Locals 4 Locals love giving cash and prizes to you and me November 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 a Difference. All these winners each won $100 in Locals 4 Locals Gift Cards.

With December 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. 41

42 New England focus.

Fashion Parade by Concepts of Armidale.

Lyn Campbell, Kay Lennon Barnaby Joyce & Liz O’Hara

Alyce Walsh & Lauren Acton

Lynda Lynch, Samantha Nelson and Pep Serow

Can Assist Melbourne Cup

Melbourne Cup day brings a very special event for the New England. With humble beginnings in Uralla, at Carol Higginbottom’s beautiful home, for which she would bake, cook and prepare for days beforehand ...

W

e’re talking about none other than the annual Can Assist Fundraiser Luncheon. This event has been re-homed at the picturesque Armidale Racecourse, for the second year. With hundreds of guests, it’s understandable that Carol and the team needed a larger area. As FOCUS is the major media supporter, we were delighted to attend this year’s grand proceedings. Many people from all walks of life rolled out to take part in the raffles, auctions and other fundraising activities.

Inside the unassuming marquee tent was a

Matt Lynch &Adam Marshal

visual array of impeccably set tables and decor.

The tables featured handmade flower baskets, which were sold at the end of the day; native green wreaths hung from the roof. Flowers adorned the entry and exits throughout the marquee.

Lisa Haynes of Concepts of Armidale played host to a fashion parade. Lisa put on quite a show, using locals as her models. The parade included everything that’s on trend this season.

From what I was able to see, the cold shoulder tops, bright pink fluoros and muted palettes are all the rage. I think navy blue is the colour to be

seen in this summer. Models of all ages strutted their stuff down the catwalk, showing that one store and cater to all walks of life.

seamlessly.

Many people from all

Carol and her team work tirelessly in walks of life rolled out raising funds for to take part in the raffles, people with cancer. auctions and other fundraising Lunch was served by The amount of activities.

Jazzamataz Catering. Paul organisation that goes Mailfert, lovingly known as into this single event Tall Paul, impressed everyone must be gigantic. as usual. Hams, roast beef, roast chickens However, she has a great team of dedicated and salads were the main fare, followed by helpers to make these events possible. We’d a random drop of mousses to keep even the like to thank her and everyone who helps with sweetest tooth happy. Paul’s team seem to cater setting up this yearly event.

Carol Higginbottom & Kerry Pearson

Marg O’Brien, Jenny Hanna & Col Hollingworth

New England focus. 43

focusinterview.

LAWLOR Karen Lawlor is working her way to compete next year in the WBFF Federation

W O R L D, B E A U T Y, F I T N E S S A N D FA S H I O N competition. FOCUS finds out what it takes to compete at this level ...

K

aren, tell us a little about yourself ...

I am from Armidale, where I attended St Mary’s Primary School and completed my high schooling at Armidale High. I work at an NGO, where I am the Executive Assistant to the CEO, and before that I spent five years in law. I hold a Diploma of Business and am a registered Justice of the Peace.

Tell us about why you decided to train to compete in the WBFF Federation 2018 and your experience with ICN 2017?

I chose to compete in the WBFF Federation 2018, as they pride themselves on competitors maintaining an air of being one big family, which is how I have thoroughly felt throughout my preparation. Everyone is really supportive, offering each other encouragement and support to maintain motivation and reach success.

The WBFF is the most glamorous fitness federation. It has been playfully dubbed

44 New England focus.

the “Victoria’s Secret of Fitness” and draws ICN always put on a great show; if you can get comparison to the annual VS show. I plan on to a competition, they are very inspirational to making my WBFF Debut in October of 2018, watch. where I will be competing You've had some in the “Bikini Diva struggles along the Category”. path last year. What In the lead up to this, I happened? also plan to compete for Halfway through Three months after the surgery, I a second time with ICN my first competition was informed that my case hadn’t at the Coffs Classic being preparation last year been considered a surgical success, hosted in September in 2016, I required one meaning I spent the following 2018. I will be entering unplanned surgeries to 10 months in and out of the Fitness and Sports remove pre-cancerous specialist appointments.

Model Category at this cells. I pushed on and was Finally in June this year, I received event. able to compete twice, in a call from my specialist to say I was ICN is where I started September and October now in the clear. my journey last year. of 2016.

Most recently I attended Three months after the the Coffs Classic 2017 surgery, I was informed to show support to friends I have made that that my case hadn’t been considered a surgical were competing. Competitors taking part success, meaning I spent the following 10 in ICN competitions are very friendly and months in and out of specialist appointments. welcoming to all; the atmosphere is incredible!

Finally in June this year I received a call from my

specialist to say I was now in the clear. Receiving this news motivated me to put in my application to work with WBFF Fitness Diva and World Champ Hattie Boydle and her team “the Sports Model Project” (“SMP”).

I can remember the overwhelming feeling I had of “is this real” and “did that just happen” after I was immediately offered a position on the team following an hour long phone interview, which of course I accepted immediately. At the same time, I engaged Armidale local Reuben Marks IFBB Novice Men’s Mr Australia from New England Barbell to commence three personal training sessions per week, knowing I’d need his push to help overcome the inconsistency I’d seen in my training due to my health over the past 14 months.

How has this made you more determined?

I feel like the struggles with my health have meant so much lost time. Rather than let this cause resentment or bitterness, I’ve adopted to singing the tune of “the worst set-backs make for the best comebacks”.

Don’t forget that it is never too late to change your life, go for your

goals or chase your dreams. Life isn’t

always easy, but no matter what it throws at you, you have the choice to rise.

What does your training and nutrition schedule look like?

Currently I am weight training five times a week, with two mandatory rest days. My workout breakdown currently has a rotation of: Day 1 quads, back and biceps. Day 2: hamstrings, shoulders and triceps. Day 3: glutes and abdominals. Day 4: Rest. Each day I train, I am required to train legs, which as many in the fitness world would empathise is a lot.

My personal training sessions with Reuben are currently Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; he is an incredible trainer. Currently my schedule does not require cardio training, which I am very happy about.

Diet wise I have been given a “macros” (macro nutrition being protein, carbs and fat) allowance. I can eat whatever I like to meet these allowance targets, as long as I stick to 80% consumption of clean wholesome foods; the other 20% I’m allowed to have a little fun with. I have to hit a daily fibre target and make sure a certain percentage of consumed fats comes from good fats only (i.e avocado rather than butter). This means I have to be diligent with weighing and measuring all of my food; I keep food scales both at home and at work, as well as having a small set I travel with.

People often under emphasise what a difference a few grams can make to their diet; for example, saying: “Nuts are good for you; just eat them”. However, if you consider; 15 g of walnuts vs 25 g of walnuts, 100 calories vs 176 calories, 10 g fat vs 17 g fat ... You can see just 10 g more of walnuts a day can mean by the end of the week consuming over 530 EXTRA calories than plan and close to over 50 g of additional fat a week. So you can see how something so small can really add up over time and hinder progress, highlighting the

importance of accurate portion sizing/weights.

Tell us about your trainers.

I have been working closely with Hattie for the past five months. We have not only been working on training programs and nutrition, but also on mindset, overcoming and changing bad habits and patterns we create for ourselves and also working on how we can be the best “us” in our daily lives! Hattie also knows from experience and tries to teach us that it is not our bodies that make or break us, but our mindset, which is completely true!

Reuben is amazing!

You need to trust your coach, the Reuben has a great process, the people around you competition background, and most importantly, you need and I knew that he would you need trust yourself. trust yourself. Trusting that be someone I needed Trusting that the the meticulous actions for my journey and to meticulous actions and and motions you’re help get me to my goal! motions you’re tending tending to will ultimately I knew Reuben would to will ultimately pay off pay off in achievement, when it know exactly what it is I in achievement, when it often takes months of work to see am wanting to achieve often takes months of even small results. and just how much effort work to see even small I would need to put in results. and just how hard I would Every competitor need to push myself to be able to achieve my I have met or spoken with is just looking to goals and bring my best to stage! bring the best version of themselves to stage; What's the hardest thing about what you though it is a competition, you find people do? are competing against themselves to be their Mindset! The fear! The doubt! Training is best, rather against each other, as it appears hard, sticking to nutrition difficult, saying no outwardly. There’s no point comparing oneself to going out with friends or attending planned to what you see of others, as this is just their events because you’re tired and have training “highlight reel” and each of our “behind the in the morning. Measuring, planning and scenes” is a personal experience filled with tests calculating every little thing you eat is hard, but and triumphs.

I think the hardest thing is self-belief!

You learn a lot about yourself, how dedicated You need to trust your coach, the process, you can be and what you can overcome. The the people around you and most importantly, self-confidence you gain along the way is

H AT TI E BOYDL E

LAWLOR

priceless. That 20 seconds on stage, where everything you have done has led up to that one moment; it makes everything worth it!

If our readers wanted to get involved in training for such events, what advice would you give?

Start with your local gym or personal trainers.

People in the fitness industry are a fountain of knowledge, and it’s really a community that looks to support its members to thrive.

Final words?

Don’t forget that it is never too late to change your life, go for your goals or chase your dreams. Life isn’t always easy, but no matter what it throws at you, you have the choice to rise. If you have setbacks, channel any negative feelings you hold towards such into energy to fuel your motivation’s fire. Each and every person is capable of so much more than we let ourselves think, and sometimes, all it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage to change a life.

Thanks Karen.

New England focus. 45

A S T H E B C U C O F F S H A R B O U R T R I AT H LO N I S FA S T BECOMING ONE OF THE NORTH COAST’S PREMIER T R I AT H LO N E V E N T S , T H E W O R L D C H A M P I O N S H I P Q U A L I F Y I N G R A C E TA K E S P L A C E M A R C H 2 0 1 8 .

W

hat makes the Coffs Tri so special?

The bcu Coffs Tri is just five years old and has already doubled in size since its inception in 2013 and achieved World Championship Qualifying status for the second year running.

What makes this race so popular?

Organisers say it’s the spectacular course, as well as the unique community vibe. The event is run by locals and gives generously back to local community groups, who all pitch in to help make it happen.

The weekend of events on 3 - 4 March 2018 includes kids’ races for ages six and up, as well as an “enticer” triathlon for those new to the sport, and the headline Standard Distance event (1.5 km swim/40 km cycle/10 km run) for individuals and teams.

The ocean swim is held at the protected Jetty Beach, which rarely sees waves, so swimmers get to experience the thrill of an ocean swim in

clear, calm conditions. Competitors swim around water views for the duration.

Coffs Harbour’s iconic jetty structure, which is As they make their first turnaround, perfect for spectators, who get a bird’s-eye view competitors are greeted with views towards of the swimmers below.

Coffs Harbour and its scenic mountain The cycle course backdrop. At the end of takes the riders south their first lap, runners are towards sunny Sawtell encouraged with cheers and includes a fast, from the crowds, as they The run heads south from flat section, perfect run along the wooden for seeing what the TT jetty structure lined with transition, hugging the bike is capable of. It is spectators. picturesque harbour a fully closed course, Race Director Noel foreshores towards ensuring it is safe and Phillips said, “Our aim is the break wall, which enjoyable for all levels of to deliver a professional is a long peninsular at the experience. event on a quality course in southern end of the harbour.

The run heads south a beautiful location, whilst from transition, hugging maintaining affordable the picturesque harbour entry fees and a great foreshores towards the break wall, which is community vibe. We want to attract the elite of a long peninsular at the southern end of the the sport as well as those just starting out.” harbour. The harbour vista is spectacular, and The Standard Distance event on Sunday, runners are rewarded with an ocean breeze and March 4, 2018 is an Age Group ITU World

Championship Qualifying Race and will double as the NSW State Championships.

With the 2018 World Championships being held on the Gold Coast, we are anticipating record numbers and encourage competitors to enter early to avoid missing out. Early bird prices are on offer until December 8, with great savings to be had.

The bcu Coffs Tri is offering a total of $4,500 for the top three overall male and female place getters and is expecting to attract a high calibre of professional athletes.

With its natural beauty and world-class course, the bcu Coffs Tri is one of the must do events on the national Triathlon calendar and is ideal for competitors and spectators alike. And of course, there is plenty to see and do on the stunning Coffs Coast while you’re here.

Entries for the bcu Coffs Tri on March 3 - 4, 2018 are now open at villagesports.com.au Early registration is encouraged, due to the anticipated sell-out.

3 -4 March 2018 rd

th

ENTRIES NOW OPEN

www.villagesports.com.au 46 New England focus.

Pathfinders The successful free Aboriginal birth certificate program has ended.

Ella Baché

Lots of exciting gifts and events are planned for this upcoming festive season at Ella Baché Armidale!

M

ark November 30th in your diary for our end of year special event.

Learn what your skin loves this festive season during a night of education and special offers, including savings of up to 70% * on the iconic Ella Baché Skin Essential Sets.

Make sure you have your secured spot to avoid disappointment. We are closed only for the public holidays. Follow our Instagram and Facebook pages for regular updates.

We have voucher offers and more ready for Christmas. Packages, corporate offers. A pamper package makes an ideal gift!

The NABC program also assisted with hundreds of birth registrations within the two-and-half year funding cycle.

Pathfinders Ltd ran the NABC program and were funded by the Prime Minister & Cabinet (PM&C) since June 2015 across New South Wales and Queensland. They assisted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 21 years and younger obtain a free birth certificate to gain access to schooling, further education and transition into the workforce.

NABC Coordinator, Hilton Naden, said the program has been invaluable to the thousands of Aboriginal children and families who’ve received free birth certificates.

Pathfinders Ltd, in partnership with NSW

“The true value of a birth certificate is often under-estimated and the barriers that many Aboriginal people face trying to get one are often overlooked. This program helped break those barriers to close the gap well beyond just facts and figures.”

Even the most thoughtfully assembled skincare routine is rarely a year-round winner. Shifts in humidity, arctic blasts of air-conditioning, longer days all play a role in how your skin holds up.

and achieving results that provides confidence.

December also brings our iconic beach towel.

Spend $149 on Ella Baché skincare products and receive an Ella Baché beach towel and luxury travel size skincare valued up to $60 as your gift.

October marked the end of the project, which has reached its targets, and funding has concluded.

Skin News: Remember to review your skin for seasonal changes.

Complimentary skin diagnosis, sun care consultation and colour match, demonstrations, gift bag, mini treatments, samples, treatment offers, champagne, canapés and special With summer officially guest Steve Adderton here, now’s the time to of Adderton Beauty rethink your seasonal sharing industry secrets skincare from the and providing makeup* neck up, with a focus on tutorials. maintaining, protecting Register your interest before November 25th.

After helping more than 8,300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people obtain a free birth certificate, Pathfinders’ National Aboriginal Birth Certificate Program (NABC) is wrapping up its services.

Registry of Birth, Deaths & Marriages and the Queensland Government, surpassed the target of 7,500 total applications within 117 weeks of the 134-week delivery period. Program staff, partners and volunteers helped conduct outreach sign-up days in more than 30 regions to directly assist applicants in need.

With summer officially here, now’s the time to rethink your seasonal skincare from the neck up, with a focus on maintaining, protecting and achieving results that provide confidence.

Build a strong defence for the skin coming into summer by ensuring you’re wearing the appropriate SPF protection. Without protection of an effective sunscreen, pigmentation can be triggered by UV exposure, and skin damage.

Get your skin reviewed next salon visit with our unique TrueView diagnosis tool!

Come and speak to one of our therapists for more details. We have glowing gift boxes for as low as $49.

All the Ella girls wish everyone a merry Christmas and sun safe New Year.

We look forward to some brand new treatments and products to offer you next year! Xx

Christmas appointments are filling up fast.

* Conditions may apply.

New England focus. 47

Josh

Josh Osborne Decorated local controller for the Armidale Dumaresq unit, passionate thespian and all-round great guy, Josh Osborne tells FOCUS what it’s like to be in his role at such a young age. Winning the 2015 NSW Youth Volunteer of the Year award, Josh loves being an active member of the State Emergency Service and making a difference in the community.

48 New England focus.

focusinterview.

T

ell us how you became involved with the SES ...

I have been a volunteer of the SES for the last nine years, and a very active member at that. We are the primary rescue unit here, which involves road crash rescue and vertical rescue too. I went through the rank system, becoming a deputy team leader, team leader, rescue officer, deputy local controller then about four years ago I was asked by the local command team if I’d like to become the local controller.

You must have see some crazy stuff ...

During this time of year, storm season affects many. Last night we had a significant hail storm in Armidale, which resulted in about 22 jobs coming through. The rescue stuff happens all year round, because accidents happen.

The volunteers of this unit are exposed to some pretty traumatic stuff. It can be really confronting, and what saves us is the group of people we do it with. We are really good at supporting each other through those times. The service (SES) has a great system for checking in on us and making sure that we are OK. The attitude that we have here is, don’t cause yourself any distress. We want our members to know that it’s alright if they don’t attend certain call outs.

Is there anything that stands out?

Absolutely. Long rescues out at the gorge assisting Police. But probably the one that stands out as quite complicated and very long was a cattle truck roll-over on Bundarra Road.

It had two multi level unless I can get out, We always need members, carriages with lots of because I really enjoy particularly people who are injured animals. It took doing the physical stuff. available for rescues during the about two hours to cut We got all the necessary day. It’s quite difficult to and get all the animals resources out to the negotiate, to be able to out. It was a long one teams, making sure they leave work to attend a and involved a lot of were being fed, what local emergency. At the different agencies. We teams were to be sent to moment, we are feeling the really were trying to get which jobs, depending on pinch. So if you are available, the best outcomes for the severity or complexity get in touch. the animals. Police, Fire of the job. We kept and Rescue, Rural Fire people above us in the Service and Essential loop; there’s also a level Energy were there, as of social media to let a power line had fallen and was on the truck. people know to be patient and that we are out Department of Primary Industries, vets, the there. It’s a very different process if it’s a rescue owners of the truck company, the Armidale job; we need to be putting the right people Dumaresq Council were there too. There were in the right job. We only want to get the best many people there and as you could imagine, it outcomes in everything we do. was a really big job.

What do you do when you’re not here How many members do you have at the controlling the local SES? moment?

Well, obviously this is a voluntary position, Active members and people who contribute so I work as support worker at Freeman House. to the unit are around 50. Also, we have some I’m restarting working at Pathways too. One people that we can call in on a large event, of the things I find enjoyable is theatre. I’ve such as last night. Everybody has varying levels been involved in the scene for many years; it’s a of expertise. It’s a broad group, from university creative outlet for me which I really enjoy doing, students, tradesmen, the older demographic and it “refills my cup”, as it were. I also do a and working professionals. bit of volunteering with the Westpac Rescue For an event such as last night’s hail storm, Helicopter as the secretary for the committee. what’s the process?

Wow, you are giving so much of yourself to Firstly, we arrived at the headquarters here the community. How many hours are you on Mann Street and we opened our operations volunteering currently? centre. We then sent out four teams to the 22 I’d say around 10 hours a week, which is jobs that were logged. I generally stay here, subject to change at any given moment. Often

we are called out of area. Recently we were called out to the Lismore floods. I went up there as a voluntary Operations Officer, which was effectively third in charge of a major disaster.

That was four days of 12 hour shifts. That was a six day hiatus for me, which do arise, whether it be flood or storm work. More recently I’ve been asked to fulfill roles in the Incident Management Teams; that’s really full-on, managing hundreds of people from many teams.

What would help you do your job?

SES is changing. Volunteering is changing; people aren’t time-rich, and we see that. So, we need to adapt too. We always need members, particularly people who are available for rescues during the day. It’s quite difficult to negotiate, to be able to leave work to attend a local emergency. At the moment, we are feeling the pinch. So if you are available, get in touch.

What would make your life easier?

People taking care of their homes; cleaning the gutters - seems trivial, but during a heavy downpour, the water has nowhere to go but inside. Trees that are close to windows, a fierce windstorm smashes windows - trimming them back helps. If you have trees that look unwell, get an arborist. On the rescue front, make plans with people who aren’t going with you to notify us if you aren’t back in time. Basic preparations.

Final thoughts?

Yes, it’s our families, partners, our bosses and the community that make our work possible.

None of this would be possible with them, helping us to help our community.

Thanks Josh, and keep up the great work.

New England focus. 49

Meals Wheels on

KERRYN WILLIAMS

Meals on Wheels is a name familiar to most of us and is at the heart of our local community. It represents helping hands, teamwork and looking out for each other.

FOCUS talks to Kerryn Williams, the new manager of Armidale Uralla Meals on Wheels.

S

o Kerryn, you are new at the helm of Armidale Uralla Meals on Wheels?

Yes, I took over as Manager in April after Jo Heslin left Armidale with her family, after four years of growing this business.

What do you like most about working for Armidale Uralla Meals on Wheels (AUMOW)?

It’s a great organisation providing an important service for many in the community, and AUMOW has over 50 years’ service history.

Other than delivery of a nutritious meal, our customers benefit from regular social interaction with our volunteer drivers, which is also a valuable wellbeing check that brings peace of mind to both the customer and their families. It’s so important that people can choose to remain in their own homes, and our meal service helps to make this possible. It’s more than just a meal!

Tell us about your people.

Our volunteer drivers are fantastic and continue to generously give their time to provide this service with a smile. I am very lucky to also have amazing staff that are

50 New England focus.

compassionate and dedicated. It’s a big job to create over 2,500 meals a month, plus administering a complex roster of menu selections, meal deliveries and volunteer schedules. We enjoy becoming familiar with our customers and their families - it’s quite a personal service to prepare a meal for someone and we take great pride in what we do.

So, what sort of food is on the menu?

Fresh, seasonal food! Our menu runs on a three-week rotation; every day offers three main choices, including gluten free and vegetarian options. We also offer sandwiches, soups, desserts and protein smoothies, which are now popular - particularly for customers who may be recovering from an illness or injury, which often coincides with decreased appetite and unexpected weight loss.

Our menu is fairly traditional, as we find that more contemporary meals are not as popular - yet. We often try new things and if it doesn’t work, we adjust the menu. We’ve just transitioned to our summer menu, which includes some more salad options - including Caesar, of course.

One important point to remember is that although we prepare up to 130 fresh meals

Maintaining a healthy weight

each day in bulk, we straightforward and once can help older people keep serve each person’s complete, other services more active, manage their individual meal can be accessed more health problems better specifically for them. easily in future. People and live life more. We use This allows us to cater need to call MyAgedCare National Nutritional Guidelines, for people’s preferences on 1800 200 422 and they to ensure our meals are well or intolerances - we will guide you through balanced, as well as tasty. have customers who the process. Some of our might like extra gravy, customers are referred or prefer not to eat by their GP or by family peas - in most cases we members. You can also can adjust the meal for that person, so they call our office, and we will help as much as we get what they want. can. Customers choose how often they have Is nutrition important for older people? meals delivered to suit their needs. We have Absolutely! It’s a common misconception several unsubsidised customers who opt for that older people need to eat less. Sadly, the convenience of MOW. malnutrition is actually becoming quite And how can someone volunteer with common in older Australians. Maintaining a AUMOW? healthy weight can help older people keep People can call our office 6772 8970 and more active, manage their health problems speak to our staff about signing-up for a better and live life more. We use National regular delivery run - businesses are welcome Nutritional Guidelines, to ensure our meals are - many of our regulars are from local firms well balanced as well as tasty. and bank branches who allow their staff to How does someone sign up to get meals?

“Donate Your Break”. We always welcome Any aged care services subsidised by the new volunteers to add to our roster, which can Federal Government, like ours, require a be easily organised. basic referral process to be undertaken. It’s Thanks Kerryn.

focusinterview.

Steph Lloyd THE BIONIC WOMAN

During the middle of the night in a busy town in Queensland 27 years ago, Steph Lloyd was involved in a car crash with a P-plater. Unfortunately, Steph lost her lower leg. But that hasn’t stopped Steph; now she has just received an osseointegration that has changed her life for the better.

A

part from being a lifechanging moment for yourself and everyone around you, describe your road to recovery ...

After my accident, I was surprisingly back at work after three months, with a plaster cast on my leg, and a stick with a artificial foot attached. Since my amputation, I’ve had around 10 “revisions”, which is basically a reamputation. Many years ago, it used to take you out of action for six months, but everything is different now.

Would you say that the independence loss was one of the hardest things you had to come to grips with?..

Yes, I used to live by myself, work just like anyone else. It really hits hard to not be able to bring the money in to support yourself. I think that it goes hand-in-hand with being a massive mental drain that really affected my mental state at the time. To be honest, it’s something I still battle with. But, I went on to finish my apprenticeship and built a restaurant in the Blue Mountains called “Wentworth Falls Boulevarde” and in 1998, I was voted “Best New Restaurant in NSW” by the Australian Restaurant and Caterers Association.

So this procedure of osseointegration has been around for a while; tell us why you chose this avenue?

Sure. This technology has been around since the ‘50s - think dental implants. However, it has become an international success story mainly through the efforts of the Australian surgeon

Dr Munjed Al Muderis and his work with Sydney prosthetist Stefan Laux.

So while being an open-wound, I’ve had no infections, and it’s been fairly smooth sailing since. I’m not on any drugs for pain, which is fantastic.

What was the most prohibitive part of getting the procedure?

It has really only become accessible in Australia since about 2013, so I’m one of the few at the moment. After excitedly waiting one year, I was able to prepare myself physically and mentally; I was ready. The most expensive part of it is the actual surgery itself.

How much did you have to raise, and how did you do it?

It’s over $30,000 excess for the operation, with the full cost much more. I was really lucky to have help from some amazing services in town. Rotary, Masons and Lions groups helped unfailingly, along with Colin and Caroline Gadd, who were there for much of the way. Also, we didn’t know we could even raise the money either, so in a way it was nearly a pipe dream. But we did it!

Since this life changing surgery, what have you learnt?

Just patience, really. I really had to relearn patience all over again. Mindfulness as well has been a big thing for the recovery too. During my recovery period time, I met many people in the same boat as me. I think I have touched the lives of many of people going through some similar procedures.

For the last 26 odd years, what advantages

Well being in the New England, it’s a lot colder! I used to

have a sleeve right up

has osseointegration like material that allows my entire leg and then given you over a for shock resistance and another silicon sleeve normal prosthesis? also for twist and flex. That over that with the leg Being in the New attaches to the foot, which attached to that. Now, I clip England, it’s a lot colder! is split down the middle my leg on and go.

I used to have a sleeve to simulate the balance of right up my entire leg a natural foot. You would and then another silicon see this technology on sleeve over that with the Olympic athletes. Then leg attached to that. Now, I clip my leg on and there is a latex type foot that allows for a shoe go. I can cross my legs, put a beer between my to be worn. You know, I’ve never had such a legs and of course, I have freedom of movement. feminine foot before! (Laughs). They have even Most importantly, no pain. None. Nada. Zip. No created an attachment for water or shower, and skin breakdowns; no rushing off to wound clinics. there are many more out there. For the first time I’ve dropped all my medications. I can walk in 26 years, I’ve been able to stand up in the all day now; before there was no way I could do shower thanks to being accepted in the new that. It’s absolutely changed every aspect of my national NDIS scheme. life! There’s nothing stopping me in my work Any final words? choices or play choices; I don’t have the physical I’ve been really lucky, because I’ve put my hand or mental limits I had before. up for help and received it. Now it’s my time Tell us about the new limb ... to give back. Come and say G’day when you Well, this is most exciting part (Steph clips see me serving snags at Bunnings as a member off the leg and plops it on the table). The top of the Armidale Dumerque Lions Club on the connects to the implanted metal rod via an allen weekends! key. Where the ankle would be, there is a rubber Thanks Steph.

New England focus. 51

with Clairvoyant Terri Hall Phone. 0424 818 343

December 2017

AQUARIUS.

JANUARY 21 - FEBRUARY 19 A nice feeling of personal satisfaction can be anticipated this month - the opposite of feeling you need support from others; in fact, you’re quite chuffed with yourself and independent. You are very inspirational to others as when you are confronted with challenge, you have the ability to rise above it and only allow it to make you more powerful.

Garnet will enhance your passion for living.

PISCES.

FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 20 Avoid taking life too seriously; all this is doing is bringing out a grumpy you which isn’t you. You are the practical joker, the fun loving one, so lighten up and watch your spark affect everyone else.

Rose Quartz is a wonderful crystal for self esteem and unconditional love.

ARIES.

MARCH 21 - APRIL 20 An opportunity to access something from your past will be likely to present itself. Be prepared for it by identifying what it may be and write a list of all the things required, then take action and get some things from the list so you can achieve full success.

Avoid sabotaging it by thinking, “Too hard; can’t do”. This opportunity will greatly benefit your self esteem and self worth. Citrine is a very powerful motivator; carry some.

52 New England focus.

TAURUS.

APRIL 21 - MAY 21 Avoid being caught up in how you will be able to support yourself comfortably in the future; you have always been able to progress from one opportunity to the next with perfect timing, so see this as a gauge in how you manifest and thank yourself for being self sufficient. Avoid placing emphasis on negative possibilities.

Turquoise sustains our confidence.

GEMINI.

MAY 22 - JUNE 22 Avoid taking life too seriously at present; this is why all your fears and insecurities are playing with you. This is leaving you feeling trapped in life, instead of owning it and creating it. Try to connect to your silly self and do some pranking to lighten up your energy and brighten your world. Ruby shatters fear and leaves us feeling safe and comfortable in our reality.

CANCER.

JUNE 23 - JULY 23 A gift is about to be bestowed upon you. This was your creation through a wish made several months ago. Now all you need to do is get out of the way and let heaven help you. Romance and passion are likely to be a major influence over the next few months.

Rhodochrosite helps us find our inner child’s joy of life.

LEO.

JULY 24 - AUGUST 23 Your attention is drawn to your beliefs and rules by which you live. As you have changed, your reality is beginning to change. Don’t be afraid of the differences life will offer; be excited. There are new friends approaching and your intellect will have stimulation, so look for that perfect class to join and enjoy new talent and associated experiences. Zincite helps creation of new ideas.

VIRGO.

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER 23

A wonderful surprise from the universe can be anticipated. It will bring opportunity for you to discover gifts and talents that you may not even know about. You will feel grounded and content with this win-win situation.

Enjoy! Kunzite and Hiddenite give us inner

SCORPIO.

OCTOBER 24 - NOVEMBER 22 Fears and insecurities will surface but if you claim them and heal them, nothing will hinder your progress. If you treat them light heartedly, they will be transformed into new strengths.

Calcite brings spontaneity into the picture.

SAGITTARIUS.

NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 21 Your focus lately has been inward. Don’t be worried if you have not felt involved lately; life has a funny way of unfolding opportunities. You needed to regather yourself. Make a list of your strengths and watch them fulfil you.

Turquoise has a confidence boosting effect.

balance and harmony. Try wearing some.

LIBRA.

SEPTEMBER 24 - OCTOBER 23 Connect with a passion you have. Your love of life needs satisfying. Change is coming forward, and this is a natural challenge for the Libran. Start a project or play with your creative energies. You will soon offer your family members some profound healing advice, so don’t be afraid to speak. You would benefit from spending some quality time expressing some thoughts and feeling into poetry or words. Topaz strengthens our self esteem and brings personal power to situations surrounding us.

CAPRICORN.

DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 20 Listen to your “gut feelings”, as they will lead you into an exciting experience that is a “meant to be” one. You will enjoy playing with gifts or talents that will relate to this opportunity, and your confidence and self esteem will benefit enormously. Have fun discovering something new you are already very good at.

Apophyllite is a great crystal for aiding in reaching full potential in projects.

focustourism

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

Brad Ferris Hydra-Fix What are hydraulics, and what types of machinery do we find them in?

December Tourism.

The Christmas school holidays present a great opportunity to take the children and explore some of the unique experiences in the region.

T

he National Parks offer some wonderful family friendly walks, and one of the best is the Weeping Rock Walk in New England National Park. Native wildlife, especially echidnas, are out and about, and Gara Gorge is a fabulous area for paddling in the fresh water, having a picnic or BBQ and if you are lucky, maybe experience platypus playing in the water. The Armidale Visitor Information Centre has a comprehensive list of bushwalks in the region, detailing distance, difficulty level and expected completion time.

The New England High Country region has some wonderful natural swimming holes to escape the summer heat. Some of these include The Blue Hole at Gara Gorge, Georges Junction on the Old Kempsey Road, Dumaresq Dam, Mount Yarrowyck, Wooldridge Recreation Reserve near Uralla and Wattle Flat in the Styx River State Forest. So why don’t you grab some friends and pack a picnic and explore one of these picturesque swimming holes.

The Dutton Trout Hatchery has aquarium displays, guided tours, fish feeding, educational tours and an audio visual show.

They are located on Point Look Out road near the New England National Park.

Greenhill Orchard in Arding produce luscious summer fruits, such as cherries, apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines followed by a large harvest of apples and pears in autumn.

They offer a farm gate experience, with an opportunity to source the fruit directly from the grower and visit a working family orchard.

The farm gate is open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm.

Fossicking for gold is a great activity for children (and adults) of all ages. Fossicking pans can be hired from the Uralla Visitor Information Centre, and from there you can visit either Rocky River or the Wooldridge Recreation Reserve. Additionally, these areas also provide natural swimming holes for

children to enjoy in the warmer weather.

All Armidale households need a copy of “Out and About with Kids”, so please drop into the Visitor Information Centre to collect any information on these activities and find out about the many other treasures in New England High Country.

Whilst many businesses choose to have a holiday between Christmas and New Year, the Visitor Information Centre, Heritage Bus Tour & Saumarez Homestead will be very busy looking after our visitors (except Christmas Day). The Visitor Information Centre will have a list of retail businesses, coffee shops, restaurants and wineries etc. that are open between Christmas and New Year, so call in and grab a copy. If you would like your business included in the listing, please contact Katrina George on 6770 3906 or kgeorge@armidale.nsw.gov.au This month we kick of the Christmas festivities with the Guyra Christmas Party on the 2nd December. The fun will commence at 4pm, with markets, food and music until 9:30pm and a visit from Santa. Guyra children will be in for a treat with The Cat in the Hat live show on at 4:30, 5:30, 6:30pm.

On Saturday 16 December, Kids Day in the Mall will be held from 10am - 2pm. There will be some wonderful kids’ activities and local community performances. For the little ones (and not so little) there will be a Minions Dance Party in the Mall at 10am, 11am, noon.

So come on down to the Beardy Street Mall and maybe do a little Christmas shopping at one of our local boutiques.

Wednesday 13 December, Carols by Candlelight will be held in Central Park from 6pm until 9:30pm. There will be entertainment from the Armidale Pipe Band, Armidale City Band, St Peter’s Bell Ringers, and of course, Christmas Carols and a visit from Santa.

Please contact the Visitor Information Centre if you are holding a Christmas concert, play or event, and we will promote this on our Armidale Tourism Events Calendar.

Hydraulics is basically directing pressurised oil through metal braided hoses and steel lines to cylinders, motors and valves for the purpose of holding or moving something, usually something heavy. Hydraulics are found in all industries and equipment, from a barber’s chair to huge mining machinery.

What services do you specialise in?

We specialise in the repair/replacement of all hydraulic and industrial hose assemblies, reconditioning of cylinders including ag and industrial, multi stage tipping rams and pneumatic cylinders. We repair bottle and floor jacks, porta power units, pallet jacks and workshop equipment. We offer on-site hydraulic support for earthmoving and construction, plus transport equipment and farm machinery.

We can handle extreme pressure multi spiral hoses, pressure washer and jetter hoses, fuel hoses, power steering hoses and suction/return hoses. We can supply and fit burst protection sleeves, spiral guards and wire amour to prolong hose life. We have access to an extensive range of all types of pressure seals, including “o” rings, quad rings, rotary shaft seals, gland packing, sealing washers, wear bands, glide rings, vee sets, wipers, cast iron rings, rubber fabric and leather buckets, and any obsolete lines we have custom manufactured.

What makes Hydra-Fix different?

Hydra-Fix does 90% of repairs on-site, to save you even more down time and money. The advantage of having a hose fitter come to you ensures your repair is done correctly, often improvements can be made, and any initial causes of failure can be identified.

New England focus. 53

focusinterview

Business Minds with Ingrid Rothe of VIVID Thinking

Tracy

BUSINESS MINDS

Wright R AW F I B R E

Introducing Tracy Wright, talented designer and owner of retail women’s clothing store, Raw Fibre, which launched in 2016 as a part-time retail shopfront, and have been operating as a full-time business since February 2017. Tracy recently won the Racewear and Modern Child Sections at the Australian Cotton Fibre Expo.

T

ell us a little about yourself.

I grew up near Narrabri, and met my then future husband in Wee Waa. We married in 1999 and relocated to Armidale in 2000. We are the proud parents of two teenagers. We live on a property on the Guyra-Ebor Road, which is a beautiful place to raise a family.

What is your background?

I originally trained as a science teacher.

While I was at university, I sewed for people to fund my social life. I have worked as a PA in the cotton industry and taught textiles in Armidale for eight years, starting at Fabric Fair when I first moved to town.

Tell us about Raw Fibre.

We are a local retail women’s clothing store presenting readymade and custom clothing using high quality, natural fabrics. I design all our clothing, which is increasingly locally produced. My goal is to only use local seamstresses where possible in the production of my clothing ranges.

What is the Raw Fibre Concept?

Natural fibres are my passion. I love wearing them, and working with them.

The fabrics I work with are good quality fabrics that are made to last. Fashion today is so disposable, and I believe more people are looking for clothing made from quality natural fabrics.

What inspired you to start Raw Fibre?

I had dabbled around the edges of the

54 New England focus.

amazing contacts and now have two stores idea for some time. I started a maternity wanting to stock my clothing. While there, wear business while pregnant - Glow the Australian Cotton Fibre Expo invited me Maternity Wear. I was then in partnership in to enter some of my garments into their a dressmaking and alterations shop called competition. I have started to focus on Altered Stitches. I love creating things for getting more of that kind of exposure. people and seeing the satisfaction of people My goal is for Raw Fibre to continue as a loving what they’ve bought when they walk full-time business out the door. with my own How is business? shopfront and Business is slowly providing beautiful but surely growing. clothing to a few Our word of mouth Natural fibres are my boutiques so I can is amazing. Steady passion. I love wearing them, maintain the quality growth suits me, and working with them. The and bespoke nature so I can focus on fabrics I work with are good of the business. the quality of work quality fabrics that are made I’ve recently and making sure to last. changed my customers get their business model things on time. When slightly. I still design I started out, people for the seasons; told me it could take however, I am very flexible with my custom three years to build a successful business, orders, so that clients who are looking and I feel I am running to schedule. for something out of season can adjust a I have only been full-time since February garment, in a fabric that they love.

2017, as until last year I was still teaching.

What is your favourite part of running We recently grew out of our old tiny your own business? shopfront and relocated. It was a big step I just love creating. I’ve always loved for us, and, of course, more expensive.

However, I needed more room for customers sewing, so my hobby is now my life. I can go to work and sew all day, and I get to to see things properly presented and for my meet some incredible people. My clients are workspace. People frequently comment that very discerning in what they are looking for, they like to see me working and the creative and the respect and support for people who process in action. start a small business in country towns has Where to from here?

I recently went to AgQuip and made some been incredible.

Any regrets?

No, not one.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by nature. Where we live is amazing. My family also inspires me: teenagers keep you in touch with what is going on in the world. I love looking at what other designers are doing, seeing how they are growing their businesses. It reaffirms that you can do it.

What would you advise a business just starting out?

Do a LOT of planning; don’t rush into it.

Take the time to do the financial planning and go through all the different models available to you. Use the experience of people who have been there before. Find a mentor you can talk to.

What are the biggest challenges that lie ahead?

There are a few: being able to keep up if things grow too much; needing to employ staff; continuing to manufacture in Armidale; working towards Raw Fibre becoming a truly profitable business.

What do you have planned for Christmas?

I’ve just received some pretty amazing silk in store: a few little dresses and tops in very pretty silk. I will also have some lovely Christmas bits and pieces. Pop in and say hello!

Thank you, Tracy.

Thinking Traffic Law –with Elizabeth Stahlut (Solicitor)

THINKING

TRAFFIC LAW

Traffic offences are common ways to end up in court. It’s therefore useful to know about the law relating to traffic offences.

S

ince 27 October 2017, there have been changes to the road traffic legislation. Some of these changes provide increased police powers to deal with certain driving offences, other changes affect penalties and the ability for disqualified drivers to re-apply for their licences. It’s not possible here, to fully explain all these changes, however some of the most important ones are briefly explained, below.

Public holidays – such as Christmas and Easter – are usually ‘double demerit’ periods, which means if you’re ‘pulled over’ by the police, you’ll incur double the demerit points that you normally would, for the same offence.

This can cost you your licence, if you incur enough demerit points in ‘one hit.’ For some offences – such as drink driving – the police can immediately suspend your licence.

If you’ve never committed a driving offence, you’ll have zero demerit points on your record.

If you hold an unrestricted driver's licence, you’ll usually have your licence suspended by the Roads and Maritime Services (the RMS) if you accumulate 13 or more demerit points on your licence within a three-year period. The period of suspension can be between three to five months. However, if you have a "P” plate licence, you may only be able to accumulate 4 to 7 (depending on whether you have a P1 or a P2 licence) demerit points, before your licence is suspended. This suspension is an administrative process by the RMS, not part of a court process. Also, not all RMS decisions are appealable to the Local Court.

If you pay the fine, this will usually only form part of your traffic history and would be the end of the matter. If you take the matter to court, there’s the risk of getting a criminal record, as the matter is dealt with, as a criminal charge. A court can impose suspension periods greater than what the

RMS can impose, as well as higher fines and penalties that can include imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

It’s useful to look at the RMS website, for possible alternative administrative options to appealing an RMS decision in court. There are generally time limits for using these options, so it is best to act quickly.

Since 27 October 2017, the Habitual Traffic Offender provisions – which used to see people disqualified from driving for 5 years or more – has been repealed and it is now possible to apply to the court, to have the disqualification removed, under certain circumstances. If this is successful, it is then possible to re-apply to the RMS to get your licence back. You’ll still have to pass a knowledge and driving test, with the RMS. To make the application to the court, you’ll need to apply for a copy of your traffic history, from the RMS. You’ll also have to comply with other requirements, such as having not offended for certain periods of time during the existing disqualification period. This can be 2 or 4 years, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offences.

However, if you’ve been convicted of certain serious driving offences, you’ll still be ineligible, to apply to the court for your disqualification to be lifted and to then be able to re-apply for your licence, from the RMS. You should seek legal advice, if you are dealing with any issues that involve the actual or potential loss of your licence, especially if there are criminal charges. A lawyer can advise you of your options, what steps you should take, as well as your realistic chances of success. A lawyer can also advise as to how these recent changes to the law can help you.

Talk to us. You’ll be inspired!

Elizabeth D Stahlut Solicitor New England focus. 55

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